Thank you so much!  I am thrilled that you are appreciating the dreams and Severus' attempts to make sense of it all.  That is mostly what this story is about, and dreams will be an important part throughout.  I am equally thrilled that you are volunteering to slap Calliope.  She's oh-so-begging for it!

Alas and alack, it was but a dream.  I had a very hard time waking him up.  I am gratified that you found it moving.  Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!

Hey, Mach

!  So glad you're still reading!  Glad you like the illustrations of Hermione's and Ron's relationship, and that you caught the hints about Harry and Ginny, as well.  Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!mach

Oh, I am most *definitely* reading!  I'm just horribly slow and constantly behind.  I've done precious little reading, lately, unfortunately  But this story is up on my desktop and I'm enjoying each chapter as I get to savour it! 

Thanks for reading and reviewing, Lipa!

Hi, Kat, thanks for reviewing!  I am delighted that you love the story and find it realistic.  I was waiting for someone to catch the "Mr. and Mrs. Hermione Granger" bit...  I did, in fact, mean for him to say it that way, just to juxtapose the view that Hermione's friends have of her with the uncertainty she feels herself.  So, whereas she's feeling unbalanced and vulnerable, her friends still see her as the know-it-all with the answers and the controlling nature.  Wow, that was a long explanation, hope it shed light on your question!  Thanks again for reviewing!

Thanks, Hobgoblinn!  I am so very happy that you are reading and enjoying the story.  I definitely have "Lost Boys" and "In Loco Parentis" on my to-read list.  I felt kind of bad about waking Snape up at the end.  Unfortunately, Hermione doesn't even realize enough subconciously yet for it to work out the way it did in the dream.  I appreciate your review; it means the world! 

Gee, Amsev, thanks!  I am absolutely overjoyed that you find the story "tightly written" and "emotionally wrenching."  Finding your review has definitely made my evening better!

Salva, I am always excited to find your reviews.  They have certainly been a bright spot.  I definitely understand wanting them to have a softer way of healing.  There will be an ongoing theme in this story about wholeness vs. brokenness, and what it means to be both.  Keep reading; your encouragement has meant a lot to me!

I meant to say thank you, too.  I've really appreciated your reviews.

stop, i'm blushing :)you do the work, don't you think?! I'm just an enthusiastic reader who enjoys your work.

I had a very hard time making him wake up from that dream!   I am glad you thought it poignant.  Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!

Thanks so much,

!  I am glad you liked the chapter.  Poor Severus, indeed!  Oh, well, I won't say much, except that some promises can be broken...

, I just, wow, I'm almost speechless.  Your writing awes me every time, so I am just so honoured by your appreciation of mine.  My beta and I went back and forth about ending the chapter with the dream and letting him wake up next chapter, but Snape (and I) had to wake up here, it seems.  I really wish it could have happened that way!Glad you like the titles, esp. "King of Infinite Space!"  I so love that line from Hamlet!  Thanks so much,

, you've brightened my day enormously.

Thank you, Faula Tara, for reading and reviewing!  Glad you are enjoying the story!

As always, Livvy, I am very grateful that you have continued to read and review!  About that ring... well, I'll leave you to guess a little bit, but I'll let you know soon what's going to come of that.  ;)Thanks again, Livvy!

Wow, thanks!  I am so happy that you've continued to read.

Indeed.  Remember, too, that he has given Harry Potter vital memories, and that there wil be holes in his memories that he cannot account for.  This will be very important as the story progresses.

Hi, Salva! I am touched beyond measure by your thoughtful words.  I am so glad you have stuck with me, despite the 4-week break.  I'm working hard to keep the chapters coming, so hopefully, there will be no more big lapses.  Thanks, thanks, thanks for reading and reviewing!

Thank you,

, for continuing to read!  Hermione and Ron are not particularly well-suited, are they? I have really appreciated your reviews, and I hope you will like the rest.  The next chapters are chock full o'Severus.

Thanks so much for reading,

!  I am glad you found the story.  It's gratifying to know that you find the mental anguish of PTSD and depression realistic.  When I finished reading DH, I couldn't shake the idea that there were some very deep wounds that would plague the characters for a long time.  I am very happy that you have taken the time to review, and I hope you wil enjoy the rest of the story.

Thanks so much,

!  I'm so glad you are enjoying the writing.  That line was one I really worked on, and I am so glad it resonated with you. There is more to come, and I hope you will like it as well. I am thrilled that you took the time to review!

Thanks so much for taking time to review, Elle!  I am glad you are reading, and your review means so much to me.  Snape is coming up next chapter, and we shall see his reaction to the ring.  I have no words to express my gratitude for your encouraging words.  Thanks!

Hermione was a little surprised, too!  :)  More Potions master is on the way, though, have no fear!  I am delighted that you have continued to read and review.  It means so much.  Thanks a bunch, Irish!

Hi,

! (Love that name! :)) Oh, yes, it's going to get Snape-y.  The next chapters will feature much more Snape.  Yeah, I was surprised when Ron and Hermione hooked up in canon. Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!  It makes my day!

The engagement is still on--for now.  (Don't worry, as I've said before, it's Potions Under Duress for a reason).  But yes, Hermione is having a very rough time, and rougher times are ahead.  I promise, thought, I will sweeten things for all involved.  Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!  I am very, very grateful.

*beams humbly* Thanks,

!  I am glad you feel a bit sorry for Ron.  They really were never meant for each other, but you're right, he's a clueless and (here's a clue) insecure boy.  I am very grateful that you've continued to read and respond--your thoughtful words have really meant the world to me.

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing, Livvy!  Don't worry, the HG/SS action will happen, even if they lead a merry dance to get there.