very sad and painful to read, but also a very illuminating glimpse into the anguish snape must have felt at the situation he found himself in.  beautifully written.

A sad look into a behind-the-scenes that J.K.R. left out.  I really feel she treated many of her characters badly and I am so happy that we fanfiction authors are taking better care with them.  I enjoyed this little tale, not because of the content but the meaning that was portrayed.  You let us see into Severus's thoughts and soul.  I think this was a better tribute to the character than the original author's story.

Very painful scene to read, but it has a sense of hope - that the headmasters' portraits have now heard the conversation and now know Severus is only playing a dangerous role, that he is truly anguished about the things he must do.  It makes me imagine all the portraits now vowing to help protect the students by reporting things to Severus.  Well written, Hannah!