1) If "survival at any cost, by any means", is the Slytherin mantra and the greatest and highest good, then....what happens IF Severus is put in a position in which HIS survival demands he either acquiese in, or even actively cause, Hermione's death? If your Voldie shows the same character we've seen in fanfics and canon, he demands highest loyalty to himself, with no competition for that highest place. I can't see him not putting that loyalty to the test for ALL his followers, particularly Severus, just to make "sure" of where his loyalties lie. And, if he does----what then? Will Severus betray even Hermione herself to assure that he himself survives?

2) Severus is not considering that, as you bring out in this chapter, Hermione fell in love with the "good" Severus---the noble spy for the Order. He is now asking of her two HUGE things---and seems to be oblivious as to how huge they are. One, that she "shift" her love from the man she "thought" she fell in love with, to the man he's claiming he's settling for being now (in order to survive). Two, he's asking her, basically, whether he realizes it or not, to stop being Hermione---to stop being the girl that caught his eye to begin with. If he does care for her as more than just her body (or her intelligence), then I would assume that means he wants her (and loves her) for herself, for being Hermione. For her to accept the world that exists for her now, the world he helped bring about, she would have to cease being who she is---she would have to become someone else, leave behind all that makes her "Hermione". She would have to become more like "Bellatrix", than "Hermione"---is that what Severus really wants? Has he considered what it means, if she does as he is asking and just accepts the brave new world he and his Lord are creating? That, win or lose, he will still lose "Hermione", because she won't BE anymore the Griffindor lioness he fell in love with?

3) Lastly, if Hermione does remain true to herself, even if she stays with Severus, has he considered that the world into which he has transplanted her will eventually destroy her? Even if she holds on, somehow, to what she believes, the daily contradictions between what she believes is right, and the world she has to live in, will take their toll. He can no more expect Hermione to live without the Light, than he could expect a plant to live without the sun, or a fish without water. Either she will waste away under the strain, or slowly lose her mind or will to live, or V. will himself eventually kill her or order her death.

Why can't Severus see any of this? He's usually so smart. Or is he just blinded by his egocentricity? And will those "blinders" come off?

Very intriguing story! Can't wait to see how you answer all my "wonderings"!

Anxiously waiting for more, Rubyfey

Author's Response: Ah, excellent questions! I'll see if I can help you out a little. On your first point, Snape has gone from ensuring his survival to that of enusring his and his witch's survival. Though he's not said this, I'm of the mind that if he was ordered to harm her or if someone else harmed her, he would end up doing what he did to Rodolphus. He is quite protective of her. I think in this story, Voldemort is biding his time. He knows that as long as Severus is content and enjoying his "reward" that things will be fine. In his mind, Severus would definitely choose him over Hermione, but there will come a time when he may test him. I hate to say too much though b/c I don't want to give the plot away.

2. I love what you have here. It's great, and this, my dear, is exactly what happens. She'll not become another Bella, but she'll not be Hermione any longer. She'll be a bit listless, lose some of her fire, and he'll hate it. It's all going to hit him at once--his feelings, her feelings, how they mesh, etc. I think it makes for a great epiphany. We'll see that in a couple of chapters.

3. I'm of the mind that if Harry doesn't come back to vanquish the Dark Lord, Hermione will end up wasting away, no matter if she promised Snape she would stay or not. I think right now, she's hoping her words will get him to at least try to help Harry. It's her last hope. Otherwise, she'd be resigned to the life of a servant. She's going to try to talk to him some more. The next chapter has a bit of surprise in it. He does have to make a decision about something. That will lead to his eventual epiphany.

I am quite happy that you felt the need to ask about these things. I'm moving a bit slowly, and Snape seems a bit thick and insensitive, but I'm getting to it. Right now, he's being selfish. He thinks he's won the best of both worlds, and nothing can touch him. Reality will find him soon enough. I am happy that you are enjoying this! I should have more up soon. Cheers. SW

And finally, please please give Hermione her wand back! It is so distressing to hear her being in that castle without the minimal protection it provides!

Author's Response: Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. Voldemort truly is quite smooth and manipulative, and he knows it. That definitely makes it worse. The talk would have been quite futile at Hogwarts. He's going to have to make a decision in the next chapter. Yep, he definitely knows that Voldemort wouldn't hesitate to get rid of Hermione should she cause "trouble" for them. He'll get her wand by the way. Chapter 33 :) Thank you!