I love this story so far! It's so creative...and I can't wait to see Severus and Hermione's relationship bloom. :)

Very busy.  I couldn't imagine the planning that goes into something like this.  But it looks like it will be a success.  Severus' goading is cute, especially since Harry understands it.

What a great idea!  Of course, Hermione thought of it.  LOL

Hermione didn't notice the metaphorical hair-pulling?  I didn't realize that before. 

wor, wor reorge...i see trouble coming

ooh... me thinks there's a hp/dm in the future.

I think Draco fancies Harry! :D

Utter disaster in the shape of one recalcitrant Headmaster perhaps?

This story is such a fun read, I'm delighted to get to read it again.

A great start! Can't wait to read more!

Brilliant fic!  Yay for SubHub and your betas!

Quite a bit of a pickle that Severus has found himself in. Completely steamrolled, though he likes the view of the steamroller itself! Let's hope the knee-breeches aren't too tight or he might find it a bit hard trying to make those long strides as he runs away!

Now why do I feel that "utter disaster" is in the offing? 

First of all let me thank you for a brilliant first chapter, I love the story. Seccond, I allow myself to feel a bit smug, you were among the three authors I had listed as a guess to who had written this story for the exchange. I will also tell you how happy I am that authors with skills and experience lik yours still writes fanfics for us avid fans to read, thank you so very much!!!

My heart is pounding! I am so glad Hermione had more self control than I think I would and didn't start a fight by barging in and breaking up the chess game. I'm still conflicted. I love romance. I love loving Severus Snape. But my inner feminist is rebelling.  It would have been so satisfying to take charge of the situation and let them know that I was the one who decided who I would be with, but I would have missed out on something else perhaps. There are scenarios where Hermione and Severus could still make up, but in the spirit of Regency Week, Hermione's response was much more appropriate than my causing a scene would have been. She retained a much greater share of dignity than a spectacle would have engendered. Dignity as a woman is the goal of feminism, is it not?  My God! I'm an old grandmother and still haven't learned my lessons. No. In fact, I'm even more impulsive than I was as a girl, I think. I certainly get in more trouble than I used to. Maybe younger women can get away with more.  Well, I'm very glad you had control of the story and I didn't. I do think it turned out for the better.  And, OMG! That was really hot! Isn't if funny how it could be so when all they did was kiss passionately? Maybe not as arousing, but somehow so much more thrilling.  The thrill is the goal, is it not? And here I thought I was just a perverted old woman. Thank you for helping me feel better about myself. It is so funny to me that I was relieved that they didn't take it further. I guess because in real life, if your goal is to win a serious relationship, I realize that falling into bed the first chance you get isn't the best idea. But it does sound so good on paper. 

Crap! They are in so much trouble. What the hell was Snape thinking? He knows she isn't a possession to be exchanged and he knows this is how Ron screwed himself. I know he has his manly pride to protect but is it worth it if he is interested in Hermione? He should have found a way out of it before he agreed to any such stupidity.  Well, if I were Hermione, I would march up there and knock all the chess pieces off the board, then I would slap them both across the face. Then I would apperate to another location away from Hogwarts to calm down. I'm not saying that's what she should do but it's what I would do unless someone with a calmer head could catch me first and make me see why that would not be in my own best interests. Right now, I can't see any reason not to do what I just said, but at work people stop me from doing rash things all the time.  It's one of my many faults. Act first, think about the implications later.  Poor Hermione. 

What an utterly delightful story! It is a happy diversion while we wait for the next chapter of TTQofR. I love the light feeling this story has. I love the Regency Romance Novels and you have captured the feeling with everyone paring up. I very much enjoy Lucius' epiphany. His gentlemanly pursuit of Leticia is endearing. The fan class was marvelous.  They will be a happy couple, I think.  At the beginning of the story I was worried Severus would be interested in her.  I just love the way Arthur adores Molly, still.  Xeno is the only person I could ever imagine with Sybill.  That was brilliantly done.  I've never thought of George and Luna, but why not? And Neville gets the girl as he deserves, as he should. Why not Pansy and Viktor? Harry and Draco are moving along nicely and now Ron just needs to move on. I'm a little surprised he is still pursuing Hermione with Ramilida pursuing him. But I guess he really was in love with her. They just don't make a good match. I am so hoping Severus will see his little secret dream fulfilled and experience falling to sleep next to a loving wife at the end of a long day. This is a delicious romp! I'm loving it.

i like to re-read your stories every now and againg. You are so talented!!

