Little by little Severus and Hermione are working on building a firm foundation for their future.  But I do worry what Severus meant when the thought he "would never allow that to happen again."   I hope hope he was thinking about mastering his temper, never allow his losing his temper to cause him to hurt someone he loved and damning the relationship... thinking about how much he loves Hermione.Beth

Well... that went well... NOT!I felt sorry for Hermione at Severus' reaction to their "engagement party."  I know Severus felt horrible at the hurt he realized he must have cause her, but I think some small progress was made.  After all, he had sought her out and they discussed their situation without either one loosing their temper or resorting to harsh words.And Harry has got to get a handle on shielding his mind from any and all who would try to enter.  I hope Severus can help him find the strength he needs to be able to survive his coming encounter with Voldemort.Another wonderful chapter!Beth

OMG!  I can't wait to find out what happens when Remus and/or Tonks tell someone/anyone/everyone that Severus has just proposed to Hermione.That scene in the Entrance Hall was wonderfully seductive, so I can understand why Remus would have come to that conclusion, but it's sure to precipitate the kerfluffle of the decade when it comes out that "Severus has asked Hermione to marry him."  I can't wait to find out what happens!I love this story so much!  Thank you for sharing it with all of us who have come to love it!Beth

That did it this time.  He's gonnna send her way for meddlig now..."Severus, I—"He pulled away violently and roared, "GET OUT!"This is FABULOUS story telling!!Beth

Oh Good Lord!  That woman will never learn.... when Severus SHOWS you something AND TELLS you that it is not to be trifled with.... he means it is dangerous and will likely kill you if venture too close... which Hermione has just done!Wasn't she supposed to be getting breakfast?  What about the freakin' breakfast?What's about to happen can't be good.....Tense, tight chapter, next chapter...Beth

I am thrilled that Severus has finally told Hermione that he loves her.  Hard headed man!!!"Silly witch."She called over her shoulder, "I heard that.""Oh, that you hear."Reading the above passage made me laugh out loud.Very witty and a good tension reliever after the beginning of this chapter.If Severus and Harry think Minerva is angry now... just wait till gets a'hold of them after Severus has ignored "a direct order."  He is either very brave or very crazy!  8^)Wonderful writing, as always.Beth

Rats!  He managed to drag out his answer long enough for the damned Veritaserum to wear off.Oh well, he loves her... I know he does!!!Evil cliffie, Ana, this is an evil cliffie.  And you are an evil genius!  BTW, have I told you what a great story you've got here?  8^)Beth

OMG!  I thought for a minute that Hermione was going to bolt before she could finish her part in the spell.  Thank Merlin! she didn't!  Now, what the hell has happened since she ran out of the room?!?!?I've gotta go... to the next chapter!Beth

The best of Gryffindor shown in Hermione this night.  She fought for what she wanted and protected it with all her heart.  Severus is a very lucky wizard, indeed!

And now Remus knows about them from none other than the Headmistress herself.  When I read the following passage, I wondered if this was Severus' way of telling Hermione that someday he might have no choice but to answer a summons from the Dark Lord and wanted her to know how to learn everything necessary to be able to fight Voldemort herself:“Can you see now why we need you? No one is more knowledgeable of the Dark Arts" [...] “Can I trust that you will stay?”Severus seemed to be contemplating. After a long while, he nodded slightly and rose.“Follow me.”Another intense and well-written chapter, Ana.

Beth

Voldemort must be furious with him for ignoring the summons so many times.  I hope that Severus will be all right, but I'm afraid that he will return badly injured.Perhaps Harry will get it together in time to do something to help him since Hermione is in love with Snape, and, like it or not, Harry owes him something for making him a better fighter.Having them duel in the dark was a great way for Harry to learn to depend on senses other than his sight.  Besides, Minerva didn't want to have to watch...Thank you for a great chapter,Beth

There isn't anything about this chapter that I would change.  It has humor, pathos, romance, resignation, and hope.The best lines in the entire chapter are:“Severus, I need to speak with you when you're finished there, please,” Minerva said loudly. She strode by without stopping and patted him on the back.   [...]   “Oh, and ten points from Slytherin for snogging in the halls!”Second favorite passage is:“Fine! Fine! I'll take it!” Lowering his voice he snarled, "Only because you're totally humiliating me in public. Let me loose and I'll take the damn thing."I'm glad that, for now at least, Severus has decided not to answer Voldemort's summons.You know, every "next chapter" becomes my new favorite... and I think that must be the mark of a good writer!!!  Well done, again!Beth

Hermione left no doubts about what she thought of Severus' remarks to Harry concerning "his nurse."  It was a fun and funny scene.  Their affection for each other seems to be a very comfortable thing in spite of their sometimes guarded glances and halting phrases.I'm glad that Minerva and Severus were able to speak honestly about Albus' death.  It must have meant so much to Severus that she accepts that he had no choice but to carry out Headmaster's order to kill him.  And it must have meant a lot to Severus to hear from the Headmistress that she approves of the growing love he and Hermione share.And Severus must be very gratified that his efforts to teach Harry how to fight against the Dark Lord... and survive that fight... have begun to pay dividends.  Perhaps one day the Professor and The Boy Who Lived will be able to regard one another as friends and equals rather than as grudging enemies who need each other to survive.Fabulous chapter!!!  Beth

I thought they would NEVER get around to the first kiss!  "Severus kissed her softly. He moved from her lips slowly, waiting to see if she would change her mind. When she closed the gap and kissed him on her own, a tangible sense of relief passed between them. They remained close in tentative silence for several minutes before Hermione sat up." Whew!  That was worth waiting for.... Severus knows just how to make Harry lose his temper, and it in doing so while they duel that Severus will teach Harry everything he needs to have any chance at all against Voldemort!Marvelous chapter!!!Beth

It is very interesting that the thing that caused Severus to nearly lose his composure, and his control, was that when he blocked Harry's “Petrificus Totalus!” and it nearly harmed Hermione.This just keeps getting better and better!!!   Beth

Indignation becomes grudging respect which becomes gratitude.Severus is intrigued with Miss Granger's response to him.  Perhaps thinking on Minerva's admonishment to "Try being nice to Miss Granger for once," will cause him to pay more attention to his response to Hermione, too.It seems that they are becoming more attracted to each other with each passing hour.  And this can only be a good thing!  Besides, Minerva seems to be in favor of it.Good chapter!Beth

Great Lord!  What is Harry thinking?  Hermione had better think of something to placate her friend before he does something they will all regret!The combination of suspense and humor is a winner.Beth

An amazing and enticing beginning to a story I look forward to reading to its conclusion.  I just read Animated Night" and loved it!I was going to read "No Loyalty In the Moonlight" by Ariadne first, but I soon realized that it was a WIP, and in as much as I am already following several, I decided to read this one now and save NLItM till later.Beth

I think Severus idea of silence is a good one. He seems to do a spectacular job of putting his foot in his mouth. Harry & Snape need a rubber room to practice in. The great hall is not going to survive!

I wonder did Minerva hear their conversation?

Holy cats the books must sense a weak presence in the Snape rooms and are going for it!

Well what else are they supposed to think seeing him on bended knee??

The man is a moron! You would have thought he would have picked up that honesty is the best policy and then he breaks her heart. Bad potion master bad.

Oh sure he brings her to the candy store but he wont let her buy any. Such torment for a book fiend like Hermione!

Very sneaky Severus to leave in the dark. Hermione is going to have your hide for this!

My favorite line in this chapter is "Oh, and ten points from Slytherin for snogging in the halls!” Hahahahah!