So glad that Hermione finally put Harry straight about Sirius, it's about time someone did. 

I can't believe that Sirius transformed into his mangy Animagus!  His drunken behavior made me furious, and I think he got exactly what he deserved... but instead of cursing Hermione, I wish Dolohov had cursed him before he fell through the veil. 

It was touch and go with Hermione in the Infirmary, but quick work by Severus, Ginny, and Poppy pulled her through.  After the danger had subsided, and Severus and Poppy had a private moment to "talk," I was beyond happy that Poppy let him know that she understood what the two of them meant to each other.  And she wasn't a bit disapproving in her statement.  " That’s not how love works.”

Helluva chapter, Teddy!

Beth

OMG!  The confrontation in Dumbledore's office was magnificent!  I wanted to jump and cheer when Severus told the Headmaster what he would do and what he would not, under any circumstances, do for "the Greater Good."  Bravo!

I loved the way Hermione is becoming adept at Occlumency.  She still has some room to grow, but she's made a fine start.  And cuddling and kissing with Severus after each lesson, it's bound to put her into a proper state of mind for becoming a master Occlumens.

I hope that very last part of this chapter means Hermione was having a bad dream.

Beth

PS– Telling Me Lies was co-written by Linda Thompson and Betsy Cook.  It was covered by the Trio in '87, and that album won the Grammy. 

Things could have gone any of several different ways, but I'm so glad Hermione was firm with Severus without throwing the baby out with the bathwater.  Her approach to this situation was precisely what Severus needed to be able to open his heart and mind completely to the one person who would not withhold her love or her regard just to get even.

I hope Sirius rots in hell– along with Albus.

Beth

Geez Marieez!  A blood oath binding both Severus and Hermione to protect each other... and she told him that she already cared about him before the curse.  This is significant!

And then our favorite professor has to get carried away with warning Sirius off before Hermione arrives in the Shrieking shack, and she gets there just intime to hear him tell the mutt that he was "going to be tucked up in bed, popping a very, very sweet, juicy little Hermione-flavoured cherry."  Not his most outstanding moment, but as livid as she is I think she'll forgive him... eventually.

Beth

"The Dark Caress was at its peak now, riding him like a whipped horse, heedless of direction or destination." 

Wonder what spell Dumbledore muttered right after Hermione placed her hand over Severus' heart?  His questions to her about the suitability of her feelings where the Potions master was concerned really got under my skin.  I highly approve of her reaction and what she told the Headmaster.

As for meeting Sirius at the Shrieking Shack– this cannot be a good idea.

Now what will happen while Hermione is alone with her professor?  Will Dumbledore come for a visit before Poppy can get back?  Sometimes "two ticks" can be a lot longer than it sounds.

Lovely chapter, m'dear!

Beth

“Now wait just one damn minute!  Don’t you dare walk away from me after saying something like that!”  This marks the beginning of one of my most favorite scenes so far.  I love a righteous Hermione with her blazing Gryffindor courage radiating from her in all directions! 

I loved the spell Severus used to calm Hermione's hair into a more manageable state.  It was a wonderful few minutes for them until the Dark Caress begin to assert itself and I was afraid for her.  One good thing to come out of this though is that he told her how he really feels about her:  “The Dark Lord knows I desire you, girl, and if you stay, I’ll take you against your will!”

I hope Dumbledore won't give him a hard time about this, and instead will just be helpful at the very least, and supportive if he treats Severus the way he deserves.

Thank you for another dazzling chapter!Beth

Walking too fast, thinking too hard, too many thieves now, to let down your guard.Strange as it is, stranger it seems; who told this life it could fall apart at the dreams?

These lyrics are the perfect introduction to this chapter.  The encounter between Severus and Hermione was,  I think, very real for both of them even though they could not allow themselves or each other to believe that their emotions were real... for now.

I was surprised when Voldemort told Severus to take Hermione with him when he went to the next Order meeting.  By the time I had gotten to the end of the chapter I'd forgotten that he had told her he would arrange for her to stay at the Castle during the holidays...

...silly me, how could I have forgotten such an important detail?!

