The Best Laid Schemes
StormySkize400 Reviews | 7.68/10 (400 Ratings, 1 Like, 98 Favorites )
Variety Challenge Winner... The Wizengamot has finally done it! They've gone and passed the Marriage and Baby Law. Neither Severus Snape nor Hermione Granger is happy with the choice made for them by the Ministry, so they hatch an elaborate scheme to thwart the new law--by marrying each other!
Start ReadingChapters (13)
About StormySkize
Author
StormySkize
Member Since 2005 | 13 Stories | Favorited by 172 | 431 Reviews Written | 998 Review Responses
I am in my late 50's and I didn't even start reading Harry Potter until after the third book came out. My granddaughter got me 'hooked on Potter,' and while surfing the net one day, I found a fanfiction site. That was it! My first story, "Renaissance," was published on Ashwinder a month later and I've been writing ever since. I am primarily a HG/SS shipper, but I also enjoy reading and writing RL/SS. I live in Tampa, Florida with my wonderfully adoring and supportive husband, and three completely spoiled cats. (Kallie, Mysha, and Smudge {who was the inspiration for the cat that Severus gives Hermione in my story "Renaissance."}) I'm always happy to correspond with my readers and I answer ALL reviews. I'm always looking for plot-bunnies, so feel free to throw some ideas out.
Reviews for The Best Laid Schemes
I have thoroughly enjoyed this fun and exciting story. It was so very like Snape to jump to the wrong conclusion. So glad the angst ended and they found permanent happiness in each other's arms.Great job.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Oh, after all that, there had to be a happy ending!I'm so glad you enjoyed.Thank you so much for all the lovely reviews you've left throughout.
Great story! This has definitely been one of my favorite HG/SS pairings :)
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm so glad you enjoyed my tale.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Aww, I've been reading so quickly that I've forgotten to review, but I have to say that these last few chapters have described some of the most romantic wedding preparations I've ever seen in a MLC story.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I love romance ... it's so ... romantic!I'm glad you've enjoyed.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Thank you for a wonderful ending to a wonderful story!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Thank you so much!
Nice way to wrap up the angst and the story all in one chapter. Sorry to see the story end, but you've done it well without loose ends.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
This last chapter actually ended up quite a bit longer than I had anticipated as I wrote and re-wrote to make sure I had tied up all the loose ends. I'm glad you think I did a good job of it.Thanks so much for reading, and for the kind reviews you've left throughout. Every one is cherished and appreciated.
Great ending! :)
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I"m glad you enjoyed it.Thanks for reading, and for all the kind words you've left behind.
A really and truly beautiful story!!! I'm very sorry to see it end as this was the best of all challenge fics I've read, so I really hope you win!One questions remains: What are the names of the children??Really great work!!gab
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I purposely didn't name the children -- I didn't even indicate gender. You can choose whatever names you'd like for them! I'm so glad you enjoyed my work and I appreciate every kind word you've left me.Thanks for the good luck wishes in the voting.
This has been such a wonderful story to follow, I have enjoyed every minute! I know for sure that this is a story I will read more than once more in the future!Brilliant, brilliant work!!!!!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I've always enjoyed reading the MLC fics, and I was glad to get a chance to write one of my own. Thanks for all the kind words (and stars) you've left along the way.
What a ride!! Loved every minute!!Shell~
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm so glad you enjoyed the ride.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
I´m really really sorry (?).....because this wonderful story is now complete ;-)Wow, what a great chapter. How can anyone be so dumb like Ron, oh my I´ll never stop wishing to hex this boy. But he finally got what he deserved...haha, impotency charm!The ending was to my liking, I love "happily ever after", old romantic fool I am...lolalthough some small lemons or limes would have been welcomed at the end.....;-)*ducks down*Finally let me thank you for this lovely story, hope there will be a lot more of you in the future, once I know your name, I´ll keep on looking....
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Sorry, no lemons or limes. I don't usually write explicit sex in my stories, as I prefer to set the 'sensual' mood and let the reader's imagination take over. And I'm a sucker for a happy ending, myself.Thanks for the kind words.
Oh a lovely ending mystery author. Although I love the ending I am sorry to see this story come to a close, it was most enjoyable. I can't beleive Ron would think even for a minute that Hermione would take him back, the wanker! She's so much better off with our favorite Potions master. ;-)
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm glad you enjoyed the ending, and the entire story. I appreciate your kind words throughout.And you're right -- Ron'a a wanker!Thanks for coming along for the ride!
Oh, I can't believe it's over! I have enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It was a fresh, new look on the MLC and it was so entertaining. Of course, Severus was his own worst enemy in this chapter. Surprise, surprise. But I also liked the fact that Hermione admitted she was stubborn to not let Arthur speak with Severus. Well done, and congratulations on finishing this before the voting. Good luck!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I can't believe it's over myself. This story was many, many months in the making. I wrote and re-wrote so many times, I think I could recite entire passages from memory! I'm quite satisfied with the finished product, however, and I'm glad you are, as well.Thanks for the kind words (and stars) you've left throughout; they are greatly appreciated.And I'm very happy that the last chapter got posted before the voting!Thanks for the good wishes.
