This is such an absolutely mesmerizing tale. I also thought there might be something between Narcissa and Severus, or at least that he might wish there was. Poor Hermione... it sounds like she's in such an awfully confusing place right now.But Narcissa's hardly stupid. I wonder how long it will take her to figure out that something is up with Hermione, especially if Hermione is going to be teaching her.

what an exciting chapter!  great stuff.  thanks and mucho smoochies

Ah, yes, RL shows a tendency to be demanding at times; but woman, do you know I could barely refrain from having a missing person BOLO put out on you? Oh well, glad you and the update are here now.Hehe, of course there is more to Narcissa than outward beauty. This is the woman who fooled a highly skilled legilimens by the name of Voldemort into thinking Potter was dead.Glad it didn't take Hermione too long to realize that she's not a shallow, one-dimensional person. Nice scene. Though, proud part of a minority that I am, I just had to ignore the blue before the eyes. Hopeless, I know, but there you are.Err, you don't think Hermann could sometime include in his musings a clue or two about his parents? Because  from what we know from chapter 1, by now my imagination is running riot and coming up with some seriously seriously strange pairings.

Well I didn't see any of that coming.  I'm more intrigued than ever, so you must update quickly!  Shall I serenade you to feed the muse? *intro music* "Your house is alive, with the sound of typing.  With more chapters for, me to read and love..."Update quickly, or I'll continue to sing.  Don't misunderstand, this is indeed a threat ;)

Loved it! You always take on such interesting facets of magic for your stories, and you handle them beautifully, making them interesting and engaging. Thanks so much for the update!

That is really interesting.  I like that Narcissa changed the way Hermione thought of her with just a few decisive actions.

what a facinating story...or have i already said that a few times?  thanks for the lovely update and mucho smoochies

*sighs*Poor Hermione, just send her my way. Problem solved.At the risk of repeating myself, big thumbs up for ending the chapters with Hermann's thoughts. Mysterious boy is beginning to keep me awake at night. As will the runes..Dinner party at the Malfoys'? Surely you know that speedy updates are love too. *shrugs* Just sayin'.    

Gracious me, I have so many questions, but I think I'm beginning to get my sea legs under me.  I'd love to learn more about the meanings of the runes that appeared on Hermione's robes and how they foretell what will happen– like Hagalaz… oh, no. The last time this rune showed up was in the last month of the war. What is destructive now?How long has Hermione carried her feelings for Severus in her heart.  Would she have considered acting on them if she had not found herself living in his household now?  Will she act on them now?Kurt's infatuation with Narcissa is interesting, and Lucius' absence is a conundrum without an answer yet.  Hermann and Gretl already know they are meant for each other, and I wonder how similar their "intact memories" are?I'm just full of questions, and I think that means I'll be eagerly awaiting your next update!Beth

I chuckled at the thought that Arabella did not enjoy being the cat lady.  Typical Dumbledore.  Her funeral service on the island was very intriguing with its symbolism and ritual.  I'm not sure what Severus will do about the remaining children left in his care, but I do know that they will be well cared for.Now I find myself wondering about Narcissa and Lucius, wondering what will become of them.  But the biggest mystery to me so far is Hermann.  Who were his parents?  How is it that he was born with a fully intact memory?  What is his purpose, and will he be able to watch over Gretl, his soul mate, to the satisfaction of the Mother Goddess?Intriguing to the max!Beth

I think I'd be jealous too if Narcissa were popping in every day.  Loved how Gretl has everything figured out for her future.  :)

Hmmm, how do you solve a problem like Maria????Poor Severus has his hands full, indeed.

Help!  I'm out of chapters!  Somebody save me!  (Um, Karelia, that's your cue)I really like your Gretl.  And poor Kurt, being outed for being sweet on Narcissa.  I'm interested to see what's going on with Hermann.  And Hermione's obsession with Severus.  And what the runes mean.  And what happens at the Malfoy party. Oh alright, I'm desperate to know about everything.  Are you happy now?  You've created a monster... who is hungry for more chapters.

I love HP.  I love The Sound of Music.  Smash them together, and you've got me hooked.  Sprinkle a little Avalon on top and things really get good.I love that Arabella is not really a crazy muggle cat woman, just playing the part.  It almost seems worse than what Dumbledore  asked of Severus!And Severus... he is not so rough around the edges in this tale.  I like to see that sometimes.  Of course I'll take any facet of him, so I guess it's not saying much ;)I gather that Hermione will end up helping him with the children, but am interested to see how that all plays out.  *runs off to find out more*

How old is Gretl?

I like this exchange:

“Tell, Liesl, what is it about Avalon that turns awkward girls into such self-assured women?” “It’s everything. The revelation that this planet is a matriarchal one, contrary to what most of the world is trying to tell us. It’s the fact that I can speak about anything; I don’t need to hide.

“Miss Granger, my apologies. I should have pointed out that Malfoy Manor has been completely refurbished since… your ordeal some years ago. And the dinner event will take place in the grounds.”

Why did Severus be the one who says this?Shouldnt Narcissa have done so? Does Narcissa think she can treat Hermione like a House Elf with a short memory? Or does Narcissa simply not know how to apologize? 

I can see why Narcissa got away scot free after the war, but not Lucius.

No Friedrich? :-)

I'm just now getting around to this and I am intrigued.  I really don't know where this is going... but I'm off to find out!

The Hermann and Gretl axis really adds an ethereal dimension to this. :)

I love the way Arabella really didn't want to be the crazy cat lady at all, but Dumbles made her do it. Hope she gets him back for that. I can see the Sound of Music parallel now, which I didn't get in the first chapter. :)

I don't believe that Hermione really has to worry about Narcissa, but human emotions are not rational.  I am enjoying the earth magic you have woven into the story.