HP Drabble Round-Up 5: The Long-Overdue Edition
It's been months since I last posted a drabble collection, and I've got... oh, a fair few old drabbles saved up. So here's a post putting them all together in one place. As always, they're a mixed bag of pairings, ratings and sources--some are from snape100, others from various Last Word Challenges--but the common thread is Snape, Snape, Snape. Ratings range from G to PG-13, while pairings include SS/HG, Snarry, Snape/Luna and, in a first for me, Snape/Molly. There are also a few drabble duos and trios in this set. The drabbles themselves are labeled as to more specific content.
Enjoy!
Title: I Gave My Love a Howler
Rating: PG
Pairing: Snape/Molly. Yes, really.
Original Prompt: Valentine's Week
Notes: Not a pairing I’d ever advocate, but this was fun!
Although Severus had a talent for sniffing out deception, he found flirting to be as incomprehensible as any ancient grimoire. Worse, actually, because he could at least make the grimoire make sense.
In retrospect, the signs were obvious. She was forever fussing over him, knitting him extra scarves and offering him the largest slice of chocolate cake.
He loved chocolate cake.
Still, the Valentine Howler came as a complete shock. Charmed to howl amorous encouragements that made Severus’ face flame, the letter made Molly’s feelings explicit. Very explicit.
It was fortunate that he hadn’t opened it in the Great Hall.
Title: House Call
Rating: PG
Characters: Severus, Lily
Original Prompt: Spinner’s End
For a year, he’d avoided inviting her home; finally, Lily had prevailed.
They usually met at her house, which Severus enjoyed; it was welcoming and attractive, alive with the smell of biscuits and the cheerful murmur of Lily’s records.
He hated the idea of Lily seeing Spinner’s End, with its creaking floorboards and cracked plaster. It stank of smoke and cabbage and desperation.
What would she think of it? Of him?
He braced himself as she looked around.
“Cool,” Lily pronounced. “D’you want to show me your room? I nicked one of Petunia’s books again.”
Severus nodded and nearly smiled.
Title: The Golden Afternoon
Characters: Severus Snape-and possibly others, but not quite as you know them. ;-)
Original Prompt: Snape in Wonderland
Notes: Title is taken from the song sung by the flowers in the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland.
Whether this hallucination was a symptom of illness or simply encroaching death, one thing was certain: it was the strangest garden Severus had ever seen.
A forest of blossoms towered over him, dense and dizzying. The sunlight filtered through the umbrella of their unfurled petals, painting the world beneath in softened shades of pink and orange and lilac.
With a start, Severus realised that he had also changed. He’d been stripped of the dignity of adulthood, revealed as a runty, helpless child flapping about in his father’s coat.
A voice rang out, startling him: “Halt! Who’s trespassing in our garden?”
The flowers disliked Severus.
A clutch of red-gold marigolds jeered. “He’s the ugliest flower we’ve ever seen! His petals are too limp.”
“He doesn’t belong,” agreed a messy-headed Dandy Lion. “He looks so mean!”
“He’s obviously a weed,” sniffed the Petunia. “Just look at his puny stem and ragged foliage! He must be uprooted.” Voices chorused in approval.
A bubble of panic welled in Severus’ throat, threatening to become tears.
“Don’t be so unfair!” the Tiger Lily cried. “He’s just been neglected.” She smiled at him. “I’m certain he could be a lovely flower with the right sort of care.”
Title: Late Bloomer
Rating: PG
Pairing: Snuna
Original Prompt: Snape and… Sex
Notes: I’m sure there’s irony in the fact that this prompt gave me all kinds of ideas about Snape NOT having sex. *g*
In a lifetime filled with dark secrets, it was the only one he’d kept entirely unknown. This knowledge was Severus’ own, a secret kept until the proper time.
Over the years, he’d occasionally had reason to hope that the moment had finally arrived-but it always passed him by, silent and painful, followed by his relief at having held back.
In especially furious, lonely moments, he doubted that the secret was even worth telling at this late date. Privately, he doubted that the moment would come and feared that when it did, it would be greeted with peals of mocking laughter.
The moment eventually arrived, charged with anticipation and dread. Severus carefully showed neither as he spoke.
Luna didn’t laugh or gasp. Instead, she kissed him.
“Virginity isn’t shameful,” she murmured. “It only means you’re selective.”
The idea filled Severus with relief and an incredible lightness of spirit. He wasn’t defective, after all. He wasn’t unwanted; he was discerning.
