Ties That Bind Us
Agnus Castus53 Reviews | 6.28/10 (53 Ratings, 0 Likes, 0 Favorites )
Can Severus accept Tess for all that she is? A sequel to The Unconditional Vow.
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About Agnus Castus
Author
Agnus Castus
Member Since 2008 | 10 Stories | Favorited by 26 | 24 Reviews Written | 278 Review Responses
I’m a 40-something British woman, residing in the Ribble Valley in north-west England. I’m a pharmacist and a counsellor. My penname, Agnus Castus, is a herbal remedy for women’s hormone problems. I also co-write with The Snapettes.
I can also be found in the Facebook group "Muffliato!" for folks who appreciate SS/OC fanfic.
Reviews for Ties That Bind Us
I somehow missed this, but seeing it on the recent list brought back fond memories of The Unconditional Vow. This is a great return, can't wait to read more!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Nice to hear from you,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
! Writing a sequel is one of the hardest things I've ever done - I'm glad this return is up to scratch 
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Nice to hear from you,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
! Writing a sequel is one of the hardest things I've ever done - I'm glad this return is up to scratch
Uh oh, too many people going behind another one's back. The chapters before this one were a bit too easy-going for my taste, but now I see that there's still some open here. I agree, they cannot just copy this disgusting potion, too many differences in the need and the personality to be resurrected (thank Merlin). Curiously waiting how you solved it.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thanks for reviewing,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
. I've tried to strike a balance between giving Severus and Tess some happiness, whilst providing enough tension to keep the reader engaged and curious. You'll find the next couple of chapters are of the "easy-going" variety, followed by chapters of increasing intensity.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thanks for reviewing,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
. I've tried to strike a balance between giving Severus and Tess some happiness, whilst providing enough tension to keep the reader engaged and curious. You'll find the next couple of chapters are of the "easy-going" variety, followed by chapters of increasing intensity.
I am also glad you shared the story. I had 2 good evenings reading it. I liked your Severus and Tess (and the others)
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the sequel
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the sequel
I really hope her trust in Clym is well placed, he is not a truthworthy person with his history of cheating his wife and squib child
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Yes, one wonders how wise it is to trust Clym... Thanks for reading and reviewing 
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Yes, one wonders how wise it is to trust Clym... Thanks for reading and reviewing
glad he got a lot of money, it will be easier to start a new life and be independent (for the first time in his life)
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Severus has certainly had a leg-up the ladder, although he'll still need to work for a living!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Severus has certainly had a leg-up the ladder, although he'll still need to work for a living!
Hopefully she can trust Clym. Love your story, now to nexy chapter
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thanks for reviewing,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
. I'll be interested to hear if you trust Clym...
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thanks for reviewing,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
. I'll be interested to hear if you trust Clym...
Wonderful! I'll admit I got choked up reading about Severus and his father. I'd almost like to say "it's about time", but that would be belittling the moment. What really happened was about as profound as they come! And I liked McGonagall's statement about blithering idiots not lighting fires! It sounds like me when my husband doesn't do something! LOL! Great story! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
I admit I filched McGonagall's 'blithering idiot' statement straight from Deathly Hallows Part Two! Hehe. The final two chapters with Tobias and Severus were interesting to write, as I couldn't envisage either men verbalising their regret, guilt or forgiveness, so I had to find another way to bring them together emotionally. I'm touched that you choked up and found the moment profound. Thank you so very much for your reviews - for a long time, I wasn't sure if I wanted to share this story with the world - now, I'm glad that I did
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
I admit I filched McGonagall's 'blithering idiot' statement straight from Deathly Hallows Part Two! Hehe. The final two chapters with Tobias and Severus were interesting to write, as I couldn't envisage either men verbalising their regret, guilt or forgiveness, so I had to find another way to bring them together emotionally. I'm touched that you choked up and found the moment profound. Thank you so very much for your reviews - for a long time, I wasn't sure if I wanted to share this story with the world - now, I'm glad that I did
Severus has to be in emotional upheaval right now! Everything he's ever wanted his father to be seemingly, has just come to pass. He's a very lucky man!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Let's hope he'll make the most of this second chance...
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Let's hope he'll make the most of this second chance...
I'll bet secretly Severus is glad he's marrying into a family with money!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Probably, but is it worth him having to endure the social aspect, I wonder?
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Probably, but is it worth him having to endure the social aspect, I wonder?
I think Tess is helping Severus to see his father in a new light. The fact that Tobias is proud of Severus seems to have made a profound effect - and Severus hasn't even met him yet.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Well noticed. You've hit the nail on the head!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Well noticed. You've hit the nail on the head!
