- Location
- Windspear Hills
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Path to Victory – A Severus Snape Story (Worm/HP)
- Thread starter Sir Rabby
- Start date
Appropriate levels of Genre Savvy-ness. Edit; since this is before he's puppy stomping evil - just the regular type of ambitious/murderous nutter - it shouldn't take much. Remember; this is the part of the war he was winning handily against a competent Ministry and Dumbledore.
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apeljohn
Non-Player Character
- Location
- Earth Aleph
Not so much. Even in canon he was pretty terrifying - both politically and in combat - and bear in mind that this is twenty or so years earlier when time's wingèd chariot wasn't drawing quite so near to him.
And he still went with the whole 'evil overlord' persona? Guess there is not enough levels of Genre Savvy-ness in the universe to fix Idiotmort...
It was working wasn't it? He was winning the war until a spell he had no reason to suspect would backfire on him did just that.
Well, it did fail quite miserably in the end so I am going to say, 'no, it wasn't working'.
Dark Ness
Rises Where Silence Dies
- Location
- The Primordial Soup
Well, yeah, but that seems more due to the incompetence of the Ministry and the public in general.
Now, that's just rude. It's not their fault that in the past five decades no one taught them how to DODGE!
Dark Ness
Rises Where Silence Dies
- Location
- The Primordial Soup
50 people almost conquered a country. It is totally their fault.
Well 50 is a much more reasonable number with their smaller population.
Consider that Rowling imagine there being 3000 wizards in Great Britain
- Jo thinks that there are about 3,000 wizards in Britain, though she admits that being specific about numbers is not "how I think." [Read the whole quote from the Leaky Cauldron, 2005]
Voldemort's goal is killing his opponents. Dumbledore and the Ministry are more constrained in how they can ferret out Voldemort's supporters. Even scant as it is, there is some due process in the Wizarding World does exist. Or at least political interests of the Noble Houses who have pure blood loyalties(and probably some without) constrains how they can act. None of them want to give the ministry the power to barge in on any home unannounced without strong evidence.
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shepsquared
Erratic Aussie
- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
Who says there were only 50 death eaters?
Dark Ness
Rises Where Silence Dies
- Location
- The Primordial Soup
I remember reading it somewhere, but now that I think on it, I can't remember where.
Obviously Dumbledore is laughing because everything is going as planned.
alternatively...
Path: Become a Better Wizard (COMPLETE)
Snape: "Wait, what!?"
Path: "You made Dumbledore laugh, dummy. You know, Dumbledore? Literally the nicest, most caring person in the entire world!? The dude is willing to sacrifice his life on the off chance that those who have fallen will recognize their mistakes and embrace their better nature. HE HAS A FREAKING PHEONIX FOR SCION'S SAKE, THE MAN RADIATES CONCENTRATED 'GOOD GUY.' Consider the sorry state you were in when we started this path. Do you have any idea how hard I had to work to get this man to think flondly of you!?"
Snape: "But I wanted power. Influence! To be free of the old man's meddling and the hero of my own story!"
Path: "Wow, you really are an ass. I'll see what I can do, but you've dug yourself into a rather deep hole... ah! Here, take this knife and kill 1000 people."
Snape: "...what."
Path: "Don't worry, this is sure to work! Grail Shard recommended it, and the dude is an expert when it comes to actualizing miracles."
alternatively...
Path: Become a Better Wizard (COMPLETE)
Snape: "Wait, what!?"
Path: "You made Dumbledore laugh, dummy. You know, Dumbledore? Literally the nicest, most caring person in the entire world!? The dude is willing to sacrifice his life on the off chance that those who have fallen will recognize their mistakes and embrace their better nature. HE HAS A FREAKING PHEONIX FOR SCION'S SAKE, THE MAN RADIATES CONCENTRATED 'GOOD GUY.' Consider the sorry state you were in when we started this path. Do you have any idea how hard I had to work to get this man to think flondly of you!?"
Snape: "But I wanted power. Influence! To be free of the old man's meddling and the hero of my own story!"
Path: "Wow, you really are an ass. I'll see what I can do, but you've dug yourself into a rather deep hole... ah! Here, take this knife and kill 1000 people."
Snape: "...what."
