I'm still cringing at the thought of Hermione with Ron for the next many months, while poor Severus has to watch.  I'm glad he has a birthday dinner invitation -- surely, there will be chocolate!  thanks for the update.

That was truly enjoyable. 

This is so much fun. I'm glad you are going into detail rather than giving us a paragraph or two of flashback.

great perspective of the relationship thru thp eyes!  terrific update.  thanks so much

What a tease!  Poor Hermione will have to hide her emotions (which I hope will fail, so Severus can see the gem right in front of him).

I always like the weaving of a fic with canon. I'm curious to read the next chapter!Livvy

This is a great story so far i can't wait to see how it ends..

I enjoyed how you weaved canon into this, yet managed to make it different.  Can't wait to see what they uncover and how this relationship develops.  I also can't wait to see Hermione get back with Severus.  (I can hope, can't I?)

It is nice to hear about the back story of how Hermione and Severus became closer. At least I assume this is where you are going. The Prof. appears to be asking Hermione to relay information to him, like a spy. A spy for the spy.

i enjoyed reading about how things began with them working together on the potion, and seeing how you fitted your story in amongst the edges of the books.  and i can't wait to see how things developed, and especially, for  hermione to remember how she felt about him and to find out exactly why she made the decision she did.  in other words, i'm looking forward eagerly to your next update!  :)

I love seeing the books from another character's perspective.    It's so interesting seeing how their backgrounds influence their takes on things, especially since they can't always be present to witness the same events.  Finding out there was an even more complex and intriguing story 'going on' behind the scenes is always fun.  Really enjoyed this chappie!  Liked how Severus is already staring to show her another side, by appreciating her 'cheek' rather than automatically deducting points, for instance.  Looking forward to more of this and catching up with the current story-line as well. 

that was a blast from the past!  i just love these little back stories behind the books.  well done, or as we say in the navy bravo zulu.  thanks so much

It is so good to finally see a little of what their project was about and how their friendship started to develop.

more, please!

Oh, a stroll down memory lane, filling in the murkey and void so we know waht happened between them ! Whooot!! Glad to have it.

Darcilo Von Dinea, very clever! :)

I'm glad you're starting to bring out the backstory now....I was starting to get antsy on how everything came about....can't wait to see more.

That was fun to read. And there was a lot of information, I feel like I should start again from the first chapter, but pay more attention to detail this time.

Now she is onto it.  A bit late, but not irrevocably so. :)

Definitely angsty, but I think they will be better without that bond. 

Fabulous!

Thank you very much for this very intense chapter. Although it hurts very much, I guess it's better they removed this bonding thing. Severus will certainly see at one point that it is much better to be loved for himself and not for some magical near enslavement.

As soon as Ginny mentioned the picture, I knew that must be Hermione's clue. When she didn't go rushing to find and break it I was thinking 'you dolt! Brightest witch of your age? ha!' LOL I guess I spent this chapter rooting for her to figure it out before it got to this point. I can see why you took it in this direction though for sure - it's better that Hermione know for certain it isn't the bond manipulating her - and I'm glad she is on the right track now with figuring out her past. I can't wait to see what will be revealed.

I think Hermione's handling the situation very well, and itwill be interesesting to see whether Severus will at lasttell her the whole truth.  I suspect he might when he findsout what Narcissa tried to do - that might just be enough to put an end to his divided loyalties.You're really keeping up a good pace with this one - although it's been a long time in the writing, the storylinehasn't flagged at all.

Hermione Granger...the Nancy Drew of the wizarding world! Severus' raw emotions really got me in this chapter. :/ It was very bitter and yet so sweet.