VIII: Change For Charis
Chapter 8 of 37
sevs_starsisters*COMPLETED* The Star Sisters have left Hogwarts and are now facing a new world with new opportunities and new kinds of danger. And also for the Half-Blood Prince, times are changing. (This story is the sequel to Star Sisters.)
Sorry we left you waiting. Real life, you know ...
Chapter VIII: Change For Charis
'Morgana, don't. Please don't go outside.' The Ravenclaw desperately pleaded with her friend, her green eyes full of fear as she grabbed Morgana by the arm.
'Don't be silly, Charis,' the Slytherin scoffed back, shaking herself free of Charis' grip with annoyance. 'I'm just going to have a look.'
'But there are Death Eaters out there. They'll hex you on sight.'
The redhead merely narrowed her eyes in response to this. 'Then I'll have to make sure they don't see me, right?'
'Morgana, please. Don't go!'
But Charis' pleading was in vain. Morgana simply walked past her, rolling her eyes, and was out of the door in a matter of seconds. And Charis, terrified by the prospect of coming face to face with Bellatrix Lestrange but too scared for her friend to let her go alone, followed suit.
Upon leaving the house, they were met by thick, acrid smoke. The whole of Diagon Alley seemed to be in flames. People were running for their lives, yelling and screaming, but Morgana didn't seem to care. Determinedly, she walked down the alley, towards the inferno that once had been Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, and Charis followed at her heels.
'Go back,' Morgana demanded. 'You should not be here, Charis.'
'Neither should you,' Charis argued. 'If you're going, I'm going with you.'
Morgana stopped and turned, fixing her friend with an icy cold stare. 'You should not be here,' she repeated slowly.
Charis opened her mouth to speak, but found herself unable to. The scene that was unfolding in front of her eyes worked like a full Body-Bind Curse, and she couldn't speak, nor move, nor run away. All she could do was stare at the two figures which were emerging out of the smoke and flames. One was a man, tall and blond, with silvery-grey eyes that glittered triumphantly in the light of the fire. The other was a woman with dark hair and heavy-lidded eyes. They approached Morgana from behind, and she did not even flinch when the blond wizard wrapped his arms around her. Instead, she let her head fall to the side, and her eyes fluttered shut for a moment as the wizard planted a tender kiss on her neck.
'Well done, dearest heart,' Lucius whispered into Morgana's ear. 'Now Bella finally has a filthy Mudblood to play with. And you and I will be calling the Dark Lord.'
Charis' scream of terror never left her lips, and the last thing she saw before the world around her exploded in a jet of green light was the Dark Mark on Morgana's arm.
* * *
Charis shot off her pillow, stifling her cry with both hands. But it was too late. She had screamed already, and by the looks of her bedsheets, she had been thrashing around, fighting her nightmare for quite a while. And even now, when she was wide awake, her heart was pounding in her chest, and every muscle in her body was tense. She was cold and sweaty at the same time, and she could have sworn that her throat was itching from smoke. But in fact, her throat was sore from screaming.
Hugging her pillow tightly to her chest, Charis rolled up under her blanket once more. Would it always be like this from now on, she wondered fearfully. Was she doomed to wake up screaming every night for years to come?
'It will all be fine,' she told herself. After all, the attack on Fortescue's had only taken place four days ago, four very hectic days ago, during which Charis had barely found the time to catch her breath, let alone to process everything that had happened that night. No wonder she was having bad dreams.
She had returned to Somerset on Friday morning, when she had finished her packing and sent off everything to her new flat in London with the help of some very handy spells she had found in a little blue book called A Hundred Spells to Make Moving Less Painstaking. Her room, however, she had cleaned the Muggle way, as not to upset her father, who still wasn't too keen on his daughter moving away to London and living as a witch.
That night, Charis had fallen asleep the moment her head had hit the pillow and slept soundly until shortly after midnight when her little cat Lily had happened to brush against a stack of books on her way to the window, making the top-most book land on the floor with a thud and waking her mistress. Charis had not been angry with the little ball of fluff, of course, especially not since the little animal had managed to give itself quite a fright, but going back to sleep had seemed almost impossible as her heart was racing in her chest like a stampeding Hippogriff. And when she finally had gone back to sleep, she had dreamt of books that came crashing down upon her. And then the books had turned into bricks falling from the tumbling walls of what had once been Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour.
