I definitely want to see Hermione grill Draco some more!

Poor confused Hermione.  

Gripping story. So thoroughly enjoyed it. Loved the complexity and integrity of our Sev and Hermione's ongoing confusion until she inevitably fell for the Prince's true magic. Sigh, I'm sorry to have finished it. So now I'll have to search out more of your work! Thanks so much for this wonderful journey.

Interesting chapter Southern, I'm a bit confused if Hermione is a willing prisioner (for show) why does she seem almost afraid of Severus?  I can understand her fears about the other death eaters (it makes alot of sense) but I think I missed or forgot about something.

More please!!!!!

Yay, an update! I rather like the way Hermione and Severus are going - it's interesting!

Fabulous chapter, Southern.  The interactions between all the players is fascinating.  Draco's reaction to the Carrows visiting doesn't bode well.  I really REALLY liked the paragraph where she sees him as an ordinary man.  I'm looking forward to the next chapter!

I'm glad things are getting back to normal for you!  :)

I wonder if Hermione will ever connect Snape with that night in the study. Obviously she has noticed that Ron is a clod and something was different the night before. I'm worried for them. Severus being able to get into the house shows how naive and inexperienced they are compared to some of the Death Eaters they might come up against, not even to mention Voldi. I am going to go with the fact that Severus Snape is an exceptional wizard and that most of those they will face won't be much more skilled then they are. I think all three of them need more practice with the hexes and counter hexes Harry is practicing. Ron is loyal but he still ins't applying himself as well as he could. If he wasn't a good guy it would be easy to dismiss him as a dunce who should be kicked to the curb by Harry and Hermione. He flies by the seat of his pants and is lucky to have a knack for stratagy. Poor Draco. Too bad he doesn't trust Severus enough to ask him for help practicing his occumancy. He should ask his mom to ask Severus to help him with it. That would be a sensible thing for her to ask Severus. 

I agree that Ronald is an immature Birk. He really isn't good enough for Hermione. I know he thinks he means well but he's a clumsy, sweaty boy that probably opens his mouth too wide and slobbers in her mouth.  Almost calling her Lav...He's lucky she didn't hex him.  Poor young Hermione doesn't know yet that she could do better and right now, Ron is the only person she can be with because they have too many important secrets. I don't think she'll be permanently damaged from the relationship. We all learned a few useful things in our youth this way. 

I really feel sorry for Draco. I don't need to explain why. He's so lucky he has Severus to protect him and Narssisa. Well. While I'm feeling sorry for everyone I'll feel sorry for Narssia too. But she knows which side her bread is buttered on and she knows she's blessed to have Severus' protection. I know she would like the comfort of another intimate experience with Severus, but it's best if they don't go there.  

I think I have read this years ago.  You are a really excellent story teller.  I really enjoy the sophistication of you writing style. It flows peacefully and smoothly in a way that has nothing to do with the plot. I never have to read a sentence over to understand what you really meant to say. It's fluid and doesn't have missing pieces.  90% dark cocoa smooth, creamy kisses to you.

Molly is just no fun! :)

There is a fine line between love and hate.  I think that Severus and Hermoine are about to find this out.  He is counting on her for a great deal.  Draco disappointed me, but I understand why he did what he did.  He will turn around, maybe with the love of his mother.Bella and Rabastan are just scarry.  Dead Rat anyone?  snicker.

I know I have not been a very good reviewer so far...I have indeed been enjoying the story (although sometimes i've been getting a little bit mixed up between this one and CS)I think that this chapter was indeed quite pivotal. Snape is doing a wonderful job of being quite brilliant and ambiguous although i'd still caution him not to underestimate our sweet little Hermione.  

Amazing as always. I love the way your writing always keeps me on my toes!

Twisty little plan- oh the manipulation!

Simply wanted to say that this is a fantastic story! I eagerly await the next chapter.......

You really seem to have that touch when writing Snape as a spy playing both sides.  Although your Draco really has me wondering.  Truly Slytherin, but still, Hermione seems to be getting to him.  

Who tricks out whom? Is SS really evil or is he tricking Rabastan or will Hermione trick finally Snape? You see: I'm very confused and I love it :)You don't have to apologize for the time you need to write when the outcome is that well! (But I would love a fast update, too ;))By the way you are great in giving characterisations with minor details!

Your depiction of the Death Eaters faction throughout this story, has been much more interesting to read than other fics. You've separated them into actual individuals with agendas and opinions of their own, instead of them being presented as one lump sum that only maim and rape like a bunch of mindless dolts.

Your Severus is [usually] very composed and smooth while switching gears between all the different people. Don't quite know what to make of him yet.

I love it when Snape pushes Bella's anger buttons. :) It will be interesting to see how the Trio manages to work together now that things have changed.

The master manipulator strikes again.  Hermione is going to be continually off footed by Snape.  Bellatrix scares the crap out of me.  Rabastan, though well hung and seemingly Snape's friend, cannot be trusted by Snape in my book.  I feel so sorry for Draco.  He must feel so trapped.  Narcissa even feels a little sorry for Hermione, wow. All of those Death Eaters who are hiding out together are starting to get "cabin fever." I am completely hooked on this story.  I cannot make up my mind where Snape's loyalities lie.  I am so glad you have your second writer's wind back.Cabin Fever:  Muppet Treasure Island

OK I normally avoid SS/HG, so I'm not sure what compelled me to start readign this; I'm just glad I did. May DH be this good.

Not being into the whole shipping thing, I really don't mind Ron/Hermione. But Cissy needs to back off, Snape's mine.

Seems like much more than a transition chapter to me!  SS played her and did it well - I'm really wondering where his loyalties lie - and that just adds to my enjoyment of the story.

I normally don't like non-con situations, but this one is executed beautifully, including the way Hermione's emotions are shown. Can't wait for the next chapter!

Great chapter!  Well worth waiting for!

There's nothing wrong with transition chapters, they have a purpose.  I can't wait to read the next three if you have them all worked out already.  Hmm... I wonder... can Rabastan be turned?  Is this foreshadowing occuring in the little talk away from the others?  Hmm, indeed...