Disclaimer: see chapter I
A/N: Uhm... author appears out of hiding spot ... Well, you see... School.... Stage... Ehh... Sorry? Thanks for the reviews, they made this poor student's life much better!
To Tamlane go many hugs, pats on the back and all kind of goodies (like coffee!!) for beta-ing this for me!
Grey
Chapter XII
The smell of old paper and dust assailed his sharp sense of smell as he entered the library with impatient strides. He immediately went straight for the quiet and sheltered tables in the back of the enormous library. There, he knew, one could find the peace and silence needed for studying.
Here he knew he would find Miss Granger.
And he was proven right when he spotted the girl deeply absorbed in a book while taking notes, the quill scratching softly over the piece of paper.
He didn't say anything, just strode up to the table and waited for the Gryffindor to acknowledge his presence.
After a minute or two he impatiently cleared his throat. "Miss Granger," he sneered at the startled girl who was staring up at him with an irritated and accusing glare before she caught herself and gave him a cool and polite nod.
"Professor Snape?" She sounded a bit unsure as he loomed over her. He fixed the girl with a cold stare.
"Miss Granger," he said snidely and glanced at her work with dismissal. "I have some work for you to do. Please follow me." Without waiting or looking back, he swept out of the library. Only when he was well on his way to his classroom did he hear her catching up with him. He smirked nastily as he heard her take deep breaths. He stalked along at his high tempo, not caring in the least that the girl was out of breath.
However, she didn't complain; she didn't say anything until she was sitting at her usual bench in his classroom and he at his own desk.
"What is it you want me to do?" She asked carefully, while looking warily at the unpleasant smirk still curling his mouth.
"I have another extra-credit project for you, Miss Granger. Apparently, you seem to have worked through the entire seventh year curriculum in your ridiculous attempt to impress your peers. Now, we can't have you here without anything useful to do... Think about the stupid things you might think of out of boredom. " He saw her wince and frown at his sneer but she kept quiet and continued listening to him, her eyes and face hooded.
"Now, this project will deal with several subjects, including Wizarding History, Ancient Runes, Transfiguration, Charms but most of all Potions. If you really would like to learn about so many trivial things, I have just the assignment for you. I dug it out one of my predecessor's files."
"Er, well... I..." She flushed as he sneered at her lack of coherence.
"Make up your mind. I know you have finished Professor McGonagall's assignment, so you should have enough time for it, certainly if you finally come to your senses and leave Mr Potter and Mr Weasley to their own devices. Which I recommend," he said coldly, his disdain for the two boys clearly written on his face.
"Please, could you tell me more about this project?"
Snape's eyes started to gleam with triumph. He had her.
"This assignment deals with very old potions and their linked rituals. Some of them are actually no more than myths while others have been known to be used in the past... It is for you to research the potions and divide the myths from the truths, the practical from the imaginary... Or something in that order," Snape gestured to some papers lying in front of him. "Everything you need to know about your assignment is written in here. I will only review your work to make sure it is adequate." He snickered at seeing her indignant expression.
"What kind of potions are they, Professor?" She asked curtly, and immediately blushed for being less than polite with a teacher. He scowled at her but answered her question:
"Auxilium Salutis Potions and Rituals."
Her mouth opened slightly and she let out a surprised gasp. Then, she looked up and smiled tentatively at him, but he saw her mind already spinning with possibilities and questions. In no time, she would have figured it out.
"I think I would like this project, Professor."
"Of course you would," he said dryly. He gave her the papers and handed her the pass to the Restricted Section. She looked at it and he saw her eyes sparkle. "Unlimited, sir?"
"Indeed. I hope you use it with caution, Miss Granger." He watched her clutch the pass to her chest, her whole face alight with pleasure. He bent over his own papers and rudely dismissed her.
When the door had closed softly behind her, he rubbed his forehead with his hands. He seriously doubted Dumbledore's wisdom for involving such a foolish girl into this. And he certainly didn't understand why Lucius seemed to be so taken with the girl. Though he knew what the Gryffindor tried to do for Draco, he still didn't understand Lucius' fascination.
He scowled at his papers, his mind far away from the revising of his students' attempts at understanding the art of Potion making. Really, did that girl have to meddle with everything?
Auxilium Salutis Potions and Rituals... The stuff of legends, indeed. Powerful, old magic. Rarely, if ever, used nowadays. Though Hermione had to agree, it was a fascinating research subject. She had read some books about the Rituals, but most of them dealt more with the legends behind the vague rituals and potions than with the actual practice of the magic itself.
