Loved!  Too bad Severus planned that date for the same time as Harry's birthday party, it sounded really well thought out and like something they'd both enjoy.  Now he's going to think he's justified at being angry at her and it'll probably lead to another fight.  Don't suppose he'll be willing to take her there now since she 'ruined' his original plans, regardless of her not knowing about them in advance and having pre-existing ones of her own (that she neglected to tell him about)...  Doesn't help matters that he's probably been worried about her safety after hearing the Death Eaters talk about Dolohov...  *sighs*  Guessing that next chappie isn't going to have a happy start.  Liked Narcissa's show of power in intimidating her son into behaving.  The gossip certainly deserves to lose her job as far as I'm concerned!  To think that she's trying to give Skeeter info (that she'd use to at least try to sneak in) about Neville's wedding plans even though the people in question obviously don't want uninvited guests.  (I mean, hello! Fidelius Charm! Could that be a hint?)  At least the groups' outing went well for the most part (afterall, only the Death Eater got mildly hurt) and sounded like thay had a good time.  Ron just really irratates me though anytime he opens his mouth about Severus or her relationship status.    Granted, I haven't liked them as a couple since around book 3, but everytime he goes on about what he wants I just want to smack him for talking that way about another man's wife.  Yes, things aren't great for her right now, but since they're still trying to work things out so he should leave it alone.  Great chappie!  Looking forward to the next! 

It's good to see that Hermione can still have fun with her friends after all. And who does Severus think he is?

I liked the care free parts of the chapter.  It was great seeing their reactions to the rides and generally just having fun.

great update!  severus' bound to be crashingly angry by the time they meet.  i hope he dosen't let his temper get the best of him.  thanks so much and i look forward to the next chapter.

Another excellent chapter.  I am enjoying this tale and so happy to see you update regularly!  Thanks!

Oh, boy. Hermione should have let Severus know she was going to be gone, but Severus needs to stop assuming she is available at his beck and call. Why in the world does hermione think it appropriate to be alone with Ron when everyone else is aired up? It's liek she is intentionally trying to antagonize Severus.

this was a fun chapter, but mostly at severus's expense, i'm afraid! i feel a little bad for him that hermione didn't tell him she'd be unavailable, but then given everything, it's hardly surprising. interesting that severus doesn't seem to know enough about their magical bonding to trust that little voice that keeps trying to tell him where she is. i liked kreacher in this chapter, and i liked that severus caught those death eaters. can't wait to read about the fallout from this weekend! :D

Awesome chapter! I love how you can see Snape beginning to really care about Hermione through his actions in this chapter...terrific job (as always). Update again soon! ~Jen

Glad to see another chapter up.  I'm glad Hermione got to go have fun with friends (thankfully the deatheaters didn't get them), but I feel a bit sorry for Snape not being able to find her.  He seems to be making an effort, although still has much to learn about relating to other people, especially his bond mate.  Can't wait to see what happens in the next chapter. 

Hmm, it seems that Severus doesn't yet recognize just what it means that his magical core is bonded with Hermione's, but I think you gave him some clues.Oh, I hope he isn't too hard on her.

Blood, huh.  That's a devious way of concealing information. :)

great chapter thank for updateing.

yea another wonderful chapter.  I love reading this story.  Leave it to Hermione to figure things out.

Are there any consequences of using blood on the writing?  She really should have called him when that happened. Loved all the lemons. Thanks for the update.

At this point in the game, it's all about Hermione's purposeful, willfull self-delusion. Obviously, she knows that acknowledging the Bond will change nothing at this point, but she seems to be hung up on her preconceived dreams of finishing school before marriage in any form, so she keeps refusing.She doesn't want the change in her perception of self or the situation, but I think that the way she's living now is more gossip-worthy than accepting the Bond. She still ends up in bed with him and goes to him unchaperoned, so this is really all about closing the barn door after all of the stock has fled to the pastures, LOL!I understand about wanting to choose for ones self on a timeline that one sets, but she's behaving like a life-partner at one moment and then a willful child depending on the situation. It's really not fair to Severus. I do see her starting to mature a bit, but I think she's still being more than a bit petulant, considering the fact Severus is starting to treat her more and more as an equal partner. He's still quite overprotective, but he's been correct in each instance, so she really can't find fault with that.BTW - didn't she learn anything after casting the spell that got her in this mess? When blood seemed to reveal the words in the book the first time, she should have had Mipsy get Severus immediately before giving the book more of her blood. *shakes head*Great update - I look forward to the next installment.

I can understand her reasoning, but it isn't like he's going to lock her in his rooms forever and keep her from taking her NEWTs.  By the way, very hot chapter.

I think Narcissa could have gone about it differently, but then again if she'd given Hermione the chance, it would've made things a heck of a lot more difficult, wouldn't it?   Too bad Draco's not a drag queen, but then again I don't know of many Mums who'd help their son dress in drag to major events...I like the emotion of the argument and how it pushes her thoughts and wishes to the fore and makes Severus take note.  It's just another thing that would have festered and caused more friction in the long run.  Glad to see they're working through issues as they come.I really hope we see Severus and Hermione have dinner with Mr. Snape! If only for Severus to have to endure Christmas with Hermione's friends.Looking forward to seeing what happens next!

