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kellychambliss46 Reviews | 6.74/10 (46 Ratings, 0 Likes, 2 Favorites )
It's 1894, the dawn of a new age, and Severus Snape, shipping clerk, wants a bit more magic in his world. But few know better than he that life is always a big question mark. Steampunk AU.
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About kellychambliss
Author
kellychambliss
Member Since 2008 | 38 Stories | Favorited by 52 | 8 Reviews Written | 426 Review Responses
Teacher, editor, dyke, coffee and tea lover, amateur actor, leftist, book collector.
Fan of: McGonagall, Snape, Moody, Flitwick, Filch, all the older HP women.
4TPs: McGonagall/Hooch, McGonagall/Grubbly-Plank, McGonagall/Snape, McGonagall/Moody.
Reviews for ?????
Oh, I really loved this! I do wish I knew more about what jettisoned Minerva and Tom from respectable wizarding society, but the final image of Severus striding onstage and taking up a new life of adventures was very satisfying. You had so many great snapshots of the characters -- like Minerva pinning her hat on and sailing out to a business call after a round of kinky sports! It was an unexpected combination of characters and circumstance, but int worked beautifully. Thanks for sharing!
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you so much for these kind and detailed reviews; I do appreciate it. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. It was really a fun one to write.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you so much for these kind and detailed reviews; I do appreciate it. I'm glad you enjoyed the story. It was really a fun one to write.~~Kelly
I really liked the description of the empty music hall, waiting for the patrons to arrive and the magic to begin. As for Minerva -- she pounces! She knows what she wants, it is clear. I worry a bit for Severus moving in to the House of Query.
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Pounces -- exactly! I'm so glad the "cat" came through. Severus is going to have to be on constant alert, that's for sure. Thanks for reading.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Pounces -- exactly! I'm so glad the "cat" came through. Severus is going to have to be on constant alert, that's for sure. Thanks for reading.~~Kelly
"The sovereign entity that was Severus Snape": Haha, perfect! The way he is here is just as I'd have pictured canon Snape to be in his teens and twenties: cool and calculating but with all those rough edges popping up at the most inconvenient times. The writing is really elegant :)
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you so much! I love knowing which lines readers like. I think SS is someone who by this time has learned that if he doesn't look out for himself, no one else will.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you so much! I love knowing which lines readers like. I think SS is someone who by this time has learned that if he doesn't look out for himself, no one else will.~~Kelly
yay. Nagini got some fun too. Seems only fair. :)
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I have to admit that the whole Nagini business rather spooks me -- but it was a fun challenge to write. Thank you for reading and reviewing.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I have to admit that the whole Nagini business rather spooks me -- but it was a fun challenge to write. Thank you for reading and reviewing.~~Kelly
Be careful what you wish for, Severus. :)
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I'll bet that's something he often said to himself over the years. Thanks for reading!~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I'll bet that's something he often said to himself over the years. Thanks for reading!~~Kelly
Sounds like Severus will be getting an invitation into the Riddle's bedroom before long. But will he want to accept? :)
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I suspect he will! He's a daring lad.
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I suspect he will! He's a daring lad.
Oops, sprung! ;)
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I always knew Severus had a bit of the daredevil in him /g/.
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I always knew Severus had a bit of the daredevil in him /g/.
Severus should watch that wandering eye of his. It could get him into trouble! :)
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
And he's usually so cautious!
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
And he's usually so cautious!
This is interesting. Love the way you've mixed the characters together. :)
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thanks! They're an odd group, but they fit together better than I expected.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thanks! They're an odd group, but they fit together better than I expected.~~Kelly
I am a little torn. I really wanted this to go on forever (really, forever). And I didn't expect it to end here. On the other hand, I sort of loved the irony. I kept waiting for things to go pear-shaped, and I thought for sure that they would since we were dealing with such powerful wizards, one who we know to have a dark past. So, the fact that we had a recipe for disaster, and it ended in a happily ever after (as far as we know) was pretty cool.I have to commend you on working out the kinks (no pun intended) of five people together (and I use the word people loosly,lol). I've read a lot of stuff, but I think that is the most numerous sextacular I have read. So, good job, you.This was different from your usual fare, and while I love what I have read in the past, this was a nice change of pace, too. It still had that certain charm that every one of your stories has, though. Very nicely done!
