Adorable!  Thanks!

  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you! 

You have saved me from a paroxysm of tears, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome of your story!  I LOVED the way you tied so much of what was said and done during their dinner at the Björn and the Sill in Chapter 7:

•Hermione 10 years ago:  "Maybe we'll have to meet here in ten years, and I can lend you my notes."
•Severus now:  "It's the original formula for the Wolfsbane potion." Snape cut in. "I just thought that ... to get you going, but then ..." He cleared his throat, not daring to meet her gaze.

•Hermione 10 years ago:  Severus had declined her invitation to meet her at the restaurant in ten years.  "Alright, fine." She shrugged and took a last bite of her dessert. "But if you change your mind, I will be sitting right here, with all my awards lined up, waiting to be admired." 
•Severus now:  "Your awards." He cocked an eyebrow at her. "I thought the premise of this meeting was for you to show off all of your achievements in the Potions field."

•Hermione 10 years ago:  She asked him if he would like to try the specialty dessert- "lingonberries with a fudge-like sauce."  "Sounds ... endurable," Snape teased.
•Severus now:  He asked her if she would like to get some coffee, and she replied "Sounds ... endurable," with the smallest smirk tugging at the corners of her mouth.

•In Chapter 8, on the top of the Astronomy Tower 10 years ago:  Severus found Hermione drinking Professor Palmer's whiskey and trying to light a cigarette.  His reaction was to lean forward and gingerly plucked the unlit cigarette from her mouth. "Don't be ridiculous," he said softly. "You don't smoke." Snape examined the cigarette closely before he tossed it out the window.  That was when he said "Unless you would like to join me."   And she had.
•Severus now:  When he left the restaurant after Mrs. Granger had informed him that Miss Granger was now Mrs. Collins, but just before he Apparated, he saw Hermione "leaning casually against the facade, gazing out at nothing in particular, a cigarette in one slender hand, was indeed Hermione Granger. Collins, he corrected himself and rolled his eyes. Such an inane name." 

"That's really not good for you, you know," he said and pointed towards the cigarette in what he hoped was a nonchalant way.

I wanted to cheer when Severus laid that inane man out cold after he had called Hermione a lying, conniving, cheating bitch.  In fact, that entire scene with Severus, Hermione, Christopher, Mrs. Granger, Percy, and the elderly couple tickled me no end!  It's as perfect a Snape defends Hermione
as I've ever read.  Well done!

I had a hopeful smile on my face when she said she'd like to have dinner with him sometime and then Apparated away.  But when she came right back and kissed him and Disapparated both of them, did a happy dance!

I know I've gone on too long in this review, but I just couldn't help myself.  I have looked forward to every single update since I read the first chapter.  It's one of my favorite stories, and I thank you for sharing your talents with us.  It's a real joy to read a good hurt-comfort SSHG story.
   
*Hugs you*
Beth

PS– Thank you for the nod to Alan Rickman's Colonel Brandon.

PPS– Further thanks for reminding me of the song for this chapter.  It had been decades since I'd heard it.  "I was hopeless, helplessly without a love until you came along."  GREAT CHOICE!

I love how the evening turned out for Severus and Hermione, although I wish there was a way to Make the Night Just a Little Longer. 

Hermione handled Lucius' rude behavior very well– put him in his place and took away his favorite restaurant at the same time.  LOL!

May favorite lines were the last ones in the chapter:  "Well. Nevertheless, thank you for an unforgettable dinner." He gave her a small smile. "Hermione."  This bodes well for the future.

Beth

I loved the update. I also loved that they had a great time, even if I must admit that I am still angry at Severus for all his biased and harsh words to Hermione before their dinner, I guess I am not as forgiving as she is:-) (And no matter what he thinks, running to Minerva with Hermiones letters and costing her her Headgirl position, was childish, immature, rude and several other negative words.... I would not have forgiven that any time soon)

Well after all the fuss that Severus made, it turned out to be a lovely dinner after all. I loved the way Hermione delt with Lucius Malfoy, I wonder how he is going to explain not being able to come back to her favorite restaurant to Narcissa. 

I don't know which one of them is behaving like the bigger fool, but I do hope Severus shows up for the "date" and that they both can refrain from baiting each other... but she does make it easy for him.BTW, I love the Marcels.Beth

OH Severus you flirt you!

Poor Professor Palmer, what a nightmare, to watch the lovely, kind, vibrant young woman he loved, turn into the monster she became. Severus Snape has been called many things, easy going is not one of them, but thats why we love him.

Just spent lunch catching up with this. It's FABULOUSLY HILLARIOUS are the only words to describe this. I love the tension between Hermione and Snape.
Just Awesome.

Ooh I love correspondance stories.  The repartee between the two is wonderful.  And she hurt his feelings.  My only complaint is that the next chapter isn't up.  Pooey.

Poor Palmer.  Married to, to HER.  No wonder he has a drink before breakfast on weekends.  And smokes.  I hope he gets chocolate daily as well.  Really GOOD chocolate.

HaHaHa this was a great chapter.  Snape's "apology" made me LOL.  I enjoyed the tete et tete between the two.

Mmm haggis and pickled herring.  How can Severus even think of refusing and offer like that.

Entertaining chapter.

The bird looked at her with disgust as she tried to offer him an owl treat, flapped his wings irritably and took off for the Head Table.I loved Severus' raven (or crow). He's kinda like his master, isn't he?  And brava for Hermione calling his bluff.  It cracked me up when Miss Tomlin told her that Professor Snape was outside the portrait hole.  I am tickled pink that in the end he was able to properly behave himself and that she did offer the invitation again.  I hope sooner or later we might be hearing the Platters singing The Great Pretender in the background just over Severus' shoulder:Oh-oh, yes I'm the great pretenderPretending that I'm doing wellMy need is such I pretend too muchI'm lonely but no one can tellThis is such a great chapter!  Thank you.Beth

I think they are both having fun dancing around each other.

I feel that Severus should apologize to Hermione when she gives him another chance to go to dinner with her.  But I somehow can't see that happening without someone giving him a little nudge to get his head out of... where it doesn't belong.  Maybe Minerva can help?Thanks for another great update!Beth

Maybe Severus will sample some swedish cuisine after all. 

Loved the start, I look forward to read more

Mmmmm,you have me intrigued, what is Hermione offering?who is this Christopher she is seeing? I will be waiting for an update to find out.

This is a great start to a story!  And also, and let me be perfectly clear regarding this, I can't wait for the next chapter. 

I didn't recall Something to Shout About by the Exciters, so I found it on youtube and took a listen:  "...he put on quite a show... strutting up and down the street classroom..."  I think my favorite by them is Tell Him.  I can remember dancing with my boyfriend to that song when we were in high school.

Thanks for sharing you tale with us.  I'll be looking out for the next update!Beth

Great start I'm looking forward to reading more!

This was great! Loved how you portrayed the characters, loved the story line.... just great! 

Hahaha, that bit with Lucius-pricless! Love it!

Thank you for a wonderful story! I took me quite by surprise, that much heartbreak and a ten-year-separation after all that banter ...