I'm glad that Severus and Hermione had time to work on her Occlumency.  Even thought she wasn't successful, she did gain an understanding of what he had been trying to get her to understand.  And their time afterward was very loving and something I think they both needed.Perhaps some of the yoga techniques will help Hermione learn to control her emotions... to shut them out so she can occlude anyone trying to gain entrance to her mind.  That would be cool!I wish they could have spent the morning together, but that was not to be.  The note that Severus dropped was written in a swirly feminine handwriting, and he told her he had to see a staff member, but he stumbled over the words a bit.  That made me wonder if it could have been a note from someone like Umbridge who had come to see Alceto Carrow... Things are getting worse – inside the school and outside.  It seemd to me that Draco was taken aback when he found out that Hermione had begun doing random bits of magic when she was only three years old.  The time the he and Crabbe spent with Hermione in Hagrid's garden was illuminationg.  I smiled when Crabbe began asking questions of Hermione about things for their Muggle Studies class AND pulling weeds.  Of course, Draco couldn't be bothered to pull weeds, but I think he was impressed that she had begun manifesting magic at such a young age.Together, Severus and Hermione must make a very powerful combination!  Do they know how powerful they are?  If she can only learn to occlude her mind, there will be no stopping them.The DA is still getting organized, or rather, members are keeping in touch with each other.  I hope no one loyal to Voldemort notices, but I'm afraid that wish is "pie-in-the-sky."MacCavish was treating Hermione is such a threatening way!  Draco and Crabbe showed up just in time.  MacCavish was fortunate that Severus did'nt hex him right there.Lots going on in this chapter!  I'll be watching for your next update!  So glad I finally caught up!Beth

Thank goodness Severus and Hermione had time together.  She is not yet ready for prime time with Legilimency or Occlumency, but I'm glad that Severus has seen what she really had to go trough with Voldemort's private visit with her in the Bridal Chamber.  Now he can understand what was propelling her actions, and not think that she did'nt want to be with him.Umbridge and the Carrows are going to be a major pain in the arse, and my heart goes out to Severus as he tries to balance so many things at once.Wonderful update!  Thanks!Beth

I'm glad that Hermione and friends have decided to join the Charms Club instead of forming a study club based on the membership of the DA.  It seems as if that would have been too dangerous after all.I'm very disturbed that Umbridge has insinuated herself into the running of Hogwarts, but I suppose it was only a matter of time once the Death Eaters had taken over the Ministry.Severus has his hands full trying to protect the student body in general and Hermione in particular.  He has been so busy lately that I worry for his wellbeing.Wonder what he was thinking about when he was staring out the window before he joined Hermione in their bed... he seems very tired, very sad, and very worried lately.  I don't know how he keeps his sanity.Good chapter!Beth

Draco is going to have to work a little harder if he wants to earn Hermione's trust.  There are a lot of years of bad blood to over come.I like that way the DA is being organized as a study club.  It's a good cover until they find out who is in and who is out.The numbers of Wizarding families (that have Muggle-born connections) that have been killed or gone into exile is saddening.  Surely something will happen along the way that will bring the former members of Dumbledore Army back to the fight.The tension never lets up;  I don't know how Hermione keep her head on straight.  Or Severus either for that matter.  Well done!

Beth

I'm glad that Hermione finally understands why she must wear her Blast-Ended Skrewt jewelry.  Perhaps a belt wouldn't be a bad idea.  There are more than enough Voldemort sympathizers around who would like nothing better than to cause her injury.The things that Rowle and Travers said to her were so cruel!  I'd love to know what Severus did to them.  Go, Severus!Draco is not only taking his responsibility to protect Hermione seriously, he is becoming genuinely fond of her as his friend.  Good!The new Muggle Studies curriculum is an interesting idea, and I can see how important it was that Hermione read the book about the history of the bad-blood between wizard and non-magical folk.  Help to put things in perspective, I think.  There is always "our side", "their side," and "somewhere in the middle is the truth."I liked Severus' way of handling Alecto's complaint about Hermione's disruptive behavior in class.  These times when they can be themselves with each other are so important.  To be able to express their feelings in the privacy of their own rooms is a balm to both their spirits.But I did wonder why Severus told her he didn't like her tucking his hair behind his ear.  Was that something Lily had done?  Or perhaps it was something Belinda did that he did not want to be reminded of.  Cillian's news of the "note passing" was did not seem to really disturb Severus.  In fact, it almost sounded like he was a bit glad to hear it:  "And if Longbottom gets them started again… I’ll have to speak to Dumbledore’s portrait about that and pass on this information…"Hummmm...  lots to think about!Beth

Very nice. I really liked this chapter. I can't imagine how frustrated Severus is getting with Hermione not listening to his rule of always having an escort...I keep getting annoyed at her for doing it. LOL. Anyway, great job...can't wait for more! ~Jen

