The Harvest’s Done[1]
Three children sat under a venerable old tree near the Hogwarts lake, enjoying the October sunshine. Two had black hair — the boy’s silky-slick, the girl’s rather bushy. The other girl was blond, with huge blue eyes.
‘So they never returned?’ Jean Longbottom asked.
Lear Snape nodded. ‘They stayed Muggle. They died long before I was born. Mum says their unused magic turned against them.’
Jean shuddered. ‘How awful — to live without magic.’
Minnie Scamander shook her head. ‘My granny says they made their own magic.’
‘Muggle magic?’ Lear smiled. ‘If anyone could do that, it would have been my grandparents.’
[1] Allusion to LBSM by Keats.
Finite Incantatem
I had planned to write my comments for this act at the end, but this chapter is so sweet and so well written, I had to tell you. The evolution of Severus Snape from fellow outcast to reluctant housemate to surprised lover is beautifully chronicled. Well done!
Beth
The way you write of the love between Hermione and Severus is so gentle yet they are both very much in character. I like it very uch.
Beth
I’m glad that they have found such happiness in the world they have built for themselves. That they have a son and daughter is especially sweet.
Beth
“Harry refuses to accept it was too late even before their seven years were over. He vows to move heaven and earth to find a cure.”
This sounds ominous. Does it mean that the seven years of exile was actually a death sentence? How damned sad. But so beautifully written, Juno.
Beth
Where is Hermione? Has she already died? How is it that you can write such bittersweet prose, yet make my heart glad for them at the same time.
Love is like that, yes.
Beth
Oh, my word! This journey has been one of healing and crying and giving thanks for the blessings that were granted and railing against the ones that were not granted. But I’ll wager that the fulfilling life that Hermione and Severus Snape made for themselves and their children was more perfect than any of their magical contemporaries were able to make for themselves.
This is why you are a master, Juno, pure and simple. Thank you for this. I have loved every page!
Warmest regards,
Beth
Another amazing story.