New Chapter for Death's Dominion
Death's Dominion
MMADfan559 Reviews | 6.1/10 (559 Ratings, 0 Likes, 207 Favorites )
Severus Snape’s life was changed when he was hit by an errant spell, and he comes to a decision that defies Dumbledore’s wishes. Even the fate of the wizarding world is altered by this one ill-cast curse and Snape’s subsequent resolve. Long after the spell itself has dissipated, its effects continue echoing in the lives of Severus, Albus, Minerva, and Hermione, and they bring with them a shadowy figure whom Snape does not trust and whose motivations and influence on Minerva are murky. Conspiracies and schemes swirl around Severus as he continues on his path of deception to his final confrontation with the Dark Lord.
Canon-divergent post-July 1996 in the HP universe. Not DH-compliant. (Partially HBP-compliant.)
A “Light” fic of love, loyalty, and redemption.
Pertinent warnings in individual chapter summaries.
Voted First Place, Gen Fic: Best Legacy Story, in the HP Fanfic Fan Poll Awards for Spring/Summer 2013.
Chapters (34)
About MMADfan
Author
MMADfan
41 Stories | Favorited by 312 | 127 Reviews Written | 4,741 Review Responses
Note 10 December 2015: I've been unable to write fanfic the last couple years, but I haven't abandoned my works-in-progress!
Many of my completed fics are available for download in ebook format through my blog and LJ.
Perfect Imagination accredited beta. PI:7311261659.
More about me here.
Reviews for Death's Dominion
Oh dear God... what did I just say about death? Really? SADIST! Why must this hurt so bloody much?!? Really!Why must you do this to Albus? And Minerva? *sobs**is only half way through the page by the way*
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
It is very hard for them, yes. And do remember what I said about Severus & his narrow perspective!
Damn that last bit where Minerva is speaking to Severus... she does sound like Albus... with a twist of Minerva... and on the day of Albus' memorial... how bleeding sad... and what of this?*snip*“You loved him too much to kill him . . . I loved him more.” Minerva’s eyes filled with tears. “But it is best not to speak of that. It is growing late, and I believe you are on duty tonight. Go catch someone snogging in the trophy room, Severus. I will see you tomorrow.”She killed Albus? *shakes head* Dear lord MMADfan... if you even put that in there, after all the people who have suffered in this fic, or died.... I don't think I could forgive you... I think I've had my fill of death.... for a long, long while.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Minerva has been living with Albus for many, many years, and before that, she was his protege, and then his friend, so she will have learned much from him!Remember, "death shall have no dominion." So death is ever present in the story, but life wins out. But it is an emotional story, and there is a lot of difficulty in it, but it's also a story of love and redemption, remember!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
I'm telling you, after I'm done with this I'm hanging up my fanfic hat and just writing Lioness..... this is just too traumatic...
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Aw, but LVS is very different from DD -- it's postwar, with all the wonderful possibilities for the future! lol! And you still have a lot of fluffy one-shots in RaM to read!All that said, I rarely read any fanfic anymore -- when I was writing RaM, I read almost none, only authors whose work I'd begun before writing -- and nowadays, I find that if I read, I prefer to read one-shots and other short stuff, but that's more the time factor, and so the same goes for TV-watching, game playing, and other forms of entertainment that I forego in order to give myself writing time.
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
I hear you... we don't watch TV either.... but thankfully Lioness is progressing SO slow you can just pretend each chapter is a ONE SHOT! HAW!Still... after DD, I'm taking a break from reading for a bit to work on Lioness more... and take a load off all the DEATH! GAH!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Well, when it's a year 6 & 7 fic, there's gonna be death, in most fics, anyway. No need to worry about that in my other fics.
*snip*“Mm. As long as you do not become distracted during this time,” Severus said, mild disapproval still in his voice.“No, I won’t be. We will only be discussing my reading once a week, not doing any magical exercises or anything that would take too much of my time,” Hermione said.“It must not interfere with our meetings.”“It won’t usually. I promise.” Hermione looked at him as though she was suddenly amused. “And he is very charming and quite good-looking, but I won’t let that distract me, either.”“It is best not to. He is your teacher, and it would be highly inappropriate to develop an attachment to him, and it would make it difficult for you to concentrate on your studies with him,” Severus said coolly.Hermione laughed at that. “Oh, dear, I shall certainly have to guard against that in Potions, then! It wouldn’t do to lose my concentration and start melting my cauldrons!”Severus felt the colour rise in his cheeks. “Our relationship is quite different. We must work together in the Order. That is different. It is not an . . . an attachment.”*barks laughing* That is SO Hermione! Saying exactly what is on her mind! And completely seeing what Snape is refusing to - the incredibly perceptive Hermione... I love that - just LOVE that boldness in her - and her goading him! And I LOVE how Snape got riled and jealous that she was meeting with someone else, and just spat out his insecurities.... that was hilarious! And Human! And then, was perceptive enough AFTER Hermione called him on it, to appologize and realize his mistake... that was brilliant! Best Snape/Granger interaction I've seen yet! Very believable!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Very glad you liked that! Bold, forthright Hermione, and jealous, insecure Snape. They were fun to write in some of their scenes together here.
