The Spirit That Remembers
Elise_Wanderer221 Reviews | 7.48/10 (221 Ratings, 0 Likes, 71 Favorites )
The war is over, and Severus Snape is dead---or is he? Hermione Granger, with the help of Harry Potter, begins to work on redeeming his memory. In the process, she uncovers the power of memory itself. Canon-compliant—despite JKR’s best efforts.
Complete in 19 chapters plus Prologue and Epilogue (What Epilogue?).
Chapters (21)
About Elise_Wanderer
Author
Elise_Wanderer
Member Since 2008 | 5 Stories | Favorited by 62 | 555 Reviews Written | 567 Review Responses
I stumbled onto the Potterverse in the summer of 2007, the weekend that DH came out, which was also the weekend I had a screening of the latest film. I reread HBP after starting DH and realizing it had been awhile, so, by the end of that weekend, I was overdosed on Harry Potter . . . and needed a fix! I stumbled onto SS/HG fics. These turned out to be far and away my favorite of these writings, in part because they're almost all wickedly erotic, funny as hell, deeply moving, and a vindication of intelligence as the ultimate aphrodisiac!
In RL I am an actor and a writer.
Reviews for The Spirit That Remembers
Wait... is that a subtle nod to Riley's Pawn to Queen? How did I not see it before? Brilliant story, that.Love this chapter, Snape in particular. He is at his best when he is snarly and sarcastic *sighs* Laughed at his "How wonderful. The Potters are breeding." Totally Snape.
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Clever girl--yes, it's a nod to Riley and her wonderful (though, tragically, unfinished!) story. Good call!I do love the sarcastic Snape, and that line made me laugh writing it--glad you liked it!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Clever girl--yes, it's a nod to Riley and her wonderful (though, tragically, unfinished!) story. Good call!I do love the sarcastic Snape, and that line made me laugh writing it--glad you liked it!
LOL. I like the way she is not scared of him. He can scowl all he likes, and she just carries on with what she is doing. :)
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
I think that scowl is kinda sexy, myself....
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
I think that scowl is kinda sexy, myself....
Are we sure Hermione is entirely British? She is as hard headed and tenacious as my Italian family members LOL.Good job on this chapter Severus's displeasure at being found was quite well done.
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
I've known a few hard headed, tenacious Brits in my time, but I'm glad she sounds like she could fit in with your gang, as well. (At least, I think that's a compliment!) Thanks for reviewing!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
I've known a few hard headed, tenacious Brits in my time, but I'm glad she sounds like she could fit in with your gang, as well. (At least, I think that's a compliment!) Thanks for reviewing!
I have never felt so sorry for Snape as when Hermione was contemplating his fate in the cottage. He has always been alone, but this was just heartbreaking.One must admire Hermione for her courage. I mean, he just might have broken her neck.Thank you for yet another wonderful chapter. /M
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
M,That's exactly what I was going for--I'm so glad it sounded the right shade of heartbreaking to you!Yeah, he might've broken her neck...but I kinda think he's secretly a little glad she's come.Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!-w
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
M,That's exactly what I was going for--I'm so glad it sounded the right shade of heartbreaking to you!Yeah, he might've broken her neck...but I kinda think he's secretly a little glad she's come.Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!-w
Anonymous
Great new chapter! At first, his life seemed to be awfully bleak, what with the small cottage and all, so I really was relieved that there's more... but still, it sounds as if Snape has his peace and quiet, but for what price...
Author's Response: Yeah, there's something to be said for complete peace and quiet...and then you need a bushy-haired know-it-all to come in and shake things up a bit. Thanks for reviewing!
This story has been a fascinating read since the first chapter. I especially love how Hermione went about finding her quarry and the snappy dialogue that's resulted. I wonder about the mysterious follower. At first, I assumed it was Snape due to the notification charm left at Spinner's End. Now, I'm wonder who could have left such a charm if it wasn't the home owner? Is this a new Snape on the scene? Or is it a formerly close and trusted friend on his trail? Lucius perhaps?Whatever the answer, you have me greatly intrigued and worried about Hermione's reaction when she finds out she brought the danger to Snape in her zeal to prove herself right. In fact, there really is no good reason for Hermione to have disrupted Snape's peace and quiet - other than our intense enjoyment! 
