"for a person as reserved as Severus Snape, he was rather excited."  Love that bit! :)

I'm curious about that potion Hermione's trying to make. She's certainly pouring a lot of effort into it.

It's a good thing there were no others available... I'm rather sure that since Trelawney was the only other option, her preferring Snape didn't look too odd to McGonagall. Looking forward to the shopping trip!

Good chapter, I'm surprised Severus didn't put up more of a fuss about the shopping. 

Lovely outfit!  Ron is his usual eloquent and friendly self.

Lovely story. How did Hermione find out she cannot have children? I thought perhaps the potion was meant to correct that -- maybe it will as a side effect? Hmmm?

that sounds like a spectacular dress! but how come hardly anyone asked her to dance? oh, well...i think this prospective walk will be more productive! thanks so much

Ugh. I feel like doing something nasty to Ron... tripping him down the stairs or so.

The ball sounded quite lovely, though. And I'm looking forward to seeing whom Hermione is going to meet next!

Lovely, and entertaining. Especially your list of Muggle celebs! LOL

nice job - lovely description - keep up the great work!  Thank for sharing

Ha Ha, Lovely punishment.
Severus has got to find some answers, why is Hermione being just like Severus? Does she have feelings for the lovely potions master, trying to grab his attention maybe.
Look Forward to more.
Nessa.

Thank you so much for the update, I liked the description of Hermiones dress, it sounded beautiful, classy and sexy at the same time. I also loved her friendly conversation with Blaize, her dance with Draco (which must have annoyed the tiny balls Ron has rigth out of his scrotum) and the general peace she seems to have found with her self. Now, just who will she encounter on her walk along the lake? I somehow fear that Ron is following her, ready to whine over why she left him and throw blame on her for his own lack of maturity, not to mention blame her for the attraction there is between her and Severus. A small person like Ron must feel rather treatened by being replaced by someone so different from himself as Severus. Or, are we going straigth for the good stuff and let her meet Severus? Or both of them??I know I am looking forward to read more!

Wonder who...? :)

"flutter of excess fabric."  is a most fabulous line.  I have not laughed so much in...a while.

Ron is being an ass.  I hope the breakup comes soon.  And hopefully it isn't too horrible.  Or Molly doesn't get involved.  But I love the idea of her costume, and I love that Draco danced with her. 

oh yessss.  a soaking in the lake is a good start.  tho ron's given severus a bit to think about!  great update.  thanks so much

Ron's not as much of a dullard as he usually seems.  It did take him long enough.  I guess he needed the peace and quiet of the lake to actually think. 

Ron will always be a brilliant stregist but a lowsy kind of man.  NEarly the baby, but not the youngest of a huge family, he's born and bred whiner.

I'm truly enjoying this story.  Thank you for posting!!  As usual I'm terribly curious about Snape.  He's being awfully nice to Hermione.

I'm surprised Ron didn't get another detention mouthing off to Severus like that. *shakes head over Ron's stupidity...

I like Luna myself.  I'm surprised Severus does though, he always struck me as someone who has both feet planted in reality, and his scientific brain should have a time wrapping around her less than direct thoughts.

How about Cat in the Cradle? She and her friends certainly had to grow up fast.

Why can't she have children?  How does she even know she can't?  Ron was quite a challenge this chapter, the challenge being how did Hermione manage to not choke him.

Harry is such a good friend... I wonder what Ron will do to try and get Hermione's attention again?

I loved how Hermione lead Ron as if he had a ring in his nose.  He is just to easy to play.

Interesting start, it's good to see Severus in character.