Oh, I love this story! Great writing and characterization.I was very touched by this line:I just want him to be sure it's me he wants. I want to be sure it's me he wants.'Very nice and it rings very true as well!

*sigh*  - I wonder what this Prof. Burbage is up to, though.

*snort* The biggest trowel she'd ever seen. Indeed.I'm anxious to see what all the business with Professor Burbage is about.

So the Bloody Baron is a big gossip monger, eh?  I guess when you've been around as long as he has, you have to find something to do. Great going for Hermione.  She let Severus know that she's interested, but she wants all of him.  Truly, she shouldn't settle for less.

One step forward, one step back, two forward, and one back... This chapter was so fun. It was like a dance. Each progress made had a slip! I think it's cute Severus has a valet. I wonder where the key goes?

Ugh. Hermione moving on this with the speed of a special olypmic hurdler! It builds the tension and anticipation rather nicely though, doesn't it? Well done. Oh, and I miss Betty. She's fabulous!!

'Still a long way to go,' she said softly. 'Yes,' Severus replied, staring at her, 'but at least I've made a start...'Very nicely touch :)  I like the subtle play between them as they try to figure out where things stand.  I wish there was more of this sort of thing about to read *hint hint*I also sincerely hope to see more of Betty, too

Ah, Minerva, you know him too well....Betty's quite a revelation!  I want more of her--and has anybody asked her about the key?C'mon, Hermione, give a guy a break.  He did understand what set you off...and he does seem pretty clear about his feelings for Lily.Nice work!

 'Me or the garden?' as if you need to ask, Sev!

Go on, Minerva, tell the two dunderheads!And I think no one has ever called Severus Snape 'boyish' before. So sweet! I can just imagine him sitting on the window sill.Cheers. /M

Ah, I love the wisdom of Minerva McGonagall.  Such a wonderful witch.  At least Severus and Hermione are talking, and he was able to explain himself.  I'm really liking Betty.  She definitely calls them as she sees them.  And who can blame her for tearing her hubby's heart out?  I mean, really, wouldn't we all be tempted to do the same thing?  She's just a bit more forward than most of us.

oh minerva!  that was a low blow!  betty sounds like a perfect slytherin mascot!  thanks so much for the lovely update and i look forward to the next one.

Tentative progress indeed! And I loved your history on Lily. I once got into a debate with a friend over Lily. Her view was that Lily was completely justified in ending her friendship with Severus because he called her a Mudblood and was into the Dark Arts. My view is pretty much like Betty's. I especially liked this line-- "If anyone had humiliated Harry or Ron in front of the entire school, she'd have hexed their bits off-- not used it as a flirting opportunity." So true. Sorry I'm ranting. I just never really liked Lily. But I love this story. Excellent.

Minerva is right - they are a pair of idiots.  It makes sense though - for them to have such a difficult coming together.  Great chapter - I am really enjoying this story and I really, really look forward to your updates! 

Ancient Headmasters or Headmistresses always have good advices. Better listen to them before it's too late. And if this 'Tonight?' Her face fell. 'Sorry. I can't, not tonight.' is any indicaton of her true feelings towards that Burbage git I'd like to say (scream would be better) to Severus GO AFTER HER AND FIGHT FOR HER.

Oh, lovely, such a beautiful chapter! I'm very glad that Severus explained something to Hermione, and  hope she does understand. Betty gets better and better, and I particularly loved the Minerva bit.

Author's Response: Yes, they just need a few nudges in the right direction

Great chapter! So much is happening, so many new questions and things to investigate... *rubs hands expectantly*. I like the way you describe everything and bring it to life very much.

Author's Response: Thank you.

Things are obviously more complicated than it seems. Bad, bad suconscience when acting like this... poor Severus, he surely didn't inted to dream this and even less want to hear this name spoken in this situtation! And poor Hermione, too.  I hope they can solve it somehow.

Author's Response: Thanks. Well, we'll see

'Pining for something you never had is far safer than taking a risk on a living woman, isn't it?' I loved that one!

I love that he flew up to the window like that, much as it freaked Hermione out!  *g*  And while Betty's hardly unbiased, her assessment of Lily sounds like something Hermione much needed to hear.  I see Minerva's getting involved too.  These two should just give in to the inevitable, but then the story wouldn't be half as much fun. :-)

hooray for another update! i liked urchin snape swinging his legs off hermione's window ledge - i could really picture it. and meddling minerva. :D

I'm so glad they made up! And hooray for Minerva for meddling. Thanks for sharing this!

Severus surrounded by interfearing old portrait women who only want the best for the poor dear! I really enjoyed that bit about Snape flying up from the garden. I find that ability creepy as hell=perfect for Snape. Its heading into winter where I am. Snape planting his garden has made me think fondly of spring!

That was great!!!!

Thank you for the update. Though I liked how Severus explained about his dreaming, and loved Elisabeths Lily-bashing, I am still not quite forgiving Severus for calling out Lily's name while in bed with Hermione. I am not as mad at him as I was before, and I can accept that he can't control his dreams. But, I also think that he is not completly finished with Lily. Since he still dreams about her, she quite obviously ain't indifferent to him. I think Minerva has a valid point in saying that Severus finds it much more safe to "kling" to the one he couldn't have rather than risk his heart or pride (whatever would hurt the most) with Hermione. Until, or if ever, Severus gets over the past and is able to have Hermione as the one in his mind, also in his dreams, Hermione is better off without him. She deserves better than getting involved with someone who can't let go of the past (that includes Gary Burbage), all women do, and I don't want a Hermione who settle for being seccond best or a replacement for a ghost from the past. She deserves a man who has her as number one, just as every woman does, if that can't be Severus, she should find someone else and leave him to wallow in his memories of what has never been. (Yup, still a bit mad at him...:-))