“I want you to listen and open your heart, just the tiniest bit. That is all.”

His heart is so damaged, I suspect only small, powerful measures will penetrate.

Well done, looking forward to your next post.

wow - you and Hermione aren't pulling any punches!  Nice job - Go Girls Go!!!

you have captured the essance of the characters is very few words.  well done.  thanks

We've known that for a long time, but seeing it written down in words makes it even more heartbreaking. /M

I'm not sure she could never understand it. 

Hermione's really pegged Lily, hasn't she?

you are doing such a nice job of keeping them discrete snap shots, while weaving them together - what a great job - my heart is breaking for him!

Good, she's making progress as he's talking about how he feels. Looking forward to the next chapter.

That was quite eloquent. 

I wouldn't bet one knut on the fact that she doesn't know what he means.

Such sorrow in so few words. I hope he'll overcome his pain to love again. For her, for him, and most importantly for Her.

Lovely. It is a true portrait of loss.  I like that she's being a little patient with him, but still challenging him. =] 

Great as always!!

Rhiannon

*sniff*

I've always found it amazing that Snape never was able to let go of Lily. Was it because of guilt? Or, as you suggest, because she was his first (and only)?

Beautiful little piece.
/M

Finally!  Severus did choose to do something different.  Thank goodness he opened his eyes and his heart to the flesh and blood woman who cared for his happiness more than her own.

And perhaps Hermione's steadfast resolve saved more than Severus.  Perhaps she has saved herself, as well.

This has been a great read.  Thank you for sharing!
Beth

I wish his tears would come.  I wish they would wash away his pain and open his eyes and his heart to the possibilities.  He must know, deep down, that he is not the only one to have suffered loss, the only one to have had to "move on."  

Sometimes we find comfort in the devil we know as opposed to the devil we don't know.  It is still his choice to make, isn't it?  And he may yet choose to do nothing different.

Beth

A very good question, Hermione!  And to his credit, Severus answered truthfully.  In the aftermath of his admission, what will he choose to do now?  Surely his resolve to hold onto the past will melt away... it will, won't it?But even if he does choose to move on, will he choose to do so with Hermione?  He will, won't he?Very well done!Beth

Never let it be said that Severus Snape was quick to abandon his beliefs.  His remark to Hermione that maybe she wanted him to "move on" with her was meant to put her off, but all I could think of was that the thought had already crossed his mind... why else would he have thought to say it? 

Well done!!!
Beth

After Hermione stated her observations about his life since Lily's death, Severus did not become angry or defensive, but nodded in agreement.  Maybe he is beginning to see the truth of what she's been saying, and maybe he will become willing to lay this ghost to rest, to listen and open his heart.  Again, you've written an encyclopedia of emotions in only a few sentences.  I like this very much!Take a bow!Beth

"That is something you could never understand."  Oh, my dear Severus...  Still you are lost in your imperfect memories and cannot see the hope that is so freely offered to you.  Your life would be so different if you could only see the woman in front of you instead of the one you see when you look at the child she bore to another man.  Severus, it is time.

This is so well written, and I thank you for sharing it.
Beth

Perhaps the way Severus remembers his relationship with Lily needs a little tweaking after all.  And perhaps Hermione's understated observation about what is means "to care" will prompt the wizard to rethink his vow to "never love another."You're doing a wonderful job of communicating a world of ideas in so few words.  Well done, belle!  Here's a bouquet for you!  Beth

How sweet for Hermione to let Severus know she does understand his grief and playfully tug him out of his somber thoughts at the same time.  Nicely done!
Beth

Hermione's patience and gentle counsel are just what Severus needs at this point.  You've written a lot of sorrow and comfort in just a few words!
Beth

That was great.

This was a truly beautiful little drabble-series. Thank you./M

Oh!  The title of this chapter totally misled me!  I thought he'd be telling Hermione good-bye.  I like this farewell better. 

Do you really have to end it here?  I could use a few more chapters... maybe... fifty?  Well, I don't want to tax you.  But a couple more chapters would be ever so nice.  If you decide against it, this was a lovely ending.  I'm just a sucker for these two and never want to see a story like this end.