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Have you been peeking ahead, young lady??You're spot-on on at least one guess and off the mark on at least one other...and I'm not gonna tell you which is which, but I do so find your speculations fascinating!And yes, thank you, Hermione, for barging in where you don't seem to be wanted (though she does believe she's got a good reason, it just remains to be sen whether Severus will finally see her point!).Thank you so much for reading, reviewing, and speculating--it's wonderful to hear when a red hering or two works!
Response from ladyljd (Reviewer)
Really, I managed to get one guess right?! Now I can't wait to see which one! I really love to speculate on what will happen in a great story like this one. It's a big part of the fun of fan-fiction for me. Well, really it's what I loved about Canon too until DH. 
At least with a fan author, you know Severus Snape will be handled with respect and care making it fun and safe to speculate ahead. No matter what you ultimately choose to do with Snape, it will be better than Canon (IMHO). I can't wait to read more!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Have you been peeking ahead, young lady??You're spot-on on at least one guess and off the mark on at least one other...and I'm not gonna tell you which is which, but I do so find your speculations fascinating!And yes, thank you, Hermione, for barging in where you don't seem to be wanted (though she does believe she's got a good reason, it just remains to be sen whether Severus will finally see her point!).Thank you so much for reading, reviewing, and speculating--it's wonderful to hear when a red hering or two works!
Response from ladyljd (Reviewer)
Really, I managed to get one guess right?! Now I can't wait to see which one! I really love to speculate on what will happen in a great story like this one. It's a big part of the fun of fan-fiction for me. Well, really it's what I loved about Canon too until DH. At least with a fan author, you know Severus Snape will be handled with respect and care making it fun and safe to speculate ahead. No matter what you ultimately choose to do with Snape, it will be better than Canon (IMHO). I can't wait to read more!
When Hermione told Severus that“I’ve come to bring you something. And you’ve been in hiding long enough,” I wondered if he knew she was talking about the memories he had given to Harry.There’s more to this than I’m seeing, she thought. Her intuition was spot on! She had noticed that there was no indication that he had made potions, or sought other intellectual stimulation other than a game of chess from time to time. But after he had stormed out of the house, and not come back by the time deep darkness had fallen, she became worried and, in looking for him, she had stumbled upon his "summer house" where he kept his real library and brewing laboratory. He was not a happy camper when he found her there at the cave's entrance, but I thought Hermione handled herself well.
When he came home the next morning, I had to laugh when it finally dawned on him that, “You’re really staying,” he grumbled, “until the boat comes. You are a preposterous woman.”She had noticed his wand above the door, apparently reduced to being an item of decoration. So maybe he hasn't irrevocably decided to give up magic forever. And it was just like him, after telling her that her presence was not wanted, to complain to her that she should have saved him a trip by bringing the items he'd ordered when she came yesterday.Somehow I think he is secretly glad to see her, he just can't admit it to himself yet.Wonderful story!Beth
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Beth, I love hearing this from your perspective! You're a very perceptive lady!Yes, I do believe he is secretly glad to see her, and she is smart enough to read the signs of what's happening with him. I don't think he's guessed that she has memories with her, but he's bright enough to figure that she didn't just come to give him his medal.I love that entrance line, too--almost as though he wasn't sure she'd still be there in the morning but, when she was, it showed she'd be true to her word, and he's resigned to that.And you're right about the wand--if he truly wanted to rid himself of magic forever, he'd have left it somewhere or buried it or something. But I think he also keeps it on the wall so he can remind himself of what he's turned his back on.Thanks so much for continuing to read and review!-Wendy
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Beth, I love hearing this from your perspective! You're a very perceptive lady!Yes, I do believe he is secretly glad to see her, and she is smart enough to read the signs of what's happening with him. I don't think he's guessed that she has memories with her, but he's bright enough to figure that she didn't just come to give him his medal.I love that entrance line, too--almost as though he wasn't sure she'd still be there in the morning but, when she was, it showed she'd be true to her word, and he's resigned to that.And you're right about the wand--if he truly wanted to rid himself of magic forever, he'd have left it somewhere or buried it or something. But I think he also keeps it on the wall so he can remind himself of what he's turned his back on.Thanks so much for continuing to read and review!-Wendy
lovely chapter, and now she has to deal with scary, forbidding snape in the flesh! (or is that wishful thinking on my part?) i loved this image: "The wash of the Milky Way bathed a swath of glittering dust across the black velvet background. Hermione felt very small before all that heavenly indifference." and that is why i love your writing. *resumes waiting patiently for the next*
