Second Life
Lariope3,012 Reviews | 3,012 Ratings, 1 Like, 1,269 Favorites )
Hermione is forced to lead a double life when she agrees to Dumbledore's plan to protect Professor Snape. Inspired by the Marriage Law. Warning for student/teacher relationship, though Hermione is of age.
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Lariope
Member Since 2007 | 9 Stories | Favorited by 616 | 122 Reviews Written | 5,388 Review Responses
Grape Forever!
Reviews for Second Life
With all that happened in this chapter, would you believe my favorite detail is the sight of the carpet at the Ministry, with the fading of the color in the center "where countless wizards had tread upon it." It puts the reader right in the moment with Hermione. And now you leave off with another emotional knot to untangle -- but then, this story has been such a series of emotional cliffies. I'm sure you'll cut through this latest tangle in style, so I'll force myself to wait patiently for the next installment. (Now if you'll excuse me while I go gnaw on the carpet a bit ... )
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I had a hamster that died from eating the carpet,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
. Don't gnaw the carpet.LOL!Anyway, I'm so happy that you liked the carpet in this chapter! I'm glad it grounded you in the moment. That makes me very happy. I guess I see ss and hg as a neverending set of tangles, although some are more pleasurable than others.And now I will end this response, as I am very clearly in a weird mood. :) xoxox
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I had a hamster that died from eating the carpet,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
. Don't gnaw the carpet.LOL!Anyway, I'm so happy that you liked the carpet in this chapter! I'm glad it grounded you in the moment. That makes me very happy. I guess I see ss and hg as a neverending set of tangles, although some are more pleasurable than others.And now I will end this response, as I am very clearly in a weird mood. :) xoxox
Good chapter and please update really soon!I Loved the ingredient fight!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I'm so glad you liked it. Thank you!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I'm so glad you liked it. Thank you!
Good chapter as always. Goodness you captured the empty feeling of Hermione so very completely. Maybe things will be looking up in the next chapter. Big Hugs and squeezes for updating!!!! 
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! *hugs and squeezes back* More very soon!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! *hugs and squeezes back* More very soon!
So they are making it through. I'm happy to see it. And maybe, just maybe, ;) they will be the happily married couple that they BOTH seem so expectant to be. Wonderful as always and I can't wait to see their continuing saga.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
.Yes, they are survivors--they make it through no matter what. But I believe in them as a couple, too. :)Thank you very much for reading and reviewing. More quite soon!xoxo
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
.Yes, they are survivors--they make it through no matter what. But I believe in them as a couple, too. :)Thank you very much for reading and reviewing. More quite soon!xoxo
I had never thought about it like this: That he would have a purpose again while she was feeling lost after the trial. But it makes sense if you think about it, and I'm glad! Hopefully they can depart on real mature adult relationship once he's "repaid" her something.Lovely chapter!!! I want more already!!gab
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you, Gab, I'm so glad it makes sense to you. I think Snape has just reverted to his standard operating proceedure. Make Plan. hehe. I hope you will like the next one. I am hard at work on it. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you, Gab, I'm so glad it makes sense to you. I think Snape has just reverted to his standard operating proceedure. Make Plan. hehe. I hope you will like the next one. I am hard at work on it. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Beautiful and beguiling, sweet and sad, all at once, knowing it will soon be over....but good for you, sister, not wrapping it up clumsily after the trial's end. (And good for us, too, who get that much more to read and enjoy!)Selfishly yours (and oxymoronically, too, it would seem)CB
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you, CB. It's weird to think it will be done so soon. It's been a part of me for so long. But I hope you will like the ending. I can't tell you how much I've appreciated your support. xoxoxox
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you, CB. It's weird to think it will be done so soon. It's been a part of me for so long. But I hope you will like the ending. I can't tell you how much I've appreciated your support. xoxoxox
