Perfect:) The vow Hermione makes to Severus as she slides on his ring is the one I think has more meaning than any other wedding vow I have ever heard, and I LOVE this entire chapter:)I'm in awe:)Love,Fizzabella

Lovely chapter!  Was so excited to see the update.  Like how she dismissed his worries about his paternity, and hope that he was right to dismiss the traces he felt of Bellatrix in the wine celler...  The nosey dog's name was quite appropriate.  Looking forward to the next! 

Mia, I cried.  I'm so happy to see and read your update I'll b e singing YOUR acculades in my sleep.  You're incredibly rich and diverse and your betas angels.  Thank you so much for writing this fic, its a pleasure to read and enjoy all the more!

I think what separates good writing from really great writing and enjoyable stories from true epics are the little scenes that support the big moments.  Your story is filled with simple yet intricate scenes that mean so much.  In this chapter the scene that really got to me is where Hermione gets her present from Severus.  I can feel her emotions of the moment leap off the screen by the way you write.  It was all right there -- her disbelief to ever receive it and his at finally understanding her earlier reluctances.  It means everything in the context of the story and yet is handled simply.  Very smooth writing.  As usual you have provided an excellent reason to be patient between postings.  Have a wonderful holiday and I look for to your next submission, JoAnne

How beautiful. Midnight Mass is my very favourite service of the entire year. It was lovely, and I adored his reactions to it. The darkness of his fear played against the light of his love for Hermione give the most realistic portrait of the anxiety most of us feel. Beautifully executed.

This chapter is awesome.  with a little preamble this could stand alone.  very impressive

I don't know what to say.  This is my second read of it, and both times I came to the same conclusion.  It's perfect.

Oh no!  I can't wait to read what happens next!  This has been a hell of a ride so far...

Escort Madame Snape home?? And she's just going to leave quietly with LUCIUS?? Maybe she can do some wandless teapot magic on his bits, hmmm?
Your story is the first thing I check for when I sit down at my computer, thank you for the faithful updates!!

Ooh. An intruguing plot twist. I don't think it bodes well for any of our beloved characters, though.

I do want to make a comment on the fact that Severus doesn't want people to know that he's having sex with Hermione: why doesn't he just do it, and if it gets out, tell The Dark Lord that he's just 'seducing' her. I think the Dark Lord expects it, and that he'd be more surprised if Severus wasn't. . . enjoying. . . his 'child bride'.

And Hermione thought Madame Hooch was bad. At least that 'malice' was in the interest of helping her. Not so much with Narcissa. Things are getting very strange and interesting.

Really liked this chapter. I think because we got a glipse of Snape as a boy. Usually, if SS is depicited as a young Slytherin, it is him, alone and reading/brewing/etc. and never around any friends. I think the reason this chapter stood out to me was because, as per canon, we know that Sev had at least some friends - Lucius and the like - so this approach of him with Bellatrix while Lucius was with Narcissa seemed more realistic to his adolescence. That said, when I read this chapter the first time, and got to the end with Lucius being told to take Hermione home, all else about the chapter was forgotten as I was completely engrossed in the fear that I'd imagine Sev to feel at that exact moment. It was a great cliffhanger :)Great writing as usual!!

Oh!  Here's hoping Lucius doesn't have standing orders from old Voldie on what to do when he gets her alone.  Poor Severus.  He's f***ed no matter what, isn't he.  Two masters that don't seem very please AND a pissed off, jealous wife.  I wouldn't want to be in his shoes right now.  *snerk*Thanks for the update.  I don't review as often as I should, but I've been following every chapter.  Good show.

I don't like the thought of Severus being alone with Voldie................neither do I like Hermione being escorted back by Malfoy its making me feel very uneasy.Loving the story and the way you are spinning it.

Uh Oh!  I think somebody is in trouble -- and not just with the Dark Lord either.  Severus is in for it when he gets home, I think.  I was expecting a lot from this tea and you didn't disappoint.  Lucius had better watch out as well.  Something tells me he thinks he can handle (or should I say man-handle) Hermione.  And I think he is in for a big surprise.  Can't wait for your next installment.  Thanks for sharing, JoAnne

Excellent chapter.  Such a power play going on and I believe that Hermione came out on top!  Got a feeling the old Mouldysnout is a little upset with Severus and hopefully Lucius isn't going to try anything naughty when escorting Hermione home.

ouch!  Is Severus in trouble?  Hermione certainly won that battle of wills.

Oh, I love the fact that Bella and Severus have a history - that should make for an interesting conversation when they get back! And Lucius escorting? Oh, I can't wait!

very good i like the shattering teapot

This last chapter is so intriguing.  Just thought I'd let you know how much I enjoy this story.  Please update soon!

Tea with the Malfoys was worth the wait!  Lots to enjoy here: Snape realising just how much his priorities have shifted since his marriage, Hermione outclassing Narcissa, Voldemort trying to assess the state of play in Snape and Hermione's marriage...

The history with Bella, though, ouch!  Hermione's already insecure regarding her femininity - and now she's going to be comparing herself to the beautiful Bella.  Oh dear.

This was a real stinger:

The girl’s movement exposed the back of her head. And the heavy coil of glossy black hair. With a wand shoved through at a diagonal, holding it securely in place. Bellatrix Black. "I knew someone once who…" She fought for calm, fought not to show how bloody hard it was to breathe.

Ouch and double ouch.  I don't imagine she'll be letting Snape do that again in a hurry! 

Again, cracking chapter. 

So cool, what exactly is the rings secret? It wasn't disappearing underwear...

I've lost track of how many times I've read this, but I'm in awe of your accomplishment with each and every reading. To write something over that time span and never lose the thread of your tale, to not lose "tone" or voice, to just FINISH it ... when so many others have given as time went on... Well, thank you once again for this gift to fandom.

I wish he could have let her wear the rubies.  That would have knocked Narcissa off her feed, wouldn't it? 

Fabulous!

Thank heavens for thongs!!!!!