Poor Slytherin house! They never get a decent break. Ah, well, they bring it upon themselves, don't they?

Interesting developments. I am on the edge of my seat -- I've been waiting for the answer to the Burbage question for some time now, darling.

I would never question your judgment, you know, but... couldn't Severus have got a tiny hug, at least? LOL! Sorry, fangirl on the loose.

Excellent, and makes my holiday all the better! Thank you much for the newest installment.

Author's Response: I think Hermione was a bit miffed - it's her school after all and things aren't going her way at the moment. But I agree, she could have given him a little hug of reassurance.
Thank you - hope your holdiay is going well

Bloody tomorrow my a** .... I am always amazed how two intelligent persons like HG and SS have so poor communication skills. Sigh ...

What a great plot development. And the ending conversation between Severus and Hermione was perfect. The castle magic and personalities continue to enhance this story so much -- love Slytherin Tower. But now what is Professor Burbage up to? You're very good at keeping those mysteries on a slow, steady simmer;  it's addicting.

Are you going to let things work out for them?  Thanks for the wonderful chapter.

And the mystery deepens and deepens. I begin to get very curious or even slightly frustrated which can be an interesting feeling sometimes. Poor Severus, obviously frustration doesn't suit him. One can only that tomorrow will be better.

I wonder what they have planned for Severus and Hermione? Will it be them two to be breaking the enchantment so to speak? *winks* hmmm??

x

Great chapter! So many great ideas here... *sighs contentedly*. I only wonder: why can house-elves go cleaingn the tower when it's not yet visible? Or rather, if tey can, which means they knew about it all along, why didn't they ever tell anybody?

Author's Response: Thank you. The tower disappeared  - so, no the elves didn't know about it. They can go there though if Severus shows them or he decides to reveal its existence publicly.

First of all, thank you for the update! I must admit to be a little annoyed at Hermione for her reluctance to actually do something, to check if any of her decissions migth have been wrong. As Headmistress her concern should be equal for all her students, Slytherins included, and when the castle and paintings tries to tell her that there is something not rigth going on with her Slytherin Head of house, she doesn't have the courrage to actually look into the situation. What she is doing now aint any better than Dumbledores favourism of Harry, the Marauders and Gryffindors while he was Headmaster. I hope she gets a grip sometime soon, this "I rather wait and see if something happens that makes me not having to do anything that would make me uncomfortable" Personality she has gained is rather unattractive.

'Tomorrow... Always. Bloody. Tomorrow.’ Poor frustrated Severus! LOL Loved the bit with Salazar and Elizabeth being a trifle careless with the fangs. Can I just say how much I love this story? :o)

Always bloody tomorrow indeed.  So Betty and Salazar... quite a pair!  This mystery is coming along nicely.

OK, I am completely fascinated and loving this story! So I take it the portrait in question is Salazar Slytherin himself? *Wriggles in delight* I'm curious to see exactly what Professor Burbage is up to, but I imagine he holds the House of Slytherin itself responsible for what happened to his sister and he probably buys into the old tripe about all Slytherins being inclined to the Dark side of magic. I can't wait to see where you take things from here, well done!

I hate evil cliff hangers......Great job!

What...you stop there!  Please, please next chapter

Slytherin tower? Ooh la la! Sounds neat! Very good plot development, and a creative idea. Keep up the good work!

This is a great tale, you've got portraits, ghosts, house-elves (who can translate for the mysterious Cor, no less!) What else could we ask for?   A mystery?  why, you have that, too!   we even have Hermione in Severus's arms for the 'shippers out there.  well done!

Ooh, exciting!

I loved the paintings all gossiping amongst themselves about Severus and Hermione.  Too funny.  Slytherin tower, eh?  Sounds absolutely decadent.Glad to see that H and S have gotten over the awkwardness and are at quite a pleasant point in their relationship.

**'That broom cupboard reminds me far too much of my coffin.' The others shuddered, thankful that was one memory they'd been spared.**I shuddered too at that -- your portraits are deliciously creepy when they want to be. What with the strange hints about Professor Burbage and the strange revelations of the golden key, I hope you update soon. This is so mysterious and funny at the same time, and that combination doesn't come around every day.

Oh wow cool! Sal's room!

Even the ladies' portraits know that something about Burbage doesn't ring true.  He's up to ,and I hope Betty catches him at it soon.Weeks of spending time with Hermione has caused Severus' horns to grow, but he will take his time and not jeopardize their relationship.  He is, after all, a patient man.  But when he told her he wanted to hold her, she was in his arms in a flash!  YES!!!I guess the Bloody Baron was waiting for Severus and Hermione's relationship to reach this level before he would show them the door that the gold key would open.  When they first ventured into the passageway, I don't think either of them imagined that they would soon be standing in Salazar Slytherin's private domain.  Now this is an interesting turn of events.I love keeping up with this story.  There is always something unexpected to look forward to.  Well done!Beth

Poor Sev, can't let go and give a go at a real realstionship. Hope Hermione has the patience of a saint. Good chapter

I love mysteries and this is another good one.

I love the witches playing cards!  You don't see it a lot in fanfiction, but it must totally take place.

they should have their own tower!  terrific update!  thanks so much and i look forward to the next chapter

Cool!  Though I do wish the ghosts would stop moving the story forward just when things are being resolved between our favorite couple!This is a great story.  I can't wait to read more!!!