Areas of Expertise
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Snape
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
42,609
Reviews:
137
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Snape
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
42,609
Reviews:
137
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
*Author's Notes*
--This contains some hints about the sequel. If you don't want to know, don't read!
If you don't read this, I just want to thank you anyway for getting this far! thank you!
Author’s Notes
“I own and operate a ferocious ego.” Bill Moyers.
***
Chapter 1 – Diaries and Memories: The Quotation applies to Dumbledore. I really liked the diary entry, as I think it did a good job of conveying the necessary information, as well as establishing Harry’s reaction to what had happened.
Chapter 2 – Does this make me Gay? The Quotation applies to Severus. I wanted to write not a ‘bad sex’ scene, but one where Harry gradually accepts he’s enjoying it. I’ve read too many stories where Harry says he’s not gay, but after a good snog he’s ready to spread his legs without any internal angst. Maybe I like angst too much!
Chapter 3 – Sick: The Quotation applies to Harry – after all, he is now pregnant. I wanted to show how his dorm mates treat him (when he’s sick), after all, they would assume it’s Voldie, not pregnancy making him ill.
Chapter 4 – Minted Pepper-Up Potion: Quotation obviously applies to Dumbledore – how cool is that quotation?! I was worried during this one that all of Albus’ plotting was too obvious. And clearly, Minted Pepper-Up Potion adversely affects a newly pregnant guy – linking into the menstrual cycle of women.
Chapter 5 – Dreams: Quotation is about Harry (fairly obviously). This was chiefly just an excuse for smut, but also, it showed Harry’s desire to be dominated (and that he did enjoy the idea of man on man sex).
Chapter 6 – Plans: Quotation is really a warning for Ron and Hermione not to idly sit by and let Harry just be used, not that they would. In this chapter, Phinneas was actually pointing at Dumbledore, but Severus misinterpreted the gesture, as he didn’t want to believe Albus was capable of using Harry so. This is the chapter when I first realised the baby (at this point I didn’t know its name) was going to die. I’d found that gut wrenching quotation for ch 43 and it just made me shift all of my ideas.
Chapter 7 – More Dreams: Quotation applies to Sev. And yes, this chapter was an excuse for more smut! Hopefully, when you read ch 43, some of it felt familiar – as it was first seen here during Snape’s dream (before it went X rated!)
Chapter 8 – News: Quotation applies to Harry, but also Severus. Harry’s protective urges shift during the story, generally depending on how stressed he is about th threat to Sapphire.
Chapter 9 – Admissions: Love the quotation! It’s just perfect for Harry, wanting but trying to suppress it, and making it worse. I’d originally planned for the plant to have a part in the plot, but it kinda got sidelined. Maybe it’ll have some role in the sequel. Hmm. I really think Harry had some difficulty accepting the truth, but Hermioen really was just relentless. Maybe she *does* read AFF!
Chapter 10 – Turbulence: Quotation applies to both Harry and Sev. I was really pleased with my characterisation of Draco. Harry obviously thinks Malfoy is threatening Hermione, but he’s actually taunting the other about Dumbledore’s approaching death.
Chapter 11 – Potions: Quotation is basically how Severus feels about being a father. When Harry is cut off, his “All I can think about…” would have ended “…you.” Sev thinks Harry would have said “…sex.” Which is why he offers what he does. Harry is filled with doubt, not realising that Snape is shuddering to keep himself in control.
Chapter 12 – Expensive Tastes: Quotation was meant to be about Harry, but he really didn’t get drunk enough. Remember, I knew Sapphire wouldn’t make it, so I deliberately piled on the angst if you read this in retrospect, especially when Sev says he’ll always be the father of Harry’s child.
Chapter 13 – Desperate Measures: Quotation applies to Albus (both my Albus, and canon Albus). Tribebohemia astutely commented that you can’t take Albus’ words at face value. You, my dear reader, can decided how much of what Dumbledore said to Harry was true. I made a LOT of it up on the spot.
