The Better Man
ayerf20 Reviews | 7.95/10 (20 Ratings, 0 Likes, 7 Favorites )
Severus thinks he would be a more suitable suitor for Hermione than Ron. Crookshanks agrees.
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About ayerf
Author
ayerf
Member Since 2006 | 30 Stories | Favorited by 277 | 151 Reviews Written | 1,977 Review Responses
Jumped on the Harry Potter bandwagon in 2000 (when Goblet of Fire was out in hardback). Prisoner of Azkaban is my favourite in the series, followed by Order of the Phoenix. I read and write in the SS/HG corner of the Potterverse.
Reviews for The Better Man
This is lovely!
I'm so glad Crooks intervened. Hermione is much better off with Severus.
If Crookshanks ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.
this was way to cute and i love crook's came to his himans rescue
thank u for this short but lobley story
hugs and chocolate
faula_tara
Lovely. Absolutely lovely.
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you very much!
This was SUPERB:) Only Severus would be able to imagine a phoenix in Slytherin colors:) This story is brilliant, funny, tender, and entirely believable:)Brava!Fizzabella
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you very much! It would be a rather funny looking phoenix...I'm very glad to hear it, that's everything I hoped for!
I enjoyed this story very much! I did not predict the ending from what went before, but not being able to predict made the ending that much more delicious! And the ending was certainly in keeping with Severus's maturity and character. I also enjoyed Crookshank's POV -- not something one sees/hears very often. Thank you.
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you very much! I'm glad the ending was unpredictable, and that it fit with Severus in his maturity and character. And that you liked Crookshanks' POV - I have a soft spot for him in fic and for the story from his eyes.
Crookshanks always knows. =)
Crooks is the v best familiar ever! Imagining him floo traveling is hilarious and ridiculously clever.
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you! It was a strange but funny nibble from the plot bunny, glad you found it hilarious and clever. Agreed that Crooks is awesome.
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you! It was a strange but funny nibble from the plot bunny, glad you found it hilarious and clever. Agreed that Crooks is awesome.
Lovely! Clever Crookshanks, to use the Floo by himself and to find exactly the right evidence that Hermione needed, but I was especially impressed that he snagged Ron's wand. I assume Snapey will make sure Crooksie never has any more pains or aches. Thanks for writing this!
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you very much! Clever Crooks indeed! I'm sure Severus will make sure Crooks has everything he wants and needs.
Great One-shot. I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels that Hermione would never tolerate the use of that dodgey book on her.Well written and very enjoyable.
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you! I really didn't like that book either, glad you find it dodgy too.
Fantastic! I couldn't help but think of POP and his devestation at brewing the potion for her to use with Ron all the while wanting her.Thanks for sharing!
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you very much! I'm glad it did remind you of that part of POP.
I could read a whole story told from Crookshanks' POV. I love him!! Thanks for sharing!
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
I do love Crooks telling the story too! Thank you!
Awwww this was delightful!
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you very much!
Whoohoo, THANK GOODNESS she came to her senses...good grief!! I'm sooooo happy for Severus..Bless his heart!!! WELL DONE!
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you very much! Good for both of them that she did!
Right. This was Hook-Nose’s lucky day. fabulous line!Perfect - Ron's downfall is not treating Crookshanks better. That and, you know, being a prat.The restrained passion in Severus is positively magnetic.
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you! I do like that line too.Maybe Ron will have learnt his lesson...I'm very glad to hear it!
I liked how you made the story's ending the "dream come true" of the dream at the story's beginning. Very symmetrical.I also thought your treatment of Ron was quite in keeping with canon rather than fanon. He does run Hermione down behind her back. I think he feels insecure because she is smarter than he is. Anyway, good job on Ron's characterization.I liked how Crookshanks' reasoning was partly driven by what is best for Hermione and partly driven by what is best for Crookshanks. He is not purely altruistic. My own cats do not have an altruistic bone in their bodies.Lastly, I like Severus' desire for a more romantic do-over than barfing on Hermione's shoes after his rescue. How many times do we wish we could have a do-over when we do something unattractive? But no one is charming all the time, except in the movies.Thanks for the fun story. 
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you very much!I'm glad this Ron's character fit with canon - definitely insecure and prone to jealousy because of it.Cats are definitely not known for altruism! I think it was his Kneazle-half that wanted what was best for Hermione.Definitely not his finest hour!
SO awesome! Love Crokkie! Go kitty.
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you very much! Go Crooks indeed.
Crookshanks is awesome! Just saying. :)
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
He is indeed! Thank you.
Lovely, would certainly enjoy a post-NEWTS epilogue. Any chance? Thanks for writing!
Response from ayerf (Author of The Better Man)
Thank you! Technically no and yes - this was written as a slightly AU prequel for another fic, Polyandry and Other Problems.