Due to the lack of sleep, Charis had spent the Saturday in some kind of daze, and every undertaking had seemed to take at least double the amount of time it normally did. And by the time Charis had boarded the Knight Bus that would take her to London on Saturday night, she was barely sure if she had taken farewell of her parents or turned off the lights in her room.
The conductor of the Knight Bus, Stan Shunpike, had been helpful enough, Levitating Charis' trunk into the bus and holding Lily while Charis fished around in her pockets for the exact fare. He had also let her pick her bed and given her a hot water bottle for free because he said she had such pretty eyes. But if Charis had hoped for a calm night and some well-needed sleep, she had been sadly mistaken. The ride had been bumpy, to say the least, and Stan had seemed unable to shut his mouth for even a second. But what had been most annoying and had kept Charis from sleep had been his stories about the attack in Diagon Alley and abduction of Florean Fortescue. Listening to Stan, one could have gotten the impression that he had been there and seen everything with his own eyes.
Sunday, then, had not held any free time either. Charis had spent most of the day pottering around her flat, unpacking and trying to get everything in order, moving the little furniture she owned from one side of the room to the other and then back again, trying to make up her mind on where everything should be, and had it not been for Lily's pitiful meowing in the middle of the afternoon, Charis would surely have forgotten to go out to buy cat food, dinner and some tea and toast for breakfast. But once she had returned, she had been too tired to eat, and Lily had ended up with a big bowl of spaghetti Bolognese instead while Charis had more or less passed out on her bed.
And there she was now, still not rested after ten hours of sleep, her heart still racing in her chest after her nightmare, and a big knot in her stomach. Today was her first day of work! And she was an utter mess!
Having no idea what time it was, Charis gave a small scream and jumped out of bed. What if she had overslept? What if she was late for work? On her first day! They would send her home right away! Merlin, what was she supposed to do?
With her glasses slightly askew and her hair standing out in all directions, Charis frantically searched for her watch, not even noticing the little house-elf that stood in her kitchen until the elf gave a little polite cough. For a split second, Charis' heart stopped.
'Silvy didn't mean to frighten Miss Charis,' the little elf piped up, shuffling her tiny feet uncomfortably. 'Miss Morgana instructed Silvy to have breakfast ready and leave again before Miss Charis awakens. Silvy couldn't foresee that Miss Charis would wake up early.'
'Early?' Charis asked, all the tension seemingly leaving her mind and body at once. 'I haven't overslept?'
'It is seven-thirty, Miss,' Silvy informed her. 'Miss Morgana said that Miss Charis doesn't have to be at the Ministry before nine. If it is convenient with Miss Charis, Silvy will finish making breakfast while Miss Charis has a shower and gets dressed.'
Thirty minutes later, Charis sat in her kitchen, wearing her new royal blue robe with her hair straightened and pampered with Primpernelle's best lotions and potions. Madam Primpernelle was a miracle worker; Charis looked healthy and glowing and not like a young woman who'd had very little sleep for the best part of a week. Silvy had dutifully Disapparated before Charis had returned from the bathroom, and Charis was now trying to enjoy a sumptuous breakfast while Lily was lapping up a saucer full of milk.
'It was nice of Morgana to send us Silvy, wasn't it, Lily?' Charis asked her little cat, not really expecting an answer. 'It's nice to know that someone is looking out for us.'
When would she see Morgana again, Charis wondered. Their goodbye on Friday morning had been rather hasty, since Morgana had wanted to get to the Ministry as soon as possible in order to get first-hand information on what exactly had happened at Fortescue's. And Charis had not had the courage to ask her friend to linger, nor had she had the courage to mention any of the feelings that had been raging in her heart.
Had she imagined the moment between them before the chaos broke out in Diagon Alley? Or would something more have happened between them had they not been disturbed?
Charis took a sip of coffee and tried to block such thoughts. She would never know for certain unless she confronted Morgana, and second to marrying Filch, right now that was the last thing she wanted to do. She knew that Morgana hated to talk about feelings. And if there hadn't been anything that is, if Charis had indeed imagined everything she did not know how Morgana would react if she mentioned the incident. To be honest, Charis did not want to find out. Their friendship seemed so fragile. And Charis felt that she couldn't afford to lose her friend. Not now.
