Don't worry, this won't be abandoned. :) It's actually almost complete. I have a couple of more chapters almost ready to post. I've just had one of those pesky attacks of RL - you know things like cooking, cleaning, taking care of children. LOL I also don't want to spam the board by updating both of my stories at the same time. Thanks for reviewing and glad to see you are enjoying the story.

Yay can't wait! So many of my beloved stories ate being abandoned, I'm glad this one isn't!

I know what you mean. I did the review-a-thon and saw so many stories that looked interesting from the descriptions, but had not been updated in 6 months or more so I reluctantly passed, even though I was sure I would enjoy the story.

Don't worry, this won't be abandoned. :) It's actually almost complete. I have a couple of more chapters almost ready to post. I've just had one of those pesky attacks of RL - you know things like cooking, cleaning, taking care of children. LOL I also don't want to spam the board by updating both of my stories at the same time. Thanks for reviewing and glad to see you are enjoying the story.

Yay can't wait! So many of my beloved stories ate being abandoned, I'm glad this one isn't!

I know what you mean. I did the review-a-thon and saw so many stories that looked interesting from the descriptions, but had not been updated in 6 months or more so I reluctantly passed, even though I was sure I would enjoy the story.

Thank you for your review. I haven't given up on it, I just have summer vacation and visiting relatives in the house, so it's been chaotic to say the least. The next chapter should be up soon. I generally don't have problems with AU (heck, most of what I've written has been AU), but I was writing this when DH came out and the muses were gutted by what happened to Severus and refused to cooperate for years. They finally got over it. :)

Thank you for your review. I haven't given up on it, I just have summer vacation and visiting relatives in the house, so it's been chaotic to say the least. The next chapter should be up soon. I generally don't have problems with AU (heck, most of what I've written has been AU), but I was writing this when DH came out and the muses were gutted by what happened to Severus and refused to cooperate for years. They finally got over it. :)

<eg> Cliffies are always such fun - from the writing point. I know how frustrating they can be for the reading point.I have to agree with you that given all he's been through, Severus is probably going to start feeling a bit less guilty about the role he played in Dumbledore's demise. And poor Hermione is in a bit of a land of confusion. She didn't even want to work with Severus and now she finds she not only can get along with him, but might have some feelings for him. Pretty scary for her.Thanks for the review, and the resolve for the cliffie should be up soon.

<eg> Cliffies are always such fun - from the writing point. I know how frustrating they can be for the reading point.I have to agree with you that given all he's been through, Severus is probably going to start feeling a bit less guilty about the role he played in Dumbledore's demise. And poor Hermione is in a bit of a land of confusion. She didn't even want to work with Severus and now she finds she not only can get along with him, but might have some feelings for him. Pretty scary for her.Thanks for the review, and the resolve for the cliffie should be up soon.

Dumbledore is so annoyingly cryptic. I don't know that he planned for the two of them to get together, but he certainly is annoyingly pleased about it, isn't he?Hermione is definitely getting her eyes opened to the real Severus, though she is more open minded than the boys and always defended him - knowing the Dumbledore had a reason for placing so much trust in Snape. I think she's actually a bit relieved that despite everything Dumbledore put her and her friends through, that she was correct in standing by Severus. And she is gaining a new appreciation of what he did to keep them alive, even if all of it from the books isn't relevant to this story, he did still help out immensely.

Dumbledore is so annoyingly cryptic. I don't know that he planned for the two of them to get together, but he certainly is annoyingly pleased about it, isn't he?Hermione is definitely getting her eyes opened to the real Severus, though she is more open minded than the boys and always defended him - knowing the Dumbledore had a reason for placing so much trust in Snape. I think she's actually a bit relieved that despite everything Dumbledore put her and her friends through, that she was correct in standing by Severus. And she is gaining a new appreciation of what he did to keep them alive, even if all of it from the books isn't relevant to this story, he did still help out immensely.

