Revelations
Chapter 4 of 19
morgaine_dulacAfter Snape has been told that Lily’s son has only been kept alive so that he can die at the right moment, he leaves Hogwarts for a little Muggle town where he once spent a happy weekend with his father. Walking down memory lane he finds a shabby little pub, a memory and hope. (Sequel to His First)
ReviewedChapter 4: Revelations
It was one of those grey Sunday afternoons in mid-April. The students of Hogwarts were huddled up inside, doing their homework in their dormitories or the library, the sixth-years concentrating on the theory of Apparation. The staff was busy marking papers and preparing lessons, and Snape was quite certain that no one in the whole castle had noticed that he had not been in the Great Hall for lunch. He rarely ate there on the weekends, preferring the privacy of his own chambers, and as his nose now filled with the scent of roast and potatoes, gravy and Yorkshire pudding, he knew that his decision to have lunch at Edmunds' pub instead of having sandwiches in his study had been the right one.
'Would you like to have a glass of wine with your food?' Hope asked as she wiped the table in the booth Snape usually occupied.
'I would love to,' he replied, wondering for a moment if he should offer a compliment about the delicious smell that hung in the air but then deciding against it. Such a comment seemed far too trivial.
'I'll be with you in a moment,' Hope promised and hurried off again, and Snape gazed after her, admiring her soundless steps and her posture as he had done so many times before, not only over the last one and a half months but already when Nadezhda had been his student. She had been taught well once, and no matter how much time that had passed, she would never be able to shake off the teachings that had become part of her very being. She would always keep her back straight and her eyes lowered, make sure no one noticed her and only speak when she was spoken to.
Was he the only one who noticed how out of place she was in this establishment, Snape wondered. Could no one else see that she belonged in more esteemed settings, in a fancy tea room or an elegant dining hall?
He let his gaze wander around the pub. Sundays were the one day of the week when the place as truly busy, and this Sunday it looked as if the whole village had come there for lunch. But Hope didn't seem stressed. She took time to chat with each of her patrons, refilled their glasses and carried out empty plates. She was the perfect hostess, and had she not chosen a different life, she would certainly be hosting parties at McKibben manor that would make the Malfoys pale with envy. By the table closest to the bar, she lingered for quite some time, talking to the pale, straw blond boy with big brown eyes, who was enjoying apple crumble and custard for dessert. He smiled at her and blushed as she said something which Snape couldn't hear, and before Hope left the table she affectionately ruffled the boy's hair. She would have made a good mother as well, Snape was certain of that.
Eventually, he was being served his lunch and while he was eating, the patrons left one by one, returning to their homes. Silence settled over the pub, and Snape allowed himself to sink deeper into his seat, enjoying the quiet and the warm feeling that was spreading through his body. He stretched out his legs under the table when he had emptied his plate, inhaled deeply and closed his eyes for one short yet blissful moment. It was only now that he realised how tired he was, only now that he understood the blessing of having a place to get away from all his obligations and responsibilities. The little Muggle pub had become his haven, a sanctuary to which he could retreat when he was in need of a break. No one would ever look for him here. Most people he knew would never even think he'd sink so low as to socialise with Muggles.
'Rough week?'
Slowly, Snape lifted his gaze to look up at Hope. As so many times before, he had not heard her approach.
'Rough year,' he stated and then pinched the bridge if his nose.
Hope had no idea. She might think that a couple of cauldrons had exploded or that a student had managed to poison a peer. She might think that it was his daily teaching duties that were giving him a headache. She had no clue, of course, that Snape spent his waking hours shadowing the son of Lucius Malfoy, making sure the boy didn't hurt anyone else in his attempt to murder the headmaster of Hogwarts. Neither did she know that he had been up until the small hours, brewing yet another potion that would keep said headmaster alive for another month or two. The curse from Marvolo Gaunt's ring was growing stronger and spreading, weakening Dumbledore with every day that passed. But the old wizard was not yet ready to die. All his pieces stood not yet ready in the giant game of Wizarding chess that he was playing. He mustn't yet die. For even his own death was part of his strategy and Snape yet another of his pawns.
But Hope knew nothing of this, and Snape was not planning to tell her. They had made a deal, after all, and in this deal, the Wizarding world did not exist.
'There's still some apple crumble,' she informed him. 'Would you like some?'
'I couldn't fit anything more in my stomach even if I tried,' Snape admitted.
'You are missing out. Edmunds' custard is legendary.'
Snape sighed as he placed his hand on his stomach, and Hope tilted her head.
'Maybe we should go for a walk?' she suggested.
'In this weather?' Snape questioned.
'It's not that bad.'
'What about your patrons?'
'I think Edmunds can handle them,' Hope pointed out. 'After all, there aren't that many left.'
