Thanks!  You're being clever again - just wait for the end of the next chapter!

Glad you like the science metaphor a(although I can't imagine writing an entire paper about it!). 

I picked the topic without thinking about it too much, and by the time I realized what a mistake it was I was stuck with the topic. It was a learning experience.

He, he, he.  I can imagine it now:  Gas molecules move randomly.  The higher the temperature, the faster they move.  Collisions with other molecules and objecs can change their trajectory.  Yadda, yadda, yadda.

Thanks!  I'm glad I'm winning you over to the shorter chapters!  Thanks for letting me know that you like the way the story is progessing!

Thanks!  I'm really glad you liked it.  The next will be up the first part of next week!

Thanks!  Glad I added some heat then!  He seems the type to have to force himself ot be patient - when he wants to, that is.

Thanks!  I'm really glad you're finding is fascinating!  Next chapter soon.

Thanks!  "Peversely delighted" is such a wonderful turn of phrase!  I'm so glad you liked the chapter.  The next one's already in queue!

:does happy-yet-anxious queue dance:

Thanks!  I'm really glad you like the chapter and this Severus.  'Smug' is going to end up as my one-word synopsis for him in these chapters!

Thanks!  Well, I love chocolate - esp extra dark, semi-sweet.  So, thanks for leaving me some!

Thanks!  (now hand over my Severus - LOL)  I'm glad you enjoyed it and find SS 'sexy and sardonic' - what a lovely way to put it!  Thanks for the comment that they both seem in character!  More by the end of the week.

Thanks!  I decided to have him lose some of his control and swear when he's really upset (even if it's only in his head), so I'm glad it worked for you!

Thanks!  (And thanks for reviewing all of the chapters you were catching up on - I love hearing responses to each.)

I'm glad the alternating POVs are working and that they keep you wanting more!  (evil grin)

I must admit that I hadn't planned to kill Ron, but as for how - that I won't spoil. 

Thanks!  Yes, I suppose he could also be worried that RW will turn her into a baby-making machine, which wouldn't fit her at all.  (But I was actually thinking of the name change.)

Thanks!  On the favorites thing (if that's what you're using), you have to go into your porfile and click on the box that says you want e-mails about updates.

I'm really glad you liked SS and NT here - so do I.  I agree that she will be able to heal now.  (love the evil bat!) 

Thanks!  I'm really glad you're enjoying the story.  It almost sounds as if you're someone who has just discovered it - it's good to hear that it reads well going all the way through.

It's good to hear that the alternating 1st person POVs are working for you and that you like the characterizations.

I'm glad you're hooked - there's lots more to come, and I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks!  I'm glad you liked it and his clenched jaw - I try to bring in physical responses (when I remember to).  "In private" - you're clever!

Thanks!  That he is - a manipulative Slytherin with a wicked tongue (oops - double entendre, but it's true, so I'll leave it!).

Thanks!  I know I've said it before, but I love prolonged UST (look at how Moonlighting tanked when Dave and Maddy finallly got together).  I suppose that's a warning.  Nonetheless, I hope the journey will be fun!  (goes off to stir slowly simmering cauldron)

Thanks!  I'm so glad you liked that line - Severus whispered it into my head - I don't think I would have found it otherwise.  If you reread her chapter, she doesn't pick up on this (how could she - she coudn't see what he was doing down there), but it means something to him.

I did pick up on that after i already reviewed as at the time i was still overwhelmed by that line... damn its still got me fluttering lol

everytime i see that line i get naughty images inside my head! Damn Severus for whispering that in your ear!!! lol

Anywho update soon woman! (you are a woman I hope lol)

-KarlaMarie 

[Yep - I'm a woman.]  Naughty Severus!  (grins)  Glad the line had such impact!

Thanks!  Funny, there's been lots of talk of reviews lately.  I think criticism is good when it's concrit focusing on characterization, pace, believability of dialogue, etc.

I'm really glad you like this story!  I actually sit around and think lots of swotty thoughts about how I'm writing it - probably more than I should!

Thanks!  (nibbles chocolate eclair daintly for 3 seconds and then takes a huge bite)  I'm so glad you liked it!  More by the end of the week.

Thanks!  I'm really glad that you like the alternating POVs.  I'm trying to keep it interesting even when events repeat, so thanks for the feedback!

Thanks!  I guess I really like writing dramatic irony - by this point we know what's coming and we can see him dig a deeper hole of smugness before he falls in (laughs evily).  I'm also taking a cue from Joss Whedon by trying to mix in some humor every once and a while.

<i>I guess I really like writing dramatic irony</i>

You do?  I'd never have guessed.  ::ducks::

::holds out eclair as peace offering::

Hmm, what gave it away - the proposal scene? 

If not sooner!  LOL

Thanks!  I'm really glad you like it!  Well, if you're feeling swotty, I have an essay about the chapter format on my lj.  Check it out and let me know what you think!

Thanks!  I appreciate hearing from you whenever you're able.  I'm glad you like the story.  More soon!

Thanks!  I'm glad you liked it.  There is more to come on his reaction next - it takes 6 chapters to make up each act of 'Ladder,' so there are 2 more for this act.