I'm glad that Hermione followed Snape to the top of the castle and found the courage to speak.  Yes, he is broken, but not so badly that he cannot mend.  He just has to reach out and grasp the opportunity that she has offered... and did he ever!  I think this is surely a turning point in his life.  They may take two steps forward and one step back for a while, but I don't think they will be able to can walk away from each other for very long.Well done!Beth

Whew!  It really is getting warm in here.  I know Potions classrooms can be hot places to work, but this is a whole 'nother kind of hot.  Well done!Beth

"It" has begun in earnest.  I can't wait to see how this newly found insight will effect them both.Beth

I love this beginning.  There's plenty of tension, and I have to wonder if Snape even knows that Hermione had helped to save his life.  I'm also wondering what this "something as yet indefinable" she saw in his eyes.  Off to the next chapter.Beth

Really beautiful! I loved your quote from the Bible. It is lovely and I've never heard it before.

I COMPLETELY ENJOYED THIS STORY!!WOOT!!!!Haha... it's been a long time since I was this giddy while reading a story! I was already in hysterics with trying to cover my mouth to stop my incessant giggling and squealing so that the people in the same room as I would not wake up. Can't wait for the next chapter! All the best wishes!

How lovely to see a Biblical quote here; I don't think people are always aware of just how beautiful some parts of the Old Testament can be & The Song of Songs is exquisite IMHO - & very fitting here :-)

I believe Severus is building up to those 3 magic words.

Wow! This chapter is absolutly breath taking... but way to short haha. Impatiently awaiting the next chapter!!

OMG, *swoon* Sweet, tender, lovely, hot, breathtaking.... does Severus have a twin brother that lives in my state, town and next door to me?Holy hannah banana that was a lovely chappy!!!

While this was much too short, it was beautifully done, so I guess I'll let it go :)I, too, think that the words that she speaks are very appropriate to this couple and their relationship.The fact that he did something nice for her that he knew she wanted, and then gives her the freedom to follow her career path of choice speaks volumes about his feelings for her.  They have come so far and are finally settling into a really healthy relationship.  It's not that I ever think they had an unhealthy relationship, but it weighed so heavily in the physical attraction, impulsive behaviour realm, that it just wasn't what it needed to be.  The fact that they stuck with it, and it has turned into a real romantic relationship, without losing any of the import to the sexual and sensual side of things is fantastic.I'm really excited to see where we go from here!

Another great chapter!  I feel like a broken record saying that.  Hermione's reasons why she loves Severus are great.  It is quite nice to see that they are able to exist outside the walls of Hogwarts.  It gave them a glimpse of how things could be.  The scene where he buys her the necklace was nicely done.I'm glad that Lily has officially truly come up in conversation, and yet things didn't go too badly.  I wish he didn't feel so insecure, and that she didn't have to remind him of her feelings constantly.  I think though, she is willing to do whatever it takes to make him see how much she cares for him and that he is in no danger of losing her.One of the things that I like most is that she is doing what she wants, not caving just to be with him.  Her career is important to her, and she is not willing to give up her hopes and dreams for the future, just to be with him.  At the same time, she is determined to do whatever it takes to make sure that he is part of her future.  I'm feeling hopeful after this chapter.

wow, that was fun!  I love the idea of Hermione writing on Severus with her quill.  How amazingly erotic!

Altogether lovely. *sigh!*

Wow! It might have been short, but you sure packed alot into this chapter! I have to confess I love this story. The sensuousness of it just captivates me.I'm really looking forward to the next chapters! Well done.

Ohh that Ron!!  I'm glad Harry is being kind.

He is lucky she understands him so well! Slowly, slowly he'll get there. Briliiant story, can't wait for more!

I LOVED this chapter and the reasons why Hermione loves Severus made me laugh. Can't wait to read the next chapter!

Just fabulous! But they are going to come unstuck soon - the risks they take are positively scary!

LOL! I think you should print up & frame the following as it sums up fanfic Severus Snape totally; every 'fangirl' should have a copy!:-“Well... you have helped and protected my friends and me time and time again, you’ve got great legs, you’ve taught me brilliantly for years, you smell really good, you were incredibly loyal to the man who most depended on your loyalty, you have the sexiest voice in the history of mankind, you saved my life and the lives of my friends several times, you have extraordinary eyes, you are highly intelligent and articulate, you go down on me a lot, you have really nice handwriting, you placed yourself in grave danger to a point where you were as good as dead, and did this for entirely selfless and noble reasons, you make me come incredibly hard and often, you are supremely knowledgeable in all aspects of magical history and practice, you have a huge cock... and I like all the nice buttons on your frock coat.”Perfect! I just love the way you have mixed the ordinary canon facts (& the reasons everyone should be grateful to Snape) with the sexy fantasy of the man - then again, that sums up this story completely.  Well done!    :-)

Wheww! Love this story. Love this Severus! True to character but revealing the hot sensuous side we all believe to be there!

He'll come round... :)

It's understandable that Severus has a lot of insecurities to work past. It's good that Hermione has voiced what she wants in the future for them. It's also shows how much she knows and loves Severus to understand he needs time to consider his options. I think they'll just need to take one day at a time.

I'm so glad Hermione finally told Severus of her feelings. He definitely needed to hear those words, and seeing his reaction confirms that. It's also obvious he feels the same, given his reaction, and I would like to think he was going to say the same to Hermione before she stopped him. I understand why she did though. I'd like to believe she stopped him from talking because she knew he needed to hear the words much more than she did.

I want to hug him!  Poor guy is so downtrodden that he's terrified of happiness.