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Oh, would that we all had to deal with him in the, uh, flesh! (I have to warn you that I don't write anything too explicit, but there may be some need at some point perhaps for you to use a bit if imagination....)I was quite happy with that paragraph myself, thanks.I posted the next chapter the moment I got word that this was online. I am as impatient for your responses as you are for the next chapters---I'm so glad you're enjoying this!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Oh, would that we all had to deal with him in the, uh, flesh! (I have to warn you that I don't write anything too explicit, but there may be some need at some point perhaps for you to use a bit if imagination....)I was quite happy with that paragraph myself, thanks.I posted the next chapter the moment I got word that this was online. I am as impatient for your responses as you are for the next chapters---I'm so glad you're enjoying this!
"Hermione stood uncertainly outside the door, her eyes adjusting to what little light the sliver of a moon and expanse of stars threw over the barren landscape. She stared up at the night sky and more stars than she had ever seen in her life and found the display both exhilarating and frightening. The wash of the Milky Way bathed a swath of glittering dust across the black velvet background. Hermione felt very small before all that heavenly indifference."I thought that passage was *beautiful.* Looks like Hermione has her work cut out. I have a feeling she's up for the task though. Excellent, as always.
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Thank you, my dear! That paragraph is actually a description of one night when I was camping and came out of the tent in the middle of the night to an almost scary celestial display. I'm so glad it struck a chord. I tried to capture the feeling I got from all those stars.She does indeed have work ahead of her, but she's quite definitely up to it. She even has camping experience!Thanks so much for reviewing!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Thank you, my dear! That paragraph is actually a description of one night when I was camping and came out of the tent in the middle of the night to an almost scary celestial display. I'm so glad it struck a chord. I tried to capture the feeling I got from all those stars.She does indeed have work ahead of her, but she's quite definitely up to it. She even has camping experience!Thanks so much for reviewing!
Aha, another pursuer. Hope Hermione is up to the challenge of protecting her find, though I suspect he is more than capable himself.
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
They're both pretty adept, I would think---but there's real evil coming....
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
They're both pretty adept, I would think---but there's real evil coming....
L-O-V-E-D it. You're a genius!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
And I have brilliant reviewers, too!!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
And I have brilliant reviewers, too!!
I am so very excited that Hermione has found her Professor! He is just as I would have imagined him to be this long after the battle, after living as a Muggle for so long. That he failed to make any real threats to her being there, only alluding to his capability to commit murder, and she knows him better than most... "I believe I know in exactly what circumstances you would commit it. And when you would not. And why.”I believe he knows she means no threat to him, and that he is somewhat relieved, deep down, to see her. At least he didn't throw her out on her ear.I wonder how their week together will have passed. Will she stay with him? Will he let down his remaining emotional guards to allow her to come into this world he has created for a wizard living as a Muggle?This story is wonderful, and I am always delighted when when I get an email telling me you've updated!!!Beth
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Beth, thanks so much for your long and thoughtful comments! I love hearing how it is affecting you and what it makes you think.These are two rather fascinating characters, and it's quite a lot of fun bringing them together and letting them spark off one another. I made sure the boat would stay away long enough to force him to talk to her--it's a small island, and he can't avoid her altogether (even though he does try--I think you're right that he's secretly at least a little relieved to see a familiar face).I'm posting as fast as the mods can validate. They are very precise in their reviews, which I appreciate--they make sure that everything is as clean and clear as possible--and they have a lot of other material to look through, so it's taking awhile, but I do hope it's worth the wait.Thanks for reading and responding! -Wendy
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Beth, thanks so much for your long and thoughtful comments! I love hearing how it is affecting you and what it makes you think.These are two rather fascinating characters, and it's quite a lot of fun bringing them together and letting them spark off one another. I made sure the boat would stay away long enough to force him to talk to her--it's a small island, and he can't avoid her altogether (even though he does try--I think you're right that he's secretly at least a little relieved to see a familiar face).I'm posting as fast as the mods can validate. They are very precise in their reviews, which I appreciate--they make sure that everything is as clean and clear as possible--and they have a lot of other material to look through, so it's taking awhile, but I do hope it's worth the wait.Thanks for reading and responding! -Wendy
Anonymous
That's a truly lovely chapter. I'm glad they meet finally!