Okay, so you killed Malcolm, your tortured Gertie, and now you made Quin insane?YOU COMPLAINED ABOUT ROWLING KILLING EVERYONE OFF! WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU???????????????????????????????/
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Oh, he's perfectly sane as long as he lives as a Muggle. And Poppy does exaggerate a bit, because she doesn't live in the Muggle world, but he's still running his Muggle businesses with Alroy. But worry not!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
You do have to admit, I think, that it would be odd for a Muggle-loving wizard like Quin not to become a target of the Dark Lord. He's the sort he'd hate the most, moving between the two worlds so easily, and so obviously a good and decent man, too. Nobody that Voldy could bear to have in the world.
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
*sighs*You and your stupid logic.... *mutters*
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
At least it's not random! :-)And it wasn't JKR killing everyone off -- I knew Snape had to die in the series (and to be honest, if I'd had to have lived the life he did for that last year, I'd have gratefully walked into Nagini's embrace, metaphorically speaking, as well) -- it was how she chose to do it for so many of the characters. And the general path the book took. And the camping. And the fact that so many characters lost a lot of their "fullness" in the book -- became two dimensional rather than being even more fully fleshed out. Probably because she wanted us all to focus on Harry, but I think she could have kept well-developed characters and still had us focussing on Harry. Well, I could probably write a hundred pages on the failings I perceive in DH, but that would be pointless and not much fun. I prefer just writing my fanfic -- and giving the characters a different path in Death's Dominion!
*snip*Okay, scaring Malfoy to death does help... a bit... this bit especially.They were still in the dark, not a sliver of light to be seen, and Draco still had no idea why he had been hauled out of bed by his Head of House with nary a word, dragged to the Headmaster’s Office in his pyjamas and slippers, then brought here by an apparently deranged Head of Gryffindor.But you're not off the hook... not by a long shot.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
I have confidence, though, that I will be! I'm glad you like that part. Poor Malfoy. Well, no . . . not poor Malfoy! lol! (I had to laugh at the "brought here by an apparently deranged Head of Gryffindor." Forgotten that particular turn-of-phrase!)Soldier on,
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Okay that bit with Minerva jerking Malfoy out of bed and scaring the hell out of him was awesome... but Albus........ for Draco and Snape? Please.... *shakes head*Not Albus.... not dear, sweet, powerhouse, bearded, lovable Albus...
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Of course, Albus also saw that what he was doing was helping to bring about Voldy's defeat, as well as saving the Slytherins -- and Harry.Yes, Draco being jerked out of bed was fun!
*snip*“You said, ‘most of them’—does that mean . . .”“Yes, it means that I have had to arrange ambushes or attacks that were successful. Only two, and they—” Severus swallowed. “—they were successes despite my efforts.” He looked directly at Hermione and said softly, “You see, Hermione, I am a Death Eater.”“No,” Hermione said with a shake of her head, “that is to be expected of spies in war. I couldn’t do it. Most people couldn’t. You are very brave. And what you must suffer—it must be like deliberately putting your hand in flame every time that you find yourself having to do something like that. I can’t imagine how you do it.”“Has it not occurred to you that perhaps I enjoy the flame, or that I have no sensation left, that I cannot feel the fire?” Severus asked cynically.“No. No, that has not occurred to me.” She looked into his eyes. “I am certain you do feel it, and that you bear it. You may accept it on some level, but I doubt you enjoy it or find any satisfaction in it. The things you must have to see and do . . . it would give me nightmares just to hear of it, I’m sure.”“I have no doubt it would. And I don’t bear it.” Severus shook his head. He had no idea why he was saying any of this, except that since Albus had died the previous March, he hadn’t spoken with anyone about it, not even Minerva, really, wanting to spare her something.“You must bear it,” Hermione said, puzzled. “How else could you continue? Continue doing anything at all, even getting up in the morning?”Severus looked at Hermione. Such sweetness there, and such innocence, though she wasn’t naive, and he felt suddenly torn between laughter and tears. “I get up in the morning because I know that there will come a day when I won’t have to any longer. It is destroying me only slowly, from within—rather like woodworm. But before I crumble completely into dust, something else will destroy me. I know that. Until then, I get up and do what I can to make amends for . . . for everything.” He swallowed hard. “You will miss dinner unless you leave now, Miss Granger.”Hermione stood, then hesitated.“Go on, Miss Granger. To dinner,” Severus said softly.She nodded and left, closing the door behind her with a quiet click. Severus put his head in his hands and sat there for a long time, finally rising when he judged it time for his meeting with another Gryffindor witch, one who knew too well the sorts of things he had seen and done.*snip*I really like this, really. Finally we are seeing Severus being Severus, without the overtones of melodrama and BS, just him relaxing a bit and being himself, honest without too much self loathing, pity or what have you, or lashing out at others - that is a real relief.And Hermione is ever believable here - intuitive, sensative but terribly curious and always speaking her mind.Great chapter!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
I also see Hermione stepping into the role, maybe even literally, of Minerva - Headmistress I mean - I always saw Hermione as a younger, more "hip" or relaxed, Minerva - and the twist you put on Hermione in this fic, with her staying at the school to work with the Order adults is quite original - kind of really takes her out of the "student/kid' role - even though in the original books, she's probably the only reason Ron and Harry survive, its quite interesting how she's suddenly pushed up into the league with the adutls of the Order, and I see it more as Minerva's mini-me in some ways.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
I'm glad that you liked this chapter. I do think it's very revealing about Severus. And Hermione is a little bit like Minerva's mini-me! haha!
