Fire in the Hearth
Chapter 12 of 31
ClayPotterSeverus must concoct a potion to save Dumbledore's life.
ReviewedDisclaimer: This chapter contains dialogue copied word for word from “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” by the brilliant J. K. Rowling. To stay true to canon, I felt it necessary to do so. All direct quotes appear in italics.
This story was written strictly for fun; no profit has been made in the writing or sharing of this story.
As always, I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to my two wonderful betas, JENGEORGE and NervousAboutAngels, for their diligent proof reading and suggestions. They really helped to improve my story.
Chapter 12“Fire in the Hearth, Ice in the Veins,
Everything to Lose when Evil Reigns”
The students had all finally left Hogwarts for the summer. Severus knew he would also be heading back to his home at Spinner’s End for the next two months, but first he needed to find the antidote to the ancient and obscure dark potion that Dumbledore had asked him to research. After a quiet dinner in the Great Hall with the few remaining staff members, Dumbledore accompanied him back to his office to survey his progress.
“It will take me at least a couple more days of testing to be sure. Hagrid gave me a few bowtruckles. If I can manage to keep them alive, he said I could try a few blast-ended skrewts.”
“That’s still a far cry from a human guinea pig, though,” commented Dumbledore, “and the blast-ended skrewts could probably eat the dark potion like it was candy!”
“I’m sure I can talk him out of something more mammalian to test it on.”
“Good. I have an errand to run which depends upon your findings, but I can postpone it for a few days,” Dumbledore spoke casually, but there was an undertone of concern in his voice. “When I get back, we may be in need of the antidote.”
“I’ll work day and night, sir,” Severus assured him.
“You should have let Sienna stay, Severus. She would have been a big help to you.”
“Perhaps next time,” said Severus, wondering if there would ever even be a next time.
*****
Late the next afternoon, Severus received an owl. The note attached was in a messy scribble, and he had trouble deciphering it.
Dear Severus,
Our mutual friend wants to see you. Ten o’clock tonight. The usual place.
See you there,
Your Favorite Rat.
Severus took the note and sent the bird on its way. He didn’t need to reply, for he knew that to not show up meant almost certain death. He took the note to show Dumbledore.
“Severus,” Dumbledore pleaded as he gently reached out to touch his arm, “be careful. Come back safely. I need you too much.”
“I’ll do my best, sir.”
As Severus headed back to his office to prepare for his meeting with Lord Voldemort, he thought about what Dumbledore had just said. “I need you too much.” No one had ever said “I need you” to Severus Snape. It felt good to be needed. Lord Voldemort used people and threw them away when their usefulness had been exhausted. Dumbledore needed people. And if someday, they outlived their usefulness, he would still take care of them, so they could make him feel needed. What a wonderful way to show love. No two people could ever be so different as Lord Voldemort and Albus Dumbledore. He dreaded the upcoming meeting even more.
A few hours later, Severus found himself in an upstairs bedroom in the old Riddle house. Even with summer in full swing, there was a fire in the fireplace. Nagini, the snake, was curled up like a gigantic dog, warming herself in the flickering light. A high-backed padded chintz chair sat facing the fire. As Severus walked silently up to the chair, the man seated in it stood up, his long, flowing black silk robes floating like smoke behind him. He turned to face Severus, who immediately knelt down before him.
“You wished to see me, your Lordship?”
“Yes, Severus. Get up, get up. I had not heard from you for over a month.” Voldemort began to pace the room. “School’s out now. I just wanted an update.”
Severus noticed Wormtail standing in a dark corner of the room. He nodded nervously at Severus, who raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement.
“As I’m sure you’ve heard, half of my staff is in Azkaban. As a result, I shall be relying more heavily on those who have the intelligence to remain free.”
“Yes, my Lord,” Severus replied mechanically.
“This means that you may be asked to perform certain tasks that… up until now… you have conveniently been able to avoid.”
“I am at your service, my Lord.” Severus felt his armpits begin to perspire.
“Good. I’ve been thinking about what happened at the Ministry.” There were several moments of silence. Severus held his breath. He knew from experience that this wasn’t going to be good. “The only reason Harry Potter is still alive is because of that meddlesome Dumbledore. Once he is out of the way, Potter is easy pickings. I must say, he has nerve. He won’t go down without a fight. But without Dumbledore’s help, he doesn’t stand a chance.”
“No, sir.”
“My goal is to see Dumbledore dead by the end of the coming school year.”
“Do you wish me to do it?” Severus said hopefully. He knew it would be so easy to go back to the castle and fake Dumbledore’s death. “He is old and too trusting. His reflexes have slowed, as I’m sure you noticed at the Ministry. I could go now, when no one is around, and finish him off for you.”
“That is a tempting offer, my greasy friend, but I have something else in mind… A test, for an up and coming Death Eater.”
“Oh?” said Severus, trying not to sound worried at the prospect of a new recruit.
“Yes. After the incident at the Ministry, Draco Malfoy voiced a desire to avenge his father’s capture. He has graciously volunteered to finish off Dumbledore for me.”
