This entry is the HMD for Severus Snape on multiversal, previously at lastvoyages. If more information is needed, feel free to visit his game wiki here.

Concrit, complaints, or general gameplay-related comments are all welcome.

[Public]

After some conversation with Sirius Black, it seems the time has come.

I have been aboard this ship for more than two years. I began as an inmate: angry, violent, and something of a martyr. I returned after my own graduation at first because I had nowhere else to go – and stayed because I found people and things worth all the madness we each endure on the Barge.

Many of those whom I knew are gone - it is a month for such departures. And now I have seen an inmate through to graduation. I am ready to go home, as well.

I will remain aboard for a week longer to allow Martha to set her affairs in order. I have run from this ship twice without warning; let us hope the third time truly is the charm, that enough warning has been given, and I find no need to return.

It seems customary to offer insight or platitudes to those who will be left behind; I have read many parting speeches dispensing advice to both inmates and wardens alike, and no two have been the same. We all have very different roads to travel, and my advice, then, is that you find yours quickly.

No one should remain here. This is not a home.

( Private to Friends – Tony Foster, Merlin, Una Persson, Trip Tucker, Agent Kay, Miss Parker, Rayne, Dick Grayson, the Doctor(s), Narvin, Molly Carpenter, Olive Penderghast, The Marquis de Sade, T'Pol, 21, Arthas, Lucius Malfoy, Toshiko Sato, and anyone I might have forgotten.Collapse )

( Private to Molly CarpenterCollapse )
( Private to ArthasCollapse )
( Private to Miss ParkerCollapse )
( Private to Lucius MalfoyCollapse )
( Private to BellatrixCollapse )
( Private to Agent KayCollapse )

( Private to T'PolCollapse )
( Private to the AdmiralCollapse )
( Private to MarthaCollapse )

I have been here decidedly too long when this sort of incident not only fails to surprise me, but is welcomed.


[Private to Sirius]

I suggest you take advantage of the Network today. I spoke with Potter, Lupin, and Albus when this last occurred.

[Private to Lucius]

Make use of your communicator. You may have some luck in contacting your wife today.

[Private to Mozenrath]

Do you wish to postpone until tomorrow?

I think it is high time we treat the month of October as nonexistent from now on. Nothing good comes of it on this ship.

I wonder, has anyone begun keeping a record of every failed attempt to escape the ship perpetrated by the inmates? They do seem to have a talent for backing the wrong horse. Perhaps if a written log of such incidents were made available upon arrival, the inmates would direct their efforts toward more useful pursuits.

Rehabilitation comes to mind.


( John Connor, Lucius Malfoy, Marquis de Sade, Mozenrath, Martha, Sirius, Dick GraysonCollapse )

Why are our less hazardous ports so distinctly European of late?

This is preferable to disease-riddled dinosaurs, I suppose. Though not by mu

[Private to Sirius Black]

Meet me on deck.

...Is Lupin still comatose? I believe you and I might attempt to murder one another before this port is over.

He has given me a credit card. How much do you dislike the Admiral? (That is, in proportion to our dislike for one another.) Greater or lesser? Enough to attempt to test the limits of ostentation?

[Private to Lupin]

Are you awake?

[Private to John Connor]

The docking notwithstanding, I would like a word with you regarding your inmate.

[Private to Lucius and Bellatrix, not visible to one another.]

I do not recommend escape attempts.

[Private to the Marquis]

Home, sweet home?

[Private to Mozenrath]

Have you spoken with Arkady?

[Private to Martha]

Have you an inmate - interim or otherwise?

If it is still in your possession, the Marquis is in need of the first of the Rowling books.

[Public, Filtered away from Lupin and Black]

Nothing says life's not fair like showing young adults that regardless of effort, victory will be snatched from them if the opposing side has a hero in their ranks.

I am not unaware that I have been accused of bias as a teacher, but awarding one hundred and seventy points in the eleventh hour in reward for blatant rule-breaking and acts of self-endangerment? House points are awarded for academic achievements or failures, not disregard for authority. What, precisely, does that teach to the recipients? More to the point, what does it teach to the students who diligently worked for every last one of their triumphs?

