Riddle Me This
Bambu61 Reviews | 4.75/10 (61 Ratings, 0 Likes, 10 Favorites )
When a colleague is discovered to be missing in action, Hermione Granger is sent to Egypt to investigate.
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About Bambu
Author
Bambu
Member Since 2005 | 27 Stories | Favorited by 542 | 117 Reviews Written | 1,029 Review Responses
I have loved the written word since watching my mother’s fingers trace the lines of a book, luxuriating in riveting tales and well-turned phrases. Many a night I read until dawn, a plastic flashlight hidden under the covers to light the pages as I raced the rising sun to finish my latest must-read.
Since joining the HP fandom, I've been privileged to receive more than 50 awards, including Best Author (Quill to Parchment Awards) and Best Classic Author (Most Potente Passions). Among others, my stories have won awards for Best Hurt/Comfort (Spoils of War, Morning Has Broken), Best Novel Length (Calling Card, Guard…Check…Mate), Best One Shot (A Beach in Ireland), Best WIP (Saving a Death Eater, The Summoning), Favorite Overall Story (Complexities), and Readers’ Choice (A Quest of Paladins).
Aside from a judicious polish for formatting and egregious typos, I don't plan on revising my early work. Those stories are the stepping stones of my writing journey. Please note some stories contain adult content. None is more graphic than equivalent scenes in the television shows True Blood or Game of Thrones, and age appropriate warnings are posted.
I no longer write fanfiction prolifically. Like many fanfic authors, my focus has shifted to original work. A member of the Romance Writers of America and the Southern California Writers Association, I write under my name: Lin Thornhill.
My original story Verisimilitude published in Thoroughly Modern Monsters (Story Spring Publishing, 2013) reached the top 100 fantasy anthologies and broke into the top 10 in the UK the first month of release. Ben and Christine’s story will continue in 2016.
Fixation, my latest short story, slated for publication in J. Aldis’ anthology Immanence, with a winter 2015-2016 release, is particularly exciting as it anchors the Messengers of Inari novel series I’ve been developing for the past year.
9/2015
Reviews for Riddle Me This
Now, how do we get rid of this thing?
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I suspect very carefully!Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave me a review.
It's sad to think that Severus would be so shocked that Hermione was willing to come to his aid no matter the circumstances. What will it take to convince him that her caring is sincere? I imagine that discovery will be part of the fun of this story.Keep up the good work.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
It occurs to me that Severus' reaction is two-fold; that he had miscalculated/misunderstood the depth of her affection for him, and that he was acutely aware of her feelings about the Malfoys. Because he didn't want to put her in that situation his own need wouldn't enter into the equation. I quite like that she has the ability to surprise him.Thank you so much for enjoying the story so far.
Well, just a few more riddles to add.. hehe. I love Severus and Hermione's friendship but even more I adore the way she showcased it to HIM and totally turned him on his ear. Some men have to be run over by the Hogwarts Express before they see what's right in front of them. Can't wait for more!
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
You are so right. Of course, I know some women who are equally clueless about their own appeal.I'm delighted you're enjoying this, even all the riddles, and thanks for letting me know.
Oh, a wonderfully twisting and turning story - complete with thoughts of Hermione and Severus having adventures and then lovely time together.Thanks, Bambu. Your stories always reel me in and keep me wanting more.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you very much.
So Draco got cursed by the Sphinx ghost first, but he is not in the infirmary with Penny, so ... is he dead?From chapter 1, it seems like the sphinx ghost wants to be free. Is she curse-happy because she wants out or would she be curse-happy if she got out (and that is the reason to keep her in)?If her curse is attracted to darkness in people, what would happen if a non-dark person got cursed? Would it boomerang back onto her?She is pretty powerful for a ghost.I saw the Sphinx at Giza. She is smaller than you think from the photos.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
No, Draco's not dead, and we'll see him soon. The sphinx ... well, she's a pretty angry creature at the moment. And if I answer all your questions now that would be ... telling!You've been to Egypt? I would love to travel there. I know what you mean about these iconic images being smaller in reality than in photographs. It was that way when I saw the great buddha at Kamakura. It didn't loom the way I expected.Thanks for reading and leaving me a review. I appreciate it.
Another great chapter. I'd say both Severus and Hermione are lying to themselves about their feelings toward one another.Every time I read the title of this fic, a random image from the old Batman TV series pops into my head (as you probably intended) and makes me want to giggle.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I think you make an excellent point about the way Severus and Hermione feel about one another. But then again, I think when a friendship evolves to something more it's a very precarious time. I'm delighted to have captured that feel.::shakes head:: Do you know, I never even realized there was that connection with the title until AFTER I posted the story for the exchange. Now, I'm stuck with it! Frank Gorshin must be laughing his ass off from his afterlife!As always, it delights me to know you're reading my story.
