this story is amazing, truly amazing. I love how you have woven Hermione's point of view perfectly into canon. Her fear, her preparations, the beaded bag, plans for her parents. This could have actually happened! Keep up the excellent work, I eagerly await more.

Draco was already in the room or he entered with Snape? Either way, eek! I can't stand Harry's attitude at this point. You would think he would be more shook up over almost murdering someone, even an enemy, due to their respective ages and being in a school setting. Instead he seemed more concerned that he will be in detention. My shoulders are so tense after reading this chapter I need a massage.

Very, very good. Thanks for all of this.

YES! He did get the last word in. Bravo!

OOOOOOOOOOOOh! Exquisite!

*deep breath* There are tears in my eyes right now. What an emotional rollercoaster! I loved this chapter--ah, who am I kidding? I love this whole freaking story! lol... But this chapter, I loved how everything finally clicked into place for Hermione. I feel like she really grew up a lot in this chapter, even if Severus doesn't think so. I wonder if she's still going to try to consult with Severus about how to protect her parents. Hmmm.... Can't wait for next chapter!

I am loving this. Truly a delight. Thanks.

I love how you described the simple action of Snape grabbing Hermione as he slammed the door to the RoR closed. Without needing to mention details, you created a vision of him snatching her with grace and impatience, not even looking at her, just knowing instinctively that she was there – regardless of any Dissillusionment charms. I hope that made sense. I love how you write, Lariope!

Oh my, this is very enjoyable. Some of the humourous comments in here had me laughing so hard I cried. Can't wait to read more.

Utterly brilliant! You are doing an astonishing job of fleshing out canon, making it all so much richer by creating this wonderful story around its edges--this makes the original so much better!I love the fact that she realizes the Half-Blood Prince's identity by listening and remembering, that she is able to locate the book, and that she actually sees the cabinet (will she put two and two together there, as well, and tell Snape?), and that she is so overwhelmed at realizing everything she needs to do to get ready to run. It makes everything she does in the books so much clearer and more interesting--nothing comes out of thin air, it comes from Snape's preparations and her own intelligence, which seems so much more right than the way it was originally written!And once again, Dumbledore is proving himself to be a cold bastard, providing protection for Harry's miserable excuse of a family while planning nothing against the danger threatening the Grangers and the Weasleys. (I also like the glimpse you've given of her mother--that's a really interesting and original read of the family dynamics at work.)Bravo, bravo! Splendid work!

Oh, things are getting tense now. Something's goingto break. Nice job keeping with canon.

I've already left a review, but I'm re-reading this amazing chapter on my way to the newly posted one (yea!), and there are so many wonderful lines here, including:the way the sun danced in her hair as if it had traveled light years just to take up residence there.and the whole paragraph following that.And the final paragraph--heartbreaking!And now, on to the next....

Hermione's fear and apprehension at the beginning of the chapter is really compelling, to the point where it seems that she's not thinking as clearly as she should be -- hence her lapse in judgment in going to look for the Potions text. That's a chilling speech Snape gives to Hermione at the end -- although one could say she deserves a dressing-down, and she's got to learn that she can't look for any saviors anytime soon.

I like the way you had Snape cut Draco off when he threatened to reveal the plan. I do wish Hermione could know, since I believe that even though she knows there is some plan, she will be devestated when it comes to fruition. But I thought that was very Snape-like to think ahead and have him cut off Draco's words.

Goodness, Lariope, I love your story, but can hardly bear the heartache!  Nicely done!

Fascinating

very cool chapter indeed you always have a way of gettiong me to sink my teeth in further with this story it has become one of thos stories i check my mail everyday for an alert you have posted i am still keeping the faith as you have asked btu see this story thre hermiones and serveus's eyes is very cool you are doing a wonderful job as usuali have told you i usually dont read stories thta arent finished but i am happy i started reading this onethank you for another wonderful chapter

What a scary life Hermione is living!

Dearest Lariope, I think you know how I feel about this story by now...and just like the very wise lulabelle72 said, it deserves every accolade it gets!!!Bravo my friend!

Wow. I could actually feel how scared Hermione was. I can just imagine how terrified she would be realising that Draco would be more than prepared to kill her if he found her.

This continues to be a fantastic and absorbing retelling of HBP, better than the original in so many ways.  I can't wait to see what you come up with next.  Well Done.

Hermione is a smart girl. If she was able to put together that Snape is the HBP, I have the feeling the last words Snape just told her in this chapter will help her understand what is to happen later on. I have a feeling she will forgive him alot easier than many others will. Not only because how she feels about him and their situation but because she has inside information. I hope that feeling is correct. I'm very much enjoying this story and always look forward to more.

Finally, how much of a slowtop is the man? This is definitely an endzone victory dance kind of chapter. Thanks so very much.

This chapter went from tense to INTENSE! Holy crow, I could feel Hermione's panic at the end. If she feels like me, she wants to vomit right now.

Very good portrayal of Hermione, from the organized girl whose thoughts spill out all over and won't let her sleep, to the girl who can't bring herself to go to Snape himself (wisely) and so seeks the book-- I, too, would have touched the writing, tried to see him as he was then. You are very much in her head.
PS I see you have a million reviews, lol. Don't feel pressed to reply. And congratulations! This story deserves everything it gets.

Author's Response: I'm so glad that feeling came through. That panic is something I so love when authors do it to me, but you can never tell if it will happen in your own writing, I find.

Thank you for your support of my portrayal of Hermione. I worry how to get inside the mind of someone who is so practical, but who is pushed beyond her limits by this situation.

I'm so glad you're reading. Thanks so much.

Simply wonderful. I admire the way you wrot Snape - less broken and insecure as he usually is painted. I like him much better that way. And I think I finally figured out how this will continue, with the potion now in Hermione's caring hands (well, maybe I'm wrong, but we'll see). Of course I'm all nail-biting and scared for the next chapters and Dumbledore's fate; but that they made it into bed right before the war begins was most satisfying, so to speak...Thanks for sharing, thanks for writing, and many hugs for your fast and regular updates!