Such a beautifully written and gorgeous story, as bitterly poignant the second time around. I love canon-compliant stories as long as not E-compliant, and don't even mind so much that there is no 'happy-end' for HGSS, as long as it is not E-c. Still, this story is a classic of full-canon-compliance and for that, thank you.

I remember reading your story on Ashwinder a few years ago and liking it a lot.  I'm so glad I found it again, despite the many tears I shed.  It's a very plausible way that Severus and Hermione can have a relationship within the boundaries of canon, and lest people forget, a ss/hg story doesn't always have to guarantee a perfectly happy ending. The little section with Rose at the end added a very sweet touch.   

Wow.  This is a brilliant insight into Ron Weasley and the relationship between them.  What a breath of fresh air.  Thanks and well done!

I remember when you were first posting this story, how much I loved it then, and I still love it. I have to hand it to your ability to keep this canon compliant, and also achieve your goal of turning a trope on its ear. Sentimentally, I want the story to end differently, but the angst of the ending is so perfect - and holy cow, talk about dragging out every angsty drop! We know the affair is doomed really before it begins, from your AN about the fic being canon-compliant, yet we still hope beyond hope, right up to the bitter end, that Severus could somehow be happy. Ach, my dear, this is a beautiful fic, and reads just as well several years after the writing. Thanks for sharing such a marvelous story. <3

I have read this story twice so far. And it's so heartbreaking and so perfect at the same time. No matter how much I feel I would have preffered a "happy ending", I think this ending is much more canon-compliant... Gotta get my tissue box now. lol. This isn't the last time I've read it btw.. Good work 

Okay, I am here finally.  RL coupled with the SS/HG exchange deadline has eaten up all of my time.I have to say that for me, the ending of a story is everything.  I've rarely read a story that didn't capture my interest right from the start.  Then, some stories fall apart quicky, and some are great all of the way through, but at the end it feels like the author got bored or lazy, and just finished it to finish it.  Then there are those that finish just as strongly as they started.  Those are the ones that I love, that stay with me long after I've finished reading them.  This most definitely falls into that last category.  There was not a single detail out of place, or only half thought out.I have to ask about the scene with Ron at the door, asking her out to eat.  Has that been part of the story all along, or was it an add in when everyone kept insisting that there would be a twisty ending where Snape lives?  It made me laugh as I read it.The end, the conversation with Rose was perfect.  I won't even go into specific details because I don't think I could eloquently put into words why I found it to be perfect.  I don't know what else to say, so I will just stop talking.  Beautifully done, my dear.  I hope you are in the works for the next big thing.  Come on, you know you want to make people mad again, right, LOL?

Aww what a great ending! Though the 'One Week Later' scene was just cruel haha

Really  beautiful. Bittersweet sweet. One tissue warning was not enough, you had me a blubbering mess for the last three. Although you warned it was canon compliant I was hoping tht there would be a turn in the story somewhere. Alas no, it was true to the end.   You are right of course as to why we all love this body of work, but I havestill not come to terms with Snape's death. Such a tragic anti-hero if ever there was. For me I am glad to be able to read fan fiction so my poor Severus has a life instead of dying on that dusty floor alone.  I really loved this story you are so very talented. I am off to read something fluffy and happy, but this story will stick with me for alongtime. It will be favorited and I will revisit this tale again! Hugs~dee

Excellent ending. I loved the way he reflected on his life and how he couldn't have ever fathered a girl like Rose. I *loved* that Ron was the one to actually say the phrase about everything staying the same. Ron serving dinner so he could think and process was priceless. I think that by now you know how I feel about canon compliance. ;) 

this is one of the stories one remember

I'm sorry I have not left one review for this entire story but I just got finished reading it from the begining to the end and it was amazing.  I"m just really at a loss for words right now.  I'm a bit overwhelmed.  (sigh)

Brilliant. Sad, but well written, creative, and very belivable. Great job.

He misses her every single day...sob...I think my heart is broken.  I loved the end I was disappointed that it was sticking to canon but you changed my mind it was beautifully done. 

Lovely end to a brilliant story. I loved how his "absolutely" paralleled the "always" he told Albus for Lily for me.  Thanks for writing.  I think I shall have to let it settle and then reread it all in one go soon.

lovely

Beautiful--just beautiful--love it that Rose is a Ravenclaw!!! So bittersweet-- however, the thought of portrait Severus *living on* and seeing/interacting with the next generations of those coming to Hogwarts, of Hermione's children, and perhaps further descendants, brings a smile to my face and a feeling of peace in my heart. Again, thank you for this lovely original gift to us all! *fangirl squeeing and mushy, gushy hugs*

Brought tears to my eyes, very powerful writing. I appreciate the way in which the original story is maintained while adding something new and innovative (and bittersweet). The exchange with Rose was lovely; I can only imagine what that message will mean for Hermione. I, too, am glad that everyone has found happiness, as much as they can! Still, very sad. Thank you for this story.

Beautifrul...  I love it!!

Well, I've been with you since the beginning and I'm here at the end. This story made more of an impact on me than most -- I've saluted it, I've disagreed with it, I've engaged with it in a way that I do with few others.  I'd love to argue more about Snape's peculiarly passive acceptance of the 'right' thing to do, as the only mechanism for 'saving' H, but I'll leave it at that (unless you fancy an argument!). I loved this story, Stopper.  Thanks for writing it. 

Very lovely indeed.  You haven't revived him, but I have great hopes that Hermione and Severus will meet again, either in his portrait form (and you have said there's more of him in his portrait than in most) or beyond the veil.  And the ending of their previous conversation, with his explanation of what he means by "Ron," shows that he has in fact taken positive steps to make the woman he loves happy, and, by the end of your story, he knows it.  In a way, who could ask for more?  You were a tiny bit cruel and taunting with the pale and nervous Ron on the doorstop, though. And all those clues to nothing.  But I loved the story, and I do look forward to your epilogue, even though you have finally destroyed my hopes of your reviving Severus.  How could I now hope for Hermione to lose her husband and the father of lovely little Rose?  And you don't seem the deus-ex-machina car-crash-on-the-way-home-from-King's-Cross type.  Thanks for a lovely story!

 I wish there was some other way besides this silly emoticon and my feeble words to express my appreciation to you for sharing your talent and wisdom.  Thanks.

OK....home now and back to bloody freezing Lancashire and I've accepted that SS is no more...he is deceased...pushing up the daisies. He is an ex- potions master/head master. He has ceased to be....but doll honestly.....a City supporter? This I cannot forgive.LOL. That said this has been one of the most well written...original fanfics I've read in a long time and for that I thank you. Mind you I know they only had one shag but did they use any protection? What I mean is do Herms and Ron produce a dark haired dark eyed baby who 20 years on is Hogwarts youngest potions master/mistress or as usual am I way off the mark? Call it too much sun. Best wishes, Love a sun deprived Ali xxxxx.

 excelent!!! I can't wait for the next chapter!!!

Thank you for the update.  I've loved following this story and can't wait to read your ending.