Late September through October 1993
Chapter 2 of 11
MMADfanAutumn advances, and the Quidditch season approaches. Rolanda considers Dumbledore's advice to move up to the castle until Sirius Black is caught. She has a date.
Reviewed
Late September through October 1993
Rolanda rose early the next morning and immediately went downstairs to check on her visitor. Blackie was stretched out in front of the kitchen fireplace where she'd left him the night before, but the door into the living room was open, and she could have sworn she'd shut it the previous day and not opened it since. Perhaps it had been slightly ajar, though, and Blackie had got up in the night and explored a bit. She shrugged and filled her kettle with water.
Her movements woke the dog, who leapt up in apparent alarm, but then, looking around himself, he relaxed, recognising that he was safe and in Rolanda's kitchen. He walked over to the back door and whined, so Ro waved her wand and let him out.
"Breakfast in a few minutes, Blackie! Don't wander off if you want to eat!" she called after him as she Levitated the milk bottles and yoghurt crock in through the door and onto the table.
Leaving the door open for the dog, Rolanda fixed her pot of tea, put away the milk and yoghurt, then began frying a half dozen eggs and several slices of thick bacon. As they were sizzling in their pans, she pulled a loaf of dark wholemeal bread from her bread keeper and sliced it up thickly, then used her wand to toast it. She set a butterknife to spreading butter on the toast as she turned back to the hob and transferred the eggs and bacon to a bowl and a plate, giving Blackie four eggs and an equal number of strips of bacon, and herself two eggs and four pieces of bacon. She tore one of the slices of toast into chunks and was just dropping them into the bowl when the large black dog lumbered back into the kitchen.
Blackie sat on the worn brick floor near the door, and Rolanda shook her head at the sight of him. He seemed to look larger that morning, now that he'd had a good meal, a bath, and a restful sleep. Even sitting down, his head came above the doorhandle, and as he panted lightly, his teeth looked enormous. He could be quite a dangerous dog if he attacked, Rolanda thought, and she wondered for a moment about her own safety with this strange animal in her house. Blackie didn't seem anxious or aggressive, though, and once he'd seen she wasn't going to hurt him, he seemed to trust her.
Rolanda flicked her wand to close the door. "Now if I could only teach you to close the door behind you when you come in after your 'visit,' that would be quite handy," she said. "I fixed us breakfast. Eggs, bacon, and toast. Sorry I haven't any dog food...or another steak...but this should get you through the day."
She set the bowl of food down next to the water bowl, which was half-empty, and Blackie came over and lay down next to it, sniffing its contents.
"Well, sorry if it doesn't suit you, but that's all I have," Rolanda said, sitting down with her own breakfast and thinking that a starving dog oughtn't be fussy. She picked up a slice of toast and bit into it. As she did, the dog stood up and began to eat his eggs. Rolanda laughed.
"You do have manners! I'd love to be able to return you to wherever you belong. I'm sure you're missed."
Blackie stopped licking up his eggs and looked up at her for a moment, then he went back to eating.
"Well, I have flying with the first-years today, then I have to pop over to Holyhead and do some coaching. Just their second-string Chasers and Beaters today. Not my favourite training, but I don't get to pick and choose these days." She shrugged. "I was a pretty good Seeker at one time, you know. Would have gone far, too, if ... well, no looking back, no 'what-ifs' for me! Any player can get injured, after all. It's the luck of the draw. And they fined the Kestrel Beater who did it, and sidelined him for the rest of the season, which was more than I'd expected. Anyway, I have to dress and leave soon, but I'll leave you a water bowl out back, and if you're here tonight, you'll have a nice, thick, juicy steak waiting for you." She laughed at herself talking to the dog. "And if you're not, I guess I'll just have to eat steak again sometime this week."
There was a screeching and tapping at the kitchen window just then, and Rolanda swished her wand to open it. A Post Owl flapped in, deposited her post and her Daily Prophet...a prepaid subscription, so she wouldn't have to scrounge for coins first thing in the morning...and then it snatched up the slice of bacon that Rolanda had placed in the centre of the table for it.
She picked up the newspaper and unfolded it, shaking her head. "Still haven't caught that madman yet. Killed his own friends, years ago, he did, and has been in Azkaban ever since. Wasn't right in the head when they put him away; he must be even madder now. I knew him in school. He could be a nasty little blighter, but I never would have imagined he'd turn on his own friends, betray them to that wizard-who-must-not-be-named, and then murder another of them outright in cold blood. Killed a bunch of Muggles, too. But the Blacks weren't ever what you'd call 'normal,' I suppose." She looked over at the dog and smiled. "Good thing I have you here! I think even Sirius Black wouldn't want to tangle with you. You'd protect me, wouldn't you, boy?"
Blackie padded over to her and sat beside her chair, then rested his chin on her thigh. She stroked his head and ears. "Of course, I know I can't keep you, but it's nice to have you around for the time being." She tore off a large corner of her toast and offered it to him. He gulped it down in one bite.
After dressing and grabbing her favourite broomstick from her cupboard, Rolanda roused Blackie. He'd fallen asleep on the Daily Prophet, his head on his paws, his drool dampening the "wanted" photo of Sirius Black, making the animated picture seem to melt.
"Come on, Blackie! Time to rise and shine!" She bent and rubbed his head.
The dog lumbered to his feet, and Rolanda picked up the water bowl and refilled it. She placed it just outside the door, then she locked and warded the house behind them.
"I'll be gone all day," she said, turning to the dog, "but you're welcome to stick around if you want. This water's for you, and I'll have a steak for you when I get back tonight if you're here."
Rolanda hesitated before mounting her broom. Despite two good meals, a bath, and a good night's sleep, the dog was in terrible shape. In the morning light, she could easily see the outline of each rib beneath his black coat. She reached out and petted him. "Wish I could stay, but I can't. Don't get into any trouble while I'm gone!"
Blackie barked twice as she mounted her broomstick and floated beside him for a moment. "Be a good boy...and stay away from the pub!" Then she rose above the house and headed toward Hogwarts. She didn't dare fly directly onto the grounds with those Dementors about. But she should be fine as long as she dismounted several yards from the walls and gates.
Thinking of the Dementors made her shudder. Perhaps Dumbledore was right and she should move up to the castle for a while. She'd still have to leave the grounds a few times a week to work with the Harpies, but it might be safer...and she wouldn't have to encounter the Dementors as often. She'd see how things went. Barring some new threat or stricter curfews in Hogsmeade, she'd stay in her flat at least until the start of the Hogwarts Quidditch season.
~*~*~*~
Rolanda kept her promise and brought Blackie a steak that night, this time cooking it rare and cutting it into chunks for him, and then sharing her peas and barley. Again, he slept on the kitchen hearth and stayed for breakfast in the morning. Rolanda was happy enough to have the big dog there. He gave her someone to talk to about her day, and when he gave her hand a sloppy kiss as she pet him before taking off that morning, it lifted her spirits and put her in a good mood that lasted all day.
Blackie didn't always appear at the end of the day after that, but when he did, Rolanda would always have something special waiting for him...a lambchop, half a roast chicken, some nice stew beef. Whether he was there for his dinner or not, Rolanda always put a fresh bowl of water in the garden for him before she went to bed and another before she left for the day, and when she would return later, there were often large paw prints around the bowl.
A little more than two weeks after she had first made Blackie's acquaintance, Rolanda thought she saw him in some bushes at the side of the road leading up to the Hogwarts gates, but when she whistled and called to him, he didn't come to her and he vanished like a shadow. Perhaps Blackie was some unearthly creature, not a common dog, Rolanda thought with a smile as she mounted her broomstick, remembering her great-grandmother's stories of barghests and their other-worldly terrors.
Large, black, and bear-like, much like her Blackie, the barghest would prey on the lost and unwary, and its howl would presage death, or even strike a hearer dead with fright. The beast could shrink and grow at will, her grammy warned her, and if you caught a glimpse of one, the only way to save yourself would be to look away quickly and to strike a flame, gaze into it, and think of hearth and home, for no barghest could cross a threshold and attack anyone at home or amongst friends. Warm thoughts of home could trick the creature into finding its next victim elsewhere, her grammy said. The lone and lonesome had best never venture out after dark, or the barghest would surely get them.