Path: "Don't worry, this is sure to work! Grail Shard recommended it, and the dude is an expert when it comes to actualizing miracles."
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How the hell does a society whose only limitations are food production and rare birth defects end up with a population of only 3000? That is practically impossible unless they regularly cull a good part of the population and have a tradition of having as few children as possible. Hell the existence of muggleborn makes it completely impossible.
Some more evidence that JKR is actually a really shitty writer I suppose.
Some more evidence that JKR is actually a really shitty writer I suppose.
Dark Ness
Rises Where Silence Dies
- Location
- The Primordial Soup
Well, judging by her book sales....
More like a shitty realistic (for a society with magic) world builder. I think you can tell from the books that the focus is very much on Harry, and the world outside of him and his friends isn't as importent. Anything not relevant to Harry and the story Rowlings wanted to write up about him was just left black or filled in with whatever without a care. See the momentary system and the exchange rate with pounds.
Advancing the plot was much more important then building a reasonable world for it to happen in.
The wizarding world does have a rich history of Dark Lords and Goblin Uprisings. The culling may not be deliberate, but it is there.
Many of the pureblood families in canon do have very few children. The Weasleys are the exception that proves this rule - and other people look down on them for being "poor". This probably has to do with inheritance - the perception is probably that a family can more easily hold on to it's wealth when inheritances doesn't have to be split up among a lot of heirs - and the health benefits of the magical world generally means that families don't have to bother with spares.
Also, you know how the muggleborns are treated like dirt by the blood purists and not much better by the (so-called) muggle sympathizers? Once those muggleborns learn how to teleport and have the opportunity to see a bit of the world, I wonder how many of them decide to stay in Britain?
shepsquared
Erratic Aussie
- Location
- Melbourne, Australia
It's from Methods of Rationality, a series written by a guy who hasn't read past Order of the Phoenix.
Essus
Purveyor of Nincompoopery
- Location
- Somewhere out there
As much as this is WoGish from Rowling, it stretches the mind a bit too far to have so many institutions for merely 3k people. The Ministry and Quidditch Teams etc. Do you know how small a population of 3k is? Think a regional highschool. Mine had just under 3100 students and I knew most of the population by sight if not by sibling (oh isn't that so and so's brother/sister/cousin/friend) and it could not support an economy like Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade.
Head canon for me in this context is a population of about one percent of the population of GB - so 650k maximum not including Muggleborn under the age 11. Which makes it large enough to support some of these types of institutions.
It also allows believable social stratification to the extent that Rowling alludes to in her books.
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Another great chapter, Mister @Sir Rabby. I can see a... not friendship, but maybe a sort of kinship growing between Snape and Dumbledore in the future.
Oh I am slain!
Wynaut?
- Location
- Tatooine
Dumbledore: "My goodness, all the dementors have vanished."
*pauses, looks at Snape, looks back at aurors*
Dumbledore: "Round up the usual suspects!"
Chapter 1.24
Chapter 1.24
The past few days had gone by in a whirl. I'd given more interviews than I could count. Shook so many hands I might have suffered permanent wrist damage. Schmoozed with dignitaries, homegrown and foreign alike, to ensure nobody tried anything underhanded with the Ambrosia.
The train ride home was the first free time I had to myself in days. The fifth years tried to get me to socialize with them but a few well placed jinxes sent them scurrying. Unfortunately not for long though.
"Oh, you silly Sevvy. Famous people don't get to complain about people wanting to spend time with them."
I nearly let my frustration at Hephaestus spill out. At the last second I managed to refrain from reducing the boy to a smudge in the cabin. Why was he so insistent upon being my friend now? After five long, and exceedingly painful, school years. The answer was obvious of course.
I was useful and interesting now. I could sit here and be grumpy about it or I could just let it work to my benefit. I'd still have to spend two more years with him, if not in Potions class, and what better way to get my revenge than to wrangle every last drop of usefulness from the boy.
I smiled a predatory grin at him and calmly said, "Sometime during the summer break I'm coming to find you."
Before he could spit out a retort I continued, "We're going on an adventure and you know what?"
He looked more than a little apprehensive, "What?"
I continued smiling, which I imagined looked more than a little bit deranged, "I'm not even pretending you have a choice in this."
