At first I thought it was going to take him ages to make a move. All that second guessing and what ifing. I was certainly wrong wasnt I? Woot!

I disagree Severus! I think you should tell Minerva what Riddle wants. What this isnt a democracy? I dont get to vote? ((frumps)) okay then its on your head Snape if when Minerva finds out.

That went far too easily ;-)

*snip*But then Fate stepped in, as it so often did, in the form of Albus Dumbledore.*chuckles* Gotta love that Albus.

Such vintage Severus, and the dance, so self-conscious and meticulously choreographed.Love this: "But then Fate stepped in, as it so often did, in the form of Albus Dumbledore."Severus would think the game would be his, wouldn't he?

I first read Mutability over on another site and really enjoyed your characterizations of Minerva and Severus.  Any chance that this will be an expanded version on this site??  I would really enjoy more of these two in these personas and their interactions.  Although they end up where they end up (not wanting to give any spoilers), I believe there's still lot's of opportunity for character and backstory development. 

No surprise that Severus had to have the relationship be consummated under his own terms. Of course, once they decide where they go from here, there's no reason not to put the misinformation plan into effect. He just has to frame it as since we're together anyway, and Voldemort might pick up on it...It'sa very plausible tale that you weave here. It leaves me at once heartened to imagine that they might both find some solace in the other's arms and saddened to imagine how, imevitably, whatever they might have would be reft apart a mere two years down the line at most.Brava, my dear.

He tried to bite back his groan of pleasure, but failed, and she chuckled. "Desperate, are we, Severus?"  Minerva is so quick with the come-back.  This made me laugh out loud!When he secured her wrists to the bed, I could imagine his sense of triumph–until she did him one better.  That's the Minerva and Severus we all know and love.Clearly Minerva cares enough for Severus to willingly share his bed.  Clearly Severus cares enough to care that she cares enough.  Clearly both of them (and me, too) are giddy with your parting statement:  But I can promise you that I'll be writing about Severus and Minerva again; I find that I'm not yet finished with them. I may even try a sequel to this particular story, if further inspiration strikes.  YAY!!!What?  You haven't started yet?  Weeeelll... chop-chop.  And thank you for an entertaining way to spend my time today.Beth

But then Fate stepped in, as it so often did, in the form of Albus Dumbledore.  I swear Dumbledore could mess up a mayonnaise sandwich!I was surprised that Albus' plans for them played right into Severus' own plans.  His tentative steps in letting Minerva know that he found her attractive has seemingly brought a reward, but I don't think Severus is really thinking of her as a "reward" to be won or lost depending on his attempts at seduction.  I have to believe that even though Severus is acting on Voldemort's "orders" this is something that he would have wished for had times and conditions been different... sans a Dark Lord.Will she follow Severus to his bedroom?  At this point I have to say that I have no idea, but I know what I would like to see happen.  So I'm off to the next chapter to quiet my curiosity!Beth

Beginning with Minerva's apology to Severus, you have written a most believable relationship between these two.  I can see this scenario happening with them, and the way you've described the small steps through the years, it seem entirely plausible."Your winnings, Severus," she'd said, handing him a satisfyingly-heavy bag of coins. "Try to keep them safe. If you can, that is.""You plan to burgle my rooms?" he'd enquired dryly."I plan to win them back." I think both of them would respond to wagers and competition.  It's the sort of flirting that would appeal to them.I love how Severus imagined the way things would go if he just told Minerva about Voldemort's plan:  It was a reasonable plan, but…god, what if Minerva, being the damned Gryffindor martyr that she was, insisted on sleeping with him as her contribution to the war effort? Severus could just imagine her stripping nobly off, her face aglow with the glory of being the Heroic Strumpet, or whatever-the-hell word she'd use, whoring herself for the Greater Good. She'd probably even get off on the idea.  I couldn't help laughing out loud... until I read what followed:  What mattered was that in the end, she would do it because she wanted Severus Snape.  That totally got my attention!  I think for the first time I actually realized how much it meant to him that she would want him.Another great chapter, Kelly!Beth

