Sage
lady_rhian378 Reviews | 7.32/10 (378 Ratings, 0 Likes, 283 Favorites )
For nearly thirty years, Hermione and her family have lived in peace and prosperity. When the unexpected occurs, buried secrets of a time long forgotten vie to make themselves known. Confronted by her daughter, Hermione allows herself to remember her past. What she doesn’t expect is to come face to face with it. R/Hr, HG/SS. OWL Awards 2008: Fire & Ice, Order of Merlin 3rd class; Tearjerker, Order of Merlin 1st Class; Nineteen Years Later, Order of Merlin 1st Class. SSHG Awards: Best Novel-Length, Round 3.
Start ReadingChapters (21)
About lady_rhian
Author
lady_rhian
Member Since 2006 | 37 Stories | Favorited by 238 | 216 Reviews Written | 1,498 Review Responses
The Tenant of Lyonesse Hall is on a temporary hiatus. Look for an update in winter 2012!
Reviews for Sage
This was another great chapter. Your story is really wonderful, given how cheesy the subject could be. I think most of us can relate to the situation Hermione was in - love someone who even loves you back, but is harmful at the same time -, and that`s what makes your story so powerful. Looking forward to know how it ends, and hoping that Severus has a second chance. I can't help but wish the best for my favorite snarky potions master... Even if he's a bastard.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you for leaving such a lovely review. I have been so -- humbled might be the right word -- at the number of readers who have opened up and shared small personal anecodtes of their experiences, so similar to Hermione's. And I know that many people are hoping for a good outcome for Severus -- I've always been of the opinion that there are far more people within the SS/HG ship who primarily identify with Severus than who primarily identify with Hermione. Anyhow -- sorry, you didn't ask me to wax (un)eloquent! -- but I appreciate the review.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you for leaving such a lovely review. I have been so -- humbled might be the right word -- at the number of readers who have opened up and shared small personal anecodtes of their experiences, so similar to Hermione's. And I know that many people are hoping for a good outcome for Severus -- I've always been of the opinion that there are far more people within the SS/HG ship who primarily identify with Severus than who primarily identify with Hermione. Anyhow -- sorry, you didn't ask me to wax (un)eloquent! -- but I appreciate the review.
oooohhh. your words have power.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you, hon! The next chapter is in the queue already. :-)
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you, hon! The next chapter is in the queue already. :-)
Oh what a horrible awful break up. I could not have done what Hermione did. I would have stayed he loves her and she loves him. I understand the meaning behind her words of proving a claim, but I follow a belief of you have to walk your talk and walking the path of love is so much more important than voicing empty words. I am still hopeful that they will come together in the end. Well done as always...definately a triple mocha!Irish
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
If it's one thing reading this story has ingrained in my skull, it's that we all bring different experiences and perceptions to Fiction. Thank you for reading, as always. *accepts mocha gratefully*
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
If it's one thing reading this story has ingrained in my skull, it's that we all bring different experiences and perceptions to Fiction. Thank you for reading, as always. *accepts mocha gratefully*
Just started to read this story and already completely hooked. It has such an emotional depth (as the reviews prove). Have only read the 1st and last chapter so far; but in reaction to the other reviews, I'd like to say that the point is not what should have been Hermione's wisest decision back in 2005 – stay with Severus or leave and go to Ron – but whether it's convincing that the Hermione you are portraying here, did what she did at that moment. And I´d say YES! to that. Severus´ problem with commitment has deep roots and understandable causes, and while it´s his responsibility to deal with it or cling to it at a high cost (to himself and her), it's her responsibility to decide if she can put up with it or not. No easy question to answer for anyone in such a situation. But it's very understandable that after years in isolation with Serverus, she needs to go back to her old life; Ron is not just Ron, but also his family and their mutual friends and her home country. This is a logical breaking point, when Molly's death warns her that her old environment will not always remain the same, and wait forever for her to return. I think it's wise that she did not stay with this Severus, who obviously wasn't ready for her in 2005 (maybe he is now, after all those years); I wouldn't have married Ron on this basis, but I'm not your Hermione, and I certainly can understand that she did. Great story. Going straight to my Favorites.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
First off, let me thank you for leaving such a lovely review. Secondly, I would beg you to read the in-between chapters! :) They'll give the piece much more context. I appreciate, though, that you understand Hermione's reasoning, or that you're trying to. People obviously bring their own experiences and perceptions to the fiction they read. In the case of fanfiction, they also bring other Snapes, and a deep and abiding sympathy for the man, a desire to see this pairing *work*, and so even though we have all known from the beginning that, in my story, their relationship doesn't work, it is difficult to discard that identification with and sympathy for his character. Anyhow -- we still have a few chapters to go, so I look forward to hearing your thoughts on both future chapters and the in between! :-)
