Second Life
Lariope3,012 Reviews | 3,012 Ratings, 1 Like, 1,269 Favorites )
Hermione is forced to lead a double life when she agrees to Dumbledore's plan to protect Professor Snape. Inspired by the Marriage Law. Warning for student/teacher relationship, though Hermione is of age.
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About Lariope
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Lariope
Member Since 2007 | 9 Stories | Favorited by 616 | 122 Reviews Written | 5,388 Review Responses
Grape Forever!
Reviews for Second Life
I'm not surprised that Severus reacted the way he did. The poor guy has been manipulated and brainwashed into believing that he had one real purpose in life - designated human sacrifice. Voldemort values him until Severus gets in the way of what he wants. Dumbledore values him as a tool so he can get what he wants. Hermione is the only one who wants him, just for himself.That just doesn't fit in the universe he's come to accept. To find that he hasn't shuffled off the mortal coil afterall would have to feel like the job is half done. On top of it, he has to deal with the repercussions of staying alive. It's a good thing that Minerva knows what she knows. I'm proud of Harry and Ron. Usually, I want to whack them upside their heads.Good job, girlfriend.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
. You are the first person to mention the repercussions of staying alive, which, for me, are paramount here. What DOES he have left? What WILL happen to him? I'm not sure he's as far off the mark in thinking that she's done him a disservice as everyone else thinks he is. :)I think it's about two things, both of which you mentioned: sacrifice/salvation and options. And I like the way you put it: that the job's half done. Lovely! Thank you! And I'm glad you were proud of Harry and Ron. :)Thank you so much for reviewing! xoxox
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
. You are the first person to mention the repercussions of staying alive, which, for me, are paramount here. What DOES he have left? What WILL happen to him? I'm not sure he's as far off the mark in thinking that she's done him a disservice as everyone else thinks he is. :)I think it's about two things, both of which you mentioned: sacrifice/salvation and options. And I like the way you put it: that the job's half done. Lovely! Thank you! And I'm glad you were proud of Harry and Ron. :)Thank you so much for reviewing! xoxox
Wow. Just... wow.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you!
Ah masterful once again. I must admit I had to read it twice because when I was writing my original review I was not sure of a few things. Oops I'm glad I did! I completely misinterpreted him. Not that I like his response, but a truly Snape-ish one. I also like to think that perhaps Dumbledore had been considering that Snape might need the potion just as much as Harry and so has Hermione carry it. Perhaps he reasons that she would only give the potion to Snape over Harry if she thought him worthy (or had truly fallen in love with Snape). You could say that her love has truly redeemed/restored Snape - literally and figuratively. Then again DD has been a calculating so-and-so and not exactly encouraging of their relationship...hmm.The diadem on Hermione's head - such a Shakepearean plot twist - Her greatest desire leads to a downfall. Which also fits well with Snape and DD character/events.Love the reaction of Harry and Ron to the news that she trusts Snapea nd has been in contact - now to the news that she is his wife (He He!)Once again eagerly awaiting the next chapter.Cheers.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
yes, I've been thinking a lot about how much Harry will know in the next chapter, about where that trust will be bolstered and undermined by what he sees in the pensieve, etc... :)I'm so glad you liked the diadem and that you felt Snape's response was Snape-y. :) Thank you so much for reviewing, Reets. It means a lot to me.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
yes, I've been thinking a lot about how much Harry will know in the next chapter, about where that trust will be bolstered and undermined by what he sees in the pensieve, etc... :)I'm so glad you liked the diadem and that you felt Snape's response was Snape-y. :) Thank you so much for reviewing, Reets. It means a lot to me.
