Such a sweet story so far.  The build up to their relationship was beautiful and well thought out.  I'm looking forward to seeing how things continue.  I hope that Ron comes around, and I hope that Hermione and Severus come up with a clever way to get back at Lavender (or just let it go). 
Thanks for the excellent story so far. 

Ohh noo, now I have to wait for updates!  Sorry for whinging (whining where I'm from).  I'm just enjoying the tension and the odd dance Snape is doing around all of this.  He's had so little good and he's seen there's this person.  He says he can't know what he hasn't had, but he HAS had more positive things from Hermione than probably anyone before.  He is starting to get an idea of what he's missing now.  I can't wait for the next chapter!

so sad.  Well, if anyone can crack the armor that surrounds Snape, it's Hermione.

Ohhh Severus, silly man. 

It was fascinating to read about what Severus is like on a date. Don't see that very often. I hope he doesn't let Hermione down. Great chapter.

A hint of promise there. :)

I'm so glad that Hermione and Severus "ran" into each other.  And I'm doubly glad that they met at the pub for a few drinks... but I have to say that I was on tenterhooks most of the time.  It was almost painful to watch as they struggled to find something—anything—to talk about that wouldn't make one or the other uncomfortable.  Finally they were able to find pleasure in talking about their shared love of Potions.

At least Severus had told her that he had enjoyed her company, and that he would owl her at Grimmauld Place.  Perhaps in the intervening time he will think about being with Hermione and how much he misses her.  Perhaps.

My heart is breaking for them, seeing them having to tread so lightly around the elephant in the room.  I hope he won't wait very long before he gets in touch... maybe he'll even invite her to accompany him somewhere that he would like to visit now that he has the time to have a little fun.  Dare I hope?  Yes, I do.

Beth

I like how the hope is there for their relationship to go further. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!

That is definitely progress.

Oh, I just feel for everybody here.  Noone is exactly sure what to say or do.  I am glad that Minerva intercepted Hermione.  While things aren't completely clear to her now, it was surely helpful for Hermione to be able to confide in someone a bit, and get a little advice, even if there wasn't much to give.  One of them has to break here soon and confront the other.  You're killing me here!  I hope for more soon.

Oh, what an angsty chapter this is.  I just wish Severus would give himself an opportunity to find out what life with Hermione could be like.  I know he cares deeply for her.  I know it!

Perhaps now that she has gone from Hogwarts he will allow himself to come home and spend time sitting in front of his fire contemplating just how much he misses her.  I hope he misses her like hell!

Please give us an update soon.  I'm dying to know what Severus is doing.  (I'll bet he's at Spinners End getting drunk on a bottle of Ogden's Finest.)

Fab-u-lous chapter, Hannah!
Beth

Ron is clueless, and well, Hermione really needs to look out for herself.

You are the queen of Angst! This really was a heartbreaking chapter.

My heart goes out to Hermione. If it were me, I would write him a letter. But that's just me. I am very impatient. So, obviously, I hope you update SOOON! :)

He's really got his head in the sand! :)

Oh Severus you silly man. I hope they're reunited soon.

I can appreciate the fact that he would rather have friendship that nothing at all.  But the fact is that now that it is out there, they can't go back to only friends.  It simply isn't a choice because it will always be hanging between them.  He might as well go ahead and give it a go.  Maybe a bit of time  apart will be a good thing for them.

I hope that with a little time and distance Severus will think on how much he misses Hermione and his true feelings for her.  I hope that the day will come when he can hold her and confess his love for her.  But he is afraid of taking a chance on love again, so... what will change his mind. 

I have no idea where you will take them, and I can't wait to find out.  This is a wonderful story and I hope it has a wonderful ending.  But whatever you decide, I'll be along for the ride.  Well done!
Beth

My heart is breaking as I read this chapter. So sad. He has so little faith in himself, much less her.

I hope she is a very patient person. I have a feeling that she will need to be.

Great chapter - I loved the angst! Poor Severus and his need for self-preservation! Glad too see her perseverence insted of resolve.

Almost... almost... :D

I can't blame her for leaving.  Not when he won't budge.  Was that the end?

Oh please, please keep digging!  At least she understands where he is coming from now.  Not that is helps much, but it is a start.  Let's hope she is persistant, and he is weak in his convictions.

He's afraid, and she doesn't really understand that completely.

He's quite transparent, but she can't see it yet. :)

I think someone doesn't want Hermione to leave. Hope to see more soon?