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 11: Chapter 10 | 17 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- WOW. Amazing the feat of emotional and mental strength Severus was able to muster for Harry for Lily's sake. It was such a revelation for him, that Harry was there too, when Lily died. Harry doesn't remember, but he was no less affected.
It did seem a little bit out of character for Snape to open up so easily, quickly, and completely. This secret was something he wanted to take to his grave. Perhaps the pain, the shock and everything shook his beliefs of needing to keep his knowledge of Lily safe. Or maybe he finally realized that Harry wouldn't hurt him over it. It would seem more supportive if Snape had drunk some alcohol, or a calming draught, or something to give him courage. But I can see it, Severus reaching out and being able to share.
Perhaps seeing Lillian, and mistaking her for Lily reminded Snape what it was like to love, to be human. Maybe this is the first step for letting go and moving on.
it was precious to see Snape share his memories and things of Lily with Harry. Beautiful.
I really loved Harry's thought and revelations in this chapter, that his mom had loved Snape, had him as a close friend. She saw something in Snape and now Harry is starting to realize it too.
Oh, of course Snape would of saved Lily's wand! He was there when she was dead, where she used it for the last time. He probably was there when she got it for the first time too. Oh, that made my heart hurt. This poor man had been through so much.
Beautiful chapter.
Author's Response: You know what's funny? I actually considered having him drink before the revelation. But in my opinion, I think my version of Snape would be a mean drunk. After thinking long and hard about it, I figured - like you - that after seeing Lilith and mistaking her for Lily, that he would relive the pain from his past. But unlike when it happened before, he actually has someone now who understands that pain. I hope you can forgive the "out of character"... I'll give some serious thought to how I can improve the scene. Thank you for the review!
| Title: Chapter 12: Chapter 11 | 17 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Wonderful, beautiful chapter. So precious. I am so glad that they can share their pain and grief over Lily Evans Potter. Interesting that Harry was able to see and remember that night, and Snape being there. I guess the topic of conversation, the occlumency and pulling up memories has allowed Harry to pull up the forgotten. I wonder if he will continue to dream about his parents, will he eventually remember more of his father and mother, or will it just be the most violent memory that he is able to recall?
Great that Harry finally figured out how to do Occlumency!!! Dangerous that Snape was willing to throw Lily's box into the fire, though! What if Harry couldn't save it? I bet Lily's box was warded against flames. :)
Harry is so sweet, caring about Professor Snape's health, getting him his potions without being asked and offering to cook. After years of potions lessons it is amazing that Snape trusts him enough to cook in his house though!
Good that Snape cares about Harry enough to get Lupin to take him clothes shopping while Snape goes to retrieve Harry's stuff. That's good of him, especially after how much he hates Lupin. Or does he?
Beautiful, beautiful chapter. Just precious. Thank you for writing and sharing it!
Author's Response: Harry is still in the beginning stages of healing, but I'm sure as he deals with his grief and trauma, happier memories about his parents will start to come through. I think Snape is finally starting to realize that he may have underestimated Harry, his skills, and most importantly who he is as a person. And as for Lupin... Snape needed someone that he trusted to distract Harry, so that he was far away and safe from the Dursleys. And he knew that Harry and Lupin would actually have fun together (as opposed to say, shopping with McGonagall.) And although he doesn't necessarily like Lupin, "the wolf" is one of the only people within the order that he trusts with Harry's safety whom he can actually stomach having to interact with. :) Thank you for the review!
| Title: Chapter 13: Chapter 12 | 17 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Ugh, what a disgusting memory and past that Severus has to deal with. That poor kid, and now man. It seems like he was never really able to deal with it, just bury it deep inside instead. Not the best. He needs to deal with it and learn how to get over it for real, not just bury it. And cutting himself is NOT okay.
Lillian is an ER nurse, I'm sure she's dealt with discovering a lot of sexual abuse. I wouldn't be surprised that if she grew up in an orphanage if she has her own history with it too. I'm sure she's dealt with even more self-harm. I hope she helps him get set straight. I don't see Snape being able to open up about it to just anyone, only someone he deeply trusts, and only with a lot of work and encouragement.
It was very fortunate that she came upon Snape in his troubled state - he needed someone to help him get away from his thoughts.
The Dursley's really are despicable. But it seems like they pale in comparison to Snape's dad. I wonder, what was Snape's mom like? What happened to her? And what happened to his dad? Obviously he doesn't live in Snape's house in Spinner's End.
Well, it looks like Harry REALLY can't return to his relative's house ever again. Not only was it not safe, but if he were to return it will be even worse for him.
What a contrast of the warm feelings Harry has for Snape and the living situation he found himself in, and his despicable relatives. Even worse is Snape's memories of his father. Well done bringing such color and depth to the story, even if it is a difficult subject matter.
Author's Response: I know, poor Snape... He's always been so alone, and the only healthy relationship he's ever had was ended even before Lily's death. I'm anxious to explore more into his backstory so that we can truly see why he is the way he is. And as for the Dursley's... well, let's just say that we haven't seen the last of them. Snape never had the opportunity to report what they said to Dumbledore. Just sayin'... Thank you for the review! :)
| Title: Chapter 14: Chapter 13 | 17 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- It's so good that Harry has Remus, someone who won't ever judge. Usually that is considered a flaw of his character, but in this case it really is a strength.
Haha, I did not see Lillian's relatives coming! How amusing! I wonder if Lily has some latent magical abilities. Where did those avocados come from?
