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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About Alley_B
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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
"It's not my fertile period... It's against regulation," The first time I read this chapter I was really put out by Hermione's statement. But upon reflextion and a second read through I think its more of a reaction from her training. It feels like Hermione doesnt know how to interact socially since all her rights have been stripped. Sad. I am looking forward to the next chappie!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I knew when I wrote this chapter that some readers were going to be dissapointed by Hermione's rejection of Snape, but I felt that for her to give in to whatever attraction she feels toward Snape at this point, would have been detrimental in the long run to both the characters and the story-line. I've chosen not to write Hermione as a broken, deeply traumatized character, but you're right, she does carry some psychological bagage from her experience, and one of the ways in which she has changed is that she is not as trusting as she used to be -- for her to willingly become entrenched in a romantic relationship with a man that by her own admition she knows nothing about just didn't make sense to me. For her to do so would have had a whole set of implications that are contrary to my vision for this particular story. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing; I'll have the next chapter up ASAP. :)
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
Yes that is it exactly. The fangirl reaction was WHOA Hermione would never turn down Sevvikins! But the Hermione in this story has been repeatedly traumatized both mental and physically for years now. She is not the same woman from the final battle. In fact its just short of amazing that Hermione doesnt behave like the LeStrange's handmaid.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I knew when I wrote this chapter that some readers were going to be dissapointed by Hermione's rejection of Snape, but I felt that for her to give in to whatever attraction she feels toward Snape at this point, would have been detrimental in the long run to both the characters and the story-line. I've chosen not to write Hermione as a broken, deeply traumatized character, but you're right, she does carry some psychological bagage from her experience, and one of the ways in which she has changed is that she is not as trusting as she used to be -- for her to willingly become entrenched in a romantic relationship with a man that by her own admition she knows nothing about just didn't make sense to me. For her to do so would have had a whole set of implications that are contrary to my vision for this particular story. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing; I'll have the next chapter up ASAP. :)
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
Yes that is it exactly. The fangirl reaction was WHOA Hermione would never turn down Sevvikins! But the Hermione in this story has been repeatedly traumatized both mental and physically for years now. She is not the same woman from the final battle. In fact its just short of amazing that Hermione doesnt behave like the LeStrange's handmaid.
Well what the hell did he expect Hermione to say to Umbridge? I think that was a question with no correct answer. Three years in a rehab camp? Oh my. a fine testament to the success of the Dark Lord's indoctrination practices – if they had worked. Is Severus saying that the hand maid process is not working? Do tell.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Well, they didn't work in Hermione's case at least, did they? ;) Hand-witches go through a sort of indoctrination program (Umbridge says that her 'girls are well trained'), but in Hermione's case, she was dismissed from two households without producing a child (presumably because she was too much trouble, judging by Snape's list of offenses in chapter 3), she attacked the husband in the third household, and Lucius calls her 'incorregible,' which is why she was about to be banished from the Wizarding world -- not what I would call a raging success as a hand-witch! hehe Thruthfully, I don't think Snape is too heartbroken about it. ;) Thank you so much for reading, reviewing and rating my story. Glad you're enjoying it. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Well, they didn't work in Hermione's case at least, did they? ;) Hand-witches go through a sort of indoctrination program (Umbridge says that her 'girls are well trained'), but in Hermione's case, she was dismissed from two households without producing a child (presumably because she was too much trouble, judging by Snape's list of offenses in chapter 3), she attacked the husband in the third household, and Lucius calls her 'incorregible,' which is why she was about to be banished from the Wizarding world -- not what I would call a raging success as a hand-witch! hehe Thruthfully, I don't think Snape is too heartbroken about it. ;) Thank you so much for reading, reviewing and rating my story. Glad you're enjoying it. :)
Its very tricky of you to use a different pen name at the archive. I hope you dont mind but I have added your story to my bookmarks. I find it much easier to follow a story when I get emailed updates. I still want to know who Snape is talking to in his lab. A portrait? Another Order member?
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Hi! :) Sorry, I wasn't trying to be tricky, really, I wasn't. Of course I don't mind you adding my story to the bookmarks! Thank you.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Hi! :) Sorry, I wasn't trying to be tricky, really, I wasn't. Of course I don't mind you adding my story to the bookmarks! Thank you.
I've been re-reading your story and a number of things have jumped out.1. A very interesting characterization of Lucius Malfoy - he seems rather a good sort, so far at least.2. Also - what on earth is going on in that laboratory?