This returns to my original point: what, exactly, does turning away the entirety of Slytherin house during a war teach those selfsame students about bias?

Oh, it is very well and good from Potter's perspective to say that I was biased in favour of my house; perhaps I was right to be. Certainly, no others were.

I notice these stories are decidedly lacking in detail with regards to anything other than Draco Malfoy's antics. If I didn't know any better - and I do - I would say Slytherin was comprised of spoiled, bullying, prejudiced miscreants, and not a one of them a Muggleborn or Half-blood.

If these are, indeed, Potter's perspective - and I sincerely hope you are reading this, Mr. Potter, if you've not thrown in the towel and disappeared once again - then the subject of bias is not one you comprehend to the fullest extent.

[Someone just saw the first Harry Potter movie and had a lot of bad memories dredged up. Someone is not in a good mood.]

[Private to Arthas, Sirius Black, Merlin, Remus Lupin, and Mozenrath. Not visible to one another.]

Much as it pains me to phrase my request in such a way: I am in need of a favour.


[Continued Private to Arthas]

I can expect you today, I assume?

[Private to Arkady and Tirion]

A word.

Would it be of any use at all to point out that comfortable lies exist for a reason, or has someone else already stated the obvious?


[Anti-Infirmary Filter - Everyone on the Infirmary Filter, including Martha, has been excluded.]

Indulge my curiosity. How many amongst you refuse to allow yourselves to be poked and prodded by the infirmary staff? How many of you distrust doctors, modern medicine, etc.?

[Infirmary Filter]

To whomever amongst you keeps inventory: I no longer have the time or inclination to provide for your stores. I suggest you seek aid from Merlin, Lupin, or my inmate in the future.

[Private to Sirius Black]

Have you had sufficient time to recuperate?


[Private to Mozenrath]

Any awkwardness presented by the flood aside, have you taken to heart what we discussed?

[Private to Sirius]

Check in.


[Private to Lupin, added later]

[Assuming Lita is still on hiatus and Sirius is off-barge.]

Black is not responding to my communications. His room is still his own. I don't know whether he has disappeared or is simply being obstinate.

If you would, please...?



[Warden Friends Filter + Mozenrath]

I seem to have misplaced my inmate. Have any of you happened to stumble upon him?


[Private to Bellatrix Lestrange]

You are never this silent.

[...Talking squirrel. That is all.]

I seem to have misplaced my mode of transportation.

Has any weary traveler happened upon a young maiden of sixteen, short, skinny as a beanpole? Black hair, wears a hat. Might be passing herself off as a boy.

If someone has kidnapped her, I would very much appreciate her return. Unless she's been placed under one of those enchantments, in which case she'll need a prince and I will need a new companion with a suitably comfortable hat.

Large pockets would also be acceptable. Preferably female, as I notice the menfolk tend to do a bit of adventuring in and around dangerous fauna, and I have no intention of become a side dish to some gallant knight.

No, thank you. I've a difficult enough time avoiding hungry brigands without adding dragons into the mix.

[Private to the Admiral]

Why have I been given a file for Sirius Black?

He has a warden.

[...]

No. No.

I won't -

I won't. He has a warden.



[Private to Martha]

...I can't do this.


[Private to Sirius Black]

There has clearly been some mistake.


[Private to the Admiral, added later:]

Restore all of Black's magic to him.

When I was younger, I spent more than my fair share of time on invention and experimentation. Granted, my projects were not the noblest uses for my talents – as others will no doubt agree. Modifications to a slicing hex, levitation spells, potions, a curse to –

In any event. When I first came aboard, I did attempt to turn my attention to such things to occupy myself rather succumbing to a perpetual state of ennui, but of my projects, one was destroyed by my counterpart on the other Barge, and one came to an abrupt end upon the departure of Max Guevara. Since, I have succumbed to routine. Hangover remedies and supplies for the infirmary. At the risk of making the most pretentious of statements, I can be compared to a master artist…whose talents have been wasted on painting houses.

