I really loved this one. So believable, so in cannon.

And a wonderful glimpse into what might have been the first steps down the dark road for Severus. I really like the innocence of the story which is in stark contrast to how significant it might have been.

As always, a good story.

You say it is only a slight little tale, but these are the back bone of good fanfic, and I do believe you've created a sound foundation for Severus' friendship with the Malfoys, and his troubles with the Mauraders.  I like how he was able to know just how far he could tease Narcissa... once he got over his shyness.Beth

Only a slight little tale, but so much in such a little space.Of course, the moment that has me just in thrall is that little who-knows-what that Lucius whispered in her ear ... I love how you can make something so entirely sexy without actually revealing anything beyond the hand on the leg and her giggling at him to stop.It's particularly delicious when taken as a sort of follow up to the first "Boredom" story with Abraxas, when Hermione meets young Lucius.  To now see him just a few years later, with young Severus in sort of a similar position (in thrall to an "older woman") ... it rather tied the stories together.Whether or not that was your intent, that's how it felt to me.  And it's lovely.  Very sweetly and visually written.

Laurielove, I'm more impressed than i can say. You have a knack for conversational style; this story was a wonderful treat - Slytherins in their element, looking out for one another. And I've never liked Narcissa more. Thanks very much.

His eyes were large and dark, the irises as black as the pupils. They held a deep intelligence, remarkable in such a young child. -- Mmmmm, the eyes....

“The Evolution of Potions in Medieval Britain.” -- WANT THIS BOOK.

a trashy love-story type thing, set in Victorian wizarding Paris -- and this one, heh heh.

I'm partial to backstory and this is a lovely glimpse at the three of them, before it all goes dark and bad (though the shadows are gathering!).  The conversation is well-crafted, bringing out some subtle dynamics, clearly showing Lucius as arrogant and Slytherin-y but not yet awful, while Narcissa doesn't even know if she loves him yet.  I like to think of their friendship starting this way, in sunlight and (relative) innocence. 

Hello, I really liked this story, especially the characterisations, so I took the liberty to recommend it at the LJ community One_bad_man. 

Very nice. I always enjoy originality in a story. Low key and a very pleasant read giving the charachters flesh and blood.

Nicely done.  It's a pleasure to see these characters given more humanity - the simple things like eating an apple, reading a "trashy" novel - these are the elements that bring a character truly to life - and create a back story that is effective as those characters evolve into the epic individuals we've come to love.  One of the greatest benefits of fanfiction, perhaps, is that ability to create the backstory that each of us finds appropriate to our individual perceptions.

I can see how Severus could be so impacted and impressed by an older couple who seem to have everything he doesn't have but wants. It explains his attachment to them as a adult. Well done cchapter.

This is a sweet, sweet little story. I love how Severus tries to make his mind up to confront Narcissa. One can really imagin him, debating with himself to find the courage to do it."She's not my girlfriend or anything silly like that!" hehe - boys tend to change their mind about the sillyness of having girlfriends. Not necessarily about the sillyness of girls though! But of course he's right, nothing is wrong with being friends. Children sometimes are so thoughtless with their friends. Not because they want to hurt them, but because they don't know better or want to fit in. It's incredible when you think back and remember all the thoughtless remarks you made and the little things you did (and vice versa obviously) without realising that it could really hurt the other person.“A big house and a lot of money make that decision easier though, I should think.” So true - even in the Muggleworld! People with money like to deny it, but when it comes down to it money makes most things easier.Well done laurie! Lots of hugs for you!