Oh wow.Sounds like quite an outfit!

"There are those who only participate in revels, though. Women whose only desire is to please…." She looked up at that. His eyes pierced through her. "With the use of Polyjuice Potion. And Heart's Desire. And lust potions." She felt sick rising in her throat. "Because all they want to do is please… and there are those who are very willing and eager to be pleased in such a manner, and I am not one of those men."

Snape needs to come down from his moral high horse for a minute and wonder why Hermione felt that she would need to resort to polyjuice and other potions to make herself attractive to her husband.  Has he forgotten seeing his own 'look of dismay' at Hermione's body when he performed legilimency on her, or has he not fully realised the repercussions that look would have on her self-image?  He needs to make some amends.

I like your idea of how Voldemort controls his followers, feeding their desire rather than making them fear him. 

Hmm, what was Hermione up to with the ring? 

Amazing how the absolute right clothing can enhance and mature someone. I'm not talking so much "designer" clothes as "correct" clothes (taking into account occasion, body type and coloration). I don't think Severus had any clue what was going to walk out of that bathroom when he had her dress up.

Lots of loveliness in this chapter! And I did like the explanation on Voldemort - and that Severus still wouldn't tell her everything. Looking forward to seeing what all this business with the rings was, too!

Interesting perspective on the Dark Lord. I haven't read about him using that approach on his followers before. It makes more sense than constantly torturing them.

A dark conversation... a cashmere dress... ostentatious rubies vs. gifted rings... decoy thongs; goodness me it's like a particularly extravagant Hollywood production. And to think, that's just the one chapter!As always, I'm immensely enjoying the story, and I wanted to comment that I particularly like the way you have painted Voldemort and the way he controls his followers. It's a different (and perhaps more realistic) method of control than that which seems to be favoured--keeping those proud purebloods cowed through fear alone. Yet the point is made that everything, and everyone is secondary to the Dark Lord and his wishes.

What a tease!   Oh how I love this story.

Great chapter, I wish I had the talent to take characrers, make them AU, but still have them 'in character' so to speak.  I'm willing to bet that is difficult!

I'm enjoying this story so much! I can't wait to see what happens next!! Thank you for updating so often. 

I'm so very happy you update regularly-- can hardly wait patiently for tea at the Malfoys. (And I'm really curious about the research regarding the circumvention of the Ministry rings.)

What's spellwork is she doing with that ring???????? I bet we are not going to find out until after tea! I hope she pulls off a fab preformance at the tea... I am cheering really hard and loud for her!

Oh boy here comes trouble. LOL  I love this story.

What in the world has she done with that ring?  Good job distracting him with the knickers switch. *g*

Oh, why not wear the rubies? I'd have loved to see Narcissa's face when she showed up in rubies!I can understand the guys and the dress - but still a little glitter  wouldn't have hurt?

I really like some of the images you paint in this story. Can't wait for the Malfoys!

Author's Response: Thank you!

oo  I loves a good update, i does  (taken from the woman who loved a god hanging in Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves because THAT would be one SEXY! Snarky! Snape)

I think the reader can understand how Hermione has assumed that Snape would be reasonably unaffected by her proximity in bed.  She seems fairly convinced that he does not find her attractive, so it makes sense that she wouldn't think of him being aroused by her.

I do love Hermione's mum.   Very no-nonsense.

I'm pleased that Snape and Hermione now have a mutual friend/confidante - of sorts -  who seems to have good insight into both of their characters.

Oh this was sweet. I loved the tea at Hagrid's  - but what'd she do to Harry?

OOooooh a Malfoy tea?  If it were me - I'd pull a Moody! Bring Your Own Tea!

I am wondering if the point of the lesson--other than assessing Hermione's wandless ability and providing information for her to ponder--is to have her emotionally wound up? However, I cannot figure out why that would be advantageous. For the rest of my review I totally agree with Reviewer signed:  aeron, and so I say "Ditto."

Is anything good ever going to happen?  The story just seems to go from angst to angst to more angst...What happened to the promised Friday night brewing of that "special potion" and their anticipated "Preparing. Bursting. Releasing." several chapters back?

I really do like your Hooch.  That was good.  I still have these great hopes for Hermione and Severus. 

Awesome, finally a Hooch character which is good. You made her real and not a plot device.

Bwahahaha - Oh, poor Sev! I - ah... Another great chapter and I'm too stunned to even write a decent review to say how good this story really is! Out Dark Lord the Dark Lord! HAHAHAHA!