My dearest hope is that Hermione's grief will be sated when she falls in love with Severus Snape and he falls in love with her.  Who ever Chris is, Severus is the man for her. I am so sorry for her right now. You write as someone who has known sorrow personally and intimately. How our sorrows humble us, do they not? I work with 30 somethings who have yet to experience true sorrow. Who still believe that being a control freak will keep them safe, and they look down on me as something less than they are. The didn't know me in my salad days when I could take on the world. They see humbleness as weakness and assume I'm stupid. How silly they are. I've been taking care of moms and babies for 30 years and I could write the book they would have to study.  Maybe I threaten them. I'm always kind to them, yet, they dislike me.  Hermione is so young to have this much pain. Please deliver her before the end of this story. 

BTW- I love the drawings that go with this story! They truly add to the enjoyment I am experiencing, in spite of my wierd crying day.  

This story is making me cry. I must be having hormones. Damn menopause! In 2 months I'll be 55.  That's making me cry too. Thank you UnionPlus for letting me know and offering me life insurance at a special discount because my demise is closer than ever.  I hadn't thought about the fact that I would be 55 in 2 months. Well, I should be grateful qualify for the seniors menu at the restaurant now. Why can't Hermione understand that he doesn't blame her any more than the Bottingtons? Why can't she see that a female companion for Funnel is a complement? Is it because he is a human being and had his own reasons for being there with her that had to do with enjoying her company and not just the Saint Severus there to purge her of her demons? 

Severus and the Bottington's brought tears to my eyes. I can't explain why his forgivness of them makes me cry. I find it interesting that Hermione made no comment on their need for absolution from her. She seemed bestowe neither absolution nor judment. I suppose she is presently too occupied in examining her feeling of connection to Severus Snape today."The content of our thoughts are not subject to moral judgement" I wonder. Is this the first time Severus has noticed how badly the enchantment had been cast?

Fascinating history of Snape and very original. Perhaps he's sharing so much to be sure she want's to be part of this clan or at least knows what she's in for if they take things to the next level. 

What an unusual relationship. I guess it's all about the sex. Yet, I can't be.  Is it just easier for them to roast each other than to say sweet things or do they really have nothing sweet to say to the other?  Are they lovers or co-dependents? I do agree with Severus regarding Albus Dumbledore. I'm so happy that Severus can be so philosophical about his survival and loss of magic. If he had survived with his magic what would he have thought of his life? It seems it was a blessing in disguise. 

Why would it be preposterous for Snape to be courting Hermione? It seems perfectly delightful as I am hoping they will soon see. And Mrs. Neill need only meet the man to fall under his spell. An exquisite gentleman. 

Thank you for another marvelous chapter.  I adore the way don't really love each other.
Beth

Wow.  How thought-provoking, and a truly enjoyable story.  

Such a beautiful and poignant story. I am glad my misgivings about the story (the suicide warnings rang bells) were unfounded. You handled the more delicate subjects very sensitively, and it`s such a refreshing change to read of a Hermione very insecure in her relationship with Severus. I think their relationship would be much stronger if Severus ever allow his personal ruminations to be communicated to Hermione. They would feel much more secure in their relationship; but theirs is quite new yet, and they will have the time to cement it, I suppose. :)Hermione`s epiphany at the end is very fitting. She is definitely right that acceptance is the road to peace. I am really happy she found her spiritual compass after all her tribulations and pain, and at such an age.Thank you for such a worthy read, it has been a truly remarkable gift.

I don't remember if I reviewed before, just wanted to tell you that I like your story very much and is happy eevrytime you update

Where can I get a bag like Hermione's? I could use one of those on rainy days. ^_^

Love the story so far!! Love love love it!!!!

I can't wait to read more!  Very good story.

I love the idea of a horrified landlady in this day and age.

very good

Have you ever been in a library after everyone else has left? I have and it feels a lot like what you've described. The books seem to be alive. ^_^

Alan Rickman and Sense and Sensibility--I laughed outloud. :) I too would love that as a fixed image-Hee, Hee. Thank you for the chapter..it helps to put some questions from previous chpaters into context and I enjoyed the inner monologue--well done.

I love your style.  Cannot wait to read more.  Your command of English is far better than many in the US.

Interesting story. Poor Hermione, a good thing Severus Snape seems willing to help her. I is sad her life has turned up this way - hope better days lay ahead of her

interesting...so now we'll learn what Severus is obsessed with, and prehaps why he's researching in Kent?thanks for your time and efforts

As a former librarian, if there is such a thing, I'm totally enjoying this story. I'll make sure I continue to follow it. (You've totally impressed me with your command of the English language. Nicely done.)

The paragraph describing Hermione's reasons for repairing books was quite lovely - a perfect description of why anything, not just books, should be cared for and preserved.  This is quite interesting and intense - I look forward to more!

This is an intense read- the sensations, memories, and what seems to be post-traumatic stress disorder, all work together to really pull the reader into Hermione's skin.  I would have never guessed that you're not a native speaker, though now I'm curious as to what your first language is.  (ESL teacher here, I can't help it!)

Wow, this one really has me guessing - I am completely mystified.  You've really made me want more!  I like highly original stories that don't have the usual settings.