Anima Mea
Proulxes433 Reviews | 6.39/10 (433 Ratings, 0 Likes, 37 Favorites )
Archaeologist Hermione Granger has survived the Great War. She has a life, a career and friends who love her. She has also spent the last eleven years trying to locate something that she does not know she has lost. Could the answer to her restlessness be even further away than she thinks?
Nominated for Best Drama/Angst in the HP Fanfic Fan Poll Awards Fall/Winter 2013.
Start ReadingChapters (32)
About Proulxes
Author
Proulxes
Member Since 2011 | 7 Stories | Favorited by 116 | 65 Reviews Written | 1,736 Review Responses
Anima Mea has been a featured story on TPP, and All Hallows' Reckoning was a featured story on The Petulant Poetess Quiz in July and November 2013!
Anima Mea has won Third Place in the Best Drama / Angst category of the HP fanfic Fan Poll Awards for 2013 - thank you so much to everyone who voted for it!
Reviews for Anima Mea
Just reread this - your story is so compelling and well-written and researched. I was obsessed with Pompeii as a child (we had a National Geographic documentary on VHS that I watched to ruins). This made history real and human for me: I could actually imagine the violence of the eruption and the terror the people must have felt. I actually had a ball anxiety in my chest reading the last few chapters even though I know what happens and I couldn’t read fast enough. You really did a great job. Thanks also for the further reading suggestions. Good historical writing tends to make me curious about the geography, politics and customs (and, in this case - science) of the setting and period and despite my childhood obsession I never read further on the subject.
Oh my... I'm kinda dying to know who made the Portkey... how Snape got himself made into a 2000-year-old mosaic... and giggling at the idea that Severus would not move in his portrait, just to irk them. (I know that did't pan out as true, but it was funny!) Nicely done!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
- thanks for your review! I'm really pleased you like the bits of humour I'm trying to sneak in to the story. All will be revealed... but not jut yet! :P
There are several tales running here now - with universes crossing and intertwining - perhaps it's a force in the cosmos inspiring such talented authors into such complex tales! I, for one, am hooked !! Hoping for more very soon !!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
! Thanks for reviewing. I have got chapters in the queue so it should not be too long... I hope you stick with me on this one! :P
Wonderful! I love the descriptions of the dark magic.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hello
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
! Thank you for your review! Glad you liked my take on Fiendfyre. I was thinking about a scene in 'Backdraft', when the deNiro character describes fire as being alive. Not a great film, but a terrific scene nonetheless -- very atmospheric and creepy. Next one will be up on Friday. Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hello
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
! Thank you for your review! Glad you liked my take on Fiendfyre. I was thinking about a scene in 'Backdraft', when the deNiro character describes fire as being alive. Not a great film, but a terrific scene nonetheless -- very atmospheric and creepy. Next one will be up on Friday. Pxx
Nasica... Sabazios... Fiendfyre... Thank goodness Hermione made it back to Severus when she did! That was a cracking battle that took place in the cella. But even before that, Hermione proved herself by thinking of the words for the spell to contain the Manticore... and Apparate within the cella. I believe the sentience within the phial guided her right to Severus.Hermione's mother is a woman to be reckoned with. Any mother looking for her child and holding a golf umbrella like it was a spear is no one to take lightly. I couldn't believe George had been arrested for his part in smuggling his daughter out of St Mungo's. Finch-Fletchley and Abercrombie are lucky they weren't within stabbing distance when Helen frammed her umbrella into the carpet. Yay! for the Hogwarts moving staircases!Now just where did Hermione and Severus end up on this latest Apparition? Thanks for another fabulous chapter!!!Beth
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi Beth - thank you for your review. Yes - they are out of the frying pan and into the fire (and ash, and superheated rocks!). I'm glad you liked the spell and the redoubtable Mrs Granger - Hermione comes from strong roots! Next chapter is due on Friday. Not long now to the big reveal.... Best wishes, Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi Beth - thank you for your review. Yes - they are out of the frying pan and into the fire (and ash, and superheated rocks!). I'm glad you liked the spell and the redoubtable Mrs Granger - Hermione comes from strong roots! Next chapter is due on Friday. Not long now to the big reveal.... Best wishes, Pxx
Oooh great so far
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
- thanks for your comment! More on the way - watch this space! :P
I'm SO glad Sabazios is gone! Now, where did they go?
