If they ever do get together, they'll have much in common because his sexual imagination is as vivid as hers.  Hermione's change in mental strategy could work to her benefit, provided they both survive the war.  And they do, don't they, at least in the minds of countless fangirls.

Another parallel between this generation and the last.  The sins of the father shall be visited upon the (god)son, indeed.  Severus has so much on his plate, not only as as double agent but unofficial guardian to the two most reckless young men in the wizarding world.  Oh, and he's thinking about Miss Granger more and more... they are almost on the same page, aren't they?

Funny how it took one disagreement for Severus to take stock of his arrangement with Hermione.  She's been analyzing her brain and her heart all year.  He finally admitted to himself he likes her (but no one needs to know that)!  But the last time he found himself enamored of a brilliant, helpful, pleasant witch with gormless, feckless friends... well, that didn't work out so well for him.  If he apologises, Hermione would probably be much more likely to forgive than that other witch of the past.

The progression of their friendship is very realistic, to the point where she had tea waiting for him when he returned from his 'summons.'  That combined with the ingenious spreadsheet, well... Hermione is becoming indispensible.  Severus should consider himself lucky the Dark Lord was in a generous mood and removed the curse.  Was that because of Narcissa's brewing skills or lackthereof?

OMG!  I knew something awful was going to happen.  I feel like crying.  And, I'm really pissed off at Dumbledore, I know he thinks he knows best (and often he's right), but he didn't listen to Severus at all.This is a beautifully written story, Hermione and Severus are wonderful.  You did an amazing job of keeping with canon and yet putting so much of your own creativity into it as well.  I'm very much looking forward to the sequal!

That's probably the longest conversation he's had with her without uttering some scathing or sarcastic remark.  But he needed to be civil to maintain her interest as his teaching assistant. And his reaction to her gift was genuine.  He says he doesn't see a student as a friend, but perhaps the idea of her as a friend is growing on him.  Plus, Hermione might have babbled a bit too much about the diatoms, but she ended their meeting on a high note.

Vile Cormac is suddenly fanciable?  Perceptive Lavender is perceptive?  Is Ron jealous?  Time for subterfuge, Hermione!

No wonder Severus is stir crazy, confined to his cramped rooms during recovery with nothing to distract him mentally.  Loved Minerva's no nonsense approach to Severus.  She tells it like it is:  You will have an assistant until further notice.  And she doesn't coddle him.

Aha, using the old 'Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak' trick.  Well, that worked rather well, and along with her shock-and-awe behavior, Severus was caught off-guard, not responding to Hermione with his usual sharp retort.  Not going to cast Percipio Corium?  Not just yet, you mean. Poppy was wonderful in this chapter, demonstrating maternal concern for Hermione without smothering the poor girl.  She spoke to her honestly as an adult without condescension, although she still considered her a child.

That Dumbledore!  Just when you think he's a manipulative bastard, moving hapless pawns for his own gain, he shows genuine concern for his go-to players, Harry and Severus, thinking about their future happiness.  Severus having a friend in Harry's inner circle could play out well, if he does survive the war, that is.  I'm glad that Hermione's earlier reaction in the hospital wing gave Dumbledore some pause.  It's his turn to consider her motivations.

Kinda saw that coming.  Analytical!Hermione is a danger to herself, as if a crush on a cold hearted teacher weren't bad enough.  Also dangerous is perceptive!Harry who knows something is fishy about Hermione's reaction to the injured Snape.  Ron is clueless as always, thank goodness!

Methinks the lady doth protest her solely physical attraction to Professor Snape.  He means more to her than she probably realizes.  She knows full well of Dark times, having survived horrific injuries sustained in the battle in the Department of Mysteries.  She's been covering Harry's arse and her own hide from the threat of Death Eaters for over five years.  Her reaction to the sight of a broken Severus probably shocks her.  How will she explain that to Ron and Harry?  And what possessed Dumbledore to let a student see Professor Snape in such a state?  Was he playing upon her sympathy?

Loved it. Hate that Snape continues to sacrifice over and over. Now this is worse than if they never got together--he remembers when she does not.

The humor in this chapter is just brilliant.  Hermione's inner voice is a match for Severus' snarky inner voice.  The cheesy 70's sex book is hilarious, becoming warm and humming in response to... well, probably anything would set that book off.Lavender is a bit too solicitous for my taste, too.  Hopefully she can be discreet when the need arises.