Response from HannahSmith (Reviewer)
Sure, I'm reading the other chapters now! Of course we like to see pairings work. As a writer you can make it quick and easy, or slow and difficult and painful, where the parties have a lot of learning and development to go through before the violins can start playing. Both can happen in real life, but in the situation of HG and SS the latter would seem more probable. Your Snape is not really antipathetic to me - it's not as if he doesn't care - but struggling and desperately trying to cope. Looking forward to see if and how you will solve the puzzle.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
First off, let me thank you for leaving such a lovely review. Secondly, I would beg you to read the in-between chapters! :) They'll give the piece much more context. I appreciate, though, that you understand Hermione's reasoning, or that you're trying to. People obviously bring their own experiences and perceptions to the fiction they read. In the case of fanfiction, they also bring other Snapes, and a deep and abiding sympathy for the man, a desire to see this pairing *work*, and so even though we have all known from the beginning that, in my story, their relationship doesn't work, it is difficult to discard that identification with and sympathy for his character. Anyhow -- we still have a few chapters to go, so I look forward to hearing your thoughts on both future chapters and the in between! :-)
Response from HannahSmith (Reviewer)
Sure, I'm reading the other chapters now! Of course we like to see pairings work. As a writer you can make it quick and easy, or slow and difficult and painful, where the parties have a lot of learning and development to go through before the violins can start playing. Both can happen in real life, but in the situation of HG and SS the latter would seem more probable. Your Snape is not really antipathetic to me - it's not as if he doesn't care - but struggling and desperately trying to cope. Looking forward to see if and how you will solve the puzzle.
Very heart-wrenching. But I must say I am glad Hermione found it too little, too late, when he finally confessed his love. He really put his foot in his mouth, eh? Thank you for this wonderful chapter!
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
*offers tissues* Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and I am pleased that you understood the reasons for Hermione walking out. The reader reactions to this chapter have run the gamut.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
*offers tissues* Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, and I am pleased that you understood the reasons for Hermione walking out. The reader reactions to this chapter have run the gamut.
Gads, where's the tissues!!! I’ve concluded that maybe Hermione should be looking at herself and not blaming the men in her life for her miserable existence.
When she was with Ron, she walked out on him to chase down Severus. Once she had Severus, she wants more than what he can give at the time.
She claims she is IN love with Severus, but doesn’t like the way he treats her. She wanted him to declare his love. He does but it’s not good enough. Then she tells him that she loved Ron while she was with him, but was not in love with him. Ron says he’s willing to love her and forgive her leaving, but how can she base a marriage on friendly love rather than romantic love?
Both men claim to love her; are [?] in love with her ... but she‘s walked out on both of them!
Ron either has learned to handle her rejection fairly well or is just flat out of prospects; but Severus will probably wrap her rejection around himself like a hair shirt.
Definitely sounds like Hermione is the confused one!
And then Molly dies!
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
*offers Kleenex* Thank you for reading and reviewing, m'dear. I would like to address a few of your concerns.I would hesitate to call Hermione's existence miserable - it's anything but. As to Severus' profession of love not being good enough, in my humble opinion, it's not. His behavior has been bastardly, his manner neglectful, and while he actually said it, he is unwilling to make an effort to improve his behavior towards her, to deepen their relationship. I firmly believe that she was right to walk out on him -- I have been in and seen relationships where the man will capitulate to a desire only at the end, only when they can see how close they are to losing their SO, and by that time the effort is often too little, too late. Again, everyone will have their impression and reaction, but I did want to explain a bit here, and I will attempt to do so in the next chapter, as well.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
*offers Kleenex* Thank you for reading and reviewing, m'dear. I would like to address a few of your concerns.I would hesitate to call Hermione's existence miserable - it's anything but. As to Severus' profession of love not being good enough, in my humble opinion, it's not. His behavior has been bastardly, his manner neglectful, and while he actually said it, he is unwilling to make an effort to improve his behavior towards her, to deepen their relationship. I firmly believe that she was right to walk out on him -- I have been in and seen relationships where the man will capitulate to a desire only at the end, only when they can see how close they are to losing their SO, and by that time the effort is often too little, too late. Again, everyone will have their impression and reaction, but I did want to explain a bit here, and I will attempt to do so in the next chapter, as well.
