I do hope Severus returns soon.

I think she underestimates his 'esteem' for her.  :)

Poor Hermione! I've been in her shoes one too many times with the feelings on life and luck. I'm afraid at my age, I'm almost positive I've got the world's rottenest luck and I just keep on swimming, keep on swimming (you know the song). And I've done the same thing. Sometimes it really helps to get it out on paper, sometimes it makes one feel ten times worse. But if she's crying, she's not holding it in and letting it eat away at her. But she's no good to anyone totally falling apart like she is (besides, it's MUCH too dramatic), and she's too young for all the fates to be lined up against her. She indeed might be right in worrying about Severus, but if he comes back and can't find her, it might be much worse!

oh dear.  Poor Hermione!  I hope Snape returns soon safe and sound!

Wonderful update, they are so sweet together. I think it will be good for them to take things slowly and really get to know each other. I can't wait to read more

She's taking the high road on this, but it's a really shitty thing to be in love with someone and not be able to express it.  Blah!

how sad.  Excellent story.  I can't wait for the next chapter!  Glad I can do an update bookmark!

The nod toward the musical episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer was not lost on me. It was, however, out of character for Snape.

I've noticed these two talk. A lot. A lot more than most people actually talk. Their conversations are more like lectures.

I know you're building up a story here, but I have to admit there's a certain expectation when you label something with the rating you've put on your story, and twenty chapters later we've yet to come anywhere near that rating.

Absolutely wonderful!!  Can't wait to read more.

I hope that Severus takes her words into account.  She was sincere, if not very Slytherin.  I'm sure he'll appreciate that eventually.  (The Slyterin part.)   He needs to see that he deserves something good, too.

whoa, Hermione!  LOL.  Actually, that kind of fits in with canon.  She can be pretty rough sometimes what with hitting Malfoy and setting Canaries after Ron.  Poor Severus.  She was right, he was completely unprepared for that!  I love it.

Ha ha! He sure played her just right to get her to Crucio him! 

Why would you give us such a great kiss to end it like that!  nasty author.  Well, I'm glad Hermione is determined.  Hopefully she can knock some sense into our silly Potions master.

LOL.  Oh my!  Well, the potion worked.  That should fuck that old moldywart real good.  Bastard.  I hate him.

Brilliant! Really wonderful chapter-- all of the different dynamics, and yes, finally=) them having physical contact and releasing their emotions/passions with one another, and Sev's reaction afterwards, as well as Hermione's - and the potion works!

Really nice twists and revelations in this chapter!

Wonderful chapter -- Voldemort and Severus; I enjoy the secret understanding and deep care between him and Hermione.

Great chapter! Enjoying the steps of them being together & comfortable being together outside the lab inch-by-inch; the build up is indeed growing! Something's got to give :D   

'Enjoyed' the dream - great description and visuals. Also, how intimate and beautiful is a smiling Severus! Thanks:)

Catching up on your story after a long hiatus; enjoying the growing tension between Sev and Hermione, he's growing tenser, his awareness and longing for her. Even though I don't prefer Ron ever involved with Hermione ;), I do feel sorry for him; you've written him so sympathetically and realistically - poor guy!

Loved your detailed info about Cruciatus curses and the Longbottoms; it always strikes me profoundly the whole reality of their interminable condition, always well up with tears - it's so depressing. Grinning like the Cheshire Cat about Hermione hearing her name from Sev - yummy!  

What a conflict - finally being open/wanting to date a life-long friend, at the same time, another new level of relationship developing with someone she's been both in fear and awe of , and must now demand to be equals with on more than one level.

Really feel his fear and need to cover up his feelings towards by laying down the rules with his gruffness - last line/her name being said is really achingly heartfelt! So sad.

Poignant last thoughts of Severus'... how Hermione's potion's skills rekindle his thoughts/feelings about Lily... Reading on to find out how these two will deal with each other

The gap between Hermione and Harry & Ron is starting to increase rapidly; how harsh will it get? Reading on :)