You handled this chapter excellent! I think you really captured Hermione's character, and Severus' as well.

Chapter 29 - It was a happy day when I saw that this story had been updated once again. I have enjoyed it from the beginning and hope to see more of it soon. Best wishes to you in dealing with the things that keep you from writing.

Wow... I just hope Severus understands that it could take a while for her to make her decision, and that busybody Harry doesn't try to influence her.  Please tell me she does write to Severus as promised; maybe they could see a marriage counselor.  Glad to see the new chapter, and thanks for posting!

Wow.  I'm happy and sad for them both at the same time.  They are both responsible, but I can't help but feel sorry, so sorry for both Severus and Hermione.  Thanks for the post!  Great job writing was must have been a very difficult chapter!

OOOh you.....evil.....nasty cliffies.....poke muse......poke muse harder.....chain RachelW to computer.....need more.......evil author......makes me wait long time....mumbles incoherently for hours......Oh there you are!  I just want to say a huge THANKYOU! for finally updating this masterpiece of literary wonderment.  I only have one real gripe.....DONT MAKE ME WAIT SO LONG FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER!!!! Naughty girl, 20 swats with the paddle for miss.Blessings LOL

Amazing chapter. Well worth the eait!!! I cried in at least 2 spots. I feel so bad for them. This mess is not really of their making. Awe......

At last! Hermione fights back.  Great stuff.  Make the bastard suffer I say.  You do manipulative Snape so well - First the idle threats, then the denials and when they don't work he falls back on the old chestnut 'I love you.' - all the usual tricks of a classic abuser.  (I have no problems about BDSM by the way - I am writing about it myself - so long as it is between consenting adults it's ok  Otherwise it's abuse).  Glad to see Hermione has the sense not to buy it and is standing up for her right to make her own decisions about her future.  Hope she makes the right choices in the end.  Thank you for updating.

I don't know if I have ever told you this but yours is the first fan fiction I read about  a year ago I believe. And I have been hooked on HG/SS fics ever since. You are a wonderful writer and it has been a pleasure reading this fic. I hope you can update soon, but I understand that life gets in the way sometimes. Thanks again for unknowingly opening up the exciting world of fan fics for me.Luvssnape

Rachel, I missed you so much, I'm so glad you're back. After reading this wonderful chapter I know that I could wait for your updates all the time you want to take. I had already read a bit of this chapter in your LJ, so at the beginning I thought I was dreaming because I had already seen all about Bella in the memory, but no, the update is really here and I couldn't be happier. Now, I'm cheering because Hermione is starting to react. And I don't mean that because she left Severus, I mean it because she finally is decided to fight for her happiness, contentment is not enough for her. I wasn't too concerned about the BDSM concept, what concerned me was the lack of options and resolve she had. If now she grasps the control of her life, and decides she wants to stay with Severus, then so it be. Severus, everything he had done had to come back and make him pay. Let's face it, too many times he wasn't more than a manipulative bastard, but he ended where most of us were sure he'll end, deeply in love with Hermione. Now he has to face the error of his ways, and he'll have to change in order to win her back. This leads me to another issue, Harry. Now that Hermione needs time to recover her life I'm sure we'll see more of him. He won't let her go that easy, and after all his role is to be the saviour, so he'll try to save her. I'd love to see Harry and Severus trying to win her. And talking about Harry, the way you made him block the Obivliate was the perfect twist. He has to know what's going on in order to confront Hermione and question her about her life. I was wondering what Hermione said to have Severus released. I'm sure she had to say that everything they have done sexually has always been with her consent, and that they had no business with that. Was Harry hearing that? What did he think about it if he did?I can't wait for the next chapter, to see Hermione discovering her path to happiness. From here it's her time to make a decision and lead us to the end of this story. Thanks for the update, Rachel, it truly was an amazing chapter, I enjoyed every single word of it. I'm so glad to see you back.

I hate that he was arrested and his funky fetishes broadcast in public like that, but I do like that she's left him--at least for now. He deserves that after abusing her all that time, getting off on her tears, humiliation, and pain. I feel only a little sorry for him. He's already started to realize that things could be so much more. I hope he continues to do so.

wow.  a lot to think on.  excellent chapter.  snape is drunk and probably at home destorying things?

thank you for this update.  p 

Wow.  It seems sort of sad, but I can completely understand where she was coming from.  Hopefully they will work it out.  I agree she needs space, and maybe the time apart will make Severus appreciate her more.  It's horrible, though, that all Snape's old comrades from the war think he's a monster now.  Harry needs to be slapped around for that one. Wonderful job, as usual, and I can't wait for your next update!!!  GG

yeah!  So glad to see an update.

Yes!! This was the ending I was looking for! Much more true to the characters and the tone of your story. I am glad that you had two endings to your story. I think many of the readers at AW would have liked this ending much better. great job!

I love this story. Please update soon.

OH MY GOD! This is my favorite story ever, and you haven't updated in a long time.  Please update soon!

I know I should have left reviews every chapter, I was far too enthralled in your story! I absolutely loved it, the balance was amazing throughout and your writing is fantastic. I think you nailed each character and did a wonderful job with their personalities.

I definetely panicked when the scene with Harry happened, for a moment I thought she might try to leave Severus for him which I have to admit I found unappealing. The moment I realized that wasn't happening I was flooded with relief! Also, I loved how Lucius was the vigilante, he had been my guess when the killings first started but I wasn't all together sure.

I can't express how much I loved this story, it was approprietly wonderful in some parts yet still thrilling in others. A perfect balance!

At first I wasn't too sure what I thought of the ending but after thinking about it for a moment I think it's perfect. Although I don't like the idea of Severus being able to keep his relationship due to a potion I think it made sense. He was desperate and I thoroughly enjoy the fact that the potion didn't make her unaware, she was still happy which I think makes all the differance!

Wonderful, wonderful job! I really loved it and look forward to coming back again and again to read it once more. :)

I'm still wondering if Shacklebolt actually has the "hotter body." I prefer Severus myself. On that note, too bad I couldn't have applied arithmancy to some of my relationships.

You already know how much I love this story, Rachel. Thank you for sharing it with me. :)

Unfh.  Please tell me the angst is going to be done soon.  Angst ties my tummy up in knots. :(

 Poor Severus.  Really, I can see his point of view - although I think you're doing a *stellar* job of illuminating the difficulties in a student/teacher relationship that so many just gloss over.  

On the other hand, Hermione has a very good point of view as well.   I do hope they can work it out and come to something amicable.  *crosses fingers*

What a twisted train wreck!

Before her kidnapping (god forbid, was that HARRY?!) I was groaning the "oh nooooooooooooooooo" with her betrayal, JUST as Severus was starting to feel love for her.  :'(

I have to say that I'm getting quite suspicious of Treva, and slightly of Gregory, what with the murders . . .

well I just started reading this three day's ago and am now caught up. I am so looking forward to the next chappy.

well I just started reading this three day's ago and am now caught up. I am so looking forward to the next chappy.