Thanks!  I'm really glad you like the alternating POV and that you're still wanting SS's chapter even if you've just read HG's.  It's good to know it's working!  Thanks for the nice comment on the frequent updates - it's nice to know they're appreciated.

Thanks!  I haven't seen that movie, but I have seen Tampopo, which is a Japanese film that's about nothing but food sex.

(Maybe because HG wasn't actually doing any seducing?)

As for what happens soon, well, the next chapter should answer that.  All I'll say is that there is no pastry shopping! 

Thanks!  I'm glad you liked it!  Next chapter by the end of the week.

Thanks!  I'm glad you enjoy hearing their thoughts - it's part of what makes 1st person fun to do.  I'm also glad that you find Severus witty.

You've caught me!  I'm going to end up being a bit more fluid with my interpretation of 'first bit' than I had originally planned.  The characters have taken over!  I will say that one breakup will occur sooner than the other.

Thanks for the comment on the writing - always motivational! 

Oh well, I guess I will have to wait patiently for the hoped for break-ups. I do hope SS and NT break it off first. I just can't stand them together (I'm trying LOL). RW I do feel a bit sorry for and I do think despite not being right for each other that HG and RW have more of a relationship. Of course I'm usually wrong in everything so SS and NT will probably last longer. Sigh. Still, you are a great writer and it's so nice that you respond t your reviews.

Oh well, I guess I will have to wait patiently for the hoped for break-ups. I do hope SS and NT break it off first. I just can't stand them together (I'm trying LOL). RW I do feel a bit sorry for and I do think despite not being right for each other that HG and RW have more of a relationship. Of course I'm usually wrong in everything so SS and NT will probably last longer. Sigh. Still, you are a great writer and it's so nice that you respond t your reviews.

You'll have an answer within the next three chapters!

Reviews are wonderful!  It's taken me years to work up the nerve to put my writing out there, and you all make me glad that I've done so. 

Thanks!  I'm glad you find Severus funny - I agree and find him quite witty with an edge.  As for your question - keep reading!

Thanks!  Well, I only dropped the black a little bit - if he put on the frock coat, he's back to it!  But you're right - taking off the coat is symbolic for his character changing - good call.  I'm glad you like the slap!

Thanks!  I'm so glad you're enjoying the story!

Thanks!  I'm glad you like the alternating POVs and that having HG's first isn't ruining your reading of SS's - that's something I'm very concerned about, so feedback is great!

Thanks!  I'm glad you found his use of 'garish' telling.  I like your take on Severus - it tells me that items I hope I'm putting into his characterization are coming across.  You're once again very insightful in your reading.

To not spoil what is going to happen, I won't say exactly what you're getting right on what's next though.  (Gotta keep a little mystery!)

I'm so glad you're enjoying the story!

Thanks!  You're right - the cracks are starting to show.  The ramifications of that will occur at different times in the chapters to come.

He's definitely intrigued - glad that came through!

Thanks!  You're so right - the NT and SS of this fic could never work longterm (other writers have been able to do so though).  More about them in the next few chapters.

Thanks!  Yep - in my mind she really wapped him.  The good part , though, may not be the physical sting.  (she says cryptically)

Thanks!  I'm glad you like the alternating POVs.  Also, thanks for the comment on the pacing - it's deliberate on my part, but it's always good to hear that it's atually working for the reader.

Thanks!  I'm so glad you found it interesting.  More to come next week!

Firefly?  A love of the bug, or are you a fellow Browncoat?  Great penname either way!

Heh, it's the bug.  The screen name predates the series by several years.  Thanks.  :-)

I thought I'd check - I love the bugs and the show.  (The word, in and of itself, is fun to say - firefly - maybe it's the built-in alliteration?)

One of these days I need to see the show from the start.  I only ever caught a couple of mid-season episodes, and was pretty lost.  However, Buffy and to a slightly lesser extent Angel completely addicted me, so by rights, I ought to love it once I know what's going on.  :-)

Great - longtime Buffy fan here!!!  Angel, too - but like you, I find it slightly less compelling.  Firefly, the litle of it there is, is wonderful.

Thanks!  I'm so glad the last line made an impression on you (oops, a pun) - I had hoped it would.

Yes, just what else could be going on with NT?  You'll have your answer within the next three chapters!

I'm glad my reply made you feel better!  (eats a big piece of chocolate)  You take care, too.

Thanks!  I'm glad you liked it.  It's going to take two more acts to satisfy your curiosity, so more ahead.

Thanks!  I'm so glad you're enjoying the story.  It's also good to hear that the alternating 1st person POVs are working for you.

Thanks for the comment on Ron - I actually like him as a character so I didn't want to bash him.  I'm glad that came through.  He is, as you say, wrong for Hermione though.

Thanks!  I love your description of Severus - 'not entirely civilized,' indeed!  Concrit is cool if youu find something as the story keeps going.

Thanks!  Does that mean little old me is naughty? (attempts innocent look, which quickly dissolves into smirk)

The interlude chapter will serve an important purpose (or maybe not - but it seems necessary to me). 

Severus, You making us wait . . .  I figured I'd leave it wide open!  Hmm, that guilty conscience getting to you?

Is that supposed to be a halo on the smiley?  I'm not buying it!

Thanks!  I'm glad you like my writing and the story!  I'm sorry to say that chapter length is going to stay around 1000 words, but I will try to keep them posting regularly.

Thanks!  I'm so glad you liked it!  I had hoped it would resonate.  It is also supposed to parallel her final line in chapter 5.

Thanks!  Mmm, dark chocolate - my favorite!  I'm so glad you're enjoying the story and like the build-up (that let's me know that things I hope I'm doing are coming across)!  More soon.

Thanks!  I'm glad you liked the use of the headache excuse - I'm not sure that Hermione even got the full implications of it until Severus pointed it out (but subconsciously - ah, ha!)

Thanks for the comments on my writing.   The transition may not be smooth, but will hopefully be interesting.

Thanks!  Book Seven looms!  If the worst occurs, you'll find me in AU territory.

You're right, Hermione is highly intelligent, but sometimes intelligence isn't the only factor influencing one's decisions. 

Thanks!  Since you're the first person to ever see it, your support means so much!

(I may never have gotten the guts to post if it weren't for you!)