He hadn’t missed out. He’d been waiting for the best.
“Although,” Luna continued, “you won’t be able to see Pogwumps anymore; only virgins can see-”
Severus silenced her with a kiss and proceeded to guarantee that he’d never, ever see a Pogwump.
Title: A Change for the Better
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Snape/?
Original Prompt: Snape and Time
For years, mornings had attacked Severus with shocking alarms, ripping him from dreams and confronting him with reality: an empty bed and empty life, untouched by another soul.
In dreams, Severus had enjoyed the things that had always eluded him: respect, success, fellowship, love. Mornings had only tormented him with their absence.
Now Severus woke gently, roused by a splash of sunlight in his eyes. Distant dreams were forgotten as he curled around his warm, welcoming lover beside him, thinking lazy thoughts of morning sex and breakfast in bed.
He’d never liked mornings, but he could get used to this.
Title: The Voice of Experience
Rating: PG
Notes: When you think about it, he already is a grouchy old man in a younger man's body…
Original Prompt: Snape's Centennial
Ten decades had changed Severus in obvious ways.
He'd relied on glasses and a walking stick for years. Lines creased his face, and his hair was as white as it had once been dark.
Yet time hadn't altered his essence. He remained exactly what he'd always been: a keen intellect, a demanding taskmaster, a stunning talent, a force of nature. His criticisms were as unsparing as ever, though age lent his words an authority they'd lacked in his younger years.
He was just as right as he'd always been-but after a century, people were finally ready to start admitting it.
Title: My Worst Enemy
Paring: Snarry
Rating: PG
Word Count: 100 x 3
Original Prompt: Snape Times Two
Severus knew better than to explore Grimmauld Place's dark corners without Harry’s assistance.
The house was still lousy with dark magic, tainted with the madness and menace of previous inhabitants. There was no telling what (and who) might be found within its walls; even mere housekeeping was best done in pairs.
Still, as Severus turned to examine the rumbling of the cupboard, professional arrogance in his duelling skills led him to ignore precautions.
The assailant caught him unawares.
Severus recognised the menacing glint of a silver mask, the merciless sneer and soulless eyes, before panic arose and swallowed him whole.
The first sign of trouble was Severus' strangled scream from downstairs.
Harry’s breath caught in his throat. He’d never heard Severus scream, except the once-that horrible time when Nagini had-when he’d nearly-
Harry couldn't Apparate fast enough.
Yet when he arrived, Harry found no snakes or rogue Death Eaters. Instead, Severus sat upon the floor, pale and paralysed with horror, being menaced by… himself?
No, Harry thought, not Severus at all. This monster wore Severus' form, but cruelly distorted: a sneering assassin, dressed in a Death Eater's costume.
Raising his wand, Harry spoke the words to end the nightmare: "Riddikulus."
Severus couldn't have said when the Boggart was subdued, or how. He was already too preoccupied with the spectacle of his worst possible self, the man he glimpsed in every reflection: hideous, twisted, a remorseless bringer of death and pain.
How could Harry stand the sight of him?
"…okay?" Severus blinked. Harry was kneeling next to him. "Are you okay? I locked the Boggart away."
Severus shook his head, not trusting his voice. "How did you know?" he finally whispered.
"Which one was you?" Harry pulled Severus into a sudden, fierce embrace. "There was never a doubt in my mind."
Title: Learn to Fly
Rating: G
Original Prompt: Snape Flies
Notes: A few months ago, I proposed one Animagus form for Snape. Here's another option.
The Animagus transformation was challenging, but it was only the start. Looking like an animal didn't bring any expertise in being one, Severus found.
Pride at achieving a raven's form had faded upon realising that he didn't understand how to fly; after several failures, his glossy wings drooped in defeat.
Real birds made flight look simple. They glided easily, carefree and fearless…
New determination filled him. Breathlessly, he flapped his wings, astounded to find success. The breezes bore him up ever higher, the world shrinking beneath him.
He let out a caw of pure delight as he soared without limits.
Title: Too Little, Too Late
Rating: PG
Original Prompt: Snape Speaks
Severus glared disdainfully from the podium, quelling the audience's applause.
"I once dreamt of this moment. Tonight marks the recognition of my talents, the appreciation of my efforts, the approval of my-ah-peers.
