Severus found out that Hermione cared for him but I think he cares for her too.  I was saddened at the beginning of the chapter when he had gone back to being her professor.  This has got to be the most depressing marriage I've ever heard of.  I wish they could be happy sooner rather than later.  Great chapter.

How pathetic, yet how sweet.  I was touched when they fell asleep together in Severus' apartment only to be awakened by Dumbledore in the fireplace.  It was sweet when Severus looked for a book and went out into the snow to teach her about fungi.  I'm so glad he kissed her and in his thoughts, called her his wife.  I wish they could be like a real married couple but I know that would be dangerous, but hopefully will happen at some time.  Great chapter.

I think Severus was touched with Hermione's efforts to keep him safe by giving him something to remember--something for Voldemort to look at.  I'm glad she realized that he was trying to teach her to be safe--teaching her street smarts so to speak.  I was also happy that she stayed in his apartment and waited for him.  It may take him a while but maybe he'll come around.  Great chapter.

Would it be so awful if he were nice to his wife?  Clearly he wants to see her memories of their wedding night but he just can't admit it.  Poor Hermione has to be thankful for small favors--he injured her and it meant a lot to her that he took care of her.  Great chapter.

I think I'd have horrible anxiety attacks if I were married to Snape--never knowing what he was going to do if I walked into the house.  The disguising charms were interesting.  It must have been fun to see how Severus looked when he was younger.  At the same time it might be disturbing to Severus seeing his wife look younger.  You know, that is how you recognize someone you haven't seen for years--you look them in the eye.  Great chapter.

"You must appear to abhor that which you hold most dear" explains a lot if Hermione were to stop and think about it.  Severus must appear to be not too fond of Hermione if he holds her dear.  I think Severus made many good points during the dance.  I love it when authors have Severus dancing.  I'll bet that he is very good at it.  Great chapter.

That was very sad.  The main thing I was feeling was that Dumbledore needs a good hard slap.  I felt especially angry with him when he said he had gotten back the night before but hadn't come to help Hermione with Snape.  I was annoyed to begin with when Dumbledore used Snape's ring to call Hermione and used her to get Snape back into his chambers.  I wish Severus would realize sooner rather than later that he's paid for Lily's death--that it wasn't his fault.  He wasn't the betraying secret keeper.  Great chapter.

I can see that Hermione had no problems acting normal in Defense class.  I thought it was adorable when Snape suggested Hermione set Ron up with someone.  Actually, it sounds like Lavender is more interested in Viktor.  I thought it was sad when Snape reflected that Hermione didn't ask if there was someone who would make her ring glow and when he talked about infinite silence.  Great chapter.

I think I agree with Snape.  Hermione needs to go to class.  There's no need to raise questions.  I loved his last statement--that he thought he was giving lessons in making love.  This is bound to be an awkward situation though isn't it?  Great chapter.

I think that this seduction makes up for the wedding:D  It was wonderful that he realized that the way to relax her was to "instruct" and tell her to reciprocate.  I didn't know that Snape had it in him or that Hermione was such a natural.  I hope that eventually they realize they're in the relationship for each other and not for Harry.  Great chapter.

Wow--what a birthday.  I loved the gifts from her parents.  That was so wonderful that they bought her new dress robes.  So, Hermione has to keep this secret from Ron and Harry too doesn't she?  That will be a little awkward.  I'm sure Ron thinks they're a couple.  What a strange wedding.  I am reminded once again of how the war with Voldemort seriously affected so many lives.  Great chapter.

That was an interesting, detailed look at how the conversation between Dumbledore and Snape must have gone after the ring incident.  A couple of scenes struck me.  Does Dumbledore really believe that Hermione's life would not be affected by her marriage to Snape--does he really believe that Severus will die in the war and Hermione will go on like nothing happened.  Also, the fact that a number of witches on the "good side" died earlier and not many children were born--Snape doesn't have a big choice in who to marry.  Finally, that a special potion was developed to save Harry if need be.  Great chapter.  I can't wait to read more. 

I cried. I almost never cry over a story but I did over this one. Beautifully done and I'm thinking there will be quite a few more times when this kind of miscommunication comes to play. 

awww!!

that was one emotional ride, I swear I was near tears (the whole time) towards the end, even though I knew what was coming

Are you tired of reading reviews yet :)  Too bad I'm leaving one anyway.  I read this back while it was updating at which time I had a horrible habit of not reviewing.  I would love to go back and review each and every story that I have read thus far but that will never happen. This story hands down hold the spot as my #1 favorite story in all of fanfiction so I felt an obligation to come back by and tell you so.  This would be a really long review if I tried to point out everything I loved about this story so I won't.  I found it beautiful and captivating and frightening, and sad, and hopeless, and hopeful, and sweet, and...I'm getting carried away.  A lot of stories, even ones I consider my favorites, have moments where they feel a little rushed, or some of the phrasing is redundant, or they slip a little ooc etc.  This felt like every single word was carefully hand picked and thought out, every moment genuine and beautiful. There is not one single thing that I would change if given the opportunity.  You've painted a picture of an unlikely couple who nurture and grow this amazing relationship while the world falls apart around them and come out in the end seemingy worse off but probably closer then they would have ever become otherwise.  It didn't have the clear cut "happily ever after" that I thrive on and yet somehow you've let us know that everything really will be ok for them.  I so hope that you continue to write and share with us more of your amazing gift!

Astounding and Outstanding! Fantastic Snape, beautiful language and imagery. I'm already missing the story even though I've only just this second finished reading it. Quite brilliant!
SGx

Hi. Sorry I'm not reviewing every chapter. But I'm loving the story. :)

I just finished reading this for the second time. I find it easier to cope with DH when I remind myself it isnt the entire story, that Second Life explains the little misteps in it, like Hermione saying she had never performed memory charms. This is so beautifully written, Hermione and Severus are consistent with my canon view if them. We just get to know them better here, where the story focuses on them and not Harry. I do hope someday you will be inspired to write another epic tale. I will be awaiting it. Thank you for sharing your story!

Fabulous retelling of this night.
And Moody, of all people, to settle her. He's actually in on it? I know he was there for the wedding, but find it hard to believe he would be able to have faith that Snape was following the Headmaster's plan. Maybe he's just been so villianized in fanon that the canon version of him ges short-shrifted.
Either way, I'm glad his words were able to get through to her.

MY heart is pumping nearly as fast as hers was. I guess Severus has to think the worst of her in a situation like this, but still... git. Oh, okay, he's making sure the plan happens, but really,   ... git.

This was so beautiful - it made me cry when he made her cry.

Ah, yes, that telling ring!
:)

*sighs*

*wipes away... uh sweat, yes, sweat! from eye region*

<i>listen to those impulses, Severus, follow your heart...</i> Oops, until the Dark Lord KILLS you for it, that is!

Ah. I love those 'just-can't-help-myself kind of scenes. I always have to take a break after a chapter like that and let it sink in.

Okay, it's sunk. Happily going back to read more!