*snip*Crouch disappeared, his lanky form swallowed by the shadows as the spiral staircase carried him up to Minerva, and the gargoyle closed behind him, leaving Severus feeling as though he had been the one warned and dismissed. There was something very unnerving about that wizard, very unnerving and very peculiar. Quite.... I'm fairly convinced of it, in fact... won't say what I think, in case I'm right and others read this review - as I've had to stop reading reviews so to avoid spoilers.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Yes, spoilers in reviews are a bit annoying, but sometimes hard for reviewers to avoid, I think! (BTW, was rather surprised not to see this in a review for 6, since I think that's where you'd be hopping up and down -- probably with glee! lol!)Indeed, something very peculiar about that wizard!
My lord... this is utterly confusing.... I hope I'm keeping up, but I have to admit, I feel as if I lost about 50 IQ points reading this tonight... twist here, turn there, cross here, tie here, cut here and throw these bits in the burn pile.... damn....
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
It is definitely not a story to read when half your brain cells are asleep and the other half are crying out for sleep!Yes, it is complex, but it is not too terribly tangled. (You do have to note the time references, of course, and there are lovely little dates at the beginning of each chapter, plus date/time references in the first few paragraphs of each chapter.)Anyway, I hope that it isn't so confuzzling that you get brain cramps! Now to close my book and get to sleep, myself, since I'm finding myself more than a bit confuzzled, too!
*snip* Wait, this is Gertrude's son? NOOOOOOO!Sitting there now in the meeting with the Headmistress discussing Potter’s future, Severus bit back a caustic remark about the Defence teacher’s abilities and experience and remembered what the older wizard had told him that day in the Headmaster’s Office months before: that his father had been killed by Grindelwald, and his mother, attacked and permanently injured by Voldemort’s Death Eaters. Severus shivered at the memory . . .*sighs* NOOOOOO, I love Gertie... DAMN YOU! Why do you DO THIS TO ME??? First Albus has to go and die and not even tell Minerva.... and then you butcher Gertie????? *stomps foot* I'm sending you turnip scented soap! *snorts*
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Yes, remember Robert from the Gamp party? Gertrude & Reg's son. I love Gertrude, too! Very much! Honest!And Albus didn't tell Minerva what his plan was, but Severus did, so she knew about it in time. And that's all I'm sayin' on that point!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
*snorts* and now I see Minerva lost her eldest brother.... *sighs* You're having a death and destruction fest! *grumbles*
Well well..... the last section of this chapter is extreamly telling... and explainatory. You really did outdo yourself in DD... no wonder its your favorite.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
I did sweat over the story, certainly! But sometimes, particularly as I was revising it for posting and adding longer sections to the first draft, it got a bit overwhelming, and I'd have to go work on something lighter -- that's how I started writing A Long Vernal Season, in fact! It was wonderful to be writing something that wasn't so dire. I'm glad you appreciated that bit! :-)
Strange - took me a few minutes to understand that this is not written compliant with DH and some of HBP - duh - like you didn't post that a zillion times.I did get a bit confused - who is in the corner, Robbie MacAirt? I got a bit confused between potions, appothacary and defense and transfiguration... got a bit confusing, seemed to be that Robbie was teaching Defense and Transfig - and no idea who Crouch was at all... help?
