its getting good

This was so hot and beautiful, I can't believe it was about flowers! 

Dear Teddy, please write more! I love all your stories, and was actually waiitng for you to complete this one before starting reading because WIPs make me spend the entire day refreshing TPP and I have been very busy at work the last few weeks.Leigh aka Melodyssister

Harry's being utterly ridiculous. His behavior reminds me so much of Ron's rant about Viktor allegedly using Hermione to get to Harry by asking her to the Yule Ball. Harry seriously seems to think that it really is all about him, that Snape could not possibly see any other point to having Hermione as an apprentice other than to use her as a tool against him. I'm sure it's not helping Hermione manage her anger when even her own supposed best friend seems to think so little of her.

Hermione telling off Harry was bloody brilliant!!

What a fantastic wry, sly, rueful inner voice you've crafted for Snape. Your writing is always so gorgeous.

Aw, I was so excited that there was an update that I read it way too quickly. I'm looking forward to more! 

I don't think it's a matter of Severus not noticing. He's in love with her, so of course he noticed. He just didn't comment on her early return. Maybe he didn't say anything in the hopes that she'll come to him and tell him what happened.

A word carved on your firehead, Hermione? Welcome to Karmaville! Just be glad it's only Marietta's Revenge and not Dolores's.

I am increasingly curious. Will return early can change things!?

Happy Holidays to you as well!  Excellent chapter!!!  I can see both sides coming to a head.  Harry is such a buttinski, he shouldn't have been surprised that Hermione was so upset.  Breathless for more!!!  :) 

Ah the plot thickens.  They are starting to get the gist of each other. Each questioning the others motives, thats a good start if they dont miss the true meaning of what each is saying.  I wish Harry would just keep his mouth shut and his opinions to him self for once.

--nail biting, here-- XDLove how you build the antagonism b/w them, and how you're inserting Severus' inner monologues (showing his attempts-at-being-reformed side). : )

Please please write more. That's my fatuous but sincere comment 

"How did people survive, I thought, allowing the heart full sway?" Ah, that's pure poetry. This is a lovely story. I can't wait to see how their relationship progresses. 

Poor Severus, he's causing his own suffering. He's letting his low self-esteem take over, and it's ruining his relationship with Hermione. The "labour of love" chant of Hermione's means she feels for Severus, but probably doesn't think he would feel anything for her. It's only a matter of time before his treatment of her pushes her over the edge.

I do hope Severus realizesthat he is throwing everything he needs and wants away before its to late for both of them.  Great chapter.

Wonderful story as always. The poor man needs a hug.

When Severus is himself without hiding behind any insecurities is when he is at his best. How does he not see that? I guess you never do when you are the person in question. I absolutely love the last line of the chapter. It is kind of funny, when you think about it.

Oh, Teddy, I feel like every time you write a story, you are writing it specifically for me. I know that isn’t true, but I hope that every person who reads you feels that same way. I’ll never be able to say on paper what I think in my head (which is why all of my crazy story ideas stay in my head), but what Severus does for Hermione kind of parallels what you do for me sometimes. Sound weird yet, lol? Here is an example of what I mean. Spanking is not something that really excites me, or if I am to be honest, that I really get. I don’t have any hate for it, it just doesn’t make any top ten lists for me. But, as I am reading this chapter, I get so immersed in the characters, that I find myself thinking that this is exactly what I need, and I am going to absolutely die if the chapter ever ends. Like I am thinking that this is not what I would prefer to read, but you are telling me otherwise, and by the end you have me completely convinced that there is nothing else I could ever possibly want to read. It is amazing how one incident can be so calming and so pulse racing all at once. Ugh! I am absolute shit at saying what I want to say, but this story is really so very good that I will be sending happy, creative vibes your way that things will work out for you to continue. My name is

Love, love, love this chapter.  I felt I was right there in the lab with Hermione as she was raging it was so intense.  And I had expected Severus to be on the receiving end of things when she finally lost her temper (and I suppose he sort of was), but instead, it is the very thing that kicked him into action to step up and accept his role.  And he responds as if he knows exactly what she needs without even thinking about it.  Sigh.  When I reach the end of the available chapters, don't be surprised if I go all Hermione on your ass.  I won't be held responsible if things get ugly.  You've been warned. :)

OMG, that is the hottest plant porn I have ever read!  Wait, that makes it sound like I frequently read plant porn.  Eek, I feel so dirty, lol.  But seriously, that was inventive, and the UST you are building here is absolutely delicious.  UST is one of my weaknesses, and you are a master in the art.  Plus, Sprout was the most adorable thing ever.  There is something endearing about her willingness to freely talk about sex no matter the audience, and her absolute enthusiasm for it all.  I can't wait for the fallout from this!

Oh the tension!  Just give her the damn massage and get on with it. *is beginning to drool thinking of what's to come*

I want to be annoyed with Harry, but I remember how wrong a Severus and Hermione relationship seemed to me before I read them, and I don't even have any bad blood with the man, so I can sympathize with the poor boy.  Plus, while you can see Hermione's point in how his words reflect on her, I think his only intention is to protect her.  Then she comes back and Severus doesn't notice (or so she thinks).  Is it bad that I'm hoping to see a little of her temper aimed at him?  :)

Poor guy!  I wish he didn't suffer from such a case of self doubt.  I think his intentions are good, they are just poorly executed.  I think this shall be a learning process for them both.

Wow, this ceremony really makes it seem like a big deal.  Seven years is a long time to be chained to a person, literally or figuratively.  I think there's some rocky moments straight ahead.  I kind of liked the reason that he took her on.  Not that I wish any obligations on the poor man, but I like it just the same.  I'm hoping for the best for these two *is nervous*