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
AAAAGHHH! evil cliffhanger!!!!! please finish!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I know, I know. I keep apologizing for the cliffhanger and I still feel I can't apologize enough. My decission to stop there had nothing to do with the cliffhanger (I actually tried to avoid it) and everything to do with the change in scene and mood, and the flow of the story. 
You mean finish the story? I do plan to finish it! The next two chapters are done, I'm just waiting to get them back from my beta (she is a little tied up right now). I promise to update as soon as possible. Thank you for reading my story and for reviewing.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I know, I know. I keep apologizing for the cliffhanger and I still feel I can't apologize enough. My decission to stop there had nothing to do with the cliffhanger (I actually tried to avoid it) and everything to do with the change in scene and mood, and the flow of the story. You mean finish the story? I do plan to finish it! The next two chapters are done, I'm just waiting to get them back from my beta (she is a little tied up right now). I promise to update as soon as possible. Thank you for reading my story and for reviewing.
Thank you for this brilliant update. I guess I already told you that you have me on the edge of my seat after each chapter?
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Awww. You're too kind! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my story! :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Awww. You're too kind! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing my story! :)
Well, this is an interesting story. I can't say I like this 'traitor' Snape - though I have a feeling maybe he is working on a way to defeat Voldemort still in his laboratory? that maybe he's speaking to Dumbledore's portrait?? But the fact that he willingly has sex with (for all intents and purposes) a captive Hermione is disconcerting. And then I have to keep in mind that he would have had no idea he would get Hermione when he petitioned for a hand-witch so maybe all this hoping he really wasn't such a dreadful traitor is just wishful thinking. Afterall, why would he have sex with her if he really wasn't a bad guy? :( I'll be keeping an eye out for the update. My interest is peaked even though I'm very saddened by the circumstances of Hemrione and the man Snape is in this fic.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you so much for the high rating in spite of your misgivings about my characterization of Snape. I can understand how you feel. I've purposely kept the p.o.v in this story very limited, so you're seeying Snape's actions through Hermione's eyes. Snape, on the other hand, sees things very differently. I'm not promising that you will agree with Snape once you've discovered his rationale (actually, I'm sure some readers won't), and you might still not like him. But I do ask you to withhold judgement until you have read his side -- it might surprise you. :) Thank you again for reading and reviewing.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you so much for the high rating in spite of your misgivings about my characterization of Snape. I can understand how you feel. I've purposely kept the p.o.v in this story very limited, so you're seeying Snape's actions through Hermione's eyes. Snape, on the other hand, sees things very differently. I'm not promising that you will agree with Snape once you've discovered his rationale (actually, I'm sure some readers won't), and you might still not like him. But I do ask you to withhold judgement until you have read his side -- it might surprise you. :) Thank you again for reading and reviewing.
oh jeez, i hate to think whats in store for her now. it seems as though hermione and snape have come to a sort of agreement as far as sex is concerned. it was very nice and unexpected of him to give her access to some books. hope to see more of this story!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you for reading and reviewing my story! There is more coming soon.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you for reading and reviewing my story! There is more coming soon.
Each time I read a chapter, I am more delighted than I was the first time I read it. The added portion made this great chapter even greater.I can't help but wonder if Severus has feelings for Hermione, and if he and Portrait Dumbledore aren't in league to save Hermione in particular, and to putting an end to Voldemort in general.Could it be Lucius who has taken an interest in her? Or perhaps the Dark Lord himself?I truly love this story. 
Well done! Beth
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Beth?! I thought that was you! *hugs*Thank you for the lovely review! Have you checked your flist today? There's something there for you! 
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
I checked my tickybox for Dumbledore! Great Grest Chapter!!! I'm positively in love with it!!!Beth
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Beth?! I thought that was you! *hugs*Thank you for the lovely review! Have you checked your flist today? There's something there for you!
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
I checked my tickybox for Dumbledore! Great Grest Chapter!!! I'm positively in love with it!!!Beth
Wow - great story! I look forward to an update!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! I'm glad you like :) The next chapter is still with my beta, but I will be uploading it as soon as I get it back.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! I'm glad you like :) The next chapter is still with my beta, but I will be uploading it as soon as I get it back.
