So much to read and remember!  I'm glad you explained the timelines and the multi-Severus'.  Did you have a wit-sharpening potion or a calming draught while you wrote it out?I really appreciate your efforts on behalf of the Slytherins to try to correct the misconception that every single Slytherin would end up another dark wizard.  Since the Huffs and the Claws both associate with the Slytherins without catching the dark bug, the blame for this riddikulus belief falls clearly on the bigoted Gryffs.  You might want to add a "W" to the line "and holy illogical given Potter's and the Weasley's, ..."   Potter's good, but he's not "holy".

Maria, I was just rereading this chapter to remind myself where the story was and I noticed [about 2/3 way down the chapter] where Severus had summoned a dozen owls to him.  You referred to the owls as 'fowl'! 

My dear lady, an owl is a raptor, a bird of prey; proud and regal as the eagle and the hawk ... it is not a chicken!  If this is merely a slip of a finger, an unintended typo, you shall be forgiven [in time] but I would suggest you wear a hat when walking out at night until ruffled feathers are settled!

There is so much action in this chapter it made my head swim... had to read parts of it several times to keep my thoughts straight!I am delighted that all the students made it back from the Department of Mysteries, though it was a dangerous thing to undertake.  It will be interesting to see how Ron and Dennis Creevey are able to handle the memories from the brains.  It seems like being Muggleborn is an advantage in this case.  For Dennis, those foreign memories from Wroithesley, the Necromancer and Alchemist, just seem to be like something he had learned in one of his classes.  Ron, on the other hand, appears to be struggling with Lucien Underwood's memories.  Perhaps having to deal with the memories of the Dark wizard and Gellert Grindelwald's right hand man will give him insight into the minds of Voldemort and his servants.  Only time will tell, and just one more thing for Severus to keep an eye on.The students in Slytherin house who have decided to be loyal to Severus and Dumbledore have got to be a blessing for the Potions master.  Now he has people who are loyal to him who can watch for signs of what others in their House are thinking and doing.  It will be tricky, but I'm so glad Severus has them on his side.Thanks for another great chapter, Bea!Beth

I have spent a lot of time the last few weeks reading all of your various stories. I love each and every one.

Interesting choices of 'brains' for Dennis and Ron; too bad Ron will still be anti-Slytherin. I'm glad Severus confronted Hermione about her lack of trust in him.Very glad to see the Slytherins sticking together!  At last, Severus has some students he can be pleased with, and I hope to see more of them in this story.  Yay, Darias, for having his own house with a Fidelius!  Now should I worry about Catherin MacTirdelvach?  Thank you for the new chapter!

I really enjoyed this update! Thanks for all th hard work!

Hooray!!! Thank you for the update! I love the comprehensive retrospective of the battle and its aftermath. The brains were such an inspired idea...I'm really curious to see how they play out in the plot. Snape's rant about Harry does reflect his viewpoint well, but I have to point out that Snape is coming from a biased POV as well. I'm sure that will be addressed by Hermione later on. Anyway, looking forward to the next chapter!!!

Loved the chapter.  Little touches: Ron's possible personality meld with an obsessivly academic Slytherin, Umbridge leaving hospital early becasue she could hear horses' hooves, the 'idiot fop' Lockhart snipe. Vintage stuff - roll on the next chapter! :P

Another great chapter! Thanks for continuing to work on this story.

Great update

“Are you going to give these to Madam Pomfrey?”“This? No.” She nodded, admonishing herself for thinking it might be acceptable for the Healer to use. “I’ll be sending it to St. Mungo’s. This is not an easy potion to make, and few know all the proper techniques to accomplish a viable potion. If it doesn’t coagulate in the next hour, the Healers in the Infectious and Venomous Bites Ward will greatly appreciate your efforts.”“Infectious and Venomous Bites…? Is this…?” “It is the only known counter to the nerve damage caused by Nagini’s venom.”“It’s one of the potions that saved Mr. Weasley?” You—you invented this one, didn’t you?”“Yes. Now go. You have another lesson to attend.”“Thank you, sir,” she said and turned to go, feeling utterly elated at her accomplishment and his confidence in her ability.Thank you for this, Bea.  It totally made my morning!  Now I'm off to get ready for work, but I'm looking forward to seeing what you have in store next.  Great work!Beth

Wow! What a nice story! I hope you'll write more soon :) I couldn't stop reading! This is intense!! Thank you! (I don't know how we have to do to get updates on stories. Could you help me out?)

