Oh I am so pleased you are adding the Malfoys!  Normally I'm not that fond of Malfoys, but Narcissa was badly needed just here in the plot.  Perfect addition!   

Noooo! Narcissa would interrupt just as he was about to kiss her! I just wish he would open up to her a bit. It wouldn't kill him.... would it?

Oh, yes, they both need to make decisions.  But really, I'm still not sure how she can put up with that.  I don't know that I would have lasted that long. 

Could just be me but he still seems to be a frog at this point.

I'm glad that we finally get to see Severus' point of view; he's not as big a bastard as I'd first feared, (but still enough to piss me off, haha.)  I have to say that I really feel for Hermione.  I mean, sure, she's gone and done what she'd set out to do--get laid with minimal emotions--but what with everything going on in her life, well, it just kind of sucks.  She seems positive enough about it, and I'm kind of surprised about that, but then again I'm having my fair share of problems and am probably projecting, haha.  Oh well, enough rambling. More, please!!

He keeps waiting and waiting.  He might wind up postponing breaking it off with Hermione until they're married!  I'm glad Narcissa was good about seeing Hermione.

I am glad that Severus is feeling something for Hermione even though he won't admit it out loud. Perhaps he will miss her when she visits with her children, so that he knows for sure that he wants to spend more time with her. Perhaps Hermione will decide to stay with Severus for New Year's at his party. Hopefully they'll eventually kiss. Maybe beneath a mistletoe, if he is not willing to on his own. I quite look forward to the next chapter.

I love all the angsty tension between the two of them! This is shaping up to be an interesting story, indeed. I'm really enjoying it, can't wait for the next update!

Beautiful chapter. I love your characterization of Severus. Can't wait for the next update.

awww so close to kissing, i wonder how old is Liam?

Thank you for the update. I still think Hermione should find someone better (yada, yada, yada, I know that if she had, I would have complained even more.....), but she doesn't deserve this, no woman does. While it is obvious that Severus have issues, I don't for one minut think that provides him with excuses for his behaviour. Hermione needs someone who can boast her selfesteem, not destroy it, and I would like her to be strong enough to say that "I don't deserve this, I deserve someone who respect me and treats me like a decent human beeing" etc etc etc. She migth be good for his ego, but he sure aint good for hers. When the story first started I thougth the tittle mirrored Ron as the frog and Severus as the Prince. I must admit that even if Ron migth still be the frog, that would make Severus the toad and Hermione will still have to look elsewhere to find a prince. Hermione can't "save" Severus, only Severus can save Severus. Then again, as long as Hermione is stupid enough to let her self be treated this way, she probably don't deserve better, neither will she get any better. She has already showed bad enough jugdement to marry Ron, it took her years and infidelity to visen up enough to leave him so I guess there ain't  much hope of her growing a backboone anytime soon. Severus can treat Hermione like dirt because Hermione allows him to do so and comes back for more. I kling to the hope that you will make Hermione stronger, there is no need for Severus to respect a doormat.

Hahaha... I love the way Severus is now going to wait until AFTER Hermione returns to break up with her. A convenient postponement, that. I wonder if, at that point, he will find another reason to put it off. LOL Poor Sev, ever the confused soul :) and always seemingly making the worst decisions for his happiness. :)

Hmm... I hope that Hermione make the right decision! And I wish that Severus would just admit to her that he's the one who has become attached....Aaah! and Boo to Narcissa to walking in on them. Good job!

I think Narcissa is planning something. Poor Hermione....trying to open up to Severus and he just shuts her out....so like him.Great chapter.I look forward to updates.

There's being defensive and being over-defensive. Clearly Severus is over-defensive, but I have the feeling that Narcissa is plotting something. She must have noticed the tension between Severus and Hermione and drawn some conclusions.

 Thanks for a great start. I think I know where you are going with this...he he! 'Honeymoon cystitis'? Not surprising since they have been at it like rabbits...err...interesting solution Hermione. Your characterisations are excellent and I quite like your warm portrayal of Narcissa. I look forward to reading your next chapter.Cheers.

Oh. This is so sad. This is one messed up man, and he's dragging Hermione down with him.  I'm thrilled to have a new chapter this morning, but now I have to read the next to see what happens, so get writing, please!

Nice timing.  Your Nacissa sounds lovely and I can just see her manipulating things behind Severus' back.  Should be fun.  Thanks for sharing, JoAnne

The dialogue in this chapter is the best thing about it! It's interesting, though - your first chapter is more polished, in terms of grammar and style. There are some awkward bits in this one that detract from what is a lively story. Fine job so far!

Wow, very nice.  Please update soon!

Excellent, excellent start. 

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GRR!  Having sex with someone that drunk is tantamount to rape under most laws, since they can't knowingly give consent.  Stupid, douchebag Severus.  He's sabotaged himself in so many ways, deliberately hurt her, and never even STARTED to explain.  Usually I like him, but right now?  Here?  He doesn't deserve forgiveness.  She'd be better off without him, and his abuse.