I liked the way this ended, it gives hope that they may get together at some later date, and that Severus has faced and overcome most of his demons, which he needed to do before considering a relationship.

Finally the mystery of the potion has been uncovered. It was a great story, but of course I would have preferred more action than a kiss...But a really neat plot.Thank you!gab

I was hoping for a 'happily ever after,' but you have given us a lovely story, nevertheless.  I bet everyone will be asking for a sequel.  I really enjoyed this tale and hope you do well in the competition. (Am I allowed to say that here?)  It's more realistic than most fanfiction, I think.  People DO have problems after witnessing deaths and being tortured.  You story is ultimately hopeful and lovely.  Thank you.

The complex, emotional dance these two go through. I love that he was listening to her talk as she contemplated the potion. I hope he opens up to Hermione though. Maybe then they can find a cure?

You are so guessed with a 110% certainty now! (And it's not even the same guess I had before...)

I thought it was a good idea to show the funeral from only the POV of the emotions Severus recieved from her. It cut out the sappy sadness that such scenes can turn into if the writer isn't careful and just made it really harsh and painful and overwhelming instead, I think.

I curious as to Severus' theory of her uncontrollable anger being like a different entity. It sounds like she's possessed. I wonder how and by what...

There are trees, in the American northwest that have an odd way of procreating.  They have what we would think of as a perverted need.  They need fire.  It is only when the bark and branches are being scorched by the flames that the cones naturally pop open, releasing their seeds.    Of course, it takes a while for the flames to climb the trees as they are very tall.  So when the seeds finally fall to the forest floor, the floor itself has already been swept clear of stifling undergrowth, weeds, and fallen deadwood by the firestorm that has already burnt itself out and left behind the cleared beds of ash-enriched soil.  The fire makes the forest possible.  I think you are portraying a universal truth here and doing it brilliantly (while I on the other hand am waxing pendantic.  Don't you just hate it when that happens?)By all means proceed with vigor!

This is another beautiful chapter. And the last paragraph was overwhelming. The way you describe his feelings, especially the last words and how he's desperate to have a family: they're simply brilliant. 

Oh my...

Powerful and brilliant chapter.  Without Hermione being physically present, you presented her POV in an inescapable way.  The way things changed as the potion wore off was amazingly sad.  The whole chapter was moving.

What an emotional rollercoaster. Even through her torment he was still haivng to deal with his own anger and guilt. I do hope Hermione startsleaning to control her rage and that she starts facing reality better.

So much grief and overwhelming emotions. I hope these two can heal each other, but first they need to heal Severus before he bleeds to death on the floor.

Wow. This story just gets better.  Hermione better pull it together and act quick to save him!

I've just read the first two chapters through, andthey're wonderful!  You have an ability to createthe tiny details of character and place that makea story live.  And it was never feasible that Naginicould have killed Severus - of course he would have developed an anti-venom potion, especiallyafter Arthur Weasley's attack (and if Arthur lived,why wouldn't Severus?).

Another great chapter!  Awesome work.  I am really looking forward to the next one.  Keep up the good work.

I hope that will get her out of her trans because he will need her brain to find a cure. Also can I hope for a bit less dark for the next ?

another powerful chapter, keep Hermmione more focused now

When you posted this first chapter I just saved it for when I have time. I deeply regret that I didn't have time earlier. I'm very impressed by the whole chapter and especially what happened in the Headmaster's office. I could feel the despair from your words. It's just brilliant.

What an incredibly intense chapter that built inexorably to the Evil Cliffhanger at the end.  Oh, merciful heavens, update soon!

Oh my, now that was a revelation!

Brilliant chapter.

Oh my.  Why this isn't called 'Catharsis' I don't know - for the writer, the reader and the characters.  Need to go away and make a cup of coffee before re-engaging mind with RL.  Very, very, good.

I love the way your Severus is finally undergoing a refining process, as if the last appoximately 20 years of his life had been a potion-limited step in his development.  Hermione really reminds me of a wild horse, full of promise and very dangerous and he has chosen to gentle and refine that that break and conquer.  I am really looking forward to the next step. 

Incredible chapter!  You did a wonderful job of expressing him feeling her emotions, and his reactions and thoughts.  So well-written, and that little surprize at the end, a bit of self-knowledge forced from the poor man.  Excellent!

This was a very powerful chapter. I still don't think Snape knew what he was getting into when he took on her emotions. I hope they can figure out why he is not healing.I also think you hit the nail on the head with Snape hating Harry because he could have been his!

Great emotional chapter - good ending with Severus saying why he hated Harry from the beginning. Cannot wait to see what happens to them both. The neck thing is so gross - I wonder why it does not heal? There is something to that in this story I imagine

Your descriptive imagery is astounding!  I didn't read this chapter...I felt it. 

That was difficult to read, all those emotions swirling.  But it is very powerful, and boy, they really have put it all out there, haven't they?