You will have to wait and find out.  Can't give away anything.  (For all I know, it could even change!)  I'm glad you are reading it!

Thanks.  I'll be polishing up the next chapter soon, and hope to increase the SS/HG action while I'm at it.

On the first two things, Severus assumes Hermione was logical enough to place those wards, without having to check on that.  I was playing on her canon characteristics ty doing this, that it would be logical for her to do. 

While Severus was in his shop, he did ponder that Draco would be satisfied for the moment, thinking he had suceeded, so there is no imminent danger from Malfoy. 

Oh, and he let the glamour on his voice slip on purpose.  I might not have made that clear.  But they were in the safety of darkness, late at night, when hardly anyone was around and there was no imminent threat from Malfoy.  I'm trying to show a bit of attraction between the two of them, and I wanted the reader to feel that Severus wanted her to hear the sound of his voice, to know that it was him beneath the physical glamours (I even wrote that Hermione was sure the slip was intentional), just like she enjoyed hearing his voice.

Hermione of course knew she was under the Imperius.  Severus didn't have to tell her that.  It is obvious.  She has misplaced guilt nonetheless for having not been able to fight it.  Also, in the last chapter, Severus did tell her that he noticed that she had the Imperio curse on her and he explained why he believed the AK didn't work.

All in all, the Malfoys were never meant to be nice people in this story.  In fact, I see the family as slightly insane, and I've written them that way so far.  No one can really say they feel for Draco, and Narcissa ... well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.  Insane people do not act reasonably.  Revenge is very probable when undeserved in their world.

I went back to check if these were in fact things I hadn't addressed, but I was as clear as I could be I think without beating these plot points to death and losing flow. 

Thanks for the thorough response! I suppose I'm just mystified because Hermione is being nicer to Draco and Cissa than I would be in this situation; I tend to be unforgiving to anyone with a potion-laced muffin...

PS - and yes, the Malfoys are definitely slightly insane!  Erm... but does Hermione understand they're insane and need watching?

Glad you feel that way.  ;)

Is everything OK?  I miss your updates.

Thanks.  Glad to finally have this chapter posted.

They are amazing books.  Book three just came out this weekend, as a matter of fact.  She also has a yahoo group, called MoITWF

Thank you! 

Yes, I am... You aren't the first to ask me.  I've been remiss in my writing duties.  Or rather fixing the little things I need to before I post it.  I promise.  This story will continue.  And soon.

Thank you.  Of course you can demand.  I need a kick in the pants every once in a while.  I've been itching to do something positive with my time like write.

Thank you.  Of course you can demand.  I need a kick in the pants every once in a while.  I've been itching to do something positive with my time like write.

It does seem natural to have a mirror system of some sort, doesn't it?  And the Sons of Destiny is a wonderful series, isn't it?

It does seem natural to have a mirror system of some sort, doesn't it?  And the Sons of Destiny is a wonderful series, isn't it?

LOL  Much has developed, that's for sure.  I hope you enjoy reading as it all unfolds.

LOL  Much has developed, that's for sure.  I hope you enjoy reading as it all unfolds.

I have yet to think on Samuel going "public".  Not sure how I will deal with that just yet.  But thank you on the comment that you liked the realism I've added.  That was indeed my intention, so I'm happy you appreciate it!

I have yet to think on Samuel going "public".  Not sure how I will deal with that just yet.  But thank you on the comment that you liked the realism I've added.  That was indeed my intention, so I'm happy you appreciate it!

Yes, I plan on re-filing the Malfoys under a more appropriate designation.  But I shan't reveal what that is until the time is right. ;)

Yes, I plan on re-filing the Malfoys under a more appropriate designation.  But I shan't reveal what that is until the time is right. ;)

I live to spoil.  Gotta spoil someone; my children certainly aren't being spoiled.  I need that outlet, you know.

I live to spoil.  Gotta spoil someone; my children certainly aren't being spoiled.  I need that outlet, you know.

Oooh, I'm saving up all of these lovely adjectives for Harry.  :)  Of course Harry is an asswipe!  I want her to get with Severus, not him!  Gods forbid.

Oooh, I'm saving up all of these lovely adjectives for Harry.  :)  Of course Harry is an asswipe!  I want her to get with Severus, not him!  Gods forbid.

*shrug*  Yeah, some people didn't mind, some people liked him, and some people downright hated him this way.  I always said from the beginning that I was going to write as realistically as possible.  And, when I thought about it, I just didn't see how Harry could be abused during his formative years (through age 11) and realistically turn out to be a "good" boy with proper morals and instinctively know what was right and wrong.  And then ... knowing how guys are, and even taking into account the "in-character" Harry, when they are blindsided with something that upsets them, they say things in the heat of the moment that aren't very nice, aren't able to censor their immediate reaction, and leave to sort things out in their head.  I've told other readers it is not entirely impossible that he will beg Hermione's forgiveness for his raunchy response.  But ... I'm afraid I can make no apologies for making him this way.  (By the way, I have no idea what BFFL is; if you'd like to enlighten me?)

Sorry, it's texting ... BFFL = best friend for life.

LOL!  (See, I know some shortcuts.)  I text about as much as I chat.  Which is close to none.  BFFL.  I will remember that.  My daughters have taught me OMG already (even the 5-year-old says it) and I know what BFF is.  Didn't think of adding an L to it though...  Thanks!