Ok, I wasn't ready for the chapter to end right then, *sighs*. I can't wait to find out who's interested in Hermione. I hope to find out Snape has a portrait of Dumbledore in his lab and is still fighting the good fight. Can't wait for the next chapter.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I know, this chapter has a hell of a cliff-hanger, and I honestly try not to do that -- it was just the best place I could find for a chapter break from a technical stand point, because of the change of scene, mood, etc. that follows. *sigh*I promise to have the next chapter up as soon as possible.Thank you so much for the review!
Response from FlittterKat (Reviewer)
Don't mind me, I'm just a little whiney today. I'm truly enjoying the story. I love mysteries and your story, of course. Can't wait to see what developes. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I know, this chapter has a hell of a cliff-hanger, and I honestly try not to do that -- it was just the best place I could find for a chapter break from a technical stand point, because of the change of scene, mood, etc. that follows. *sigh*I promise to have the next chapter up as soon as possible.Thank you so much for the review!
Response from FlittterKat (Reviewer)
Don't mind me, I'm just a little whiney today. I'm truly enjoying the story. I love mysteries and your story, of course. Can't wait to see what developes. :)
wow, great chapter. mysterious ending, but it makes you come back for more. can't wait to read the next one!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! The next chapter is written; I'm just waiting to get it back from my beta with her corrections and shiny seal of approval -- I promise to upload it as soon as I do!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! The next chapter is written; I'm just waiting to get it back from my beta with her corrections and shiny seal of approval -- I promise to upload it as soon as I do!
When I started this story I had misgivings, it is so dark I wasn't sure how I would feel about it. I find it hard to review dark fics, because I hate to say things like "great chapter" when something really awful happened in the chapter, it feels odd. That being said, I really like this story. I was irritated when the chapter ended, I wanted more. This is very interesting.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you so much for your review, and for sticking with the story despite your misgivings! :)As a new author to the fandom, it really means a lot to me when someone decides to take a chance on reading my work, with no clue as to what they are going to get -- it's both thrilling and terrifying! heheI know what you mean about writing reviews for a story like this one, because I get the same funny feeling when I answer them!On the one hand, it's great when a reader has a strong emotional reaction to a chapter, because it means I'm doing something right as a writer, but at the same time it just doesn't feel right to express joy at having made someone feel sad, depressed, scared or just plain creeped-out! 
Thank you again for reading and reviewing my story -- I'll try to get the next chapter up ASAP.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you so much for your review, and for sticking with the story despite your misgivings! :)As a new author to the fandom, it really means a lot to me when someone decides to take a chance on reading my work, with no clue as to what they are going to get -- it's both thrilling and terrifying! heheI know what you mean about writing reviews for a story like this one, because I get the same funny feeling when I answer them!On the one hand, it's great when a reader has a strong emotional reaction to a chapter, because it means I'm doing something right as a writer, but at the same time it just doesn't feel right to express joy at having made someone feel sad, depressed, scared or just plain creeped-out! Thank you again for reading and reviewing my story -- I'll try to get the next chapter up ASAP.
Ooooh, you are EVIL! What a place to leave them!I admit, you've set your story up for quite a conundrum, and I'm intrigued as to how you can possibly solve it. If Snape ends up with any "feeling" toward Hermione at all, especially of love, then how can he possibly act on it? As I understand the rules of your story's world, a 'hand-witch' must be put back into 'circulation' once they've borne a child---and the Dark Lord would hardly agree with one of his highest lieutenants keeping a 'Mudblood' as a permanent mistress. Nor can I see Snape being willing to keep her as merely a 'mistress', if he begins to care for her. Nor can I see him raising his child alone, knowing that the child's morther is consigned to eternal slavery, in some other man's bed. He can certainly never marry her! And what hope is there for one wizard, alone, to bring down the entire realm of the Dark Lord? And is there any corner of the world they could run away to, and be able to elude the Dark Lord and live in some sort of peace?So, I'm very interested in exactly how you plan to get your characters out of this 'corner' you've so thoroughly painted them into! Looking forward to the next---and don't keep us waiting long, you evil person you! (grrrrr) :-)
Response from countrymouse (Reviewer)
And one more thought---I assume, since she's been assigned--what was it?--twice before?---that Hermione has had 2 babies already? Where are they, what became of them, who were their fathers, does she ever think of them, or long for them as HER children (instead of having them stolen away from her, as if she had nothing to do with them---even if having them was initially forced on her). Questions, questions! Hope you'll be addressing these in future chapters?
