I love how this chapter was both serious and hot. They're both so trapped in their heads, ruminating on how fucked up their lives are, but they have these brief moments of escape with one another. Now that Hermione has loosened up a little (literally), it's no longer a battle of wills. Of course they're not acting like lovers either. It's still halting and awkward, but they seem to be on the same page at least. That sounds like fertile ground for some kind of deeper connection.

I love the story so far.  What is next for our duo? What about Drake? 

I missed "the lack of" in one sentence >.<, You'll figure it out in which one ;)

you have such a gorgeous way of phrasing and explaining your thoughts – beautiful. - Thank you ( know you can't see but I'm blushing right now - full fledged Gryffindor color and that's wrong - I'm pure Ravenclaw with soft spot for Slytherins ;) )

my 8 year old does a fantastic Bellatrix impersonation by the way - FANTASTIC, give your girl/boy a huge kiss from me :*, future generations of potterheads are always appreciated and respected

what is it about them? - the way I see it they are like fine japanese tea bowl that was broken and repaired with gold - beautiful, strong and they have essence, a certain depth that others lack. But what really keep catching our eye is that streak of gold :)

I’m blaming your naughty muse for bugging me to get this next one done! Whew! - I should say "I'm sorry" but I'm not 3:) I am truly glad to see next chapter so soon, I might just leave her with you for next 4-5 days ;) If she returns I'm dead - even this review took me several hours to write (in small breaks I'm making in my work). 

Poor drunken Sev <3. I just love how she is concerned about him. Perfect description of developing attraction, so gentle, and ofc her way of dealing with it through rationalisation. Ofc, she is still, in her own way, pusshy - but that is what he needs some time ^_^

“I really thought that would have worked,” she murmured to herself, scanning his black shirt. / His chest tightened as his gaze dropped away from hers. - hihihihihi. I wonder how long they are going to play the same game? How many times he will accept to play the game just to keep his appearances in front of her? He is in a real predicament as it is - if he admits to her, she becomes another person with power over him (which she is in that manner), if he stays quiet - well he has to play it smart or she will figure it out. 

You and a water - what's with that? Not that I'm complaining  - but now I need shower (cold one, or warm if you can provide me with Sev in it ;D )

He really has proclivity for self-loathing. It is painful to see how much insecurity lies beneath that sharp mind and cold exterior. He would rather wrap himself in a blanket of misery than attempt to reach and, maybe, grab something beautiful for himself :'( Ok, it is given that he is emotionally, well...inexperienced. But his mind isn't clouded with real life experience. Then again, he is rationalizing everything as well - self protection and self destruct button are one and the asme in his case.

The challenge now was to stop it from eroding them completely. - Somehow, to it seems more like a ticking bomb waiting to explode, taking casualties left and right than erosion. That is, when they admit their feelings for another (to themselves).

Can't wait for new chapter!! XX

So good the Know-it-All  (KIA) is taking matters into her own hands as it were and postponing his self-imposed demise. Not my abbreviation BTW...seen it a few times in fanficland. And it wasn't as messy as first presumed. I must admit I did always use it as an excuse to recharge my batteries as it were in RL. You know...sorry love...Maiden's Monthly. Yes I know...he could read Top Gear magazine and still want to shag like a rabbit. That aside she still got the job done. My god, Hermione would have been a brilliant Girl Guide.

"That's right Sir...just insert penis right there.....no not there...there!......Have I earned my badge yet?"

The "Fucking the Potions Master until he is deliriously happy Badge"....sigh!

Buuuuut...he appears to be having a connection with her and that is lovely.

Hubby's accent is wonderful. Manchester/Lancashire but a wee bit posh as he spent his mis-spent youth weekends and summers in the Lake District sailing and mixing with like-minded plebs on Coniston Water. Definitely as silky as Sev's and "equally" as dry.

Best wishes, Love Ali xxxx.    

DS,

I knew, I could trust you, you would never let him die, when there's fucking to be done :-)

This Snape is a very complicated man (well, to be honest, every version of Snape is). He knows, she doesn't love him, but he's hurt by her initial motivation. I think, he's tired of people considering him for his usefulness only and not as a person with feelings, desires or needs. He clings to her, because she showed him, that she cares enough to give more, than was expected and wants to protect him.

They will be perfect for each other, but knowing you, it's a long way...

Love, every word

Fox xx

Ohh and The Quickening, great I'm on chapter 26 -I see wat you mean about bumpy, but I do trust you.

xx

This is actually really cute. I kind of love that he's "broken" now. I can't wait to see how she reacts to this set of circumstances. 

Dear DS,

Firstly, I don't mind him foxing around ;) I believe it does wonders to people.

