Very enjoyable. Can't wait to see SS & HG interaction during the Purification.

Great update. The dynamic between Severus & Hermione is fantastic.

Oh the practise session was superb. Severus did a great job and as he was acting Priest to HG's Priestess boy did he get into the skin of the Priest.

I am so pleased by the way you wrote this chapter. So beautiful and sensuous. The mixture of embarrassment by both parties and trying to ensure the other was comfortable. LOL what a pair.

That lipstick covered beetle is surely up to no good. Wonder what conniving things she has up her sleeve to spoil things and to get her scoop and more money to add to her account . Evil beetle.

Thanks again for writing and sharing.

Another lovely chapter.

I did like how HG was concerned about Severus's reason for not wanting to take part. So happy he turned up.

The blessing ceremony taken by Severus and Hermione as they were to become Priest and Priestess was very nicely written. I know nothing about this type of thing but found it beautifully done.

A glowing Snape with his blue black hair. Seems HG is smitten already. So what did HG forget I wonder?

Thanks again for writing and sharing.

Oh my, what a revealing chapter in so many ways.

Minerva did well to make the announcement without being lynched. As for HG and SS being chosen as the key focus for the whole ceremony that was a shock for both of them.

Snape trying to be suttle and dropping a brick not a shoe re the dress code then having it thrown back at him by Hermione was priceless. So even SS and HG have huge insecurities about this whole ceremony. Not just that they will be in full view of everyone on the ww. too.

Superb chapter that had me begging for more.

Thanks again for writing. Really enjoying this story. Thanks.

I laughed hard at Snapes farting cherubs and found the interaction between SS and HG very amusing and endearing. The little way Snape kept tucking in HG's scarf was just so damned cute. So very unlike the pre war Snape.

Seems the Head Mistress looks after her own and like what she did for Snape after RS's book. Squish the bug I say.

Another superb chapter that captured my interest from beginning to its end. I smiled hugely at the thought of the meeting to come.

Thanks again for writing and sharing.

Wonderful opening. Poor Snape seems his gorgeous tones of pre war is no more.

Wanted to review to let you know how much I have enjoyed this first part of this story.

Argus is up to something, but is he messing with Severus or Rita? Hard to tell from this point. ^_^

This is my first time to be able to sit at a computer to read and review rather than using my phone on the fly in well over a year. My tendency to spew forth has been bottled up for a long time, so hold on tight, sister, this could get bumpy.

One of my favorite parts of a story is the opening chapter, because it sets the scene for what is to come, and an author knows they have to hook you right away, or risk losing you as a reader. I get so excited after the first bit, wondering how on earth we will get from here, to some semblance of an ending. I can usually feel the author’s enthusiasm as they have not yet been bogged down by the weight of their story, so it is all fresh, and new, and exciting. Then, of course, I enjoy the middle of the story, because that is where the real character and plot development happen, and if you are lucky, there might be some smutty bits tossed in for good measure. Endings can be very bittersweet for me. I mean, I have to have a story end well, because for me, no matter how great the journey is, if the ending falls flat, the value of the story depreciates in my eyes in large measure. That said, if I were to rank a story’s chapters in order of most to least favorite, ending chapters typically rank really low in that lineup. Even if I love where the story left us, somehow the ending just doesn’t rank up there with me. Why am I rambling (besides the fact that this is what I do)? Because this might well be my favorite chapter of this story, and that is unheard of. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways ...

First, I love the camaraderie amongst the guests in the Hogwarts. It was a harrowing night, and that they can all relax in the hot springs and rehash the night without fear or judgement was wonderful. You can tell that Severus is a bit apprehensive, but in the supportive atmosphere, he is able to open up about the evening. And, he is honest about his fear at losing Hermione, that he reveled in the power he felt as a vessel of a god, at his remorse for what happened to the Potters and so on. It was refreshing to hear him open up, and my how far we have come from the unhappy and reserved man from chapter one.

And Ron ... I am a way bigger fan of the boy than an SS/HG shipper should be. Ron bashing can (and often does) ruin a story for me. I don’t care if you kill him off, or make him gay, or have an amicable breakup, or whatever you need to do to free up Hermione for bigger and better things, but to make him dumb as dirt, lying, cheating, drunken abuser (fill in the blanks endlessly) is an absolute betrayal to his character, and it makes me think less of an author for doing so. Which is probably not a popular comment for me to make since it is done far and wide, but that is my feeling. I love your Ron here because he is genuine. He can be a bit of a bumbling character, but when it comes down to it, he isn’t a dumb guy. In fact, you’ve made him quite clever, all while staying in character. Of course he doesn’t believe that Hermione is pinning away for him after all this time. She is a strong woman, and I love that he knows that. And using her to placate his mother is rather smart of him, all things considered. Hermione is the forgiving type, plus she is on such a high at the moment, she won’t give it two thoughts. Not to mention that if he had called Rita out on things early on, she would just have regrouped and come up with the next plot, By going along with her plans, she is gone for good this time.

