LOLZ!!!  Now did Dumbledore Obliviate her, or Severus?  Mwahahahahaa.  You've set us up for a good next chapter.  I was a bit worried about what Dumbles would say, but I guess it's all ok.  Need to go back and catch up on stuffs. 

That was amazing. How on earth could anyone shift gears from being a Deatheater without a lot of work? Adds another reason to report to Dumbledore first, he could hold his own against Snape.

((((((hugs you back!))))))  Don't spend a second apologizing for not replying to reviews, or for not including previews in your A/N's.  This chapter demonstrated just how insane Bellatrix is, and it's a wonder that Severus can stand to be around her at all.  I think it would take as much self-mastery to put up with her unpredictable antics as it does for him to play his role as a spy.  Voldemort is clearly the source of the madness, but Bella is the personification of it in the extreme.  Well done.I felt so sorry for Severus when he met Hermione on his way back to Hogwarts.  I can imagine how difficult it would be to try to shift from one persona to another so quickly, and he really scared her.  She is no doormat, however, and I'm glad she stood her ground.  Severus' meeting with Dumbledore showed how close the time is till the Headmaster's "end of days."  I think there are some truly dark days ahead for our lovers, and I hope they are strong enough to weather them with their hearts intact.  Fawkes' tears were a balm to Severus, and seemed to heal more than the cuts Bellatrix had scratched onto his hand.I hope RL is kind to you, and thank you for this wonderful update.Beth

This was another fantastic chapter.  There is nothing like the mad hatter of the HP fics showing her face.  You really brought both of Severus' worlds into focus and how he has to mesh them together at times.  Good job.   Look forward to your next update.

I love Severus's hands!

I just love Bellatrix, she is the perfect blend of crazy and evil.  She is so horrible but she is so good at it, I can't imagine the Dark Lord with out her.Poor Severus, I'm thrilled that he has found someone like Hermione to share his life with, I hope he is able to relax and enjoy it soon.Wonderful update, can't wait for the next one.

Your Bellatrix is awesomely maniacal. :)

Another good chapter.  I feel like a broken record saying that.  I quite liked the bit when he returned from Voldemort and his crew, and ran into Hermione.  Wouldn't he have a hard time transitioning from one extreme to the other?  I can't imagine it being any other way.  He lost contol with her, and while it was kind of a bad deal, she stood her ground and voiced her disapproval, which in turn made him analyze his actions and feelings.  These little moments are the things which I think solidify the dynamic of their relationship, and therefore are completly necessary.Thank goodness they had the foresight to make a "not safe" signal.I really enjoyed the scene on Tuesday night where they had some time alone to discuss things and make some choices.  Oh wait, that didn't happen yet.  You're killing me here.  You are lucky that this story is soooooooo good that it makes up for leaving me hanging.  I wouldn't give you such a hard time if this wasn't so enjoyable that I can hardly wait for the next update ;)

Another fantabulous chapter. I feel so sad for Snape and all his trials. Bellatrix was suitably insane as well.But what I really love is the fact that your Hermione is not a doormat, but truly independent and compassionate, with a strength of character to rival many.Thank you very much and greatly anticipating the next chapter.

Ah, Bellatrix...as we would say here in the southern U.S., "That girl's just eat up with weird!"    All in all, a harrowing night/early morning for Severus, and things are quickly tumbling towards chaos and destruction.  I do hope that Hermione and Severus will have the opportunity to talk in the evening, and that he can warn her (at least a little) of what's to come.  Look forward to the next chapter, preview or no preview!

Good call on the previews--you've still got it without them anyway.  I'm so excited for this story to end,so I can go back and reread the whole thing in one delicious sitting!  [grin]

Just saying, I have had a long tough day and seeing that there was a new Caramel chapter was, like, my reward for getting through it all. Thank you for staying the course, and I'll be happy for more as soon as, or well, whenever.

This chapter seemed more like a bit of a bridge from necessary point A to necessary point B, and I'll be psyched to get the story moving again. Or more hot sex, whichever comes first.

I adore your story!

I noticed you made no further mention of Hermione's letter to until Jill's reply arrived... I hope Lavender didn't decide to do a little snooping while Hermione slept the night before she sent it.I fear Tuesday night's time together for our lovers won't actually take place.  I'm afraid that Voldemort will summon him before they can see each other to talk and decide how they will have time with each other in light of the risks posed by the war and Severus' role in it.  So very much could go wrong.  I hope Hermione's having agreed to tea with Seamus will not throw a wrench into what Severus and Hermione have built.  Thank you for this wonderful chapter.  As usual, you've left me with more questions.  Well done, m'dear!Beth

Why do I feel as if that last letter Hermione wrote made a detour to Lavender's hands?  *shivers*Brilliant story!  It took me a while to catch up, but I'm so glad I started reading.  This is one of the best ss/hg romances I have read in a while, and it's probably the best teacher/student fic I've read. 

