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Membership status: Member
Reviews by lyra
After Snape's visit to Surrey, Harry writes a thank-you letter that triggers an extended correspondence and a tentative friendship between the two of them. Takes Place: 6th summer - Snape flavour: None Tags: None Categories: Healer Snape, Teacher Snape > Trusted Mentor Snape, Parental Snape > Guardian Snape
Rated: T
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Warnings: Abusive Dursleys, Age Difference Romance, Profanity, Romance/Het
Chapters: 17 - Completed: Yes - Updated: 02 Sep 2009 / 25 Aug 2007 Series: Chivalry - Challenges: None
I am really enjoying this fic. This chapter thankfully cleared up the previous cliffhanger, and it also nicely set up what I will only assume (read: hope) will be a harrowing next chapter. I particularly enjoyed the fact that Snape offered to take Harry in, and the nice little moment where he interrupted Poppy from moving him, specifically asking to do it himself. But my most favourite is Harry upon waking. I am a sucker for poor, abused Harry. Having him automatically be checking for Vernon and calling out an apology was a very nice touch. While I enjoy reading angsty abused!Harry fics, I prefer ones that actually show some emotional, psychological and physical impact of such abuse. I hope to see some of that in the next chapter, in Harry’s dreams, and I can’t wait to see how Snape reacts to said dreams. Hope the next chapter comes soon! Author's Response: Madam: Your penchant for observing myself and Mr Potter in moments of acute distress will no doubt be amply satisfied by the detailing of the events posted in the upcoming chapter. I am in a position to personally assure you that the appalling young woman who has made a bloody spectacle of my life has not spared the least consideration for my dignity. If that brings you pleasure, you are welcome to it. Regards, S. Snape
Wonderful, wonderful chapter. You have outdone yourself. There's angst abound, but in a quiet way, which makes it that much more devestating, really. Snape's role here is well played. He is trying to maintain himself while at the same time trying to help Harry. And despite the horror of what is happening in the room, he is still not far from his own prejudices -- his reluctance and frustration at having to play the part of Sirius Black, for example. Harry too, is note-perfect. People often have a problem with fics where Harry becomes particularly vulnerable, or child-like, even. And I can understand that. Harry in the books has always been portrayed as strong and untouched by his years with the Dursleys. Defiant and brave and never truly sad or fearful. At least not in the way I would think a child of his experiences would be. I don't expect him to be a quivering mass of neuroses, but I always thought the character seemed to old for his age. All that to say that it's nice that you have Snape feel the same way, and then he also goes on to make this distinction: "The dreaming Potter, however, far from being prematurely aged, seems never to have grown past eight or nine years or so, and it is disconcerting for Snape to watch Potter's usual insolence convert to quiet pleas and hopeless sobs." It's the perfect balance to Harry's typical personality, and makes sense that it would only show under moments of duress. Some other favourite bits: "He had known next to nothing about the boy's upbringing at the time—had fully expected him to recognize the oblique signal, that asphodel was a kind of lily. He had taken the boy's dumb incomprehension as a willful rebuff—and everything had fallen apart from there..." I like this nice little non-canon reason for how things went so sour between the two so quickly. I think I shall adopt it as my own personal canon if it's all right with you :) "Of all the horrors he had expected to come tumbling out of the boy's head, his own death at Voldemort's hands was never one of them. If he had expected to make an appearance in Potter's dreams at all, he would have thought to find himself a dark and menacing figure—never an object of concern or anxiety, never one of the many victims Potter could not save." While Harry fearing Snape's death was not a surprise to *me*, it was nice to see Snape finally realize that. "Potter rubs his eyes with the back of his hand. "I want my mum," he says, in a miserable whisper, so low as to be nearly inaudible. "I know," says Snape, hearing his voice crack slightly." Oh God. This part just broke me. Such a simple thing for Harry to say, but so heartwrenching. I would have like Harry to have a moment like that in the books. There was something kind of similar in Deathly Hallows, but nearly as emotionally devastating and rewarding as this. Kudos on a fine chapter. I expect we have more yet with the waking dreams? If I recall it lasts for a few days, but I could be wrong. Author's Response: Dear Lyra: Nice to know you don't think I'm a crybaby, anyway. :-) Oh man, did I really say I wanted my mum? I'm never going to be able to look at Snape again. Maybe I could drop Potions. I don't have to be an Auror. I could wash dishes at the Leaky Cauldron! Oh man...