Sighing, she pushed a mushroom around her plate. She had managed to eat at least some of the deliciously prepared breakfast, but in truth the knot that was still lodged in her stomach was making it difficult to finish the meal. Deciding that it would be a shame to let it go to waste, she fed some of the bacon to Lily and put the rest in the refrigerator. She didn't know when she would return in the evening, and having some leftovers ready which she could magic into a nice sandwich didn't look like that bad of an idea.
In the lounge, Charis double-checked her bag. Keys. Wand. Purse. The mirror. She was ready.
'That's it then, Lily,' she called to the little cat that had devoured the bacon like a hungry lion and was now making herself comfortable on the huge fluffy pillow under the window. 'Be a good kitty, okay?'
With a handful of Floo powder in her clenched fist, Charis stepped in front of the fireplace and took a deep breath. The overwhelming tide of nerves that swept over her almost made her retch. Was she really ready for this? Was moving to London the best move for her? And was getting a job at the Ministry of Magic a mistake? After all, her cousin Sirius had been killed at the Ministry just a few short months ago in the very department she was going to be working in, and Voldemort himself had led the Ministry's infiltration. Plus, the recent attack on Fortescue's showed that Wizarding London was no longer a safe place to be. And then there was the job itself. Was she cut out for it? What if she couldn't do it and got it all wrong and made a mess of it? What if the Ministry had made a mistake in hiring her and she really shouldn't be working there at all?
A million thoughts whizzed through her mind, a million worries that had culminated from her final year at Hogwarts and beyond. She felt her outstretched hand starting to shake, and squeezing her eyes shut, she took some more deep breaths in order to calm herself. She shouldn't be feeling this way. She should be excited! This was it; her life started here. She was a bona fide witch with her own flat and a job at the Ministry. But standing at the edge of her fireplace felt like standing on the edge of a cliff, and she needed to be brave and jump. Beyond it lay her future, and there was no turning back now.
Looking over her shoulder, Charis caught sight of Lily. The little cat was basking in the morning sunlight, already fast asleep, seemingly oblivious to her mistress' distress. Or did the cat think that there was nothing to worry about? Did Lily have so much confidence in her mistress that she could go to sleep in a blink of an eye?
'I can do this!' Charis said out loud, and steeling her nerves, she bravely walked forwards, threw the glittery Floo powder into the grate and stepped through the emerald flames, right into her future.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Shooting Stars
112 Reviews | 6.64/10 Average
Great start. Albums would really sacrifice anyone to win the war. I hope both of a star sisters find their happy ending and the war doesn't destroy their souls.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Now you reminded us of that we should wirte a Part 3. :)
well, what can I say? This was a blast from beginning to end. Loved your new characters and how the Malfoys once again play a big part in Morganna's love life. Severus what a naughty man coming up with the three mirrors and him being a bit of a peeping Tom lol. Least he kept his word and did ensure the star sisters safety and nice to see him hinting at them to both wear their star necklaces once more.
The scene where the girls on Christmas Eve made that special spell and vow was beautifully written. Also the Scenes on new years eve and after were tenderly done and not in a harsh way but in a loving one. Even Snapes watching was done with a special feel and not pervy at all. Shall look forward to read more in this series and see if Snape can loose his dark thoughts and become a man who can accept love in the end and be rid of the Lily Ghost.
Thanks for writing and creating this lovely series. Really enjoyed reading it and sorry I did not get time to review every chapter. Consider this worth a hundred reviews.
Congrats.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Every review we get is special, and one like this that conveys the depth of appreciation and affection for our characters is extra special. We're delighted that you enjoyed the series enough to read it all and tell us how much you enjoyed it.Wildcard's response: I do hope you write more in this wonderful series. Good fanfic is hard to find and this is a jewel and worth reading again. Shall look forward to more when you get time to be creative. Thanks again.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Every review we get is special, and one like this that conveys the depth of appreciation and affection for our characters is extra special. We're delighted that you enjoyed the series enough to read it all and tell us how much you enjoyed it.Wildcard's response: I do hope you write more in this wonderful series. Good fanfic is hard to find and this is a jewel and worth reading again. Shall look forward to more when you get time to be creative. Thanks again.