Before I left, I was involved in a discussion with a colleague here regarding what could best be described – for the ease of comprehension by the general population - as a science experiment. Breaking from the routine and returning to it once more after six months has left me somewhat disillusioned. I’m envious of his ability to find a project of that nature and execute it, whereas…I have blood replenishing potions and cures for the common werewolf.

For once I have no serious complaints about my life save that such an enclosed society has limited my options. I don’t feel challenged.

And now I have no inmate. I find I’m forced to acknowledge that I’m bored.

If superstition holds, I will sorely regret that admission in the coming weeks. Perhaps we'll put into port in my world for once.

Allow me to express my most sincere astonishment that so much melodrama can be compressed into three days.

I believe my last entry intimated something to the effect that I would field complaints or questions about my departure upon my return. I seem to recall at least one person was simply frothing at the mouth at the thought that I was swanning off the ship as it suited my whims.

Here I am. Enthrall me.


[Friends Filter - If he talks to you and hasn't called you something unpleasant (or vice versa), you're on it today.]

What petty theatrics have I missed?


[Private to Mozenrath]

I have a gift a book for you.


[Private to Coyolxauhqui]

Your warden, as promised.


[Private to Remus Lupin and Sirius Black]

Several mutual acquaintances send their warmest regards.

...I am not an owl.


[Private to Martha]

I can't describe how thrilled I am to be back here. Are you certain you've no second thoughts? We could try again in a week and see if they've somehow become civilized.

...Perhaps someone will have thinned the herd with 'assisted disembarkation'.



[Back and in very high spirits. You know. For Snape.]

To those of you who encountered my counterpart, you have...my most sincere apologies. Forgive me if I do not issue a formal and personal apology to each and every last one of you, but I am currently in no state to deal with emotional backlash or philosophical argument.

We will be leaving the ship once Martha has recovered from the death toll. If there are any complaints to that end, I suggest you save them for our return.


( Private notes to Mozenrath, Merlin, Molly, and Sirius BlackCollapse )

Two days ago, I requested a volunteer. One was provided to me, and told to wait in my quarters until I returned from a prior obligation.

Someone clearly thought they were performing a mercy for Viserys, and as such entered my room and took him.

No one unaffected by this flood would dare set foot in my room without permission.

[Yes, he really believes that.]

Step forward now, or I will search level by level, room by room, for every last affected soul on this ship and dispose of them.

If you truly wish for mercy, save your innocent compatriots and surrender yourself.


[Private to Martha, Sirius, Tony Foster, Wanda, and anyone else who's violent and might be part of his 'group'.]

Martha wished for a hunt. Now we have one.

[Private to Martha]

What did you do to Molly this time?



[Private to Mozenrath]

Meet me in the library.

[Well, here's a completely normal thing. Video updating. Where once he was a stammering, weak-willed coward, Snape is now a thoroughly rehabilitated inmate and all around great example of a mirrorverse success story. When he first came aboard, his hair was black and lank; it's now kept cut and has gone prematurely grey. His time aboard seems to have aged him, though he isn't older than twenty-five or thirty.

At the moment, he's looking at the camera with deceptive calm.]

I'll thank you, Admiral, to mind how you steer this scow of yours. [With mock reproach:] You've set me back nearly two days' worth of work.

[He turns the camera to show his workspace has been destroyed by the pitching of the ship. Broken glass litters the floor, liquid drips from the tabletops, ingredients are scattered.

He continues from off-screen with a low drawl:]

I need volunteers. I appeal to my colleagues for an inmate or two.

[Don't be deceived - anyone who knows him should probably be afraid. He doesn't want volunteers to help him clean up the mess. If you've got someone who may have 'volunteered' before, feel free to say so!]

[Snape's tone in each communication is a little too controlled to be "calm".]

[Private to Mozenrath]

Check in.


[Private to Martha]

My item isn't registering Mozenrath. His file has been removed.

In which room does Mark Hoffman reside?

[Private to Friends - If you think you're on this list, you probably are.]

[Unusual for him, of course, is a public video post.

Snape's certainly affected by the flood. Here's the thing: he doesn't look much different. His hair's shot through with a bit of grey, mostly at his temples, but hell. He already looked older than his thirty-eight years. Not eighty-three; he's a passable fifty, even now.

