Cool! Thanks for introducing such a deliciously evil antagonist for us to play with! :)

Coming late to this party ... PJ, this was an excellent start for Team Neptune! Thanks for setting such a wonderful foundation for what's turning out to be a heap of fun to participate in! :)

Very nice, ladies!

I loved the bit of mystery in the end. But what I absolutly treasured is Sev covering her hand with his own. It was so lovely. I long for their first kiss. As ever you did wonderfully with the prompt words as I didn't notice any of them even the foofaraw one (never heard of it, not a native speaker)

Oh yes, I can think of a million ways they could better spend their time than sitting in these boring talks.  She could take him to her room and show him her fragrant soap bubbles.  And just what is Umber up to now?  Looking forward to more.

Severus certainly has his mind set on something sweet, it just isn't on the cafe menu! Thank goodness he's around to save Hermione from the mind-numbing boredom of some of those conference sessions. Now, I wonder if our former spy noticed that they were being watched. Hmmmm.

I hope Severus is being more clever than it looks by the end of this; I thought they were pretending not to get along in the last chapter?  Maybe he decided there was just no hope for it. ;)I'm enjoying the Snape-ish compliments--especially the "less-objectionable people", lol--and liking the way their relationship is progressing bit by bit.  I'm glad that they can talk about the past without upsetting one another.  Warmest robes set of fire FTW. :DI'm looking forward to seeing what Umber has in store for them.

Curiouser and curiouser.  Well, their little scheme is up, it looks like.  And Umber's is just beginning to unfold. 

That was cute.

Love the imagery of Snape making fun of hand-in-the-air Hermione. And whoot! What a cliffie! Can't wait to see what SB does. :)

Great job with this chapter, Lyn.  I love the cliffie!

That symposium sounds dead boring. Just as well they have each other for entertainment! :)

Another suspect? Hmmm...I wonder who it could be. Great use of the words!

A subtle ploy by our favorite professor.

Our protagonist haven't experienced anyting until they've suffered through a talk titled 'Running on Flat Tires.'

I think it was Elaine May who liked to point out that 'symposium' was a Greek drinking party.

Severus didn't trust Hermione's acting skills?  Too funny.  Great continuation.

Hey Ravenswing!  Great job with Chapter 4!  I love how you've painted Severus as the consumate Slytherin!  I'm also glad Hermione is so understanding!  I can't wait to see what happens next!  Much Love ~ Brena

"Hermione narrowed her eyes and wondered if she could get a shot in before security noticed."

^ LOL  I firmly believe that she could manage it.  And the world would be a better place.  Severus would cover for her, too.  :D

If I remember right, though, didn't a previous chapter mention that the food was actually the only thing worthwhile at this convention?  I shall assume that they switched caterers and it's all gone downhill from the beginning.  ;)

Love the notion that Severus made "our ruse" without Hermione's knowledge.  ^_^

Looking forward to seeing what's next....

I love the doubting, uncertain Hermione you paint.  She's struggling to trust Snape, but her pride and the history between them keeps getting in the way.

nothing is more fun than having a "plan" that friends unknowingly get sucked into.  well done :)

umber is a piece of work... kind of like umbridge.... just saying, it sounds similar.

...should probably not review whilst taking nyquil...

Very nice.

Oh, he's a sneaky one. It is just his luck that Hermione could be appeased by the prospect of a proper breakfast.

I truly wonder why Umber is after Snape ...
Good chapter.

Great update! Loved it!