Wow! That was the best chapter of all, I think (really, really hard to choose). She doesn't need to go back to Severus (he doesn't deserve her), but think clearly Hermoine about Ron (even tho they do get married). Did she marry him because she wanted to have children? Well there are worse reasons I guess. I remember one of my first reviews asking when Severus and Hermoine would get together. You said the story was more than that...it certainly is! This story is so good you forget that they are not real people like Lulabelle72 "An Unreasonable Man". Wish I could give you more than just 5 stars!
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you so much, dear. It's interesting -- I have gone from the question "How will I make people understand and support their break up?" to "How will they understand her relationship with Ron?" Lots of difficult subjects to navigate. I am so pleased that you immerse yourself so far in the story as to really feel it, feel its humanity. I have not yet read "An Unreasonable Man," but I plan to once finishing "Sage" (I don't read much fanfiction when writing my own). Thank you again for the lovely review.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you so much, dear. It's interesting -- I have gone from the question "How will I make people understand and support their break up?" to "How will they understand her relationship with Ron?" Lots of difficult subjects to navigate. I am so pleased that you immerse yourself so far in the story as to really feel it, feel its humanity. I have not yet read "An Unreasonable Man," but I plan to once finishing "Sage" (I don't read much fanfiction when writing my own). Thank you again for the lovely review.
i'm really glad i did not read this at work, as i started crying almost immediately and did not stop for the duration. so painful. to read all those cards he sent, and have him admit he loved her, and still it wasn't enough. that can be a hard lesson - that no matter how much you might love someone, it still might not work out in the end. : ( i can understand that she was hurt and tired of trying to make it work when it all felt so one-sided. but it still broke my heart. and the letter from ron broke my heart. and the scene with severus after, and the note at the end. i also want to say that i like how you are portraying ron and their relationship so far. i admit i am a hopeless, diehard romantic, so i really hope you have a nice resolution hiding up your sleeve for the future, though, after all this heartbreak!
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Oh, honey. *offers Kleenex* I am very pleased that the chapter came off well -- that their separation is understandable and that why she went to Run is especially understandable (the next chapter will do more in helping that, as well). Thank you - as always - for reading and reviewing.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Oh, honey. *offers Kleenex* I am very pleased that the chapter came off well -- that their separation is understandable and that why she went to Run is especially understandable (the next chapter will do more in helping that, as well). Thank you - as always - for reading and reviewing.
Yet another heartbreakingly wonderful chapter! I'm glad Hermione finally told him how she felt, even if it was a bit jumbled. Although those cards broke my heart a little. Silly Severus and his inability to see what was happening until it was too late. I hope they hook up in the end, though. I have a feeling that that will happen once Hermione finishes telling her story. But do keep going! :)
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
That is the thing, isn't it? He *does* apologize and he *does* tell her, but it's too little, too late -- it's not enough, and he's unwilling to make restitution. Thank you, as always, for leaving such a lovely review.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
That is the thing, isn't it? He *does* apologize and he *does* tell her, but it's too little, too late -- it's not enough, and he's unwilling to make restitution. Thank you, as always, for leaving such a lovely review.
I honestly nearly cried in this last chapter. And I am definitely not a person given to sudden bouts of tears! It was so beautiful and terrible and painful, I couldn't stop reading!
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Oh, honey. *offers Kleenex* Thank you for taking the time to leave a review -- it is very appreciated.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Oh, honey. *offers Kleenex* Thank you for taking the time to leave a review -- it is very appreciated.
I have read this story since 1st chapter on your lj and i even posted my 1st ever review on Ashwinder . I have only recently started reviewing(feel guilty now) andI want to thank you for giving me so much pleasure.H This is the same comment I left on Ashwinder. BEST DH STORY I HAVE EVER READ. By the way brillant , totally brillant chapter . THANK YOU SO MUCH
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
(duplicate)
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
(duplicate)
He deserved to be dumped. Completely. I'm not sure why she settled for Ron, or why he was willing to be that person, but I'm guessing you will tell us. Lovely chapter. The emotions in this story are very real to me.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Well, I'll attemp to tell you -- trust me, I have gone from being worried about "Can I end it well?" to "And now how do I make them believe R/Hr?" So -- anyhow. Thank you for leaving a review, as always, and I am just so pleased that you enjoyed the chapter.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Well, I'll attemp to tell you -- trust me, I have gone from being worried about "Can I end it well?" to "And now how do I make them believe R/Hr?" So -- anyhow. Thank you for leaving a review, as always, and I am just so pleased that you enjoyed the chapter.
