Wow. I'm adding this into my personal canon, where Snape and Neville do have some hushed conversation as soon as Neville shows spine. Snape's reasons are perfect, Neville's nonchalant acting is dead on target, and the rest of the class has no idea what happened. "Prove us wrong" indeed--Neville's boggart changed here. Great story!

Have you seen the movie "The Cowboys" starring John Wayne? Because there is a particular scene in that movie that seems quite similar here.

*grins* Good job.

Take care of their son, Severus. You are forgiven.

This was really really good. It was meaningful and i really enjoyed reading it. SEVERUS SNAPE IS AMAZING <3

thanks for the great fic ^^

hey, not bad! I mean, it's a little 'jump' between two subjects, you could have done that more smoothly... but overall, nice read. A longer version would do the subject justice. Those are two separate themes - "Prove us wrong" and "Forgive yourself", and it's easy to lose the point. Happy writing :)

Oh my god!That was Oh my god.That could have been a killer Severus/Neville slash.I love Severus in your story.And I can totally see him doing something like that.And when Neville's eyes lighted up to prove Severus wrong it was amazing!I totally love it.And now I really REALLY want to read some kick ** Severus/Neville even if its not slash.Great job by the way.Diffently a favorite.

this is possibly one of the best Neville stories i have ever read. i wish there was more to it.

Wonderful fic. I've read it before, but I never reviewed. I love stories where Neville comes into his own.

Cheers

Oh my god. That was incredible! I love it when Snape is nurturing and bastardly all at once. Your balance of 'kindness' and cruelty was perfect. I simply smile when I think of the conversation between Snape and Neville. Simply wonderful. Kudos and thanx!

Well, first thing I should say is that I was recced here by a fanficrants link (at LiveJournal).

The tension in this fanfic is amazing. I was literally on the edge of my seat, almost holding my breath as I waited for Snape's reaction.

"Three years of classes behind you, yet the simplest concepts, it seems, are still beyond your pitiful excuse for a brain, you stupid, worthless child" - Ouch. Heck, even I winced, and I'm not Neville Longbottom :P That was one of the most insulting, powerful lines in the entire thing.

There's just one criticism I have to make:

[even some of the Slytherins squirmed a bit. The professor was redefining 'harsh' and anybody who didn't feel at least a shred of sympathy for Neville Longbottom was not quite human.]

Based on the Slytherins' constant teasing, especially if this took place during Goblet of Fire and Malfoy and his little group of friends was in the same class at the same time - they would not feel sympathy for Neville. At all. They think Neville is a waste of time. Countless times JK Rowling wrote about how the Slytherin mocked Neville or laughed as Snape picked on him.

[Snape whirled away from the desk, spitting back over his shoulder, "A point from Gryffindor for failure to follow clear instructions. Start over. You still have to show a completed potion by the end of class."] - Only one? I'm personally amazed. Why didn't he take 10 minutes, as is per-standard for Snape, it seems?

[It was too much. Neville shot to his feet and yelled at the top of his lungs, "I said, you're a cruel evil bastard and I hope you die, then maybe you'll shut up and leave me alone!"] - Wow.

[When he spoke, the temperature of his voice would have sent the Muggle deep freeze unit, and most full-grown icebergs for that matter, hiding with shame.] That almost made me fall off my chair in a fit of giggles.

[Ron muttered under his breath, "It's been nice knowing you, Neville... but what a way to go..."] That was just too funny! :D

["So. Mr. Longbottom. You've finally developed a backbone. It's about bloody time," he said dryly, low enough so the inquisitive students around wouldn't hear.] My great god of all... whatever. Holy **.

["But I am a teacher here, and I have a duty to do my best to turn you all into capable, confident adults-- impossible quest though it may be," he added contemptuously.] I would almost think this would be considered as OOC... but when I read a part about 'duty', it made me think that was definitely more in Snape's department, and that's the way he'd see fit to express it, even if he truly believes some of the students -are- worthless "dunderheads"

great!! please continue it soon!! i like the good severus.


ja ne

Beautifully done. I love Snape's snark, his unexpected approval, and the guilt and regrets that dictate some of his actions. I also love the eyes imagery that ties the present and the past together. Well done indeed.

Loved this!
Well written, well structured, good characterisation (although Snape was a bit lenient not removing any points after Neville's attack).
Extremely believable reaction of a victim of bullying being pushed once too many.
Neville's my favourite character. There aren't enough quality fics about him out ther, but this is definitely one.
Well done!!

Extremely well done!

I love your story. It's wonderful.