The Long Way Down
Alley_B467 Reviews | 6.28/10 (467 Ratings, 0 Likes, 450 Favorites )
In a dystopian AU where the Dark Lord triumphs and Severus Snape can claim any reward he wishes as one of the chosen 'Faithful,' all Severus longs for is a life of peaceful seclusion – and an heir. But it seems that he might have to sacrifice one for the other when he petitions the Ministry for a hand-witch to produce a child and is presented with one of his former students.
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Alley_B
Member Since 2008 | 4 Stories | Favorited by 73 | 6 Reviews Written | 622 Review Responses
Reviews for The Long Way Down
Yay can't wait to see what happens next!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
You don't have long to wait -- the next chapter is already in the queue! Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Oh, NO! OK, I'll take a little time off from my total chagrin to compliment you on some very exciting battle scenes, and the flashback/twist at the end was terrific. But then there's the very end, and ... oh, NO! Say it ain't so...
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Alright, I will, it isn't so. *grin*Thank you so much for your praise; I'm glad you liked the action scenes, because I so love writing them! And thank you for reviewing. :)
That was an intense fight scene. It seemed, by the way it read, that tht was your intention so I jsut wanted to say that I thought you pulled it off well. I hope the 'peaceful look' on Snape's face isn't a foreshadowing of death. I think he looked peaceful because Hermione was there with him but.... you just never know until it's over. Looking forward to the next!!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! I did envision the battle scene as very intense, with a lot of chaos and confussion because of all the opposing factions, and because of the element of surprise on all sides, so I'm glad it worked for you. The next (and final) chapter is already in the queue, so you don't have long to wait! Thanks again, for reading my story and for taking the time to review it. :)
Excellent climax -- I love the way you wrote the action!I hope Snape survives... *Bites nails*
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you -- I really enjoy writing action scenes! The last chapter/epilogue is already in the queue, so it shouln't be too long before it posts (3 or 4 days would be my guess). :)
Queen of Cliffhangers! Oh cruel, to leave us this way!Do please hasten to give us all some 'hope'?You had me literally holding my breath and almost speed-reading the page as the suspense built going into and during the battle---bravo!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you. I'm really glad you enjoyed this chapter. The next (and final) chapter is already in the queue, so you shouldn't have to wait too much longer. It was actually my initial intention to upload both this chapter and the epilogue as one, but I couldn't because that would have put me over the 10,000 words per chapter limit. Sorry :(Thank you again for reviewing.
oh please please please let him be alright. i "hope" this has a happy ending. fantastic update. thanks so much
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
The 'ending' is already in the queue awaiting validation; I hope it pleases you. :)Thank you, and thank you for reviewing.
Oh my gosh! Nooooo, he'll be alright, won't he? So they're won, but at what cost? Scary!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Yes, it's a little scary where I ended this chapter, but not really. ;)Thank you reading and reviewing.
Oh, god, at least she had the chance to see him and effectively make up with him. I do hope he isn't actually dead.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
The final chapter is in the queue, so you won't have to wait too much longer to read it -- I think you'll like it ;)Thank you for reading and reviewing my story! :)
He survived! Woohoo!!! And he was trying to save her daughter, awwww..... dying for an update, you evilly amazing authoress you.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Awww. Thank you so much. An update is on the way, (already in the queue). 
<---- evil authoress (I've always wanted to use that emoticon! hehe)
oh i just found this and caught up....i love this story - thank you for sharing it! it's such an interesting idea and even if it wasn't originally your own as I think I remember reading in your original disclaimer, you've down wonders with the premise and applying it to SSHG. I'm looking forward to the next update and future culmination of this journey. I can't imagine how it's going to end up, but of course, I hope that Snape survives to raise his child. Great job! I've added this to my fave stories. And if I could give more than five stars, I would.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I'm glad you found the story and that you're loving it! Thank you for reading it. There are actually only two more chapters in this story, (technically, one chapter and an epilogue), and they are both in the queue awaiting validation, so there should be a new chapter posted very soon. :)Thank you for the praise -- it's a wonderful feeling to get reviews like this one! :)
Oh no! You left it there? How could you? I want to read what happens next! Very, very good story.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! There are only two more chapters left in this story, and they are both in the queue awaiting validation, so you'll find out what happens very soon. Thank you again for reading and reviewing my story. :)
I understand Harry's anger bit Hermione's right. Nothing of this is his business. And then NOOOOOOOOOOOO He can't be captured and killed. You said there's just a few chapters left. I cant wait to read them because so much must be happening in there.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I agree, it's none of Harry's business, but I think we've all at one point or another stuck our noses in things that were really none of our business, because we were concerned about someone we truly cared about, so I don't blame him too much -- he just needs to learn to keep his wand put away. hehe There's one more chapter, (the longest in the story), and then an epilogue. Both are in the queue, and the next one shoud be posted within the next day or two. Happy reading, and thank you again for continuing to read and review. :)
This little Hufflepuff girl seemed a bit naive but nice. I'm so horrified by what happened to her. I hope nothing will happen to the babies, especially Hermione's. Surely Severus will try everything to save her, were she in danger.As ever this is really a brilliant story.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you; I'm glad you're still enjoying this story, even though there are a lot of horrific events in it; I've even traumatized myself with the events in some of the chapters -- I haven't been able to get Neville's death out of my head since I wrote it, and I don't think I'll ever be able to read that chapter again! Well, again, thank you so much for sticking with the story and for sharing your reactions with me through feedback. I really appreciate it. :)
Anonymous
Wonderful chapter! And what a suspense... just be kind to him, will you? ;o)
Author's Response: Thank you. I do have a tendency to torture Snape; I'm not sure why -- maybe because I know he can take it ;)
The two final chapters are already in the queue; I hope you like them. :)
OMG I feared they wouldn't make it to a safe place alive. And Harry's alive. What a shock. I've also noticed that the chapters are getting longer. A real pleasure.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Yes, the chapters do get longer towards the end. The last couple of chapters ran over 6,000 words, so I'm glad you like long chapters. :)Thank you for reading and reviewing my story.
