I can't believe Severus would do something like that to Hermione. Perhaps it was because he's so afraid of losing her. But I have the feeling he's not going to be able to control the Dark magic in the rings, like he seems to think he can. I just hope he doesn't ruin things between them.

Your chapters are just rich with goodies. I loved Severus' reaction when he realized Hermione was responsible for smurf!Draco. The description of the way he compartmentalizes his mind is brilliant. The sexy games they play are an exciting—and not to mention, unique—way to develop their sexual relationship. I was wondering if the story would divert from canon, and Snape would find an antidote for Dumbledore using Hermione's book. And since, he died all the same, it seems like they did not have that planned? At least not while they were hoping Severus would be able to cure him? But, it seems like at some point they must have planned it because Severus warns Hermione about it. I also loved that part. At least she should be aware that there is more to it than what it appears to be. Great chapter!

1. Even more intruiging. Hermione's very couth plan for revenge is perfect, and I can't wait to see how it plays out. I enjoy the bits of humor that color this story and the insights into the different characters (like Dumbledore) and how they relate to each other (Harry's and Ron's reactions after Hermione was attacked).

I am liking your story. We see them married, but Hermione seems to be feeling like she's in some kind of rut and needs *something.* I like how you take us back to see how their relationship was built. Very interesting so far =)

Ooh, I knew snape was up to something sneaky. Can't wait to read more, I am loving it so far ^_^

Now it's beginning to make sense--how horrid!

That was intense.  Now so much of it makes sense.I look forward to seeing where the story goes now.

Just happened across this story and I'm so glad I did - it;s brilliant!

oMG I NOW get why he was saying about his mom and the rings..my god its all clear and i can say what a bastard he is. Its been a while since I read this story so I could be way off. Does Hermione even  know or will ever find  about this?

What he is doing is so wrong..I mean wow. 

I had and still have a bad feeling about that ring.  Definately a interesting twist!

Intriguing chapter, I'm quite interested in what happens next.

I am so happy you updated!! I love the whole concept of the women and I hope hermione finds herself again (and that snape gets a good look at himself too). I cannot wait to see where your story goes next!

I think when Hermione realizes Severus has been controlling her, she just might leave for a while. Unless he can find a way to remove the rings. He doesn't realize what he's doing to Hermione, at least not completely. I can't wait to find out what happens. Right now, I hope Hermione does leave Severus, if only to teach him a lesson. After all, how is she to know out of the 10 years they've been married that he hasn't done anything else. She doesn't know he's been erasing her memories.

Interesting chapter, it has the slightly bitter flavor of something bad is going to happen.  I enjoyed the 'Circle' and more importantly the conversation afterwords.

I am SO glad this is back!  I had been fearful it had been abandoned--and in a very angsty place to weigh upon my mind, at that.  I'm grateful for the glimpses of hope this chapter gives for a better future for Hermione--at least we do have "50-50"--and a couple more clues pointing to the 'plus' side.  As for Severus, it sounds like his true heart is still in there, somewhere--here's hoping he can abandon the fear upon which that Dark Object (the ring) is feeding and free himself (and Hermione) from its power.  Otherwise, the future is very bleak, for both of them.  Hoping for the best---and for a quick next update!

First off, I re-read this fic as apparently I even missed a few chapters and had to put the pieces back toghether.  It is so telling with the rings when he will consider, "I've only had to do it _____, oh, and when ____."----you get the picture its more than once or twice.  Interesting questioning his own true desires.  I'm curious as to how the thing with the circle will play out.  Can you tell me if her compulsion to leave the building was being free of "his" ring or "simply" the calling to the Circle--and convienient that his ring was off to not realize she was in the process of crashing.  Impressed he didn't berate her like he could have but gave into giving the order--loved her thought repsonse of the old Hermione.  Oh, and I just cringe everytime I read the house-elf comments--wonderfully done.

This is an amazing story so far.  I hope you're planning to continue it.  I'm looking forward to seeing what roles Molly Weasley and Minerva will have in your story.  More soon, please.

Thanks for the update.  Your story is very interesting and I look forward to reading more in the future.

Very happy to see an update!  And still hoping for that happy ending .... Thanks for your work!

I really like this story and the only thing I wish you'd improve is the speed of the updates!!!!

Awww... poor severus...oh i do hope hermione can brighten him up. my heart goes out to him, its really does.

Niiiiice.  This is going to be interesting.

Oh!  I like this story, but Snape is just so terrible.  His love with Hermione was nice in the beginning, but I like that you put their future marriage before scenes of their Hogwarts and post-war romance.  Therefore, I felt uneasy about their romance from the start.  I hope that Snape gets everything that is coming to him.  And I hope that Hermione is okay.I am terribly curious about Crookshanks.  I couldn't help but notice his absence and now that you've addressed it in this chapter perhaps he's on the horizon?I am worried about the kids though.  Albus and Katy are so great.  And they seem to know that something is wrong.  I hope that they are okay.I really like this story.  It won't say that it's "great" - which is what I usually say about stories - because it makes me so uncomfortable.  These are two characters that I really like - Severus at the start was emotionally vulnerable, etc. but a good guy and Hermione was wonderful as well and now it has just all gone to pot and it's just terrible. But I'm really enjoying the story.

You know, when I first read the story in a fit of boredom, I didn't expect to find the jewel that you wrote. I have to say, your story is excellent. The characterizations are dead on, the plot very easy to believe. The complications of the final battle were perfect- I doubt that Rowling could have done better (although we'll see soon, won't we...) I hope you continue to update. Simply excellent. A new favorite.

That is a very poingnant view of the final battle.  The change of the interaction between Harry and Snape along with Draco's deception was beautifully written.  A fantastic approach to the multi-pronged approach to the stratagems employed by the Order along with the Aurors.  The relationship between Moody and Severus was a surprise I must say.  The last paragraph of this chapter is tenderly written and I love the quote "Hermione remembered reading somewhere a long time ago that friendship was love without its wings."  How beautiful is that statement?  I remember an old maiden aunt telling me when I had my first born....'All you need to give a child is roots to grow and wings to fly'  Your passage just reminded me of that.  I humbly await your further offerings of yummyness!Blessings