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you for reading and for all your kind and detailed reviews. This is the first (and probably will be the only) five-some I've written, and imagining the logistics was something of a challenge. So I'm glad you think it makes sense. (My first-and-only snake sex fic, too -- what an interesting challenge *that* was /g/). I agree that the ending is a little unexpected -- probably too many loose ends left dangling, to be honest -- so maybe someday I'll have to do a sequel.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you for reading and for all your kind and detailed reviews. This is the first (and probably will be the only) five-some I've written, and imagining the logistics was something of a challenge. So I'm glad you think it makes sense. (My first-and-only snake sex fic, too -- what an interesting challenge *that* was /g/). I agree that the ending is a little unexpected -- probably too many loose ends left dangling, to be honest -- so maybe someday I'll have to do a sequel.~~Kelly
Now I seeeeee..... it was Severus thinking with his little head that got him on the road to all that future trouble to begin with.This was a very fun story, and I never knew from one chapter to the next what might happen. I have to admit that when it came to Nagini making it a foursome, I got the willies.I'd love to have seen him on stage for the dawn of his new age.Well done, you!Beth
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thanks for reading, even to the snakey end /g/. I confess, I was a little squicked by the whole Nagini thing myself. But it was part of the prompt, and it turned out to be a fun writing challenge. And thanks, too, for your various plot thoughts. I do think you'd have managed a more complex take on this fic than I did; it does leave a lot of loose ends. Ah, well, maybe some day I'll undertake a sequel. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thanks for reading, even to the snakey end /g/. I confess, I was a little squicked by the whole Nagini thing myself. But it was part of the prompt, and it turned out to be a fun writing challenge. And thanks, too, for your various plot thoughts. I do think you'd have managed a more complex take on this fic than I did; it does leave a lot of loose ends. Ah, well, maybe some day I'll undertake a sequel. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comments.~~Kelly
Magic is in the eye of the beholder, and at this date no one had seen anything like "The Queries". I'm getting the feeling that Severus is being drawn into a trap.
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
We'll see! /g/ Thanks so much for reading and commenting.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
We'll see! /g/ Thanks so much for reading and commenting.~~Kelly
Where oh where will this lead? Is Severus getting himself into something that he'll regret? What is the motive behind Minerva's seduction? Is it just her own interest in their "newest addition," or does Tom have a more nefarious reason for drawing his young protégé into this ritual?Beth
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I hope you'll enjoy some of the answers to these questions, Beth. Thanks for commenting!~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I hope you'll enjoy some of the answers to these questions, Beth. Thanks for commenting!~~Kelly
It really would be easy to wow Muggles with magic, wouldn't it? Especially in this era."I saw you," he blurted to her back.At this, I was equal parts "No, Severus, stop talking!" and, "Oh yeah, lets get things moving!"Kelly, if you're hoping I'll die from want of more story, just keep it up. :)
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I'm not deliberately trying to kill you /g/ -- but I'm glad you're enjoying it. For a normally cautious man, Severus is taking some interesting chances.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I'm not deliberately trying to kill you /g/ -- but I'm glad you're enjoying it. For a normally cautious man, Severus is taking some interesting chances.~~Kelly
They must have wanted to be seen, or they wouldn't have left the door open. Narcissa being there is an interesting twist, But Nagini? that's the stuff of nightmares.
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
"The stuff of nightmares" indeed -- from my pov. From the characters' view? Well, not so much /g/. And you're right about the open door, of course. Thanks for reading!Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
"The stuff of nightmares" indeed -- from my pov. From the characters' view? Well, not so much /g/. And you're right about the open door, of course. Thanks for reading!Kelly
Narcissa's story was very telling. And yet, there is so much mystery about the entire Query family. Narcissa doesn't seem at all uptight about any of it, but perhaps that is because of where she came from. This is a much better place to be.Severus is very cautious (as he should be) especially after finding out that Riddle was ejected from the wizarding world for mystery reasons. But in the end, he is resigned to going along with it. You can't blame him really, since they are what keeps him connected with magic and there is the possibility of exploring sex with Minerva. And on that front, he is likely going to be in for an extreme education based on what we've seen and heard so far. His past experience will be nothing like what he will experience with the Querys, I suspect. And I look forward to finding out, I am a little horrified to admit.This continues to be fabulous, Kelly. As soon as I finish a chapter, I am already dying for more.
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you so much for this detailed comment; I really appreciate it. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I had a lot of fun playng around in Victorian times. It all gets pretty kinky, as per the prompt.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you so much for this detailed comment; I really appreciate it. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. I had a lot of fun playng around in Victorian times. It all gets pretty kinky, as per the prompt.~~Kelly
This alternate universe has turned Potterverse completely on its head! Every time I try to put the clues together and prognosticate a bit, I come up empty handed... and empty headed. I am so throughly impressed with the story you are weaving. There are so many twists and turns, and every clue leads back around to every other clue- not a single clear direction for my feeble brain.I feel certain that there will be a ton of trouble in the future, and for the life of me, I can't even figure out how Minerva would have found herself so attracted to Tom. Will she ever want to break her bond to him? Would he ever agree to it? I worry about Severus. He seems to see things that trouble him, and the next thing I know he is rationalizing it so he can remain a member of this "family." His need to "belong" appears to be his greatest motivator, and I can't help but think that both he and Narcissa (and Minerva) will pay a big price for having come so thoroughly under Tom Riddle's control.Could they all be under an Imperius Curse? Hummmmmmmmmm... Beth
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I'm really enjoying your thoughts about how the plot may unfold -- it's like getting to read the story myself. As for Minerva, I think she is a very intense, strongly-emotional person who admires intelligence and power -- and even danger; look are her commitment to Albus. So, in different circumstances from canon, I can see her being attracted someone like Tom (at least when he's just dodgy and ruthless, not necessarily evil.)~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I'm really enjoying your thoughts about how the plot may unfold -- it's like getting to read the story myself. As for Minerva, I think she is a very intense, strongly-emotional person who admires intelligence and power -- and even danger; look are her commitment to Albus. So, in different circumstances from canon, I can see her being attracted someone like Tom (at least when he's just dodgy and ruthless, not necessarily evil.)~~Kelly
I neglected to review your last chapter, even though it was formidable. Allow me to make up for it now:I still really like how the story unfolds, and how the Potterverse is made to fit with your version. And I'm somewhat scared by the Minerva/Riddle-pairing - it does actually fit, doesn't it?And Snape is so very much himself. Especially his comment about politics.