She looked back over her shoulder. Everyone had left apart from the three fishermen at their usual table, and the landlord had just served them a new round of ale. They would be busy for a while, drinking and telling tall tales. There was no reason why Hope couldn't leave the pub for half an hour or so. She fetched her coat, and within a few minutes, she and Snape had left the pub.
The weather had actually become worse. The mists hung now thick over the lake, and there was a drizzle, but Hope didn't seem to mind. Her steps were determined, and Snape followed her without asking where she was leading him. It didn't matter. Not one bit.
At the edge of the lake, she came to a halt, gazing out over the water. At first, Snape thought that she was watching the pair of swans that were courting each other, but eventually the birds disappeared into the mists, and Hope did not avert her gaze. For her eyes were searching for the shore on the other side of the lake, the shore that was as deeply hidden in the mists as the shores of Avalon.
'I've been having strange dreams lately,' she suddenly said, still gazing into nothingness. 'About wizards and witches, old castles and manor houses. I haven't dreamt about those things for years.'
'I think it is only natural that you should be having such dreams now,' Snape started carefully. 'However, I apologise that my appearance here has triggered them.'
Hope swirled around.
'No, please. Don't. Don't apologise,' she interrupted. 'I, um, ... They are not bad dreams, you know. Not like the ones I used to have. Back then, when I started to light the candle, hoping it would protect me during the night. I would wake up screaming back then, with cold sweat running down my back and my heart pounding like mad in my chest. At some point, I was so afraid of my dreams that I'd do anything to stay awake.'
She broke off, taking a shuddering breath, and Snape in his turn barely dared breathe. He had not dared hope to learn anything more about how Hope had fared when she had first come to the Muggle world. A month ago, up in her room, she had made it quite clear that she did not want to talk about her past. But now she seemed to have changed her mind, and Snape feared that the slightest interruption would make her fall silent once more. So he kept quiet, barely able to hold back the questions he had been dying to ask ever since he had come to the pub the first time and realised who the landlord's daughter really was.
'It all started out so well,' Hope continued after a while, once more turning towards the water. 'I was surprised at how easy it was to live without magic. Yes, there were things I had to learn, but Charles had taught me what I needed to survive. I knew my way around the house, could work the stove and the heating, and he had shown me how to take the bus to get to the villages around here. I didn't want to do my shopping at the same place every week, you know. I didn't want to be noticed, not even by a simple store clerk. And it worked. No one ever asked me any questions, no one ever seemed to recognise me, and eventually I allowed myself to relax. I would go for long walks by the lake, sometimes even stopping at a pub to have lunch. I talked to people, chatted about the weather and other meaningless things. I went to church on Sundays to study the Muggles, and once or twice I even went to the cinema. I was doing well, and my new life was one big adventure. I started to enjoy myself. But then the baby was born.'
'The baby?' Snape's eyes widened, and for the duration of a heartbeat, he thought that he had misheard. But Hope nodded.
'But... Madam Pomfrey provided you with a potion,' Snape went on. 'Did you not...'
'I did take it,' Hope claimed. 'I don't know, maybe I did something wrong or...'
She shrugged.
'That child was fathered by a powerful wizard,' she went on. 'It wasn't going to let itself be... murdered by a simple potion.'
Snape stood silent, staring at Hope, almost unable to take in her words. How had she coped? Adapting to a whole new world must have been difficult enough for a girl her age. For a girl was what she had been, a mere child. How had she managed to take care not only of herself but a new-born as well?
Then his jaw dropped.
'That boy...' he said slowly. 'The boy you were talking to earlier. Back in the pub...'
He had been the right age. Straw blond hair and pale skin, the spitting image of Barty. And Hope had been ever so affectionate. But she shook her head.
'No,' she said quietly. 'Pete is just a sweet and lonely boy who stole my heart years ago when he came wandering into the pub looking for his father the day his mother was laid to rest. I've watched him grow up. Helped him with his homework and made sure his father didn't drink himself to death. My little boy, however, lies buried in the churchyard on the other side of the lake. He didn't live to celebrate his first Christmas.'
She nodded towards the opposite shore, and for the first time ever, Snape was glad she wasn't looking at him anymore. He was unable to hide both his shock and his confusion, and Hope didn't need to see that. And when she continued her story, her voice was so feeble that Snape doubted that he would be able to bear to see the look in her eyes. What sadness would he see there, what pain?
'He was a beautiful boy. Hair as black as the wings of a raven, pale skin and his father's eyes. He was my pride and joy, my everything. But he was also the reason why I stopped leaving the cottage. I knew that even little babes are able to perform magic. What would I have done if he made his teddy bear float among a crowd of Muggles? Or worse, when a wizard or witch was looking on? I couldn't take that risk. I simply couldn't. So I locked us in, only leaving the house to pick up food and supplies when he was fast asleep, praying that he wouldn't wake up, praying that he wouldn't do any magic. Then one day when I came home, I found him dead.'
She brought her hands to her face, taking a couple of deep breaths, and Snape simply watched her, at a loss for words.