Hi Lariope,I must confess that I felt rather flat at the end of the chapter ... and then realized I felt that way because I was feeling part of what Hermione was feeling, or at least how she was behaving, since we don't hear her thoughts in this chapter. What great writing to pull me in like that. They do need to have a Talk, don't they? I wonder if they're afraid, each thinking that the other will pull away if they actually talk about their lives and hopes and relationship. As Severus says to himself, he's afraid to test the boundaries of the first inklings of happiness he's had. Silly Severus, not telling her about the promise he made himself. And Hermione needs to think about what she wants to do with her life, but that's pretty overwhelming and at any rate, what she CAN do is conditional on Severus' choices.I'm wondering if they're going to end up staying in Australia. Good plotting -- Kingsley DID do Severus a favor and being guilty on one count felt right somehow -- otherwise it's just too pat. And what he did for Hermione's parents was not exactly part of the spying.In your response to my review of the last chapter, you said you were working on the last chapter -- does that mean that this is the second-to-last? And you live in NC! So do I (Durham)! I work in Baltimore though, so I spend part of the week up there (my life is a little complicated these days).Thanks again for sharing your story with us.RedRoo
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Dear RedRoo,I don't know why, but the fact that you are in Durham and working in MD (where I grew up) feels as strangely significant to me as the fact that we share a birthday. I'm in Wilmington, so we're hardly a hop and a skip!Wait, are you me?Thank you, about the plotting. It was the only thing that felt right to me. I knew they would never let him off entirely. Yes, this was the next-to-last. The last is being betaed now, and barring calamity, should be up soon. I hope that you will like it. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. xoxoxLariope
Response from RedRoo45 (Reviewer)
I grew up in MD too! Not in B'more though and I haven't lived there since I was 18. I agree that it feels significant, but no, I am not you ... I can't write like you do! In fact, I doubt that I'd be able to write fiction. I like to write a lot, and it is a part of my work, but I've always written non fiction. I don't think I have the creative imagination to write a sustained work of fiction of any sort. I'm not being self deprecating; this is my honest assessment of what I can and can't do. So my only hope in the fanfic world is to be a beta.It's funny, until now I"ve imagined you out west somewhere, and here you are so close!I am eager to see how things turn out for our couple, but like many reviewers I will be sad that it's over. I imagine you will be feeling a combination of relief and sadness.RR
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Dear RedRoo,I don't know why, but the fact that you are in Durham and working in MD (where I grew up) feels as strangely significant to me as the fact that we share a birthday. I'm in Wilmington, so we're hardly a hop and a skip!Wait, are you me?Thank you, about the plotting. It was the only thing that felt right to me. I knew they would never let him off entirely. Yes, this was the next-to-last. The last is being betaed now, and barring calamity, should be up soon. I hope that you will like it. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. xoxoxLariope
Response from RedRoo45 (Reviewer)
I grew up in MD too! Not in B'more though and I haven't lived there since I was 18. I agree that it feels significant, but no, I am not you ... I can't write like you do! In fact, I doubt that I'd be able to write fiction. I like to write a lot, and it is a part of my work, but I've always written non fiction. I don't think I have the creative imagination to write a sustained work of fiction of any sort. I'm not being self deprecating; this is my honest assessment of what I can and can't do. So my only hope in the fanfic world is to be a beta.It's funny, until now I"ve imagined you out west somewhere, and here you are so close!I am eager to see how things turn out for our couple, but like many reviewers I will be sad that it's over. I imagine you will be feeling a combination of relief and sadness.RR
OMG but you make me hurt for them both. They had to find him guilty of SOMETHING, I suppose, and Kingsley managed it as well as he could. The brewing is undoubtedly good for him, grounding him and encouraging him - but the solitude is killing her. She's not content to simply live alone with him, day in and day out. She wants and needs her friends, as well as her anti-social husband. Surely she wouldn't leave him because he needs only her to be happy? No, of course she wouldn't - but he can feel her unhappiness as a palpable thing.This is a work of such complexity, depth, and feeling - there is a texture to it, rich and satisfying. You're a wonder, darling.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you so much,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
. No, I can't imagine either one leaving the other. I think they are the only thing they ARE sure of at this point. And I think you're absolutely write that the brewing is grounding him right now, and that she lacks a "sentence" so to speak.I'm glad you approved of the verdict. It was the only thing that felt right to me. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Much love xoxoxo
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you so much,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
. No, I can't imagine either one leaving the other. I think they are the only thing they ARE sure of at this point. And I think you're absolutely write that the brewing is grounding him right now, and that she lacks a "sentence" so to speak.I'm glad you approved of the verdict. It was the only thing that felt right to me. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Much love xoxoxo
This is such a wonderful story! 
