Things seem to be falling into place for Hermione -- some of the Weasleys (besides Ginny) are okay with her now, and Tonks is sweet and supportive.  It's been three months, which isn't a long time when you're coming off an engagement to someone you've known since you were twelve, but Hermione and Ron were distant for a long time before she broke it off.  I'm eager for her to be ready, if that makes sense.

But how's Severus doing?  She knows he's watching her, and that he's waiting for her.

*hopeful prod*  Is it Wednesday yet?

I can't believe that I didn't leave you a review when I first read this chapter.... Bad-moi!  I'll bypass my ritual piece of chocolate for this time. *sulk*Ok!  Back to the story.  Has Hermione finished beating herself to the ground over this?  The girl needs a real good talking to... seriously.  She's seen what a good relationship looks like, now its her turn to pull herself up by the bootstraps and fall all-over Snape.  If she doesn't, I personally know a few ladies that would gladly take her place. (ok... they would shove her away and take all that he has to offer. Yum!)Great job, as usual.... Cheers!

It's been three months since her break-up with Ron.   Hermione is really taking her time - a good thing.  I'm glad that Tonks has her thinking about Severus and what a relationship with him could be like.

I'm desperate to know what is going through Severus' head at this point.  Can't wait for more!

Congratulations ubiquirk,from something that started out looking very much like PWP your story has turned into a temptingly paced tale.  I particularly admire the way that you are putting H & S through their paces when it comes to dealing with their personal issues.  It is refreshing to see a H&S story that doesn't have the characters rushing towards the usual kind of conclusions.  My only (small) quibble is about the sometimes overly-detailed way that the characters' clothing is described: I always see this as being unnecessarily girly...but maybe that's just me.  Very much looking forward to see where the story goes next.

*whinges*Potions master!  Must have!I love the description of Tonks and Kingsley; of all the times I have read their pairing, you have made it the most real for me.Go, Hermione!  Get your verion of happingess!

It is late and I doubt I will be nearly as articulate as I usually am.  Having said that, this was a great transitional chapter.  Now the question is, where do we go from here?  I cannot wait to find out.

Very controlled, very much in character.

Love it. I am so happy for KS and NT.  And I'm crossing my fingers for SS and HG.  I know exactly what Tonks means.  Both Remus and SS were "good" in the sack, but KS is the one that does it for her.  Just like SS and HG do it for each other.  Great job.

I get so excited when I get the e-mail saying "Ladder has been updated"  and you never ever disappoint!  I loved the  talented Sev and Hot Cinnamon and small leather pants!  Ok, so I guess my favorite parts were the entire chapter. Seriously though, if Hermione doesn't go after Sev soon, just send him my way ok.  I promise I won't make him wait like she has. :)

again, I'm so pleased that you've updated!

while reviews to you are like chocolate... updates, to me, are like chocolate too! :D

I liked this chapter a lot, despite the lack of Severus. Tonks and Kingsley really seem happy together. And those pair of tiny leather pants amused me to no end, haha. 

I like how much Hermione is thinking about Severus as she observes this scene. And when she thinks Talented, eh? Oh, yes – very much so. Haha :D

Lovely chapter; well done! Can't wait for the next one :) 

OOH!!!!  Hurry and write another chapter.  I just found this story today and it's brilliant.  AND, I've found another fic that I can blame, er, credit, for not getting my own chapters out quick enough.

Yay Ladder update! Nice interaction with the Weasleys and Tonks.

*cheers* to YOU for making ME think about fit, well-oiled men running around in small leather pants.  I prefer blue... but red will do.  *wink*a fun chapter to read

So glad you took the time to make your story perfect, despite our demands for you to hurry up. lol.  I always seem to enjoy the Severus rungs a little more.  Maybe it is my inner Slytherin trying to come out.  Anywho, despite no Severus I really enjoyed this chapter, and I am glad that she seems to be ready to move on sometime soon.  Can't wait for more of Severus's talent. he he he.

Cannot help to think about what it would have been like if Snape would have been at the party--talk about tension, especially with the gifts. . .

Good grief, how long does the girl have to think on things.

I'm guessing the "little monster in her man" was from the same place *I* first heard the name Veruca. BTVS.

I like your exposition--it flows well and isn't as preachy or 'this is to impart information-y' as a lot of exposition tends to be.

Finally!!! She's feeling a little left out in the cold! A girl just can't cuddle up with a good[?] book [on Algebra?!] the same as she can Hot Cinnamon!! Though I'm having a great deal of trouble picturing Severus ... nahhhh. Drape him in something that slithers, like silk... mmm much better picture.

Write more, please.

It's nice to see Hermione geting along with Ginny.  It must be difficult for everyone, and so emotionally charged.

Oh, Hermione! I love the way you develop her inner monologue throughout this chapter, and I can't wait to see what Severus is doing during this party. There's only one drawback. Thinking about fit, well-oiled men running around in small leather pants is not conducive to heading off to work now! ;-)

“It doesn’t have to be Arithmancy – an all-around love of swottiness will do.”Eureka!(and I didn't even know what swottiness meant...)well done (once again)

Hopefully it won't take Hermione long to get the answer to that question. It's not as if she needs arithmancy to solve it- or maybe that's the problem?More soon?

Her thoughts head in the right direction. If they could speed a little... Poor Severus would really have deserved her.

Ok I don't know if it was your intention or not, but this one had me laughing so hard I spit my frosted mini wheats on the monitor.In my mind I have always pictured Kingsley to look like a dark skinned mr clean, so here I sit with this vivid picture of mr clean in his tight leather undies with both cheeks hanging out.  So Severus snuck up on Hermione in this one, can't wait to hear his take on the events.  Deanna

:sigh: Tonks has a heart the size of Texas. And this was such a fun chapter.

I was very happy to see that you'd posted. A real day-brightener. 

Good. Good for Tonks. Good for Kingsley. Good for George. Good for Ginny. Good for Hermione.And good for Severus.She thought about it and has reached her decision. Two more chapters until she voices it right? With the usual rythm of this story, my guess is two more. Perhaps, three more with the last one being smutty.Good for us, readers, too.