Such a clever girl, deducing that he is the Half-Blood Prince...and he really should give her more credit for everything that she has been able to figure out, all on her own.  Hardly her fault that she keeps already being in rooms that he and Draco retreat to!  Again, your cleverness astonishes me, as you take canon and thread this completely new story right into its very fabric.  Wonderful indeed.

This chapter made me cry.  Your writing is simply exquisite.

"She kissed him furiously, breathlessly, trying with all her might to force a new language into his mouth, to swear that she would choose him above all things, that she would believe."

And what an ending.  Beautiful and amazing.

I think the most descriptive word is *guh*.

P.S.  I need more stars to rate this.

I love the fact that he forgets the ring thing works both ways (and because he thinks that not being wanted is all that matters, that the ring won't register anything else).  Careful, Severus--you have a wife now!

Harry can be such an idiot.  Yet if he were not, he might get ideas, so I guess idiocy has its uses.

Still....

Oh, thank god he's not completely blind!

You have such a remarkable way with words:

It felt as if a piece of her had been carved away, almost as if she were lonely for herself. Whether Snape had the missing piece or whether he was the missing piece, she did not know.

Such a lovely description--that is just how it feels!

If on;y he could stop thinking for a little longer....  *sigh*

He has so little faith that she would be genuinely worried about him, and he does not yet understand why knowing that her place in his life resulted in Voldemort's torture the last time is what made her sick, not the thought that Voldemort was focused on her.  But they are becoming more comfortable with one another, and there's a sweetness to that. 

Oh, yes, interacting with this dangerous man will require fortification--on both their parts.

Because, as she notes, “You’ve been underestimating me for years, Professor Snape. I’m used to it."  Touche, Hermione!  Very well played! 

I love seeing the eagerness with which she learns from him--and the discomfort that his learning, too, causes him.

She's very good at coming with plausible stories, too.  I truly love your characterization of them both.

You must appear to abhor that which you hold most dear.

Yes, there's the rub, isn't it?  I continue to be charmed, delighted, and amazed at the way you weave this into canon as though it's been there all along.

Hermione is getting a taste of what Severus lives with everyday:  Spying often gives you information you don't want to know and may not know what (if anything) to do with.  And keeping the secret of a second life can be a bitch!

It definately feels like Sev's writing his obituary in this one. Excellent chapter, wonderfully morose and sombre. I'm really getting a sense of the hopelessness he feels at this point. Poor guy's on a runaway train heading straight for the edge of a cliff. I'm dying to read the next chapter, how will he cope with everything that coming up?

I love this story.

So poignant. I don't know how you are going to resolve this, but I know you will. I want you to know that whether you manage to find a happy ending for Hermione and Severus or not, this story is beautifully written:) I salute your talent, because this story of yours has touched my heart.Warmest regards,Fizzabella

this is a very good story i hope you finish it soon! I am anxious to see if there is happiness for severus and Hermione, please finish it soon

Excellent chapter. I loved how tender Snape was with Hermione. And of all the people to know Snape is on their side, Luna is a wonderful choice.

Well, it seems as if I don't have much left to say... I agree with the reviews I've read- wonderful chapter, amazing writing, great descriptions, loving Snape (sad Snape, resigned Snape, child!Snape, loving-Hermione Snpae...), and I love Hermione. Love the memory part and the sea part (love and agree with the "sea is magic" bit), want to tear Dumbledore's canvas apart and then tape it back together jumbled... and hating that there isn't more to read!I had to read the chapter in parts, so this review isn't coming straight after I first read the chapter- so I can tell you that your words have been haunting me all day, and I can't stop thinking about what I've read and what is going to happen next...Thank you.  

Wonderfully written.

:(How sad.

Well he realizes that he cares for her but he is resigned to death - I cannot wait to see what your write for them.

I simply love how a part of this chapter was Severus going through his memories. It's heart breaking to see him have to pull them out again and in such descriptive detail. This chapter was beautifully written and almost had me in tears. I cannot express how truly pleased I am to be reading such a story. You have so so so much talent.It's very sad to know that a tragic ending is on it's way and a small part of me wishes that everything will turn out alright between the two of them, although I know it probably won't.

Why are all of you fiolks making me cry again? I cried so much over DH that I thought I'd never cry again but here I am reaching for the kleenex box again. Thank you. I do dearly love crying over these beloved characters. And you write them so well. Blessed be.

This story is exquisite on so many levels. This particular chapter broke my heart. I so want to hope that you have a happy ending hidden up your sleeve, but I'm not counting on it. Sometimes a tragic ending is more satisfying anyway. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

Oh, dear god, my own chapter . . . and what an exquisite gift it is, too!  Thank you, a thousand thanks! You have recounted the memories, and his choice for each one (and his reexamination of each one, as well) with more thought and care and grace than I could possibly have hoped for.  And this sense of things rushing forward, faster and faster, it makes it all almost unbearable---beautiful and incredibly sad, all at once.  Just like the sea itself:  You are so right about it being magic, and placing the two of them there, just to look out at it, side by side, is the most touchingly beautiful image with which to end this chapter.My chapter.You tell me over and over how my words (and the words of so many of your faithful, articulate, thoughtful readers) inspire you to keep going, and you have given me a response to that in Luna's words: “This is what I do. This is all I know how to do to help."You are creating a masterpiece.  I am humbled and moved to watch a master at work.

Boy all the emotion in this chapter is almost over powering!!!    I truly love this story and it is not even over.  Can not wait for the next chapter!  I really loved how you are showing the way Severus has fallen in Love with Hermione and wants to make sure that she does feel that he did if he dies by leaving all the memories that he is.  Just so badly want to finish reading the master piece that you have written.  Waiting and begging for more!!

That was an amazing and beautiful chapter.  I'm speechless....  The way that Severus is described as a boy on his way to Hogwarts as "an odd mixture of apology and arrogance" captures him perfectly.  Your writing is inspired and this chapter brought me to tears.  Amazing, wonderful job.