The Drabble Dungeon

Short Hiatus

alisanne — Sun, 19 Apr 2020 20:32:35 GMT

Dear Snape100 community,

It's been a rough few weeks for all of us, including your mod, who is an essential healthcare worker. And it's clear everyone here is busy, too, since the last few challenges have gone unanswered.
As a result, I'm suspending new challenges for about 3 weeks until (hopefully) things calm down for us all.
Do feel free to answer any of our previous challenges in the interim, and PLEASE stay safe during the pandemic. ♥

Your Snapely Mod, Alisanne.

Challenge #840: Snape and the Inevitable - Taxes

alisanne — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 21:24:04 GMT

We all know the famous saying about things that are unavoidable. Over the next few weeks we'll explore the magical world's equivalents. Are there wizarding world taxes? I imagine there must be. How does Snape feel about filing his? However you see it, this week we'll discuss Snape and the Inevitable - Taxes.

(Remember: drabble posts now appear on livejournal and insanejournal and dreamwidth.)

Challenge #839: Snape and Gaslighting

alisanne — Sun, 05 Apr 2020 23:12:12 GMT

Like many of us, it's more than likely Snape has been psychologically manipulated into questioning his own sanity by those in positions of authority who should know better. Do you think he realized what was happening at the time? If he did, how did he react? However you see it, this week we'll discuss Snape and Gaslighting.

(Remember: drabble posts now appear on livejournal and insanejournal and dreamwidth.)

Challenge #838: Snape and Social Distancing

alisanne — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 21:07:17 GMT

It's likely the magical world's reaction to a pandemic like COVID-19 would be similar to ours, don't you think? Especially if their medical science is akin to hours. So how would a sequestered magical society function? And how would such a Ministry mandated quarantine order affect Snape? However you see it, this week we'll discuss Snape and Social Distancing.

(Remember: drabble posts now appear on livejournal and insanejournal and dreamwidth.)

Challenge #837: Snape and Job (In)Security

alisanne — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 21:10:58 GMT

While Snape may not be personally worried about this, many other likely are. Especially if they are as vulnerable to the vagaries of the stock market as we are in the Muggle world. How would societal pressures that could eliminate low wage earning jobs affect the magical world? Or Snape? However you see it, this week we'll discuss Snape and Job (In)Security.

(Remember: drabble posts now appear on livejournal and insanejournal and dreamwidth.)

ellid — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 11:53:19 GMT

Title: Election Day, IX
Prompt: Price Gouging
Word Count: 100

My dear Draco:

I trust you are well, and the medications I sent to Astoria are having the desired effect. Please give her my best, and assure her that all necessary accommodations will be made so that she will be able to attend my upcoming nuptials.

A less personal matters have recently come to my attention, and I would greatly appreciate your advice and possible assistance. Might you be free for lunch at The Welsh Drover some day this week? I understand their luncheon offerings are excellent.

My owl will await your reply. My best to Astoria –

Yours,

S. Snape

ellid — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 11:48:47 GMT

Title: Election Day, VIII
Prompt: Price Gouging
Word Count: 100

Reverse-formulating the ink would not be difficult; Severus was the most skilled apothecaries in Britain, after all. The paper would be more difficult, but Severus knew people who knew people so it would not be impossible. “We could donate enough to cover the school and the town,” Septima pointed out.

“Unfortunately, it’s not our place to interfere in the elections,” Minerva said after a few Floo calls. “Or so Kingsley informs me.”

“But if we volunteer our services – “

Minerva thinned her lips. “The Tories regard the Order as a group of, and I quote, ‘interfering busybodies.’ So we’re stuck.”

ellid — Tue, 17 Mar 2020 11:55:04 GMT

Title: Election Day, VII
Prompt: Price Gouging
Word Count: 100

“More like quintupled it,” said Septima, skimming the relevant article in the Prophet and doing the math in her head. “If that weren’t bad enough, the ink can only be purchased from a conglomerate based in Argentina that’s been price gouging for years. The Headmistress of Castelbruxo had to threaten to turn their board into capybaras before they’d give her the traditional student discount.”

“So this means – “

“The Wizengamot may or may not have the funds necessary to print and send the ballot cards in the first place.” Septima handed Severus the paper. “See?”

“Monstrous,” murmured Severus, scowilng. “Monstrous.”

ellid — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 11:53:45 GMT

Title: Election Day, VI
Prompt: Price Gouging
Word Count: 100

“There’s another problem with the elections,” Minerva said the next evening, this time in Septima’s airy sitting room. “The Wizengamot changed the criteria for the paper and ink used on the poll cards after that ridiculous scandal a few years ago when a handful of students decided to run their pet goat in a town election and charmed their Chocolate Frog cards.”

Severus winced at the memory of “Prudentius Junius Porsena’s” run for office. “That was quite ridiculous, but what does it have to do with the upcoming elections?”

“The paper manufacturer was bought by Americans and tripled the price.”