Wizards age funny.

Also to be noted is that he seems better than he was with his last tl;dr. Rested and less woe-is-me.

And very much mellowed. His tone is far less cold than usual. But not friendly. Never friendly. That would ruin his reputation, after all.]

This is something of a joke, as floods go. My inmate has succumbed to a second onset of puberty. Well done to Mozenrath.

While it would be absolutely cathartic to once again express my complaints about our Admiral's habit of causing us as much humiliation as possible, potentially for his own twisted amusement, I've decided to try occupying myself in a different manner.

Several days ago, I contacted the Admiral in regards to my rehabilitation and subsequent return home. I am utterly convinced that the madman at the wheel of this ship is Bernard Black.

[He holds up his journal. It's opened to this entry, from October of 2009.]

October 16th, two years ago.

[This is probably a joke. Maybe. But he looks utterly serious about it. He would lineface while riding a unicorn.

He sets the journal aside.]

Moving along. I've been asked twice which languages I am able to comprehend. I suspect I've missed a good deal of the responses of others, for benefit of privacy filters or disinterest. What languages are spoken amongst you?

[Private to the Admiral; Visible to Mozenrath and Martha]

You have it within your power to change the course of history.

When I graduated, why didn't you do it for me? Is it simply because I wasn't specific when I asked to be sent home? Why not make arrangements which would allow me to survive the war? Why was I forced to hide and lie -

Why didn't you do it for me?



[Private to Mozenrath - Added Later]

It would seem I am no longer obliged to make a deal with the Admiral to achieve those particular ends.

Regardless, this is no excuse to dawdle with your rehabilitation.

[Read: I'm not leaving. Don't panic.]

At your convenience, come collect your potion.

[Odd how much loathing and disdain can be conveyed just with his handwriting.]

Explain.

For those of you who failed to understand the point of my last entry, I suggest you disregard this one, as well. I am not seeking empathy or pity, nor am I attempting to explain or excuse my own character.

As before, I am simply...talking.

My father wasn't a wizard. There are a good many things I could say to describe the man, but none of them seem relevant or particularly polite - and that ought to say something significant, as I've never concerned myself with matters of politeness. Suffice to say, he was a muggle, and we did not see eye to eye on most issues.

( We seem to have replaced that doe patronus with a teal deer.Collapse )

I had half a mind to begin this with some sort of prologue to explain why it is I’ve decided to waste my expend time and effort in writing this for the slack-jawed rabble all and sundry to see, but the truth of the matter is likely far more mundane than would be expected for a sizable rant regarding the nuances of idealism. Boredom, for example.

I’m not interested in lectures or suggestions for self-occupation. If I am bored, at least I’m exercising my mental facilities. I could be succumbing to the pathos and crushing pointlessness of my existence by corrupting biscuits with an overabundance of liquor, or lobbing water balloons at innocent bystanders. I could also spend my time castigating the warden population for their every minor slip and blunder, but that would be exhausting - far better suited to younger men with less to do.

( Massive TL;DR ahead. You've been warned.Collapse )

I have had enough of this.

Nygma clearly is settling some personal score against Mozenrath, and the wardens are now assisting him without my consent, if only through passivity. My consent, mind, which has not been given because the only one who has asked me is Nygma himself, who I feel is not unbiased in this situation and therefore undeserving of my cooperation. You are allowing this man to victimize an inmate who, while involved and partially responsible, is not the one to blame for Profit’s condition.

He attacked my inmate, attempted to violate his privacy and question him on this matter, all without my knowledge. Anyone who doubts it is welcome to the most substantial proof I can offer: my memory of the incident. Mozenrath’s as well, if he is willing. You know I am capable of it, and you know that there will be less question in that evidence than in any truth serum Nygma can inflict on my inmate. I have also decided to make public all conversations involving this matter.

The real problem here, however, is not that Nygma attempted to force his way into my inmate’s room. The real problem is far more insidious: he has attempted to rob me of my authority over my inmate.