The others in the cabin, Evert and Richard, glanced over at each other. Then at me and finally settling on Hephaestus. I didn't give them an opportunity to mock the boy though.
"You two are coming as well."
Hephaestus still looked rather unsettled, "What kind of adventure, Severus?"
"The unexpected kind, Hephie. Does it matter?"
Richard piped in, "Well, yeah. It kind of does."
I raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh? Do you remember the bit where you don't really have a choice?"
"I don't quite see how-."
I interrupted him, "I was so gracious in forgiving your appalling betrayal a few days ago? Would you like me to revisit that rather hasty decision?"
They couldn't possible have blathered out their resigned acceptance any faster. I didn't know what we were going to do. It didn't really matter. Sooner or later I'd get bored in the summer and I had no issue using these boys to distract myself. A few dedicated paths to their safety should see them through with a minimum of scarring.
Funnily enough; they let me enjoy some peace and quiet after that. I wonder why.
When the train finally arrived in London I was one of the first people getting out of it. I would have charmed myself invisible but clearly my mind-voice has plans for me. I was already dreading what was coming next. I wasn't mobbed, thankfully, but I was intensely aware of the hushed – and not so hushed- comments and fingers pointing at me.
Despite myself I looked over the crowd looking for my Mum.
She wasn't there.
I was just about to summon my luggage when a small projectile impacted on me.
"Hey Sev'rus! Come meet my parents!"
And before I knew it I let the little brat drag me off to do just that. Her parents seemed like a perfectly ordinary couple, middle aged although with witches and wizards you never quite knew, and it was obvious they cared a great deal about her.
"Well met, Mr. Snape."
I smiled widely at Mr. Wentforth and said, "Likewise, sir. Your daughter is an exceptionally talented young girl."
"She's a perfectly sly one too! She never let on she knew you personally!"
Ah, he was one of those.
I turned to little Selena, "Adorable and a little sneaky. I thoroughly approve!"
Mrs. Wentforth however looked to be the responsible one of the two, "If I might ask, young man? How did this acquaintance of yours begin?"
While I didn't like the implications I couldn't blame her. Usually fifth years don't hang out with first years. In fact...usually fifth years made first years cry. A lot.
Fortunately Selena saved me from an awkward moment, "He saved me from a few mean boys! And then he walked me to my dorms!" She frowned a little bit scrunching up her face adorably so in fact, "Be nice to him, Mum!"
That seemed to thaw the suspicious lady, "My apologies if I offended you, Mr. Snape. A mother worries though. I do hope you understand."
"Of course, Ma'am. Think nothing of it."
Selena piped up again, "He's been teaching me how to fight, Mum. He say's I'm really good!"
And she just landed me in hot water again. Fortunately I didn't need the path to extract myself from this.
"She expressed a desire to learn how to defend herself, Ma'am. Most of it included a healthy amount of dodging and running away."
There.
That made it sound somewhat more innocuous right?
Mr. Wentforth picked up Selena and cooed to her, "Oh, my little precious is developing fangs." He turned to me, "Can she hold her own, Mr. Snape?"
Selena nodded but I didn't let her speak up, "Quite well, sir. Far better than most her age. If I'm being honest...quite a bit better than anyone her age."
While her mother still didn't seem to quite approve her father was entirely sold. I stuck around for a few more pleasant exchanges, and a hug or two with the brat, before excusing myself. I spent short moment summoning my luggage when someone tapped me on the shoulders.
I turned around and came face to face with the ex-beast.
Oh. Joy.
Lupin looked almost shy when he said, "My parents wanted to thank you, Severus. Would you please have a few words with them?"
The mind-voice had nothing to say about this encounter. Clearly it meant nothing in the larger scheme of things and I could easily snub the boy. It wasn't as I owed him anything. The worst that would happen is that he'd disappoint his parents. I sincerely doubted that didn't happen on a semi-regular basis already. Not with the company he keeps.
In the end though I just nodded and followed him.
"Mum, Dad. Meet Severus!"
I let their profuse gratitude wash over me. I smiled at the right times, nodded along with them, and generally pretended I gave a damn about their words. The only reason I was doing this was that I could imagine the suffering these people must have gone through on account of their son. A few minutes to let them get it out of their system wouldn't hurt me.