'Sudden infant death syndrome,' she continued after what seemed like several hours but could not have been more than a couple of seconds. 'The doctors said that it just happens and that I was not to blame. He might have died that afternoon even if I had been right by his side. But I never forgave myself for having left him alone.'
Her voice broke, and she gave the tiniest of sobs which she was quick to muffle with her hands. She cleared her throat, and when she looked at Snape again, he could see no tears glittering in her eyes. The look on her face was composed and her eyes once more the cold emeralds which he knew so well.
'I have no memory of what I did afterwards,' Hope continued in a matter-of-fact tone. 'I assume I went back to the cottage. After all, I had nowhere else to go. But I don't remember sleeping or eating. I don't even remember coming here, to this side of the lake where I had never been before. I don't remember being in the hospital nor coming to the pub. All I remember is the candle on my nightstand, how it burned every night and sometimes even during the day. It was the only light in otherwise eternal darkness.'
Snape stood as if petrified. He didn't know what to say or even what to think. He was simultaneously horrified and in awe, admired the strength of the woman in front of him and pitied her at the same time.
'Hope, I... I don't... I am at a loss...'
'There is no need for you to say anything. I am thankful that you stayed to listen.'
'Why?' Snape managed to bring forth. 'Why did you share this with me?'
Hope shrugged.
'I don't know. I thought I'd never tell anyone. But maybe the time was ripe. My apologies if it made you uncomfortable.'
'No! Merlin, no!' Snape exclaimed. 'I am... surprised, to say the least. Claiming anything else would be a lie. But I am also very honoured.'
'Honoured?' Hope asked, frowning.
'That you trust me enough to share this with me,' Snape explained.
'She has always trusted you, Severus. I thought you knew that.'
Hope gasped as a voice cut through the silence at the edge of the lake, and Snape spun around, wand at a ready, even though he knew the voice very well.
'What are you doing here?' he hissed.
'There, there, Severus. Put your wand away,' Dumbledore replied calmly. 'We both know you won't use it against me. Just yet.'
'What are you doing here?' Snape repeated, obediently stowing away his wand but fixing the headmaster of Hogwarts with a stare so poisonous that a weaker man would have died on the spot.
'I am merely visiting an old friend,' Dumbledore explained, striding past his Defence teacher. 'How have you been, my dear?'
He stretched out his hand, but Hope didn't take it. Instead, she recoiled, her face pale and her eyes darting between her former headmaster and her Head of House.
'An old friend?' Snape inquired. 'Are you telling me you knew all along that Hope... that Miss McKibben was here?'
'I most certainly knew, Severus. As headmaster, it is my duty to know where my students reside, even when they choose to terminate their studies somewhat prematurely.'
Snape's eyes darted towards Hope. How could she have kept this from him? How could she have pretended that she had no contact with the Wizarding world? How could she have him believe that he was the only one?
He felt betrayed, hoodwinked and used, and his first impulse was to run. He was even considering Disapparating, no matter the punishment imposed by the Ministry. But then he saw the look in Hope's eyes, those eyes which normally didn't betray any of her emotions. The eyes that had looked at the Dark Lord without blinking once. They were now filled with confusion, and Snape could even detect a hint of fear.
Frowning, he directed his attention once more towards Dumbledore.
'You better explain yourself, Albus.'
'I intend to,' the headmaster agreed. 'I owe an explanation not only to you, Severus, but also to Miss McKibben. But may I suggest returning to the pub? The weather is rather unfriendly, and I happen to know that the last patron has left. Our conversation will be undisturbed. And I do think that we are all in need of a nice cup of tea and a large brandy.'
He strode off towards the village without waiting for either Snape or Hope to reply, and most probably, he didn't notice that both of them lingered by the edge of the lake. Either that or he had chosen to give the two some time on their own.
Hope was still pale as a ghost, staring after Dumbledore, and Snape in his turn stared at her, waiting for her to say anything. But she didn't utter a single word, not even long after Dumbledore's purple cloak had disappeared in the mist. Her lips were slightly parted and the lower one was trembling.
'You did not know,' Snape pointed out eventually. 'You had no idea Dumbledore knew about your whereabouts.'
Hope gasped for air.
'How? How... how could he know?' she asked, her voice unsteady. 'I was so careful.'
'Dumbledore always finds a way,' Snape said calmly, swallowing his anger for the old man.
What had Dumbledore been thinking, showing up like this? He must have foreseen that his sudden appearance would scare her, that she would start wondering about who else knew where she was. She knew nothing about Albus Dumbledore, had no idea how powerful he was or how many secrets he had.
'There is no reason to be afraid,' Snape tried to soothe her, carefully laying his hand on Hope's shoulder. 'If Dumbledore knew where you were for all those years and chose not to contact you, then I am quite certain that he made sure no one else would find you. Come, let us return to the pub. The old man has quite a bit of explaining to do.'