As far as I know, Molly's brothers and parents are dead, killed by Death Eaters. I wonder if that was why they couldn't find Lilian's relatives. They were all dead, and Molly was married with a new name, and very much in the magical world.
It was entertaining to see Snape out on an impromptu "date." Entertaining chapter.
I wonder if Jilly is magical. Snape should definitely introduce Lillian and Jilly to the Weasley's. They are long lost relatives after all, and with Lillian being an orphan she could use some family. I hope he does. Or that he allows Harry to.
Great development! Thanks for writing so much so quickly! Please update when you can!
Author's Response: Hmmmm... so many questions! I really hope that Snape decides to follow through with your suggestions. ;) Thank you for the review!
| Title: Chapter 16: Chapter 15 | 21 Mar 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Holy cow. Wow.
First, I am so glad that Severus is back, and mostly physically okay. But so tormented. You did a fantastic job conveying that. Wow.
And now Harry knows, knows the secret Snape probably keeps about self harming himself. oh geee, I am so worried about what will happen next. What a mess. But it is the worse messes that bring people together the strongest. Severus really, really needs help. I wish Harry had been able to call for Madame Pomfrey.
I also still hope that they can save Parvarti. Poor girl. I really hope that Remus will be able to help lead a rescue mission. She desperately needs to be saved. How is Lucius Malfoy's eye? Is he really blinded in that eye now? Perhaps he will get a magical replacement like Mad-eye Moody. He;s got to be in his own private hell now.
Fantastic chapter, I love this story. Thank you so much for finding time to write between your busy life and the sudden events that rocked your world. Take your time; we'll be grateful for whatever and whenever you are able to write and update.
Author's Response: Yeah... Both of our boys just don't seem to realize how much they need each other, do they? But as you so eloquently said, it is the worst messes that truly bring people together. And sadly, yes, Lucious is blinded in that eye for good. As Dumbledore (and Snape, for that matter) have shown - dark magic leaves traces. I hadn't considered the magical eye replacement, but hmmmm... That's an interesting tidbit. Perhaps I'll have to see if I can fit that in. Thank you so much for the review! :)
| Title: Chapter 17: Chapter 16 | 02 Apr 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Nooooo! Oh man. Severus, what a mess you are and you know it. But Harry saw, Harry connected. Wow. Such powerful emotions in this chapter. Wow. And of course Dumbledore and Lupin don't understand. I can't help but feel that the Weasleys are not the best choice for Harry. He's much to damaged, will they even know what to do with him? Poor Severus. And what of his cuts? Are they healed?
Fantastic chapter.
I would LOVE to see Parvati kick butt.
Author's Response: It literally hurt to write this chapter. Poor Sev... Poor Harry... It's all crumbling before their eyes. The Parvati one-shot it coming, promise! :) I may have to write it before the end of this story, as the story is dying to be told. Thank you so much for the review! :)
| Title: Chapter 18: Chapter 17 | 02 Apr 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Woah!! I did not see that coming. Oh boy. What a fantastic story! Just fantastic.
I loved Severus frantic pacing and arguing with Dumbledore. I wonder if Dumbledore knows Harry is a horcrux, if he would allow Harry to die.
I love how Severus thinks of himself as a father to Harry, even if he doesn't want to admit it. He's in a bad way, doesn't he know that drinking is not going to enable him to protect and help Harry, as far away as Harry is?
Can't wait to read more.
Author's Response: Thanks!! Poor Sev, his go-to for dealing with his issues has always been his Occlumency shields. But when those start to crumble, he's got nothing, and turned to the only thing that could give him any semblance of peace without actually dealing with anything: drinking. Hopefully both he and Harry can work their issues out together, but I guess only time will tell. Thank you so much for the review! :)
| Title: Chapter 19: Chapter 18 | 02 Apr 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Wow, what a turning point for Severus. He needs healing, a new hope and purpose. Can he accept this change? Can he go on? Keep it within himself and change, and bare what he must go through?
What an abrupt turn! Wow. Just wow.
And how is Harry doing after all these days? Fantastic story, thanks so much for the updates!
Author's Response: I'm really hoping and praying that Sev has found someone that can be the light in all the darkness that has surrounded him his whole life. I feel like if anyone can do it, Lily can. And as for Harry, I promise we're getting there. The poor kid has been through the ringer, and definitely has some stuff he has to work out. All I can say is that he is none too happy being at the Weasley's, as much as he loves them. We'll soon see!! Thank you so much for the review! :)
| Title: Chapter 20: Chapter 19 | 13 Apr 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- This is beautiful! Poor Snape, I am loving all the tender emotions. I love the love interest story. Maybe Harry will end up with a loving family after all. :D
Author's Response: Snape and Harry have definitely been through a lot. I think they are starting to see how much they need each other (FINALLY!) :) Thank you for the sweet review!!
| Title: Chapter 21: Chapter 20 | 13 Apr 2016 |
| Reviewer: Jan_AQ (Signed) |
- Poor, poor Harry and now poor Weasleys!!! What a catastrophe! How did Bellatrix get in? I really hope that this works out! Harry needs the support of the Weasley's in his life, even if he can't live with them. I would hate this event to affect his relationship with the family.
Author's Response: Oh don't worry... As emo and angsty as Harry was being during his stay with the Weasleys (understandably so), I don't think anything could shake those bonds... :) They were the first real "family" he ever knew, and even if he felt more like an outsider in the past two weeks, he still loves them dearly. Thank you so much for the review!! :)