The Potion Mistress
a_bees_buzz86 Reviews | 7.17/10 (86 Ratings, 0 Likes, 88 Favorites )
There is trouble brewing at the Potions Guild and a possibly-not-so-ancient mystery to be solved. Hermione is determined to find the answers, and that includes working out why all paths seem to lead to Severus Snape.
WARNING: Contains DH spoilers
Start ReadingChapters (4)
About a_bees_buzz
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a_bees_buzz
Member Since 2007 | 16 Stories | Favorited by 169 | 35 Reviews Written | 634 Review Responses
Reviews for The Potion Mistress
I'm all a-tingle with anticipation of where you will take us with this story -- what a strong, nicely paced opening. Yes, I do think the Resurrection Stone is just begging to be used to revitalize our depleted hero, and I'm confident in your ability (having read your brilliant one-shots) to render a wholly realized, deeply satisfying tale.Thank you so much for sharing!!
We lucky!!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Thank you for that wonderfully supportive review! I imagine that there will be quite a few stories that use the same device, I'm hoping the rest of the story will be a bit more unique.
oh goody another snape lives to read.....why this story line was not that( or is it!!!!!!) in DH I'm not sure as for so many it is not enough that Snape was D's all along and he loved Lily........more please
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
There will, indeed, be more. Thanks for reviewing.
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Clap!!! Well done Buzzy! The Guild thing reminded me of The Crystal Singer by Anne McCaffrey I think it was terribly poignant that Harry choose to be the one to bring Severus back, that and he did it in private. Harry and Severus are in need of some long talks and closure. Did you intend for this to be a one shot or will it continue?? Hint hint nudge nudge poke poke
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Hmm, should I continue it? I mean, I did say it was a PROLOGUE!!! *giggle*
The Crystal Singer likewise uses the medieval guild as a model, but McCaffrey departs much further from the traditions of guilds than I will.
I think it had to be Harry, since he's the Master of Death *cue ominous music*.
So glad you liked it!
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
It says prologue somewhere? ((looks around wildly)) heh. I missed that. Well then I shall add this to my favorites so that I get emails when you post. I fangirl you.
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
It says it on my story list, but you're right, it doesn't show up in the master list. Sorry about that. "Prologue" is the chapter title.
Of course, the other clue is that the story doesn't exactly match the summary. This is, in fact, going to be a long one.
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
WOOT! I look forward to your epic masterpeice. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you. I am no help with grammer or canon compliance but I can spot plot holes, or alpha read for you.
Oh, nice. I like to think that after Book Seven, anything's possible, and this is a great start!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Indeed, anything is possible. Jo has left us lots of wiggle room. I'm glad you like where I'm taking it.
I can't get enough of resurrecting!Snape.
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
You should be in luck - I'm guessing there will be a lot of that in the next few weeks. Then we'll settle into the "and what happens next" phase.
Very nice. I don't know if only good writers are able to make a story this quickly after DH, or if my perception of the quality of the story is highly skewed by the fact, that Snape lives, but I just like them and that's it.
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Just now, I can't get enough of "Snape lives" stories! I'm glad you're enjoying this one.
Very nice. I don't know if only good writers are able to make a story this quickly after DH, or if my perception of the quality of the story is highly skewed by the fact, that Snape lives, but I just like them and that's it.
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
I'm so glad that you are enjoying it. Like you, at this point I have warm feelings for anything that saves our darling Severus.
What an intriguing beginning. I am so glad to see Snape rescued. I liked how you combined the idea of the resurrection stone with Snape's first year speech. Can't wait to read more.
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying it.
Excellent beginning. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Thank you. I'm glad you are enjoying it.
Very nice! The more I think about it, the more glad I am that we have those loopholes left (even if in the canon world they come off disrespectful to Severus) - no portrait, no ghost, no mention of anyone taking care of the body (even if only to drop it in with the others), etc.
The start was definitely intriguing. Hermione certainly can use that brain of hers, fortunately for Severus.
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
I like to think that Hermione has a special motivation to use that brain when it's about Severus, even if she doesn't recognize it yet!
Jo was, indeed, kind (or possibly sloppy) enough to leave us a lot of leeway. For which I am very grateful.
Thanks for reviewing.
Nice, very nice. I say fandom will treat Severus better than cannon.
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Thank you.
I think fandom has always treated Severus better. That's the joy of fandom, the ability to see things in different ways than the original author.
Oh! Very nice. I like the way that you have integrated the Deathly Hallows into bringing back Snape. One word of advice, however. You might want to let people know there are DH spoilers in your summary. I have a couple of friends who have not yet finished reading (I think they are in denial but can't quite bring themselves to stop reading altogether-they are reading a chapter a day). This is very good and I can't wait to read more!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Yikes! I didn't even think of it. And I'm super careful in my journal. I'll find out if the mods will let me change it now. Thanks for pointing that out.
And thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you liked it.
I just came across this when I was checking other stories I'm reading. I have to say, thus far it is well thought out, wonderfully written and I'm excited to see more from you. The final paragraph was amazing, you showed the change in Harry's view of Snape, from a tacturn professor to a man he respects and could call friend. I hope he maintain's his maturity throughout your story. Good luck and I hope you update soon!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Thank you so much!
It seemed to me that the only memory of Severus' that Harry actually needed to see was the one where he talks to Dumbledore. Why are the rest there, unless it's Severus' way of reaching out to Harry now that he can. I wanted Harry to be man enough to accept the offer.