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Nah, if you look closely, you'll see that Lucius is as arrogant, cunning and self-centered as ever! ;) What I did do was make him more human by drawing from the events in DH for his characterization. Up to that point, Lucius is like a moving, talking ice sculpture, but in DH we get a glimpse of his loyalty to his family, as well as his weaknesses, fears and insecurities -- that was one of the very few things I found interesting about book 7 and I wanted to use that. As to what's going on in Snape's lab -- well, that's what Hermione wants to know!! hehe
Thank you so much for reviewing my story and for the high rating.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Nah, if you look closely, you'll see that Lucius is as arrogant, cunning and self-centered as ever! ;) What I did do was make him more human by drawing from the events in DH for his characterization. Up to that point, Lucius is like a moving, talking ice sculpture, but in DH we get a glimpse of his loyalty to his family, as well as his weaknesses, fears and insecurities -- that was one of the very few things I found interesting about book 7 and I wanted to use that. As to what's going on in Snape's lab -- well, that's what Hermione wants to know!! hehe
Thank you so much for reviewing my story and for the high rating.
What is he planning? I'm confused,but happily so.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I'm so glad you're enjoying the story. Thank you for the positive feedback and rating. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I'm so glad you're enjoying the story. Thank you for the positive feedback and rating. :)
wow...the pink menace is involved. what next? thanks so much
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
What next indeed! I bet that's how Snape feels right about now! Can his peaceful semi-retirement become any more hellish? Hum? 
Thank you for choosing to read my story, and for reviewing!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
What next indeed! I bet that's how Snape feels right about now! Can his peaceful semi-retirement become any more hellish? Hum? Thank you for choosing to read my story, and for reviewing!
The last chapter gave me a ray of hope--it was the first bright spot that Hermione's seen in many years. (And very beautifully portrayed, BTW: neither brutal and cold nor too fluffy.) That made this chapter all the more jaring. Trust that horrible toad-woman to f--- things up! I can only hope that Snape regains his abilities at subterfuge and comes up with a plan to foil the nasty woman. I believe that, with a little thought, he will also see that Hermione had little choice about how she answered Umbridge-she can't reveal that Snape has made sex pleasant. My feeling is that the whole hand-witch setup is specifically designed to degrade the Muggleborns as much as possible. Why else would they mandate robes equivalent to burlap bags and deny them posessions and even their names? (Makes me shudder to contemplate the debasement....)In any case, the story is riveting. Great job and I look forward to reading more.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Wow, thank you so much for your thoughtful review. :)The last chapter was hard to write; I actually wrote three different versions of the sex scene before I settled for that one, because I was looking for a certain balance -- so I'm very glad you liked it. Snape should regain his wits soon -- if he can stop thinking about Hermione long enough! ;)Thank you again for reading and reviewing. I'm glad you're still enjoying the story. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Wow, thank you so much for your thoughtful review. :)The last chapter was hard to write; I actually wrote three different versions of the sex scene before I settled for that one, because I was looking for a certain balance -- so I'm very glad you liked it. Snape should regain his wits soon -- if he can stop thinking about Hermione long enough! ;)Thank you again for reading and reviewing. I'm glad you're still enjoying the story. :)
Ok, do you hear that humming noise? It's me sitting in my chair vibrating with the intensity of the tension you have written. Gods, I hate Umbridge but she does make a good foil to Hermione and Severus budding relationship.Great update as always.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you so much! I really dislike Umbridge too, and I wanted to write her as an unlikeable character, but I'm a bit surprised by the depth of the antipathy some readers feel for the her. She makes another appearance later in the story, in what I feel is the darkest chapter in this fic; I'm really curious about how people are going to react to her then! Thank you so much for choosing to read my story, and for the positive reviews. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you so much! I really dislike Umbridge too, and I wanted to write her as an unlikeable character, but I'm a bit surprised by the depth of the antipathy some readers feel for the her. She makes another appearance later in the story, in what I feel is the darkest chapter in this fic; I'm really curious about how people are going to react to her then! Thank you so much for choosing to read my story, and for the positive reviews. :)
Great chapter. I can't wait to read more and see what Severus is up to in that Laboratory of his... I'll bet he's still working to bring down Voldydork. can't wait for more!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Voldydork! LOL I've heard him call a lot of things, but never that! 
