Oh. My. God.

That was... that was simply... wow.

*deep breath*

Sneaky Lucius!! I should have known! He wouldn't simply changed just like that! Maybe that was what Draco wanted to warn her! Dang it! But on second thought... hmm... she's now Severus' wife. Not too bad turn on the event, is it? *evil grins*

Oh well, I think it's just like the fandom really, we (the readers) ALL know that they're meant for one another but they themselves do not. So. I think it's better this way, or I can bet she would run away kicking and screaming than to be bonded with Severus. And then, it would be too late to bring him back.

Anyway, so that's what he meant when he said he wants her soul... luckily it was not something more literal... :P

You did give me the creeps though at one point when he opened his eyes and she saw them *all* black. Kinda reminded me of one unpleasant image from a thriller movie. *shudders* I suppose he gain his senses and his white retinas back when they kissed. Or maybe when Hermione surrender herself and admit that she wants him too. Or something else?

That part with mixed name was simply original though. As though it shows how a part of him still cling to Lily but a part of him wants to moves on. And I'm glad he has more sense to move on instead. My Hermione, indeed.

This line "Do you mind? I’m trying to bed my wife." had me laughing out loud! Here I was, reading seriously and slowly and then that line. Hah! Severus is indeed back!! If he can make a classic remark like that, that's proof enough!

Good job! I love this chapter. Looking forward to read more! Welcome back to the living, Severus!!! :D

Oh my gods, Lucius was brutal! He was manipulating her all along and I’m certain he had something to do with Ron and his ‘relationship!’ Will Hermione remember any of it? Gods I hope so, for her sake. It would serve him right if she did.

I’m so glad that Snape at least doesn’t seem to be demon possessed. I really hope that things will be okay. I suppose I’ve seen too many horror movies that my mind keeps thinking zombies. Please say he’s really going to be Severus, only possibly nicer to Hermione this time around.

I still can’t get over how Lucius used her. It’s amazing how easily he orchestrated everything.

Looking forward to the next chapter. Very well done, so far! I’m hooked.

I'm glad for this outcome, but I still hope Hermione will remember why she wants to get back at Lucius and gets some revenge on him. BTW I don't think Lucius have thought through that union, how formidable they'll be together. Come to think of it, will there be an afterglow or a painful crash into reality for our couple?

Oh crap - why did Lucius trick her - what a bastard he is in this story - did he not feel nothing for her at all.  The scene with Severus was intense - liked this chapter but I wonder why Severus eyes were black and why Lucius lied to her.

Wow - so she cannot do it with Ron and Lucius is flirting with her and Narcissa has left him - go for it girlfriend - he is definitely one hot wizard.

Whoa! What an amazing chapter! First, I must say, Lucius behaved very oddly in the chapter. It was completely unexpected, but I am eager to see where you take it. Will Hermione remember his lies and her anger toward him? But yay, Severus is back with the living! I can't wait to see how things work out for Hermione and Severus, and how they explain his return. Wonderful chapter!

You mean that Lucius is a crafty bastard after all? As for the ritual--Wow.

Ah Lucius! What a bastard!! I think he has manipulated the situation with Ron somehow! What will Hermione do once she finds out? (If he did!) Also, was this something that Snape and Lucius planned from the beginning? Did he know or suspect that the Dark Lord would kill him and planned this out with Lucius? So many questions, not enough story! Teehee! Update soon please!

The question is, is it snape or a demon.Mostly, whit magic you need a live for a live. You can't take a soul out hades with nothing giving back.Rowlings magic is logic, therefor her books are a succes.

Lucius is a right bastard!  I know I should have seen that coming, but I so didn't! 

Well, I am just as gullible as Hermione.  I thought that Lucius was reformed as well.  At least I'm in good company.  Great chapter!  I can't wait to see what happens next!  Is Lucius done now?  Or, does he have plans for Severus and Hermione?  What other evil things does he have swirling around in his mind?  I can't wait to find out!

grrrr.... that git Lucius!  I never saw that coming.  now I'm really wondering what Draco thinks.  and what ulterior motives does Lucius have for Severus' return??  update soon, please!!

This has been a fantastic story! Solid and insightful characterisations, a Ron I can empathise and love, great plot and the mysteriousness of it all (even at the end), all add up to a really fabulous read.
Hmm.... the ending left me feeling alarmed, as it was very ominous, and your reply to another reviewer just solidified the feeling.
I found the fact that Severus just Obliviated Lucius weird on many levels, and I dread to see what the Epilogue will bring, if you ever wrote one. I really hope that Hermione did not gave her trust in vain, and that Severus did not really plan to become the next Dark Lord with the Malfoys.
I think that Lucius and Narcissa really got off too lightly, and if what you planned for were to come to pass (Lucius not really Obliviated and their plans to take over the WW), then things couldn`t end well in the longer term.

Thank you!

Glad she's come to a final decision about her relationship with Ron, and that when she told him he seemed to accept it...  Maybe if she told Severus during the Dream he would have been more willing to stay and talk a while.And she's getting back her memories!  Yay!  Looking forward to seeing some more flashbacks, and eventually what's in that trunk (you've mentioned it often enough that it seems important somehow).

i really loved the scene when Hermione was sitting with Snape's body, talking to him but feeling like he was really there, listening to her.Another brilliant chapter.

Hmmm, cant wait to see how Draco figures into this whole saga. The secrecy is killing me!

Oooh, such an interesting chapter! Can't wait to see what all dastardly little plotters are up to!

Ooh, yes, more Snape is good. I am so interested in why he wants her, why he already seems so in love with her, why she was chosen for this whole thing. And was Lucius supposed to warn her more specifically about what her commitment to the project would entail? I'm wondering just what it is that provoked Snape's ire.

 I like Hermione's mother's perspective on the Ron situation.

How creepy—the tome and Hermione's dad's accident. Will Hermione find she doesn't mind giving Snape her soul, too?

 Or will she feel forced into it? Hmmmmm, I can't wait for more. 

I find myself quite in love with your story =)

I appreciate all the little details you include, like Hermione stirring in the southerwood and Lucius offering to do the counter-clockwise stirring. 

I am intrigued by the way you are setting up the end of Ron and Hermione's relationship. I can't wait to find out if he's up to anything with Jeri. And the mystery of what has Draco so upset… why'd he have to cancel on Harry? I was really looking forward to that, you know!  =)

 I like the dynamics between Lucius and Hermione. I liked how they "did it again." That was a surprise. Now necessity can't quite excuse the whole ordeal. I do hope that no one ever finds out about it. And I like seeing how the idea of being attracted to Snape is being subtly suggested to her and how she seems to be opening up to it. There's so much more about the story I am enjoying, but so far, this is my favorite story in this challenge  =)

Ooh, this just gets better and better! Excellent story-telling skills you have, m'dear. Simply flows along.

Author's Response: Thank you very much! I hope you like what's coming next. :)

ARRGGG--  need more story. . .   really like where this is going and LOVE that while still 'nearly' in character, Snape doesn't have to a bastard or snarly etc.  I get so tired of reading him that way, and honestly do you think one man could REALLY be that awful-- seriously, he'd be the first man with more range than a teaspoon and be straight!

Good stuff yet again, and I can't wait for the more Snape the next chappie offers, lol.  Keep up the good work!!

I can't wait until this is updated!!!!! I'm hoping Ron doesn't get in the way too much...

OH man! I am so anxious to see what happens next. I think Lucius is causing problems, making Hermione think it's the book! Eagerly awaiting an update!

Lovely! Can't wait for more!