“Really?” Severus found it highly unlikely that Draco would “volunteer” for such a mission.
“Yes.” Voldemort rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “He vowed to finish off Dumbledore, or die trying.” He began to laugh maniacally.
Severus felt an icy chill go up his spine. Draco was not a killer. This was Voldemort’s way of punishing Lucius for botching the Prophecy job at the Ministry.
“And if he fails?” asked Severus, a touch of foreboding in his voice.
“Well, you’ll do it, of course,” Voldemort said, very matter-of-factly. Wormtail snickered in his shadowy corner.
Severus suddenly felt sick to his stomach. He didn’t think Draco could ever do such a thing. He was a bully, but like most bullies, he didn’t really have the guts to do anything life-threatening. And Albus Dumbledore was the one person who Severus would trust with his own life. Until this last year with Sienna, Dumbledore had been his only real, unconditional friend. He could never kill him. He would rather sacrifice himself.
“What else can you tell me, Severus? Anything of significance happen this year that I don’t already know about?” Before Severus could answer, he added, “Let me see for myself.”
Severus knew what this meant; he was about to have his memories invaded. He pushed certain ones deep down and began to bring the insignificant ones to the surface.
“Legilimens,” spoke Voldemort softly as his snake-like, red eyes bore into Severus’.
Images began to float to the surface. Sienna handed in a perfect potion… The Great Hall was filled for the Halloween feast… Umbridge gave Potter a lifetime ban on Quidditch… Sienna sat sorting potion ingredients in his office… Christmas Eve dinner at the table with the staff and Sienna’s mother… The vicious argument with Sirius Black in a kitchen somewhere… Sienna turning in another perfect potion… Potter receiving a zero for his potion… This went on for several minutes until Voldemort was satisfied that no significant events had occurred that Severus forgot to mention.
“I see the same young woman popping up in many of your memories, Severus. Draco informed me that you have taken a fancy to someone. Could this be her?”
Severus felt a panic well up inside him. He knew he couldn’t allow himself to let it show on his face, however, so did his utmost to appear nonchalant. “Draco is a typical teenager with overactive hormones and an imagination to match,” he explained. “Dumbledore insisted that I take her on as my assistant. I feel the need to keep an eye on her as she works, so as a result, we end up spending a great deal of time together. But she is only a student, nothing more.”
Voldemort pressed on. “Draco tells me she even studies in your office. Sounds pretty cozy to me.”
“She took to studying in my office after Professor McGonagall was injured and had to be sent to St. Mungo's. Before that, she studied in her office.” Severus wanted to strangle Draco with his bare hands at this point.
“And did I see you enjoying a meal with… her mother?”
Severus’ heart moved up to the vicinity of his throat. “That was Christmas Eve at the castle. It was a small group, and by the time I got to the table, there was only one seat left. It would have been rude of me not to speak with her.” He thought he was going to throw up. He could feel the nervous perspiration starting to build up on his forehead, and he was thankful for the semi-darkness in the room. He knew he had to pull himself together. He must never let Voldemort know he had feelings for Sienna.
“So, tell me Severus, is she any good at Potions?”
“Adequate,” he lied.
“And as your assistant?”
“The chores she does are rather mundane and take only patience, but no real skill or talent.”
“But she performs them to your satisfaction?”
“Yes.” Severus was afraid he knew where this was leading, and he didn’t like it.
“Good. When will she graduate?”
“At the end of this coming school year.”
“Perfect. Keep an eye on her and continue to get close to her. After she graduates perhaps you can persuade her to continue on as your assistant when you take on your position for me full time.”
“I don’t need an assistant here, sir.”
“SILENCE!! Did I ask for your opinion?”
“No, my Lord,” Severus cowed slightly, bowing his head.
“If all goes as planned next year, my love-sick friend, you’ll be needing an assistant.”
After discussing several other plans, Severus was finally allowed to leave. He left the house, walking away from the structure so he could Disapparate, and found himself back in Hogsmeade. He started to shake from frayed nerves as he made his way down the path to the school. He needed to go check in with Dumbledore and tell him what had transpired.
*****
When Dumbledore returned to the dungeon office several days later, Severus was ready for him. He had tested his antidote on several roosters and a ferret, and luckily, they came away unscathed.
The cauldron over his office fire was bubbling. Dumbledore stood looking at the thick gold liquid. It didn’t smell very appetizing. As the bubbles popped, a purple haze rose into the air. “Excellent, excellent,” he said with a smile. “It may not be necessary.” He turned to head out the door. “If I need you, I’ll send for you.”
“Very well.” Severus nodded. As Dumbledore’s footsteps echoed and faded down the hall, he ladled some of the potion into a large ceramic pitcher, so it could cool a bit before it was consumed.
*****
Several hours passed. Severus busied himself by putting away the many potion ingredients he had used to create the antidote and generally cleaned up after himself. But he felt a slight twinge of pain as he thought about Sienna. She would have gladly done all of this for him had she been allowed to stay.
Then it happened. The phoenix Patronus appeared through the stone wall. A feeble version of Dumbledore’s voice emanated from the glowing image: “Come quickly… my office… Bring… antidote.”
