Oh, a wonderful chapter! *sighs contentedly*. You make this story work so well and become so real... I'm currently reading DH again, and I really miss the Severus parts from you in it ;o). 
The scene in the Malfoy "dungeon" as well as Snapes realisation about his rôle in the game is really well done and written, I literally lack the words for describing what I want to say. So all I can do is tearing my hat before your wonderful and fetching storytelling and sincerely hoping that you will never stop!

Author's Response: Thank you so much. I'm just so grateful for your lovely words, and I'm so glad you're still liking the story. You've warmed my heart immeasurably.

I love them dancing... *sigh* Them, deep in a secret conversation, his breath tickling her neck, while seemingly doing nothing out of the ordinary is just so romantic. :)

How my heart just aches for poor Snape as he turns away from them on the bed. He has been so alone and can't yet see that Hermione will be there for him. Great chapter, sad but there's hope there.

Making love, indeed. Need to catch  my  breath, hehe. To reduce a man like Snape to gasps and whimpers, what greater magic could there be?My fave line as well.

Smokin'! I love her innocence and need to be instructed. I love his.. well I just love him, and that's all. Off to the connsumation!

Yep, me again, this time back at the beginning. Because this wonderful story deserves another read through, my dear. What struck me here is the wonderful dialogue, Snape sneering at Dumbledore and Dumbledore so calmly manipulating. I'm very much looking forward to this read through, and will review!

But Snape does not realize that he is not the master of the wand - that Draco is because he disarmed Dumbledore - this is going to get interesting to see what you spin out. The whole conversation with Luna and Olivander was an interesting scene - I liked it and found it added more to the story. A great what have that was not in DH.

Oh, my, but that was sad. Powerful writing, brilliant writing, but gut-wrenching with it.Poor Snape -- so sad and alone. He feels unworthy and pushes away the one who ease the sadness and the loneliness. Yet, there is hope because Hermione DOESN'T push back. She wishes him well, and is only sorry she couldn't help more. This is the true beginning of their relationship, I think.This story, even on second reading, just gets better and better.Thank you for sharing your talent.

Thanks for the update. Very enjoyable read.

“Do that. And Miss Granger?”“Yes?”“Do it quickly. It will hurt less that way.”She looked at him, wonder written on her face.Oh, my ... he does have a heart! (Well, I always knew he did, but you've SHOWN it so wonderfully in that simple exchange.)This story is just so wonderful. It has depths that JKR could only hope to achieve!Thanks for sharing.

Still going strong.  Each chapter ratchets up in intensity.  I am happy to see our couple will have to see each other again next chapter (at least I hope so).  I will admit that I am getting just a little nervous about the scene where Hermione gets tortured by Bellatrix -- will Severus be there? if not, what will happen when he finds out?  Well I will just find out when we get there.  Thanks for sharing, JoAnne

This is so brilliant. I love your explanation of the Elder Wand. Plus you are a wonderful describer of emotions. I can fear Snape desperation at the end of the chapter and was sorry for him. I really hope he will make it through the war and live happy with or without Hermione.

"To reduce a man like Snape to gasps and whimpers, what greater magic could there be?"This was my favourite line of this chapter. The whole thing was simply beautiful.But how sad that their lives together will start with them oh, so very far apart in every way.I also loved this part: "She looked at him, wide-eyed and frightened, and he tipped his face away from her. The look in his eyes was… resigned? Did he think she didn’t want to, that she wouldn’t try?"Poor Severus -- so used to rejection that he expects it! His vulnerability was so sad. I'm so glad that Hermione was able to tell/show him that she accepted him for his own sake.I hope you'll never get tired of my telling you what an utterly brilliant and enjoyable story this is.

Not much plot progession in this chapter -- but then who needs plot progression when there's such a beautiful, lovely wedding night to get to?I adore than Snape wanted to please her before he took his own pleasure. His patience is admirable!I chuckled at Hermione's need for 'instruction.'On to the consummation, I say!Love this story -- love it!