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi, severus49! They've still got terrified Pompeiians to save, and the small matter of activating the portrait to get home...! We are very nearly at an end. Thank you for your review!! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi, severus49! They've still got terrified Pompeiians to save, and the small matter of activating the portrait to get home...! We are very nearly at an end. Thank you for your review!! Pxx
I'm wondering if Sabazios is Nasica... Excellent chapter! I loved the rescue scene -- that she didn't leave him, even though she was terrified. The background info was relayed in a very interesting manner.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Mmmmmmm. Interesting idea... You'll find out the answer in the next few chapters...! Thank you for your review,
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
; I really appreciate it! Next chapter will be up on Friday! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Mmmmmmm. Interesting idea... You'll find out the answer in the next few chapters...! Thank you for your review,
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
; I really appreciate it! Next chapter will be up on Friday! Pxx
Thanks for the warning. And for extricating Severus in the nick of time. And for the manticore -- perfect. And for Hermione being tempted by her dark-and-powerful side. And for Filius' fancy footwork being interrupted by the righteous rage of Dr. Granger. And last but not least, for having a new chapter in the queue. Brilliant stuff!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
... and thank you in turn,
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
, for taking the time to review the chapter (*happy dance*)! I'm really glad that you enjoyed it! Expect more torment, action, and FINALLY... the answers to the mysteries, over the next three chapters... Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
... and thank you in turn,
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
, for taking the time to review the chapter (*happy dance*)! I'm really glad that you enjoyed it! Expect more torment, action, and FINALLY... the answers to the mysteries, over the next three chapters... Pxx
*character death* indeed, tricksy one. The manticore-as-weapon was inspired, I thought, as was the fiendfyre. Curious how Severus was so comfy there with the gaping maw of oblivion closing around him. Now I need a time-turner to magically port myself to the day of the upcoming chapter!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
(Sorry!) Great to hear from you again,
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
! There is more danger to come for our heroes next time, when an old enemy returns.... Thank you so much for reviewing! Next chapter is on its way -- set your Time-Turner for next Friday! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
(Sorry!) Great to hear from you again,
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
! There is more danger to come for our heroes next time, when an old enemy returns.... Thank you so much for reviewing! Next chapter is on its way -- set your Time-Turner for next Friday! Pxx
I don't have any fingernails left! I am out of breath hoping everyone we care about gets away. Well done.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi,
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
! They may get away... but not entirely without loss. ;) Thank you for yor review. I can recommend a good plaster for each finger. Errr, in fact... better get more in.... Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi,
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
! They may get away... but not entirely without loss. ;) Thank you for yor review. I can recommend a good plaster for each finger. Errr, in fact... better get more in.... Pxx
She was almost consumed by the power of the flame herself. Lucky Severus was still able to influence her. :D
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
I'm messing around with the theme of addiction in this story... and I've always thought that Fiendfyre should be like a powerful drug. If I look into (normal, obviously!!) fire, I feel drawn in towards it as it develops, curling about and roiling in on itself, almost like it's alive. It wasn't far to go before I arrived at the thought that Fiendfyre should be almost sentient and corrupting in its influence. Thank you for your review! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
I'm messing around with the theme of addiction in this story... and I've always thought that Fiendfyre should be like a powerful drug. If I look into (normal, obviously!!) fire, I feel drawn in towards it as it develops, curling about and roiling in on itself, almost like it's alive. It wasn't far to go before I arrived at the thought that Fiendfyre should be almost sentient and corrupting in its influence. Thank you for your review! Pxx
Ah! The Mantocore- gah! Brilliant encasing the wretched creature like that--and of course I had to cheer it on in it's attack on Sabazios--didn't want to watch but couldn't help--hoping it would do and finish the deed... but Sabazios was... hermione did what had to be done--thank Merlin for Fiendfyre--now, to Disapparate out of that hell! Fantastic chapter!xx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Thanks!! I am so, so pleased that you liked this chapter, nag! I was trying to convey confusion and emotional turmoil... as well as kick-ass action and a believable death for Sabazios. Fiendfyre was really interesting to think about and try to convey... Next chapter is now in the queue.... ;) Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Thanks!! I am so, so pleased that you liked this chapter, nag! I was trying to convey confusion and emotional turmoil... as well as kick-ass action and a believable death for Sabazios. Fiendfyre was really interesting to think about and try to convey... Next chapter is now in the queue.... ;) Pxx