Excellent dilema. Severus was guarding her, but he used it to his own ends. This is a very true character situation for him, though. This is really clever!!!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you, I too thought that in would be very in character for him to do the right thing, but at the same time try to get something for himself in the bargain. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I just got the two remaining chapters back from my beta, so I'm going to go over her suggestions and then upload them to the queue tonight! Thank you for reading and reviewing my story. :)
And here they are. No admissions so far, but at least they're in the same bed. Great chapter. *grin and wink*
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
*grin and wink back* I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for all the lovely reviews! :)
OMG this is awful. The poor girl. What she must have suffered. At lest this must convince the orthers not to try anyhting.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
It would convince me not to try anything! Obviously Hermione is a lot braver than I am. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
*squeee* they're going to have a baby. *happy dance*. Surely now, the Ministry can't exile her. And how long will it be before she breaks the news to the proud father-to-be? She can't hide it from him for a very long time. *squee again* 
hands you a 
as a thank you gift. Now I'm sure I'll make sweet dreams.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Aww, thank you for the flower; that was lovely! 
I'm glad you're enjoying this story so much. I just got the two remaining chapters back from my beta and will be going over her sugestions and uploading them to the queue tonight! Thank you again for all the reviews.
I've finally manage to go to bed. I've plenty of pillows and th e most important thing: peace and quiet. *happy sigh* That was another fantastic chapter. And Snape doesn't seem to be all that Faithful servant (as if he was one ever). You know I've been thinking about the previous chapter with Umbridge. I can't help but feel uncomfortable. I'm practically sure she's up to something.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Ah, peace and quiet -- that precious comodity so scarce these days! Creepy Umbridge is most certainly up to something, as you'll soon find out, (if you haven't yet; I'm behind on responding to comments). Thank you for reading and reviewing my story. I hope you continue to enjoy it right up to the end! :)
A woman's instinct is nothing to scoff at - Snape should have heeded Hermione's advice. As far as him treating her like prey though, I jsut don't see it the way Hemrione does. I do think it's all a bit strange - Snape wanting a child from her while knowing he was trying to rescue her and return her to her friends - but I still don't think he was looking to 'get her' in a predatory way. I hope it all works out for both of them.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
But do men ever listen to us?! 
I don't see it the way Hermione does either, and I know for a fact that's not the way Snape sees it either, but I figured that's what it would feel like to Hermione, because of the particular vulnerability of her position, and Snape's inability to articulate his true motives. There are just two more chapters left in this story, and I just got them both back from my beta! I'll be going over her suggestions and uploading them to the queue later on tonight, so you'll soon know how it all works out. Thank you for reading and reviewing my story. :)
I knew she wouldn't be able to stay in her room, that the curiosity would get the better of her. And it's so nice and sensitive of him to have talked to Mrs Crispus.And so much for a quiet 3 hours reading. Between crying children and a neighbour with a bladder like one of guinea pig, well Grrr. I will have to wait til tonight for the rest. You know, you were right: your story is very addictive.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
LOL At least my children are grown and my neighbors are quiet -- I do have a barking dog, snow plows and a phone that won't stop ringing!I'm sure Snape had a nice, sweet talk with Madam Crispus; probably took her some flowers and chocolates too! *snort*I'm so glad you're enjoying this story; it's a delight to read your reviews. Thank you so much. :)
Well behaved my ass.I must say I'm almost shocked. Fine. It's all she has to say about it. Okay there was that ugly toad like pink thing on front of her, but she could havelet him know later that it was more than fine. Like an exploding firework for example. *grin*He would have appreciate to know if his last thought is any indication.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I'm sure Snape would have been thrilled if Hermione would have said more than just 'fine;' Umbridge, on the other hand, probably not so much. hehe
So he made love ti her in a somewhat tender way, gave her access to the library. Isn't there some hidden feeling from his part ? And I'm curious to know who wants to talk to her. I'm going to read next chpater to know.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I guess you already found out who wanted to talk to her. As I'm sure you can tell, a little behind in responding to my reviews! hehe Snape does seem awfully nice to Hermione, doesn't he? ;)
That's a really terrible place. And I don't think she will really suffer from his attentions. After all it's Severus Snape that we are talking about.On another note, I download a few chapters before going on the train. Three hours of undisturbed reading will provide a few reviews, and as I will connect as soon as I arrive, you'll receive them all in the same time. I'm not that fast a reader.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Oh, my. Reading in the train; you must really be enjoying this story! Take your time; I'm not a very fast writer. I envy those people who can whip up chapters in a few hours, and always have two or three WIP's going at once. I'm also a slow reader, which is why I can only read one WIP at a time. Thank you again for all the wonderful reviews. :)