Mysteries of the Mind
Chapter 4 of 31
ClayPotterSeverus returns to Voldemort on Dumbledore's orders but brings back more than just an unpleasant memory.
ReviewedDisclaimer: All characters and dialogue you recognize are from the brilliant Harry Potter book series by J. K. Rowling. I have written this as a parallel to the last four installments of the series. Because of this, there are times when I recreate J. K. Rowling's dialogue word for word, in order to conform to her canon. This story was written strictly for fun; no profit has been made in the writing or sharing of this story.
I'd like to extend my deepest thanks to my two wonderful betas, JenGeorge and NervousAboutAngels, for their diligent proofreading and suggestions. They really helped to improve my story.
Chapter 4
"The Mysteries of the Mind Unveiled,
The Sanity of the Mind Derailed"
Several hours later, Severus Apparated back to Hogsmeade Station. He fell to his knees as he stopped spinning. Every muscle, every bone ached as if he had been run over by the Knight Bus. And although he had no severe injuries, his body was covered with the scrapes and bruises that were caused when he was writhing on the ground under the influence of the Cruciatus Curse. He hit his head on one of the grave stones as he fell for the third time. After that, he lost count. He didn't realize the body could endure so much pain. He began to understand how the Longbottoms could have ended up in the long term mental ward at St. Mungo's. If Voldemort had kept it up much longer, he feared his new home would have been somewhere between them and Gilderoy Lockhart.
As he recited the complicated incantation to unlock the front gates, he wondered if he had the strength to make it up the long path to the castle. He slowly hobbled along, finding a new meaning for the word "agony" with every step. He finally reached the front entry way and collapsed against the door. A few seconds later it opened as Argus Filch peered out to see what made the noise. Severus poured himself into the front hall and onto the hard stone floor. Its cool surface felt soothing to his aching muscles. He let out a huge sigh. He had made it. He was home.
"Professor Snape!" exclaimed Filch. "What on earth?"
"Could you help me to my quarters, please, then go fetch the Headmaster?"
"Shouldn't you be going to the hospital wing, sir?"
"No," insisted Severus, whose voice had become hoarse from the gasps and screams of pain he had suffered earlier. "Tell no one of my condition. I must get to my quarters before I'm seen."
"Alright, sir, stay calm." Filch helped him up with some difficulty. But they maneuvered their way down the staircase without incident or excess noise. Filch deposited him in his four poster bed and ran out to summon Dumbledore.
As Severus lay in bed staring at the ceiling, the events of his visit with the Dark Lord began to replay in his head. He remembered their conversation, how he offered an explanation for his tardiness as waiting to return on Dumbledore's orders to keep up his cover. He told Voldemort about the apprehension of Crouch and why he would never again be of any use to Voldemort, or anyone else for that matter. He told him of Harry's safe return and Fudge's disbelief. Fudge's reaction greatly pleased Voldemort. But then he told him of Dumbledore's actions to resurrect the Order of the Phoenix. In a flash, this news squelched the Dark Lord's charitable mood. Since there was no one left to vent the night's frustrations on, Severus bore the brunt of his full wrath.
"Crucio!" spat Voldemort in Severus' memory. Suddenly, the ceiling in his room vanished and he was back in the graveyard, staring up at the night sky, writhing and screaming in pain! How could this be? He had made it back to Hogwarts Filch had helped him to his room. He couldn't be back in the graveyard. But the pain was so real it wasn't just a memory.
As he felt the curse lift and the pain subside, the ceiling came back into focus. He searched his body in amazement, just as he had done in the graveyard, as he realized that the pain had all been in his mind! He still had his toe and fingernails. His ribs and groin were still intact. He could move his legs, so they could not be broken as he felt surely they were just moments ago.
Suddenly, the door burst open and Dumbledore swooped in. "Severus, it's alright. You're safe now."
Severus just stared at him, still out of breath from the pain.
"You were screaming in agony just now. I could hear you all the way up in the entrance hall!"
"I was back in the graveyard..." Severus tried to sit up, but his sore muscles had other ideas.
"You must have been reliving the memory of the Cruciatus Curse. It is a common aftereffect for someone who has suffered it multiple times in succession. You don't just remember it, you relive it."
Understanding began to dawn across Severus' face as he grasped the full meaning of Dumbledore's statement. He had heard that this could happen, but to experience it first hand was quite another matter. "How long do these lingering effects last?" he asked with trepidation.
"A week or two, if they are not permanent," Dumbledore replied with more than just a touch of concern in his voice.
"Permanent?" A feeling of horror began to well up inside him as flashbacks of the night's events began to surface again. He saw Dumbledore turn towards the door and cast a Muffliato spell. Then the door faded, and all he could see were two pairs of boots and the base of a grave stone. All he could hear were his own distant screams as his toenails ripped themselves off. Dumbledore was right it wasn't just a nightmarish memory. He was experiencing it all over again.
