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
meeps! I personally wouldn't trust Draco without an Unbreakable Vow from him, and fear that Severus is walking into a trap. Lucius should take Cissa and himself to safety, but leave Draco to fend for himself. so Voldy won't use Legilimency on Umbridge? did MacNair's hand-witch escape somehow? (When the other hand-witch disappeared right in front of the soldiers' eyes as she was led away from the pit) 'cos if she didn't, I'd be afraid the Portkey Severus gave her could be activated by someone evil. if Severus is thinking of trying to rescue Hermione's daughter, that could be a trap too, since the baddies know he has a soft heart for Hermione. yikes! I'm already worried for the next chapter! thanks for updating, and I am waiting anxiously for your next post.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
There is a very real posibility that Draco will betray Snape, but it seems to me from the books that Snape has known Draco all his life, and would be a good judge of what Draco would and would not do, and Draco does seem to love his father, (he gets angry at Snape when he feels that Snape is replacing Lucius in Voldemort's favor). Plus Snape sees a little of himself in Draco at this point, which would probably make him a little softer than he would normally be. Yes, Macnair's witch escaped. In chapter 11, Snape tells Hermione that she is safe -- that he inserted a portkey inside her and that Lupin activated the portkey -- which is why Snape had to get Hermione out of the Ministry building quickly at the end of chapter 10; he wanted to be out of there before the witch dissapeared and all hell broke lose, but he barely made it because he had to find Hermione first. I know, it's been a while! hehe Voldemort could use Legilimancy on Umbridge, if he was inclined to believe Lucius' accusations and look into the matter. But then Lucius would have to explain to Voldemort how he obtained the information, which would mean giving away his own son. Next chapter is already in the queue! Thank you for reading and reviewing my story.
So we've got the 'Death Eater Ministry', the 'New Hope' villagers, and now the 'knights'. I like the triangle aspect of conflict, and I think it will work well. I do hope Hermione's little girl is alright!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I think you can see where I'm going with this! *grin* Thank you for reading and reviewing my story. :)
Poor Harry,he's just going to have to deal with a Hermione that is not going to abandon Snape, no matter what his or anyone else's feelings are on the manner of her pregnancy.I really like the way that you've drawn a parallel between the situation with Draco and Severus' own damnation as a young man. Now Severus is in Dumbledore's position and only hoping that he's made the correct decision.I'm looking forward to the next update. Happy writing!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Somehow I get the feeling you don't really feel sorry for Harry. heheI'm glad you liked the parallel between Snape and Draco's situations; I thought if anyone would be sympathetic to Draco, it would be Snape, (not to say that he would go easy on him).I'm happily writing away! :) I'm actually almost done with this story, just working on the epilogue, and the next chapter is already in the queue. Thank you for the feedback! :)
Sneaky, bringing in the double threat. Not only do they have to deal with the Death Eaters, but also with this new evil within an evil society.I can't wait to see Harry's reaction to Hermione's pregnancy.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
You don't have long to wait; Harry's reaction is in the next chapter, already in the queue! Thank you for continuing to read and review my story. :)
Yet another wonderful chapter. It is interesting to see the undercurrents in Voldemort's new order. Where's Bellatrix in all this? Did you mention her and I just don't remember?
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! :)Bellatrix doesn't have a very large role in this story, but she does appear in the last chapter, still loyal to Voldemort and crazier than ever! hehe
wow! this story just gets better and better. thanks so much
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I'm glad you think so. Thank you for reviewing! :)
My husband is exactly like that. No medication for pain. Because suffering is so noble? AHHHHH it makes me crazy. Maybe its a guy thing since Snape does it too? Poor Neville what was sacraficed for the war effort is mind boggling. I only hope they can end Voldy's rein soon. So much suffering. 
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
LOL Men, I tell you... they either have to suffer to prove how tough they are, or are complete wimps when it comes to the slightlest discomfort! There are two more chapters in the queue, and only two more to go to finish the story, so we are almost there! :)Thank you for all the wonderful reviews.
At first I didn't want to read this story - Margaret Atwood's novel always leaves a funny, sick feeling in my belly, you know? - but I got over my feelings and decided to give it a go. Well, I kept on reading from chapter one. Thus far, I like what I see and I'm looking forward to an update. Thank you much!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I know what you mean. The hardest part about 'The Handmaid's Tale' for me was the Epilogue -- that's why this story, while based on Atwood's premise, ends nothing like her novel did! hehe Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, and I aplogize for the delay in my reply; you caught me in the middle of the holidays, and it was a crazy time for me. Updates and replies will appear on a timely fashion from now on, I promise. :)
Wow!I'm really loving it. It's hard to read with all that thruth, but I think you have to be proud of your work. It is quite well-done and wonderful, and gives me shivers sometimes.I just think Hermione wouldn't be active in Snape's bed as early as you put there.Am willing to read more.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you so much for your review. I'm glad you're enjoying the story and will continue to read it. :)
You killed Neville? Awww... that's so sad! I can't believe Harry is still alive though. I can't wait to read the next chapter. the last 2 were so exciting!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Yes, I killed Neville but I'm not proud of it -- it was a really hard thing to write. But, yes, Harry is still alive! :)Next chapter is coming very soon. My beta needed to take a little break over the holidays, but I just got the next chapter back from her! Thank you again for your lovely reviews.