Beth

Voldemort's behavior is getting more erratic with each passing Summons.  I'm frightened for Severus just like Hermione is... but I have faith that with the bond they share, she will "be brave enough to do the right thing.”  She has the heart of a lioness.Sirius is such a dirt bag.  I'm glad Severus was able to just walk out on him and Lupin without replying to the mutt's final taunt.  There are a couple of parts in this chapter that really struck a chord with me:•He could feel her smile slip under the waistband of his trousers and give him a little teasing caress. “Your voice has always given me a little shiver.”•“I just believe that love is the only thing that is going to save us, like Lily saved Harry.”It's wonderful the bond they have let Hermione know that Severus would need help when he returned to the castle.  Hagrid was there when Severus needed him.  And thanks for a great chapter!Beth

Stars and garters!  Can Severus hate himself more than he already does?  Dumbledore is an unethical, unscrupulous manipulator, and I hope Hermione can see what he is doing to Severus.  Hopefully Albus' piss-poor history where Gryffindors and Slytherins are concerned will give Hermione the strength and determination to beat the old man at his own game.

Great chapter!!!Beth

I can't even begin to imagine what being punished by Voldemort would be like for Severus.  The very thought of him having to be tortured by current students– as well as fellow Death Eaters– is horrible.  I know he regrets implicating Miss Granger, but I can't say I wouldn't have made a similar decision under similar circumstances. 

You're a master of the emotions of angst, Teddy!Beth

Before I started reading this again I listened to several videos of this old Shaker hymn by different groups just to set the mood.  I'd nearly forgotten how much I'd loved it when you'd post a new chapter on your journal.  This is one of the best written stories on TPP.  I hope RL won't rear its interfering head until I've managed to finish it this time.

Hugs, Beth

Poor Severus, I hope Hermione can bring him some comfort, without any ill efects to her of course. Hexing is to good for Dumbledor, he seems to enjoy seeing Severus suffer, why not put Severus in an enchanted sleep NOW! what is he waiting for for Merlin's sake.

I just loved the " Play Acting " your description of Severus' voice was so lush, it was truly erotic.

Thank goodness Severus realised what had happened, if he hadn't it could have been disastrous. If a man could do that to my hair, I would be putty in his hands,{especially those hands}

At this point I don't know which one is worse, Dumbledor or Black, they are both vile in their own ways. Looking forward to finding out more about Severus' past.

This was very hard to read,  I'm so glad Hermione was there for Severus when he needed her most.

What a ride! I devoured the story :) I laughed, cried, and was thoroughly titilated and excited by many of the scenes! I loved the revamped world, and thank you for giving it to me! Great luck and good fortunes to future endeavours!

Many Blessings, and thank you again!

Sweet and good Hermione doesn't need him to beg her forgiveness. She knows. She is no fool. They have a new common enemy. She has a new hero. If he told her everything she would ask him how she could help make The Dark Lord believe his story in order to protect him. She would understand and actively aide him in the ruse.  If he tells her to, she would tell Dumbledore about Sirius. If he told her she doesn't need to feel ashamed, that Sirius is the one in the wrong and offer to go with her to Dumbledore, she would.  But she would ask that it be kept from Harry. Well, at least we know her problem with Sirius isn't going to be a long one, if one goes according to cannon. Thank you, dear TeddyRadiator, for undoing a great wrong against the bravest wizard we've ever known. 

If only Severus could find it in himself to apologize to Hermione for being so rude to her. It would help them both. He can tell her he was so angry seeing Black trying to take advantage of her and he should not have taken it out on her.  Can't Remus see what an arrogant, abusive, unscrupulous and lecherous bastard Sirius is?  Poor Hermione. 

WOW! That is the only word I have for you now as I am speechless. What a wonderful, brilliant, superb piece of writing. Loved every second of reading this beautiful piece.Thanks babe.Love Sonia

Gah, I don't even know how to review this story. So I'll just revert to gushing! I absolutely loved it! I couldn't stop reading! I have the worst headache at the moment from the hours I spent reading this story, but I don't care! Absolutely perfect from start to finish - you should be very, very proud of yourself :D

This is one of those rare perfect stories where there's not a step wrong and a word out of place. While it was a WIP I read and reread it and I am so pleased that it is complete. This will go onto my favourites list and I will continue to reread in order to savour the delight that reading this story brings. Bravo!

Regulus! Severus! Hermione! Last chapter and this one are just shattering me withe power of love! (Luna! Grangers!) I am totally in love with this most perfectly written Regulus Black, and would love to read more of him. The Grangers return and their unbelievable support of Hermione, the bravery they show by their willingness to fight is awe-inspiring. And the love in Severus returning to Hermione... well, let's say I've got to scrub my face again so I don't worry all my fellow ocmmuters this morning!Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. <3

I'm completely enthralled and I have to go to sleep.  Dammit! And damn Dumbledore!