Yeah, the old codger really had it coming. I don't know if she would have had the gumption to do it to his person, but she definitely reached the breaking point here, didn't she? Not that anyone can blame her.And yes, he would never make it that simple, would he?

Yeah, the old codger really had it coming. I don't know if she would have had the gumption to do it to his person, but she definitely reached the breaking point here, didn't she? Not that anyone can blame her.And yes, he would never make it that simple, would he?

It was nice to see Snape find his backbone again, wasn't it? He knew he had something he could bargain with.And there is a difference between a pardon and being exonerated. The latter clearly having a much more arduous path. Here's to hoping that path leads somewhere, right?

It was nice to see Snape find his backbone again, wasn't it? He knew he had something he could bargain with.And there is a difference between a pardon and being exonerated. The latter clearly having a much more arduous path. Here's to hoping that path leads somewhere, right?

Thanks. I'm glad you liked the start. I was trying to find something that would cause the Ministry to decide that perhaps working with Severus is better than leaving him to rot. Of course, given he's working for his freedom, I don't know that it would matter too much who the victims were. Cure them or spend a lifetime in Azkaban - not really much of a choice, is it?

Thanks. I'm glad you liked the start. I was trying to find something that would cause the Ministry to decide that perhaps working with Severus is better than leaving him to rot. Of course, given he's working for his freedom, I don't know that it would matter too much who the victims were. Cure them or spend a lifetime in Azkaban - not really much of a choice, is it?

LOL I love the sentiment about him cooking. His eagerness and her reluctance come from their respective ages, but at least he wasn't put off and deciding to pull away from her over it. Of course given he's who he is, he's probably inwardly thrilled that she didn't recoil from his affections. And yes, they need some answers.

LOL I love the sentiment about him cooking. His eagerness and her reluctance come from their respective ages, but at least he wasn't put off and deciding to pull away from her over it. Of course given he's who he is, he's probably inwardly thrilled that she didn't recoil from his affections. And yes, they need some answers.

Nope, Dumbledore just has to obfuscate everything. As to him telling Hermione, I think he's finally realizing that there is a give and take to life, that now that he's a free man (well, almost free) he can do what he wants for the first time ever. He wants to learn more about her, so he realizes he has to tell her more about him. He's still trying to figure out why she wants to help him since no one else seems to want to do so. Of course, he was also careless with his remarks and backed himself into a corner where he was forced to answer, but it felt good for him to finally share that with someone who cared about him.

Nope, Dumbledore just has to obfuscate everything. As to him telling Hermione, I think he's finally realizing that there is a give and take to life, that now that he's a free man (well, almost free) he can do what he wants for the first time ever. He wants to learn more about her, so he realizes he has to tell her more about him. He's still trying to figure out why she wants to help him since no one else seems to want to do so. Of course, he was also careless with his remarks and backed himself into a corner where he was forced to answer, but it felt good for him to finally share that with someone who cared about him.

Severus is still a bit beaten down from his time being left to rot in prison and being abandoned by everyone. Of course Hermione while not Dumbledore's number one fan, has to have her Gryffindor belief that there was no way he could have abandoned Severus.

Severus is still a bit beaten down from his time being left to rot in prison and being abandoned by everyone. Of course Hermione while not Dumbledore's number one fan, has to have her Gryffindor belief that there was no way he could have abandoned Severus.

