I could have sworn I'd reviewed for this, but just now while checking for an update I realized I hadn't.

First, you are a wonderful writer, and this is a mezmerizing story.   Just in case you didn't already know that.

Second, I 'think' I see where you 'may' be going.  Don't let anything hinder you---your own author's heart is your best guide.  Despite my own reverence for "mind over heart" in matters of life choices, I simultaneously realize that the heart is a very contary bugger---we may "know", intellectually, that a certain person or relationship is trouble, but we often can't "help" who our hearts choose to fall in love with.  While acknowledging the love doesn't mean we have to choose a destructive relationship (which seems to be the worry of many here who have reviewed), by the same token making the "logical" choice doesn't mean we can simply turn our hearts off and "un-love" someone.

Often, we never can.

And so, I have great sympathy for your Hermione, here.

She knows that she indeed does love Severus, and has (wisely) stopped denying that fact to herself.

That fact has now also (thanks to Ginny) been brought into the open for everyone else (and Severus) to know--something 'logical' Hermione would never willingly have done (and probably wisely so).

So now, the milk having been spilt, so to speak, as other reviewers have observed, the ball is in Severus' court.  Hermione is also acting wisely in keeping her dignity and self-respect intact, also in accepting the apparent reality of his rejection of her love, and in choosing (in whatever way she can see to do so, at this point) to move on.

However, I disagree with others that Severus' behavior up to now puts him firmly in the "hopelessly-evil-so-therefore-dump-him-Hermione" camp.  You have made it clear that he is confused and conflicted about her, but not a malignant misogynist, and based on that I think there's "hope" yet!

But, of course, Hermione hasn't been granted the omnisicient vision you've given your readers.

So, I sitll look forward to updates, and still hold hope, knowing our human hearts are notoriously contrary things, that the 'best' route isn't always the 'logical' one, and that a balance of the best we can manage of both heart and mind leads to sometimes surprising and wonderful results.

Hoping for that here--and please update soon!

Wow, great chapter! Him beind dishevelled like that I think Ginny might've been right. Now did he go back inside or is going after her (or waiting 'til after graduation)? Can't wait to see what happens next!

She's done everything she could, now.  If he doesn't see the light, then it's time for her to cut her losses and move.  on.  (that goes for both Maryann and Ginger *snerk*)

Oh FRAK, again!  I can't wait for the next chappie.  This is a superb story, and the cliffie is torture. .  . .

The mystery deepens.  With Ginny staying away out of guilt, it's a good thing that Lavender's stepped up to the plate.  I'm impressed --seems like she's a good listener and she's not judgmental.  Hermione can really use her support and friendship now.

Now the soundtrack for this last angsty, gutsy scene has got to be the Smiths "Well I Wonder", from MEAT IS MURDER:  "gasping/dying/but somehow still alive/this is the fierce last stand/of all I am. . . . please keep me in mind"  He can hate her now, and evermore, but he can't deny her courage.  I think it's his pride and private nature that made him abhor being outed in such a publicly humiliating way.

Oh boyz.  Looks like there's a fly in the Harry/Ginny ointment

I am loving that line calling AD a "bearded star"!  LOL  you, madam, have a singular gift for phrase.  And I keep hearing AR utter every line of Snape's in his inimitable (sexy) way.

Hmm, nice of lavender to use her employee discount on Hermione's behalf .  Hermione could use a boost in the self-esteem department, and it never hurts a girl to get some self-pampering in, IMO.

Your version of Hermione certainly doesn't mesh with the svelte sleekness of EW who is anything but frumpy.  Hermione IS a beautiful young woman, and Snape be dammed if he doesn't agree.

Seems like he is much recovered from his terrifying collapse. . .   time and the next phase of the potion will tell.

Never thought seeing (reading) someone eating could be so gratifying, but . . . . 

Wow.  (trying to catch my breath)  Very angsty; but there's gotta be a pony in there somewhere.  And a life-debt!  this gets better and better.

Oh my!  Glad that Hermione found Snape quickly. 

Oh, that man!  It's sooo unfair for him to use his sexual magnetism and experience to torture Hermione's naive, virginal senses.  Good thing she's 18.  It's exciting but surely anything but ethical.

My heart aches for Hermione, since she's in love with a very complicated and difficult man (to say the least).  Ginny and Lavender have it soooo easy in comparison.  :sigh:

Oh, FRAK.  I'm certainly not quitting, but ! 

Very Interesting -- an enthralling chapter.  Hooked!

Research--Hermione can't look a gift horse in the mouth when it comes to the Library and the Restricted Section. . . . . I am just as excited as she is about the Unicorn thing.

Imagining Snape's private sanctuary brings Italian Renaissance art by Titian and Giovanni Bellini to my mind.  The sensuous play of light, color and texture. . . .   If I were Hermione, I'd be faking Vulcan-like calm to get through being in his proximity.

I'm slightly impressed with Lavender's civil behavior and attempt at conversation with Hermione.  Props for trying!  She's a much better match for Ron than Herm ever was (shows how much I care about canon)

man, Hermione's task is so all-consuming!  Too bad she can't just temporarily turn off her feelings to help preserve any objectivity.  Oh blast.

Oh man, so much going on.  Amazing what a little sexy lingerie can do for a girl.  I think Lavender has found her calling:)  Yeah for Ginny for pointing out what a jerk he is being, and trying to set things right for Hermione.  Boo to Ginny for throwing Madam Pomfrey under the bus.  Lavender probably shouldn't have blabbed to Ginny about things Hermione told her but judging by her actions so far, it seems she probably did it with Hermione's best interest in mind.  I am 110% confident that this is going somewhere spectacular but we are slowly drifting on this sea of angst.  Is there no relief in sight?!? *insert dramatic music*  The end gives me hope that we will start to see things improve, even if only between the girls.  You have a beautiful story going here...can't wait for more.

Heartbreaking, Snape's exam.  I can only hope that Hermione's theories and research will hold the keys to his improved recovery.

Ginny's completely right, but it's a start if Hermione can get Snape pain-free.