Both Severus and Hermione have the courage of their convictions, but while Severus knows what is most important to Hermione, Hermione clearly doesn't know where Severus' true allegiance lies.I can't wait to see how this scene plays out!Beth

Courageous Hermione! You present a very much in-character Snape, snarky, unpredictable, enjoying his advantages but not ruthlessly so.  We have a huge advantage over Hermione here, knowing what a wonderful and good man Snape is Hey, she might keep the scraps of his skin under her fingernails for a batch of Polyjuice?

You are doing a great job with building the suspense! Although we know what ultimately happens years later, I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happens in between.  I'm especially curious to see whether Snape will revel himself to be on her side.  I also really appreciate that you've characterized Hermione as completely ignorant of his true allegiance, which I think adds to the suspense for the readers. As always, I eagerly await the next chapter!

He let her hurl all those insults at him? Apparently he felt that he very much deserved them. But why is Severus being so nice to Hermione? Healing her wounds and starting the fire? Could it be that he feels she might be the ally that he so desperately needs?

I never want your chapters to end! They are so beautifully written and so engrossing that I feel an almost physical pain when the end of the chapter is read, and the connection abruptly severed. Please, please update soon!

I love the dynamic you have going here. ~scampers for more popcorn~

Oh, man.  I wasn't paying attention, and suddenly I was at the end of the chapter.  Wah!  I need more!You almost feel bad for Snape, because Hermione is being a little spitfire, and we can assume that he is ultimately  a good guy in this one.  I will be interested to see if he reveals himself to her, or if he tries to get the info out of her while still convincing her he is on Voldemort's side.Great chapter!

This is a beautifully written story. I love your descriptive narrative aswell as the dialogue, both of which flow beautifully and both of which are needed.  Without strong narrative, stories often falter and with too much dialogue they can become heavy-going and bogged down. In my opinion you have got just the right balance. It is a pleasure to read such lovely writing.  This is also a unique, intelligent and intriguing story. I can't wait to see where it goes now.

Very good story so far, but the extraneous narrative is off-putting.  I skimmed most of the extra narrative giving precise details and yet I still understand the story because the dialogue gives me what I need.  If you were to curtail the cumbersome narrative, the story would be much stronger.

Great :) Now please update soon ok? Once again, a great piece of writing! Can't wait for more :)

Oh wow!  Can't wait to read more.

This has quickly become a favourite. The characters are so  deliciously written - realistic, strong, beautiful, maintaining a delicate balance between emotion and self-control. Wonderful Snape - one of the best ever. I love his "fearsome pragmatism", as you so wonderfully called it. His dry, acerbic, sometimes ungraceful wit is perfectly captured, and his presence in any given scene is utterly dominating and absorbing. I love H's insecurity and vulnerability next to him - that's very well-detailed too; I especially loved this:"...the wizard who gambled his life and freedom for a just and worthy cause. Hermione slipped into her comfortable work shoes and knew that she could never be his equal, let alone his superior." I loved how her fear of him seems to stem at least in part from the respect for his stoicism, sacrifice, and self-control. I think that's a beautiful nuance.Given the strength of your highly intriguing characters, I can't wait to find out how it all develops!

Ohhh!  Naughty author!  Leaving us there dangling on that nasty cliffie!  Excellent chapter!  :D

An intriguing start.  These first two chapters have definitely got me hooked.  I like the fun twist of Severus knowing everything and making Hermione figure it out.  I'm looking forward to the next chapter.  Thank you. 

What a cliffhanger! Just as two mysteries are solved, another is thrown our way.  I look forward to the next chapter and the possible revelations it may contain!

she thought more of him than the boy blunder,she woke up after a night of wild sex!!!  and how dare you do a cliffie!!!<<<gonna hex you!!! lol

Ok, you have me. I am thoroughly "in", and MUST have the rest of the story.  I do hope you update quickly, because I am not the most patient of persons (smile).  Thank you for an intriguing new take on SS / HG and Snape's survival!  I look forward to seeing her memories!

She leaned her head back onto the rest of the chair and allowed her returned memories to take her back to August 1997.OMG!  Do you know what this means?  (Of course, you do!)  August, 1997 was only nine months or so before Severus was attacked by Nagini... May 1st, 1997.  Bloody hell, you are clever.Snape had given her the vial of Phoenix Tears, and presumably told her "Keep Phineas Black's portrait close."  He probably suggested that she write herself a note so she would remember that.  I suspect that he was probably in her room in Grimmauld Place the night before she woke up looking 'like Hagrid on a bad day.’ What happened between the two of them that night?  Is Severus really sincere in his declaration that he had expected more of her than that she would have saved his life with the Phoenix Tears?  Or could he be protecting his heart?  Why did he wait six years to contact Hermione?  And just how much does Crookshanks know about all that happened?I can't wait to see what you have in store for Hermione and Severus.  Thank you for another great chapter!Beth 

A great beginning.  Hope for a speedy up date

Fascinating start!

But but FOUL MEAN BEASTLY AUTHOR leaving us hanging like that.  Now update soon please or no cookies for you.  Great chapter (except for the cliffie).  Looking forward to more. 

Awww, man!  I NEED to see those memories.  This was a wonderful chapter.  I can't wait to see this story develop!!

I have the feeling that Severus erased Hermiones' memories of an important event. A relationship between them perhaps? Hence, why else would she have woken in Regulus's bedroom without remembering how she got there. And how the vial was on her bedside table if Severus put it there. He had to have been in her room to do that.

Quel suspens ! Bravo pour votre caractérisation des deux héros.

Oho, clever twist. She didn't ask him about the note in her own handwriting.  Am now dying to know what she's going to remember.