Not only can Severus breathe, so can readers like me!  Whew, the fumes were sooo thick I swear they could be cut with a knife.  One week--surely Severus is up to the challenge?

Update update update update update update......Don't make me wave my torch.~Lotm

God, I seriously love this story! Update immediately!

Nice realism in having Severus fail in his attempts. I can't wait to see how he does during the 1 week that Hermione set, although I can definitely see him needing more time for himself- I guess it all depends on the fic timeline and chapters you plan to do. 

I would think Minerva would have a talk with either Hermione or Severus sometime in this story- I realize that it's a fanfic cliche, but nonetheless...I'm speculating that Minerva has tried to talk to Severus at least once a year since he came back- no?

You rock! Your dialog for both of them seems spot on. I think you have quite a grasp of these characters. Hope springs eternal that not only will he go back to the tower, and face his demons and himself, he will do something in memorial of his true mentor Albus. Maybe I know it sounds corny but a wreath, sort of like (unsinkable)Molly Brown (Titanic survivor) made a wreath for every head stone erected for the victims of that wreck. Your a super writer and I am going to search for more of your stories to tide me over, till next update.

I love how you covered Hermione's view of Snape. It's very thorough and well thought out. It really lays out the depth of her concern and understanding.

Just do it, you coward.Wow...just wow.  What powerful words at that moment.  You know this reminded me of when Severus freaked at the time Harry called him a coward.  I remember thinking 'Methinks thou doth protest too loudy' when I read that passage.  Your turn of phrase there really puts things so much more in perspective.  Severus can hold up under self depreciation but not when someone else is dishing it.Hermione's letter was brilliant, especially the second half.  I like that she called him to the carpet.  Unfortunately I cannot see him reaching out just yet, not until he completely bottoms out, makes a true attempt to give and receive forgiveness (no matter how small the gesture) and stops mollycoddling with his pride.Your story is powerful and well written.  I await a small moment of redemption *hopes* and the next chapter.  Great job!!

Hey, a very promising start to a probably long (I would like that) story.

I liked how his first feeble attempts failed - it makes it feel realistic - how could it be easy to brave his demons after hiding from them for years and years?

And I like Hermione's reaction - making him prove he's capable of changing. It might be hard for him, but I think it might be easier for him at this point than having an open conversation with her, and give her a real apology.

Thank you! 

You know how I feel about this chapter, but I just wanted to say again: Good work. :)

The pace of this chapter is great.  You covered both of their feelings about the night before wonderfully.  I think Sev's first attempt at an apology is very typically "him".  And Hermione's reaction to it was also spot on in my opinion.  I like her request that he treat her as a human before she truly believes his sincerity.  After all that he's done to her it's very reasonable of her to ask that.Just a wonderful read.  Keep it coming!!!!  ^.^

Something tells me the week will be rather interesting...a lot harder than Sev imagines it will be, I'm sure.

I love this chapter. It is very cool how you make Hermione a healing presence in Severus' life even though he has a hatred of sorts for her! Nicely done! can't wait for more!

This is lovely!!! I really like how you wrote Severus's apology, it makes sense that it would be extremely difficult for him to even try to do. And I especially like that Hermione doesn't just accept it and they immediately become friends... she's smart to be cautious but still generous to consider that it's sincere. I'm really looking forward to reading more!

I'm really enjoying the set-up for this story.  You've already built in a very nice bit of tension between the two, and I'm looking forward to seeing where you go with this.

Ha!  Poor Severus.  Did he really think she'd buy that first apology? Glad she put him in his place, and also glad that they're both trying to make amends.  Of course, the one week of politeness will probably kill him...And the part on the Astronomy Tower was excellent.  Wish I'd thought to include something about that in my own fic, but then I'd have to find an excuse for Snape to go to Hogwarts.  Good work!

When I read the first half of the chapter I thought: Wow it will take her a long time (and many chapters) to get them anywhere near friendship or romance (or even just civilized conversation). But then - abra cadabra - you made it possible for them to get confident in no time. Don't make it too easy for him though. He has got a lot of history and she was his student...

Well at least he FINALLY came to his senses...more soon please....

This chapter made me cry.  Looking forward to the next part.

LOL, boy that was a pretty pathetic apology.  And he really only did it to make himself feel better, not really because he thought he'd made her feel bad.

But he's at least taking the first step.

Thanks for updating so quickly.  

Their reactions were very believable, from the beginning to the end.

Looking forward to the next chapter!

love it!!!!please update soon!!!!

What a great beginning.  I can't wait for more!!! 

I liked it! Great plot, I look forward to read more of this story, I liked how Hermione finally told him off, it was a long time comming. Don't you make her forgive and forget to soon:-)

Very dramatic - I look forward to reading more!