They didn't talk on their way back to the village. They walked side by side, both with their hands deeply buried in their pockets. Hope kept her eyes firmly on her shoes, and Snape looked ahead, desperately trying to block out memories from over a decade ago, memories of the night when he had led Nadezhda McKibben to Riddle Manor, where she had been supposed to receive the Dark Lord's mark. Somehow, this walk felt just about the same. Ridiculous, really, Snape was well aware of that. Albus Dumbledore always looked out for his students and would do anything in his powers to keep them from harm. Most probably, he had set heaven and hell in motion when Nadezhda McKibben had disappeared, had found her and made sure she fared alright. Most probably, he also had very good reasons for showing up here today. But Snape still feared what lay ahead and that he was once more leading Nadezhda to a place where she did not want to go.
May she forgive him for it.
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Latest 25 Reviews for There Will Always Be Hope
64 Reviews | 7.31/10 Average
What a lovely final twist. The way you maintained canon was perfect. The fact that you still manage to give us a happy ending was absolutely brilliant. You're a very talented Author and I wish you the very best on your original works. The story earns a 10+
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
I just could not kill him off again. Just. Could. Not. (I'm getting soft, haha.) The Muse is lurking around with a part three to Severus and Hope's story, but we will have to work out some details before I even consider sitting down to write it. Thank you VERY MUCH for reading! I''m thrilled that you ejoy my stories. :)
That was truly heartbreaking. How devastating it must've been for Severus to learn about the elder wand and the dark Lord's need to master it. Reading this discovery as well as his journey leading up to and including his death of the shrieking shack was absolutely heart wrenching.
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
*hands over hankie*
As I have cried often and long when reading your stories I waited until this one was finished before I read it. The wait has been worth, it is simply a heartbreaking tale, thank you!
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
I need to stop making people cry. :P The ending of this story was nothing like I had imagined it in the beginning. Actually, both Hope and Severus stopped following the original plot around chapter three. As an author, I sat back and let them play. It is THEIR story, afterall, not mine. I think they did well. Thank you very much for reading and leaving a review. Both are very much appreciated!
When I first began reading this epilogue I wasn't completely clear about where all these students were and why they were there, but then it dawned on me that it was a group from Hogwarts and that they had to be at Hope's pub. But where was Severus? Had she managed to save him or not?
I really like the way the charmed key had brought Severus back to the pub. It was a brilliant bit of magic by a witch who hadn't routinely plied her craft for decades. But the Apparition to St. Mungo's with Severus was even more impressive! I don't know if "doing magic was indeed like riding a broom" or if it was an indication of just how powerful a witch Hope really is, but save him she did, and she erased the memory from the healer who had so skillfully applied the Phoenix tears, the bezoar, and the potions he had found in Severus' robes. Hope is damned good at memory charms, isn't she? She's very clever that way– no one is mortally damaged, and yet her purpose is accomplished.
When she went for her walk down to the lake, I was champing at the bit. Surely Severus would be there... YES!!! When a voice said, ‘Swans mate for life. Did you know that?’ I finally breathed a sigh of relief. I didn't realize I'd been holding my breath. I have come to associate Hope and Severus with the mated swans so much, and it was especially sweet to see that the lovely birds had their place in this epilogue, too. I sometimes think of Severus as a black swan, so when she looked toward the willow and saw him– "Black clothes, black eyes and black hair streaked with strands of silver"– it seemed perfect to me.
I love knowing that Hope and Severus are together. I love that they can tame each other's demons and wraiths with a gentle touch. And I love that both know that There Will Always Be Hope.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful gift for story telling with us. I have completely enjoyed this journey together, and "hope" to see more of these two sometime in the future. Likewise, I'm thrilled to know your first novel will soon be out and that you're working on a second one. Go, You!!! Of course I'm interested in finding out more about them, so be on the lookout for a PM from yours truly.
*sending loads of hugs and bouquets*Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Dear Beth, First, I'd like to offer my sincerest apologies for taking so long to reply. The last couple of weeks have been filled with editing and re-writing and sitting at the computer almost felt like a punihsment. I am ever so thankful to be able to count you among my most loyal readers. Your reviews and your willingness to share your thoughts with me have been ever so appreciated. I am quite sure that I will never be able to leave the Harry Potter fandom completely. Also, writing for me is like breathing, and sometimes writing in someone else's universe is easier than creating one of your own, so I am pretty sure I will return to fanfic sooner or later. When I do, Hope and Severus will be high up on my priority list. Their story certaintly isn't finished yet.Once more: many, many thanks for being there through the years! Hope to see you again!
When you told me there would only be two chapters left, I expected something like this, of course. But you write it so emotionally, eloquently and elegantly that it didn't matter the least. I absolutely adore your empathy with your heroes and how you keep the plot focussed on them and yet tell a whole story also on side characters. Even the village came to life before my inner eye.Would love to bestow a dozen or three more stars on your story!Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us and all the best for a career as a pro!
