Another great chapter. I really liked the dialogue between Snape and Hermione. Both try to remain in their roles of teacher and pupil, but can't help giving away that they care for each other.

Sad chapter, I'd love to know what Hermione is thinking and feeling about now.  I think Dumbledore and Severus have said things that may have been left out of Hermione's hearing and I'm guessing Profesor Black had another reason than what he stated to let her hear all that.

pprogress... On both ends! Wonderful update :)

i cant get over how well you are turning thid into hermiones story you are really twisting a wonderful tale here keep up the good work and thank you for another wonderful chapter

I have the feeling that Dumbledore knows more about Severus' marriage to Hermione, and his true feelings for her. I think by Dumbledore telling Severus that she's very loyal to him, Dumbledore's letting Severus know in his way that Hermione loves him.  Even though that's against Dumbledores' wishes, there's not much that can be done. I'm also hoping Minerva figures out what Severus has been trying to tell her. I'm sure once she's not thinking with her emotions, she'll figure it out.

Oh yes, I also wish that Dumbledort were alive so he could be killed all over again. What a minipulative (ok, we knew that) old goat! I can only wish that you in the end will let someone make it public just how much of a manipulative old devil he was and how little help he actually gave Harry compared to how much help Harry could have got a lot sooner if he hadn't have to waddle through half-told truths, riddles, things unsaid, things hidden for "the greater good".... Oh, I am so mad at Dumbledort. And, it was just as I thougth in the very beginning of this story, Dumbledort is using Hermione as a chesspiece, and held as little value to it/her life, as he does for the other "chesspiecses". So, he didn't force the marriage only to protect Severus (as we now know he could care less about as long as Severus manage to do his job before he dies), but to make sure that Hermione has the focus on helping Harry rather than being involved in schoolwork and/or romance. I am sure that his highest motivation to get rid of Voldidork is to make sure that everybody thinks of him as the greatest wizard there ever was, Harry, Ron and Hermione has no painting made of them that can tell the story as it actually was if they should die in the war, leaving the "window" open for Dumbledort to tell the story his way, and probably in a very favourable way to himself. (Please make sure that doesn't happen). In a way Voldidork is more honest, at least one knows he wants to torture and kill you, Dumbledort shake your hand with one of his while his other hand stabs you in the back. It feels so gooood to be able to rant about the old fart, I love it:-))

Bloody brilliant! I´ve specially enjoyed this chapter cause I love your enraged Severus! I think you´re doing a great job with this fanfic, you don´t just tell the facts from a SS/HG perspective, but you give the story even more plot. You rock!

A wonderful chapter.  Love the conversations between Severus and Hermione........they so get each other.  It's brilliant how you have given us an idea of how manipulative Dumbledore still is - guess that man just doesn't like to lose control.Looking forward to reading more.

Excellent! Just Excellent work! This was a brilliantly written chapter that I thought really showed how Dumbledore could be so feared by the evil Voldemort. Hermione does have a backbone of steel and I am so glad that Snape recognized it, at least to himself, and I think from this point on (I hope) there will be a shift towards the better in their relationship.This fic is turning out to be a potential classic, IMHO. Each chapter gets better and better!Well Done!Livvy

I love Phineus Nigellus.  Although I have to admit, I'm not sure if he did that because he's a prat, because he wanted Hermione to hear more, or because Dumbles told him to.  But you're doing a very creative and effective job of providing them communications through the portraits.  Another good chapter!

I was so delighted to see this updated this morning. It was just what the Healer ordered for post-tax hangover!  I can't help but think that Dumbledore and Black colluded to push Snape to reveal his respect for Hermione and renew her hope.  Wish I knew what his Patronus was... of coursse, he has yet to leave the sword, so I'm assuming it's still a doe.  Oh, I'm just going to ramble on and on if I'm not careful, and what I really needed to say was that this was a moving, uplifting chapter.  I so love this story!

What can I say?  I was supposed to be writing a lecture for my first years but instead I've read all that you've written so far in one go :)  It's a great story, I really like how seamlessly you've fitted in with DH.  Looking forward to the next chapter. 

You just made my day. Work's been a total mess this morning. This chapter just made me a fan of Phineas Nigellus. Impertinence indeed! LOL. Nice twist with throwing out the question on whether DD was actually behind that also. (What IS that man's full agenda?)Great momentum in this chapter. I really liked the dynamics between DD and Snape. And as for SS/HG, you're building the frustration very nicely. It's like piling up a heap of explosives--very subtle until you throw on that one match. In short, loved it, loved it, loved it.

Excellent chapter. I had worried that the portrait method of communication would not be conducive to anything like drama or furthering of relationship or plot, but you've really done a marvelous job with it here, especially in showing them both their loyalty and love for each other and how they've made something completely unexpected of Dumbledore's "whoring" Hermione out for Harry's sake. That's a brutal, but very fair assessment of the situation, in fact.  Well done indeed.

I do know why I switch my notebook on every day - in case you have updated your story. Brilliant job, dear. The interaction between Snape and Dumbledore is very much in tune, Hermione is strong and brave and not the doormat she is in so many other fics. Keep it going, love, and I hope you are well!

Their feelings are growing in spite of the distance. Did Dumbledore have any idea of what bond he would create between Snape and Hermione with their wedding?

I love this story with a passion. I have to make myself remember to breathe sometimes.

You manage to interweave your story with DH with such skill. Superbly done.

"Snape had long suffered sleepless nights, and he had learned that by pretending to sleep, he could sometimes coax his body into the real thing."Lucky bastard.  Wish to hell that worked for me.And it's not like he can take Dreamless Sleep, either, because he's been on-call the entire time he's been at Hogwarts.No wonder he's a cranky prat!  That and seventeen years of no sex would make anyone vicious!  ;)

Very interesting to write that part from Severus' POV. Much better than having to read the Ministry escapade again.I feel so sorry for him that his most respected teacher and colleauge did not figure it all out.

It is wonderful that Severus is finally realising how much he has come to rely on Hermione's company and even the annoying chatter. I am glad they have another way of communicating, even if it means keeping what is really needed to be said out of their conversations.

A heartbreaker and a cliffie all in one! Very good chapter, once again. I loved Headmaster Snape and the staff meeting. More? :-)

Wonderful new chapter! I do so hope that Severus will sometimes see and accept that there will be no need to die in the war and there will be reason to survive, good reason...

Author's Response: I hope so too! I'm glad you liked the chapter. Thank you so much for reviewing!

Couldn't wait for those slowpokes at RS to post your chapters.  You know, you could be a little *less* good at leaving us on the cliff.  Maybe?  Hmmm?No?Bugger.CheersCB

I can definitly inderstand Severus feelings about seeing McGonagall again; she did always seem like the kind of teacher that no matter how old you are she can still make you feel about 3 inches tall.Oh oh. How is Hermione going to explain what happened at the Ministry? My reaction while reading that whole chapter was pretty much like Severus's... well mine went more along with WTF but you get the idea LOL.Update soon!

God damned Dumbledore! Not even in dead does his influence stop over Severus.It still continues to amaze me how perfectly you mold this in with the canon. I don't think I could do anything like it! Guess that's why you're the author and I'm not huh? LOLI almost feel like this could truly be the book from an interesting point of view.*On to review the last chapter*