I know it's been a while since you've updated and/or worked on this story, but I missed your writing and was browsing backwards through the pages and remembered how enjoyable Strega Letteraria was. The acceptance between Hermione and Severus is soothing in the midst of all the unsettling circumstance. The fact that I would love to own such a store doesn't hurt, either. Hope you are well and with no shortage of muses.

Hellllooooo out there!  Apparently I didn't review this back when I was reading it.  So, I will do so now as a shameless ploy to drag you back to this story.  I had to pull this off my bookmark list and dust it off a bit ;)  Kidding aside, I was really enjoying this and hope that you are just on hiatus, and not gone for good.  I am sure you have a million better things to do than work on this story, but just wanted you to know that there are still folks out here who would love to see this finished!  And hey, it worked last Christmas...  Anyway, have a happy holiday and I'll be looking under my tree for the next installment of this lovely tale.

Excellent story!! Harry what a 'butthead'!! Can't wait to see what Severus is going to do to Draco.

While not wanting to start a flame war and while admiring the insouciance of MHaydn, it must be emphasized that a review of a fan-fiction should respect the value of the genre: all girls think about is that all boys think about is getting in their knickers and it’s never the right boy, damn it, except in fan fiction.  Also, it is never fair to chide a female author for not capturing the elements of romance.  A little sensitivity in these matters is not amiss.

Our frustrated friend would have done better to point out that the exalted lust in this chapter is subtler and deeper than in the previous chapter.  The hero protects the heroine from herself in her current unstable mood.  She believes she can talk to him – venting before she explodes.  He calms her and makes certain she rests.  He does better than her parents: he is there for her but gives her space.  Words are good, but these are deeds.

The author note preceding this chapter ruined my plan for writing a series of sarcastic reviews about a lust-writer trying her hand at romance.  They would have begun with the first chapter by pointing out that Hermione should be fuming because she stocked her store with the items everyone should read –  <i>Ulysses</i> and <i>Palefire</i> and <i>101 Ways to Improve Your Kitchen</i> – but the ungrateful clots weren’t purchasing the volumes.  Next, the reviews would have performed a checklist for a romance novel

Heroine in distress: check.   

Mysterious lurking stranger: check.

Pesky and unsuitable suitor: oops.

The reviews would have continued providing unasked-for opinions until arriving at chapter twelve where they would have pointed out that the authoress had written herself into a hole by having the hero declare his undying devotion.  For most readers, the relationship has begun, but since the authoress is a non-romantic, the thrill is in the chase, and the chase is over.

This chapter was worth the wait.  Thank you so much for the update.

Well, darn, I thought that this story was complete. I guess I should pay more attention when I click on something so I won't be disappointed.I really like what you've done here--there aren't many stories around where Hermione and Harry have any sort of sexual involvement and Harry is the one being a jerk (usually Ron has that role). I was so happy when Severus became a partner at the shop. I love him in this story!

  Thank you so much!!!  This is just what I needed before all these crazy vacations come upon us!Love the tiny cliff you've left us on, but please please just throw us over! Any new writing is appreciated!!! Thank you again!

yeah!  amen!  you go, sister!  right on! great update.  thanks so much

Thanks for the update! The Potter Place wish list really worked. How cool is that? Its nice to see victim!Hermione is gone. Im looking forward to her endind Draco. Its not good to be violent when preggers!

Wow.  This story is fantastic.  I just spent most of the morning reading it.  You have interesting characterizations of Snape, Harry, and Hermione.  They aren't particularly out of character, just emphasizing parts of the personality that may not have been prominent in canon.I can't wait for the next chapter.

Harry has proven that his jealously of the situation has rotten his brain. Hermione and Severus are better off with him out of the picture, although I am sure it is very hurtful for Hermione. Severus is a rock He is so wonderful to her and for her. I hope Hermione realizes what she has in him.

How wonderful! I'm so glad you were able to update and I'm afraid I'm a bit greedy in wanting you to write more... soon... ish :)

Thank you so much for the update, I was trilled to see a new chapter!!!I loved that Hermione at the end placed her anger where it belonged; at the Malfoys! Not that she doesn't have reasons to be angry at Harry, but on the other side she should be glad not to have that prat hanging around her child in the years to come, the only looser is Harry, she should find joy in that!I hope we won't have to wait so long for the next update?

meeps!  well, no romantical thoughts about Severus in this chapter, but I'm glad she at least has realized that it's futile to try to knock sense into Harry's head, and glad Severus stopped her from sending the owl to Ellie.  still suspicious about the Aurors, although surely someone would remember that she "killed" Lucius, whose widow and son are still zipping around.  thanks for the new chapter - very good to see you again!!

Glad to see this updated. Hope Hermione doesn't go off on her own, whether in person or not, to seek revenge on the Malfoys. Not only could that put her in more danger or get her caught and arrested herself, but it could interfere with whatever Severus has planned... Team vengence would be a lot less messy. (Of course, I don't want my petty little mutterings to influence your plot in anyway. I'm sure whatever you have planned is much better than what I could come up with...) Enjoyed this thoroughly! Looking forward to the next.

*sighs in relief* oh my goodness, I am so happy that you did not give up on this one! And what a great chapter it was... I hope it got you in the mood for more!

I'm with Severus on letting him take care of them.  Harry is a jerk, they don't need him.  Great chapter, i'm really glad to see an update.

poor hermione ~pats~ if she likes i can string harry up by his unmentionables over a meat grinder? ooo! or better yet! inform his wifey of his misconduct and how hermione is sooo sad and what an awful person harry's being ~nods and sends lots of little helpful goblins to get right to work!~

Nice chapter, I suspect our Hermione is in the plotting stage.  I wonder what she will do to make the Malfoy's suffer?

Glad to see this updated.  Looking forward to seeing what Hermione and Severus have in store for the Malfoy's.  More soon please.

Oh yeah, have at those Malfoys, girl! :)

Oh, that was so perfect. So sweet that my eyes welled with tears. I cannot wait to see what happens now that Harry is there. And I'm glad her parents are there, too.

I did love the mirror idea. I also really like how you described the potion's characteristics. I'll have to check out lotm's books soon! You do a really wonderful job at story-telling. I enjoyed also the public persona, Samuel Prince, that you created for Severus.

Hehe! This is so exciting!