Oh. Severus is cutting his losses... figuring it doesn't really matter since they'll all be dead in a few days. Damn. That's deep. Nice update!

I like the fact that you've made this story all about the mystery so far. (You know I'm following this story on Ash too.) It's going to be a real treat when something romantic happens. But for as much of a smut lover as I am, I really am not missing it in this story because your writing's so good. Well done!

Fascinating chapter. Your plot has managed to surprise me - I didn't expect a deity to be tha magical force restricting Severus' movement. Amazing chapter, and Severus' theories about the genetical aspect of magic is interesting too. Great Work.

Well Damn! So, Severus has gotten himself stuck in servitude of another master -- a Muggle one this time? Yikes! (Isn't that what fanfiction canon says was the purebloods' biggest fear -- that the Muggles would find out what they can do, and then try to enslave them?)  Very interesting!

Oh! So Severus made a Horcrux? Whoa! (Sorry if that had already been mentioned. I fell out of step in reading this story. Aaaaaand -- he kind of "summoned" her? Wicked!

Hmm, a potion that gives magical ability.  And that Marcus reminds me of Mr. Malfoy Sr he does.  I find it rather funny to think Marcus would survive the eruption, escape and become the founding father of the Malfoy family, with magic only because Severus gave it to them.One technical detail has been bothering me.  It's the drinking of water.  Perhaps I am incorrect but I thought the aqueducts were lead lined.  And I thought people in general did watered wine because of the nasties in the water that tended to give people violent, death causing diarrhea.  I would think Hermione would be very paranoid about it and would either zap it with magic or something.  You mentioned earlier about rain water collection so I can assume that is where they drink it from.  But I do seem to recall a lot of lead use during that time because of its versatility and malleability. Gosh we're all getting so technical for a SS/HG FF.    I think that's what makes it so wonderful!Definitely a stand out piece and I'm enjoying it thoroughly.  Now you just need to get those chappies out quicker.  Feel free to ignore RL and just write.  You can survive on our praise and accolades.  Really....(dang, I don't think she's buying it...)

OMG!  What an intriuging story.  I hated to stop to review. That is so lazy of me but I wanted to read on, and now I have caught up and,  oh my, what a mysterious story.  I was a bit confusced by the consul-emperor thing, are they not different offices?  ANYway, I read that some people say that Pliny misremembered the date since there in another version of the letter that gives the date as November, as well as physical evidence that supports a November date.  (According to wikkipedia) Anyway, November or August, I am loving this fascinating tale.  You have really done your homework! 

Just read all seven chapters in one go,  This is very engaging!  Your fusion of SSHG and the ancient Pompeiian civilization is virtually seamless...  Ooooh!  And several mysteries and a very lethal time constraint!  Can't wait to find out what happens next!

I am I believe equal parts fascinated and disgusted by Roman toiletry practices.  Especially the communal sponge on a stick...obviously still enjoying your tale.

Ooooh I loved all the Pompeii descriptions, one of my school days discoveries & early fascinations.  Nothing like a fanciful walk thru history AND Snape too,  SQUEEE!

I must admit that I too have always thought that a Severus portrait would 'play empty' just to mess with people.  It's so him.  Still going strong...

Maybe Ginny has a little Slytherin in her with that last line (perhaps in the past as I'm sure she's true to Harry).  Intrigued and will keep reading.

Marcus = Dumbledore who gave into his lust for power? The twinkling made me wonder. Evil!Dumbledore would give me the creeps. 

“I have protected you thus far with our master, Severus,” he said, and his voice was formal and harsh. “I cannot promise to do so in the future, particularly if I believe that your attention has become… distracted… by your pretty niece. I will see you tomorrow morning at my villa for my daily update, Severus.” His eyes flicked meaningfully to Hermione. “Our master may wish to speak to you, my dear, as well.” Our master?  This is not good!  And he knows that something big is going to happen in four days... and just what is this creature that must be bled?  Sounds vaguely like needing the blood of a Unicorn...Awesome chapter!!!  Thanks.Beth

Wow, well there is clearly something ging on in Pompeii. Their magical ritual is going to explode the volcano, isn't it?Your aedile Marcus ... has just reminded me of one point. Neither Severus nor Hermione have a usual Roman first name, even though Severus is a Latin/Roman name it wasn't among the typical male first names. So the authorities magical or not would notice that they are from somewhere else. If Severus wanted to romanize his name, he could use his first name as gens name  and chose a more standard first name like Gaius, Marcus or Septimus. But that wouldn't help, their Lord and the aedile know where he's from - more or less - don't they?Amazing chapter!

oh, I think there is a Voldemort in this world too. Severus has to tell Hermione what is going on so they can escape both the eruption and the evil of the city

Oh, this is so fascinating! He (the Adiele? I think I'm misspelling that...) reminds me of Lucius Malfoy, but that's probably not who Hermione was thinking of. I cant wait for the next chapter!

Sounds very ominous. :0

So, things are not all sunny, are they?  Who is this person that Severus has basically brewed liquid magic for? What beasts have hurt Severus so badly? Why does he have Hermione's portrait?I'm starting to wonder if Severus brought Hermione to him in order to help him escape, since I don't think he can on his own. Great chapter! This story has utterly gripped me, and I can't wait for the next update!

Oh. My. Wonder what happened to Severus? And how will he react to her peeping?

I love this story already! The prologue is very intriguing. Severus obviously had something up his sleeve while Hermione's time turner and perhaps her attempts to save him perhaps backfired. The anima mea part though... Did Severus invoke some sort of soul magic, thinking of Lily, but it affected Hermione instead? Or did Hermione affect his spell? She obviously had feelings for him in the Shrieking Shack, what with the wrenching of her heart and the desperation to save him. And so sad how she shuts herself off after he dies. But I love the chemistry between the two of them.I love the bits about the mosaics, adding to the mystery... Thanks for all these wonderful clues and things to think about! I wonder when we'll get to see what happened at the dig after Hermione left.Now the mosaic of Death with a wand and a potion is interesting and reminds me of the DH. Did Severus make a deal with Death? And what sort of macho bs is he getting into getting beat up?I love the ancient Pompeii setting and am looking forward to more of your subtle archaeology "lessons."

The mosaic pattern on it was that of a giant black skeleton, its mouth open and gaping. In one clawed hand, it held a jar, and in the other, a stick. No, a wand, she corrected herself, frowning. This sounds very ominous, especially when you know that Severus is bruised black and blue.  And it sounds like he might even have some broken ribs.  What on earth is going on here in Pompeii?  Hummmm.  I've got to put on my thinking cap about this chapter.  There are clues here, of I am certain, but I don't quite know how to read them.  Well done for a really interesting chapter!Beth

“Well, Doctor Granger,” he said, managing to infuse the word with an infinite degree of disdain and sarcasm, “I see you have discovered the slight flaw in my idyllic existence here.”Oh... I'd say she has become intimately familiar with the "slight flaw in his idyllic existence."  Now she just needs to find out who is behind the magic.Thank you for another great chapter!Beth

Oooh! You've sucked me in, dear Proulxes! The sheer delight of a fresh concept coupled with great writing is bliss. 

I love this. (Especially as I am reviewing my old texts to help a middle-schooler with first-year Latin.) It's great to see Severus in a life that he finds satisfying, although isn't it just like Snape to end up in Pompeii just as Vesuvius is about to blow? I cannot wait to hear just how Severus and Hermione came to be soul-bonded -- or whatever bonded they are. Wonderful work!