I've only just found this fic. I can't believe I haven't read it before. It's simply delightful. The book club scene are side-splittingly funny. And their relationship is wonderful. Not so head-over-heels to be false, but sweet and varied. The bit about Ron, and whom she'd rather be with was quite sad, but very real. Lovely!!

In the words of The Phantom (I hope!), "Bravi, bravi, bravisimi!"   Thank you for this amazing chapter.  I nearly died of asphyxiation at all the ladies who suddenly found their horrible books SO compelling!  What a delightful invention to give our couple their privacy.  Congratulations on such a great innovation!And I loved they way you managed to bring them together physically while still showing the emotional impact for them both.  The insight that Severus had been through rejection after intimacy before was a nice touch and Hermione's thoughts of Ron were well done.The only quibble I have is this: I would have liked to hear Severus' Veritaserum loosened discussions with Hermione.  I always love reading a writer's interpretations of his experiences and feelings so I really missed seeing that.  I understand why you left it out but I hope you can bring elements of it back into conversation as the story moves forward.But enough of that!  This was an excellent chapter to a wonderful story and I look forward to reading more! 

Ah, now. We all feel better for having waited; don't we? It's been a lovely buildup to a decidedly hystrical public seduction scene. And to Hermione's joy and Severus' relief that was just what they needed. Severus' amazement that someone could choose him over someone else and feel guilty about it is perfect.  Beutifully handled last moments of grief and guilt and acceptance from Hermione. Only one more book club meeting to go! (Pouts.) I think we need to find another book for them to read. Although I think a little private book clubbing is in order now!

What color and texture were the sheets? I'm only asking to make sure the dreams I have tonight match what you've written! Brilliant as always.

I believe I'm lacking on my basics... what do you mean by  " one of the five universal gestures that signaled for a change in positions ?" Maybe my life is not as interesting as I thought. As always, you did a stellar chapter. Thanks!

And what is wrong with Hufflepuff-type declarations, PJ? :PLovely chapter!

Hermione tickled me with the "Firewhisky she was drinking for a bit of courage."  Your description of Hermione's and Severus' mutual seduction during the book club meeting had me roaring with laughter!  And all those ladies suddenly finding that their books were the most interesting things in the world!!!  I howled!  Well done!At the end of the meeting when Severus took Hermione hand and left the building, I cheered.  Finally.  I wasn't a bit surprised that he Apparated them directly to her flat and the snogging began.  Their unbridled and building passion was just what I had hope for.Their love making was so deliriously satisfying and joyful.  I have to commend your narrative skills because the wrote the moment with such care to communicate their utter and total surrender to one another.And the way you handled Hermioine's near melt-down when they walked into her bedroom, was so beautifully written.  I'm glad that Severus didn't over react and retreat into his shell.Hermione's confession that she was upset, not because he wasn't Ron, but because she was glad he wasn't Ron was very believable.  I can see how that might have brought her to tears, and thankfully Severus understood what had happened and realized that he was the chosen one.  "Shhh, love. You prefer me, then. Is that what you're trying to say?"When they made their way from the kitchen to the sitting room and Hermione saw the beautiful four-poster bed Severus had transfigured, I loved her reaction:  "Is this modelled after your own, or were you inspired to create this out of your imagination?""Mmmmm, I suppose that's for me to know and you to find out," Severus replied as he playfully nipped at her neck.This exchange was perfectly written!  Kudos!  Their second coming together was even more special than the first, if that's possible.  When he asked her if she had something on her mine, and then she asked him if he had something on, his reply was soooooo Severus:"Just trying to determine which adjective is the precise opposite of abysmal. I believe stellar will do in this instance," he replied smugly.When he returned to the bed and found Hermione asleep, I thought it was perfect that he would find a book that interested him and carefully get into the bed and begin to read.What I found really interesting was that the book he chose was An Arithmancer's Guide to Successful Potion Brewing.  Do you know what this means?  (Of course you do, you're writing the story!)  This means that Severus and Hermione have a research project in the making. One they can work on together.  More togetherness for our hero and heroine.  That's what I'm talking about!Now I have to apologize for writing such a long review.  Sometimes a story inspires me so much that I can't stop myself, and this is such a chapter!  I congratulate you on one of the loveliest and most well written chapters I've ever had the pleasure to read.  Thank you!  A Thousand Points to Your House!I remain your loyal servant,Beth*I really loved this chapter* 

Oh yay, it's about time for some lemony goodness!  I just love that they can laugh together, and that SS is showing his sensitive side...well, that sensitive side too!  Well done, well done!

Ummm...Lemons!  Lovely, sentimental, and funny; what a combination.

that was so full of lemony goodness you could make 3 pies and still have enough left over for a few tarts and a filled donut or two!  yum!  thanks so much

Ah a woman who plots is a woman who gets what she wants.And more than once!!

It's a hilarious story, but it's still so sweet and semi-tragic. Very romantic comedy-esque, but there's substance there.

Absolutely love the chapter. I am so relieved that there are other witches that are only continue to read the book due to compulsion charms and Bravo to Snape and Hermione for engendering debate.I was just going to ask  - UST? but I got it *headdesk*. I am happy if they take their time to get involved sexually, but I would hope it is less than 10 chapters...'Crotchlumency' - love it! love it! what's the opposite? 'Lemonilimens' - the spell to allow you to see others racy thoughts?Cheers.

I'm greatly enjoying your story, and this chapter in particular.Their lead of the book club debate, and the ensuing rebellion of their fellow victims, was hilarious. Their exchanges are witty, playful and sexually charged to any fangirly heart's content. Besides, you gave such healthy grounds for Severus' "upstanding morals", that no one could feel tricked or object to the prolonged UST. What I don't like in some stories is when one is too eager to jump and the other acts like a prude, but there's none of it here. Very well handled indeed (provided that steely resolutions are allowed to crumble shortly! *evil grin*)As for "Crotchlumency" it deserves to go straight into the fandom dictionary :DThank you for the great fun!

Gaaah!!! They were so close!! Damn Severus and his morals. Pffft.

Hehehe.  What A Great Chapter.  I loved the whole "Crotchlumency" thing.  Sometimes I think I need to practice some of that myself!  I love how you describe their encounters.  I love how he always finds a wall.  I was also afraid how their presentation would go down, but that was awesome!  Woo-Hoo, Sowing the seeds of dissention!  I seriously Love this Story!  Much Love ~ Brena

Ah, this is such an intriguing plot line!

I am loving your story!! Can't wait for the next chapter :-D

Lol! Hehehe... oh my, being asked to wait... *snigger* I hope Hermione tortures him! Lol!

ROFL! I loved the book club discussion. It was certainly good to see that there were plenty of witches with enough brains to realise the inanity of the book.It's good to see Severus taking things so seriously, too, in spite of his desires (and it's more than good to see a man depicted as actually able to control his urges instead of giving in the moment the first lustful thought arises).

Heheee – are you sure they're going to make it "platonic" for months?

That certainly was the best chapter yet.  I love a story with a good sense of timing and a healthy ammount of UST.  :)

By the way Pajama Pants, I just realized the title of this chapter "The Salmon Mousse". That was a quote from 'Death' in Monty Python's "Meaning of Life" Very funny, we can always blame The Salmon Mousse!!

AH, you write some of the best UST. Luckily, I have your Christmas fic to tide me over for now! Excellent job with this fic, I am enjoying to SO much. Makes my day every time I get a notification that its updated!

Crotchlumency???*Snickers*Another brilliant chapter; keep them coming!