Thank you for this story. It was dark and it hurt. So very well written. I much appreciate the sensitive way in which you handled such a difficult subject.

Unfortunately, it made me think of things I would often rather not remember, but in a slightly less threatening way. I know there are other people out there with stories almost exactly the same as mine. However, thank you for reminding me that I am not the only one and that I am not alone in this.

Wow, so this story was written on a somewhat personal level. Don't you think it's more difficult to write something you kind of ripped off from your own life?

I'm having the worst time voting for the SS/HG Awards, so I'm reading all the nominees for different categories. I've never read this story of yours, but I think it's your best.You've got a great deal of inner conflict in this piece, not to mention a liberal dose of Stockholm Syndrome as well. I could easily see Snape being so dysfunctional as to relish the power and control over Hermione's unresponsive body, but he's more than that -- and you've shown his conflict well. I also like that she's tainted in the back end (because she would be,) but that Harry's patient enough to see it through. I particularly loved that Harry didn't finish the letter. You let him be the same curious Harry we all know and sometimes love, while at the same time, he's matured into an admirable man.This is really wonderful, SW.

Dark and Morose. The man who did that to me is dead. But I lost more than that bastard. I lost the ability to FEEL, to LIVE, but I am alive anyway, and suffering more. People who don't know me look at me and tell me how beautiful I am. I hate them. I cant even hug my family members anymore. I know I don't have to forgive myself or blame myself. These things happen every second. Someone has their last vestige of innocence stolen. I think the part that hurt the most was how much I had allowed myself to be desecrated before I was ever attacked. I learned something terrible and beautiful during the hurricane; My body is a temple. I dont have to put makeup and finery on it. I dont have to shower every day and night to please anyone. I'm still cold and dead on the inside but my redemption has to be waiting for me. if it weren't, I would already be dead.I think the bastard treated me like Snape did. he was my trusted teacher, he saved my life before, and he did it right in front of my unconscious boyfriend who was piss-ass drunk. I don't know if that made it more enjoyable for him, but he's rotting fish-food now. I'm glad he drowned in the same quarry he saved my life in. Worthless. Miserable. He condemned me while getting off easily. I wish I didn't have this HATE. It should have died with him.Thank you for sharing this; I don't feel like I'm totally alone when I hear someone else talk about it. Not that I'm happy it happened to someone else-just gives me hope that I might recover someday. Until then, I remain a Dingo.

Poor Hermione!  That would just be terrible!  You did a great job writing it though!

I was sexual abused when I was thirteen by one of my close companions who was 21 at the time.  I could relate to Hermione.  At the time, instead of fighting back, I was emotionless.  I begged him to stop, but he didn't.  That was six years ago.  Since then, I don't trust anyone; I am not sure that I will ever be able to fully trust again.  I can be a prude sometimes, and yet, there is this other side of me that is... well, the opposite of a prude.  For me, my Dad found out the next day, and the guy apologized the next day, and I haven't seen him since.  I have a sick fascination with what happened to him in life.  I want to know, and i want him to suffer like I have suffered.

That is all totally beside the point and probably too much information.  I just wanted you to know that I can relate to you.  While I wasn't related to the guy, he was as close as a brother to me and I took it very badly.  Thank you for writing this story.  It was really good, for all that it was very sad.

That was so good!! Although i felt so sorry for Hermione, I felt sorry for Snape as he was dying... i almost cried! Weel done on yet another wonderful story. I'm currently reading the succubus and I love that as well. :P thanks x

I was a well written story. Of course the subject matter is sad and scarry as is meant to be. Just pecause people don't like the subject doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I like the fact that you end with hope. For that's really all any of us have in the aftermath isn't it? Big hug to you Hun!

This is a difficult but ultimately enlightening story to read. The raw emotions and dynamics just flow through you, and so very realistic that my skin was crawling along with Hermione`s.

While Snape has my utmost disdain, Poppy actually shocked me the most. While I sympathise with her experiences, and can understand somewhat her fear of losing a `protector` and safe haven with Snape, I actually found her reaction to Hermione`s predicament a complete betrayal. I really felt for Hermione.
(What is saddest of all is that these things and reactions happen all too often). 

I am glad that Snape ultimately found his conscience to care for Hermione and admitted that what he did to her was wrong. While it will not make up for all the wrongs he did, at least he showed remorse and understood that he was wrong, which some people never realise. Hermione was also able to have a measure of closure from that, though the journey to recovery is certainly long.

I am glad Hermione found hope and healing love with Harry.

What struck me the most about stories like these are the fact that they are not as uncommon as we would like to believe (as so many heartfelt comments could attest to). They remind me that I have to work harder to ensure that nothing similar befalls my own children.

Thank you for sharing this story, it has been a sobering but wonderful gift.

this was a very good story. it kind of reminds me of lolita. extremely compelling

I finally managed to finish this story - it surely isn't a story to read on any day. I have stopped after the first two chapter the first time, but it always was nagging in the back of my head. I'm glad I have returned to finish reading it.The actions of every person involved are VERY believable; thankfully you have written out a "happy" ending, although Snapes death left me in a sort of antagonism. Part of me felt that he deserved to die, part of me wanted him to experience mercy. Well, Hermione forgave him and that scene nearly brought tears to my eyes. Sheltered that I have been so far I only can imagine what it must cost the abused party to forgive the abuser.

Very good story.

I don't usually read angst stories, but this one was well-written.  I appreciated the background information from the author--it helped to understand where this came from.  Strong women can overcome almost anything--especially with the help of good friends.  May we all have good friends!

Thank you for writing this story.  It is very insightful.

patty 

That death scene had me riveted to my chair with my hand over my mouth.  I think I had a few heart palpitations even.  My, oh, my. 

I like that you didn't finish the letter, for more than one reason.  Of course, that it is better sometimes to let the reader have her way with her own imagination (or his; sorry guys), and because I really did not want to see Harry betray her trust after she had been betrayed already.  It would have been like another man wasn't worthy of her.  But, you showed Harry is a man of mettle.  Thank goodness.

This showed such strength to write, Southern.  I applaud you. 

As I survivour I understand the fear and I think I would do anything for just an apology or acknowledgement from my attackers. I like the way you ended it. I think that just remorse for actions can be very healing. Whether Snape deserved forgiveness is another thing but it is better to forgive not forget than to be consumed by that hate and fear. This story was hard for me to read and at one point gave me horrible nightmares but I like how it ended.

I was in the kind of situation you describe in the beginning. My sister's new boyfriend would get into bed next to me and stroke my back and such. It was not really sexual but I still felt extremly uncomfortable. Luckily they split before anything more could happen.I like the story because it has a very authentic feel about it. I can really emphasise with Hermione. And I like the ending, it kind of sets her free.

Awesome

Dear SW69 thank you so much for writing this fic.  It was so deep and it really makes one think.  It's funny how relationships change over time, even under these kinds of circumstances, maybe a bit of Helsinki syndrome.  I'm glad he apologised and showed some regret, a small, I was going to say comfort but that's the wrong word, maybe closure would be better.  Thanks for sharing with us.

Ms Sun this story hits close to home and thank you for writing it. It may have been not your normal work but it was amazing. The ending is perfect .

thank you for that story. I also think people's reactions are quite believable. I think Hermione was just confused concerning her feelings for Snape, perhaps she could have loved him under others circumstances and that thought terrifies her. BTW what killed Snape ? and who ?