It occured to me, partway through the duel, that Hermione wouldn't appreciate Severus' participation.  I wondered why he had agreed until Lucius mentioned the thing about having a claim.  However, I'm confused - isn't it ultimately up to Hermione who she marries?  Wouldn't that make the outcome of the duel moot?

“Obviously a committee decision,” Hermione muttered darkly, a hint of a tremor in her voice. “No single person could be that stupid.”This line reminded me of an Demotivator entitled, "Meetings - None of us is as dumb as all of us."  I've had the dubious pleasure of sitting through meetings like that.Great chapter!

Very intriguing start!  I'm a big fan of the LM/SS/HG threesome and there just aren't very many - and even fewer that are well-written.  Looking forward to seeing how this plays out.

wow edge of my seat then you leave me hanging hugs and chocolate to  you my dear

Oooh, very interesting. Just started this fic this evening, and I'm very impressed. I hope you continue to update this.

You are incredible. That is another wonderful chapter. You described Hermione's feeling so well at the beginning. I'm very impressed.

I'm thrilled that Fawkes is with Severus now.  I often wondered if that might not be the case in the 7th book, but was disappointed.  I think you have done a good job portraying Hermione's reactions.  Very natural under the circumstances.  Thanks for another good chapter.  I loved reading about the various birds in Lucius's aviary.  Thanks for showing him in a new light.  I don't LIKE him, mind you!  But it's only fair to show him in a more rounded way.

uh-oh, so remembering stuff makes her head hurt and her ears ring.  I wonder if Fawkes can heal that.  glad that Severus stayed with her and found her in the hot shower.  I'm not sure who (if anyone) will tell Lucius that she felt guilty that she had enjoyed the three-way consummation.  the aviary sounds very exciting, with dodo birds and snidgets plus Fawkes.  thanks for the new chapter!!

Ooh, birdies! However, "Hermione parroted" in the midst of a tour of the aviary? 50 lashes with a wet noodle for ghastly wordplay! Thanks for the update ~

Wonderful cliff hanger. I can't wait for the next chapter. And that's all I really have to say seeing as I'm not really one to go to for advice about a story.

How do I love you? Let me count the ways:1. Hermione have a perfectly legit reaction to her night with Lucius2. Severus securing the spider for ingrediants3. A sentient Malfoy manner4. certified snidget breederIts these little tid bits that make a good story great. You rock!

Hermione's reaction is quite understandable. Glad both men are being patient and understanding with her. Glad too that she noticed that she (unintentionally) hurt Lucius' feelings. It's a lot harder to fix something if you don't realize it's broken to begin with.I liked the image of Lucius 'with childlike glee' while holding a bird. And it looks like, thanks to Fawkes, they might not need the feathers afterall. Though, if she gets six months of memories back in one shot, that's gotta hurt!Looking forward to the next!

It seems Fawkes has triggered some of Hermione's memories.I can understand her feeling of uncleaniliness.  Let's hope they can all cwork together.Well DoneIrish

so lucius is a bird person. interesting chapter i'm curious to see what memories Hermione lost and if they will be able to recover them.

xLes>en GooglecFawkes! Oh, that's perfect! Fawkes can help her.

Ah, so she hates herself for liking the encounter. I suppose pointing out that the man is her husband does not help. I feel sorry for Lucius. His feelings are hurt. He was trying to make it as easy for her as possible. Then at breakfast she  panics over a pat on the hand. Hermione needs to snap out of it. Everything is not about her. I know I have been down on her in my reviews, but I still think she is being selfish. Her husbands have feelings, too. Why doesn't Hermione think about how terrible she made Lucius feel when he was trying to be intimate with his wife in his own house. She acts like he is a leper.

As always, this was an excellent chapter. Such a well-written and suitably awkward morning after.

I truly loved this chapter because a) your description of the various conflicts and disturbing feelings was completely believable and realistic and b) because the visit of the aviary indicates that there might by more to Lucius than meets the eye

Thank you very much for another 15 minutes of beautiful reading...

Wow, such a great, great chapter!!! Can't wait for more!!gab

Wow.  She really reacted as though she was violated, which she was by the Ministry and their rules.  Anyway, that last bit with the birds was wonderfully fanciful.  And Fawkes has decided to bond to Severus?  That is a lovely idea.

I totally agree with the way you wrote Hermione's feelings about her second wedding night. Even the guilt that she enjoyed it. How mentally and emotionally offsetting the whole thing would be! You're writing really brings that out.Oh, Ow! Headache! Funny, I have the same reaction trying to remember something as Hermione did having those memories come to her!

Really, I think that Lucius and Severus are doing their best to make things as comfortable for her as is possible under the circumstances. And it's not as if they do not have troubles of their own to cope with. Let's hope she'll be able to pull herself together soon.

Oh that introduction of Fawkes was nice. :)

Hermione's pain and guilt were so real in this chapter.  Your writing lent a very appropriate gravity to the situation you've portrayed. 

Thank you so much for the update, this was a touching, emotional and very well written chapter! I loved the tour of Lucius aviary, what a perfect way to show Hermione that Lucius has other sides to him than the one she has known until now. I am also happy to "see" Fawkes again, thank you for not forgetting him:-))Again, a brilliant update, I am looking forward to read more!