Unsorted!
When Harry finds an injured Snape on his doorstep and must hide him from the Dursleys, he has no idea that this very, very bad day will be the start of something good.
Harry and Snape are thrown together by annoying relatives, a series of strange dreams, and Voldemort's latest hunt for Harry, but their greatest challenge may well be surviving each other. This will be a long summer unless the two can find a way to work together. A slow-burn enemy-to-mentor story.
Alternate 6th summer (and part of the school year): post-OotP; ignores HBP and DH.
Takes Place: 6th summer
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Snape flavour: Canon Snape
Tags: Injured!Harry, Injured!Snape, Snape-meets-Dursleys
Categories: Teacher Snape > Trusted Mentor Snape
Membership status: Member
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Reviews by Ellie K
Rated: T
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Warnings: Abusive Dursleys, Neglect, Violence
Chapters: 61 - Completed: Yes - Updated: 08 Mar 2021 / 30 Apr 2007
Series: None - Challenges: Battered Snape for Breakfast
Chapters: 61 - Completed: Yes - Updated: 08 Mar 2021 / 30 Apr 2007
Series: None - Challenges: Battered Snape for Breakfast
| Title: Chapter 17: Chapter 17 - The Second Prophecy | 04 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ellie K (Signed) |
- This chapter made me excited and nervous; it was so riveting. This story keeps gaining new depth, and the fact that I can't anticipate what'll happen next just makes it even better.
You write excellent dialogue. Not just between Harry and Snape, but also Dumbledore. And the characterization of Dumbledore is marvelous too. These lines in particular actually brought tears to my eyes:
'And Harry knew, looking into those sorrowful eyes, that the older wizard had done many questionable things in pursuit of what he considered a greater good. Things he never expected to be forgiven for.'
You write a very human Dumbledore and describe his burden so well. He's flawed and marvelous and moving.
And I'm on edge with all of this suspense. I love the fact that Snape's loyalty hasn't yet been set in stone (as far as Dumbledore and Harry know, anyway). I think that so far he's been more on the side of the light, but probably also wants to hedge his bets, so to speak, and make sure he has a place in the world no matter what side wins (thinking of that shadowy conversation with Lucius...)
Speaking of Wall Watcher, I wouldn't put it past Snape to do something similar and eavesdrop, but Dumbledore can probably sense if he is... right?
And Harry the Seer? (well, not a seer yet). I love how you're handling that. Because he's still just Harry, and he's still too young to deal with all of this. But he has the potential for future power. And maybe now Snape, in spite of being skeptical, will have some reason to revise his assessment of Harry's abilities (come on, Snape, can't you see it? A patronus at 13, resisting Imperius, youngest seeker in a century, and a damn fine pufferfish-body-part sorter.)
I can't wait for the next chapter. I wonder how Harry'll use this new information. If he'll be more respectful of Snape and solicit his help in things. Snape seems like someone who craves respect, who wants to be needed and important and consulted.
Oh, and Snape still has one round left in Q and A to be asked at a later time... wonder what he'll ask Harry...
Good luck with your writing, keep up the wonderful work.
Author's Response:
WOW! I cannot tell you how much reading a long review like this means to me! THANK you!
What's next? Well, I can promise you lots more Snape/Harry interaction coming up. I think that's pretty much the next chapter, as a matter of fact.
I am glad you like my Dumbledore. I do like his canon carefree side, but as I had him dealing with some pretty serious stuff, I didn't think he'd feel right making too light of it all. I do hope I get the chance to show you a more lighthearted Dumbledore later in the story!
Yes, what HAS Snape been discussing with Lucius...? :) And although I can guarantee you that Snape was NOT listening in to their conversation, I can't say that Dumbledore detects each and every last evesdropping spell...even if he is so extremely powerful. But I guess we'll see...
Anyway, this response is getting long, but I had to tell you how much I appreciate all the thought you put into the story! Thank you!!!
| Title: Chapter 18: Chapter 18 - A Lesson in Being Slytherin | 10 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ellie K (Signed) |
- Yay! An update!
The end of this chapter had me choked up a little too. And I was just as startled as Harry when Snape had his little outburst about how hating Harry is no longer effortless. It makes me wonder when Harry will have the same thoughts about Snape; I don't think, at this point, that he can hate Snape as much as he used to. As you put it, they're not exactly best friends now, not even close, but they're slowly forming an understanding of each other (with Snape's understanding of Harry progressing more than Harry's understanding of Snape).