"Always – fucking – snakes," he whispered as he faded towards unconsciousness. *wicked cackling* - brilliant! Just wonderful dynamic, action-filled narrative and dialogue--such a whirlwind of action and the tenacity of willpower being fought out--love experiencing every movement & moment of this!xxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Glad you liked it! I couldn't stop myself with that reference ;). He has this thick streak of self sacrifice running through him... he doesn't think he deserves to survive... he's done the noble thing... but he's totally misread her determination and ability. :) Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Glad you liked it! I couldn't stop myself with that reference ;). He has this thick streak of self sacrifice running through him... he doesn't think he deserves to survive... he's done the noble thing... but he's totally misread her determination and ability. :) Pxx
This chapter has me all shallowed-breathing and antsy--one can truly feel the atmosphere narrowing in and the ground shaking--the dynamics and detailed depiction is so very tangible... I welled up with tears of he reminder of the true fresh and blood Pompeiians who'd been caught in the horrid historical event--it's all just terribly sad & overwhelming/profound--as well as the depiction through he story of our Hermione in a comatose state and the futiity felt by her loved ones--wonderful chapter!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
When the archaeologists moved in, they found a number of people dead in the forum, although the earliest digs did not record the exact location of the body voids in the volcanic ash. When the technique for preserving the bodies (in a sort of plaster which was poured into the void to capture the shape of the decayed flesh), then they were more concerned with getting the bodies out, than remembering where they were. So I had more freedom to place the bodies in a pile, as if Sabazios and his supporters had 'hidden' them. Current thinking is that hundreds / thousands even, got away during the early stages of the eruption, but the boats were quickly filled, and for those who were left behind... well... there was not much that could be done. :( Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
When the archaeologists moved in, they found a number of people dead in the forum, although the earliest digs did not record the exact location of the body voids in the volcanic ash. When the technique for preserving the bodies (in a sort of plaster which was poured into the void to capture the shape of the decayed flesh), then they were more concerned with getting the bodies out, than remembering where they were. So I had more freedom to place the bodies in a pile, as if Sabazios and his supporters had 'hidden' them. Current thinking is that hundreds / thousands even, got away during the early stages of the eruption, but the boats were quickly filled, and for those who were left behind... well... there was not much that could be done. :( Pxx
This is the heart-thudding harder and harder chapter with each scenario swelling in tension like the volcano swelling up and about to erupt-- loved how Restitutus is brought down a peg or two with the revelation that Hermione is a witch- ha! - at the same time this movement in the story flow with Sabazios slithering into the picture just makes one's heart stop--great chapter!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Glad you liked the interaction with Restitutus. Brothers can be SOOO different, even though they share characteristics. The final confrontation is coming and the volcano is coming... Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Glad you liked the interaction with Restitutus. Brothers can be SOOO different, even though they share characteristics. The final confrontation is coming and the volcano is coming... Pxx
Just an incredibly dynamic, whirlwind of a chapter--love how you have a of the story-lines going on, overlapping and intertwining--your skill & power as a fantastic storyteller & writer is just inspirational and wonderful! Gaga, as always!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Oh, blimey, thanks!! I am really delighted that you are enjoying the story, nag! It is so much fun to keep the pace high and the drama, pounding. I am drawing on lots of other stories here and elsewhere (as well as films that I enjoy watching) to try to keep the attention of the audience and the action thumping along. Pxx
Response from nagandsev (Reviewer)
'Fiducius tapped his fingers on his knees. He regarded Severus for a few moments more, then tilted his head on one side.'... Okay, I've been meaning to comment on the 'wonderful' portrayal/characterisation of Fiducius in this story--from the subtle descirption of character action to his blatant, impulsive acts--his self-serving, narcotic desperation and diabolicalness is so effectively depicted along with his cold-blooded, sadistic ruthlessness, etc.--I could write essays about each one of your characters--such wonderful detail and nuances--anyway, just had to get that out of my sytem - lol!