Wow really enjoying this story. I love Hermione's mind and her quick connections and perceptions. Very interested in reading more!

So, will this excellent story be updated? 

I'm far too behind on reviewing.  But good excuse to go back for a reread.  There is so much packed into this chapter.  Draco is lucky Snape doesn't break his neck for endng theMuffliato when others could be listening.  Are there listening.  They are very lucky indeed that it was Hermione who overheard the conversation.

I can certainly understand Snape's concern in having Hermione be the one to know what is going on and help him post Voldemort.  How vulnerable he must feel having to share stories/memories that show him at his worst.  He is concerned that it will change her opinion of him, but more than likely, it will just endear him to her even more.  He may act like that is a bad thing, but deep down it is exactly what he would love to have happen.  I think it will be one of the things which brings them together.

Another great chapter, and I hope more are on the way.

Waaahhhh!!!  Or at least, that's what I heard in my head when I came to the last chapter posted.  Found your story last night, and raced home today to finish reading.  Loving the slow build-up between SS & HG, and especially loving how you're weaving into canon so it feels like the unspoken portions of JK's writing.  Can't wait for the next chapters!

Loved the conversation between Dumbledore and Hermione, especially when she asks him about Snape's prophecy! He showed more emotion to Hermione there than he intended, and you wrote that beautifully. I'm assuming she's the unknown on that one. Interesting that Hermione didn't see Fawkes upon Severus' return, however he caused him to look up to Gryffindor Tower. Well done, and well worth the wait!

Looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Thank you for this enthralling chapter.  It's brim full of answers to questions and a source of still more questions.  Great story.

I loved the scene with Hermione and Dumbledore.  She was able to learn a lot about the prophesies, and while some things remain only hinted at, I feel certain that she is the question mark associated with the prophesy about Severus.  Dare I wonder at what it contains?  Oh yes, indeed.  But only time will tell if I am right.

Well done with this amazing chapter.  I can't wait to see what you have in store next.

Beth

The tightropes that Severus has to walk would be more than enough to drive the ordinary wizard over the edge, but his years of negotiating the precarious footing of serving Dumbledore and seeming to serve the Dark Lord have given him the stamina to withstand all the nerve wracking episodes in his life.  Thank goodness for that!

Great chapter with lots of good information and giving me a few more questions to think on.

Beth

What an amazing chapter!  I was so worried about Hermione, but Severus came through.  The scene below has me wondering exactly what Minerva meant when she told Albus that "the choice hasn't been made." 

"Minerva, I never thought—could my interpretation be wrong? I mean, we always wondered—" he broke off.

"Nonsense. There is no being wrong here, Albus. You forget that, in the end, it isn't fate, but the witch or the wizard who chooses. And as I've tried to tell you before, the choice hasn't been made."

I'm off to the next chapter to see what's going to happen next!
Beth

He had long thought he had already lost everything because of those cursed, spiteful words, as he had lost her, lost Lily; but it was in those sleepless hours, when he had realized that, even after all this time, they were likely to cost him the one thing that had become a small light in his pitiful existence, the girl's undeserved trust and kindness, that present shame had mingled with the ancient pain in his chest and curled into an aching knot.

I hope our Miss Granger will not give up so easily on our over-wrought Potions Master.  I think she is made of sterner stuff than that.  Great chapter!

Beth

that was superb.  thank you and many smoochies

Fantastic characterization and dialogue, well done!!  This is like reading the books in that no one's dialogue or actions are OOC.  What a terrific story you have here......I look forward to reading more!

I don't actually know how I missed reviewing this back when I first read it.  Hmmm...Anyhow, this is a fabulous chapter, just like all of the others.  We get some good insight into Snape's thoughts and feelings about Hermione.  I am thrilled to see that more is on the way!

beautifully done.  thanks and many smoochies

ah......so Albus saw them.  Does that mean trouble for them, or support, or just more of Dumbledore's Machiavellian schemes to use his Potions Master's own heart against him in thrall to Albus Dumbledores' wishes?And as someone above asked---what was this about a Trelawnly prophecy to D. concerning Severus???  hmmm...This truly touched my heart with the restrained depth of emotion you have captured so beautifully.  I can't wait for more!

This is a simply beautiful chapter...so tender, full of angst and yet hope. I especially wonder what the last scene meant...is there another prophecy that we know nothing about, at least not yet?^^*

Poor Severus.  Is he never to have anything good?  I guess we shall see.  I'm loving this story.

What a great chapter!  I think Hermione's feelings about Professor McGonagall were spot on.  There are people in your life who you see as pillars of strength, and when they fall, how on Earth are you supposed to remain standing?  Especially when you are so young.And poor, poor Snape.  He has just found someone who cares about him unconditionally, and he is in a position where he has to push her away.  And not for some ridiculous, noble, self sacrificing reason, but because she is truly in danger if he were ever found out.I'm with Hermione in being a little frightened by the way his fear manifested as anger.  Hopefully he will keep it in check in the future, and also have a little more faith in Hermione.I'm looking very forward to seeing where things go from here.  I hope you are with us full time now!

loved it!

what a gut wrenching chapter. Snape's soul searching in the end was heartbreaking.I love angsty fics, and this one has plenty of it. :)

Poor Snape can't allow himself the succour of Hermione's compassion,

Another amazingly powerful chapter, and I can't express in words how deeply riveted I was by the last section, in Snape's POV. The continued clenching of his injured fist, almost sadistic in nature, and the blood seeping through his fingers... brilliant! I eagerly await the next chapter!

Love your take on events from OotP!  Great way to explain the secrets Dobby keeps for him.

Thank you for the update. I was beginning to give up hope. I had to read the entire story again. Luckily, it's still short. I'm wondering, how canon compliant are you going to be? And how long is this story? I'll stick with it; I'm just curious.

*Screams loudly* "Welcome Back!"  So nice to see an update, and I hope real life leaves you alone for your sake and ours :)  What a great reason for me to go back and reread this from the beginning, and it was as good as I remembered.  I'm nervous about where this is going, but anxious to see what happens next.  Thanks for the update, it was worth the wait.

Im so glad to see you're back! I really enjoy this story.