Since when hasn't Rita's articles caused troubles? But yes, Severus knows she's full of tripe!  Thank you and I hoep you like what follows. Than you for the review and the lovely stars. Hugs~

Thank you very much. I never left - only got bogged down a bit. lol Yes, there is progress, thankfully! Yes, there is more!  I just sent 'more' to my beta!  Thank you for readign and for the review.

Thank you so much, doll. Happy Christmas and Merry Holidays

I think Severus complied because Hermione told him he didn't have to say anything too personal, just basic stuff. That's a safe place to start. And Harry ate it up like cream!  You are very welcome for the update. Happy Christmas and Merry Holidays

Yes, a bit of a mystery added to boot!  You'll see a big scene (actually a few) that follow Talfryn's recovery. Pepper will endear herself to Severus, and Hermione will find out what happened... oops. spoiler. There will be a trail - mentioned on this. Narcissa's trail is coming up, Draco will make an appearance. Lucius will offer some advice as will Narcissa (to him and her) LOL  And Luna's wedding is a chapter all on it's own! sort ofBut that's what I have planned and partially written and several chapters started, in parts, and dialogue... sorry rambling.     Anyway, did I thank you for the review - if not. Thank you. I really get the warmest fuzzy feeling big smiles recieving them.

Thank you very much. Yes, I'm getting a bit of a subplot in, two actually -- and you'll see a wedding and a bit of a trial in the next few. Plus trying to get two very emotionally scarred (him) and inexperienced and hurt (her and him) into a 'healthy relationship' that will last.They have some 'leaning' to do and some 'baggage' to drop... BUt Yes, there is Romance in this. LOLI really appreciate the compliment. I'm flattered that you like my stories so much, makes writing and sharing all the more rewarding.  I am one more proof read away from sending the next chapter of this one to my betas, and my next chap of Parchment is nearly written (needs a few proof reads and major clean up) and my next Tower chapter is ready to see my beta's red ink quill (plus I have to draw the picture for that one. Suppose I'll do one or two this weekend)  So these will be updating as soon as I can. I'm not abandoning them - any of them. Tower, is nearly complete - I have one more to write. (chap#25)  So, hopefully, you'll have them soon. Thank you for the sweet review and the support. Hugs~ bea

Wow, thank you very much. I"m so flattered you think so. You're very welcome and I hope to ahve the next one ready really soon. It is one proof read away from being sent to my betas.

Thank you very much. I wnated a nice 'morning after' even though they didn't have sex, it was very intimate for Hermione. I have the next chapter nearly - not quite ready to post. Working on it.  Thank you for the review.

Thank you very much. I'm glad that you like Talfryn Prince. and yes, things between Severus and Hermione have taken a step forward. Thank you for the review.

It was? Thank you! LOL Severus' act of 'gentle' was just despiration for keeping her around, enve if it meant keeping himself in his pants! It's frustrating to sleep with and not touch! teehehehe AND Ron had just gotten bad news and was directed to keep her at the shop, with Harry, Bob, and Ron (as Aurors) inside the shop/flat!  He was following orders!  But he is admiting that she is sticking with Snape.  Thank you for following along, I appreciate it. Thank you for the review.

Sometimes guys forget what 'real intimacy' is - and guys, no it's not foreplay or sex. LOL Yep, Severus' instincts pulle dhim in the right direction. Thank you very much for the review.

Thank you very much,

. As a spy that little voice can be rigth useful. Yes, another talk with Narcissa or Lucius is ahigh probability. Thank you for the review.

Thank you. So sorry about the wait. Thank you for sticking with me and the review.

Thank you very much. I have a few action packed chapters coming up... Hermione heard what she needed to hear and I agree Molly should have, but might have. Who knows if the owl could have found her?  It didn't find Severus!These two Dolohovs are a nasty... think gang or KKK bad guy who love to make/do bad things.  Since Severus showed his loyality and stood up on their side at the battle, a few - more than a few of their eyes were opened. Then all the truth came out - most of the profesors (McGonagall included) feel a bit ashamed that they didnt' see it, or realize that he was really acting in the best interest of the kids. Nah, he is not going to have staff troubles with anyone but Sybill!Pepper is  alot of fun, but then I love house-elves. I keep asking for one for Christmas, birthdays, Valentinesday... dosen't work though. Poppy will have.Lucius' trial is set for a 'week' Hermione's first week back in school. You'll see some more Lucius. and Narcissa and a bit of Draco. eventually.  Lucius is still under house arrest until his trial, but his help will be taken into account. Severus was only upset/angry about the bad potions Talfryn is being given.Thank you for the review, I appreciate it.

, I promise - no solemly swear - I will never abandon this (or any of my) story. And thank you for sticking with me, even through the long waits. Oh, you have to cuz its a key thing! Thank you for the review.

Yes, things are, but will get even more so. Severus has a lot of bad guys to deal with right now.Thank you for the review.

*purrrrr* Thank you for that!Yes, well, it's easy to think it's 'why is it always me?' when you aren't looking past your nose (Hermione - not you!)  Also timeline - the first chapter was the 2nd of May and we are only up to August! School starts in a week!  To have to go through all of this - The emotional turmiol - to have this much of a rocky relationship so quickly, expect to see more frustration in future chapters.  But yes, Severus had a eye-opening revelation. As insecure as he is in realtionships, he is a wizard that 'wears the pants/trousers' so to speak. Take charge is his nature when he's sure about something. You'll see more of that, and the angst when it's not going his way.I'm very glad that you like this one - I know you'll love the next. I just have to get it back from my beta...Thank you for the reveiw.

Thank you very much, gabi. Yes, little by little.

Thank you very much. If you think this one is fulll of things happening - tighten your belt, the next one is - well, there is so much more! I've just have to get it cleaned up and I'll post it! Thank you for following along with this story.

She jsut wasn't ready and it will give Severus huge brownie points for being sensative and giving her true intamacy. Even though he didn't even realize that' what he did. LOL

Thank you very much, Jen. Yes, i'm building a foundation of a healthy relationship with stepping stones. This might have been difficulft for him, but he's learning to open up, and his restraint will pay off in the end.

Exactly. At least Severus decided to refrain himslef. It might have been hard, but it will pay off in the long run.

Oh, that is so sweet. Thank you.

Yes, they're making a foundation with stepping stones!

Thank you very much. You are most welcome.