Chapter 14 - Passion: Quotation clearly applies to Harry and Sev, although they seem to be enjoying the “passion” stage of their relationship! But yes, they are developing a genuine liking for one another.
Chapter 15 – Names: Quotation applies to Hermione and Ron (who are learning about Malfoy), and Harry (who is learning about sex). Oh, I did enjoy the juxtaposition of Harry giving head and Ron saying they’re not still having sex!
Chapter 16 – Promises, Promises: Quotation applies to Harry – and making him accept his sexuality doesn’t matter. Harry’s hormones must be driving him nuts during this. Although I must admit, I did like Sev’s comment that if he always left classes he got annoyed in, he’d never finish one!
Chapter 17 – Power: Quotation fits Dumbledore (as the one having the power), and Severus and Harry (as the ones in fear). It also fits Severus as the one in power over Draco. What Harry didn’t hear was Sev threatening Draco by saying he’d spill his Dad’s dirty little secret.
Chapter 18 – Action: Quotation really applies to a lot of people, chiefly Hermione and Ron, who need to do something about their thoughts on Draco. I created quite a problem for myself with this chapter – namely, how could Draco find the cabinet in the RoR if Harry and Sev were living there?
Chapter 19 – Potions Weekly: Quotation applies to Harry, suddenly realising that he actually REALLY enjoys the sexual power he has over Snape and also, that he has always – on some level – had some feelings for him. The “brat” and “git” comments are actually code words. They basically equate to “I love you”. Anyone who read the notes I produced for tasks will know I have issues with those words, so I avoid whenever possible.
Chapter 20 – The Brat and The Git: Quotation really made me giggle! It’s so Harry and Sev! See – “Brat” and “git” equal “I love you.
Chapter 21 – Yet More Dreams: Quotation applies to Draco. I had such fun with this chapter, using only pronouns. I was so chuffed that some people got what was happening (and who was involved).
Chapter 22 – In the Room of Requirement: Quotation obviously links to how Harry’s feeling. Be warned, if ever a character feels happy in one of my stories, angst can’t be far away! Hopefully you spotted that the baby names began with H and S.
Chapter 23 – Can’t Think of a Good title: Quotation applies to pretty much everyone (Harry/Sev/Hermione/Ron/Draco cos they’re all figuring stuff out in one way or another). Still hoping someone will suggest a title!
Chapter 24 – A Walk in the Grounds: Quotation applies to Sev. I really liked the dream, and the way Sev’s real actions became involved in Harry’s dream.
Chapter 25 – Behaviour: Quotation is for Draco and Harry. Some interesting stuff here. Hopefully you spotted the reference to “the lightning struck tower” and its significance. Also, I did some misdirecting by mentioning twins. *Chuckles evilly.*
Chapter 26 – Disturbances: Quotation is about Ron, really. Also, Draco here uses his full Slytherin cunning to put Harry in danger. See, he makes Sev think about Harry going outside – cunning git!
Chapter 27 – A Conversation: Quotation is about Harry and Sev. This chapter came out of no where, but clearly Harry was feeling very unsure of himself. Sev had been spending so long out because he was trying to figure out how to allow Harry to go outside safely.
Chapter 28 – A Stroll by the Lake: Quotation is a warning for Harry and Sev. I had a bit of trouble convincingly getting Harry alone, as originally Ron ran off first (grossed out by sex talk), but I soon figured out Hermione would never have left Harry alone, so a re-write.
Chapter 29 – Capture: Quotation is brilliant, yet scary! Please note: Sev reached into his robes for A small bottle, not THE small bottle. Trusts me, it matters!
Chapter 30 – Stupid Gryffindors: Quotation is actually aimed at Voldie, to make him believe Harry is defeated. What Harry is given is Veritaserum, but there is also a relaxation draught mixed in with it (hence the opening paragraph), which stifles – somewhat – the effects of V. (I know it sounds like a cheat, but I really did have it all planned out!)
Chapter 31 – Damage: Quotation is really about Severus, and what he discusses with Voldemort during the missing three hours. Obviously the truth of the rescue is revealed later.
