lol as always you are so perceptive.   Thank you - a fan huh? Did my job right. But alas, he is a stubborn fool and she's been hurt by him yet again. Stupid guy...     Yep, Kingsley  knows there is a mole - gossip in his ranks and that's not a good thing to have.  He'll try something, I'm sure.  Thank you, brayer. 

LOL I love your impression change on the 'lady'. lol    Nope, she's only a busy-body.    Sorry to disappoint - but he will.   The Malfoys are friends and I've chosen to write them from the perspective of their friendship with Severus.   All in all, they are not that bad in this one.    Ron - do something stupid? really. Hummm there's not too many options for where Hermione would want to live...    Happy readying, doll and thank you for the review.

LOL I love your impression change on the 'lady'. lol    Nope, she's only a busy-body.    Sorry to disappoint - but he will.   The Malfoys are friends and I've chosen to write them from the perspective of their friendship with Severus.   All in all, they are not that bad in this one.    Ron - do something stupid? really. Hummm there's not too many options for where Hermione would want to live...    Happy readying, doll and thank you for the review.

Clay, it is.  I wanted Hermione age appropriate in this piece. Sorry about the long reply, but here goes… In a way I’m playing ‘therapist’ for these two, and considering where they were ‘emotionally’ and the ‘issues’ in the relationship over the summer (chapter 4 – 33) they have come a long way. chapter 1 – 10 he was still angry with her for the Bonding, using her. Only by chapter 11 did he start to come around a teeny bit to thinking that she might be a good thing in his life—but he’d given himself off as a lost cause and was positive he’d spend the rest of his life in Azkaban. (In fact, he was certain there was a cell with his name on it already. By chapter 13 Severus was free, but in such shock that he was numb—numb enough to allow Molly to bath and feed him—numb that to Hermione felt like he was still shoving her away, and she was so hurt she nearly gave up—did in fact consider annulling the Bond.  So by the time that Severus has come around to thinking he’d like a life with Hermione, she’s fed up with him. Done. She even picks up the annulment papers (chapter 14) and yes, in chapters 32-35 you see how much she does care for him, (enough to delay school a week to find a cure, then can’t wait to see him once he returns—she’s in school. But back in chapter 15, when Severus shows her his house and basically tells her, not in a nice way but in a go-ahead-and-dump-me way, (chapter 15) they are on the opposite swing of the pendulum: He wants to try/she’s fed up. But he makes efforts in trying to date her. (and while they were nice dates, planned out and everything, things didn’t exactly go smoothly.) So here is where they are:  Hermione wants to focus on school first. It’s NEWT year, and these exams are the most important exams of her life! They decide what she’ll be able to do for the rest of her life—to prove to herself and everyone that she is a capable and intelligent witch—and we already know that she’s driven to achieve in school, wants the best marks ever, and pushes herself. School is her priority. Plus this year she doesn’t have any Dark Lord Voldemort trying to destroy everything. (Being protected in the castle and now really aware of the havoc the rogue Death Eaters are causing in the outside. I mean, even Harry, Ron, Cho, Severus and the Aurors are still fighting Dragen and his friends.) So from HER perspective, she wants a normal school year, and why can’t Severus be a Boyfriend for a while longer? I mean she only have this year left, right.   Now for Severus—be a boyfriend? Yeah right. He’s 39, survived a war he was certain would either end up with him dead or in Azkaban, and by some miracle, he’s free, he has his life back – the pre-Boy-Who-Lived—to-run-amuck-at-school life, a Bonded mate, and his old job back. He’s also has made friends among the Aurors since he’s been helping them trap and chase down the rogue Death Eaters. His friends likewise have come through this war intact and it’s still a, well, miracle to him. He wants his wife with him, in his bed and part of his life. Sure he understands that she needs to concentrate on school and encourages her (in his own way) but he wants her with him. He’s given her a fair amount of ‘adjustment time’ for the Bonding—heck he they consummated it on May 25^th and he was freed July 24^th , so from his perspective he’s given her four months to be a kid, but once school started, he wanted her with him. Now it’s December and she’s still sleeping in the Gryffindor tower and leaving at the curfew bell. He’s offered several times to extend her curfew and she refuses.  Their argument is the first time Hermione has really stood up to him. Sure she has before, insisting that he not ‘use her’ of sex anymore, (chapter 17) and demanding that he ‘open up to her’, she still behaves like a student with him at times, ingrained habit of six years. However, do expect that I’m working on the inequality of the relationship.  Her work on the Médousa Potion and validating his work is one step. I have a few more planned, all in hope of them working through their issues.  So yes, I have a young lady who’s 19 (I know a few girls this age I’m using a ‘emotional’ role models) who is faced with not only needing to finish school but is Bonded to a emotionally detached (he’s getting better at that one though), guarded (he’s opening up, but to a ‘bear your heart on your sleeve’ type like Hermione, it’s like pulling ropes and chains to get him to do so), MAN, with needs, whose past association with/toward her was not, well, friendly (she honestly thought he hated her), is a bit much to take. And yes, he still sees her as a child/student that he’s Bonded to. But to him, such a match is not unheard of; you just deal with it/her until she grows up. In the mean time, sex, babies, and family—she’ll grow up eventually (sound like a pure-blood philosophy?) and things will work out. Just keep a rein on her and guide her so she ends up right and in line (okay that would be an old-fashioned pure-blood ideology).  However, in this part of the story, things are working out well. However, you’ll see some intervention (Ginny) and some more arguments (they haven’t learned how to talk to one another) and decisive action…  in other words:  I’m working on it!  Hope that immensely long explanation helps?  I did like your assessment of the relationship and your right, her reluctance to forgive the Malfoy’s is the next big hurtle. One that will help her find a equal foot with Severus – well, and Christmas with the Weasleys and Harry… Krum… and see… I’m getting there. LOL.   Thank you for reading and for the review. I hope you like what comes next.