The relationship between Charis and Morgana has become a beautiful thing, and I'm very happy for them and glad that Severus will continue to watch over his girls. One day I hope his heart will be healed and that he will remember how to love. And allow himself to be loved.I'm sad this story has come to an end (for now), but I'm so happy to know that you aren't done with these characters—I've grown quite fond of them. For now we will let them sleep. I want to let you know how much I've enjoyed Star Sisters and now Shooting Stars. You are very gifted writers, and I thank you for sharing this wonderful story with us. I wish you both good days and much happiness. May real life calm down for you, and allow you the opportunity to once again weave this magic you do so well.I give you my thanks with much gratitude and lots of hugs,Beth
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Dearest Beth, receiving your reviews was like a gift to us. To have a reader invest so much emotionally and intellectually into our stories and craft such detailed, thoughtful reviews is a wonderful thing and really kept us going, even when the story was not always easy to write.
You were there every step of the way and we cannot express enough gratitude for that.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Dearest Beth, receiving your reviews was like a gift to us. To have a reader invest so much emotionally and intellectually into our stories and craft such detailed, thoughtful reviews is a wonderful thing and really kept us going, even when the story was not always easy to write.
You were there every step of the way and we cannot express enough gratitude for that.
Mmmm... I think I'd like a cup of tea and a biscuit after reading this chapter! Or perhaps a cigarette? 
Smoking hot writing, ladies. Thank you from the bottom of my... err... heart!
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
*passes cigarette, chocolate and clean underwear*
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
*passes cigarette, chocolate and clean underwear*
Gorgeous chapter, and I appreciated Snape leaving them be and also not taking himself in hand. As he realises the feeling blossoming in his chest, my heart ached for him a little bit. Then followed "A love he had no part of, a love he would never be able to share with anyone" which summed it all up and put a lump in my throat. Ah, Snape. Forever the tragic anti-hero. Lovely writing.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
We're honoured that our writing got such an emotional response from you and that we got Snape right in this scene - it was important to get it right and from your reaction, we did :-)
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
We're honoured that our writing got such an emotional response from you and that we got Snape right in this scene - it was important to get it right and from your reaction, we did :-)
I enjoyed your creation of Dumbledore's vow and its execution - gentle and manipulative - much like the man himself. I love that Dumbledore also set up their New Year's celebration with Snape, even though, so far at least, Snape hasn't got in on the action! The tenderness between Morgana and Charis is lovely. Reading on...
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Gentle and manipulative works for us! And maybe your exquisite patience will be rewarded if you read on :-)
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Gentle and manipulative works for us! And maybe your exquisite patience will be rewarded if you read on :-)
"The way Ravenclaws seemed to be fascinated by the stars was simply adorable" bahaha! Pity that I didn't realise the significance of the constellation Leo; I've let down team Ravenclaw! At least I'd managed to suss out the connection to Slytherin's locket via the house-elf, thus tracing it back to Black. This is a lovely chapter brimming with charm and intimacy between the Star Sisters, and their spell-casting was beautiful and poignant. I also enjoyed Morgana's metaphor for moving on at the end of the chapter. I must say, though, that you've plotted your story meticulously and have been wonderfully crafty with the prophecy; not just with its puzzle, but also making your story fit seamlessly into canon... After all, we were never told how Dumbledore came to discover the locket. I take my hat off to you, ladies!
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
We've managed to hoodwink a Ravenclaw, that's something to be proud of! But full marks for realising the locket connection. We're so thrilled you enjoyed the prophecy and think it blends into canon seamlessly - we tried really hard to make it work and it caused our brains to hurt on several occassions!
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
We've managed to hoodwink a Ravenclaw, that's something to be proud of! But full marks for realising the locket connection. We're so thrilled you enjoyed the prophecy and think it blends into canon seamlessly - we tried really hard to make it work and it caused our brains to hurt on several occassions!
Now it's time to turn fantasy into reality for Severus and his girls--can the teasing giggling be leading up to them beckoning him over to their side *hopeful look*--great menage-a-trois dynamics; I really like Morgana's sexuality being released and expressed, reinforcing her healing from the past and embracing the present and future; Charis' divine sub positions--yum! and as I said last chapter, Severus is one lucky wizard... *sighing* Lovely, dynamic, lemony chapter as always!xxx
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Thank you for your kind words, as always :-) We're hoping to be able to wrap everything up nicely in the next chapter.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Thank you for your kind words, as always :-) We're hoping to be able to wrap everything up nicely in the next chapter.