Rolanda chuckled. Blackie was too fond of her hearth to be a very good candidate for a barghest, though it had been a few days since he'd last crossed her threshold. She had considered leaving food out for him, but she didn't want to attract vermin...or her neighbours' cats. Blackie might not be aggressive with her, but she didn't want to chance him with other animals.
On Friday, the last night that Blackie had come around and she had fed him, he had padded up the stairs after her and lain on the hooked rug beside her bed. She woke in the night to the sound of his snuffly snores; finding his presence reassuring, she rolled over and fell back to sleep...though she did dream of the Hogwarts Express chugging its way through town and making a stop in her kitchen, the trolley witch asking whether she had any fizz to spare, as her Fizzing Whizzbees were all flat.
Rolanda was just as glad that Blackie hadn't been by on Saturday night, although she had seen his paw prints outside the back door the next morning, and two large, dirty paw prints on the outer sill of her kitchen window. Poor boy had probably hoped for some late night supper from her, but she'd had a date. Severus had been in an odd mood that evening, though, and more needy than usual, and he would surely have resented any time that she might have spent on the dog, so it was just as well Blackie had not come earlier.
It was a pity Blackie hadn't come back that morning, however, as there had been a lot of leftovers. Although Rolanda tried not to worry about Severus...and he very clearly did not want her to worry about him, though he seemed glad enough of the time they spent together...she had noticed that the Potions master was eating less and losing weight. Never heavy, always spare, now he appeared to be little more than taut muscle stretched over a lanky frame. Severus seemed to be burning with some nervous tension, but he wouldn't share with her whatever it was that was weighing upon him. Rolanda was certain that it was more than just the escape of Sirius Black, for all that Severus seemed still to loathe the man and would stiffen and sneer at the mere mention of the other wizard's name.
That evening, Severus had arrived punctually...five minutes early, in fact...and it was good that she had not yet set the table, for his other carnal appetites had to be sated before they could eat. He had been all raw sex and desperate need, taking her there in the kitchen almost before the door had closed behind him. Rolanda could not even remember whether he had even greeted her before his hungry mouth was at her lips and throat, his body backing hers up against the edge of the table as his hands tore open the bodice of her blouse and then freed her breasts with a burst of sudden magic. His mouth sought her breast as he pushed up her robe and parted the slit in his own robes. His cock thrust into her, and he pulled her away from the table towards himself, lifting her and turning, pressing her hard against the brick facing beside the fireplace. She gripped the collar of his cloak, hanging on, panting, losing herself in his passion as her own passion mounted. Severus's teeth marked her neck and shoulders as he thrust and gasped wordlessly. He came and loosened his hold upon her, letting her slide back down the wall and find her feet.
Moments later, she was perched again upon the edge of the table, and Severus was stripping her completely of her clothes, paying no heed to any torn seams or popped buttons. Rolanda protested only once, but when he looked up at her from where he knelt as he tugged at the skirt of her under-robe, his face pale and his eyes completely black, she saw something bleak and desperate in his expression, and she said no more. She helped him push her robes off, and her stockings followed.
Severus sucked and nipped at the soft skin of her belly, tongue and teeth teasing her, as his fingers, slippery wet, rubbed her clitoris until she was filled with fire and she came, shuddering. Then she was bent over for him as his cock found her entrance again. He pounded into her, bracing against the edge of the table with one hand, his other hand holding one of her wrists pinned to her back as he pressed her down. It wasn't as fast this time, but it was hard and deep. His breath rasped in his throat, and Rolanda thought there were words in his gasps, but she could only make out the one word "no," which made no sense to her.
She came again, exploding, clawing at the table and moaning, and still Severus continued. She knew when his grasp on her wrist tightened and his thrusts became shallower and uneven that he was going to come. This time, he rested in her a few moments, releasing her wrist and stroking his fingers through the sweat on her back, letting his cock soften and slide out before he moved away.
Awkwardly, Rolanda stood, somewhat sore, her breasts bruised from the table and her shoulders scraped from the brick, and Severus turned her around and clutched her to himself. His robes were warm, and they were soft against her skin. Other than opening the slit in the skirt of his robe and at some point losing his heavy woollen cloak, Severus had scarcely disarranged his own clothing.
"You probably want to dress," Severus murmured after a few minutes.
Rolanda nodded against his chest. Though she was a fairly petite witch, she rarely felt short, but naked in Severus's arms, surrounded by his voluminous sleeves, she felt quite small, but oddly safe.
Wordlessly, Severus let her go, then he drew his wand and gathered her clothes for her. She took the floating bundle from him...what had been her favourite winter robes, and which now might be good for little more than rags.
"Come up with me whilst I dress?" she asked.
He shook his head and looked toward the Charmed hob. "I'll rescue your dinner if I can."
"I hadn't started the fish yet," Rolanda began.
"Good thing. Go dress." He urged her toward the stairs, and as she was about to mount them, he drew her back and kissed her. He quirked a crooked smile, then patted her bottom as she turned to go up the stairs.
When she came back down, Severus had managed to rescue most of their dinner, though the runner beans were overcooked to the point of grey-green mush, and he had set the table and poured their wine. The fish and the roast were perfect, however, as were the jacket potatoes, and Rolanda was disappointed when Severus ate little of the meal.
She was pleased, though, when she was able to persuade him to spend the night. Severus hadn't ever stayed before, citing Hogwarts' claim on his time. She thought that his agreement that night had less to do with wanting to stay with her than it did with his reluctance to return to the school and the necessity of passing the Dementors on the way in...and perhaps also some degree of defiance on his part. She didn't understand his relationship with the Headmaster at all; on the one hand, Severus seemed to support him in all things, at least publicly, and on the other, he seemed to resent the man and to chafe at his direction. He also seemed to dislike teaching and to find the students little more than irritants.
After they'd begun seeing each other the previous year, she'd asked Severus why he stayed at Hogwarts if he hated it so. Severus had only given a short, harsh laugh in response, and when she pressed him about it again a few days later, he'd told her there was nowhere else for him to be and that his future depended upon his remaining at the school. Rolanda thought it must have something to do with the circumstances under which he had been released by the Ministry after the war...Dumbledore had vouched for him, she knew. Perhaps he was still on some kind of informal parole and might still be open to prosecution or punishment if he weren't employed by Hogwarts.
Rolanda never asked about his time with the Death Eaters...or even whether he had actually been a Death Eater or just had an unfortunate choice of friends. For her, it was sufficient that Dumbledore had defended Severus and cleared him of guilt, and that when they were in school, Severus sometimes had stood up for Barnabas, her younger brother. Although her family was usually Sorted into Slytherin, she'd been Sorted into Ravenclaw. Barney, however, was in Slytherin, and that had been enough to make him a target of some of the nastier Gryffindors. Her brother was a bright, soft, sweet child, curious about people and friendly by nature, and he was unprepared for some people to dislike him simply because he was Slytherin. Sirius Black had found it funny to pull "practical jokes" on the younger Hooch. Never anything truly harmful, and certainly milder than some of the humiliating stunts the wizard had pulled on Severus, but still they were embarrassing for Barney. Severus hadn't precisely taken her brother under his wing, and he'd likely been motivated more by dislike of Black than any fondness for her brother, but Severus had been protective enough of Barney for Rolanda to remember it still and have some measure of gratitude toward him for it.
She wished that Severus were more open with her. They'd been seeing each other since the previous winter, but she felt they were hardly any closer now than they'd been then. He continued to seek her out, and the sex was often fantastic, so she went along with the relationship, such as it was. It was almost always on his schedule, though, and they never really went anywhere. She'd never even been to his house. Over the summer, he had Apparated to Hogsmeade a few times to see her, but he had never invited her to his home. She'd asked him once, jokingly, if he kept a lunatic wife locked in the attic. He had raised an eyebrow, then after a long, silent, uncomfortable moment, he said, "Worse." She didn't know whether he was joking or not.
Despite the often great sex and those moments afterwards when she felt intensely close to Severus, Rolanda didn't think the relationship would last. She hoped that when it ended, neither of them were hurt by it. Most likely, it would just peter out to nothing; she probably wouldn't even note its demise until well after it occurred.
Rather than flying directly home, Rolanda landed in the small park at the end of the high street and stopped in at the butcher's for a string of sausages for her breakfast the next day. On impulse, she asked the butcher for four pounds of stew beef. If Blackie came around, she'd need something for him. If he didn't, she could cook it up with some potatoes, carrots, and parsnips the way her gram used to...maybe Severus would join her.