"Yet I cannot forget how recently those who sing my praises condemned me as unworthy-an afterthought, even in my hour of need. But now you eagerly offer me an Order of Merlin, all on the say-so of Harry Potter, himself a past victim of your fickle favour.
"Keep your useless trinket. If I am a hero, it was my deeds that made me so, not your approval."
Title: Return of the (Half-Blood) Prince
Rating: G
Original Prompt: A drabble ending in the word "shine."
Notes: Written for the Final Word Drabble Challenge, hosted by alienor77310.
Hermione had never expected this day to come.
Years had passed before Severus would even entertain the notion of returning to Hogwarts; his memories were too deep to be easily healed. He’d allowed his daughters to attend, but each time Hermione suggested a visit, he’d refused.
A rush of affection filled her to look at him now, resplendent in dignified robes, his neatened hair streaked with silver. This time, his installment as Headmaster would be celebrated.
“Very handsome,” she declared, “but you’re missing something.”
With pride, she pinned to his robes the Order of Merlin, polished to a glorious shine.
Title: Door Number Two
Rating: PG-13
Original Prompt: A drabble ending in the word "door."
Notes: Written for the Final Word Drabble Challenge, hosted by shiv5468.
The dream came nearly every night.
Hermione was always trapped between two doors, unable to choose. Each was decorated with moving pictures-snapshots of what lay beyond, a future that might be.
One showed a life with Ron: a friendship soured by marriage, the moments of contentment punctured by bickering and charged with resentment.
The other showed her with Snape, but as she’d never seen him: teasing, tender, seductive, sensitive. They shared passionate discussions and sex in a book-lined cottage, occasionally joined by-Lucius Malfoy? How strange… yet appealing.
Suddenly, her way forward seemed clear. Without looking back, Hermione opened the door.
Title: The Proper Incentive
Rating: PG-13
Original Prompt: A drabble ending in the word "home."
Notes: Written for the Final Word Drabble Challenge, hosted by samantha_vimes.
"I won't!" Severus scowled at the dress robes on the bed. He hated dress robes and weddings and intended to avoid both.
"You will," Hermione replied, applying an extra-strength Fixing Charm to her curls.
"I'm not going!"
"You are." She frowned at her luridly pink bridesmaid's gown. "My friends are getting married."
"They aren't my friends," he said.
"True… but you are my date."
"Give me one good reason to brave the horrors of a Weasley wedding."
Hermione kissed him, her fingers wickedly teasing through his trousers. "Because," she murmured, "Your good behaviour will be rewarded when we get home."
Enjoy!
Title: I Gave My Love a Howler
Rating: PG
Pairing: Snape/Molly. Yes, really.
Original Prompt: Valentine's Week
Notes: Not a pairing I’d ever advocate, but this was fun!
Although Severus had a talent for sniffing out deception, he found flirting to be as incomprehensible as any ancient grimoire. Worse, actually, because he could at least make the grimoire make sense.
In retrospect, the signs were obvious. She was forever fussing over him, knitting him extra scarves and offering him the largest slice of chocolate cake.
He loved chocolate cake.
Still, the Valentine Howler came as a complete shock. Charmed to howl amorous encouragements that made Severus’ face flame, the letter made Molly’s feelings explicit. Very explicit.
It was fortunate that he hadn’t opened it in the Great Hall.
Title: House Call
Rating: PG
Characters: Severus, Lily
Original Prompt: Spinner’s End
For a year, he’d avoided inviting her home; finally, Lily had prevailed.
They usually met at her house, which Severus enjoyed; it was welcoming and attractive, alive with the smell of biscuits and the cheerful murmur of Lily’s records.
He hated the idea of Lily seeing Spinner’s End, with its creaking floorboards and cracked plaster. It stank of smoke and cabbage and desperation.
What would she think of it? Of him?
He braced himself as she looked around.
“Cool,” Lily pronounced. “D’you want to show me your room? I nicked one of Petunia’s books again.”
Severus nodded and nearly smiled.
Title: The Golden Afternoon
Characters: Severus Snape-and possibly others, but not quite as you know them. ;-)
Original Prompt: Snape in Wonderland
Notes: Title is taken from the song sung by the flowers in the Disney version of Alice in Wonderland.
Whether this hallucination was a symptom of illness or simply encroaching death, one thing was certain: it was the strangest garden Severus had ever seen.
A forest of blossoms towered over him, dense and dizzying. The sunlight filtered through the umbrella of their unfurled petals, painting the world beneath in softened shades of pink and orange and lilac.
