Thank you!  It was a pretty emotional chapter, wasn't it?  I've decided to adjust my outline for the story and have Sev find out about the blood quill later, simply because he's just found out about the Dursleys and that was so emotional, that I think it would be overkill if he discovered Harry's scarred hand right afterwards, too.

I'm looking forward to writing about Severus opening up to Harry about his own past...should be very angsty and it'll give Harry a chance to be the strong, comforting one.  Glad you like Sev's reaction...he does love Harry and it's hard to both hear how much Harry suffered and to realise how much  he and the other professors let Harry down when they should  have been looking out for him.

Thank you!  I'm glad you like Occlumency and Potions still being Harry's weak spots...I figure first of all, everyone has strengths and weaknesses, that's only realistic.  Also, I'm trying to build up to a moment where Severus and Harry will have to confront Severus' past treatment of Harry, and so I needed to show that in some ways, Harry's still affected.  It's not that he's consciously resentful or scared, but it's also not a  coincidence that Occlumency and Potions are the two things Sev tried to teach him back when the two were enemies.  Harry was told over and over again that he was no good at those subjects and he's got a real mental hang-up about them now.

Yes, I think Harry will struggle with feelings of guilt over Sirius' death for a long time...it's slowly getting better, compare this nightmare with the first one I wrote when Sirius was telling Harry that it was all his fault.  Now Harry just sees it happen, but Sirius isn't blaming him.  It's a small step.  But the death of a loved one is something that affects a person for the rest of their life.  I am so happy for  Harry's sake though, that Severus is there for him.  That's what will help Harry heal more than anything.

I enjoyed writing the little snippet with Harry, Ron, and Hermione being professors.  I can't write real humor to save my life, but maybe I can put in a little humorous touch now and then.  Maybe the professors dream could be foreshadowing, too...

Yeah, Mrs. Abbott's death is canon, it's mentioned at some point in HBP, and all questions about Hermione will be answered in the next chapter or two.  Thanks again!  *You'll never believe me when I say I'm not going to post anytime soon, after "Slave Child", will you?  But I started writing and got carried away! 

Wow! This is such a great review I don't know how to respond. Thank you! I promise to update as soon as possible, but it will probably be two weeks before the next chapter. About the 'thing' attacking the students and house-elves: I tell you only that its nothing written in the books and entirely from my own imagination. I'm estatic that you like the classroom scenes, I've thought about adding more, but wasn't sure if people really enjoyed them. I like writing them simpily because I love anything that's history related, but I know many find that dull so...*shrugs*

Thanks again for the wonderful review and I promise to update as soon as I'm able.

Thank you for such a wonderful review!  Knowing that you just found my story yesterday and read it all the way through is so, so awesome...  I'm glad you're enjoying it! 

I know what you mean about the relationship between Snape and Harry not making sense... Since my fic is not an adoption fic right now, I had to give a valid reason for Snape wanting to get Harry under control.  After all, he's the one who is expected to chase Harry all over creation and keep him safe.  Seems to me he should be able to keep a firm hand on him...

I didn't even think about a Snape-meets-Dursleys scene, but if you're interested, I could totally squeeze it in there...Reading all of these reviews actually gives me great ideas for this story at times. 

As for the state of Harry's homelife, I've given the readers a glimpse of it in the first chapter, but it is very similar to what JKR created; although, I always believed that perhaps Vernon was a little bit more physical in his treatment of Harry than she let on (i.e.: "Harry knew from experience not to come within arms reach of his uncle") or whatever the exact saying is. 

Thanks again for your words of encouragement.  It really means a lot.  Have a great week!