Bad lyrics website, bad! Thanks so much for letting me know, I'll fix it :)

Thanks! Yes, a bit of a rollercoaster for our pair... but all is well in the end.

Of course, because that's how things go, eventually.

It's in the queue, so be patient. It will be up ASAP! Really! Juuust wait. It will be worth it.

Your fault !  If your stories weren't so good, we wouldn't be in such a hurry to read more !lolThanks for the story, and can't wait for more and of course the end of this one.  Keep on writing.

The point of the bad romance was not simply to be angsty. It is development as they become more mentally stable, using bdsm as a very peculiar sort of therapy. After the recovery,  they still have their problems, but this chapter wasn't the place to put them. They will have arguments in their marriage, just like everyone does. But after all the horrible things they go through, I wanted to depict the good points of their marriage in this chapter.

What can I say, Hermione is a sucker for sweet, bright children. And they were both lonely as only children, so they wanted to make sure their children had plenty of companionship. Yes, a good mix- two Gryffindors, a Ravenclaw, and two Slytherins among their offspring. Not too much in-fighting though. Beware the Snapes will become Hogwarts legend (though moreso as a whole than as individuals; Helena and Cordelia are easy going but their siblings will happily avenge their honor). Oh, yes, they get past it. Juuuust wait for the next chapter, it will be our epilogue, and a happy one.

After all the trauma they went through, I wanted to show how they could have a somewhat normal relationship. Yet, they needed the abuse first, in order to be able to even have a normal relationship. I thought the dynamic was interesting. I didn't want to cover the in between period- no good way of doing it, and I wanted to shock the reader a bit. Hope you like the next chapter!

Well, Hermione doesn't necessarily go gaga over all kids- but she's very, very fond of her own (and the massive Weasley clan of children). I get annoyed when writers have her completely hate children.I see Sev has being a grump, but... well, they're his daughters. His clever, pretty daughters. Yes, I was hinting at Scorpius and Helena. I may post some snippets about what happens to the Snape children. This is NOT the end however- we have an epilogue coming, and it is going to be STEAMY. I'm so glad you're pleased, I know you were apprehensive about this story in the beginning.

There's another chapter coming!! *squee* Thank you thank you thank you!!! *happy dance*

That's rather the idea- the two of them have both been suffering horrible psychological damage. Hermione from guilt and the horror of the war, Severus from all his childhood crap, plus the war. Their relationship evolved from both of them being damaged people as they gradually healed through their relationship. This chapter takes place about a month after the last chapter, because I wanted the change to be shocking. Snape won't be turning into a cuddlebunny, I promise, but right now both of them are probably more psychologically sound and more themselves than they have been in years (Snape moreso than he may ever have been, considering how messed up his childhood was).

Well, like I've been saying, they were both having nervous breakdowns for all the previous chapters. They're sort of returning to their normal selves as they heal now. Sorry, I didn't think about the possibility of your computer being assaulted by coffee :)

Thanks for giving such a thoughtful review! I knew when writing this that this really isn't most people's cup of tea. I'm honored that you chose to continue despite your reservations. I'd like to address a couple of your points specifically. I don't really understand the whole BDSM thing... I don't seem to have as much of a problem with these scenarios when they occur between a married couple, or even long term partners, because it seems like if they have a good, strong, healthy relationship outside of the bedroom, then it is all just a game. But there is some semblance of safety and equalityYou've hit the nail on the head. It starts out very badly. He abuses her, and she knows it's abuse, but she wants to be abused. This will be made very clear in chapter 14. The relationship can't sustain itself the way it started out, so it has to evolve. How it evolves will be shown over the next few chapters. I'd like to note that in reality, I don't think people should get into a sexual relatonship before they have a strong emotional bond and trust one another. But fantasy is another matter, and both these people start out the story severely messed up.  Their relationship, such as it is, based on pain, is cathartic for both of them. I'm really giving a lot away...please, keep reading, chapter 14 will really explain it all. But I will continue until the end unless you go super crazy on me.  Aww, darn. The cyborg death eater sharks in chapter 13 will probably scare you away

Good Grief!  If you are going to reveal something as important to the plot as cyborg death eater sharks, you could at least have the courtesy to put a spoiler alert on your response :)Thanks for the encouragement to stick with it, but I have no choice.  I am sufficiently intrigued.

There's still a little angst ahead, but yes, things are looking up. I know you've been apprehensive about this fic, so thanks so, so much for reading and reviewing :D

Glad you liked it, and hope you keep reading :)

Oh, I know, that's why they're so fun! Don't worry, after chapter 11 the chapters get much longer.

I usually agree, but sometimes going hardcore can be so delicious. Oh, yes, atonement and healing are major themes (does fanfic get to have themes? Yes, it does :P). Next chapter is in queue :D

Um, not exactly... keep reading, it will make more sense.

Sorry, but yes, worst is over, except for Lucius having a little fashion party later...oh, Lucius. You snob. Next, he puts large silver hoop earrings on her. “Our motif, Severus, will be hoops, circles. Circles have no beginning and no end.” Severus resists the urge to roll his eyes. Chapter 12 shall be...interesting. It isn't as intense as 9, exactly, but it's very much the turning point.

That's a good thing you are updating regularly.

Well, I had a burst of creative energy and wrote the entire story in a week. Since then it's been getting beta'd and then posted through the queue. As soon as one chapter goes up, the next is in queue, and the next is in administrative hold. Glad you like the regular updates :)

Sorry it was difficult for you, but thanks! Don't worry, things are on the up and up.

Well, I can imagine Snape enjoying having bad breath, as it repels people :)Thanks, glad you're enjoying!

Oh, she will be :DI'm so glad you're keeping with this, and I promise, you will very much enjoy what's coming up.

Thanks so much :) The next few chapters may be a little rough for you, but... well, you'll see

Thanks for reviewing! Next chapter is in queue.

I'm so happy you're enjoying these. Another chapter is in queue. If it makes you feel any better, the later chapters get a bit longer :)

Thanks so much! It is rather harsh, and it will get harsher before the end. There's light at the end of the tunnel though, never fear.