Ron isn't stupid but he really is a dolt.  Poor Hermione deserves better than that. 

Only an hour in the lake??? It was obviously not long enough, he should have been there at lest twice as long...:-))
Thank you for another great update.

I found it quite interesting that Severus chose not to correct Minerva's misunderstanding about the reason for Ron's detention at the bottom of the lake.  Is it possible that she has not heard of his abysmal behavior to Hermione in Snape's classroom? 

Ron's challenge to Snape about the reasons for Snape's having given him eight detentions seemed to be a challenge:  "Why protect her in the first place—she’s HERMIONE BLOODY GRANGER! You know, the insufferable know-it-all? Besides, you don’t even know the full story.”

Just what is the full story?  As Snape is already noticing Hermione... does he not realize the depth of his interest in her?  Surely he does, but perhaps he is only now coming to a point where he is willing to admit it to himself.

This is a wonderful story, and I find myself drawn further and further into this mystery!

Beth

Woo Hoo - why do we love to hate Ron so much?  Because he is the perfect foil for the snark of Snape - lovely that you worked in a bit of self-reflection for that very Snape!!  Enjoy your work so much - keep it up!  Thanks for sharing

Uh oh. As it's Ron, I wouldn't be surprised if he did go and 'ask' her. Accuse her, more like it. In public.

But it's something that should give Severus some food for thought, too...

Oh Lord. Knowing Ron's stupid self, he'll probably pounce on Hermione and humiliate her again with all sorts of insinuations about the nature of the relationship between herself and a certain Potions master.  Only this time I doubt Professor McGonagall will feel much dismay or pity about the ... creatively sadistic nature of one Ronald "Bloody Idiot" Weasley's continued detentions if he does.
 
Great update ... even though it made me picture myself slowly strangling Won-Won.

Oh, it's always Entertaining!Snape when he's being Evil!Snape to Ron. 

Super intense.  Loved it.

Everytime I see this story is updated, i rush to read what happens next.  thanks for the update.

Great chapter.  Thanks for the update.

Great chapter.  Thanks for the update.

This story is really well-written and engaging.  I know it's alreayd finished so I am REALLY looking forrward to finding out how this plays out.

*impulse to review far too strong!* First off, I dunno if I've reviewed this story yet or not, but I adore your title - "carpe diem" is my little saying when I get too worn out to go on sometimes. And that was before the esteemed Robin Williams brought it into the limelight.

Anywho, Ronniekins has certainly branched out a bit from his usual clueless nature. Perhaps the chess-master has finally decided to add those skills to better use than besting Harry. I loved the byplay between Minerva and Sev, too, it's just so.... so Minerva. XD I dunno how else to say it. I applaud the entire story for its exceptional plausibility. ^_^ Ready for the next installment, as ever!

Oh gods I loved the detention! Sodding Ron, how did he even know which things to collect? He's not the sharpest quill in the cup, you know. And Minerva was so cute the way she defended him. LOL  Poor Severus, he just doesn't see that he is attracted to Hermione, yet!

Oh my. That was amazing. I've no idea what I'd like to see happen from this - so many directions *head nearly explodes*!  What a great set up.

Ron in the lake... I'd feel bad, but I just don't have time. LOL

Oops.  Why does Ron pick now to become perspicacious?

I'm very glad Harry is firmly on Hermione's side here. She needs her friends.Loved the scene with Luna and Severus too!

Severus can't stop thinking about Hermione, and he's going to chaperone the Halloween Ball!  Yea!  This will be loads of fun.

I like that Hermione and Harry are keeping their friendship strong.  Everyone needs a good friend they can talk to when plans don't go according to plan.

Great Chapter!
Beth

Hmm, why is she making a love potion?

I like how you've written the dialogue between all the characters it seems very natural and real. Maybe Harry has become more insightful than Hermione realizes. I guess we'll have to wait and see if he approves of her new infatuation.  

Oh, I just love these last minute balls.  Can't wait to see what happens.  I think that maybe instead of keeping her from thinking of her silky-voiced (oh, yeah) man that it might just make her think more of him!

great update.  love the batanage (sp?) between harry and hermione.  and severus' loss (temporarily) of his higher brain functions!  great stuff!  thanks so much ps caught the reference to your namesake's tea.  does that make you like alfred hitchcock?

A ball, and poor Severus is forced to attend...I really enjoyed Hermione's conversation with Harry. It's always good to see that friendship going strong!