Yeah!!!! This couldn't have ended any better. I've gotten a little burned out on the angsty Snape/Hermione misunderstanding that drags out for long, agonizing chapters. You have managed to include such a thing and resolved it all in the same chapter. And, it was believeable. Bravo to you! Loved the epilogue. Sometimes they are tacked on to stories and feel so unnecessary but not so in this case. I look forward to finding out who you are, oh mystery author. Lots of people can guess based on writing style etc but I am completely inept at that sort of thing. Anxious to read more of your stuff... unless it turns out I have already exhausted your anthology! Thanks for such a fun read.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Oh, I can never guess who writes which stories in these challenges. I don't usually even try to guess, as my own is the only one I get right.I know angsty/misunderstanding thing can be overdone, so I tried to keep the misunderstanding as short as possible. I did HAVE to work in a way to get them to the courtroom, and then have Martin explain things. Because, really, would Snape have believed it? I'm glad you liked the Epilogue. It was way too short to have it stand alone, and I really wanted to get this story completely posted so I did just tack it on the end. I'm grateful for the reviews you've left throughout.
Oh yes! This ending was totally worth nearly getting into trouble at work for! thank you so much for such a pleasant end to a wonderful tale!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
The author is not responsible for irritable bosses! I'm glad you enjoyed the story, though.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Ron deserved worse. I like the happy ending.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Ron's a putz, isn't he?I'm a sucker for a happy ending, myselfI'm glad you enjoyed.Thanks so much for reading and for reviewing.
Wow, I think that's probably the most truthful Ms. Skeeter has ever been, journalistically speaking! 
How refreshing... maybe she'll get an award for the story and it will encourage her to continue in the same vein. Or not!I'm glad Arthur's stepping up to the plate, but sad that he'll have to step down under such a dark cloud. He tried so hard to do the right thing, and yet it seems as though history will paint him with the same brush as Cornelius Fudge. It's a shame.Looking forward to reading what Severus and Hermione decide to do about themselves...
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I wonder what's the wizarding world's equvilant of the Pulitzer Prize? Maybe she'll get that ... or not!Yes, Arthur's got himself in a mess and the only honourable thing to do is resign ...right?I hope you like how Hermione and Severus work things out ... or do they?Please check back in a day or two and find out!Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Well, I guess Trelawney did duel for Severus' hand in a way--although using the AK is extremely bad form, bad form! I gotta admit, her unmasking as the SC really came out of left field for me, but I loved it! It was brilliant. And she wanted to get even with Hermione for breaking her favorite crystal ball all those years ago... 
Talk about unhinged!I'd say more, but I've got to dash to the next chapter to see what happens to Hermione at St. Mungo's! Great stuff!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm glad you loved my little twist. And yes, she's completely bonkers.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
I find this to be really clever, great job!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Clever is good! I hope you'll continue to think so.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Arthur seems to have thought it out well. Pity he had to resign. :)
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
He and the Wizengamot thrashed it out. And like any other bureaucracy, the Wizengamot needed a scape-goat.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
I really like the fact that you're showing the clean up of the Marriage Law. It's something that would leave an abysmal quagmire, and most others just gloss over it.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Oh, thank you so much! I really did want to show how the mess would be cleaned up. Imagine all the lives uprooted by this! And showing the 'clean-up' really is a vital part of my story.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Lovely, I admit I love a happy ending thanks for tying up all the ends
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Oh, I really tried to make sure there weren't any loose ends hanging about to trip me up.I love happy endings, too.I'm so glad you enjoyed the story.Thank you for reading and reviewing.
This is so good. Thanks for the quick updates.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
The story is all written, so the updates go quickly. Of course, the admins help a lot in that area, so let's not forget to extend our thanks to them, as well.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
I love the locals. I happen to be Italian and you manage to capture the Mediterranean mood quite well.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Wow, that means a lot. The closest I've ever been to the Mediterranean is Romano's Macaroni Grill, so knowing that I've been successful in creating a mood or an atmosphere is rewarding.I have cruised, and most of the time the staff on board a cruise ship is not American. I kind of drew on them to create my local characters. I'm glad you like them.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
I just started reading this story and love it! I like that Severus and Hermione are co-conspiritors against the ML, and I also like how you wrote Flitwick into the story. Can't wait to read more!!
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
I'm so glad you're enjoying. I like reading MLfics, but this is my first attempt at writing one. I really wanted it to be different. I hope I've succeeded.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
I was sure he'd buy her a ring. So, this so much more than a marriage of convenience. Even if neither of them are already aware of it. Time will help them see the truth, or so I hope.
I'd like to add that I was convince this would be the wedding chapter. But as I begin to know you, I'm practically sure the next one won't be either. After all, we don't know what Hermione did of her day, plus there's the meeting with Martin. I'm sure you enjoy delaying it the most you can like the evil author you are, thus frustrating but keeping the poor readers that we are under your spell with your formidable writing skills.
Response from StormySkize (Author of The Best Laid Schemes)
Did he buy her a ring? I don't remember posting anything about him buying her a ring.And I'm not 'delaying' the wedding to sucker my poor readers in (well, maybe just a little).And who said there's even going to be a wedding? Things could still go very wrong ...I guess you'll just have to keep reading and find out. (My own little evil scheme!)Thanks for reading and reviewing.