When Potter and his family walked up though I had no intention of playing along.
"Well met, young Master Snape."
The elder Lord Potter. A fairly influential man with far too much gold on his hands. I knew he somewhat supported the old man's policies but beyond that he was fairly unknown to me. His wife, from the looks of it yet another bloody Black, was a complete unknown.
I'd like to keep it that way.
"No."
The word was out before I actually registered it. I considered walking it back for a brief moment but quickly came to the realization I didn't care what he thought of me.
"Excuse-."
I surreptitiously cast some anti-eavesdropping magic, making sure to include the Lupins, before I interrupted the man, "You've raised a psychopath for a son. The only reason he ceased his five year long torment of me is because I threatened to murder him in front of Dumbledore. Perhaps you should ask the old man how credible my threats are. Good day."
And I turned around, picked up my luggage, and firmly ignored their shock. Good god that was exhilarating and more than a little bit cathartic. I felt all the frustration that had been threatening to boil over to the wrong people rapidly dissipate. While even Lord Potter might not have deserved that I honestly couldn't find it within myself to care.
Fuck him.
I turned again on my heels after shrinking my luggage and apparated out to one of Lucius' favorite haunts. The Seven Sisters was an alehouse that was far too refined for my tastes but my blond, and unreasonably handsome, friend found it to his liking. In my mind the only good point about the place are the fairly secluded booths. With a few charms applied to them they were as private as you'd ever be in public.
"Severus!"
Oh, he was excited today.
"Lucius!"
He smiled widely at me and said, "You know, I should be upset you've spoken more with my father over the past few days than I have with him in weeks."
I smirked and replied, "Perhaps come up with some revolutionary magics. I hear he enjoys that."
Lucius snorted but didn't try to refute me. He snapped his fingers and from nowhere a server had appeared with our drinks. A butterbeer for me and Lucius was having one of his dandy drinks. I never asked what was in it.
"We have to talk, Lucius."
The unfairly handsome bastard raised an eyebrow almost as meticulously groomed as Narcissa's and said, "I know, Severus. That's why we're here."
I chose to ignore his tone, that was reminiscent of a much belabored man trying to talk to a five year old, and instead focused on his words.
"Yes. It's about our mutual friend."
He slowly put down his vaguely purple and pink drink before replying, "Are you sure we should be discussing this here?"
I waved his concerns away, "Dumbledore couldn't pierce my security measures. At least...not in the time it takes to finish this conversation."
Despite my hopes he didn't look flustered.
"Very well, proceed but do try to refrain from bragging would you. It's rather unbecoming."
I didn't like doing this. Using the path to guide my words and actions when I'm with my sole friend. I just didn't see any other way. This was too important and I was not losing him.
I hit him under the table with a stinging hex while replying, "You're not joining him. You see; I need someone to help me rule Britain and it's going to be you."
This got a response from him. A wide-eyed stare to be precise with a touch of fear. As much as this repulsed me I continued onward.
I didn't still didn't let him respond though, "I got you a job as the First Aide to Undersecretary Millicent Bagnold. I'm going to make her Minister soon and you'll be her Undersecretary. I'd like to say I'm here to consult with you on this but I already negotiated with your father for you and I have far too much respect for you to pander."
He was still as a statue and hadn't entirely recovered from the shock yet.
I sipped from my butterbeer and peered over the bottle at Lucius, "Do you have any questions?"
The past few days had gone by in a whirl. I'd given more interviews than I could count. Shook so many hands I might have suffered permanent wrist damage. Schmoozed with dignitaries, homegrown and foreign alike, to ensure nobody tried anything underhanded with the Ambrosia.
The train ride home was the first free time I had to myself in days. The fifth years tried to get me to socialize with them but a few well placed jinxes sent them scurrying. Unfortunately not for long though.
"Oh, you silly Sevvy. Famous people don't get to complain about people wanting to spend time with them."
I nearly let my frustration at Hephaestus spill out. At the last second I managed to refrain from reducing the boy to a smudge in the cabin. Why was he so insistent upon being my friend now? After five long, and exceedingly painful, school years. The answer was obvious of course.
