From the Depths of the Night
Chapter 19 of 31
ClayPotterA grief stricken Severus carries Sienna's lifeless body back to her mother's house. But something happens that gives him hope after all.
Reviewed“From the Depths of the Night,
The Gift’s Potential Comes to Light”
“AVADA KEDAVRA!” screeched Voldemort.
Severus watched in horror as the jet of green light shot from Voldemort’s wand and hit Sienna squarely in the chest. Her body flew up and away in a spiral, hit the wall on the other side of the room and slid down to the floor like a limp rag doll. Severus jumped up and ran to her side where he knelt down. In hope against hope, he felt for a pulse. Nothing.
Sienna was dead.
Once again, just as it had been long ago, it was his fault. He had delivered her to Lord Voldemort on a silver platter. And as horrible as he felt inside, he could not show it outwardly. He took a deep breath and hardened himself for the moments ahead.
“You have an uncanny knack for picking meddlesome, uncooperative love interests, Severus. So sorry, my broken-hearted friend, but you saw her. I couldn’t allow her to live after treating me that way. Besides, you should be grateful. She obviously didn’t give a damn about you anymore.”
“What a waste,” added Wormtail who was staring at her, misty-eyed. “So beautiful.” There was a slight pause. “Why don’t we take her body to her mother’s house? We could leave her there and torch the place making it look like an accident.”
“What if her mother is home?” asked Severus as he stood up.
“Kill her, of course,” said Voldemort, as if suggesting the squashing of an insect.
“Can’t I just modify her memory?”
“I never trusted those Memory Charms,” said Voldemort. “Besides, she’s lost her husband, now her daughter, and she’s about to lose her home. You’ll be putting her out of her misery.” He let out a high-pitched laugh that made Severus’ blood run cold.
He knelt back down and gathered Sienna’s lifeless body into his aching arms. As he struggled to stand with the extra weight, he prayed under his breath that her mother would still be at St. Mungo’s.
“I would rather do this alone, my Lord.”
“No, Severus, I would rather Wormtail go with you in case there’s any trouble.”
Severus tried not to let his disappointment show on his face. “Very well. Wormtail?”
They made their way down the staircase and out the back door through the kitchen so they could Disapparate. Luckily it was a moonless, overcast night. No one would see them Apparate into the backyard of Sienna’s house. It was quiet in her neighborhood, but they still had to hide behind a hedge as one lone Muggle walked by with his dog. Then it was clear for them to make their way into the house.
Severus was relieved when they reached the back door and found that it was secured only by a Muggle-style deadbolt, easily opened with the flick of a wand. They walked through the kitchen and into the living room. Severus remembered this room from Sienna’s memory. There were a few more photos on the walls and on top of the piano, and the rug in front of the couch was different, but other than that, it hadn’t changed much in the 15 years since her father’s death.
Severus wondered what Wormtail would do, now that they were about to burn the house and all of its contents to the ground, erasing any hope of him finding the elusive “gift” that Severus now held in his arms. He laid Sienna’s body down on the couch and tried to ignore the intense ache in his heart.
“I’ll go upstairs and look around,” said Wormtail, “and make sure her mother’s not up there.”
Just as Severus had suspected, Wormtail wanted to make one last search of the house before they set it on fire. He nodded and watched Wormtail disappear up the staircase.
When at last he heard footsteps overhead, he heaved a heavy sigh, knelt down beside the couch and started to silently cry. As the tears streamed down his contorted face, he pushed her soft curls gently away from her forehead. “I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I’m so very, very sorry.” There was a painful pause, and then he continued, half talking to himself, half hoping somehow she could hear him. “I should have known better… I should never have let you get so close… I should never have let myself love you.” Had he actually just admitted it? Yes, he had indeed just said the words out loud. He had felt it for months, but had been afraid to admit it to himself for just this very reason. He laid his head on her chest and wrapped his arms around her. He was openly sobbing now and didn’t care if Wormtail overheard him. At this point, if such behavior got him in trouble with the Dark Lord, he would welcome death.
