the Black Cat
Ravenclaw!
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Dark secrets and an even darker past threaten to destroy the boy on whom the entire wizarding world has pinned their hopes. Can Severus Snape find it within him to heal and accept the broken child of his nemesis, and in the process, ultimately heal and accept himself? (AU-ish, but follows canon. Severitus - mentor/adoption - WARNING: mentions sexual abuse, but no details)
Takes Place: 6th summer
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Snape flavour: Snape is Angry, Snape Comforts, Snape is Desperate, Snape is Kind
Tags: Injured!Harry, Injured!Snape, Snape-meets-Dursleys, Spying on Harry! Snape
Categories: Healer Snape, Reverse Roles > Healer Harry, Parental Snape > Guardian Snape
Membership status: Administrator
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Reviews by Jan_AQ
Rated: T
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Warnings: Abusive Dursleys, Alcohol Use, Drug use, Profanity, Rape, Violence
Chapters: 37 - Completed: Yes - Updated: 10 Sep 2016 / 13 Mar 2016
Series: Right in Front of Me Trilogy - Challenges: None
Chapters: 37 - Completed: Yes - Updated: 10 Sep 2016 / 13 Mar 2016
Series: Right in Front of Me Trilogy - Challenges: None
| Title: Chapter 3: Chapter 2 | 13 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- HOLY COW! What a dramatic and unexpected turn of events! Harry just can't catch a break, can he? What terrible consequences for leaving the "safety" of his home. His cousin is such a creep! Such a sicko. I wonder what made him that way and what other kind of trouble he'd been getting into. Harry is so much better than him, what a contrast of their characters.
I was glad that Petunia at least got a stinging hex sent her way. The Dursleys are so despicable! Well done portraying them. Severus had a lot of restraint having to hear and see them.
I could definitely see Harry just leaving his house though, not being able to stand his relatives one moment more. I was so surprised that Dudley found him first - I thought for sure it would of been Snape by just the "Potter" in the tunnel at first.
What a creep Dudley is. Yuck! You definitely have me worried about Harry. And when Snape met Harry's eyes - what a cliffhanger!
Author's Response: Yeah, poor Harry can't catch a break. He is continually getting the ish end of the stick in life, but that's what makes him such an amazing character, in my opinion. His ability to forgive and continually love even through his circumstances is such a gift! I hope all turns out well for him... We'll just have to see. Thank you for the review!
| Title: Chapter 4: Chapter 3 | 13 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Holy cow, Harry was being held down by FIVE boys?! What a mismatch, he didn't stand a chance! Someone needs to teach him when to fight and when to run away!
I am SO, SO, SO glad that Snape saved him! Snape's rage is so validating and real. What a terrible scene for him to come upon! Fantastic descriptions, I could practically feel the emotions in this chapter. I don't blame Snape for shooting off such damaging spells, or for reacting so strongly and viciously to Harry's attack. He was a Death Eater, and it makes sense that he would get pleasure from engaging in his darker side when met with an injustice he could do something about. We all know his heart. Great background to Snape's character, not wanting a rape to happen again if he could prevent it.
I loved the description of Snape's spell work being like a Muggle gun. He truly can be deadly, and fast when he chooses or needs to be.
It was smart for Snape to leave the scene, and to get Tonks to come in and deal with the mess. He clearly was not in a good place to deal with it himself, and neither was Harry. It was in Harry's best interest to get him out of there.
Poor Harry having his first apparition trip though! And with an empty stomach, it probably made it even worse!
It was cool to see Snape use wandless magic to open and enter his house. I love, love, loved Harry's thoughts and thinking of what Ron and Hermione would say if they had been there. Awesome. Harry had such powerful, controlling emotions. I loved seeing the struggle between his panic and Snape's barely-keeping-it-together control. Harry must have felt very vulnerable without his wand. I loved all the descriptions of the surroundings of the house as well. It can be hard to write that and have it stay relevant and interesting. It was almost as if I was seeing the house for the first time, and the descriptions were very vivid. Well done!
I love this side of Snape. Fantastic chapter, and fantastic story so far! This is quickly becoming a favorite!
Author's Response: I seriously feel like Sally Field at the Oscars right now - "You like me, you REALLY like me!" lol. Thank you so much for giving me such a huge case of the warm fuzzies!! :) I hope the characters continue to please.
| Title: Chapter 5: Chapter 4 | 13 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Love, love, love! This was fantastic! What drama, what angst! It's official, I love this story.
Great job with Severus and humanizing him, all the thoughts and motives are simply fantastic - very in character and with more depth than we get to see in the books.
