The Unconditional Vow
Agnus Castus61 Reviews | 4.23/10 (61 Ratings, 0 Likes, 12 Favorites )
Albus Dumbledore had a plan to protect Severus Snape after the fateful night on the Astronomy Tower. During his final year as Headmaster, Snape has a chance to come to terms with his past and find peace, before his life draws to its inevitable close. Canon-compliant. TPP Featured Story May/June 2010.
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About Agnus Castus
Author
Agnus Castus
Member Since 2008 | 10 Stories | Favorited by 26 | 24 Reviews Written | 278 Review Responses
I’m a 40-something British woman, residing in the Ribble Valley in north-west England. I’m a pharmacist and a counsellor. My penname, Agnus Castus, is a herbal remedy for women’s hormone problems. I also co-write with The Snapettes.
I can also be found in the Facebook group "Muffliato!" for folks who appreciate SS/OC fanfic.
Reviews for The Unconditional Vow
I normally don't get drawn in to fics with OC's but I took a chance on this and am so glad that I did. I have just finished reading it straight through and I can't wait for the next chapter. I love the way that you have let both Snape and Contessa strip themselves of their past relationships and allow the possibility of there being a different relationship in their lives. Although you have followed the timeline/events of DH, I so hope that there is a future post war for this couple. I will admit to being a bit confused in the chapter when Snape first realizes he has feelings for Contessa--the internal dialogue seemed a bit vague to me, but I also was reading fairly quick pace so that might have had something to do with it. Anyway, thanks for this fic and I look forward to the next installment.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
I take it as a huge compliment when reviewers who wouldn't normally read OC stories give The Unconditional Vow a chance and then find that they like it. Thank you for saying this - it has made my day! The way I've always seen Snape is as a man who could never love again, unless he was able to somehow deal with his feelings for Lily. So, for me, any potential romantic involvement would require him to work through his emotions and find resolution (of sorts). This would, of course, take time - but there is plenty of that available during the events of Deathly Hallows.The chapter you refer to - Treasured in Darkness - probably would be a bit vague if you were reading quickly. His internal process took a long time to deal with his feelings for Lily, and once he had worked through them then his feelings for Contessa came through relatively quickly. Of course, the feelings had been there for a long time; Snape just hadn't recognised or taken notice of them until that point because he was too consumed by Lily. Also, his realisation was tinged with fear, and he found it hard to give the new feelings free reign, which adds to the vagueness. The final two chapters are in the queue. Thank you so much for reviewing!
Oh I can't wait for the next bit. Very well written. I feel so glad Severus has SOMEONE who cares. Poor thing. Book 7 was just so painful.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
Thank you very much,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
. Yes, book seven was a painful episode for Severus, which of course means the next chapter will be painful too. At least this time he has someone to support him. Hope you like the Godric's Hollow chapter!
Oh dear. Both want the same and each think the other repulsed by the idea. LOL. How awful. I can't imagine how they'll ever get it worked out.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
Yes, awful and amusing at the same time. With Severus being a man of few words, can they ever get past this?
Boy, Contessa really needs to be smacked.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
Good to know Contessa can provoke a reaction!
Wow. Beautiful story so far. That pic is amazing. seriously beautiful. Sad sad sad face. OMG.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
Thank you very much for reviewing, and I'm glad you like the fanart!
I loved the 'I hope you like black', line. And the slow development of their relationship is lovely.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
You like the slow development? That's good! 
Thanks for reviewing. The next chapters are posted in volumes, so bring your coffee with you 
Oh, that is interesting.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
Why, thank you! I hope the story will continue to hold your interest.
What a beautiful picture...heartbreaking, but beautiful. A very good beginning to the story, as well...a very plausible look into what Severus might have been doing and thinking right after the death of Dumbledore.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
Hi
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
, and thanks for leaving a review. I endeavoured for the story to remain as plausible / canon-compliant as possible, so please let me know if I suceeded!
Looks like I'm going to enjoy this story all over again! Beautifully written. :)
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
Hello again,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
! Thanks for dropping by
I'm so glad you are posting here. This is an incredible story.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
Hello
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of The Unconditional Vow)
nice to hear from you again! Thanks for dropping by and leaving a note.