Gads - why do all men have these "I am a four year old stubborn brat" phases at least once a week?

Beautiful chapter! Severus' aversion is all too understandable, but Cassandra is absolutely right: it would be the best for Eydis to meet these children so soon, as their fathers do have this relationship. Imaginging Eydis as a playmate for Lily is quite deligthful, too - and perhaps may be helping Severus along?

Author's Response: Yes, little Eydis does need the Potters. And so will Severus one day. He just does not know it yet.

Cheers. /M

At least Severus finally realizes that his dislike of Harry comes from the fact that he hated James Potter.  Perhaps he will eventually be able to separate the two.

I like the way you've really looked into his feelings of prejudice. I want to hit him about the head, but I can also see how it would be difficult to get over some things.

So cute, to see Snape interact with his child... *giggle*
It's easy imaginable how difficult the Malfoy event must be for Snape, and how protective he must feel towards his wife and child, particularly with this people. Even more so later on, when he has to listen to Lucius' babble... poor him! That he takes it first out on Cassandra is truly in character for him, but isn't he blessed that she has enough wisdom and maturity to see behind his anger and his words, and to forgive him so easily? Bless her, she's truly the right woman for Snape.

Author's Response: I love Lucius! He's so deliciously evil ;-)

Love, family and fatherhood are unfamiliar territory for Severus. No wonder he feels insecure. And Lucius is a genius when it comes to picking up people's insecurities and make it all worse. Ah, he's such a good friend *irony*

Glad you liked the chapter. Thanks for the shiny stars.

/M

Oh, he did sound just right!  I marveled while I was reading at how I could just hear him saying all of that ugly drivel.  Cassie is right, Severus needs to stop hurting himself.  He did so well in his response to Lucius, but then in the privacy of his darkened chamber, he fell into self-doubt.  He's lucky she understands him so well.

It's good seeing Severus confront his issues, as he has so much to work through. It must be hard for Cass when he doesn't open up but she knows there is so much darkness in his past, and it's good that she's giving him the space to think things through by himself but let him know she will not abandon him. And thank you for your end note, although you did it all yourself you silly sausage :) 

This review needs only one word: MEN!

Lucius is slimy and evil, and ever. I think it's good that Cassandra is such a patient person. The healing is palpable.

He's lucky she is so forgiving.  I would not have been as nice about that, however she's correct that he needs to learn to stop hurting himself.

How sweet.  I was amazed at my husband's behaviors during my first pregnancy.  He had morning sickness, backaches and cravings and when we finally met our son the look in his eyes made me fall in love all over again.

You've portrayed the fear that a husband must feel when his wife goes into labor, especially when it's not a 'perfect' birth, very well.  Glad it all turned out in the end, and Severus didn't hex anyone through the wall.

(Message from Computer): We are sorry, but

Such real worries, but foundless nonetheless.  Cassie's right, what he was has made him the man she's in love with.  Glad he got over his jitters.  Or, just ignored them and moved along!

Happy! How lovely, and I'm ever so glad that you let the rest of the castle share in the reception at least. What a wonderful, happy life for them.

I love your story, but I wonder will there ever be a period of ease for the three of them?

Of course he had cold feet!  But Cassandra knows him so well that she knew how to reassure him of his worth and worthiness to be a father.  A good father.I can't wait to see how Daddy!Snape feels when he holds his child for the first time.  Good chapter!Beth

Dangit!  My eyes are tearing already.  What is it with you and making me cry?  I'm excited to see where you take us in this.  I liked the start.  Her fear was really palpable.  I miscarried once (not nearly as horrific as what Cassandra went through) and I can attest to the intense fear that comes when expecting another baby.  You almost are afraid to breathe until those two or three months have passed and everything's okay.

hi just wanted to say i absolutely loved your story and out of all the fanfics i have read ,and it must be in the hundreds, yours is the first to make the tears come to my eyes. You are an exceptional writer , long may you continue. All the best to you jan xxx

Even though he died, it was a lovely , fitting end. :)

Okay, I don't write reviews often, but this story, like it's predecessor brought tears to my eyes. I loved them, and can't wait to read more of your work. Absolutely lovely, thank you for writing.

A very fitting ending.  I literally cried a bit.  I wish J.K.R. did a similar ending for him.  By the way, it was a nice touch to have the elderly psychic return again.

I can not express my feelings for your stories about Severus and Casandre better than Braye27, I feel exactly as she does, but english is not my language so I am not able to express my thoughts.

Sniff. what a lovely way to end it!

Now that my tears have stopped I can see well enough to tell you how much I love your stories.  The Way Home, and A Gift of the Goddess will be among my favorites always.Although Severus' death made me so very sad, I think your final chapter was as good an ending as there could be.  For three decades he had mourned the loss of his beloved, and on this happiest of days he found his joy again, his Cassandra.He had seen his Eydis married to the man she loved as much as he had loved her mother.  He had held her in his arms one last time as they danced.  He had been able to joke with her just before the wedding ceremony, making wonderful memories for the apple of his eye.  He had known that he would have a grandchild.And on a warn spring night, the air filled with the fragrance of freshly cut grass and apple blossoms, the sky ablaze with star light, he was able to brush away the tears on his daughter's face and look once more into the eyes of his dearest wife.At his graveside, after the funeral attended by so many who came to show respect for the man to whom they owed so much, Eydis was able to spend a few quiet moments with her parents.  I teared up again as she told her daddy that she wished he would be there to teach her son, Severus Potter, to fly a broom and to brew potions... to tell her mother that she wished she would be able to read Babbitty Rabbitty to him.And then something happened that made me smile.  The old crone called her "little one."  I knew then that Severus and Cassandra were there with her and their soon to be born grandson.  When the old woman told Eydis that she "would do all those things just fine on your own", that her mother and father were standing there beside her, I knew that this was the perfect ending for this perfect story.Thank you for sharing this story of undying love and devotion with us.  It has been a joy, sometimes a tearful one, but a joy nonetheless, to follow the lives of these very special people and those whom they loved.With warmest regards,Beth