That Hermione would ask Snape to accompany her to the party wasn't a big surprise but you presented it very well. Snape didn't say 'yes' right away and behaved just like he would if somebody asked him. It's all very plausible and not rushed -I really love that in your stories! Hermione's character is amazingly canon, I think. Her nervous anticipation and all is just pure Hermione! I hope you'll be updating soon because this story gets more and more interesting with each chapter. Bye, garnet.

Author's Response: Thanks. It's hard not to rush that pair, but there's no other believable way to handle it. Look how long it took Ron to figure out that he liked Hermione!

Squeeeeeeeeee!!!! An Update.....Whoo Hoo!!!!! Glad Hermione asked Severus to the party, I do Hope he will accept!...Going to be sooooo good when he does! And what will she suggest doing with his hair? Bless his heart!

Author's Response: I don't think she should suggest anything to him about his hair. He's like to do just the opposite for whatever she says...

Such a relief from the humdrum! They are in character, not caricatures, have very human foibles, needs, and hopes, and the gradual build toward friendship and attraction is believable. Thank you! I look forward to more!

Author's Response: I've read SO many fanfics where Severus and Hermione are caricatures that I'm always determined to avoid the cliches. It's not easy, but I try! Thanks for reading.

I'm loving this story. Everyone is quite in character and the setting is perfect. I'm very eager to read more!

Author's Response: Thanks for reading. Yes, keeping people in character is just about the most important thing, I've discovered. One little slip and readers will drift away.

GAH! MAKEOVER SNAPE!!! :) I'm sorry, that's so juvenile, but I can't help myself. I was so jazzed when I saw that you had updated, this story is very enjoyable --maybe because of its normality: pubs, divorce, books, jobs, busybodies... all of that with the background of having done something utterly extrordinary makes reading very entertaining. Naturally, we're all hoping Snape goes but what if he *doesn't*... your Snape may very well choose not to attend and I think it would be keeping with his character. Well thank you for updating and I look foward to the next chapter!

Author's Response: Thanks for reading! Yes, life is all about normality and the little things, isn't it?

AH-mazing! I really love this story and I like the logic that Hermione seems to follow.

Both of your characterizations are accurate, and you balence them. They are real people, not just stereotypes, you make them normal. Snape's shortcomings are not carbon-copied, they seem to be infused into his character in a realistic way.

Anyway, love the story can't wait for an update!
-SG

Author's Response: Thanks for the glowing review, Snufflesgirl. I love the Snape-Hermione pairing simply because they're both such complex - and complementary - characters.

Ah, so this was the other "dinner at the pub"! No after-dinner mints though. I did like it very much; your Hermione is so much like me it's frightening.

BTW, what happened to the chapter "Pasta Con Reality"? It doesn't appear to be on the list. Was it lost in the transfer to the new server?

Author's Response: Thanks for the heads-up on the missing chapter, lerouret. I sent a help message off to the admins. And my Hermione is like you? I'll be thinking of that with each chapter in the future. Thanks for reading!

Huzzah! I was so happy to see another update so quickly, although up to now I've been remiss in actually reviewing. (So sorry!) I too love how gradually and realistically you build the HG/SS relationship. Let's face it, neither of the two are raving beauties and both have rather off-putting personality traits so I've never really bought those "love-at-first-sight" portrayals.

I also had to commend Snape's house speech. I've never thought sorting kids like that was smart, especially at so young an age when they can't appreciate the fact that life ISN'T as simple as black and white.

Sorry this got so long! The point I'm so circuitously striving for: Well written; keep up the great work. : )

Author's Response: Thanks! Keep reading - and reviewing, as well. It's much appreciated!