The one fabulous side-effect of the Obliviate seems to be a change in personality for the better for Tobias. I like him now.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Haha, yes! I think of Obliviate + Memory Potion as the emotional equivalent of a computing 'restore point', resetting Tobias to a previous time in his life and giving him a chance to develop in more conducive conditions. If only such a thing existed in real life...
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Haha, yes! I think of Obliviate + Memory Potion as the emotional equivalent of a computing 'restore point', resetting Tobias to a previous time in his life and giving him a chance to develop in more conducive conditions. If only such a thing existed in real life...
It's good to see that even Severus - who admits he's not good at communication - is able to communicate so well when against this problem with Tess. One word of advice: Sooth means truth. Soothe means to calm. I think in that sentence you meant Soothe and not sooth.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thanks for the heads-up, grammar duly corrected! This was a tricky chapter to write: trying to keep Snape in-character whilst forwarding the plot... I hope I found the right balance.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thanks for the heads-up, grammar duly corrected! This was a tricky chapter to write: trying to keep Snape in-character whilst forwarding the plot... I hope I found the right balance.
At least Severus was able to tell Tess about his magic. Now, how do they get it back?
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
He's overcome the first hurdle, and two minds might be better than one when it comes to solving this problem... Thanks for reviewing!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
He's overcome the first hurdle, and two minds might be better than one when it comes to solving this problem... Thanks for reviewing!
How does Moody say it in the movie? "Goodbye, The End" and whatever....Well, that would be a fitting statement right about now.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Yes, Clym certainly held most of the cards here. Thanks for reviewing!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Yes, Clym certainly held most of the cards here. Thanks for reviewing!
Severus knows something, or suspects something about Clym which is much more than just 'he-wants-to-steal-her-back'. I wonder what it is?
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Severus thinks he knows something... Whether or not he's right remains to be seen.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Severus thinks he knows something... Whether or not he's right remains to be seen.
Arrgh, Severus, do explain this to me: why do men tend to think that shielding a woman from knowledge is ever a great idea? And even if some do, why the heck cannot you be a little wiser?
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Funnily enough, Severus has never struck me as a particularly wise person. Intelligent and calculating, yes, but not wise. And what about Tess? She's withholding knowledge too...
Thanks for your review!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Funnily enough, Severus has never struck me as a particularly wise person. Intelligent and calculating, yes, but not wise. And what about Tess? She's withholding knowledge too...Thanks for your review!
Lovely that the potion works! I hope they don't have to be worried about Clym eventually finding it!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
They'll probably have other things to worry about... Thanks for reviewing; I hope you enjoy the story's resolution.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
They'll probably have other things to worry about... Thanks for reviewing; I hope you enjoy the story's resolution.
So, does the secret in the ring lie in the fact of soaking up the blood after Severus died? Could the ring now house all of Severus' magic? And if so, how does he "get it back?"
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Ooh, I'm impressed you remember such detail from The Unconditional Vow. Kudos to you! There's definitely something going on with the ring... 
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Ooh, I'm impressed you remember such detail from The Unconditional Vow. Kudos to you! There's definitely something going on with the ring...
Seems like old 'Bert knows quite a bit about Severus' family! I wonder how Severus feels now, knowing he's got uncles?? And why wouldn't his wand work outside? If there were charms or wards on the yard, why wouldn't Severus feel them?
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
You're asking good questions... So perhaps there is another explanation for the wand? I wonder how Severus feels about there being both Princes and Snapes alive and well...
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
You're asking good questions... So perhaps there is another explanation for the wand? I wonder how Severus feels about there being both Princes and Snapes alive and well...
Tess was truly naive about the situation with Clym. When another party is older and does hold all the cards and comes out the winner both ways, they do hold all the power. So in today's situations with Clym, I'll bet she was subconciously still afraid that he held power, including power over her. After all, she doesn't have Severus yet, and Clym can still go home to a family.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Nice to hear from you,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
, and thank you for your insightful review. I agree, subconsciously, Tess will have been feeling afraid of the power Clym holds, but so far she's been too consumed with her own guilt to recognise this.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Nice to hear from you,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
, and thank you for your insightful review. I agree, subconsciously, Tess will have been feeling afraid of the power Clym holds, but so far she's been too consumed with her own guilt to recognise this.
Loved this!!! It was such a gen to read. So well done. I really felt engaged with Severus and Tess and their relationship. I am glad he found peace and his magic. I would love a third installment of their story. Any chance you will come back to writing here?? If not know that your works were greatly enjoyed.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Loreen77, your reviews have brought me much happiness, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the sequel and were engaged with their relationship. I doubt I'll write a third installment of Severus and Tess, although I'd never say never about other stories. I always have ideas, but not as much time or energy to write them down! It's truly lovely to know my stories are still being enjoyed. And as they say, "reviews feed authors" so you never know... 
