Prologue: Introspection.
Chapter 1 of 7
septentrionHow he wished he could bring Dumbledore back from the dead. This act had cost him much, not in his conscience or in his self-esteem, but in his life as a whole. Never, ever before had Severus felt so utterly alone.
ReviewedThis story is based on a seven drabble series that I’ve written for the livejournal community grangersnape100. Snapeophile advised me to write a long story out of them, and here it is. This chapter had been beta’ed by somigliana, with all my gratitude.
Once more, Severus reflected on the wretched circumstances which had led him to this depressed state. The outline of his life was rather simple: a bitter adolescence, where he featured as the Ugly Duckling for all of his contemporaries, except for a small group of his fellow Slytherins. He’d gained recognition of his worth by the Dark Lord, by being inducted within the Death Eaters' ranks. Disenchantment followed quickly when he realised he was being used, and that that wasn’t real power. The Dark Lord was feared, but not liked. Dumbledore was both. Reading Machiavelli’s book, The Prince, had opened his eyes about this reality. That’s why Dumbledore was so sure of him; he knew Severus Snape would be where the power was.
His life under Dumbledore’s wing wasn’t unpleasant. The great wizard was an agreeable man, demanding in his own way, but when he hired him, he let him teach as he saw fit. Severus never managed to be loved, except perhaps by his mother, but he was feared. He wasn’t suited for being the main leader, but he could exert power in the background. As long as his influence was acknowledged …
When the Dark Lord came back to a “human” life, his allegiance for Dumbledore hadn’t wavered immediately. The duel between his two masters in the Ministry had, however, introduced doubts in his mind. The Dark Lord had then made Dumbledore feel his power. It meant that he, Severus, could be on the wrong side. Potter was still alive, but he didn’t count on that arrogant teenage boy to defeat such a great wizard.
A short while afterwards, Dumbledore encountered one of the Dark Lord’s nasty hexes, which had blackened his hand. Severus had saved his life in extremis. He couldn’t help but think that the old man may not be that powerful after all. The Unbreakable Vow he made with Narcissa sealed his decision: if he had to kill Dumbledore, he would do it without hesitation or remorse. His life was at stake, and the Order would be on the losing side without the Headmaster.
However, he couldn’t hide that his life was forfeit in the Dark Lord’s eyes from Dumbledore . That had gained him the much wanted Defence Against the Dark Arts teaching position – it had been a bribe from the old coot. Well, he’d taken the bribe, but killed him nonetheless.
Now, more than ever, he was the Dark Lord’s favourite, and he found that he didn’t like it one bit. How he wished he could bring Dumbledore back from the dead. This act had cost him much, not in his conscience or in his self-esteem, but in his life as a whole. He was reviled by the wizarding community; a price was on his head, and he wasn’t free to wander wherever he wanted anymore. The Death Eaters were too jealous of him to be trusted. He knew that he’d had to murder the old man, lest his Unbreakable Vow killed him, but now, after months of being cautious to extremes, he craved companionship. He wanted someone in his life to whom he could speak freely without fear of being backstabbed. Never, ever before had Severus felt so utterly alone.
Thanks for reading this. Constructive criticism is welcome.
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Latest 25 Reviews for To Put Him Out Of His Misery
33 Reviews | 4.21/10 Average
I certainly hope this is not the end. Although, what a tragic ending.
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
No, there's still an epilogue to come, very soon.
Oh, man... say it isn't so? *psst~will it end well?~
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Yes, it is so ... for now. The epilogue is the next chapter, you will then know what their future is.
What a twist at the end! Interesting that he was unrepentant and still so self-centered even while he recognized the possibility of love with her. I really enjoyed this and applaud your characterization of Snape--out for himself until the bitter end.
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
I loved to write this Snape, so full of contradictions. The epilogue is the next chapter, and will join the queue very soon. Thank you for commenting every chapter.
Oh, man--the Horcrux saved him in the end! This was a very action-packed chapter! And I like how you had them tentatively start to come together. Will there be more of that? *grins in anticipation*
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
They're a bit shy about it, though, aren't they? But I don't think they will have a lot of time to develop a relationship.
Oh, he did it!!! I'm really torn by his action--while I realize his instict for survival is strong, I didn't think he would actually kill. Interesting plot twist! I love how he duped Bellatrix.
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Of course this Severus would kill, without remorse to boot. He's more sorry for himself. And Bellatrix seems the kind who can be mislead by too much enthusiasm.
