Beautifully sensuous, as always, my dear!  I fear those two are headed for heartbreak even as I wish for this to have a happy ending.

Another beautifully written chapter.

I wanted to slap Ron, tell Harry to mind his own business and shake Severus for his failure to see Hermiones love. 

I await your return to this story with eager anticipation. 

Thank you for this great update!!! I love how you are building this story and I have no problems with waiting for you to write in the exchange before finishing this one. I have followed your writing for years, I know you will finish. While waiting for the exchange stories to be submitted (I love those days when I have  a bunch of new stories to read:-)), I think I will read "The Master of Enchantment" stories all over again, it has been a while and it is a wonderful read while waiting:-))) Oh yes, I love the way you have Harry thinking of Hermione and by that not being so hostile towards Severus. I have never liked the Hermione/Ron pairing (I think I am allergic to it, I get a rash and hig bloodpreassure when anyone suggest that to be a good idea...), and after DH I am uncurable in my love for anyone who makes sure Ron is a prat that no way ever will get his hands on Hermione!!!!!

Oh my those roses are beautiful. I love this story and thank you for telling us that it will be awhile before you can update.  I look forward to reading you new story and the update to this one when it comes.  You really are a terriffic writer.

Take all the time in the world. (Not that I won't still be checking and hoping for lightning to strike or a Time Turner to materialize and whisk your deadlines away.) It's hard to imagine this tale as a short-term lark when it's grown so convincingly and has so many intriguing possibilities -- a newfound alliance of Severus and Harry, as just one example. Who'd want to ruin that? Good luck with all your projects and thanks for the story so far.

Oh, this was so very lovely, as beautiful as the roses...  If we must wait for an update, this is a wonderful chapter to end with for now. I've really enjoyed this story, not just the heat of it, but the growing tenderness and caring between them.  Loved how she took care of him with Mistletoe salve and all, threatening to hex Morgen, and then this chapter with him sending her the roses and arranging for Scampy to come help her get ready for the ball, just so caring... wonderful!

thanks you for your note!  I am so glad that you never abandon a fic.  good to know.  I love this story.  Can't wait to continue reading this fic.ps~ thanks for the pics of the roses, beautiful!

Another great chapter as always.  I am saddened to hear there will be a delay of further chapters, but heartened that you will return.  This is a wonderful story and you are a gifted writer.  I will certainly be here when you get back.  Thanks for sharing, JoAnne

Just when I think you can't come up with anything better, you do. This is gloriously sexy, but it's sad and touching and kind of hopeful at the same time.(So glad that you added milk to Snape's tea )

Poor Severus. He is always looking for a reason for her to be with him, and can't believe she would be there just for him. Sigh. I would be his witch!

If only he could find a witch like that for his own …

There's a part of me that wants to say, 'He has, and she's right there in front of him!' but it isn't that simple.

I love that he establishes a pattern -- starting with colleagues, then dancing with Pansy -- before he can ask Hermione to dance. If he went straight to her, it'd be awfully suspicious.

You are a master of angst! Their words and actions are both passionate and spirited, but there's such a strong, underlying sorrow in every sentence of this story.

I have read many, and say MANY HG/SS stories out there, but this one is bar none the best. I hope Severus doesn't screw this up. Keep up the fab work!

Livvy 

Oh-thanks for the flower pics. Nice touch. 

Sad chapter in several ways.  Poor Hermion has for all practial purposes been abandoned by her friends.  Yhe roses and including the pictures was a very nice touch.  I also see some emotion is creeping into their relationship.  Hopfully Hermione won't be on 'loan' for much longer.

He's so dreamy!  *sigh*

P.S - Ron is a git. 

I am waiting as patiently as possible for an update, which is to say not very patiently at all. All my admiration and a toe tap or two.

There is something, well, magical about the sojourn at Snape's ancestral home.  Your depiction of the snowy Yorkshire setting, the dark green hangings of the interiors, the gorgeous transformation conferred upon Hermione by Scampy, the rivalry that must exist in any proper romance, the more than tacit blessing of the relationship by Snape's family, and the inevitable love that is growing between Severus and Hermione...it's all classic, elegant, lovely.  And she rescues him with her clever potion and unguent!  Wow.  You know your stuff.  Please post another chapter soon.

Wow! absolutly amazing :D Cant wait for more!Pyro

thanks you for your note!  I am so glad that you never abandon a fic.  good to know.  I love this story.  Can't wait to continue reading this fic.ps~ thanks for the pics of the roses, beautiful!

Seems crystal clear to me!!  Figures that Molddy did the same spell on poor Bella. . . . *ugh*.  Can't wait for the next installment. . .  The fact that Hermione has the Nexus rather than Mrs. Snape is a testament to her mettle and spirit, and confirms to me that Madam Prince thinks her more than worthy of Severus (that she gave it to her to wear as a compliment of the highest kind and not for humiliation or embarassment). 

Just who the hell is that green-eyed hussy/bitch of a witch, anyway.  Great to see Hermione giving as good as she gets.  Seems that Madam Prince is not as cold towards her as she seems--but why didn't she tell Hermione of the exact significance of wearing the Nexus??  Was it just her way of manipulating Severus into admitting his feelings for his (soon to be) fiancee openly? 

Serioiusly intense here...wow!

I admit, the Voldemort/Bellatrix scene was truly horrifying, yet I had to keep reading!

What on earth is Severus truly feeling? I can't wait to find out!

Well, well. I do love your plots. They linger in the mind. I also think that Severus has decided that Hermione is HIS and that is that and he will persuade/cajole/coerce her into marriage somehow. Of course, he doesn't yet quite realise how much she values him. Both Morgen and Voldemort, as you've drawn them, are despicable yet completely realistic, given the context. I wasn't squicked, because you don't throw in that kind of thing gratuitously - you don't waste words or plot.So love this story. I was right about its becoming a classic, you know. I want full credit. ;-D 

MMMMM  more yummy goodness.  Even the "almost" squicky parts were damn good.  Can't WaitFor More!!!!

Oh boy the cat is out of the bag and some action is about to hit the fan!  I just love it!

Wickedly entertaining. I love this chapter. More please :) *