Challenge #836: Snape and Price Gouging

alisanne — Sun, 15 Mar 2020 19:48:25 GMT

Just about all the Muggle world is taking about right now is the current Coronavirus pandemic, and one of the biggest issues being reported in the news is price gouging. Normally inexpensive products have had their prices hiked 10 fold or more. What about the Wizarding World? Would they be vulnerable to similar tendencies? And how would Snape react to such underhanded tactics? However you see it, this week we'll discuss Snape and Price Gouging.

(Remember: drabble posts now appear on livejournal and insanejournal and dreamwidth.)

ellid — Fri, 13 Mar 2020 11:51:22 GMT

Title: Election Day, V
Prompt: voter suppression
Word Count: 100

"So poll cards were sent to the wrong addresses?" Severus had managed to sneak a dose of Sober Up into Minerva's glass before she made a total fool of herself. The sight of her drunk had been surprisingly disturbing. "What about here at Hogwarts?

“The faculty have all gotten theirs to the best of my knowledge,” said Minerva. She stared at her wineglass, then shoved it aside. “The townsfolk – I’d have to ask.”

“It’s a bad situation regardless,” said Septima. She summoned a Slytherin elf and handed it a slip of paper to order a meal. “What can we do?”

ellid — Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:55:49 GMT

Title: Election Day, IV
Prompt: voter suppression
Word Count: 100
Note: QC is short for “Queen’s Counsel,” a type of British attorney. More information can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen%27s_Counsel.

“There’s talk the Wizengamot sent poll cards to the wrong locations. That would invalidate the votes,” said Septima, joining them a while later. She’d come straight from consulting a cousin who was married to a QC. “Allison told me that sixteen year olds are eligible to vote in local elections, including our students, at least for the Scottish Wizengamot.”

Minerva reached for the wine bottle and poured herself a fresh glass. “I wish the Scottish Wizengamot did more than rubber stamp what London does. Bloody useless numptys.”

Severus raised an eyebrow. Perhaps it was time to cut the Headmistress off.

ellid — Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:48:16 GMT

Title: Election Day, III
Prompt: voter suppression
Word Count: 100

“Irregularities? I’ve been deliberately ignoring the news – “ Severus gestured at the pile of caterers’ brochures, musicians’ audition spheres, pictures of floral arrangements, and (of course) cake catalogues. “ – for obvious reasons.”

“I wish I could.” Minerva gulped her wine and sighed. “Polling stations have been closed in Whig-leaning areas, while younger voters have had their registrations questioned. One of my nieces was told she was a ghost when she attempted to register, and she’s as solid as you or I!”

“Sir Nicholas did attempt to vote a few years ago – “

“In 1991,” said Minerva, looking less than pleased.

ellid — Tue, 10 Mar 2020 11:51:22 GMT

Title: Election Day, II
Prompt: voter suppression
Word Count: 100

“This election.” Minerva had come by Severus’ quarters to discuss the upcoming maintenance schedule on the Slytherin House common room, and stayed to brood over the election news. “I told Kingsley he was playing with fire.”

“He’s a cautious man. I can’t imagine he did so lightly.” Severus set aside the catalogue of wedding cakes – pixies dancing about the frosting was madness, what were the bakers thinking? – and poured a glass of wine. “Have you seen any polling? The purebloods can’t be happy about this.”

“I’m more concerned about irregularities in the vote than the Malfoys’ tender feelings,” said Minerva.

ellid — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 11:52:26 GMT

Title: Election Day, I
Prompt: voter suppression
Word Count: 100

Front Page of the Daily Prophet, date redacted.

GOVERNMENT FALLS OVER REFUGEE ISSUE! SHACKLEBOLT CALLS SNAP ELECTION!

LONDON (WP) – In a shocking move, Tories withdrew their support from the Shacklebolt coalition government, forcing the Minister to call a snap election.
The issue was an emergency funding bill that would have given housing to African refugees forced to flee Muggle violence. Around students, parents, and teachers have taken refuge at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft & Wizardry, with more arriving on a daily basis.
“We have enough problems here,” said an anonymous source in the Wizengamot. “It’s time to put Britain first.”

Challenge #835: Snape and Voter Suppression

torino10154 — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 01:02:26 GMT

The Wizarding World is rather archaic in many ways and voting may be one of them. Whether it's votes in the Wizengamot, on the Board of Directors for Hogwarts or in some other area, is voter suppression a problem? Would Snape feel strongly about representation... or not? However you see it, this week we'll discuss Snape and Voter Suppression.

(Remember: drabble posts now appear on livejournal and insanejournal and dreamwidth.)

ellid — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 12:46:32 GMT

Title: The Wedding Industry, V
Prompt: Gender equality
Word Count: 100

“Your – “

Severus pulled out his girdle book and began making notes. “Do you trust me?”

“Of course I do. I wouldn’t marry you if I didn’t.” The alchemical ring sparkled on her finger. “My dear Severus – “

“I am just as capable of choosing a photographer, a wedding hall, entertainment, a caterer, and a stationer as any woman.” Severus glared at the checklist as if it the ghost of Sirius Black. “Of course I’ll consult you once I’ve narrowed down the possibilities. But the preliminary work is another matter.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever loved you more,” she murmured.

ellid — Thu, 05 Mar 2020 12:45:46 GMT

Title: The Wedding Industry, IV
Prompt: Gender equality
Word Count: 100

Severus was about to ask her what she wanted him to do, but that smacked of condescension. Worse, she was right. They were both adults, both of an age to take responsibility, and it was high time he acted accordingly.