Suddenly, between his sobs, he heard what sounded like a heartbeat! Sienna’s chest rose like it was taking in air. He jumped up from beside the couch and drew his wand just as her eyes popped open. Could Voldemort turn her into an Inferi from a distance? The thought repulsed him.
“What is the meaning of this!” he barked, very alarmed. A mixture of surprise, anger, and disgust flashed across his tear-stained face. “Who are you?”
“Shh! Severus, it’s me,” whispered Sienna’s voice, but Severus was afraid to believe it. Her body was breathing normally and the color was returning to her cheeks. “Don’t let Wormtail hear you. He mustn’t know I’m alive.”
“This can’t be,” Severus lowered his voice, but continued to look and feel suspicious. “You were dead. There was no heart beat. I carried you – you were growing cold.” His logical mind made this scenario seem impossible. “Who are you? What kind of sick trick is this?”
“It’s not a trick – it’s really me. Use Legilimens if you don’t believe me.”
Severus thought for a moment as he eyed her warily, his wand still aimed at her head. Finally, he decided to chance the spell. Legilimens, he thought. It was as if time stood still. In an instant he saw every memory of every moment they had spent together, in chronological order. Her vision was even in there at the moment in time when he had first viewed it and again when she had seen it in his thoughts. Even if Voldemort had been able to access her memories, he would not have known the order in which they occurred. Could this really be Sienna back from the dead? She had only been dead for about eight minutes. The books she had given him to read about near death experiences spoke of people being resuscitated after an even longer period of time without ill effects. But he still eyed her with suspicion.
She could read him, as always, and could tell he needed more convincing. “Ask me something only you and I would know. Go on.”
Severus thought for a moment. “What do I always keep in the top right desk drawer in my office?”
She didn’t hesitate with her answer. “A generous supply of Honeydukes chocolate and at least two bezoars just in case of emergency. I could do with some of that chocolate right now. I wonder if Mum’s got any in the kitchen.” She started to get up, but Severus, wand still at the ready, took a menacing step in her direction. She stayed calm, and an amused look crossed her face. “Hey, if I know where Mum keeps her chocolate, then this must be my house too, right?”
He scowled, then motioned that she could get up. He silently followed her into the kitchen, his wand still pointed in her direction. She went straight to the candy cabinet and pulled out a dark chocolate bar, broke it in half and offered one of the pieces to him. Finally convinced, he lowered his wand and took the broken pieces of chocolate and placed them both on the kitchen counter. Then he wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her so tightly that she might have imagined he was Hagrid. When he finally loosened his grip, he looked down into her eyes and realized he was crying again. But this time the tears were from joy, a joy with an intensity that he had never felt before. By some miracle he was getting another chance.
“How? How can you be standing here?” He still couldn’t bring himself to believe it.
“I’m not sure if I can explain it,” she started slowly, “but I’ll try. When the curse hit me, I felt the same intense, pure fear that my father felt. Remember I told you about that?”
Severus nodded.
“And my spirit jumped from my body to save itself... sort of an instinctual reaction. So technically I was dead. But I didn’t leave. I didn’t see a tunnel or anything. My spirit was still in the room with you three. I heard everything that you all said, and I felt what you were feeling. It was fascinating. But then something extraordinary happened: my consciousness began to expand.”
Severus looked at her with skepticism. He wondered if eight minutes without oxygen to the brain had caused some damage after all.
“Hey, have you ever died?” she said, looking irritated.
“Not that I can remember,” he admitted.
“Then cut me some slack!” she exclaimed, as if she were reading his mind. “I became aware of my oneness with the Universe – I know it sounds ridiculous, but I could really feel it – I can still feel it. I’m part of you, Severus, and you are part of me. We are all connected. I don’t need Legilimens to communicate nonverbally, and I don’t need eye contact either. And I believe that the distance between us will make no difference. Time and space are both illusions when viewed from a spiritual perspective…. You’ll feel it too, eventually.”
Severus stared at her with worried eyes. He still wasn’t sure of her sanity, but kept his mind open.