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Dear
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
, Thank you for making it through yet another story with me. Your continued support means the world to me!Hopefully I'll will be able to visit Severus and Hope one day and hope you'll come along. Maybe Hope will make her famous Shepard Pie for us?
Wonderful story! Thank you. I hope your imminent novel is successful
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Thank YOU for reading, for leaving a lovely review and for your best wishes.
Severus' conversation with Dumbledore' portrait and his return to his private study afterwords was heartbreaking. I cannot begin to imagine the soul-withering emptiness that must have claimed him as he sat before his cold hearth and watched the small candle flame in the wooden frame.
Reading his thoughts during his brief meeting with Lucius and Narcissa put tears in my eyes. And when he was finally able to cast his Patronus to guide them to Draco, I latched onto that beautiful Swan with all my mental might. I hope that the symbolism of the Swan, that they mate for life, would mean that Severus might somehow get lucky and find his way back to Hope. But then he was in the Shrieking Shack, and Nagini's attack was swift and vicious.
I hope it was a fortunate happenstance that led him to use his right hand to try to staunch the bleeding so that he found the key in his left pocket. "A spasm went through his body, made him convulse and involuntarily close his hands to fists, and in his left pocket, his fingers closed around a little piece of metal."
Oh, dear god, please let those emerald eyes he saw at the end have been Hope's eyes. Please let the key she had charmed have brought her to him. Please let her save his life. Please, even as Severus falls into nothingness, please let him awake to find himself alive and his love there with him.
Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
*hands over hankie and big girl panties and sends Beth to read the epilogue* Come on girl, be brave. You can do it!
When I'd finished reading this chapter I thought back to what Severus had noticed about the preparations Hope had made for the New Year's Eve feast. The simple fact that she couldn't make herself sit down, and the fact that "She had cleaned the tables so thoroughly that the wood shone with polish and had decorated them with white roses and tiny silver stars," spoke volumes about how tense she was. By the end of the chapter it was very clear that she was dreading the moment when Severus would have to leave, worried about him because of the things he'd told her about the light fading, and afraid she would never see him again.
I'm very happy that she used her magic to charm the key to the pub that he always carried with him. I hope she turned it into a Portkey that it will bring him back to her if he should be injured or unable to Apparate on his own.
George tickled me when he started giving Severus the third degree: ‘When are you going to take our darling Hope out for a date?’ Yes, I imagine many of the village folk have noticed a change in our Hope– she smiles when her friend is around.
I totally understood that Severus not staying another night was the right decision, but it broke my heart when he Disapparated. I had read this chapter the day it posted, but I just had to live with it a while to let my feelings sort themselves out. As always you have so entangled my emotions with those of Hope and Severus that at this moment my heart is trying to beat its way out of my chest.
When I came back to this chapter to reread it, I saw that the final chapter and the epilogue had already posted. So I'm going to put my big girl panties on and go find out what happened. Whatever it is, I know I'll love it because the way you write your stories it all makes sense. ~Lots of hugs~Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Oh, this was a tough chapter to write. I really wanted Severus to stay. I really wanted him and Hope to have a sweet night togethe. But nope, no sir, no way Jose. The Muse wouldn't have it. She really kills me at times!
It's good that they have at least addressed their feelings. And I hope her charmed key will somehow be essential in his survival.
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
*sits back and waits for you to read the two last chapters* :-)
Oh, she's reconnecting with magic and shows an interest in the wizarding world! I guess it will be a while until we know what spell she used on the key. So good for Severus to know there's a place he's welcome to visit any time, even if he cannot risk it. Once again a great chapter!
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
*sits back and waits for you to read the two last chapters* :-)
My gracious, so much has happened in such a short time. Edmunds' death came as a complete shock! I felt so sad for Hope and for Severus. It seems that how ever long it's been, things will happen that remind each of them of the sorrow, loss, and sadness they've known... separately and together.
Thank goodness they both had gotten a goodnight's sleep the night before because the day would be a difficult one to navigate. Laying Edmunds to rest seemed to open the lid on all those closely held memories for both of them, and I'm amazed that Hope was able to stay strong for all the friends who had come back to the pub to have a drink in his honor. These loving neighbors were people that Edmunds cherished and looked after just as he had looked after Hope.
I completely understand why Hope would want to be alone for a while to gather her thoughts. And even though she had asked Severus to be there when she returned, I became just as worried as Severus when she hadn't come back by ten. When he saw the crack in the ice on the lake my heart jumped to my throat. Whew! I'm very happy she was just standing on the shore looking out over the water.
I wondered what she was thinking when she asked him about what was happening in the Wizarding world, and it made me breathe a sigh of relief that she said she needed to know 'whether or not there is a chance that you will come back to me once you’ve left. I need to know if there is hope.’
‘There will always be hope,’ he said quietly, and for the duration of a heartbeat, he managed to believe it himself.
