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Tweak says, "Always"

atdelphi (atdelphi) wrote in hp_beholder,
@ 2013-05-01 07:21:00

Entry tags:

beholder 2013, fic, het, pomona sprout, rating:r, severus snape, severus snape/pomona sprout

FIC: "Fallow Fields" for shadowycat
Recipient: shadowycat
Author: ???
Title: Fallow Fields
Rating: R
Pairings: Pomona Sprout/Severus Snape, other Hogwarts staff, Cedric Diggory
Word Count: ~20K
Warnings/Content Information (Highlight to View): *[Angst, h/c, first time, oral (both), frottage, plain old fucking]*.
Summary: Series of behind-the-scenes moments between Pomona, Severus & a few others
Author's Notes: There are two birthdates provided for Pomona Sprout in canon, one being 15 May 1931 as well as 15 May 1941. For the purposes of this fic, I chose the latter. I used a mix of book, film and Pottermore canon for this fic, most especially for certain revelations re: Professor McGonagall. Also, I admit this (NSFW!) bit of art might have inspired me just a tad for one scene.... Happy Beholding, shadowycat!

Fallow Fields

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	lash_larue 2013-05-01 09:25 pm UTC (link)
	How absolutely lovely for them both! And fitting that Pomona would be the one to care for him and help him heal and grow. Not a pairing I have seen before, but you made it work for me. Well told, L (Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-26 11:31 pm UTC (link)
	Thank you! :-) I'm glad the pairing worked for you and appreciate your feedback. (Reply to this) (Parent)

shadowycat
2013-05-01 10:54 pm UTC (link)

Pomona would be the perfect first lover for an uncertain young man, no doubt about that. She's kind, generous, loving, and eminently practical. Although both Pomona and Severus are on my short list of favorite characters, I've never pictured them together before, but you certainly made it work! I'm particularly glad that you gave them a future to look forward to. They both deserve some happiness. Thank you so very much for a lovely, hot, and enjoyable gift! :D

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-26 11:45 pm UTC (link)
	You're most welcome! I considered the possibilities presented by your request and they spoke the loudest. I'm glad it was not just believable, but enjoyable. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	gingertart50 2013-05-02 04:14 pm UTC (link)
	What a delightful fic! I enjoyed this very much, an unusual pairing that works really well here, and a most hopeful and uplifting ending. I've always liked Pomona and I adored her here, a wonderful, funny, sensible and very wise witch indeed. A fic that I must come back to and re-read in the future. Thank you! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-26 11:57 pm UTC (link)
	I like Pomona Sprout, too. I'm pleased you found the pairing works and especially glad you feel it might be a tale you revisit in future; that's gratifying. Thank you. (Reply to this) (Parent)

lookfar
2013-05-02 05:57 pm UTC (link)

Pomona believed in letting people as well as plants to bloom in their own time. This might well be a sign he was finally loosening up a bit toward his co-workers. What a perfect motif.

So lovely! As a dumpy old lady myself, I really appreciated this fantasy for dumpy old ladies. It's a long, satisfying ride to the conclusion, and I'm glad you gave them some time to argue and have a spat, or it wouldn't be Snape.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-27 12:14 am UTC (link)
	In my not so humble opinion, dumpy old ladies rule the world. We just let others feel they do. ;-) Yes, Snape is not Snape without some misunderstandings and acerbity. I'm glad you enjoyed their tale; thank you! (Reply to this) (Parent)

lyras
2013-05-03 08:33 am UTC (link)

Oh, I absolutely loved this. I really admire the way you've created such a full (and very readable) story for these two characters, whom I'd never have thought of putting together. You fill them out beautifully: their motivations, wider events and the way these might affect their relationship.

Your Pomona is lovely - I loved her voice, so full of the gardening imagery in a way that was enjoyable without ever feeling forced. I loved how comfortable she was with herself - except, of course, during that time when she shuts Severus out due to guilt.

And Severus. I have to admit that I am not the biggest Snape fan - or rather, I think he is fascinating and a brilliant character but not a very nice man. You showed me a very different side to him here, and one that I can see is hinted at in canon. I loved his interactions with all the staff, not just Pomona. You actually made me feel as if perhaps his life wasn't so terrible and bitter, after all, despite the constant hardships and the awful experiences he must have endured.

I loved the slow development of their relationship, from its awkward beginnings, through sadness and loss, and then finally to utterly vulnerable acceptance of one another.

This is my favourite kind of story: one that makes me see the HP world in a different light. I know I will want to reread it, in order to savour all the details I missed the first time through. Thank you, mystery author, for a great read!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

psyfic
2013-05-27 12:40 am UTC (link)

Pomona (by my lights) is one of those lucky people who discover what they love to do and what they most value, early. It always shows, not just in their competence but in how they live life - usually quietly cheerful and unapologetically.

Snape, on the other hand, resented his circumstances and blamed them for his lot in life. His one attempt to better them by way of the Dark Arts and joining the DEs is akin to a Muggle get-rich-quick scheme; something that never works to the betterment of the person taking part. Sorrier and bitterly wiser after, he still saw nothing wrong in wanting to better his circumstances and resents being judged for it.