Severus lunged forward, grabbing the pitcher and mug, and ran out the door. The voice had sounded desperate. What had Dumbledore done to himself?
Screams of agony echoed through the halls and increased in volume as Severus drew closer to the gargoyle. He hollered the password from a distance so he could bound up the spiral staircase without breaking stride. Once inside, he surveyed the scene. The Sword of Gryffindor lay on Dumbledore’s desk beside a curious ring with a black stone. The stone was cracked down the middle, but there was such a sinister evil energy emanating from it that Severus gasped as Dumbledore let out another wail. Severus turned and stared at him in disbelief. Had he actually been foolish enough to put the ring on? He soon had his answer. Severus watched in horror as his right ring finger began to smolder; then within two seconds, the entire hand burst into flames.
Severus snapped back into emergency mode. “Here!” He grabbed Dumbledore by the back of the head and pushed the cup to his quivering lips. “DRINK – QUICKLY!”
Dumbledore swallowed and sputtered as he moaned.
“Don’t look at it, just drink!”
The smoldering effects were beginning to move up his arm. Dumbledore stopped drinking to take a breath. Then he screeched in pure agony.
“DRINK!” screamed Severus, whose emotional agony was about to match Dumbledore’s physical pain. “You MUST finish it!” He tilted Dumbledore’s head back and kept pouring the potion in. When the mug was finally drained, Severus turned hastily to the pitcher and refilled it. Then he grabbed Dumbledore’s head again and started to feed him some more. “Here, for good measure. We must be sure we have stopped its progression.”
Dumbledore nodded amidst a sob and began to drink again as Severus took a sideways glance at his hand. The flames had gone out. They seemed to have been extinguished from the inside. The smoldering continued on his hand, but had ceased to advance up past his elbow. The antidote worked – thank Merlin’s beard!
He began to mutter incantations as he continued to force feed the potion to Dumbledore, who at this point was only semiconscious. But he somehow managed to finish the second mug of antidote with Severus’ help. His every breath was released with a faint cry of pain. Severus had suffered the Cruciatus Curse many times, but he had a feeling that its effects would pale in comparison to what Dumbledore had just gone through. After a moment or two, Dumbledore’s eyelids fluttered and opened.
“Why,” said Severus, without preamble, “why did you put on that ring? It carries a curse, surely you realized that. Why even touch it?”
Dumbledore grimaced.
“I… was a fool. Sorely tempted…”
“Tempted by what?” Severus felt outraged. He wondered if the old man had gone senile. “It is a miracle you managed to return here! That ring carried a curse of extraordinary power, to contain it is all we can hope for; I have trapped the curse in one hand for the time being--”
Dumbledore raised his blackened, useless hand, and examined it with the expression of one being shown an interesting curio.
“You have done very well, Severus. How long do you think I have?”
They discussed the extent of the damage and his somewhat shortened life expectancy. Then the conversation turned to Draco’s morbid task. As Severus slowly realized that in the end he would be expected to kill his best friend, he began to feel sick again. But when presented with the alternatives of Greyback, Bellatrix, or a slow deterioration of his body from the curse, Severus understood that he would actually be doing Dumbledore one last favor.
It still was not something to look forward to.
Dumbledore seemed satisfied.
“Thank you, Severus…” He began to fall over from exhaustion. Severus jumped up and cradled Dumbledore’s slumping body in his arms. He eased his dear friend down onto the floor, then got up and reached for a pillow off the elaborately carved arm chair behind the desk. He gently put it under Dumbledore’s head.
“Now, Severus, if you could please go fetch some burn salve and a pain relief potion from the hospital wing, I would greatly appreciate it.”
“I’ll be right back.” Severus jumped up off the floor and made his way out of the room. The castle was deserted. Even Madam Pomfrey had gone home for the summer. What an eerie place this huge stone structure is with no one in it, he thought as he ran through the halls.
He reached the hospital ward and made a beeline for the storage closet. Madam Pomfrey had put a locking charm on the door since the house-elves were known to make off with some of the more entertaining supplies from time to time. He quickly figured out the counter charm and opened the door where he found an ample supply of what he was looking for. With all the candles and oil lamps in the castle, burns were pretty commonplace. And the painkiller potion was the most popular of all her remedies. He was not the only one who developed headaches. He figured he had caused his share over the years, at least as many as the students had given him.
Severus grabbed what he needed and took off at a run back to Dumbledore’s office. His friend still lay on the floor, but he had gone into shock and was beginning to shiver. Severus knew he had to get Dumbledore to a bed and under some covers.
“Come on. Let’s get you to your quarters. You need to rest somewhere more comfortable.”
“I don’t think I can get up at the moment.”
