yes oh yes.  loving this story!  loving you too!  thanks so  much

Wonderful, just wonderful. One of my favourite chapters in this story so far! There was just so much passion and love in it. It's so good to see how determined Hermione is to make the others see his true worth - which, as was obvious from Lupin's not so kind words, a lot of them are certainly not seeing.

I guess I am still holding a grudge (and a heavy, slimy, prickly thing it is).  I want to see Dumbledore held accountable for nearly killing Hermione.  He hasn't even apologized and no one has called him on it.  They are acting like it never happened and actions that severe should have consequences.  Significant, personal consequences.

I like the way you write Hermione and Severus as valuing different things -- and sometimes being confused by one another -- while at the same time valuing one another.  It is clear to Severus that Hermione values him and it is clear to Hermione the Severus values her (even her hair).  I like the way they are both strong and use their strength for the good of the other instead of being self-centered.

I loved this chapter!  I loved the tention as harry and co. figured out the date, the way Her,ione publically stood up for her husband even the twins razzing the Snapes for their kiss.  Very well done!

Huzzah!!  You updated, I gotta ask though, how do you maintain your energy and focus?  This is a wonderful story and I love it.  And while I know it must come to an end at some point, I hope it won't.

Simply put this chapter is stunning!

I love the way you write the developing relationship between Severus and Hermione.  Her ardent defence of Severus made me catch my breath - she was right to be insubordinate, how dare they treat him like that.

A joy to read.

A most unusual lesson from a most unlikely source.  But at least Hermione now knows the extent of her increased power.  Interesting chappie & duel.

Strange girl.  She grew up "to the manor born" and all, but she squeals when she encounters Severus' humble little abode. 

Well, if that's what the Hogwarts staff really thinks of her, that's rich.  Maybe she should just transfer to Beauxbatons.  Or better yet, Durmstrang.  *grr*  Especially those remarks of McG's.  Terrible.

I love tea cos it's steamy!  (silly grin on my face). 

Ouch.  Ouch!  Just when I thought they had trust between each other--POW.  *sigh*

Harry has to frakking go and spoil her visit to Hagrid's hut, the Git.  He deserves her hex.  I'm just frankly surprised she had it in her after her session w/Dumbles.

I really love how comfortable they are together in the beginning of this chapter. It shows a massive transition for Severus to admit to her that he finds her beautiful.

I wonder if Severus will finally realise that he is loved, and Hermione is not having childish romantic dreams. She is genuine.

I also loved how you brought Charlie into this chapter, to point out to the blind Order members that he is not taking advantage of Hermione.

Brilliant chapter!

wouldn't Potter turn a funny shade if he really knew what (rather, whom) landed Hermione (briefly) in the infimary? 

Yay!  Hermione and Severus are getting even closer.

How anyone can doubt their love for each other after this chappie is -- !  Protective Snapey's the best kind!  Damn--third level?  Dumbles has some nerve.  Isn't that the kind of stuff Voldy does? *shudders*

i'm really really enjoying your story.  When did you get so wise, Miss Madwyn?  You have some very nice thoughts on love and loyalty and its nice to read and meditate on for a while.  Thanks for your generosity in writing, as always.

Snape is especially disarming and charming in a non-forced way when he's (genuinely) smiling or in a (Merlin forbid) 'good mood.'  And now I keep thinking of Mrs. Malfoy's invitation with Voldy present. in Drag.  Ya know, "the Dark Queen" & all.  LOL.

I like the way Hermione forces Severus to regard her as himself, not as voldy's Toy/Tool.  she has formidable strength even at her most vulnerable moments.  Ha!

Fabulous, just wonderful. update soon!

lovely kiss.  Too bad Voldy had to butt in.  {mutters about Dork Lords and their perfect timing, *sigh*}

"You and Me against the World."  That's the song title that comes to mind when I think of them, and their interaction.  Funny how you've made them seem so romantic, so intimate and dare I say it, loving in a situation that outwardly looks like anything but.  They have a lot of obstacles and baggage, but they also have the potential to be so true for each other. 

OMG SQUEAL!!!!!!!  I *love love LOVE* it that Arthur stood for him, in ways I cannot even articulate!

I really always had this impression that the adult Weasleys felt great respect for Snape and would consider him more or less one of the family if he would allow it.  He taught all seven of their children, and for a people as genial and hospitable as the Weasleys, that's nothing to sneeze at, even in a community as insular as the British Wizarding World.

And that's *before* you take into account that they are all quite probably very well aware that Snape was one of the Order's spies (perhaps the only?) in the first war. And the second.

I can see Molly being utterly beside herself with grief that Snape wouldn't eat at Order HQ until someone explained to her that it has nothing to do with her cooking, and everything to do with Occlumency; the less he has to hide, the easier it is to hide the things he needs to.

I can see her "anonymously" sending him his favourite dishes, and a cake on his birthday, and even a Weasley jumper for Christmas (in green and grey, of course). ;)

Yes, well, where was I going with this?  *scatters own brain*

Oh, yes!  I would like to see some more information on how exactly the Blood Oath works.  :)

Good chapter - sensual, passionate and caring. I loved how it started with them holding each other and then how she stood up for him with the order - cannot wait for the next...

Great chapter!!!

Another beautiful chapter!

I can't say that when Hermione was so wonderfully brave, I wasn't thinking at all about the consequences. I was just thinking 'Go Hermione, go! You rock!'

It was also really touching how Hermione was up there, sobbing, because she thought that Severus was unloved.

And how it took them so long to catch on to what she was trying to tell them, in the kitchen? And how it was Ron who finally figured it out! Go Ron! He deserves the little fame he gets, because really, he's not such a duffer! I mean, if he wasn't at least a little brave and courageous, he wouldn't have been put in Gryffindor, would he've? I think not! He would've been a 'Puff for sure! That's proof right there, y'all.

Sorry for that little monologue. It was a really great chapter, with all the emotions and scenes and plot playing out well, and staying flowing the whole time.

If that made any sense at all!

Thanks so much! I just love all you people who have the courage to put up a story!

~Katie