In this set of stories, especially this last one, it looks very much like Sev suffers from clinical depression. Telling someone who's depressed to "let go and feel happy" is utterly useless. It's not that he isn't trying; his brain chemistry just doesn't work that way. Lily, whose brain is flowing with endorphins, has no idea what it's like in the Black Pit. She insists on equating happiness with moral virtue and misery with turpitude. If Sev would just pull himself together he could live in the effortless sunshine, like optimistic Lily and happy-go-lucky James. But he can't; even when he experiences happiness there's always a part of him waiting in the darkness, knowing that it's all ephemeral. Sunshine only peeks though on rare occasions; the Pit is always there in the background. Only darkness lasts forever.

Much as I feel for Sev--I know that Black Pit well--I can't rationally blame Lily for abandoning him. Trying to pull someone out of the Pit is exhausting, and the effort never ends. For her own sake, simple, happy Lily is better off with simple, joking James. People such as Sev end up alone, sitting at their computers writing messages to strangers. Either that or they create Great Art--and great artists, even if they're only artists at Potions, should not be forced to teach dunderheads or to spy on megalomaniacs.

She nearly ends up luring him out to his death, and it's his fault?

But then, as we all know, anything that goes wrong is always Sev's fault.

And dating someone you _know_ is beating up your friend sends a signal to that friend.

But again, it's Snape's fault. It says so right in canon, doesn't it?

Thank you. Those 3 pieces are beautifull. Again, I must thank you for writing Snape exactly like I see him too. It means a lot to me, since the HP universe, and especialy Severus Snape have helped me through some difficult times, and still do.

I'm currently translating a fiction into French, and I've hesitated for long between this one and your The Alchemist, but seeing that you're not sure to finish it, well... And I was probably a bit affraid, because I'm trully in love with your writing style and your Snape, so close to mine... Anyway, keep up the amazing work.

Aw, so sad to see their friendship starting to disintegrate. :(

I imagine there were a lot of moments like their over the years as it got closer to the end of their friendship. Good job capturing the emotion.

Wow. This is fabulous. I kind of hate to admit it, but I think this may be better than Solace(I feel so so disloyal). I hope that things get better for you, although plenty of time is the only thing that ever helped me.

I like this.
Very well written, and in character! :)

I agree with the last reviewer. It's a nice story, hope you write another chapter or so.

Like most of your work, it is well written. I hope Sev grows a pair quicker in this fic and tells Lily how he feels.

This will have to tie me over while I hope for *cough* Alchemist *cough cough*... sorry.. had something stuck in my throat there ;-).

All the best,

Sam

Hmm... do you plan on writing another sequel to this? Wonderful story by the way. It's always a joy to read another of your LE/SS pieces. They keep my hopes alive until you update Once and The Alchemist.

Please write more,

R.C.