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Ah, so you think I've written the characters into a corner -- ye of little faith! *grin*Although, you've pretty much summarized Snape's dilema -- it's certainly not in his best interest to develope feelings for Hermione, is it? And yes, you do understand the rules of my verse. Hand-witches are 'rented out' to pure-bloods for a term to last either until she produces a child, or until the placement is deemed unsuccessful, at which time the hand-witch is returned to the Ministry to be placed somewhere else. A couple can renew a hand-witch's term after she has produced a child, in order to have more children by her (there's mention of a case like that in the next chapter) -- but that's not an option for Snape because 1) He was never supposed to have a hand-witch in the first place (he is unmarried and not a pure-blood), and 2) Hermione is still slated for exile; Lucius just 'loaned' her to Snape for the period of one year. Hermione has been previously placed three times, but only one of those placements was 'successful' -- meaning she has one child. All your questions will be answered by the end of the story, including the issue of Hermione and her child. This story is very plot-heavy, and has a lot of twists and turns, but I'm not flying by the seat of my pants on it -- I'm not that brave! hehe I plotted-out the whole story before I even posted the first chapter, so I know exactly what's going to happen next and where I'm going with it -- and if you think things are complicated now, wait until you read the next chapter! *evil grin*Thank you for the wonderful review -- you made my night! BTW, the next chapter is coming soon; my beta is just a little tied up right now, grading her students' mid-term papers, but she is usually very good at getting the chapters back to me quickly so it shouldn't be too long.
Response from countrymouse (Reviewer)
Oh, goody, goody, goody! (jumps up and down in excited anticipation) I can't wait!
Response from countrymouse (Reviewer)
And one more thought---I assume, since she's been assigned--what was it?--twice before?---that Hermione has had 2 babies already? Where are they, what became of them, who were their fathers, does she ever think of them, or long for them as HER children (instead of having them stolen away from her, as if she had nothing to do with them---even if having them was initially forced on her). Questions, questions! Hope you'll be addressing these in future chapters?
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Ah, so you think I've written the characters into a corner -- ye of little faith! *grin*Although, you've pretty much summarized Snape's dilema -- it's certainly not in his best interest to develope feelings for Hermione, is it? And yes, you do understand the rules of my verse. Hand-witches are 'rented out' to pure-bloods for a term to last either until she produces a child, or until the placement is deemed unsuccessful, at which time the hand-witch is returned to the Ministry to be placed somewhere else. A couple can renew a hand-witch's term after she has produced a child, in order to have more children by her (there's mention of a case like that in the next chapter) -- but that's not an option for Snape because 1) He was never supposed to have a hand-witch in the first place (he is unmarried and not a pure-blood), and 2) Hermione is still slated for exile; Lucius just 'loaned' her to Snape for the period of one year. Hermione has been previously placed three times, but only one of those placements was 'successful' -- meaning she has one child. All your questions will be answered by the end of the story, including the issue of Hermione and her child. This story is very plot-heavy, and has a lot of twists and turns, but I'm not flying by the seat of my pants on it -- I'm not that brave! hehe I plotted-out the whole story before I even posted the first chapter, so I know exactly what's going to happen next and where I'm going with it -- and if you think things are complicated now, wait until you read the next chapter! *evil grin*Thank you for the wonderful review -- you made my night! BTW, the next chapter is coming soon; my beta is just a little tied up right now, grading her students' mid-term papers, but she is usually very good at getting the chapters back to me quickly so it shouldn't be too long.