Chapter 32 – Time: Quotation is about Harry’s method of coping with trauma. This chapter originally started with Albus talking to Severus about his missed classes. I added the bit before basically to lengthen the chapter, but also to show what was going on in Harry’s head. Mike Oxlonge came from a friend of mine who had had a kid sign their name as that!
Chapter 33 – Doubt: Quotation is about Sev and Harry. I can’t see anyone really being surprised at the big end to this story, after all you all should know HBP. I’ll grant you Sapphire was a bit mean! This chapter explains Harry’s “rescue”. And yes, I did know that the rescue was actually not anything of the kind!
Chapter 34 – Bonds: Quotation is about Harry and how he treats the news Hermione wants to give him about Bonds. Hopefully you all realised that Harry’s attitude to Snape came from his mind trying to cope with what happened to him when he was captured, not me suddenly giving him a personality transplant! Dumbledore really does behave in a worrying way in this story!
Chapter 35 – Reflections: Quotation applies to everyone who is suffering in this story. I took this opportunity to build a bit of sympathy for Albus, after all, he has had to be a git so far!
Chapter 36 – Order: Quotation – Severus is a “true revolutionary”. I know this chapter (well, the smut in this chapter) grossed out some readers, if it did then I did my job well! I knew, way back when Voldemort first called Sev “My Severus” what that actually meant about their relationship. BTW, Voldemort doesn’t particularly have sexual urges, he just uses Sev to help him get rid of a build up of tension.
Chapter 37 – Danger – High Voltage: Quotation was really for all those people who write Bonding stories and suddenly have the boys knowing each other’s innermost thoughts. Oh, Severus had Hermione in mind to cast the spells, not Albus. He wanted someone who would have Harry’s best interests at heart, and whom Harry trusted. I also liked taking the break to explore the effect of losing Harry on the trio’s relationship.
Chapter 38 – Letters: Quotation is about Ron. When Ron mentions having trouble getting into the RoR hopefully you got that that was because Draco was in there, and had found the cabinet.
Chapter 39 – Back in the Room of Requirement: Quotation is about Sev and Harry. I mentioned, waaaay back, the conditions of a pregnancy. One of which was an increased sensitivity to the moods of others in the last month. This is why Harry is feeling odd things.
Chapter 40 – Exhaustion (Title covers how I feel!): Quotation is about Hermione.
Chapter 41 – The battle for Hogwarts: Quotation obviously links to the plot. This and chapter 42 are really one long chapter, which I split up. BTW, Dumbledore didn’t want the Bonding start and then go off part way through. He just went when he had confirmation of where the locket was. He didn’t realise Draco had actually managed to find a way to get Death Eaters into Hogwarts. Dumbledore DID want Harry and Sev to Bond.
Chapter 42 – Death: Quotation again refers to the plot. I had to make Snape slow down some how (otherwise how would Harry chase him?) and it also has a link to the sequel (yes, that’s all planned out now). Harry’s words to Sev here link to chapter 7, and Sev’s dream. Notice that Sev wanted to see Harry as he left?
Chapter 43 – Our Children Change Us. Yes, I hate what happens too, but, if things go to plan, there will be some kind of resolution in the sequel. Quotation I think is just … brutal.
General notes: As with all my stories, I have a rough outline, this one shifted and evolved into something new. When I began this, I didn’t know how I’d end it, finding the quotation for ch 43 made me work out that particular point, which is why I’ve made sure there are references to the family they’ll become all the way through. Just piling on the angst.
Everyone who has reacted negatively to ch 43 – you’ve let me know I’ve done my job well. It upset me too. That’s why I HAD to write the last chapter as early as I did, as I knew that if I got to love Sapphire I’d not want her to die. Having the last chapter done helped me ensure I got there, little as I liked it.
And now I crave your indulgence. The sequel to “Areas of Expertise” will be called “The Nothing I’ve Become” and I plan to begin it on the weekend. I really hope, even if you hated the end of Areas, that you join me for Nothing as even I can’t stand depressing endings forever! I shall say no more than that.
If you’ve got this far, thank you for indulging my ego!