The idea of Dobby popping in and out all night to check on Harry was funny, mainly because it's a counterproductive way to ensure that Harry gets an undisturbed night's sleep; and then Dobby being a messenger between Harry and Snape - what fun! I also laughed at Harry's attempt at the first exercise (as someone whose past attempts at meditation ended with the same intrusion of extraneous thoughts and loss of focus, I can sympathize). But then, reading about the cupboard... I wanted to give Harry a hug; he thinks he doesn't really need parental love now, but the does, or at least someone to see that he's still a child who needs to be looked after. Snape's a good candidate. I have a sneaking suspicion that he asked Dobby to monitor Harry's sleep not necessarily because he doesn't trust Harry (though that might be one of the reasons) but because he wants to know ASAP if Harry's stuck in a nightmare and needs to be rescued from it; deep deep down, he's worried.
I hope Harry gets more lessons in cunning from Snape (even though Snape's little outburst wasn't too smooth or cunning - funny how on the one hand Snape can be so inscrutable, but then at the next moment he can totally lose his temper). Their conversations are wonderful. You have a blend in this story of very absorbing drama mixed in with sarcasm and humor; Harry's observations, even about dark things, are often so amusing.
I hope your next chapter is up soon; this story is addictive.
Author's Response:
This was one of my favorite chapters to write, and when you like a chapter, you really hope that the readers will like it, too. So I'm really glad that you did!
I wanted to show Snape's understanding progressing more than Harry's because he's the one who started the hatred-based-relationship they've had thus far. Harry wouldn't be so insolent to him if he weren't following Snape's lead. I think Harry needs to see something worth caring about, and the only way that will happen is if Snape shows a different side of himself first.
I kinda feel like I gave something away here, but then I remember - the "Snape mentors Harry" bit in the story summary kinda gave it all away before the story even started! ;)
P.S. And yes, I too think that Snape's sending of Dobby had a little more worry attached to it than Harry imagines.
| Title: Chapter 19: Chapter 19 - Squinting at Snape | 17 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ellie K (Signed) |
- It was sad to see Mrs. Figg suffer that fate, but at least you gave her a death with dignity and courage.
I like how you balance everything in the story - the humor with the drama and tragic events (which thankfully never stray into melodrama), the tension in Snape and Harry's relationship, how they grudgingly yield to each other about certain things but remain at a stubborn "impasse" about others. I enjoyed Harry's attempts to study Snape... it's like a wildlife show with Harry tracking the Rare and Elusive Snape.
And even though the story is from Harry's POV, I still felt for Snape when Harry railed at him to imagine what a life of deprivation is like; I didn't need to know his thoughts - I saw it in how you wrote his closed-off face and restrained anger (and just the fact that he kept the rage restrained for Harry's benefit says a lot).
Now I can't wait to see what Snape has up his sleeve. If he's not going to sing to Harry (what a pity...), then what is he planning to do? And I love how he's so adamant about not being parental towards Harry - if he really did hate Harry completely, then being unparental would just go without saying. But the fact that Snape has to insist that he won't be parental shows that he thinks he's in danger of coddling the boy too much (it was lovely though to see him comfort Harry, in his own way, after Figg's death...) And I think you really hit upon something, in Harry appreciating Snape's straightforward way of answering his questions about Mrs. Figg's fate... Harry wants to be respected and treated like an adult, and the fact that Snape can be forthright with him must be very refreshing; he's not like anyone else in Harry's life - he doesn't sugarcoat things in the least, and Harry could come to see that as an important asset in a teacher who needs to train him in various war-related things. It could also be easier for Harry to talk about his feelings to someone whom he's come to trust, but doesn't get horrified by the abuse the way someone like Mrs. Weasley would (with all the attendant pitying and coddling).
Author's Response:
I have an image in my head of Harry the camera-laden photographer studying black-panther-like Snape, calculating & ready to pounce. It's not a pretty image, actually, but it made me laugh. Thanks for making me laugh! ;)
When I made the decision to write this story from Harry's POV, I hoped I would be able to communicate Snape's emotions while still portraying him as incommunicative - difficult proposition, let me tell you, especially when you add in Harry's propensity to overlook the obvious sometimes! So I'm glad you were able to see something of his thoughts in that scene. It makes me happy. :)
I loved the thought you put into Snape's assets for a potential teacher to Harry. Well thought out!
| Title: Chapter 20: Chapter 20 - The Scent of Safety | 05 Nov 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ellie K (Signed) |
- I'm so happy to read a new chapter! It was well-worth the wait.