After reading this I almost felt like I had been transported to the first Indiana Jones movie.And, like many of your other reviewers, I feel Hermione's attraction to Severus will overcome her self-preservation instincts eventually.If there is a bit of menage-a toi between her, Severus and Lucius, please warn me now. I have a hard time with that. Since she does seem to detest Lucius, and he her, I'm hoping that scenario will not come up. Perhaps it will be challenging enough for them to just end up tolerating each other.I always love your stories. I look forward to more.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I'm utterly thrilled you thought I captured the Egyptian ambiance well. Honestly, the research for this story was half the fun, the other half is making it seem realistic.I suspect Hermione's most susceptible to Severus' personal brand of charm. She is an intelligent woman after all!My recipient was hoping for a menage a trois aspect, and I must confess I failed in that regard. Perhaps I'm simply not a good enough writer to bring these two into a romantic/sexual relationship so soon after the war; but considering their violent history, I don't think it's believable, and I won't write it if I can't bring some degree of realism to it. With that all being said, I hope I've allayed your fears.Thank you very much for taking the time to review. I do appreciate it.
I recall this story, which I first read during a time of personal upheaval, so that I did not get the best out of reading, although it was nevertheless quite memorable. This time I'm better able to appreciate how well it's written; the descriptions of place are so clear, it could be a video representation. Then, of course, the story relies on the characters and their growth of personal insight to give it its real source of interest...and the mystery, naturally.
Well done! Looking forward to future updates.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I'm sorry to read you were having a difficult time when this was posted on the LJ community; and yet, I'm honored you took the time to read my work at all. I'm thrilled you're enjoying it once again, and thank you very much for letting me know.
Response from Guinnevere (Reviewer)
I always look forward to your writing; you're one of my favorite authors and I still re-read some of your older work, like Guard...Check...Mate, a big favorite with me.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
What a gracious thing to say; thank you very much.
Yay a story from you!! I'm so happy!This was such a great beginning. So many elements to reach out and grab me. I honestly don't know which part snagged me first but I am totally hooked and impatiently waiting for the next installment. Can't wait to work on answering all the questions posed here!
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Thank you very much. I'm absolutely delighted you're enjoying the ride so far, and I hope you continue to enjoy this little adventure in Egypt.
So pleased to see a new story from you! I look forward to more.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you very much. I do hope you enjoy the rest of the story.
what a great start, looking forward to following this.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Thank you very much!
Wow, this is a whopper of a first chapter. It gave so much information, but also lots of questions. What exactly happened to Bill and Cormac? What is up with the contained creature? Who is Hermione sharing a tent with? What is the nature of Severus and Hermione's past? Will Hermione be able to stomach so much time with Lucius? Will her hair lose its frizz in such a dry climate, LOL?I am loving this, and I hope you update quickly!
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I think poor Hermione is destined to struggle with her hair wherever she goes, but what a good point. I'm not even sure I have her tangle with it, except as a minor inconvenience. I think she's a little distracted by all those questions! I do hope you enjoy finding out the answers as well.Thanks for such a terrific review.
Unfortunately, Hermione doesn't fool me. She is crazy about Severus. Whether or not she allows herself to indulge in wanting him, is a different story. And it seems as though Severus long ago wanted to form some type of attachment with Hermione - or he wouldn't have given her such a sharp look when she said they weren't a couple. It remains to be seen if he'll allow anything more to come of it at any time in the present or future. This seems like it's going to be a great story, Bambu. I am looking forward to reading much more!
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I quite agree with you. I suspect Hermione isn't fooling anyone but herself, and only marginally successful in that!Thank you very much for your review, and I do hope you enjoy the rest of the journey.
I love it! 
I love how you began it with Fleur and how the world looked to her. I am sure that Fleur is the star of her own story ... just not of this one. And your Ron was very canon ... unwilling to bear the consequence of his actions and denigrating of those he feels are "beneath" him.I am wondering who is living in the tent already and whether they know that Hermione is coming to move in.I thought the thing in the dark was a sphinx, because a sphinx is wise, until you mentioned the wings. I am going to have to ponder that. I have solved all but one of your riddles as I was reading. Thanks for adding those. It was fun.I am always so happy to see a story by you. It means I am in for a thought-provoking ride.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Thank you, thank you.I'm so glad you liked my using Fleur to anchor the tone and setting for the story. I had a lot of fun imagining the backstory with her. Frankly, I don't imagine she would feel threatened by Hermione's friendship with Bill; she's so very much the sun of her own personal universe!Oh, and there are many myths in which sphinxes have wings ... just saying! ::grin::
I am happy to see this posted here. I remember enjoying it very much during the SSHG Exchange. I really admire your world-building skills. The way you describe the Egyptian setting in such detail really helps me to picture the setting. Your hints of the previous relationship between Severus and Hermione are well done. The riddles, the "unknown presence" and the pain exhibited by Lucius build the air of mystery and suspense.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
::preens::Thank you so much, my dear. What a gorgeous compliment. I'm utterly delighted you've found the world-building realistic.
