I am intrigued!  This chapter is a great teaser for the rest of the story...can't wait!

Poor fellow.

Deb, you meanie!  I shall assume you have better things in mind for Snape, eventually! ;)

I'd like to echo indigo_rose's comments.  This is shaping up to be another fine story!I wonder how long it will take Severus to accept the conditions of his five year probation and just get on with it.  In time I hope he will come to see that teaching Defense is much more preferable to Azkaban.  And it 's nice to know Miss Granger will be returning as Minerva's replacement as the new Transfiguration teacher.  This will undoubtedly lead to any number of "confrontations" between the snarky professor and the know-it-all.  Total fun!But it has just occurred to me that somewhere along the line, some nefarious character, perhaps a Death Eater still at large, will try to wreak havoc on the victors in general and on Severus in particular.  With the tracer placed on his wand, how will he be able to defend himself and not end up in trouble with the Ministry?Sign me up. I can't wait to see how you work all this out!Beth

What a great beginning of a story, I'm eagerly waiting for an update! Severus is very much in character in his sharp notes for Poppy and Minerva.

Severus shouldn't even need to ask that... as any hardened cynic knows, things can always get worse!  And asking the question usually insures that they do!  Nice beginning to what looks like will quickly shape up to be another great story--with Severus uncertain if being alive is actually a blessing or a curse, and the nifty idea of the enchanted quill and parchment--good stuff.  And I'll go ahead and ask what will no doubt be on everyone's mind, when will Hermione show up, and in what capacity?

I do think that under his austere reserved exterior, Severus is an emotional wreck. He has to be, after his life. Sometimes its got to fight its way to the surface. Good characterization, good chapter!

Aww gotta hate the Ministry, government is government even in the Wizarding world. Looking forward to reading this story, I've just started as part of a read along with a group of fanfic friends.

Great chapter! *sigh* I have a really bad feeling that when Severus finds out that Hermione is Red, things are not going to go well... not at first. I can't wait to see how thier relationship develops in future chapters!

Uhoh, I have the feeling that Severus is about to find out that Hemione is his falcon. I'm sure he's going to think that she's manipulating him or anything else. I hope he can forgive her for not telling him sooner who or what she was.

He's going to react badly, isn't he?  That Duvall boy will be torturing firsties next. Hope the rat climbs up his trousers and bites his ass! :)

Hope they become closer friends before her Animagus form is revealed! :)

 With the beginning of the term, Hermione will be transfiguring in to Red for her class soon.  I hope Severus can forgive Hermione for not telling him she is Red.  He is already so damaged that he may have a much harder time with this secret than she thinks.  He may feel like she was doing it as a joke.  It makes me sad just thinking about it.

"... just when he's starting to trust..."   ...it's time for the first class, and Hermione will transfigure herself into Red.  I hope and pray that Severus will remember how much he enjoys talking to her and how she saved him from spending any more time in the Staff room during Minerva's after-meeting social hour.I would love to have seen Severus in his tan shirt and blue slacks.  *fans self*  Our Miss Granger seems to have felt the same way.That "new-fangled" parchment sounds like it might end up causing some miscommunications before all is said and done.  Plenty of play there for any number of faux pas.I whole heartedly agreed with what Hermione said to that coward on the street in Hogsmeade when he insulted Severus, and I also understand how the Potions master would have reminded her that he could take care of himself.  I know he didn't mean to sound like he was ungrateful or angry with her, but she took it that way, but perhaps it was the impetus for her being able to tell Severus how she truly feels.  As they finished talking about the incident before going to The Three Broomsticks when he told her, "So very trusting of the world, Miss Granger. I am surprised that your dealings with others during this war haven't tainted your view of humanity," it made me think about how he might recall that very thought when he finds out exactly who–or what–Red is.It was upsetting when Severus found Roland Duvall torturing that rat in the hallway.  Yes, I think that young man is going to be trouble.  I hope his Head of House remembers about the Desino spell so he can make him behave.Lots going on in this chapter.  Keep up the good work!Beth

Several points of interest here.  Firstly, Severus has a lot of anger toward Albus, it needs to be resolved.My next big concern is the boy torturing the rat.  Animal abuse is a sign for a whole host of social & mental health issues.  Child abuse, domestic violence and psychopathic behavior all have been known to have links to past animal abuse.

Very good.  I can't wait to read about what happens when Hermione tells him her secret, or her secret is revealed.  Also interesting to see the development of the Duvall character.  Hmm, will he become more important?  I'm thinking maybe he will.  :)

Ending on a dark note, eh? And that last comment, I take it he's about to find out she's an animagus.

Hermione as "Red" is really something!  I loved the bit where she just turned her back on Severus and wouldn't look at him--our cats do that to us, and I couldn't help but laugh!Still, I know there's going to be trouble ahead.  Sev is already convinced that nobody could really be his friend, and when he discovers that Red was Hermione all along, he'll be convinced that she was playing a grand practical joke on him at his expense.  *sigh*  These Slytherins are so much hard work!  Worth it in the end, but you just want to give them a good shake every so often.

Torturing rats today.  Could it be falcons tomorrow?

what a wonderful, eventful chapter!  I really love this tale.  I think you are pacing it  very well, and your depiction of Snape's character is excellent.-Wahoo

wonderful chapter!  Ah she digs the hole deeper and deeper.  I know what I would do in this case, but can she think of a good way to tell him her little secret? 

You are full of surprises, dj.  The last time the pair visited Hogsmeade, they were accosted by a fangirl singing Severus' praises.  Somehow I had a feeling he would experience the exact opposite of that.  I think you even warned me of that.  But it provided the groundwork for Hermione to prove she could be a loyal friend to him.  I wonder what's in store for Roland Duvall?  Excellent chapter.

Sociopaths as children are often known to torture animals for fun. Duvall is already damaged. Severus is right, he not only should not be allowed into the school but should probably be placed somewhere controlled for his and others safety.

Hey, honey! Awwww crap, he's gonna find out about the falcon thing, isn't he? Oh well, hopefully they'll work it out. What the crap is up with this Duvall kid? He's no good! I'm looking forward to the next installment... sort of. Much Love ~ Brena

I like your Severus - full of doubt and mistrust - I mean who wouldn't after all that he's been through. As for Minerva - I hope Severus in the end will be able to forgive her (or atleast understand what she went through after Dumbledore's death).And Hermione...I hope she will be more careful in the future as Red - mostly because Severus isn't stupid and what if she one day betrays something which will help him link everything together...a storm is definitely gathering - will it blow over or blow...up, I wonder...Great story so far - I hope to see more soon! Can't wait...