I think sharing Hope's bed that night lead to a wonderfully redemptive moment that I'm sure scared the pants off Severus when it began... 'How do you know? What did you lose?' By choosing to answer her question, I believe Severus finally allowed a deep festering wound to finally open so it could then heal. Even though it was painful, I think being able to talk about Lily to someone who obviously cares about him and to be able to shed the tears and say 'I loved her more than life itself' was immensely healing. The most beautiful thing about this scene was Hope's response: ‘I know,’ Hope whispered, bringing his hand to her chest and cradling it like a little child. ‘I know you’ve loved. And I pray that you haven’t forgotten how to.’
Thank you for such a lovely, sad, tear-filled, heart rending, and loving chapter!!!
Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Dear Beth, Imagine my surprise when the Muse looked at me with her head tilted to the side and an ever so innocent smile on her face, saying: "We're gonna kill someone today." My Muse is bat-shit crazy, I tell you. Needless to say, the crack in the ice made me wet my pants a little as well. :P They have a lot to work through, Severus and Hope, and none of it will be easy. But they'll manage... I hope. To more chapters and the epilogue to go. All written and beta'd. Should all be posted soon. Thank you, as always, for reading and your lovely words. Have a great weekend.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
Imagine my surprise when the Muse looked at me with her head tilted to the side and an ever so innocent smile on her face, saying: "We're gonna kill someone today."While she may be bat-shit crazy, she clearly takes her job seriously. The proof is in the pudding, m'dear! I'm excited to know the story is complete, but I'm beginning to suffer from separation anxiety myself. I can't find the words to tell you how much I look forward to each new chapter!!! ~hugs you lots~Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
I know all about separation anxiety. Spent the whole day yesterday feeling "hung over". The day after finishing a story is always totally weird.
This is a beautiful chapter. I suspect the next time Severus casts his patronus, it will have changed--released to Harry, on some level. And the spoken and unspoken in their discussion about sharing a bed was beautifully done. Except the imperative of the verb lie is "lie down." The past tense is "lay," as you correctly have it in your last sentence ("he lies down," "he lay quietly," and "he has lain still for hours.") The verb is intransitive. "Lay down" is the transitive verb and expects a direct object: "I lay the book down on the table at this moment," "I laid it there yesterday," and "I have laid it there every evening for weeks." The difference is the same as that between sit (intransitive) and set (transitive). Sorry to be pedantic, but from your writing you obviously care about such things, and a slip in this lovely story is unusual and distracting.
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Thank you for finding and pointing out my typo. Lie and lay confuse me. Alway have, always will. Which annoys me because if I think about it, it's actually pretty easy to understand. So again, thank you for being "pedantic". And thank you for reading, of course.
I am so damned glad that Severus has never found himself in the land of the of the fairies. I couldn't have borne it. And as painful as it was for him to send his Patronus to call Harry, I'm so glad he was able to call forth his Doe to guide the young wizard to the Sword of Gryffindor. He's going to need it...But the thing in this chapter that totally blew my socks off was the exchange between Severus and Hope. Thank goodness he was able to return to the village because I don't know what would have happened to him if he hadn't. The minute I read the last part of this chapter I realized how much it reminded me of Chapter Nine in His First!!! Except his and Hope's roles were reversed... he was the one whose lips had turned blue, he was the one who was shaking uncontrollably, and he was the one who was afraid that he would freeze to death. When I read this part I was so glad I had read the first story. It is a great feeling when an author ties part of a sequel to something so vitally important as this in the original story. Although there was no love making here in Hope's bedroom, I can't help wondering what the morning will bring. I have no idea what these two will tell you write in the coming chapters, but I guarantee I'll be here waiting with bated breath.Brava! Well done! Here is a lovely bouquet to show you my appreciation for all your hard work, my friend. Ten stars, not even twenty stars would be enough.Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Allow me to give a lovely bouquet to you too. Or how about some nice chocolate? You are spoiling me, dearest Beth. With flowers, your wonderful reviews and rec'ing my stories. Thank you SO MUCH!! Bit speechless right now, really. Chapter 16 should be up withing the next few days, and I just sent chapter 18 off to my beta. Now there is only the epilogue left to write. Need to buy chocolate tomorrow. And tissues. Seperation anxiety, here I come. Smooches!
As much of an interferer as Dumbledore can be, I was delighted that he interfered on Hallowe'en night so that Severus, his colleagues, and the students and ghosts can enjoy the evening without fear of the Carrows wreaking havoc far and wide. I don't know that the Carrows deserved to get a good night's sleep, but everyone else in the castle deserves that they have one... but that's not exactly how the evening turned out for Severus.
I went back to "His First" and reread Chapter 9 (The First He Cried With) so I could refresh my memory about what happened that night, and I have to applaud your gift for so seamlessly merging the two in this chapter of "There Will Always Be Hope." Take a well-deserved bow, m'dear.