You've created such a great suspenseful situation here. I don't know how Harry will convince Snape that his visions aren't from Voldemort, because what Other Harry is asking him to do is exactly what Voldemort wants. And even Harry himself couldn't believe Other Harry at first!
And what more, will Harry tell Snape that the war hinges also on him as the rescuer? Can Snape know that in advance without messing things around?
I also love how the chapter was structured. Before the vision-dream, Snape tells Harry that so many of his pleasant memories are tied to bad ones too. And then that theme gets echoed throughout the chapter. First, Harry finds comfort in the scent of a man who has always tormented him and riled him up. Then, in the dream, Harry sees a wonderful future, but again, this wonderful future vision is tied to an awful revelation of what Harry must do to turn the war in his favor. So really, I admire the way you structured it all and reinforced Snape's initial observation that even Harry's most pleasant thoughts can immediately lead to the darker thoughts and worries.
And as I've said from the start - I love the way you write both Harry and Snape. Harry is so endearing and frank and funny (I was laughing right along with him, and I loved this thought especially: "How could one person be so infuriating, even when they were supposedly trying to help?")And Snape... wow. One of the many things I love about your Snape is that you're able to give him his long, vocab-powered sentences without having it sound forced. And I think it's so lovely how he tries to convince himself and Harry that he doesn't care (yeah, right, Snape...)
I'll be waiting for the next chapter with great anticipation. And though you've said it's too early for you to make any promises about a sequel, I really really hope you write one, even if the updates are few and far between.
Author's Response:
:) Oh, how I LOVE long reviews!!
I'm glad that you saw the structure of the chapter. It wasn't planned that way initially; it just kind of worked itself out. And thanks for your comments on Snape & Harry!
| Title: Chapter 21: Chapter 21 - A Lesson in Being Gryffindor | 20 Jan 2008 |
| Reviewer: Ellie K (Signed) |
- I'm so happy to see that you've updated. Great chapter, well worth the wait!
I love how things depend not only on Harry trusting Snape, but on Snape trusting Harry. Snape has some real doubts about the plan and maybe, once he sees a seemingly invincible Voldemort, he will decide to stay on the winning side and leave Harry in the basement... (ok, I'm betting that you won't give us such a horribly bleak ending, but maybe it's something that Harry will come to fear?)
Seriously, I'm getting chills just thinking of what that poor kid is going to be facing. And Snape too... having to play the part of nasty death eater to the point where he might have to torture Harry... *shudder* Because Snape has already done things in this story that demonstrate care for Harry (not that he'll admit it), things that go beyond immediately preserving Harry's life. And now to have to torture the child... You've set up such an absorbing, painful and thorny situation for them both, and I can foresee a series of chapters that end on gut-wrenching cliffhangers.
I liked their conversation at the end there, and I also want to know all the reasons Snape was so hell-bent on hating Harry. But right now, at this point, he didn't say, "Potter, I hate you." He said, "Potter, I don't like you." (which from Snape is practically a declaration of love). So he doesn't hate Harry anymore, though Harry probably doesn't get that yet - and Snape probably doesn't realize it either. They're both so dense about these things.
And Harry's worst fear is so real and wrenching. I wish Snape would just give him a hug already. But I like how you're pacing their relationship.
Your story is seriously one of the best out there, and I hope you update soon!
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
Chapters: 17 - Completed: Yes - Updated: 02 Sep 2009 / 25 Aug 2007
Series: Chivalry - Challenges: None
| Title: Chapter 4: In Care Of, Part One | 29 Aug 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ellie K (Signed) |
- I have a question for Snape... if he wanted the class to brew a very complex potion, far beyond their experience level, why choose one with the potentially damaging effects of Waking Dreams? Sure, he thought no one would be able to brew it perfectly but still, one must always take into account that - especially around Harry Potter and his friends - even the unlikeliest things can happen. To be extra safe he might have chosen a potion that's equally complex but has safer properties - a healing potion of some sort maybe? If he had spent as much time carefully selecting the potion as he had viciously crafting his little speech to Harry, then maybe things would've turned out differently (there, that should add to his guilt).
I'm glad I came across this story. I normally don't like stories where the Dursleys' abuse is taken quite this far, but you write both Snape and Harry well, and I like how you're not neglecting any of the secondary characters too - your Ron, Hermione and Dumbledore are all alive on the page, and so is Luna! (very excited that you have her playing an increasingly important role in Harry's life - dare I hope, a romantic interest?)