Wave after wave of excruciating torture ebbed and flowed across his consciousness until, after what seemed like hours, the pain finally began to subside and only the memories remained. He felt lips press against his forehead as a light fragrance of lavender caressed his nostrils. A gentle hand lifted his head, and he drank heartily from a ceramic cup. Was that a sleeping draught? Finally, in a state of utter exhaustion, he drifted into a deep dreamless sleep.
When Severus woke up, Dumbledore was sitting by his bed, reading a book named Unique Talents of Witches and Wizards Documented Through the Ages by Jonathan William Williamson. He looked up from the book and smiled widely. "Back among the living, I see!" he exclaimed with a twinkle in his eye.
"What time is it?" asked Severus, still very groggy.
"I think the more pertinent question would be, 'What day is it?'"
Severus' eyes grew wide. He simply stared at Dumbledore in silence, waiting for an answer.
"You've been out for three days."
"Three DAYS!" Severus sat up, then groaned. He was still quite sore. "What did you give me?"
"Me?" asked Dumbledore with mock innocence, "I didn't give you anything. Miss Kaolin nursed you back to health. She brewed you up a dreamless sleeping draught after she used a Muggle hands-on healing technique I had never seen before. I've read about it, but I've also read that 99% of the Muggles that practice it are fakes, taking advantage of people for their own personal gain. She was amazing, Severus. If it weren't for her, you'd be in St. Mungo's now, and probably in no better shape than you were when you got back three days ago."
"How did she find out?"
"The morning of your return she came here looking for you. It was very early. She could tell the Muffliato spell had been cast on the door, so she started pounding on it, demanding answers. I had to let her in to keep her quiet. The instant she saw my face she knew something terrible had happened. She didn't ask for an explanation. She just wanted to help you. I was at a loss as to what to do, so I let her try. While all the other students were eating breakfast and getting on the train, she was in here with you. Since I had to oversee the loading of the students, I was grateful for her help. When all the commotion was over and I returned, you were sleeping. She said you should be much better when you woke up, but, as you have already discovered, your muscles would still be sore."
"Where is she now?"
"She Disapparated home yesterday. She offered to stay, but I told her I could take it from here...sorry to disappoint you!" Dumbledore added as a sad look crossed Severus' face.
"Will you kiss my forehead and wear lavender perfume?"
Dumbledore chuckled. "Not likely."
"It wouldn't be the same anyway." A few moments of silence passed between them.
"She kissed you on the forehead?"
"I believe so, but I may have dreamt it."
"She probably did, but don't flatter yourself. From what I've read about her hands-on technique, it's part of the healing process. Since your mind needed to be healed, that was the most effective way for her to transfer her energy to the affected area."
Again, disappointment spread across Severus' face.
"Oh, don't worry, Severus. Miss Kaolin cares for you very deeply. She never even asked me how you came to be in this state. All that mattered to her was your well-being." Dumbledore gave him a few minutes to bask in the warmth of that knowledge, then he continued. "Now, perhaps you can tell me what happened that night without screaming in agony."
Severus recapped the information he had relayed to Voldemort. Dumbledore agreed that it was nothing he wouldn't have found out about sooner or later from other sources, so no harm was done in revealing it.
"But something in him snapped when I told him you were starting the Order back up. After the third Crucio, I lost count. He stopped short of driving me to insanity, because, as he put it, my usefulness is not yet expended. Then he simply Disapparated to points unknown, leaving Wormtail to help me off the ground. Wormtail explained with mock regret that it seemed, with the exception of a groveling Avery, none of the other Death Eaters who had returned that night suffered anything more than a lecture. It seemed I was the only one who had born the total weight of his wrath."
"And what wrath it was," added Dumbledore thoughtfully, "all for the daring escape of Harry Potter."
*****
Later that day, Severus forced himself out of bed and sank his aching muscles into a hot bath. He felt much better afterwards and managed to get dressed and do some end-of-year paperwork in his office. He still felt tired, however, and after a couple of hours he went back to his quarters to rest. He still had a lot of recuperating to do before he would feel like himself. As he lay in his bed to catch a nap before dinner, he drifted into a light sleep.
"I told you that you would need her." Lily's soft, sweet voice floated up to his waiting ears.
"More than I ever imagined," Severus had to admit. "Did you know this was going to happen? Did you know she was a healer?"
"I can't tell specific events of the future, but I can see the spiritual energies of people. Your energy blends well with hers. When you're together you feed off of each other, compliment each other. You need her, Severus. She'll be the best friend you'll ever have, if you let her."
"Just my friend?" he asked with a touch of disappointment in is voice.