Brilliant! I totally forgot about his whole "stopper in death" thing. And I've seen all kinds of "Snape lives" stuff circulating. You know, no portrait in the headmaster's office, etc. I look forward to your next chapter!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Thank you.
Between Severus' ability to stopper death and Harry being the master of death, it has to be possible, right? Jo? Never mind, we'll just write it without her. :D
Hmm, very intriguing. And the...mysterious Guild, quite gripping. I haven't seen anybody use the idea of the Resurrection Stone bringing Snape back and I most applaud you on your originality. Great job!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Thank you. It seemed clear to me from the text that the Stone had a great deal more potential than the limited use Harry made of it. I'm glad you thought it worked as a device here.
That's just mean, letting us hang like that! ;) Love the idea, though my paranoid mind thinks there's something Slughorn is hiding. But very intriguing, and a great play on the fact that a Potions Master or Potion Master as it were, shouldn't die from just a single snake bite, when Arthur survied multiple ones!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
It is just a prologue, you know. I couldn't give away the whole story!
For all he's a Slytherin, I've never seen Slughorn as very good at hiding anything. His Slytherin-ness seems to be all about networking and access to power, rather than intrigue.
Thanks for reviewing, my dear.
Ahhh! What lovely transitions you have in this prologue!::smooches you:: It was an honor to work on this, and I can hardly contain my enthusiasm to read more.
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
likes my transitions! *swoons*
Thank you, my darling, for your input, your support, and your scrummy smooches!
Ooooh, nicely done! And I'm so glad someone is going to make use of one of the many things JKR teased us with, then tossed away. ;-)Looking forward to seeing this unfold!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Jo left us with one possibly-but-not-definitely dead, no one has really checked, much beloved character and one Master-of-Death. It seemed a match made in heaven!
I'm glad you liked it.
Oh, that's very creative! I can't wait to see what happens next. And what a sure way to spark Hermione's curiosity: telling her just a little about something she's never heard of before. ;)
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
I'm so glad I've managed to spark your interest, as well as Hermione's. It was just a little tease for her, but it will grow into much more.
Wow! What an absolutely rich world you've built! I love the details you've given to the various Houses and the photos of the area and just everything right down to Hermione's bed cover! And you threw in a Fawlty Towers joke! I love that episode! lol Excellent chapter!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
You got the Fawlty Towers reference! I had a bit of a struggle with one of my betas who thought it was too obscure, but the scene just felt too un-British without it.
I'm having a lot of fun with the world-building, though it's a lot of work! It's lovely to hear the effort is appreciated.
Thanks for reviewing.
Response from firefly124 (Reviewer)
Probably too obscure for many, but you've covered your bases with Hermione's decision not to try and explain it to J.J. And it really is just the perfect reference in this scene.
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
And you got it and enjoyed it. Which is reason enough to put it in. :D
The word I want to use is behemoth. This story is turning into a behemoth, and I do mean that in a good way. You have added so much depth to the Guild back story I fell as if I was knowledgeable myself. I am most impressed with all your research, and of course the pictures are always appreciated. On to my questions!
1. Does Hermione’s glamour change her voice?
2. Why did Snape agree to help Hermione get into the Guild?
3. Does a hospice in your story mean the same thing as it does to me? A place where people go to die?
Don’t make me wait so long for another chapter, I grow antsy you know.
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
I think you clicked "review" on the wrong chapter. These questions are about chapter two, yes? I'll assume they are.
1) Of course. She's very good at these things. And she's adjusted the Glamour over the years to account for the transition from a 14-year-old boy to a 19-year-old young man.
2) That will be revealed in the fullness of time, when the time is right, as events unfold ...
3) Hospice in this context is an older version of the word 'hospital'. Not where people go to die, at least not if the staff can help it.
4) I write as the muse and time allow. I hope the next one will come quicker, there was an awful lot of tricksy researchy stuff in this chapter. Hopefully they'll get a bit easier as things go along.
I use the word "epic" rather than behemoth, but you are right. This is a very ambitious project. Makes me nervous, it does.
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
OHMY yes roll your eyes with me I reviewed on the wrong chapter. I was going back through and rereading my reviews, marking the chapters as "read" clearly I was befuttled. 
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
No eye rolling on this end - I knew exactly what you meant. OTOH, that is the perfect emoticon for the moment!
Ooooh, a mystery! Can't wait to find out what is up with the Potion's Guild. So Hermione is passing as a boy there. Hm, I wonder if the missing Potion masters are in fact mistresses and that is why the Guild never recorded them? But that wouldn't explain why Snape is missing from the records, wonder what is up with that. Loved many of the other bits too, like Harry and Snape having become friends, Ron and Hermione being friends despite their break-up, Molly as her usually interfering self... Looking forward to reading more.
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
Interesting speculations. All will, of course, be revealed in good time. I'm so glad you are enjoying it.
I just realized that I haven't reviewed this chapter. I'm curious as to why Snape isn't showing up in the Guild records, and I snickered when I realized the implications of Hermione's "But they don’t exactly know I’m a twenty-four-year-old woman, do they?" I can't wait for the next chapter!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
I'm so glad you're enjoying this. There are lots of mysteries here, though some will be explained sooner than others. Hermione's masquerade will be revealed, at least to the readers, fairly quickly.
Ooooohhhh, I like this. Very intriguing!
“Yes. But they don’t exactly know I’m a twenty-four-year-old woman, do they?”
That positively has me hooked!
Response from a_bees_buzz (Author of The Potion Mistress)
I've hooked you? Yay!
Thank you for reviewing.