Epilogue
Chapter 22 of 22
lapitaSeven years after the death of Dumbledore, Hermione finally returns to Hogwarts. What will she find?
ReviewedMany thanks to my beta, Soul bound.
Also, thank you to the admins at The Petulant Poetess who helped me to post this story.
Hermione breathed in the uniquely beautiful mix of sea and sulphur and knew she was home. Many hands helped her across the wobbly gangplank onto the pier, and she was enfolded into warm kisses, hugs and greetings. Flower after small, fragrant flower was tucked into her hair as the witch slowly made her way through the large crowd until the intoxicating perfume filled her lungs with every breath.
Hermione glanced quickly behind and saw the tall wizard give a bemused snort as the ancient woman of the island murmured something obviously risqué to him. He bent lower so the old woman with a wry look on her face could run ash over his forehead. The wizard must have felt Hermione’s eyes on him, as he quickly looked up, his lips twitching with amusement while he adjusted his robes so they didn’t fall off his sun-burnt shoulders.
No amount of skin potions was enough to stop the fierce sun pounding his alabaster skin throughout the day, and now his pale, sallow face was sun and heat touched. He’d assured her that he would rapidly tan over the next couple of days until he became the same nutmeg brown he had been when he was younger.
Hermione smiled as another older woman accosted him to smear orange clay on his cheeks and say something suitably shocking. The tall man laughed openly in response to the remark. He lowered his head so the woman could reach his forehead more easily, and Hermione could tell by the look on his face that he said something of equal worth back; the grey haired woman chortled, giving him a playful slap on the arm.
The young witch lowered her head again so the island’s men folk could continue tucking flowers into her hair and robes, returning warm greetings and kisses. Hermione’s spine tingled, and she lifted her head to see her teacher walking slowly towards her along the pier. Out of the corner of the witch’s eye, she saw the dark wizard also straighten and move closer to her. He had felt it too.
‘My teacher,’ greeted Hermione excitedly. She embraced the older woman, breathing in the leafy smell of the flax that her teacher had been weaving. The young woman started the required student to teacher greeting, but her teacher stopped her.
‘No, no, my learner. We have time for that later, especially when there is an intriguing young man standing beside you and I’m bursting with curiosity.’
‘Of course.’ Hermione smiled, looking into the older woman’s twinkling eyes. ‘This is my friend, Severus Snape. My friend, this is my teacher.’
They both did the respectful greeting movements flawlessly. The old woman smiled warmly at the wizard but snorted in disbelief at Hermione.
‘‘My friend’ indeed, my learner. Goodness me, your connections are much tighter than that. I do believe you have found your circle, my learner, and a commanding one at that. We will prepare for the rites and the transition in time for the next full moon. What a wonderful thing to look forward to.’
The black-robed woman linked arms with the tall wizard. ‘Come—let us move out of the sun. We have much to talk about. Snape, Snape… I do not recognize the name, but you have the handsome features of the mountain region if I am not mistaken.’
‘You are right, madam. My maternal family is from that area, but I left many years ago.’
The woman made a clucking noise of sympathy. ‘Such a powerful one to have left—what a pity—but you are back now, which is good…’
The younger man and the older woman with arms still linked wandered along the pier towards the mats laid out under the shade of the great trees. Hermione followed slowly behind, anxiously looking about. Suddenly a child as sleek and silent as a stalking panther leaped out from behind a leafy bush into her arms.
‘Surprise! It’s me!’
‘Goodness—I thought you were a wild animal attacking me,’ she said in mock fright.
Hermione closed her eyes, felt the small, lithe body clinging to her and wrapped her arms around him, breathing in the hot sun-warmed hair. ‘Ah, my cherished.’
The End.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Southern Magic
220 Reviews | 6.94/10 Average
That was a very intriguing set up. I like the mix of the magics and how they countered each other. And that kiss in front of the whole room between Harry and Severus... perfect. Very well done.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thank you :)
This story drew me in and kept me reading it all day! It is wonderful. I liked how you had the different types of magic feel each other unpleasantly, that was neat. I liked the description of the houses as elements. I just all around really loved reading this story. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks -- glad you enjoyed it :)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks -- glad you enjoyed it :)
I can definitely relate to the taste of stuff in the food putting me off. Plastic taste in water from bottles comes to mind immediately.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Yes, it's certainly something that most people can relate to! Thanks :)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Yes, it's certainly something that most people can relate to! Thanks :)
This story captured me and I read it from the first chapter through the Epilogue in one sitting -- taking only bathroom breaks. You are a remarkable and talented author. I look forward to reading more of your inspired works. Thank you for sharing.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks for your kind words :) Glad you liked it.