Thank you for reading my story, for the review, and for the laugh. :)
Response from snapefan2007 (Reviewer)
ha, you're welcome. i'm glad i made you laugh.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Voldydork! LOL I've heard him call a lot of things, but never that! Thank you for reading my story, for the review, and for the laugh. :)
Response from snapefan2007 (Reviewer)
ha, you're welcome. i'm glad i made you laugh.
I have to admit, I don't know what exactly is happening right now, but that seems to be your intent so I guess I'm alright not knowing. lol I'm wondering what Severus thinks of the "it was fine" comment. I'm not really sure by his outburst at the end of the chapter. And I still wonder what side he is on. He calls the DEs his 'friends' but then there's he mention of the screams hauting his dreams which doesn't sound like something a loyal DE would be thinking. I also still wonder if he is talking to DDs portrait. ... hmmmm...
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I can understand your confussion, and I'm here to assure you that it's very normal! :)I tend to write what I like to read, and the limited P.O.V. is a personal preference, but I can understand how it can be frustrating for some readers; I'm glad you haven't let it discourage you from continuing to read the story. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I can understand your confussion, and I'm here to assure you that it's very normal! :)I tend to write what I like to read, and the limited P.O.V. is a personal preference, but I can understand how it can be frustrating for some readers; I'm glad you haven't let it discourage you from continuing to read the story. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
Interesting so far! In addition to wanting to know what will happen next, i'm curious about what's in the laboratory...
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I'm glad the story has captured your attention; thank you for reading and for reviewing. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I'm glad the story has captured your attention; thank you for reading and for reviewing. :)
Please please please don't send Hermione away to the banishment! Severus needs her, even if he won't admit it but he does! The will have a little baby soon right? :) Umbridge should be given to the Centaurs again, meddling evil thing she is... I wish Lucius would be less imparrtial in this..
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you for reviewing and rating! :)Hum, baby, maybe? ;)Wow, people really hate Umbridge; I'm glad I'm not the only one who does. This story wouldn't have quite worked out the same way if I were!Unfortunatelly, I think self-interest is Lucius middle-name. Thanks again.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you for reviewing and rating! :)Hum, baby, maybe? ;)Wow, people really hate Umbridge; I'm glad I'm not the only one who does. This story wouldn't have quite worked out the same way if I were!Unfortunatelly, I think self-interest is Lucius middle-name. Thanks again.
Anonymous
Great new chapter! And finally some clues form his side... so he did want to feel wanted, doesn't he? Good he realzies it... I hope he will act to it, too.
Author's Response: I think we're all hoping for that! ;)
Thank you for the review.
Good story ... more
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! There's more in the queue. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! There's more in the queue. :)
??? So he was planning some little revolution all along?
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Well, he's obviously planning something; what it is remains to be seen! ;)Thank you for reviewing and rating! I'm glad you like the story so far!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Well, he's obviously planning something; what it is remains to be seen! ;)Thank you for reviewing and rating! I'm glad you like the story so far!
Oh boy... Severus still seems to have some goodness buried in him that is obviously conflicting with the new world. And fucking Umbridge. Just go kill her. XD
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Oh, yes, a lot of conflicting emotions going on in this chapter. ;) Umbridge makes such and odious villain, doesnt' she? And she gets worse in this story! But I can't kill her... yet! ;)Thank you so much for reading and reviewing.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Oh, yes, a lot of conflicting emotions going on in this chapter. ;) Umbridge makes such and odious villain, doesnt' she? And she gets worse in this story! But I can't kill her... yet! ;)Thank you so much for reading and reviewing.