Allow me to first weigh in on the situation with Profit: it is deplorable. It is reprehensible that he was forced to suffer through that. However, as I was unaware of the situation until someone violated my inmate’s privacy and sense of safety, it has proven difficult for me to show him the error of his ways, much less punish him. All Nygma has done in this situation is give my inmate a sense of self-righteous indignation that is not entirely undeserved, as he – Mozenrath - is acting like the adult in the face of a warden who is clearly a loose cannon.

Did I question Mozenrath? Yes. I gave him the opportunity to confess, I searched his room, and I gave him the opportunity to dispose of any further vials of the potion in question.

Did he create a poison? No. I understand that it is quite possibly a very subtle line drawn and potions are simply potions to you as animals are animals to me, but this was not a poison any more than a dog is a cat.

Do I intend to punish my inmate for something he did in January, in response to the attack on someone for whom he holds great regard? Absolutely not. Not in light of Nygma’s actions. I will not fall upon my inmate with the full wrath of the Admiral because any punishment I could give him now, seven months after the creation of that potion, would only be for the benefit of those watching, to satisfy your bloodlust.

I have chosen a route with him which has suited me ‘til now, and I will point out to you all that he has harmed no one since the incident with Akio, when I became his warden. The potion was created, but it was never used for its intended purpose (and has since fallen into the wrong hands, for which I am attempting to deal with Mozenrath’s sense of responsibility, in spite of Nygma’s constant badgering and harassment).

In short, I must be doing something right. He has been a model inmate, and you are scapegoating him.

I find it questionable that more attention has been given to my inmate than the one who delivered the potion in the first place. However, I will state: if someone had approached me when the issue first began, the results would have been far different. I would have confronted my inmate, there would have been acceptable response on my part, and no more would have been said on the matter.

Now to the problem.

Nygma has circumvented me as Mozenrath’s warden time and again. He has misrepresented information to you to gain your sympathy. Do you find it at all dubious that the warden filter he most recently used excluded me? Yes, Mr. Nygma, I am aware of your attempt to blind me to your witch hunt. Who else was excluded? Shego's warden? Wardens who might not accommodate you? Had I behaved in this manner, no doubt there would be those of you questioning my suitability to warden aboard this ship.

Here is an interesting fact for you all: I am not here as your employee and am not beholden to you. I am here at the Admiral’s behest, and as I have actively investigated the situation, and dealt with it responsibly, it is quite clear that I am doing my job. Public punishment, full disclosure of information - all else is simply a courtesy. If you are not willing to attempt to work with me, I have no reason to work with you.

You can not force me to do as you demand in response to this because you want to quench your thirst for retribution. If anyone attempts to take matters into their own hands without consulting me, or attempts to deliver “justice” to my inmate in spite of this, I will consider it an attack and will respond appropriately.

As far as I am concerned, the matter has been confessed by all parties, dealt with as appropriately as possible, and is now settled.

[OOC: Nygma’s entry came up in conversation between Snape and Martha, and she showed him the warden filter he recently posted. This isn’t unprecedented between the two of them (see the conversation with Judas about Sexby from way-back-when.)

And because Snape has had enough, every last conversation on the Network between himself, Mozenrath, and Nygma has been made public to the wardens. This is including the filters on Mozenrath’s entry and anything he can transcribe from Nygma's entries. Anything Snape can see, you all can see - including Snape's slow, careful attempts to bring Mozenrath around to the idea that he is still responsible, if not entirely at fault, and needs to make amends.]

It hardly seems worth it to complain about this port.

If I still had the inclination - coupled with staggeringly high levels of opiates in my system - I might add "dilophosaurus" to my list of horrific deaths. Spat upon by a frilled monstrosity and subsequently eaten. Number thirty-seven.

[...Yep. Someone might be starting to go a little stir-crazy.]

It's not nearly so entertaining without Elphaba to weigh in, though, is it? "Well, I suppose I've graduated", and suddenly there's an empty room on the seventh floor. How deplorably anti-climactic.

Arthas, pull your weight.

( Private to LupinCollapse )

[The video clicks on to show a...cookie with letters in green icing: "Play nice."]

Two days and a biscuit.

[A long suffering sigh follows, and there's a shot of the cookie being unceremoniously tossed in a wastebasket.]