This chapter went by like a bolt of lightening! Again. So much happened that I could not believe I had lost myself in the story for so long... I realized that while I was reading I had slipped into "the zone" one can find themselves in when they are completely absorbed in what they are doing!!!I am so happy that Severus and Hermione are in New Hope and safe for the moment. Veera seems like a shy, lovely woman, and I am happy for Remus that he has found someone to love. Gavril is a wonderful boy who clearly holds Severus in high regard.I hope that the town's folk don't say too many bad things about Severus and Hermione being together and expecting a child. Severus has been through enough and deserves to catch a little slack from the people he has been trying to protect.Neville was so brave to have volunteered to take Harry's place. I feel certain that there are a great many people who have paid the ultimate sacrifice at the hands of Voldemort's minions.Great story!!!!! 
Beth
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Oh, hun, I know all about the 'zone!'Thank you again, because I can't ever say it enough! :)
I just had to read this chapter again! You have written so beautifully of Hermione's and Severus' coming together in spirit and in body.After the horrible trial she witnessed the night before, Hermione learned much about what Severus and Remus have been doing to undermine Voldemort's rule. Unfortunately, an investigation of individuals and high ranking ministry officials has begun. This can only mean trouble in the near future!!!I adore this tale you've written; it has, quite simply, captured my heart. 
Beth
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You're so wonderful, I don't know what else to say to you! back!
Anonymous
Finally some answers for Hermione, and some hope, though she still has to digest truly bad experiences. And some commitment from Snape, too... this is getting more interesting with every chapter.
Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying it, and thank you for taking the time to let me know. :)
Anonymous
Phew, what a chapter! The showdown of the first nearly kept me too afraid to read on, I was so scared something atrocious would happen... you built enormous suspense there, really well done!
It's so good that there is this escape place and that they reached it - I hope unfollowed and undiscovered, too - but what Hermione lerns later - dire again, really dire... *gulps and blanches*.
Author's Response:
Thank you. I had a lot of fun writing the action scene! There are still some tribulations ahead, of course, but I think the story is headed in the right direction. ;)
Thank you again for reading and reviewing my story.
Great, action-packed chapter! Harry and Ginny are alive?! But, poor Neville--he's so brave!It was a long chapter, but I felt like it was short because I read it so quickly. You have me on the edge of my seat (or at least you would if I was sitting, and not lying on my bed). I really can't wait to see what happens next!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you. I know, I too feel terrible about Neville, but his fate just felt right to me within the context of the story, so I had to write it that way :( Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story and review it.
What a tremendous chapter! You've taken a departure from your Atwood fanfic, I think, so I'm insanely curious to see where you're going to go from here. What happens to Lucius Malfoy? And I'm sure the Dark Lord isn't going to let one of his top lieutenants just waltz out of England with a nameless handmaid.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you. Yes, I'm taking a little detour away from the Handmaid's Tale. I do plan to bring it back around to Atwood's concept, but with a lot more closure than she gave her readers. I still look for hints as to Ofred's fate everytime I re-read The Handmaid's Tale -- nothing yet, but hope reigns ethernal I guess. hehe I could have easily finished the story here, with Snape running off with Hermione to an unknown destination and no one ever knowing what happened to them, and it would have worked, but I'm a sucker for resolution -- I like to finish what I start. ;)Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my story.
Response from Javoher (Reviewer)
Actually, I'm not sure I agree about ending the story here. You could have made it work, sure, but I think it would have weakened the story. Yeah, Atwood's ambiguity has always bothered me too. I've always linked it to Orwell's "1984" in my head for some reason, which had a little more closure, so rereading Handmaid's Tale is sort of an exercise in frustration.
Whoa Nelly! This has certainly taken an unexpected turn! Can't wait to see who all is alive. Somehow seems unfair, though, for Hermione to have been through so much while Ginny and possibly others have been safe and with their loved ones. LOVE this story; you keep me guessing AND on the edge of my seat!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you. Yes, I've built a lot suspense into this story, but thankfully the answers will come a little quicker now that the story is reaching its final stage. I think there's enough unfairness in this story to go around -- everyone has faced their own horrors in one way or another, as you will see. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my story.