*shrug*  Yeah, some people didn't mind, some people liked him, and some people downright hated him this way.  I always said from the beginning that I was going to write as realistically as possible.  And, when I thought about it, I just didn't see how Harry could be abused during his formative years (through age 11) and realistically turn out to be a "good" boy with proper morals and instinctively know what was right and wrong.  And then ... knowing how guys are, and even taking into account the "in-character" Harry, when they are blindsided with something that upsets them, they say things in the heat of the moment that aren't very nice, aren't able to censor their immediate reaction, and leave to sort things out in their head.  I've told other readers it is not entirely impossible that he will beg Hermione's forgiveness for his raunchy response.  But ... I'm afraid I can make no apologies for making him this way.  (By the way, I have no idea what BFFL is; if you'd like to enlighten me?)

Sorry, it's texting ... BFFL = best friend for life.

LOL!  (See, I know some shortcuts.)  I text about as much as I chat.  Which is close to none.  BFFL.  I will remember that.  My daughters have taught me OMG already (even the 5-year-old says it) and I know what BFF is.  Didn't think of adding an L to it though...  Thanks!

Yes, I thought it was pretty realistic, considering he had taken that stance.  It upset a couple people, I know.  But *shrug* life isn't all roses, not even in fanfiction.  And Hermione, even though she knows she's made an error by getting pregnant, is intent on doing the right thing, and I think she's succeeding admirably.

I don't think either of them are taking a negative stance. I mean, Harry didn't want children, and unfortunately a one-night stand produced one. Hermione wasn't ready either, and was surprised the pregnancy happened. She is being realistic and practical. This isn't a movie- Ellie isn't going to be happy that Harry and Hermione hooked up, Harry isn't going to get an amicable divorce to be with Hermione and the baby. That doesn't happen in real life.

Exactly.  This isn't a movie where everything comes out perfect in the end.  It was meant to depict reality, and I think I am making a fairly decent attempt anyway.The thing is, in fanfiction, a lot of people want everything to be like the movies, an escape from reality.  I hate being predictable though.

Yes, I thought it was pretty realistic, considering he had taken that stance.  It upset a couple people, I know.  But *shrug* life isn't all roses, not even in fanfiction.  And Hermione, even though she knows she's made an error by getting pregnant, is intent on doing the right thing, and I think she's succeeding admirably.

I don't think either of them are taking a negative stance. I mean, Harry didn't want children, and unfortunately a one-night stand produced one. Hermione wasn't ready either, and was surprised the pregnancy happened. She is being realistic and practical. This isn't a movie- Ellie isn't going to be happy that Harry and Hermione hooked up, Harry isn't going to get an amicable divorce to be with Hermione and the baby. That doesn't happen in real life.

Exactly.  This isn't a movie where everything comes out perfect in the end.  It was meant to depict reality, and I think I am making a fairly decent attempt anyway.The thing is, in fanfiction, a lot of people want everything to be like the movies, an escape from reality.  I hate being predictable though.

Thank you!  I think she'll be much happier too.

Thank you!  I think she'll be much happier too.

Yup. I love writing wanker!Harry.  Can't help myself sometimes.  *grin*

Yup. I love writing wanker!Harry.  Can't help myself sometimes.  *grin*

Yeah, I love her parents.  I just realized what an extreme that was: from her parents to Harry.  Almost shocking.

Yeah, I love her parents.  I just realized what an extreme that was: from her parents to Harry.  Almost shocking.

Thank you so much.  I love him too.  I sort of get a kick out of his Mr. Prince persona as well....

Thank you so much.  I love him too.  I sort of get a kick out of his Mr. Prince persona as well....

Sleep with the fishes.  *lol*  You'll see.  I already have a plan.  You might not be far from the mark.Yes, the romance angle is difficult for me.  I am not, by nature, a romantic.  I don't desire it, and if it confronts me, I push it away.  I do like tokens of love (I am married, and if my husband brings me roses for our anniversary, I'm happy).  Men (well, back then it was boys really) who've tried to be romantic with me didn't last very long, I'm afraid.  And they were probably really nice guys too. *shrug*  So that's part of the challenge: writing outside of my comfort zone.

Sleep with the fishes.  *lol*  You'll see.  I already have a plan.  You might not be far from the mark.Yes, the romance angle is difficult for me.  I am not, by nature, a romantic.  I don't desire it, and if it confronts me, I push it away.  I do like tokens of love (I am married, and if my husband brings me roses for our anniversary, I'm happy).  Men (well, back then it was boys really) who've tried to be romantic with me didn't last very long, I'm afraid.  And they were probably really nice guys too. *shrug*  So that's part of the challenge: writing outside of my comfort zone.

Yes, by the time Severus is through with him, he will wish he had dealt with the Aurors.

Yes, by the time Severus is through with him, he will wish he had dealt with the Aurors.

Yeah, it will be one of those things when he's fifity years old or so and looking back on his life that he'll have to put on his list of regrets.The beauty of it, though, is that Harry had effectively estranged himself from Ginny and the Weasley family, so Hermione doesn't lose any of their support by this.

Yeah, it will be one of those things when he's fifity years old or so and looking back on his life that he'll have to put on his list of regrets.The beauty of it, though, is that Harry had effectively estranged himself from Ginny and the Weasley family, so Hermione doesn't lose any of their support by this.

Severus' bit of Legilimency was intended to warn her not to reveal it was Draco, because of course Hermione would not want Mr. Prince's identity to be revealed.  There will be justice, however.  Never fear!

Severus' bit of Legilimency was intended to warn her not to reveal it was Draco, because of course Hermione would not want Mr. Prince's identity to be revealed.  There will be justice, however.  Never fear!