Oh I love some good quality angst, but at the moment I want to smack Severus upside the head.  I can certainly understand his hesitancy to socialize, and his disappointment at all of the time that she spends working these days, but he is such a drama queen!   I think she was completely justified in not inviting him, given his refusal every other time.  Maybe she should go away for awhile while he grows up a bit.

oh %$#$  LOL this is getting to be sad, I hope they won't become to estranged.  Another excellent chapter.

And finally it comes to a head... *sigh* For two such brilliant minds, they can be pretty thick sometimes. Although I understand her reasoning behind not including Severus in the dinner, it was still rather selfish of Hermione to just assume he wouldn't come... there's a first time for everything, right? I can't believe she didn't even notice... or seem to care... that he hadn't come to bed!! No wonder the poor man feels left out!As for Severus... I've said it before and I'll say it again: his self esteem is rather low for a wizard as powerful as he is. I understand why, due to his past and all, but come on man! Have some testicular fortitude!!It was a wonderful update... I love a good round of angst before the happy ending.... *wink wink nudge nudge*! I'm desperately waiting to see what happens next!!

Oh dear. Fools, the both of them.

It definitely sounds like trouble's brewing for our couple, and I suspect Hermione just might end up accepting that six month offer. If she does, hopefully Severus has enough sense to use that time to extricate his head from his nether regions and decide just how much Hermione really means to him. 

lovely, spent some time catching up tonight, as I had previously only read up through chpt 8 or so.   a nice take on thier relationship - but i can't help but wonder if now they'll bridge the gap btwn Harry and Hermione's friendship and possibly venture into baby land for Hermione and Severus.

I am very impressed with this story and fascinated by it. I just discovered it and read it in one sitting. You do a nice job of portraying Hermione as a women and both she and Snape are truly believable as real people and as their characters.

Oh poor Hermione. I do hope Severus is able to get his head out of his arse and just be there for her.

I'm glad he came in the end.  Seemed like the perfect remedy to the situation.  Now is she upset because she wants to take Alicia up on that offer, or is it more than that?

So if it is acceptable that people ignore the epilogue in canon, is it ok if I ignore the last paragraph of this chapter?  I'm not sure I quite know what happened for her.  If she is upset about him not accompaning her to her ceremony, she sure had a weird way of showing it.  If she is thinking about going to the states for awhile, why can't he go with her?  Or maybe a short break would solidify their relationship.  I really don't know what to think.  I guess it is fortuante that you do all of the thinking for me.  I'll just have to be patient.  It does seem like a lot of wasted time if they just throw away their relationship now.  I'm holding on to the hope that you are not that cruel!

Please tell me she ISN'T going to give up a love like they have, for her career?  If only Severus could come out of his shell;...or, in a way, if only they BOTH could!I'm counting on a happy ending, now--don't you dare disappoint me!  (pretty please?)

duh duh duhhhhh!  more forshadowing...dark clouds off in the distance.  great update.  thanks and mucho smoochies

What does that mean? She doesn't want to be with him now? I'm so confused and scared. I want them to be happy, and it was a happy chapter. He came in the end. Why is she still unhappy? Oh, update soon!

Oh no... the last line is killing me... I hope it's nothing that's going to upset their relationship....

Hmm, wonder what's up? :)

I'm guessing she's leaving for a few months.  Well, that ought to get Severus's rear in gear.  Or not, I guess.  Happy endings are not guaranteed. 

Polyjuice? ;)

I'm so glad Severus found a way to come to the award ceremony.  Sad that she's not comfortable.  It seems she could be thinking she'll be busy and somehow Severus will be on the sidelines and never able to completely participate.  That would be quite sad.

I didn't have any doubts that she'd win, but I was more skeptical about Severus' coming with her. I'm glad he did go in the end even if not on her arm. But I'm cluless about her emotionnal state and I fear for their relationship if she go study in America for half a year.

Dear neelix. Uh-oh ... I am getting some bad feelings about this. Is she realising she needs something else in her life? Something he can't give her? The hopeless romantic in me is getting worried here ...

Why do I have the feeling that she's going to be leaving him - at least short-term?Looking forward to seeing what happens next!  Well done!

oh nooo.  Poor Hermione and poor Severus.  :(

Oh, how disappointing. He still has some learning to do. She needs him in more ways than one. And he's too stubborn to see that.I respect that they have their own separate lives and hobbies, but I can't believe he wouldn't want to interact with her life a little bit more. She gave him the garden he works from, can't he just be there for her? Polyjuice maybe?Well, we will see. I look forward to more. :)

I do hope that he will change his mind and be ther for her big way. If not a proposal should make an apropriate apology. At least to me. ;)

gosh some strife and sadness.  Guess it all can't be happily ever after. good work.