Well he had to succeed quickly since the Ministry left securing his help until just about the last minute. But that's okay, Hermione has found herself and underdog to champion. So it's not like she will be abandoning him. Thanks for your review. :)

Well he had to succeed quickly since the Ministry left securing his help until just about the last minute. But that's okay, Hermione has found herself and underdog to champion. So it's not like she will be abandoning him. Thanks for your review. :)

Being mean isn't in her nature. I think she was trying to find that line between authoritatve and mean and having some trouble with it. But she is bright enough to know that some methods don't work with some people. Ahem, Snape. ;) We're all rooting for Severus. I doubt anyone has the knowledge or experience he does, hence Arthur being forced to turn to someone he isn't sure he should trust. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy the rest of it. New chapters come every 4-7 days if I don't forget. :)

Being mean isn't in her nature. I think she was trying to find that line between authoritatve and mean and having some trouble with it. But she is bright enough to know that some methods don't work with some people. Ahem, Snape. ;) We're all rooting for Severus. I doubt anyone has the knowledge or experience he does, hence Arthur being forced to turn to someone he isn't sure he should trust. Thanks for reviewing and I hope you enjoy the rest of it. New chapters come every 4-7 days if I don't forget. :)

I'm sure he is quite a good cook. As everyone has said, following a recipe is a lot like brewing a potion.Hermione would naturally have doubts. Her life has been a whirlwind of adventure that is just now starting to slow down. Of course, his life was stagnating in prison and he's likely got the 'take the bull by the horns' mentality. Quite a dichotomy there, isn't it?

I'm sure he is quite a good cook. As everyone has said, following a recipe is a lot like brewing a potion.Hermione would naturally have doubts. Her life has been a whirlwind of adventure that is just now starting to slow down. Of course, his life was stagnating in prison and he's likely got the 'take the bull by the horns' mentality. Quite a dichotomy there, isn't it?

Soon the mystery of the keepings box will be revealed. I'm glad you liked the kiss. I think Severus is in this place where his thoughts are something along the lines of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' and that he knows his time with her is quite finite if something doesn't happen. This is a man who can finally take control of his life.

Soon the mystery of the keepings box will be revealed. I'm glad you liked the kiss. I think Severus is in this place where his thoughts are something along the lines of 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' and that he knows his time with her is quite finite if something doesn't happen. This is a man who can finally take control of his life.

Yup, Dumbledore has to have his riddles. Can't give a straight answer to anything, even if it keeps an innocent man out of prison. And isn't flustered Hermione fun? Something tells me Severus' has enough personality quirks he could do that for years. :) Thanks for reviewing.

Yup, Dumbledore has to have his riddles. Can't give a straight answer to anything, even if it keeps an innocent man out of prison. And isn't flustered Hermione fun? Something tells me Severus' has enough personality quirks he could do that for years. :) Thanks for reviewing.

Aren't lifelong, institutionalized bureaucrats fun? NOT! I really enjoyed having some fussy old, by the rules wizard for Hermione to have to deal with. Thank goodness she knows the Minister.I'm glad you are enjoying the puzzle of the box. It just wouldn't be right if Dumbledore had left evidence where someone might actually be able to easily find it. So frustrating that he can play these little games even from beyond the grave.That kiss was a nice subtle shift in their relationship, wasn't it? He figures he can finally live his life on his terms and not feel like he has to protect others and she's coming into adulthood and not quite sure what she wants. And he can feel confident that he didn't get outright rejected.Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.

Aren't lifelong, institutionalized bureaucrats fun? NOT! I really enjoyed having some fussy old, by the rules wizard for Hermione to have to deal with. Thank goodness she knows the Minister.I'm glad you are enjoying the puzzle of the box. It just wouldn't be right if Dumbledore had left evidence where someone might actually be able to easily find it. So frustrating that he can play these little games even from beyond the grave.That kiss was a nice subtle shift in their relationship, wasn't it? He figures he can finally live his life on his terms and not feel like he has to protect others and she's coming into adulthood and not quite sure what she wants. And he can feel confident that he didn't get outright rejected.Thanks for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review.

I'm sure that he is. Given his reputation, I'm sure he has plenty of skills that can surprise Hermione.

I'm sure that he is. Given his reputation, I'm sure he has plenty of skills that can surprise Hermione.

It is a new idea for Severus, isn't it? She's be nice to him and really has nothing to gain for herself. She's doing this because it's the right thing to do. Very novel for him.