Here I go again, I LOVE LOVE L.O.V.E. this story! The entire interaction w/ Luna and Ollivander was so beautiful, yes just beautiful w/ emotion. I like how Dobby (one of my least favorite characters) was used. and the last line of the chapter gave me the chills. The way your story fits into DH is seamless. LOVE IT!

I think I am going to start a top 10 list of why your story is better than book 7. The first thing will be the marriage of course, and secondly explaining the Elder wand. I get it now. Thank you!

I love the way you're retelling Book 7.  You're practically turning it on its head!  This is so much more what I hoped for when I was reading that book.  I like Dumbledore, but the truth that was revealed of his character in book 7 actually made me feel as betrayed as Snape does here now.  You portray that feeling of betrayal so exquisitely.   

Another wonderful chapter, thank you!  You (and your betas) are doing such an exquisite job of blending your wonderfully original story with JK's equally wonderful story.  I look forward to each and every installment.  Thank you, once again, for sharing your talent.

Fortunately I have another chapter on my plate else I would curse you for ending things like this, You Evil Cliffie Maker.

Sorry for the late review but RL is chasing me and I'm lacking time at the moment. So just let you know how I love this.

I know I'm terribly late in reviewing, but I've been so busy and have only now had a chance to sit and read in peace!This chapter was amazing powerful, as was expected. Each and every step Severus took toward unravelling Dumbledore's plans and intentions was breathtaking and intense. The care he took with extracting the information he needed from Olivander was very moving, and the interractions between Severus and Luna made me realize why some people ship that pairing.The fear that this chapter ends on is very tangible, but almost in a numbing way. It's almost as though Severus has come to fully realize that his death was Dumbledore's plan and it is now time for him to accept and work toward changing the path that would lead him to it.I am so very glad that he now has both McGonagall and Dobby on his side. And now we're getting awfully close to the trio's trip to Malfoy Manor and I'm very excited to see how you lead up to that. How much of this new information will Hermione have once they're captured? Will Luna remember Severus being there? She seemed to be watching him Obliviate Olivander, so it's possible there is some memory of it.As always, I'm left wanting more! And, hey, maybe I should read and review at 1:30 am more often... Seems my reviews are longer in the middle of the night! Hehe... Anyway, happy writing and I hope you have a good time during Shellsnapeluver's visit!

Wow.  There were so many amazing things about this chapter!  I love that Dobby can see the rings - another instance of Elf magic.  And Luna was absolutely spot on!  You explore these characters in such a wonderful way and I am hooked on this story all over again.  Great job!

Okay, second read through here paying a bit more attention to all the delightful details. I loved the simple, yet meaningful marriage ceremony. I absolutely HATE the way Dumbledore manipulates everyone, though it is very much the way he operating in canon -- his frigging twinkle made everyone think he was this benevolent do-gooder, but we know better now.I understand the necessity of having Snape perform some atrocity that will finally 'break' him from the Order, but I abhor the cold-blooded way that the chances for Snape's survival are considered.Canon-fodder -- the whole lot of them, excepting Harry, are nothing but canon-fodder.Brilliant story, brilliantly written.I love it!

Wand lore fascinates me. I wish Jo had put more of the mechanics of it in the books. I say that because the conversation with Ollivander doesn't actually sit with my interpretation of the available evidence regarding wand ownership and such (apart from the obvious bit about the Elder Wand.) However, this is your fic, so I can run with your hypothesis for the sake of plot progression. And boy is it progressing! I hope Sev doesn't crack. Despite my unashamed love of angst and tragedy, I'm kinda half-hoping for a happy ending for him. Especially since Jo did such a number on him at the end of DH!

Thank you for another great chapter! I particularly liked the bit about not wanting a slave; what a reminder of how Snape has been feeling for almost all of his adult life.