This just gets better and better.  I didn't like the part where he was ruminating about being with her to spite the Weasleys versus actually being with her as a couple.  He mentions that they have some common interests and she could spare him the trouble of fending off unwanted advances from opportunistic women.  And she could give him children.  Isn't he supposed to be finding love?  Now I realize this is Severus Snape we are talking about and that is part of the problem.  And maybe he thinks he won't find love so he is just intent on having children and they can be responsible for ending the curse.  It is much too early in their friendship to consider love as well, but shouldn't that be a goal if he is considering hooking up with her?  By the way, when I said I didn't like this, I don't mean your writing, or the content.   He is just such a frustrating so-and-so...I do so like the little group of Slytherin with a dash of Gryffindor they are forming :)

Draco's comment about Pansy Parkinson being like the house broom made me laugh out loud... Wonder which one would win a Hogwarts House Slut competition? :p

I'm really loving your Cissy, she's really quite endearing, especially since much of her scheming is about helping the people she cares about. Cissy also seems starved for intelligent female company and half-ready to adopt both Hermione and Astoria as surrogate daughters.Lucius and Draco also seem to be making quite an effort to become better, more rounded people, and I'm finding I'm liking them more and more. Draco definitely has taste, I love Jamaican ginger beer too. The stuff has quite a kick, but it's soooo good!At any rate, it's so ironic that the "evil" Slytherin contingent is proving to be much more intelligent, thoughtful, and engaging company than the so-called "friends" that Hermione has done so much for over the years. Good for Hermione, getting the chance to see and learn firsthand how Slytherins really operate.

LOL. Narcissa is a manipulator Dumbledore would be proud of! :)

ron's behavior had me spitting nails!  and the ironic thing is he doesn't see why she might object to his clumsy advances...what a putz.  loved the slytherin plots and plans.  faboo update.  thanks and merry christmas smoochies

I guess the Weasleys can't make up their nasty little minds about Hermione... is she a wanton tart or a "frigid bitch", as Ginny put it? Touched by the Dark or not, their treatment of Hermione has been shameful, and Ron grows ever more disgusting and smarmy each time he rears his carroty head. Little wonder Hermione seems to be developing a preference for the company of Slytherins. At least the Malfoys and Severus are pretty much upfront with their manipulations, which mostly seem to be to Hermione's benefit anyway.

Narcissa is very smart! Bring on the fireworks! :)

It's going to take a lot to convince Molly! :)

Man, Ron is a jerk.  But, if he wants to run off with another woman, it saves Hermione from having to thwart his efforts at getting her into bed.  And, it shoves her into the direction of Severus which is where she belongs afterall.I like her having a relationship with Narcissa.  And all of the reasons that Narcissa gives Lucius for befriending Hermione are really sound.  The fact that she corrected herself from saying mudblood, even though she was only in pureblood company, shows that she at least has some respect for Hermione.  Yes, they all perpetually use each other, but as long as all parties are aware of what is happening, I suppose it works out ok.Looking forward to more!

I just love love love those Slytherins!  Plans within plans within plans...  And listening to Severus giving Hermione a very basic primer on what Slytherin friendships mean was great.  They'll use you, they'll expect you to use them, and they won't think anything of it.  Standard operating procedure!  I'm very sorry that Harry is being so clueless about how Ron, Ginny and Molly are treating Hermione, however.  I do hope that the light will dawn for him and he won't get dragged down into their petty behavior.  Even just doing nothing at all would be seen as his tacit agreement with their words.Looking forward to the next chapter!

Ron the cad bears his ugly head again.  Good, that will ensure that Hermione will see him for what he is.Love the Slytherin cunning filling this chapter. 

I'm glad all of it was explained to the Weasleys.  Unfortunately, it looks like it will take some time for some of them to believe it.  Hopefully, they'll now recognize their actions in the future.

ooooOOOOOoooo

Ooo, seductive Severus. I love matchmaking Narcissa.

Ooo I love the advice Headmaster Black gives them, and your portrayal of Luna is very thoughtful and endearing!

I do love fics that give us a glimpse into the relationship between Severus and his mother!

Ooooo intriguing!

Oh man, that dark magic is some ugly stuff.  I hope they can be helped.  What a bad position Arthur is in :(  I've actually gotten so sucked into this bit of the story that I had forgotten the original intent for Severus to find love.  Looking forward to how this all works out!

oh man, authur...is it fun being a rug? really? ~makes dessert and "accidentally" whacks molly in the head with a frying pan...all the while humming "miss fogarty's christmas cake" by the irish rovers~

there are none so blind as those who will not see...great update.  thanks and christmas and holiday smoochies

Looks like Arthur is in for a rough time...but his is a quiet and often underestimated strength, so I think he can get through it.  I hope he can get the assistance of Percy and George for this--if Percy is burying himself in work to deal with his Darkness, maybe Arthur can channel that need to keep busy into helping him with his mother and siblings.I do hope that Arthur can see his family through this, and that someday Hermione will be on the receiving end of three apologies from the Weasleys!

Sounds like Arthur is going to have another battle on his hands in getting his family to realize what has happened to them and accept the assistance being offered. Until that happens, I suspect things will get even uglier in the Weasley household. Poor Arthur.

Oh, a second review to add the stars as I forgot to click them the first time.  My laziness is showing again...

I have been reading this story on another site, but I will review here. This is a very sexy and steamy story and I am enjoying it immensely. It takes talent to write like that without any real lemons. I know this review is really for future chapters, but I wanted you to know now what I thought of it. I am sorry I am lazy and prefer to review over here because the process seems easier.

i suppose we should feel sympathy for the weasleys...but i don't.  very well written.  thanks and christmas and channaka smoochies

Yay for Severus' valiant defense of Hermione. The Weasley's reactions are horrible! I actually don't think Molly would act quite this way. She might be jealous and snide, but I don't see her bringing up Hermione's upbringing. Having been blood-traitors, she understands that distinction of upbringing.