That is my favorite word, and to see it describing a story I've written truly warms my heart. Thank you so, so much for the review, as well as the compliment!

Lol! Thank you so much for the review!

Of course ;) He is a Slytherin, after all!

Thank you so much for the review! 

Thank you so much for all the reviews!

The warnings are mainly for the evidence and/or displays of violence suffered by Snape as a child. Snape will never physically harm Hermione in this story intentionally, and certainly not rape her. Nor will she be physically harmed or raped by any other character.

I agree, Snape is emotionally and verbally abusive toward not only Hermione, but every character within this story. This will not last much longer, at least not to this degree. It is a shield for him to keep others at bay, but Hermione will not stand to be treated so poorly in the near future.

I hope I've answered your questions, and I thank you very, very much for the review.

Thank you for your answer. I'm looking forward to the next chapter.

Thank you so much!!!

Lol. Thank you so much for the reviews!

Thank you so much for the review! I hope you stay tuned to learn of the terrible details of his past, and his chance for a redeemable future. If that made any sense... it's late, and I'm sleepy, lol.

Thank you so very much! I always appreciate your reviews! I hope you stay tuned for the next chapter, it should be posted soon!

Thank you so much! I like to think his home would be a little disorganized and... um... weathered.

I think he is using the Malfoys in order to further her unease and discomfort she already has when she is with him. A sort of game for him, to see how far she will bend before she breaks. As we will all see in the near future, however, it will not be Hermione who snaps. I hope you stay tuned, next chapter will be up within a few days. Happy Holidays, and thank you so much for the review!

First, thank you so much for the review and the kindness of saying you enjoy the story. Second, thank you, thank you, for the constructive criticism. I really, truly appreciate it. I wouldn't say so if I didn't.   ;)

I was quite unclear about the descriptions of the peacocks, and I apologize. You're absolutely right, and thank you for pointing it out. I have made some corrections, and if you have a moment, I would appreciate it if you could look it over again to make sure it looks right. I cannot thank you enough for bringing this to my attention!

And about the bite – a lot of reviews have been asking that same question, yet you were the only one to ask if was during a consensual sexual encounter. I believe that word is extremely important in this case, but I can't tell you anything more about it right now. The next chapter will be posted in a few days, I hope you will continue to stay tuned!

Yes! The white peacocks [obviously something Lucius has chosen as a roll model] are now a vision of white on white in all their glory.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your reviews. The next chapter will be posted soon, and it does indeed include a lot of drama!

Thank you so much for the review! While I'm a little sorry that the Snape in this story is scary to some readers, I take it as a compliment, as the story – and in particular, the characters – have connected with you emotionally. So, while I don't generally wish people to be frightened, and I certainly don't intend for it to happen in this story, I feel validated as a writer that a few readers have felt such an affinity with the  story.

And I really hope that made sense and didn't sound pretensious and obnoxious. I'm running on little sleep right now :)

Thank you again, and the next chapter will be up soon! It includes new information about Snape, and Pansy enters the tale. Should be posted in the next week! 

Thank you so much for the review!

I agree, Snape in this story is a bit... aggressive in his attitude and personality. Yet, I think that outside the boundaries of a teacher–(child)student relationship he feels a bit liberated, and thus kicks up his intimidation tactics a couple of notches. Bad for Hermione, but great for writing. I hope you continue to read the story as it unfolds, I promise he won't get too scary, the man does have some self-restraint, albeit very little when it comes to his temper.

Next chapter is halfway done, longer, and one of my favorites. I hope you'll enjoy it, it'll be posted within a week (or hopefully sooner!). Thank you again! 

Thank you so much for the review!

I hope I'm not disappointing you or any other readers by stating that the mystery woman isn't really worth considering. She's an extra, and you won't hear from, or about, her anymore in the story.

I'm so glad that you enjoy the story! I'm really happy with the next chapter, it's halfway done. It'll be longer than usual, but I'm having a lot of fun writing it! It'll be posted within a week or so! Hopefully sooner, if I can get a moment to sit and finish it ;) 

I'm sorry. Hopefully you will enjoy the next chapter a little more! Please stay tuned! It'll be up soon. And thank you so much for the review!

Lol! It may have been a bit squicky for her at first...

Thank you so much for the review! And yep, Hermione's grown up a bit, and although she is still a bit insecure, she is much more confident than her school years.

Thank you so much for the review! And trust me, she will keep him on edge as they continue their battle of wits! Next chapter nearly completed (as in, written), so stay tuned!

Hehehe. Thank you for the review! Another chapter should be up in the next few days, it's already been written and beta'd. And yep, I'm a little evil. Just wanna mix things up a bit more!

Ah, thank you! Fear not, the next chapter is being written, just a little RL got in the way. Should be beta'd/posted next week sometime.

Thank you so very much!! I hope you stick with me, the next chapter is being written, just a little RL got in the way. It should be up sometime next week! And things get a little more... interesting. 

Wow, thank you so much!! Please stay tuned, the next chapter will be up soon, with some interesting developments!

Thank you so very much!! Stayed tuned for the next chapter, it's being written, and things get interesting!