I love what you've done with the ritual here. This is one of my favorite stories, and I'll be sad to reach the end of it.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks,
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
, glad you like it :)
There are a lot of questions left unanswered - but perhaps that is for the best. I have inferred (erroneously, or not) that Hermione was sexuallly attacked in some manner or form prior to leaving the 'North'; which somehow culminated in the birth of her cherished boy.Your ambivalent view towards sexuality and its implications are startling to me - I can't seem to wrap my mind around the concept of a bisexual Snape and Harry, regardless of what fandom presents. All in all, it was a very lovely read. Unconventional and completely off the beaten path, but all the better for it.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks for your thoughtful review -- much appreciated. Yes, that is very much one interpretation of Hermione's background. I put a number of dots in the story and I wanted to give the reader the freedom to join them up how they want. The most important point was that her son was everything to her -- all the rest is really background. And...Snape and Harry...well, that was a mini challenge to myself lol. Once again thanks for reviewing.
This is wonderful. This is a cogent world arising from difference in perception and responses to the fundamental sources of magical power and the consequent divergence in the way it is expressed, channeled and used through human agency. You have brought me effortlessly into this world, and enabled my immersion in it as easily as if I had been born into water and always known how to swim. This is a rare talent and one I love above all things. The alternate world you have created is deeply believeable, like the a tree whose branches I can travel along; thinking, speculating and delighted by the difference I can see due to the shift in perspective I can see by climbing. You have the gift of a true storyteller, and I am delighted with this other part of the wizarding world that you have crafted.The richness of the backstory adds so much to this work. The difference in language and the complexity and subtlety of forms of address speak of a cultural richness of the type that evolves in an old civilization. I can see the Hindu and perhaps some Balinese influence behind the customs and expressions of respect of the southern realm, but there also seems to me to be more than a hint of an old female-power-centric religion here, with strong threads of shamanism, sex magic, the powers of the four elements, and one of the pillars/makers/masters of all the realms melded into a seamless whole. I enjoyed the revelation of Severus's and Hermione's characters, and that he recognized and acknowledged the maturity of her power and skill and was able to support it while still remaining acerbic and ironic, and more than a touch prickly at times. Hermione so strong and sure in power, but with some, perhaps, difficulties caused by her forthrigthness. The gradual growth and deepening of their magical and personal connection was well handled and natural, and I was so pleased that I couldn't tell if they would end up as magical partners and friends or as magical partners and mates. I welcome the complexity of an older Harry's character and his gradual maturing as his magic was healed and completed. It's refreshing to see him portrayed as a charismatic young man on his way to balanced adulthood, neither saint nor terminal twerp. I was amused by and enjoyed the public liplock he put on Severus. The unregarded trumpet sounding change in all the wizarding world?Loved the image of Hermione in company with Severus, looking like mini-me with a witch's hat, and I chuckled imagining her bouncing around Hogwarts in full Victorian fig including a hoop skirt.I am so glad you didn't tell us everything. Why was Severus taken to the north at such a critical time in the development of his magic? Why was he drawn into Voldemort's orbit? What impelled him to leave it? How did Hermione escape the Death Eaters? Did they deem her so crippled by her rape and the deaths of her parents that she was simply tossed away? How did she reach the south? How was her soul healing undertaken? When did the split between southern and northern magic occur and how did they come to be so antithetical? Mind, it doesn't trouble me if these questions are never answered, I'm delighted that they are sparked!Thanks for the great ride!
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Goodness me, that must be the most comprehensive review I've ever received *blushes*. I am so happy that you enjoyed the story. Thank you for reading and reviewing :)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Goodness me, that must be the most comprehensive review I've ever received *blushes*. I am so happy that you enjoyed the story. Thank you for reading and reviewing :)
very poetic and quite intresting, and quite A WAY WITH WORDS .
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
lol thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
:)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
lol thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
:)
Fascinating story! Well done!
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks :)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks :)
That is a marvellous story you have written for us! Very moving... It's very original and the magic feels mature (not this jump-and-run-magic of DH). I admired Harry's pov, when he goes the last time to Hogsmead, it's truly moving. And the other Harry parts... Normally I'm not into slash, but this time! Hot!Your Snape felt very canon, but could transform nicely after you explained some of his issues. Hermione was lovely too.Also the space and the plotting of the story was very smooth, it was not chopped at all (and I read it in two goes). But I'm still curious about the little boy - I truly love the tiny bits you wrote about him - is there a chance of a sequal?Thank you very much!
