I was given this plot bunny over a year ago, and I was very, very pleased to finally be able to use it!The reason for the apparition car was a  novelty on my part; I really liked the idea of Hermione driving around in a little sports car! She doesn't like to fly and since magic interfers with most things electrical, the less magic she uses at home the better. I thought she must already use a lot to protect her home, let's give her something fun, something part muggle and part magical. My reasoning behind the apparition room is that, should someone want to visit, you would want them to arrive at a certain place in your home, just inside the door, for example, instead of into your bathroom :) I'm so glad you enjoyed the story and Ron. I happen to really like Ron, I think he's a strong character, giving Hermione and Harry something neither had, a feeling of belonging. By befriending Harry, he made Harry a part of the bigger wizarding family, and by accepting Hermione, he did the same. He showed them what a big family was like; the good and the bad.

that's a really astute observation about ron; I never thought of him in quite those terms before.  and I do think it is way cool that hermione has a sports car.  but I think you said something about how having an apparition room is too expensive or something?  and I just don't understand why it would cost anything.  arthur weasley apparates all the time.

Thank you for your kind words!! I'm so glad you enjoyed the story, it was a lot of fun putting Ron in this role. I thought the chess pieces fit the characters, as well. I did, however, use their roles that JKR originally assigned them in Book 1, and after reading about the Good and Bad Bishop, I thought that fit Severus to a T!

It's what they each were looking for, and I was happy to provide it!Thanks so much for your reviews, I appreciate each and every one :) Dari

Thanks so much!! I love reading your reviews, they just brighten my day :)

I'm not a fan of Ron bashing, either!  I happen to like Ron very much, I just like Hermione and Severus more. When I wrote the first draft of this story, I was told that Ron was being too mature, I needed to dumb him down, so to speak.  I didn't want to do that, though. I had faith that he could truly become a son of Arthur and Molly :)Thank you for reading and leaving a review, I'm happy that you're enjoying it so far!Dari

The first decision doesn't necessarily mean the first move, I suppose you'll have to continue reading ;)Thank you so very much for continuing to read and leave reviews, I'm very pleased you're enjoying it!

Well, you'll have to continue reading, won't you? lol  Thank you very much for reading and leaving a review :)

Thank you for reading, I hope you continue to enjoy the story :)

These two are very conflicted. I'm sure they'll work it out, though ;)

Well, who hasn't gotten off to Severus?! LOL I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter; thank you for your review :)

Merry Christmas to you, as well! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story; the dream sequence was fun to write, and very telling, I think. Thanks for the kind review :)

Ron knows how to strategize! Given what he knows of Hermione and Severus, I'd think the only tricky part is getting them in a position to do what is in their nature to do. It is in Severus' nature to protect, whether it be himself or those he loves. It is in Hermione's nature to take in all that is around her, learn all she can and do what she knows she must. I've faith in these two :)Thank you for reading and for your review!

Ron knows exactly what he is doing! He knows he can't lie to Severus or try to deceit him, the man is a master at manipulation. Ron knows it's best to place Severus in a position where his own character will take over. Ron is only moving his Bishop into place :)Thanks for your review!

Ron is brilliant at chess, he knows the best way to win is to move each piece so that they will do what is in their nature to do.  Ron wants to place Severus in a position to want to help Hermione, that Severus sees it as helping himself, while helping her. Ron is setting Hermione on the path to start looking internally into what is best for her and her own life, instead of the one that she has been thrust into. I hope you enjoy the story :)

I like Ron, I really do. He's a very practical, I think; he knows himself and what he needs, and he does what he thinks is best. I've always disliked having Ron made the bad guy in order to free Hermione for someone else, albeit Severus, Draco or Lucius (or whomever else). I like to think that Ron would find for himself that they aren't meant to be and take steps. Thanks for reading, I hope you continue to enjoy the story :)

Thank you for a lovely review! The chapter was just in time for Christmas, lol It's nice when things work out that way :)

Yes indeedy! Thanks for reading, I hope you continue to enjoy the story :)

Isn't it lovely how that worked out? lol Glad you enjoyed it :)

I am thrilled that you gave it another try!! Ron, it seems, always gets the raw deal when it comes to Severus and Hermione. I wanted him to be the good guy :)Severus is one sexy character, at least, he is for me! And poor Hermione, it's got to be tough, and even someone as brilliant as she is can get lost in the shuffle. I love the idea of Apparating cars; no more dealing with rush hour and traffic congestion and stupid drivers!Thank you for your lovely review!

She is going to be learning a lot, I think :) Thanks so much for your kind words.

I loved writing this dream sequence, although when I sat down, I'd no intention of writing it!Thanks for the kind review.

Thank you for your kind words! I love this chapter; I count it among my favorite things I've ever written :)

Thank you for your kind words! This is one of my favorite chapters. They give Hermione a great deal to mull over :)

Yes, I agree! The dreams were very telling, however. She'll have a lot to mull over, now.

I'm so pleased to know this chapter touched you; thank you for sharing that with me :) This story is complete, and chapters are continuously being uploaded into the queue.  Thank you so much for your kind review.