Wonderful story!  I'm looking forward to a new chapter.

So things between Ron and Hermione are getting back on a better track, which is good. He's in for a big disappointment, still, I think, but you seem to make him realize that he has to do things for himself, and not for anybody else, which is good. Snape realizes some new things, hopefully, too - not in the least thanks again to Maire. I do hope you let her play a further role in your story, she's a great OC.
To see Snape dreaming again and waking to Hermione's helping embrace is a wonderful development. I'm really looking forward to reading on! :o)

Author's Response: I am SO sorry about taking a long time to reply!  Thanks for reviewing!  Ron is trying!  I am so, so happy that you like Maire!  She will come to play an important part in this story.  He seemed to need someone with a different perspective to help him out, and she just came about.  Thanks for your kind comments!  I'm very pleased that you enjoyed the chapter!

Good that Maire is there put things into perspective for Hermione, though perhaps Hermione is a bit young to see it yet. It's very satisfying to see Skeeter getting what's due, as well as for her publisher, but still - Snape is the victim, and he has to bear the consequences. And it's obviously up to Hermione to do something about it, isn't it?

Author's Response: Hermione's still impetuous, and she does have that Gryffindor knack for disregarding the wisdom of her elders!  Maire has a way, though, and she will be very important to both Hermione and Severus as this story progresses.  I am glad to see your comment--regardless of what is done to Skeeter and Smythwyck, Snape will still have to bear the consequences.  Thanks so much for all your reviews!  You manage to get to the heart of things very neatly. 

How typical for Snape to see Hermione's choice of books in this way! And now he is chucked out of the hospital, too. Bad luck for him.
The dream scenes are very interesting in regard to what he really wants, aren't they? ;o)

Author's Response: Snape has a way of seeing things in the worst possible light, doesn't he?  Yes, dreams are telling him something--he needs something Hermione has, but doesn't know what it is, yet (and not sex, although that's nice!) 

Thanks for reviewing!  Your comments always brighten my day!

... and here for Hermione, too - her inner self is quite well told about in the first part of the chapter.
Severus, on the other hand, really seems to have hit the bottom of the pit. Discovering that he has no magic - or can't acces it, as he then learns - must be the most horrible thing happening to a wizard.

Author's Response: Thank you for all of your kind reviews!  I am glad that Hermione's and Severus' struggles are resonating with you. I think that would be the most horrible thing to happen to a wizard, too, especially after everything he's survived so far.  

*g* The way Hermione "managed" Callipope is just brilliant - and fits so well.
This is a very intense and dense chapter, showing Snape's inner life and his demons really well.

Author's Response: I am so glad you appreciated Hermione's handling of Calliope!  Snape's inner demons were very intense to write, so I'm glad that came across.  Thanks again for reading and reviewing!  

Poor Ron, that did not go at all well. He couldn't know that he probably picked the least suiting day for his endeavor, of course, but still it must be as hard on him as it is on her.

Author's Response: Yes, I felt bad for Ron, as well.  He has his own demons to contend with, and he and Hermione aren't really equipped to help each other that way right now.  Thank you for your review!  It's always nice to find your comments here!  :)

Oh dear, what a dreadful thing to happen! But how good that all this hate-mail didn't reach Snape - and now probably ever wont. 

Author's Response: Weren't those letters dreadful?  Poor Snape.  I'm so glad Hermione can intercept the letters, though.

So pleased to see another chapter up.   It was a little difficult to enjoy Rita getting hers simply because it was so reminiscent of how she ripped others to shreds, though, turn about is supposed to be fair play!  I never thought I'd feel bad for Rita!Unfortunately, it's been so long since I read previous chapters, I do not recall exactly what the standing is between HG and RW at this point.  She seemed to take comfort in the warmth of friendship, but didn't appear quite happy with the way Ron figured everything seemed all right so everything was all right.  Boys/Men tend the grasp onto any little positive sign as ... positive.  Does that make sense?

This is an emotionally honest and beautifully written tale! I really look forward to the updates. A true marvel, thank you very much.

You got the emotions of the characters well written.

Just finished reading your story straight through. Whew, it's really good. I'm glad Rita is getting what she deserves. I can see Ron and Hermione's relationship working out just as you've written it. Other's expectations can become deeply ingrained in our decision making process. Poor Snape, I hope this is rock bottom for him and his life starts improving. What is he going to do with his life now? I hope to see more of this wonderful story soon.

I am enjoying your story and hope your muse speaks soon. Thank you for writing

This is such a great story! I read all ten chapters today. It's been a long time since you updated--any chance that this will be finished anytime soon? I really enjoyed the last scene with Kingsley Shacklebolt and Rita Skeeter. And all of the interaction between Hermione and Severus!

Thank God...Rita Skeeter had that coming to her!  I appreciate this fanfic because it seems quite plausible.  I look forward to reading more.  Thank you for writing it.

A  great new chapter, though I tend to get a bit dizzy with all that legal and journalistic stuff. And I'm quite eager to know what will happen to Severus now!

Author's Response: Thank you so much for your thoughtful review!  Sorry the legal/journalistic stuff left you dizzy.  Stay tuned, more Severus soon!

This is great any chnace of it being finished

There's so many things I love about this story, emmeline. Your writing is fabulous, and the depth of your characters is truly impressive.In this particular chapter, I really enjoyed your portrayal of Shacklebolt. This had me laughing :"Shacklebolt looked mildly amused. "Miss Granger is right on time, Mr. Smythwyck," he said with a glance towards the clock. "She was instructed to arrive at 10:17, not five minutes before." He faced the wizard directly. "And the new Minister is quite capable of demanding respect on his own."Thank you for sharing this wonderful tale! Now I await the next chapter with the rest of your fans!! :)

desperatly waiting for this story to continue...

This is so beautiful, it takes my breath away. There were so many touching  moments in this chapter that my heartstrings are all sore from being pulled so many times.Multiple stars to you my dear!************************************************* 

I am in awe my dear girl! Your portrayal of the whole cast is just flooring me. I don't know what to say... except I feel like re-writing my story because my own characters seem so superficial in comparison! lol!This is brilliant!

Breathtaking!The dream sequence was beautiful and gut wrenching at the same time. Such a touching way to give us a glimpse into their inner turmoil. Wow! I'm still shivering here!

I decided to re-read the first few chapters of Anthem over to get back into the 'mood' and 'nuances' of this story. I know I've reviewed this chapter already but I was blown away again, so I'm commenting again! Your writing is brilliant my dear Emmeline, just brilliant! 

Vultures perform a service too, Hermione thought viciously, but no one pays them.Gorgeous writing, as usual. I'm completely captivated by your story.

wow hahahahahaha rita got busted lalalalalathis was a wonderful chapter i really do enjoy yhis story hugs and chocolate