“I’ve been taught, since I was five years old, that we are like waves on the ocean of spirit. The ocean creates us, sustains us; without it, we wouldn’t exist. We are all one through the infinite ocean of spirit, Severus. But we can’t see it because we look at the world through our physical eyes. When I died, I could no longer do that. I had no choice but to experience existence from a spiritual point of view!”
Severus observed her with a knitted brow. “I think – I’m trying to understand,” he groped for the words.
“It’s as if I merged with you – all three of you, even Voldemort!”
“What?” asked Severus in disbelief – now he knew she must be delusional. “You possessed the Dark Lord?”
“No—no—I had no control over anyone’s actions or thoughts, but I could sense what you were all thinking, knew what you were going to do before you did it, what you were going to say before you said it – even Voldemort!”
Severus raised his eyebrows at this. To be able to get inside Voldemort’s head could be an incredible asset to the Order. “Really?”
“And of course, I could still feel what you were all feeling.” Sienna stopped and put her hand on his chest, right over his heart. As she rubbed the spot gently, she said, “The depths of your pain were almost unbearable. I love you too much to let you suffer like that. I was determined to let you know somehow that I was OK. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t get your attention. So, when you Apparated here, I came. Not sure how, I just willed myself here, and here I was.
“But coming here triggered the memory of my father’s autopsy. There was nothing wrong with him, remember?”
Severus nodded again.
“No reason for him to have died,” she said.
“Just like the Dark Lord’s father and grandparents,” he added.
“Exactly.” Her voice trailed off as she tried to find the right words. “I guess it’s my years of meditative practice. As you know, I have left my body and come back on several occasions. And in meditation I always feel peaceful and happy. But in death, I felt incredible joy – bliss – I can’t describe it. To be honest, at first I didn’t want to come back. But I could sense your horror and the intensity of your sadness. I could feel the depths of your love for me more strongly than I ever felt it when I was alive. I knew then that I had to at least try to come back. I would do anything to ease your pain. And if my body was still in perfect health, there was no reason why I couldn’t just will my spirit back into my body. So… I did, and here I am!”
“So that’s the key to surviving the curse, you have to love someone enough to give up eternal bliss for them?”
“Not give it up, just postpone it for a while.” She smiled up at him, beaming. “But yes, I guess that is essentially the key.”
“So why do you suppose no one has ever come back before?”
“Well, people don’t realize they have a choice, I guess. How many wizards do you know that meditate?”
Severus shrugged, shaking his head.
“If I hadn’t been meditating all these years, I wouldn’t have known. I’m sure I would still be dead.”
“But what now? Wormtail will be back down any minute.”
“There’s so much I want to tell you… But it will have to wait. I’ll get back on the couch and pretend to still be dead. When you Disapparate, I’ll be out the next second.” Sienna started to reach for her chocolate, but Severus grabbed her arm and brought her close again.
“I was informed that you took your N.E.W.T.s.”
“Yes.”
“So you’re through with school?”
“Well, I don’t know how I did, yet”
“I have it on good authority that you passed all subjects with flying colors.”
“Really? That’s nice to know. Well, then I guess I am through with school.”
“Good,” he gazed into the depths of her silvery green eyes. He wanted to get lost in the love that was radiating from them. “I’ve been waiting to do this for months…”
Severus gently cupped her face in his hands. As he bent down to finally kiss her, he felt his heart start to race. Her hot breath caressed his cheek as his parted lips met hers in silent ecstasy. His heart was beating so hard he thought it would explode right out of his chest as her soft wet mouth danced with his. It must be the Tango, he thought. Such passion… such expression. As his mouth explored hers with reckless abandon, he felt the kiss grow deeper. His hands slid down and wrapped around the small of her back. He pulled her closer as her hands moved up and around his neck. She was running her fingers through his hair! No one had ever done that before! He made a mental note to wash it more often.
To have finally found love again after so many years, so much lonely misery… it seemed almost too good to be true. He wanted this moment to last forever. It was everything he had hoped it would be.
“Severus!” Wormtail’s voice floated down from upstairs.