Response from countrymouse (Reviewer)
Oh, goody, goody, goody! (jumps up and down in excited anticipation) I can't wait!
Hermione is not the only one with an uneasy feeling in her gut. By gods, Alley, you've set my nerves on edge. Great job.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
LOL Thank you and... um, sorry? I know it's a killer cliff-hanger. I really didn't stop there to build expectation in the readers -- I'm not that mean. I did try it a few different ways, and it was just the best place for a chapter break, from a technical stand-point. I'm working on getting the next chapter up ASAP. Thank you for the review!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
LOL Thank you and... um, sorry? I know it's a killer cliff-hanger. I really didn't stop there to build expectation in the readers -- I'm not that mean. I did try it a few different ways, and it was just the best place for a chapter break, from a technical stand-point. I'm working on getting the next chapter up ASAP. Thank you for the review!
I wonder who has taken a personal interest in Hermione. And does personal interest mean something positive or something negative?I think there is a little thaw between Snape and Hermione. I hope he has good intentions by sharing his library with her.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Yes, there're still a lot of unanswered questions, particularly about Snape's motives. Good news is that they will all be answered; bad news is that you'll have to wait for those answers. :(The next chapter is already written, but still with my beta. I promise to upload it as soon as I get it back. Thank you so much for reading, and for the reviews!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Yes, there're still a lot of unanswered questions, particularly about Snape's motives. Good news is that they will all be answered; bad news is that you'll have to wait for those answers. :(The next chapter is already written, but still with my beta. I promise to upload it as soon as I get it back. Thank you so much for reading, and for the reviews!
Is it just me, or is Severus nicer to her than he should be? Does he have some sort of lust/feelings for her? I'm curious to see what will happen next. And by the way, I usually don't read stories which are kind-of dark but yours captivates me.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Wow! I'm thrilled that you find this story captivating, especially if it's not the type of story that you would normally read. That's high praise indeed! Thank you so much. :) Hum, it could be just you... or it could be you're on to something! You didn't really expect me to answer that, did you? Thank you again, for reading and for reviewing.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Wow! I'm thrilled that you find this story captivating, especially if it's not the type of story that you would normally read. That's high praise indeed! Thank you so much. :) Hum, it could be just you... or it could be you're on to something! You didn't really expect me to answer that, did you? Thank you again, for reading and for reviewing.
what a scarey world. i'm certain it's been mentioned (perhaps repetedly) but this is reminisant of the handmaid's tale. i'm sure that was intentional. but this is a wonderful take. love the update. thanks so much
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thak you for the review. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Yes, the premise as well as some other elements of the story were taken from Atwood's novel 'The Handmaid's Tale,' and it was very much intentional. :) This information is now included in the author's notes at the beginning of the story. It took me a little while to figure out where to put the author's notes, (finally, some kind reviewer told me where to put it!), so it's possible that the notes weren't there when you read the first chapter. Thank you again for the possitive review; I hope you continue to enjoy this fic.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thak you for the review. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Yes, the premise as well as some other elements of the story were taken from Atwood's novel 'The Handmaid's Tale,' and it was very much intentional. :) This information is now included in the author's notes at the beginning of the story. It took me a little while to figure out where to put the author's notes, (finally, some kind reviewer told me where to put it!), so it's possible that the notes weren't there when you read the first chapter. Thank you again for the possitive review; I hope you continue to enjoy this fic.
This is a great story so far. I can't wait to read more and see where you take this story. You've definitely got my attention.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you, I'm so glad you like it so far, and hope that you continue to enjoy it. The next chapter is already in the queue. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you, I'm so glad you like it so far, and hope that you continue to enjoy it. The next chapter is already in the queue. :)
Interesting the way he changed his mind.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Indeed!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Indeed!
