I really enjoy how the relationship between Severus and Hermione is progressing. I know he fought it at first, but they really grew on each other. I'm really glad they found each other. I think Hermione should follow Severus' advice about not giving up. I think she'll eventually get the results she wants.

oh what a great disappointment for Hermione ( and Hogwarts), a good thing she now has Severus to talk to. And Severus making the potion to help Filch- great. A very nice chapter

Poor Harry doesn't quite get it yet.  But he will. :)

Wow, I have no words, wonderful chapter.

Aww, I loved the interaction between Hermione and Severus.  And everyonr coming together for a bit of holiday cheer.  I think Malfoy is becoming one of my favorite characters in your fiction, I love the way you've captured.  Look forward to Chapter 9.  

I loved this chapter!  You've taken so many moments and themes, all throughout this story, that are common to these two in fanfic, and turned them inside out.  They had a big blowup fight.  Of course they did, it was a necessary contrast to the end of the chapter, but it was a real fight.  They didn't say and do the typical things for their characters, and yet they are so in character.  They just feel like a normal couple and that is terribly refreshing.And then we have the virgin moment, which by the way, I was so glad was the case for both.  That kept things from being awkward in terms of expectations.  And it was such a beautiful scene.  No unrealistic, most amazing sex ever.  It just was what it was, and if the physical act wasn't all fireworks, it was what they both needed emotionally.  Practice makes perfect and I hope they find lots of time to practice.I really liked Snape's inner thoughts during the bedroom scene.  You are getting the shock and awe of his first time, but it is through the eyes of an adult and not a boy.  It was kind of endearing to me for some reason.  And his realization in this line made me laugh:This was allowed, it seemed. His cock could just touch her while she was sleeping.I adore this whole story, but this may well be my favorite chapter so far.  Let's get ten here now so we can see if nine gets knocked out of the number one spot :)

Christmas morning, complete with gift giving and soggy robes was awkward, but not uncomfortably so.  I'm glad they both had sort of lame gifts.  If one had come up with something fantastic, the other would have been miserable.  Still, Snape must get points for asking Harry for gift ideas.Poor nervous Neville.  And even though he is a mess, nearly ruining all of their hard work, Snape isn't nasty to him.  Could he be changed for good?Nice to see a story where it is possible that Harry might want to do something rather than be an auror.You have me feeling sorry for Filch?  Man, you're on fire here.  I'm so glad that Snape feels like he is at home.  And truth be told, I think that despite the fact that they are all dreaming of returning to Hogwarts, each of them feels that they have found a home in their current residence.  This gets better and better as we go!Now, lets get back to some Snape and Hermione interaction.  If they want to continue with the teenage fumbling theme, might I suggest to them asking Arthur Weasley if they can borrow the backseat of his car :)

So now we see why the long wait. :) This line(s) in particular cracked me up -> This was allowed, it seemed. His cock could just touch her while she was sleeping. Hee hee :) I love the way that brought home just how uncharted the waters were that he was wading in. I can totally picture this giddy grown Severus: "I can just touch her. She's naked and I can just touch her right now! And my cock can touch her. And she's not even going to scream." BahahaI thought the fight seemed very 'real', very... 'normal' for a couple bickering. And I like that it didn't have to be this crazy blow out ordeal. Again, I guess the total 'normalcy' of it all was just refreshing.

oh this was so sweet and.

Somehow I knew that their big showdown would end this way. I'm glad they were both new at this, so one would not have anything over the other.Beautiful.

Okay, I just read the last half of this chapter again.  Seriously, one of my all-time favorite fanfic moments, I think.

Oooh that was fantastic!!  I love it.  Virginal Snape stories are SO MUCH FUN.  I like that there wasn't much hinting about that prior to this and that he just blurted it out in the moment.  It's a good thing Hermione handled it well.  How awful would that have been?

that was beautiful.  absolutely beautiful.  thank you!

Another great chapter!  I love how Snape is taking such care to note all of these little things about Hermione.  And while their physical relationship is moving along slowly, I think things are progressing quite nicely for them.    I actually happen to like the fact that they haven't rushed into things, although I will be interested to know the reason for it and whether the delay in action is mutual.And Draco... once a Slytherin, always a Slytherin.  Nosy little bastard, LOL.I do hope Snape and Harry will become more comfortable in each other's presence for the sake of Hermione.And I'm sorry, but Snape and chocolate... I didn't realize a better gift existed :)

Sometimes the little things make a day special. My favorite birthday didn't involve a party or lavish gifts. It was filled with quiet little moments of love and joy between me and my friends and family that I saw as the day went by. Your Christmas scene sound a lot like that day.

Everyone was very restrained at dinner!  Well... almost. :)

THIS IS GREAT!!

I really liked the awkward gift-giving at the beginning of this chapter. So often Severus and Hermione know just what to get each other, but here, with each of them seeming to have little experience wth relationships, it's seems completley approriate that they would give these minial gifts and be pleased that the other had done the same to kind of 'let them off the hook'. lol And I loved the ending. That Snape feels at home amongst this motley crew. He really does seem to be "growing up" slowly but surely. :)

How lovely that Snape finally feels at home somewhere.  Very good chapter.  I'm glad Hermione appreciated the gesture because even if the gift is something she knew Harry suggested it was the fact that Severus Snape approached Harry Potter to ask about a gift.  It had to be something that would pain him a little and Hermione loved the effort.  Beautiful.

I haven't left a review yet as I've been reading straight through, but now, I'd first like to say that I'm enjoying this story very much. Like others, I like the slow build up and I think you've pinned Sanpe exaclty with his constant putting his own thoughts and emotions onto others. I can totally see Snape as this kind of person - always living in his own head and believing these bad judgements of others when really they are just his own judgements of himself. Like ClayPotter mentioned, I'm surprised SS & HG's constant make out sessions that seem to go as far as 'everything but'. It's surprising that two adults would ONLY spend their time doing this - not that the 'almost' isn't fun at times as well :) - and never crossing that line. I wonder why this is or just who is stalling the final step? It's interesting to think it's purposeful regardless of who is the staller and who may want more - or maybe both ar stalling a bit??By the way, what was it that Potter saw in Snape's room? I figure it's something of Hermione's or maybe Harry was just staring at the bed and imagining what happens there, but I was just curious. Thanks for this entertaining tale and I'll be watching for each update. :)

Chapter 8 warmed me up as though I was the one with the Old Ogden's in front of the fire. Well done!

Cheers and go Steelers,
Christina

Lariope, this story is just so lovely and sweet.  It's everything poignant and nervous and intoxicating about first love.  And it makes so much sense for this to be the way Severus and Hermione fall in love.  I could read this over and over.

I love your take on these characters.  Usually we see them post war as damaged, lost, depressed, and a millions other negative things.  Here, they all seem subdued versions of themselves, but all have this sense of maturity and determination about them.  None of them are defeated, they are just navagating a detour until their regularly scheduled lives can continue.The scene with a confidant Neville, and a respectful Snape was wonderful.  And then... marathon kissing.  It doesn't get better than that.  And they've made a date to do it again.  Yay!  Another great chapter!

He really has to stop imposing his own assumptions onto other people's motivations.  Nice slow build up of their relationship. :)

Excellent, indeed!  LOL.  I am enjoying this story immensely.  I am glad Snape asked Potter about the gift even though it didn't help much.  It shows he cares more about getting a nice gift for Hermione than he does about his own discomfort.