Wow! That's quite an explaination! I adimre your writing and your ability to help the reader feel what the characters are going through. I was not trying to put you on the defensive. I was really just trying to convey the feelings your story evoked in me. Well done as far as I'm concerned. I look forward to their relationship evolving in the realistic manner you have used so far.

 sorry but I get the comment about her immaturity a lot. *blushes* And in this one she is immature. I know that frequently Hermoine is written well above her years emotionally and mature enough to take on Severus, this one wasn't to be one of those from the get go. She thought she'd be paired with Ron and wuld finish school and marry Ron afters. OOps.But really I love that I evoked that emotion form you. I just wanted to explain... and I appologize, got carried away. But I'm glad you like my writing. Hugs.Feel free to challenge me any time.  I'll try to curb in my fingers.

Thank you very much. Dinner is coming up! Thank you for the review.

Yes, she gave it a good go... lest see how much of it sticks. lol 

Thank you very much. Yep, I'd say I turned the tables on them quite nicely. Course they are both strong willed and stubborn, so the next few dates should be a whoot! Thank you for the review.

Thank you very much. Yep, I'd say I turned the tables on them quite nicely. Course they are both strong willed and stubborn, so the next few dates should be a whoot! Thank you for the review.

Thank you very much. I'm gonna have to look up rectalcraniectomy... but I think I might be able to figure this word out. Yes, she isn't taking it anymore. and he's about to have a witch who will - when she isn't afraid of him - stand up for herself. Should be interesting.

Thank you very much. I'm gonna have to look up rectalcraniectomy... but I think I might be able to figure this word out. Yes, she isn't taking it anymore. and he's about to have a witch who will - when she isn't afraid of him - stand up for herself. Should be interesting.

It was a very big step forward. A few tumbles backward, but they will be up on their feet at it again, I'm sure! Next up - Harry's Birthday Holiday. + =

It was a very big step forward. A few tumbles backward, but they will be up on their feet at it again, I'm sure! Next up - Harry's Birthday Holiday. + =

Wow, thank you so very much for the wonderful compliment. I know it is 'about time' that Hermione put her foot down. It's also time that Severus gets a good reality 'kick-in-the-but! What I set out to do was set 'ground rules, and have a few things 'decided'. Can't say it will sort everything out 'overnight' but it's a start. Thank you very much for the review.