When she reached her back garden, Rolanda was surprised to find Blackie was waiting for her, almost invisible in the shadows. She didn't see him until he slunk out, his eyes focussed on the brown-wrapped butcher's packages. He looked beaten, weary, and hungry to her, and Rolanda wondered again how he had come to Hogsmeade and why he remained.
"Now where have you been, my friend?" she greeted him. "I thought perhaps you'd found a better cook than I, but I see that I was wrong." She rubbed his head as he sniffed at the packages of meat and sausages. "Yes, there's something here for you, too. Come on in, and I'll cook it up for you."
Rolanda juggled her packages, her wand, and her key as she unlocked her back door and lifted the locking spell. She left the door open behind her as she came in, dropping her things on the table. She took off her heavy cloak and sent it flying to the hooks beside the door as she began unwrapping the stew beef. She looked up to close the door and was surprised to see that Blackie hadn't followed her into the house.
She crossed over to the open door and looked out into the twilit yard. She could just make out Blackie's hulking shape crouched between two overgrown bushes.
"Come on in, Blackie! I've eaten, but I have some supper for you. Come on, lad!" When the dog didn't make a move to come in, Rolanda shook her head and returned to the kitchen, leaving the door just ajar. It was too cold to leave the door open long, but when Blackie smelled his beef frying up, he might change his mind about staying in the garden.
As usual, Ro lit the fire in the fireplace, then she poured herself a glass of wine as she heated a cast-iron frying pan and dropped a couple knobs of butter in it. Blackie could use the extra fat, she thought. Soon the aroma of frying beef filled the kitchen, and Rolanda turned around as she heard the door creak. She smiled to see the dog standing uncertainly on the threshold.
"Well, come in! Gone a few days, and already unsure of your welcome, are you?" Ro asked, rubbing his head as she closed the door behind the dog, locking it, warding it, and throwing the bolt for good measure. With a murdering madman around, one couldn't be too careful.
Rolanda chatted to the dog as she fixed his meal and sipped her wine. "Hogwarts Quidditch season starts in a few weeks. All the teams are looking remarkably strong this year. It should be an exciting season. The traditional rivalries are still as hot as ever...hotter, I think, between Slytherin and Gryffindor than they've been in a while, and that's saying something, because they've always been intense. But there's some kind of personal animosity between Potter and Malfoy...those are the Gryffindor and Slytherin Seekers...that intensifies even the usual Gryffindor-Slytherin rivalry. Hufflepuff is even looking very good this year. Cedric Diggory, who reminds me of his Uncle Curtis, is their Seeker. Wouldn't have pegged him for a Seeker, myself, more of a Chaser like his uncle, but he's an excellent flyer. And as good looking on a broom as his uncle was in his day...I had a crush on Curtis when I was a third-year and he was a sixth-year. Never let him know it, though, of course. Just mooned about. And when he started playing for the Tutshill Tornadoes, I switched my allegiance...temporarily...from the Harpies, which had been my team since I was quite a little girl.
"If you ask me, a spirited Quidditch season is just what Hogwarts needs this year. With the Dementors guarding the grounds and the staff on edge about Black...and plenty of the students, too...some well-played, competitive games will be a good distraction for everyone.
"McGonagall asked me again about staying up at the castle. Dumbledore seems to think it would be better, but honestly, I can't see Sirius Black bothering about me. If I got in his way somehow, then he might slaughter me and anyone around me, but how likely is that?"
Blackie whined and gave a sharp, low bark.
"Exactly right! Not very likely. Now that it's getting dark so much earlier, I did promise Minerva that I would stay up at the castle from now on when I would otherwise be returning home after dark. I don't fancy having to pass through the gates in the gloom with Dementors on either side. They might just get a taste for a bit of soul-sucking and not care who it is." Rolanda shuddered. "So I'll be up at the castle on Hallowe'en next week. Not that that means anything to you, but if I'm not here ... well, I'll be back the next day and can feed you then, hmm?"
Blackie sat up and barked, and Ro laughed.
"Here you go, my lad." She filled a plate with well-seared beef and some warmed-up fried potatoes. "It's not steak, but it should still sit nice on your tummy. I have more for your breakfast, as well."
She pulled her chair up next to him and stroked the dog's back as he ate, feeling every vertebra in his spine. "You should really come around more often. You're going to waste away to nothing."
Continuing to lap and chew, Blackie gave a low whine.
"Surely someone must be missing you, looking for you," Rolanda said with a sigh, fondling the dog's great ears as he finished his meal and sank to the floor beside her. "I've not done anything to try to figure out how to get you back where you belong. I'm not even sure how I'd do that. I have been looking in the Prophet to see whether anyone's missing a big black dog, but I haven't seen any adverts about lost dogs, except for Madam Marsh's missing Pekinese, and you're definitely not a Peke."
Blackie yapped and licked her hand.
Rolanda picked up the dog's bowl and sent it flying over to the sink. With a wave of her wand, she started the dishes to washing.
"Well, I'll think more about how to find you a home tomorrow."
Blackie gave a low moan, almost a growl, then leaned his head against her leg.
"I can't give you a home, lad. Wish I could. But stay here tonight ... we'll see what the future holds, hmm?"
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Latest 25 Reviews for Stray
56 Reviews | 8.71/10 Average
Another lovely chapter. I like your insight into the little things like Sirius's unfamiliarity with wine, and lack of practice with table manners. I had to shake my head at his reminding Rolanda that she used to bathe him -- and bathe in front of him, as well as the reference to what he's used to eating while they were eating dessert, but he's a little out of practice at polite conversation too, isn't he? It was sweet of him to want to help with cleaning, and the mess with the charmed soap made me LOL, at Rolanda as much as at Sirius. Who reads instructions on dishwashing detergent? (Instructions all start 'use as directed' anyway. I takes forever to find the actual directions, which I will never understand -- I know, lawyers, but... Oh well. /rant.)
I also like how thoughtful she is, almost against her will. It shows what a thoroughly decent person she is. The development of their relationship is very realistic, and I'm looking forward to more.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
I recently set up a new wireless bridge at home, and the directions were an absolute mess. The device could be used as a router, a bridge, a repeater, or a wireless adapter for non-wireless devices. They didn't separate out the directions for each mode, but you had to hunt through the steps to find the directions applicable to your use of the thing. It works great, but lordy! Those directions were like some kind of puzzle challenge! So I agree with you about directions and trying to find them!Yes, Sirius is basically good-hearted here, but really pretty insensitive about certain things, partly as a result of having spent most of his adult life in Azkaban.Glad you liked the bit about the charmed dish soap. Sirius did have a little mess there! 
I'm glad you like the way their relationship is progressing. I hope to have another chapter or two posted in March -- we'll see! March is going to be busy for me, so I may not get as much writing time as I would like.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
I recently set up a new wireless bridge at home, and the directions were an absolute mess. The device could be used as a router, a bridge, a repeater, or a wireless adapter for non-wireless devices. They didn't separate out the directions for each mode, but you had to hunt through the steps to find the directions applicable to your use of the thing. It works great, but lordy! Those directions were like some kind of puzzle challenge! So I agree with you about directions and trying to find them!Yes, Sirius is basically good-hearted here, but really pretty insensitive about certain things, partly as a result of having spent most of his adult life in Azkaban.Glad you liked the bit about the charmed dish soap. Sirius did have a little mess there! I'm glad you like the way their relationship is progressing. I hope to have another chapter or two posted in March -- we'll see! March is going to be busy for me, so I may not get as much writing time as I would like.