But anyway, it would actually be pretty cool if Luna could be one of the people who helps Harry with his nightmares. Ron and Hermione I don't think would be able to handle it all that well; even if Hermione's more level-headed, seeing Harry's nightmares would just make her fall apart after a while I think. Luna would also be pained, but she has that calmness and acceptance about her, and I think she'd be able to handle dreams and dreamscapes much better than anyone and maybe connect to someone in that state. But I don't know if Snape and Dumbledore would want to expose another student to Harry Potter Living Through His Nightmares.
I wish you the best of luck with the next chapter. So far you've kept the story from becoming melodramatic. It's lines like these that help - "The relief that blossoms over his teacher's face makes Harry feel rather warm inside; of course, he might be hemorrhaging." You have a playful sense of humor that comes out in the story and really strengthens it. I have no idea how you'll weave it into the coming nightmares (if at all), but I'm looking forward to reading what you come out with, even if I'll be sitting here shivering.
And yes, I'll enjoy watching Snape doing his penance. I love seeing Snape realize how mistaken he was about Harry and then try to set things right in his own Snapeish way, all the while discovering that he does have a... what's that thing called?... a heart.
The professor may reply to me anyway he likes.
Author's Response:
Madam: I do not know what sort of score you may have obtained on your Potions NEWT, but my own accomplishments in the field need no explication, and therefore I refuse to be browbeaten for my decisions by someone who clearly would not know the difference between a temporally modified, class two Transfigurative potion and a wild bunch of runespoor growing on a misty moor. I chose the Draught of Waking Dreams in accordance with the availability of ingredients in my store cupboard the known ability of my 6th year NEWT students. If I were to devote all my time attempting to think one step ahead of the sort of blind luck and ill chance that hounds Mr Potter, I should never have time to do anything else. I suggest you try it some time, and tell me what sort of fortune you enjoy.
Sincerely, S. Snape
| Title: Chapter 5: In Care Of, Part Two | 31 Aug 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ellie K (Signed) |
- I like how you brought together reality and dreams in this; some of it was so painful to read, but it's good to see that Snape took it in stride (especially having to pretend to be Sirius! That was both funny and so sad). I hope Snape gets a sense of how desperate Harry is for a father-figure and how, while Sirius wasn't abusive like Vernon, he still wasn't an adequate parental figure. It's a pretty big role to fill, but Snape could do it...
It's interesting, the exploration in this story and the previous one of what's in one's head and what's actually happening. I mean, in the first story, after discovering Harry's injuries, Snape admits that he saw other forms of abuse in Harry's mind during their occlumency lessons - like the cupboard and the hunger. Did he ever report those to Dumbledore? He knew how horrible those kinds of neglect were... was he able to distance himself from the reality of those abuses because he saw them only in Harry's head? (This is something that bothers me deeply about both Snape and also Dumbledore... not only their thoughts that these are somehow "lesser" forms of abuse than a beating, but also Snape failing to bring this up to Dumbledore when he did see them.) If Snape had seen bruises and beatings only in Harry's head, would he have reacted as he did to actually seeing them in person? Or would he have also managed to distance himself from that reality in Harry's head?
I felt this chapter sort of echoes that. It's one thing to see the memory of a cupboard and intellectually figure out how horrible a form of neglect that is. It's quite another to have a boy in your quarters talk about the cupboard as if he'll be sent to it at any minute; it's there, it's unavoidable. For Snape, who's always wanted emotional aloofness and distance, this must be shattering, and maybe he's also feeling guilty about last year's occlumency - seeing these things but pretty much ignoring their implications, and continuing to think of Harry as a replica of James.
Anyway, there were some lines here I really liked - "hands trembling with an anger so violent, so bitter, that it seems to possess a dim, destructive intelligence of its own." Wow. Great writing. And then that whole explanation of why Snape brought up asphodel in their first class together, expecting an 11 year old boy to pick up on that signal... it short of shows how lacking Snape is in the area of interpersonal relations. But it is lovely to see that, in the end of the chapter, he opens the door, talks to Luna, and refers to Harry as "Harry". Yay! That's progress.
And now I'll get to see my three favorite characters together - Harry, Luna and Snape - all in close quarters. Looking forward to it...
