He is thrown between these two masters. and he is thrown between hapiness and self-hatred everytime he was with eiter his bunch of death eaters or his Miss Granger.It isn't easy to steady oneself between these two extremes. and to keep sane. But do drown in alcohol. I'm so sorry for him, that the discovery of something honourable as a conscience, guilt, honour, and I don't know what else makes him feel so unworthy.It should have the opposit effect. He should be proud. This is what lifts him up over his death-eater-"friends". This is what makes him human. Ok, him being a spy can not afford being human. But isn't it a relieve to find out, yes, I am a human being and I am of higher spirits than that filth I have to deal with?poor sevi.And good of hermione to reacta as a grown up. Hope she will show him the way back to dignity.

good story so far!  I'm excited to read more!

I thought it was a flimsy excuse why she wouldn't marry one of her friends, but the rest of the chapter is funny and engaging.  I like your writing! Not afraid to write incomplete sentences... 

this is an excellent story.  i only have one teeny bit of criticism.

Sir Alastar and Lady Granger.

Nowhere does Lady Granger have a first name.  How can he have a first name and not her!! LOL  just a silly thing i thought of.

There's a lot to process in here. The sacraments (blood magic!), the day as an "ordinary" couple, the love that's almost tangible ...After this day has ended, I hope Severus has this ointment of his at the ready ... if I ever saw a railwaystation

Thud!This is the sound of Severus falling. Hard.He invested quite a bit into her birthday, didn't he? The potion (although he benefited from it as well), the robes, her favourite food ...The last few sentences were like poetry. So much emotion conveyed in these lines, it made my heart swell.

Now I'm just glad that I know I have several chapters to read ahead of me. Would I be on tenterhooks if I had to wait seveal days for an update!

And we're off! This was a very exciting chapter and I loved Hermione in this. I'm sure Severus can throw off the imperio or that Hermione will notice something is not right. Looking forward to the next.

oooh...I can't wait to see what happens next!

I wonder how many others have reread this story too many times or if that's just me. Seriously though, this is probably my favorite fic ever. I've read loads 98% of them total shit I read hoping they'd get better eventually. This is perfectly written. Perfectly in character. I love it.

Ah yes, the rumors. "Now we know how she got her high marks..."Of course, that was bound to happen.At least you brought my believe in McG back. I have always liked her and was a bit miffed about how she acted in your story. All is well now.A place to go to is always good. Poor Hermione, she was bound think about him evicting her, what with the rollercoaster ride they call a marriage.Keep up the good work!

An intense chapter.Poor Severus, eaten alive by his guilt, trying to drown the disgust he feels about himself in alcohol.A very understanable reaction.But one that won't make him feel any better.Loved the idea of Bella working on permanent glamours for Voldemort. Hated Pendragon Parkinson. What a sicko!

My my, this is getting more interesting all the time:-) Thank you for the update, I must say I really, really like your story. I love MLC-fics and getting one as different from the others as this one is great!!! Update again soon!!!

I truly am enjoying the start of this story. You've made me laugh more than once this morning. :) Thank you and please, keep posting.

Such a dramactic beginning. I LOVE it can't wait to see what's next!

Uh. Oh.  You *did* say that this story was dark...I hope that Hermione won't come to regret her decision (although she only has herself to blame if she does).  I get the distinct feeling that Hermione has taken a tiger -- or perhaps that should be serpent? -- by the tail.  I do hope that she won't get bitten -- or at least, not too hard!  (If they're love bites, she might even find it pleasant!)

A good story so far and I look forward to more...

MIA!!!  Thats not fair!!!! OOOOO. . . . . . . .  here's hoping you update soon!  ==  FIVE GA-Gillion stars!

snape tells her what  he likes about her ! let you hair down *sing* and yes, she guesses correctly, there is a women she hasn't heard of yet. but she will be confronted with her. no doubt.aha, you let them become members of the order. that is really correct of you. she demands acceptance of her husband from the whole bunch!! yes!I agree with charlie, he is the only one who has eyes to see. the girl has grown up ! Ha!what do we see here? a friendly and  - rare enough- willing to explain a little of his motives and being able to honour her insubordination.  a rare moment.

Oh man, what side is Severus really on? Is Hermione right? I would have said that Severus is on Hermione's side. Lucius is a snake. I need to see what happens next.

Does Severus not want to throw the Imperio off?  I refuse to believe that he is less strong willed than Harry.  I can't wait for the next chapter!

Why didn't the gun come with her?  Bella must have been holding herself together with a wish and a prayer!

My favourite here is definitely:"and when you come home distressed you will receive comfort."it is all about comfort right now.and this clever witch found a way round this monitoring.and imagine ! percy on the other side of this line... wahhh!good she found such a - obviously - pleasing way round.refreshing

a real soul-strip tease. my!ha, didn't i say it?! long live Hooch.hermione does need a confidante so badly.how firewhiskey makes friends.with the naming it is like I guessed. she likes it to much, it has become part of their ship.their very special intimacy in words, though sounding so steriel and official.great.He has to kill her. "by christmas this all will be a mere memory."*shiver*you are so cruel.and all albus has to say is " why didn't I get this info earlier." whince. what a clever man.am eager to find out about Halloween and a battle? and a poisoning.you are picking up pace, aren't you.

Ah, I always love it one someone pulls one over on Dumbledore.  A rather humorous end to the chapter.  Nice writing.