What a first day back at Hogwarts!  I'm glad that Hermione got a chance to visit with her favorite professors in Minerva's office.  It was important to be able to see that they weren't going to refuse to talk to her... just in front of any Death Eaters.  Being able to talk to her friends at the sorting feast was such a treat for her, and getting a long visit with Ginny when she showed the first years to their new home had to have been a godsend for her.  News of Harry and Ron buoyed her spirits, and getting news of their other friends helped Hermione see the bigger picture, too.Gillian was really furious with her for leaving him in the Gryffindor Common Room, and I can  understand how he must have felt.  He has given his promise to Severus to protect her from any and all who would cause her harm, and he can't do that if he cannot see her.  I think their solution was a good one.  I had to chuckle when she told Severus the truth about what had happened and Gillian reaction to that.  She really is upfront with Severus about her activities, and that is all to the good.Thank you for finding a way for Sybill to stay a the school.  I think she will come to play an important roll later on... just guessing, though.Great chapter, dear!Beth

I really like the way you structured this chapter.  Opening with Hermione's awakening from her nightmare about her talk with Voldemort in the Bridal Chamber set a fearful tone for me as I read it and wished that Severus had known the real reason that he found his bride crying the night before... He was so disappointed when they returned to Spinner's End and he found her in tears.  It broke my heart.But when you closed with this sweet, sweet love making between our Severus and Hermione... Well, lets just say my spirits were greatly lifted!!!  Thank you.The discovery that Narcissa had given Peren to Hermione was just the icing on the cake.  The little house-elf is adorabe and absolutely devoted to her mistress!!!  This is a very good thing, and I believe it will be crucial later in the story... I'm only guessing, of course, but if I were in Hermione's position at Hogwarts with all the Death Eaters around, I'd like knowing that I had my own personal house-elf whose devotion was to me and not the school.Cillian is a great character, and I believe he will be a great friend to Hermione, too.  He and Severus are long-time devoted friends, and I think he will be a staunch defender of Hermione.  No doubt the Carrows will be determined to show their disapproval of Severus' marriage to the Muggle-born witch and will be determined to humiliate her at every opportunity.Great plot development, bea!  And a great story!Thanks so much!Beth

So she was precocious with her magic too? :)

The hand-fasting was beautiful, and the bridal chamber was... a show for everyone else so they could be certain that Severus and Hermione had consummated their marriage.I wish Hermione had been willing to open up to Severus about what the Dark Lord had said to her, the things that made her cry.As it is, he thinks that she doesn't want him.  Arrrruuuggghhh!Still and all, I'm glad they are married.  Good chapter again!Beth

Hermione's audience with the Dark Lord was a scary thing, but she handled herself well.  At first I was surprised by how accommodating Voldemort was to her refusal to Curcio the Rat, but then I realized that he was wooing her to his side and was using this time to make her believe that he was good to his followers.Wormtail got punished, but he deserved much worse, I think.  Perhaps the mercy Hermione showed him will reap benefits at a later time.I found her reaction to seeing Severus in the hallway when she had left the Dark Lord's presence was a relief.  Now I think she is beginning to trust him, and perhaps her marriage to him will not be unpleasant to her.  I think they are both coming to understand one another better and to have a little more faith in each other.  Belinda is a nasty piece of work.  It was a good thing Draco and Cillian were there to keep her from trying on those Widower's Robes and the pearls.  Severus is sure to be livid when he learns of her efforts to kill his Hermione.Lots of good stuff in this chapter, too!Beth

Good for McGonagall for refusing to give up her position as Deputy Headmistress!  She is a formidable witch!  And I was happy to see Alecto Carrow ended up on the wrong side of the Dark Lord's displeasure.  The quick action of Severus, Cillian, and Draco saved Hermione's life.  I was afraid that Lupin's unwillingness to allow Severus to take the part of Hermione's body that had splinched to Grimmauld Place would cost her her life.  Thank goodness Tonks had the presence of mind to go along with him.The Healers worked together so quickly and so well that they were able to heal her!!!  Ya!  I'm glad that after a few days Hermione will be able to be up and around again.  I thought the way you described this scene was bloody brilliant!  Well done.Now, after Healer Bastula leaves in a day or so, will Severus tear Wormtail to pieces?  He would deserve it!Another wonderful chapter, bea.Beth

OMG!  I seems that nobody is having a good day today. Hermione is still pissed-er than hell.  Cillian's interfering sister, Belinda, is conniving to get him married off to the dumb-assed bitch-witch from a "proper" pure blood family.  And Cillian is in love with Dianne, but still not ready to marry.Draco was summoned by the Dark Lord.Hermione has been attacked by the Rat, and, apparently, tried to Disapparate when they fell throught the back door into the garden.I'll bet the "not-exactly-Wolfsbane" potion is going to be ruined.And when Severus gets home and finds out what has happened, he is going to be on one helluva warpath!The only thing that did go right is that Hermione was able to communicate with Harry a bit via her Galleon.Garn!  I'm off to see what's happened in the next chapter!  Great work, BTW!Beth

