BTW: What the hell is the 4.5 stars for? This is a 5 star chapter if I've ever read one and I've read scads of SS/HG sex! It was sweet and exactly what should be expected with 2 virgins. I contest who ever didn't give you enough stars. 

If I was Hermione I would immediately put a Fedelius charm on her house.  Why does he care that she was with Severus rather than traveling?  Is he such a girl that his feelings are hurt that she didn't let him in on her secret or is he jealous that Severus knows something about her that he doesn't know? He has Ginny and Hermione had no one and he knows that. Was Severus' howler from Harry too or was it from Minerva?

I know? You're allowed to say that after the initial, "I love you too."  I will try to forgive him based on the fact that he hasn't had anyone say that to him before. ...I know. Well, at least she got that through his thick head.

I'm very glad you got them over that quickly and didn't drag it out for days!  I hope to Merlin that Severus is thoroughly convinced now that Hermione loves him and isn't going to leave him.

Go get the idiot and make love to him until he sobs! Note to self; Let Severus know when I'm going somewhere so he doesn't think I've left him again. 

I see a misunderstanding careening towards us with break neck speed.  Damn! Severus thinks she went home because she doesn't want to be with him, doesn't he.  What mischief awaits Hermione in Diagon Alley when she probably runs into people who have been worried about her.  I hope this isn't too painful. I don't feel well today. 

What a good guy.  Always thinking of others and looking out  underdogs. No matter what he thinks about himself, he is a do gooder.  I'm sure he would wince at that phrase and snarl at this review.  BTW: The part about the bridge and the trees and the rivers was vivid and I could hear the thunder of the water and feel the droplets on my face. I could imagine the trees reflected in the window and little bits of sunshine sneaking through the leaves of the trees. Very well written. 

What a blessing! Don't we all wish we had a secret cottage to go to? I do! Sorry her greatgrandfather died alone.  There must be potions for depression. Hermione has it in spades and who could blame her. I'm hoping something starts going her way soon.  I have a feeling it will.  

It makes me wonder how long Alicia has been planning on making some sort of trouble for Hermione.  I hope Severus and Hermione can now see what Alicia is up to.  Can't wait for the next update.

Ah, so we see further motivation for Alicia's meddling- not lust for Severus, but bitterness and envy.  Can't wait for the next chapter!  Every time I see a new update, I have a happy little squeak.

Oh, come on!  TOO SHORT!!  I am hoping that now Severus and Hermione can at least figure that Alicia is stirring up trouble out of revenge.  I am enjoying this very much; you have a lovely turn of phrase.

I'm new to this site and this story, but I'm hooked - this is great. Can't wait for more.

Alicia really is a bitch.

Yay!  Maybe an absurd sentiment, but this could have been a bad conversation.  It is great that it happened in the presense of Alicia so that she knows where they both stand, and can't twist what was said later to each of them because they all heard the same thing.  Also great that Barnabus was there because it might have gotten more heated if there wasn't a stranger present.  I think that when they cool down and think about what the other has said, this fight won't go on too long.As for Alicia, I do feel some sympathy for her with losing her funding and department, but if she were really a good friend, she would have confided in Hermione, and if she wasn't willing to stay, then come back with her and have her put in a good word with her employer.  She is just baggage that Severus and Hermione don't need.

Well, now that they got that out of the way. I think Severus will go after her. Hopefully, when they talk things out, they'll realize that everything they were just fighting about was caused by Alicia. I think I see where Alicia's attitutde toward Hermione has stemmed from. Hermione won the award that Alicia herself was after. And because Hermione won it, and Alicia's department is being shut down as a result, she is now insanely jealous of Hermione, and probably vowed revenge.

Please give me Barnabus Speight's address, that I might send him flowers, or chocolate, or gooshyfood, or something. ;)

Well, at least they are communicating and with their clever minds there shouldn't be a misunderstanding for too long.

WHY, oh WHY did you stop HERE?It's 4th of July, come on--you HAVE to give us some FIREWORKS here!Either from Severus and Hermione hexing the fool out of Alicia, or creating fireworks between themselves together--or BOTH---but.........sheesh.(Threatening to send you a PM of Elvis singing "Don't Be Cruel", so it can run around and around in your head and drive you crazy until you update---I can be mean, too---BWAhahahaha....)(you wonderful author, you)

ahh at least that confusion is getting worked out! love this story, great job!

Well, not the best way to get things out in the open, but it'll do.  Severus better run right after her, like yesterday!

Awww poor Severus and Hermione :( and stupid Alica. Can't wait to read more! Hopefully our couple will have a really happy ending :)

I'm always excited to see an updated chapter but this one is beautiful! *sigh*

*major loud squeal of delight* I AM SO HAPPY! I had a very long and tiring week ,and THIS is the icing on a delicious cake. Thank you so much!

Oh no, Snape was in the picture, how could she have missed that?

I really like this Snape, he is almost friendly but with just enough snark to be believable.