As I began reading this chapter I was so surprised that I had to go back and read the end of the previous chapter to be sure I understood what had happened... which, of course, I didn't, but I didn't know that until Severus woke up that I realized it was his dream. You two ladies are masters of the twisty plot. Well done!
Dreaming as he had been, I was glad he allowed himself to carry his dream to fruition in the shower. Perhaps this "Sweet Release" will help him get through the coming storm. Soon he will have to kill Dumbledore and then endure his tenure as Headmaster until the entire house of cards comes falling down.
I was very happy for him when heard Charis and Morgana talking and giggling in their activated mirrors. It would be very sweet if his dream became a reality after all is said and done. But I'm not kidding myself one tiny bit that I can predict just what you two have in mind for these three dear people. The only thing I'm sure of right now is that I'll be sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next update.
Thank you for a very nice chapter!!!
Beth
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Ah, dreams ... They can be rather wonderful :-) Earlier this week, the next chapter has finally been written and is now awaiting embellishing and polishing. Shouldn't be long, hopefully :-)
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Ah, dreams ... They can be rather wonderful :-) Earlier this week, the next chapter has finally been written and is now awaiting embellishing and polishing. Shouldn't be long, hopefully :-)
It's a relief for Morgana and Charis that they have finally and truly shared their love for each other. And not only a relief for the two of them, but for Severus as well, I think. He has such strong feelings for both of them, and I think knowing that they have declared their love and cemented their relationship has given him peace of mind that they will be all right no matter what happens.
He loved those two girls dearly in his own special way. They would never know, of course, but he hoped that every now and then, they would remember him with fondness.
This chapter has really touched my heart. I don't know what will happen to Severus, and it makes me sad to think of him being alone. I hope he can find something or someone to "hang onto" as future events unfold. Be kind to him, ladies. Be kind.Beth
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Beth! We are so sorry for having let you wait so long for a resposnse! We really hate the fact that real life is not letting us play around in the sandbox that is fan fic as much as we would like to! Grrr! As always, we thank you for your kind words and we will try to fulfill your wish about Severus.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Beth! We are so sorry for having let you wait so long for a resposnse! We really hate the fact that real life is not letting us play around in the sandbox that is fan fic as much as we would like to! Grrr! As always, we thank you for your kind words and we will try to fulfill your wish about Severus.
Mmmn... beautiful! Love their love-making, giving and sharing to each other the way each one needs, and Severus witnessing it--some wizards have all the luck! What a lovely way to bring in the New Year!
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Mmmmm, just re-read the chapter. It was indeed lovely :-)
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Mmmmm, just re-read the chapter. It was indeed lovely :-)
I love this story even more than the last one.
I have no idea how the two of you do it but I am grateful that you do.
Sorry for not leaving reviews before now, but it is often difficult to find words for my appreciation! Rest assured that I always eagerly await the next instalment.
Such a beautiful and unusual story... the pair of you need to create a universe of your own! I'm sure we could expect great things from such imaginations! Perhaps just as great as the universe that brought your two formidable minds together!
Thank you.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
First of all, our sincerest apologies for taking so much time to answer your lovely review. We normally don't let our readers wait that long, but real life has no sense for good timing. We want you to know that your kind words made our day! :-) The dream to create something original is certainly there, and one of us is already trying hard to make it happen. Hopefully, the dream will soon come true.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
First of all, our sincerest apologies for taking so much time to answer your lovely review. We normally don't let our readers wait that long, but real life has no sense for good timing. We want you to know that your kind words made our day! :-) The dream to create something original is certainly there, and one of us is already trying hard to make it happen. Hopefully, the dream will soon come true.
