Seeing yourself as a first-year would be very enlightening! :)

I'm picking up far more this time than before! :)

Told you I'd start from the beginning again!  :)

Wow...intense and had me feeling all the emotion of both of them.  Unfortunately, and even though we often have good reason, these things happen when we hold on to our secrets, refuse to let go of our pasts, and build walls around our hearts.  I wasn't expecting the twist with Hermione viewing Snape's memories - I hated it and loved it at the same time.   This is a deep betrayal on Hermione's part.  It would have been one thing to view them but it's an entirely different thing to keep them.  Especially when he was so vunerable.  I don't know that I would forgive her.  It was somewhat of a mind-rape on her part even though he wouldn't have known if he had died.  Regardless, Snape had no right to mind-rape her in return.  I realize that Hermione offered, but Snape did it forcefully when she wasn't exactly expecting it.  This whole chapter was soooo tragic.  Only time will tell if they can overcome this.  Not sure I could and I definitely would have left that night.Wonderfully written.  Please, please update soon!

Hmmm...intense and, in my opinion, so tragic.  Not quite sure how they are going to get over this one.  It's so difficult not to fall completely into the story.  Hence the reason I have not reviewed until now - I couldn't stop reading.  You're a wonderful writer and I can't wait to find out what happens next.  Please don't let us wait too long.  ;)

That was an extremely disturbing yet well written chapter. Probably the best one yet. Definately a catalyst for them. Even though she offered her mind to him, he didnt have to be so brutal- he may as well have been his own father, beating the truth of Eileen. Violence is violence. I dont care how mad he was, it was a sick thing for him to do. But that's part of who he is if one is to keep him in character.

I just knew Malfoy owned that place. The money, the evil and it never added up that he would have simply raped her or something- she wouldnt have been scared of that coming to light, she's not like that. He is le batard eslimy, oui? I never caught on to the Malfoy-french connection, my french is so terrible, I knew Mal was appropriate. Where did you learn that tidbit? When I first read CoS and figured out the riddle-voldemort thing  I fed almost every spellword and character name into an anagram solver and came up with tons of stuff, but not much for lucius malfoy. (FYI: Albus Dumbledore can be shifted to form 'A bulbous meddler!)

We have a slimeball attorney here named Bertram. How could anyone expect less? (I happen to like MOST of the attorneys I know, so no offence to anyone in the field) I reiterate, Bertram (both of them) are slimeballs!

A$$H*&E!!! I'd turn him into a flobberworm and feed him to a skrewt!

No one ever really puts much detail into enchanted objects. That's one of the things that makes a story seem more canon-esque. Like the voice of a 12 year old Ron yelling 'Oi!' It lends a touch of humanity to the authors who use them in their fics. You seem to have an excellent memory for specific Hogwarts details.As for Snape, I would have taken lodgings above the Three Broomsticks, while maintaining my dungeon rooms as well, just so I could still access them enough to annoy Snape!

Hmm, Dilys Derwent must have been ticked off at Mr. Derwent that evening!

I can just imagine an old Scottish witch like McGonagall making the noise "Glrrb!" My family are Scots, so I've heard 'glrrb' any many other quite colorful things issue from their mouths!

I read this when it was first up over at Ashwinder, and I waited a bit before I read it again here. My heart broke with Hermione again. Remorse all around for both sides. I think your portrayal of Severus's runaway Legilimency is chillingly believable. I do think it comes as a shock, having seen him relatively happy in recent chapters.I'm so very much looking forward to the next chapter.

I have yet to comment on these characters and I think this may be a minority opinion, but....Hermione, you have got to kick this man to the curb.  He tells you he won't love you, that you are fundamentally, intrinsically unworthy of his love.  He abuses you physically and emotionally.  He expects your forgiveness of his wrongs but doesn't grant his forgiveness of your wrongs.  Enough of the bad boy.  Kick him to the curb and find someone who will treat you with love and kindness.Severus, get over yourself.  You are not nearly as interesting as you think you are, and your memories are not nearly as interesting as you think they are.  Everything that happens is not all about you.  You were lucky to find someone who actually cared about you, but you ruined that.  Time to get over yourself.

You have a beautiful gift for story-telling. This piece is absolutely captivating, and I cannot wait for the next update.

Hey! Can't let you run off without thanking you for this great story.  Perseverance by an author is to be commended as so many stories are left hanging.  It was not difficult to wait for each new chapter, for to do so was well worth the read.

LOL!  It is poetic justice, Severus Snape style, that Luna was about to deliver her baby at just the right time so Severus didn't have to give his speech.  I love it!

At each step along the way, you offered this reader a tasty dish with the right ingredients to keep me on my toes.  There was enough doubt to make me wring my hands, enough hope to keep me dreaming, and enough of the hot spices to make me smile.  I can't believe this was your first story.  You are a wonderful example to all of what can be expected if one has sufficient dogged determination, and imagination and creativity.  This is one of my all time favorites.  There were chapters when I wanted to tear my hair out... and then I wanted to tear out Hermione's or Severus'.  But always I loved the magic carpet ride.  I will keep my eyes open for the next story that comes from your prodigious talents.

Lots of hugs,
Beth

Thank you for a wonderful story.  You're awesome!  You know, I started reading fanfiction six years ago now (good lord...) and I have never yet come across such a nice Author's Note at the end of a story.  I really like A Murder of Crows a lot.  It's fantastic.  I look forward to reading anything you write in the future.

I was lead to your story by Ellygator's artwork.  The picture was inspired and so are your words.  I am no writer, but do appreciate an intricate plot, consistant characterization and good cliffhanger (yours were exasperatingly brilliant!).  You own passion has woven this collection of words into a magical tapestry.  Well, done.  I'll be reading more stories from you, yes?

OMG, I am so sad it's all finished. I very much enjoyed this one. Very much.
It surprises me that it is/was your first written fic. It's well thought out, well put together and a very good read.
I hope you'll be writing more stories.
Thank you for the ride. SSx

My darling, Dani. What an outstanding fic this has been. A joy from start to finish. I was so excited every time one of your chapters appeared in my inbox.

I read one of your reviews that mentioned leaving the earlier chapters EXACTLY as they are. Do, please. They are part of your journey. They are lovely just as they are, and they show how beautifully your writing blossomed. Your writing was wonderful from the start, but it evolved and grew and became even better with time.

And now, I am sad that it's over. I really am. But I want to read an o-fic novel from you, so I will be tapping my nails impatiently until something lands in my inbox.

Thank you so much for writing this beautiful, in-character, twisting and turning tale. xxx

I have enjoyed this fic so much and I am sad that it is now comming to an end.  Thank you for sharing it with us. It's a beautiful story with plenty of twists and turns and enough romance to keep you eagerly awaiting every update. I can't wait to read more of your work.

*sigh* I am always both happy and sad when a story I really love comes to an end.  This is one of those stories!
It is going into my file of favorite SS/HG stories and I am sure after it's had a chance to 'settle' I will go back and read it over again.  Thanks so much for sharing it with us. :)

Beautiful chapter, loved the end.  

Hate to see this fic end.

Really wonderful fic!  I can't believe it is your first one, it is amazing!  Good work!