Envy
Chapter 7 of 10
Annie TalbotFor Severus Snape, Death is an ambiguous journey... one that may be longer than he thinks.
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Image by Selinabln... Thank you, Sel!
When Lucius Malfoy stepped into my boat, I debated whether to reveal myself. The soul who faced me was surprisingly older than I remembered. The Lucius I had known would have chosen to appear at the peak of his youthful beauty and power. Why did he value this distinguished, yet slightly worn, aspect?
Who had he become?
When I spoke, he smiled broadly. It was the first time I was greeted with pleasure, rather than mere respect. He told me of Draco’s marriage and family… of the joys of being a grandparent.
For the first time, I envied the living.
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Latest 25 Reviews for The Charon
57 Reviews | 7.63/10 Average
I'm notoriously forgetful when it comes to leaving reviews, my apologies.
But I've rec'd you for TPP, so I'll leave that rec here - you've earned the kudos! <3
"A serene and insightful drabble series about reflection and unfinished business... and the Charon. If you're looking for a gentle story to warm yourself by, look no further."
The story is beautiful though it tears me apart to read about such an ending for Snape.
Beautifully written. An interesting twist on the end of Severus Snape. I especially like the idea of both Lily and Harry waiting for him. The wife and son that should have been.
THAT WAS GOOD
This hit me even more the second time around, my dear. Such a lovely welcoming, even if he had to wait for a long time to get that peace.
Absolutely beautiful. Brava!
That's lovely. I'm glad he finally found his peace and absolution, and reunited at the end with his love and with the boy who might have (had things gone differently) been his own son.
that was an awesome ending to a superb story. *sniff* thanks so much
*squee* I love the end and how he goes back to Lily and Harry.
Beautiful.
wonderful in the true sense of the word. thanks and smoochies
I suppose that leaves just Hermione to accompany to her final resting place.
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
*smilesNo, he's just about done. One more drabble! Thank you so much for reading this story!
I don't know if you're a fan but this chapter reminded me strongly of the Lost finale with Severus in the same role as Ben. His unfinished business is keeping him from moving on with those who made better choices in life. Then I thought how unfair to Severus that seemed. And suddenly his serving as a Charon seemed an unjust punishment for a youthful bad decision and its consequences. Especially when compared to Lucius who evidently led a joyous life and went on to his final destination immediately.
Perhaps the Lost comparison is wrong but color me unsettled until the next chapter.
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
I'm a HUGE Lost fan and I was thinking about The Charon as I watched the finale. (This was written last summer, so it was really exciting to see the themes echoed.)My thoughts about this Severus, though, is that HE wanted to stay behind. He kept looking over his shoulder... watching to see if Harry or Draco were in line behind him. He took this on himself, I think, even though he wasn't aware of doing so.And during this time, just like the people in the sideways-verse in Lost, he was healing. The Severus who ultimately will leave the boat will be a different man from the one who died in the Shrieking Shack.There are only ten drabbles; this will be completed on Friday. Please let me know what you think!
Response from ladyljd (Reviewer)
That makes much more sense than my initial reaction. In fact, that's a more apt comparison to Lost's Ben since he also chose to remain outside of the church. Well done! Perhaps Damon and Carlton read your drabbles last year?!I feel much better about this now. Thanks so much for the quick clarification.In other news, did you like the finale? I loved it as I watched but in retrospect the season they spent generating unanswered (and ultimately unimportant) questions bothers me a bit. It makes me feel like I was just being strung along.
Does that mean that all the people he was connected with at some are dead? And was he chosen to be the charon? I'm sorry I'm always asking questions.
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
Don't be sorry! I'm thrilled that you're interested in my story!Basically, for the purposes of this story, I've "bent" the Charon myth to make it so that no person crosses without the comfort of a familiar face. So, for this story, there are hundreds or thousands of charons. Severus won't transport everyone he's ever known. But when someone he's known dies, there's a pretty good chance that he'll transport them, unless there's another charon who is closer for them.He'll be finished soon, I promise. (Friday!)Thank you for asking questions and for staying with a story that is kind of weird and confusing. I really appreciate it!
I would think that in death, such matters would definitely be unimportant.
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
They really are, aren't they? *hugsThank you, my friend!
Will Severus begin seeing the faces of his students soon? Draco, Harry...Neville? I can just imagine an uncontrollable shudder running through him as he remembered all the Potions disasters caused by Neville when he was alive!Now that Severus has felt envy for the living, is that a step which means that his time as a Charon is drawing to a close? I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
In a way, this time as Charon has helped Severus recover from the trauma that was his life. And I felt that his envy was a sign that he felt that he might have deserved such a life as Lucius had, as well.He will see many more familiar faces before he finally moves on.Thank you for reviewing! (*giggles at the look on Neville's face when he steps into the boat and sees Snape)
I wonder if Tom saw anyone he knew waiting for him on the bank? This whole story puts me in mind of what Arthur Conan Doyle wrote just a few days before his own death: "I have had many adventures. The greatest and most glorious of all awaits me now."
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
I imagine that Tom wouldn't have, unless it was Bellatrix. But nobody ever loved Tom for his own sake, not even Tom. (Whether he was at all lovable is, of course, another question altogether.)That's a lovely quote! Thank you for sharing it, and thank you for your kind review!
I think I've misunderstood something. Is Snape the Charon?
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
Yes, he has become the Charon, until his own quest is fulfilled.Thanks for reading and commenting!
what a facinating ficlet. thanks and i look forward to further updates. smoochies!
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
I'm very glad you like it! Another drabble is up today (the 26th) and there are two after that.Thank you!
facinating. i especially like the idea of more than one. thanks and smoochies
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
I have NO idea where the notion of many Charons came from, but once it struck, it stuck.Thank you so much!
I wonder who is the passenger that know Snape. MAybe one of his parent?
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
Every passenger he carries is someone whose life he touched. It's a strange concept, and it's very different from the real Charon myth, but I found it really compelling.Thank you for reviewing!
I wonder would happen if he were to come back. Will he use the same path?
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
I'm afraid there is no path back for anyone. Even Harry didn't get this far.Thank you for reading & commenting!
Very nice. I feel a real sense of peace while reading this so far. I'm looking forward to more.
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
I'm very glad you're liking this. I'm updating daily; it will be complete in ten drabbles.Thank you!
This story is so beatiful and well written. I like the soft language, no anger and although it is sad it is also full of hope
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
I'm so glad you like it! Thank you for your very kind review!
wow! this is so great in so few words. you rock! thanks and happy new year smoochies
Response from Annie Talbot (Author of The Charon)
I'm very glad you like it! I'm sorry for the delay in completing it, but it will all be posted by the end of this week.Thank you!