I would like to start by mentioning that i have read you RaM story, and i just finished. I enjoyed it immensly, as i am a MMAD fan too. This is a well formulated story, and I enjoy the fact that it follows canon. It makes it slightly easier to understand, thought I can't preach having written to many canon-based story's myself. I wait patiently for your next update, and do hope you do not recieve any reviews like that particularly horrid one from an unbelievably impatient person, telling you to "Upadte Aready!". I look forward to reading this and your other stories and following your progress. Signed, Lils
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Hi, Lils! It'a very good to hear from another MMAD fan!I'm glad that you are enjoying this story. :-) It's one of the few I've written that is, as far as possible, canon compliant -- and written during the HP book years. It's fun, if work, to have it fit canon closely!I think I remember the review from ffnet that was like that. I don't at all mind having people ask about updates, hope for one, tell me they miss the story, and so on -- that's very nice! -- but some people can be quite rude about it. That one that I think you're speaking of was not a pleasant inquiry or statement of appreciation. Oh, well! It was probably someone pretty young.I'm trying to alternate among my WIPs right now. I just updated A Long Vernal Seaon and Charming the Scottish Garden (which you may or may not enjoy, but it's the closest to a RaM sequel I have, as it's set only about a year and a half after RaM, but it's not ADMM, although they are mentioned frequently & will appear together in a couple upcoming chapters), so I'm probably going to update Stray fairly soon.Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad that you enjoyed RaM. 
Response from Athena McGonagall Dumbledore (Reviewer)
Yeah, it was good. I was hooked, and my mom had to pretty much drag me upstairs for dinner while I was reading it, then confiscate my iPad before bed to get me to sleep. I can relate to trying to juggle some WiP. I have about three storeis going, and a few different sites, so its a bit hard. I can see that you are very adept at writing, so i would really, really appreciate it if you would read my story 'Beyond Never" on ffnet, seeing as it still hasnt been approved on this site. If you are to busy, or just dont want to, I understand. Signed, Lils
Response from Athena McGonagall Dumbledore (Reviewer)
Oh, also, if you agree to review my story, my Ffnet username is Siena McGonagall Dumbledore Thanks a bunch, Lils
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Hi, Lils! It'a very good to hear from another MMAD fan!I'm glad that you are enjoying this story. :-) It's one of the few I've written that is, as far as possible, canon compliant -- and written during the HP book years. It's fun, if work, to have it fit canon closely!I think I remember the review from ffnet that was like that. I don't at all mind having people ask about updates, hope for one, tell me they miss the story, and so on -- that's very nice! -- but some people can be quite rude about it. That one that I think you're speaking of was not a pleasant inquiry or statement of appreciation. Oh, well! It was probably someone pretty young.I'm trying to alternate among my WIPs right now. I just updated A Long Vernal Seaon and Charming the Scottish Garden (which you may or may not enjoy, but it's the closest to a RaM sequel I have, as it's set only about a year and a half after RaM, but it's not ADMM, although they are mentioned frequently & will appear together in a couple upcoming chapters), so I'm probably going to update Stray fairly soon.Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad that you enjoyed RaM.
Response from Athena McGonagall Dumbledore (Reviewer)
Yeah, it was good. I was hooked, and my mom had to pretty much drag me upstairs for dinner while I was reading it, then confiscate my iPad before bed to get me to sleep. I can relate to trying to juggle some WiP. I have about three storeis going, and a few different sites, so its a bit hard. I can see that you are very adept at writing, so i would really, really appreciate it if you would read my story 'Beyond Never" on ffnet, seeing as it still hasnt been approved on this site. If you are to busy, or just dont want to, I understand. Signed, Lils
Response from Athena McGonagall Dumbledore (Reviewer)
Oh, also, if you agree to review my story, my Ffnet username is Siena McGonagall Dumbledore Thanks a bunch, Lils
Rolanda really is a softy isn't she? Feeding him is one thing, but now she's giving him haircuts! It seems Blackie got to know her better than she realized.
You arent staying.You dried me off to send me back out into the rain?
You were getting my floor wet. ..."
LOL! And she's pretty quick, to figure out Buckbeak is with him.
It was good to see Severus acknowledging their breakup, and that he realizes it was inevitable. They probably have a better chance to be friends than lovers -- unless he catches Sirius coming around, anyway. It was nice of him to warn her about the deatheater nastiness, and to see that he cares about her well-being.
Lovely chapter, as always. I look forward to the next update -- on any of your fics!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yep, Rolanda's a softie even when she's trying not to be.It is much to Severus's credit that he immediately thought of Rolanda when he heard about the plans for after the match, and that he warned her. You're right, too: their friendship would be tested, and might not survive, if Severus caught Sirius coming around. (She also seems to be attracting difficult men here!)Thanks very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really do hope to dive head-first into my other fics, as well! With luck, you may have an update on something soon! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yep, Rolanda's a softie even when she's trying not to be.It is much to Severus's credit that he immediately thought of Rolanda when he heard about the plans for after the match, and that he warned her. You're right, too: their friendship would be tested, and might not survive, if Severus caught Sirius coming around. (She also seems to be attracting difficult men here!)Thanks very much! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I really do hope to dive head-first into my other fics, as well! With luck, you may have an update on something soon!
It made me smile to see this update, and it more than lived up to expectations!
I suppose Sirius had a limited choice for sending post, but that's a pretty frightening messenger. I'm glad he apologized though. If she knew him better, she'd realize that the letter was the equivalent of groveling and begging for forgiveness from anyone else.
I really liked the gifts for her friends and colleagues. I'd love to see Minerva's reaction to the poster! But where can she hang it? I suppose, being a witch, she can just banish it somewhere unless she wants to look at it..
I enjoy the little details in your fics, like the spurtle, which sounded vaguely familiar (I had to look it up, and then remembered my grandmother using the term), the rigors of long-distance broom-riding, Albus's pipe collection, and Minerva's interest in bagpipes. I also really appreciate that the adults act (and interact) like grownups. I LOL'd at Severus walking in on Albus and Minerva in the Great Hall (that would be a good one-shot), but it was great that it wasn't really a big deal, or at least no more so than for any other couple.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Nice to see you,
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and all the little details woven in -- and the gifts! (I spent almost as much time picking them out as I would real gifts! haha!)Yeah, that Martial eagle would be a rather alarming guest!I think Minerva could have a clever spell that would make the poster appear to be something rather staid and boring until she lifted it. ;DThanks for the review! I'm glad the chapter pleased! :-)
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Nice to see you,
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter and all the little details woven in -- and the gifts! (I spent almost as much time picking them out as I would real gifts! haha!)Yeah, that Martial eagle would be a rather alarming guest!I think Minerva could have a clever spell that would make the poster appear to be something rather staid and boring until she lifted it. ;DThanks for the review! I'm glad the chapter pleased! :-)
And now we're into the GoF and the TWT. The next few chapters are going to get interesting. By the way, when are you going to finish your other WiPs? I'm still waiting for the next chapter of "Draco's Heart" and "Charming the Scottish Garden" as well as "A Long Vernal Season". ^_^
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
I'm glad to know that you haven't forgotten my poor neglected WIPs. I have begun working on the next chapter of LVS, and hope to have it posted in the next week or so.Life has been throwing a lot at me lately, particularly this autumn & early winter. It looks as though stuff is stabilizing now, but I'm not going to count my dragons before they're hatched -- still, I'm hopeful that I will begin to have both the time & the energy to be able to begin writing again. (These last couple of chapters of "Stray" that I posted this past week have actually had drafts finished for a few months -- I hoped that by polishing them up & posting them, I'd get my writing gears greased and warmed up to be able to get started on LVS, et al. It seems to be working. I just hope that others remember my fics, as well!)Yes, the next few chapters should be fun, particularly as we see Rolanda beginning to relate to Sirius as a wizard & not as a stray dog. :-)Thanks! I do hope you'll be reading more chapters from me soon!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
I'm glad to know that you haven't forgotten my poor neglected WIPs. I have begun working on the next chapter of LVS, and hope to have it posted in the next week or so.Life has been throwing a lot at me lately, particularly this autumn & early winter. It looks as though stuff is stabilizing now, but I'm not going to count my dragons before they're hatched -- still, I'm hopeful that I will begin to have both the time & the energy to be able to begin writing again. (These last couple of chapters of "Stray" that I posted this past week have actually had drafts finished for a few months -- I hoped that by polishing them up & posting them, I'd get my writing gears greased and warmed up to be able to get started on LVS, et al. It seems to be working. I just hope that others remember my fics, as well!)Yes, the next few chapters should be fun, particularly as we see Rolanda beginning to relate to Sirius as a wizard & not as a stray dog. :-)Thanks! I do hope you'll be reading more chapters from me soon!