I really hate crying at your chapters. Yet another tear jerker. I can't believe that's how he treats her. Well, okay, I do, but that doesn't mean that I like it. Poor Hermione, to have her heart broken in the middle of the final battle just after she saves him. Ouch. Poor Sev for thinking that he has been assigned a place in living hell for not dying when he was supposed to. Double Ouch. This whole thing is just too upsetting. I don't think I can wait for the next update. Isn't it already written and ready to post?????? This is the worst of awful cliffies......Thanks for a super update. I loved it (even if it made me cry). I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.Hugs, MuggleMom
Response from mugglemomof3 (Reviewer)
Happy Happy Birthday! I just saw today was your big day. Enjoy it!!!!!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I know this was a painful one, and I'm sorry to make you cry--especially if you hate it! I think everyone here is just twisted up in knots, which is how I imagined canon, too, with Harry as he unwound the plan that had been laid for him and tried to do what he needed to do.Thank you for the review and the birthday wishes!! *hugs*
Response from mugglemomof3 (Reviewer)
Happy Happy Birthday! I just saw today was your big day. Enjoy it!!!!!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I know this was a painful one, and I'm sorry to make you cry--especially if you hate it! I think everyone here is just twisted up in knots, which is how I imagined canon, too, with Harry as he unwound the plan that had been laid for him and tried to do what he needed to do.Thank you for the review and the birthday wishes!! *hugs*
That will come home to roost! Damn fool! What was he thinking telling her he loved her and after everything they had been through, did he actually think she could just stand there and let him die? Just because he thinks his life is worthless doesn't mean she does. Obviously, in his heart of hearts he doesn't think his life as unlivable if he truly loves her. If he truly loves her, he would be bloody grateful to have a chance to be with her.So, what has he proved by his hissy fit? He's just another man to throw around the word love, not counting the cost of the word and the meaning that has since the beginning of time made people do the impossible in order to keep it? I'm very interested in seeing how he works his way out of that, and I hope Hermione gives him hell for being such a ungrateful bastard!Livvy
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I agree that what Hermione did was inevitable. What I try to rememeber about Snape is that this is a man who's had a lot of practice living in unliveable situations, and if he's afraid, then maybe there's something to be afraid of. But I agree that lashing out at her was perhaps not the best option. More coming soon! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I agree that what Hermione did was inevitable. What I try to rememeber about Snape is that this is a man who's had a lot of practice living in unliveable situations, and if he's afraid, then maybe there's something to be afraid of. But I agree that lashing out at her was perhaps not the best option. More coming soon! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Severus, you bloody idiot. I can understand how and why he'd feel that why. But still. Bloody idiot.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Heh! Sev, the bloody idiot. I like it. ;)Thank you for reviewing!!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Heh! Sev, the bloody idiot. I like it. ;)Thank you for reviewing!!
Oh no! That's all I can think to say! Great chapter as always, but oh dear!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I know; it is oh dear, isn't it? I'm sorry....there will be more soon! Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I know; it is oh dear, isn't it? I'm sorry....there will be more soon! Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Awwwww, this is painful! But brilliantly written. IMHO, you really have surpassed DH in every single way. The battle scenes were vivid and Hermione's desperation to get to Severus real. I'm glad the boys came around despite their intial reaction towards' Hermione's secret. Looking forward to the post-DH scenes.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
. I'm very gald that everything felt real and alive. And I'm glad you liked the boys. In the end, I think there's real power in their devotion to each other. But I'm looking forward to post DH, too! Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
. I'm very gald that everything felt real and alive. And I'm glad you liked the boys. In the end, I think there's real power in their devotion to each other. But I'm looking forward to post DH, too! Thank you for reading and reviewing!
Anonymous
Beyond brilliant. I am still in tears, and I've been sitting here for several minutes since I've finished reading. I wish I could scream at Severus, but I can't -- he's right, the potion was for Potter. And he does feel betrayed; she went against his every directive. She could have just cost them everything.
And yet, I would have done the same as her.
You make them human. Strip them of all the things that make them a cariacture of themselves, and give them the threads of humanity. Perhaps this is why SL rises above the books.
Such a glorious gift to your readers this morning. Your bravery is astounding.
Author's Response: Thank you, Lulabelle. I'm so glad to think that you could see it with him for a moment.
And yet, our hearts are with her right now, aren't they? Funny, that isn't how I planned it, but I feel it too.
You are too good to me, you know that? Because that's your strength, their humanity. Not mine.
Love you.
In its own way, this is cruel. We have known for months that Hermione will use the potion on Severus, but his denial is so cruel. I wonder to whom I mean it. Readers? Certainly. Hermione? No doubt. Severus? The cruelest of all? Now, she would have to find him and find happiness with him. I just silently hope that she will not use 19 years with Ron to do that. That would be an Unforgivable par excellance. The question again is on whose side.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
There will be NO R/HR Here. NONE. This is a SS/HG story. :)This certainly isn't the first time I've been accused of cruelty, and I apologize for the pain here, but I've promised the most honest story I can write, and I'll do my best. :)Thank you for reading and reviewing, Nata! It means a lot to me.