Umbridge, it would be her. Just out of curiosity, who's hand witch was at the Malfoys? Draco or Lucius? Anyway, back to Umbridge, I made the comment on another story that some enemies were too dangerous to let live and she fits that description. So, did Severus plan to get Hermione or was he surprised when it was her? Great chapter, looking forward to the next.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
That was Lucius' hand-witch; she makes another appearance later on in the story and it will be clear then whose hand-witch she is. BTW, Draco doesn't have a hand-witch; that's also explained later on in the story. As to whether or not Severus knew he was going to get Hermione, I'll just say that at this point in the story it appears he didn't know... but you'll have to keep reading to find out for sure. ;) Thank you so much for the positive review and rating; I'm gland you're enjoying this story. The next chapter is still with my beta; I'll be uploading it to the queue as soon as I get it back! :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
That was Lucius' hand-witch; she makes another appearance later on in the story and it will be clear then whose hand-witch she is. BTW, Draco doesn't have a hand-witch; that's also explained later on in the story. As to whether or not Severus knew he was going to get Hermione, I'll just say that at this point in the story it appears he didn't know... but you'll have to keep reading to find out for sure. ;) Thank you so much for the positive review and rating; I'm gland you're enjoying this story. The next chapter is still with my beta; I'll be uploading it to the queue as soon as I get it back! :)
Well, at least there is one thing that the two of them enjoy together, besides books.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Indeed ;) Thank you so much for your reviews. It makes me and the muses happy every time I get a review alert! I'm such a feedback slut! hehe
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Indeed ;) Thank you so much for your reviews. It makes me and the muses happy every time I get a review alert! I'm such a feedback slut! hehe
Oh, I knew exile wasn't escape the way Hermione thought! Poor thing, having her last hope dashed.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I know. I've been told this is one of the most creepy and sadest chapters in the story so far. Thank you for reading and reviewing. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I know. I've been told this is one of the most creepy and sadest chapters in the story so far. Thank you for reading and reviewing. :)
Ingenious home structure! I love the enchantments you designed on the house.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! I'm glad you like the house -- it's always nice to get positive feedback on the original elements in the story. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! I'm glad you like the house -- it's always nice to get positive feedback on the original elements in the story. :)
I'm sure "banishment" is just another name for "euthanized". Voldemort would never allow to escape his grasp.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Very true about Voldemort never allowing anyone, subject or enemy to escape his grasp -- but just killing them would be too nice for him. ;)Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Very true about Voldemort never allowing anyone, subject or enemy to escape his grasp -- but just killing them would be too nice for him. ;)Thank you for reading and reviewing!
She's been dismissed from three households? God, I hope that doesn't mean she's had to give birth and then had them taken from her! Interesting world you've created here. I like that there is still some fear and darkness and even paranoia.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you for the review and for reading my story. Two of the placements were 'unsuccesful,' meaning she didn't have any children, but she did have a child in her last household, and the couple returned her 'immediately after the birth of their child.' Thank you again for the review, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you for the review and for reading my story. Two of the placements were 'unsuccesful,' meaning she didn't have any children, but she did have a child in her last household, and the couple returned her 'immediately after the birth of their child.' Thank you again for the review, and I hope you continue to enjoy the story. :)
Genius!I have never read this story before today. It is marvellous - I adore "The Handmaid's Tale" and I think your use of it is very interesting.I do hope you are one of those authors that updates frequently.If not, what do I have to do to encourage you? Chocolates??
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic review! I'm glad you like the story, and I too adore 'The Handmaid's Tale' -- it's one of my favorite books. I like to update at least once a week, but it might take a little bit longer if my beta is very busy, which she's been lately. The next chapter is already finished, I'm just waiting to get it back from my beta and then I'll upload it to the queue. Thank you again for reading and reviewing. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you so much for your enthusiastic review! I'm glad you like the story, and I too adore 'The Handmaid's Tale' -- it's one of my favorite books. I like to update at least once a week, but it might take a little bit longer if my beta is very busy, which she's been lately. The next chapter is already finished, I'm just waiting to get it back from my beta and then I'll upload it to the queue. Thank you again for reading and reviewing. :)
So, Hermione thought-better not be to happy about the sex and Severus was pissed because she hadn't been more enthusiastic with her answer! LOL! Oh, man. This is so sad. Now Umbridge is in the mix. Trouble!Livvy
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Yeah, Umbridge is troubled with a capital 'T,' as if they didnt' have enough already! ;)Thank you for the review; glad you're still enjoying the story.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Yeah, Umbridge is troubled with a capital 'T,' as if they didnt' have enough already! ;)Thank you for the review; glad you're still enjoying the story.
meeps! time for Severus and Hermione to escape the country. can he Transfigure her into something small like a ferret and carry her out? no, use Polyjuice to make Umbridge into faux-Hermione and THEN 'exile' her! ooh, can't wait to see Umbridge's fate.... muahaha! thanks for the new chapter.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Wow! Polyjuice Umbridge and send her into exile?! And people think my ideas are dark! LOL Thank you for reading and reviewing. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Wow! Polyjuice Umbridge and send her into exile?! And people think my ideas are dark! LOL Thank you for reading and reviewing. :)