Promise (redemption)
Chapter 8 of 10
LariopeA drabble series focusing on Snape's life through the lens of the Seven Deadly Sins. Written for the first round of Snape_LDWS.
ReviewedThe fact is, he discovers, you do have to mean it. You have to mean every word of every promise you ever made to the man, and the sickly green that travels from his wand to Dumbledore’s chest, it seems, is the physical embodiment of that promise.
When Snape was a child and had first come to Dumbledore, first fallen on his knees on that restless hill, he believed that he had offered his life in payment.
Anything, he had said, but the only thing he had imagined that anything could be was his own world, his own self ended.
Instead, it is this: one act of submission, of perfect compliance.
It would have been easier to give his life, to slip behind the veil in some final moment of heroics or despair. Now he has been put to use in the most desperate sense, every debt called in at once, and he will not fail Dumbledore, nor Lily, by shrinking in the face of it.
He feels the unspeakable rip inside as the curse connects, but there is no pain, only the sense that he has been cleansed by burning, the worst of his soul stripped away. Dumbledore’s eyes remain fixed to his for a moment before he disappears over the battlements. There is no life in them, no reassurance, but this:
It is the only curse he has ever cast out of love. Which, as the old man would have said, is the most powerful magic of all.
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
Latest 25 Reviews for The Sins of Severus Snape
47 Reviews | 8.09/10 Average
I'm not certain how I've missed this series. Nocturnus rec'd it today on LJ (btw - Happy Birthday!) so I thought I would take a peak.You must be IRL a phychologist, a social worker, or a religious teacher. The insight you give into each drabble is genius and beautiful.
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
Thank you, both for the lovely review and the birthday wishes. I've always been particularly proud of this series, and it means a lot to me that you enjoyed them :)
No words.
Beautifully crafted -- every phrase sings, though the tune is bitter and dark it's no less lush and lovely for that.
This was brilliantly written! I can't imagine how much time it must have taken to perfect each chapter, and make all the emotions and thoughts so real and true! Just wonderful!
That was superb. Your writing is incredible.
You may thing you are free Severus but Hermione is there waiting in the shadows with her time turner and a bag full of potions to rescue you!!!
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
LOL!!! It's true!!!
No vacations to summon up courage for the rest of the battle for Snape. He is stuck counting roses and dwelling. ~signs
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
Poor Snape. :(
When I read that Severus felt "he has been cleansed by burning" of killing Albus I got goosebumps.
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
Thank you! All goosebumps very much appreciated. xoxoxo
Lucius does hoard his pretty things doesnt he?
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
Indeed, he does. Quite a contrast from the spartan nature of Snape's existance.
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
Quite so. I like how Severus recognizes Lusicus hording or should I say collecting. Makes it all the more stark in comparison.
A chilling glimps into Snape's thoughts at a pivotal moment. Naturally all bent out of shape about Potter. Boys.
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
I just recently reread OotP, and it was so clear to me, suddenly, that James was the reason Snape joined the DEs, not Lily. James is a tool. That is all. :)
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
I am no fan of any of them: James, Lily, Remus, Black the whole teenaged crowd. Bunch of self centered, clueless, privledged wankers. 
I like the idea that Severus' writings are not random thoughts or doodles but rather the result of much testing and research. Ever the scholar that one.
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
As bright as some other know-it-all I've written about. :)Thank you for reading and reviewing these, my friend. xoxo
Obsess much? You have made his greed appear an almost tangible thing he wears. ((shivers))
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
What a lovely image--thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
!!! xoxo
So deep into that teenaged angst Mr. Snape! And also a bit of naughty woo hoo!
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
Isn't that the essence of adolescence? Angst and woo hoo? LOL. xoxo
Someone once said that Severus could hold a grudge for England if it was an olympic event. heee! I was reminded when I read of Severus gulttony. Goodness!
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
I love that. And he totally could.
How would the story have changed if Severus saw Harry had Lily's eyes? If he focused on how his behavior was more similar to Lily than James? If Severus had embraced his role as protector in that moment instead of drowning in it? ((ponders))Also you should get an award for all this angst!
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
You're the second person to ask that!!! And I definitely think I need to consider it with my fic hat on.Re: angst, I need to send you a hilarious picture.
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
PM through LJ ! I want to seeeeeee the hilarious pictureIts funny your writing is so damn angsty and in person you are a goof ball. How does this happen? 
I am speechless. Every single one of these was absolutely incredible.
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
Thank you so much, star girl!! That means a lot to me. xoxo
Holy crap, ladycakes!!! Sheesh! It's actually been awhile since I got on here to read anything. I got an email saying that you had uploaded the story and... wow. Stories like this just remind me why I a) Love this man and B) Love this ship. While there wasn't SSHG in here, we have GOT to have the most talent!!! You are brilliant and I love this. LOVE. SO good!!! This line, for one, I really loved: "Before long, I will have to die for that." Wowza. YAY!!!!!
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
Thank you, TinyT!!!!!This is such a wonderful, enthusiastic review, and it makes me feel all energized and excited (doubly grateful, as it's 5:51 in the morning right now. Why do I have to get up and go to work, again?)I'm so happy that you liked that line. I had fun writing it. Thank you again for reading and reviewing!! *super glomp*
So sad and bittersweet! You captured Severus's emotional landscape so accurately, thank you!
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
Thank YOU, Tenoh27!! I'm very happy that you felt it was accurate. :) :)
Thank you for sharing this piece with us, and thank you for setting Snape free.
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
Thank you, Morgaine_Dulac. And I'm so glad that you were glad he was free, despite the circumstances.
One has to be really desperate to count cabbage roses and gnomes. And who can blame the man? After all he had to do, it's a miracle he can make himself get up in the mornings.
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
I agree. I think for poor Snape, it's just a way to turn his mind off, and God knows, he needs one. Thank you very much for reading and reviewing!
This chapter was just painfully beautiful. Thank you.
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
Thank you very much!
I wonder, how would Snape have treated Harry if he had been the spitting image of his mother. And how much would Snape have suffered, had he been forced to see Lily's face every day?
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
A different kind of suffering, for sure. But it's definitely worth thinking about in the context of Snape's life. Thank you for the interesting question (it's kicking around in the creative parts of the brain ;)) and for reviewing!
Response from morgaine_dulac (Reviewer)
Do let me know if the creative parts of your brain come up with something on this topic. I am sure it will make a very interesting read.
Is there anything more to say than "Poor Severus"? He had no idea how his wish to make Potter sorry would destroy his future as well.
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
I agree; often as I wrote this, I just thought, Poor Severus. Thank you very much for reading and reviewing!
How much it must have hurt when he learnt just who came to read his master piece ...
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
Yes, the last person on earth he'd ever have shared it with. Although maybe there was at least some pleasure that he'd forced Potter to recognize his talent/skill.
Wow! So possessive. So typical. Poor lad.
Response from Lariope (Author of The Sins of Severus Snape)
I know. You hardly know whether to chastise him or hug him.