“I’ll help you. I’ll levitate you if I have to.” Severus knelt down beside Dumbledore and pulled his left arm over his shoulder, being careful not to touch the right arm. They struggled to their feet. Severus almost had to drag Dumbledore the length of his office to the door that led to his private quarters. In there, they passed a cozy sitting room with a fireplace, a well equipped private bath, and finally his bedroom where a large, soft, four poster bed awaited. Severus lay Dumbledore down gently and removed his shoes. Dumbledore felt as cold as ice. Severus covered him in a thick down comforter and then went back to the office for the pain and burn medicine. After administering those as best he could, he found a book that looked interesting from Dumbledore’s extensive private library (Bringing Down Dark Wizards Through the Centuries, by Jameson Muto Johansson) and pulled up a chair beside the bed. It was going to be another long night.
*****
Over the course of the next few days, Severus slowly nursed Dumbledore back to health. The pain in his hand began to subside, but it would never heal properly, and he would not have full use of it again. Dumbledore had also acquired several new internal aches and pains he had never experienced before. This worried Severus. He knew that the antidote had merely slowed down the effects of the ring. It was, after all, an antidote for a potion, not a curse. There could be subtle differences that the antidote wouldn’t be able to stop. But there was no way to know for sure.
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Latest 25 Reviews for The Potion Master's Assistant
100 Reviews | 4.56/10 Average
Ok, I'm going to give it another chapter, but I see some issues. I know how how badly it impacts a writer when they get a bad review. So, I'm going to try to be helpful and not just talk down you to about not liking the story. You have a good start, but it's just too coincidental. The description of this girl is even odd. Try for subtelty. I can see where you are going a mile away. You don't have to be so blatant about things. There is no lead up to her appearing in his room and offering to be his assistant.The Lilly interlude was also strangely done. For a moment I wasn't sure that you were inferring he was dreaming or if she was a ghost... or if she was real. THat being said, you have a great idea, but the execution just lacks some. I'm going to continue to read because I think the idea is interesting and I hope you keep writing.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Hi
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
. Thanks for taking the time to review. I understand your concerns about the beginning of this story. I don take offense at all at your gentle constructive criticism. It was my first attempt at creative writing since high school, and by my own admission, it wasn't very good. If you can suffer through the first few chapters, it does actually get better, though. I got to know the characters and got a better feel for writing in general. If you look at the posting date for the first chapter, you'll see that it was several years ago. If you don't wish to continue, I certainly understand. Someday I would like to re-write the first 10 chapters, but right now, I am working on the last 6 chapters of my only other story, "Secret Recipe". If I ever get that done, I will go back and tweak this one.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Hi
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
. Thanks for taking the time to review. I understand your concerns about the beginning of this story. I don take offense at all at your gentle constructive criticism. It was my first attempt at creative writing since high school, and by my own admission, it wasn't very good. If you can suffer through the first few chapters, it does actually get better, though. I got to know the characters and got a better feel for writing in general. If you look at the posting date for the first chapter, you'll see that it was several years ago. If you don't wish to continue, I certainly understand. Someday I would like to re-write the first 10 chapters, but right now, I am working on the last 6 chapters of my only other story, "Secret Recipe". If I ever get that done, I will go back and tweak this one.
I have sat and read this story in its entirety over the past 7 hours. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I must say, this is one of the best fanfics I have ever read. I'm not sure I can find the words to explain to you the effect this story has had on me.It's not just incredibly well written (which it is)... The depth and clarity of your own creative plot-line was absolutely amazing. It was believeable. Not to mention, quite outside the box - which was so refreshing in fanfic.I've been reading fanfic for several years. Your story just blew me away. So complex, yet, incredibly simple. J,K. spouted about love over-coming - you brought MEANING to it. Like - "here's a cake" - you showed HOW to MAKE the cake. It was beautiful.I can't possibly praise this story as it truly deserves. It touched my soul. Thank you for sharing it.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Hi
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
, and thank you so much for your generous review. I have never received such praise from a reader and I am humbled by your words. Unlike the story I am currently working on which has been a struggle to write, The Potion Master's Assistant came to me in waves of inspiration. I carried my notebook everywhere and was constantly writing it down... at the dinner table, in bed before drifting off or late at night when I couldn't sleep, even in long lines waiting for rides at Disney World. I would sit on my notebook when we finally got to go on the ride! I knew most people wouldn't even give it a try because it was not a SS/HG pairing, but there was no way I could make it work with those two. I felt that Severus needed someone who would accept and love him unconditionally, and I figured it would take someone with extrodinary patience to do that. While she was in school, Hermione was not that type of person. We all love Severus, but let's face it, he would not be an easy person to live with. I had a friend who was very prickly like Severus. Many people hated him, many tried to ignor him. I was only ever nice to him, even when he was mean to me. We became dear friends mainly because I took the time to understand him. He turned out to be bi-polar, which made him wonderful sometimes and horrible other times. Very intelligent with a dry wit, but he could be very cruel if he was in a bad mood. So I modeled Sienna's and Severus' beginning around the way our friendship developed. I succeeded in becoming his friend because I stuck it out no matter how badly he treated me. Eventually I won him over. In the end he committed suicide, but I will always consider him one of my dearest friends.This story came pouring from my soul. I'm so glad to know that it touched yours.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Hi
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
, and thank you so much for your generous review. I have never received such praise from a reader and I am humbled by your words. Unlike the story I am currently working on which has been a struggle to write, The Potion Master's Assistant came to me in waves of inspiration. I carried my notebook everywhere and was constantly writing it down... at the dinner table, in bed before drifting off or late at night when I couldn't sleep, even in long lines waiting for rides at Disney World. I would sit on my notebook when we finally got to go on the ride! I knew most people wouldn't even give it a try because it was not a SS/HG pairing, but there was no way I could make it work with those two. I felt that Severus needed someone who would accept and love him unconditionally, and I figured it would take someone with extrodinary patience to do that. While she was in school, Hermione was not that type of person. We all love Severus, but let's face it, he would not be an easy person to live with. I had a friend who was very prickly like Severus. Many people hated him, many tried to ignor him. I was only ever nice to him, even when he was mean to me. We became dear friends mainly because I took the time to understand him. He turned out to be bi-polar, which made him wonderful sometimes and horrible other times. Very intelligent with a dry wit, but he could be very cruel if he was in a bad mood. So I modeled Sienna's and Severus' beginning around the way our friendship developed. I succeeded in becoming his friend because I stuck it out no matter how badly he treated me. Eventually I won him over. In the end he committed suicide, but I will always consider him one of my dearest friends.This story came pouring from my soul. I'm so glad to know that it touched yours.