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
He's not a MacAirt. Robert Crouch is Gertrude's son (with Reginald Crouch, her first husband). You first met Robert Crouch at the Gamp party. Robert taught Transfiguration for Minerva when she had to quit teaching -- and picked up a few of her classes even before that to free up her time.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Oh, and Robbie was with Minerva when she fetched Harry from the Dursleys. At that point, Harry asked whether he was teaching Transfiguration again, and Robbie said he wasn't, that his cousin would be doing it (Alroy MacAirt -- Quin's son), but that he would still be at the school in a different capacity. ;-)
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
OK, thank you, for clearing that up... I got confuzzled, since I am up entirely too late reading this, and what are you still doing up you crazy.... crazy... MMAD woman? LOL
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
I got caught up in something and I am definitely up too late -- and will pay for it tomorrow, for sure!
That was a really fun chapter, I was distracted from being overcome by grief by the situation, until the very last two paragraphs.... *sighs*I really like how Petunia changed and Minerva made comment about Lily, and I really like how Minerva proved to Harry she was who she said she was... and I liked Dudley's reaction... and Vernon is still the biggest prat of the books!Great Chapter!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Thank you! The pace is fairly varied in these chapters, so I think you'll find some relief now and again!However, you may find certain notes do creep in in the last paragraph or two of each chapter, as well. I consider it a kind of "drum beat" -- though I doubt it's very obvious unless someone looks for it.Vernon was really fun to write, I must admit! Sadly, I could only write the big prat in this one chapter! lol!
Oh dear God in Heaven..... *frowns deeply*This is so ugly... its all the Hell of the pain I feel in the last two books relived... and now through Minerva's eyes and heart... becuase she will be the most affected yet nobody considers that... well maybe Severus a bit, but how could Albus be such a ........... OOOH i can't even say what I think here!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Be kind -- he's mistaken, but Minerva will sort him out! I did warn you this was a sad chapter! However, Minerva, as you note, is affected, and she won't just take it!
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Mineva McGonagall doesn't just take anything *nods* and you did warn me, and I am moving forward, putting faith in my dear MMADfan... but its still really tough.... *sighs and wipes a few tears*I can just relate to Minerva in this chapter though... I really can... maybe that's why I'm so angry with Albus.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Believe me, she's angry, too! (And we will eventually see the rest of her day, but not for a while . . . plans unfold!)
Wouldn't take his potions, wouldn't allow Severus to try alternate treatments... refused any idea of help... that bothers me a great deal - a great deal... and was so cruel to tell Minerva - though I do understand that Severus is feeling very much to blame... still... *sighs* Dumbledore's death is always difficult for me to deal with... and always will be... so I will trudge forward.Emotional and gritty start... even for you!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Yes, trudge on, brave
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
! Trudge on!The story is constructed in a deliberately nonlinear style, although the primary "Snape" storyline is more linear than the other storyline that is woven through the fic. But the prologue is one of the places where the two threads cross, and it takes place, chronologically, after the first chapter. :-)Enjoy the next few chapters! (Well, "enjoy" . . . might not be the best word. And I forewarn you that chapter 2 is a sad one.)
Response from Fishy (Reviewer)
Lovely.... *sighs*What you expect of me.... honestly... *winks*
I realize I'm a little late to the party, but I just discovered DD and the RaMverse, and I have to chime in and tell you how much I enjoyed DD, and how much I'm loving all of the RaMverse stories. I don't read a lot of fanfic, and what I have read I usually bail on after a few paragraphs, but this is wonderful, top-to-bottom. You've added layers to the world and to the magic (wards, intent, magical signatures), and depth to promising characters that were left entirely too two-dimensional. You manage to weave in your OC's so they become integral to the story without taking it over. I am now quite happy to ignore That-Other-Book in favor of DD.Your descriptions are so vivid I can see your scenes without consciously processing the words, and many times in one phrase or short sentence you manage to completely convey the atmosphere of a scene and the emotions of your PoV character. One example, from the resuscitation scene, while Robert is counting the minutes and Melina is watching the Gryffindor book -- "The seconds ticked by, and Melina could feel the sweat trickling down the back of her neck. Still blue. She hated blue." At that point in the story we know they were successful, but I still wanted to hold my breath, and when I read 'She hated blue', I felt I was sitting there looking at the Gryffindor book, and I hated blue too.The story structure was a little disconcerting, but I quickly got used to it, and it worked well to maintain the suspense throughout the story, especially given that I was at least 60% sure of Robbie's true identity when Severus first described him to us in chapter 5 (Unknown wizard, potions master, talented at transfiguration and defense, doesn't play favorites, good teacher, liked by everyone (except Severus, who is obviously jealous), devoted to Minerva and completely trusted by her, shows up just before Albus dies -- come on, who else could it be?). I was certain in chapter 6, not in the library, but in Grimmauld Place, when he handed Minerva her tea and she smiled at him, and he smiled back. Of course the library scene clinched it! From there on I wanted to see how it was done, see how everything played out, and read the wonderful characters and story you've written. Now I can't imagine the story structured any other way.
