This story was beautifully written. Thanks for sharing it.

Snape seems so ... childish? immature? a volatile teen? but not quite ... an amateur politcian who knows he has enough smarts to get by and makes full use of them ... can't quite put my finger on it...

It's the perfect characterization of Sev!

How beautiful. Very VERY well written and so so raw and genuine.

This is the most plausible depiction of Severus' return to Dumbledore's service that I have seen. The gradual coaxing and courting of Severus by Dumbledore just feels right. You have done a very good job here. Thank you for taking the time to share.

I think I reviewed this, a couple years ago at Fiction Alley. But it was nice to stumble across it again. It is still a wonderful story. Your take on the Snape/Dumbledore dynamic is very touching.

This story was great! And how good it fits with Deathly Hallows, it's almost like you've already read it. It was so touching to read Severus' thoughts on being an outcast, not liked by anyone, doing Lucius' homework for his protection. This really make you sympathize with him on a higher level. And his feelings towards Dumbledore, I almost cried, I mean, you're writing is extremely good and all the layers you put into this story. Not only the whole Snape becoming a good guy, but also the why's and how's. Why he joined in the first place, and now why he wants to get out. Your portrait of Dumbledore is also by far the best I've read on Fan fiction. He is so like himself in the books. He's speeches, he's vaguely way of talking, he's wits, and all his regrets. Dumbledore have more regrets than maybe anyone in the series, maybe anyone alive even, being that he has been around for so long and have been giving so much power over young people's lives. Hearing Dumbledore talk about his regrets with such a sorrow really makes you believe in him and makes you feel for him.
I've really spilled my heart out here, sorry about that, but the bottom line here is that this was a amazing, fabulous and well written story and I thank you so much for it.

:D

You've really put the proverbial finger on why Dumbledore trusts (trusted *sniff*) Severus. The poor kid, it makes you wish you could be there for him. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going off to read some more of your stuff.

Ooh, I love this piece, especially that line, “And now, I wait for an innocent infant to become the hero who can destroy the Dark Lord. What a terrible fate to wish on a child. And yet I will do what I must to make sure it comes to pass. What kind of person must I be, to do such a thing?." It shows that even though Dumbledore cares he is still tring to fight a war. I liked how you managed to mix manipulative!Dumbledore with grandfatherly!Dumbledore. Your Severus was great to it made me want to care for him. And some of his lines were so great to, making Dumbledore promise to stay alive for him and that foreshadowing of a possible traitor(Peter). I'm adding this to my favorites list. Keep up the good work!

Oh WOW! This is heartbreaking, heartwrenching, painfully powerful stuff. This is one of the best Severus-turning-to-Dumbledore fics I've ever read. It's breathtakingly outstanding. The emotions are so strong, so powerful...Your portrayal of Severus could not be any better; it's perfect. I'm sitting here crying from the bitterness, the hate, the pain, the torment, the despair that Severus is feeling. You've converyed his emotions so so well. Absolutely perfect.

Only one tiny little complaint: "“I think I have a certain affect on him,”" - it should be effect, not affect (affect is the verb (eg. I affect the result) and effect is the noun (eg. the effect of water)).

A very lovely and thoughtful story. A remarkably good analysis of Dumbledore. I also very much enjoyed your Snape/Lupin stories which I read yesterday. Alas, yes, HBP has made many great stories AU. However, considering what I thought of HBP, I will continue to read them with greater pleasure than some of JKR's latest.

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this story...I've read the story before and thought it was excellent...as usual. You probably don't remeber me but I was a newbie back in 03 or 04 (I can never remember which ^ _ ^) and your story, The Wounded, was the first I ever read and I still think it's the greatest. I love Severus and not many stories can do him justice. I think you are one of the few writers that can and do.
Lol, anyhoos, after I said that, this story is amazing...I love it...it's...it shows why I don't like Dumbledore but at least you got him to admit that he was wrong in his favoritism. Wow...good story.

hmm, this is very interesting! it fits right in with HBP, only makes a lot more sense :)

Woo- another gem, as I always expect from you. I greatly enjoyed reading it.

Excellent point. UNless someone is your slave by an unbreakable vow, you cannot trust them. I appreciate that you pointed out that Veritaserum and Legilimency might not work.

Dumbledore the manipulating bastard. But he does carry half the orld on his shoulders. Poor Severus, we know where he will end up in book six. Was that better than apparating in the middle of a mountain?