Response from nata (Reviewer)
I realize this kind of cruelty is necessary, and my review was intended as a realisation of such. Characters must suffer, and readers must feel with them for a story to be considered "good". This is exactly what your story does, so cruelty has a perfect place in it. It is a praise, not a drawback. I am sorry if it did not get through as such.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
No, Nata, not at all. Don't worry! I was laughing when I wrote that it wasn't the first time I'd been accused of cruelty. :) I knew what you meant. *hugs you*
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
There will be NO R/HR Here. NONE. This is a SS/HG story. :)This certainly isn't the first time I've been accused of cruelty, and I apologize for the pain here, but I've promised the most honest story I can write, and I'll do my best. :)Thank you for reading and reviewing, Nata! It means a lot to me.
Response from nata (Reviewer)
I realize this kind of cruelty is necessary, and my review was intended as a realisation of such. Characters must suffer, and readers must feel with them for a story to be considered "good". This is exactly what your story does, so cruelty has a perfect place in it. It is a praise, not a drawback. I am sorry if it did not get through as such.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
No, Nata, not at all. Don't worry! I was laughing when I wrote that it wasn't the first time I'd been accused of cruelty. :) I knew what you meant. *hugs you*
Oh God! I have no words to describe this chapter, because I'm in equal parts shocked and overjoyed and... ahh! All I can say now is more, please!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you so much,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! More soon! I'm so glad you liked it. xoxo
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you so much,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! More soon! I'm so glad you liked it. xoxo
What woman wouldn't have done the same, were she in Hermione's shoes? Yet, I also understand Severus's feeling of betrayal. The thing is, he never explained her that he had to, or wanted to, die, so how could she have done otherwise?
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I agree that any one of us would have done it. But I think she did know--I don't think he ever said so explicitly, but she says that she knows that he means to die for his sins in chapter 33... I think when he has that moment of breakdown and she sort of goes in after him... she had a moment of wondering if rescuing him had been the right thing to do, and I think that speaks to how well, in fact, she does know him, though here she does not take that into consideration.But I don't blame her. I think that he is her anchor, and she found herself there in the midst of everything simply unable to go on without him no matter what he might have wanted. She knew what that potion was for, but she chose not to think of it. In some ways, they were both incredibly selfish up there in that room. But as I said, I have enormous sympathy for both of them. Sorry I rambled!! Thank you for reviewing, Septentrion!!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I agree that any one of us would have done it. But I think she did know--I don't think he ever said so explicitly, but she says that she knows that he means to die for his sins in chapter 33... I think when he has that moment of breakdown and she sort of goes in after him... she had a moment of wondering if rescuing him had been the right thing to do, and I think that speaks to how well, in fact, she does know him, though here she does not take that into consideration.But I don't blame her. I think that he is her anchor, and she found herself there in the midst of everything simply unable to go on without him no matter what he might have wanted. She knew what that potion was for, but she chose not to think of it. In some ways, they were both incredibly selfish up there in that room. But as I said, I have enormous sympathy for both of them. Sorry I rambled!! Thank you for reviewing, Septentrion!!
Brilliant.Bloody brilliant.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Oh, Mia. Thank you. I'm so glad you liked it.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Oh, Mia. Thank you. I'm so glad you liked it.
Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh.Thatendingissheergenius!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
*grabs you and spins you around*Thank you!!!!!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
*grabs you and spins you around*Thank you!!!!!
Oh no, poor Hermione! I hope he gets over himself and realizes that she did it for love...stubborn man ... please don't tell me he goes off and kills himself! >< eep...Ok, shutting up now and waiting patiently for the next chapter...after I read this one a few more times to make sure I grasp everything that happened! Thank you again for a wonderful chapter in an awsome story! *hugs*
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
No, no suicide in SL. Snape, as I see him, has too much honor for that. Thank you so much,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
No, no suicide in SL. Snape, as I see him, has too much honor for that. Thank you so much,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
!