I may go back and give detailed reviews to some of the specific chapters, but I didn't want to wait any longer to tell you how much I appreciate your hard work and creativity.
One other note. I read in one of your responses to a review, that you know so much about your characters and universe that you are almost embarrassed by it. Don't be. It takes that level of commitment, imagination, and attention to detail to bring a world to life as you have. You're only telling part of the story. There are obviously layers that you can only hint at, but the fact that they are there gives the story depth, consistency and realism. It also keeps you from, oh, getting the age of a major character wrong by 40 years or so, just to pull an example from thin air.
Thanks again for the great read. I'm looking forward to reading more from you.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Thank you so much for your review! It's extremely gratifying to hear not only how much you enjoyed the story, and the others in the RaMverse, but the kinds of things that drew you in and that you particularly noted.I'm very glad that you found the RaMverse stories and have enjoyed them so much. One good thing for you about "coming late to the party," as you put it (and the door to this party's always open, so you're very welcome here!), is that you had a lot of completed fics to read, and you could read them in relatively close proximity to each other. I was trying to put in hints and clues to Robbie's identity in fairly well from the start of DD, even in his familiar interactions with Harry in that chapter near the beginning, so that people familiar with the other stories (or even if they weren't) might pick up on some of them and get an inkling about who Robbie really was, but without being completely obvious about it. I'm glad that you picked up on the clues and that you enjoyed following the "slow reveal" through the story.I was happy to read, too, that once you adjusted to the structure of the story, you came to appreciate it. I worked on the structure quite consciously, and by the time the first chapters were posted, I'd moved things around so that there was less discontinuity than in my first draft, but so that the rhythm of the two parts of the story meshed in a way I felt was effective. I'm glad it worked well for you, creating suspense and building up toward the climax and Severus's final awareness of all that had gone on that he'd been kept in the dark about.Thanks again so much for the review. I've been sitting here with a smile on my face since I read it -- and it came at a good time, too. It was very heartening.I hope you continue to enjoy the RaMverse stories! (And I would love more of your thoughts on them, if you feel so inclined! )
Response from dsky (Reviewer)
Reading DD put a smile on my face, so we're even there.I don't think I really suspected who Robbie was when they went to get Harry (much, much better scenario there, BTW), but he was intriguing, and I was disappointed he left as soon as they arrived at Grimmauld Place, because I wanted to know more about him. I hoped that you wouldn't really let Albus be dead though, so maybe I did suspect on some level.I'm reading RaM now, and I can tell I will have to read AAoL and then re-read this when I am finished, so I will try to put chapter reviews in then. I'm a little like Minerva when it comes to reading -- I might not notice if the house caught fire, so stopping and reviewing when there is another chapter screaming at me to read it is almost impossible. I will be sure to review when I finish, since that is the only way to repay you for the enjoyment I get from your stories. One more point. I almost never post on forums or leave reviews, so I am sure I speak for many, many silent readers when I say 'Cheers for posting'!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
I'm happy to hear that you find the stories so engrossing! (Though I do hope no rampaging dragons come through as you're reading! ) I will savor every review you manage to pause long enough in your reading to write! As for hoping I wouldn't let Albus really be dead, once I decided to write an AU HP Years 6 & 7, I figured that Albus and Severus's fates would be two things I would definitely change, followed quickly by including a scenario (slightly altered and with some new elements) for Harry's final departure from Privet Drive that I'd drafted out some time before DH came out. (I had been certain that JKR would have come up with a much cleverer, more satisfying scene for that. I decided to stick with my version of it.)I'm glad you're enjoying RaM! It was my first fic, so not as polished, perhaps, as it could be, but even so, I hope you find it a fun read. It's the foundation -- after HP canon, of course -- for many of the other fics I've written since. And "Cheers for Reviewing"!
I can't help it...that last line caused a sudden very rapidly rushing flood of tears. Order of Merlin Without Peer. That is most definitely Severus Snape. Brilliant idea!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Thank you very much! I'm so glad you found it appropriate and moving! That Order gives Severus courage in the sequel, too, and there's a bit more there that decribes the medal itself.Thanks for reviewing!