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I'm so glad you think Snape is "very much himself." That's always the challenge of AUs, for me -- to make everyone seem like "themeslves" even outside their usual world. As for Minerva, she's pretty strong-minded in canon; I think that it probably wouldn't take much change in circumstance for her to devote that sort of fierce commitment to a diferent, even if less worthy, cause. Thanks for reading and commenting!~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
I'm so glad you think Snape is "very much himself." That's always the challenge of AUs, for me -- to make everyone seem like "themeslves" even outside their usual world. As for Minerva, she's pretty strong-minded in canon; I think that it probably wouldn't take much change in circumstance for her to devote that sort of fierce commitment to a diferent, even if less worthy, cause. Thanks for reading and commenting!~~Kelly
Oh, squick! Nagnin? *shudder.... besides that, bloody good!
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thanks for reading! And sorry for the squck. But I can't promise that it won't get even worse /g/.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thanks for reading! And sorry for the squck. But I can't promise that it won't get even worse /g/.~~Kelly
WTF?!?!? Severus is going to be either very happy or very sad. What's going to happen when Tom realizes that the apprentice is watching...? Or could that be part of his plan?Where's the next chapter? 
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Next chapter in a day or two. First, I've got to leave everyone dangling on the cliff for a while /g/. Severus is getting much more than he bargained for. Thanks for commenting; I really appreciate it.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Next chapter in a day or two. First, I've got to leave everyone dangling on the cliff for a while /g/. Severus is getting much more than he bargained for. Thanks for commenting; I really appreciate it.~~Kelly
Dear, Gussie! Severus is walking on thin ice here. I'm not sure how smart it was for him to show that bit of bravery about whether or not Mr Riddle had anything to hide, but he (Tom) must think enough of his apprentice to show him patience... but that display with Nagini was enough to underscore the danger that is always lurking beneath the surface with Riddle.Knowing that Narcissa is not their real daughter, now I'm wondering if Minerva and Tom are really married to each other? There is so much you haven't told us yet, isn't there?Beth
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Severus is one of those people who always finds himself on the knife edge, I think -- and probably not by accident (although perhaps subconsciously). And I've always thought that Riddle had to have a lot of charisma along with his viciousness -- but very unstable, definitely. Thanks for reading!~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Severus is one of those people who always finds himself on the knife edge, I think -- and probably not by accident (although perhaps subconsciously). And I've always thought that Riddle had to have a lot of charisma along with his viciousness -- but very unstable, definitely. Thanks for reading!~~Kelly
I wondered how the name Query fit into this tale. The dynamics of this family are certainly interesting, and I'm still trying to figure out how they came to be together. Let's see, Minerva McGonagoll is to married Thomas M. Riddle, and since Minerva said she wasn't Narcissa's mother, I am assuming that Narcissa Black was recruited by Tom to be a member of their company just as Severus has been.This is one of those "WOW!" moments when I'm met with a totally unexpected plot, and I can't wait to find out what you have in mind.Beth
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you so much! I'm so pleased that you're enjoying the plot; I usually think of myself as a plot-challenged writer /g/. ~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you so much! I'm so pleased that you're enjoying the plot; I usually think of myself as a plot-challenged writer /g/. ~~Kelly
I cannot wait to see what you do with this story! I'm already hooked with the AU and Victorian London. Beth
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thanks, Beth! I hope you'll enjoy the rest.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thanks, Beth! I hope you'll enjoy the rest.~~Kelly
Wow. Severus could be in for either a very bad time or a very good time, or possibly both at once. I really love watching these characters charm their way through the sooty, gritty late-Victorian world, and I look forward to finding out the story behind the stories the Querys are giving Severus.
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you! I think the HP characters fit really well into the Victorian world; it's been fun to write them there. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the chapters. Thanks for reading.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thank you! I think the HP characters fit really well into the Victorian world; it's been fun to write them there. I hope you'll enjoy the rest of the chapters. Thanks for reading.~~Kelly
But ... but ... where's the next chapter?!? *wails*I am not a big fan of AU, and yet, I can't seem to put this one down. I think I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, and instead, the shoes just keep getting prettier and more enticing.
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thanks for the lovely comment! I'm always so pleased if I can get people to enjoy genres or characters they usually don't care for. My plan is to do a chapter every two days.~~Kelly
Response from kellychambliss (Author of ?????)
Thanks for the lovely comment! I'm always so pleased if I can get people to enjoy genres or characters they usually don't care for. My plan is to do a chapter every two days.~~Kelly