I read this some time ago, and then went back and reread both stories again.  I really love your writing.  Your characters seem so real.  They all have strengths and flaws, which make them believable.  I'm anxiously awaiting your next update.

awww i love this fic!! i really hope she finds it in her heart to love him xx

I'm fairly sure I'm falling in love with you, what with all the Hamlet referencesI am but mad north-northwest. When the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsawHamlet's pretty much my favorite play so I'm enjoying all the references. But please don't tell me that everyone is going to die in the end, because I can see the cast of characters already...

-It might be a dream, but she didn't want to suffer any more slings and arrows. She'd had enough outrageous fortune to last a lifetime-To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether tis nobler in the mind to bear the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them. To die, to sleep....Gotta love the reference to Hamlet. I'm not sure if you've been making literary references all along and I've just been missing them, but I'm really loving it

I absolutely loved that reference to Oedipus Rex. Our school's drama department is performing it right now and that just made me laugh so hard. I'm really loving this story so far. I just hope that at some point Severus will soften up a little, though I would never want to see his snarkiness and sarcasm go anywhere!

Ahh now that I have caught up to your story all I can say is that I am sorry I waited and please post more soon.  Very well done! Irish

Oh now what charming "love notes" dare I say.  I think that Teddy may have a slight crush on our dear Madame Snape. I really do think that she should take his name.  To not do so is almost immasculating to some men and I am sure that it has pricked his pride.  Well done Irish

Ach, this hit me at a sappy, sorry
moment. Tears running down my face as I read that Severus was dressing to leave
her when she re-woke.  "Thank you, my dear," he said, stroking
her cheek tenderly before straightening up and resuming the buttoning process.

Men are such idiots. You do not share something like that with a woman and
then leave her, whatever the reasoning. Sure, she offered her body for his use,
to sooth his pained soul. However, it was a special moment between them and he
just doesn't leave and with a 'thank you' no less!

I know he stayed, but she had to ask, beg, tmultiple times, and he lay
down, but with his clothes on.

Didn't mean to rant! It's nothing against your writing, I love this story ... it's just men. (Grumble,
grumble, grumble…)

Good chapter.  I thought everything was going to go down hill from them after the letter, but you made it work out well.

It's one set back after another for this pair, isn't it? Still, they say suffering is good for the soul. And what about Draco's soul? He's very bad boy. Understandable, but still bad.

Wow. It's ... There is no word to describe how the hole chapter is brilliant. First there is some light feelings and the tension increases brutally to finally recess to a soft murmur of passion. Too good.

MInerva as ADs daughter now that is a twist.  I like it I like it

I feel so badly for Severus. He is an emotional wreck. The guy just wants his love to be returned. It made my heart hurt when Hermione's dream sequence turned out to be with Ron. Now his Godson has turned out to be a bad egg and Severus is so devastated. Hermione wants to be needed doesn't she? Well, Severus loves her, wants her, and needs her. Can't she see that?

I think that Lucius had better find a deep dark hole to hide in.  Severus it seems has gone to a lot of trouble to ensure that Hermione married him.  I do not think he is going to take kindly to Lucius messing with what he considers his.

I am really glad I held off now I get to see what happens right away!

Oh, such an amazingly wonderful and emotionally charged chapter. They truly seem to run the gamut don't they? I did love the end of the chapter. She's truly coming to care for him so much... it's beautiful to see.

Okay now I am lost or Hermione is.  The tunnel and cliff could be completely metaphorical of her life and the choices she has made.  Did she literally step off a cliff when she married Severus?  You have me confused well done!

Boy are there some really crossed wires here.  I think they both need some lessons in trust.  It seems as if neither trusts the other.  Well done!

Oh My God.  Severus and I definately shared similiar experiences with those nasty pox.  He is getting off easy though with the potion boy I wish I had had that!  I think Severus heard the fight between Madam Pomfery and Hermione so I am sure there is more angst to come.  Well done again.  Irish

I admit that I have waited for a substantial number of chapters to begin this tale.  Very well done!  I have enjoyed the interactions.  I do feel much empathy for Severus though, I had the chicken pox at the age of 31.  I wonder if they are as dangerous for wizards at an advanced age as they were for me?  I guess it is on to the next chapter to find out!

I'm so glad he didn't leave. After everything they'd been through that day, having him walk out, no matter his reasoning, would have been such a blow for her!

The Malfoys have the most horrible timing! But it lead to some progress between our couple nonetheless.

I just read this story all in one sitting and it's wonderful.  I look forward to more.

These scenes between them are  so achingly tender and beutiful.  I was severely misty-eyed by the end of this chapter.  Well done, Avery, and thank you so much for this lovely chapter. 

GG

ps... I especially like the way Hermione set the boundaries IRT his temper.  Very well done.

grrrrr.... isn't there a silenching charm they could use so she won't hear him snore?  will he EVER spend the night in his wife's bed?  hmph.  well, I'm very glad they made up and communicated, and while I'm sad Draco has possibly killed, Lucius deserved it.  sigh.  so why was Dumbledore grieved - was it over Lucius' death, over Albus' expectation that Severus would be grieved, or over Draco's deed? S&H need a weekend away from the castle and no interruptions!  THANK YOU for the new chapter.