WOW, so I've read it, rather quick but I did read it all and I loved it! I truly did!, but my poor poor Trudie! she lost her Malcolm and her arm! poor woman and yet so strong and fearless, I truly love her!!!! I have a couple of questions if I may: wasn't Poppy dating Murdoch in RaM? what happened? and you mention a Lydia here, she's Siofre's sister in law I believe is she the same character of Charming the Scottish Garden? I'm sorry if I'm asking too many questions, I'm very curious by nature and your stories are intriguing!. Anyway, I loved this all the secrets and plots, truly wonderful. I'm not very happy with Albus and Minerva, poor Severus did suffer quite a bit with everything! and I do hope he has a few brain holidays with Hermione, is there a possible relationship there? lol, lovely wonderful fic! even though Trudie suffered so much but it was a good fic!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Wow, that was fast! I'm glad you liked it. :-)Your questions: Poppy was dating Murdoch in RaM. You'll find out what happened between them when you read A Long Vernal Season. Lydia is the same character in both stories, Siofre's sister-in-law. Relationship between Severus & Hermione, possible, but not guaranteed. (They will stay friends, though, regardless of what else may or may not happen, so no worries about them having a bad falling-out.)Thanks very much! I think you'll find LVS is a bit lighter.
Response from doralupin87 (Reviewer)
I know it was fast, I read very fast, always have it bothered my teachers that I finished so fast with reading asignments lol. Well I read the first few chapters of A Long Vernal Season and there seems to be something between Hermione and Gareth, and you were right! I love him, he's very much like Malcolm. I have one more question and you don't have to answer it, but why did Malcolm die and why did all that happen to Trudie??
Anyway thank you so much for answering my reviews and my questions, I don't think I'll be able to read LVS today, I do have work! but as soon as I'm finished with the chapters posted I'll write a review! thanks!
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Malcolm's death was discussed at various points in DD. I think that the first lengthy mention of it was in the chapter w/ the scene where Robbie meets Severus for the first time and tells him about it, but it's mentioned in a number of other places, too. So far, that's pretty much all the detail there is in any of the posted stories. (Gareth mentions his father several times in LVS, though, and his death a couple of times, so you may find you get more info in LVS, too.)Gareth & Hermione are going to be master & apprentice. I'm pretty sure that was chapter one, with Severus finding out about that. :-)For more answers about what happened to Gertrude and why, keep reading LVS! ;-) (yeah, I'm holdin' out on ya! lol!)Yeah, work and RL do tend to interfere with being able to read (or write!), haha!Thanks! And if you have other questions about individual chapters, feel free to post them hen you have them.
Response from doralupin87 (Reviewer)
well yes I read it all about his death, very brave and wonderful as he always was, but I was wondering why did you, as an author, decided to kill the character?, that's all. I'll try and read LVS pretty soon so I can get a better idea of all the things that happened!. Thanks
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Ah, I see. I didn't really "decide to kill the character," not in the sense that it sounds like I decided to have him die and then came up with the rest that led up to it or to explain it. It made sense in terms of Malcolm's character development and the course of the stories that Malcolm would be killed by DEs -- it also created the opportunity for interesting dynamics in DD & LVS. When I was first writing the initial draft of DD, I tried to figure out a way to keep Malcolm alive through those stories, but it just didn't work -- this did. He was my favorite character, though, so he didn't disappear from the RaMverse & he'll be in other stories. And he makes quasi-appearances in LVS. The reason I haven't gone into detail describing his death is that it may eventually find its way into another story, and so I don't want to retell it in a review response or author's notes -- I like the fics to tell the story, if you know what I mean.Hope you have a good weekend!
I'm re-reading this awesome story and have a lingering question for you. I figured out the first time I read this that Gertrude was on Albus' island and what she was seeing and wanting to apparate to was the mystical island mentioned in HwtH (sorry I don't remember the name). However, what is the other thing she was seeing but doesn't mention any more because it upsets everyone?
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Ah, that lingering question will actually be answered in LVS -- several chapters from where we are now. There's a beginning of an answer, actually, in Severus's conversation with Hermione in the Goblin's Knee, but you'll get the entire thing from Gareth in Chapter 67, currently named (in the draft version) "Some Muggle Business." So I don't want to give that away here! But I'm very glad to see that you're thinking about it and puzzling a bit!The island's name was Innis Ablach ("Apple Island"), more commonly known as Avalon. (A bit of weaving of the Merlin & Arthur story into the RaMverse there, but only lightly in one fine strand! ;-))Thanks for the question! :-)
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
WHOOPS!!! As I was reading over the next chapter of LVS for posting tonight, I realized that you haven't yet had a chance to read "The Goblin's Knee" chapter since I haven't posted it yet! I had kind of lost track of where I was in posting, I guess!But in Chapter 64, "The Goblin's Knee," you'll get that conversation between Hermione and Severus. So if you were searching LVS in vain for that chapter, I beg your forgiveness!
Response from esmelle (Reviewer)
Oh the anticipation! I can't wait for the next several chapters. What a coincidence that this lingering question from DD came to mind right before the answer will be in LVS. Thanks for responding.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
You're welcome!
