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errant spell, and he comes to a decision that defies Dumbledore’s wishes. Even the fate of the wizarding world is altered by this one ill-cast curse and Snape’s subsequent resolve. Long after the spell itself has dissipated, its effects continue echoing in the lives of Severus, Albus, Minerva, and Hermione, and they bring with them a shadowy figure whom Snape does not trust and whose motivations and influence on Minerva are murky. Conspiracies and schemes swirl around Severus as he continues on his path of deception to his final confrontation with the Dark Lord.*WARNING: LATER CHAPTER SUMMARIES MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!*
Genres: Alternate Universe, Psychological Drama, Mystery/Suspense
AU: Not HBP- or DH-compliant. (Partially HBP-compliant.) A DH-twister.
Characters: Severus Snape, Hermione Granger, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Poppy Pomfrey, Alastor (Mad-Eye) Moody, Harry Potter, Luna Lovegood, Ronald Weasley, and others
Overall Rating: M (R) for generally mature themes, some explicit or coarse language; most content T (PG-13). (See individual chapter summaries and author’s notes for ratings and warnings.)
The version posted on fanfiction.net is edited for language, etc., in any chapters rated MA in the original version on TPP.
General Warning: Because this is a Year 6 & 7 fic, there will be some deaths and some violence, but most of the violence will not be explicit and most will be described after the fact. See author’s notes preceding individual chapters for specific cautions.
This is a “Light fic” (as opposed to a “Dark fic”), but it isn’t necessarily light reading.
Technically a sequel to An Act of Love, but may be read on its own. Set in the Resolving a Misunderstanding universe. See the list of stories for other RaM-verse fics.
List of spells in Death’s Dominion.
Who’s Who in Death’s Dominion.
Word counts for the chapters do not include author’s notes, character lists, html tags, etc.
Nominated in the SS/HG round three “Moste Potente Passions” awards in the “Polyjuice Potion” category (Best AU), December 2008.
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Summary: On a sad day, Severus has an unsatisfactory conversation with Minerva, then an unpleasant encounter with Potter.
Characters: Minerva McGonagall, Harry Potter, Severus Snape
Word Count: 1264
Chapter One: Where blew a flower
Summary: When Dumbledore won’t be persuaded, Severus makes a decision and prepares to take matters into his own hands, despite the consequences he foresees for himself.
Characters: Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape
Word Count: 3580
Summary: Severus undertakes an unpleasant task.
Characters: Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape
Word Count: 2168
Summary: In July 1997, a surprised Harry sees a secret plan unfold before his eyes as he leaves Privet Drive for the last time. Robbie Crouch and Melina McGonagall O’Donald assist Minerva in bringing Harry to safety.
Characters: Dudley Dursley, Harry Potter, Minerva McGonagall, Petunia (Evans) Dursley, Vernon Dursley
Word Count: 2842
Chapter Four: Though they be mad
Summary: It’s late September 1997, and Harry and his companions are driven from Hogwarts to set off on their mission.
Characters: Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood, Minerva McGonagall, Ronald Weasley, Severus Snape
Word Count: 2866
Chapter Five: With the man in the wind
Summary: Severus recalls his startling introduction to Robert Crouch in early January 1997, and a conversation with Dumbledore late the following month, when he first learned of one of the Headmaster’s most daft schemes yet. Severus considers Hermione and her role.
Characters: Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood, Minerva McGonagall, Ronald Weasley, Severus Snape
Word Count: 3273
Chapter Six: Though lovers be lost love shall not
Summary: Hermione speaks privately with Severus in the Grimmauld Place library on a cold day in January 1998; later that night, Severus spies something in the Hogwarts library that disturbs him. But does he really understand what he witnesses?
Characters: Alastor (Mad-Eye) Moody, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood, Minerva McGonagall, Remus Lupin, Ronald Weasley, Severus Snape
Rating: MA/NC-17 (rated for brief sexual content depicting consenting adults)
Warning: Brief Sexual Content
Word Count: 6467
Summary: Severus seeks the Headmistress after he leaves the library, and he has the most frank, personal conversation with Minerva that he has had in more than a year, and she sets him straight on certain facts, trying to rid him of certain misconceptions he has and trying to buoy his spirits. He has a confusing encounter with Robbie.
Characters: Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape
Word Count: 4585
Chapter Eight: No more may gulls cry at their ears
Summary: Severus begins meeting with Hermione and lending her his assistance.
Characters: Hermione Granger, Severus Snape
Word Count: 6056
Chapter Nine: Though they be mad and dead as nails
Summary: Severus and Hermione work together; after Hermione expresses her concern for him, Severus visits Poppy, where he learns more than he wished to when fishing for information about Robert. Minerva tries to hearten Severus.