Hermione wasn't stupid; after she had read the papers wherein her assignment was explained and after she had examined what her aims and goals were, she had quickly come to the conclusion that this was more than just some project to keep her busy. And the handwriting looked suspiciously much like that of the Headmaster... If so, Snape hadn't lied completely; hadn't Dumbledore been a Transfiguration teacher here at Hogwarts?
Hermione's finger trailed the back of a very large, leather-bound tome, as she bit her lip. She had already discovered, after a couple of hours searching for material, that there were very few useful books, and most of those were very vague and incomplete in their information. It would take some time to research and track all the possible leads. Hours of studying... Hermione smiled as she took out the big tome, almost dropping it because of the weight; a real challenge!
And it was a very important task. She felt quite flattered and honoured Dumbledore trusted her with this; she wasn't naieve, Snape would have never given her this project if he could help it. His scowling at her told her enough. She bet that he was certainly not pleased a silly Gryffindor was given such a responsibility.
To her, the research could only have one goal; find a way to get rid of Voldemort. She understood why such a dangerous ritual was needed to destroy Voldemort. He had given his soul a new body by using the darkest magic there was. Auxilium Salutis Potions, simply translated as Deliverance Potions,were the purest kind of magic one could find. However, they were extremely dangerous too, if the stories were correct.
However, it would take the purest of magic to undo the tainted, most dark magic Voldemort had used. It was up to her to find a way to go about this... If there was a way... But she quickly banished the thought; if Voldemort could make himself a body, then they could destroy it. But the problem was that she needed to find a Ritual that would deal with his soul as well; if they didn't banish it this time to the nether world, would they ever?
She half carried, half dragged the book to her table where already an imposing pile had gathered. She looked a bit thoughtfully at the titles before her. She would need to read them all very thoroughly so she wouldn't miss the tiniest detail or the smallest hint. It would take days... weeks. She didn't let it discourage her however; she was actually looking forward to reading the old and forbidden books. Who knew what kind of knowledge was hidden within?
She looked at her watch and noticed that in about three hours, the students would be back from their Christmas holiday. She would have to attend the feast that welcomed them back and officially started the new semester. She once more looked over the books and decided which ones she would take with her. She wrote down the other titles in her notes and where she could find them.
She would take her reading to the place where nowadays she could focus the best; right at Malfoy's bedside. The irony almost made her laugh. Almost. It was just too scary to really think about it.
"Hermione!!" was the happy exclamation and before she had a chance to brace herself, she was being hugged rather tightly by Ginny.
"Oh, how I missed you! Really! It was torture without you!" Ginny said, pouting, before she smiled again. "Truly, I was so fed up with them, I hexed Fred and George, bashed Harry over his head with Hogwarts; a History –didn't know I would one day appreciate that tome- and almost gutted Ron with my spoon. A pity Mum could restrain me; I think you would have appreciated a stuffed Ron." Ginny snickered at the image she conjured up. "You could just put him in the attic and leave him to gather dust! A fitting end, I suppose."
"You're beginning to scare me, Gin. But be honest, was it really that bad?"
"Well... You'll find out for yourself, I think. Some things happened and... I missed your level-headedness and your quick mind. No one can come up with such refined and fitting comebacks like you. I only had my own imagination to come up with a just retaliation for the horrors done to me," Ginny placed a hand over her heart. "The things I have endured..." She smirked at the grinning Hermione. "But seriously, things didn't go smoothly the last couple of weeks. But I won't spoil the fun."
"Now you're making me curious. Where are they, anyway?" Hermione asked, still not having spotted her two friends in the crowd.
"Don't know. Don't care." She pulled Hermione along to the Gryffindor table. She sat down and watched the other witch take a place next to her. "So, enough about me. How are you doing? You know, I could barely keep my mother from charging in here and demanding that you come with us after that nasty attack. Are you really okay? You said so in your letter but..." The red-headed girl watched her friend closely searching her face for any clues that might show Hermione's feelings.
"You're quite calm about it," she remarked as Hermione gave her friend a reassuring smile.
"Believe me, I was really quite terrified when that awful woman charged in. Luckily we managed to fend her off... Only, every time I think about it, it reminds me of what she did to Malfoy and I wish she hadn't escaped. Again. She's just crazy, insane. It's frightening to see how much she actually likes to hurt people."
