oh wow, how sad.  How kind of Severus.  Nobody realized he had some kindness in him.

I know this is supposed to be dark, but it would seem that Severus has genuine caring for Hermione. He sent her a membership to a jam club because she loves jam. He sat with her in the library, and would've allowed her in his room. Plus, he dried her tears when she started crying. He's definitely feeling something for her, and I'm looking forward to reading more.

Only three chapters in, and I am GREEDY for updates.  I love the way you write these characters . . . poor Hermione, at least someone really "sees" her.

I love Snape dropping his knife :)

Another very enjoyable chapter, Subby. I'm trying NOT to think of Sev as being particularly machiavellian in his conversations with Hermione BECAUSE when he is championing for her against the Weasleys et al he is obviously very sincere. I mean I know that Severus Snape is a puzzle wrapped up in a conundrum and as such is an incredibly complex character. I'm not as eloquent as you are at getting my point across. I don't think he's being nastily devious but instead deviously seductive. I think he does want to look after her but using his own brand of therapy and care! Which may well involve a spot of tough love or physical correction. Not sure I'm making sense. I'll go to bed now. Caught my husband's man-flu. Thanks for a brilliant chapter. Best wishes, Love Ali xxxxx.

jam of the month club? rofl!   leave it to Percy to just be wrong.

Intriguing, I'd like to know too...

Poor Hermione.  Very sad situation, but Severus' steady presence and insight tell me that she will be well in time.  I think he didn't offer to sit with her because there were so many Order members watching; had they been gone from the house, he could have invited her to sit with him in the library or wherever.  I do wonder when he will offer to hide her appearance so that she can be unrecognized in Diagon Alley, or to take her to a Muggle location.  Thank you for the new chapter!!  (waves at SubHub)

Oh my.
I normally have something to say about everything but for some reason this struck me silent. Just the unending pain that navigates her is enough to make me cringe. To ask how could she live that way? Then the thought process kicks in, and the realization is there that she is most definitely not living.
 
All hail Snape: The Avenger.

Wonderfully done, indeed.

Thank you again for sharing~Elou

The end of this chapter really pulled me in.  Hermione's outward appearance as well as her mental one; no one notices and pretends everything is normal ... I get that.  The resounding slam of the door reverberated against the senses, as I am sure it did to Hermione, too.

{{GLOMPS}}

I love that Severus is using a softly, softly approach to get her to come to him. There is no overt Gryffindor attempt to fix her - and in truth, I wouldn't expect that approach from him. This low key life-line that he is offering is much more likely to work with deer-like Hermione.

He is already so possessive and protective of her, knowing that Luna was a better option than Ginny or any other Weasley, I'm glad that Arthur seems to see that Severus may well be just what Hermione needs - I wonder if Arthur knows, or pressumes to know, how Severus will effectively bring Hermione back to life. For she is barely living a half-life ATM.

I am in awe of you, dear Subversa, for like Severus is doing with Hermione, you reel us in. You tempt us with hints, I'm thinking of his comment that he would have opened the door for her, and you leave us with a tantalising morsel that leaves us hanging, ready and waiting for the next instalement.

I can't wait to read more, I offer up chocolate, booze, whatever your muse desires in order to help you complete ths gorgeously dark, complex, bewitching story.

Much love Sav and her snarky git. xo

(BTW - This is only the third fic I've managed to convince Snarky to read.)

Oh, I had to smile at the gift of Jam and then Severus' reasoning for sending it.

I see Severus is already making moves to reel Hermione in, the off-hand comment about heading for the library, I believe it was he who took the book out and placed it by the chair knowing that Hermione wouldn't be able to resist the library.

And then you go and throw in Protective!Snape. Percy really is an idiot. Okay, maybe they have all tried to reach out to Hermione but he should know not to challenge Severus.

Hermione is so lost and alone here, like a deer trapped in headlights she's not sure what move to make next, I hope Severus continues to gently entice her... and that he can help her over come what is essentially survivour guilt.

Awesome, as always, my dear.

Much love from me and my very own snarky :D

He would have let her in!~Squees happily.~It's so heartbreaking to see Hermione trying to take steps to get better, but not quite knowing how. Snape is definitely throwing her the rope she needs to climb back to life. The others have spent two years trying to wheedle and coax and FIX her. I love that Arthur held everyone back and that Snape chose gentle, non-demanding Luna to help Hermione to her room."his tone sharp enough to shred steel."Now that's the sort of champion she needs!

Hermione's anguish is so palpable and heartbreaking.  Severus is so very clever and concerned when it comes to his Grfyffindor. 

Mm. This chapter was delicious. He would have let her in? ~thud~ And that last bit there with Snape practically throwing it in their face, how feeble and hapless their efforts have been... mm, I love it. This is a very, very different sort of SS/HG then usual... him reaching out to her rather than the other way around... And I keep coming back to the fact that she went to his door, thought about crawling in bed, and he knew she was there. I am (selfishly) hoping that you allow us a peek into a time when she actually ends up in his bed in a non-sexual way - him holding her would just be so... mm. :)

This story just keeps getting better and better. Hermione, yearning for the company of the one person who treats her like a person who isn't broken and Snape, recognizing, perhaps a kindred, damaged soul and trying desperately to help her. I've read some of the reviews of the past chapters and some people mention that they can't understand why Hermione is the way she is, but it makes absolute sense to me. Probably it's due to a combination of your excellent skill as a writer and my history of being treated for depression. For someone who has never taken any psychology classes, I happen to know quite a bit about depression and anxiety and you seem to have described things spot on. I shall wait eagerly for more.

Another excellent chapter, lady. And what a place to leave us hanging. I look forward to your next installment.

OOooooooo, lady!  You outdid yourself with this chapter. Every inch of it was extra-juicy. I really can not wait for the next one. ~sits on edge of chair in anticipation~

He should have known she was listening. 

Poor Hermione,  I am glad that Severus is able to see what is wrong and willing to do something about it.  Good job I can really feel her pain.

Aw, it's a pity she didn't eat the jam.  Hopefully she will eventually.

Nice to see Severus sticking up for her, but she's not ready for anyone to show blatant concern for her, despite what she wants.

Looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Am I right in thinking that she is feeling so much survivor's guilt that she doesn't see people don't hate her? They try to help her with her grief and depression without much success it appears. I hope Severus wiml be able to help.

A solitary spectator sat slightly removed from the table in a darkened corner and contributed neither raillery nor conversation to the mix.

I love this introduction for him. :)

I was intrigued as to why she seemed so sad, and it makes sense she would feel that way after what happened.

‘I would like know what you meant yesterday, when you said you wished to be owned.’

Me as well... ~clicks forward

how sad!  Poor Hermione.  Excellent story so far.  I will read more.

Hermione is certainly in a dark place.  I hope Snape is going to help her get out.  The beginnings of the attraction are there, and he seems protective and caring... in his own way.