How sad that Hermione was one of the ones to succumb to the war.  It seems that Severus is doomed to never know peace of heart.  A tragic out come, but that is the reality of all wars.  In the ultimate analysis, they are never glorious, flag waving epics for the survivors who have lost loved ones, they are always sad, and it is only that we tell ourselves that the war was glorious so it is even possible for us to draw the very next breath.Beautifully written!!!  Thank you.Beth

You have captured the essence of Severus Snape perfectly.  Such a gifted writer, you are!Thank you for your gift.Beth

Well, I read both parts and though the letter works very well on its own, the epilogue just adds a certain indefinable something to the mix. The wistfulness and longing, along with the pragmatic Snape who knows full well his capacity would stumble at the obstacles he's set for himself are wonderfully drawn and it's just so beautifully written, that it drew me right in.I would never have found this without the SS/HG Gift Exchange. I'm so glad I saw the wonderful artwork for this story - it all fits together now. :)Beautifully rendered characterisation and a delight to read. I've no doubt that this story will stay in my memory for a great while longer.

Oh wow...just came here via the "gift" you received during the Severus/Hermione fic exchange over on LJ.  There's an eerie sort of beauty to his letter.  The reader can't help but believe what he says, that love between them could never have existed because of the way in which Severus carved her of an ivory tower.  And yet...there's still that hope that, post-war, Snape could come to love her as a human being, not just a model of everything he is not.  After reading this, I had visions of Hermione reading this letter...my, what must her reaction have been!  (BTW, I'd love to see you write that alternative ending, if you ever feel compelled.)  As for the "epilogue" you penned...while I don't think that it was necessarily needed, I DO love how it twists fate in a way Severus never expected.  For him to live, yet for him to fail at his most important charge...keeping her alive...wow.  Can the man take any more reasons to hate himself?  Really, an intriguing turning of events. 

So tragic! *sniffles*