Uh oh, those boys are in T.R.O.U.B.L.E! :)

Very interesting and revealing chapter. I wish Hermione would see that Severus does care for her! Oh, well....it will come eventually. LOL. Great job on this chapter! Update again soon. ~Jen

I hope she tells Severus that she was the one who insisted on continuing with the spell; Blake did ask her about stopping.  She got a lot of family research done that she should still remember for Severus.  So perhaps next chapter won't be explosive?  Fingers crossed!  Thank you for the new chapter!

I've loved this story from the beginning, but now I am so confused!!  This growing family tree is beyond me, and I work with genealogy.  Maybe you could write out as an A/N or as part of the next chapter exactly who is who and why anyone would call Charles John Osgood, Thomas?You don't have to give any future plot away, just untangle it one chapter at a time.  I have no idea what's going on except that no one has the right names, everyone has similar names, and someone cheated on their husband.

First, let me say, your over-all storyline and the subplots are interesting and curiousity keeps me returning to this story. You've invested time in doing research, which gives this story another interesting touch. It's written well.hermione being stubborn, I can buy. Unreasonably stubborn?, not so much - not after facing facts. Unfortunately, at this point... and I might add - 37 chapters in... Hermione is coming off as a petulant brat. Insecure and self-absorbed -- horrid combination.I will continue to read this, as I am immersed with seeing where you take this. I am disappointed, however with hermione's whiney-azz attitude.A little self-absorbed stupidity, that I can buy as well.... but, seriously? these chapters add up to months of it.I hope some light comes through soon and you don't take so long to write it. :)

Severus is controlling his moods around Hermione now. This certainly has helped smooth out their relationship. They do not get to have any true intimacy do they? I mean, such as hand holding or sitting together talking with each other instead of sitting at separate tables working on their own. OK one stolen kiss. For a wizard of 38 years, Severus must be severely frustrated. Although on the other hand, the relationship does appear to be making real progress.I love the great-grandfather and the interactions with Severus and Hermione.

Thank you for the update, it was well worth the wait!Poor Severus, he's seriously frustrated in this chapter isn't he?  In a way it's a bit of justice Hermione having the upperhand for the time being.  However, it's good to see him understanding that her studies come first and it is only for the year, and not (blatantly) pushing her for more.Interesting that the book reacted so well to her; almost like a puppy having it's belly scratched.  Is it because of the bond, or is the book semi-sentient and supposed to be as temperamental as it's owner?  The potion mentioned in said book is it supposed to be for Talfryn or someone else?It was nice to see Hermione finally meet Talfryn.  She seems to have a way of taming the temperamental in this chapter doesn't she?  I'm glad to see them get along so well.  He really has opened another door for discussion between Severus and Hermione hasn't he?Looking forward to seeing what happens next!

I love that grumpy old man’s meddling! Someone needs to sort the two of them out, and he seems like the chap to do it. It’s sweet that Talfryn wants to be around to see a wedding and any children, and I’m glad he likes Hermione; hopefully Serverus will now be able to build a relationship with him. So if Talfryn roomed and went into business with a muggleborn does that mean he disliked Tobias Snape because he was a bit of a bad egg, rather than a muggle? I’m enjoying the mystery surrounding Severus’ family and Miss Priswell, too. I wonder what she was worried about on his first visit. What was going on down the main hall that she was concerned about? Hmm, the plot thickens...

I'm so glad Hermione finally met her great-grandfather-in-law; they seem to get along well, and the reversal of the Inferius Curse sounds amazing, more than her advertures with Harry.  Has Pepper been able to keep her master safe from more of Miss Priswell's poisons?  He seems so sharp that I wonder if he has been able to figure out what Priswell is doing to him.  As you've pointed out, Hermione is very much an immature teenager, not realizing her bondmate wants to spend more time with her.  Well, at least Severus has Lucius to hang with.  Thank you for the new chapter!!

They seem to be feeling more at ease with each other again. :)

WHOOO HOOO IM SO HAPPY TO SEE THIS UPDATE!!!  YES IM STALKING THIS STORY TO, IM GLAD HERMIONE HAS MET HIS GRANDFATHER AND GOT ON SO WELL. THEY SHOULD BE READY FOR SOME  ALONE TIME LOL AND I SEE SHE WAS THAT HERMIONE GRANGER THEY ARE STUCK NOW SHE NEEDS TO GET ON WITH IT. I WAIT WITH BATED BREATH FOR YOUR NEXT UPDATE. THANKS!!!!

Yea another chapter.  This was really good and informative.  I liked the interaction between Hermione and Talfryn,  this is giving her a hint of what Severus will be like in his old age.