And it's so Severus of him to make his point by over-supplying the hospital with potions. 
I can see how it would be therapeutic for him as well, and how he'd be (a bit) afraid of disrupting the balance they're making now that he and Hermione are finding a little peace together. Can also understand his refusal to break a promise to her, and his somewhat counterproductive act of not telling her what the promise was (or even that there had been one). 
After so many years as a spy, keeping secrets would have become second nature, even in cases where they are unnecessary... 
I adored the scene where they had the ingredient-fight! 
Looking forward to the next! 
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I agree with you so strongly that this is Severus's past coming to bear. Snape knows how to make plans, how to take action--he does not know how to wait and see, to allow for her healing and the time that will take. And, too, of course, he hurts much more for her than he will allow for himself. I'm glad you liked the potions fight. It was such fun to write. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, Aura!!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I agree with you so strongly that this is Severus's past coming to bear. Snape knows how to make plans, how to take action--he does not know how to wait and see, to allow for her healing and the time that will take. And, too, of course, he hurts much more for her than he will allow for himself. I'm glad you liked the potions fight. It was such fun to write. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, Aura!!
I'm afraid of what will happen when the holidays come and Severus is desperate to finish on time without skipping a day, and all Hermione will want is some quiet time with him. She may not realize why he is hurrying through it.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I know why you are afraid, but I hope that you will trust me when I say that I think this is a minor bump in the road. I think she knows him very well, and I trust her to care as much for his feelings as he is caring for hers right now (even if she is slightly more astute about how to handle his feelings). :) More very soon. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I know why you are afraid, but I hope that you will trust me when I say that I think this is a minor bump in the road. I think she knows him very well, and I trust her to care as much for his feelings as he is caring for hers right now (even if she is slightly more astute about how to handle his feelings). :) More very soon. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
I think nine hundred hours of community service was a bit much, but I suppose it's better than prison.I love the 'potions fight' they had. I think that bit of time spent being silly did more to heal Hermione than anything else Severus could of said or done.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Undoubtably better than prison. I actually thought it was getting off rather light. ;) I'm so glad that you liked the potions fight! It was such a pleasure to write, and I was so happy to see him trying for her.Thank you, Sinbad!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Undoubtably better than prison. I actually thought it was getting off rather light. ;) I'm so glad that you liked the potions fight! It was such a pleasure to write, and I was so happy to see him trying for her.Thank you, Sinbad!
Ahhhhhh ... bliss. He's not guilty on the major counts but guilty on a minor count (I suppose connected to Hermione's parents perhaps?) ... I like how Kingsley designed the "punishment" in such a way as to take advantage of his strengths, which will bode well for him once his community service is fulfilled. But goodness, the tension leading up to the verdict being read ... you wrote that so very very well!Well, it looks like our couple have to learn how to live with each other, and I like how you're handling that. The ingredients fight was priceless. Who would have known our surly and sarky Potions Master would exhibit a playful side to his rather prickly personality? But it seems to me they still have a ways to go before they can function together - a conversation, I suspect, needs to happen between them. Otherwise, how else would each know what their motivations are? Why was Hermione insistent on leaving, and Serverus resistant to that? That's one issue on the surface presented here, most likely there are others that need to be addressed as well.I love your story very much, and would miss the updates when it's over. Brilliant job, Lariope!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Yes, Hermione's parents! I'm so glad you got that--I think it was one of those instances where it seemed clear to me because it was in my head, and then I didn't write it particularly well. But I'm very happy that you liked the verdict and Kingsley's continuing role in championing Snape. I'm glad that you liked the shift toward the domestic. It's a new frontier for them to conquer, but I have faith.Thank you so much, lyn f!!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Yes, Hermione's parents! I'm so glad you got that--I think it was one of those instances where it seemed clear to me because it was in my head, and then I didn't write it particularly well. But I'm very happy that you liked the verdict and Kingsley's continuing role in championing Snape. I'm glad that you liked the shift toward the domestic. It's a new frontier for them to conquer, but I have faith.Thank you so much, lyn f!!
