New Chapter for King of Swords
King of Swords
shefa440 Reviews | 6.8/10 (440 Ratings, 0 Likes, 125 Favorites )
It was only after Snape followed her into the neglected shop, moving furtively between the shafts of sunlight that pierced the gloom, that it occurred to him to wonder why, ten years after the Battle of Hogwarts, Hermione Granger was running. And why, in a world with magic, real magic, she should be seeking the counsel of a Muggle Tarot reader.
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About shefa
Author
shefa
Member Since 2007 | 24 Stories | Favorited by 151 | 73 Reviews Written | 944 Review Responses
Relatively longtime reader of this OTP, fervent SSHG shipper.
Reviews for King of Swords
Oh my, something is going on here, their magic is all out of whack. It's so sad that none of the others would even consider Hermione's theories, maybe they wouldn't have suffered for so many years.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
It's entirely out of whack, yes. And part of what's out of whack is that they're not listening to each other... so sad.
“There is no ugliness in you that would ever make me go. None.”*sigh* this line just made my little heart go pitty pat. I hope he's right. This reaction to the horcruxes, sounds very dark and incidious. I hope they can combine forces and overcome it an help the others as well. Poor Hermione, it sounds like she been barely getting by. Sounds a lot like PTS.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
That, alone, is healing--the promise to stay. The Horcrux poison is insidious, but they are on their way to healing. And yes, part of the reaction you're seeing in them is Post-Traumatic Stress-like...
They've both been through hell but perhaps by working together and helping each other there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Oh, yes. We can hope :)
Aha, it's coming back to me now. The Horcrux exposure. And who was exposed more than Severus, who, like Arthur was bitten by one. And of course let's not forget all that time the trio carried around the locket, and the the cup before the destroyed them. Oh my this is not a good thing. Will they find a cure? I hope so. Must hurry on to next chapter.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Ah, yes. It's in his very blood. They've all had so much exposure to the poison. Terribly painful...
Lovely balance of dark and light, internal and external influences, and love and hate. Kudos to you and your team! :D
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Thank you very much. *grins Balance is the word!
Just so you know my pervy little mind wondered if it was going to be a SS/HG/NL threesome to rid the shadow! LOL! I like how seeing the Hogwarts ground took SS by surprise. Its good of him to not micro manage every encounter. SS and NL joking is priceless. More pleaseOh and the gardening terms make my green leafy heart beat faster! Go garden motifs!
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
*grins... You should know that Annie had the EXACT same response when she read the drafts of this chapter. She kept poking me for it even when I sent her the last chapters... "Where's the threesome?" ROTFL. But in all seriousness, I can see where that thought comes from. There's a comfort that grows quickly between these three that *could* (in another author's hands) have been developed into that threesome. :) I'm SO glad that you enjoyed SS and NL joking. I giggle every time I read SS's request for Neville to ask as many questions as he possibly can. Poetic justice. *grins
Response from MollysSister (Reviewer)
I am tickled to know Annie and I had the same thoughts! LOL!
A fascinating, captivating, mysterious start, filled with aching longing (on both their parts). So evocative and mournful, I am really looking forward to seeing where you take us. I know the journey will be moving and wonderful.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Oh, hai! Aching longing is precisely the feeling I had for them when I wrote this. Mournful--that's precisely where they've been living for way too long. *hopes you continue to enjoy
Thank you for this beautiful tale of love and renewal. The symbolism of the lack of balance between the light and the dark is a perfect metaphor for the journeys of the heart that all of us must make from time to time. When the darkness overwhelms us, we must get through that desert of sadness and anger in order to find the healing and peace on the other side. We must surrender to the feelings, feel the sadness, for only then can we be rid of our desolate outlook and move into concord with the world once again.This story has been a joy to follow, and I'm so grateful that you wrote it and shared it with us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.Hugs you,Beth
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Yes! You have it just right. We can't fight or avoid the darkness--everybody has some. We have to come to terms with it and let it flow... that's how we can ultimately find balance b/c it then allows the good to flow, too. :) I'm so glad that you came along for the ride with this story, Beth. Your reviews have been magnificent--I thank you for taking the time to craft such thoughtful reviews.