I have read this story since 1st chapter on your lj and i even posted my 1st ever review on Ashwinder . I have only recently started reviewing(feel guilty now) andI want to thank you for giving me so much pleasure.H This is the same comment I left on Ashwinder. BEST DH STORY I HAVE EVER READ. By the way brillant , totally brillant chapter . THANK YOU SO MUCH
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you! I am so pleased to have been an introduction of sorts for you -- your compliments are making me grin from ear to ear. The review is hugely appreciated. :-)
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you! I am so pleased to have been an introduction of sorts for you -- your compliments are making me grin from ear to ear. The review is hugely appreciated. :-)
How sad, I'm hoping Severus is still alive as Hermione is telling this story and there is some hope of being reunited or at least some peace between them. I doubt that it will happen, but I like to think of the world having Severus in it and that he finally finds some joy in life somewhere, somehow.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
That is the question, isn't it? :) Thank you so much for your continued readership -- the support means the world to me.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
That is the question, isn't it? :) Thank you so much for your continued readership -- the support means the world to me.
Excellent story, looking forward to the future of it.
Jeannie
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you so much for leaving a note, dear -- it is appreciated.
Response from gersknightlady (Reviewer)
I read the story to the end and enjoyed every minute of it. Well done. Some stories I have to be reminded of whats happening. Your was easy to keep in my mind.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you so much for leaving a note, dear -- it is appreciated.
Response from gersknightlady (Reviewer)
I read the story to the end and enjoyed every minute of it. Well done. Some stories I have to be reminded of whats happening. Your was easy to keep in my mind.
I love this story. It's painful to read what Hermione and Severus did to each other, but that's something I've personally lived, so, well, it's not at all difficult to understand the terrible dynamics operating here.I can see why, after this hell, she chose Ron. I just wonder if she really, REALLY, loved Ron and if she'll return with Severus.Great story, I'm hooked!
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you so much for leaving such a lovely review. As I've said to several people thus far, I am truly honored and humbled that the story has touched such a personal chord in readers. It is tragic that so many of us have experienced that sort of relationship, but that you find the story compelling in spite of the pain is the greatest compliment I could hope for.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you so much for leaving such a lovely review. As I've said to several people thus far, I am truly honored and humbled that the story has touched such a personal chord in readers. It is tragic that so many of us have experienced that sort of relationship, but that you find the story compelling in spite of the pain is the greatest compliment I could hope for.
I cried through this whole chapter. However, I do feel ambivalent about Severus. After all their time apart, when Severus showed up at Hermione's office and showed her the rejected cards from the flowers he sent to her, I thought he had finally had an epiphany. His words of apology seemed sincere and the notes were thoughtful and moving. Granted she did not realize they were there because she had apparently rejected the flowers, sending them back to the florist. I don't understand why though. She had taken the time to cover for him over the Christmas holidays in front of her parents, so why turn the flowers and gift away on Christmas Eve of all days? My conclusion: His apology was sincere. Hermione was unhappy he was taking trips for his unknown occupation. Severus informed her the trips are over. That is what she wanted. Hermione wanted to be told that she was loved by him. Severus told her he loved her and he was trying to prove that he loved her by the changes he made and the apology. This leaves the stickler that he always said he would not want to get married or have children, and it seems this is non-negotiable.I can see by the end of the chapter that Hermione has decided to marry her friend and give up her lover. This way she will have her old friends, previous way of life, the security of a marriage, the adoration of a husband, children, and presumably a sex-life that would be wholly unremarkable. She would be marrying her friend for security. Don't forget the element of guilt; I think Hermione carries loads of that. She probably feels guilty she never was "in love" with Ron.All in all, I don't know what the proper response should have been. I would not marry a friend knowing it would never evolve into romantic love, which she knows it would not after so many years of them being together in the past. Having children with a roommate basically, who you love, but they are in love with you--how awkward is that? I could not do it.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
*offers you Kleenex*I am honored that you've taken the time to leave such a detailed analysis. Thank you for your continued readership and support -- it means the world to me.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
*offers you Kleenex*I am honored that you've taken the time to leave such a detailed analysis. Thank you for your continued readership and support -- it means the world to me.