With a start, Severus realised that he had also changed. He’d been stripped of the dignity of adulthood, revealed as a runty, helpless child flapping about in his father’s coat.
A voice rang out, startling him: “Halt! Who’s trespassing in our garden?”
The flowers disliked Severus.
A clutch of red-gold marigolds jeered. “He’s the ugliest flower we’ve ever seen! His petals are too limp.”
“He doesn’t belong,” agreed a messy-headed Dandy Lion. “He looks so mean!”
“He’s obviously a weed,” sniffed the Petunia. “Just look at his puny stem and ragged foliage! He must be uprooted.” Voices chorused in approval.
A bubble of panic welled in Severus’ throat, threatening to become tears.
“Don’t be so unfair!” the Tiger Lily cried. “He’s just been neglected.” She smiled at him. “I’m certain he could be a lovely flower with the right sort of care.”
Title: Late Bloomer
Rating: PG
Pairing: Snuna
Original Prompt: Snape and… Sex
Notes: I’m sure there’s irony in the fact that this prompt gave me all kinds of ideas about Snape NOT having sex. *g*
In a lifetime filled with dark secrets, it was the only one he’d kept entirely unknown. This knowledge was Severus’ own, a secret kept until the proper time.
Over the years, he’d occasionally had reason to hope that the moment had finally arrived-but it always passed him by, silent and painful, followed by his relief at having held back.
In especially furious, lonely moments, he doubted that the secret was even worth telling at this late date. Privately, he doubted that the moment would come and feared that when it did, it would be greeted with peals of mocking laughter.
The moment eventually arrived, charged with anticipation and dread. Severus carefully showed neither as he spoke.
Luna didn’t laugh or gasp. Instead, she kissed him.
“Virginity isn’t shameful,” she murmured. “It only means you’re selective.”
The idea filled Severus with relief and an incredible lightness of spirit. He wasn’t defective, after all. He wasn’t unwanted; he was discerning.
He hadn’t missed out. He’d been waiting for the best.
“Although,” Luna continued, “you won’t be able to see Pogwumps anymore; only virgins can see-”
Severus silenced her with a kiss and proceeded to guarantee that he’d never, ever see a Pogwump.
Title: A Change for the Better
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Snape/?
Original Prompt: Snape and Time
For years, mornings had attacked Severus with shocking alarms, ripping him from dreams and confronting him with reality: an empty bed and empty life, untouched by another soul.
In dreams, Severus had enjoyed the things that had always eluded him: respect, success, fellowship, love. Mornings had only tormented him with their absence.
Now Severus woke gently, roused by a splash of sunlight in his eyes. Distant dreams were forgotten as he curled around his warm, welcoming lover beside him, thinking lazy thoughts of morning sex and breakfast in bed.
He’d never liked mornings, but he could get used to this.
Title: The Voice of Experience
Rating: PG
Notes: When you think about it, he already is a grouchy old man in a younger man's body…
Original Prompt: Snape's Centennial
Ten decades had changed Severus in obvious ways.
He'd relied on glasses and a walking stick for years. Lines creased his face, and his hair was as white as it had once been dark.
Yet time hadn't altered his essence. He remained exactly what he'd always been: a keen intellect, a demanding taskmaster, a stunning talent, a force of nature. His criticisms were as unsparing as ever, though age lent his words an authority they'd lacked in his younger years.
He was just as right as he'd always been-but after a century, people were finally ready to start admitting it.
Title: My Worst Enemy
Paring: Snarry
Rating: PG
Word Count: 100 x 3
Original Prompt: Snape Times Two
Severus knew better than to explore Grimmauld Place's dark corners without Harry’s assistance.
The house was still lousy with dark magic, tainted with the madness and menace of previous inhabitants. There was no telling what (and who) might be found within its walls; even mere housekeeping was best done in pairs.
Still, as Severus turned to examine the rumbling of the cupboard, professional arrogance in his duelling skills led him to ignore precautions.
The assailant caught him unawares.
Severus recognised the menacing glint of a silver mask, the merciless sneer and soulless eyes, before panic arose and swallowed him whole.
The first sign of trouble was Severus' strangled scream from downstairs.
Harry’s breath caught in his throat. He’d never heard Severus scream, except the once-that horrible time when Nagini had-when he’d nearly-
Harry couldn't Apparate fast enough.
