Now this went really well for all parties, didn't it? Everybody seems to have found what he oder she looked for... I wonder wether this is going to remain so...
Good chapter!

Author's Response: Absolutely. Now, they just need time to fully acknowledge what's between them, and Hermione still has to realise that.

Thanks!

Does Severus really think he can't fall in love with Hermione? Maybe his injuries are far more serious than muscle controling problem.

Oooh, I can't wait for the next morning! But silly Snape. Thinking he might never love Hermione the way he loved Lily, but that he might grow feelings for her? Silly, silly man! These two don't know what they're in for. And I wonder what sort of room he's prepared for her! Ok, so this chapter was just tantalizing overall!

Author's Response: He's still wondering. It's still new for him, you know, it's not that easy to let go of the past. As for the next morning, I didn't write it. The story will make a year bound in the future with the next chapter.

Hehehe. I think this is actually the first chapter of this that I've read, but I'm thoroughly intrigued. I love scheming!Snape. I shall try to get back to the rest and read through them before the next chapter comes along. :-)

Author's Response: I'm glad you're intrigued and hope you'll like the rest as well. The next chapter is already in the queue.

Hmmm I wonder how long it will be before Hermione starts making comparisions.

So the great seduction plan is in place. I wonder how much time will she need to realize she's fallen for him. And I'd like to see a Weasley in the picture for even more fun.

To be honest, in my opinion, both Hermione and Severus are rather
ooc in your story, in my eyes their behaviour, or rather their
respective set of characteristics, doesn't match with the canon
characters as I would have expected them to be after DH.

As well, I openly disagree ;o) with the fact that Severus had
anticipated an attack by Nagini and would have been prepared for it - he was till the end high enough in Voldemorts esteem not to expect such a humbling, degrading thing to be done to him - though I give him the foresight to prepare some antivenom, as he might suspect something like this to happen to someone else (of the light side, for example) needing his help.

Taking these arguments into consideration and simply accepting your facts for this story (which I don't mind doing if a story is told as well), I really like your storytelling and preparing of plot and
events. I enjoyed myself thoroughly reading through the chapters so far and had fun observing Severus's snarkyness enfold quite differntly than usual, and so influenced by his predicament. This part I really like, by the way: I simply find it unrealistic that even with magical healing opportunities, someone should be able to survive this vicious an attack and get away without any lasting damage at all. And for Snape to have exactly this problem with all the possible humiliations in tow must be particularly tough to accept.
Great story, and a good reading, too, even if I disagree with some of your preconditions ;o).

At least, you made good argument for your disagreement, and that I appreciate. Still, Severus was wary when Voldemort summoned him in the Shrieking Shack, or that's how I read the scene. I think that 15 years under Dumbledore's thumb, added to the loss of Lily, would have taught him something about his "master"'s callousness.

I always like when people tells me I do something different. Frankly, this story is as realistic as possible; this is no dashing romance, no action and adventure, just the development of a relationship. As for Snape's predicament, I researched a bit about snakes' venom effect and adapted them a bit for my story. I was helped a lot by my beta (beta!love) who is a scientist.

Thanks for your detailed and thoughtful review.

Don't misunderstand me: I completely agree that Snape suspected something from the Dark Lord! Just not this really humbling and degrading attack of his pet - which puts him on the same level as a muggle or lower in my opinion. I would have expected that he was attacked by some nasty hex or the good ole' AK.

Thanks for your answer and not minding my criticism. I only give so much of it when I really like a story.

Apart from that, the good thing in Fanfiction is that everybody can develop the characters and situationons as she sees ist, and that's somehting I just love in Fanfiction. Not all stories I read and like share my own views, on the contrary - but that adds to the spice of discovering. I absolutely give you writing a realistic approach of your characters, which is something I like very much, too. And they both stay really good in the character you drew for them - no matter that I would have drawn it differently.

I've done some research into snake venom and aftereffects, too, as I'm working at a survival story myself (though I don't write in english), and I particularly loved the part about the neurotansmitters and so on - such a love for detail is really great! Thank you very much for it.

Oh, do we sense another possible suitor for Hermione?  :-)

I loved the part where you said that he wanted to seduce her for keeps - good line. I liked the ending where he they both feel asleep dreaming of each other. Neither knows what the other is feeling and in the end - they will be pleasantly suprised.

Using books to get to her heart...it's practically cheating.  :)  Great chapter

I think you are the FIRST person to not have Hermione brush her teeth before bed!  Congradulations for something new and different! I know, weird sentance to comment on and the chapter was really good, but that struck me. 

Oh, did they dream of the other? Of course! I loved the part about Severus getting in all these little touches, acclimating her to his close, physical presence. Excellent idea, Sev.

Great chapter! As usual.

Yes, they did.

Severus is very subtle about it, he doesn't want to scare her, but in a couple of months, they'll get very comfortable with each other.

Thank you very much!

I am so glad you are posting this here!  I enjyed this story a great deal on the exchange and now I get the pleaure of rereading it (again) *grins* Irish

This is interesting.  I really like the beginning of this. 

Wow!! That's quite a beginning. I hope for more soon.

It must be awful for such an independent person to have to rely not only on others, but others they do not particularly like, to care for them. I think you have Snape's manipulative qualities down pat. You've kep thim reasonably dark and disagreeable, but he is such an intriguing character. Well done!

I think this is going to be a very interesting read, I like your version of the DH ending, it's much more to my liking than JKR's! And looking foward to Hermione and Snape's relationship evolving. Looking foward to more!

Very compelling beginning.  I can't blame Headmaster Snape for his behavior or plan of action regarding Hermione. Yes, it's spiteful but he didn't survive this long on the charity or good will of others. He is just insuring he has "connections".  So far it is working in his favor.  I do hope Hermione is able to work off the debt she feels to him and they can become at least friends. It would be nice for him to know there are people in this world that you can count on because they love you and are loyal to you, not because they have some agenda.  Is he guilting Harry as much as he is Hermione?

Dear Septentrion this has become one of my favorite stories to revisit.  I first read it during the exchange and I have to say I really wish you would do a part 3.  Thank you for providing such enjoyable reading.  Irish

Snape was a sneak but it seems it was worth it...he ended up with the woman of his choice.It was a good story. Thank you.

How did I miss this last chapter? For several days I've been thinking, what happened to septentrion? Duh! I should just check the story myself!

Yes, he doesn't usually broadcast his positive feelings! How true! I loved how in this story you showed so much of the tenderness between them, the intimacy. The times they sat together, worked together, the little touches or looks. So easy (and I'm so guilty here) to delve right into smut. This took the higher road, altho there is no doubt that they have a physical attraction as well. You are quite gifted. I'm sorry this is over!!!

Author's Response: You're too kind, lulabelle. This is not my first story. My first novel-length story was in French and has lots of smut (quite not as much as yours). And when the smut is done with talent, then I say "no harm done!"

I would have liked to write a third part, but real life and the muse are utterly uncooperative, so I fear it'll stay like that.

Great  story!

This says the story is complete. Is this true?Livvy

Trust Hagrid to get right down to the bottom of it. At least now they don't have to endure the gossip and suppositions anymore!Such a wonderful story. Thank you.

Well McGongall got set straight about her plans for Hermione. The Madam Puddifoots verses Rosemerta's was a good touch - people love fishing don't they? I loved the conclusion - admitting some of their feelings but not the whole kit and kaboodle yet