Just so you know, I read the conclusion last night right after the first chapter, and I just couldn't leave a review with it that fresh on my mind.  I was completely stunned at the end.  You warned us, and I knew it was coming.  I absolutely knew that this was going to be the ending and yet it hit me like a ton of bricks.  For some reason, despite the fact that you had all of the tissue warnings in place, I continued to hold out hope for some sort of non-tragic ending.  Every single word of this was beautifully written, and every last moment sadder than the one before.  The wedding, Hermione crying on Severus' shoulder about Ron, the misunderstood floo conversation, the fact that all he can be is a househusband, and not a very good one, Severus hating her because he feels quite the opposite, Severus getting abandoned at the ministry because he can't even do something so simple as use the floo.  This was all too much, but then the fact that he felt that without her, there was nothing worth living for and consequently he has broken a piece of Hermione is so very sad.  For all parties.  I imagine Ron feels a bit responsible, even though there was nothing he could have done.I hate to read sad stories, because life has enough sadness, I like lots of happiness and fluff in fiction.  And I think that sometimes I feel a bit haunted by sad tales like this.  The happy ones I read and bask in the glow of the warm feelings for a bit and then move on.  This type of story sticks with me and I will think of it every now and then when something strikes up the memory.  You are so very talented that while I hope you got this sad business out of your system, I will go where ever you do in the future.  Thanks for sharing this and I hope the review doesn't sound negative since I am so anti-sad.  It really was a beautiful story.

What an amazing story. My stomach clenched while I read the story. It was achingly tragic. And so beautifully written. Thank you

Oh dear god.  This was incredibly well written.  But heartbreaking.  I didn't quite understand the floo conversation SS overheard - I thought maybe she was telling Gin that she loved SS and had the rest of her life to fix him.  But I knew this story wouldn't have a happy ending.

Wow! Incredibly sad, but absolutely realistic and very well-written! Loved it, and really liked the characterizations. I think it was definately more of a realist approach to how things would have panned out, rather than the more sunshine and "daisies" approach that would have been OOC!Well done, even if it made me want to shed a few tears. That is awesome writing!

Ca y est, je pleure, vous êtes contente ?I'm crying, you are happy aren't you ?Lot of kissBisous quand même

Well, you warned us it was dark. How very sad and tragic. But also more realistic than the happy ending I envisioned.Gut wrenching. Well done.

Ah, you are a cruel, cruel Author-person. This was truly lovely, but so very heart-breaking. I'm sure this is a story that I will re-visit. Thank you.

cruel, yet beautiful.

mindblowing.........

I had decided that I would not read this story because of all your warnings, but I love your writings so I decided to give it a go, it was beatiful and so very sad. I love happy endings, but I have found that it is the wellwritten sad ones I remember best

oh damn. Wish i hadnt read this. Good writting just...sad as ....now wheres that tissue..

Aurette, you always just wow me with your work.  This is no different.  I am fully ecsconced in the happily ever after camp, and it doesn't appear that this will be the case here, but I couldn't pass up your story.  I love this so far, but am afraid to read the conclusion.  I think this could go several ways and there is not a single scenario where all three of them come out unscathed.  Off to find out ... gulp.

Oh, dear god.  That was terribly tragic!

You warned me... you did.... I should have paid attention... sob...

oh that was sad, you're making me want to write fanfic on the fanfic so I can change the ending :o)

What a wonderfully written story.  The ending so tragic!

This is not only sad, but cruel. Poor Severus...Thank you for such a beautifully sad story.

I'm glad you added a warning note about this being a sad story - because otherwise I would now be in despair for Snape's last decision. Hermione's blindness was depicted so well, and I loved the scene at the Floo with Ginny. I feel terribly sorry for Severus, though.

While very well written -- to the point you can feel Severus' and Hermione's pain in the piece, I can't really say I enjoyed the story.  Well, that's not really true; I did enjoy most of it, it was just the ending I had a problem with.  I like angst, just wish it wasn't so tragic in the end.  I wanted to see if he could learn to live without her or if their relationship could transition into something new.  I wouldn't mean for it to become too fluffy, just not so stark.  (of course I am one of those types that really likes a happy ending) I don't really see Severus as one who would choose that ending.  He is too patient.  But your writing is excellent. I would gladly read any story you post.  Thanks for sharing, JoAnne

Yep, tears :( A very very sad - but exceptionally well written - tale. The ending was well done, because I began to wonder what a retrospective from Hermione's point of view might be like, but you captured that even in the simplest of final lines. I feel that you did a wonderful job with all their characters; I see Hermione here as both unexperienced in matters of love/affection/mature human relationships and blinded to such things with her focus on Ron, and I don't mean that in any "faulting" kind of way, simply that it seems very plausible and naturalistic, Snape's response also. You have a very strong way with words. Thanks for this thoughtful and melancholic story.

I like stories in which Snape is suffering some real damage after the war. *off to chapter 2*

I like your stories, but that was utterly depressing. Well written, but damn depressing. I so needed a pick-me up too. Having been in a position like Severus, it made me glad that Hermione finally felt some sort of pain. Is that wrong of me? You did an amazing job of portraying Severus' anguish. Its really difficult to do that without becoming melodramatic, but you pulled it off marvelously. Well done. Looking forward to more from you.

What a beautifully written, hauntingly sad story.  The anguish was deeply felt, and many tissues were used.  Well done!

I'm hooked and anxious for the update!

Aw! Please, Aurette! Make it better for him! PLEASE!