Characters: Hermione Granger, Severus Snape, Minerva McGonagall, Poppy Pomfrey
Word Count: 9877
Chapter Ten: Dead men naked they shall be one
Summary: Dumbledore succumbs on the first day of spring, and Severus tries to cope. Minerva begins in her role as Acting Headmistress, immediately taking decisive action.
Characters: Albus Dumbledore, Draco Malfoy, Minerva McGonagall, Poppy Pomfrey, Severus Snape
Word Count: 5295
Chapter Eleven: Break in the sun
Summary: On Boxing Day, after Severus tells her of his Unbreakable Vow and of Albus’s illness, Minerva confronts Albus.
Characters: Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall
Word Count: 5663
Chapter Twelve: Till the sun breaks down
Summary: Minerva tries to set her plan in motion and must take an extreme measure when Albus, facing his fate, does not cooperate.
Characters: Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall
Word Count: 8071
Chapter Thirteen: And the west moon
Summary: Severus has an unpleasant encounter in the Headmistress’s Office. Hermione learns something about Severus that she hadn’t known, and Severus is surprised by her reaction to it. Gareth, Gertrude’s son, expresses himself.
Characters: Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape
Word Count: 5209
Chapter Fourteen: May a flower no more
Summary: Severus has news for Minerva. He hopes it is good news about Quin. Uncomfortable memories and thoughts roil within him.
Characters: Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape
Word Count: 5158
Chapter Fifteen: Lift its head to the blows of the rain
Summary: It’s a sunny day in early April, and Hermione and Severus spend time together.
Characters: Hermione Granger, Severus Snape
Word Count: 3972
Chapter Sixteen: Twisting on racks
Summary: Severus arrives back at Hogwarts after a bad night, requiring assistance. Minerva is angered by a member of the Order. Robbie and Poppy help Severus before Melina arrives to provide further treatment.
Characters: Minerva McGonagall, Poppy Pomfrey, Severus Snape
Word count: 6678
Chapter Seventeen: When sinews give way
Summary: Alastor receives a lesson from Minerva as Severus and Robbie eavesdrop. Severus receives unexpected visitors.
Characters: Alastor Moody, Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape
Word count: 9741
Chapter Eighteen: Strapped to a wheel
Summary: Minerva and Albus carry on during the weeks following the Celebrare Adfectus Amor Ultimus. Severus learns something of Albus’s plans and is appalled.
Characters: Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Poppy Pomfrey, Severus Snape
Word count: 6622
Chapter Nineteen: Waves break loud on the seashores
Summary: Severus continues to recuperate. Hermione visits while Gareth is there. Minerva tells Severus he may shower – with assistance! Gareth and Severus spar, but grow in their understandings of each other.
Characters: Hermione Granger, Minerva McGongall, Severus Snape
Word count: 9219
Chapter Twenty: Yet they shall not break
Summary: Minerva and Albus proceed with their plan. Anticipating the rapidly approaching time when he no longer can, Albus shares vital information with both Harry and Severus. Severus is increasingly unhappy with the way events are unfolding.
Characters: Albus Dumbledore, Filius Flitwick, Harry Potter, Minerva McGonagall, Pomona Sprout, Severus Snape
Word count: 12287
Chapter Twenty-One: Under the windings of the sea
Summary: The demands on Severus do not diminish as the Dark Lord prepares for his ultimate decisive offensive on the wizarding world. Severus struggles against the stresses on him as others try to help.
Characters: Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Severus Snape
Word count: 12657
Chapter Twenty-Two: Split all ends up
Summary: Severus continues to do what he must, and the Dark Lord is pleased with him. Zabini returns to Slytherin, Potter finds an example to follow, and Longbottom learns a lesson.
Warning: Murder, death of a minor canon character who has not appeared in this fic.
Characters: Alastor Moody, Bellatrix LeStrange, Blaise Zabini, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Kreacher, Minerva McGonagall, Neville Longbottom, Severus Snape, Terence Higgs, Theodore Nott, Voldemort.
Word count: 13723
Chapter Twenty-Three: They shan’t crack
Summary: Severus searches Grimmauld Place at the behest of the Dark Lord, and Lupin surprises him. An unexpected event disrupts a staff meeting.
Warning: Death There is mention of the deaths of two minor canon characters who have not appeared in this fic.
Characters: Buckbeak, Minerva McGonagall, Poppy Pomfrey, Remus Lupin, Severus Snape, Sybil Trelawney
Word count: 13866
Chapter Twenty-Four: They shall have stars
Summary: Preparations abound in anticipation of a coming attack on Hogwarts. Minerva makes plans, Neville takes action, Hermione learns some new skills, and Severus has news for Minerva.
