Hard chapter to read. Which is to say, it's always hard to write the truth of Severus Snape- he doesn't do or think the way we'd like him to, despite our romantic author hearts. It's a monumental job for Hermione to bring them together, for she has to do it.

He is such a heartbreaking figure. That's why we all love him so, I guess. Once again, excellent writing. (but oh how I miss the wintry scene in the forest...!)

I miss the forest, too. But we'll get back there (at least figuratively) soon enough. :)

This story is as lovely as it is heart-wrenching; looking
forward to an update!

Wow.  I really like the way you've taken it from one emotion scene to the next, keeping the tension more or less the same through all the different actions.  Love this turn of phrase:

Somehow, in a single statement, he had managed to imply that she had
misidentified a mushroom and poisoned him and that he found her so
repulsive that only neurotoxicity could have brought him to kiss her.

Looking forward to what comes next.

Well, well, well it only took a bludger to the head for him to realize that she really does care.  So, now what is he going to do with the information?  Knowing Severus I am sure that he will find some way to muck it up. And what is Dumbledore going to think?  It appears that two of his pawns having feelings for each other this is definately an unforseen complication, in his book? Well done! Irish

"All i want for christmas is you"!!!!

Thank you so much! you kept your promis.

"I think he will not be able to hold out against her forever". Really!!

Oh, this is so sweet! Really well written, building up slowly, slowly. Beautiful.

Holy Crap!!!!!! I'm in love with this fic so far. I know that the whole Hermione must marry Severus to keep him safe storyline has been done, but this for me is really unique. I can't wait to see how they're going to deal with the upcoming emotions, especially when they have to deal with Dumbledore.

This chapter was fabulous.  I love the relationship you're drawing between Hermione and Snape and can't wait to see what happens next.

The conscience of honorable man is a hard thing to battle. Severus is so honorable that even when all others would just give in to the feelings they were experiencing, Severus still holds out.

I think you have his character spot on.

This is my favorite chapter so far. It was just so sweet and a little sad...hell, I even teared up a bit. You did a great job here, I can actually picture everything you wrote and even imagine the smells.. from the snow to the musty mushrooms. Excellent, thank you!

I love the way you bring future elements from DH in to your story. It makes a great forshadowing, as well as explaining how Hermione knew what she did during the endless camping trip.

Loving it yet again. You are so good at this. And to see a new chapter totally made my Monday. Thank you.

As always it's very good. I like the way you described Sevilemma: she's a student but she's also his wife. And letting things go further with her is too dangerous yet too tempting. Very well done.

The air was bitter with cold, but it felt cleansing. Whatever he had endured, he always felt scoured and renewed by the harsh winter winds. The Forbidden Forest looked glassy with ice, and he was struck by the idea that a very different type of Transfiguration had occurred in the night. Everything appeared changed. This?  Is simply great writing.  I have been lapping up your story like the hopeless romantic I am, after being introduced to the SSHG world a while back by fawkes07's "Fair Exchanges."  I have gone on to read other SSHG fics but none have matched up to hers.Until now.  I love your Severus.  He's true to canon, true to himself, but ultimately, so fragile and vulnerable.  It makes my heart ache for him.  One part I especially loved was when you were describing him looking for the mushroom book in a hurry, afraid he might miss Hermione outside.  The feelings and actions all make sense and ring true.  And that kiss was perfect!!  I loved that he just took her face and went for it (my favorite kind of kiss!!)I will be happily anticipating the next update.  Thanks for giving us a fic worth waiting for!

I love this chapter!  It is so sweet: Severus wishing for company, finding a reason to join her in the snow, the  lesson, and a kiss.  Simply a charming chapter to read on a winter morning.So they will meet at christmas dinner.  Perhaps Dumbledore will charm one large table, as he has done on Christmases past, and they w ill be forced to interact. 

At least Hermione now knows that Severus desires her. Perhaps she will have to make the first move next time. There's still Christmas dinner to get through. Maybe they can share a cracker.

Lariope, I'm all excited whenever I see you have a new chapter up and this one certainly exceeded expectations again!!

The amazing scenery of white winter is such a wonderful place for them to be kissing ... just for a short moment ... so devoted, so gentle, so true...

There was a lot of feeling in this lovely chapter, and great writing skills! Can't wait (as always!) to read more!!

I love your story, and I especially loved this chapter.  It was so well written and the kiss scene was beautiful.  This is my new favorite and I can't wait for the next update!

Lariope, I think you know by now how much I love this story...but I still wanted to drop you a noteto say thank you for sharing it!The kiss scene was beautiful... so vivid and touching!

What a beautiful chapter! I admit, I myself love the romance of winter, even the whipping wind and snowflakes, the hair flying, the red noses... The two of them out in the woods (my own favorite place in this entire world) was so romantic, I couldn't stand it.

And then he kissed her. I must be overly emotional, because I smiled and got teary!

Did you write this chapter just for me? :) Thanks, Lariope. I just loved it.

I don't recall reviewing before, but I've been eagerly awaiting each chapter of this story.

I appreciate how you've managed to explain away Hermione's sudden increase in knowledge in DH, while also using it for the SSHG angle. You also have a knack for using ordinary scenes to great effect. I can't wait to see the couple's relationship progress, and I wonder how you'll have Severus discover Hermione's thoughts during their wedding nite. One way or another I have a feeling he'll try to access it again before their relationship goes to the next level.

It ended in a sad note, but it's still such a sweet chapter. You have a great sense of using scenes to great effect.

She's his wife, how the heck is that inappropriate.  And I really can't wait for Dumbledore to die, since he is being such a horrid person. 

Liked the latest chapter - the kiss was good - cannot wait to see when he truly lets down all of his defensives with her and sees her as his wife more than a student.

Thank you so much for the update! I am so happy that Severus accepted Hermiones care and worry about him as genuine. While he still has a way to go before he sees her as a wife in stead of a student used as a pawn in Dumbledores play, I would say that they are heading in the correct direction:-)Have I told you how much I love this story? I absolutely adore it (so please take good care of my two favourites:-)) Update again soon!!!

Aha! He's cracking. I love it. THis story kepps getting more and more interesting.

Livvy