I am so happy to see that you've updated the story and are back to writing. I've missed your stories and characters!!!!This chapter was such a treat to read. The way you had Ro reading the letter and injecting her own thoughts between sections was great and a nice way for the readers to get both sides of the coin when reading it through.And I would have loooved to have seen Minerva's face when she got the poster and the bagpipe pixx. She and Albus are my faves!!!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Hi! Thanks for your enthusiastic "welcome back" -- I've missed my characters, too. I feel bad that I've been neglecting my fanfics, and feel as though I've let down some loyal readers who have probably given up on the stories as abandoned. I really hope that this coming year will be calmer and more steady, and that I'll be able to get back to writing fanfic, which I've missed.Ro certainly had a different experience and attitude from Sirius, didn't she? And the poor witch actually thinks she's through with him! lol!I'm glad you enjoyed the little ADMM-ness that snuck in there. I'm sure that Minerva will enjoy the various gifts in different ways, and have plenty of snappy comebacks for any jokes Albus might make about her "pin-up wizard" poster! Thanks again for your review! I'm glad you're still reading after all this time! Now let's hope I can get back to my other characters who are languishing in the deep recesses of my hard drive!Happy New Year! (It's my philosophy that one can wish a Happy New Year throughout the entire month of January! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Hi! Thanks for your enthusiastic "welcome back" -- I've missed my characters, too. I feel bad that I've been neglecting my fanfics, and feel as though I've let down some loyal readers who have probably given up on the stories as abandoned. I really hope that this coming year will be calmer and more steady, and that I'll be able to get back to writing fanfic, which I've missed.Ro certainly had a different experience and attitude from Sirius, didn't she? And the poor witch actually thinks she's through with him! lol!I'm glad you enjoyed the little ADMM-ness that snuck in there. I'm sure that Minerva will enjoy the various gifts in different ways, and have plenty of snappy comebacks for any jokes Albus might make about her "pin-up wizard" poster! Thanks again for your review! I'm glad you're still reading after all this time! Now let's hope I can get back to my other characters who are languishing in the deep recesses of my hard drive!Happy New Year! (It's my philosophy that one can wish a Happy New Year throughout the entire month of January!
All smiles here! A new story, about one of my favourite HP-adults (which may all be due to Zoe Wanamaker, as Ro isn't mentioned too much in the books, otherwise) and about an animal, which gives it a special charm.
And similar to mentioned before: the fact that Hooch cares for a stray dog, makes it even more close to my heart. It's so imaginable she would do all that for a poor dog and talk so freely, glad for the company, after having been stood up (by SS most likely, though Moody would fit the character too; yet to imagine Ro with Alastor is not so plausible, I guess.)
It's really great fun to have these 'layers of knowing' when reading this chapter, with Rolanda at the bottom of the knowledge-chain, Sirius aka Blackie in the middle and us on top, with our knowledge of the PoA book. Poor Ro, unawares undressing in front of SB (must have made his evening even better than it already unexpectedly had become.) I was grinning a lot, for all she said to him and did and he encouraging her, doggy style.
I liked the scene with Bruno, because of how natural it felt, including the annoyed and realistic dialogue between Ro and him.
It's been a long time of reading-draught again, for me,with having moved and needing to find a new routine and so on, and it's just wonderful to be able to read a new story by you and feel all happy again!
It's a highly promising start - so very well written again - to a story with interesting premises: to look at a period of PoA from an entirely different angle and in far greater depth, where Sirius is concerned, than in the book. I'm looking forward to see it unfold and I'm anticipating many lovely surprises as I find it hard to predict what's going to happen.
Thank you!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Thanks! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond to your review -- life has been getting in the way again!I'm glad that you enjoyed the start of the story. It's been fun, though challenging, to write a story set during the HP book years and keep it canon, and different, too, to write with a relatively narrow focus, keeping the lens on Ro.Slipping in things that mean nothing to Ro but everything to the reader has been enjoyable, too, and I hope I've been able to do it without being too heavy-handed. And, as you point out, Ro is the least "in the know" character, with Sirius - and Albus, too, to a degree -- knowing more than she does. Having the story unfold for Ro through her eyes and through her relationship with "Blackie" seemed a natural approach for the story. (I am writing it in response to a poll I put up on my blog over a year ago asking for rare pair picks. Hooch/Sirius was the one I decided to tackle first. There will be three or four more for other rare pairs, though the other fics will be shorter.)I love Zoë Wannamaker, as well, and am a fan from her appearances on Poirot & on My Family -- she was great as Hooch, perfect. She has a really intense energy, I think. Oh, and I can't forget her in Doctor Who! I hope that your move was smooth and you're now well settled in at your new home!Enjoy the rest of the story when you have a quiet moment away from hectic life! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Thanks! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to respond to your review -- life has been getting in the way again!I'm glad that you enjoyed the start of the story. It's been fun, though challenging, to write a story set during the HP book years and keep it canon, and different, too, to write with a relatively narrow focus, keeping the lens on Ro.Slipping in things that mean nothing to Ro but everything to the reader has been enjoyable, too, and I hope I've been able to do it without being too heavy-handed. And, as you point out, Ro is the least "in the know" character, with Sirius - and Albus, too, to a degree -- knowing more than she does. Having the story unfold for Ro through her eyes and through her relationship with "Blackie" seemed a natural approach for the story. (I am writing it in response to a poll I put up on my blog over a year ago asking for rare pair picks. Hooch/Sirius was the one I decided to tackle first. There will be three or four more for other rare pairs, though the other fics will be shorter.)I love Zoë Wannamaker, as well, and am a fan from her appearances on Poirot & on My Family -- she was great as Hooch, perfect. She has a really intense energy, I think. Oh, and I can't forget her in Doctor Who! I hope that your move was smooth and you're now well settled in at your new home!Enjoy the rest of the story when you have a quiet moment away from hectic life!
Wonderful story. Love your writing style as always. Your characters are so well depicted not heir thoughts and emotions expressed so well. It's fun remembering PoA but with your new spin on it all. Great job! I look forward to the restbb
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it. It's been fun to reread PoA and the others, as well. It's been a while since I've done so -- it's probably been since I wrote RaM that I've reread them properly rather than just bits and pieces.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it. It's been fun to reread PoA and the others, as well. It's been a while since I've done so -- it's probably been since I wrote RaM that I've reread them properly rather than just bits and pieces.
I feel so bad for Ro, though I think she did the right thing in owling Severus instead of trying to speak to him face to face about ending their ... whatever it was. And then confessing to Dumbledore ... that was a great idea, too. His comment about getting Zograf's autograph for Minerva was priceless. I wish I could have seen her describing the man's physique to Dumbledore and how he reacted. I'm such a shipper at heart. lol
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Gosh, for some reason (maybe the huge number of spam reviews I have in my unresponded-to reviews section?), I completely missed your review of this chapter! Apologies! I'm glad you enjoyed the ADMM bits here. I'm MMADfan, after all!
Yeah, Ro probably avoided some unpleasantness -- and actually made it easier for Severus, too -- by sending him a letter. Their "whatever it was" was clearly grinding to a smoking, choking end, and this was cleaner than trying to "talk it out" or something.Thanks again!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Gosh, for some reason (maybe the huge number of spam reviews I have in my unresponded-to reviews section?), I completely missed your review of this chapter! Apologies! I'm glad you enjoyed the ADMM bits here. I'm MMADfan, after all!Yeah, Ro probably avoided some unpleasantness -- and actually made it easier for Severus, too -- by sending him a letter. Their "whatever it was" was clearly grinding to a smoking, choking end, and this was cleaner than trying to "talk it out" or something.Thanks again!
Ro should have known better than to even attempt to eat one of Hagrid's rock cakes. tee hee. The poor girl and her teeth. That was funny and painful at the same time. And now the dog is out of the bag. eeeep. I can't wait to see what happens next. Off to read the next chapter. woo hoo
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
LOL! So very true! But beneath her tough, no-nonsense exterior, she's very empathetic and thoughtful. She'd put up with a loose tooth or two if it would help console her friend a little bit. :-)Haha! "Dog out of the bag" -- yep! She's put 2 & 2 together & she doesn't like what it adds up to, but she can't avoid it!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
LOL! So very true! But beneath her tough, no-nonsense exterior, she's very empathetic and thoughtful. She'd put up with a loose tooth or two if it would help console her friend a little bit. :-)Haha! "Dog out of the bag" -- yep! She's put 2 & 2 together & she doesn't like what it adds up to, but she can't avoid it!