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi there - glad you're up and about! I enjoy writing him. I was struck by something that AR has always maintained - that antagonists (and he has played a few!) have to have strong motivation and be beliveable (I don't buy the "but he/she is simply eeeeevil" approach). That does not mean that I am making excuses for him. That's why Sabazios was in many respects, harder to write for me. (Although I am sure that you and others have worked out that 'Sabazios', just like another dark, magical force we know (!) did not simply 'ping' into existance fully formed, but came from the desperate acts of another selfish and driven human....) Fiducius is petty, venal, grasping, yes... but also (see Chapter 11) he has been deeply affected by Nero's fall and the subsequent reduction of status that his family felt as a result of that (status and class were desperately important in Roman society - all ambitious men tried to climb the Cursus Honorem (the ladder of honour in public life)... and Marcus is stuck on a lowly level (Aedile), unable - because of the stain on his family's name - to climb higher). SO I wanted him to be a little bit sympathetic as well as utterly despicable. We make our own choices and redemption MUST be attainable through remorse - but sometimes people become locked into darkness so deeply that there is no way back. Herewith endeth the essay!! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Oh, blimey, thanks!! I am really delighted that you are enjoying the story, nag! It is so much fun to keep the pace high and the drama, pounding. I am drawing on lots of other stories here and elsewhere (as well as films that I enjoy watching) to try to keep the attention of the audience and the action thumping along. Pxx
Response from nagandsev (Reviewer)
'Fiducius tapped his fingers on his knees. He regarded Severus for a few moments more, then tilted his head on one side.'... Okay, I've been meaning to comment on the 'wonderful' portrayal/characterisation of Fiducius in this story--from the subtle descirption of character action to his blatant, impulsive acts--his self-serving, narcotic desperation and diabolicalness is so effectively depicted along with his cold-blooded, sadistic ruthlessness, etc.--I could write essays about each one of your characters--such wonderful detail and nuances--anyway, just had to get that out of my sytem - lol!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi there - glad you're up and about! I enjoy writing him. I was struck by something that AR has always maintained - that antagonists (and he has played a few!) have to have strong motivation and be beliveable (I don't buy the "but he/she is simply eeeeevil" approach). That does not mean that I am making excuses for him. That's why Sabazios was in many respects, harder to write for me. (Although I am sure that you and others have worked out that 'Sabazios', just like another dark, magical force we know (!) did not simply 'ping' into existance fully formed, but came from the desperate acts of another selfish and driven human....) Fiducius is petty, venal, grasping, yes... but also (see Chapter 11) he has been deeply affected by Nero's fall and the subsequent reduction of status that his family felt as a result of that (status and class were desperately important in Roman society - all ambitious men tried to climb the Cursus Honorem (the ladder of honour in public life)... and Marcus is stuck on a lowly level (Aedile), unable - because of the stain on his family's name - to climb higher). SO I wanted him to be a little bit sympathetic as well as utterly despicable. We make our own choices and redemption MUST be attainable through remorse - but sometimes people become locked into darkness so deeply that there is no way back. Herewith endeth the essay!! Pxx
Wow! I wonder where Hermione is going now.... I can't imagine she'd abandon Conviva and Marcella. (These days, I always finish your chapters slightly breathless, with my heart racing.)
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
She won't abandon them - it's not in her nature to do that, but her priority is to save Severus. I am so delighted that you are enjoying the story. More coming soon! Best wishes, Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
She won't abandon them - it's not in her nature to do that, but her priority is to save Severus. I am so delighted that you are enjoying the story. More coming soon! Best wishes, Pxx
Just absolutely fantastic dynamics, the pace is intoxicating and the sense of frenzy in the air, surrounding the Vulcanlia rvelry with Sabazios, fleeing from the chamber of horrors and the escape---fantastic storytelling, Proulxes! The heat & race is on!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
It's on, certainly! The action from now on is relentless... Thank you for your review! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
It's on, certainly! The action from now on is relentless... Thank you for your review! Pxx
Oooh, things are rapidly moving forward--with Hermione's capture and the celebration of Vulcan on hand--how did poor arcella get there in that condition--was it that filthy Fiducius' doing? As always, fantastic chapter!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Thank you - this is rather a filler chapter; I needed to place the characters in the right place... and put Hermione is horrible danger of course!! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Thank you - this is rather a filler chapter; I needed to place the characters in the right place... and put Hermione is horrible danger of course!! Pxx
OMG--heart attack time--what a bloody wonderful cliffie!!!! *breathing hard* Conviva is going to muss soemthing up, big time... and Hermione... gah! I've got to go read the next chapter (and then get back to work-hehe!)!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Eeek - don't miss work! Glad you liked the chapter, nag! She is in big trouble. Huge. Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Eeek - don't miss work! Glad you liked the chapter, nag! She is in big trouble. Huge. Pxx
Another heart-pounding chapter. I love that she used the Manticore. Just wish it could have exacted its revenge without getting killed. But Hermione's use of Fiend Fyre was brilliant. And the emotions that she experienced while using it help us to understand the draw of the dark arts.Well, the "easy" part is done. Now they have to all get out of the city, and Hermione and Severus must get back to the present! I can hardly wait to see how you manage it all.I love this story.