Gentle reader, this would never have happened without you, and for that, I thank you.
Sick Puppy.
If you don't read this, I just want to thank you anyway for getting this far! thank you!
Author’s Notes
“I own and operate a ferocious ego.” Bill Moyers.
***
Chapter 1 – Diaries and Memories: The Quotation applies to Dumbledore. I really liked the diary entry, as I think it did a good job of conveying the necessary information, as well as establishing Harry’s reaction to what had happened.
Chapter 2 – Does this make me Gay? The Quotation applies to Severus. I wanted to write not a ‘bad sex’ scene, but one where Harry gradually accepts he’s enjoying it. I’ve read too many stories where Harry says he’s not gay, but after a good snog he’s ready to spread his legs without any internal angst. Maybe I like angst too much!
Chapter 3 – Sick: The Quotation applies to Harry – after all, he is now pregnant. I wanted to show how his dorm mates treat him (when he’s sick), after all, they would assume it’s Voldie, not pregnancy making him ill.
Chapter 4 – Minted Pepper-Up Potion: Quotation obviously applies to Dumbledore – how cool is that quotation?! I was worried during this one that all of Albus’ plotting was too obvious. And clearly, Minted Pepper-Up Potion adversely affects a newly pregnant guy – linking into the menstrual cycle of women.
Chapter 5 – Dreams: Quotation is about Harry (fairly obviously). This was chiefly just an excuse for smut, but also, it showed Harry’s desire to be dominated (and that he did enjoy the idea of man on man sex).
Chapter 6 – Plans: Quotation is really a warning for Ron and Hermione not to idly sit by and let Harry just be used, not that they would. In this chapter, Phinneas was actually pointing at Dumbledore, but Severus misinterpreted the gesture, as he didn’t want to believe Albus was capable of using Harry so. This is the chapter when I first realised the baby (at this point I didn’t know its name) was going to die. I’d found that gut wrenching quotation for ch 43 and it just made me shift all of my ideas.
Chapter 7 – More Dreams: Quotation applies to Sev. And yes, this chapter was an excuse for more smut! Hopefully, when you read ch 43, some of it felt familiar – as it was first seen here during Snape’s dream (before it went X rated!)
Chapter 8 – News: Quotation applies to Harry, but also Severus. Harry’s protective urges shift during the story, generally depending on how stressed he is about th threat to Sapphire.
Chapter 9 – Admissions: Love the quotation! It’s just perfect for Harry, wanting but trying to suppress it, and making it worse. I’d originally planned for the plant to have a part in the plot, but it kinda got sidelined. Maybe it’ll have some role in the sequel. Hmm. I really think Harry had some difficulty accepting the truth, but Hermioen really was just relentless. Maybe she *does* read AFF!
Chapter 10 – Turbulence: Quotation applies to both Harry and Sev. I was really pleased with my characterisation of Draco. Harry obviously thinks Malfoy is threatening Hermione, but he’s actually taunting the other about Dumbledore’s approaching death.
Chapter 11 – Potions: Quotation is basically how Severus feels about being a father. When Harry is cut off, his “All I can think about…” would have ended “…you.” Sev thinks Harry would have said “…sex.” Which is why he offers what he does. Harry is filled with doubt, not realising that Snape is shuddering to keep himself in control.
Chapter 12 – Expensive Tastes: Quotation was meant to be about Harry, but he really didn’t get drunk enough. Remember, I knew Sapphire wouldn’t make it, so I deliberately piled on the angst if you read this in retrospect, especially when Sev says he’ll always be the father of Harry’s child.
Chapter 13 – Desperate Measures: Quotation applies to Albus (both my Albus, and canon Albus). Tribebohemia astutely commented that you can’t take Albus’ words at face value. You, my dear reader, can decided how much of what Dumbledore said to Harry was true. I made a LOT of it up on the spot.
Chapter 14 - Passion: Quotation clearly applies to Harry and Sev, although they seem to be enjoying the “passion” stage of their relationship! But yes, they are developing a genuine liking for one another.
