Her Fifteenth Week
Chapter 16 of 21
beaweasley2Severus and Hermione share a quiet moment by the fireplace after a long day brewing potions.
This is my response for the Dictionary Drabbles Fun Challenge for July 5.
~July 5~
“Just because I grew up poor doesn’t mean I’m indigent. I told you once, I’m quite frugal. I have little need for things.” Severus looked down at Hermione nestled against him on the sofa. The soft light from the fireplace bathed her face in a warm glow and made highlights in her hair. “Besides, it fit the persona to continue thus so – and it’s become a part of me.”
“I suppose, considering how you appeared at school, you just seemed…” Hermione stammered. Severus simply raised his eyebrow, making her blush and lower her head. “I suppose I assumed. That’s not fair, is it?” she asked, and he shook his head.
“It is who I am, Hermione. It’s what has made me what I am. You can’t bury your past – it has a way of haunting you. Besides, as a child I always felt I was condign of the reputation I had.” There was a soft note of regret in his tone. “I was into the Dark Arts; I thought that they would make me strong. Potter and Black hated me from the first day on the train – and we got into many nasty duels. Lily Evans was my first real friend. When I lost Lily’s friendship, I lost a part of me… I wanted to be someone, be with those who I thought were – powerful. I wanted to belong. My dorm mates accepted me but only because – like you – I was much smarter than they were, and they needed me to check their essays.”
“But now that all that is behind you, you no longer have to hold up those pretenses. So why do you? You’re neither that boy in school, nor the horrible Death Eater either. Why do you think – why hold onto it and berate yourself so?”
“We all live with the repercussions of our choices, and I made some very drastic choices. Many that I do regret, deeply.” He ran a lock of her hair through his fingers. “You asked me why I turned. There were so many reasons. Mostly, I just lost my belief in… It just didn’t seem as important when the Dark Lord threatened and then killed her. And I wanted revenge – I wanted her avenged.”
Hermione looked up at him, watching the firelight dance in his eyes. “I always thought you were laconic; what’s made you become so garrulous all of a sudden?
“At what point in my years of tutelage did you ever get the impression I wasn’t talkative?” he asked, giving her one of his infamous smirks.
Hermione smiled back at him. “You always just seemed so – quiet. I never heard you or saw you just stay and talk to anyone at Grimmuald Place. And at school the only time I can recall you being vocal was when you’d lecture us. Even then you were concise and to the point.”
“I hated that house.” He turned his head, and she followed his gaze, watching the dappled effect of the firelight on his books. “I’d given those lectures so often, it was pure recitation for me. I can brew any one of those potions with my eyes blindfolded. I knew which mistakes would be made by whom even before each class started, and I’d read every Potions book in the library a dozen times – simply from the plagiarism of the students.” He looked back at the flames dancing in the grate. “Besides, it is in my nature to be aware. After twenty years, yes, I suppose I was concise and to the point – elaboration was unnecessary.”
“I bet,” she said, laughing softly. “You are so meticulous when you work. I love just watching you.”
“You’re becoming just as precise when you brew. I just wish you’d think outside the parameter set forth in the books and begin to theorize and hypothesize for yourself. If you do not, you’ll never develop the intrinsic ability to become great at potions,” he said as he toyed with the lock of her hair.
Hermione tried to quell the sting she felt at his words, letting her thoughts drift with the feeling of his fingers in her hair.
“I don’t wish to palaver anymore,” he replied, turning to look at her.
Hermione still felt her cheeks burn each time he looked at her so intently. “What do you want?” she asked, trying to lower her head from his gaze.
He cupped her chin, forcing her to look into his dark eyes. “This,” he said and leaned down to kiss her.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o0o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ TBC ~
Authors Notes:
Thank you, Southern_Witch_69, for not only agreeing to beta each one of my drabbles in this saga, but for also giving us the list of vocabulary words so I can play with them! I’m really having a fun time seeing just how creative I can be with this!
The word list (swiped from the past week's list from dictonary.com) :
1. indigent
2. condign
3. laconic
4. tutelage
5. dapple
6. meticulous
7. palaver
--------Words with definitions- --------
indigent \IN-dih-juhnt\ , adjective:
Extremely poor; not having the necessities of life, such as food, clothing and shelter.