That was a delight to read.  I love all the details, and Severus's impatience at waiting for Hermione.

It will certainly be nice when school is finished and they can spend more time together, and with her no longer a student.  They are slowly starting to piece things together about his family.  Hopefully they'll find what they are looking for soon.  Interesting that Severus' book is letting Hermione handle it.  His project sounds important, and I hope he'll let Hermione assist him.  I am glad that he is feeliing unsure of her skills for such a complicated potion, rather than her automatically being some kind of potioins genius just to fit the story.  Keep the chapters coming.

Very interesting. Poor Severus not getting to see Hermione a lot though. :( I like how Hermione finally met Talfyrn. :) Great chapter....can't wait for more!

I'd tell you how many times I've checked my inbox looking for the update notice, but my daughter tells me that it is creepy and stalkerish so... I adore this story! What prompted Severus to look at this potion, is it something the book prompted since that would be something Hermione would worry about?   Or did he look into it years ago for Lily? If it is the latter, he might should keep that to himself.

Yes, I would love to see the scene where she explains to Filch exactly why she is out so late.  Would the Headmaster corroborate her story, or give her a wicked detention... with him?It's nice that he finally has some help with the mystery of Miss Priswell.  Hopefully Hermione can come up with something as Severus seems to be out of ideas.  Hermione taking the potion truly did show complete faith in both Severus and Madam Pomfrey.  While he was annoyed with her for doing so, I think it was a good move on her part.“I’m Headmaster, Hermione, the rules don’t necessarily apply,” he purred.  Ha!  That is so true and of all people, he would use that to his advantage.Another well done chapter.  I hope to see you back soon.

It's delightful, it's delicious, it's de-lovely.   It's beautiful, it's bewitching, it's stupendous, and it's fetching.  And it's made me a happy fangirl.  Once again you've given us a chapter chock full of danger and mystery, love and romance.I'm glad that Hermione was able to help Severus test the replacement potion, and find out this mysterious connection between the men he knows are associated with Miss Priswell and the plot to kill his great-grandfather, Talfryn.  Never doubt the intellectual prowess of our Miss Granger.The fun they had after putting away the Daily Prophets was a very welcomed part in the story.  I have a mental picture of her running through the halls trying to get to her dorm before Mr Filch finds her.  Now wouldn't that be something to be caught by the caretaker and quizzed as to why she was so "disheveled girl slipped from the Headmaster’s tower, her lips swollen, her blouse untucked, her eyes sparkling," and flying through the halls?  Mr Filch would have a field day taking her before the Headmaster for discipline.I am very much looking forward to your next update.  You've blown me away with this story, and I'm forever grateful that you share you gift for writing with us.  Well done and well done!Beth

Whoa!  That was quite a send off Severus gave Hermione after he'd indicated that he had been upset that she had come to St Mungo's.  I felt the heat radiation right off my computer screen.  Well done, bea.  He really is glad he got a chance to see her. 

Would I be wrong if I said that the kissing and fondling actually made his nervous system grow stronger?  Yes, indeedie... the wily Headmaster was testing the waters and giving her the impression that he was much weaker than she supposed him to be.  Damn, that man deserves an Oscar for his performance.  And I glad he is making the effort to win her, but if she finds out that he was playing the sympathy card, she have a bit of his arse for breakfast... Wait!  That's exactly what both of them would like... I think...

Squeeeeeee!  Severus is out of the hospital, and on his way to finding answers to the questions that he has been thinking about since Hermione and David worked the spell to break the effects of the Inferi Curse... I thought his discussion with Ollivander was brilliant, and I love how he tricked MacTavish into grabbing his wand and then whacking the hell out of the Death Eater with a Body Bind while snatching his wand back.  Yes!  Bea, that was an inspired solution to this problem with his old wand.  Elegant, really.  Now I'm off to read the only chapter I haven't read yet.  *hint hint hint*

Lots of hugs and many thanks for this fabulous story,Beth

Hermione's return to Hogwarts was a lot harder for her than she had expected, chiefly because she was being talked about rather than being talked to by her fellow students.  I'd thought that it would have been a happier occasion, too.  Poor Hermione.  Hopefully all will settle down shortly.I'm glad she is having dreams about Severus.  I hope the frustration she feels at the end of the dream will mean she will be drawn to the conclusion that she really does want to be with him.  I was thrilled to see that Kingsley's plan to clip Miss Maggie's wings is bearing fruit.  Hooray for the Fides Troth of Confidentiality Charm and the threat of dismissal.  Perhaps she will keep her mouth shut, but if she is as committed a gossip as I think she is, Rite will wheedle until Maggie is out of a job.  Will Rita have time for her then?  I doubt it... nothing in it for the Skeeter woman.I hope Hermione will get to see Severus soonest!  I'm off to find out.Beth

