Oh dear god, one of you knock or open the bloody door !!  This is awful....

Its highly disturbing how Hermione has turned her greif and survivors guilt into self loathing. Its like she is a competely different person. Freaky really. My fingers are crossed that Severus can make a difference.

That's his story, and he's sticking to it. :)

I love how Severus is *making* Hermione work her way out of her depression- gently but without coddling her.

Another well done chapter.

poor hermione. i just want to cry at all her pain, and it doesn't matter how well-meaning everyone is.  i guess in her guilt, it would be easier to be with someone who she doesn't expect to be kind to her.  this is very compelling reading.  i look forward to the next.

I am loving this story! You are one of my 3 favorite fanfic writers, so I am thrilled to find a new story to enjoy. Anxiously awaiting updates!-Laurel

Hermione and Severus are moths to a flame when it concerns one another, but for very different reasons.  For once Hermione isn't the one with a pet project; this time it's Severus and she accepts, although reluctantly.

Now, after the exchange between Molly and Severus will Hermione misunderstand his comment or will it be a further setback for her?

Looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Contrary to the two previous chapters, I found this maybe a little too quick - really a minor thing in the general awesomeness - but the fact that Hermione went up to Snape's door, and that he left the knife falling down after watching her lick the jam from her finger told me that the story was definitely progressing quite faster than I expected.

I mean, it's at least clear that Snape cares for her, and he doesn't even hide it - either from Percy and the others, or from Molly. He definitely wants Hermione to feel better, and he's ready to do the job himself, if there are no other options.

What I can't see is how the story will develop from here. So, please give us more! :)

I'm generally just a lurker (a fact about which I do feel some guilt because I've written in other fandoms before and know how much reviews mean) ....

But I had to write and tell you that my sole criticism of this story is that it always feels like eternity between updates. You're putting literary crack on here, and I go through withdrawals waiting for the next fix!

As a general rule, I actually do not read incomplete works for this very reason. For your writing, I make an exception. Please take pity on those you have addicted and update often!  :)

Oh, Subversa, this is breathtaking.  It's riveting, what is simmering between them, the subtle clues about what each wants for and from the other. Every action of every character is perfectly in-character.

And here I'm wondering if Hermione is so drawn to Snape because maybe she feels that he, being an outsider to her 'circle', is the only one that can both relate to what she might be feeling AND will not just try to 'make her feel better' instead of letting her deal with her grief.

I'm still trying to figure out what Snape wants from Hermione though. :)

In this one, I'm trying to decide what each character considers "Owned" to be to them. Part of me thinks Snape is looking for a 'real life' of family and such, and part of me thinks he may just be looking for someone to help him through his own troubled mind just like Hermione seems to want.

Interest still very piqued!!

I've been reading this fic on my phone so comign back to leave some luv. :)

I'm very intrigued by this Hermione. And by this Snape for that matter. I'm wondering why exactly Hermione thinks she's so undeserving of any love/friendship/etc. and why she thinks the deaths of her friends all falls on her shoulders.

Looking forward to discovering what makes these two tick. :)

Hermione's despair is so heavy it has form and shape.  I think I could take it in my hands and it wouldn't slip through my fingers.  I'm so glad that Severus understands her so well.  In the end I think he will offer her the lifeline that will allow her to climb back among the living.  The life she has now cannot truly be called "being alive."

I'm delighted that he has warded the landing to his room so that only she could come to his door.  Perhaps next time she will knock and be able to have a good night's sleep.  He is her touchstone.

By the resounding slamming of the door that Hermione heard, I take it that Snape has left for Diagon Alley.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if he returned to Grimmauld Place with beautiful dress robes for her to wear to the party.

Thank you for a wonderful chapter filled with hints of things to come!

Beth

Realy looking forward to more.  Very exciting plot.

I read all your reviews an everyone has hit it where i wanted to tell you too especially HBAR.

Thanks to you Sub!
Now our dog is begging to go out again.  She must love the cold and snow.