Chapter 15 – Names: Quotation applies to Hermione and Ron (who are learning about Malfoy), and Harry (who is learning about sex). Oh, I did enjoy the juxtaposition of Harry giving head and Ron saying they’re not still having sex!
Chapter 16 – Promises, Promises: Quotation applies to Harry – and making him accept his sexuality doesn’t matter. Harry’s hormones must be driving him nuts during this. Although I must admit, I did like Sev’s comment that if he always left classes he got annoyed in, he’d never finish one!
Chapter 17 – Power: Quotation fits Dumbledore (as the one having the power), and Severus and Harry (as the ones in fear). It also fits Severus as the one in power over Draco. What Harry didn’t hear was Sev threatening Draco by saying he’d spill his Dad’s dirty little secret.
Chapter 18 – Action: Quotation really applies to a lot of people, chiefly Hermione and Ron, who need to do something about their thoughts on Draco. I created quite a problem for myself with this chapter – namely, how could Draco find the cabinet in the RoR if Harry and Sev were living there?
Chapter 19 – Potions Weekly: Quotation applies to Harry, suddenly realising that he actually REALLY enjoys the sexual power he has over Snape and also, that he has always – on some level – had some feelings for him. The “brat” and “git” comments are actually code words. They basically equate to “I love you”. Anyone who read the notes I produced for tasks will know I have issues with those words, so I avoid whenever possible.
Chapter 20 – The Brat and The Git: Quotation really made me giggle! It’s so Harry and Sev! See – “Brat” and “git” equal “I love you.
Chapter 21 – Yet More Dreams: Quotation applies to Draco. I had such fun with this chapter, using only pronouns. I was so chuffed that some people got what was happening (and who was involved).
Chapter 22 – In the Room of Requirement: Quotation obviously links to how Harry’s feeling. Be warned, if ever a character feels happy in one of my stories, angst can’t be far away! Hopefully you spotted that the baby names began with H and S.
Chapter 23 – Can’t Think of a Good title: Quotation applies to pretty much everyone (Harry/Sev/Hermione/Ron/Draco cos they’re all figuring stuff out in one way or another). Still hoping someone will suggest a title!
Chapter 24 – A Walk in the Grounds: Quotation applies to Sev. I really liked the dream, and the way Sev’s real actions became involved in Harry’s dream.
Chapter 25 – Behaviour: Quotation is for Draco and Harry. Some interesting stuff here. Hopefully you spotted the reference to “the lightning struck tower” and its significance. Also, I did some misdirecting by mentioning twins. *Chuckles evilly.*
Chapter 26 – Disturbances: Quotation is about Ron, really. Also, Draco here uses his full Slytherin cunning to put Harry in danger. See, he makes Sev think about Harry going outside – cunning git!
Chapter 27 – A Conversation: Quotation is about Harry and Sev. This chapter came out of no where, but clearly Harry was feeling very unsure of himself. Sev had been spending so long out because he was trying to figure out how to allow Harry to go outside safely.
Chapter 28 – A Stroll by the Lake: Quotation is a warning for Harry and Sev. I had a bit of trouble convincingly getting Harry alone, as originally Ron ran off first (grossed out by sex talk), but I soon figured out Hermione would never have left Harry alone, so a re-write.
Chapter 29 – Capture: Quotation is brilliant, yet scary! Please note: Sev reached into his robes for A small bottle, not THE small bottle. Trusts me, it matters!
Chapter 30 – Stupid Gryffindors: Quotation is actually aimed at Voldie, to make him believe Harry is defeated. What Harry is given is Veritaserum, but there is also a relaxation draught mixed in with it (hence the opening paragraph), which stifles – somewhat – the effects of V. (I know it sounds like a cheat, but I really did have it all planned out!)
Chapter 31 – Damage: Quotation is really about Severus, and what he discusses with Voldemort during the missing three hours. Obviously the truth of the rescue is revealed later.