Squeee! A new chapter! ::sigh:: Well, it's a good damn thing Severus got off the hook (for the most part). I think the verdicts you chose were perfect and suiting. I especially love how he is overloading St. Mungo's with potions... heehee... snarky bastard. Oh, another fabulous chapter. I only hope they can recover from all that has happened... 
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you, TinyTexans! I'm so glad that you liked it, and that you thought the verdict worked. I also like imagining Snape making multitudes of potions for an unprepared and overwhelmed St Mungo's. Heh.Thank you so much for reviewing! More soon!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you, TinyTexans! I'm so glad that you liked it, and that you thought the verdict worked. I also like imagining Snape making multitudes of potions for an unprepared and overwhelmed St Mungo's. Heh.Thank you so much for reviewing! More soon!
i love the way you write!! thanks so much for the lovely update and i look forward to more.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you so much! More soon xoxox
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you so much! More soon xoxox
There is something very meditative about doing a repetative chore where you don't have to think about anything. It gives you time to clear your mind and reconnect with your source. After all that he has been through, it is just what Snape needs. Hermione needs it too, although I'm not sure if making potions will accomplish the same thing for her as it does for him. It's such an instinctive activity for him.Will she need something else to recharge her batteries? Can Snape himself recharge her batteries?
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I completely agree with you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
, and I'm so glad you saw that working for Snape here. I absolutely think it is a part of his recovery. And I agree, too, about Hermione. I think she needs a cause, secretly. But Snape is a part of Hermione's recovery, I think, because right now they are so focused on each other's well being.Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
I completely agree with you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
, and I'm so glad you saw that working for Snape here. I absolutely think it is a part of his recovery. And I agree, too, about Hermione. I think she needs a cause, secretly. But Snape is a part of Hermione's recovery, I think, because right now they are so focused on each other's well being.Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Perfect, as always. I'm in awe of your ability to tell a story. (I was so nervous about this chapter, I had to retype my login three times. I finally gave up on touch typing and looked at the keyboard.)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! Thank you. I was about to ask why you were so nervous and then I remembered it was the verdict chapter. This is what being the author will do to you. You forget that everyone else doesn't already know what's in your head. :)I'm glad you liked it. Thank you!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! Thank you. I was about to ask why you were so nervous and then I remembered it was the verdict chapter. This is what being the author will do to you. You forget that everyone else doesn't already know what's in your head. :)I'm glad you liked it. Thank you!
Profoundly moving. Your reminder of how much she carried on her shoulders--that whether or not he was acquitted was her personal success or failure--was so painful.Wonderful chapter. I am happy to see things finally beginning to get better for them.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you, Mia. I'm glad that struck you here--I think she remained unbreakable for him as long as she could, but the weight of that would crush anyone.And I'm also so happy you saw things getting better for them in this chapter. I so agree. xxoxox Thank you for reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you, Mia. I'm glad that struck you here--I think she remained unbreakable for him as long as she could, but the weight of that would crush anyone.And I'm also so happy you saw things getting better for them in this chapter. I so agree. xxoxox Thank you for reviewing!
I love your interpretation of Kingsley Shacklebolt. He's a canny judge of character and an excellent strategist. He really did do right by Severus.It is wonderful to see Hermione and Severus starting to come alive again. Whatever will they do when they are free to live normal lives - whatever that actually is?A potions ingredient fight? How our dour Potions Master has changed in the presence of his wife.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
(and thank you from Kingsley, from inside my head). I'm very glad you liked him. I feel oddly safe with the wizarding world in his hands. I'm so glad that you felt Hermione and Snape were coming alive again. I had so hoped that's how it would feel. And yes, she's a very good influence on him. :)Thank you for reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
(and thank you from Kingsley, from inside my head). I'm very glad you liked him. I feel oddly safe with the wizarding world in his hands. I'm so glad that you felt Hermione and Snape were coming alive again. I had so hoped that's how it would feel. And yes, she's a very good influence on him. :)Thank you for reviewing!
