Oh, I started crying again :'(

This was absolutely brilliant. So powerful. Your characterizations have been spot on up to the very last chapter. I especially loved this line: With no trace of remorse, Severus probed Pepper’s mind and found a morass of guilt, grief, and resentment; he felt quite at home in Pepper’s thoughts. How he felt 'quite at home' within such thoughts... very nicely written. 

And here's the end of another fantastic story. I'm sad that it's over.... but I'm so amazed by the content. 

Thank you for writing this. I hope this last chapter wasn't too hard for you to write.

Well done! And I look forward to the Severus/Hermione story in-which-Severus-did-not-die-from-a-snakebite :)

Bravo! Absolutely wonderful ... thoroughly enjoyed this. Can't wait for your new story!

Oh, Subversa!  This is a stunning story!  Severus' development from an awkward, lonely boy to the bitter, determined man was utterly believable and painful, every step of the way, as was the story behind Petunia's learning to hate all things magic.  Dudley's parentage was ... interesting.  I have to wonder if he has some magic of his own, hidden beneath the layers of blubber.  :D  Did I mention the gorgeous prose and how much I loved the hidden castle?  And the fact (which we all know to be true) that any woman Severus kisses falls madly in love with him?  *applauds you madly*

I was just going to leave one big review at the end, but this chapter is too moving to pass by without comment.  Of course, now that I've decided to comment, I can't think what to say.  You didn't just tug on the heartstrings, you ripped them out and made macrame plant hangers out of them.  And then, seeing Lily as Severus' comfort and salvation is painfully bittersweet, knowing what will happen later.  I am awed by this story.

My head is just alight with mirth thinking about the possibilities of little Dudders being Peter's love child! LOL

Thanks for the great story. Enjoyed it very much. 

You weren't right on everything, but so very accurate when it comes to feelings. I had your story in mind when I read that chapter in DH. I've enjoyed ech moment, each chapter of this fic immensely. This last chapter showed a darker Severus, with even more depth than Jo has given him. Thank you for that.

Oh no! It's so sad! :( Loved it, of course, but now I have to wait for the next chapter. This is a great story ... can't wait for more!

Yes! Hurray!!! :)

I'm so glad this chapter had a happy ending, I was worried there for awhile!

I would love to leave a longer review, but I am scurrying off to the next chapter. Great stuff! Poor Severus ... I'm not much of an Elsie fan, I must say!

What a fantastic start! You've already got me hooked, but that's hardly a surprise! :)

Very good, I like the filling out of the Petunia character. Snape is beleiveable as well. I hope this ends as a Severitus.

Missed the Hermione reference, couldn't see through my tears due to this bitter/sweet chapter.  I hope your muse feels like tackling Severus's POV of the run up to Harry's first birthday, I'd be intrigued to know your take on that!  A wonderful story which had me routing for Pep of all people ~is puzzled~ but that's your power to write fantastically believable characters.

Aww!  Poor Severus... I'm feeling crushed and I'm not the one who got the shaft!  Evil Lily!  Grr!!  How dare she spurn him?  You can just hear the DE cheering section... 'Voldemort, here I come!'  This would be a turning point if there was one to be pointed to.  Great chapter!

I adore this chapter, even though it just such a painful one for our dear Severus. The relationship burned hot and fast, and it seems Lily realized that things would not work out romantically between them, while Severus was busy dreaming of a future with his girl. No wonder he hates Harry so much - she not only married another, but his most hated enemy. I do wonder how he feels each time he sees Lily's eyes in Harry. Such heartache.

I am feeling more and more sorry for Petunia. Her sister got the looks, the magic, the boys. In the end, she'll lose her sister, her friend, and end up marrying the boring Vernon. Given what all happens to Pepper, no wonder she hates magic; it brings her nothing but pain.

Have I told you lately how much I love that Severus smells Sleekeasy in the Amortentia? You SS/HG shipper, you!  *happy sigh*

"Severus sighed; he was such a slave to his own good nature."

That sentence had me snorting Mtn. Dew out my nose! Hehe. However, I quickly sobered up after that - I was so upset that she walked out on him. I mean, yes, I know it isn't to be, and he did bring it on himself, but... poor Severus, he saved up all summer for that ring! And poor Pepper - yes, *everyone* is exceedingly dull when compared to Severus. Especially Vernon. *gag* And, in conclusion, I'd like to say one last thing - Stupid @#*&^$ Potter. 

Was that Hermione's Sleekeazy we saw (or smelled) when they were brewing the Amortentia?

I love this chapter! You do such a wonderful job of fleshing out the gaps in canon! 

This story is profoundly beautiful -- there is nothing awkward, only a soul-piercing sweetness to everything you've written.  Congratulations.

You know, it wasn't until a minute ago that I realized that James chatting Petunia up and then just dumping her ... this gives her yet another reason to resent Harry!

You Ravenclaw, you!  

Argh, my heart aches for them, but then, they've brought it upon themselves, especially Severus,who couldn't face his classmates. I think he's learnt a very hard lesson.

This is by far my most favorite story! If you only knew the anticipation I feel everytime I check my mail to see if it's been updated! (I don't say this to rush you, I know you're turning chapters out as fast as you can!) I just want you to know I've been waiting for a story like this for a long time, and I am utterly in love with it!

An update, hooray!

I'm commenting as I read along, so this'll sound cluttered and/or spontaneous, haha.

First of all, I love the description of their kingdom. It sounds so enchanting and mysterious. When I was a child, I used to find little spots in the woods to call my own as well. But they definitely paled in comparison to their kingdom of Wyrd. Which, by the way, is a wonderful name; clever Severus :) 

Oh and I also love how you're describing Lily and Pepper growing up and maturing. It really adds that touch of realism. And ha, Lily thinks Donny is dreamy right now... soon, she'll discover just how "dreamy" our dear Severus is :) Hopefully.

And Lily feeling self-conscious is quite realistic as well. It's so typical of girls her age. Though this line made me a little bit sad: Mum says a girl can’t be too careful, and that no boy would want a fat girl. So not true, and I'm sure she'll learn that in time :) I'm loving how real everything seems!

Oh dear, Pepper. Words can be so unintentionally harsh :( But I loved the nose-bleeping, hehe. ...her green eyes were so warm, so fond as they rested up on his face... Lily is so sweet. 

Mother Evans... hmm, what does she have planned? An ulterior motive for inviting Severus to Sunday lunch... 

Oh, I love the description of Severus running around the zoo as a child. And his parents strolling hand-in-hand. Hmm, Stephy? I await the explanation in the future :)

Eileen sounds so loving towards her son. And Severus seems so protective and caring towards her as well. But oh dear, she also sounds so sickly and weak :( Poor Eileen.

I should probably stop now, before this gets any longer... sorry! Anyways, great chapter. So well written and believable. I anticipate the next chapter; good luck! :)

Oh Subversa! You are a truly talented writer. I love this story as much as I love all your others, though a large part of me resisted reading this because I know that a happy ending isn't in the future. I should have never doubted; this is amazing and happy ending or not I'm glad that I decided to read it. Now, when is that original novel coming out?

Wow.  *sighs sadly and gets in line for next chapter*

Okay Subversa, who is the little toddler (maybe a long lost brother, hmmm).  Please don't leave us in suspense for to long....