“Severus, please…” she pleaded as he thrust her out the door.“Never use my given name,” he snarled and slammed the door in her face.Oops.  So much for Hermione not being corrected for calling Severus by his given name.  Well, it was nice while it lasted.I loved the fireworks display Fred and George came up with to irritate and occupy dear Delores.  I wish I could have seen it with my own eyes.  LOL!Hermine's and Severus' emotions have been up and down– it's been like a run away train!  I was so happy for Hermione when Severus thanked her for thinking of playing capture the flag to entertain the younger students.  But after Harry had invaded his privacy, I was crushed on Hermione's behalf when he told her to get out after Harry's ruinous Occlumency lesson.I don't know how you're gonna work all this out, but I'm counting on you, my friend.Beth

Great goodness!  I'm behind in my reading of your stories.  Between RL and the Exchange, I am sooooo trying to catch up.  Just let me say this chapter put a smile on my face several times.  I love the "in private" relaxing between Hermione and Severus.  Both have called each other by their given names and neither made a big deal out of it.  It's as if it is exactly what they both want, and to actually speak of it would call attention to something neither one wants to draw a line in the sand about.  I like that a lot!  I like that he has called her his "little Gryffindor."I was very proud of Hermione for standing up to Severus when they were having dueling practice.  I'm glad that he agreed to talk to her about what was going on and that they were able to get back to practicing instead of fighting.Can't wait to see how you arrange for Fred and George to "get even" with Umbridge.  And I'd like to be a fly on the wall during Severus' and Minerva's discussion over brandy.There's a lot to love in this chapter!  Thanks. Beth

mostly i hope hermione will make severus see that she hasn't betrayed or turned on him.  this was a terrific update and very exciting.  thanks and mucho smoochies

Well, Severus is steaming.  Can't blame him, looking at everything from his pov. 

I can't wait to discover what he has in mind. Something brilliant for sure. Please update as soon as you can ( or as soon as the muse let you ;))

So, this chapter was really worth waiting for! :) I was really hoping they would meet again soon, because I was sooo curious what they would do...this one was wonderful. I loved the part when Severus heard Hermione saying "you missed me as much as I missed you" to Tawny and thought she was talking to him. I really love your story and can't wait to read the next chapter! Alina

Wonder what he's planning?

Oh that Dolores Umbridge is a right nasty piece of work, isn't she?  I feel like beating her upside the head with a copy of Anger Management for Dunderheads :)I am looking forward to Hermione's detention as she and Severus don't get nearly enough time together.  And I found this interesting:It was because of an entry in that diary he’d kept that he had made the decision that would hopefully not only change the outcome of the war and ensure that the Dark Lord wouldn’t be able to recruit as many to his side, but would hopefully change public opinion regarding the reputation of Slytherin House forever. Anxious to see what it coming up next!

I understand why Harry isn't being swayed by what Hermione has told him about Severus, but it makes my heart ache to know that both she and he will have few if any people who will be willing to consider what Hermione and Severus know is the truth.  It's going to be a lonely time for them both.And since Pettigrew is giong to be spying on the goings on at the Burrow, I hope he'll just wander into a trap set for a garden gnome and meets his just demise.  Thanks for another fabulous chapter!!!  Beth

You asked to be forgiven in your author's note and I assure you I wil forgive you anything as long as you keep adding chapters to this marvelous story!  I missed it over the holidays and am so very happy to have a new installment.

Sigh.  Well, Severus is not very pleasant is he.  And yes, he was only trying to help, but he should have known that Hermione would protect someone she thought was innocent.  Sigh.

Awesome update.  I can't wait for the next one.  I love this story so much.

Yea another chapter.  I liked the changes that you made.  Man that man is stubborn.  Can't wait for the next chapter.