I really liked this chapter.  The interaction between Snape and Hemione was perfect.  He was pretty nice to her by his standards, but I think he would be since she is a competent partner.  But at the same time, he wasn't all warm and fuzzy with her.  It was just the right amount of sweet and snark.I have old lady brain well before my time, so you'll have to remind me.  Where does Harry think Hermione is going?  Or is he completely in the dark.  He seems like the type who would demand an explanation.The witch wanted to pretend to get out an appointment diary to check, but resisted and simply nodded agreement.Ha! Get 'em Hermione!The soap/shampoo thing is interesting.  As is Remus jumping on her case for prying.  We'll have to see where that goes.I will just take a quick moment to say that while I think you have been a good writer from the beginning, I feel like your writing has been getting stronger and tighter with each chapter of this story. I can't pinpoint what is different but you are doing something right.   Yay you!

If Severus doesn't remember brewing the shampoo for anyone, who else might have done so? Lupin? And who was it for originally? Silly questions, but my enquiring mind really wants to know. Just call me Kittycat. *meow* ^_^

Most excellent! I'm glad she got a good meal in her belly -- and that she could bring some back for Harry. I'm sure he'll appreciate it. If she keeps meeting with Severus, I guess she'll be able to actually get regular nourishment. :D  (I liked Draco and Luna's scene, as well. Looks like they *might* clear things up...) I am still quite intrigued by the shampoo, though... Very interesting twist...

The Snupin version?  Has Remus gotten into the fanfic again?  That was actually a very sweet chapter.

Mmm...Love the insight and moment to moment depiction of Neville and his inner thoughts and actions - it's such a sweet interaction between him and Luna, and such a profound moment between him and Nott and the reference to what happened to his parents and by whom - the stalwart big-heartedeness & strength of Neville, especially towards the Slytherin Nott - lovely & poignant moment - coud feel Nev doing the right thing, being the bigger wizard...Wonderful, jealous Draco - HA! and the picture of him agitated and lovely Luna calming him down, working her special natural Luna-ess magic on him - just wonderful! But just what is Theo planning to do - to muck things up? - 'never tickle a sleeping dragon' - let alone someone named 'draco'- hehe!; love the twist with Phineas & Hermione & Snape - can't wait for the Potions lesson *waggling eyebrows*    

Oh! I missed this chapter somehow! What an interesting twist on Ron's time at home!!! I wasn't expecting this. Very interesting... and I appreciate your note about getting help. My uncle committed suicide -- in exactly this method. It's awful.

For some reason I just like stories where Phineas Nigellus Black takes a more active role, so yay! I guess it is because it seems so plausable that Hermione could have communicated through his portrait, or with him to get information.  Anyway, great new chapter!

Well. Malfoy certainly has gotten possessive of our little Luna, hasn't he? I think it's funny that Phineas can take off the blindfold, but hasn't informed the kids of this fact. I like how you're developing Neville's confidence. It feels quite organic -- he's not sudenly "SuperNev" now that the Trio isn't in school... he is growing into it, with encouragement.

Well, of course if Phineas is in a tent, he won't be able to see where he's at, silly portrait. And he thinks Hermione isn't so smart. *grin* Good interplay between Neville and Theo and Theo and Draco. ^_^

Well! Severus and Draco seem to be in lovely moods today! Thankfully the girls seem to be blissfully unaware or at least acting unaffected by it!

Powerful portrayal of the despair and loneliness, and desperation that Ron is going through and decisions he acts upon in his torment - so well-done, depicting this painful experience - poor Ron; poor Molly, a mother dealing with keeping the life-line & hope to her child in such depression: wonderful work, quaffs - thank you for writing this!

Love all of your details, as always;  wonderful scene between Snape & Luna *sigh* - lovely to experience Sev experiencing something *pleasant* and refreshing as Luna, even a wee bit during those hectic times... Draco's green-eyed monster revealing itself a bit upon seeing Luna & Sev sharing something... Reading on to catch up (sorry, I was away a bit, so happy)!

Love all of your details, as always;  wonderfu, scene between Snape & Luna *sigh* - lovey to experience Sev experiencing something *pleasant* and refreshing as Luna, even a wee bit during those hectic times... Draco's green-eyed monster revealing itself a bit upon seeing Luna & Sev sharing something... Reading on to catch up (sorry, I was away a bit)!

Love, love, love Luna! Great Luna & Draco scene - HA! Poor Draco... Bravo Luna... Ron being Ron - he just can't help himself, can he? - hehe! And poor Hermione and her new reveations about the big boys - Sev & Remus - it's all up for grabs - love it!

Poor Ron... Remus and Hermione- sweet! Love the rapport between Severus & Draco... and am *very excited* about Draco taking inventory and finally noticing Miss Lovegood's, um, potential assets - hehe! Wonderful!

Poor Ron... Remus and Hermione- sweet! Love the rapport between Severus & Draco... and am *very excited* about Draco taking inventory and finally noticing Miss Lovegood's, um, potential assets - hehe! Wonderful!

I really like Neville and Theo working together.  Add in a jealous Draco and it's even better.I look forward to seeing whether the potion lesson is a train wreck or not.  I do like it when sparks fly, so I hope you don't make it too easy on them :)

Wow really really interesting take on Ron's leaving.  Never thought about it like that before.  Really really good job!

That was an interesting set of interactions, I must say. 

Oh Quaffie that was very intense. I feel like a Dementor has just entered the building. I'd like to think that it was more of a cry for help as he had alerted someone at Hogwarts....Luna or Lavender perhaps? A very realisic take on his state of mind given their roughing it....being alone and the horror associated with bearing the Horcrux. Good thing I'm off to Eurodisney next weekend. Brilliant writing as always. Best wishes, Love Ali xxx.

Wow, my dear, you are really tugging at the heartstrings with this chapter.  Ron's despair is palpable as is Molly's fear.  I think this is very much how he could have felt at this time, even in canon.  They are both hurting right now, and he will probably be angry with Molly for awhile, but hopefully time, perspective, love, and maybe a stay at St. Mungo's will have him back to the Ron we all know and love.  Well, some of us love, LOL. Fabulous chapter!

It's horrible that Ron would try something like that, but also in a way it's entirely feasible that he could have felt that much despair. I hope he can get straightnened out without the negative thoughts.

I feel sorry for Ron.  And for Molly.

Heh. "Observing your oculus" sound soooooooo dirty! I like the way you're portaying Snape -- he really was in an awful predicament whilst Headmaster. I also liked how they got Draco to watch over Luna. :D

Luna has all those boys right where she wants 'em. Snape included!  :)