There is a dynamic between Argus and Severus that I also love, and I know you do too. They are both outsiders and underdogs, so there is a natural pull toward one another. But, Severus, at least, is a total badass, so while he is often disliked and reviled, he has some power and status to hide behind. Argus has nothing. And what he discloses to the group, about wanting to be like Severus was so heartfelt and sincere, and it made me just want to scoop him up and squeeze him. Such hero worship, but in such a genuine manner, I just loved the honesty in it all. And when Severus gave him the Order of Merlin, I wanted to scoop him up as well. I, too, thought he was making him an honorary recipient by reassigning his own medal, but he went far beyond that. What a fantastic gesture. I loved Severus’ comment about what he had to do for his, and not giving it up. And the wonder I could hear in Argus voice when he saw his name on the award ... the support from all present ... this whole scene just made me feel so warm and fuzzy.

Severus and Hermione out on the grounds felt so peaceful and so right. And, considering what a crazy time they’ve had in recent days, it is a wonder they can relax and just enjoy one another. His response to the question, “Will you marry me?” had me grinning like an idiot, because what an appropriate response considering the source. For all that I loved the whole chapter, the crowning moment was:

She thought back to their plans for Beltane, and smiled. It had been fun; strange, and dangerous, but fun. Typical Hogwarts, really.

And Severus and Hermione. All it had taken was a little quality time together. Well, that, and Hermione's steadfast belief that one could learn anything from a book. Honestly, who ever heard of a Beltane ritual that involved the High Priest and Priestess bathing and kissing one another in private?Minerva smiled down at Filius. "Well done, Mr. Sebelius."
He grinned. "And you, Mr. Slunt."

Thanks for such a fun ride, and for letting me blather on about it. I can’t wait for the next big thing from you. I know you haven’t written much in the last year, but I’d like to think that unbeknownst to you, it is a required rest period because something is coming that is going to take every ounce of energy you have to perfect. And I will be here, drooling over my screen when it happens.

Wait, since when do I have to html a review? Have I been gone that long? Oh dear, I don't know if I have the energy. If this all comes out in one block paragraph, you have my sincerest apologies.

I loved Hermione's reasoning for not letting him dispose of Rita for good, because she is so right about how Severus would view this, but part of me thinks that they really should have just looked the other way.  I love Ron's response to why he won't bother Hermione.  I have a feeling all will end well.

I love the descriptions of the bright colored clothing and all.  At least once in every story you write, i find myself wishing I had some artistic ability.  The ceremony went off without a hitch, with Hermione, Severus, and Harry all exuding such power and dedication.  Until the WTF part at the end.  If this is all a ploy by Rita to make Severus look bad, then she is a raging bitch, but kudos to her for planning such an impactful display.  On the other hand, if this is happening for real, we've got bigger problems than Rita, and with Severus, Hermione, and Harry all incapacitated ... Gulp.

FINALLY able to come back and finish this.  What does Rita think she is doing?  I really want to punch her in the face.  Maybe Hermione will beat me to it.  So glad our couple found a loophole in the celibacy thing.  It will take their minds off of the upcoming ceremony. ;)

I absolutely loved this story.  It's wicked good.  Thank you so much. 

This was a highly enjoyable read! I'm sick as a dog right now and reading this has made this flu much more bearable. Instant favorite!

I pray that the Lord of the Hunt will have mercy on me and allow me to finish the whole story before my brain gets called on to have to do something else.  Beth

A wonderful story! I really enjoyed reading this, it was amazing! I look forward to reading more of your work. 

What a perfectly lovely story.  Thank you so much for taking time out of your life to write it and share it with us.I loved the twist about the authors of the book--I didn't see it coming so GOOD JOB!

Great chapter!  Well done. <dances around room>

No time to review. Must get to next chapter....

Sounds like poor Ron has been hit by one bludger too many.  Let the chaos begin!

I'm just really enjoying your take on Beltane.  Makes me want to plant a cornfield & get the hubby some antlers.  Mind it'd be a small cornfield as I am fat & over 40.So glad you have the Filch mystery going on.  Really rounds out the story.

Great last line.  Awesome chapter.

 It's over, but that means I can read it all over again . I loved Argus not wamting to "be" a hero but to act like a hero, And Severus and Hermione reaching their blissful bonding. Thank you for yet another great story. 

stuck together like a cork in a bottle for hours Now that's an image I didn't particularly need stuck in my head...Great chapter!

I lost it when todgers came up.  I stuffed my shirt in my mouth but I still think I laughed so hard that I woke my husband up.BTW, next to last paragraph, 2nd sentence, the word 'feeling' is missing its L (if it matters).Great story.