I think this is a nice start. I will be downloading the story then reading on vacation. You can e-mail me in one month if I don't leave another review!
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
I hope you enjoy it enough to give me another review when you are finished. I also like to download stories and read them later when I don't have access to the internet. Please let me know what you think. It was my first story, so it may not be a polished or as developed as many of the others on this site.
> This goodbye scene was getting way too mushy for his taste.Well, that's not utterly surprising! Siena's influence seems to come from her sheer presence, not actions, not words. Severus is as puzzled as I am.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
It was hard to write this story from only his POV. But yes, at this point, she is a puzzle to him. Thanks for the review and esp. for reading.
I've just found this story, and I WILL continue to ch2! People are nicely in character, including our sour Potions Master. I find the last scene ooc, though. Despite Sienna being reserved all time, she'd possibly come asking, agreed. But she can't be that extroverted, all out of the blue. The only explanation I find is that she's more acquaintant with him than he knows. It would fit to the exchange at the Sorting.A secret daughter, a niece or something? Green eyes... like Lili...? Hmmm. Severus is far too friendly to someone who's stealing his time, isn't he? No matter, as said I'll continue!
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Hi
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
. I'm glad you found the story intriguing enough to continue. I hope that each chapter finds you wanting more. I wrote the first half of this story before DH came out. It was my first attempt at writting in over three decades! So my characterizations and the story as a whole improve as you get into it.You are very perceptive to realize that Sienna would not be so reserved and then suddenly throw her arms around our dour Potions Master. But she does have a secret reason. So you'll just have to keep reading to find out.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
I just discovered this story this week. I really liked the OC. It was a fun read.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Thank you so much, Rose, for leaving me a note. I'm glad you enjoyed the story.CP
Wow I really loved this story, you wove the new character in so well to the original. It's really amazing. I also adored the yoga, meditation, and spirituallity, I like to practice yoga and meditation myself (not as often as I really want too) and I thought it really gave this story great dimension. I hope to read some more of your work soon!
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Hi Lauren Marie, and thanks so much for your supportive comments. I too wish that I had more time for yoga and meditation, but I fit it in when I can. Both practices really help to relieve stress and put things into perspective.I have another story going right here on TPP. It's called "Secret Recipe," and it is a lighter tale pairing Snape and Hermione. I know that there have already been zillions of SS/HG stories written, but mine happens after the epilogue and once again follows canon. I had some fun with the way she saved his life and the way they find each other after almost 20 years. It tackles some social issues, but it lacks the spirituality of this story.Thanks again for following with me for so long. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the story.
