Two Dreaded Tasks
Chapter 13 of 31
ClayPotterTo keep her out of the Dark Lord's clutches, Severus must make Sienna believe that he hates her.
ReviewedDisclaimer: Everything you recognize is from the Harry Potter book series by the brilliant J. K. Rowling. I have written this as a parallel to the last four installments of the series.
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 13
"Two Dreaded Tasks Lay Ahead,
A Love Severed, a Best Friend Dead"
The next day Severus spent the morning working on something to give Dumbledore the strength to continue as Headmaster for the coming year. Although he could come up with nothing to counter the deadly curse, he did succeed in finding something that he believed would slow down its advancement. Only time would tell. He ladled some of the potion into a large pitcher, grabbed a mug, and headed for Dumbledore's quarters.
By late afternoon Dumbledore was up and around; by the next morning he seemed to have a new lease on life.
"Well, I don't know what you put in this stuff," he said cheerfully, "but I feel like a million Galleons!"
Severus finally smiled. "Good, sir." But his smile was short-lived. "Oh, I forgot to mention that the Dark Lord noticed Sienna in my memories. With that, and the information he extracted from Draco, he has taken an interest in her. I will have to create a surplus of memories to feed to him that our relationship has changed for the worse. I don't want her involved in any of this."
"Nor do I. Thanks for the warning, by the way. I'm sure I'll get an earful at our weekly meetings if you start to treat her badly."
"If I succeed, by Christmas she'll find me as revolting as the rest of the Gryffindors do."
Dumbledore chuckled. "I doubt that. But I know of one way I can help put some distance between you two."
"Oh?" Severus would have given almost anything to make this particular task easier.
"Yes, why don't you plan to become our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this coming year? If you end up doing me in, you'll surely need to flee. Besides, the Potions position will be easier to fill since it's not cursed.
"Lovely idea. I can set straight all the misinformation the students were fed by Umbridge last year. They'll need rigorous training in defense if they are to survive the dark times ahead... Although," he added thoughtfully, "the students who fought the Death Eaters did an amazing job considering their lack of training."
"You won't want to hear this, but Harry Potter was training them behind Umbridge's back. That's what the D.A. was all about."
"Sienna told me. He never ceases to amaze me," admitted Severus rather reluctantly. "Sienna insists there's a side to him that I never see."
"And she's right. But it's just as well."
Severus looked curiously at Dumbledore, waiting for him to make his point.
"The more hateful memories you have of Harry that you can feed to Voldemort, the better."
Their conversation turned to the mechanics of Severus as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and possible candidates for a Potions master replacement. Once a list of possibilities was compiled, Severus excused himself, reminding Dumbledore that he needed to return home to Spinner's End for the remainder of the summer.
*****
Spinner's End turned out to be a busy place, which greatly disappointed Severus. He could usually look forward to being alone for two months and found large crowds of people to be a bit of a drain. But Voldemort had decided that Severus needed the company and sent Wormtail to live with him for the rest of the summer. Severus had an anti-Apparition charm on the house so that he could screen his potential visitors through the door, but since Wormtail was an Animagus, he managed to squeeze in through a small hole in the utility room wall after changing himself into a rat. To Severus' anger and disgust, Wormtail had taken up residence and made himself at home in one of the spare bedrooms by the time Severus made it back to the house.
Then Bellatrix and Narcissa showed up. And, although Severus felt the visit another unwanted intrusion, he did learn a great deal in a short time. He learned that Draco was indeed saddled with the task of doing in Dumbledore. He learned beyond a doubt that many of the Death Eaters doubted him, and from this he could infer that the Dark Lord also didn't quite trust him, which is why he had been chosen to finish Dumbledore should Draco fail. The Unbreakable Vow with Narcissa sealed the deal. Severus would have to see to it that Dumbledore ended up dead, or he would die as a result. This was Voldemort's perfect plan. If Severus was loyal to him, he would be happy to see the plan through, or die trying. If not, Voldemort would be rid of Severus because he dared to break the vow. Either way, Voldemort would end up the winner.