Argh and you leave me hanging. Now, I am the one to suffer in hell until next Tuesday! How could she not save his life for he is her life, without him she would surely die if not a mortal death then a spiritual one. He is her life force as she is his.Well done as always and again HAPPY BIRTHDAY!Irish
Response from irishredlass (Reviewer)
HEE HEE I am first!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
EE! You were first! And thank you, Irish. Incidentally, I agree with you that he is her touchstone, her anchor. I don't think she could have been as brave or as resourceful as she was through the past year if she hadn't had him to keep her grounded and fighting. I think Harry was right about that. And to even think of losing him in the midst of the final battle must have just driven everything else from her mind. Thank you, my dear--and there will be more soon. You know this. :) Happy early birthday!! love you
Response from irishredlass (Reviewer)
HEE HEE I am first!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
EE! You were first! And thank you, Irish. Incidentally, I agree with you that he is her touchstone, her anchor. I don't think she could have been as brave or as resourceful as she was through the past year if she hadn't had him to keep her grounded and fighting. I think Harry was right about that. And to even think of losing him in the midst of the final battle must have just driven everything else from her mind. Thank you, my dear--and there will be more soon. You know this. :) Happy early birthday!! love you
Heartbreaking.Wonderful.Please---don't leave us here in perdition very long...?
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you :)And you know I never do! Or at least I try not to.... ;)Thank you for reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you :)And you know I never do! Or at least I try not to.... ;)Thank you for reviewing!
Wow!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
:) Thanks!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
:) Thanks!
Oh my god. Oh my GOD! Lariope, you've outdone yourself. And that's pretty damn hard to do. So excited, I'm bouncing up and down in my seat right now, literally. How do you infuse these amazing action sequences, involving so many characters, with these touchstones of heartbreaking, honest reality? For instance, when Hermione is watching everyone filing into and out of the RoR, and she's trying to memorize their faces and then breaks down in tears at the sight of McGonagall (along with myself, I will shamelessly admit), it's like, you just know how important it is to us readers to keep us inside Hermione's heart at all times. Just telling us what's going on with the plot is not enough for all of your spoiled rotten Second Life readers, and you know that, and respect it in every single chapter. Loved Ron's moment of clarity and courage--I'm won over now .(sorry about my earlier vitriol towards him) ;-P Loved Hermione's whispered, "come right back" when Harry left with Luna.But I have to say, my favorite moment in this chapter was Snape's flight out of Hogwarts. His truly human reactions at seeing all of his old stomping grounds and remembering the little mundane things like setting off dungbombs gave that moment more poignancy than if you had just had him thinking about Hermione only or just resignedly flying off to his fate. It seems to me that while before in the story he only believed Hermione was worth living for, that perhaps now he's finally come to the conclusion that his whole life, not just the last 2 years, has been valuable and memorable and worth living. Maybe he's not feeling it quite to those romantic sensibilities, but that's how I felt when reading it. :POne more thing, in re: to your reply to my review last chapter, I could NEVER abandon this story. It has become, and will more than likely always remain, my favorite fanfic that I've ever read. And, even one of my favorite works of literature, period, that I've ever read. I am so sorry for being away so long from reading and reviewing. I do understand how much you authors rely on our feedback and I hope you never again entertain the thought that I could ever jump ship on you! Not gonna happen. :)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
, I'm so happy that you liked this chapter. SO happy!This was an odd tear-jerker to me. I don't think I've ever been as choked up reading to my husband as I was as I read this, and I've read him every chapter. I had hoped for just a tinge of what made that chapter in DH so special to me, that wonder, that hope just in faces and in names, and in realizing how much we had all ached for Hogwarts. I'm happy that the moment in which she first saw McGonagall meant to you what it did to me.Hoorah! And you have not left me! More hoorah!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
, I'm so happy that you liked this chapter. SO happy!This was an odd tear-jerker to me. I don't think I've ever been as choked up reading to my husband as I was as I read this, and I've read him every chapter. I had hoped for just a tinge of what made that chapter in DH so special to me, that wonder, that hope just in faces and in names, and in realizing how much we had all ached for Hogwarts. I'm happy that the moment in which she first saw McGonagall meant to you what it did to me.Hoorah! And you have not left me! More hoorah!
