I still enjoy their first love letters as much as the first time I read this story!

I giggled over Severus's Note to Self:  Do not antagonize Hermione.  Always good advice for the woman in one's life.  *grins*

That was some bath! :)

I'm only halfway through this chapter, and it's already tickled my fancy so much, I just had to leave a comment. You've really captured the Christmas spirit and the anticipation of opening cherished gifts from loved ones. And I love Ginny's little fashion show moment and Hermione's shock!

YEAH!!! Another new chapter from our favorite author! I must say, though the wait was tiring it was well worth it. Another fabulous insightful amazing well there is no real word to describe how truly furfilling this chapter was. I can't wait for the next installment; however, I am no where near ready for the story to end... Thank you very much! 

The first thing I have to say is that I am so glad my husband and kids are gone this weekend!!  I got home from work at around 1pm yesterday and started at Chapter 1.  I *just* finished the last chapter and am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next!  I am a huge fan of SS/HG pairings, and it's refreshing to see the changes occurring in both of them as they've grown throughout the story.  It truly does give us a glimpse of what SS could have been had he not been subject to the domination of two leaders.  Excellent writing, and I'm waiting with bated breath for your next update

Oh I am so glad that you updated!! I Loved the party, and Severus relaxing and enjoying himself. Happy Holidays

The first thing I thought when I noticed that this updated was "Merry Christmas to Me!"  Thank you so much for posting this around the holidays.  I know you don't get the opportunity to update much because of Real Life, but for you to manage to get this out now of all times when Real Life should be the most hectic is just completely awesome.  THANK YOU!  This update was awesome!  Charades! Hehehe.  That whole sequence was just perfect, and how he's got a Chess Partner now makes me really happy.  I love how everyone is really opening up to him and will hopefully make it easier on them when they "go public".  We're getting to the home stretch, I hope they can make it another 2 months without getting caught!  I look foreward to your next posting.  Happy Holidays Hon.  Much Love ~ Karen Lyn

womderfully written and i will wait patiently for more just like i have from the beginninghappy holidays my dear and as always hugs and chocolate

"The-Boy-Who-Annoys-Me-To-No-End" - that made me chuckle. And Snape is having waaaaaay too much fun playing with Hermione! :D

yay!  i got my christmas wish!  wonderful update.  yes, it has been a long ride. this was one of my very first forays into ss/hg and got me into poto.  thanks for the update, the fabulous story and your wonderful self!  thanks so much                                         (me blowing kisses)

Let me just say that if Suaviloquentia were available to muggles, there'd be no need to have Becca make me sound like a House-elf every time Snapecast does a filk.

Wow! Who knew Harry had it in him!

Just doing a bit of background reading to prep for the picture. I'm so looking forward to Snape singing! :D

*squee* I've been waiting FOREVER for this chapter! You rock! Happy Christmas!!!!

That was amazing please finish this story

Still going strong, I want more:)

I'm so gald you updated! I adore this story!

Glad to have you back my dear GW I was super excited to see this update, what a holiday gift! as always my dear you did wonderful, simply enjoyed this one.

Good call for a temporary chaste hiatus on Hermione's part.  Sometimes saying 'yes' to sex isn't great when the timing is off.  She really does have to keep her head 'in the game' in order to quell any criticism about whether or not her grades were honestly earned, *sigh*.  The best things come to those who wait!!  But the winners of the competition were never really in doubt.  Now with that out of the way, now the countdown for our OTP to reach Spinner's End can begin (the real story).  The nicest touch is seeing Snape's Guys win against Hermione's Girl Power Posse, and Ron and Snape finding worthy chess opponents in each other. Acceptance is very sweet.    "Vial and Vessel"?  Catchy, concise and elegant. Thank you for the gift update--have a very Happy Christmas! 

Great to see an update to this story.  I'm getting anxious for the end of the year to arrive so our couple can finally be together.  Hope we don't have to wait too long.

This chapter had a lot of nice touches.  I especially appreciated the insights into how Severus is deliberately restraining his natural tendencies to allow himself to join in the fun.  I liked how he bit back his instinctive sarcastic response to Harry's genuine teasing.  And I love how he became comfortable enough to thoughtlessly remove his coat before noticing the affect of his actions on everyone.   

And I liked how he restrained himself for biting out a "none of your business" to Ginny's questions about his future.  You allowed him to be open about it in a Snapey way that really fit.  Most of all, I loved seeing Minerva watch Severus going through this.  It was touching to me in a way that felt very real.  Well done.Naturally, all of these nice moments will make it that much harder to watch when people look at him with hatred again after he and Hermione go public.  I was thinking about that a few weeks ago and wondering why they needed to "come out" at all.  Why couldn't they put all that fine acting to use by allowing their friends to see them falling in love after it graduation?  It would save them a whole lot of angst but I'm sure you'd miss writing the gut wrenching reaction scenes.  I just can't say I'm looking forward to them!Anyway, this is my LONG winded way of saying thanks for the update.  I can't wait to read the next chapter.

Yay! Thank you so much for the update! Another wonderful chapter. I'm so glad things are looking up for Severus.

Yippee!  Another chapter!  <i>And</i> I get to treat myself by reading it after school has let out for Christmas break!  It was great to see Severus continue his growth toward what he will be after leaving Hogwarts.  His taking the chance to relax and enjoy himself with the students, his continued chess game with Ron, his continued work on the new business, Spinners End, and the ring!  Really great to see his development.  And personally, I really enjoy how you portray Minerva in this story.  I've always seen her as a strict but supportive teacher who cares about her students, and that's how you show her in this story.  I really like how she's stuck up for Severus, especially against Dumbledore's betrayal.I'm so looking forward to where you are taking the story next.  Well done!

Absolutely THRILLED to see the update. I think this was a great chapter for Severus' development, and I can't wait to see what stone he decides on!