OMG I am so in love with your story!  SUch a fascinating premise!  I loved LOVED loved it.I also thought that the manner in which you delved into cutting was very respectful to those who have suffered from it, while giving an entirely plausible account.I have never personally cutted, for which I am very thankful.  BUt you have really illuminated to me why some women and men might be driven to do so.  So thank you very much for that, within your story.I'm looking forward to the final chapter!

Speechless ....

I'm with Severus, "...but in public—it took everything within me not to turn and run for cover.” That is the truest sort of love, to stand before all those people and bare his soul for his woman. [sigh, I want a Severus...]Beautiful chapter ... I'm going to miss this story.

What a marvelous description of love-filled penitence!  Severus has kept his promise to Hermione splendidly.  Before all and sundry, he has declared, in no uncertain terms, his love for and devotion to the witch of his dreams.When I read the following, I just melted:  "I have waited, but I shall wait longer if that’s how you wish for it to be. You are my chosen bride. My door will open for you, and my bed will always have a place for you—even if we don’t make love. My body aches to be in contact with yours, to touch you, to caress you, to kiss you. So I shall leave you here, Hermione. If you chose to come to me, I will be waiting. If you feel it is too soon, I promise I shall not be angry.”Fabulous!  Wonderful!  Romantic!  Blissful!  Loving!  This is such a great chapter!  Severus spared nothing to show Hermione how much he loves her and the depth of his devotion to her.  When that witch tried to entice him away, he made short work of putting her advances to an end:  Severus removed the other woman’s hand from his shoulder expertly and replied coolly, “All of what I will ever need or desire in a witch is right here, by my side, and in my arms. Good evening.” He then whisked Hermione away onto the dance floor.Livvy, you've done it again!  I can't wait for the final chapter (and major lemons).  Beth

What a beautiful chapter. Just the right amount of self-dought and self-assurance on Hermione's part. not over done either way but enough to make it believable. As for Severus that was outstandingly done. He put the ball in her hands so to speak and came out the winner. Well done!!! Looking forward to the lovely lemmons in the next chapter. Dont keep us waiting to long.

What a sweet and romantic proposal.  I certainly would not expect such an action from Severus, but it certainly added the spark for the chapter.

So what does she decide?  You've teased us again.  Well done.

Umm did I miss something or did you have no chapter 15?  he hee I was reading your responses so my reviews and thought it looked funny.  You are masterful to have us all not even notice the missing scene.  muhahahahah

Livvy!!!!  I could burst that was so romantic and special.  I only hope when the honeymoon faze is over they are still the same couple and neither returns to the way they were before.  (RL stinks sometimes like that as I'm sure you know.)

Oh my! During this story there has been more than one time where I have wanted to remove Severus dangly bits quite painfully from his body. I must say that I now am happy that I didn't get the oppertunity to do so, since I now hope Hermione will find much joy in said bits:-))I look forward for the lemons.

Oh dear, I could almost feel the embarassement Severus must have felt there. Such a public proposal is quite painful for any man, I guess, but for him – shudder. But now everything is fine and she would be a fool not to follow him :-)

What a lovely proposal!  It must have taken everything to do it.  If that doesn't show how much he loves her, I don't think anything will.  And it was so lovely that he gave her the choice whether to come to him or not.

I hope some of the talented fan artists are following this story cos I'd love to see a rendition of Severus and Hermione in their Ball finery.  And my *jaw drops* still from the utter romance of all people, Severus Snape publically asking Hermione to marry him *melt*.  This really makes the romantic (Libran) sap in me happy.

really, really good chapter. thank you for writting.

As a very private person myself, the proposal was romantic, but mortifying that it happened in front of God and everyone. Very romantic, not over the top. But he did humble himself for her...If she doesn't follow him...she's utterly daft! =]

That was beautiful.  I can imagine how hard it was for Severus to do that in front of everyone.  It put some a smile on my face.  Looking forward to those "lemons"

Phenomenal!!  I am sad there is only one chapter left!  “I have waited, but I shall wait longer if that’s how you wish for it to be. You are my chosen bride. My door will open for you, and my bed will always have a place for you—even if we don’t make love. My body aches to be in contact with yours, to touch you, to caress you, to kiss you. So I shall leave you here, Hermione. If you chose to come to me, I will be waiting. If you feel it is too soon, I promise I shall not be angry.”Such a gentleman and sooo romantic. (swoon).  Can't wait to read the end, and I am definetely looking forward to the lemons!!  Bravo!!

Now, that took a lot of courage.

Lovely dress!

AHHH!!!!!!  I felt like that the day I found my wedding dress.  He is a perfect mix of sex and sensuality.

really good story, the part with voldie and ginny was really supenseful.  I really enjoy reading it. Can't wait for more.

heck of a chapter.

Severus is going all the way to demonstrate to Hermione (and all the other witches) that she is his "one and only."It is so good to see her recognizing her own worth, her own beauty.  She is everything that Severus wants in his mate, and he is missing no opportunity to show her how much he loves her.  I can't wait for him to see her in her beautiful dress as she descends the main staircase.  Her Prince Charming will be completely charmed when he sees his Cinderella.This was a wonderful chapter, full of tender words from an ardent suitor.  Looking forward to the Ball!Beth

What a delightful chapter. I was smiling the whole time I was reading. I can't wait for Severus to see her in the dress or how everyone will react to them at the ball. Update soon please.

At last, some light-hearted retail therapy!!!    Sounds like Hermione's picked the right frock for Mass Destruction of Harpy Hussies!!  I can't wait for more!  She is Cinderella, and her intended Prince is no pumpkin!!  On with the party!!!