Hi, I've been following this story for awhile but always felt stupid about leaving reviews...well I made a promise to myself that I would start letting authors know when I love stories, so here's my review...lol I'm loving the story and can't wait to read more! Thank you for writing! :)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you so much for your review,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! I really appreciate it, and I'm so glad that you're enjoying the story! *hugs*
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you so much for your review,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! I really appreciate it, and I'm so glad that you're enjoying the story! *hugs*
What a wonderful story! I've been putting off reading this for ages and ages, but I finally got through it in about a month and I have to say I'm ashamed that I hadn't started before! This is hands down one of the best fics I've ever read, and the way you deal with the inconsistencies is mindblowing. More, please!!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you so much,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! I'm very excited that you have been enjoying SL and very flattered by your praise. More is coming very soon--I hope you like it! xoxox
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you so much,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! I'm very excited that you have been enjoying SL and very flattered by your praise. More is coming very soon--I hope you like it! xoxox
First, let me just say: OMG I MISSED THIS!!!!!!! Yes, I've been away from internet-land for some time and it's been horrible, I can assure you. I hated not being able to read these chapters the second you posted them. Me so sad:( But so happy now to be back up and running!! Okay, moving on....A life debt. Wizards tossed the term around, but she had no real conception of what a thing might mean. Was it truly a spell, or was it a sense of honor bred deep in the bone? Did she owe her life to Snape, or he to her? Had the incident with the troll left her forever in Harry’s debt, or had Godric’s Hollow evened the score? Who could tell where love began and ended, where loyalty was replaced with magic?That is just greatness. You cut to the heart of the matter...the heart motivations behind everything happening in this story boils down to love, loyalty and magic. What an awesome little chunk of writing, truly.LOVE her new patronus! Wasn't expecting hers to change, really so that was an awesome surprise. Really though, an otter? Wtf was JK thinking? ;-) Love that it's a hawk....oh so perfect...love that it filled her being with connection and love when she released it. sigh...nice.I have to say, I did love the dragon ride out of Gringotts' in canon, I really did. But you know what? The changes you made gave the scene even more gut-wrenching terror...the fact that they had to fight, backs against the wall, with the goblins was terrifying and made everything so much more real. They're not always saved by some incredible stroke of luck, this is more of a blood, sweat and tears kind of escape that really suited this story. Well done, really well done! I like how things are veering off from canon as far as the story-telling goes, but it essentially is taking them to the same penultimate place. It's just breathtaking in its detail and heartbreaking in its emotion. Gonna go catch up on the next one now!!!
So good to be back.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
!!!!!!!!!!!I have been secretly worrying away in your absence, wondering if I had finally broken the story badly enough to cause you to jump ship. So happy that was not the case! *hugs
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
tight and forbids her ever to leave again*Now you know how much I do rely on you :) No pressure. :)I'm so glad you liked Gringotts. I worried for a long time about how to change that dragon ride, and I'm sorry you missed it, but I'm glad you could get behind my ending. There will be more tomorrow!xoxoxox
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
!!!!!!!!!!!I have been secretly worrying away in your absence, wondering if I had finally broken the story badly enough to cause you to jump ship. So happy that was not the case! *hugs
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
tight and forbids her ever to leave again*Now you know how much I do rely on you :) No pressure. :)I'm so glad you liked Gringotts. I worried for a long time about how to change that dragon ride, and I'm sorry you missed it, but I'm glad you could get behind my ending. There will be more tomorrow!xoxoxox
Excellent chapter!
I like that we find out how Snape learnt to fly, and that he told Dumbledore off. Now I'm very much looking forward to see what happens next.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the flying lesson! And you can't imagine how gratifying it was to finally let him tell DD off.... :) More very soon--thank you for reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed the flying lesson! And you can't imagine how gratifying it was to finally let him tell DD off.... :) More very soon--thank you for reviewing!
Thank you, again! I loved the part where Voldemort give Snape the power of flight and Snapes reaction.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank YOU! I'm so glad you liked it!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank YOU! I'm so glad you liked it!
OMG!!! The excitement of the beginning of the battle!!!! I look forward to the next chapter!!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you! I'm so glad you are excited! I am, too, and a little scared. :) More on the way before you know it! Thank you for reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you! I'm so glad you are excited! I am, too, and a little scared. :) More on the way before you know it! Thank you for reviewing!