You are always so clever! I love the links to pictures at the end of the chapters, and you've certainly written an entertaining poker game. I am so looking forward to seeing Hermione's reaction.

I'm not sure if Severus' queen of hearts was my favorite part of the chapter or Harry's simple statement that his mother wouold have wanted them to be friends. Fresh and understated.

Thank you for this gem of a story, Subversa.  Your writing always makes me glad that I've read it.  And I adore the fumbles and foibles our Severus has in allowing himself to love and be loved.  His insecurities are never far from the surface, but with determination and love Hermione always finds her way into into his heart and he into hers.

I've love every single word, every single character, every emotion, every fear, every kiss of discovery, and every passion shared.  You've given us another wonderful SSHG that is now on my favorites list.  Thank you, Milady.


I remain your servant,
Beth

Sweet Jesus, this was perfect.  Every single word recreated the Regency feel, and Severus was lothe to let her go.  ‘I do not want this night to be the end, Milady, but the beginning. I know I have no reason, but dare I hope you feel the same way?’

What a beautiful picture you have written of two lovers declaring their wants and wishes to and for each other.  Hermione's kiss to his wrist was such a daring and yet confirming gesture it made my heart sing.

Beth

‘This is my question for you, Milady,’ he continued, his voice caressing, his eyes searching her face for clues to she knew not what. ‘What are you going to do tomorrow?’

And with a final caress of his fingertip across her cheek, he turned and left her standing alone in the swiftly disintegrating illusion of a ballroom.

Yes, Hermione, what will you do tomorrow?  This is so bittersweet, but he is leaving the choice up to her.  She has a way out if she so chooses, but she has a way back to him she can choose, as well.

Beth

This chapter is wonderful!  I was touched by the scene between Draco and Harry- and the support Lucius gave his son.

Hermione and Severus in the feed room at the stables was so enchanting I didn't want it to end, but Ron was doing something very good in letting Severus know about the little black book he'd found. 

I think it's splendid that Severus has arranged for the Muggle-born withches and wizards to return to Hogwarts to complete their education.  Could it be the Quibbler that will be publishing Dennis Creevy's article? 

George and Luna... WOW!  Bless Molly's project-oriented heart.

Looks like everything's coming up roses.  I'm off to the next chapter to find out what's in store.

Beth

Severus and Hermione- I can hardly allow myself to hope.  You write the most deliciously ambiguous descriptions of their interactions.  The way you wrote about the thrill they felt as they road at a flat out gallop is exactly the sensation- heady euphoria- one experiences.

Lucius and Leticia- I think they are both very happy with each other.  Lucius was very brave to have taken to the air to catch that Hunt Snitch, and Leticia is so very pleased with her man!

Harry and Draco- Everything is going to be all right.  Lucius will come around, and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if Leticia had something to do with it.  I think she would be very supportive of both young men.

Great chapter!!!!!

Beth

There are so many different emotions flying about in this chapter, I hardly know what I'm feeling... except maybe just a weensie bit aggravated with Harry for his horrid timing at the end of the evening... but he needs someone he can trust to confide in. 

The birth of the new foal was such a wonderful thing.  I imagine Severus will be happy to know that Perse and Apollyon's filly has finally arrived. 

Harry and Draco have finally made their feelings for each other clear, and also shared such personal memories... their visit to Dobby's grave brought tears to my eyes. 

I believe Lucius will risk bodily harm to catch the Hunt Snitch for his lady faire.  I hope he is successful! 

And I hope with all my heart that Severus and Hermione will be successful in confessing their true feelings, too.  He does deserve to have his heart's desire, his Hermione.  The only thing standing in the way is his own fear.

Great chapter!
Beth