When Severus and Hope were talking in the pub everything about her spoke volumes about her frame of mind, but I had no idea of what was about to happen– until she told him to speak to Dumbledore and tell him that she had sent him and that he needed to use the Pensieve, and then I knew what was going to happen.
I'm very sorry that Severus couldn't watch the entire memory, but I damned well understand why he didn't. But if he had, he would have seen something of monumental importance: '... Nadezhda understood. She knew you would blame yourself for what had happened. She knew that you wouldn’t be able to live with yourself. So she did the only thing she could think of at that moment. She used a Memory Charm on you.’
My heart is breaking for both of them. In the review I left for Chapter 9 in "His First," I said "...it is the passion we feel that gets us through the impossible times. Their passion didn't have to follow this particular path, but in the aftermath, in thinking about what has happened in these last few chapters, it just seems like the right path."
And it still seems like the right path to me. I don't want either of them to needlessly suffer, but I hope that Severus will go back to the village. Tonight. And I hope the fact that Dumbledore smiled after him when he turned and left will mean that he won't go off half-cocked. I hope he remembers what Albus said about Nadezhda understanding and that he will remember that Hope had told him that she was sorry: ‘I am sorry, Severus. Unspeakably sorry. And I’ll understand if you decide to never come back here. But please know that I never meant to hurt you.’ I hope this means that Severus will remember that the underlying meaning of this last thing Hope said to him, at the pub, on this night, is that she will understand if he doesn't come back, but that she hopes with all her heart that he will.
And I'm wondering when Severus will remember that Hope gave birth to a son.
This is one of the best chapters I've ever read. You've answered some questions and posed more. Now that we've reached this point, I'm already trying to guess how the rest of the story will read. What will happen? Will they both survive? Is their son still alive? If so, where is he?
A Thousand Point to your House! Perhaps I should just say "to Our House" since both of us are Slytherins. Thank you for this story! Thank you for hanging in there when I know there might been times when you could have thrown up your hands and walked away... and that would break my heart... so thank you from the bottom of my heart for this amazing gift.
Hugs, Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Dear Beth, sorry you had to wait so long for a response. For being off work, I have been ridicullously busy this week. But hey, I wrote the next chapter which will be posted in a few days, so I'm forgiven, right? ;-) Hm, Dumbledore... You've read a few stories of mine, and you know that I don't like the old man. But he is a good plot device. And he does have his students' best at heart. His means, however... Anyway, while you're on the edge of your seat waiting for the next chapter, I promise you that Severus WILL go back to the pub. I can also tell you that the Muse has decided to NOT follow the original plans for this story and that I am considering to take away some of the warnings I posted in chapter one. Curious yet? Hopeful? ;-) "See" you in a couple of days. /M
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
*fist pump* I am totally curious and filled with hope!!! *big grin*
omg, I didn't expect her to let him know... and just now! Poor Severus!I wonder if she has used the wand by now.Loved also the fine notions like trading chocolate frog cards and feasts. It is a relief that Severus can remember simple habits like these!
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
There is no gentle way to roll in a hand grenade, and Snape needed to be told at some point. I figured Haloween was as bad a night as any other. Buckle up for the next chapter. Thanks for reading and leaving a review!
I love the way you described life in the village in the opening paragraph. The townspeople "had no idea, of course, why the fog made them miserable, why it made them feel as if every ounce of happiness had been sucked from their hearts." But Severus and Hope "knew that the fog was the result of Dementors breeding and that the risk of the world plunging into eternal darkness was more imminent than any Muggle could imagine."Hope and Severus have so much in common. Both were treated horribly by their fathers, both of them had had to lie and pretend to be someone else under circumstances that no child should have to endure. It gives me a feeling of comfort knowing that each of them carries with them something that belongs to the other. In his pocket Severus keeps the key Hope pressed into his hand so many months ago. And Hope now has the larch wand that had belonged to Eileen Snape. I like knowing that the key can symbolize "safe haven," and that larch bestows courage and confidence to its owner. In folklore the wearing and burning of larch was said to protect against enchantment and evil spirits. I have a feeling that before everything is said and done both of them will have need of a safe haven and protection against evil. I think Severus' discovery that when Hope lights her comforting candle he can see her and watch over her was one of the most important things to happen in this chapter– other than Hope agreeing to accept the wand.Thank you for another wonderful chapter.*hugs you*Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Dear Beth, I am - as so often before - impressed and honoured by the way you write your reviews. So detalied, so deep. And I love that you understood the larch reference! Well done! 10 points to your house! As you can imagine, there are hard times ahead for Severus and Hope, and they will need each other more than they can imagine. I'm hoping to have a new chapter for you soon. It's my last workday today, so I should have time to write. Yay! Take care and see you soon!
I am so glad Snape was able to change her self image and encouraged her to take back her strenght.
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
And strength they will need, both of them! Thank you very much for reading and reviewing. Just sent chapter 12 off to my beta.