Yet when he arrived, Harry found no snakes or rogue Death Eaters. Instead, Severus sat upon the floor, pale and paralysed with horror, being menaced by… himself?
No, Harry thought, not Severus at all. This monster wore Severus' form, but cruelly distorted: a sneering assassin, dressed in a Death Eater's costume.
Raising his wand, Harry spoke the words to end the nightmare: "Riddikulus."
Severus couldn't have said when the Boggart was subdued, or how. He was already too preoccupied with the spectacle of his worst possible self, the man he glimpsed in every reflection: hideous, twisted, a remorseless bringer of death and pain.
How could Harry stand the sight of him?
"…okay?" Severus blinked. Harry was kneeling next to him. "Are you okay? I locked the Boggart away."
Severus shook his head, not trusting his voice. "How did you know?" he finally whispered.
"Which one was you?" Harry pulled Severus into a sudden, fierce embrace. "There was never a doubt in my mind."
Title: Learn to Fly
Rating: G
Original Prompt: Snape Flies
Notes: A few months ago, I proposed one Animagus form for Snape. Here's another option.
The Animagus transformation was challenging, but it was only the start. Looking like an animal didn't bring any expertise in being one, Severus found.
Pride at achieving a raven's form had faded upon realising that he didn't understand how to fly; after several failures, his glossy wings drooped in defeat.
Real birds made flight look simple. They glided easily, carefree and fearless…
New determination filled him. Breathlessly, he flapped his wings, astounded to find success. The breezes bore him up ever higher, the world shrinking beneath him.
He let out a caw of pure delight as he soared without limits.
Title: Too Little, Too Late
Rating: PG
Original Prompt: Snape Speaks
Severus glared disdainfully from the podium, quelling the audience's applause.
"I once dreamt of this moment. Tonight marks the recognition of my talents, the appreciation of my efforts, the approval of my-ah-peers.
"Yet I cannot forget how recently those who sing my praises condemned me as unworthy-an afterthought, even in my hour of need. But now you eagerly offer me an Order of Merlin, all on the say-so of Harry Potter, himself a past victim of your fickle favour.
"Keep your useless trinket. If I am a hero, it was my deeds that made me so, not your approval."
Title: Return of the (Half-Blood) Prince
Rating: G
Original Prompt: A drabble ending in the word "shine."
Notes: Written for the Final Word Drabble Challenge, hosted by alienor77310.
Hermione had never expected this day to come.
Years had passed before Severus would even entertain the notion of returning to Hogwarts; his memories were too deep to be easily healed. He’d allowed his daughters to attend, but each time Hermione suggested a visit, he’d refused.
A rush of affection filled her to look at him now, resplendent in dignified robes, his neatened hair streaked with silver. This time, his installment as Headmaster would be celebrated.
“Very handsome,” she declared, “but you’re missing something.”
With pride, she pinned to his robes the Order of Merlin, polished to a glorious shine.
Title: Door Number Two
Rating: PG-13
Original Prompt: A drabble ending in the word "door."
Notes: Written for the Final Word Drabble Challenge, hosted by shiv5468.
The dream came nearly every night.
Hermione was always trapped between two doors, unable to choose. Each was decorated with moving pictures-snapshots of what lay beyond, a future that might be.
One showed a life with Ron: a friendship soured by marriage, the moments of contentment punctured by bickering and charged with resentment.
The other showed her with Snape, but as she’d never seen him: teasing, tender, seductive, sensitive. They shared passionate discussions and sex in a book-lined cottage, occasionally joined by-Lucius Malfoy? How strange… yet appealing.
Suddenly, her way forward seemed clear. Without looking back, Hermione opened the door.
Title: The Proper Incentive
Rating: PG-13
Original Prompt: A drabble ending in the word "home."
Notes: Written for the Final Word Drabble Challenge, hosted by samantha_vimes.
"I won't!" Severus scowled at the dress robes on the bed. He hated dress robes and weddings and intended to avoid both.
"You will," Hermione replied, applying an extra-strength Fixing Charm to her curls.
"I'm not going!"
"You are." She frowned at her luridly pink bridesmaid's gown. "My friends are getting married."
"They aren't my friends," he said.
"True… but you are my date."
"Give me one good reason to brave the horrors of a Weasley wedding."
Hermione kissed him, her fingers wickedly teasing through his trousers. "Because," she murmured, "Your good behaviour will be rewarded when we get home."