Oh my!  Where will this lead?!  Excellent so far.  I am intrigued.

This is so sad, but so beautiful. I like to think that Severus kept that one happy memory for himself to hold onto.

Interesting way to acquire a ring (and sneaky, too). ^_^

Great job! I can't wait for the next chapter.

I would imagine that that would have been Snape's real worst memory.

You've got quite the mystery going here! 

Wonderful writing so far, and I am really curious as to where you intend to bring this story. Thank you for sharing.

Now she knows one of the key things that Severus held sacred. It was indeed his ring that Narcissa had, but how did she get it (I don't trust her story) and why would she have that particular piece? Or maybe there's no significance as to why she would be entrusted with that particular ring? It's a lot to think about.

I'm so intrigued, andi loved Hermione's subterfuge with Narcissa. I wonder where the fourth piece could be...

Ah, things are clearer now.  While I'm fairly certain that the puzzle ring is not a four-part Horcrux, it seems fairly obvious that it *is* enchanted and that a few unpleasant memories which Severus associated with Lily have somehow become embedded in the links.  (Am I correct in suspecting that Severus originally bought this ring as a gift for Lily?)  What's worrisome is the fact that these memories are powerful enough to overcome and possess a strong witch like Hermione (even if only temporarily) to the point that she's not only feeling them but acting them out. Pregnant or not, if she's not careful, she's going to end up in St. Mungo's!

So I take it, the words "they don't fit" don't really relate to the dishes, do they?

The flashbacks continue, and now we know there are two more rings out there that Hermione needs to purchase. They almost remind me of Horcruxes, though not made by killing and tearing the soul into pieces - it's as though each heartbreak tore Snape's soul into pieces. Could that be the catalyst for this personal enchantment? A trauma deep enough to tear his soul? And what happens when all the rings are back together again?

I can't help but wonder what will happen when she puts all four rings together. ^_^

What a unique idea a ring with childhood memories. A mystery is afoot!

Poor Hermione.  She won't rest until she's had all the pieces.

How in the world did all that get locked inside one tiny little ring, and how did one woman with no ties to him unlock such secrets?

An interesting start. Are you sure you have the right category? I'll watch for the next chapter! ^_^

It's so sad to think of poor Sev at that time, although Lily hadn't meant enough to him to avoid the Dark Arts. Sigh.

Interesting start. :)

All the desperation and bitter lonliness he'd felt, safely locked into that ring perhaps, to keep him less vulnerable in the presence of the Dark Lord?  And in Albus' presence as well?  Forgive me - just my writer's mind whirling madly - eager to see where we go next !!

Very intriguing start...you've piqued my curiosity, and I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with this.  At the same time, something tells me that this does not bode well for Hermione...I hope that she doesn't become obsessed with Ron in the same way that Severus was obsessed with Lily, since it occurs to me that perhaps part of what caused Lily to lose patience with Severus was the impression that he needed so much from her that she wouldn't have anything left for herself.  Poor Severus...I really wish that JKR had been more compassionate with him and offered him some happiness.