What an amazing story. I feel like nothing I could say could be enogh to convey how wonderful I think your stories are. Your plot, characters, dialogue, descriptions are beyond excellent. I enjoy reading your work more than I can say. I apologize for not leaving a review for each chapter, but I was always too eager to move on to the next one. I enjoyed your way of resolving the plot points and dilemas faced by the characters in this universe so much more than the alternative. Thank you for making Albus, Minerva, Hermione and Severus (and the others too) into the people I wanted them to be. I particularly love the depth and background (complete with amazing original characters) that you've added to the story. Thank you so much for all the time, talent and hard work you put into your work. I hope you continue to write for a long time and I'm looking forward to continuing the saga reading A Long Vernal Season.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
You have no idea how very well-timed your review is. Thank you very much. I'm very glad that you enjoyed Death's Dominion and that you've continued to enjoy the RaMverse stories. It's heartening to hear. I'm particularly glad that you enjoy the characterizations of Albus, Minerva, Severus, and Hermione.I hope you enjoy A Long Vernal Season, as well. Some of the original characters we've seen in other RaMverse fics show up, including Gareth from DD.Thank you very much for reviewing! I appreciate it very much. (And it was good to see you again!)
Oh my, I usually don't read anything that is labeled HG/SS but I am very happy that my random search on Snape hurt/comfort stories brought me to this. Luckily, I noticed soon that the two are "only" friends here, so I could enjoy the fic as much as I did (though, I admit to have left out some pieces where there was too much Hermione for me - I somehow don't see the canon two friendly, sorry for that). I probably should review each single chapter of this marvelous piece and I probably will some day when I have again time to read and will go through this once again. For now know however that I loved Snape's Slytherins, the very special award Snape received (and his reaction on Order of Merlin 3rd class), the relationship between Dumbledore and McGonagall, the very original plot, your original characters (and there I usually don't enjoy OCs at all!) and most importantly - I LOVED the friendship between Snape, McGonagall, Poppy and Dumbledore. Yes, this is exactly as I have wished it to be. Thank you very much for writing this wonderful piece and sharing with us. I am sad that due to my "prejudice" I hadn't been able to find it before - but then, I enjoyed it so much more now, so it was probably for the best.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
I am very glad that you enjoyed it so much! I think you'll like the sequel, too, since it's Snape-centric with lots of Minerva, Poppy, Albus, etc. (tons of Poppy, in fact), and only a smattering of Hermione here and there -- and it's not SSHG. They do remain friends, however. (It's not in the Potions Under Duress category even as a secondary category.)Death's Dominion is probably my best-written chaptered fic, and one of my two faves of the chaptered fics I've written, so I'm glad you liked the plot, characters, and all. Thank you! I appreciate your review!
Anonymous
I'm so sorry - I had the firm intention to leave a review for each chapter, but I simply don't find enough time to re-read them all. And this would be necessary for leaving adequate reviews... let me say just that I immensely enjoyed the story; I couldn't put it down (literally, as I read it printed out) and read it in rather few gos - with as little sleep and RL in between as couldn't be avoided.
The solution you had for the survival of Albus is brilliant. I guessed rather early on that Crouch must be Albus, but never would have thought it had happened anyhting like that! I also immensely enjoyed the interaction between Minerva and Severus, and between him and Hermione, as well. I'm no HG/SS Shipper and it's not easy to convince me that the two of them have something solid and believable going.
Severus, who had been, as I must confess, my main focus in this story, besides Minerva, has to go trough hard times. First I thought it would be much easier for him after his decision not to kill Albus, but you showed very clearly that the other choice isn't necessarily the better or easier one, or would be less difficult to go trough. He had quite a dire strait to sail, but he made it and for that I'm very glad. His survival was cleverly constructed and managed, and I particularly enjoyed the last chapters. Even thought the epilogue shows that he still has hard times before him, and that not all is well simply because Voldemort is vanquished and he has survived. I can relate extremely well to his simply not knowing what to do now with himself and his life.
My absoulte favourite chapter was the awarding cermony where Severus got his Merlin. You described his feelings and thoughts and his situation so extremely well - I suffered and felt so intensely with him. And then, the big surprise after the seeming disappointment with the 3rd class Merlin - briliant, wonderful, lovely! :o)
Thank you very much for this entertaining and complex read!
Alcina
Author's Response: I'd find it hard to go back over a story and reread it to review each chapter unless I just happened to be rereading because I hadn't read it in a while, so I understand!
I'm glad you enjoyed it so well. It was fun constructing the story and keeping the Severus p.o.v. on a particular track. I wanted to be able to have everything else fall into place once he knew and understood what had been going on, with various hints and, eventually, revelations leading up to that point.
