Thanks.  I'm thinking that from your point of view, it is a character portrait by dialogue and action.  Hope you enjoy the reread. 

Thanks.  I had to recall the story to understand your review, but your description is good: no dramatic event to fling them together, no flowers, no candy.  At the end, she is accepted for what she is.

Thank you ver much.  Glad you liked it even though it was unexpected.

I intended naughty and hot - and, believe it or not, sweet.  Thanks.

Oh, I definately see sweet, too. I can't say that I'd react any differently than your unamed female character.

There was no reveal.  In some ways, it does capture the Christmas spirit.  thanks.

I'm glad you thought it was well-written.  And, yes, it was meant to have some bite.

I forgot to add I also thought about Mrs. Granger and Severus. :)

Thank you for all the kind comments.

Yes, questionable and gritty.  Thanks.

Thanks.  Yes, it was intended to be rather risque.

Glad you found it interesting.  It could be almost any pair.  Thanks for the compliment and thanks for reviewing.

Vitriol or venting?  The stranger might be complimented, and he might be admiring the capable and conscientious lady.Sacrilege or sacrament?  A sacrament is a rite in which a divine force is active and which conveys grace.Who the character was?  There are two characters.

The first response missed a point.Tame her?  He is selfish and wants the whole person.  He will accept her.

*lol*  You caught me.  There are two characters.  I see the man as Severus or Lucius.  More likely Lucius, because of his temperament.  Severus because no mention was made of his looks.  The woman:  still Hermione's mother.  In my eyes anyway.  So ... 'fess up.  Am waiting (note the lack of the word 'patiently'). 

Who's the character?!  In the midst of vitriol versus venting, betrayal versus bonding, sacrilege versus sacrament, taming versus accepting, and damnation versus redemption, you want to know which wizard to lust after whilst reading the story. 

The lady is a composite constructed from the stories and reviews on this site.  The stranger is a Mary Sue. 

I sort of had a feeling the stranger was a Mary Sue, but didn't want to be the first to say.  Oh, now, did I really make you fume?  All that without a too.  I'm impressed. The fiestiness ... has there been a role reversal here perhaps?

Perhaps 'stunning and unexpected' is good for a story built on cliches, and perhaps I portrayed the woman realistically enough that you could sympathize with her.  Thanks for the review.