You're right, there has to be a library scene... it's in the rules.  So now Hermione knows that Dumbledore was involved from the lemon aroma--she just might go up to the Headmaster's office to demand answers (and tea)!The use of it in marriage ceremonies is very intriguing as well.  Keeping secrets kills it.  Love?  Trust?  Fidelity?  Any/all of the above?  Whatwhatwhatwhatwhatwhatwhat?

"Everything I say is the truth, and everything he says is a lie."  If only it were that easy!  And the word "taint" can mean so many things...Maybe Hermione needs to take tea with Dumbledore!

Ooo, the plot thickens...  I wonder what he'll make of that?  And Sev going to Albus' portrait for advice is a nice touch as well; liked how he was uncertain if the wards would recognize him beforehand.

Since Hermione defended him at his trial, I imagine that she deliberately took it and hid it away to insure that public opinion wasn't turned against him.  Not knowing what it was but wanting to protect Severus--very Gryffindor.

Severus needs to hurry it up! 

Had to stop for a while to watch The Daily Show (I'm a victim)...  Hmm.  Missing purpose?  And where is Severus?

Severus will obviously have to come in person to retrieve it.  I cannot wait to see the outcome of this.  He knows exactly what Hermione has, but won't tell her.  If I were she, I'd be a bit miffed.  On the other hand, perhaps he's incapable of telling anyone precisely what it is however much he may want to.

Ooo... Were they sharing the same dream/memory?  Was Hermione dreaming it simultaneously as Severus remembered?  It seems to give them a connection.  Can it possibly be his ability to love personified?

All I have to say is, I'm glad this is not the last chapter posted at this point!  What a cliffhanger this would be otherwise!  I'll be interested to see if this was just a dream, or a vision of the past regarding... it.

What is it???

This is supposedly what she wanted to do in the first place, but only now he is discussing her returning it?  Obviously he wanted her to have it to begin with, despite what he said to her before.  Or he just wanted her to keep writing letters to him.

Do the two of you have an idea of how this ought to end, or are you both flying by the seat of your pants on this?  If you are, that's not necessarily a bad thing.  So far, I think this is going very well and I'm enjoying it.

You have to burp it?  Please please don't tell me it'll have to have nappies changed too!  Tell us what it is!  Tell tell tell tell....

And just how did he know that she was using the Casaubon book to hold down the lid?  She never mentioned that in her letter to him...  Curiouser and curiouser!

So, is the humming due to satisfaction that Hermione is continuing to contact Severus?  I must know what it is!  I'm having thoughts concerning the removal of love from an individual and thereby giving it physical form, but I may be thinking too much for this.Love the tag-team style of writing!  I'll bet this is as much fun for you guys to write as it is for all of us to read. 

Yeah well, if he really didn't care about the trial he wouldn't have said anything at all about it.  Ha!  Go Hermione!

What is it?  You will never tell us, will you?  I'm having a lot of fun reading these!

"It likes tea"-- well, that narrows it down to just about any creature residing in the British Isles!  Is this Sev's idea of being helpful?  Flirtatious?  Both? 

"Rattling in its case and emitting a strange odour", huh?  Is this supposed to convince him to take it back?  Hee hee...    This is fun, I can't wait to see what "it" is.

Well you've got me thinking. He's not in the 'afterlife' is he? Because I do hope not. I'd like him to have tea with Hermione hehe.

I wondered if it was some sort of Horcrux.  No, really, I did!  But I think you've developed a clever twist on what we know as a Horcrux.  Is she communicating with him in the 'otherworld'"

You guys are killing me.  Great story!

Uh huh, but which one?

Argh.  What IS it?

Hurry up, Severus!

Now who is that?  Certainly not Hermione.

This is so frustrating!!!  I'm intrigued and annoyed all at the same time.  I love puzzles, especially when I have a hard time figuring them out.  I love it! :D

This is so crazy.  Hermione stumped?  I love it!  :D

What? That's it? Geez, poor Hermione blistering away in ignorance.