This is such an engaging story. Your characters are so believable. You have cut no corners in explaining their thoughts and feelings, yet you don't belabor things. I liked your back story about Snape's survival. And "Hortensia Splattermore"? We're in good hands here.

First-time reader here. I'm completely hooked. I've never had anything against Marriage Law fics. It's just that most of them are so limited. If such a law were put in place in the 21st century, intelligent people would weigh all their options - they'd consider leaving the country, etc. You've created a situation where candidates have carefully weighed the benefits and decided to remain in a community where arranged marriages are not unusual. I like that they are supposed to have something of a say in whom they will marry, too. Glad you decided to put this up again so I can see where the story goes.

This was the first SS/HG story I ever read. You hooked me on the pairing, and yours is still one of the best stories I have read in Fandom. So glad you decided to re-post it. I can already tell that you have done some editing. It was wonderful before, but this version is even better. Looking forward to more, as always.

I can understand why Neville petitioned for Hermione, but he would have realized later on that he was just 'settling', and no one wants to feel that.  Back to searching for a spouse (and figuring out that tall, dark boy that doesn't go to the common room's identity).  Hmmm... Excellent chapter!!!  :)

The conversation between Snape and Hermione is so uncomfortable.  It is like there is this bad blood between them, but at this point, you aren't really sure what it is.  You aren't even entirely sure that they know what it is.  I don't typically like Draco all that much, but I think your version is fun.  I do think once he grew up a bit and got some independance from his family, he could be an okay sort.

I love Neville, I hope he gets some happiness in your story.

Damn you, LB.  I am not supposed to be reading anything else right now.  AND, I really wanted to wait until this was fully posted and enjoy it all at once.  But, knowing that it is sitting here, waiting for me to read it has been nagging at me.  And I am weak!  Just reading this first chapter reminds me of all the good (and bad) things to come.  *squeals like the total dork I am*

Poor Neville, I felt so sorry for him.  Severus must really dislike that it was the Know it all Hermione that saved his life. Like the mixture of fluff & drama in this chapter.  Severus and Hermione sure know how to push each others buttons. Great chapter looking forward to the next one. 

Poor Neville, I hope he finds what he's looking for. they all deserve to be happy. great chapter. :)

Excellent chapter!  Fireworks right off the bat!!!  Looks like a long road ahead.  Maybe a few days away will allow their anger to settle.  :)

Yes, Hermione, you saved Snape’s goddamn life, and he saved yours. Who do you think sent the Order of the Phoenix to the Ministry in time to keep you from dying from Dolohov’s curse? Or did you save him solely so you could hold a goddamn life debt over his head the way James Potter did? No one ever does anything for Snape just because it’s a decent thing to do. It’s always about debts and obligation.

Reeading this second chapter has reminded me of little details I had forgotten about. so looking forward yo more chapters.

Why does Hermione irk you, Severus?!? First time meetings after a long separation can be so awkward, can't they! Lovely intro to many of the characters.

good chapter  draco still a nut lol  how will you be updateing?? weekly or daily?   I can't wait to find out how this story goes to win its awards! thanks much. 

It's so great to see you and Denial back where they belong!  Although I totally understood your reasons for pulling it, I'm glad you've decided to return so that everyone can enjoy this wonderful story!

I've have not re-read this yet but I am highly looking forward to re-reading it again. Its one for cosey night in bed.I have opened a new account to just to re-read this, because i hadn't used this site for so long because there were no great stories like this one popping up. Excited!

I am doing my happy dance! This story was the reason I was drawn to fanfiction in the first place. I was sorry to see it go away and I'm so glad it's back. I look forward to your rewrite (though I cannot imagine how it could improve) Welcome back!

Love the back story and setting up of each one's situation and dilemma and the ending of each scenario with the parallel summoning to the Ministry (also, poor Neville (and Luna--love his reason for wishing to disappear into the Muggle world, as I've always enjoyed the idea of them being/ending up together, so this rang so bittersweet). Love the T. S. Eliot inspiration *squeeing*

Hello, my dear.  I don't have time to read this story right now with the SS/HG Exchange on LJ going on, and real life mucking everything up.  I haven't even really been to TPP much as of late for those very reasons.  I have to say that I was astonished to see this posting here, and I felt obligated to stop by and say something.I love to read new SS/HG, and I am continuously astonished at the fact that the same characters in the same world can be reinvented so many times in such delightful ways and never get old and worn out.  But, there are moments where I feel the need to go back and reread things from the past.  Stories that I so loved the journey of reading, that coming back to them feels like visiting an old friend.  This is one of those.  In fact, I know that many people save stories on their personal devices so if they disappear they will always have them.  I always discounted that idea because I hadn't been burned by that, and I took for granted that my favorites would always be there.  It was in one of those moments where I wanted a "comfort story" as I call them, and came looking to read this only to find it gone, that I immediately went and saved all of my favorites to disk, just in case.So, thanks for inspiring me to have some common sense and save, save, save.   I can understand your reasons for pulling this in the first place, but as it was a fantastic story to begin with, it can only be more wonderful now.  So, thanks for coming back, because while it is an author's perogative to do what they wish with their stories, it always seems a shame to me to remove something that people love so dearly.Clearly, in the time you have been gone, I have become no less of a rambler, lol.  I do look forward to the chance to experience the new and improved Denial.

I loved this story the first time! I can't wait to see how this version turns out.

oh I loved reading Denial the first time around and I look forward to reading the newer version with eager anticipation.  

Thank you for rewriting and reposting!  This is my FAVORITE story of all.  You're writing has been a great inspiration to me as well.  Looking forward to reading it again.

Thank you for coming back and reposting. Denial has always been one of my favourite stories. I am really glad.

Yay!!!!!!!!  Thank you for bringing this back!

Reading this "new" first chapter is like running into a long lost friend and both of you being glad to see each other again.  I am beside myself with joy!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.Beth