“Give me that magazine,” he said at last.

“Are you going to use for explosives?” Septima could not keep the bitterness out of her voice. “Feed it to the kelpie? Shred it for garden mulch?”

“No.” Severus tore out the checklist and obliterated the remainder with a snap of his fingers. “I’m going to do my share of the work.”

ellid — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 12:49:39 GMT

Title: The Wedding Industry, III
Prompt: Gender equality
Word Count: 100

Severus put the magazine down. “I was joking. Marriage is a mutual act, surely the man – “

“Look at this list!” Septima snatched it up, flipped to a page entitled “Checklist for a Perfect Day,” and pointed. “You’re responsible for the entertainment at the reception, the bachelor party – “

“Bachelor party?” Severus blanched at the thought of the remaining Order smashing up the Hog’s Head at his expense.

“And paying for the honeymoon. My family or I are responsible for virtually everything else.” Septima scowled. “It’s hardly fair.”

“It says I’m to assist with the cake tasting.”

“That scarcely helps!”

ellid — Tue, 03 Mar 2020 12:45:48 GMT

Title: The Wedding Industry, II
Prompt: Gender equality
Word Count: 100

“Good heavens, they cannot be serious.” Severus waved the magazine at his fiancée. “‘Selectively bred white phoenixes will provide pyrotechnical splendor to your wedding reception.’ ‘American wines aged in timbers from the Mayflower.’ What is this nonsense?”

“What I’m to waste my parents’ money on if we’re to keep up with the Yaxleys.” Septima looked pained. “Some of the gowns cost more than I earn in ten years.”

“And what about me? Am I supposed to have a Tibetan house elf pedicure?” Severus shuddered at the mere thought. “Or simply show up and say my vows?”

“The latter, I expect.”

ellid — Mon, 02 Mar 2020 12:50:18 GMT

Title: The Wedding Industry, I
Prompt: Gender equality
Word Count: 100

Gradually the school adjusted to the new students, while the students adjusted to Hogwarts. The hoarding ceased, the alienists did their work, and life returned to a semblance of normal.

That meant spring Quidditch, preparation for exams…and, as Septima gently pointed out, preparations for their wedding that summer. “Wedding robes, license, the wedding breakfast, music, choosing a hall or church, the honeymoon….”

Severus watched her page through a magazine as thick as a textbook. “Witch Weekly Wedding Book? Good heavens, what is that, 200 pictures of robes?”

“If only it were that simple,” she said, and handed him the magazine.

Challenge #834: Snape and Gender Equality

alisanne — Sun, 01 Mar 2020 20:47:26 GMT

This issue may be one the magical world doesn't have. Or do they? We see women in canon doing many important jobs after all. So, how does Snape feel about women's rights? However you see it, this week we'll discuss Snape and Gender Equality.

(Remember: drabble posts now appear on livejournal and insanejournal and dreamwidth.)

ellid — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 12:49:49 GMT

Title: Refugees, XXVIV
Prompt: food insecurity
Word Count: 100

Severus knocked on the door of Septima’s office. She looked up from a lesson plan and broke into a radiant smile.

“Darling! It’s so good to see you!” She hurried to him. “What a surprise! I thought there was a Head of House meeting.”

“There was.” He let her lead him to the sofa as he told her about the food hoarding, and the eventual vote to hire an alienist. “My dear, there’s something I need to tell you.”

She gave his hands a gentle squeeze. “Go ahead.”

“When I a child, we sometimes didn’t have enough to eat – “

ellid — Thu, 27 Feb 2020 12:46:52 GMT

Title: Refugees, XXVIII
Prompt: food insecurity
Word Count: 100

“It doesn’t matter how we give them, either,” said Pomona. She’d arrived with even more stories of children stealing food from the kitchen or the dining tables, the older ones putting whole pantries under preservation charms while the younger ones ate until they were sick. Others had begun force-growing staple crops in the greenhouses even though none of the elves knew how to cook African foods properly. “Is something wrong with the translation charms? I’ve tried telling them – “

“They’re traumatized, Pomona,” said Severus. He clenched his fists under the table. “That takes more than translation charms. Hire an alienist.”

ellid — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 12:48:34 GMT

Title: Refugees, XXVII
Prompt: food insecurity
Word Count: 100

“They’re hoarding food,” Severus said without preamble as he walked into Minerva’s office and took his seat.

“Hoarding – the Uagadou students?” Minerva dropped into her chair with a distinct creak of the springs. “Are you quite certain?”

“Filius told me that one of his prefects has been complaining for weeks about crumbs being tracked all over the Ravenclaw common room. I checked with the other prefects and the cleaning elves.” Severus forced back the memory of having to sneak food from the kitchen after his father got drunk. “They’re so frightened of another raid that they’re stocking up for emergencies.”