I can't help but wonder if this is a direct result of my scuffle with you, Lupin. Attacked - blindsided - by another warden and I'm told to 'play nice'?

[He tuts impatiently.]

I see the natural order of the universe has been restored.

[And now on to SRS BSNS.]

What, if anything, has been done about Nygma?

[Warden Filter - Mozenrath and Shego included]

Two evenings ago, a fellow warden - Edward Nygma, specifically - attempted to force his way into Mozenrath's room. I am under the impression that he felt he had good reason, as he suspected a potion had been used on one of his friends. It is certainly understandable how one might make the deductive leap and pinpoint my inmate as the culprit, as he is the sole person on the ship capable of creating potions.

[...]

Aside from the host of others - inmates and wardens alike, present or departed - who are also capable, that is.

I have searched my inmate's quarters and briefly discussed the matter with him, and I am convinced he did not poison the victim in question. He had nothing to do with this incident. Though I was under no obligation to waste my time upon such an endeavor, after studying the remains of the potion, I find I am unable to create an antidote - I've never seen the likes of it, and, given my previous profession, I'm sure that is reason enough to clear both my name and that of anyone else from my world.**

[coughSiriuscough]

Mozenrath has been inflicted with baseless accusations of a crime. I was not notified, and a firearm was pointed at him while one of my - and I do use this term very lightly - colleagues attempted to force their way into his room. The issue was only brought to a halt when I intervened, and I am certain, had it continued, that one or the other of them would be in the infirmary at this moment. There was no substantial proof of his involvement to warrant the actions taken against him.

Understandably, questions will arise in regards to Mozenrath's side business. I have warned you all that it is a case of "buyer beware", and my inmate does not create poisons. He isn't that stupid. Furthermore, he has not once caused unprovoked harm to others on this ship since I became his warden. There was no reason to suspect that he was involved at all.

This was clearly a witch hunt, in the most literal sense of the term.

[Oh yes, he did just pull the race card.]

It is my sincerest hope that I am not the only one aboard this ship with enough sense to recognize that this is a clear violation not only of Mozenrath's rights, but of my duty to him. The inmates take issue enough over the behavior of the wardens without loose cannons flinging about abuse and false accusations.

Stay away from my inmate, Mr. Nygma.


[Private to Shego]

You've put both me and Mozenrath in a very uncomfortable position.

Was that the last of it?


**[ooc: Assuming Nygma gave the potion to him after that thread. As for 'knowing' it was Shego, Mozenrath told him it was someone he knows (which leaves Shego or Sirius), and it was related to the Joker, and Sirius wasn't here for that. Deductive reasoning! We has!]

[As of approximately an hour ago, everything public from Snape’s journal has been completely redacted. Some entries have been removed entirely.]

[Warden Filter]

We have a problem. All of us.

Much as I am loathe to admit this, Sirius Black should not be here. I know who he is and I know his history. Black died on June 18, 1996, at thirty-seven years of age. The man who made that video recording this afternoon is too young. Far too young. Given his appearance, he has been brought here from Azkaban – I would suggest he is in his early twenties.

Furthermore, in spite of his incarceration in our world, he has no reason to be an inmate. He was falsely accused of the crime for which he was imprisoned, and has not successfully committed any other. I’m certain others who know our common history can attest to the same.

I am not defending him, and would just as soon see him rot as lift a finger in his defense, but this presents a problem for all of us: if he is technically an innocent man, how many other inmates might be innocent, as well? One of the strongest tools we have for maintaining order is the steadfast belief that the inmates all deserve to be here. Even those inmates who might well be violent otherwise are subdued because they accept they have committed some act of wrongdoing. If they catch wind of this, how many will claim falsely that they are innocent? How many will see no reason to remain subdued?

Do you see how quickly this could spiral out of control?

On a more personal note:

If you have any intention of interacting with him, I ask you not to speak to him about me or, if you are aware of what occurred, the events following his release from Azkaban. We are not contemporaries. He’s from my past, and as such is in a position to change the course of events. Until the situation has been sorted – and hopefully rectified - say nothing, and do not give him the books.

( Private to Martha, Mozenrath, and the AdmiralCollapse )