"I am just like you, you know. A wounded soul who needs to move on, but I don't want to do it alone, alone hurts more."Such a simple statement of such an enormous reality!They watched the sun rise again over the horizon.The very best way to start a new day, or a new life.

A stone lost.The power of a few hasty words. A thoughtless, unintended loss. Severus was shocked at the power his words still had on her.They still do have power. Power to persuade as well as to hurt.

“We didn’t commit a crime for surviving, you know.”Easier to say than to believe. Survivor's guilt can be insidious. Snape may have forgiven himself for Dumbledore's death, but there is so much more guilt ready to crush him under its weight. It seems they have inadvertantly switched places. Who is saving whom now?

“I came close, but Professor McGonagall beat me to it. She’s really scary sometimes.”Ah, then he had at least two strong witches ready to plead his case and defend what was left of his honor. Did he know that already? It seems that it would make quite the difference to Snape to have someone rush to his defense.

“Please, Ms. Granger, may I have a stone? Just a stone.”Who could deny that request from a man who had given so much? Is it curiousity or hope? Does it matter which it is?“Have you forgiven yourself?”Undoubtedly the most difficult question she could have asled.

Quite understandable that his approval would throw her for a loop. They are all so used to their simplistic black & white image of him. He could never approve of anyone; could he? It is appropriate that he should be the one to recognize how much had been asked of them as so much had been asked of him.

“Fine then, a compromise. Just come back one stone. That is all I ask.”I can't think of a better man to talk someone in from a ledge. Such a simple request. Just one stone.

Hermione has lost all those she leaned on for suppport? And even succeeding at her profession only gains her ridicule? No wonder she is out on a ledge.

I liked your story! I usually don't read anything with suicide warnings, but wanted to see what the title meant and got hooked. [Well, I cheated and looked at the end before getting TOO hooked, if you know what I mean.] I thought you captured the feelings of despair and loneliness very well, that feeling that somewhere else -- anywhere else -- is better, when it hurts too much to keep trying. Hope you'll keep writing -- and please make the endings happy for the happy ending junkies like me! Thanks for your work!

I have no fascination for suicide, and find most fiction based on it trite, stupid, or both. But yours is the first to do some justice to the thought. I must say, the last chapter is very lame and weak, considering how strong the first ones were. Put this away, think about it, and then try to write the true ending.

Whew. I was afraid that they'd both decide to jump together. LOL. Thank you.

What a sweet, hopeful ending!

I'm so glad for the happy ending, I was worried at one point they were going to go over together  Nicely done

yeh no one died!

was a sweet ending, v. good

Karlamarie 

Good story, but where is the romance?

um...this isn't done is it?

I'm really enjoying this story.  I like the theme carried throughout of the stones, too.  And I also like how you manage to keep the suspense going.  Just don't let it go on too long! Great job! :)

One step foward, two steps back... and it's not as if Hermione has much room to step back.Don't do it! Have Snape grab her or something, don't kill her.Talk about a cliffhanger.

No dont jump Hermione!

Severus think fast! 

I do hope she comes down.

Fascinating story! I look forward to read more of it.

I really like this story.  It's pain calling to pain I gues.  And these two have it in spades.  I can't wait for the next update!  GG

Very moving story.  Their despair is almost tangible. 

Oh yay!  What a lovely ending.  I like that you left it so that they understood each other.

'May I have a stone?'.  There was so much more asked and implied by it; I think you are doing a wonderful job of this, and although I suspect there won't be much more to come, I will still be looking forward to the next update.