Wonderful, wonderful update, I think I will have stars in my eyes for the rest of the day due to this chapter.

Ooh, this is lovely -- Severus throwing her a surprise engagement party.  I love the ring with a ruby as the "potion" and raven's wings; that's a fabulous idea that Severus (and you) had.  Thanks for the party!

Nice party!  I'm glad he decided not to be prickly when she calls him Raven. 

What a nice surpirse to have an engagement party on the spot!  Also good to see him not taking the offensive over being called either Raven or Severus and stating that he likes her nickname for him.  Nicely done!

Yay!! Wondeful proposal, and a great ring!

That was nice. It showed how the Raven part fits into his new life.

Thoughtful of him to give her a Muggle wedding as well. :)

I enjoyed the chapter, Severus was very kind to those homeless people.

Will there be a proposal for Christmas and a New Years Eve wedding?It's so nice to see Severus and Hermione truly happy.

Severus is such a sneak.  But I suspect this secret is definitely a good one.  Loved his transformation of the warehouse.  There's no better feeling than helping someone.

The newly mended Severus is a delight.  That was a wonderful thing they did.

That was nice going back to the warehouse and fixing it up for them . :)

“You cannot help him. You are his enemy now, and you love a man who hates him. What kind of friend does that make you?” Eileen accused her.

well said! Worst thing is, after all this. people will still have fond memories of the bullying toerag James. Lily was a terrible friend and a terrific social climber.

Awesome Chapter!  I'm so loving this story, I can't wait to see what Severus is up to. :)  I look forward to another chapter. Hugs, Angie

Hey there!  *waves to Jeannie*

When Severus asked Hermione to go to the Yule Ball with him I could see why she would feel a little let down that he hadn't asked her to marry him... but I have a feeling that he will pop the question at the ball itself or ask her on Christmas day when he gives her the gift he got for her.  I was very glad that they decided to fore-go their pact and decided to sleep together.  They were alone for so long before, and they deserve to be together.  Well done!

This chapter was such a joy to read.  I was captivated by the wonderful presents Severus provided for Mary and her friends, and loved that Mary knew Raven was a wizard.  I thought it was especially wonderful that she recognized his real name on the card.  Mary was a great blessing in his life when he needed help, and I love that he is bringing so much Christmas cheer to the community that took care of him when he couldn't take care of himself.

When Hermione was trying on dresses for the ball and couldn't take her eyes (or fingers) off one particular wedding dress, I hoped Severus would take notice.  When he slipped away for a few minutes, I had to wonder if one of the shrunken boxes he put in his pocket was that wedding dress.  How sweet that would be!  Sweeter still would be if the gift he purchased for her in Diagon Alley was a wedding ring. 

When they crawled into bed after their bath and love making, I wondered who Severus would be sending Floos to and what message was in them.  Could it have to do with handfasting or a wedding?  Only time will tell, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter.  There is still the ball to look forward to as well as the visit to take Grendel to meet the Gypsies.  Good stuff ahead!Beth

Oh this was perfect. I loved the warehouse trip and the air of mystery about what Severus is planning. The whole thing just oozes love. Thanks so much!

Ooh lovely way to tie up that part of their lives by helping the people that helped them to begin with!Hmm, wonder what he's got her for Christmas? 

Glad they went back to help.

I am so happy that the homeless people weren't forgotten, I got all sappy when reading about Hermione and Severus helping them. This was another great chapter, you really make my day when you submit updates to this story!

Oh, I'm so glad they found Mary!  Her life is so sad, orphaned at a young age and no one to guide her through any available government services.  I wonder who the warehouse owner is...So, is Severus sneakily arranging a winter wedding? Poor guy, having a Christmas-shopper girlfriend after years of him not doing anything for the holidays.  Well, she is still changing his life.  :=)Thank you for the new chapter!!

oooh, he has Secrets! How exciting! Can't wait! This was a great chapter, I loved her persuading him to go shopping! lol..

Hmm... could a surprise Christmas wedding possibly be in the offing? I was grinning at the image of Hermione trying unsuccessfully to keep her eyes off the wedding dresses. Subtlety, thy name is NOT Gryffindor.

I believe it was a very cathartic thing for Hermione and Severus to tell Harry about the things that had happened while he had been locked in that sleep state.  And Harry seemed to get a lot of relief by talking to them about what the months had been like for him.  It was a good therapy session for all concerned. 

When Severus and Hermione told Healer Stout goodnight, I'm glad that he told her that she would be welcomed to be in the meeting he would have with Healer Davenport to share the secret of the Potion and the Spell that can heal the memory damaged victims of Voldemort's evil curse. 

Now that they have returned to Severus' rooms in the castle they will be able to get some much needed rest.  The pace they have been keeping is enough to wear out anyone, no matter how strong they are.  There will be plenty of time for everyone to talk later.

Thank you for this chapter.  It was good to see so much good having been accomplished!Beth

It's good to see Harry up and about.

joyful and exhausting, indeed!  great update.  thanks and smoochies