Oooh--prim and proper Hermione made a pact with the devil--and is the devil going to make his own Horcrux? It requires a kill, right? Your story is developing nicely and I need to go see what Severus does next!
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Perhaps she isn't as prim and proper as she seems to be **hint: Polyjuice Potion, Umbridge and the centaurs** You're lucky to read the story now, it's nearly entirely published.
Oh, my goodness, Septentrion! This is quite a start--you've drawn a really complex (and not very likable) Severus--lines like, "That’s why Dumbledore was so sure of him; he knew Severus Snape would be where the power was," are really powerful. I'm off to read more and I'm very pleased that I was able to convince you to explore/expand your drabbles!
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
I'm so glad you like it, as you were the one to coax me into it. Severus is such a complex character, you can make him as despicable or likeable as you like. Thank you for commenting.
thats not bloody fair
i dont like that chapter its not very fair and i just dont like it!
I want a happy ending, can you tell me if that will happen at least...
-KarlaMarie
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Next chapter is the epilogue, so you'll know very soon what will happen. I understand your feeling as a reader - I've written enough of such reviews myself - but I like a bit of angst. Thank you for reviewing.
I'm still so intrigued by your desperate--yet--depressed Severus. You're moving the plot along at a nice pace. The Horcrux-hiding traps were cool!
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
A lot of people like my traps, and it pleases me to no end because they have caused me to have a bit of a brain-storming. And what could a desperate Severus do? Glad you're still with me.
Go on...please! Well. It seems that Snape's victim hasn't been killed complety in vain; not that I like what he's done, Snape, not at all. But the young mans death has saved at least two lives and secured the Dark Lord's demise. And nobody but DE's can complain about that. I wonder if Snape realises that he, in fact, owes a junkie, an absolute low life in his opinion, his and Granger's life? His own, at least - but would he have thrown himself in AK's way if he didn't carry the Horcrux? As you describe Snape (and you do that very well!), I'm not quite sure.
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
This Snape would never, ever think he owed his life to the junkie he'd killed. He perceived the junkie as a part of a spell, not like a human being - he's horrible, isn't he? And yes, he'd have thrown himself in the curse's way with or without Horcrux. He's a contradiction in flesh. Thank you for commenting.
Very good. It took me until the very end to remember that Severus was carrying his Horcrux, so, of course the Killing Curse would not work. Yeah!
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Even if he wasn't carrying his Horcrux, he couldn't die, but it may have helped him to keep his body ;) Thanks for commenting.
The end of this chapter pushes the timeline forward past alot of intervening events indicating only that Snape and Hermione are forming an attachment leading to a post-war relationship. I'm both fascinated and concerned for Hermione becoming involved with the Snape you've introduced here. He's amoral, aiding or betraying either side depending on the perceived benefit to himself, a truly gray!Snape who regards the AK curse as a "long-time friend" and overcomes his brief hesitancy to create a Horcrux. Of course, she was the one who gave him the spell to do it, indicating her own willingness to engage Dark Magic when it fits her purpose. Still, she's less knowledgable, less experienced, less cynical than Snape which definitely tilts the balance in his favor somewhat. I understand that he's also lonely and craves a loyal companion and a normal existence but I'm hoping those needs won't be an easy excuse to turn him into devotedly-in-love!Severus. With this beginning I see the potential for a very interesting story about the politics of relationships which, hopefully, hews a line equidistant between AU fluff and romantic angst. I see a notice that the next chapter is already enqued so I suspect you've decided where you're going. I'll look forward to more and hope I've correctly detected your direction. Tres bon. ~
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Thank you for the thorough comment. I hope I didn't write fluff with this story, it was not my purpose! This Snape is amoral and self-serving, including in his need for a relationship. He does what's necessary to serve his purpose, and if his purpose is to have a steady relationship, well, you can guess he's in for a rather big effort on his part. Hermione doesn't know it, but she has power over Snape.Hermione can be cunning, the idea of brewing Polyjuice in CoS proves it. She can be somewhat ruthless too: her setting off of birds on Ron in HBP is one of her best moments in canon, IMO. I hope you'll like the next chapter as much as this one. BTW the story is finished,so you won't wait for the ending too much.
I'm happy he's not going to betray her and that things are going along well. :) Alas, now I have to wait for the next update! I hope it's soon.
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Next chapter will be up tomorrow at the latest. I hope you'll still like it. Thank you for reviewing each chapter so far.
Still interesting. I'm glad they made a pact.
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
I'm glad that I've kept your interest.
