I think that now, finally, it has been put to rest.

, I appreciate your nudge. Not a day goes by that I don't think about this story and my deep need to finish it. As I may have mentioned, I do have 4 more chapters done. I also have a weekend coming up where I will be escorting my daughter to a 3 day workshop. She will live on campus and I will be sitting in a hotel room with nothing to do. I told my husband I wanted to work on this story while I was away. If I can come close to finishing it, I may start posting again. It is done in my mind, just typing it all out is the time consuming part. Have faith. I WILL finish this. I would not leave you all hanging, although I'm sure that some of my followers have long ago given up hope.

, I appreciate your nudge. Not a day goes by that I don't think about this story and my deep need to finish it. As I may have mentioned, I do have 4 more chapters done. I also have a weekend coming up where I will be escorting my daughter to a 3 day workshop. She will live on campus and I will be sitting in a hotel room with nothing to do. I told my husband I wanted to work on this story while I was away. If I can come close to finishing it, I may start posting again. It is done in my mind, just typing it all out is the time consuming part. Have faith. I WILL finish this. I would not leave you all hanging, although I'm sure that some of my followers have long ago given up hope.

That's a good question... I will probably have to disappoint you on that one, though. I have been working slowly, and the remainder is complicated. I read other people's stories as they post, and I get frustrated because I forget what's going on if they take too long between postings. I don't want that to happen to my readers. So I would rather wait until I can post it in rapid succession. Sorry.Be patient. I'm really pleased with what I have so far.

Guess I'll just have to wait. I do understand what you mean though. I'm normally good about weekly updates myself but I go months between stories so that I have enough beta'ed to do that. I'm glad that you're pleased with what you have so far!  I look forward to it.

Perhaps Harry just wanted to see the best in Ron and didn't want to think that his best friend would ever stoop so low.Thanks for reading,

. I'm glad you caught up with my story. Now if I could only catch up with my real life responsibilities, I could write the next chapter...

Severus has little tolerance for children as a general rule, but he knows what it is like to have an unstable childhood and what it can do to a person. He wouldn't wish that on anyone, and he'll do what he can to help Hermione's kids have a good upbringing.Thanks for taking the time to review. And yeah, Draco's timing leaves much to be desired!

Severus has little tolerance for children as a general rule, but he knows what it is like to have an unstable childhood and what it can do to a person. He wouldn't wish that on anyone, and he'll do what he can to help Hermione's kids have a good upbringing.Thanks for taking the time to review. And yeah, Draco's timing leaves much to be desired!

They will both need to work together to change things. And they will need a bit of help from their friends, but take heart. Everything will eventually work out.

She will, to a certain degree.

Of course, there are many other jobs out there that Hermione would be good at and qualified for. But so many people are warey of Snape that they might be afraid to hire her if her romance with him were known. Remember, she is still a celebrity, even after all these years, and his reputation is dark and infamous. She doesn't like the spotlight, but she doesn't have much choice in the matter, as we saw with Rita's latest article. And the last time he appeared in public to mail a package... Well, let's just say it was a fiasco.Dont' worry, it will all work out in the end.

I promise that, yes, the angst will eventually resolve itself. In the mean time, they always have their dreams...

Almost made me cry to write it.

I'm so evil to lead you all on like that. Sorry, I just couldn't help myself.

Snape killed Dumbledore. And the wizarding world sent him to Azkaban for it. No matter what Harry or Ron say, the rest of the wizarding population only knows what they read in the Prophet. Public perception is key, especially where teachers and children are involved. Hogwarts can't afford to have families pulling their kids out of the school because they don't trust the integrity of one of its teachers.Don't worry. I know it is frustrating. But everything will eventually fall into place for our couple.

I know this sounds odd, but I keep their names the way I do because I am writing the story from both of their points-of-view. When it is Snape's POV, he thinks of himself as "Snape" and her as "Miss Granger." From her POV, she is "Hermione" and he is "Professor Snape." The formality keeps them at a slight emotional distance. But if you notice, in their dreams, they refer to each other in the informal, that is their subconscious bubbling forth their innermost wishes and desires.So that is my literary reasoning behind what they call each other. Sorry, but you'll have to put up with it for a while longer.

I totally understand why you keep this formality, and I agree with it, because it's a case of making the story work because as you say it keeps them at a slight emotional distance. I wasn't making a negative point about the story or the way you write. It's just the story, like I said if they finally do get together then 'in the story' the formalitites will change- well to Mr and Mrs Snape hehe.

Hi,

, and thanks for the insightful review. I wish for our couple's sake that what goes on behind closed doors stays there, but this is the wizarding world and...Well, you'll just have to keep reading (evil chuckle).The person responsible for Severus' conviction will most definitely fall from grace before the story's end. Worry not.

They will just have to manage as best friends for a while. I know from experience that it is hard, but it is possible.Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.

Hi

, so nice to hear from you.I have some of the same life experiences as well. I know first hand just how hard it is for two people who love each other to remain only friends. But it is possible, especially when other innocent victims would be involved, namely her children. Again, I speak from experience here.But don't worry, the barriers between them will slowly fall away, but it will take much work on both their parts, along with some help from several other people.Thanks so much for your review.

UST is my favorite thing to write. Yes, I'm a tease, I know. Sorry. More dreams will be coming up soon. Stay tuned.

That will be a long time coming. Sorry. When Snape makes up his mind about something... Well, we all know how stuborn he can be.

More dream lemons are in the offing. I know it isn't quite the same, but they will have to suffice for a while.Thanks for reading and reviewing. :)

Yes, there was a hint about the rose in the previous two chapters, but I purposefully mislead everyone. I'm so evil.Thanks, Merrin, your reviews mean so much.

You are very welcome, and I agree with Nessa that best friends really should call each other by first names ;)

Thanks so much. The ride continues...

Wow! What wonderful words of praise. Thank you so much. I will endeavor to continue to bring you tasty chapters!

. I am still here. I haven't had time to read other people's stories for a while, much less work on my own. My life is insane right now. But I hear your plea. I still have work and school going on, but the overtime at work had dried up, so perhaps I can squeeze in some writing time now. I promise I will try harder than I have been trying for the last two years. Trust that the story has never been far from my mind or heart.

Hello! I know how much real life can interfere... I am happy to read your reply and really hope for an update as soon as you find the time. I am sure others are waiting, too! this story is so well written and very fascinating, I really want to know how it ends!

Hello

Severus was very tempted to go over the deep end when he read Rita's article, but he also doesn't want anyone to know how he feels about Hermione.  He is very stuborn, indeed!Thanks for reading and reviewing. The reviews mean so much.