A bit of The Handmaid's Tale? I've never seen it done this way, this is interesting.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you. Yes, the premise came from Atwood's book, and if you're familiar with The Handmaid's Tale, some of the themes throughout the story will be familiar to you. I've been meaning to add this information in an A.N., but I couldn't figure out how to do it. Finally, someone took pity on me and told me how, now I just have to get around to doing it. Thank you again for the review, and I hope the story continues to hold your attention. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you. Yes, the premise came from Atwood's book, and if you're familiar with The Handmaid's Tale, some of the themes throughout the story will be familiar to you. I've been meaning to add this information in an A.N., but I couldn't figure out how to do it. Finally, someone took pity on me and told me how, now I just have to get around to doing it. Thank you again for the review, and I hope the story continues to hold your attention. :)
Wicked! You've made my skin crawl. I can't wait to find out if Severus was a traitor or did he just manage to save himself, and how did Hermione avoid hanging on the wall? Did Lucius know who he was giving to Severus? So many questions, great job.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the story, and all your questions will be answered ... in due time. ;)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the story, and all your questions will be answered ... in due time. ;)
Wow! I can't wait to see where you take this. I hope you will tell of how V. won the war and what happened to Hermione from then to where she is now. It is intriguing to see there is already dissention amongst the Death Eaters and pure-bloods.Good work!Livvy
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you for the positive review. :)Yes, I do plan to fill in the back story. I hope you continue to read and enjoy.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you for the positive review. :)Yes, I do plan to fill in the back story. I hope you continue to read and enjoy.
I am so glad to see that Hermione's spirit hasn't been broken. Too many "Death Eater Victorious" stories decimate the surviving females' characters in an effort to make their stories more brutal and disheartening.What a great tribute to Banned Book Week!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you. I think I know what type of story you're talking about -- I like dark and angsty, but not brutal and disheartening. I like to think that even in the most dreary of circustances there is hope, and I try to convey that in my stories. I read The Handmaid's Tale about twenty years ago, and it's been one of my favorite books since. I only hope that I can do the premise justice. :)Thank you so much for reading my story, and for commenting.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Thank you. I think I know what type of story you're talking about -- I like dark and angsty, but not brutal and disheartening. I like to think that even in the most dreary of circustances there is hope, and I try to convey that in my stories. I read The Handmaid's Tale about twenty years ago, and it's been one of my favorite books since. I only hope that I can do the premise justice. :)Thank you so much for reading my story, and for commenting.
Well, that certainly didn't go as planned for either of them. I'm exceedingly curious about learning more in future chapters about how the recent past has treated these two.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Nope, it certainly didn't! Thank you for reading and reviewing my story. There will be more coming soon!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Nope, it certainly didn't! Thank you for reading and reviewing my story. There will be more coming soon!
yay hermione has entered! loved the chapter
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
See? I told you there would be Hermione soon! :)I'm glad your are enjoying the story; thank you for reviewing.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
See? I told you there would be Hermione soon! :)I'm glad your are enjoying the story; thank you for reviewing.
great chapter. I can't wait to read the next one.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I'm glad you liked it; next chapter is the queue! :)Thank you for reviewing.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
I'm glad you liked it; next chapter is the queue! :)Thank you for reviewing.
I get the feeling that 'Banishment' is not so simple as Hermione imagines. Viewed in that light, Snape's decision to accept her after all may not be motivated by revenge (or perhaps that's just wishful thinking on my part).I know you said this is not as dark as it seems, but this chapter seems pretty bleak -- at the very least if this is not Evil!Snape! he seems intent on breaking her will.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Hum. Maybe my definition of 'dark' is different from that of... well, normal people. Just something to consider. I'm glad you are enjoying the story, and thank you for reviewing.
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
Hum. Maybe my definition of 'dark' is different from that of... well, normal people. Just something to consider. I'm glad you are enjoying the story, and thank you for reviewing.
I can't wait to read more!
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
You shouldn't have to wait too long; I just uploaded the next chapter to the queue. Thank you for reviewing. :)
Response from Alley_B (Author of The Long Way Down)
You shouldn't have to wait too long; I just uploaded the next chapter to the queue. Thank you for reviewing. :)