Truly loved reading the bit where Severus was getting to relax and just 'be a kid'... since he never had the chance when he was younger. I liked the parallel between Sev and Millie - Slytherin outcasts finding that they can fit in if they just try ... with the right people. Too bad Pansy and Draco couldn't loosen up a bit more and join in, too.

Yay!  An update!  And what a wonderful update this is!!!I'm beyond tickled that Hogwarts won the Tri-Wizard Musical Competition, and so happy with the students' new-found feelings of acceptance of and affection for Severus.  It was fun to see him relaxing and joining in the fun at the cast party.  He's a wiz at charades and chess... he and Ron will enjoy their on-going chess match.I like Severus' idea for a name for their business.  "Vial and Vessel" is just perfect.  And while I understand Hermione's need to revise for her N.E.W.T.s, I can seriously commiserate with the Professor's disappointment.  I'm disappointed, too.  No more late night visits to Hermione's chambers...  *sigh*  But soon the two months will be gone, and Hermione will have passed her exams, and then Severus will begin his new career... and THEN THEY CAN GO PUBLIC!Minerva's joy in seeing Severus discover the joys he miss out on as a student was touching.  I'm glad that he has had an opportunity to experience the fun and camaraderie.  I'm sure it meant the world to Severus when Minerva told him that she now had an idea of what he could have been like as a student had circumstances been different:“Well done, Severus.” Then, as he stood, she stepped closer, gripping his arm and murmuring through the cacophony, “I must say, you’ve never looked younger and healthier, my dear. Even when you were younger! I think I finally know what you truly would have been like had you not been stuck playing the pawn of two masters. Again I say: well done.”I can't wait to see what kind of ring Severus has made for Hermione.  I just know it will be singularly beautiful and incredibly meaningful!I'll be checking my email to see when the next chapter is posted!!!  Thank you for writing this marvelous story... it is one of my all time favorites!A Thousand Points to Your House!Beth

Wonderful to have an update!  Though I'm not sure I'd be confident in something described as a 'quality quaff'...

Yeh, my favourite autor is back.I love this chapter. ^^

Hi,Good_Witch! I wanted to let you know that I am currently working my way through this story (I'm on chapter 42), and I am absolutely loving it. It has become one of my favorite all time sshg stories-- the writing, the plot, the characterizations, the tension! Just amazing. I will leave a more detailed review when I am caught up, just wanted to say thank you for this wonderful story!

what a perfect read for a snowy morning.  and the tea ritual.  I was thinking about that last night for some reason!  Please update soon!

Yea!! I have waited for so long!!!!! Thank you for another post :) Lovely story...Snape was heart warming..but in a Snappey way :)

Well worth the wait!!  This is an incredible chapter.  I loved Snape being able to relax, let loose, and enjoy so many friends.  The mental picture of him with his collar undone and sleeves rolled up made me swoon.  Hopefully when Snape and Hermione go public they will have the majority of the cast (all except Draco and Pansy I suspect) on their side.  I really hope so.  I also cannot wait to see what Snape picks for Hermione's engagement ring.  I'm sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for the next update.  Well done!!

*swoons* Absolutely lovely update. So many endearing details, so much happening. And, for once, not that daft JKR term of 'what say you' but instead, the lovely and proper 'What do you say.' *swoons some more*

Thank you so much fot the update, I was so happy to see it! A great update, I loved that Severus now got to experience a new joy of life with friends and people who accept him, include him and share their fun with him, it was brilliantly written!!!!

*snuggles up to Good_Witch's prose and purrrrrrrrrrrrrrs...*~Lotm

very sweet for Severus to experience something of the lost happiness of his youth.  And I love Minerva for sticking by him.  Thanks for the update!

I loved that Severus joined in the game. Too bad Draco and Pansy were stuch stick in the muds. The flittingoff to the kitchens - too bad he didn't take advantage and kiss her, but oh well. Leave it to Hermione to call for absentance! Two whole months - what will they do? without? *sigh*ANd Severus and Ron in a game of ongoing chess 0 bloody brilliant that one! cool chapter.

Glad to have a chapter for the holidays. Hope you have time to get the next one out sooner. As always, loved it, and can't wait for more.

definitely worth the wait. i really dont want this to end! as always, i love this story. i hope real life doesn't interfere so much for the next chapter! Good luck!

YAY and update.  I love Severus in this chapter....please update as soon as possible :)

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!  I LOVE IT!!!!! I'm so glad Severus joined in on the game, and that he was readily accepted...I can't wait till end of term...I hope Minerva will be accepting of his and Hermione's relationship....Love the name of his business...Vial and Vessel, excellent!!!  Also It's good that he and Hermione are not in close contact with each other...Absence makes the heart grow fonder...Whoohoo!!!!! WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!  Sitting on Pins and Needles waiting for the next chapter.....Whoohoo!!!  LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT!!!!

Wow keep going I have stuck around this far.again please

Prays, hopes, wishes and cries for the next chapter before the hols are upon us... it's my birthday on Sunday if that's any help?!?!?!I'll be 30!!!  I just need my PoH fix, pleeeeeease?!I'm going to read thru it again, because I'm smitten *sigh* with your Severus.  I promise I won't drool too much. Begs shamelessly!!!

great party scene!

Ahh...so now that I have caught up with the story I am even more impressed, but you left me with a cliffy! Why do I think Severus is reconsidering the idea of leaving Hogwats now that he knows he is appreciated?  It would be rather sad to leave where he has lived for most of his life to venture out into the unknown...even with Hermione by his side.  But then Dumbledore would have to take credit for their relationship.Well done.Irish

Damn straight the old goat! Serves him right! Harrrumph!Well played Minerva...well played.

Smoking hot. Lava hot. OH DEAR GOD THAT WAS HOT!Geezus. I have to go take a shower now. Thank you for finally getting so close. Hehe.

Ugghhhhh! I know you have to make things happen the RIGHT way but ahhh! Come on! =( Pouts. Poor Severus. He doesn't realize he IS using intimacy to get his way- does he? But Hermione is not handling things well at all. She's sending a lot of mixed signals. Geesh. I can't wait for the two of them to do this play and for her to graduate. I think the ending of this fic will be spectacular. I am happy Severus is planning for the future. That is quite responsible of him.

This story is amazing. I absolutely have to find a version of the Phantom of the Opera on DVD somewhere as I've never seen it. I agree with the way you've handled things with Snape and Hermione and even Colin...although...I have to say I feel a bit sorry for him. I know he got a little "stalkerish" but I still feel a little bad for the guy. Anyway, keep up the fantastic work. You're a great credit to the fandom!