Well then I would say that Hermione must learn to appear to abhore her husband because I think just the opposite is true.  I also think that this is why he is treating her so shabbily.  Well done.  When is the next chapter due?

This was a great chapter! I hadn't read this for a little while, but the attention to detail was great!

I've read many SSHG stories over the years and this is, IMO, one of the best so far.

Voldemort tortured him simply because he can, wasn't he? That Snake-Snogging Bastard. And all that torture was because he didn't hear any news and because he saw a girl in Snape's quarters? I can't imagine what he'd do if any of the DE disobeyed him more directly. What a madman.

And Severus need to stop thinking that he's hurting people near him, but that people really do care for him. A mentally-wounded Snape is harder to reach than the physically-wounded one. Hermione just have to be strong.

Can't wait for more...

Oh man - Severus went through so much and so did Hermione caring for him - It hurt to see him react the way he did to her upon awakening - I do hope he opens his heart a little.

I'm enjoying this so much.  The narrative is so straightforward and flows so well.  I really enjoy the balance you've struck between exposition and introspection, not too much of either.  I'm excited to see what happens next.

How sad, I hope this story has a happy ending to it somewhere down the line.

I loved that last line of the chapter.  I felt chills go down my spine.

Wow, Albus was quite cruel.  I liked that view of him as I thought he was cruel a few times in cannon.  You simply spelled it out better.

I feel so bad for Severus, his feelings were never counted anywhere.  I don't know about him but if I were in such a position I'd be angry and hurt.

Wow, what a temper, loved Severus's parting shot.

I think Severus is in major shock that Hermione would want to spend all that time caring for him. I think he feels completely responsible, so reacted in the only way he knew; he pushed her away once again. I have the feeling she's either going to come back on her own, or he's goig to feel really guilty, then go after her. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Ok I'm torn. Cold shower, or on to reading the next chapter? Decisions, decisions.....

Wish there was a higer score than five.

You know the way he thinks of himself is so tragic.  Will he ever get over this?  That was a very dramatic chapter. 

Great chapter! But wow, Snape was low there at the end, even for him! Can't wait for more!

~HR

What a pain in the arse!  I knew Severus wouldn't be all hearts and flowers when he realized what had happened to Hermione during his time out of it, but I did expect a little more compassion.  Makes me want to just smack him upside the head and say Snap Out of IT.

Thanks, I needed to get that out.  Now as to your story -- I am really enjoying it.  I can tell how good a story is when I forget that this HP universe is just make believe.  Ink on a page.  Your story has done that for me.  Thanks for that.  I love falling into this world and seeing where others will take me.  (I don't know how you and the other do it.  I can't write my way out of a paper bag.)  Keep up the good work and I look forward to your next chapter.  (and hopefully for that time when Severus feels bad for how he is treating Hermione.)  Thanks, JoAnne

Oh my GOD! That was so intense! I've got tears in my eyes! The pain our not so happy couple are in is so bittersweet. I hope you can update soon, this is brilliant!

I'm still wondering if Professor Dumbledore really doesn't care about Severus, as he thinks, or if he just somehow wants to prepare him for times, when Albus Dumbledore will be dead.

Nevertheless, it really was a great chapter and very... I don't know... touching, I think. Poor Hermione. And poor Severus.

Great story!

Thank you for this very enjoyable chapter.  Poor Severus, he does't even trust Hermione, and obviously doesn't know how to treat her, thinking she'd hold his unconcious actions agasint him..   And poor Hermione, she must be confused to be uncerimoniously tossed out after doing her best for him.   go on! toment the characters some more!

Poor Hermione. Going through all this, and this is the thanks she gets? I rather hope they get around to talking and trusting, eventually...

Dumbledore really doesn't think much of how things will affect people, does he? Leaving her without any help at all - although I suppose he feels even house elves cannot be trusted to keep secrets.

This is so sad!  I like that you haven't allowed them to bond instantly after he awoke from his tortured state.  It lends some angsty authenticity.

These lines: "...she finally knew what all the fuss was about. To reduce a man like Snape to gasps and whimpers, what greater magic could there be?" and  "She had made this; she had done it, and it was better than magic, better than victory, better than anything."  both really jumped out at me. He's acting as the teacher... and yet she's the one feeling powerful.  The aftermath was very interesting. 

 What he could not abide was that Dumbledore had seen, had somehow known, how badly he wanted to be saved. And used it. Again, how hurtful. At least Hermione hadn't looked at it that way. 

Given her age and the circumstances, I really like how you had him propose seeing sex as "an academic pursuit" - with him instructing her. And then I had to laugh at his thoughts when he realized she was really interested in the conversation. Lovely transition, though!

I like how you set the scene with the birthday breakfast; a girl growing into a woman, and her friends trying to figure out the difference.

Then Dumbledore... Harry first, as always. Sheesh. He doesn't ask if she's in a romantic relationship with anyone, just if she is with Harry. Interesting twist to bring Moody in. I like how Hermione asks questions (once she's agreed blindly and then been told she should listen first) and talks about conditions. And even while she's startled and uncertain, she's observing and thinking logically and considering him - I liked this in particular: "There was something odd in the way that he was sitting, the look in his eyes. She sensed, though she could not explain why, that he had just been very badly hurt. " She seems to respond to that, to want to understand, and to help. You really tapped into emotions here; I like it. 

Oh wow. How hurt he is, like a trapped animal. And yet, he's thinking of her... "There is no greater good here. My good name is no reason to condemn a young girl..." Everything Dumbledore says seems more and more hurtful...  "Dumbledore would have never risked his precious Gryffindor princess if he actually thought her life would be affected."  But Snape clearly is expendable and irrelevant Ouch. Very introspective beginning. I look forward to seeing where you take this.