Between the Sand and Stone
sshg316118 Reviews | 7.49/10 (118 Ratings, 0 Likes, 132 Favorites )
When tragedy strikes and circumstances go awry, Hermione is forced to seek the help of a reclusive Severus Snape. Brought together by a promise neither expected to fulfill, they will find that sometimes love deserves a second chance.
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About sshg316
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sshg316
Member Since 2006 | 20 Stories | Favorited by 376 | 199 Reviews Written | 1,365 Review Responses
Just an avid reader who somehow stumbled into HP fanfiction. I read and sometimes, I write.
Reviews for Between the Sand and Stone
Poor Hermione! I look forward to more of this story!
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
She's really in a tough spot now. Poor thing. Thank you! :)
I am so overly happy to get a new update to this wonderful story, thank you so much, it was well worth waiting for:-)) You can be assure that no matter how long it takes for the next update, I will be waiting:-))
i think you have written her character spot on. terrific update. loved pansy's reaction. thanks muchly
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Thank you very much! I'm glad you enjoyed Pansy -- we'll be seeing more of her. :)
With the danger of sounding very silly I must admit that after my last review of your story I almost spend a week thinking about scenario's how Gregory Goyle could be helpful to Hermione right now. And apart from sharing her grief it occurred to me it would be just nice for her to know someone who had known her husband already as a child and hear his stories about that time, so that she on her turn will be able to tell her child things like: when your daddy was your age, he also liked....
I just could imagine this would give her a sense of continuity and a feeling that she is still able to give her child something from a father he never has known.
In my view of Hermione she will continue with her life but Draco's remembrance will still be an important thing in her life. And that will be something Severus will understand. Because of his sense of honor and his own friendship with and loyalty to Draco he will support hers and he will never ask her to 'forget' Draco in favor of the relationship that will evolve between the two them.
I am very curious to read how this will evolve after Hermione has taken time for a proper grieving of her loss. I don't expect it to be an easy ride regarding Snape's thoughs a chapter earlier 'In Severus experience, friendship with him always ended in someones death.' But this also means that a relationship can be an excellent chance for both of them to regain trust in life and love again.
By the way, are you familiar with Diabolica's Malfoy centered fics? Although much more focused at Narcissa, they depict IMO a very British, very stiff upper lip portrayal of the life and mindset of traditional pureblood families.
Seen in that light your Draco has done a lot to become his own man.
OK I will end my musings now.. hope you will update soon now the shuglets are back to school.
Response from orlando switch (Reviewer)
O and sorry for the inconvenience of this massive textblock. This is really NOT how I had written it in the small white window, but when I submitted it all my paragraphs where gone.. bad, bad computer.
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
*grins* No worries--it does that to me all the time! In any event, you are going to give me a big head, my friend! LOL I am speechless and thrilled that you are still pondering this story. You are on the right track with Greg, certainly. He won't play a major role in the story--I don't believe, anyway--but we'll see more of him soon. Your thoughts on the direction of the story have me all giddy, because you are spot on. It won't be easy for either of them, but surprisingly the hold out won't be the one we expect. *hint hint* I have not read any of Diabolica's work, but you nailed it on the head with your comments about Draco. He certainly had come a long way, dropping the mantle of aristocracy so that he could be his own man. Yes, yes. The shuglets went back to school this morning, and I am preparing to sit down to write at this exact moment! I am hoping to have the next chapter up before the weekend. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the story. Truly, they are much appreciated!
Great chapter, will be good to see Hermione get herself together and give as good as she gets from Severus! I like how you've humanised Pansy more and made her more caring than the hateful character she usually is in canon.Can't wait to see what comes & good luck with the kiddies going back to school! ;)
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Thank you very much! We're well on our way now--the story should really take off after another chapter. :)I'm thrilled that you enjoyed Pansy; we'll be seeing a lot more of her. I like to think there is much more under the surface of our dear Slytherins. It's far too easy to make them all evil or hateful. After all, we know there are bad apples in every house. Why should all of Slytherin have been maligned for a few bad apples? Okay so maybe it's a bushel, but you get my meaning. ;)Thanks again!
Anonymous
Several people do realize several things... well done! I like this chapter very much. I so adore it when Severus is forced out of his grumpiness and seeming indifference... good for him! *g*
Author's Response: Yes, Severus is definitely having to step out of his comfort zone. ;)
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. :)
This story is so melancholy and touching. Poor Snape! He's so out of his element, but it's so sweet to see that he's going to take responsibility for Hermione and her baby. And poor Hermione! She's working herself into the ground, and nearly lost her baby. Eagerly anticipating the next chapter!
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Thank you so much for the lovely review! I'm glad the feel of the piece is coming through -- I want that sort of melancholy feel to it. It will begin to lighten up, as Hermione works through her grief. More hopefully soon!
Oooh! I'm loving this story. Even though the glimpse at Hermione and Draco's relationship was brief, you managed to convey that their marriage was real and meaningful, and her grief is palpable. I'm quite curious to see how she and Snape get along. And pregnant?! Surely not?
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Thank you so much! So many times in fanfic where Hermione is previously married, it was unhappy. I wanted to do something different this time. And oh yes, she's pregnant. ;)
Good update -- it's hard to imagine Hermione with no support system.... All those years living as almost part of the Weasley family... and then to have them dump her -- ugh!
I will wait with baited breath for more. I am truely enjoying your work!
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Thank you very much!Yes, Hermione had few close friends, and for the Weasleys to just cut her off ... she would have been heartbroken.I'm glad you're enjoying the story thus far! Thanks, again!
Poor Hermione... just breaks my heart. Hoping we'll get to read about the romance part soon. Look forward to finding out how that happpens
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Romance will be coming ... eventually. ;)Thank you so much!