It is a new idea for Severus, isn't it? She's be nice to him and really has nothing to gain for herself. She's doing this because it's the right thing to do. Very novel for him.

LOL I love everyone's reaction to her lashing out at Dumbledore. Someone had to do it, right? Hopefully she can solve the mystery of the keepings box and help Severus get his life back.

LOL I love everyone's reaction to her lashing out at Dumbledore. Someone had to do it, right? Hopefully she can solve the mystery of the keepings box and help Severus get his life back.

LOL I love your description of Dumbledore. Severus has said just enough to picque Hermione's curiosity, to help her realize that none of them really knew him. And of course she loves to champion and underdog. :)

LOL I love your description of Dumbledore. Severus has said just enough to picque Hermione's curiosity, to help her realize that none of them really knew him. And of course she loves to champion and underdog. :)

Given it's Dumbledore, I'm sure he thinks there is a method to his madness and always has been. Just not everyone shares his vision of things. And I think he's meddling from beyond the grave, much to everyone's annoyance.

LOL!  I think you're right about Dumbledore's opinion of his meddling ways.  He was always clothing his plans in that "greater good" ploy which, if one happened to find him/herself not among the ones who benefitted, was very annoying, indeed.

Given it's Dumbledore, I'm sure he thinks there is a method to his madness and always has been. Just not everyone shares his vision of things. And I think he's meddling from beyond the grave, much to everyone's annoyance.

LOL!  I think you're right about Dumbledore's opinion of his meddling ways.  He was always clothing his plans in that "greater good" ploy which, if one happened to find him/herself not among the ones who benefitted, was very annoying, indeed.

I think your last word answers your first question. LOL When has that man ever given a straight answer to anything? But at least he gave her some sort of an answer - which is more than Minerva got.

Yeah.Dumbledore? NOT high on my list of "favourite people". Even IF I DO think Snape and Harry were right to be "Dumbledore's Men". That's less praise of Dumbledore than condemnation of the Dark Lord and the Ministry; the alternative was so much worse...

I think your last word answers your first question. LOL When has that man ever given a straight answer to anything? But at least he gave her some sort of an answer - which is more than Minerva got.

Yeah.Dumbledore? NOT high on my list of "favourite people". Even IF I DO think Snape and Harry were right to be "Dumbledore's Men". That's less praise of Dumbledore than condemnation of the Dark Lord and the Ministry; the alternative was so much worse...

Definitely a shock for him to hear to that someone actually cares about him. That's something that probably hasn't happened since Lily. Dumbledore may have acted like it, but I think in hindsight Severus realizes he was merely a tool. Hopefully his new lease on life will allow him to open his eyes and realize he doesn't have to be alone, that no one would be in danger from getting close to him.

Definitely a shock for him to hear to that someone actually cares about him. That's something that probably hasn't happened since Lily. Dumbledore may have acted like it, but I think in hindsight Severus realizes he was merely a tool. Hopefully his new lease on life will allow him to open his eyes and realize he doesn't have to be alone, that no one would be in danger from getting close to him.

The house-elf would have gladly helped, but there is the small matter of not knowing exactly what they are looking for. And as you said, it gets her more opportunity to unravel the enigma of Severus Snape.

The house-elf would have gladly helped, but there is the small matter of not knowing exactly what they are looking for. And as you said, it gets her more opportunity to unravel the enigma of Severus Snape.

It really did feel good to have someone finally lash out at him. Yes, he was a powerful wizard, but he was by no means perfect and those cracks were showing before Rita's book, but her investigation really put them in perspective. I'm glad you are enjoying this so far and thanks for the review. :)

It really did feel good to have someone finally lash out at him. Yes, he was a powerful wizard, but he was by no means perfect and those cracks were showing before Rita's book, but her investigation really put them in perspective. I'm glad you are enjoying this so far and thanks for the review. :)