Author's Response: Actually, Snape doesn't know I know this, but over the summer I had a bit of a chat with Remus, and he says it was Snape who told Dumbledore about the Dursleys after my first Occlumency lesson, and Dumbledore passed it on to Remus and Mr Weasley and everyone. I wanted to tell Snape thanks for that, but every time I thank him for something lately he makes a face at me, so maybe I'll just try to make it up to him some other way. Love, Harry
| Title: Chapter 6: To Whom It May Concern | 04 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ellie K (Signed) |
- This chapter was very soothing to read. Which says a lot about how well you capture the characters' voices. Because Luna's Luna-ness permeates all the sentences.
I loved the little glimpses into Luna's homelife, how lonely she is, but at the same time how easily she can connect with other people if they have the sense to truly pay attention to her. Her relationship with Snape is quite moving; it seems she's looking out for him just as much as he is for her, and I like how he's so protective of her and indignant on her behalf (another similarity he shares with Harry).
And the magic cupboard was so insightful. Snape can be very comforting, but he doesn't understand how to work with dreams and subconscious images; Luna just slips right in, accepts things and works with them. I'm glad Snape was able to get his well-deserved nap, and that Harry finally seems to be moving out of the active phase of Waking Dreams.
Luna is a balm for troubled souls.
| Title: Chapter 7: For Your Immediate Attention | 05 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ellie K (Signed) |
- Another very absorbing, emotionally intense chapter. Vernon is repulsive; I hope the next portkey Dumbledore gives him sends him to a rock in the middle of the sea, or maybe he should just throw him to the aurors (seriously, Dumbledore pretty much admitted in this chapter that Harry would've been safe growing up outside of the Dursley home - I think they can find another place for him this coming summer; Harry is already 16, for the most part he already is who he is). I see Vernon less as a person and more as a symbol for everything cruel and small-minded.
Your characterization of Dumbledore is exquisite. It was such a sad and revealing moment when he confesses to Snape why he decided not to raise Harry on his own. And then Snape's "you might have given him to me" (oh, I just wanted to cry).
Also, I really hope Snape understands the significance of Dumbledore confessing these things to him. Not everyone would be privy to the headmaster's thoughts, but he trusts Snape and regards him highly enough to have him as a confidant. Snape and Dumbledore are both similar in some ways; they are both forceful personalities and have their own fears and uncertainties about emotional attachment.
And so Snape left Harry alone after he woke up. I wanted to shake him a bit for that, but I can understand too - Snape can't deal with this all at once. You convinced me of how he can feel safer being privately fond of Luna, whereas a fondness for Harry is loaded with so much more baggage.
Harry, on his own after he woke up was also heart-breaking, but again, not melodramatic. Good illustration of his thought processes. Of course he'd feel that he needs to leave. The fact that Snape caught up with him pretty quickly shows how long Snape lasted in his office, attempting to convince himself he doesn't care (Snape can be such an exasperating idiot sometimes).
Author's Response:
I am glad that Dumbledore, and Dumbledore's relationship with Snape, is so resonant for you because they are both extremely important to me. Snape definitely deserves to be shaken for bailing on Harry, but don't worry---he is shaking himself as we speak (I literally left off in the middle of writing that paragraph in the next chapter to answer your review.)
Snape *is* rather exasperating, but I think he is trying to mend his ways. :)
| Title: Chapter 9: Please Respond | 09 Sep 2007 |
| Reviewer: Ellie K (Signed) |
- Seriously, Harry is so cute. I like how in some ways he's a very mature person, and in others he's like a kid. I'm glad to see that Snape didn't withdraw from him after the end of the last chapter; and I hope Harry will learn that Snape's kind actions are backed up by the fact that Snape is actually coming to like Harry as a person.
The idea of Snape smoking and listening to the Rolling Stones is a riot, by the way! :D And I loved listening to him chatty and drunk. He needs Harry (and Luna) in his life definitely. People capable of unconditional warm regard.
Also, interesting comment about the lack of unity in his soul. It gets to the heart of his day-to-day behavior, at times very courageous and dignified and at other times very bitter and immature. A psychoanalyst would have a field day with Snape.
I like how his relationship with Harry is developing. I hope this little jaunt to the Great Hall doesn't wind up in disaster somehow (I really hope that Dumbledore has locked Vernon up somewhere).
Author's Response:
I am hugely captivated by the idea of teeange Muggle Snape, myself. :-)
---
Branwyn: Hear that? Even my readers think you need a shrink.
Snape: Your readers need a dose of Shrinking Solution, the better to be crushed beneath the heel of my boots.