I'm glad she finally broke it off with Severus. Neither of them was getting anything from the 'relationship'. She shouldn't feel bad about breaking up in a letter. He probably won't even notice; although you never know about him, do you?
I like that she had the integrity to tell Dumbledore about Blackie, especially since she knows no one else would ever know otherwise.
I still love playful Dumbledore. Teasing Minerva about quidditch players (who knew she wasn't just watching the quaffle all this time?), getting Rolanda to get Minerva Zograf's autograph (displaying his finely developed physique, no less), letting her fly out of his window, and finding fun in the transfiguration OWLs.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yeah, it was a dead-end relationship. I think that Severus was probably getting more out of it than Ro, although because he never -- and couldn't -- expressed any appreciation, it didn't even feel like that to her.I like juxtaposing playful Dumbledore with strategist Dumbledore. Glad you like seeing that bit of his personality come out! (One of my favorite Dumbledore lines -- which I sadly can't quote accurately without consulting the books -- is when he remarks to Vernon Dursley that "accidental rudeness" occurs frequently, so best just to keep quiet -- I'm mangling the quotation, but I loved it.)Thanks for the reviews! I appreciate them!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yeah, it was a dead-end relationship. I think that Severus was probably getting more out of it than Ro, although because he never -- and couldn't -- expressed any appreciation, it didn't even feel like that to her.I like juxtaposing playful Dumbledore with strategist Dumbledore. Glad you like seeing that bit of his personality come out! (One of my favorite Dumbledore lines -- which I sadly can't quote accurately without consulting the books -- is when he remarks to Vernon Dursley that "accidental rudeness" occurs frequently, so best just to keep quiet -- I'm mangling the quotation, but I loved it.)Thanks for the reviews! I appreciate them!
A "fine physique" is it? Tsk, tsk, Minerva. You're old enough to be his... er... elder sister. Yeah, that's it! His older sister. *grin* Am waiting to see how you handle the "Goblet of Fire" part of the story. ^_^
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Hey, I figure if I can appreciate a male physique possessed by a guy who can't possibly be my younger brother (well, I suppose it might be remotely possible, but not likely!), why shouldn't Minerva have a healthy appreciation of a handsome and physically fit young wizard! Don't want to deprive her of a bit of pleasure!I've been having fun with the GoF section. I think it will end up being the shortest of the three sections, though there are some very interesting developments in it, as well, I hope! And naturally, we see more of Blackie and Hooch!Thanks muchly!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Hey, I figure if I can appreciate a male physique possessed by a guy who can't possibly be my younger brother (well, I suppose it might be remotely possible, but not likely!), why shouldn't Minerva have a healthy appreciation of a handsome and physically fit young wizard! Don't want to deprive her of a bit of pleasure!I've been having fun with the GoF section. I think it will end up being the shortest of the three sections, though there are some very interesting developments in it, as well, I hope! And naturally, we see more of Blackie and Hooch!Thanks muchly!
I loved Minerva in this chapter - her and her fangirling for Zograf! It was an interesting note that the Irish World Cup players are all former alumni of Hogwarts. Presumably this is the same game Harry sees in GoF, so I already know that Hooch has the right idea in rooting for Ireland. Poor Hooch, finding out that she let Sirius into the castle! It was good to see Albus again, though. I always wondered why Sirius refused to say how he got into Hogwarts. And I always loved the spinning instruments in Albus's room. He has great taste.Is Snape antagonistic towards Lupin because of his friendship with Sirius or bitterness over the prank? It's just as well his relationship with Hooch is over, as it wasn't really working out for either of them.I enjoy the letters in your stories a lot. There really are too few written letters these days.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Is Snape antagonistic towards Lupin because of his friendship with Sirius or bitterness over the prank?Both. He hated Lupin in school because he was one of the gang of four (sorry for stealing this allusion for something so frivolous!) that made his life miserable even before the prank with the Whomping Willow. Now, it's all bound together. I enjoy the letters in your stories a lot. There really are too few written letters these days.I agree -- and I enjoy it when I read an epistolary story, myself, so try to incorporate bits of that when appropriate in my stories. It's a way that people can relate to each other while absent that just isn't replicated by email and texting.Glad you liked Fangirl!Minerva! 
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Is Snape antagonistic towards Lupin because of his friendship with Sirius or bitterness over the prank?Both. He hated Lupin in school because he was one of the gang of four (sorry for stealing this allusion for something so frivolous!) that made his life miserable even before the prank with the Whomping Willow. Now, it's all bound together. I enjoy the letters in your stories a lot. There really are too few written letters these days.I agree -- and I enjoy it when I read an epistolary story, myself, so try to incorporate bits of that when appropriate in my stories. It's a way that people can relate to each other while absent that just isn't replicated by email and texting.Glad you liked Fangirl!Minerva!
I do hope you plan to show us that poster!Very good chapter. Pleasantly surprised you're continuing this into GoF.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
When I get a copy, you will! Yes, the story is planned all the way through PoA, with an epilogue. I am very glad that I have the eBooks of the first 6 books, since they have been invaluable in getting the details right and for doing searches on my Kindle. I even read some of GoF (post-cemetery chapters) today on my phone while waiting for a lost mother. (My own lost mother. We did find each other. Eventually. Long story. And that was the pleasanter part of my day.) Anyway, I digress! This is the first longer story that I've written that takes place during the period of the HP books and that attempts to be consistent with them as far as possible. It's been challenging! The other little HP-era fics I've written haven't been nearly as dependent on canon details as this one, and I am pretty sure that they've all been one-shots, like "Sunshine of Kindness" and "Trevor and the Queen." So this one has been an exercise in more than just imagination, plotting, and character development!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
When I get a copy, you will! Yes, the story is planned all the way through PoA, with an epilogue. I am very glad that I have the eBooks of the first 6 books, since they have been invaluable in getting the details right and for doing searches on my Kindle. I even read some of GoF (post-cemetery chapters) today on my phone while waiting for a lost mother. (My own lost mother. We did find each other. Eventually. Long story. And that was the pleasanter part of my day.) Anyway, I digress! This is the first longer story that I've written that takes place during the period of the HP books and that attempts to be consistent with them as far as possible. It's been challenging! The other little HP-era fics I've written haven't been nearly as dependent on canon details as this one, and I am pretty sure that they've all been one-shots, like "Sunshine of Kindness" and "Trevor and the Queen." So this one has been an exercise in more than just imagination, plotting, and character development!
Well done, Rolanda, both for bidding Severus adieu as a lover and for telling Albus about her suspicions.He was very cadgy, very Albus, of course.And I enjoyed the banter over the hunky Quidditch player. Who knew that Minerva was a fangirl?
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yes, Rolanda bit the bullet and finally cut the strings with Severus -- though leaving open the possibility of a friendship. She does care for him despite herself -- and despite his burdensome moodiness and inability to attach himself to her.Fun to write a cadgy Albus, no? Minerva appreciates the aesthetics and athletic prowess of the Bulgarian Keeper. And maybe does a bit more than aesthetically appreciate his hunkiness.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yes, Rolanda bit the bullet and finally cut the strings with Severus -- though leaving open the possibility of a friendship. She does care for him despite herself -- and despite his burdensome moodiness and inability to attach himself to her.Fun to write a cadgy Albus, no? Minerva appreciates the aesthetics and athletic prowess of the Bulgarian Keeper. And maybe does a bit more than aesthetically appreciate his hunkiness.
Wow! So now she knows. I can't wait to see what happens when they meet again. Snape really does sound like he's a bit off his rocker there. I can't blame him for how he feels about Sirius, but he's never been able to see Sirius and his friends as individuals, just as a monolithic enemy, and it makes him pretty irrational about anything remotely concerning them.
I did enjoy seeing Poppy and Hagrid. Rolanda should know better than to try to eat one of Hagrid's rock cakes!
I like the way this is structured, with Rolanda finding out the next morning, from Poppy, so she has a chance to begin forming her own opinions before she hears Severus's rant side of the story.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
LOL! Fudge thought that Snape sounded more than a little off his rocker, too, up in the hospital wing that night. And he's spent the entire night brooding about it, and he's extremely sleep-deprived, so by the time Rolanda sees him, rather than having put the situation in perspective, he's just become more enraged about it all.I think you're right about Snape being unable to see the four Gryffindors as individuals -- whatever one did, all were responsible for in his mind.Glad you enjoyed it.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
LOL! Fudge thought that Snape sounded more than a little off his rocker, too, up in the hospital wing that night. And he's spent the entire night brooding about it, and he's extremely sleep-deprived, so by the time Rolanda sees him, rather than having put the situation in perspective, he's just become more enraged about it all.I think you're right about Snape being unable to see the four Gryffindors as individuals -- whatever one did, all were responsible for in his mind.Glad you enjoyed it.