Beautiful story. I'm sorry that it had to end. Sienna was a great character, and I'm glad that you went OC. What's great about it is that it opened up the story line rather than trapping the plot into pre-built characters. That was very refreshing... and thought-provoking. I really enjoyed it, and am looking forward to your next story.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Thanks so much,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
. I'm so glad you enjoyed this story. I really wanted to tell it from Snape's POV, just to show how different it could be. It was a fun challenge to work around JKR's existing story, but I had the books in front of me for reference the whole way, so I stuck to canon pretty well. There is a lot of FF out there that I have not read, or course, but I have never read a story that sticks to canon and also weaves an OC romance into it for Snape. I'm sure there are some out there, but I have not come across any yet.After looking over some of the reviews that you have left for this story, I want to especially thank you for your past kind words and insightfulness. So many simply read the words for entertainment. Your responses were more spiritual, which was, of course, my ultimate goal. I have enjoyed our thought proviking exchanges during the course of this story.I don't know if you are reading my other story, "Secret Recipe," or not. It is a SS/HG fic, but it happens after the epilogue, so they are both much older. I understand why you find Hermione so annoying. So do I, but I look back on my own teenage years and feel that if I can mature and grow as a person, so can she. It is much more light-hearted than this one. So if you are looking for something entertaining, you might want to check it out.Thanks again for sticking with me.CP
Nice wrap-up, Clay. Hope you have another one planned! :)
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
I need to finish Secret Recipe before I start on anything new. RL is heating up and keeping me from my writing at the moment, but I still sneak in a little time to read other people's stories. Speaking of which, I just got a notice that "The Runner" has an update!Thanks for following along through this saga. I really appreciate your comments.CP
I'm always a little sad when a story I've enjoyed ends. This story is no exception. But I liked the ending. He and Sienna deserved the life they created.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Thanks,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
. I'm so glad you came along with me all the way to the end. It was sad for me to end it as well. This story simply poured out of me. I carried a notebook with me everywhere and was constantly writing in it.Thanks again for sticking with me.CP
While I shouldn't be surprised that the chapter ends where it does, it just leaves me hanging on, looking for more (looks side to side, down below reveiw box...nope, no more) Hope that the next bit comes up soon, I've enjoyed the story so far.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
More will be coming soon. IMO JKR wanted him dead, but she enjoys FF so much that she purposefully wrote his death scene in an ambiguous fashion and consipicuously left out his portrait just so we would all speculate and let our imaginations run rampant.And so mine did, as you will see in the next chapter. :)I'm glad you have enjoyed the story so far. I hope that my ending does not disappoint you.
Response from RhiannonAvon (Reviewer)
Your opinion works for me =) Besides, none of us would have any fun reading/writing if she didn't leave it ambiguousLike I said, looking forward to the next bit. Up till now, nothing has been disappointing, so unless you somehow manage to completely screw up the ending, I don't think you have to worry about disappointing anyone. =)
I am sure Winky and Sienna will save the day. Nice build up to the final stages! :)
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Thanks, sunny. Winky and Sienna will certainly try to save the day, but Sienna is a healer, not a miracle worker...Read on. I don't think that the ending will disappoint you.
Well done! Sometimes love scenes go too one way or the other. Yours was dead on. Not an easy thing to do. Great job... and very romantic!
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Wow, thanks so much for the great compliment,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
. It really means a lot to me. That was my first attempt at a graphic love scene. To tell you the truth, I wasn't very comfortable writing it, but I really like the way it turned out.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Wow, thanks so much for the great compliment,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
. It really means a lot to me. That was my first attempt at a graphic love scene. To tell you the truth, I wasn't very comfortable writing it, but I really like the way it turned out.
He heee, I loved the last bit... The wedding and the wedding night were wonderful. And I hope he won't obliviate Minerva in the end.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
I'm sorry to tell you, but for her safety as well as theirs, Severus has no choice but to Obliviate Minerva. But there will be some residual benefits from her knowing the truth for a little while.Glad you liked it. Thanks for your comments.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
I'm sorry to tell you, but for her safety as well as theirs, Severus has no choice but to Obliviate Minerva. But there will be some residual benefits from her knowing the truth for a little while.Glad you liked it. Thanks for your comments.
I'm surprised he didn't give them both detention with Filch!
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Since Filch is a squib, I guess he didn't want to take the chance that they might pull something over on him.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Since Filch is a squib, I guess he didn't want to take the chance that they might pull something over on him.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
How are they going to their secrets from the staff (the real staff, not the Carrows)? Won't Snape's magical signature change as he opens himself to this new awareness? Thanks for the lovely chapter and your dad's lovely lyrics.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
His spiritual experience did have an effect on him, but as you will soon see, the effect is not lasting. I doubt that it would change his magical signature enough for others to notice until he attains a more permanent spiritual perception shift. That will come, but only much later.I'm glad you liked the chapter, and especially my dad's song. :) Thanks for your supportive comments.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
His spiritual experience did have an effect on him, but as you will soon see, the effect is not lasting. I doubt that it would change his magical signature enough for others to notice until he attains a more permanent spiritual perception shift. That will come, but only much later.I'm glad you liked the chapter, and especially my dad's song. :) Thanks for your supportive comments.
My brother lives in an Ashram (which I have never visited, so it was interesting to get this peek inside one!)
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
I have been to one here in the USA, but never to India. This actually came out of my imagination. The Ashram here in Virginia is called Yogaville. It is a spralling place that covers many acres, with rollings hills, beautiful gardens, and a river on its boarder. There are dorm rooms, semi private rooms, and private facilities. There is a dining hall where everyone eats. There is a huge shrine that pays homage to all of the world's major religions. The man who started it was from India and came here several decades ago, Swami Satchidananda. His life was dedicated to bringing together people of all religions, to learn from eachother, and to celebrate their diversity as well as their common goal of enlightenment.Where does your brother live? What country?
Response from cmwinters (Reviewer)
OHMYGOD MY BROTHER *LIVES IN YOGAVILLE*!!!!*FLAIL*
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
It is truly a beautiful place. And the people are beautiful. I feel such peace when I go there. It is always hard to leave.