‘If I left you a wand,’ he started, deeming that there was no point in waiting any longer. ‘Would you use it to protect yourself?’When Severus offered her a wand, Hope reacted just like I thought she would. But what truly surprised me was the gentle argument, the purest illustration that he employed to break through Hope's fears. May I just say that was one of the most gifted bits of writing I've ever read. 
You done GOOD, my friend!Thank you for this beautiful chapter. I feel much better about Hope's future in these coming weeks and months. If push comes to shove, I do think she will fight like a tiger. Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Dear, dear Beth, your words make me blush and smile and believe that there is hope for my writing. Smooches to you! Just sent chapter 12 to my beta, so it should be up soon. Hope you'll enjoy it.
omg, there's a horrid year ahead of them. Your Snape is almost nice, and you've created such a uniqe and loveable own character. Now pulling them through this hell is sheer terror for us as well! Nevertheless, keep going with this excellent story!
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
*giggles at "Snape is almost nice"* He's about to get a whole lot nicer! Well, not ooey-gooey-nice, but Snape-nice. Bit, scary, I know, almost as scary as the year that lies ahead! Thank you for reading and reviewing. I hope you won't have to wait too long for the next chapter.
I was afraid this would be what happened when Severus was Summoned. The nightmare has truly resumed, and all I can think about is what's to come:•How can Severus protect Hope and Edmunds while still playing his role as a spy for the Light? •How will they keep Edmunds from finding out that Hope is a witch and that Elisabeth was a Squib?•Will Hope be able to master her fear and depression to be able to aid Severus in his efforts to defeat the Dark?•What will Severus do if and when he finds out that he fathered Hope's child?•What about their son? Is there any chance that he is still alive?There is so much roiling beneath the surface, and I'm looking forward to seeing where you take this story!Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Your review looks almost like my check-list for the next couple of chapters. Great minds think alike, they say. :-) I've answered two questions with no, have ignored one and put a maybe on the others. Haha! Oh, I do wish that my muse would follow the original plot line just once!
I was afraid this would be what happened when Severus was Summoned. The nightmare has truly resumed, and all I can think about is what's to come:•How can Severus protect Hope and Edmunds while still playing his role as a spy for the Light? •How will they keep Edmunds from finding out that Hope is a witch and that Elisabeth was a Squib?•Will Hope be able to master her fear and depression to be able to aid Severus in his efforts to defeat the Dark?•What will Severus do if and when he finds out that he fathered Hope's child?•What about their son? Is there any chance that he is still alive?There is so much roiling beneath the surface, and I'm looking forward to seeing where you take this story!Beth
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
Arrrggghhh! 
Please ignore this... I posted it to the wrong chapter.Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
And here I was, thinking that the story had become immensely popular. ;-)
I was so glad that Severus had been able to spend time in the Muggle village with Hope and Edmunds. Being able to feel rested, relaxed and utterly at peace would be a true blessing, one he probably hadn't known in any number of years, if ever. I also believe (with all my heart) that having Severus there was a blessing for Hope, too. Both of them have led such hectic and unpredictable lives that any peace and serenity would be gratefully received as the precious gift it was.When Severus felt himself being Summoned by the Dark Lord, my heart sank. Why couldn't he and Hope and Edmunds have had a little more time to enjoy each other's company. But one thing that stood out clearly was that Hope had felt his summons, too. That tickled some of my memory cells and I just had to go back to His First to recall that Voldemort had given Hope a silver bracelet on her seventeenth birthday... and this bracelet had turned into a silver snake with emerald eyes and had buried its fangs into the flesh at her wrist. It functioned the way Severus' Dark Mark did and she felt the summonds the same time he did. Thank goodness Severus didn't have any dangerous tasks being asked of him by th Dark Lord, and both Lucius and Narcissa should be grateful that he friend was there to help them. Bella is a right nasty piece of work. I hope she ultimately gets her just desserts.Will Severus go back to the village before going back to Hogwarts? I hope so because it would be nice if he and Hope could have a few minutes to be assured that the other hasn't come to any harm. I can't wait to see what happens next!Beth
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
I do believe that Hope and Snape are good for each other and that they are able to see things in each other that other people can't see. And I promise that I will give them some more time together. It will not be as carefree as before, but... Well, you'll see. Chapter 10 is posted. :-)
Oh, you're giving Narcissa a bit of spine here, although unwisely displayed. I'm very curious how you lead us through the seventh book!!
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
I'm quite curious about that, too. The muse hasn't been sticking to the original plot for quite a while. ;-)
I haven't been reading for quite a while and caught up a few chapters right now. This was a most touching and well-written chapter. You've given also the side characters a true story and their own backgrounds in so few words. Amazingly well done.Now I'll read on, although, considering, I should leave the story for a night to give Snape more rest.
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
Welcome back to reading,
Response from morgaine_dulac (Author of There Will Always Be Hope)
!