Chapter 32 – Time: Quotation is about Harry’s method of coping with trauma. This chapter originally started with Albus talking to Severus about his missed classes. I added the bit before basically to lengthen the chapter, but also to show what was going on in Harry’s head. Mike Oxlonge came from a friend of mine who had had a kid sign their name as that!
Chapter 33 – Doubt: Quotation is about Sev and Harry. I can’t see anyone really being surprised at the big end to this story, after all you all should know HBP. I’ll grant you Sapphire was a bit mean! This chapter explains Harry’s “rescue”. And yes, I did know that the rescue was actually not anything of the kind!
Chapter 34 – Bonds: Quotation is about Harry and how he treats the news Hermione wants to give him about Bonds. Hopefully you all realised that Harry’s attitude to Snape came from his mind trying to cope with what happened to him when he was captured, not me suddenly giving him a personality transplant! Dumbledore really does behave in a worrying way in this story!
Chapter 35 – Reflections: Quotation applies to everyone who is suffering in this story. I took this opportunity to build a bit of sympathy for Albus, after all, he has had to be a git so far!
Chapter 36 – Order: Quotation – Severus is a “true revolutionary”. I know this chapter (well, the smut in this chapter) grossed out some readers, if it did then I did my job well! I knew, way back when Voldemort first called Sev “My Severus” what that actually meant about their relationship. BTW, Voldemort doesn’t particularly have sexual urges, he just uses Sev to help him get rid of a build up of tension.
Chapter 37 – Danger – High Voltage: Quotation was really for all those people who write Bonding stories and suddenly have the boys knowing each other’s innermost thoughts. Oh, Severus had Hermione in mind to cast the spells, not Albus. He wanted someone who would have Harry’s best interests at heart, and whom Harry trusted. I also liked taking the break to explore the effect of losing Harry on the trio’s relationship.
Chapter 38 – Letters: Quotation is about Ron. When Ron mentions having trouble getting into the RoR hopefully you got that that was because Draco was in there, and had found the cabinet.
Chapter 39 – Back in the Room of Requirement: Quotation is about Sev and Harry. I mentioned, waaaay back, the conditions of a pregnancy. One of which was an increased sensitivity to the moods of others in the last month. This is why Harry is feeling odd things.
Chapter 40 – Exhaustion (Title covers how I feel!): Quotation is about Hermione.
Chapter 41 – The battle for Hogwarts: Quotation obviously links to the plot. This and chapter 42 are really one long chapter, which I split up. BTW, Dumbledore didn’t want the Bonding start and then go off part way through. He just went when he had confirmation of where the locket was. He didn’t realise Draco had actually managed to find a way to get Death Eaters into Hogwarts. Dumbledore DID want Harry and Sev to Bond.
Chapter 42 – Death: Quotation again refers to the plot. I had to make Snape slow down some how (otherwise how would Harry chase him?) and it also has a link to the sequel (yes, that’s all planned out now). Harry’s words to Sev here link to chapter 7, and Sev’s dream. Notice that Sev wanted to see Harry as he left?
Chapter 43 – Our Children Change Us. Yes, I hate what happens too, but, if things go to plan, there will be some kind of resolution in the sequel. Quotation I think is just … brutal.
General notes: As with all my stories, I have a rough outline, this one shifted and evolved into something new. When I began this, I didn’t know how I’d end it, finding the quotation for ch 43 made me work out that particular point, which is why I’ve made sure there are references to the family they’ll become all the way through. Just piling on the angst.
Everyone who has reacted negatively to ch 43 – you’ve let me know I’ve done my job well. It upset me too. That’s why I HAD to write the last chapter as early as I did, as I knew that if I got to love Sapphire I’d not want her to die. Having the last chapter done helped me ensure I got there, little as I liked it.
And now I crave your indulgence. The sequel to “Areas of Expertise” will be called “The Nothing I’ve Become” and I plan to begin it on the weekend. I really hope, even if you hated the end of Areas, that you join me for Nothing as even I can’t stand depressing endings forever! I shall say no more than that.
If you’ve got this far, thank you for indulging my ego!
Gentle reader, this would never have happened without you, and for that, I thank you.
Sick Puppy.