"I am not attending some ridiculous Muggle ritual to celebrate the birth of someone who has been dead for two thousand years"*dies laughing*

Weirdly, I found myself kind of relieved by the conversation with Hooch. I had figured I was supposed to like and trust her, and be happy that Hermione has an adult friend who is NOT Snape, but as enjoyable as her energy has been, sometimes, she'd just make me kind of uncomfortable. This is actually a compliment to you, since it is the realistic sort of discomfort I would be feeling about the Hermione/Snape relationship if applied to real life. You know what I mean? Hooch is Hermione's adult friend, but before this chapter, I don't think Hooch really appreciated that. She considered herself too much the knowledgeable adult for true friendship. And this made all her dire warnings about Hermione's dynamic with Snape slightly disquieting for me, however honest and realistic they were, for I was applying them to her as well, despite the lack of sexual overtones.Basically, I enjoy the fact that the Hooch relationship is advancing as well as the Snape one.Great chapter, as always.

Something does indeed happen:  "Miss Granger, if we are to totally explore the power of the vows we took, I must tell you that over the past three weeks, you have become all that is beautiful to me."  What an exquisite concept, and so perfectly put!A beautiful end to a near-perfect birthday, and how nice to dream of having an ordinary life.   I do so hope that they get to put a plan or two into action, despite (and beyond) the Hallowe'en that is to come....

I think I enjoyed this second part of her birthday even more than the first. There was something so wonderfully heartfelt about it. And I'm really enjoying your Hooch - she's so refreshingly blunt. And Hermione does need someone there for support - someone who is neutral (but rather disposed to be "on her side", at least to an extent) and adult.I also appreciate the reminders now and then of how short a time they've actually been married! When one has been reading a story for months, it's easy to forget (or not consider) that it's only been three weeks for them - and that everything is still so very new, so very raw, so very scary.

So sad - planning on her birthday - trying to be an oridinary couple while he thinks that it all comes to ahead on Halloween. That got me - It was heartbreaking. Good chapter.

Very sweet!  I am continuing to enjoy this story enormously.

Another amazing chapter Mia!I love the second part of the birthday everything was perfect I'm glad Severus was able to give Hermione that one moment of feeling above all others. And also, the way Hermione reacted to that.I'm really sad for Hooch; even though I've never liked her much; to be dismissed like that because she has an unusual gift and it must be horrible to be betrayed like that by someone you care about.I found the discussion at the end hillarious! It really is what a normal couple would quarrel about; and I'm glad Hermione could have at least a little bit of that.And I really do understand why she feels it will make the marriage seem more "real".So umm... my birthday is this Friday so i was thinking... can I have Severus for just that day? Please pretty please? :)Or maybe just another chapter? *hint, hint*Amazing chapter yet again, Mia.

I must say....I love your story. I've read it all in one sitting and it's wonderful. I can't wait for the next chapters... you need to write them a happy ending.

Terrific.

I'm glad Hermione got her wonderful day. I really have to disagree. 'Ordinary' people don't have such wonderfully magical and beautiful days. Only a person as lovely and wonderful as Hermione could have such a perfect day with a person like Severus, at least the way you depict him (which, might I add, is extremely convincing. He is a very believeable Severus). (By the way, I am aware that I blatantly overused the word 'wonderful,' but I really cannot think of another way to describe it.)I really liked how Hermione didn't want to be looked at. She didn't like feeling on display, and she only wanted to purposly make herself look nice for Severus.I'm glad she truly understands how beautiful Severus thinks she is. I'm not saying she's not beautiful. . . it's just that Severus obviously loves her, and love can do strange things to your emotions. . . and visual percepters. (wink wink)Thank you so much for updating! Squeee! I can't wait until the next chapter is up!~Katie

I am glad that Hermione thoroughly enjoyed her birthday. She's now finally convinced that Severus finds her beautiful. Hopefully the following day is not incredibly worse.I still am not sure what Severus plans for Halloween. He doesn't want to think about it, which makes me think that he has something bad planned. But, could he really poison Hermione. I have a feeling that he won't, but I don't yet know if he plans to or not.

I really hope they both make it to christmas! How long are you planning on making this story anyway?

To start, I must begin with an apology.  I've been writing like a madwoman of late and came down with a cold, which means I needed a break.  I'd seen your story mentioned out and about, so I decided to try it.The first few chapters, I found myself wondering what the fuss was about.  It starts with Hermione, desperately asking the Potions Master to marry her.  It will save her from the Malfoys, but the whole thing?  It's been done before.  So, I tell myself, read a few more chapters to be fair and if I don't find something different, something unique, I can go read Objects of Desire for the 400th time.Wow.  Did I ever find something different.  You've added such dimension to the whole MLC theme.  This Hermione is not the shallow panicked girl she seemed at the beginning.  She is screwed up and totally three-dimensional.  Your Snape is extraordinary.  Your Voldemort is nothing less than remarkable in a unique interpretation. I applaud your story, your characterizations, and the vividness of your writing.  I eagerly await the rest of your story.  My only regret is that there isn't a rating higher than 5 stars to offer.  Thank you!

I really enjoyed this chapter and I enjoy in general the attention you bring to the magic that exists in "ordinary" love. I am also highly intrigued and impressed with your combination of "muggle" religion into this piece. I don't think I've read another fic that does so and in adds to the poignancy of the story. When you write about what you know, and don't contrive, you bring reality inot your creation and therefore bring it to life. Your chapters flow eloquently and its always a joy to see when your fic is updated (and how often it is updated!!). Keep up the great work!

Awesome!! I love the ending of the chapter. I also love your characterization of Hooch.  Great!!!!

I'm thankful not only for this story, but also for the fact that I don't have to drive to Barnes and Nobel and buy a paperback copy of it for $10, because there isn't a doubt in my mind that you have the potential to publish your work and sell it for an indecent sum of money, as most authors have the luxury to do these days.In other words: this is wonderful, and thank you for it.I look foward to these chapters more than I have any other fic. I would blather on and get sappy about it but you get it, I'm sure.Have a good one,Sue.

How they could call that an ordinary day for ordinary people is beyond me.  It was simply magical.  Beautifully written and executed, but definately not ordinary.  That is a day that all women dream of and lucky Hermione got to experience it.  Irish

The most successful lie can be when you tell somebody something that they already believe to be true. They will accept it without question, even if it's a blatant lie.I love the way he went about telling her she's beautiful to him.  And I love her insistence on being ordinary right up to the last minute of her birthday.  Wonderful!

Good chapter, I liked the warning Madam Hootch gave Hermione.

That was an absolutely lovely day. 

Okay, now I know what I want for my next birthday!  Wow!  And the artses are lovely as well!

"Even when compelled by magic—and he was obviously Confunded—Father Gadbury knew not to have me take vows I couldn't keep. His eyes positively twinkled when he got to that word, and substituted 'cherish' instead." LOL!  That's awesome! "Our souls were waiting for us to kiss."And I absolutely love this to pieces.

This is a conversation that I imagine will not be an easy one!  *clicks eagerly onward*

And couldn't shake the uncomfortable thought that six years of putting up with the most ungrateful and undeserving Potter and Weasley were what he had to thank for the fact that she was here, in his arms, after all that he had said and done to drive her away.I absolutely loved watching him realize this!

And now you have me back to wondering what he's up to!  *clicks next*