"Aahh, so you have taken a fancy to her. Good!"
"I don't know if I'd go so far as to say that," he insisted.
She ignored his denial. "All good relationships must have a foundation of true friendship if they are to last." She radiated a wisdom that made him feel the logic of her statement.
"Of course," he agreed.
"Don't you think you should thank her? She did save you from a fate similar to the Longbottoms'."
"Would I have ended up like them?" he asked, alarmed at the thought.
"It's possible. At the very least, she saved you from months of memory charm therapy."
He hadn't looked at it that way. He hadn't thought of the alternatives at all. Suddenly he realized that he had taken her actions for granted. Guilt spread over him like a Devil's Snare vine. "What should I do?"
Lily laughed. "Are you such a social misfit? Send her an owl. Nothing fancy, keep it simple. It will mean the world to her."
Severus looked into Lily's sparkling green eyes. Such a comforting sight, even if they were only in his dreams. "I'll send her a letter after dinner," he promised.
"She'll like that, Severus. It will be worth the trouble." Lily reached up and caressed his cheek. "Let her in," she pleaded as her face, her eyes, her touch faded from his senses.
Severus fell into a much deeper sleep and found himself fully clothed on his bed the next morning. He woke with a start as he looked at his watch and realized it was already 6:30 a.m. He took the growl in his empty stomach as a good sign. As he slowly crawled off the bed with achy muscles, he remembered his dream with Lily. He would freshen up, go to breakfast, then come back and write to Sienna.
An hour and a half later, Severus sat at his desk with quill and parchment at the ready. His belly was full and he felt content, but the daunting task of writing a letter to Sienna lay ahead. He truly didn't know what to say to her. She may have just saved his life! But it wasn't exactly a life debt situation because his physical existence wasn't threatened. But something he held much more dear his sanity was on the line. She helped him keep it. How do you thank someone for that?
And then there was the matter of appropriate behavior. She was a student, after all. He felt odd writing to her for any reason, even this one. But a "Thank You" note was acceptable as etiquette would dictate, so he forged ahead with his task...
My Dearest Sienna,
(Crumple, toss -- too personal...)
Dear Miss Kaolin, (much better)
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart... (What am I thinking? She's a student. My heart can't enter into any of this! Crumple, toss)
Dear Miss Kaolin,
Thank you so much for all your energy and hard work. I couldn't have recovered without you. (LAME! Crumple, toss)...
Severus wrote several drafts before he finally came up with just the right combination of words to convey his sentiment without sounding too personal. It was a difficult balance. He inwardly wished that the student/teacher barrier wasn't there because he felt more than he could allow himself to say. As he realized this, he struggled even more. They had two years left in their roles as student and teacher. He felt a very strong responsibility to keep his professional distance, even though his heart, Lily, and sometimes even Albus Dumbledore seemed to encourage him to do otherwise.
Dear Miss Kaolin,
Words cannot express my gratitude at your efforts on my behalf earlier this week. Although I was not even aware of your presence in the room (this bend in the truth helped to add a bit of distance between them), I certainly felt your effects.
I have been informed that you saved me from months of emotional therapy, or perhaps worse. As I am very interested in different types of healing, I hope you will consider sharing your techniques with me sometime.
I shall look forward to teaching you (and perhaps learning from you) in the coming year.
I am Sincerely,
Your Professor,
Severus Snape
Potions master
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
P.S. I also look forward to receiving a report on your OWL results, but as I stated earlier, don't expect a reply.
Severus read the letter over and over, tweaking it to perfection. He finally copied it onto one of his finest pieces of 100 percent papyrus, slipped it into a matching envelope, and stamped it with the Hogwarts seal. By the time the letter was ready for mailing it was lunch time. In the hopes he would be able to talk one of the remaining staff into walking it up to the owlery to save his aching muscles the trip, he decided to have lunch in the Great Hall.
As he, Dumbledore, and the few staff members who planned to stay the summer settled into their seats around the staff table, a barn owl swooped down through the rafters and landed on the table in front of Severus. It took him by surprise. He couldn't remember the last time someone had sent him an owl. He untied the box of chocolates that was attached to its leg and offered it food from his plate. As it ate heartily, he read the accompanying note.
My Dear Professor Snape,
Hope this helps to speed your recovery, so I can see you alive and well in September.
Fondly,
Sienna Kaolin
Perfect, thought Severus as he pulled out his note. Since it was already sealed, he turned it over on the back and wrote, "Thanks also for the chocolates." Then he tied the note to the barn owl's waiting leg and sent it on its way.
Yes, Severus thought with satisfaction, for the first time, he was actually looking forward to September.
Story Actions
To follow, favorite, like, and more either log in or create an account.
Leave a Review
Log in to leave a review.
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...