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
! Lovely to hear from you again! I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the Fiendfyre section - I am playing around with the idea of addiction here and I know that fire starting is addictive for arsonists, so it was not far to go until I reached the corrupting nature of Fiendfyre.... THANK YOU for taking the time to review - more coming soon. It's not going to be easy, of course! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Hi
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
! Lovely to hear from you again! I'm really pleased that you enjoyed the Fiendfyre section - I am playing around with the idea of addiction here and I know that fire starting is addictive for arsonists, so it was not far to go until I reached the corrupting nature of Fiendfyre.... THANK YOU for taking the time to review - more coming soon. It's not going to be easy, of course! Pxx
Oh, the Book of Thoth--wonderful! Love Harry and Septima brainstorming and connecting the pieces slowly--also., I've meant to write that I love the sub-plot story and characterisations of Robert & Helen, and all of the canon characters--love your wonderful, detailed narrative, attention to details on all levels--so intricate and rich--both in the canon world and the Pompeiian one--yum!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Ahhh, Arithmancy! I must give a shout out to my friend Nick, who I sat down and jabbered at for ages about asymptotes and lifelines, and who gav me a credible mathematical explanation for the symbols and equations that were in the portrait. Arithmancy is a challenge, but I wanted it to work. And, of course, for Harry - who had never studied it - to see through the theory and suggest something practical. He is on the right track as well...! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Ahhh, Arithmancy! I must give a shout out to my friend Nick, who I sat down and jabbered at for ages about asymptotes and lifelines, and who gav me a credible mathematical explanation for the symbols and equations that were in the portrait. Arithmancy is a challenge, but I wanted it to work. And, of course, for Harry - who had never studied it - to see through the theory and suggest something practical. He is on the right track as well...! Pxx
Such a wonderful scene--the breathtaking intimacy of the healing segments and then the Legilimency memories and sensations--brilliant, lovely work!!! What is Conviva going to make of them, this situation? (He's a 'good' guy, yes? *hopeful look*)
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Thank you (*blushes*). This chapter was enjoyable to write. I was messing about with the idea of revisiting their lovemaking from different perspectives. The challenge here was to make a relationship that could be deep enough for either to... well... that could be telling! Sooo for her to experience his emotions was a way for me to show their developing deeper connection. Okay, now I'm rambling... Pxx
Response from nagandsev (Reviewer)
Yes, so many levels of intimacy-- which was why, for me imho, this was so poignant and effective, the experienceing of his pain and fear and humilation and yearning, etc. through his life--lovely, lovely, powerful work!xx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Thanks!! Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Thank you (*blushes*). This chapter was enjoyable to write. I was messing about with the idea of revisiting their lovemaking from different perspectives. The challenge here was to make a relationship that could be deep enough for either to... well... that could be telling! Sooo for her to experience his emotions was a way for me to show their developing deeper connection. Okay, now I'm rambling... Pxx
Response from nagandsev (Reviewer)
Yes, so many levels of intimacy-- which was why, for me imho, this was so poignant and effective, the experienceing of his pain and fear and humilation and yearning, etc. through his life--lovely, lovely, powerful work!xx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Thanks!! Pxx
Oh no the volcano! I hope she expresses the importance of the eminent disaster and their need to get the F outta there!
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Heeeeere's Vesuvius! Yes -- out of the confrontation with the pseudo-God, into the swirling mass of deadly ash. There is still a mountain to defeat (is that even possible?), an exhausted Snape to rescue, Marcella, Conviva and Restitutus to send away, and the small matter of activating the portrait to get back home.... Pxx
Response from Proulxes (Author of Anima Mea)
Heeeeere's Vesuvius! Yes -- out of the confrontation with the pseudo-God, into the swirling mass of deadly ash. There is still a mountain to defeat (is that even possible?), an exhausted Snape to rescue, Marcella, Conviva and Restitutus to send away, and the small matter of activating the portrait to get back home.... Pxx