Thanks for your reviews! I'm glad the story entertained you!
Anonymous
I wonder what Hermione makes of Crouch's closeness to the Headmistress. As well, she must have sensed some of Severus's general uneasiness. But she would probably have attributed this to the general situation.
Somehow, it's funny to see how simple you make the diadem-horcrux to be found and destroyed - in relation to the hard times the kids had in the book. Well, having help makes all the differnece, does it not?
As well I'm glad that there are people caring for his welfare, like Poppy. I always wondered how Severus did manage in the last two books, with so much on his shoulders that his own well-being obviously was on bottom of the list.
Author's Response: Yeah, especially in that very last book. No wonder he didn't seem to care whether he lived or died. This time around, Severus does have support.
Yep, the circumstances were different when the diadem is found and destroyed here, and the fact that Severus never lost the trust of Minerva & the Order has made a big difference, too. No DEs running the Ministry and taking over Hogwarts makes a lot of things change. It's still not Utopia, but things are better, especially for Severus.
Anonymous
The Headmistress' Library as meeting point! Brilliant! :o) It's good that Severus seems to enjoy these meetings rather much, and is having some kind of break with them, too. But so sad that he has no hope for himself, no hope at all...
Author's Response: That lack of hope is worrisome. He has people trying to encourage him, though, so hopefully he won't just give up!
Glad you like their meeting place -- private and yet not at all suspicious to anyone, and unlikely their meetings will be noticed by anyone. ;-)
Anonymous
Minerva hasn't forgiven him yet for telling her, at least not entirely, has she? Even though the outcome of his telling has its own merits.
It's only too understandable, too, that Severus feels so left out and even rejectet, by Crouch's presence and all what's going on and how. I absolutely felt with him when he voices his thoughts about him being the deputy headmaster. He's proceeding rather cautious and wise about his doubts and fears, and it's obvious that he really makes an effort to see things not only from his point of view.
This whole trust issue is one of the points where I absolutely feel with Severus: something is expected of him which isn't given back, and that's unsettling him - rather understandable.
Author's Response: She's actually grateful that he's told her -- which is beyond forgiveness -- but she can't warm up to him too quickly. Remember that she can't give certain things away, and her gratitude, were she to express it now, would raise his curiosity.
Severus is in a tough spot here, that's for sure. He knows something is going on behind the facade, but (fortunately for him) he doesn't know what.
Minerva feels bad, too, that he's in such a spot -- you remember that one of the things she was crying about in the previous chapter was Severus & her relationship with him. She is doing what she has to to protect him, but it's at a cost to them both, at least in the short term.
Thanks for reviewing!
Sorry it took so long to read and review the Epilogue. Before reviewing, I just want to say how much I truly love this story. Every chapter was wonderful and you are an excellent author. When I have time I'll read some of your other stories as well, especially Resolving a Misunderstanding and An Act of Love. I liked how you put what happened after Severus recieved the special Merlin as memories he is reliving on the bus trip to see Hermione. I enjoyed the little conversation between the girl and Severus; I thought it was funny that she started to talk about Harry to him when he only wants to forget about Harry.Hermione is right, Severus should return to Hogwart for the next school year to see if he enjoys teaching or finds out he hates teaching dunderheads after all. It will also give him a chance to reacquaint himself with Albus, and help him heal from the emotional wounds that the war made and being a spy for so long. He could also finally realize he needs more than friendship and find a woman that he could fall in love with and maybe start a family together with, and finally have his happly ever after.That's about all I have to say. I hope you keep writing and like I said before I'll try to read your other stories.
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
Hi,
Response from MMADfan (Author of Death's Dominion)
! I'm so glad you enjoyed the story, and that the epilogue pleased you! Yes, Severus can't escape reminders even when he's taking a Muggle bus! Poor fellow!Thanks very much for all of your reviews. I appreciated all of them, and I hope that you enjoy some of my other fics when you find the time to read them. If you want one to begin with, you could start with the short one-shot "Enter, Peacetime," since it's set toward the end of DD (chapters 29 & 30), and DD is still fresh in your memory. It's posted here on TPP. If you read it, I hope you enjoy it!Hermione's advice was good, as you say, and in the sequel, A Long Vernal Season, he takes it. I've written a lot of the sequel, but it's not ready for posting to a regular archive yet. Part One is uploaded, though -- the draft chapters -- to a Yahoo group, if you (or anyone else) are interested -- just send me a message through the TPP system, and I'll email you the link. (The TPP system sends an email, so I'll have your email address that way.) At some point, I'll post the story here, if I'm pleased with the way it turns out.Thanks again for your reviews! Hope to see you around!