Another wonderful chapter.  I feel very sad for them, Severus especially.

Idiot. 

Not that I necessarily believe he did anything in reality, but just teasing her with the thought is cruel enough. 

Still hanging on every word! 

Hmm, I wonder what she made of that?  And every time it seems Severus' opinion of himself can't get any lower ... it does.  Killer ending line, and how evil to leave it like that so we readers don't quite know (though I think we can guess) what he thinks of that possibility!

I completely agree that he WOULD take a foul stick of burning tobacco into his lungs for the same reason that he would try to apply a Muggle version of Obliviate in the attempt to drink himself silly.  For an intelligent, sensitive man he can be a huge berk way too often - which is, as one of your other reviewers points out, just one of the many reasons we love him so.  He's human - way too human. 

And once Hermione has had time to think on what she's just seen, she is learning so much faster than he is and will, I dearly hope, apply that learning in a more constructive way.  He is so lucky that she is not a silly teenaged girl anymore, and, though, he is the responsible for much of her rapid maturation, the teacher needs to catch up to the student.

But not necessarily in the next couple of chapters!

And please let us see Bella get her comeuppance, preferably at Hermione's hand.  'Twould be so delicious to watch her realize how ineffective her magic is now that Severus has developed a true appreciation of horrid hair!

Yay, Hermione!  I absolutely love the way she faced Dumbledore down.  About bloody time!

Severus Snape is much too fastidious to smoke. Anyone who brews potions which must have the correct look, SMELL, and consistency would never dull their olfactory nerve with cigarettes. And he would not be careless enough to actually eat anything around Bellatrix, he is perfectly aware she would love to poison him.This chapter is not your usual style. You can do immensely better.

Another emotionally charged chapter.  You have me hanging on every word. Bravo!  Hermione is smart enough to see through this drama, I hope.  If this is for a future show for Voldy then it is a darn good one and SS/HG need to clear a space above the fireplace for Oscar.  I look forward to your next update.  

They both definitely have communication issues.  but the good thing about that is that Severus is the first to point them out (rather than Hermione first).  More interesting that way.

OH NO!  Poor Hermione.  Poor Severus... They are never going to catch a break from either side are they?

What a stubborn, infuriating man!  Of course, that's why we love him and that's why the 'ship works.  Looking forward to more!

Snape really is determined to be miserable, isn't he?  He can trick the Dark Lord with half-truths but can't see that Hermione at 17 is not a child. 

I so would have smacked him-- and with all the emotion wandless magic could afford!  Either that, or tried to slip pass those mental shields while they were down and see what brought this on--  she knows him better by now, why always the outraged virgin-- even I'M not that off.  Now for something completely different-- I agree with the above, best chapter yet!  (well, aside from the wedding in the crypt.)

OMG he is sooo in trouble now!  She'll not forgive him easily, me thinks. 

That Parkinson man is well creepy and very disturbed.  Fancy offering your daughters as a way of courting favour in old Mouldysnorts circle.  Gross!  He needs a good slap.

Brilliantly written as always.

Best. Chapter. Yet. The opening was absolutely horrific, and the momentum built till, well, you know the end! Mia, you are getting GOOD at this writing thing.

Thank you so much!!!

Brava Hermione! I would have done the same thing ( although the thought of smacking him across the face would have crossed my mind) that was the perfect thing she could have done. He was deliberately trying to goad her because he felt like shit! *Sniff* Our little girl is growing up! *sniff* :)

Great chapter! As always!

Livvy

Hell Yeah!!  Hermione the Magnificent.  About time they all acknowledged his true worth!

Good for Hermione for sticking up for her husband.  I'm sure he's not used to anyone defending him, nor would Dumbldore be used to insubordination, as he put it.  Wonder what the Dark Lord wants now?  I'm sure it isn't chocolates.

Brilliant!  I knew Severus would have an out.  I love how you are molding a dysfunctional, miserable relationship into a dysfunctional... well, not happy per se, but loving and devoted relationship.  Yay!  >.<

Well, glad to see Charlie at least sees her as something other than another bloke. And her Gryffindor stand might be just what Severus needs to keep him going.

I have no great love for the Weasley clan, but I do appreciate the Twins.  Good thing Hermione blew up some of their discards, or else it could have been one of Malfoy's gonads, eh?!  I thought that Hermione was awfully brilliant with her restraint, just blowing up Narcissa's teapot.  If I were Hermione, I would've splashed wine all over her immaculate dress or sofa or something.

Severus trusting his wife more than his employer?  He should--she's a very powerful witch!  Tsk.  (too bad, dumbles!)

Brava, Hermione!!  That oughta twit ol's Snake Face.  (You go, girl). 

methinks Hermione ought to raid (and perhaps appropriate) gear from her mum's closet more often.  OR better yet, use some of her parents' loot or rather her inheritance to get a better wardrobe for herself (not like she can't afford it,  poor little Rich b*h *cough* girl!)  She may feel most comfortable knocking around in jeans, but she's a married woman/adult witch now and ought to put a little more effort into looking more stylish, sophisticated and presentable.  She's not a kid anymore, nor 'one of the guys' any longer.  Being a bit more 'girly' would do her good. 

That was wonderful.  I loved it.  And Charlie is quite perceptive. 

Yay for Hermione! Can't wait to read the next chapter!

Wow. I have no words to tell you how brilliant, fantastic the whole story. I think every chapter is the best. And I particularly like 2 parts in this one.

First there's Severus' words about Hermione's "horrid hair" and the way he like them. The comparison between her hair and herself and his admiting his admiration to her was just too brilliant.

Second, when Severus and Hermione are being caught in the library after the meeting and are aiming their wands in unisson at the group. That was quite an image.

Congratulations for your great work.