They broke apart like two magnets whose south poles had been forced together. She ran to the couch as she took a bite of her chocolate.
“Severus, could you give me a hand up here?”
“I’ll be up in a minute,” Severus yelled. He took a bite of his own chocolate and strode over to the couch, sitting beside her as she swung her feet up.
“You must reach Potter and teach him what you told me. If he can learn to survive the Avada Kedavra Curse, he will truly be invincible just as the prophecy said. Perhaps you can teach them all.”
“I’ll find him. But I’m worried about you. Can you make yourself come back if you get hit?”
“I’ve never meditated so I don’t have your experience, but I’ll try.”
“You’re strong-willed and have great powers of concentration. That’s more important. That’s all it takes. Use your will power. I know you can do it, Severus.”
“I’ll do my best. But know this,” he gazed once again into her shimmering green eyes, “that no matter what happens I love you… to the depths of my soul.”
“I know.” She smiled. “I think I knew it before you would even admit it to yourself.”
“Severus, what’s taking you so long?” cried Wormtail from overhead.
“Be right there!” Severus shot an irritated glance up at the ceiling. Then he turned back to Sienna. They shared another passionate kiss. Who could know when they would get another chance?
“Severus! Who are you talking to?”
“Just trying to rig the stove to blow up.”
“Well, get up here already!”
“In a minute! I don’t take orders from you!” Severus glared at the ceiling. He turned and flicked his wand at the stove, and it pulled away from the wall. Good, a gas line hookup. This would be easy. He could create a gas leak and ignite it from a distance after they had Disapparated.
“You must leave within seconds of us. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
He looked one last time into Sienna’s eyes, caressing her cheek with his hand. “I’ll send you my Patronus if I can meet you somewhere.” She nodded. Their lips melted together once more, and then he bounded up the stairs. She lay back down, closed her eyes, and waited.
After helping Wormtail open a trunk that had a tricky Locking Spell on it, they returned with several items in hand. Severus walked over to the stove and rigged some nearby electrical wires to look like they had shorted out, causing a spark to ignite the fire. Then he created what the Muggle investigators would think was a tiny stress crack in the pipe to cause the leak.
“That should do it,” he insisted confidently as he moved the stove back into position. “Let’s get out of here,” Severus instructed Wormtail, and they ran out the back door into the yard. From there they Disapparated to the park down the block, so they could watch the place burn from a safe distance.
Severus wanted to be sure that Sienna had enough time to get out the back door and Disapparate to safety, so he hesitated just a moment before casting the Incendio spell.
“What’s the hold up?” asked Wormtail. “Not having second thoughts, are you, Severus?”
“It just seems a waste, that’s all. A perfectly good house.”
“You want me to do it? I know she meant something to you, mate.”
Severus tried not to show his irritation with Wormtail’s pitiful attempt at compassion.
“No, I’ll do it. I feel it’s my duty.” He tried to show sorrow on his face, but inside, he was jumping for joy. Not only was Sienna alive, but Voldemort believed she was dead, which kept her out of danger. If Voldemort saw her again in his memories, he would assume the incidents had happened before he had killed her. And if she could teach Potter and the other Order members her new-found skill, Voldemort would surely be defeated. “Incendio,” he said while stifling a smile as he directed the ball of fire down the chimney and into the kitchen. The house suddenly exploded, but Severus felt in his heart that Sienna had escaped unharmed. They would be together again as soon as he could slip away for a while. Yes, things were definitely looking up.
A/N: Believe it or not, I wrote the previous confrontation scene and this resurrection scene before DH came out. Somehow I just knew that Harry would need to survive the Avada Kedavra curse. JKR made it perfectly clear that the bodies of Voldemort's father and grandparents showed no sign of trauma; therefore no one could be charged with their murder. Of course, her situation was a bit different from mine, but Harry had Dumbledore to inform him of his choice to return or move on. Sienna had her meditation and deep love for Severus to motivate her to at least try to come back. What was the worst that could happen if she didn't succeed? She was already dead.
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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...