This chapter is so well written and completely charming in every way.  Minerva's concern for Severus is evident while she makes it seems that she is taking delight at being able to best him in their dueling matches.  Her very Slytherin manner with getting him to admit that he wanted Hermione to remain as his teaching assistant was bloody brilliant.  In a New York minute Minerva made him make a decision.  A split second decision, and he had to tell her that he wanted Hermione to stay on as his assistant.  Good for Minerva!  And good for you, Cori!I thought Severus' and Hermione's meeting went well.  She handled herself with aplomb and kept her replies t a minimum, except for that one time when she felt the stone jar in her pocket—then she got a bit flustered and nearly blew it.  Bless her heart she recovered quickly.  Even though he told her he did not make friends with his students, he did say it in a kind way, and he did tell her he was impressed with her determination and her ability to get an incredibly rare potions ingredient that used appropriately may undo the Prometheus Curse.And even though he may not need her help for too much longer, HE WANTS HER WITH HIM!!!  Yay and Double-Yay!If Ronvender are headed to the third-floor alcove, they might be in for a surprise... Severus or Hermione may venture through there... Uh Oh!  I just had a thought.  What if Severus and Hermione ran into each other in the alcove, and Ron and Lavender were somehow hidden (where?  I dunno... that's your job!) and over heard the professor and his assistant sharing ... err umm... personal observations that might seem a bit too familiar to be spoken between a teacher and his student.There, I've done my job (and planted a seed).  And I enjoyed this chapter immensely!Beth

I love Hermione's description (in her mind) of Professor Snape looking like himself and standing like a great storm crow just inside the room!  Perfect in every way. 

I'm relieved that she didn't write "HG loves SS" in those little hearts.  If he had seen that he would have felt honor bound to belittle her instead of thinking, "So this was Hermione Granger’s secret spot, too. He found the idea did not irritate him at all."

I'm thrilled that both of them know that the third-floor alcove is a favorite quiet spot of the other.  Maybe they will both be taking this back-way as a shortcut more often now... now that they have run into each other there.  I was also happy that Hermione's laughter at his comment about her being lovelorn didn't provoke him to censure her... instead he thanked her for all she had done to help him.  Hummmmmm...  Will she now have dreams of him that will lead her to think more about the Percipio Corium?  She has his spoon, after all...

Thanks for a great chapter!Beth

God, how to kick her back down again, when she had gone to such effort. What an arse the man can be! Glad you're back and writing, I love this story!

What a good friend she would be for him.  It's not like he has them in surplus.  Come on buddy, recognize a good thing when it is right in front of you. 

Oh dear, he really needs to learn a few social skills! :)

In your last (Chapter 15) a/n you wrote:"Still working on chapter 16—everything I’ve written so far is awful. But it’s going to be a good one in the end, oh yes indeedy."Oh how VERY right you were (in that last statement)!This chapter was indeed a VERY "GOOD" one!You had me breathless between each statement in that delicate dance of words between Hermione and Severus.  I wasn't sure whether to compare it to walking a tightrope, balancing on a knife's edge, or porpupines making love, but whichever it was, it was perfect!I love the _huge_ stride forward that has been made between them--whether either Hermione, or Severus, realize it or not.  So my inner fangirl is jumping up and  down with glee over this chapter!And so looking forward to the next!

oh excellent.  I'm really enjoying this immensely.

My biggest reason for giving this fic a shot was the fact that I love the song "Caramel."  Every time I saw it up the song would go through my head, so finally I had to see what was up.  I really like it, especially Hermione's coping strategies and the ups and down of fantasies- you got it spot-on.  I almost hope they never get together, because I'd like to see how she deals.  Then again, hot sexings are fun too.  I'm also psyched to see your Dumbledore.  A well-done Dumbles is truly a joy.

This Slughorn! ... urghthat slimy person. with his hands all over Sverus! Exucse me!! just like McLaggan with Herimone.these men,  they don't get a hint. tooo convinced that they are irresisitible, of course. (the younger of course) Hope, Hermiones efforts were worth it, and she got everybody off the trail.But why didn't dear SS keel over just from the sight of dear Hermione? you coul have put a little more effort in that.or did you? and I didn't read it correctly, being completely used to your marvellous hints and double-comments during the story?sorry for that. must be completely spoiled.aha: maybe she is one for the dark corners.Go on and find out for yourself, you not so neutral observer...Them having the same hiding place.and now it is reavealed.and littered with hearts it is..NOOOO not lovelorn. .. why in the world would any student tell YOU of all teachers the matters of her heart? hm?No, he didn't win the contest either. not at that time and place. any other day, yes. where were his thoughts, just then.. *grin*one could only guess, why she dared to touch his robes at the moment of his appearance. what was she thinking just seconds before?? poor girl.totally lost.at leas he found it in him to thank her for her wonderful work and assistance she was to him over the last weeks.couldn't he add a "please continue to be my assistant in future!" ? ohhhh guy!His first day out.a success?

That was nice.  Severus giving Hermione a word of thanks was very sweet.

This is wonderful. did she write little ss/hg's in the hearts?

Music.  Great idea! :)

Very enjoyable, I wonder just how shocked Severus would be if he only knew how she felt.

Cute chapter, I really enjoyed the teaser.

Hermione and Snape's interaction went very well. He was so wrong-footed he did get angry.

I'm glad you had Poppy give that speech. I wonder what she has said to Dumbledore in private.

‘I’ll return in a few minutes,’ said the Headmaster, his hand on the doorknob. He gazed searchingly at Severus for a moment before he left. A plan had already formed in his head. Severus is not going to like it a bit, he thought grimly. Too bad.

YAY!!!  Dumbledore is going to "appoint" Hermione to be Snape's teaching assistant!  At least I think he is.I can only imagine what the Potions master will have to say about that.  Too bad.  And what will Hermione think about it?  Will she welcome it without reservation?  Or will there be a note of apprehension to her joy?Well done, Cori!Beth

I wonder what Dumbledore wants. I'll stay tuned .

Well, we hope it will end well, but it doesn't look so peachy right now.

Has Dumbledore figured out about her crush? Her behavior was odd.

another great chapter - thanks so much for all your hard work!!

Ron, sweat, and snot.  That was so funny! :)

I'm surprised that Dumbledore and Poppy Pomfrey didn't think it odd that Hermione wanted to see Severus.  Then again, perhaps certainly Dumbledore has suspicions about her feelings for him (the old so and so does seem to be all knowing/seeing!!)As much as I enjoyed the more amusing side to this fic at the beginning, it is always nice to see a story deepen and become more involved - your reassurance that there will continue to be some lighter moments amongst the angst sounds good; I'll be looking out for the updates! :-)

Ohohooo, interesting, interesting. Next chapter, please :)

Nasty Voldie.