Oh dear, our Severus is filled with self-loathing, anger, jealousy, frustration, and a set of horns that any rutting buck would be proud to call his own... but all he can think of is Knockturn Alley. 

I laughed out loud at his "conversation" with the old witch, and when she poked him in the ribs and followed him inside the shoppe I nearly fell off my chair.  Bloody brilliant!  Severus is buying a sex dream!  Poor sod, I'll bet his dream is all about Hermione.

Because of Harry's and Ginny's attempt at matchmaking, Hermione will be spending Valentine's Day with Draco, which is sure to drive Severus crazy.

This was such a fun chapter.  I really like the way you've written Draco.  He's so different from the the way he was during the war. 

I can only wonder at what you have in store for Severus and Hermione, and I can't wait to see what Severus dreams about. 

Beth

dying to see what kind of fantasy he gets!  thanks so much

I agree with your assessment for Hermione's behavior towards both Severus and Draco. She thinks her feelings for Severus were manufactured, but she's forgetting that her potion only brings out feelings that were already there to begin with. Draco is the only person her age who is paying attention to her, without an alterior motive.

excellent - and I really like that HG and DM are drawn together - if you can visualize DM growing up - then certainly HG would be the most tolerant of giving him a chance to be friends - esp. when she's so alone.  Nice job!! 

Yeah, I got the potion reference.  ;)  Well, I like Draco.  As I've said before, much better than Ron.  I feel kind of bad for Severus. 

CHANGE IT TO HERMIONE/DRACO.  THAT'LL REALLY SHAKE THINGS UP.  :)  jk

Oh my word, Snape in a sex shop had me ROTFL!

Interesting, I'm looking forward to seeing what Severus fantasizes about.

I like Draco in this! Can I keep him? :)

I thought it was a very fun and well written chapter. I love your Draco. Good job.

I understand your reasoning for keeping SS and HG apart for now, CC.  I like your version of Draco.  I have always imagined him as contrite and repentant given the right situation.

Yay.  Good chapter.  Can't wait for the next.  :)

I can see Severus isn't going to like what he see's at the ball plus I think that potion he has just got is a dose of Hermione (His fantasies will be about Hermione) ?
Look forward to more.

I suppose it makes sense to make it realistic, but that doesn't mean that I have to like it.  I will keep reading and wait for our promised SS/HG pairing.  I hope Draco and Hermione don't become romantically involved;  I don't want Severus getting the wrong idea. (Even though he already has).

Tease! :P

Awww this is awesome.  I can't wait to see what happens next.  Especially since you said the next chapter is the climax..or semi-climax.  Either way it sounds interesting!  I loved their dialouge here, I hope this updates again soon!  Much Love ~ Brena

This was sweet. Hermione definitely needs this right now, no matter how awkward the situation. I agree with her re: Ron, as much as I loathe him here... seven years of friendship and going through so much together is worth at least an attempt at saving (whether it'll work or not, and whether Ron is ready for that, is another matter, I suppose).

Umm, could have used a little more here!!!  I love following your story!

I'm glad that Severus has decided to talk with Hermione in the kitchens over tea.  Being in a different place than detention is normally held will lend itself to more relaxed "conversation," and right now I think she needs to talk to someone even if this person is the one she is having sexy dreams about.The subject of plants and herbs will hopefully lead to a discussion about the special potion she has been brewing for the good many weeks.  Will she also tell him about her dreams?  It's obvious that he finds himself attracted to her, so perhaps it is time for both of them to takes Albus' advice to Severus:  “I also suggest that you come to a conclusion with these detested feelings that you have—I know you are unaccustomed, but it is nothing to be ashamed of."Nice update!  I'm looking forward to the next one!!!Beth

Very nice chapter, I liked how Severus talked to Hermione and am wondering what his reaction will be when he finds out where Hermione's feeling truly lie.

OMG, This was a great chapter.  I love this story.  I seriously loved how Albus was talking to Severus.  Talking Portraits Rock!  I wish we had them for reals.  I'd love to be able to talk to some passed away people.  Anyways, thanks for the update.  I can't wait to see what happens next.  Much Love ~ Brena

Many many thanks for this intriguing, captivating story. Loved your Severus and your Hermione, both not very far from canon. I've to admit that I first thought Ron to be awful, but he's emerged quite upgrown.
Naturally, my heart is now bleeding for S., but secretly even more for your very likeable Draco, because he won't keep Hermione and that will break his heart. I hope you'll make it not so hard for him in your sequel.
Btw, when will you start posting? Or haven't you even begun writing? Anyway, I look very much forward to it, no matter when it will be ready.

Poor Severus, he seems to get snarlier when his emotions are taken for a spin.Well written.

terrific update.  thanks so much

I hope Severus will take Portrait!Albus' counsel to heart and not only try to find out what has brought Hermione to such dire straits, but to come to terms with "these detested feelings that you have—I know you are unaccustomed, but it is nothing to be ashamed of."Hermione needs for someone to intervene before she does further damage to herself.   Perhaps a little Legilimency is called for.  I know Severus is reluctant to do that, but Hermione is getting worse and does not appear to be able to see what is really happening to her.If he can't bring himself to look into her mind, then he should involve Minerva before it is too late.Great chapter.  Thank you for the update.Beth