Hmmm ... I hope that her ability to be so very understanding when it comes to Quidditch will at least have some bearing on Harry's reaction.  Or at least that is what Hermione was going for.  Maybe it is for the best for him to walk in on them.  Otherwise she might beat around the bush for a long time and that could be just as awkward as getting it over with.  Off to see ...

Hermione did a good job of standing up for herself and Severus.  I also liked the way that Severus gave her support so well.  I hope Harry comes around for Hermione.  A cute chapter.  Looking forward to the nest. 

Has Harry grown up? A tiny bit at least? Good for everyone.

Harry took it better than I thought, and I'm glad Hermione found a bit of her backbone.

Well that was a great deal less hostile than it could have been, although predictably enough Harry ignored everything Dumbledore said to him, the prat.

Yay!  That worked out better than expected!  Very good.  I love this story.

:)

Oh gosh!  Now I'm all anxious about what's going to happen next.  I'm really enjoying your story, the characters are entertaining and the writing is clever.  Definitely looking forward to the next chapter. 

oooh, I can't wait for the next chapter!  The suspense is killing me.

poor hermione.  what an insecure doofus.  great update!  thanks and mucho smoochies

He's not being particularly bright, is he?

Oh dear!  Hermione does seem a little immature in this.  But then, maybe she doesn't understand that this is about him not wanting to get hurt again.  He shouldn't be hurt again.

Uh oh.  She's feisty when she's angry aye?  Let's see how this waiting period takes shape shall we.*giggle*Lovely!Thank you for sharing~

Hmm, it feels like it's not quite a victory, but it is a start.  Thanks for posting more.

Oh what was Severus thinking?? I understand he has security issues, but still. I hope he has at least the sense to stop Hermione from walking away from him.

“Wrong choice, Severus.” She stalked over, planted a firm kiss on his mouth; then, as soon as she felt his response, she pulled away, turned, and left without another word.Damn! That is the Hermione I love! She is basically letting him know, 'I may be young, I may not have the life experience that you do, but I WILL be heard, I WILL be taken seriously, and YOU WILL treat me as an equal partner in this relationship.' If he wants to be stubborn, play teacher in every life experience and treat her as though she's naive, he's going to find out the hard way, she isn't going to play along!

Thank goodness she is not letting him have total control.  I think it is the fair thing for her to give him a month, but if he tries to ask for more, I hope she gives him a swift kick in the ass.  I can understand his need to not get hurt, and because he loves her, he wants what is best for her.  But seriously, can he just enjoy the moment and go with it?  Hopefully she will wear him down.  I actually expected her to get angry at him for calling her naive, especially when age, as evidenced by himself sometimes, has nothing to do with maturity.  And then he totally made the wrong choice, but she didn't let it bring her down, but instead showed him that she is still in control.  I want him to believe her, but I am also secretly hoping he'll be stubborn so she has to attack him in public.  Looking forward to more!

Yes, wrong choice, Severus.  But Hermione took matters into her own hands and made the right choice.  I think that since she left him "wanting more," he will come around to her way of looking at their "situation."  Go, Hermione!*iz grinning again*Beth

I agree, it is the wrong choice!Hermione should have smacked him when he called her naïve!Now... how long will it take till she has to resort to kissing him in public? Maybe in front of... Harry?

Ha!!! Way to go Hermione - use those feminine wiles!!!

Albus, Albus, Albus.  I hope Minerva takes him to task. 

Two naughty boys: Severus and Albus!

I think you are correct about the beginning bit.  It might be a bit OOC, but how can we know for sure?  Either way, I thought it was adorable (and that is not an adjective you use lightly with that man).Thank goodness Minerva is levelheaded here, and is wise to the ways of Dumbledore's meddling tendancies.  I don't doubt he has only the best of intentions in mind, but she is correct about how quickly things could go south if either thought they were magically brought together. Maybe Hermione will mention the dreamless sleep incident to Severus and it will lead to the conversation where they compare notes on their dreams.  It's wishful thinking, I know.  I'm looking forward to the next installment.  Soon, right?  :)

Yes, how very strange, indeed.  Something tells me that between Hermione and Severus trying not to be obvious to each other about their mutual attraction, Harry wanting to come visit her at Hogwarts, and Dumbledore planning to be helpful (God deliver then from Albus' help), I think there is a monumental screw-up on the horizon.LOL!  I hope Minerva is ready to undo all of Albus' good deeds.  And keep Severus from hexing the Headmaster into next week.  *iz grinning*Beth

It's been a real pleasure to reread this tale of yours, love it how it developes, the interaction between H.&S., and also the role Ginny and Harry play here. Thanks a lot for the wonderful time you've given me again.