I think Hermione made his day sending the birthday gift.  I also loved the reminiscing Severus did this chapter.  Perhaps it will motivate him into changing his life.

Beautiful start. I love the development of the relationship and can't wait to see how it progresses further.

The penny's dropped now.  That's the bitch of it.  It all sounds good, too good, on paper, but when it comes to execution its crap.  I really hope they decide to meet each other.  Cheers!

I think they are both being idiots, but I am quite enjoying the story. 

Yours,JoyPS — You're very sweet...I just wanted to wrap him in my arms and tell him everything was going to be okay.  This was so reminiscent of when he took a part of the photo with Lily's picture.  My heart was breaking for him.And then he got birthday presents... in the Great Hall, at the staff table!  And they were from Joy!  This made me so happy... joyful, really.  Her choices of gifts was perfect, and the added surprise of an afgan—in Slytherin Green and Silver, no less— was the cherry on top!His colleagues reactions were hilarious, and I knew he wouldn't hang around too long.  Besides, he wanted to bury his face in the knitted warmth she had sent him and inhale her scent, to exprience some physical sensation that he could associate with her.  At the end of Chapter Two, Severus had particularly noticed the way Joy had closed her letter, and it made his heart ache:  "One long-fingered hand strayed back to the parchment on his desk, the one bearing her neat script. Yours, her closing had said. He certainly hadn’t missed that change of salutation. Down in his chest, something ached; the cynic in him sneered and said that it had been a flippant whim. No woman would have him; hadn’t Joy made that clear in her contract? Not daring to write the same as she (what if it had just been a thoughtless statement?), he had left his letter without a closing. Yours."But it hadn't "just been a thoughtless statement."  She had sent birthday gifts and signed this letter the same way!!!  Hooray!!!  And she had knitted him a freaking afgan... in one week!  Surely he's got to be getting the idea that she is interested in him.When Hermione saw Ginny in the canteen at the Ministry, I knew Gin would keep after her until she told her something about the mystery man whose letter Hermione had tried to hide, but I never thought she would tell her about the baby!  Ginny's reaction was that of a best friend, and I was happy she had agreed not to interfere with Hermione's plans.  But I'll bet she will tell Harry, and Harry will tell Ron, and the guys will have a coronary and be determined to save Hermione from herself.  Arggggh!  See, I get myself all worked up.  This story is that good!!!  I'm lovin' it!Beth

Those were lovely gifts.  These two are so smitten with each other, but of course, how can they know that the other feels the same.  I am excited to see how you bring them together.  (That had better be your plan, I am not fond of unhappy endings where both go their separate ways to be miserable for the rest of their lives.)

Lovely story so far.  I love their interactions.  I really felt for both of them as they reflected on their feelings and their pasts.  Nicely done.

great update.  thanks so much.  i look forward to see how she's going to deal with these feelings.

Aww...I don't know whether to smile or weep right now. I'm having double feelings!Baela

Having once fallen in love via letters, myself, I can appreciate this tale even more.  Loved Snape's interactions with his co-workers!  Good chapter, good luck in the challenge.- Wahoo

Sweet and funny and poignant all at once. I really do hope they'll realise they really should meet at some point - that they get along too well to miss this chance!

Oh man!!  Talk about angsty!!  I really am enjoying this story.  I can't believe that Snape -- as smart as he his -- hasn't figured out who she is yet.  This really is one of the best written fics that I've come across in a while.

This is really terrific:)I LOVED Severus's reaction to the blanket:)And Ginny and Hermione are so in character, I can almost see it playing in my head.Good job:)Warm regards,Fizzabella

So very much enjoying your work so far - wonderful character portrayls and great flair with your dialoge and timing!!!  Oh please up date soonest!

I loved the scene at Hogwarts when Snape gets Hermione's presents. I loved the conversation between Hermione and Ginny -- Hermione's loneliness is so touching, and Ginny's understanding and acceptance was beautiful. I am so looking forward to more of this story.

I'm really enjoying this story. I love the wit and sarcasm in their correspondence. Looking forward to them discovering each other's true identities, and the fireworks sure to follow!

A very entertaining opening to this story. I'm looking forward to more.

This is really great so far! You have such a good combination of humor, romance, drama, and sadness. And they're in character. I love it!I can't wait for the next chapter.

This is such a wonderful story!  The interaction and dialogue is fantastic.   The scene at the staff table when Sev gets his present was just great!  I can't wait for more!!

Another fabulous chapter! I loved every single word of it. You really know how to pull the heartstrings... sign of a brilliant writer in my opinion!I'm dying to know who you are! Incredibly well done.

I laughed so hard with the Albus line! I haven't laughed that hard in a while. This story is amazing. I cannot wait for another update. I really hope they get to meet soon. I'd love to see their reactions!

I'm officially in love with this story! It has everything I love in a SS/HG fanfic... plenty of wit, academia, humour and touching moments. I'm also a big, mushy lover of babies. I'm afraid you're stuck with me as an overeager, sappy, avid fan! :)

Oh! I really enjoyed your first chapter. You have a very nice writing style and your plot is very intriguing.I'm hooked!!! :)

Great story.  Looking forward to more soon.

Another brilliant chapter.  Personals are alot of fun to read, or so I have heard. I wouldn't know being married and all. lol