I was useful and interesting now. I could sit here and be grumpy about it or I could just let it work to my benefit. I'd still have to spend two more years with him, if not in Potions class, and what better way to get my revenge than to wrangle every last drop of usefulness from the boy.
I smiled a predatory grin at him and calmly said, "Sometime during the summer break I'm coming to find you."
Before he could spit out a retort I continued, "We're going on an adventure and you know what?"
He looked more than a little apprehensive, "What?"
I continued smiling, which I imagined looked more than a little bit deranged, "I'm not even pretending you have a choice in this."
The others in the cabin, Evert and Richard, glanced over at each other. Then at me and finally settling on Hephaestus. I didn't give them an opportunity to mock the boy though.
"You two are coming as well."
Hephaestus still looked rather unsettled, "What kind of adventure, Severus?"
"The unexpected kind, Hephie. Does it matter?"
Richard piped in, "Well, yeah. It kind of does."
I raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh? Do you remember the bit where you don't really have a choice?"
"I don't quite see how-."
I interrupted him, "I was so gracious in forgiving your appalling betrayal a few days ago? Would you like me to revisit that rather hasty decision?"
They couldn't possible have blathered out their resigned acceptance any faster. I didn't know what we were going to do. It didn't really matter. Sooner or later I'd get bored in the summer and I had no issue using these boys to distract myself. A few dedicated paths to their safety should see them through with a minimum of scarring.
Funnily enough; they let me enjoy some peace and quiet after that. I wonder why.
When the train finally arrived in London I was one of the first people getting out of it. I would have charmed myself invisible but clearly my mind-voice has plans for me. I was already dreading what was coming next. I wasn't mobbed, thankfully, but I was intensely aware of the hushed – and not so hushed- comments and fingers pointing at me.
Despite myself I looked over the crowd looking for my Mum.
She wasn't there.
I was just about to summon my luggage when a small projectile impacted on me.
"Hey Sev'rus! Come meet my parents!"
And before I knew it I let the little brat drag me off to do just that. Her parents seemed like a perfectly ordinary couple, middle aged although with witches and wizards you never quite knew, and it was obvious they cared a great deal about her.
"Well met, Mr. Snape."
I smiled widely at Mr. Wentforth and said, "Likewise, sir. Your daughter is an exceptionally talented young girl."
"She's a perfectly sly one too! She never let on she knew you personally!"
Ah, he was one of those.
I turned to little Selena, "Adorable and a little sneaky. I thoroughly approve!"
Mrs. Wentforth however looked to be the responsible one of the two, "If I might ask, young man? How did this acquaintance of yours begin?"
While I didn't like the implications I couldn't blame her. Usually fifth years don't hang out with first years. In fact...usually fifth years made first years cry. A lot.
Fortunately Selena saved me from an awkward moment, "He saved me from a few mean boys! And then he walked me to my dorms!" She frowned a little bit scrunching up her face adorably so in fact, "Be nice to him, Mum!"
That seemed to thaw the suspicious lady, "My apologies if I offended you, Mr. Snape. A mother worries though. I do hope you understand."
"Of course, Ma'am. Think nothing of it."
Selena piped up again, "He's been teaching me how to fight, Mum. He say's I'm really good!"
And she just landed me in hot water again. Fortunately I didn't need the path to extract myself from this.
"She expressed a desire to learn how to defend herself, Ma'am. Most of it included a healthy amount of dodging and running away."
There.
That made it sound somewhat more innocuous right?
Mr. Wentforth picked up Selena and cooed to her, "Oh, my little precious is developing fangs." He turned to me, "Can she hold her own, Mr. Snape?"
Selena nodded but I didn't let her speak up, "Quite well, sir. Far better than most her age. If I'm being honest...quite a bit better than anyone her age."
While her mother still didn't seem to quite approve her father was entirely sold. I stuck around for a few more pleasant exchanges, and a hug or two with the brat, before excusing myself. I spent short moment summoning my luggage when someone tapped me on the shoulders.
I turned around and came face to face with the ex-beast.
Oh. Joy.
Lupin looked almost shy when he said, "My parents wanted to thank you, Severus. Would you please have a few words with them?"