It sounds like Harry has had a rough time of it, and has let on more than he means to about what happened - but it's good, he needs to. Maybe with vulnerability will helps him be better understood, and also open up more to Snape.
It's great to see and hear Snape's thoughts and his almost constant thoughts and obsession with Lily, Harry's mother. Very much in character. And tricking Harry and then Legilimencing him - wow. Yup, very much in character.
I am loving this story. Great pace, great development!
Author's Response: Thank you again, my friend. I know that my versions of Snape and Harry are a TAD out of canon, but I'm trying hard to stick to the core of how I feel they came off in the books. I'm SO SO glad that you're enjoying it!! :)
| Title: Chapter 6: Chapter 5 | 13 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Harry sure has a habit of attempting to leave and trying doorknobs when people don't want him too.
I loved the descriptions in this chapter. It was good of Snape to offer Harry a shower, Harry certainly needed it for multiple reasons. I loved how Harry figured out that his room used to be Snape's. The borrowed pajamas were great, they really amused me, but also I imagined how luxurious they would seem to Harry. You really can convey Harry's thoughts and feelings so well! I love how Snape told Harry that he was a half-blood. So in character I can practically hear him! I wish I had a little more insight as to why Harry would want to change the subject about it though. Was he embarrassed? Feeling like he committed a faux pa, a social blunder?
I love, love, loved how Snape cared and the things he did for Harry, without telling him outright that he cared. For Harry even that has got to be huge. Snape's being so kind.
Heheh I loved the part about Snape's kindness practically being reading Harry a bedtime story and tucking him in. LOL.
I'm a little surprised that Harry didn't recognize the Dreamless Sleep potion, I would of thought that he would of had it enough times in the hospital wong.... but looking back it seemed like Harry was always up in the middle of the night in the hospital wing. I guess Madame Pomfrey did not use it regularly on the students. Probably for the best.
Fantastic chapter!
Author's Response: The poor kid probably never knew the joy of growing up with a favorite pair of cozy footie pajamas, so I figured he deserved something nice. :) And as for changing the subject, I think Harry felt a little embarrassed digging into Snape's muggle heritage when the man was a known Death Eater (and not the biggest fan of muggles to begin with). I'll have to go back and rewrite that in. And with the Dreamless Sleep potion, that's exactly what I thought, too. He'd been stressed out and awake more often than not when he was in the hospital wing, so I took some creative liberties and assumed he'd rarely - if ever - been given that potion. Thank you for the review!
| Title: Chapter 7: Chapter 6 | 13 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Interesting that Snape would engage in self-harm as a way to control his emotions. It adds a richness to his backstory, and I love that it stopped when Dumbledore taught him Occlumency and controlling himself.
Poor, poor Harry. Of course he would have a bad reaction to the Dreamless Sleep! Poor kid can't catch a break. crazy that he accidently broke his Potions Professor's rib! Woah! Way to add to the drama and angst, and hurt comfort. I'm LOVING it. It definitely adds something new and unexpected, and creates more of a struggle in the story, a way to get Snape to rely on Harry for a bit.
Fantastic chapter and developments!
Poor Harry is so desperate to please. Even if Snape hadn't shown him any kindness, Harry is desperate to please. And now feeling guilty, wow, he is going out of his way to help and take care of the professor.
Clever to add the homework for Harry, having Snape try to teach him strategy and thinking in war. Nice addition! I love seeing Snape and Harry taking care of each other like they do in this chapter.
The ending was a fantastic way to end this chapter, having the Headmaster drop by. I am loving all of your characterizations. Such an entertaining story!
Author's Response: Gaw, stop... You're makin' me blush. :) Seriously though, I'm THRILLED that you like it. I can't wait to keep going. :) Thank you for the review!
| Title: Chapter 33: Chapter 32 | 30 Jul 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Fantastic! I absolutely love it! Beautiful contemplation of Snape's family, I love that they have quarters where they can all be together now. It's sad that Snape's hands are so mangled but he's taking it so well. I wonder if he will continue to do so. Thank you so much for the update!
Author's Response: We will definitely see if Snape continues taking it as well as he has been. It could just be that his relief at having his family back is covering other emotions... ;) I guess we'll see.
| Title: Chapter 8: Chapter 7 | 14 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Woah! Fantastic chapter! I love how panicked Snape was when Harry left. Snape was really being such a jerk to him. :( So sad that Snape has to revert like that, I'm not surprised that Harry left.
Having Snape be injured adds a level and measure of drama and worry. Harry really is vulnerable without his wand, and Snape knows exactly what could happen to him if the Death Eaters catch him. So scary!
I loved Snape's worry and panic here.