Their meeting is somehow unexpected, and still one is not surprised, knowing the both of them - except for the location, perhaps. In which country did you place it, if I may ask? I've thought about the Shetland Isles first, but in this case I suppose you've made up the name. Any kind of islands like this presents a great hiding place for any mage, though of course not for Muggles from Muggles, as a foreigner will be sticking out like a sore thumb. So it's very logical that particularly Hermione will be able to find him.
Author's Response: Ah, the location.... I didn't specify exactly where I had in mind, and it is, to be frank, a fictional location. But it's based very loosely on Grand Manan Island and that general area of the coast of New Brunswick (there is an actual Blacks Harbor on the mainland up there, though I haven't been there in a loooonng time; the Blacks Harbor in my mind is kind of a compendium of a lot of off-the-beaten-track coastal towns in that general part of the world). I figured he'd get far away from the UK and the centers of the wizarding world.
It's a remote place, but it has its own kind of beauty.
Thanks for reviewing! There's a good deal more between them to come--hope you continue to enjoy it.
Alcina vom Steinsberg's response: Ah, I see, thanks for the explanation. I was reading a mystery thriller some time ago which is located on the Shetland Mainland, and thought of that with your description. But I suppose it would be rather similar, being it my side of the pond or yours.
what a tease! whetting my appetite and leaving me wanting more. btw - i noticed one of your reviewers said she was surprised he was living as a muggle. i'm not - i had also thought he might react that way to events.
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Well, obviously, I agree with you--I think he might have wanted to turn his back on the world that had given him nothing but grief. Perhaps he's about to discover that it has some things to offer him after all....Thanks do much for letting me tease you!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Well, obviously, I agree with you--I think he might have wanted to turn his back on the world that had given him nothing but grief. Perhaps he's about to discover that it has some things to offer him after all....Thanks do much for letting me tease you!
another wonderful chapter! I look forward to more. I think your Snape is dead on. (no pun intended!) Thank you for sharing this story with us.- Wahoo
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Very punny!I'm so glad you're along for the journey--thanks for reading and reviewing!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Very punny!I'm so glad you're along for the journey--thanks for reading and reviewing!
You know that I think you are brilliant.
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
~blushes~
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
~blushes~
Nice chapter, I'm somewhat surprised that Sevrus is living as a muggle though.
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
I think he might consider it sort of the magical world's equivalent of a hairshirt--what he deserved for what he thinks he did.... Read on--there's more to discover about why he's where he is.Thanks so much for reviewing!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
I think he might consider it sort of the magical world's equivalent of a hairshirt--what he deserved for what he thinks he did.... Read on--there's more to discover about why he's where he is.Thanks so much for reviewing!