That’s preposterous. She won’t be able to do it… No, Cillian – he’s the better choice.Who were Severus and Cillian talking about?  Or was Severus talking to himself about Cillian being the better choice?Wow!  So much has happened that I hardly know where to start.  The biggest this is that Hermione now understand without a doubt that she is to be married to Severus.  And that they will have to consummate their union.  In less than two weeks!Yikes!  Severus has his work cut out for him if he is to gain her trust.  I don't know what is going to happen, but whatever it is, it will be interesting!Gotta go read the next chapter!Beth

what about crookshanks? :-(

Just wanted to say this story is fantastic.  I had not read any of it previously but spent all of last night and this morning reading the whole thing.  I've read your other works and loved them, but have so many WIP's I am trying to follow I didn't want to get started on yet another.  But I was at a lull between stories, saw you had updated to chap 20 and decided to take the plunge, and now my dear you have totally sucked me in!!!   As someone else said already, this one has all the makings of a classic HG/SS, an epic.  I hate it when fans tell writers to hurry and update, but you have us all on the edge of our seats and hope the muse and RL will continue to cooperate for the continuation of this tale.

In your author's notes you said that not a lot was going on in this chapter, but I found it filled with hints and clues galore!  There are numerous new faces and any number of possible interpretations.  Great work, bea!

Some of the things that stood out to me are:• Severus had them researching the beneficial use of venoms.• He had them learning the interactions of common botanicals when combined with leech juices and snake venoms (both of which are known to contain enzymes which can alter the direction of chemical reactions -- you've done your research well).• Hermione's abilities in brewing potions is far superior to Draco's.• Severus sends cryptic messages to one or more people warning them of dangers.• Severus is teaching Hermione how to occlude her thoughts.• Master Humfred Ogden seemed to be very fond of Severus, and Severus obviously held him in great regard.  I think the potions he gave to the Healer must have been antidotes for the unusual poisons that had been showing up lately.• Severus planted a false memory in Hermione's mind of Cillian standing next to them to replace the memory of Master Ogden.• Cillian is a friend of Severus' and regrets taking the Mark just like Severus does.• Before Apparating them to "the snake's lair." Severus gave Hermione a Calming Draught.Another wonderful chapter!Beth

Hawt!  That kiss was soooooo full of passion and want from both of them.  I loved how each was surprised by their reaction to the other!This gets better and better!  Well done!Wormtail is still Worntail, a disgusting excuse for a wizard, and I wonder just what instructions the Dark Lord has given him.  Certainly he is a spy, a teller of tales, placed in Severus' home to report back... but perhaps Severus can devise a way to make the Rat discredit himself in the eyes of Voldemort.When Draco took Hermione's notes, I could feel her outrage.  Those were her notes!  Hers!

I like that in her reading about Dark Wizards she is discovering that not all history books are the same, and that what has been left out of the books in the library at Hogwarts can, literally fill volumes.  There seems to enough blame to go around for both sides.  The torture of wizarding folk by the non-wizarding population for hundreds of years played a large roll in the animosity evident today between "pure-bloods" and Muggle-born.Great chapter!Beth

Thanks for updating!   I look forward to reading more!

I started reading again from the beginning, and find this is the same great story it was when RL got in the way and I left off reading in mid-December last year.  Kudos!I love how you have Severus wondering to himself if Hermione could really have feelings for him:  "He looked at the girl – young woman – lying in bed with him and mentally traced the features of her face again. How could this snippet of a girl think that I am her heart’s desire? I’m not even sure I like her… His body belied the discontentment in his mind as his erection grew harder." In her sleep she unconsciously gravitates to him... throwing her arms and legs over him, resting her head on his shoulder... and I think he has a real attraction to her, but can't trust what he sees because he doesn't' know the nature of the enchanted parchment that brought her to him in the first place.  Severus is continuing her "education" during the time they spend in the potions lab and the sitting room, library.  Without Draco being aware, Snape is teaching her her spells and incantations, curses and counter curses that she will one day need to know.  Very clever!

I was glad tat she and Draco had the "discussion" during the meal so that Hermione realized that Draco had done everything he knew to do to save her life after Wormtail had injured her so badly on the stairs. The time Hermione spent in the bedroom while Severus talked with Draco before he had to answer his summons gave her an opportunity to gain a very different understanding of the history of Dark Wizards though out history... very different from that ones taught at Hogwarts.  Hummmm... very interesting!

I found Severus' reaction to finding Hermione curled up asleep on the floor just outside his bedroom touching.  He doesn't know what to do with/about her.  He only knows that there is much more going on than he can see right now.

Good chapter, bea!

Beth

Oh my! what happened when Snape came back from the hall? Please update soon!!!!

Nice chapter, I liked it!!

I love this story.  And I know it's silly of me to say "Write more chapters fast!", but that's how I feel.  I can't wait to see what happens next.

Welcome back, I'm glad to see a new, long chapter. The situation is becoming more tense and dangerous, no telling how many people are living on the edge. Loved the chapter.

Oh, very interesting.  I loved the gardening scene best.  Poor Draco just doesn't get it.  I think he's a bit surprised that Hermione was doing magic at age three however...