I enjoyed her giving him advice and her assessment of his demeanor, it was so direct. She was not exactly abrupt, and almost establishing a sort of ownership over him -to some extend. I suppose, if I invested and sacrificed so much, I would want him to succeed to not waste it.

So he wavers between strangling her and... what??? Hahaha I believe some people may like both at the same time -a little unorthodox solution, but who am I to judge?

I would love to see Snape in fitted shirt and eye patch, must be a delicious sight...

Right, so: one (1) unskilled blow job, one (1) slightly clumsy riding session, one (1) unintended hug and our powerful and mighty Snape is obsessed? And he can't get it up for any other woman to save his life... well, definitely not what he ordered. Why can't they have sex during her period? Or is it simply, that they don't want to? 

You will not let hin die, I have fate in you.

Ohh, ohh and I started to read 'The Quickening' :-) 18 chapters from yesterday...

Fox xx

deepest apologies - It's ok, I didn't meant for you to feel bad (hugs & kisses)
Just get them to read fanfic! - I would, but every time I mention S or H word they start running XD

THis chapter is pure LOVE!!!! <3
“I will make alternative arrangements.”   - Grrrrrrr what kind of a man you making him to be? So what if she's "early" - they can still do it ;) 

Hermione held in a sigh. He was as bad at this as she was. - I adore you for this, you are master of words! I would sell myself to be able to say so much in one short sentence *deep bow* ^_^

She’d embarrassed him. He really was far more sensitive than she’d ever expected. - yeah! We are back to our fragile bad boys once again <3 

she forgot that it might not be something he would know . . . or appreciate - ok, I had a fit of giggles  reading this :'D Btw, it's adorable the way she "mother-hen" him :D

He stared at her. She was so bloody difficult. But so . . / He vacillated between wanting to strangle her and wanting to . . .   - thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I love you for this! 

‘fitted look’  - hmmmmmmmmm, yumyum :)

He didn’t understand why it had happened - ok I'm sounding like Bellatrix, cackling now. You made me bounce of joy :D

the remaining hours of his life to tick away - his self imposed mother-hen won't allow it :D And I stand by my previous statement - they still can do it ;) ffs (pardon my french), he is a Death Eater, like little blood could turn him off...on the other hand...now that I'm thinking of it - it just might :S - damn it :/

Now you got me on that cliffhanger of yours, that you perfected so masterfully. 
That's it, I'm sending my insane muse to you again, I'm all nerves waiting for next chapter :*

Oh god...now you're going so fast I can't keep up with you. See I told you she could kiss it better. But now he can't get it up for anyone other than the KIA. Oh dear what a mess and no paper! One of my charming husband's delightful sayings. And it could get doubly messy if he has to "ow's yer father" with a menstrual Hermione. Hmm! I'm sort of seeing Leslie Neilsen in one of the Naked Gun films when he has to produce a sperm sample and a Miss Whiplash doctor gets paged when all else fails. Definitely fancy the eye-patch look....he was made for that. Magnificent and glorious as always my dear and I will try to keep up. Best wishes, Love Ali xxxx.

Please tell me that was not the whole chapter and it was just a teaser I want more

Well hells bells, that was fast. One good orgasm and he's already addicted to her. If he gets back to the castle and tells her he couldn't get it up, he might be able to talk her into it before his time runs out.

I did love pirate-eye Snape, and I loved Hermione's makeover tips. She should have given him a copy of Debauchery and suggested he take notes. :) And now I'm a little wet thinking about Snape buying a fitted shirt (becuase that's what my brain took away from this chapter: fitted shirts--WTF?). Thank God the house is empty.

DS, your apology has been very well accepted! A bit of relief after all the evil cliffhanging you've put us through. I enjoy your characterisation of Hermione: immature, scared, defiant, denying, atoning. Thank you for the loveliness xx 

Ohh, my Desert, am I allowed to say it was beautiful? 

It was funny, especially with 'rabbit' and 'lollipop' comments. But Hermione really redeemed herself.

Also, maybe it's just me, but I think he new what was happening around and with him. He pretended to be out of it, to not spook her and see what she's up to -at least that's what I would do. I'm Slytherin at heart.

Great chapter, she orgasmed at last, because, really, if you are having sex, why not enjoy it? It's such a waste otherwise.

Ohh and by the way, I love your chapter titles ;-)

Thank you 

Waiting for more

Fox xx

OMG! OMG! OMG!!!

What did you do to my poor Snapey... I guess, he will have to tie her down next time... ;D kissing it better is simply not enough.

Very good dialogues and Draco's "It’s only a matter of time before you get what’s coming to you . . . more times than you can fucking count." -it's a seriously sinister innuendo, one, he thinks, only he understands. Good job!

So wine really wasn't good and the enchantment really was his ;) good, it makes everything so much more interesting.

Off to read another chapter

Fox xx