In particular, these little exchanges, which were my absolute favourites: "You're really lucky to have him for a dad, Luna." "Yes," she says, over the astonished noise Snape does not seem able to stop himself making. She gives him a quick look, then turns back to Harry. "I think he's your dad too, though." "Really, Miss Love—" "Sometimes," says Harry, and Snape falls abruptly silent. and: "Harry's never had a father, and I think he thinks that fathers always make things safe." Awww. Author's Response: Well, I'm very glad that you think I'm good for Harry and Professor Snape because I like spending time with them both very much. :-) Love, Luna
You have a way with words; you manage to write in both Snape’s voice and Harry’s voice and make the smoothest of transitions between them. I feel like this chapter was a turning point for both Harry and Severus, even more so than the first chapter under the Draught. For Snape we see a reluctant admittance of caring. It is not quite acceptance, but it is there. For Harry, he gets to see the length that Snape will go to for him. Which probably means more than the protections of anyone else, really, as this is the man who is supposed to hate him. You had me gasping out loud in places, and when I got to Harry’s note about going to the infirmary, I was actually chanting “Oh no. nonononoonoono” to myself as I kept reading. I think I actually leant forward in my chair; I was quite literally on the edge of my seat. The explanations of Snape’s regard for Luna, as well as Dumbledore’s thoughts on Harry’s upbringing, were also well thought out and incredibly believable – something I think that even JKR was not really able to give us. And now for my favourite lines: “Every time he attempts to put quill to parchment, the blank spaces before his eyes fill with the image of two children, tangled in sleep upon his parlor sofa like nesting kittens” “Snape stares at the Headmaster, who looks back at him quite blandly. "I forget what you are, on occasion," Snape tells him after a moment. "I shall do so less often, in future."” “The next words that come from Snape's mouth do so without prompting, without his conscious consent. “You might have given him to me," Snape whispers.” (I think this is where I knew I was officially in love with this story, with your writing, with this Snape.) “but even as he cries out, Snape's head jerks to look over his shoulder at Harry, and there is a look in his eyes that Harry has definitely never seen before—especially not directed at him.” (I imagine I know what that look was, but feel free to spell it out for us in the future, lol.) And of course the whole last bit from “And then Harry has to look down again” straight through to “and does his best to obey”. Absolutely brilliant. You’ve outdone yourself, again. Author's Response: It is extremely gratifying to hear that you think the writing was well done as when I reread the chapter this morning after eight hours of sleep I kept wincing at the clunkiness of my sentences. It could hardly be other than a turning point for Snape and Harry, but with anybody as twisty as Snape there are bound to be quite a few turns that have to be made before the road before is quite straight. Not to belabor a metaphor or anything. The lines you picked as your favorites were all my favorites as well. :-) I imagine the look that Harry saw in Snape's eyes was the look of Snape really and truly seeing him without any of the old prejudices clouding his vision for the very first time. So, a bit of shock, a bit of remorse, and, once he got a good look at the state of the boy, a bit of fear as well. Your reviews are always an incredible pleasure to read, and, along with maybe four other of my regular reviewers, the chief reason I am moved to update so often. :-)
This chapter seems to solidify Severus' caring feelings for Harry, and while I would never have actively encouraged him to use it, the legimency (I have no idea if I've spelt that properly) has helped him understand Harry. Now we have to see what he's going to do with that knowledge. As for the writing, you've got some wonderful tiny hints of the emotions etc. for your two main characters. Things like Harry looking to Snape for confirmation before going off with McGonagall. Snape looking straight at Harry when he says "I never intended otherwise". And now for the end. Oh that hurt. While I understand completely where Harry's coming from, he was so thoughtless with his words. He's trying to protect himself, yes, but wow! I truly hope that Snape recognizes this and also sees what Harry is trying to do. I hope that he doesn't allow himself to be pushed away -- or worse to turn away himself. Wonderfully done. Author's Response: Snape's not about to be pushed away. He's in way too deep over his head. That's mostly his trouble. :)