‘When the rope dissolves and we let go of each other, neither of you will be able to convey what you have learnt here today,’ Dumbledore explained. ‘You will have a faint memory of our conversation with Kreacher, but trying to remember the details will be like trying to remember a dream. The harder you try, the further will it drift away. And unless we three stand here once more, with our hands entwined, you will never be able to remember.’Damn. I wish the girls had not had to agree to take that vow. But if they hadn't, then he would have Obliviated them. I hope they really will be safer not remembering the prophecy.I can't help but wish Severus didn't have to spend New Year's Eve with only a bottle of Ogden's to keep him company while he watches his girls coming to understand the depth of their feelings for each other. With Severus already upstairs and the girls on their way up the stairs, I wonder if they'll run into each other? I'm off to the next chapter to find out. :^)Beth
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Our sincerest apologies for taking so long to reply! Real Life is demanding far too much attention at the moment! We hate to let our readers hanging!
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Our sincerest apologies for taking so long to reply! Real Life is demanding far too much attention at the moment! We hate to let our readers hanging!
With Grindling moving to Greece for good, I guess there's no way he will be a regular part of either of the girls' lives. Sometimes I think it's better just to move on and cut your losses, but I know Charis and Morgana will be sad when they realize he has left his position at the Ministry and packed up lock, stock, and barrel.
That was a lovely spell that Charis created to permanently join the girls' star necklaces together. It was pretty cool the way Morgana's star glowed Ravenclaw blue and Charis' glowed Slytherin green. I was tickled when Charis solved the riddle of the prophecy- all that time studying Astronomy really paid off! Now Dumbledore wants them to wait a week. Perhaps he does want to do some research of his own.
I'm glad Morgana has a new Patronus- a majestic black feline is much better than her old Peacock. It's very telling that they have such similar Patronuses, isn't it? It seems like their world is settling into something solid and stable, but with Grindling out of the picture (for now, anyway) I'm wondering what Severus will do? Poor man is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. Speaking of Severus... what is he doing right now?
Beth
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
We're getting very close to the end now, and we have been so honoured to have you along for the ride. Having your thoughtful reviews has encouraged and delighted us in equal measure.
We hope we won't have to keep you very long for the next chapter and we once again thank you for all your unwavering support.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
We're getting very close to the end now, and we have been so honoured to have you along for the ride. Having your thoughtful reviews has encouraged and delighted us in equal measure.
We hope we won't have to keep you very long for the next chapter and we once again thank you for all your unwavering support.
It seems that it has taken tonight's events and their outcomes to bring Severus to the point where he can relax enough to realize that Charis and Morgana love each other. But I'm not sure if they can be happy with only each other. Grindling loves Charis, and I think he has very strong feelings for Morgana as well. Charis loves Severus, and Morgana feels very safe with him. Severus loves Charis and Morgana. And I have absolutely no idea how this is going to work out. There are a number of permutations that come to mind, and one of them is that Severus, Charis, and Morgana become a threesome family. Or Grindling could make for a foursome family. Or Grindling could find himself with Narcissa when all hell breaks loose and Lucius ends up dead or in prison for the rest of his life. Or if Severus dies, then Grindling, Charis and Morgana could make a life together.This emotional awakening Severus has undergone, leaves me feeling very afraid for him. I fear he will go willingly to meet death so long as he thinks "his girls" are safe and happy. Is he falling into well of dark resignation?Thank you for this thought provoking chapter, ladies. I still don't have any idea how this will all turn out, and now I have an even longer list of possible outcomes. You are masters of mystery!Beth
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
We have created a huge mess, haven't we? We're working on a couple of chapters that will hopefully untangle and tie up loose ends. Hopefully... Thank you, as always, for your support!!
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
We have created a huge mess, haven't we? We're working on a couple of chapters that will hopefully untangle and tie up loose ends. Hopefully... Thank you, as always, for your support!!
The place where Ravenclaws always took comfort and solitude: the library.' This had e tearing up! And the delicious lemony, Snapey goodness-sene has me saying, Merlin's balls, sevs_starsisters, yes, yes, yes! and more, more, more! *taking a deep satisfied sigh* Thank you! (and Miss Charis needs to heed Sev's advice for her and Morgana--speaking of which, can't wait for Sev's jetsetting over to Malfoy manor, maybe Ms Morgana needs some *special* attention too from the Potions master--he is suppose to take care of both his girls *decadent cackle* Lovely, yummy chapter, as always!xxx
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Got to love you decadent cackle!! :-)
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Got to love you decadent cackle!! :-)
Poor, dear Grindling--lovely moments and chemistry and trust between these two, only to be breathtakingly blown away with the scene between Morgana and Severus--yes, yes, yes! Could feel Morgana breaking through and liberating herself with Severus *perfect, bloody f------ perfect* Thank you!! xxx
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
So chuffed you're reading and reviewing on two archives. Thank you so much!!
