At first I couldn't figure out why Severus would return to his old neighborhood at Spinner's End, but after he had visited the playground where he had first met Lily I realized he was saying goodbye to his old life.  His realization that he and Lily would never have worked seemed to make him sad, but at the same time it helped him to see his way clear to start a part of his life over–sort of like finishing one book and starting a different one.I was happy that Hope had come to meet him when he returned to the village, and it meant a lot to him to see her there.  When she was telling him the story about the swans losing all their babies until they learned, year by year, how to protect them I couldn't help but think about Hope and how she lost her baby... well, their baby, but Severus doesn't even remember that... but I hope one day he will.  I'm happy, too, that Hope prepared a room for him with his own key. I just hope both of them can continue to take care of themselves and each other with all the trouble that's on the horizon.Thanks for this wonderful chapter!  Beth

*headdesk*  It never occurred to me that it might have been Dumbledore who had knocked on Hope's door.  You're a very clever writer, m'dear.  Yes, very clever indeed.In the overall scheme of things I think it was good that he did take the opportunity to talk with her because she needed to know what had really happened the night that Elizabeth was killed.  Perhaps it will help her to come to terms with her nightmares.  Now Severus' plate is filled to the brim with people to be protected.  When I said in my last review that having the candle painting would probably bring Snape many a sleepless night, I had no idea just how complicated things would become.Thanks for this great chapter!  It answered a few questions for me... and brought up many more... which is your usual style. Beth

Your writing is like a fine piece of dark chocolate.  A tasty treat that lingers with sweet bitterness.You do such a wonderful Snape.  I don't recall if I have read 'His First' but it appears to be time for a read or reread.

What a burden for such a young girl. She knows exactly who the father was.Can't the old meddler leave anyone alone? No, it wound be very uncharacteristic if he ever did.You certainly have me hooked!

Damn, you're good... I can't even put into words the awe I feel right now. But, next time, I'll make sure to just think "wtf" instead of saying it out loud whenever Dumbledore walks into the picture. Just to save me from the quizzical looks. :D

‘Is there still something left in the Bunnahabhain bottle?’ the woman asked after a couple of moments.Snape nodded.‘A glass or two, I assume.’‘Why don’t you come back and empty it one day? I’m sure Edmunds would be glad to see you again.’I am so glad Hope decided to wait to see Severus before he left the village.  There will be some awkward moments between them during future visits makes to the pub, but as hard as they will be, I hope there is some hope for them to know happiness with each other, as well.Thank you for this lovely chapter, morgaine.  I am eager to see what you have in store for Severus and Hope next.Beth

‘Her name is Hope.’  What are the chances that this young woman is not Nadezhda McKibben?  I'm so happy I read His First before starting this sequel!!!  I wonder what Hope whispered to her "father" before she realized that Severus was watching them?  Thank you for the stories you write.  They're wonderfully written and brimming with intrigue and emotion.  I love them!!!Beth

Thanks for updating. I really hope she is not going to do anything stupid.. you warned us for suicide attempts and I wish it will not be her.. She has lost already so much, I want her to be safe and sane, no I want both of them to be safe and sane.

Thank you for the early holiday gift!  I loved His First and was hoping for a sequel. I like that you didn't drag out Nadezhda revealing herself to Snape. Looking forward to more. 

I am so glad you decided to start this sequel. I did reread His first so I am quite intrigued how Nadezhda, after her so carefully planned and prepared exit from the wizarding world, managed to end up in a muggle town without her memory. And what happened with her child?One thing is for sure, Snape is in for a bumpy ride. I really hope you'll be able to update soon..

So glad those two damaged people are still able to find some solace with each other

Hope..... it's a good name. I like the tone you set already. It really grabs the reader's attention. 

At one point in my review for the previous chapter I posed a few questions... two of which were:  "Is their son still alive? If so, where is he?"Well, now I know the answers, and while I'm sad that their son did die, at least Severus knows that they had a son and that he was named for him.  "They walked back to the village in silence, much in the same way as they had left it. There wasn’t much to say, really, as there was no point in discussing all the what-ifs and should-haves. Bygones were bygones, and what had happened could neither be altered nor undone. There was no point in dwelling upon the past."  I hope one day they will have a chance to remember their son together, and that perhaps Severus will want to ask Hope to allow him to see her memories of the boy. Am I being morbid? I don't think so. At least I hope not, I just think it would be natural to want to know a bit more about one's child than just that he was born and then he died... but now is not the time. Evil is upon the land, and both Severus and Hope must be focused on what is to come.Thanks for another GREAT chapter!!!  As always I am perched on the edge of my seat looking forward to the next update.Beth

what an amazing chapter. that Severus is the father of her son - their son. That she'd carried all this with her and that she forgave him for his using her - well, she thinks she used him, too I suppose. The depth of connectin between these two is monumental. I am so rooting for them to finally really be together in the end, parying that is what you've planned and that he can find a life a peace with Hope.This is an amazing story and I'm so wrapped up in every chapter. I love Hope and you've created a fantastic OC in her. I was heart broken when she'd told Severus about losing her baby - and now that loss is so much more acute - she lost apart of Severus! I'm spinning.I'm very much loking forward to your next chapter. Marviouls work your doing.

