Fantastic start, can't wait to read more.

Yay! I am pleased the admins let you bulk post. It's a treat to be able to read the chapters in a block :)

It's so nice getting to read this all over again! Dumbledore is very much in character here. And the touches with Fawkes are lovely.

I don't usually read Snape fics that don't pair him up with Hermione, even though I have written one myself, but this one called out to me for some reason. I'm relieved that he found a friend in Fawkes. The bird would not have simply flown off to live in the wild, he would have attached himself to someone else. Snape (not Harry) is the logical choice, IMO. Dumbledore owed him that much, and so much more. I'm sure he would not be able to order the bird to do so, but Fawkes would have willingly gone to someone worthy at Dumbledore's request.I anxiously await your next chapter.

I am so pleased you decided to post here, it gives me a chance to read and enjoy this story all over again! I hope many others will find it and enjoy it as much as I did. Where did you find that beautiful picture, by the way? It reminds me so much of one of my own stories, called "Expiation."

Lovely recollections of Lily and him; so sad as it occurs to me that he's probably used his/their memories one too many times to soothe/relax himself into sleep, poor man. Along with all the chapters, really enjoyed Contessa and Robert Selwyn scene, and her Ravenclaw sense of just fairness for the boy. Poor Contessa - what a faux pas - her idea! the wound is raw and open as ever.

The tension of Severus' repressed emotions and insecurities with Contessa's discomfort of her emotions regarding him and their situation is powerfully mounting/growing; the depictions of his repressed nature and inability to allow himself even the idea of another possibility/aspect of himself to be experienced with Contessa is so pronounced. The looming atmosphere and tension of the goings on in the Castle are building; poor Neville.

Again, a wonderfully filled interim of description and details from the Malfoy Mansion to the eve of them returning to Hogwarts; moreover, the layering on of intimacy between Severus and Contessa.  

So much wonderful work - the Tiger's Eye rings, taking care of baby Fawkes, Dumbledore being Dumbledore, and of course, the wonderful 'new memory' to keep Voldy happy should he come a plundering Contessa's mind, and that haunting element of Severus' self-denial and rigid discipline when regarding Contessa, so effective, so sad... There seems to be a foreboding attached with 'tomorrow' - reading on to find out what that busy day will bring!

The old meddler--we can already assume that neither of them is ready to admit failing for lack of intelligence of all things. You style is captivating. While reading I feel I'm standing next to them in Tess's living room. As this is my second read, I admire several nicely constructed details that I won't list here to not be a spoilsport for others!

You've packed masses of information into such a smooth narration here! The Ravenclaw Revolutionary being just one of them, although an essential one.

You really have my attention. I can't wait to learn about the Ravenclaw Revolutionary. 

Sad and beautiful beginning, I am glad Fawkes was sent to Severus. 

So much hope.  Now, to beat that damned snake. :)

Perhaps no-one but the Carrows will give detention?

Whew.  As tough as it was to face, he needed to do it. :)

Contessa getting one over him was priceless! :)

Oops.  Not very sensitive there, was she? :)

Communication is not Severus's strong point, is it? :)

They have more in common than they thought. :)

And so the plot thickens.  What is this new task she has lined up? :)

He can clean, and he can cook.  That's a good start for a housemate. :)

What is it with Dumbledore and Unbreakable Vows? He should have been a Slytherin the way he manipulates people! :0

A Ravenclaw.  Interesting stuff! :)

Insightful start. Love the pic. :)