Pomona is not the sort to judge based on the past, but on what she sees before her. Hence, the basis of their pairing.

I'm glad you liked how their relationship developed and am gratified the story is one you wish to re-read. That is ever my aim, to write something people can come back to and find enjoyment (or distraction from their concerns) in it. Thank you!

(Reply to this) (Parent)

	squibstress 2013-05-03 11:30 pm UTC (link)
	Such a wonderful Pomona! It's astonishing how well you made them work together, but by the end I was thinking, "Of course. They belong together!" And the Minerva/Viktor reference at the end made me squee. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-27 12:45 am UTC (link)
	I'm pleased you enjoyed the pairing (and found it plausible), and particularly glad you enjoyed the McGonagall/Krum I threw in. I've always thought those two might well hit it off. :-) Thank you for taking time to comment! (Reply to this) (Parent)

	kelly_chambliss 2013-05-12 06:11 pm UTC (link)
	I enjoyed this -- particularly your very plausible version of Pomona, comfortable, sensible, shrewd, and kind, who believably sees the world in gardening metaphors. And of course, I'm fond of the Minerva cameo, too. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-27 12:48 am UTC (link)
	Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it, especially the Minerva bit. I figured she deserves a rugged and devoted younger lover who can fill those empty places. ;-) (Reply to this) (Parent)

	pauraque.dreamwidth.org 2013-05-15 08:24 pm UTC (link)
	I like what you've done with the plant metaphors -- I think JKR's line about Severus being like a plant kept in the dark was one of the best she ever wrote, and you've fleshed out that theme nicely. I hope there'll be many happy years ahead for Pomona and Severus, though I have to wonder whether he'll ever tell her about that Obliviate, understandable as it may have been. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-27 12:51 am UTC (link)
	Oddly enough, I wonder that, as well. ;-) I'm glad you enjoyed the plant metaphors. Thanks for making time to comment. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	selmak 2013-05-19 02:31 pm UTC (link)
	What an absolutely enjoyable read. I love your Pomona, very earth mother goddess and how she is just so...Pomona. And yes, you made the Severus/Pomona relationship work! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-27 12:54 am UTC (link)
	I'm so glad you enjoyed it, and especially that you found it plausible. Thank you! (Reply to this) (Parent)

	alisanne 2013-05-21 10:11 pm UTC (link)
	Goodness! How delightful this was. :) Your Pomona was fabulous, no wonder Severus couldn't resist! And she really was perfect for him here. So generous and nurturing and so strong. Beautifully done! :) (Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-27 12:56 am UTC (link)
	Thank you! I'm glad the pairing worked for you. :-) I enjoyed writing it so am very pleased to hear people enjoyed reading it. (Reply to this) (Parent)

	dandru 2013-05-23 07:16 pm UTC (link)
	These two made a great pair! Your Pomona was gorgeous and wise. Loved this line... Pomona believed in letting people as well as plants to bloom in their own time. Lovely story! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-27 12:57 am UTC (link)
	Thank you! (Reply to this) (Parent)

SPOILERS AHOY

songquake
2013-05-25 07:40 am UTC (link)

Oh! Another pairing that I'd never have suspected, but I now have to admit and glory in its brilliance.

I kind of love that Severus doesn't tell her that he Obliviated her in 1995. Wait'll she finds out (something tells me he can't keep it secret forever).

I love round, older women myself, so I really adore how Severus appreciates those aspects of Pomona. And how she worries about that boy, thin and always too pale. She's right: no plant or animal should do well if always underground...well, at least not most. I'm sure there are critters that don't react well to the sun. Still, it might help Severus! Vitamin D and serotonin and the like.

Pomona's practicality and grief, Severus's insecurity and damnable nobility, and the friendship (though difficult at times) of the other staff...all are wonderful details. Thank you for this story!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	Re: SPOILERS AHOY psyfic 2013-05-27 01:03 am UTC (link)
	I'm especially pleased to hear you enjoyed the details, thank you! That is Severus, ever the Slytherin. :-) Yes, as I responded above - round, older women secretly rule the world. Shape is in very good hands. I'm glad you enjoyed the story - thank you so much for taking time to comment! (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

	Re: SPOILERS AHOY psyfic 2013-05-27 01:05 am UTC (link)
	sorry, that should be Snape is in very good hands, but auto-correct thinks it knows best. (Reply to this) (Parent)

albalark
2013-05-25 05:43 pm UTC (link)

Wow. This story bowled me over, Mystery Author. I love your Pomona, her kindness and sensibleness, her generosity, sweet sexiness and her ability to call Severus out when he crosses the line - no wonder he falls for her!

As for him, I love how you don't gloss over his shortcomings, but show him as still someone worthy of love and care, who grows and prospers under Pomona's gentle hands and the sunshine of the love she has for him.

Thank you for the happy ending, too - it always makes me happy when Severus not only survives, but gets to have some peace and happiness when all is said and done. Lovely job, Mystery Author!

(Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-27 01:13 am UTC (link)
	I'm so glad you enjoyed it so much. :-) Truthfully, after finding one another and finding so much in each other, I couldn't bear having either lose, respectively, a final shot at happiness and the possibility of fulfilment. Pomona, especially, deserves the chance to watch Severus thrive and blossom after all her nurturing and care. (Reply to this) (Parent)

teddy_radiator
2013-05-26 04:17 pm UTC (link)

This is one of the best fics I have ever read. I absolutely adored it. Some of the passages just hit me right between the eyes, and I was moved to tears more than once. And the ending - so sweet and perfect. Thank you, Odo, thank you for this beautiful love song of a fic. It's gone onto my Kindle, where it will no doubt be read over and over. I cannot tell you how much I loved it.

For some reason, with few exceptions, the poorer students tended to be placed in either Slytherin or Hufflepuff. She had always supposed it had to do with whether a particular student felt more ambition to prove themselves or more in need of nurturing and stability. One thing Pomona had learnt was that Severus Snape was wary of nurturing at best.

So insightful and rings like a bell with truth.

Snape became an epithet a generation of resentful students came to know instead of the weary, solitary, frustrated man behind the name.

The first of many times my heart ached and tears came into my eyes. Oh, I'm filling up now. The loneliness, and the sadness that they could not help one another.

There was not a single Slytherin student who could say they felt unsupported by their Head. Severus defended his little snakes much as she did her badgers, regardless of status.

I have so often said that Snape in canon was seen through the filter of a boy who despised him, and we saw only a tiny facet of the man. Why on earth would an intelligent man like Dumbledore place someone in charge of a house that wasn't able to look after his charges with care. Of course he would make sure the poorer ones were looked after.

"Just... don't lose faith in me. Please." His voice was strangled and he blinked to keep the telltale moisture from his too dry and tired eyes.

Oh, how could you lose faith in such a faithful man? Again, my heart broke for him.

And the Obliviate! I was terrified he'd erased everything, but cleverly, he only erased what he had to answer for then, not his past. At least there, he knew he could remain dear in someone's heart. Even then, his need for self-preservation included her.

I could blab on and on about this fic, but I just want to say thank you again, for this wonderful story of love and its power to heal and see beyond the physical. Fallow Fields will stay with me for a long time.

(Reply to this) (Thread)

psyfic
2013-05-27 01:44 am UTC (link)

Your heartfelt comments are an embarrassment of riches to me. In exchanges, one hopes to please the recipient, above all, and in so doing if one pleases, touches or gladdens others it is the proverbial icing on the cake.

Posting it publicly being the surest way of discovering typos that writer and betas all miss, I hope you don't mind if I post a cleaner version of it in the near future? They're small, but glaring to my eyes.

Even then, his need for self-preservation included her. Yes. Thank you for noting that.

I'm glad my story spoke to you so deeply; it's gratifying, not to mention humbling. I hope it continues to please in future. Thank you for your very kind feedback!

(Reply to this) (Parent)

	juniperus 2013-05-26 08:23 pm UTC (link)
	So beautiful, truly. As well-wrought as ever, and just, as ever, able to make me tear-up and smile, in turn. I adore this pairing and you've done it more than justice, odogoddess, far more. Thank you for writing this, it's marvelous. (Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-27 01:53 am UTC (link)
	I'm so pleased you found it so moving. Thank you. I'm also glad you feel I did them justice; that definitely being one of my goals! :-) (Reply to this) (Parent)

	talesofsnape 2013-05-28 10:10 pm UTC (link)
	Gorgeous! (Reply to this) (Thread)

	psyfic 2013-05-30 03:44 am UTC (link)
	Thank you! (Reply to this) (Parent)

cuorefreddo.livejournal.com
2013-06-09 10:51 pm UTC (link)

I'm a bit late with the catch-ups, but this story was truly lovely! I'm not fond of het, but the way you wrote Pomona - so positive, wise and full of energy - and Severus - so young and nervous and insecure - was just perfect. (I actually think I'm a bit in love with your Pomona, oh my!)

I also liked all the thinking you put behind this story, both in terms of time setting of the relationship (I really liked to see it develope in various stages, even if that Obliviate really broke my heart so bad) and in terms of Pomona's insights on life and on Hogwarts' ways. I expecially appreciated the plant growth metaphore, which can sound a bit obvious for someone like Pomona, but was really well written and developed! And then this:

"For some reason, with few exceptions, the poorer students tended to be placed in either Slytherin or Hufflepuff. She had always supposed it had to do with whether a particular student felt more ambition to prove themselves or more in need of nurturing and stability."

I love reading these kind of details about Hogwarts! Brilliant and pretty sensible, if one thinks about it... I feel that (quality) fic after (quality) fic I'm sort of figuring out a puzzle that adds layer after layer to the canon, reaching a depth of understanding that I wouldn't have guessed on my own in a million years. Thanks for enriching it with a new piece!

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	psyfic 2013-06-10 07:43 am UTC (link)
	Thank you! I appreciate your comments and I'm glad you enjoyed the way the relationship developed, including the plant metaphors. I'm also glad you gave the story a chance despite not being fond of het; that's very gratifying. (Reply to this) (Parent)