Red jet of light, eh? Teehee. Good plot here. Moving on to next.
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Thank you! Well, I supposed everyone in the fandom knows what a red jet of light is for.
I've finally had a chance to start reading it. I'm curious to see where this goes, but considering that I don't like a Snape that really wanted to murder Dumbledore for his own reasons, I think what he's feeling is a lot less terrible than what he deserves. Hehehe. On to the next.
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Well, I like to explore different Snapes, and I'm having a moment when I feel like exploring a dark!Snape. Of course,he deserves his fate, but he doesn't have to like it, and he might want to do something about it. Thank you for reviewing.
poor severus, he had to make a horcrux... i hope he gets his soul back...
-KarlaMarie
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Even if he got it back, the piece of soul is severed. Is it possible to mend it? The answer will be somewhere in one of the next chapters.
Oh no...what a horrible thing he has done, Snape. But very credible, unfortunately. I'm sorry for his victim as well as for him, but quite delighted that you keep him in what I consider "in character". Great to hear that your tale will be completed, too. I found it recommended on a site I happened to come across the other day, a very useful one, I think, and I hope that the people managing it won't be angry with me for writing the adress here: community.livejournal.com/hgss_digest/It mentions updates of good stories and you can even find lists of completed and well written stories recommended. It's a great idea - there are lots of stories out there, but only a few really good ones - and they may sometimes be difficult to find for busy people (and picky readers) like many of us.Well, English is not my language, either - but I'm able to tell well written from badly written (though not able to write it very well myself, which may be quite evident reading my reviews!). Looking forward to the next chapter!
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
I had the feeling you've seen this story recommended on this site, and I was right. I agree to say it's a very good idea. I don't see anything wrong with your English, and I'm glad you think the same about mine. I most often try to keep Snape "in character", though I'm not again some OOCness when there is a purpose to it, but the only one to do this successfully is Jo herself ;) Next chapter will be submitted soon. Thank you for leaving a comment.
Oh noooooo. I feared that you would make him do this. You can't leave him like that. This sacrifice is too high. Please, make Hermione help him restore his soul.
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
What if there isn't a way to restore his soul? Alas, I fear you'll have to wait and see how things go. Thank you for taking time to leave a comment.
I found this story recommended at another site - and I'm very glad that I decided to give it a try - it's quite intriguing and very well written! Another great thing is that it seems to be updated regularly - which I appreciate very much, too; it's so depressing when one's favourite stories are either rarely updated, or worse still: are abandoned completely. It's a writer's right, of course, but a reader's disappointment. I'm looking forward to read on! Thank you for writing and posting it!
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Your words warm me so much: to read that my story is very well written, while English isn't my language, is enormous encouragement to me. The story is completed, so no fear of it being abandoned - unless an accident would prevent me from updating. Next chapter is in the queue, it should be up very soon. Thank you very much for reading and taking time to leave a review.PS: out of curiosity, could you tell me where you've seen it recommended? You can send me a private message if you don't want it to appear in a public review.
OOO he might have to make it into his own horcrux, or put the soul of an animal or something inside it...thats my idea anyway...
-KarlaMarie
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
You, readers, are very insightful. The answer is in the next chapter, which is in the queue.
the horcurx saves him... very very clever! I aplaud you!
-KarlaMarie
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
Thank you! What good would there be in making a Horcrux if he didn't have a use for it?
I'm really looking forward to the next chapter!I just wonder if Voldemort would have made a horcrux that would be so easily destroyed.
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
I believe a Horcrux itself can be easily destroyed, like the diary was. What's dangerous is the hexes and curses put on it to protect it. Dumbledore wasn't harmed by the ring itself, but by a curse protecting it.Thanks for commenting. Next chapter coming soon.
Just discovered this story and I'm very much hooked. Wondering, of course, how Severus is going to get around the fake-Horcrux problem. And if he has to make one... well, THAT's a pretty messy situation... Very suspenseful.
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
I'm so glad to have you hooked. Yes, it's a messy situation Severus is in, but he'll find a way around. Seemed that I wasn't very subtle though, I had hoped no one would think of the solution. Thank you very much for your very nice comment.
Would Voldemort be able to tell the difference between a piece of his own soul and someone elses? If he can't, then... and Hermione told Snape how to make a Horcrux... hmmm, interesting. More please!
Response from septentrion (Author of To Put Him Out Of His Misery)
You certainly seem ready to draw the right conclusion. More will come soon, probably next week. Thank you for commenting.