I'm so sorry I didn't leave you reviews as I read - but I'm really enjoying this - can't get enough of them, just as they can't get enough of each other right now!I do wonder exactly how this is all going to interact with canon in a few weeks when I assume Severus will kill Dumbledore. *smiles sheepishly* I sort of hope you don't go with the whole camping trip from DH thing, though of course it's your story - so I should be happy with whatever I get. Really enjoying it! :)

Oh. My. God.  This is just amazing.  I don't normally like student/teacher stories, but you have, excuse the pun, nailed it.  You've caught all those fluttery, frustratingly delicious (or deliciously frustrating?) moments of new attraction just fabulously.  And it's hotter than hell. *fans self*

I was *so* afraid that the letter was going to be discovered by someone!  Severus is really kind of well-described in her letter to where the casual passer-by at Hogwarts would surely know exactly about whom she was speaking.

What are they going to discuss? For a moment, I thought he was going to break things off with her... or at least put a hold on *certain* things until she graduates. I suppose we shall see! I cannot wait! I love the tender moments between them, the little things, like how she lays her arm across his or how he looks at her. These little gestures speak more of their relationship than most words. Great update!

Argh!  What are you up to with that preview!!!  Monday night is before Tuesday.   Will he 'discuss' with her at all, or will he be maimed and unable to talk on Tuesday night?  It's like a cliffie, but not!  Anway, to the real chapter.  The things he said were so lovely and from the heart.  Who wouldn't melt at his words.  I'm hoping he has more options than just... We have to wait until the war is over and you're gone.

Another wonderful chapter! Can`t wait for the next update. Thank you so much.

So glad to see you, as always!Five days into their affair he was learning that his sternness brought out her playfulness.  I loved this line, and the things that prompted it.  His harshness, and her silliness really highlight the fact that he is an adult in a position of authority, and she, while mature, is still young.  But the fact that she isn't intimidated by him, and he isn't annoyed by her, is really paramount to the success of their relationship.  Well that, and the raging desire to be a pile of entwined limbs at all times.  ‘I typically start wanting to kiss you the moment I leave off kissing you,’ he murmured, and kissed her.  I think I melted a little at this.I am a bit nervous about the whole Jill thing.  I thought when she put off sending the letter, it was going to be trouble, but fortunately, so far so good.And the upcoming "date" with Seamus, better not make Severus too fussy, since her acceptance was at least partially his fault.By the way, I think I liked you better when you couldn't find any material for a preview.  What kind of crap is that teaser?!?!  You're all, "I'll let you know that he is summonsed, knowing there was important Voldie info he needed to share with Hermione, but didn't yet get a chance.  Now things may happen where she should have been better prepared.  Or maybe he won't come back by evening.  Or maybe...  Well, see ya in March."  Come on, if you want us to address you as Queen of Evil, you need only ask.  You don't have to actually earn it :)

Whew!  Now I can go back and re-read, and truly ENJOY the "sitting in the window ledge" scene, since that letter "in the front pocket" of Hermione's bookbag (in plain sight!  Hermione, how COULD you?) has apparently made it safely to the hands of Jill, and furthermore safely on to its destined immolation. I sat there terrified that Seamus had followed her, seen and pocketed the letter!  (HUGE sigh of relief).I tremble for what Severus is going to relate to Hermione on Tuesday, but -- hope springs eternal -- he DID say "we"--so he's including her in planning for their future!  And I love how you had him open up his soul to her in those revelations tonight, even enough to be lavish with words of praise to her.  He hasn't come right out and said, "I love you", but it's more and more obvious every day.Hmmm--how is the enforced Saturday meeting between H. and Seamus going to affect things?

This is such a romantic story, I love how playful she is when he is being stern.  They do seem to love each other very much.  Wonderful update.

I'm glad that Severus intends to confide at least some things to Hermione, but I hope that the summons you mention in your little snippet of upcoming Chapter 32 doesn't prevent him from telling her vital information!Love the letter exchanges regarding Hermione's Adventure--I could so see one of my own friends writing the exact same things to me were I in Hermione's situation.  And poor poor Seamus--he finally gets the Gryffindor courage to tell Hermione how he feels, and is practically brushed off like annoying lint.  He was just too late...maybe he'll transfer his attentions to another witch who'll find him equally fascinating!  But that would be another story, and we're here for Hermione and Severus!