"Hey," Ginny reached out and grabbed Hermione's hand, giving it a comforting squeeze. "Talk about it, get it out. I told you, you'll feel better if you do."
Hermione smiled slightly. "You sound just like Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey. They were really nice, offering me a listening ear."
"I'm here too. And don't worry too much, Hermione. I'm sure, sooner or later we'll get that woman."
Hermione lowered her eyes from Ginny's face. She was once again lying to her friend, and she felt worse with every lie she told. She wanted nothing more than tell her the truth. Ginny would know how she could handle Lucius Malfoy and his strange and frightening behaviour. But she had promised... She started to seriously dislike that promise.
"Oi, Hermione!" Both girls looked up at the loud bellow and saw Ron and Harry make their way towards them.
"Be warned, Hermione," Ginny muttered and Hermione looked confused at the two grinning faces.
"Good to be back, ain't it, Harry! Did you miss us, Hermione? How are you holding up? I was so angry when we heard what happened... Harry almost went mad and Dad too; the Ministry is really making a mess out of it. You would think they would have learned something after what happened last year."
Harry grimaced at Ron's remarks but stared intently at Hermione, almost as if he was checking for any injuries. "You okay?" He asked quietly. He was pale and suddenly Hermione felt even more guilty. Bellatrix Lestrange had killed Sirius; Harry would have been thrilled to know that the insane woman was finally locked up. But the thing that made Hermione really cringe was the fact that she must have given Harry a scare and a very nasty reminder of last summer.
"Yes, I am, Harry. Don't worry about me," she answered softly. He didn't say anything else, just nodded and sat down on the other side of her. Hermione watched silently as he absent-mindedly put some food on his plate, his mind obviously not on the simple task. He stared down at his plate and started to eat mechanically. His eyes were haunted but guarded. He was closing himself off again and she averted her eyes from the distraught boy, blaming herself.
When could she tell them?
However, Ron was seemingly oblivious to his friend's dark mood as he took the seat next to Harry, attacking the delicious food with gusto, all the while talking, giving the people a very nice view his semi-processed food.
"Please, Ron, shut your mouth! Eeew!!" Ginny pulled a face and shuddered. "It's no wonder Lav-" Ron immediately shot his sister a withering glare and Ginny stopped but gave him a satisfied smirk. Hermione raised her eyebrows at the smirking redhead, curious to what Ginny had wanted to say. Ginny's smirk widened to an all out evil smile and she winked at Hermione. Now a bit confused, Hermione turned to Ron, who was now busy ignoring the two girls.
Hermione frowned. "So... Er, how was your Christmas?" She tried to lighten the suddenly uncomfortable mood that hung around them. Ron mumbled something and refused to look at the two girls again. Harry looked up from his food and gave Hermione a faint smile.
"Thanks for the new Quidditch gloves. How did you know mine were getting shabby?" He seemed really pleased with her gift and Hermione smiled back at him, happy she had remembered his casual remark.
"I heard you mention it once."
Harry nodded at her and returned to his food and to his solemn mood. Hermione sighed and began eating as well. To her it seemed that this vacation hadn't done Harry much good. Maybe he shouldn't have gone back to Grimmauld Place; too many bad and painful memories for him there. She munched on her food as she stared at the boy, distraught because of the quiet dejection which she saw in everything he did and in everything he said. How to get through to him?
Hermione looked up as Ginny elbowed her in her side. "Watch," she said with ill-disguised gloating. The two girls watched as Lavender, accompanied by Parvati walked by, noses in the air and not even once looking to the side to say hi to their friends and fellow Gryffindors.
"Er, what?" Hermione looked at Ginny, puzzled at the sudden change in their attitudes. "What happened?"
"You're smart enough to figure it out," Ginny smirked as her brother glared at the two strutting females. "They are overdoing it," she said as she observed the almost ridiculous behaviour of the two girls. Hermione watched Ginny who was smiling nastily at her red-faced brother.
"Lavender didn't like Ron's Christmas present?" Hermione guessed, whispering to Ginny, who snorted and shook her head.
"No, worse. I wasn't there, you know, and the boys are not very talkative about it, but I figured that something happened at Lavender's New Year's Eve party. Something to do with a lot of alcohol and snogging and then getting caught... Rather embarrassing for the two of them. Now Lavender refuses to speak to Ron. Called him a prat and a slob, though."
"A slob?" Hermione had to bite her cheek to prevent bursting out in laughter. It wouldn't do much good for Ron's already irritated and embarrassed mood. "Why a slob?"