This chapter was a lovely read, and as usual, made me have many more questions.  I like the way David defended Hermione when Severus made his typical snarky remark about short-cutting the testing process.  It was clear to anyone who know him that when he followed it up with his wish that she write it up for publication that he really was thankful and impressed.Since he was technically dead for a split second before he was revived, will that affect their Bond?  Will Severus have to vie with David for Hermione's affections?  Will Hermione be allowed to come to Hogwarts for the school year or will she have to wait for the next school year?  Who was that man who died in the croft house... the one that couldn't be identified?Thank you for Luna and Neville's beautiful wedding.  Everything was so well written that I could almost see the peacocks and the gazebo, the wine and the rings.  Lovely.Beth

My poor Severus.  As aggravated as he was at the beginning to find out he was bonded to Hermione, he now finds himself as just as determined to have her with him at Hogwarts... except she isn't keeping to her agreements... just like she had told him she never lied to him... well, she forgot, she just forgot.  As hard as it is for him to be patient, it's hardly surprising that she is somewhat unsure of what she wants to do.  Had he not been harsh in his treatment of her early on?  Ya reap what ya sow.  That being said, I do agree with the reply he sent her when she owled him that she wanted to spend the weekend with her friends.

The battle that Severus, Harry, Ron, et al., found themselves in was as fierce as the earlier one, but you did a helluva job making it exciting and still allowing the reader (this reader, anyway) keep up with what has happening to whom.  And one thing I noticed was how few times Severus was mentioned in the action.  Now I know why.  I am sorry others on both teams were killed or maimed, but you have just got to see that Severus gets help.  At this point he is still alive, so you've gotta keep him that way!!! 

Thanks for another great chapter, bea.

Beth

PS—Those were some hellacious spells you developed.  Did you attend Hogwarts?  C'mon, you can tell me... I won't tell anybody...

If I tried to tell you everything I loved about this chapter, I'd just have to quote each and every word back to you.  Suffice it to say that Hermione and Severus sleeping together in the large reclining chair was sooooo perfect.And then breakfast with all the staff in the Great Hall, and the lovely dinner at Malfoy Manor, and that unbelievably, completely erotic love fest in the garden, all combined to make me a very happy fangurl.  *sighs*Thank you.Beth

Thought for the Day:  Hunting for Death Eaters can be hazardous to your health.  My gracious, could there be any more unobservant woman than Hermione Granger-Snape when she was trying to avoid Draco Malfoy?  Please, girl, get a clue.Thank goodness that Draco was there with her.  And what was Ron doing taking his eyes off of Hermione while she was running errands for George?!?!?!  Something tells me that he will make a piss-poor Auror.  Poor, poor Ron.  I hope he likes clerking for his brother.  I wonder if Severus will say anything to Kingsley about his apparent inability to keep his mind on his job... his real job, watching out for Death Eaters.  One good thing to come out of Hermione's brush with death was that Severus told her exactly what it was like to be a Death Eater, exactly what kinds of things he'd had to do.  I think it was good for him that he told her, and I think it was good for her to hear him tell her.  And it answered every question she had about that part of his life... she didn't want to know more, and that can only be a good thing... for both of them.I loved the evening Severus and Hermione had at Hogwarts.  You know, I think that was just whet they needed, a quiet night in front of the fire, some wine, and a restful sleep.And in the morning, the cherry on top was Miss Skeeter's full of "you-know-what" article in the Daily Profit.  Yes, I said Profit.Once again you've given us a smashing chapter!  And thanks for bringing Astoria Greengrass into the picture for Draco.  He needs a witch to love him, too.Beth

That is one of the best fight scenes I've ever read.  It was intense and busy, but it is a shame that Graven got away. I hope they're able to catch him soon.  (And I hope the rest of them can be found quicker than that!)  I can't help but wonder if Talfryn will be safe from retaliation for Severus' role in this roundup... of course, I think Pepper can be trusted to do her best to protect her Master.

Headmaster's house-elves packing up his things that were to go to Hogwarts were so accomplished that I thought Severus was going to have a coronary trying to make them understand that not everything was supposed to go.  The scene with the light blue polyester pants was down right funny.

I'm glad that Hermione's testimony helped to sway the Wizengamot to acquittal for Narcissa.  Her gratitude to all of this who testified was well placed, and I'm so glad for Severus that he got to hear it first hand from her lips. 

But the most surprising thing in this chapter was that Severus began to tell Harry and Hermione about Lily.  Boy, Howdy, that was a real turning point for him, and I'm certain it was very important to Harry and Hermione, but for different reasons.

Beth