A chilling insight into Severus' early life, as a Death Eater, and a glimpse of the good in Severus. It was a brave and foolish act, worthy of a Gryffindor, to save the girl from the tender mercys of Malfoy, Lucius wouldn't like having his "toy" taken away, I sudder at the price Severus must have had to pay, for his act of compassion. 

I'm not feeling very good today but now I've fallen deeper. I don't blame you. I should read the warnings more often. But despite everything I can appreciate the skills you're using there to make this so realistic.

Whilst I found this very difficult to read in view of the content, I cannot deny that it was absolutely beautifully written.  I have read quite a bit of your work before and your descriptive powers and use of language are amazing.I think this gives us great insight and background into what makes Severus the way he is and as such it is a very powerful piece of writing.Just one thing (I hope you don't mind me mentioning), would it perhaps be a good idea to have a higher rating on this story with perhaps a warning of the graphic description contained in it?  I think it is more than just 'angst' personally but perhaps I'm just being over sensitive.  It is an excellent piece of writing in any case.  I'd actually give you more than the allocated 5 stars if I could to be honest. :-)