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
-- glad you liked it. Not sure about a sequal just yet; I always think you have to treat them with care. I am in the middle of writing something right now, although not HGSS story I'm afraid. (Snape features of course - he is my muse after all lol). To be honest, I hadn't realized how everyone was going to be so fascinated about the boy lol. Thanks for taking the time to write down your thoughts -- I appreciate it.
Such a well done, original story. I love how you blended canon and your own au in this. Thank you.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks ric :)
Beautiful and hilarious and almost entirely satisfying. The 'almost' is the mysterious history of the boy that you left behind. The 'how' was confirmed, at least to my vision, but the 'by who' is a bit of a niggler. I can't see how what I imagine to have happened would be worked into the same story, though; it would divert the flow that you've already created very well. Oh well. Great job, I loved every minute of your creation. Hope to see more from you soon. Happy writing!
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Oooh, you too are good at subtle. I think I know what you mean and the 'by who'? Well, does it really matter? Hermione loves the boy, which is the main issue. That's why I started the story and ended the story with the same sentence :) Thanks for writing your thoughts down -- very intresting.
I enjoyed the story but am still puzzled by a few things... If this was your intention. good job :) Thank you very much for writing and I hope you will consider a sequel.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Glad you enjoyed the story,
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
. I tried to tie up all the loose ends although there were some things I left intentionally vague and open to interpretation. Do feel free to ask about anything that you are puzzeled by. It would be interesting for me as well :)
I have, after not being too sure of the first couple of chapters, thouroughly enjoyed this story (and that hesitation was only because I wasn't sure if it would head towards the kind of story I usually avoid )
I'd really like to see some more of this AU of yours - something with a bit more backstory on her boy, perhaps? He is still very much a mystery. Or a bit more about Snape's Southern past? (Embarrassing tales of his toddlerhood come to mind)
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
-- I really enjoyed writing this story as well. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what I'll write next -- got loads of ideas perculating away, though :)
I've enjoyed your story very much. Certainly puts Severus in a different light. Thanks for your work!
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks for reading and reviewing :)
What an amazing story! I have really enjoyed reading it, and have checked for updates regularly. I really admire the way you have made the characters so believable, warts and all. The idea of southern magic is wonderful, and well thought out.I am sorry I haven't reviewed before now-I know that sometimes it is hard to keep going, not knowing if anyone is reading or enjoying it. I have started 2 fics and gave up when they got either flamed, or people not responding at all (which is even worse). Just know that I have been fascinated since the beginning, and am very pleased with the ending. I look foward to any other stories you write.Sincerely, Luca the V
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks -- glad you enjoyed reading it :)
So original in concept and vividly executed.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
:)
Really cool fic. It is very different from any that I have read but I really like it.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
-- glad you liked it :)
A very enjoyable story. I like the idea that 'southern magic' will be mentioned (maybe taught someday?) at Hogwarts.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
-- I wanted to create a sense of future developments with that :)
I have really enjoyed this story but I admit to being a little confused. Is Hermione the child's mother? If so who is his father?Other than that kudos on a excellent story
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
With 'the boy' I did leave it intentionally vague -- and it can be open to a few interpretations. But for me, what was most important about him was that Hermione loved him very deeply and to a certain extent the boy was the one who held her firmly to this realm.
Response from Anijade (Reviewer)
Ah ok thank you for the explaination
Wow. That was intense. I'm very much looking forward to your next update.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
-- yeah, it was a bit. Next chapter should be soon :)
Very intriguing tale so far. I look forward to the next installment. Will we ever find out just what 'The South' is geographically?Thank you for writing
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
Thanks
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
. When I started writing this story, I had intended to be more geographically specific but as I continued to write, what became more important, in my mind, were the attitudes and prejudices people have towards others living in different areas and that it happens no matter where you live. It is something most of us understand and have possibly experienced. So I thought I would leave it vague and let the reader fill in the gaps with their own personal experience depending on where they are in the world. But I am also happy to say where I was thinking about when I wrote it if you want -- I don't mean it to be a secret -- and it doesn't alter the story any.
Saliva or other liquid bodily products? Somehow I don't think Harry is going to take kindly to that suggestion.
Response from lapita (Author of Southern Magic)
But that's the fun, don't you think? Thanks for reading and reviewing.