The mind-voice had nothing to say about this encounter. Clearly it meant nothing in the larger scheme of things and I could easily snub the boy. It wasn't as I owed him anything. The worst that would happen is that he'd disappoint his parents. I sincerely doubted that didn't happen on a semi-regular basis already. Not with the company he keeps.
In the end though I just nodded and followed him.
"Mum, Dad. Meet Severus!"
I let their profuse gratitude wash over me. I smiled at the right times, nodded along with them, and generally pretended I gave a damn about their words. The only reason I was doing this was that I could imagine the suffering these people must have gone through on account of their son. A few minutes to let them get it out of their system wouldn't hurt me.
When Potter and his family walked up though I had no intention of playing along.
"Well met, young Master Snape."
The elder Lord Potter. A fairly influential man with far too much gold on his hands. I knew he somewhat supported the old man's policies but beyond that he was fairly unknown to me. His wife, from the looks of it yet another bloody Black, was a complete unknown.
I'd like to keep it that way.
"No."
The word was out before I actually registered it. I considered walking it back for a brief moment but quickly came to the realization I didn't care what he thought of me.
"Excuse-."
I surreptitiously cast some anti-eavesdropping magic, making sure to include the Lupins, before I interrupted the man, "You've raised a psychopath for a son. The only reason he ceased his five year long torment of me is because I threatened to murder him in front of Dumbledore. Perhaps you should ask the old man how credible my threats are. Good day."
And I turned around, picked up my luggage, and firmly ignored their shock. Good god that was exhilarating and more than a little bit cathartic. I felt all the frustration that had been threatening to boil over to the wrong people rapidly dissipate. While even Lord Potter might not have deserved that I honestly couldn't find it within myself to care.
Fuck him.
I turned again on my heels after shrinking my luggage and apparated out to one of Lucius' favorite haunts. The Seven Sisters was an alehouse that was far too refined for my tastes but my blond, and unreasonably handsome, friend found it to his liking. In my mind the only good point about the place are the fairly secluded booths. With a few charms applied to them they were as private as you'd ever be in public.
"Severus!"
Oh, he was excited today.
"Lucius!"
He smiled widely at me and said, "You know, I should be upset you've spoken more with my father over the past few days than I have with him in weeks."
I smirked and replied, "Perhaps come up with some revolutionary magics. I hear he enjoys that."
Lucius snorted but didn't try to refute me. He snapped his fingers and from nowhere a server had appeared with our drinks. A butterbeer for me and Lucius was having one of his dandy drinks. I never asked what was in it.
"We have to talk, Lucius."
The unfairly handsome bastard raised an eyebrow almost as meticulously groomed as Narcissa's and said, "I know, Severus. That's why we're here."
I chose to ignore his tone, that was reminiscent of a much belabored man trying to talk to a five year old, and instead focused on his words.
"Yes. It's about our mutual friend."
He slowly put down his vaguely purple and pink drink before replying, "Are you sure we should be discussing this here?"
I waved his concerns away, "Dumbledore couldn't pierce my security measures. At least...not in the time it takes to finish this conversation."
Despite my hopes he didn't look flustered.
"Very well, proceed but do try to refrain from bragging would you. It's rather unbecoming."
I didn't like doing this. Using the path to guide my words and actions when I'm with my sole friend. I just didn't see any other way. This was too important and I was not losing him.
I hit him under the table with a stinging hex while replying, "You're not joining him. You see; I need someone to help me rule Britain and it's going to be you."
This got a response from him. A wide-eyed stare to be precise with a touch of fear. As much as this repulsed me I continued onward.
I didn't still didn't let him respond though, "I got you a job as the First Aide to Undersecretary Millicent Bagnold. I'm going to make her Minister soon and you'll be her Undersecretary. I'd like to say I'm here to consult with you on this but I already negotiated with your father for you and I have far too much respect for you to pander."
He was still as a statue and hadn't entirely recovered from the shock yet.
I sipped from my butterbeer and peered over the bottle at Lucius, "Do you have any questions?"
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Oh I am slain!
Wynaut?
- Location
- Tatooine
Oh bother. You silly path. 
Heretek
Techpriest of Tzeentch
Looks like two sentences got mashed up here.
Galerians
I am Blissfully Insane
- Location
- Indonesia