Response from cmwinters (Reviewer)
Yeah, it's been very good for him. He had a rough time and while we all joke about him being off playing with the fairies (he can be very . . . unreliable sometimes; he'll say he's going to do something and then doesn't do it and he doesn't seem to understand how his behaviour can impact others sometimes), we are all quite glad he is where he is because it's a place where he is okay.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Is your brother a Pisces? He sounds like a dear friend of mine that goes up there a lot, and stays for weeks at a time sometimes. I joke him because he will tell me that he will call me when he gets back and a month goes by and he doesn't call. Or he will say that he will come by and see me, but he never comes. He has a heart of gold, but he is unreliable. Time has no meaning for him. My friend is a Pisces.
Response from cmwinters (Reviewer)
Naw, he's a Sag.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
I have been to one here in the USA, but never to India. This actually came out of my imagination. The Ashram here in Virginia is called Yogaville. It is a spralling place that covers many acres, with rollings hills, beautiful gardens, and a river on its boarder. There are dorm rooms, semi private rooms, and private facilities. There is a dining hall where everyone eats. There is a huge shrine that pays homage to all of the world's major religions. The man who started it was from India and came here several decades ago, Swami Satchidananda. His life was dedicated to bringing together people of all religions, to learn from eachother, and to celebrate their diversity as well as their common goal of enlightenment.Where does your brother live? What country?
Response from cmwinters (Reviewer)
OHMYGOD MY BROTHER *LIVES IN YOGAVILLE*!!!!*FLAIL*
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
It is truly a beautiful place. And the people are beautiful. I feel such peace when I go there. It is always hard to leave.
Response from cmwinters (Reviewer)
Yeah, it's been very good for him. He had a rough time and while we all joke about him being off playing with the fairies (he can be very . . . unreliable sometimes; he'll say he's going to do something and then doesn't do it and he doesn't seem to understand how his behaviour can impact others sometimes), we are all quite glad he is where he is because it's a place where he is okay.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Is your brother a Pisces? He sounds like a dear friend of mine that goes up there a lot, and stays for weeks at a time sometimes. I joke him because he will tell me that he will call me when he gets back and a month goes by and he doesn't call. Or he will say that he will come by and see me, but he never comes. He has a heart of gold, but he is unreliable. Time has no meaning for him. My friend is a Pisces.
Response from cmwinters (Reviewer)
Naw, he's a Sag.
I really like this story. Snape and someone else was the first type of fanfiction I read, so it is the one I'm most comfortable with I think. Wonderful chapter, I like the use of Eastern thought in the story. Snape had to be overwhelmed by the idea of power that could eliminate Voldemort with a thought. But then to see an individual who had the power and wouldn't use it, that had to be really hard to take. I wonder if Dumbledore is using his private time with Babaji to try to bring him around more? Dumbledore ,like Snape, is so committed to the task of destroying Voldemort that I can't see him ever missing an opportunity to gain an advantage. And the locket, wouldn't it be wonderful to be able to talk to certain people that are gone? I wonder would this allow you to reach closure, or would the problems in a relationship during a life continue with the portrait?
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Hi,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
, and thanks for the very insighful review.I have read eastern philosophy extensively, and with the truly wise and spiritually enlightened people, the more power they acquire, the less they want to use it. They look at life, death and suffering very differently than the people of western thought do. It is hard to imagine someone who would not be willing to use his power to destroy Voldemort, but someone with Babaji's power would indeed let karma play itself out and not interfere. So any efforts made by Dumbledore will go unheaded.As for the closure issue, I imagine that if access to the deceasded love one is on going, the problems in life would follow, growing, changing and perhaps resolving themselves. But then new issues would come up. Case in point, the interaction between Snape and Dumbledore's portrait in DH. It is as if the person is still alive, but helplessly trapped in the canvass.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Hi,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
, and thanks for the very insighful review.I have read eastern philosophy extensively, and with the truly wise and spiritually enlightened people, the more power they acquire, the less they want to use it. They look at life, death and suffering very differently than the people of western thought do. It is hard to imagine someone who would not be willing to use his power to destroy Voldemort, but someone with Babaji's power would indeed let karma play itself out and not interfere. So any efforts made by Dumbledore will go unheaded.As for the closure issue, I imagine that if access to the deceasded love one is on going, the problems in life would follow, growing, changing and perhaps resolving themselves. But then new issues would come up. Case in point, the interaction between Snape and Dumbledore's portrait in DH. It is as if the person is still alive, but helplessly trapped in the canvass.
Finally!
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Yes, I did make you wait a long time for this. Sorry, but I felt that he wouldn't marry her until certain things fell into place.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Yes, I did make you wait a long time for this. Sorry, but I felt that he wouldn't marry her until certain things fell into place.
Poor Sev. Even Voldemort didn't know ALL his secrets! Must be disconcerting to be laid wide open like that.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
It would be disconcerting for anyone to have their mind and memories be an open book, but especially someone as secretive as our beloved Potions Master.Thanks for chiming in,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
It would be disconcerting for anyone to have their mind and memories be an open book, but especially someone as secretive as our beloved Potions Master.Thanks for chiming in,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
.
