awwww, this chapter was just sweet and all warm. I love that their relationship is developing so nicely, they deserve to be happy, especially Severus. I did not like it one bit that Albus was there, he has the worse timing ever, that man! he should have been spending time with Minerva!!! but it was a great chapter! I can't wait to read more, I'm still very worried about the attacks. Thanks for the update, it was brilliant as usual. Sam

Oh I liked that ending. I also enjoyed the way Minerva was teasing Albus revealing his liking of the Powers books. Its good to see them be able to behave like a married couple in public. Lucius's letter, like himself, was annoying. Poor Severus will now be in suspense for two years. I wonder if it has something to do with Eoghan. Another great chapter.

Sounds like Draco's life really is getting a makeover, whether he wants it or not. But, distancing himself from his father won't be a bad thing, in my opinion. Starting fresh for Draco could be the best thing that's ever happened to him.Squeee! We're getting closer to the Poppy/Severus date on Thursday. That makes me very happy and I'm anxious to see her reaction to the red tulips, though I think she'll adore them. And what sort of bloody letter was that to send to someone? Sheesh. I'm surprised Snape kept it but glad he's sharing it with Poppy but Malfoy is still super annoying!Minerva was funny, as always, when it comes to Albus and Severus. She does seem to play the mediator a lot of the time with them. Bless her heart. Maybe she's not giving Albus enough to keep him occupied, tee hee. Thanks for the update!

Poor Draco. Although he has essentially disowned his father, the estrangement must still be difficult for him. I'm not sure what to make of the relationship between him and Severus. It seems very stiff and formal, although I'm sure Draco shares things with Severus that he doesn't share with anyone else. I feel very sorry for Draco - he seems so alone.And more Suzie! She's so much fun. How can Severus possibly resist her? 

I'm glad Dumbledore didn't manage to do something that would have been a large inconvenience to our protagonists *lol*. The interaction is cute and lovely, but I hope you won't make Snape too docile and considerate. Somehow I don't think it would fit him well.

Author's Response: Not too docile, I would hope, although obviously people are different with different people, too.

Yeah, it was just Dumbledore being a small inconvenience, not a large one! lol!

Thanks for the review!

aaaaahhhh! that is sooooo not fair!!! not fair at all!! *pouts* I was so looking forward to some Poppy and Severus time!!! I guess I'll get over it.Now that is over! lol This chapter was great! I'm loving how you write Draco and can't wait to read that other fic with him and Ginny! I adore Suzie!  she's soooo cute. I'm very very curious about Lucious letter, I hope it's nothing too shocking. And that bit about the students in the cauldron! LOL, hilarious! you are brilliant!I can't wait for the next chapter, thanks for updating!Sam

Based on the last sentence I don't think the next chapter is going to start well for Severus and Albus. I like that Gertrude is being fussed over by her family, especially Quin:). I don't agree with the decision to change the irreplaceable wards on the estate but when you mentioned that Gertrude was going to think of what Malcolm would have done I figured that would be the decision. Minerva and the fax machine comments were hysterical. I like Eoghann. I imagine he is what Severus could have been with a different upbringing. Thank you for another delightful chapter.

Ooh, love the thought of Poppy 'helping' Severus brew a potion.... and his private lab. Can not wait to see what you do with that. Nice to see more Eoghan. I'm really developing a soft side for that boy (I suspect Severus is as well) Wonderful details about his lessons and life on the island. The description of the moonlight garden is gorgous. I feel like I can see it in my mind. I hadn't really thought about Johannes' old feelings for Gertrude in a while. Makes sense that he cares and is upset by her being taken in to the minestry. I like the arrangement he set up with Severus - brewing in exchange for flowers. That way he can get Poppy gifts in the future. (I'm always looking ahead ;) )

Something about the very last sentence in that chapter sounds ominious!  Eoghan is a winning little fellow--and I like kids about as much as S^3 does!Too tired to think more now but very enoyable chappie!

Ok I feel better now that Gertrude is home and has been cleared. Interesting that Severus was the one to help clear her. Hope it helps them both. Glad that Hermione and Severus talked a bit. His reaction to her talking to Fleur was funny. He is such a private person; I hope Fleur keeps quiet. Great chapter. Looking forward to the dinner party which sounds like its going to be "a disaster looking for a place to happen" with the cast of characters Albus has invited.

Wonderful job of moving everything forward but keeping your reader involved in the emotions of the characters. Poppy's worry and concerns come through so well in her fretting about whether Gertrude's eating, watching when Hermione enters the grounds, talking with Minerva about what happened. I definitely feel the anxiousness. I enjoyed Severus' conversation with Hermione and that he told her how she'd hurt him. Seems they're both growing. I'm wondering if they'll overcome all this and be able to be friends again. I was about to say I'm hoping they are able to regain that friendship - but I'm not entirely sure that I do. It worked for them at the time - was beneficial to both - but things change and they're both different people now. What I'm really looking forward to is seeing what you do do with the characters and their stories. Definitely looking forward to Albus' little dinner party!

oh so it is Quin! I don't know how I feel about that lol. Great wonderful chapter! I love Eoghan, he's such a sweet boy, I hope Severus tries to have a realtionship with him.

I loved it that he asked Poppy to brew with him and that she understands how important that is! they are sooooo sweet!.