It is probably a good thing that he was able to control his anger. Lets hope he can get the spunky Hermione that we know and love back soon. He's a sucker if he thinks she will stay until the baby is born and he will not become attached to her. He will become attached right?!? Wouldn't it be boring if every story had a happy ending...hmmmm... that answer would be no :)
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
LOL Happy endings are NEVER boring! I love happy endings! 
And yes, Severus is seriously deluding himself if he thinks he won't get attached. ;) Thank you so much!
*Snifflesob* As heart-wrenching as that was, I loved it. Wonderful job at getting down Draco's inner-monologue and feelings.
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
*passes the tissues* Thank you so much for the lovely review!
He's taken charge of her. Now she needs to take charge of herself! :)
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Absolutely. She's wallowing for now, but she'll snap out of it soon enough--then the real greiving can begin.Thank you!!
LOL. Two non-morning people grumping away together. :)
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
LOL Very true! Should make for some interesting mornings. ;)Thank you!!
Pregnant? Goes back to re-read. Ah... when she pressed into him? :)
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
You got it! :)Thank you so much!
What a creep of a landlord! He needs his dangly bits hexed off, for the good of the community! :)
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
He certainly does. *nodnodnod* Thank you so much!
That was beautiful and sad and poignant and... :)
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Thank you so much! It was both heartwarming and gutwrenching to write. Glad you enjoyed it!
This is amazing. The characters feel like living, breathing people, and more than that, people I care about. I even appreciate Healer Parkinson, whose toughness can't conceal her compassion, and whose character has truly earned her her title. I can't wait for another chapter:){{hugs}}Fizzabella
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Wow! You have me blushing. Thank you so much for the lovely review! I'm thrilled that you're enjoying it thus far. :)*squishes*
So happy to see Pansy put her loyalty for Draco (and her duty a a healer) ahead of her dislike for Hermione. Thanks for the updates!
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
I'm glad you enjoyed Pansy -- we'll be seeing much more of her. ;) Thank you!!
Why is it that this story always makes me cry? Poor Hermione. I can totally understand why she would find the thought of going to St. Mungo's unbearable. It was very kind of Pansy to offer to come to Hermione so she won't have to endure repeatedly returning to the place where her beloved husband died.And how ironic that the Slytherins of this story--Severus, Pansy, and Greg, at least--are turning out to be unexpectedly compassionate in the wake of Draco's death, while the Weasleys prove themselves to be astonishingly cold as they continue to ignore Hermione. I guess Ron's vengefulness truly knows no bounds. How typical.On a side note, I really have to wonder about the state of Harry's relationship with the Weasleys given that Hermione's memories of her wedding to Draco indicate that Harry had befriended Draco and was supportive of them as a couple. Curious, though, that Draco was quite insistent that Hermione turn to Severus should she need help rather than Harry.A very short but touching update... while I wait for the next one, I think I'll take the opportunity to stock up on tissues, hey? *Sniffle*
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Aww! I should really put that tissue warning in the summary ... and buy some stock in Kleenex. ;)Yes, the Slytherins are definitely showing a different side to themselves. I like to think they're different with their own, and so we're seeing a different side of them. Right now, it's mostly for Draco's sake, but eventually that will change. Ahh, you remembered Harry. That's sucha good observation--we know he was supportive of Hermione's marriage, but where does he stand with the Weasleys? We'll find out in a few chapters. ;)Thank you so much!
You have again managed to make me sigh at the sheer wonderfulnes of your writing. I loved the chapter, of course! And I'm anxiously awaiting the next one!!
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Thank you so much, gabi! You're so sweet. More in a few week, I think. ;)
Short chapter, yet chock full of important details. Snape is aware of her poor health and is taking measures to care for her, even if it is to fulfil his promise to Draco. You created a sympathetic Pansy, a nice addition.Hermione's spirit is so broken. I didn't expect Snape's dictatorial nature to goad her into spitfire mode, yet. Given time and an improvement in health, they will be verbally sparring in no time, right?
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Yes, lots of stuff in this one. ;) I'm glad you liked Pansy, because we'll be seeing a lot more of her later. LOLIt would have been far too easy for her to have reacted immediately to his goading. She's wallowing for a bit--a luxury she has neither allowed nor had time for--but she'll be back to herself in a chapter or two, promise. :)Thanks so much!!
Hermione is usually so strong-willed. It seems a bit out-of-charactet for her to act this way, but I also remember the emotional rollercoaster that pregnancy sent me on. I can't imagine losing my husband in the middle of it. Who am I to say how she would act.Severus would never fall for a weak woman. If she wants more than pity from him, she will have to regain her mental fortitude. I'm sure that, with his help, she will. She is Hermione, after all. Right?
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
Yes, Hermione usually is very strong-willed, but with these circumstances--the death of her husband, a child on the way, and the stress of her financial circumstancces ... well, it just didn't seem realistic to me to have her remain totally in character, given everything that's going on in her life. What you've noted is precisely what I wanted to show--that she's not herself. Poor dear. She's grieving and hormonal, just one of which would make most people seem OOC, and she's dealing with both simulataneously. But as I said in my author's note, I won't let her wallow very long. She just needs a bit of time, and then she'll be on her way to truly dealing with her grief, as well as taking care of herself. So she'll be back to the Hermione we all know and love. :)Thank you so much! :)
Great update! Poor Hermione.. lol, and poor Severus, but then, I live in hope of a happy ending.. and maybe , Happy Families??
Response from sshg316 (Author of Between the Sand and Stone)
*grins* I am a firm believer in Happily Ever Afters, so I think you're safe there. ;) Glad you enjoyed the chapter! Thank you so much!
Will there be anymore? I absolutely LOVE this starting relationship!
And there seems like there is so much more to Pansy also. Would love to see this continued.
Pretty please?