Anyway, just when I think you can't possibly twist the emotional knife any further, you go and have Harry give *that* apology. My god. The horrible sadness of it -- the way Harry is so matter of fact about not deserving Snape's "regard". ::sob:: I'm a big fan of the shrinking shoes scene, having written something similar myself. I always figured Harry to be the kind of child (for he still is) that would react hugely to simple acts of kindness. A blanket draped over him as he sleeps, pain medicine, his favourite tea, and yes, shoes that fit. I'm so very glad that Harry's comment in the last chapter didn't leave us with an angry, defensive potions master. Now, for my favourite lines: "n fact, the thought of losing it makes him feel desperate and lonely, like he's four years old again and crying in his cupboard at night because Aunt Petunia won't hold him anymore. Not that a thousand Cruciatus Curses could pull that information out of him in Snape's hearing, but Harry can't deny it to himself." It's good that he can acknowledge it. Hopefully in the future he'll be able to act on it and get what he needs. "because Harry knows, believes, deep in his heart, that even if Vernon Dursley were to charge through the door of the parlor at this very moment, Snape would drop him before he had the chance to so much as shout at him." Just the awesome wording of Snape "dropping" anyone. Such a badass. That's why we love him. And there's more than a little awe from Harry in this. Like Snape is now a super hero in his mind. Aw. "Damn whiskey, and the Dark Lord, and heartbreakingly vulnerable children who had the indecency to be born with their mother's eyes..." Indeed. And of course the whole apology. It was shattering. Can't wait for more. Author's Response: I don't know about super hero, but watching Snape hold Vernon at wandpoint has definitely rearranged Harry's views of who the most powerful threat in his universe is. :-)
Now for my favourite bits: "They attacked and nearly murdered two students whom they knew to be under my explicit protection. For that, Mr Potter, you may believe me—there is no hole on earth deep enough to hide them from my wrath." I love baddass Snape. "You have attempted to commit the crimes of a man. You will face me as one. On your feet!" Niiiice. "Snape is not sure what impels him, but he finds his hand drifting to the side of Harry's face, to trace the jagged pink line of the sealed cut marring the side of his pale face. "So it did," he says quietly. Harry stares at him, eyes wide and round. Rather to the embarrassment of both of them, Snape suspects, Harry's eyes brighten suddenly, as though with tears, but he blinks and looks away again, and nothing more comes of it." LOVE this part. Just LOVE. I can totally imagine it. "There is no chance of being apprehended in his folly, if folly it is. In the dimmest, most hidden chambers of his own mind, he is beginning to entertain doubts on that score." Ha. As we here at potionsandsnitches like to say -- just give in now, Severus. It will be less painful that way ;) Author's Response: I know what you mean about other students coming into the mix---it can deflect the attention away from the central relationship (and it doesn't help that it's usually Draco, I can't think of anyone I care about LESS than Draco sodding Malfoy) but my love for Luna, and Luna with Harry, and Luna with Snape, is just so deep and pervading that after she showed up in the last chapter of The Guiltless I couldn't NOT make her a part of this story. Badass Snape is desperately fun to write. Snape can't give in now! The story would be over!
Soon after rescuing 7-year-old Harry from the abusive Dursleys, Severus Snape starts his teaching career at Hogwarts. Harry finds even more ways to surprise his father, the Headmaster, and a school full of students. Snape'll have his hands full, raising and protecting his son.
Takes Place: 0 - Pre Hogwarts (before Harry is 11) - Snape flavour: None Tags: Adoption, Alternate Universe, Child fic, Kidnapped, Snape-meets-Dursleys, SuperPower! Harry Categories: Parental Snape > Biological Father Snape
Rated: T
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Warnings: Abusive Dursleys, Violence
Chapters: 24 - Completed: Yes - Updated: 17 Oct 2008 / 08 Sep 2007 Series: A Boy Called Whelp - Challenges: None
You're going to have your work cut out for you, fixing the damage you've done. *Please* update soon, this chapter is killing me. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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