------------ --------- --
condign \kuhn-DINE; KON-dine\, adjective:
Suitable to the fault or crime; deserved; adequate.
------------ --------- --
laconic \luh-KON-ik\ , adjective:
Using or marked by the use of a minimum of words; brief and pithy; brusque.
------------ --------- ---
tutelage \TOO-tuhl-ij; TYOO-\, noun:
1. The act of guarding or protecting; guardianship; protection.
2. The state of being under a guardian or tutor.
3. Instruction, especially individual instruction accompanied by
close attention and guidance.
------------ --------- ---
dapple \DAP-uhl\, noun:
1. A small contrasting spot or blotch.
2. A mottled appearance, especially of the coat of an animal (as a horse).
3. To mark with patches of a color or shade; to spot.
4. To become dappled.
5. Marked with contrasting patches or spots; dappled.
------------ --------- ---
meticulous \muh-TIK-yuh- luhs\, adjective:
Extremely or excessively careful about details.
------------ --------- -----
palaver \puh-LAV-uhr; puh-LAH-vur\ , noun:
1. Idle talk
2. Talk intended to beguile or deceive.
3. A parley usually between persons of different backgrounds or cultures or levels of sophistication; a talk; hence, a public conference and deliberation.
4. To talk idly.
5. To flatter; to cajole.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Repaying The Life Debt
229 Reviews | 7.33/10 Average
I really enjoyed this story. You have a real gift for taking those words and weaving them into your plot seamlessly. Well done.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'ts fun to do these. I try to inspire others to try. It's not hard. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'ts fun to do these. I try to inspire others to try. It's not hard. Thank you for the review.
This story just gets better and better. The innocence of new love and the tender ground being broken. The last bit in the posted chapter practically had me dancing around my desk like a mad woman!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. Did you see the extra bonuses? If not, check in the reviews!!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. Did you see the extra bonuses? If not, check in the reviews!!
How wonderful that Severus has become comfortable enough with her to show her his ancestral home and his family!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he is. I'm glad you are enjoying this one. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he is. I'm glad you are enjoying this one. Thank you for the review.
That wizard sounds really strange.I loved this bonus. It was just so sweet, the beginnings of a relationship...
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Teehehe I'm glad you're enjoying this. So glad you found the bonuses! Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Teehehe I'm glad you're enjoying this. So glad you found the bonuses! Thank you for the review.
Hmmm.... I wonder what sneaky old Lucius is up to? Thanks for the bonus!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
He's peripheral, and ran into a bit of a curse. Do read the reviews, most of the chapters have the bonus or two. If you can't find them, you can see them on my LJ
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
He's peripheral, and ran into a bit of a curse. Do read the reviews, most of the chapters have the bonus or two. If you can't find them, you can see them on my LJ
It is great to see Hermione and Severus getting so comfortable with each other. As for that moment before the kiss....
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes, nothing like the slow budding of friendship turning into romance. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes, nothing like the slow budding of friendship turning into romance. Thank you for the review.
LOL. I like that he doesn't want to outright admit how good the pepermint idea is. And I simply love that you depicted Ron as competent and smart. He isn't exactly my favourite character, but I don't like to see him bashed either. Thanks for that.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thankyou for the reivew. Nope, he's not ready to take advise from a former student, even if she's right. I chose to make Ron have a bit more of a brain than I ususaly type him, but he has his moments too. (Hint: start checking the reviews. 
This story has hidden bonuses in the reviews. Don't want you to miss them!)
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thankyou for the reivew. Nope, he's not ready to take advise from a former student, even if she's right. I chose to make Ron have a bit more of a brain than I ususaly type him, but he has his moments too. (Hint: start checking the reviews. This story has hidden bonuses in the reviews. Don't want you to miss them!)
Lovely. I really like their interaction.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much.
This is a very promising beginning. I hope Severus knows what he got himself into. *g*
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm glad you are enjoyingthis attempt at taking vocab words and making a story out of them. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm glad you are enjoyingthis attempt at taking vocab words and making a story out of them. Thank you for the review.