"Maybe his kissing isn't that good." Ginny sniggered. "Every time I mention the evening to Ron he gets all embarrassed and bothered... I'm dying to know what really happened. I think I can get it out of Lavender with no trouble at all. She likes to talk about herself."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Tell me about it. Why else do you think I put a silencing charm on my bed? I can't read with her and Parvati giggling about clothes and boys. What I don't understand about them is that those subjects never seem to become boring to them." Hermione whispered softly, almost seeming afraid of admitting it to her friend, who started to laugh.
"Hermione, you're something. Though I don't think it is really normal for a teenage girl like you to be so uninterested with boys, it is a very nice thing to have such a level-headed friend like you." Ginny pulled Hermione in another hug, startling her and almost causing her to spill her food all over Ginny.
"Gin, you're suffocating me! And stop teasing Ron," Hermione said as she saw Ron glaring over at them. "He thinks we're somehow making fun of him. He's really quite touchy about the whole subject, isn't he?" She sounded a bit worried but Ginny shrugged. "He'll get over it."
Both girls turned to their food, smiling at each other as Ron and Lavender kept throwing each other angry glares but pretending to ignore the other. Harry kept his attention solely focused on eating his food and the rest of the Gryffindors were oblivious to whatever went on around them.
Though Hermione started to get increasingly worried about Harry, she still was quite happy and relieved everyone was back and things were getting back to normal. Or at least to what they considered normal.
"Come on, Hermione," Ron begged, "it's Quidditch. Quid-ditch!! You know, the Wizarding World's favourite –
"-and only," Hermione mumbled softly –
"-sport. Our House's favourite sport! We're going to beat those slimy snakes! You have to be there! You can't just sit here, inside and do some stupid homework! Look, it's such a lovely weather out there! Maybe you'll get a tan."
"Ron... Though I have to admit it's quite a lovely weather for this time of the year, it's freezing and no, you don't get a tan in the winter... Well, that depends... If you go skiing, the snow reflects the sun strongly enough so you do get a-"
"You see? Now you have to come." He plopped down in the chair beside her and shot her a warm smile, making her feel that stupid fluttering in her belly again. "Besides, Harry would like it too if you come. You are always one of our best supporters, cheering and waving to us!"
"All right, all right! Fine, I'll go." Hermione threw her hands up in a clear sign of defeat, which caused Ron to chuckle.
Quidditch was a butchery of Slytherin. Without Malfoy there, they seemed leaderless and unsure of their own tactics. After a really humiliating display the Slytherins were saved from further embarrassment by Harry catching the snitch.
She was making her way down from the tribunes and talking with a couple of her housemates when their conversation was suddenly interrupted.
"Miss Granger," the cold and curt voice of the Potions Master effectively cut through their playful teasing of each other and she and several of her housemates turned around to see the Potions Professor lurking behind them. "Miss Granger, a word. You, hurry along to your common room," he snapped at the students surrounding them. They gave her pitying looks as they hurried away from the dark presence of Professor Snape.
He waited several seconds and when he was satisfied with the distance between the crowd of students and himself he threw Hermione a condescending look and said coldly: "I was hoping the project given to you would be more important in your estimation than a simple Quidditch match. You have read about the time limit?" Professor Snape seemed to be in a fine mood but Hermione could see that behind the malice and displeasure he was strangely impatient.
"Professor, I..." She dropped her voice to a mere whisper. "I think I do understand how important this project is... for my grades. I am nearly done with the first draft, sir, which I think will be quite interesting."
His scowl subsided a bit and he nodded his head. "As long as you hand it in on Monday. Not a day later," he reminded her and stalked away.
Hermione almost smiled as the clearly agitated man strode towards the castle; he was such a sore loser. Hermione almost felt sorry for the Slytherin team. Though Snape favoured the Slytherins almost to the point that it became silly, she had heard that behind the closed doors of the Slytherin Tower, he was very strict and demanding of his charges. And he didn't take any blow to the House pride with grace.
She started on her way to the castle, her mind already with her project. After some careful research she had found about six or seven Auxilium Salutis Rituals that could possibly work. But there were only three that Hermione found really interesting, either because of the intended outcome of the ritual or because of the fact that it was undoubtedly performable.
She waded through the throngs of students celebrating in the common room and headed up to her dorm, her mind filled with the different rituals, pondering each and every one, afraid of missing the smallest detail. What if she... What would happen if they... So many possibilities crowded her mind and she wanted to put them right on paper, not wanting to forget a single, possibly valuable idea.