That sucked.  No offense, I love this story, and that's why it sucked.  Not fair, not fair, not fair.  Good luck with the creation of the sequel.  I hope it flows for you.  This was a wonderful story and I hope to see some resolution for poor ALONE Severus and some recollection for in-the-dark Hermione.  Congratulations on finishing!  You did make me cry, you miserable author, you!

Typically Voldemort is a two dimensional character, power hungry, evil, unwilling to see beyond his face.  In this story he's fuller, as demonstrated by his cunning manipulation.  That doesn't make Albus look any better, though.  Poor Severus deserves a break, and it was nice to see Voldemort give him a little Something-Something.  Whereas Albus' 'suggestion' of an assistant was a transparent manipulation... again.  No wonder Severus needs a smoke.  Nice connection between his youth and the lovey-dovey Hufflepuffs-on-patrol.  Sorry about the hyphen abuse.

Whew *fans self* Hermione has a vivid fantasy life, but she is realistic enough to temper it with those cold, hard facts of Real Snape:  he's a right bastard, shaggable, but no love lost between them.  I like her backstory with Viktor and Muggle-Smut Studies as fodder for her imagination.  It wouldn't do for her to be totally inexperienced.Hermione is the brightest witch of her age, but she's still rooted in Muggle culture.  A friend like Jill is priceless, especially after the previous school year.  Teenagers and moody music have that special connection.Loving this story!

His controlled facade belying his burgeoning attraction.  Luckily, he's such the consumate actor, sexy voice notwithstanding.   C-pie, your Hermione has that hormonal teenager act down pat.  She's trying to be cool, but the cracking voice, the babbling, the tiny moan... well, they give away.  Every action and reaction is amplified in her mind and analyzed.  She'll drive herself crazy.

LOL  You gotta love Hermione.  She runs to relieve stress, but then analyzes her illogical attraction to Professor Snape.  Seems counterproductive.And poor Severus.  He knows he's a pariah, unloved by comrades Light and Dark.  My heart broke as he watched Hermione from the shadows, unwilling to let his mere presence crush her brilliant mood.  Aww, even grumpy Potions masters deserve some lovin'.

I hope Hermione is up to the challenge.  She's crushing on perhaps the most difficult man in the wizarding world.  And I think he knows it!  Great writing, c-pie.  So lushly descriptive and evocative.

A dark corner girl, indeed!  And was it so difficult to say, "Thanks," Severus?  Maybe for him, but he was rewarded with a warm smile.Thank you, c-pie, for giving Hermione self-confidence about her looks.  Too often, bookish girls are made to feel less pretty than their less serious contemporaries. 

Oh, vile temptress, to leave your readers in such a precarious position, 'tis truly evil. If you thinketh to delay the sequel, think again. The long knives will hunt you by light of both sun and moon, t'will force the quill into your hand and press for resolution.Okay, seriously, start soon! There must have been howls heard throughout the land as your faithful readers saw what you'd done, you naughty, naughty author, you.Great story, and despite what Hermione (and I) would have liked, you did exactly what Dumbledore and Snape would have done. Just loved your memory loss potion idea and how you played out that entire scene. Perfect.Now what are you going to do? Can't wait to find out, although I must. Sigh.Kneel. ~pause~ You are hereby awarded the Order of Rowling First Class for a damned good story.

That was so so so depressing!!! You have no idea. Come back with your sequel and let them be happy. Please, please oh please :( I hate to see dear Sev so sad :( but hey, great, I mean GREAT story. Cheers! Hugs :)

Wow.  As a reader I don't feel slighted.  I actually am really interested in the sequel.  Sure, I am bummed that you chose to end it here, understandable yes but still a wee bit frustrated about it.  And I don't feel like I need to avoid you.  I can go read your other stories and bide my time until you start the sequel (or another equally awesome story).  YAY!  So while you may have broken my heart a wee bit, you didn't break my spirit!  Cheesy?  Yes.  But that's just how it is.

Nooo! Nonononono.  What has he done? I just wanted to take Severus by the shoulders and shake him. But then I realised your amazing skill in story telling. This is a much more realistic stopping point than a happy ever after. Severus is caught in an unenviable situation, trying to honour his responsibilities, whilst desperate to protect his love. What will happen to Hermione in the future, with her missing memories, and how will she feel if and when they are restored?What a brilliant story. I can't believe this is your first long work, given it's maturity of planning and style. Thanks for a great read.