Poor Severus - still in a type of stasis, although it appears to be a healing one. I'm glad that he included Hermione in his daily tasks, even if he hasn't taken the time as of yet to communicate to her why it is important to him to finish his "penance to society" as quickly as possible. I wish he would talk to her.I was proud of Hermione - she made the suggestion to go out, but she didn't push or engage in emotional blackmail. That takes a lot of strength and shows character and judgement beyond her years.I had to chuckle at his plan of overkill in the supply department. That was brilliant on so many different levels... something that I would do and have done in a different way in the past. Does that make me Slytherin in disposition?The ingredients fight was a nice touch of levity and healing in its own way.Severus is right - Kingsley has done him a grand favor. By the time his community service is done, St. Mungo's and other facilities will want to insure that he is their potions supplier. They will have gotten used to the superior quality of the medications and even private householders will come to trust his work. This is actually better than things would have been if Severus was aquitted on everything - he would have had no way to regain trust and reentry to society without someone making waves. You are very politically and socially astute, dearest author.So many things to like about this chapter. Until next time, happy writing!Aeron aka
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Aeron, thank you. I think your read of both Hermione and Snape here are very spot on, and that's always exciting for me, because it means I did something right!! :)And yes, I do think that means you have a Slytherin streak. :) I think Kingsley was terribly wise, and terribly brave, and I would send him a gift if he didn't live in the computer. Thank you for what you said about him.I'm very glad you liked it. Thank you for reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Aeron, thank you. I think your read of both Hermione and Snape here are very spot on, and that's always exciting for me, because it means I did something right!! :)And yes, I do think that means you have a Slytherin streak. :) I think Kingsley was terribly wise, and terribly brave, and I would send him a gift if he didn't live in the computer. Thank you for what you said about him.I'm very glad you liked it. Thank you for reviewing!
Predatory look - now that was a good touch. Severus sounded so defeated when she came back to home. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! I hope you enjoy it!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
! I hope you enjoy it!
Nice progression from Hermione's hollowness and lack of self-identity to her beginning to want normality in her life. She has regained hope, and he has a purpose.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
, that's how I see it too. There is hope. Thank you for reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
, that's how I see it too. There is hope. Thank you for reviewing!
That was a good chapter. I like the way their relationship is developing.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you!
What a great chapter - the writing was so moving and well written - this had me setting on the edge of my seat because it was so good. I cannot wait to see what happens when Severus wakes up and realizes that she did come.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
. I'm glad you liked it. That was a hard one to write. And I do think that's important--what you said. She did come. She'll always come. He had better get used to that. ;)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Thank you,
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
. I'm glad you liked it. That was a hard one to write. And I do think that's important--what you said. She did come. She'll always come. He had better get used to that. ;)
Ah yes, the descruction caused by misunderstanding motivations. I know it led me to be crying on my DH's couch at 3:00 because of something I assumed.The visions in this chapter were wonderful. I loved the way you made time pass - as if it made perfect sense.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
People are so private, so interior and complex. Even as well as these two understand each other, pain is such a personal thing, and it's easy to misunderstand. I'm glad you didn't object to the passing time. It reminded me of the beginning of the story, of the structure of the earlier books, where the domestic ruled and time moved from scene to scene instead of moment to moment. I was glad to return to the domestic.Thank you for reviewing!
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
People are so private, so interior and complex. Even as well as these two understand each other, pain is such a personal thing, and it's easy to misunderstand. I'm glad you didn't object to the passing time. It reminded me of the beginning of the story, of the structure of the earlier books, where the domestic ruled and time moved from scene to scene instead of moment to moment. I was glad to return to the domestic.Thank you for reviewing!
You are most astoundingly AMAZING. I am DYING for the next chapter.
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Aw, thank you, MsKitty! I'm so glad you liked it. :)
Response from Lariope (Author of Second Life)
Aw, thank you, MsKitty! I'm so glad you liked it. :)