I *knew* he was alive, I just knew it. Still confused and a little worried about this man following Hermione. Can only mean harm, I'm afraid. Loved the dialogue between them in this chapter. That is just the best part about writing and reading sshg. Their characters are so aptly suited that the dialogue is always fascinating--witty, sharp, intelligent, humorous. I still wonder how JKR did not see this?! You, my dear, have written their dialogue beautifully. And I see I have much more to look forward to, as hermione is staying with him for a week! Yay! Looking forward to more. ~kristie
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Kristie, I'm so glad you think I got it right--yes, the snap between these two sharp minds is one of the things that makes this pairing so delicious. These are the chapters that flowed the easiest for me. I do so love these two, and they are so right for one another.And there's at least a week to go...and that mysterious watcher. You have very good instincts. Thanks for reading and reviewing--it's always lovely to hear from you!-Wendy
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Kristie, I'm so glad you think I got it right--yes, the snap between these two sharp minds is one of the things that makes this pairing so delicious. These are the chapters that flowed the easiest for me. I do so love these two, and they are so right for one another.And there's at least a week to go...and that mysterious watcher. You have very good instincts. Thanks for reading and reviewing--it's always lovely to hear from you!-Wendy
so sad and poignant as they sift through his memories. that chapter is what drove me to fanfic to begin with, so i am enjoying your revisiting it in your own special way.
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
What a lovely thing to say! Thank you!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
What a lovely thing to say! Thank you!
She didn’t like feeling pity for the man. Somehow, he deserved more.I love that sentence-- nicely sums up how I feel about Severus. He does deserve more, and since JKR didn't give him more, how wonderful it is that we can through fanon. Love it!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Amen!!Thank you so much for reviewing--it's always fun to see what strikes a chord!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Amen!!Thank you so much for reviewing--it's always fun to see what strikes a chord!
I am fascinated as well. With our dear Severus, with this story. Looking forward to seeing where you take this. Now onto the next chapter (yay!), where you will undoubtedly hear from me again.
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
I am always delighted to hear what you have to say! Hope it continues to fascinate--he is a fascinating man!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
I am always delighted to hear what you have to say! Hope it continues to fascinate--he is a fascinating man!
I am just as move as I was the first time I read about Snape's memories, maybe even more. beautifully written. /M
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Thank you!I don't know quite why those memories fascinate me as much as they do (okay, so they're insights into that most fascinating man!), but I was struck at once with both the sadness of that life and the choice of which memories he gave to Harry.Hope I can continue to move you!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Thank you!I don't know quite why those memories fascinate me as much as they do (okay, so they're insights into that most fascinating man!), but I was struck at once with both the sadness of that life and the choice of which memories he gave to Harry.Hope I can continue to move you!
Oh, I'm dying to find out where this is going!!Touching and very nicely written too! By the way, I like your portrayal of Dumbledore! ;)
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Thank you, thank you, thank you!I do hope it gives you a few surprises and interesting twists--it's so wonderful to get reactions!And Albus is quite a complicated fellow, is he not? I actually find him more interesting with gradations of shadow and light. You don't get to be a great wizard without complexity....Thanks for reviewing!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Thank you, thank you, thank you!I do hope it gives you a few surprises and interesting twists--it's so wonderful to get reactions!And Albus is quite a complicated fellow, is he not? I actually find him more interesting with gradations of shadow and light. You don't get to be a great wizard without complexity....Thanks for reviewing!
Great chapter! I really enjoyed your take on what happened post war to the trio.This made me laugh because that's exactly how I sounded when I finished reading DH:“‘Oh, Professor Snape, he was such a hero!’”I'm sure my ppor husband thought I was nuts!Very well written my dear!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
I'm sure all our responses to All Things Potter are the real test of those who truly love us but don't happen to share this peculiar fascination. My real friends don't make it obvious that they think I've gone a little, well, potty!Thank you so much. It's wonderful to hear what you think!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
I'm sure all our responses to All Things Potter are the real test of those who truly love us but don't happen to share this peculiar fascination. My real friends don't make it obvious that they think I've gone a little, well, potty!Thank you so much. It's wonderful to hear what you think!
'to the two greatest wizards of our time, one of unmatched heart and the other of unswerving courage: I give you Albus Dumbledore... and Severus Snape.'Thanks for saying what JKR couldn't be bothered to write. /M
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Well, we've made an entire online cottage industry out of what she couldn't be bothered to write, haven't we!Thanks for reviewing!
Response from Elise_Wanderer (Author of The Spirit That Remembers)
Well, we've made an entire online cottage industry out of what she couldn't be bothered to write, haven't we!Thanks for reviewing!