Wow! Great chapter! I had no idea where you were going with it. Quite the power punch from Babaji calling SS on his would-be abandonment of Sienna if Lily were to return. Babaji was done well. His presence really came through. And DD's memory... loved it! But it was the argument afterward that made this chapter fantastic. Seeing SS and DD argue was like watching two bulls in a turf battle. Whew! DD didn't give SS any ground on that one, fortunately. It's one thing to be powerful physically (or magically, in this case), but another thing when the power comes from conviction and solid priorities. Okay. Maybe that's just called wisdom. Oh, and the details were wonderful, from the covered walkway, snores, inlaid slatted screen, to a drawer full of black socks. Looking forward to hearing what Sienna has to say in counselling!
Response from color (Reviewer)
One more thing: SS's emotional development. For all of his intellectual intelligence, the fellow has next to no emotional intelligence. He just doesn't get it. Why would you abandon someone who you passionately love and who passionately loves you, and, more importantly, who *wants* to be with you, for someone else who doesn't want you that way? Goodness! This man's emotional understanding is still that of a high-school student. Dunderhead!
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
He most definitely has an arrested emotional development. But remember, he has not been able to let go of Lily because she keeps showing up in his dreams. And the dreams are very real to him. They don't fade away like regular dreams. So that has made it particularly hard for him to let go.And DD's ties to Sienna go even deeper than the friendship that has been illustrated here. You will find out how a bit later in the story. They are tied together in ways that even they don't realize yet.I am so glad you like this story. I really put my heart and soul into it when I wrote it. The words just came pouring out of me. I carried a notebook everywhere I went. Because it is not a SS/HG paring, I don't have many readers, like I do with Secret Recipe, but the ones who do read this one really seem to like it.Thanks so much for your kind and insightful review. You made my day.
Response from color (Reviewer)
I've been reading "Secret Recipe". It's a good story, but "The Potion Master's Assistant" is better. The other readers who don't read this story because its SS/OC, well, too bad for them.
Response from color (Reviewer)
One more thing: SS's emotional development. For all of his intellectual intelligence, the fellow has next to no emotional intelligence. He just doesn't get it. Why would you abandon someone who you passionately love and who passionately loves you, and, more importantly, who *wants* to be with you, for someone else who doesn't want you that way? Goodness! This man's emotional understanding is still that of a high-school student. Dunderhead!
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
He most definitely has an arrested emotional development. But remember, he has not been able to let go of Lily because she keeps showing up in his dreams. And the dreams are very real to him. They don't fade away like regular dreams. So that has made it particularly hard for him to let go.And DD's ties to Sienna go even deeper than the friendship that has been illustrated here. You will find out how a bit later in the story. They are tied together in ways that even they don't realize yet.I am so glad you like this story. I really put my heart and soul into it when I wrote it. The words just came pouring out of me. I carried a notebook everywhere I went. Because it is not a SS/HG paring, I don't have many readers, like I do with Secret Recipe, but the ones who do read this one really seem to like it.Thanks so much for your kind and insightful review. You made my day.
Response from color (Reviewer)
I've been reading "Secret Recipe". It's a good story, but "The Potion Master's Assistant" is better. The other readers who don't read this story because its SS/OC, well, too bad for them.
What an interesting chapter. Severus is so very western in his thinking, I can see the look on his face when the seemingly young man spoke to him as though he were a child. As for Dumbledore and the kiss, I knew a couple of gay guys that were damn good kissers. (One kissed me to make me feel better, the other did it to make a point.) As young as Sienna is, she probably didn't realize why it felt off. This is such a great story.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Thanks so much,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
. Yeah, I'm sure that I am not the only girl who has been kissed by a gay guy.I am so very glad that you are enjoying my story. It doesn't have a large number of fans because it is not a SS/HG fic, but the few readers that follow it seem to really enjoy it, and that means so much to me.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Thanks so much,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
. Yeah, I'm sure that I am not the only girl who has been kissed by a gay guy.I am so very glad that you are enjoying my story. It doesn't have a large number of fans because it is not a SS/HG fic, but the few readers that follow it seem to really enjoy it, and that means so much to me.Thanks for reading and reviewing.
This is a very nice chapter and a wonderful use of Winky.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
I love Winky. She comes in very handy for the rest of the story.Thanks for chiming in,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
, the reviews keep me going.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
I love Winky. She comes in very handy for the rest of the story.Thanks for chiming in,
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
, the reviews keep me going.
Sounds like the Headmaster's bedroom is a version of the Room of Requirement. Hum. Severus considering marriage already? Nice to see how completely his hesitancy has ended.Good job!
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
People tend to accelerate their private lives during war time because they never know if this day will be their last. He has known her (and loved her) for years, but now that she is through with school, he feels free to express those feelings.Thanks so much for your kind review. I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
People tend to accelerate their private lives during war time because they never know if this day will be their last. He has known her (and loved her) for years, but now that she is through with school, he feels free to express those feelings.Thanks so much for your kind review. I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
So who does Winky obey? Severus or Sienna?
Response from ClayPotter (Author of The Potion Master's Assistant)
Winky is a free elf. She will do what she thinks is best for all concerned. But she is not the only one...