Poor Minerva, she's a bit lost in the muggle world and its contraptions, isn't she? I can't wait to read how the brewing goes and the red tulips! Sam

This is just what I needed after a rather busy day at work. Thanks for uploading it!!I'll just bet Severus is anxious to get Poppy into his quaint little lab and do some brewing. snicker snicker! And I'm sure it'll be more fun spending the time with Poppy than with Albus, at least in Severus' opinion. Give me Albus any day. haha.Minerva was very sweet to insist that Snape wait until Albus was finished with his meal ... dessert included ... before leaving and then to insist that they not stay gone long. I love it when she shows her softer side where Albus is concerned.Eoghan sure does love his newly found cousin and it's fun to see Snape having to get accustomed to the idea of having a relative that actually likes him and wants to spend time with him. tee hee.Johannes is, as always, a sweetie. I'm glad he was able to spend some time contemplating Siofre's surprise in the moonlight garden. I hope we'll get to see the surprise and her reaction to it, maybe not in this story but perhaps another.The last bit left me with a smile and a warm feeling, don't ask me why. I hope Albus goes home and gets some good cuddle time with Minerva (yes, I am an ADMM GLM)!!!

AAArrrrhhh!!! You stopped!^^Anyway, I'm glad you updated. I was starting to get really bored...it's just raining outside :-!Eogahn has much in common with Sev. At least it seems to me that way. They're both very...private...personalities and have an extrodianary talent as wizards. Luckily the little fellow doesn't have to share more, like the childhood for example. He also seems to look up at Sev. Sure he's proud to have found such a captivating family member.

Great chapter! Gertrude is home again, Severus could distinguish himself a bit with his observations and contribution, and Poppy and Severus get obviously closer. *happy sigh* :o)

Author's Response: Thanks! It's nice to have at least some difficulties cleared up easily, isn't it? (Wish RL were that cooperative! haha!) :-)

Oh dear, and the next catastrophe. Poor Gertrude! But it's good to see that Poppy and Severus both realise so clearly what they want and that it is right before their noses.

Author's Response: Yes, right in front of their noses, as you say! They do seem to lurch from one catastrophe to another, don't they?

Glad you liked it. Thanks!

Good that it was Minerva, discovering Sev in shirtsleeves and without buttons and cufflinks! *g*
Great chapter. Moody is quite symapthetic here, and the whole scene brings the danger much closer, I find.

Author's Response: Yes, good that she hadn't sent Albus down! lol

I'm glad you liked the chapter! Thanks!

great chapter!! I'm so glad Siofre was taking care of Gertrude, I'm more at ease but I'm still very upset they took her to the Ministry!. I can't wait to read more! I'm very ansious to know who's behind the attacks and of course to see Poppy's relationship with Severus!Sam

wow, crazy stuff.  I'm glad Gertrude could go home quickly.  I had a feeling that it was going to be something to do with which hand the attacker used that would clear her.  I had to think on it quite a bit when Severus said he remembered something that would clear her and then I thought about her missing arm.  Maybe Severus helping Gertrude in this way will help him feel less uncomfortable around her.

Ahh, more Poppy and Severus... YAY!!!!!I love it! I really enjoy how you show us Severus' thoughts and the way Poppy can see the change in his mood and seeks to clarify. It's wonderful to see him enjoying the little moments with Poppy, thinking about the best way to tell her that without it sounding wrong. I really enjoyed the littlel post healing session in wandless magic. As I've said many, many times... the way you incorporate the magic into the story is seemless. It's never without purpose and it brings so many new layers to everything. Exceptional!I love the image of them growing old together as much as Severus!Lovely moment when Poppy has to remind him to put on his shirt. He's gotten very relaxed with her, hasn't he? ;) Not quite thinking clearly. Looking forward to seeing who's on the other side of the door and where Poppy and Severus go next!

I was so excited to see you'd updated this story. (Not that I don't enjoy Charming the Scottish Garden, but I LOVE this Poppy Severus relationship so much at the moment!!!)Severus seems to be growing and changing in so many ways, or maybe it's that the real Severus is finally able to come to the surface, now that he is starting to feel safe and accepted and doesn't have to guard his every moment. I really like how he is connecting to Eoghen, seeing maybe pieces of himself seeking acceptance and approval. I love how he offered to read the essay after he saw his disappointment. I also really enjoyed the interaction with Filius reagarding the lighting - the creepiness as it were. It was great to see him accept help and constructive criticism without being angry or defensive. It shows so much change for him. Of course my favorite part was when Poppy joined him in his rooms. I was a tad disappointed right along with Severus at her initial appearance, and very happy to find she had colorful robes he liked under the pinny. Their flirting and playful conversation is wonderful to read! Thank you for the up date.

Aww, Severus, so determined to get it right but so inept.  I love that he is finally wooing Poppy, and I love her attitude, needing to be the healer first.

aaawwwww! this chapter was so sweet!! I loved it that he was so nervous about getting everything perfect for her, I really this little game of guessing their middles names! it's so nice that they are enjoying each others company. I can't wait to see how this date ends and how this relationship goes. I've been so caught up in the romance that I had forgotten to freak out about the fact that someone wants to KILL Severus! OMG!! I'm freaking out now! lolGREAT CHAPTER! can't wait for moreSam

Ahh, a nice, long chapter to read after a long, hard day at work. lolThis was such a fun chapter. I love how Eoghan reacted to meeting Snape. I think it was good for both of them, and it will be interesting to see how that relationship develops, if we get to see it that is. Gareth, as always, is most welcome in a chapter. He's fun to read and I'm sure you have a blast writing his character. I think Severus was having a bit of fun with him when talking about Siofre in connection with Gareth's taste for older women. woo hooAnd, of course, the best part of the chapter was the Poppy/Severus bits They're so cute together!!! I'm very glad Flitwick helped him make the room more romantic and less creepy. haha.Looking forward to more SOON!!!!

nice to have you back, this is a lovely chapter