I've just caught up with the reading that has been sadly neglected recently. I can't say much I adore this story. It's just brilliant. Thank you for writing it.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. There is one more chapter to this story. Thank you so much for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. There is one more chapter to this story. Thank you so much for the review.
Wow, he told her he loved her! That's so great! I wasn't expecting it for a while, knowing our dear Severus. Yay, I'm finally caught up. Thanks for keeping me up so late, by the way. Ye gads, it's midnight!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he loves her, and finally admitted it. I'm sorry I kept you up so late.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he loves her, and finally admitted it. I'm sorry I kept you up so late.
I liked his introduction of his family. They seem like an odd group. Lol
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. I know I made them sound like an odd group but it was the words - really! The words made me do it!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. I know I made them sound like an odd group but it was the words - really! The words made me do it!
Great last line. Lol
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you, I like that one two.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you, I like that one two.
Lucius is definitely a troublemaker. It's nice that Hermione and Severus are together. They are cute together.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh course Severus and Hermione are ging to stay togerther! Severus was just standing up to his prejudiced friend. Besides, he would have a hard time getting rid of her, wouldn't he?
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh course Severus and Hermione are ging to stay togerther! Severus was just standing up to his prejudiced friend. Besides, he would have a hard time getting rid of her, wouldn't he?
She was so forward with him! It was great. Oh, and of course, masterful use of the vocabulary, as usual. 
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you so very much. I really tried. Yep, she is going for what she wants - him.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you so very much. I really tried. Yep, she is going for what she wants - him.
Ah, finally a minute to myself so I can catch up on my reading (and if Merlin allows my writing). Wonderful chapter how on Earth do you manage to write a story using a word challange without being obvious? Hat's off to you g/f.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Wow, thank you. I'm not obvious? That compliment means a lot to me. I was simply trying to use the words and create a story worth reading, I'm flattered that you like it. *waves* Thank you very much.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Wow, thank you. I'm not obvious? That compliment means a lot to me. I was simply trying to use the words and create a story worth reading, I'm flattered that you like it. *waves* Thank you very much.
All I could say was "Awwwwwwwwww...." So lovely! and the bonuses are both exciting and cuuuuute!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm very flattered that you liked the story and the bonuses.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm very flattered that you liked the story and the bonuses.
Yay, he woke up!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes he did. And about time too! Stubborn fool.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes he did. And about time too! Stubborn fool.
Lol, clever witch, and oh so conniving.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes she is, isn't she?
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes she is, isn't she?
He actually told her he loved her! Yay!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep! I hope you check out the bonuses in the reviews! You'll love them!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep! I hope you check out the bonuses in the reviews! You'll love them!
He loves her!!! HE LOVES HER!!!And he told her before she said anything. OMG!"Who would have ever thought she of all people would find that protuberance kissable." Well, I don't know any woman in this ship that would pass up a chance to kiss Severus ... on his nose, one his ear, on his lips, on his ..... well, we won't go there just now. *sigh*
Tee hee.I love this story and giggle everytime I get an email telling me you have posted an update.Beth
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he told her he loved her! and Yes, he was first.I'm so glad you like the story, Beth. I hope you'll come back and check out the review bonuses. Thank you so much for your support.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh and I forgot!!~ * ~Severus finished his rounds, delivering his potions. Jenson in the Apothecary in Diagon Alley had requested a large order of complicated potions and paid handsomely for the potions Severus delivered. He inquired after Hermione, smiling when he told Severus that her work was top quality, complimenting him on her training. Even Plitheroa at the Cartwright Apothecary on The Promenade had relented that Hermione’s potions were of an acceptable quality, requesting more of Hermione’s Alexindora Potion and Deliquesce Embrocation and paying the exuberant rate for which he charged her for them. Severus put the Galleons Hermione had earned with her potions in a separate pocket to give to her. He walked down The Promenade slowly with a contented smile on his face. He entered Rourke McCloud’s Bijouterie, thinking he might just get Hermione a small token. The tall, thin wizard looked up from his workbench when Severus entered the shop. “Let me know if you’d like to see anything.” Severus nodded as he walked along the displays and glass counters. Nothing struck him as being something she’d like or that suited her personality, until an object caught his eye. His palms started to sweat, his heart seemed to beat erratically, and there was a huge lump in his throat. The shopkeeper appeared before him as if summoned. “Did ya find something then?” he asked. “I’d like to see that one,” Severus said, pointing. The shopkeeper handed it to Severus with a smile. “You’ve fine taste, sir.” It was perfect: simple, elegant… expensive.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