First things first, Narcissa Malfoy seriously needed a daughter!  That is a lot of parties, and I didn't know whether Hermione should feel grateful to Narcissa for providing her with clothing and jewelry so that she didn't have to wonder what was appropriate and spend all of her money buying things, or if she should be angry at Narcissa's assumption that she wouldn't be presentable unless she personally clothed her.  But, those purebloods have their traditions.... when Neville changed his feet into rabbits trying to make his slippers warmer…Ha!  I love Neville.Absolutely bloody brill—” “Thank you, but I—” he growled, only this time she cut him off. “You’re welcome – brilliant! Why on earth didn’t you ever validate your findings?”These two are hilarious.  They don't know how to have a proper relationship, and they don't even know how to have a proper fight.  Every time they discuss something, she is borderline petulant, and he is awfully controlling.  But that is due to her age and his personality.  I don't say that because I think it is wrong, just that it is such a stumbling block for them.  Still, by the end of the chapter, I think they have  a better understanding of one another.I feel certain that things are going to work out for them now.  It is just going to be a long road, but hopefully the potholes aren't  too large.  They are both having to make a lot of sacrifices, and if they can see that it isn't all one sided, I think that will make a world of difference.Wonderful, as always.  Write your little heart out and keep 'em coming :)

Ohhhhhh, I can't wait to see what the house-elves have done to Spinner's End.  LOL!  Both Severus and Hermine will be surprised, though I don't know if Severus will be pleasantly surprised.  When he began to recall his mother's death and the circumstances that led her to choose it, I really felt bad for him.  No wonder the sunroom smelt of death.  I can understand why he wouldn't want to spend a lot of time in that house.  Maybe the expert cleaning and refurbishing the elves will do will make it less depressing for him.When Hermione, Ginny, and Luna were talking in the kitchen I was dying to know what Luna kept watching.  All I could think of was a beetle named Rita.  Kingsley is making progress in finding someone to work in the Magical Marriage and Birth Registration Office.  I wonder if Maggie will be fired?Now where has Severus taken Hermione to talk and have dinner?  I'm off to find out.Beth

I love the idea of the Cyrano de Bergerac book that Narcissa gave Severus.  It's obvious he could some help.His thoughts as he wandered to the bench at the pergola were very illuminating.  I'm glad he realized that he had not made love to Hermione, he'd had sex.  And there's a world of difference.  If I am to win her back, this is not going to be easy – unless her mind is already made up. I’m simply going to have to get her alone and access her feelings. Taking her to Spinners End was not a bad idea.  I'm glad she got to see his home, and she seemed to realize it had potential if he put a little work into it.  I am going to derive as much pleasure as Kingsley is from trapping a particularly nosy and good for nothing beetle.  Can't wait to see what Miss Whitmire does when she realizes that her job is in danger because of her inablility to keep from feeding information about sealed matters to Skeeter.  I'm really looking forward to the next evening at six o'clock!  I hope Severus' and Hermione's talk goes well.Beth

What a mess.  I guess I did expect Hermione to at least pick up the annulment form, but I was still hoping she wouldn't.  All things considered, I can't blame her.  After reading her conversation with George about how she was treated by Severus, it would only make sense that she would want to put this behind her as soon as possible.  I guess there's still time for her to change her mind, but I don't think she will... not unless Severus gets his arse in gear and tells her he doesn't want her to, and right now the likelihood of that happening is not looking so good either.  I think Lucius hit the nail on the head when he was talking to Severus in the garden.  And I think Severus knows he was right in his observations, but the daft fool is still too proud to think clearly about any of circumstances surrounding his bonding.I'm dying to know what will happen next, so I'm off to the next chapter.Beth

OMG!  Severus is finally free, and now Hermione is thinking about asking for the annulment.  OMG!  Did Severus expect Hermione to follow him to the Burrow?  If he was, he should have said so, or taken her hand.  I hope Molly will be able to say something to bring him to his senses before Hermione decides to Floo to the Ministry and file for an annulment.Poor Hermione.  She has been through so much, and now all she feels she has to show for it is feeling unwanted by her husband/soul mate and feeling completely lost.This chapter had so much to be happy for and to be sad about.  I hope it all works out for them in the end, but I know they both have a lot more to deal with before that happens.Beth

bravo!!!!! good job great story thank you!! 

Lots of interesting developments in this chapter. :)

Thank goodness Severus has change his plea!  I know there is still the appearance before the Wizengamot when he will have to make his statement under Veritaserum, but at least he has decided to try for his freedom.  Harry and Kingsley did a masterful job of convincing him.I enjoyed witnessing the cordial moments between Severus and Rolf VanBuren and the others from the Ministry.  It was nice to see others treat him well.Rita was up to her usual tricks, but I have hope that she and her little spy will soon be outed.  I'm tickled for Luna and Neville, and Harry's "good cause" Galleons will be the answer to a prayer for Neville.I hope Hermione will remain strong, and I hope Ron will get a clue.Beth