I really love your take on the neighbout and also on the elf. His self esteem got a nice boost when he helped finding this important clue! But, uh oh, why do I feel that Severus isn't going to like the explanation? It's bound to relate to his revivification and his father's bone (or whatever they used).
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thank you,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
; I had a lot of fun creating some new original characters for this story. The explanation to the conundrum will put Severus to the test in several ways...
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thank you,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
; I had a lot of fun creating some new original characters for this story. The explanation to the conundrum will put Severus to the test in several ways...
Enjoyed the back story of Clym and Tess depicted here through Aurora and Tess, and the dilemma for Tess that Clym's word has to be 'good enough'. Tess and Clym's past relationship revealed in details has enriched Tess character as whole and 'human'--it's lovely to see how far she has evolved beyon her past, and her and Severus' relationship is all the more wonderful and intense knowing what has been and is (at this point in the storyine) at stake for Tess... Lovely work!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thank you! You've hit on one of the reasons for choosing alternating timelines, so I'm glad the technique seems to be working for you. By slowly revealing the more dubious parts of Tess's past, I'd hoped to challenge the reader to accept her... I'm glad this has enriched her as an original character.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Thank you! You've hit on one of the reasons for choosing alternating timelines, so I'm glad the technique seems to be working for you. By slowly revealing the more dubious parts of Tess's past, I'd hoped to challenge the reader to accept her... I'm glad this has enriched her as an original character.
Severus smiled inwardly at their continuing banter. “There’s only one person alive who believes I regard myself as inferior.” “I know. I’m honoured.” The smile on her face bore no sarcasm.Along with your breathtaking narrative and description of location and detail, it's these moment to moment nuances and insight into Severus and Tess' relationship that are the most glittering gems... Her unconditiona love depicted in moments like this just take my breath away, her feeling honoured and her utter trustworthiness of his intimate insecurity--the purity of their trust and love is truly wonderful--lovely, lovely chapter!
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Oh, I'm so glad this moment stood out for you,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
! I think these nuances convey much more than sexually explicit scenes, certainly for Tess and Severus, anyway. Thanks for reviewing
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Oh, I'm so glad this moment stood out for you,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
! I think these nuances convey much more than sexually explicit scenes, certainly for Tess and Severus, anyway. Thanks for reviewing
Hi, I've just found your story and really liked that first book. You've a great style to depict the atmosphere, describe people and scenes. I might drop a few reviews there later, but wanted to finish reading first. Now I'm here, and I'm totally lost! These 5 chapters seem tossed around, e.g. in ch4 they buy a house, but here in ch5 Severus is far from being returned to life? I must've missed all hints to flashbacks--if this is what you do. Pls clarify.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Hi,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
I'm glad you enjoyed The Unconditional Vow, and thank you for leaving a review. Regarding the changing timelines of Ties That Bind Us (which I mentioned in my author note at the beginning of the story) you are correct, the chapters don't run chronologically. This sequel is told through two different narratives: one from prior to Snape's revivification, and one which follows him after he returns. This shuffling is deliberate, and I've worked hard to make the timeline jumps easier to follow; there are chronological clues at the beginning of each chapter. Hopefully my reason for telling the story this way will become clearer as the plot unfolds. I hope you enjoy the story!
Response from Bettina (Reviewer)
Hi again and thanks for the explanation! I was too eager to read on and must've skipped the note, I guess. Just 2 timelines then--that's manageable! I don't like Clym. I'm not alone with that, so I don't feel bad about it.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
You don't like Clym? That means I've done my job well 
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
Hi,
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
I'm glad you enjoyed The Unconditional Vow, and thank you for leaving a review. Regarding the changing timelines of Ties That Bind Us (which I mentioned in my author note at the beginning of the story) you are correct, the chapters don't run chronologically. This sequel is told through two different narratives: one from prior to Snape's revivification, and one which follows him after he returns. This shuffling is deliberate, and I've worked hard to make the timeline jumps easier to follow; there are chronological clues at the beginning of each chapter. Hopefully my reason for telling the story this way will become clearer as the plot unfolds. I hope you enjoy the story!
Response from Bettina (Reviewer)
Hi again and thanks for the explanation! I was too eager to read on and must've skipped the note, I guess. Just 2 timelines then--that's manageable! I don't like Clym. I'm not alone with that, so I don't feel bad about it.
Response from Agnus Castus (Author of Ties That Bind Us)
You don't like Clym? That means I've done my job well