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
So chuffed you're reading and reviewing on two archives. Thank you so much!!
Now I see what you meant when you told me that Severus would feel pretty guilty... but I have to wonder just how guilty he really felt. Still and all, Morgana is free from the weight of a millstone named Lucius Malfoy, and Severus has promised that Narcissa will not bother her again. Even crazy Bellatrix served a useful purpose. Thanks to her, Grindling has heard Narcissa say the words that set him free... at least I hope he is free from Narcissa's machinations. In the study, Severus told Morgana to ‘Enjoy a Malfoy-free life. Spend time with the ones who love you the most.’ He left before she could ask who he meant, and then I remembered that Grindling had told her that he wished things could have been different. Soooo... could it be that Grindling has a bit of a crush on Morgana, or is he still in love with the memory of Narcissa... or will he return to Charis? They will see each other because they're trying to solve the Prophesy, but what will they think about the things that have happened in the last few hours? Charis will be thinking about "her boss" and her former teacher. Morgana will be thinking about her former teacher. Narcissa will be thinking about wringing her sister's neck, and mourning the loss of perhaps the only opportunity to regain her husband's freedom and their lost stature in the ranks of the purebloods. Severus will be thinking about both Charis and Morgana... I wish I knew what was going through Severus' mind in regard to both of "his girls." I still can't shake the feeling that he really holds romantic thoughts about Charis, but I have to say you ladies really do keep the waters muddied up enough that I can't ever be sure. Maybe Morgana and Grindling will be attracted to each other, and... *sigh*What is going to go on at Malfoy Manor will all those Death Eaters still there? Oh what a tangled web we weave....Great chapter. As always!Beth
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Braye - let me start by saying thank you. Your review was just what we needed today - feeling a bit wobbly to say the least and your words of support mean so much. It's good to hear that we can still keep you guessing, even as the story itself is finally turning a corner. We hope all the answers to your questions will be revealed over the next few chapters. Until then - huge hugs! And eternal thanks! xx
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
I can't understand why more readers haven't checked this out. Or maybe they have and just don't leave reviews. Either way, this is one of my all time favorite Snape stories that isn't SSHG. Your writing, the way you structure your story - chapter by chapter, clue by clue - is among the best I've EVER read. It's not all PWP. It's not cookie-cutter. It gives me something to get my teeth into. It makes me go back to earlier chapters to "scratch that little itch in the back of my brain" when I read something that I recognize but can't place. I know it's important, and I can't help myself. I have to go back and try to put the clues together. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for writing this story and its predecessor. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for making it so very nice to come home after a long day at work and being able to find a new chapter. You ROCK! A Thousand Points to Your House!Hugs you back,Beth
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Braye - let me start by saying thank you. Your review was just what we needed today - feeling a bit wobbly to say the least and your words of support mean so much. It's good to hear that we can still keep you guessing, even as the story itself is finally turning a corner. We hope all the answers to your questions will be revealed over the next few chapters. Until then - huge hugs! And eternal thanks! xx
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
I can't understand why more readers haven't checked this out. Or maybe they have and just don't leave reviews. Either way, this is one of my all time favorite Snape stories that isn't SSHG. Your writing, the way you structure your story - chapter by chapter, clue by clue - is among the best I've EVER read. It's not all PWP. It's not cookie-cutter. It gives me something to get my teeth into. It makes me go back to earlier chapters to "scratch that little itch in the back of my brain" when I read something that I recognize but can't place. I know it's important, and I can't help myself. I have to go back and try to put the clues together. Please accept my heartfelt thanks for writing this story and its predecessor. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for making it so very nice to come home after a long day at work and being able to find a new chapter. You ROCK! A Thousand Points to Your House!Hugs you back,Beth
Hot dayum! Hot DAYUM! I am so damned happy that Severus and Charis had their "alone time" in the library... and he was so tender and made sure she had the orgasm of her life before he had his.‘The stars,’ he said and pointed at his throat as if to indicate a necklace he was wearing. ‘Renew the charm. Wear them. The both of you.’He still cares for Charis. His kiss on her cheek and urgging her and Morganna to wear their star necklaces proves it beyond all doubt.Thanks, I needed that! *grinning*Beth