Powerful emotions, powerful story. Much like my own marriage was - my ex- never said he loved me - 22 years of marriage, and it was all gifts, flowers, but he was an absolute bastard. And I left. I do love your writing.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you so much. And thank you for sharing your personal anecdote, though I don't like calling it an "anecdote" -- I am humbled that the story has touched such a personal chord with so many readers. Aspects of it are certainly personal to me, and if others find it real and believable and still read, then my job is accomplished. I appreciate your taking the time to leave a note.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you so much. And thank you for sharing your personal anecdote, though I don't like calling it an "anecdote" -- I am humbled that the story has touched such a personal chord with so many readers. Aspects of it are certainly personal to me, and if others find it real and believable and still read, then my job is accomplished. I appreciate your taking the time to leave a note.
Gah... so painful. I shouldn't have read this at work. I had to pretend to sneeze a few times and head to the restroom to sniffle. The pain and torture that Hermione is suffering through is clearly coming across teh pages. You have a brilliant way with words and invoking emotions from the reader.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Oh, honey! *offers Kleenex**is also guilty of reading at work*Thank you for the compliments and for leaving a review, as always.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Oh, honey! *offers Kleenex**is also guilty of reading at work*Thank you for the compliments and for leaving a review, as always.
Another emotional punch in the gut. It's so achingly familiar, all of this. I am glad that Hermione stayed in England to be with the people who loved her. I do hope, though, that the intervening years have brought both her and Severus to a place where they can have the relationship they couldn't have before (Pretty please, nice author?) Well written, but that's par for the course with you!
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
If it's another punch, I'm doing my job. (Good to see you, dear.) If it's achingly familiar, again, I've done my job -- I am honored that the story has touched a chord with so many readers. Thank you for taking the time to read and review.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
If it's another punch, I'm doing my job. (Good to see you, dear.) If it's achingly familiar, again, I've done my job -- I am honored that the story has touched a chord with so many readers. Thank you for taking the time to read and review.
You shall not love with words, but with deeds and truthfulness - my own wedding bible verse... (although I don't know whether I translated it correctly)
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
I love that verse -- thank you for sharing. Thank you for taking the time to read and review.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
I love that verse -- thank you for sharing. Thank you for taking the time to read and review.
I love this story! It has just the right amount of angst to make me happy. I love it when Snape is that obstinant, uncompromising bastard that we all love. I cannot help but hope that they find away to be together in the future as they could not be in the past. That is just the romantic in me talking.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you for reading and reviewing -- it is greatly appreciated!
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you for reading and reviewing -- it is greatly appreciated!
Going to a wedding with a date was always stressful as I recall. It brings up far too many issues or "talking points" doesnt it?
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
I have never gone with a date, but I have sat at tables with friends and their SO's and watched the drama unfold with great enthusiasm. *nod nod* (Nah, they were all actually okay.) I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on chapter eighteen... *mentally wills it to go through the queue faster*
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
I might as well just hop over to LJ and read it there. I doubt I'll crack 100 reviews this month. I have been a busy fangirl just not here! 
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
I have never gone with a date, but I have sat at tables with friends and their SO's and watched the drama unfold with great enthusiasm. *nod nod* (Nah, they were all actually okay.) I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on chapter eighteen... *mentally wills it to go through the queue faster*
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
I might as well just hop over to LJ and read it there. I doubt I'll crack 100 reviews this month. I have been a busy fangirl just not here!
Well - they sounded in love but not completely happy - I wonder how they broke up and what pushed her into Ron's arms... this is a good story.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you, dear. I'm very glad that you are still enjoying the story.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you, dear. I'm very glad that you are still enjoying the story.
I loved how Hermione got her point across to Severus and can't wait to see the wedding. Sorry for the delay in the review, but life has been quite hectic.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you for reading and reviewing, m'dear! No need to make apologies -- when you examine the reviews to chapter hits ratio, probably 85-90% of readers don't leave a comment, so I appreciate all of you who do. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it.
Response from lady_rhian (Author of Sage)
Thank you for reading and reviewing, m'dear! No need to make apologies -- when you examine the reviews to chapter hits ratio, probably 85-90% of readers don't leave a comment, so I appreciate all of you who do. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed it.