If there was a site-wide angst contest, this chapter would win.If these two are going to end up together, something tells me Severus has a long, long way to go, and a lot of apologizing to do. You have made him so in character it's scarey. I always tend to write him a bit more mellowed out, like he would have been perhaps if his life had been a bit less horrid. But this is much more the real, mean and nasty, Severus Snape.And I love how Poppy laid on just enough guilt, then Hermione really topped it off perfectly. Catholics have nothing on these two ladies!

After reading Morning Falls and now this I have added to my very short list a new favorite author. Superb writing.

Thank you for a great story!! Sempraseverus' work is wonderful!

Huzzah and two fingers to you all,LOLOL

Wow, I'm amazed. What a great story! You lead the couple through high and low and yet everything remains within Hogwarts and in just one person's point of view. Snape is fighting with his pride, and so he should, but he remains himself. I was a bit disappointed that he didn't tell us more of how they fell in love, shy glances etc but if I look at the total I understand that this simply wasn't what he wanted to tell us.  He's a great father, indeed! As a single scene, maybe I would point out the wedding. So obviously showing what is really important and what is only glamour.

What a sweet, lovely story! I really think it doesn't need an NC-17 rating, as it's not particularly explicit (not a complaint at all!)

This is a lovely, beautifully written story.  The emotions you captured within your words really touched me.  Thank you for sharing your creativity.

Oh this is crushingly beautiful!Now I must go find that LJ post and make you write more.

wow that was wonderful.

absolutely wonderful first fanfic! you can be proud. i love how severus evolved - hating hermione, needing hermione, saving hermione - lovely story.

Beautiful!  Thanks for this.  It was truly lovely from beginning to end.

Gorgeous !!

So beautiful and such a satisfying ending.

Oh, yes, Teddy! That was well worth waiting for the epilogue!!  My favorite part was when Severus said he was such a twat.  I laughed heartily at that! Severus came a long way for that bottled-up cold fish to admit how anal he was! I hope all your stories will be as good as the two I've read!

*applauds wildly*  What a wonderful first fanfic, Teddy!  Thank you for posting this for our enjoyment, and I can't wait to read more from your fertile imagination.I love that you brought Severus full circle with his most heartfelt wish:  "If there are gods above and below, let me spend my eternity with my one true love. The only woman who ever loved me." I love Hermione's strength and her determination to save Severus, and their determination to protect and care for each other and their children.  I love that Hermione and Severus were married between first year Potions and fifth-year Transfigurations.  I love that Russ was like his father and Preesa was like her mother.I love this story!  Beth

I don't think I've laughed so much!  Severus has come full circle and realises he got his wish in the truest and fullest fulfillment.  Wonderful job and beautiful ending.  Thank you for sharing!  :)

Great story.  Plenty of variety with angst, humour, romance, and drama.  :)

Ok, I admit after reading this chapter the image makes perfect sense and fits perfectly into the story.  Fantastic!

Wow!  So, does animam refer to her soul or her breathing?  (I suppose I'll ifnd out soon enough.)  Fantastically evil cliffie!

Very lovely and well handled!  Very enjoyable and unique to expereience this from Severus' POV.

I like Poppy in this.  She says it like it is. :)

Very sweet chapter.  Lovely display of the progression of a budding relationship and acceptance of one another.

Such a grateful lad, isn't he?  Nevertheless, I can see why he would be a little pissed off! :)

"Well, don't just sit there. Snape something."Classic.  Pure and classic.  Fantastic show of emotional range and the reasons behind Hermione's actions.

I like the almost euphoria he has when he believes he's dead.  His self-deprecation is very dry and humourous.  Then it gradually shifts to his despair at being told he has to return and leave Lily.  It's strange that she never mentions his wish: "If there are gods above and below, let me spend my eternity with my one true love. The only woman who ever loved me. I will happily die if that will be my reward."  It's vagueness has a very open meaning that could take part in the story.  Well started!