I am mad with longing to read more.  Please, madam, another chapter if you will!!  Okay, I know patience is a virtue.  I've never claimed to be virtuous.The evil part of me doesn't want Albus to live after all Severus had to go through (I'm quite spiteful).  I am happy though that everyone saw Severus reanimate Albus.  Poor Hermione, wanting confirmation for all her theories, yet also wanting to comfort both Severus and herself.Looking forward to the continuation of this terrific story.Happy New Year Pooka!!

ack where did sev go?  where did the crazy whore go? if you havn't figured it out I need an update.

Thanx and merry xmas or happy hollidays

I love your story so much. The plot is very involving and the characters' reactions are very believable. I simply cannot wait for your next update.

[Sobs.]  I miss Nut-case Severus! 

Dear Red-Headed Whore AKA Ron Weasley,  Just because you are a lunkheaded imbecile doesn't mean the rest of the world is.  Of course your eldest brother, who, might I remind you unkindly, was HEAD BOY, is clever.  YOU are not Head Boy because you are a blithering dunderhead and can't think as far AS the end of your nose, much less an inch past it.  Merlin only knows how you manage to play chess without embarrassing your entire bloodline.  No love, CM Winters

On another note - what about the Dementors?   Why couldn't they have the Dementor suck out the soul-bit (other than the obvious answer which is they don't happen to have one at their immediate command and disposal . .. )

 Goblin magic - oi!  >_<

 EEEEK!  Where's Severus!?   :'(

A very good question indeed, and of course you are quite well aware that some of the fandom has been going "OMGWTFBBQ since July 16th 2005 . . . .

Oh dear gods.  He called her "whore" in the letter to the GOBLINS?!!?

*dies*

I can't believe she let that slide.   Seriously.

"Slut?" he asked pleasantly.  *OMG* *DIE* hahahaha

That was funny.  :P 

. . . .

He *can't* call people by their names?  What's up with THAT?? 

Hm.  I wonder where you're going with this.  We don't know the *exact* wording of Draco's task.  And all we know is that Snape agreed to *complete* 'the task' if Draco were unable to do so.

But unless the Dark Lord said in so many words "Kill Dumbledore" . . . then, well.

 I mean, he could easily have said "get that Muggle loving <strike>whore</strike> fool out of my way permanently", and then Snape could have just "disposed" of him without killing him.

 (Even though we know he did, but anyway . . .) 

*tsk tsk tsk*

Hermione, that silly little whore, needs to learn to get in touch with her inner Slytherin.

Although I certainly didn't 'hear' the conversation, I have the distcint feeling that our Severus told her to BUY him the ingredients.

Who said anything about *giving* them to him? *smirk*

Ok, now I have to ask.  First off, what *IS* with Snape's madness - how did he go mad to begin with, and how is the Dark Lord still able to trust him enough to not kill him outright?  He was perfectly lucid in Hermione's house - he doesn't seem so now.

 Second - I hate Ron.  He's such an immature prat.   And your writing has nothing to do with it.

 Canon nitpick the first:  The ring wasn't ever Slytherin's.  It was the Peverell ring, and the Peverells seem to simply be another pureblooded family that happened to marry into the Gaunt line.  The LOCKET was Slytherin's.

 Canon nitpick the second:  The Black family that lived at Grimmauld Place was comprised of exactly *one* Death Eater and the rest (save Sirius) were Dark Lord supporters.  Bella and her family didn't live there, as evidenced by Sirius saying he hadn't seen Bellatrix since he was fifteen, and he didn't move in with the Potters until he was 16.  Chances are good, given that Bellatrix was ~7 years older than Sirius, that the last time he saw her was at her wedding, which he was likely forced to go to by his parents.

 Yes, I need help.  *cough*

  ;)

Ok.  I must ask this.  What's with the random whoreage?  "Whore" does not seem to be a word Snape would generally use - much less repeatedly in a single sentence for no apparent reason. 

Is this just a feature of his madness? 

Yes indeedy, and I have wondered those same things myself.  SO glad I'm going to get to see that scene! 

Is that Patronus a Chimera?  Some kind of shapeshifter - someone (in the Order) would have to known what it was.

Wonderful chapter. In truth I suspect something very similar in cannon. You have proposed this so well.

I was so tense while reading this.  I'm very grateful that Albus set up a ward.  The evil side of me is saying "Why should Albus live after all he has put Severus through?"  All the while my nicer side would like to see them all happy with Albus alive.  However, one should never meddle with the soul...looking forward to what actually happens.

Eeeevil cliffy! Eeevil!Fortunately, I actually love this sort of thing. Mmm...Ok, now put up the next chapter and back away slowly--

Looks like the readers are settling in to wait with Hermione.

Do you think Albus will be found alive in book 7? I am much enjoying the calm quiet of your mature Harry. Its such a nice change. Also I am so very worried about Severus in his job of bringing Albus back. Seems like there is much advanced magic to do and only once chance. Couldn’t he let Hermione slip through the ward and help him out?? Happy Thanksgiving to you!

*snip*“I can see it now,” Ron added, as he began to mimic introductions. “Bill! Good to see you! You remember traitor Severus and Death Eater spawn Draco, don’t you? Oh, I see you’ve brought the Aurors! How thoughtful of you!”*end snip*I LOVE IT!!!  You are truly brilliant!!!

Do you EVER let up with the EVIL Cliffies???? OMG, another wonderful chapter, and, like Hermione, I'm going to settle in to wait for the next chapter!!!!!!!!!

Another enjoyable chapter. This plot twist is unexpected, and if anything I thought Snape would be cured of his madness first.

Also, I have got to say I really find your characterization of Draco, Harry, and Ron refreshing. It's nice to see them act grown up.

I can't wait to see the next chapter. :-)

You're breaking my heart, Pooka! Trying to reduce the readership to tears? 

Bloody hell. This chapter has me in tears Pooka. It was truly wonderful. The pain that Severus must be going through... Albus being such a manipulative prat. I particularly like the way the trio and Draco and Remus have banded together (and now Bill) to protect Severus. It's great to see the trio - Harry and Ron especially - being portrayed as grown-ups and strong wizards in their own right. Please update when you can, I really can't wait to see Minerva eat her words.

OMG!!!! OMG!! I'm not sure there is anything left to say!!! You have left me speechless and breathless.  Albus planned this whole thing! Did he drive Severus into his current mental state?  Ahh, so much suffering! This little plot twist is simply amazing! You do know how to keep your readers on the edge of their seats!! I can't wait to see what happens in the next chapter.