So the die was cast. Dumbledore would be dead by the end of the school year, and most likely at Severus' hand. He knew Dumbledore would never let him sacrifice himself for Dumbledore's sake. But Severus didn't think he could live with himself once the deed was done. He would have to do some real soul-searching.
There was also Sienna. For her own safety, he would have to turn the warmth he felt for her to ice. He would have to make her hate him, and he knew that in the end he would hate himself for doing it. She could have been such a comfort to him this year, and he was going to need some comforting. But no, he would have to face the horrors of this year alone.
So it was with a heavy heart that Severus returned to Hogwarts at the end of August. He barely spoke to anyone, and his temper was usually so short that he would almost bite their heads off. He finally had the job he had wanted for so many years, and he couldn't even enjoy it.
Severus moved his classroom up to the Defense Against the Dark Arts space, but his mood was so bleak he decided to keep the atmosphere macabre and dungeon-like to reflect it. It was as dark and depressing as the inside of his mind. But he had lived through worse times, and he would make it through this too, somehow.
*****
When the first day of classes arrived, Severus was amused to find that the students seemed even more afraid of him as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher than they had as the Potions master. It was the one pleasant thought in his mind the entire first week.
When Sienna's class came in, he gave the same speech he had given to all the other classes. But this time he added a bit more. "I know you studied nonverbal spells last year under Umbridge. And although I'm sure, thanks to her expert tutelage, you will excel in the written portion of your N.E.W.T.s, you will also, thanks to her, fail dismally in the practical application. So, before we make our way to wandless defensive spells, we will need to review and learn to apply nonverbal spells defensively."
There were a few groans and some very apprehensive looks from certain members of the class.
Severus' eyes narrowed. "Would you prefer to get a Troll on your N.E.W.T.s or worse..." he growled as he turned on his heels, his black cloak swirling in a circle as it wrapped itself around his long legs, "...find yourself helplessly lacking in skill when faced with a Death Eater?" He could see that this particular scenario hit home with everyone, especially after the stories had circulated about what happened to Potter and his friends at the Ministry last spring. A slight smirk spread across Severus' sallow face.
"I see that the importance of what I will attempt to teach you is finally sinking into your rather dense cranial protective layers..."
"Why can't he just say 'thick skulls'?" whispered Lorenzo Lotus to one of his classmates.
Severus whipped around again with clenched teeth and fire in his eyes. "I will need a volunteer," he sneered. "Lotus front and center you will need your wand."
Lorenzo Lotus cursed under his breath as he rose slowly from his chair, his wand at the ready. He cautiously made his way up to the front of the class, eyeing Severus suspiciously as he went. The class held its collective breath and watched. They knew he was about to be made an example of in true Snape fashion.
"I am assuming that you at least remember the theory behind nonverbal spells and their uses from the dribble that Professor Umbridge fed you last year?"
"Yes, sir," Lorenzo answered shakily.
"Very well," Severus said matter-of-factly with an evil glint in his eyes. "On the count of three you will attempt to disarm me with a nonverbal defensive spell. Defensive only."
Lorenzo stood shaking with his wand aimed at Severus from across the front of the room. He nodded nervously. He was definitely not ready for this.
"One, two, three..."
A bright red light shot out of Severus' wand and hit Lorenzo's hand. His wand went flying as he staggered backwards. Severus flicked his wand again and Lorenzo's came quickly into his outstretched hand. He sighed, shaking his head in frustration, and walked towards Lorenzo with his cloak billowing behind him.
"Did you even try, Lotus?" Severus asked as he returned the boy's wand. Before Lorenzo could answer, Severus continued in a quiet, sarcastic tone. "I suppose, if your Potions performance is any indication, the art of concentration escapes you." He turned to face the rest of the class with narrowed eyes as he surveyed their nervous faces. Most of them were staring at their books or shoes. Severus could almost hear the prayers that they not get picked. The only person daring to meet his gaze was, of course, Sienna. He had seen her the night before in the Great Hall at the start of term feast. When she had caught his eye, he nodded but did his best to avoid her and left for his quarters as soon as he could gracefully excuse himself from the table.
