Oooh! Theo Nott has begun to change his mind. he took a huge chance talking to her like that. I hope that when he does look in Severus' eyes, he sees the 'something' he needs to see. I hope Hermione can get word to Severus that he has an ali. I hope I hope I hope.I AM ADDICTED TO THIS STORY!!!

Hermione's wise to not be too trusting, but Nott has lefthimself wide open by what he's said, so it will be up toSeverus to decide now just how far Nott would go to takeup the fight against the Dark Lord.  The tension here isreally good, and I can hardly wait for the next chapter.

Interesting.  This just keeps getting better.  (I feel like I write that every chapter)

ah so the plot thinkens.  Please update soon.

I don't know if I would trust Nott just yet, I agree with Severus when he said "Promises are meaningless… It's the vows that work."  

Oh, I'm starting to think that we have turned a corner here, and that makes me infinitely happy.  But I am with Hermione, you can't be too cautious, so I won't get my hopes up too high.  I am glad she had the sense to encourage him, but to be neutral with her recommendations.  I'm feeling good about trusting Theo, but you still never know.  I do wonder since all of the DE's grabbed girls away from Macnair, whether they are having similar talks, or if it was just an act of defiance due to a total dislike of the man. Either way, good for them!  I'm excited, as always, to see what is in store for them next.

very exciting.  I hope Theo does the right thing, whatever that is and all the girls are set free and moldywart dies.

I love this story! I sat and read all 19 chapters without stopping! It's so good! I love your style and the smut wthout it being the only thing in the story :) I also like the vulnerable Severus...it's refreshing change! Great Job!!!

Geeeeze what a thing to go through. I wish he'd been able to save the books and portraits - it's sad to see so much destroyed.

This is the most human Snape I've ever seen--er, read--particularly in his frantic attempts to rescue Dumbledore's portrait. You moved me to tears with that bit, so I do believe you deserve a gold star/a cookie/the internets/#item of your choice.

Great chapter. Of all the HG/SS fictions out there I find this one the most believeable. I do not think that a romantic relationship would have ever developed between the two except in such dire and hopeless circumstances. Loved it keep up the good work!

It's a wonder he was able to carry on at all.

I can't find the words to tell you how beautiful this chapter is.You are brilliant.

What a sad tale Snape had to tell. And the way he clawed at Albus' frame in an attempt to save just the canvas. That tore at my heartstrings.Great chapter. very moving.

Oh, how sad this all is.  I truly don't know how he kept going day to day.  To carry such a burden all alone would be incredibly hard.  Now that he has Hermione, it is still only two against the world, but what a difference that second person makes.  They both have something to live for.  And the fact that Hermione is finally realizing what a strong bond they share now and in the future makes me happy.  Maybe they won't get all angsty about being together when it is all over.  Very  much looking forward to more of this beautiful tale.

I love it.  There is hope despite almost everyone being dead.  Excellent story.

WOW!!! Snape and Hermione working together to kill off Tom Riddle.  I can not believe how caught up in this story I got.  I can't wait to read more of it. 

Nagini...must...get...Nagini!  Excellent chapter - shows how much they really love each other, even if they can't say it yet.

I'm just glad Sev wasn't mad about the game!  Never mind she actually had the nerve to do it to begin with, it stirred up enough dissention that he had something to work with!

"... nothing between his intelligence and his need."  A perfect description of anyone who has sold their soul.Of course, the brilliant Severus would be the one whocould find all the Hallows.  If Dumbledore had had thesense he was born with, he'd have left it to Severus inthe first place (but then there would have been no books).

I never could see in canon how Voldemort could hope tohold his band together indefinitely when he treats themso badly.  It would only be a matter of time before theyrebelled, and eventually someone would succeed inmoving against him.  Lots of suspense building here,and I hope Peaches will keep her counsel and notgive anything away.

VERY INTERESTING STORY. GOOD PLOT, KEEPS ME GUESSING!!!CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER, BUT I WILL ANYWAY!

You are really brilliant and I'm enjoying your tale immensely.  Its one I look for when the message comes in my email because it keeps me guess.  I like what you did with this chapter so we didn't have to see the violence, but still felt the impact it had on their relationship.

Good old Sev.  He's sorted it out. :)

What a powerful ending to such a great chapter!   If they didn't have the motivation to go on before, this ought to be a big boost.  How horrible for Hermione to have been abused so badly, but I almost feel worse for Severus, having to see her like that.  Maybe that is weird, but she knows what she has to endure day in and day out.  I'm sure he knows on the surface what goes on, but to actually see the aftermath written all over the one person he cares about in the world must be heart breaking.  Especially knowing that he wasn't able to prevent it, and it probably won't be the last time it happens.  This has been one of my favorite chapters, and while it is not the happiest, it is very hope filled.  I think that if they can survive this, there will be such a strong bond between them that can never be broken, no matter what path their relationship takes.  I very much hope you are into happy endings :)