OMG!! how brave of Neville, and how horrible for Severus to suffer all that. I suppose Severus should warn Lucius that he too is being marked as "blood traitor" and that Umbridge is prolly behind it, but I would NOT trust Lucius in the refugees' town. well, there is probably a lot of stuff that others might tell Hermione about Severus, but she knows enough now to see that it is all very complicated, and she shouldn't believe everything she sees or hears. that was a brilliant escape from Severus' house! thanks for updating.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! I just had the most insane notion of Lucius living in a little cottage and prancing through the streets of New Hope, sorrounded by all those Muggleborns and God knows what else who live there -- that would be like his punishment for being such a snob! hehe Lucius's side of the story is coming up in the next chapter. Thank you again for reading my story and leaving all the lovely reviews. :)
Wow, what dramatic developments. But you have really put a fog of tension and dread over Hermione's discovery of her friends' existence. And why is Snape so convinced that Hermione will eventually doubt his commitment to keeping her safe? Wonder what shoe is going to drop next? Great work.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! This is definitely a twist in the plot. I think some of the dread and tension you sense is comming from Snape's own insecurities. There's bound to be some conflict with Hermione's friends, and there should be -- it would seem very strange if they had no objection to Hermione's relationship with Snape under the circumstances, don't you think? Forget the shoe; there's a bomb dropping in the next chapter! hehe It should be up very soon. Thank you so much for continuing to read my story and for all the encouraging feedback. :)
It is absolutely fitting that Neville took Harry's place on the wall. It is a bit of tragic irony that the one not-chosen should fall at the hands of Voldemort so that Harry could live. I wonder what Harry and Hermione's reunion will be like and will he understand her attachment to him?
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I'm so glad that you see Neville's fate as fitting, because that's exactly what I was thinking when I wrote that part of the story. Sometimes I get this strange connections in my head, but I'm not always certain if the readers will see it the same way I do. There's more coming soon. Thank you for continuing to read and review my story. :)
This is quite a tale. The baddies are treating the Muggleborns as if they are not even people. The punishment and the hand-witch was beyond brutal. The participation from her peers by order was horrible and their following the orders was, I am sure, because it was either that or death. What a world. I am relieved Hermione has discovered some of Snape's secrets.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! There are a lot of dark themes in this story; hopefully I've balanced it all with a little glimmer of hope, but still, not an 'easy' read I would think. Thank you for reading my story and for your positive reviews.
Wow. Poor Neville. And so, was Ron really Ron? I assume so as nothing was mentioned of him. I'm surprised Ginny was able to get over that, even with the given logic of the move to protect Harry but leave her brother to die. It would seem she'd have a bit of resentment (more than a bit really) over that. And as always and yet again, I find myself curious. I wonder what Snape was talking about - what he expects people to tell Hemrione about him? I wonder if he will be staying in the village too now that his cover is blown? I wonder what will become of the two of them - Snape and Hermione? And I wonder why Remus is so saddened by the prospect? I appreciate the speed of your updates so I don't have to wait so long for these or at least some of these answers. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Yes, it was really Ron on the wall :( I'm sure that Ginny has a lot of mixed emotions about that, but I think that she has matured enough to understand that trying to save Ron would have endangered them all and would have made Neville's sacrifice pointless. Plus there's that nasty bit about having to use a decoy as not to raise Voldemort's suspicions -- I know Ginny can be a little shallow, but I don't see her as being so self-centered as to expect someone else to take her brother's place on the wall, not when there're conceivably hundreds of others who shared his fate. I think just making the decision to sacrifice Neville to save Harry would have been traumatic enough for all of them, although she was so young at the time, I don't think she would have taken part in the decision. At least that's how I wrote it, so I hope it makes sense! LOL I'm still putting the final touches on the last few chapters, but an update should be coming very soon. :)Thank you so much for all the thoughtful feedback.
Oh God, the flood of emotions Hermione must be feeling right now. Happiness, hope, betrayal, envy, hurt. How she can juggle that much at one time she should be in shock! AndOMG poor Neville!What is up with Veera reaction to Hermione?I can only assume by Severus' statement that "he never meant to cause her harm" that he knew where she was all along and just left her there. Won't that be difficult to explain.Great update again. I always get excited when I see them!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you, I'm glad you're enjoying the story :)The way I see Hermione dealing with everything that has happened is by partially shutting herself down and not thinking too much about it -- which is how most of us deal with stress. There's an earlier reference (in chapter 3 I believe) about 'things that don't bear thinking about, because those who think too much don't survive, and Hermione wanted to survive.' It's a little tricky writing her this way because she's such an intelligent and insightful character, so I constantly have to balance these traits in her personality with her reluctance to question certain things, and that's something I have to deal with before I can conclude the story -- hopefully I've managed to pull it off! Thank you again for reading and reviewing my story.
Response from Isode (Reviewer)
I'll have to go back and re-read chpt. 3 to catch the reference.