"No, what you need to do is to find him someone else to snog."ROFL! Professor Snape has an answer for everything. "And he’s always sort of coming in and out of fashion, isn’t he?"LOL The scary thing is that some people really think like that. Lavender is a likely candidate indeed.This chapter was brilliant. The ring, the crossword puzzle...

A clever way to bring Lavender into the picture.

Thank you so much for the update. I had high hopes for Severus there a moment, thinking he finally would let him self have someone he could trust and count on, but alas, his low self esteem made it self known at the ending:-) But, it is early days, for him to "surrender" to Hermione so soon would not make him the snarky Potions Master we love so much. More time is needed, and even if he took a gigant step bacwards at the end, I do think he made some tentative steps in the rigth direction first.  The new idea with the rings flaring was also brilliant, I would not be surprised if Hermione get her self a startling reaction if/when her ring flares gold. Update again soon!!!

I am glad that Hermione doesn't feel too bad about Ron being with Lavender. I am sure she will feel even better about the relationship once she starts having more of a relationship with Severus. I wonder how Albus wants them to act towards each other. Does he want them always to be strangers?

Poor Severus. I'm hoping Hermione will end up proving him wrong!

Loved the way he suggested setting Ron up with another girl. I was wondering how you'd handle the Ron situation in HBP! This works so well.

Crossword puzzles was a great idea. It does sound like something Dumbledore might come up with.

Who could love Severus Snape? No one, it seemed. Not even his wife.

I think this line sums up Severus' trauma perfectly. Even those who are supposed to love and care for him and do everything that is necessary to protect and help him cannot do so. In his mind at least, and in fact for some people.

Loved it!! Great chapter...as usual!I enjoyed the way you portrayed Hermione: strong, smart with a hint of Slytherinism (is that even a word?)I like how your writing not only delivers a yummy plot but also gives us witty insights into the character's personality. Example: Harry being a tad jealous of Hermione's time with Headmaster, Dumbledore's message shows that is quirky but at the same time very sharp! So well done!Can I become your pseudo-Beta so I can read your chapters in advance!!!!? Ha! Ha! :) 

wow snape really knows how to be an ass but o well he is confused and he obviously has feelings for our dear hermionehow hard it must be on him poor bastardthis was well written and i cant wait fro the next chapter thanks againjulie

Excellent chapter.

How devious of Severus and Hermione setting Ron up like that.  Hope Lavender chasing him brings us some amusing reading.

I like how you are continuing to weave canon into this fic. And Snape's idea of getting Ron a girl - that was pure Slytherin - definitely Snape's style. He is a very jealous and possessive man, that's a part of his emotional immaturity, I think you're continuing to do a great job!

Livvy

I am enjoying your story and hoping for the happy ending.  You're torturing Severus and Hermione!  Please don't torture them for ten million chapters and then send me sniffling away to bed!  ;)  Looking for the next installment -- and thanks for your work!

you know, making me cry in the middle of my breakroom was not fair.  however, i would not trade a second of this story for it.  thank you.

Loving it! I hope you have more soon! Great Snape, and I like how you were able to craft him such that it didn't take him forever to begin to warm to her! Refreshing! ~HR

The marriage consummation was a good scene but Severus goes and blows up and puts Hermione on the defensive - cannot wait to see what happens next.  100 points and he was the git to begin with - he should take points from himself.  I do love Severus just not when he is being such an arse.

why didn't I get private lessons like that when I was Hermione's age? Life isn't fair... We all should have a Professor to teach us the good things in life Thank you for this story, I was so depressed after reading another MLC with evil!Snape and I needed something happy.

Wow, what a jerk. She probably walked out of there absolutely furious.

this is really a work of art to bad it wont have a happy ending or middle when dumblrdore dies and snape must return to the death eaters poor hermione is going to fall in love isnt she lol

Like a mug full of melted dark chocolate. Mmmmmmmore, please! Thank you so much!!

Her first experience seemed like love making to me. I am surprised Prof. Snape would make such an admission. Hmm. I'm glad Hermione snapped. I wondered if she was going to remain in shock for being treated again like a student again and sent to her room. Class should be very interesting.

hummm.... some honeymoon.  Hope that they can steal more time together.  But she has to get her acting down pat.  Yummy.

Oh now there is definately going to be rocky road ahead.  I do not think that dear Severus thought that he would enjoy it so much and now he is angry so, of course, Hermione is going to have to bear the brunt.  I hope that they can get beyond this.

Amazing, absolutely amazing. You've portrayed Severus, Hermione and Dumbledore perfectly. Dumbledore is manipulative to a fault to get what he wants, Severus is once again trapped between his loyalty to both Lily and Dumbledore and Hermione has let her enthusiasm and sense of honor put her in the middle of a very sticky situation.

The scenes between Severus and Hermione after the ceremony read so very realistically. It’s definitely not a romantic first time, but it was incredibly seductive, nonetheless. Severus taking points was actually rather funny (especially since it seems so in character) and Hermione’s fit of temper to cover her unease was priceless. I absolutely loved the last line!

I will eagerly be awaiting further updates :-)

Excellent chapter.

I'm so sorry Lariope but I'm going to have to be redundant and tell you again how much I love your story and your writting!This chapter was hot and touching at the same time. I particularly enjoyed Hermione's realization that "giving" can be as powerful as "receiving". You wrote it so well too:" There was no wave of pleasure, not like before, but she could feel that he had found it, for he shuddered above her, wracked by something she could not see. And the feel of him undone in her arms and the sound of her name had brought her a different kind of satisfaction. She had made this; she had done it, and it was better than magic, better than victory, better than anything. "Beautiful!I also enjoyed the repartee at the end and I thought it was realistic (and in character) for Snape to remove points from Hermione. Can't wait for more!

Well, things started out so well. Of course, once the sex was over, they'd be back to square one. Obviously the relationship will take a bit of time to develop. I'm looking forward to the next chapter.