So here she was in class obviously ready, willing and able. Should he pick her? Would she do it right? Of course she would. If anyone could concentrate it was her. But he couldn't let her get the best of him, not in front of the whole class. He figured he may as well start to alienate her from day one. This was as good a time as any.
"Miss Kaolin."
She beamed at him, her eyes sparkling like moonlight on water. This was going to hurt him more than it did her. Wand at the ready, she silently walked up to the front of the room.
"Miss Kaolin, you have not spent your summer in a fog, I trust?"
"No, sir," she replied.
"Very well. Let's hope your performance exceeds that of Lotus. Of course..." he shot an impatient glance towards Lorenzo, "... that wouldn't take much."
He looked back into Sienna's eyes, hardening his heart for what he was about to do.
"One, two..." Severus didn't say three. Instead, he threw a defensive spell at her so fast and so hard that she flew against the wall as her wand spun into the air. A look of horror and surprise splashed across her face. He had succeeded in embarrassing her in front of the class. He knew he had not fought fair, but what mattered to him most was that he had really teed her off. Perfect.
But Severus did not expect Sienna's next move. She held out her hand and, without saying a word, she knitted her brow in deep concentration. Her wand began to move back towards her outstretched hand even before it hit the floor. It almost reached her by the time Severus realized what she was doing and flicked his wand to get it to change direction and come back towards him. When she realized what he was doing, she closed her eyes tightly and the wand started to move back towards her. The class watched in silent fascination as the wand went back and forth between the two of them, undecided as to its destination.
Finally, Severus uttered the spell out loud, giving him the extra power he needed to overpower her wandless nonverbal spell. "Accio wand!" he barked with stubborn determination. The class let out a collective sigh, obviously disappointed in the outcome.
"I would have expected better of you, Miss Kaolin," he spoke curtly as he walked over and handed her the wand.
"You didn't fight fair, sir," she replied, obviously perturbed.
"Do you think the Death Eaters will fight fair?" he retorted with a sneer as he turned abruptly to address the class. "You must be ready for anything! ANY situation! Don't ever expect a Death Eater to fight fair." He glanced from face to face, a look of exasperation mixed with despair on his own. "They are cruel, cunning, and heartless. They will cut you down, piece by nasty little piece, and take bets as to how long you will last." His eyes bored into each and every one of them as they shrank in fear. He wished he could feed the technique to them intravenously, or make them all drink a potion that would let it sink in. He wondered how many of them would not survive this war. "These techniques could save your life if you take the time to learn them well. But they are not easy. So don't expect this class to be."
Sienna made her way back to her desk. She watched Severus as he gave his speech, then took out some parchment and the Defense Against the Dark Arts book for note taking. The entire class was given an essay assignment on the advantages of non-verbal spells in combat situations, due the following Friday.
When class was over and the bell rang, everyone left except Sienna. She made her way slowly up to the front of the room. Severus spotted her out of the corner of his eye and sat back in his chair. He tried to act impatient, even a bit annoyed, but inside he was dreading what would come. He had rehearsed his lines over and over, but that didn't make her responses any easier to hear.
"Have a good summer?" she asked casually.
"Delightful," he lied, "and you?"
"I went to the ashram for most of the summer. I really needed to recharge my spiritual batteries, be around people of like mind. It was wonderfully refreshing."
She was so cheery Severus began to feel nauseous. He looked through the piles of books and papers on his desk, trying to seem uninterested.
"I searched for you after the feast last night."
He didn't look up.
"I went to your office. I even went to your quarters. I know you were in there, but you wouldn't answer the door. I don't understand why you're trying to avoid me."
