This is a touching chapter.   Thanks for the update.  Such a good story!  Effective use of the portraits and of his family home.  Good AU!

interesting twist on meeting the mother.  i can see how it could be painful to him as the portrait seems so lively and charming.  lovely update.  thanks so much

Meet the parents eh?
Lovely chapter.
x

heh.  I, Claudius.  I did recognize the name...  :)

Sorry forgot to rate...

I recognized the I, Claudius reference right away...I love that show all 13 or so hrs of it.  Great story, although I'm surprised you made Severus Italian.  I always pictured Severus as a dark Irish but the name is definitely Latin so it fits really well.

This is wonderful, I can't wait for the next chapter..

This was very beautiful and touching!
I loved it!
Can't wait for more!
~ Angela

Meet his mother! At least her potential mother-in-law can't speak!

I love this chapter. It gives real insight into the Snape family and explains why he is the way he is, just by the brilliant description of the crumbling house. Sad that he couldn't stay and speak with his Mother, I got the impression it was far too painful for him. But wonderful all the same.

Looking forward to the next installment!

excellent update!!  loved her mom's view on the subjuect and severus' respose to it.  i am so enjoying this story.  thanks so much

Too bad she couldn't actually talk to the portrait of his mother. that would have been a good conversation. But she seemed so sweet. Whatever is he going to do about the house? It seems beyond repair?
Severus' mood, his quietness when taking her through the house was odd, unnerving. So deeply sad. IT's almost as if he was reflecting the house himself.

but our girl is strong enough to handle this...i just know she is.  this update is excellent background.  thanks so much.

Mrs. Granger really seemed to just lay it out and I was so amazed at how perceptive she is - and how accepting. That Snape was litening in, that was so like him.

Oh how horrible. To see his mum lying dead after his father had beaten and forced himself on her. Then to think he'd become the same following Voldemort. What about Lily? I suppose he loved her and carried that regret also. But his father wasn't the kind of man to portect - beat and use - but not protect and sacrifice for. Severus is still a better man than his dad. I hope Hermione can help him realize this.

good for her!!  faint heart ne'r won fair severus.  love this story and this great update.  thanks so much

When did Hermione kill the Rat? But to have to relive killing someone - that's rough. Snape's ability to be kind and understanding, he's really a good guy under the bluster, isn't he?

Ok, confused. She's passed her OWLs, so she can do magic while away from school - so why can't she do so at home? Fixing a plate would be a simple thing. I did really love that she had snapped athim - he deserved it. But the tenderness he showed at the end of the chapter was surprising.

Oh how sad, Snape's dad burned all his toys? That's outrageous! Poor kid -- and at 11?

Good for Hermione, get him out of the house, stretch his legs a bit - shopping!  Severus Snape, this Severus Snape in a mall! At least she threw in the mesuem.

I'm really enjoying this and hope you update again soon!

I have a feeling that Mrs. Granger's comments really made an inpact on Snape. I did like the exchange between Hermione and Snape about his 'features.'

Imogene likes Snape - or simply likes people. She is totally adorable!

I loved the reaction of the boys - so expected. What I didn't expect was a little sister! This is going to be good.

OH, the Idea of Snape spending Christmas with the Weasleys - too funny! Severus was so in character - shock, then instantly suspecious and angry! Oh, having him over will be a treat for everyone!