Wow, thank you so very much for the wonderful compliment. I know it is 'about time' that Hermione put her foot down. It's also time that Severus gets a good reality 'kick-in-the-but! What I set out to do was set 'ground rules, and have a few things 'decided'. Can't say it will sort everything out 'overnight' but it's a start. Thank you very much for the review.

Thank you for the review. How cool that you've been there. I was extra careful about the 'facts' as best as I could be. I hope they weren't too far off. Nope this is not a mushy, fluffy Snape story. He's raw, getting over being trapped again agaist his will and having to deal with a wife he didn't want, 'so make her suffer' - well, 'make the best of it' type. He will soften in later chapters, but as you can tell, they both have issues and need to work on their communication skills a bit - ok, a lot! 

Thank you for the review. How cool that you've been there. I was extra careful about the 'facts' as best as I could be. I hope they weren't too far off. Nope this is not a mushy, fluffy Snape story. He's raw, getting over being trapped again agaist his will and having to deal with a wife he didn't want, 'so make her suffer' - well, 'make the best of it' type. He will soften in later chapters, but as you can tell, they both have issues and need to work on their communication skills a bit - ok, a lot! 

Yes, she should have and didn't. But they will learn to talk to each other eventually. lol Thank you for reading and for the review.

Well, when you're as famous as Hermione is, you're bound to be invited to every party! Implied: the ones Hermione got - She got some from the people who were not sure about her Bonding status. Of course, the elite pure-blood circles would know that the Malfoy's are sponsoring Hermione, or will soon learn that they are. The truly formal, and in the know, would have sent theirs to either Narcissa or to Seveurs. But with all the nonsence Maggie and Rita have been spreading about them its no wonder people are confused. lol  Yes, that fight. She should have approached him first, asked permission - so it's no wonder that they had a fight. (Yes, it's okay to like the fight - I enjoyed typing it) Yes, they sorted out a lot, but I hope in time they learn to actually talk to one another like adults. I'm working on that.  Thank you for readign and for the review.

Hermione just doesn’t fully understand the significance of ‘coming out’ in pure-blood society, and Narcissa is being very generous, but it’s also in part to pay her back for all Hermione has done to help her and her family. (her testimony at the hearings/trials) It meant a great deal to Narcissa and this is she thinks is paying Hermione back – a full proper presentation and sponsorship. I’m glad that you like the interaction between Severus and Hermione.  Thank you for reading and for the review.

Well, they were starting to sort things out a little and they were starting to find a 'meeting half-way' point in the relationship - but that's now out the window. Yep, someone is going to be really angry - or both of them.   

That and he's being forced to face his superiors in the Aurory. So he can't really lie about any of it - and if he gets Severus in jail - Hermione's free... right? lol Nope he's not being very level headed.   Once again you're right about Severus, on the nail.   You'll see how I resolve this. I hope you like it.

Oh, yes he is. And she's yet to grasp that. Thank you so much for the review. I'm glad you like this story.

Oh, yes he is. And she's yet to grasp that. Thank you so much for the review. I'm glad you like this story.

Thank you very much. More coming...

Thank you very much. More coming...

Yep, they had a date and one that was well thought out and planned btw. Somewhere that meant something to him from hs childhood. Yes, things could have been planned better, but for a first step it wasn't too terrible.Lucius is seen from the friend's pov and yes, he knows Severus well, as does Severus know him. Thank you very mcu for the review, I'm glad you liked the chapter.

Yep, they had a date and one that was well thought out and planned btw. Somewhere that meant something to him from hs childhood. Yes, things could have been planned better, but for a first step it wasn't too terrible.Lucius is seen from the friend's pov and yes, he knows Severus well, as does Severus know him. Thank you very mcu for the review, I'm glad you liked the chapter.

Things are better than they were. At least they came to an understanding. Well, it can only go up from here. Thank you for the review.

Things are better than they were. At least they came to an understanding. Well, it can only go up from here. Thank you for the review.