Even though they were fearful as they made their way through the tunnel, they didn't give up and didn't give in to their nameless fears. The forest glade they found themselves in was a picture of healing and tranquility. I hope Severus could feel that, too.These sentient wand-wood trees seem to have a calming effect, and I loved that Neville was the one to first realize what was possible here. His communication with the cherry tree gave him so much peace that he was able to relax into the welcoming arms of his tree and truly rest for the first time in ages.Such a lovely chapter. I'm off to see what happens.Beth
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
They did persist despite their fears. They could only do that b/c of how far they'd already come together. Severus could feel their joy and relief when they came out of the tunnel, but he doesn't understand why. Yet. Neville trusts the trees, so he would be the first to surrender to their healing magic. So glad you enjoyed; thanks for such a thoughtful review.
I get goose bumps when I ponder the spread of cards. The reality infused on these fictional characters and our love of them. Shivers I tell you. Really what will they tell Neville? So we did some divination and we think it will all come up roses? Fuzzy answers from 2 known for their logic. LOL! What a meeting that will be.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
*beams... Shivers are good in this case. As for what to tell Neville... they're not sure, either. They are in territory they are so unfamiliar with -- intuitive. Not logical. Wheeeee! :)
I hate to be overly pratical but what about birth control? I would assume that she cannot conceive because to create life there can be no darkness. Right? That and she is obviously unhealthy which won't help either. I am so glad that the heather card came up for the present. I didnt want their night together to be a one off. I don't know that they can heal without that level of intimacy. Also I forget to mention previously: Can I slap Ginny please?
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
It's a reasonable question. I see it as a combination of unconscious magic protecting them, but also their depletion and struggle with the shadow would make it nearly impossible to conceive. You are right, I think, that part of the healing comes from their intimacy (all levels). And Ginny needs slapping right about now. I agree.
Humm methinks Hermione was right when she asked if the cards would be/are directing their behavior. Not that I am complaining. Naked time is always fun to read.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
*smirks... I'm glad you enjoyed.
You and Lariope are the only authors I know of to write SS as a fortune teller. If this idea caught on we could make a quiz out of them!!“It’s magic Granger. In theory, anything can be done.” ts really quite mind boggling the power and potential of magic. Use your power for good Luke Severus.I find the cards facinating. Also I know nothing about them and yet you have provided enough details so that i don't feel lost. Thank you
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Ooh! It's true. I don't remember any other stories with SS as a fortune teller. Hmm. Must think on that. The power and potential of magic is vast, even when it's been tangled or injured. I'm delighted that there's enough information about the cards that you can follow. I posted some of the Tarot card images (you'll hear more about those later in the story), but not yet the Ogham ones. Maybe later :)
It has been a long journey, but I wouldn't have missed any part of it. Lovely.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Thank you so very much. I'm delighted you read and enjoyed it. I appreciate you taking the time to let me know. *dances
Brilliant chapter. I loved the dynamic between them, and the "matter of fact" way that the fortune teller directed their attentions and helped them solidify their determination to take this journey together and support each other. And now they're off to find this seat of magic and put their world to rights.Well done!Beth
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
*beams... Thank you! The fortune teller does have a calming and directing way about her, I agree. :)
I am starting this story over from the beginning. And what a great beginning it is. So many questions here, so mysterious. What has happened to Hermione, a fortune teller is the last place the old Hermione would have gone. And why was Snape so compelled to follow her. Like I said so many questions. :)
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Hooray! *sits down to watch you read :) There are tons and tons of questions here at the beginning, yes. And for Hermione to resort to a fortune teller, we know something is odd, indeed. Severus could see something in Hermione that he recognized... and that compelled him... So glad you're rereading! Thanks for letting me follow along ;)
I believe the tears started falling in the first paragraph of this chapter and continued to the end. It amazes me that this story, which began with such Darkness in our heroine, slowly and fluidly evolved to the water-splashing romp of pure light that it became, as our beloved ones Healed. This story is a thing of extreme beauty, darling, and you should be proud--very, very proud.~standing ovation~
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
*beams The evolution was gradual, and I'm so glad that it was felt so profoundly. Thank you again for all the support and encouragement (and enthusiasm for the story) that you gave me all along the way.
