A 'lady or the tiger' scenario there at the end. *grin* I liked how Hermione complimented him on his smell. The one positive among all the negatives, I would think. ^_^

I love how you teased us with "will they? Won't they?" and how, in the end, Snape still did the honorable thing, and just Obliviated her. I love how he put her at ease by pretending to accept her solution, allowing her to feel hopeful and even bask in the glow of a real compliment before he did what he truly intended all along. I love it. Thank you for not having them do sexy time, it just wouldn't have felt authentic to your stoic Snape, especially not in that particular situation. I can't wait for the next chapter!!

So---they did make love? Or they didn't?Maybe the spell itself works in such a way that, once "consummated", it immediately removes all "memory" of the events required, even of the lovemaking itself, and leaves only the feeling?I can't wait for the next--so many questions!

That's it?!? I'm ready to kick him in the pants now!

This chapter had my heart pounding. The fact that her immense distress at the mere thought of losing her trust in him again was enough to compell him to do what he did speaks volumns about how much her confidence means to him. He wanted to at least put her at ease before taking her memories. Perhaps he knows something - perhaps a relaxed, willing participant is more likely to keep the flavor of the event when Obliviated, whereas someone who fights it will not. Just speculating here.I love this story. Can hardly wait for more.

This one causes the tears to erupt each and every time... You strike so many deep, painful nerves with the beautiful revelations of Severus' cross (or crosses) he bears; the remorse and denial, the pain and weight of the heaviness of his burdens and, perhaps the most profound impact, the resolute solitaire existence he has chosen just resonates again and again; depicting Hermione kneeling at the end always just sends an arrow through my heart - it's so painfully selfless, sweet and at the same time compassionate in it's sympathetic submissiveness-- her letting him know she knows what he's going to do, and understands him, as no one has ever before... *blubbering* - where's our emotion(s)?   and

This one causes the tears to erupt each and every time... You strike so many deep, painful nerves with the beautiful revelations of Severus' cross (or crosses) he bears; the remorse and denial, the pain and weight of the heaviness of his burdens and, perhaps the most profound impact, the resolute solitaire existence he has chosen just resonates again and again; depicting Hermione kneeling at the end always just sends an arrow through my heart - it's so painfully selfless, sweet and at the same time compassionate in it's sympathetic submissiveness-- her letting him know she knows what he's going to do, and understands him, as no one has ever before... *blubbering* - where's our emotion(s)?   and

Hexgirl, I just relish this chapter so much -- the dynamics and chemistry between Severus and Hermione- I love her fire and passion, the reference to her cathartic purging whilst he lets her, mmmn... what a reeeeal man - (hehe!), and his rigid control...  the poignant rollercoaster ride of emotions the reader feels is just *wonderful*; your skill as a writer to evoke an unspeakable intensity and angst *my chest tightens in pain* regarding Severus is so powerful! Here's our favourite emoticon again: Even if one isn't a smoker, they crave a cigarette after reading your chapter(s)!xxx

great  chapter looking forward to reading more of this soon I hope.

Intense, good chapter

looking forward to the next one.

Great chapter

The look in his own eyes caused her to stop; they did not show the contempt she expected. Regret and resignation replaced derision. She realised that Snape did not intend for her to share this information with anyone, least of all with someone with a connection to Lord Voldemort. Her eyes mirrored his as the reality of his intention became clear.‘You mean to Obliviate me,’ she said.*****In Chapter 2 when Snape "returned" Hermione's memories, he pointed his wand at her and said, ‘'Finite Obliviate!”  I wondered at the time what it meant in the big picture, and now I think I know.  He hadn't completely removed her memories - more like he had Spelled them into a part of her mind that she would not be able to freely access without him ending the Spell.  Brilliant!  I wonder if she had asked him not to completely Obliviate her, just make it so that she could be allowed to remember them one day in the future if he survived and could end the Spell.  That's seems like something he would agree to since he really didn't have any hope of surviving the war, and why not humor the Foolish Girl! since he had already shared his memories with her... And it also gives me greater understanding of the following passage from the second chapter:  Hermione glared back at him. ‘You are not any of those things,’ she said in an attempt to defend his statement.‘But you were not to know that!’ he retorted.She sat rigid in her chair and folded her hands. ‘I didn’t believe you were loyal to Voldemort even then.’Snape snorted. ‘How convenient is the benefit of hindsight.’‘That’s not it. You don’t have to believe me, but it’s true. I knew you hadn’t betrayed us as sure as I knew the Phoenix Tears could be trusted.’ She looked at him imploringly. ‘I’d felt certain of it for some time – something else I kept to myself. I knew that Ron and Harry wouldn’t be quite as willing to believe it. So, you see, sir – that’s why you don’t owe me a life-debt. There isn’t a great deal of written information on life-debt lore, but I did find out one thing: it is only evoked if the person you saved is an enemy.’He sat down again, and this time his expression seemed confused, almost troubled. He seemed unwilling or unable to answer, ignoring Crookshanks as he sidled past Snape’s legs and curled up in front of the fire.I love this story!!!Beth

Ah!  I just found your story and it is excellent.  :) Can't wait for the next chapter!

excellent.  I love reading about Snape's facial expressions and what Hermione sees in his eyes.

This story is so, so good… It's physically painful when I get to the end of the chapter and realize there is, for the time being, no more. You are such a gifted writer, and I'm on the edge of my seat, eagerly and impatiently waiting for more!

Another great chapter! I really appreciate your characterizations of both Snape and Hermione throughout this story.  Specifically, I find it completely plausible that Snape's single-minded devotion to protecting Lily's son would cause him to lead a very strict lifestyle. It's heartbreaking to think he has to bear all of this pressure alone, so I am definitely looking forward to finding out if he does indeed Obliviate Hermione.I also thought you illustrated the emotions in this chapter beautifully.  The dialogue, especially Snape's monologue, was both realistic and powerful.  Once again, great job!

thats alot of stress for him, i wouldnt have minded the last book if he had just one friend.........but he had none.

An indulgence for him is commonplace for most everyone else. I would guess this is what the title is in reference to. ^_^

It makes me feel so badly, that he felt he had to keep so much bottled up inside of him; And think it an indulgence to share everything with her through legillimency. That's awful! But of course, she would think he needs to obliviate her because no one should know his course. That would be knowing too much that could give him away. What a life! However, I have a question for you, dear author. Why such a puritanical/amoralistic/asexual life? How does that balance with the overly dramatic, emotional Severus that Lily knew?

Sniiffle.  Poor Sev. Now my popcorn is damp. 

WOW. Absolutely brilliant. I loved how you described their emotions. Very powerful.

what a strange situation.  :)  can't wait for the next part.  Whatever will Snape do?  

ooh, this should be good!  Excellent so far.

I'm intrigued by this story. I can't wait to learn the contents of the rest of Hermione's forgotten memories.