I loved the banter in the staff room, and I like that Rolanda is getting close to people other than Severus. It was nice to see some realistic conversation about the situation from the adults. Minerva's my favorite, so I really enjoyed seeing her. I had never thought of her playing the bagpipes though, and the bit with her fixing them while chatting with with her colleagues was ingenious. I loved that she stood up for her Gryffindors (really Filius, the whole year was bad?) whatever their faults.
It was interesting to see Snape's take on the 'what to do with Harry' dilemma. I always wondered how he could be really safe at the Dursley's when he spent as much time as possible away from the house. On the other hand, with his propensity for wandering, if he stayed at Hogwarts he would probably spend half his time in Hogsmeade, which would be even less safe. And if I were a teacher I don't think I'd want to give up my summer to watch a student if there was an alternative. Since he was really just suggesting that Albus and Minerva take him, Snape wouldn't be faced with that, but it didn't seem as if he realized that's what he was really saying. [Now that I think of it, you are one of the very few who could probably write a believable 'raising Harry' story. But your plate is quite full enough!]
I think that waking up to find him sneaking out after getting him to stay just so he would be able to sleep ought to be the last straw for Rolanda and Severus though. I wouldn't put up with him any more after that. But she's put up with everything else, so she'll probably allow this too. She needs to just bit the bullet (or whatever the HP equivalent is), and change her password.
I really enjoyed the bit with Albus. Not only does he let her fly in his window, but he's looking out for her financially when she thinks she's going to be out of a job. I have a pretty good boss, but that's just awesome!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
I think it's historically pretty unusual for women to play the bagpipes, but I don't think that Minerva would care about such a tradition if it interfered with something she wanted to do. (In this story, it's later implied that her grandfather taught her the pipes -- unless I cut that bit out when tweaking & polishing.)Yeah, that really burned Rolanda, having Severus sneaking out like that. He's not very considerate of others, even someone trying to help him. He's too focussed on his own stuff, to explain it in the most charitable way. But yeah, Rolanda is getting totally fed up with him. I think that Severus's perspective on keeping Harry from going home to the Dursleys' would change if he were give a two- or three-week shift as a Potter-minder! lol!Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
I think it's historically pretty unusual for women to play the bagpipes, but I don't think that Minerva would care about such a tradition if it interfered with something she wanted to do. (In this story, it's later implied that her grandfather taught her the pipes -- unless I cut that bit out when tweaking & polishing.)Yeah, that really burned Rolanda, having Severus sneaking out like that. He's not very considerate of others, even someone trying to help him. He's too focussed on his own stuff, to explain it in the most charitable way. But yeah, Rolanda is getting totally fed up with him. I think that Severus's perspective on keeping Harry from going home to the Dursleys' would change if he were give a two- or three-week shift as a Potter-minder! lol!Glad you enjoyed the chapter!
It's got to be exhausting for Rolanda to try to have a relationship with Severus. It's pretty clear that he just isn't emotionally capable of even simple friendship right now, much less anything more. He doesn't seem to know himself whether he wants to push her away or not, and it was low for him to insinuate that Filius would try to influence her, much less that she could be influenced. It seems like she needs Blackie as much as he needs her.
Once again, I enjoyed seeing events from an outsiders perspective. She is going too be so upset when she figures it out!
I loved this observation:
Potter didnt seem to have much luck. Or else he had a great deal of it. It was hard to tell with Potter.
So very true.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yes, Severus is not exactly the most emotionally healthy of men, and Rolanda feels that no matter what she chooses to say or do, Severus will have a problem with it. Yes, Potter and his luck! Glad you liked that bit. Thanks. :-)
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yes, Severus is not exactly the most emotionally healthy of men, and Rolanda feels that no matter what she chooses to say or do, Severus will have a problem with it. Yes, Potter and his luck! Glad you liked that bit. Thanks. :-)
Naughty dog! I'm trying to figure out the timing. Ron was attacked by Sirius in the middle of the night, so he couldn't have done it while she was at the feast. But he ran off to the forest, and Vector was banging on her door almost as soon as she got back. So when did he get through the portrait hole? And what was he so upset about when she got back from the feast?Poor Cedric. Such a nice kid. I liked him much better in the books than I did in the movie. I didn't like the way the actor portrayed him at all, like an empty headed grinning idiot.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Ron wasn't attacked. Sirius couldn't get in -- he was trying to get in through the portrait hole while everyone was away at the Hallowe'en feast, and when he couldn't, he slashed up the Fat Lady's portrait. Sir Cadogen took her place for a while, if you remember him.He wanted Ro to let him out so he could run away, which he could have done on his own through the tower door, but he had had to race back to her rooms and let himself back in there so that he wouldn't be missing when she returned from the feast. She might have figured out that the dog was not a dog if she'd left him locked in her rooms and he was gone when she got back.I agree -- I liked Cedric Diggory better in the books, but Amos Diggory better in the movie (partly because I like the actor who plays Amos, but partly because he wasn't quite as full of himself and boasting about his son as he was in the book).
Response from Riposto (Reviewer)
That's right! I'd forgotten, first the FL's portrait was attacked, then later Crookshanks swiped the passwords so Sirius could get past Sir Cadogen. Guess it's been a while since I read PoA.I liked Amos Diggory in the book even with the boastiness. It seemed sort of sweet, how proud he was of his son that he didn't care a bit about Harry's feelings. I thought it was a little churlish of Harry to resent it. He was nasty to Winky, but I got the impression that was just how most wizards were with elves, not really seeing them as individuals, but rather more like service dogs - either helpful pets or unruly animals that needed to be curbed.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
And his boastiness, even in the book, was pride & joy in his son -- nothing like Lucius Malfoy's attitude. Harry's only 13 there, so I can see him not being able to laugh it off very easily, especially since Amos didn't seem to notice that his son was embarrassed and Harry was uncomfortable. But the Diggorys were definitely a nice family in the books. I haven't seen the movie in ages, and I can't remember whether his wife was in it at the end -- I think she only showed up in the book during the final task, but wasn't in the movie, though I can't really remember. But she was okay, too, and very kind, I thought, despite her grief at losing Cedric so senselessly.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Ron wasn't attacked. Sirius couldn't get in -- he was trying to get in through the portrait hole while everyone was away at the Hallowe'en feast, and when he couldn't, he slashed up the Fat Lady's portrait. Sir Cadogen took her place for a while, if you remember him.He wanted Ro to let him out so he could run away, which he could have done on his own through the tower door, but he had had to race back to her rooms and let himself back in there so that he wouldn't be missing when she returned from the feast. She might have figured out that the dog was not a dog if she'd left him locked in her rooms and he was gone when she got back.I agree -- I liked Cedric Diggory better in the books, but Amos Diggory better in the movie (partly because I like the actor who plays Amos, but partly because he wasn't quite as full of himself and boasting about his son as he was in the book).
Response from Riposto (Reviewer)
That's right! I'd forgotten, first the FL's portrait was attacked, then later Crookshanks swiped the passwords so Sirius could get past Sir Cadogen. Guess it's been a while since I read PoA.I liked Amos Diggory in the book even with the boastiness. It seemed sort of sweet, how proud he was of his son that he didn't care a bit about Harry's feelings. I thought it was a little churlish of Harry to resent it. He was nasty to Winky, but I got the impression that was just how most wizards were with elves, not really seeing them as individuals, but rather more like service dogs - either helpful pets or unruly animals that needed to be curbed.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
And his boastiness, even in the book, was pride & joy in his son -- nothing like Lucius Malfoy's attitude. Harry's only 13 there, so I can see him not being able to laugh it off very easily, especially since Amos didn't seem to notice that his son was embarrassed and Harry was uncomfortable. But the Diggorys were definitely a nice family in the books. I haven't seen the movie in ages, and I can't remember whether his wife was in it at the end -- I think she only showed up in the book during the final task, but wasn't in the movie, though I can't really remember. But she was okay, too, and very kind, I thought, despite her grief at losing Cedric so senselessly.