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
He does indeed care for both his girls, and he swore he'd look out for them both. However, he's going to be feeling pretty guilty after this encounter... that's all we can say for now! Thanks, as ever, for your support x
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
He's going to be feeling guilty?!?!?! Ohnoes. What are you two up to this time? I can't wait to see what you've cooked up this time.You iz 
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
He does indeed care for both his girls, and he swore he'd look out for them both. However, he's going to be feeling pretty guilty after this encounter... that's all we can say for now! Thanks, as ever, for your support x
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
He's going to be feeling guilty?!?!?! Ohnoes. What are you two up to this time? I can't wait to see what you've cooked up this time.You iz
Of all the rooms for Narcissa to choose from... I wonder just what Narcissa knows and what she doesn't know about Morgana and Lucius? Could Narcissa have some other motive we don't yet know about? I don't think so, but I have learned not to underestimate you ladies, either.In the meantime, what are Snape and Charis doing in thier search for the meaning of the prophesy? Sooner or later one of them is bound to say or do something that comfirms for the other that there are still real and deep emotions involved between. I can't wait to see what you have in store for our lovely characters next? Hope to see the next chapter soon!!!Berh
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Hm, interesting question you had there about Narcissa. Just how much DOES she know? ... We have the next three or four chapters outlined, and we can promise you that there WILL be some, um, actions that will show exactly what our beloved characters feel for each other. We're hoping that our RLs calm down soon, so we can write out fingers off. Thank you for your patience and support.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Hm, interesting question you had there about Narcissa. Just how much DOES she know? ... We have the next three or four chapters outlined, and we can promise you that there WILL be some, um, actions that will show exactly what our beloved characters feel for each other. We're hoping that our RLs calm down soon, so we can write out fingers off. Thank you for your patience and support.
I hope she opens up. It would be good for her to get it out. Grindling is a complex character; not quite sure what to make of him yet. I'm glad you're still writing this story, I love following it. 5 stars.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Morgana is Slytherin. When it comes to burying her emotions deep inside her heart, she has learnt from the best. It's not healthy, but it's what Slytherins seem to do best. We apologize for the long wait, but life has been very busy. But with summer and long evening approaching, we hope to soon be able to post a new chapter. Thank you for your support!
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Morgana is Slytherin. When it comes to burying her emotions deep inside her heart, she has learnt from the best. It's not healthy, but it's what Slytherins seem to do best. We apologize for the long wait, but life has been very busy. But with summer and long evening approaching, we hope to soon be able to post a new chapter. Thank you for your support!
Well, Charis got the info she needed. She just needs to remember her astronomy now.I've known this pair of stories have been out there for some time but avoided reading them because they were not about canon-centric characters. But I took a chance and I've really enjoyed them. I look forward to finding out what happens. Keep up the good work!
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Thank you for taking a chance on our stories, we're really thrilled you've enjoyed them and we hope you'll stick with the sequel. Thanks again for your support, it means a lot!
Response from Phyllidia (Reviewer)
May I say I never expected you two to answer ALL my reviews since I left a ton of them at one time. But thank you. If I've put you behind on your writing, feel free to blame me.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
We try to answer all our reviews. It's so nice to get feedback, and we like to show that we appreciate your thoughts. And no worries, you haven't slowed us down. Next chapter is being beta-read at the moment and we have done plenty of plotting. Lemons ahead ;-)
Response from Phyllidia (Reviewer)
Ah lemon....one of my favorite flavors!
I think Charis is far too forgiving (maybe I just don't like Grindling).TeeHee, Severus is SOOOOO BAD. I love him.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
He's a naughty boy! and that's why we love him, right?
Oooh the plot thickens. I think I've figured out most of the prophecy, now to watch as the characters figure it out.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Let's see if you're right :)
I am glad it was cleared up that Morgana is NOT the one Grindling was talking about. She has enough worries. And go her for standing up for her friend.
Response from sevs_starsisters (Author of Shooting Stars)
Yes, Morgana kicked ass :)