Enjoyed this so much!
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Thanks so much!
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Thanks so much!
What a wonderful ending to a great story! Loved all of it so much I have to try and focus now to be specific... lolHarry was funny. Always trying to "protect" his friends even if his ideas are not quite what they would like. Alex's awe of him was cute too!Lucius was so tremendously enjoyable. Of course all he had experienced had changed him. His clinging to Draco was touching.And Severus and Hermione were such a joy to watch come together. I loved the tentativeness at first overtaken by the beautiful love they have for each other. And that they end up in the tent is just a fantastic capper.Thank you so much for sharing this lovely, lovely story. I enjoyed it so much from beginning to end.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
What a great review! You've totally made my morning. You've noticed so many of the things I had hoped would make this story work that I'm feeling rather proud!I worried about Lucius quite a lot as he's so 'present' for the latter half of the story; I didn't want him to be ridiculously Gary Stu, but at the same time, post-canon he's a very very different man than the one we're acquainted with.Thank you thank you than you.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
What a great review! You've totally made my morning. You've noticed so many of the things I had hoped would make this story work that I'm feeling rather proud!I worried about Lucius quite a lot as he's so 'present' for the latter half of the story; I didn't want him to be ridiculously Gary Stu, but at the same time, post-canon he's a very very different man than the one we're acquainted with.Thank you thank you than you.
Thank you for another very satisfying story, Bambu. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I'm so glad you did, and thank you for the lovely review.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I'm so glad you did, and thank you for the lovely review.
Very satisfying ending. :)
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Thank you, thank you.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Thank you, thank you.
I hope the council goes easy on her. )
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I, too, think the sphinx's story is rather tragic, and would wish a rather lenient end for her.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I, too, think the sphinx's story is rather tragic, and would wish a rather lenient end for her.
She was always good at joining the dots. :)
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Logic is her strong suit, and pulling disparate bits of information into a completed picture.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Logic is her strong suit, and pulling disparate bits of information into a completed picture.
Now he really has a good reason to live. :)
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Yes he does! Thanks for leaving a note to let me know you're enjoying the story.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
Yes he does! Thanks for leaving a note to let me know you're enjoying the story.
Love. Love. Love. What a sweet and intriguing story! Thank you so very much for writing and sharing.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you very much.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
What a lovely thing to say. Thank you very much.
Yay, a happy ending for all. This was a very fun story from start to finish. I don't typically care for Hermione and Lucius in a romantic relationship, but what you captured here, this tentative friendship borne from necessity and sustained by mutual fondness, made for a wonderful read. I, too, foresee things going very well! Lovely story.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I'm absolutely delighted you've enjoyed this piece until the end. My only real concern with this piece was having Snape be 'offscreen' for several chapters. It meant I had to more fully develop the Lucius/Hermione dynamic and I needed to let Snape's presence loom rather large in comparison. It really was a lot of fun. I suspect there will be a deepening of understanding as well as a very real friendship developing in the future between them all. Draco, on the other hand, might not be as receptive. And yet .... Ack! Plot bunny begone!As always, thank you for enjoying the story and leaving me such marvelous comments. I've loved each and every one.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I'm absolutely delighted you've enjoyed this piece until the end. My only real concern with this piece was having Snape be 'offscreen' for several chapters. It meant I had to more fully develop the Lucius/Hermione dynamic and I needed to let Snape's presence loom rather large in comparison. It really was a lot of fun. I suspect there will be a deepening of understanding as well as a very real friendship developing in the future between them all. Draco, on the other hand, might not be as receptive. And yet .... Ack! Plot bunny begone!As always, thank you for enjoying the story and leaving me such marvelous comments. I've loved each and every one.
Riddles upon riddles. No wonder Tom was fascinated. :)
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I think he would have been extremely charming when he stumbled upon the ghost, and because she wasn't a sphinx at that time, she would have been duped as so many before her had been duped. Tom Riddle was an exceedingly dangerous wizard, and he became more evil with the passage of time and Dark choices.
Response from Bambu (Author of Riddle Me This)
I think he would have been extremely charming when he stumbled upon the ghost, and because she wasn't a sphinx at that time, she would have been duped as so many before her had been duped. Tom Riddle was an exceedingly dangerous wizard, and he became more evil with the passage of time and Dark choices.