Well, at least the sex is good, and she seems pragmatic about the relationship. Sounds like letting off some of the steam with her is all that's holding Severus together. LOL'ed at the Jane Eyre reference, especially as Severus is so often compared to Mr. Rochester and Heathcliffe in fanfic. Since it's too early in the timeline for Wormtail to be hiding out at his house, I wonder what "worse" he has there. I guess "Blackie" was watching them going at it from the kitchen window. Maybe that's why he was hesitant to come back into the house, not knowing when or if Severus would be back? Bet he was wishing he could talk when Rolanda was rambling about the likelihood of being attacked by that crazy Sirius Black.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
As for the "worse," Severus does like to put people off. I liked the trope of the mad wife in the attic, but I'd actually not consciously thought of Jane Eyre, though of course I've read it! LOL!Yep, Blackie didn't want to run into Severus, regardless of his form & the fact that Severus doesn't know he's an Animagus. He doesn't like Snape, to put it mildly, and now he's a little wary.Yeah, he thought it was pretty odd to hear her going on about the likelihood of being attacked by Sirius Black. He also had a few thoughts on the subject of people missing him and getting him back where he belonged! Glad you're enjoying it!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
As for the "worse," Severus does like to put people off. I liked the trope of the mad wife in the attic, but I'd actually not consciously thought of Jane Eyre, though of course I've read it! LOL!Yep, Blackie didn't want to run into Severus, regardless of his form & the fact that Severus doesn't know he's an Animagus. He doesn't like Snape, to put it mildly, and now he's a little wary.Yeah, he thought it was pretty odd to hear her going on about the likelihood of being attacked by Sirius Black. He also had a few thoughts on the subject of people missing him and getting him back where he belonged! Glad you're enjoying it!
Eeeep, I love how you are blending the story from GOF into the story of Stray aka Blackie. It's as if this could easily have been part of the canon story, which makes for fun reading.It's a good thing Ro is around to take care of Blackie! ^_^ wink wink.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
It's been an interesting challenge to weave them together, but fun. I'm glad you like it!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
It's been an interesting challenge to weave them together, but fun. I'm glad you like it!
Blackie's certainly the cunning dog! It's a bit of a "double life" that Sirius is leading here, and Rolanda hasn't figured it out yet. I can see he's already a good friend with Crookshanks. I do like Crookshanks, especially when it turned out that he was one of the good guys and that the rat he was after deserved it.I wonder, were Dumbledore's "great silvery birds" phoenixes? That would certainly fit his style, and he's certainly a powerful wizard to be able to cast more than one.Vector's a rare sight in the books, so it was interesting that it was her to alert Hooch that Sirius had attacked Hogwarts.Cedric's certainly a noble lad, and it's very honorable of him to ask for a rematch even if he won fairly, as Harry was incapacitated by Dementors. That was certainly a nasty end for a Quidditch match to end, both in PoA and here!And Sirius does know by experience how awful Dementors are, for sure.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yep, the silvery birds were phoenixes. I don't know whether that's ever explicitly stated in the books, but it makes sense, and I'm pretty sure that JKR said they were phoenixes.I liked the idea of Cedric having a real sense of fair play -- and we do get that sense of him in GoF a year later.I'm glad you enjoyed it! Many thanks!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yep, the silvery birds were phoenixes. I don't know whether that's ever explicitly stated in the books, but it makes sense, and I'm pretty sure that JKR said they were phoenixes.I liked the idea of Cedric having a real sense of fair play -- and we do get that sense of him in GoF a year later.I'm glad you enjoyed it! Many thanks!
Yay for second chapters and quickly, too.I love that Ro is taking good care of Blackie. I'm a sucker for abandoned animals and ones that need help. That's how I came to be the parent of two cats. lolThe descriptions are great and I can't wait to see where you're taking us with the story.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
I'm hoping that updating quickly willl encourage me to continue writing the story and finish it. :-) So what's good for you is (I hope!) good for my Muse, too. I know. I have one that came from a no-kill shelter after being there for FOUR months, and my other two (one sadly deceased) were both street waifs, but meant for the cushy, domesticated life -- and finding me, they got it! I really love dogs, too, but have never had quite the right situation to be able to have one of my own.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
I'm hoping that updating quickly willl encourage me to continue writing the story and finish it. :-) So what's good for you is (I hope!) good for my Muse, too. I know. I have one that came from a no-kill shelter after being there for FOUR months, and my other two (one sadly deceased) were both street waifs, but meant for the cushy, domesticated life -- and finding me, they got it! I really love dogs, too, but have never had quite the right situation to be able to have one of my own.
Blackie's quite the trickster! Since he presumably keeps his intelligence in dog form, no doubt he recognized the wanted poster that he drooled on. And he's no barghest, thankfully, nor a Kludde, Shriker, Aufhocker, or any other nasty road bogie. Severus is certainly very stressed here - and his grudge against Sirius seems to be wearing on him. His sex with Rolanda seemed oddly emotionless. It's a surprise to read about Gryffindors mistreating Slytherins - in the books, it's usually the opposites, but it makes sense for there to be prejudice and thugs on both sides. Severus might have sympathized because of his own encounters with Sirius and the Marauders.It's good to see poor old Cedric, and it's interesting to hear that he had an uncle named Curtis who was good at Quidditch. I wonder if Curtis was still alive when Cedric was murdered by the toe-rag and Wormtail in the graveyard?Sirius must be learning all manner of things about Rolanda in his disguise! Thank goodness that he isn't interested in harming her.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
From the point-of-view of Severus -- and any other Slytherins whom Sirius baited and teased -- the Gryffindors were the bullies. Sirius had a particular dislike for Severus back in school, but he didn't much like Slytherins in general. He identified them with his family, who were nasty purebloods and whom he wished to distance himself from. So although Barney, who was a few years younger than Ro and one year benind Snape & Black in school, was not the target of any really nasty pranks, SB did think it was funny to pull "practical jokes" on him, which Barney, being sensitive, found difficult to shrug off.I think that Snape was intensely emotional during the sex, but it was not directed toward Rolanda -- it was not affection, or not primarily that, and even its erotic component had more of "lose-yourself" element to it than an "engage-yourself" component. Yep, Sirius is learning a lot about Rolanda! Glad you enjoyed the chapter; thanks for the review!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
From the point-of-view of Severus -- and any other Slytherins whom Sirius baited and teased -- the Gryffindors were the bullies. Sirius had a particular dislike for Severus back in school, but he didn't much like Slytherins in general. He identified them with his family, who were nasty purebloods and whom he wished to distance himself from. So although Barney, who was a few years younger than Ro and one year benind Snape & Black in school, was not the target of any really nasty pranks, SB did think it was funny to pull "practical jokes" on him, which Barney, being sensitive, found difficult to shrug off.I think that Snape was intensely emotional during the sex, but it was not directed toward Rolanda -- it was not affection, or not primarily that, and even its erotic component had more of "lose-yourself" element to it than an "engage-yourself" component. Yep, Sirius is learning a lot about Rolanda! Glad you enjoyed the chapter; thanks for the review!
There just aren't enough Hooch-fics. I'm glad you're writing one! I think I can guess who the dog is, but am very curious to see how Rolanda discovers it. We don't know much about her from the books, but I hadn't thought of her as the sort of witch who would let herself be used for sex. I'm looking forward to finding out what kind of person she really is - the character as you develop her.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yeah, there really aren't many out there. I haven't even written her very much in other stories. I like the potential of her character, though.Like she said (I think it's in this section of the story), she'd had a long dry spell before she hooked up with this current wizard. She has kind of ambivalent feelings about the relationship. I don't think she'd feel that she was being used for sex, but that it was kind of mutual -- except that her feelings are growing more than his are. I'll likely post another chapter on Friday. You'll get to see her and her wizard then.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Stray)
Yeah, there really aren't many out there. I haven't even written her very much in other stories. I like the potential of her character, though.Like she said (I think it's in this section of the story), she'd had a long dry spell before she hooked up with this current wizard. She has kind of ambivalent feelings about the relationship. I don't think she'd feel that she was being used for sex, but that it was kind of mutual -- except that her feelings are growing more than his are. I'll likely post another chapter on Friday. You'll get to see her and her wizard then.