New Chapter for King of Swords

Love can be called many things, safe is not one of them, love is a dangerous thing, nothing can hurt so much, for so long, but it also heals the deepest wounds, and saves souls that have been lost. This story has a fine balance, I very much look forward to reading more.

10/10

Dreamy_Dragon

I finished this a while ago, and didn't review right away because it was late at night and I was sleepy, and then I didn't remember to come back and leave you a review ~hangs head in shame~I absolutely adore this. Your use of magic, the characterisation of Severus and Hermione and their journey to healing and love are simply wonderful. Your story really struck a cord with me. Thank you so much for writing it!

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

Ooh, I completely understand how that happens since it happens to me with disturbing frequency. Thank you, though, for coming back to tell me how you felt about the story. It really makes my day... my week! It was a journey for me in the writing, and so to know that it struck a chord means the world to me. I'm thrilled! *glomps

10/10

Dumbledor was right about one thing, Love IS the most powerful magic.

10/10

Hermione's bitterness is heartbreaking, but understandable, given all she has endured. Severus is in the dark, in more ways than one, Dumbeldore again, in his "wisdom".

10/10

My heart is breaking for, Severus and Hremione, looking forward to the rest of this intriguing tale.

10/10

OMG! I just did the most incredibly stupid thing! I thought I was going to my favorites list to find this stpry to review, but no. Somehow, (I blame it on the new glasses that I can;t get used to) instead of clicking on Favorites and writing you a review, I clicked on My Stories and left your review stuck to the end of my own stupid story. How embarrassing is that? At least I get to fix my gush-induced spelling errors... o.OReprinted for your pleasure:

Amazing. I know I'm a turkey for not reviewing each and every chapter, but I knew it would soon devolve into repetitive "Amazings" I got so caught up in your story. The damaged pair slowly trudging for the light. The beautiful Neville, the glory that was Ron's enlightenment and subsequent reaching for the right way. Harry's stubbornness even as the healing had already started. The desperate pain that was Ginny. Mostly it was Arthur, aside from SS and HG, that tugged at my heart. The love of/for Molly was an awesome thing to see. I'm stunned at this world you created and it is clinging to my thoughts even after I finally finished. Thank you, so much, for the time and energy and effort you put in to such an entertaing tale.Oh, hell. I just realized I must have given myself five stars. This is soooo embarrassing.

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

Oh, noes! Thanks for copying it all over to here! *grins I was hoping that you'd got caught up in the story (rather than gotten bored and wandered off to read something else). I'm thrilled. This is the first time I've written a real ensemble, so it's especially heartening to hear that each of those characters spoke to you and that their emotional journeys rang true. That the world and the characters should linger even after you've finished reading is the greatest compliment of all. Thank you! *hugshugshugs

Response from Aurette (Reviewer)

It was incredible. The image that sticks the most is the two of them clinging to each other on the couch. So much peace, after such despair... Beautiful. Fantastic story.

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

Oh, I adore that scene, too. Cecelle illustrated it for me last summer. I really should upload it and post it with the chapter. :) I'm so happy you enjoyed the story so much,

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

. Makes my day! *grins Is this the first thing you've read of mine?

0/10

"What is the seed? What makes it grow? And what can we use to eradicate it?”How perfect is Neville? You have captured him brilliantly, his core strength - choked by his insecurity and eagerness to please - and welded him to an older, mature and yet scarred man. Such a pleasure to meet him this way, even if it is because he is damaged.Sorry I slacked on reviews, I really got swept up in it all...

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

*beams I must say that I really enjoy this Neville, myself. So glad you got swept up... *bounces Thanks for stopping long enough to comment!

0/10

“There is no ugliness in you that would ever make me go. None.” He didn’t know how he knew this; only that it was true."The brilliance of this chapter is that this line rings so true, and yet when you step back they've only been together for a handful of hours. You have laid down an excellent foundation.

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

Thank you... I'm not usually one for instant attachment. There's usually a slower build. And yet... He knew it was true and would have it no other way. It's reassuring to know that it works for the reader and doesn't feel too fast... Severus would be pleased. :)

10/10

“How did you determine that this resulted from Horcrux exposure, Miss Granger? What do you believe the Horcruxes did to you—” He scowled. “To us?” I love these moments. I love how angry his is to be included, when we know how lonely he is underneath it all. So bitter sweet.“And she... she was melting into the sticky tar of memory, buried in a swamp of emotion whose shores were too eroded to contain it.” Fantastic imagery. “I will do this with you … I will stay with you until the end.” *thud* WOW!!!Holy hell, woman! This is good stuff!

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

Ambivalence, thy name is Severus Snape. *sigh... He surprised the heck out of me there at the end... but it's what he needed to do. It's the first step towards healing, methinks. *iz super excited that you're enjoying this... *grins ear to ear

10/10

“I will not, he thought, and the wave of sorrow that engulfed him shook him with its intensity.” And right here, you have captured everything I love about his character. The moment when he reveals himself gave me goosebumps. Sooo well done! So easy to overplay your hand in a scene like that. Masterful!Soul magic! I looove soul magic! So many lovely things you can do with it. It’s like taffy!Oooooo… Horcrux poisoning… So obvious, and yet I don’t recall another story that ever dealt with it before. Excellent!Oh, this is yummy, indeed. I’m so glad I dangled it in front of myself like a treat. It is more than worthy of the wait…

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

Oh, me, too,

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

. His grief is enormous and so compelling. He *wants* to join and yet believes he can't. I aso adore soul magic -- so rich with possibility. :) Poor Hermione -- she was really, really confused and also pretty wiped out. It makes me happy to know I hit the right balance there. Hee.As for the idea of Horcrux poisoning, I hadn't seen that dealt with anywhere, either. I actually used a similar premise (done very differently) in "Tree of Life" which was written for the SSHG Exchange at a point early in the writing of this story. For me, it is impossible to imagine that one can do such horrific damage to one's soul (not to mention the murder of others) without doing corresponding damage on a much wider level. I'm enjoying your comments so much -- you've made my day, my dear. Thank you, and I can't wait to watch your responses as the story unfolds. What fun!

10/10

As I look down at my notes for chapter 22 all I see is the one word I jotted down "rebirth". You truly have given them all another chance at life. What a gift even to fiction characters. This is an amazing story. I am so glad I was able to share in it. Thanks M

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

*beams I'm so glad you enjoyed the story -- SO glad, my dear. I hope that the healing I felt writing it comes through in the reading of it. Thank you for your wonderful, thoughtful reviews of each chapter. You deserve a reward, my dear.

10/10

Is Neville in some sort of healing sleep? What? ACK! I am so glad I am not reading this as a WIP. I could not have taken the pressure!!

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

*grins Suspense!!

10/10

The quest feel biblical this chapter. They are pilgrims setting off for the unknown. I am glad SS snaped at FF. He needed to hear that Filius supports and defends him. I very much liked it when the tarot card reader refered to SS as a "card wielder" I got chills.

Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)

@beams... Thank you. :) Quest, yes. I agree--Severus did need to hear from Filius, and Filius needed to say what he did to Severus. The card reader is interesting, I think. She gives me chills, too. :)

10/10