Waiting for more,
Patty

Hello Subversa
How does thee fair?
Your story reminds me of glimpses of times
So hard to put in words because I don't think it would cover what I want to say and let you know how appreciative I am.
Nothing catastrophic
See here I am giving you broken sentences.
Oh welll
I like this story very much
I believe it will be another great one especially how you are drawing the characters to each other
waiting for more

how is the hubby?

I think I might refer this to my husband person.  Usually I wait until the story is complete because he gets all bent out of shape if the update is forever.  Besides he might need a break from Anatomy & Physiology 1

YAY!!!

I'm not sure that the Extendable Ear was helpful.  Hearing that Snape thinks she looks like a "bedraggled ghost" may put Hermione back into her shell completely.  Though there is some light - Hermione figured out that her "former friends" had been trying to help all along, and even now would probably forgive her.  (Forgive her what?)  Molly Weasley's tears seem to tear Hermione apart though, and hearing Snape bring them on may get in the way of her new comfort with him.

I liked the depiction of Hermione on the stairs outside Snape's room at 2:00am.  Knowingly doing something wildly out of character, and not caring, is pretty indicative of her badly depressed state of mind.  I liked even more that she didn't follow through - it showed how confused she is. 

What I don't understand is why Hermione was able to sleep this night.  And why Snape is able to understand and reach her when no one else can.  I hope you go into his state of mind as well later on.

I've read most of your stories over the years.  I enjoy your fluffier ones very much indeed.  But this one is probably the best you've ever written.

It's so sad to see her like this.  I hope she will heal.  At least Severus recognizes that something must be done, and it seems he may have an idea as to what and how to do it.

Oh, my, Subversa, you have sucked me into this story. Hermione is so lost and so low, and yet I see a spark here and there.  Her going in search of Severus even if she couldn't bring herself to knock on his door. And she wanted to go with him to Diagon Alley, she just isn't there quite yet, but I feel hope for her.

I loved how Arthur kept everyone out of the kitchen and let Severus handle Hermione. I think he feels Severus has the best chance to reach her. (I think so too.)

There were some baby steps for Hermione.  I love this Severus!

I wish I could possibly express how very amazing I find your writing, here and always.  I feel if I were to put down in words my reverence toward your work it would sound false and over the top.  So I will refrain and let the volume of reviews you receive speak for itself.

Every chapter I read of this story becomes my new favorite.  The agony Hermione feels is palpable.  They all see it, but only Snape seems to comprehend the magnitude of her situation and the complex simplicity of the care she needs.  He hasn't moved mountains in his aim to reach her.  He has been kind, gentle, but assertive with her.  He is so subtle in his care for her that I think she almost allows it without any intent to do so.

Hermione's internal struggle when Snape asks her to Diagon Alley is a good sign, I think.  If she were hopelessly depressed and damaged, she would automatically decline.  That she even considers going for the chance to be in his presence, no matter how abhorrant she finds the idea of being seen in public, gives me hope that he will reach her yet.

I hope a time will come where she will join him in his room, and she will feel worthy to knock.  I am very appreciative of Arthur and Luna who maybe aren't outspoken advocates for her, but seem to have some level of comprehension in what she needs.  Snape may need some allies before all is said and done.  I am torn between thinking that it would be better if he took her somewhere other than Grimmauld Place where she wouldn't be surrounded by those who cause her such anxiety, and realizing that she won't recover without facing her demons, all of them.

I should quit talking now before the word count of the review exceeds that of the chapter.  I'm verbose when I'm particularly moved by something.  Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story.  Now, about that next chapter ...

Snape CARES! He's worried about her, although he would make people believe that he cares about how others will judge him (them all) because of her state. But since when did Snape ever care about what others thought of him? He cares about Hermione.I like how she obeys him so readily.Such an intriguing story. Keep 'em coming.

Whew! That was intense. You took us on a real journey in this chapter. Hermione's situation is harsh...there is no softness, no relief from the relentless waves of guilt. It makes sense that Severus would be the one to see this and try to combat it. He lived for years what she is experiencing. His best friend died also and he felt guilty because he had a hand in it. Thank you for giving these characters such depth. I can't wait for more.