The line "I almost pity Peter" was interesting -- I can't help but notice that he refers to him in that moment as Peter and not as Wormtail as he typically does.  I gather that he can't really pity Peter because he dislikes him so much -- but that the pity he is almost able to feel comes from the fact that Peter allowed himself to be duped by Hermione into setting her free and that Voldemort will almost certainly kill him for it.  Personally, I can't feel much sympathy for Peter -- being duped by Hermione seems rather like cosmic payback for the way in which he duped  James, Lily, and Sirius all those years ago into making him the Secret-Keeper.  The one question that lurks in my mind is...who was Hermione thinking about when she uttered the password "traitor" (very clever, by the way) -- Severus, Peter, or...herself?

Now that was unexpected! Wow, I thought Snape would suddenly develop a heart, and it was Wormtail.  It's the Griffindor I tell you!!!

I had completely forgotten about the no questions rule. I had to go back and read the previous chapter, and it is so obvious now... [duh!] I'm sure Hermione thought the same thing. He totally distracted her and hesitated each time she asked a question.

Well, I still have no sympathy for the rat.? I still want him dead, Snape free, and Hermione with at least some understanding that Snape cared on some level.? Guess I'm the meanie of the group here.? ;)? Thanks for your work!

Well I hope she really escaped, I don't really feel any pity for wormtail, although you do portray him in a new light. I just can't get past how disgusting he is.

ONLY ONE? No! Please more, yes, more!

I have to say I have read this story from the start. I hope you let peter live or something I almost feel sorry for the nut. Good story thought.

It seems he caused her pain so she could use it to manipulate Peter.  Afterall, from the very first Snape detected her plan to use Peter.  He allowed her to escape without actually helping.  Well, that is my theory.

Ahhghgh! Only ONE chapter left?!? Noooooo. But this was good. Back to our naughty, awful, mean Snape. The man I love. And now I feel sorry for Wormtail. I can see nobility in him. Hmmm, very complex indeed. But I'm betting Snape had this all planned because he doesn't sound surprised that she is gone.

Finally!

Very powerful, slightly touching but mostly disturbing and sad. Snape makes her reaffirm that he is in control, that his word is law and it almost feels like it?s for his insecurities, not to prey on hers. Snape?s vulnerability is unsettling while he admits the type of power she holds over him.

This chapter also highlights to me how much Hermione has changed since being kidnapped. She shows that she is a woman with thoughts, wants and needs while at the same time not revealing how much she is still just a girl that wants to go home. Almost makes you want to cry.

Snape?s last thought makes me very frightened for Hermione for some reason. He realizes he lost control. What now? I?ve given up trying to predict what will happen in this story, and that is one of the reasons why this is one of the best stories I?ve read.

Sooo good and much needed. Wormtail was getting on my nerves. Their talking was really sweet, too. You said there wouldn't be any romance! (Not that I'm disappointed.) Very good chapter!

OMG yes! Finally!!! You have just made my day. Brillent chapter :)

Good chapter!  I have to admit that I have found her 'relationship' with Peter somewhat disturbing, though well written.  I think I, like Hermoine, refused to see him as anything but annoying side character who wasn't really human, who couldn't feel.  Thank you for bringing that out in this story.I'm interested to see where this will go!  Thank you for the regular updates as well - I look forward to reading this story everyday.  My only complaint - yer darn chapters aren't long enough... but they are plentiful, so I won't hold it against you.Thank you for such a well written and unique story.  There are many on the same theme, but yours is unique.  Well done!  I look forward to more!

Oh, my god. Beautiful and demanding and desperate and so ... utterly ... Snape. I love it.

Finally some Slytherin action!  Sorry, but Wormtail is just not a good bad guy, must be the Griffindor roots.  Severus on the other hand is much more believeable as a quasi bad guy in cannon.  Love the story!

Out of all of the scenes like this i've read in the past 4 or 5 years, this one is by far the best.

 It left me sort of breathless...the emphasis wasn't on the sex, but on the conversation, and I loved it.  The conversation was amazing and I can't wait to see how this new level to their relationship will pan out.

Good question there at the end. Sounds as if nobody's getting out of this one unscathed. Terrific buildup of emotional tension, it's almost too much. How much more can Hermione's psyche take, anyway?

Yep, that about sums it up!

Interesting...  This story has taken so many twists and turns, I no longer can even attempt to guess what might happen next!  Well done, but I shall reserve my judgement on what just happened until the morning after.  Cheers! GG 

“Betrayal comes slowly, covertly, changing one thought at a time until your mind has rationalized that what you're doing is the right thing, or if it's too reprehensible for that, then it's the only way, and there's no point in resisting.”

It makes me curious if Severus is speaking of himself, or Hermione and what she did with Peter!

What has Snape done indeed!!! Or maybe it's what has Hermione done... It's not often that I find a darker story this interesting... thanks for sharing it!~*~SeleneAngel~*~

Severus's explanation of betrayal was very interesting -- a lot of what he said makes sense.  However, I have a sense that we're going to see a whole lot more betrayal before this story ends.  Severus has betrayed the Order of the Phoenix by killing Dumbledore -- and by the last words of this chapter, it appears that he may have betrayed himself by allowing his desire for Hermione to have rein.  Hermione has certainly betrayed herself to some extent during her capture, even though she probably would have been much worse off had she not done so.  Peter has probably betrayed himself by allowing himself to have feelings for Hermione as well -- andboth he and Severus are betraying the Dark Lord to some extent if they allow their loyalties to become divided where Hermione is concerned.  My only fear is that this will not be the only betrayal that Hermione will need to face in the end -- that her friends will also betray her if and when she manages to escape because they won't be able to understand what's happened to her and why she's done some of the things she has.

You know, Sev, I have no idea anymore!  I guess we'll both have to wait till the next chapter to find out!

"...the siren she's become."  The siren she's BECOME?  Oh, you great arrogant prat, try "the siren YOU FORCED her to become!"Mean old coward.