Characters: Bill Weasley, Colin Creevey, Dean Thomas, Dennis Creevey, Eleanor Branstone, Ginevra Weasley, Hermione Granger, Michael Corner, Minerva McGonagall, Neville Longbottom, Rolanda Hooch, Severus Snape, Terry Boot
Word count: 10383
Chapter Twenty-Five: At elbow and foot
Summary: Severus anticipates victory, makes a discovery, agrees to an exchange, and hears some good news. Minerva meets with Hermione, giving her instructions and more. Dumbledore’s Army continues to train and is introduced to some new ideas when Robbie teaches them new spells.
Characters: Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Neville Longbottom, Ernie MacMillan, Severus Snape, others
Word count: 14440
Chapter Twenty-Six: They lying long
Summary: Severus works to maintain the Dark Lord’s trust in him until he has accomplished what he must. He has disturbing news for Hermione. Preparations at Hogwarts continue. Minerva, Severus, Poppy, and Robbie stage a little melodrama for Riddle’s consumption. Severus admits appreciation for the efforts others have made on his behalf. More is known about the upcoming attacks.
Characters: Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Poppy Pomfrey, Severus Snape, Riddle/Voldemort
Warning: Explicit vulgar language (single mild instance)
Word count: 13338
Chapter Twenty-Seven: Shall not die windily
Summary: Events bring Severus to the end of his service with his false master as Hogwarts prepares for its defence. Hermione and Poppy are brought further into Minerva’s plans and become privy to some important information.
Characters: Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Peter Pettigrew, Poppy Pomfrey, Severus Snape, Tom Riddle (Voldemort), Other canon character
Warning: Violence, vulgar language, some possibly disturbing imagery
Word count: 14126
Chapter Twenty-Eight: Though they sink through the sea
Summary: Minerva and Robbie meet with Hermione; Harry arrives at Hogwarts; we learn what happened when Melina cast the Celebrare Adfectus Amor Ultimus, the Ministry deals with Death Eaters, and Hermione rises to a challenge as she witnesses Severus’s bravery and puts her training into practice.
Characters: Gawain Robards, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Mafalda Hopkirk, Minerva McGonagall, Rufus Scrimgeour, Severus Snape, Tom Riddle, and others
Genres: Alternate Universe, Psychological Drama, Mystery/Suspense
Warning: Violence, some mild sexual content, some possibly disturbing imagery
Word count: 12297
Chapter Twenty-Nine: They shall rise again
Summary: Voldemort arrives at Hogwarts and is displeased by his reception; 
he issues an ultimatum. Minerva’s battle plans are implemented by the Hogwarts defenders.
Characters: Alastor Moody, Albus Dumbledore, Antonin Dolohov, Arthur Weasley, Bellatrix Lestrange, Bill Weasley, Blaise Zabini, Buckbeak, Charlie Weasley, Dean Thomas, Dobby, Filius Flitwick, Fred Weasley, George Weasley, Ginny Weasley, Harry Potter, Horace Slughorn, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Lucius Malfoy, Luna Lovegood, Minerva McGonagall, Molly Weasley, Nearly Headless Nick, Neville Longbottom, Oliver Wood, Pansy Parkinson, Peeves, Percy Weasley, Pomona Sprout, Poppy Pomfrey, Professor Binns, Professor Sinistra, Remus Lupin, Rolanda Hooch, Ron Weasley, Rubeus Hagrid, Rufus Scrimgeour, The Bloody Baron, Tom Riddle, Viktor Krum, Walden Macnair, Wilhelmina Grubbly-Plank, and others.
Genres: Alternate Universe, Psychological Drama, Mystery/Suspense
Warning: Violence, killing, and some possibly disturbing imagery in the battle scenes.
Word count: 14440
Chapter Thirty: And death shall have no dominion
Summary: Severus wakes up to a new reality. He has several visitors and does a little visiting of his own. But what are people keeping from him?
Characters: Aberforth Dumbledore, Alastor Moody, Albus Dumbledore, Blaise Zabini, Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Neville Longbottom, Poppy Pomfrey, Severus Snape, and others.
Word count: 13918
Chapter Thirty-One: Life regnant
Summary: Severus has more than one unexpected visitor. Hermione delivers his newspapers, and he doesn’t like something he sees.
Characters: Albus Dumbledore, Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Poppy Pomfrey, Severus Snape
Word Count: 14957
Chapter Thirty-Two: Guerdon unsought
Summary: Severus attends an event he expects to bore him. He is surprised again.
Characters: Albus Dumbledore, Severus Snape, Hermione Granger, Minerva McGonagall, Poppy Pomfrey, Filius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout, Blaise Zabini, Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, and others
Word Count: 7666
Epilogue: In transitu
Summary: Severus sets out on a journey.
Characters: Hermione Granger, Severus Snape
Word Count: 7258
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