It is the same!--For, be it joy or sorrow,      The path of its departure still is free: Man's yesterday may ne'er be like his morrow;      Nought may endure but Mutability.   ShelleyIf I didn't know better I would think Shelley was writing about our Severus.  I don't think he would have been able to survive for long if he weren't able to change like the winds.  Whenever he encountered an obstacle, he had to adapt his persona, his mannerisms, his thoughts even... or risk immediate annihilation.I can't wait to find out how Severus handles this order.  Will he be able to carry out the Dark Lord's plan?  Will Minerva be so willing to change her point of view?  Or will she be able to change Severus?  Will he be able to continue working for the chance to live for himself alone? or will he be changed?Interesting beginning!Beth

Personally I have a love/hate relationship with open endings. This one is bugging me because I want to find out what happens when Minerva finds out Tom was behind it all! Fireworks! My fingers are crossed the muse comes for a visit with sequel thoughts. Thank you again.

A sequel would be great! I really liked this story. I couldn't get chapter 3 to load so I'll check tomorrow! I wanted to wait to read 4 after I read 3 but couldn't! LOL

This is awesome. I like where it's heading!  Nice set-up between Severus and Minerva...

I really liked the give and take of their relationship. This feels like a beginning for them as a couple, but you've left it ambiguous enough to be uncertain. I'm sure Minerva could be a right nippy-sweetie if she thought she was bedded only because Voldemort ordered it.

That's IT?*snorts*Okay.... fine... *grins*Brilliantly written, if not exactly what I was expecting - you do leave me wondering and wanting for more explanation - especially from Minerva's stand point - honestly - Severus? What on earth drove her to that?An interesting read - shame you don't enjoy writing longer stories - I think this one had a lot of potential for various arcs. Good job none the less!

The Heroic Strumpet - that's priceless !!  An interesting insight into the sexual psyche of Snape - that sex with an actual person seems - cleaner... The resident medi-shrink would have a field day with that...

Yet mutual attraction did help explain the undercurrents he felt in their unending attempts to get a leg up on one another. So to speak.   - I so love this lineWhat mattered was that in the end, she would do it because she wanted Severus Snape.  - and this one. Severus may be completely wretched, but he's got pride. Though I daresay he could do with slightly less pride and a bit more wanking, and be a happier man ;-)

This is very intriguing - I really enjoy the way you write Snape - its quite realistic, he's so resentful and twists so many realities - even if he does understand the basis for things, especially others' feelings - and motives - he twists everything just so much, just a tad... so that everything looks suspicious through his eyes, and nothing is sacred, or even, just plainly there - everything, every hint of emotion or motive has some alternate meaning behind it, and according to Severus, malicious intent is always suspected and believed.I can't help but feel sorry for your Severus - that his view on the world is so dark, and that he can't even understand a simple apology - or accept that people can be kind and good - but alas, he makes his own decisions and his own bed, and perhaps he's just not willing to accept that there is good in the world - sad but so many people are like that.Not my preferred pairing - and yet you still have me quite enthralled, worried even, for Minerva's sake.Keep on! I'm cheering for you, and of course, for Minerva.

I started reading this on a whim, just saw it there and though, what the heck... and its brilliantly written - really! I was pleasantly surprised that my whim turned out to be something quite interesting... you write Severus and Voldemort very well.

Love the title - immediately thought of the  poems - Shelley's, and Wordsworth's... ah yes, Voldy's offering of more worthier witches over Sev's Mudblood and his seemingly disdain for all things carnal, all things concerning the matters of the heart... except for the powers it brings him... Love it that Minerva has been 'targeted' - great angst!

What a painfully lonely and unhappy Severus. Intriguiging reference to Bella and Narcissa - what did they believe before they fell in love?

He was working for the chance to live for himself alone.That line was like a gut punch. I feel such sympathy for Severus always pulled between Riddle and Dumbledore.

Ah, our Severus is going to have to resort to every Slytherin wile he possesses.  You've captured him beautifully here.  And I adore the snarky assesment of St Albus. 

Ooo such an intriguing beginning! I can't wait for the next update!