I thought I could feel the end approaching, but I think some extra chapters are in order. I'm so glad that Bill did not call in the cavalry.  Now they have someone with a level head about (other than Lupin).  Thank goodness Bill is brilliant, they could really use a hand.I really can't wait to find out what the scroll says.  Very exciting!!

Very intriguing scroll!  I suppose the magic mentioned in it is similar to the wards used for the vaults.  I love how matter of fact Snape is about blowing up his lab.  Even in his altered state he is thoroughly enjoying his experimentation.  Once a Potions Master...Going on to read your other update.  (Sorry I missed seeing this one before!)

Very few questions answered. A tiny morsel of answers. Barely enough to get you off the hook. Mostly though Bill just got informed of the situation and got to show off. I don’t mind, I like Bill. I like Bill a lot when there is no mention of Fleur. My fingers are crossed the next chapter is a big one. I am very much enjoying the story! Thank you.

Aagggh! It happened again!!! The words just ran out before I was ready for the chapter to end! I was sort of hoping for the 'worst case scenario' bit where Bill overstayed the time frame that the 'trio' had planned on and Severus came in expecting to visit with Draco, who would also show up with Lupin. Come on, wouldn't that have made a lovely cliffhanger? ...... NO, wait, what am I saying ... no cliffies.

But seriously, you really must make the chapters longer! 

*looks over your shoulder*

You are writing, yes?  There's a good Pook.  *pets your hair*

Bill is a clever boy, no doubt about it.  The very worst part was Severus' Patronus.  I  nearly cried as I read it.  You do have a way of wrenching my heart right out of my chest, my dear.  Please disregard the torch-wielding mob; all they want is the next chapter, truly! 

I like this development. Mind you, I would have liked any other development as long as the story went on in your superb handwriting. It is so good to know that there is more coming.

Another wonderfully intriguing, teasing chapter.  Pooka Rules!!!

Damn that Bill, he's too smart.  Good thing he's sensible, he'll be a good ally for them.  It'll be interesting to see how he reacts to Draco...

I'd always heard, "You've got another thing coming."  Thing makes a lot more sense than think.  Excellent job, though I was a little nervous at the beginning with all the wands out... 

PlaidPooka, this story is one of my most favorite of all time.  I love how you write Severus, and how you don't flinch from showing us his madness.  And you've got a good handle on the Trio as well, showing an innate generosity that's hinted at in the books but not really explained.  Thanks.

Thanks for the research on "got another think/thing coming."   I only ever hear "think" used but I've now seen "thing" in so many stories. I couldn't imagine there being so many uncorrected typos.  I assumed it was a Britishism.  Very interesting that the think/thing debate continues on both sides of the pond.  8-)Nice development of Bill's character in the last two chapters.  Could Severus have wanted/needed him brought in for some reason, conscious or not?  Just wondering as he seems to have manipulated it.  I can't see much reason why this chapter ended where it did.  I hope it won't be much of a wait to learn how this evening progressed.  ~

wow. another question! =) am so glad that u're writing the next chapter already. LOL. All this suspense... =)

I just thought Harry was so adorable in this chapter, with the whole wand in his hand instantly. And track polisher? lol! At least Bill is there to explain everything - I guess the answers will come soon? I'm just happy this fic was updated on my b-day. =]

YAY an update. I'm a happy one for that I am I am.. Lovely chapter but as always I cannot wait for more!

Sunday afternoon. Spend two hours at indoor black light mini-golf with 23 (no, that’s not a typo) screaming 8 year old girls, come home to find husband and son watching football (all pretense of outdoor leaf management abandoned) tired and disgusted, you go online to see what you might find. You find a gift, a gift for you from a woman you don’t even know, a Madness update.    So, dear woman, there is my gift to you – you have today made this reader (lurker sounds so sorted) into a reviewer.  I have devoured everything you have written and thoroughly enjoyed it all – Overcome with Feeling and Drowning stand out as favorites.  I love this story and you have truly made my day.  Thank you and please, carry on.

Wow?  Words seem to be escaping me at the moment.

I love Bill's explanation of what happened on the Lightning Struck Tower, but then, again, I've thought it was a set-up for a long time -- perhaps even as I was reading that chapter for the first time.  ::snicker::I think, though, my favorite part of this chapter was the fact that you allowed Bill to be as clever as we've always thought he'd be.  So many authors forget that aspect of him.

and the wheel keeps turning, as the answers begin to unravel...i was so happy when i saw you updated, it put a smile on my face that i will still be wearing when i go to work this afternoon, thanks ;)i cant help but love mental Severus, but i really love sane Severus all the more!-KarlaMarie

YAY! I am glad to see another chapter up! Good one, too, btw! I missed Severus, but I know this chapter was necessary! Good work, my dear! Can't wait for more!

How utterly exciting!

Do keep 'em coming. Trollop, heehee.

On the think/thing: I prefer think, as the phrase usually follows something like "If you think you're going to get away with this...", thus implying the addressed hasn't thought it all through and therefore must do another "think".

Yuppi, thank you for another new chapter. Not to many secrets untold, but I can see why this chapter was needed:-)) I can't wait for the next chapter, hopefully a long one with lots of answears. Keep up the good work:-))))

Another wonderful chapter Pooka, love how the story is progressing! It's good Hermione finally has someone to help her with finding the solution for destroying the cup...since the boys really can't help her and Severus is so busy trying to save himself from his madness. Poor Hermione seems too overworked and not getting enough support. But at least Severus hasn't blown himelf up (yet?)...hope in the next few chapters we will see some more fun Hermione/Snape interactions. Thanks!On another note, you have written that Hermione received eleven O.W.L.'s and Bill, twelve...however, while this fact is canon "correct" straight from the hardback editions of some of the books, it has been challenged (and changed) by fans, and recently, Scholastic, Inc. has said that JKR made a mistake with this figure. In reality Hermione got 10 not eleven results, though in HBP we're told she got 11 OWLS, but in Book Five she only sat for 10 exams. Here's the link to a news article talking about it...just thought you might want to know...http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006400493,00.html

u can't update fast enough

So cruel to leave us hanging there.  And no Severus.  I'm pouting. (only a little)

His patronus is heartbreaking.

Can't wait to see how this plays out.

Oh my.  I can't wait until Bill gets to some of those answers!!

I am so happy that you didn't make me wait forever for an update, love the story as always. I am with you on the thing/think debate, I have seen writers put think and have always assumed it was a typo until now, because to me think doesn't even make sense. You are right thing sounds more harsh, although my opinion is probably swayed by the fact that I come from a part of the country were everyone uses thing. I also wanted to point out that the Judas Priest song 'You've got another thing coming' also agrees with you on this one.