It was really cool to see the flurry of magic in the kitchen in the beginning of this chapter. Very imaginative.
I loved reading the conversation between Dumbledore and Snape. Interesting that Snape would keep Harry's secret shame from Dumbledore; I wonder at his reasons. it seems like there are hints that perhaps Snape had experienced it himself.
Great chapter. I really enjoyed Harry's characterization, being a troubled teenager, but still a good kid.
Snape is such a troubled and complex character as well. You handled him very well in this chapter. I am really loving the story!
Author's Response: I think that in that moment right before Harry disappeared out the door, Snape realized what a prat he was being to the poor kid. Snape's viciousness is his go-to self-defense when he feels that someone is getting too close. Unfortunately Harry has a way of worming into people's hearts, which Snape was definitely not ready for. The parallels he draws from Harry's home life make it even worse for him. He's definitely (unintentionally) started the domino effect, which he wouldn't be able to stop even if he wanted to. Thank you so much for the review! :)
| Title: Chapter 9: Chapter 8 | 15 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- The use of accidental magic was awesome. It is so much like Harry to risk his life and safety to save a little girl. I hate to think about what would have happened to Harry if his magic didn't kick in and apparate him and the little girl to safety.
Muah ha ha, I loved the moment when Snape appeared. Harry's heart must of dropped. I LOVED your descriptions and characterizations.
Poor Snape being so injured though! He's going through a lot to try to get to Harry! So much pain shows even more dedication.
So shocking to meet Lilith for Harry AND Snape. I love her though, she is exactly what needs to enter Snape's life, I think. Harry's too. Great chapter!
Author's Response: I almost didn't go with Lily, to be honest. I know people out there really despise OCs. But I just couldn't get her out of my head... She's a charmer, that Lily. And she's definitely not afraid to put Snape in his place. :} I'm glad you like her as much as I do!!
| Title: Chapter 10: Chapter 9 | 16 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- I love her, I absolutely love her. Snape needs someone who can stand up to him and hold her own. He can be such a mess sometimes. Hehehe of course the fact that she is a Muggle and he can't explain potions and magical transportation leaves him in a bind. I'm sure he can go and get his injures taken care of magically. I wonder why he doesn't visit Madame Pomfrey or St Mungo's.
Harry was so sweet in this chapter. Jilly is so cute. I am very much enjoying this chapter and story. Thanks so much for all the awesome updates!
Author's Response: Honestly, if Snape would just STAY STILL and rest (hard to do with Harry on the loose, and wouldn't you know that dammit, Snape actually cares), then his injuries would heal within a day or two. And he's never really been one to ask for help, even when he's really suffering. Poor guy just doesn't like relying on anyone but himself (and if he was really honest with himself, he may tell you that he doesn;t think he deserves the help...) I'm SO glad you're enjoying Lily! I think she's great, too. I can't wait to see her push Snape around a little more - he seems to need it. :)
| Title: Chapter 15: Chapter 14 | 17 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Holy cow, what a terror! THIS is what a true Dark Lord is like. It's amazing that Snape can manage to stand being there, wow. POor guy. What a monster! And poor, poor Parvarti! I bet her sister and family are out of their minds with worry over her. I really hope that she escapes, or at least that she is let free eventually. What a horrifying turn of events for her. Ugh.
And Lucious being cut like that - I really hope that it can be fixed... otherwise he will be half blind for the rest of his life and lose all depth perception. He won't be any use in a fight from now on because of that. What a mess Voldemort is making of his followers. I really hope that Draco sees this, and that the whole Malfoy family can somehow get out.
I wonder if Harry is watching this. His Occlumency was greatly strengthened, but if he is watching then maybe they can save Parvarti.
I'm sure the Cruciatus curse is NOT helping Severus' rib! He is going to return home in a sorry state. But will Harry be there when he returns? Or will he go to 12 Grimmauld place?
What a mess. It was good to see what a terrible villain Voldemort is though. It was great to see Snape's thoughts and the difficulty he has bearing this dichotomy. Can Severus ever expect pure, loving people in his life after having to face such monstrosity over and over again? I'm sure he doesn't think so. But he should and I hope that Harry and Lily prove it to him.
Fantastic story. Thank you for the update. I can understand the difficulty in writing it. Thanks for pushing through.
Author's Response: Thank you so much! I was always so dreadfully curious what a Death Eaters meeting with the Dark Lord was truly like, especially when things didn't go Voldemort's way. I hope I did a decent job of showing just how insanely cruel he could be. And yes, Severus is definitely not in his right mind when he leaves the manor. Although, he's pushing everything so down deep that I doubt he even feels any pain at this point... We'll have to wait and see. ;) Thank you for the review!