Two bonuses in two replies for the same chapter!!! Wheeeee....I check for the bonuses every time I post a reply and then again a few days later just to make sure I don't miss one.Now, just what can this "simple, elegant... expensive" and small token be? A ring perhaps? I love this story!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he told her he loved her! and Yes, he was first.I'm so glad you like the story, Beth. I hope you'll come back and check out the review bonuses. Thank you so much for your support.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh and I forgot!!~ * ~Severus finished his rounds, delivering his potions. Jenson in the Apothecary in Diagon Alley had requested a large order of complicated potions and paid handsomely for the potions Severus delivered. He inquired after Hermione, smiling when he told Severus that her work was top quality, complimenting him on her training. Even Plitheroa at the Cartwright Apothecary on The Promenade had relented that Hermione’s potions were of an acceptable quality, requesting more of Hermione’s Alexindora Potion and Deliquesce Embrocation and paying the exuberant rate for which he charged her for them. Severus put the Galleons Hermione had earned with her potions in a separate pocket to give to her. He walked down The Promenade slowly with a contented smile on his face. He entered Rourke McCloud’s Bijouterie, thinking he might just get Hermione a small token. The tall, thin wizard looked up from his workbench when Severus entered the shop. “Let me know if you’d like to see anything.” Severus nodded as he walked along the displays and glass counters. Nothing struck him as being something she’d like or that suited her personality, until an object caught his eye. His palms started to sweat, his heart seemed to beat erratically, and there was a huge lump in his throat. The shopkeeper appeared before him as if summoned. “Did ya find something then?” he asked. “I’d like to see that one,” Severus said, pointing. The shopkeeper handed it to Severus with a smile. “You’ve fine taste, sir.” It was perfect: simple, elegant… expensive.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
Two bonuses in two replies for the same chapter!!! Wheeeee....I check for the bonuses every time I post a reply and then again a few days later just to make sure I don't miss one.Now, just what can this "simple, elegant... expensive" and small token be? A ring perhaps? I love this story!
lovely...but you stopped too soon! thanks so much
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know! But they are supposed to be a Drabble! (That's why I put extra in the reviews! I have to make it short!! Oh, and you're welcome.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know! But they are supposed to be a Drabble! (That's why I put extra in the reviews! I have to make it short!! Oh, and you're welcome.
“Oh, yes, you are one who truly enjoys all the finer things. Your house reeks of excessive ostentation.”--Great line.Bellwether, now that's one I haven't ever heard.Severus should know that Hermione wouldn't suggest something, especially from Ron, if she didn't suspect that it would work.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know I keep getting these words and I"m like, OMG and I have to use that? 
Then read the dictionary for the meaning and play with the word a few tries until something clicks. But I'm telling you - this is fun!I think he's just considering the source, and contemplating what she meant by the suggestion. In the end - he did trust her.Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know I keep getting these words and I"m like, OMG and I have to use that? Then read the dictionary for the meaning and play with the word a few tries until something clicks. But I'm telling you - this is fun!I think he's just considering the source, and contemplating what she meant by the suggestion. In the end - he did trust her.Thank you for the review.
She's spunky. I like that.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yes, this time I wrote a spunky Hermione for a change. I'm glad you approve!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yes, this time I wrote a spunky Hermione for a change. I'm glad you approve!
Wow, I look at these every week and say, "There's no way I could write a story with all of these words included," and you've done it for multiple chapters in one story. How cool is that?
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. If you were ever interested in giving a go at it, email me and I'll give you some starting tips. It's not really that hard. It actually really fun. But I do really appreciate the compliment, and I'm flattered that you like the story.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. If you were ever interested in giving a go at it, email me and I'll give you some starting tips. It's not really that hard. It actually really fun. But I do really appreciate the compliment, and I'm flattered that you like the story.