Well then just a few teasing kisses and HG's magic has come unstoppered. What will it take for SS? HeeeeeMe thinks Ollivander could have been a bit more helpful. Surely he has seen all sorts of troubles with casting. Okay off to bed for me. I'll be back!
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Ahh, yes. It's only just begun. *grins Ollivander is often unhelpful, don't you think? Mr Mysterious. *shakes head... Sleep well, my dear! See you soon!
I bet they could blast the shadow right out of them both with a long night of sweaty sexxors!!! But this is not a PWP so you must have other ideas. Cruel of you really.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Tempting, isn't it? I am a sadistic author, yes. Bwahahaha. Keep reading... (I like these little guys, too... hee).
Denial thy name is SS. He ignored the symptoms of this horcrux fatal allergy for 10 years before finding HG! Men! I have noticed that HG feels releif or at least some comfort when he is around. Is that a soul warm fuzzy passing between them or me just grasping at straws? I do hope the fortune teller is evesdropping.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Denial and avoidance, yes. *sigh... You are a very observant reader :) You are an expert spotter of warm fuzzies between SS and HG, methinks. The fortune teller doesn't miss much, and that's all I'm gonna say right now.
I simply adored this. That's all. I just adored it. Thank you.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
*beams I'm thrilled, just thrilled. Thank you :) I hope that you enjoy my other stories, too. *hugs
THe muggle fortune teller she has magic of some sort I think. I want to call her a hedge witch, untrained but not powerless. SS and HG would do wise to show her some respect. Hell she has already weaved their souls together and they didnt even notice. I am tickled by how bitter HG is towards AD. That man and his manipulating ways make me crazy. Please don't turn it around and have him be innocent. It will force me to thump you on the head the next time I see you.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Hedge witch, yes. That might describe her. She does have some power... you're very observant. :) Hermione is not fond of DD. I should like to avoid a thump on the head... meep.
I remembered that HG is sick and thats it. Thought I should start from the begining again. I love the way SS is drawn to her by her very aura. The idea that she has the shadow, is fighting darkness is troublesome. That he can feel this in her as it does in him? Well it reminds me of Cloak of Courage and I do mean that as a compliment. This is my favorite site to review at cause I like these little guys
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Oh, goodie. *settles down to watch you read... *squeee That's quite a wonderful comparison to make... I love "Cloak of Courage." wheee! I like these little guys, too.
A beautiful story of spiritual renewal and hope. It touched my soul. So glad your friends encouraged you to write and share it.Well done.
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
*smiles... I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends. Appropriate for a story like this, yes? I'm so happy that you enjoyed it. I appreciated your thoughtful comments throughout. *hugs
Beautiful story. This one will definitely be on my "To be made into a PDF list". The 5 stars isn't just for this chapter, but for the entire story. If I could give you more, I would. Can't wait to read your next story. ^_^
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Hooray! Thank you :) I'm so happy that you enjoyed it so much. I appreciate your comments throughout. I can't remember if you've already read my other already posted stuff... but hopefully there will be new stories coming. *hugs
Response from MsTree (Reviewer)
I have three of your chaptered fics from Ashwinder on my list: "In Dreams", "There, Where I Can Never Find You", and "Tree of Life". While I do read the one-shots, I don't usually add them to the list. Sorry. :(
Response from shefa (Author of King of Swords)
Oh, I understand :) I'm so glad you've enjoyed those, too. I have two SSHG ficlets next up on the docket, so hopefully those will flow and be up in the not too distant future. :)