I dunno gab. Stubborn and both now in situations they don't like and didn't want and having to realize they are stuck, maybe? Sev witht the fact he's Bonded to the know-it-all, and Hermione hating the way he's treating her. Things can only go up from here. Thanks for the compliment though.

I dunno gab. Stubborn and both now in situations they don't like and didn't want and having to realize they are stuck, maybe? Sev witht the fact he's Bonded to the know-it-all, and Hermione hating the way he's treating her. Things can only go up from here. Thanks for the compliment though.

Thank you for the review. Yes, they are both stubborn but neither is backing out. For all the ruffled feathers, they are finally beginning to talk. Not a great start, but they solved a lot. He did make a really big effort and took her somewhere meaningful to him, opened up a bit. She finally stood up to him and faced him like an equal. Its a start. Hermione and Ron have a moment in the next chapter, its not that bad. Severus tries the date thing again, planning a day with her doing something he needs (collecting a potion ingredient) and educational. A magical creature involved.) Yes, he's ging to strenghten the bond. No half way - 'you just vanish on me agian' to be allowed. So now you know what's up for the next two chapters. Hope you like them as well.

Thank you for the review. Yes, they are both stubborn but neither is backing out. For all the ruffled feathers, they are finally beginning to talk. Not a great start, but they solved a lot. He did make a really big effort and took her somewhere meaningful to him, opened up a bit. She finally stood up to him and faced him like an equal. Its a start. Hermione and Ron have a moment in the next chapter, its not that bad. Severus tries the date thing again, planning a day with her doing something he needs (collecting a potion ingredient) and educational. A magical creature involved.) Yes, he's ging to strenghten the bond. No half way - 'you just vanish on me agian' to be allowed. So now you know what's up for the next two chapters. Hope you like them as well.

If you are ever in London on holiday, you can go there! It's real. Next - Harry's birthday holiday! All the things Dudley got to do but Harry couldn't! Well, two of them at least.

If you are ever in London on holiday, you can go there! It's real. Next - Harry's birthday holiday! All the things Dudley got to do but Harry couldn't! Well, two of them at least.

You know that is  avery interesting idea! I just might, oh wait. It would really throw him...Maybe later - much later.Severus is going to give another go at the date thing. Something he wants to go get, potion ingredient, so he'll try to take Hermione. Appologize for what? he'd ask. I didn't do anything wrong she... oh, he's stubborn!And Hermione was furrious that SHE is the one who is always assumed should accept... Boy, I have my work cut out to bring these two around.I'm glad you like this. Back to typing. Thank you for the review.

You know that is  avery interesting idea! I just might, oh wait. It would really throw him...Maybe later - much later.Severus is going to give another go at the date thing. Something he wants to go get, potion ingredient, so he'll try to take Hermione. Appologize for what? he'd ask. I didn't do anything wrong she... oh, he's stubborn!And Hermione was furrious that SHE is the one who is always assumed should accept... Boy, I have my work cut out to bring these two around.I'm glad you like this. Back to typing. Thank you for the review.

I couldn't get everything in! You've hit on two things that they need to discuss but haven't yet. Ron is going to be seen again in next chapter - Harry's birthday holiday. It's not too bad. Yes, Luna, Harry, Neville and Ginny are all on her side, supporting her and very soon she will have a advocate who will really surprise you! You are very welcome for the update, I'm flattered that you like this so much. Thank you.

I couldn't get everything in! You've hit on two things that they need to discuss but haven't yet. Ron is going to be seen again in next chapter - Harry's birthday holiday. It's not too bad. Yes, Luna, Harry, Neville and Ginny are all on her side, supporting her and very soon she will have a advocate who will really surprise you! You are very welcome for the update, I'm flattered that you like this so much. Thank you.

The good thing is Severus isn't the I-wanna-be-a-housewife husband kind of guy. Hermione has simply had enough and he riled her up into standing up for herself. Thanks for the review.

The good thing is Severus isn't the I-wanna-be-a-housewife husband kind of guy. Hermione has simply had enough and he riled her up into standing up for herself. Thanks for the review.