Oh Bella is a nasty piece of work. I loved how you wrote out Severus' thoughts regarding Lucius, and I can see him in just the same light. I truly feel for Narcissa and was rather surprised that she said such things in front of her sister. Hope is a darling woman, and I'm so glad that Severus had that time in the pub to relax and regroup. But how is he going to get 'word on Potter' if he's out of the loop, so to speak - IF that IS what the Dark Lord wanted... Bella could be lying? Love the story and do look forward to your updates.

This for me is my favourite chapter so far for many reasons.

I only realised as I re read this chapter of the contrast between the murder of Dumbledore and that of Lily Potter that left me a little shocked. I had not noticed while reading it before.
Snapes visit to his home town to relive happy and sad memories was most enjoyable . I loved the scene in the swing park. Especially the broom comment lol.

I did feel that Snape playing with the twigs from the bush while he remembered in a way getting rid of his past dreams as he discovered that they could never have come true and the crushing of the twigs under his boot and them blowing away in the wind was him letting his past dreams go forever.

The swans story is lovely and loved how Hope gave Severus a room key so he could have the freedom to come and go as he pleased.

Just a very happy chapter for me and sure it was for Severus too as he let go of his childhood dreams.

Thanks again for writing such a wonderful chapter.

I enjoyed the contrast between how Narcissa cared for Snape and how Hope cared for him and his reactions.

I am sure he felt safer with Hope while he was just enduring the pain at the Manor.

At least Draco is still alive and in a way safe if he is kept with his Mom prisoned in the Manor.

Hope is a bright woman and seeing Severus injured along with Dumbledore's death sure she will have questions even if some are not answered. Yet.

Another fine chapter and off to read and review the next one.

I do so enjoy the interaction between Severus and Edmunds . It often is lighthearted in a way but also gives us more information about how this man took in Hope and loves her like a daughter.

Poor Severus what a horrid week or month . No wonder he wanted a drink and glad Hope fed him too.

I suppose that by Hope knowing the real truth of how she came to be in the care of Edmunds and how his wife died does help and should help stop some of her nightmares.

Catching up by reviewing here.

Dumbledore and his constant meddling but I suppose in this case he did some good by ensuring Hope was cared for after the loss of her child.

I am so happy Severus has the painting with the candle. You know why lol.

Super chapter. Thanks.d.

It must have been hard for Hope to cope without magic with her young child then to lose him in such a harsh way and her all alone.

Typical of Dumbledore to turn up and interrupt the pair. Interfering old bugger.

Hope did a lot of preparation to leave the magical world. I am glad she had her friend Charles to show her the Muggle way of things.

Severus not being able to sleep while thinking of his past student reveals much more of his character and that he does care after all.

Loved the interaction at the pub.

Hope by allowing him to stay and by revealing her secrets to him shows us how much she trusts him.

You know how much your OC has grown on me. Thanks for writing.

I don't know what Hope will say when she does find out that Severus was the one who killed Dumbledore, but I hope she will understand that it was on Albus' orders that he had to.  All I can think about is what will happen to their relationship when she does find out.Now that we know Dumbledore’s candle went out, I guess Severus will no longer have a way to watch over her when he has to leave the village.  This complicates everything, doesn't it?I can't wait to see what happens next!!!Beth

I really do enjoy the interaction between Snape and Edmunds in this chapter. It is like to men sharing thoughts and things over a drink as if they had been friends for a long time. But we know different.

Hope seems to be very nervous around Severus. The Dark Lord is on the rise and she seems to be worried he may be on the hunt for her. Will she trust him and he her?

Loved this chapter. Thanks

Sending this review to let you know how much I like this little muggle village where no magic is allowed to be conducted. Severus is in a mood that even good Scotch will not shift. Poor man.

Lets hope things improve for him.

The candle and the painting of the candle was a brilliant idea!  With this unassuming bit of magic Dumbledore was able to know what was going on in Hope's life and to keep her safe.  But after his talk with Hope and Severus in the pub, I think he rightly decided that the time had come to pass the candle to someone else–someone that Hope trusted and with whom she already felt comfortable.  Severus was the obvious choice, so I was thrilled when he understood Dumbledore's intentions when he left him in his study.  Taking the painting of the candle will give him a measure of peace because he will know how she is doing, but I think it will also bring him many a sleepless night.I sat up straight when Severus put the painting on the mantle and realized that the candle had been put out.  "He could not know, of course, that there had been a knock on her door."  Who on earth could be knocking on Hope's door at this time of the night? Please let it be Edmunds and not one of the Dark Lord's minions. Or one of the Aurors who guards the village.I am going to be crazy until I find out what is about to happen... just so you know.Thanks for another intriguing chapter.  I'm sorry it took me so long to post my review.  I had quickly read it earlier, but I wanted to wait until I could give it a proper read, and RL with too much work and icy weather has kept me busy. It's a great joy to be able to have the time to enjoy such a well crafted tale.Beth