Good question, Severus.  I'm just fearful for the answer.

Oh, my.  That was a heck of a beginning. 

Subversa, Subversa, Subversa!  A new fic!  My day just got a billion times better!  A very intriguing start.  A bit of a departure from your other fics, but this first bit is an extremely satisfying promise of another great story.  I can hardly wait to read more!  You rock!

Ooooh! A new Subversa fic, I'm so excited. And it's off to a great start already. As many others have said, Hermione seems so broken and alone even while among the people who should know her best. And Severus, I'm not sure yet, quite what to think of him. You've indicated that this will be a dark fic so I'm a little worried but I'm hoping that everything will work out somehow eventually. :) Can't wait for more.

Is kinky!Severus back to play with us again?For some reason I'm in a mood for darkfic, so this tantalising hint of awesomeness to come is highly welcome. Good setup too, with some nicely done little subconscience touches. Can we have more please :D

I'm hooked. Wow.

I'm thrilled to see another story from you. Your works never disappoint me, and I read them over and over when I need a good tale. This is fantastic so far. I'm excited to see where this goes, especially if you say it's on the dark side. I've had a hankering for something dark, lately

Wow! Hermione is so completely broken and alone. I'm almost afraid to get inside her mind, but I'll take the risk. It obvious there's a hell of a lot going on with Hermione that the others don't know about. Turns out I'm just as curious as Snape as to why she said what she did.

My goodness... I am all a flutter!  I just have a feeling that this is going to be right up my alley. Loss sloughs away so many layers of ones identity.  I know that personally.  What finally spirits you from your suffering and grief, other than the passage of time, is as valuable if not more so, than gold itself.  I am eager to see the progression of the story.Thank you for sharing~

I'm hooked.  You tossed out the bait and I took it hook, line, and sinker.  But then that has always been my response to your stories.It's very hard to see Hermione so broken, but you know, when we've lost so many of the "family" connections that ground us, I can understand how she might come to value being "owned."  After all, there would be someone there on whom to focus and practice that need we have to love and be loved in return... while now she has only heartbreaking memories to keep her breathing.I have a feeling that Snape has picked up on this internal devastation she is living in because he is hoping to one day be owned, as well—hence his question to determine if her desire to be "owned" is anything like his.  This is dark yes, but I also have to remind myself it is Potions Under Duress, too.  Lead on, and I will follow!I remain your faithful servant,Beth

I'm thrilled to see that 'Rumor has It' is being follow-up with more new Subversa SSHG. I do feel so sorry for poor Hermione. I have to admit that I don't like it when fics have Harry lost in the act of taking down Voldemort. However, since it is a Subversa fic, I'll trust that you will make it all right.

Great 1.chapter,please more.....

The first chapter has me reeled in. Hermione seems so broken. But Severus! hmmm! What's afoot with him, I'm wondering? Great place to end the chapter. I LOVE cliffies!

Well I must admit that I am not much of a reader of dark fic.  But there is no way I would ever pass up a story with your name attached as I know it will have a fantastic plot, believeable characters, and beautiful writing.  If it is too dark, I'll just have to read with squinty eyes or hide under the desk a bit.  Wonderful start.  Hermione is a character who, to me, is made of pretty tough stuff, so to see her so broken, she must have been through a lot.  You've said as much just in the first chapter.  I hope Snape doesn't have bad intentions with her.  Where you've left off was pure evil.  Can't wait to read more!

I'm finding this very interesting so far, it's a good start and very promising. I saw the warnings of course, and the pic, so I may find it too dark at some point, but until then, I'm all ears (or eyes, lol!).

I am hooked, I love dark Snape and am eagerly awaiting the next chapter.  I predict fireworks ahead for Severus and Hermione.

This story is very intriguing already! I am taking a chance since there is a "dark" warning. I've read some with that kind of warning where Snape turns out to be an abusive bastard. I'm hoping with all my heart that this won't be one of them. Although a little "tough love" might be in order to snap Hermione out of her slump. I could see him treating her as she thinks she wants to be treated, then she finally rebels when she gets her emotional strength back, only to find that her recovery had been his goal all along. Hopefully this story is in the latter category. I guess the only way I will find out is to read... and I won't be able to help myself now that I've read chapter 1. Another favorite story to add to my list.

Intriguing. I love reading your stories.

I have to scold you—that is an EVIL place to leave off. I have a feeling I am going to love this story, because I love a possessive, protective Severus and I have a feeling there are going to be elements of that in your portrayal of him. You have a gift for writing Severus exactly as I like him best, anyway, so I can't wait for more of this story:)Brava!Warm regards,Fizzabella

Dark and a little chilling, but quite intriguing.

Oh, Hermione! What have you gotten yourself into, admitting such a thing in Snape's presence?! (Could be good, but with your Dark warning, I'm shivering a little here!)

And Severus, what are you putting in that girl's tea? You're just lucky Molly isn't about!

Oh, Subversa! You've hooked me again! :D

Oh, Sub! I like this. I like this a lot. A wounded Hermione post-war, stubbornly determined to continue on while not fully managing her pain (not knowing how to?), and a Snape who reaches out to her (perhaps recognizing her emotional state?). And I am just as curious as Severus as to what she meant by that statement. ~claps hands in anticipation~ Looking forward to the next chapter.

When I see a story by Subversa, I always know I'm in for an excellent read and if this first chapter is an indication of what is to come, I will be enjoying another outstanding story. I found Tonks reaction puzzling...was she trying to break the tension or was she being insensitive. (Rhetorical hence no question mark, I'm sure it'll become evident further in the story.) Hermione's condition is heartrending. She has lost her direction and from what I saw in this chapter has subconsciously given up the will to live. Severus has his work cut out for him. Thank you so much for starting the new year with a story that I know I will follow to the end.

Oh marvelously dark and dreary.  I sense Hermione is on the verge of subcosciously or consciously trying to kill herself.  Will it be Snape to the rescue?  I am sure he knows where she is coming from and going through his own experiences.

Wow! An intriguing start if there's one. I like the fact that Severus speaks with her in a calm way when she's obviously upset. I'm waiting for more!