"You always hurt the one(s) you love."I've been wanting to say that since from the first chapter.Severus is angry. At Hermione for putting herself in danger, at himself for not having the balls to admit how he feels for her and because he knows there was nothing he can do to protect her.  Fear often accompanies anger, I'm sure he fears the rejection and pain of another woman who is very much like Lily.You've handled this very well Livvy.

Another great chapter. Why is Severus so bitter? Does he hide his true feelings for Hermione through his bitterness? I look forward to the next chapter. x

Dear Livvy,I want to thank you for this story. It is hard for me to read it, as I see teenagers like that every day, and one could think that I would not want to read about such problems on Sundays as well. But you are doing a wonderful job! Often stories like this one become 'too much', but you are handling it beautifully. The way you show Hermione's pain and suffering is heartbreaking because it feels so real.As with the kids I meet at work, I am hoping for a happy ending. One must never lose hope.Once again, thank you./M

Please let her find help!!! Great chapter, my heart goes out to her!

Thanks. This is a great story so far. For many of us who have had body-image issues, it's validating to read a character with the same sorts of issues. Don't let anyone flame you! If they're turned off by this, it's because they have no clue what it's like. Besides all 'shiny happy people' gets dull after a while!Oh, and Snape is so mean, I keep crying. Honestly.  Great work.

Another great chapter!  Still hating Snape.  I hope someone helps her soon.  Looking forward to a new chapter soon.

Another great chapter. I'm curious where the story will head from here. I'm guessing Snape will be the one to figure out what is happening, but I can't see how that will help her given his current attitude.

Ah, livvy. I think that you are handling this rather sensitive topic wonderfully. As for Hermione's reaction to Snape's words, I can see her doing this, as you explained. One of my best friends is a cutter, and he is pretty much the male version of Hermione-- perfectionist to the point of obsession. So I agree with you-- not OOC for Hermione. As for the matter of Severus Snape... he is a right bastard in this. Though I trust you when you say not all is as it seems. But I can't even begin to guess at anything which would exonerate Snape... so I look forward to more. ~kizzy

You are right about the cutting. I have suffered from self-mutilation and, while I'm not as driven as Hermione, I am intelligent.  I didn't ever bleed more than a few drops of blood though, so I never had any adverse effects.  I got help, though.  Hermione will need a lot of therapy to get through this.  Good luck writing it.

Your story feels completely plausible to me. I can see Hermione reacting this way.You have done a nice job with this story so far.I can't wait to see where you are really trying to take it.

How eloquently you place your author's notes at the begining.  When I was an RA in college I had a young man on my floor who was a cutter.  It is really a tragic psychological disorder that quickly becomes an addiction.I sense Severus' caustic attitude is also lodged in self recrimination and denial. Truly their personalities are so similiar I would not be surprised if Severus had not turned to cutting himself but, he found another form of self punishment in taking the Dark Mark.Well done.Irish

Go Tonks' mom, go!   Onto chapter 7.

Wow! So much happening here.  This Conflicted!Snape is such a pleasure to experience.  He's justified in his actions, yet seems shocked at their recourse.  I'm all over the place right now.  woohoo - onto chapter 6.

That was sort of intense.  I really feel for her right now; even though you've excellently narrated Snape's position I'm thinking he really IS that bastard the staff has called him.  Just a by-the-way here - it's a good thing he only called her a swot and not a swotty mc swot swot.  Anything more would've taken to much space, ya?  Onto chapter 5.

This chapter was definitely necessary for one to understand Hermione's state-of-mind.  I think I'm understanding a bit more now - she's hurting on the inside and projecting an outward appearance of being fine, but her fear of being 'discovered' is more fearful than being deceitful.  I'm with you.  Onto chapter 4.

I don't know what to think of Hermione yet.  Since I have no formal knowledge of self-mutilation as a form of relief I'll defer comment, but you've presented it as a plausible scenario.  The way Snape's dialog is captured in chapters one and two is immpeccable thus far.  Onto chapter 3.  

ooh!  How have I not read this one?  I am thoroughly intrigued by the set-up in your author's notes.  Also, I'm excited because I've not read any, that I recall, of the "what if he doesn't" fics.  On to chapter two...

Really great emotion-filled chapter!As horrible as it was to read Hermione's self-doubt and loathing, it was even worse for me to read the reviews.  I feel - for the first time in many years (and I have too many of those...) so naive.  I never realized how common self mutilation actually is and reading some of the reviewers comments and your responses made me feel truely uninformed about this topic.  I find it hard to understand the abysmal level of self-esteem that could precipitate such behavior and in fact, before reading the reviews, I thought your portrayal of Hermione cutting herself was too extreme to be realistic.  Now I feel humbled and I think I must be a bit of an egotist to never have realized that others suffered in this way.  It is good that you are giving yourself and others a way to express the pain and other emotions that lead to this situation and perhaps, to help your readers to recognize it in others. In terms of an HG/SS story, I think this plot is novel and unique and that is always a good thing!

How come they don't ask Ginny if she's willing and - more importantly - capable of seducing Riddle?

Erm - that was far less convincing than the previous chapter. Then again, with the incredibly high standard of the previous chapter, you had nowhere to go but down.

That was brilliantly raw.

Your beta-reader isn't very good. There have been errors in just about every chapter. You ought to consider using a different person in the future.

God bless your soul Livvy6, I have read and loved every one of your stories. Everytime I read this particular story, it brings me to tears regarding Hermione's torment. You were a talented writer and will be missed. RIP and God bless your family as well.

Loved it. :)

Go Ginny Go Ginny Go go  Ginny! I want to see repentance Snape! Oh my I am feeling a tad blood thirstyy