"Yes. Well, there are many things you don't understand, which became obvious in class today," he informed her with as much frost in his voice as he could summon.
"Oh, I thought I did pretty well, for someone without a wand!" said Sienna with a touch of annoyance in her voice.
He could feel her gaze, but he didn't meet it. She began to walk around the desk, no doubt in hopes of a hug. Severus stood with a sudden lurch and stepped back away from her.
"Severus, what's wrong?"
His eyes narrowed as they finally met hers, but he didn't answer.
"Why are you acting this way?" She tried to reach for his hand, but he recoiled again.
"I need to make something clear." Severus finally decided to say what had to be said and get it over with. "You will address me as Professor Snape or sir at all times. I don't care if we are alone on a deserted island, there will be no more first names."
Her look of pain reflected what was coming from his heart. But he could not afford to let it show.
"And another thing. There will be NO hugging, NO hand holding, NO touching of any kind! Do I make myself clear?"
"But..." She looked dumbfounded and crestfallen, perplexed and heartbroken, all at the same time. "Why? Why are you doing this?"
Severus took a deep breath. He had to keep going for her own good. "I regret that I let things get a bit out of hand last year. I should never have led you on like I did. If I gave you the wrong impression, I apologize." There, he had said it. He hoped it would be enough, but he was wrong. He should have known that she would never just walk away.
"Wrong impression? You're my friend. At least I thought you were. Was I wrong to think that?"
"Perhaps," Severus held his breath and searched her face for the same heartbreak he felt inside. But she suddenly became unreadable.
"Are you in need of a teacher's assistant this year, then?" she asked, stone-faced.
"Not this year. Besides," he added, hoping this would help focus her mind elsewhere, "you sit for N.E.W.T.s at the end of the year, so you'll have quite a lot to be getting on with."
Sienna's face turned to a scowl. "Is that what this is all about? You want me to focus on N.E.W.T.s?"
Severus remained silent for a moment. "I'm sure if you feel you have plenty of extra time, Professor Slughorn would benefit from your services," he finally forced himself to say, although the thought of her working for Slughorn turned his stomach.
Sienna's face screwed up as if she had just taken a swig of some foul-tasting medicine. "Professor Slughorn's a... well... I shouldn't judge or criticize. Let's just say I don't have much use for him or his Slug Club parties."
Severus finally chuckled. "You're not on the guest list, so you don't like him?"
Sienna glared at him. "First you humiliate me in front of the whole class, and now you insult me!"
Severus smirked. It almost felt like old times. "Insult you?" he asked innocently.
"I almost got sucked into his party on the train. He apparently got my name from Professor McGonagall because I did so well on my O.W.L.s. I couldn't care less about his parties. I'll probably spend the rest of the year trying to avoid them."
Her face turned serious and she took a step closer. This time, he didn't back away. "Why are you acting like this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "What happened over the summer that you're not telling me?" Her eyes searched his. They were filled with so much love and compassion.
He felt that his heart was about to break. What could he tell her? Certainly not the truth. The less she knew about his situation, the better. His heart felt like it was made of lead. "My life has become more... complicated," he replied gravely. "Please don't ask me to explain further." There was a finality in his tone that made her understand that that was all she was going to get out of him.
"Not even one little hug?" she reached for his hand with hope in her eyes.
He balled his fists and began to shake. She was making this so very difficult for him. "NO!" he said sternly through clenched teeth. "In fact, if you do anything more than accidentally brush up against me in a crowded hallway, I shall put you in detention!"
She opened her mouth, Severus guessed, to assure him that it would be a good excuse to spend more time together, but he cut her off. "...with SLUGHORN!"
After a brief flash of sorrowful disappointment, Sienna's face became stony once again. She turned slowly and walked back to her desk to gather up her books. He knew that inside she must be crying, just as he was. But outside, she was inscrutable, just as he was trying to be.
"See you at dinner," she said, almost too calmly, and walked out of the room.
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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...