She entered her dorm and waved to Maggie who winked back. They shared a evil smirk as Lavender and Parvati hurried out of the common room after having fixed their make-up. It was rather a nice change; suddenly, the odds were even in the little dorm. With Maggie it was now two against two.
Lavender and Parvati had been shocked when they had entered their dorm after the Welcoming Feast and had found Hermione and the Mirror sharing catty, rude and sly banter, neither becoming upset even if the comments got rather wicked. Though Maggie never turned nasty again. On Hermione, that was. Lavender wasn't safe from the sharp tongue and quick wit of the magical Mirror.
Lavender had been sulking the whole two weeks they had been back from the holidays. She couldn't swallow the fact that Hermione seemed rather pleased with her new Mirror. Though Lavender had disliked the Mirror very much with its acid words, Hermione apparently found it amusing. The Mirror was completely honest, even rude with Hermione's appearance and lack of dedication to her looks. Hermione, however, merely shrugged and quipped something back but most of the time she was patient and let Maggie fiddle with her as much as the Mirror wanted. Lavender had pouted; the Mirror was still her lovely self, but had somehow lost her bitterness. Yet she, Lavender, still wasn't safe from the Mirror's brutal wickedness.
And Hermione was secretly pleased. Maybe she wasn't pretty or giggly or air-headed but she had managed to befriend an Enchanted Mirror! She was determined to introduce her new ally to Ginny very soon. Those two would probably hit it off well, seeing as Ginny could be just as rude as Maggie.
It was very nice the way things were right now. Except the situation with Ron. She didn't understand him and kept him at a distance. Why was he suddenly trying to flirt with her again? Lavender still wasn't talking with him, but she kept throwing him looks... Ron seemed to be oblivious to them, or otherwise very stubborn because he refused to acknowledge her. Instead he was charming her again, the bookworm Hermione.
It was sad actually that she didn't trust Ron in this way. Was he being serious or was he trying to get Lavender jealous? Hermione was afraid that the latter was his true objective.
"I heard them talking about a young man called Ron... And that he has been eyeing you. Miss Brown was very vexed with that fact. So tell me about this Ron character. What does he look like? What is his last name? What are his career perspectives? How does he-"
"Calm down. I'll show you a picture." Hermione showed the eager Maggie a picture of Harry, Ron and herself and answered the Mirror's questions. "His name is Ron Weasley-"
"Weasley?! Oh dear."
"Snob! And he wants to be either a Quidditch player or an Auror, I think-"
"Auror... Means long days in the field-"
"He's been my best friend for over five years now and I don't care if he's rich or poor or wanting to become a garbage man!!" Hermione almost yelled and Maggie smirked. "You really like him, don't you?"
"Yes, but... I'm not sure if he really likes me or if he's using me to get back at Lavender. Apparently they had a bit of a row."
"Hmm. Well, before you grant him any liberties-" Maggie chuckled at Hermione's flushed look "-you should make sure he has honest intentions."
"We've moved beyond the seventeenth century, Maggie," Hermione said but she looked quite thoughtfully at the photo. Ron laughed and waved at her and she couldn't help but smile back.
"All right. Let's phrase it like this; before you let him get any closer, make sure he feels the same for you. The way you obviously feel for him, the boy could break your heart."
"Uh... Probably. I've fancied him for some time but all we did was fight. But then at the start of this year, we were getting along much better and he was actually flirting with me... Then, suddenly, he seemed to like Lavender better."
"So, be careful. Watch him carefully. Let him make the moves. And don't give in too soon. Let him work for you."
"Sure. But I don't think Ron is patient enough to... er..."
"Court you? Then he's not worth your trouble. Wait for someone who takes his time to get to know you... Who wants to discover what you like, what you want and need... Someone who will want something more out of you than a quick tumble."
Hermione giggled. "I'll remember that."
Maggie gave her a half amused, half warning look: "You better."
I know; no Lucius. But hold on, next chapter he will make quite an appearance!! I promise!!
Review Responses!!
Evan M: Your story certainly rocks!! Sorry for not leaving a review, but time and don't co-operate!!
The Mad Madame: Who would you like it to refer to?
Shyngr8: There certainly will be more of Narcissa! Definitely more! And about the present; I'm sad to say it will be a time before we get to it again. Sorry!
Saiyachick: You seem busy! Good luck with your challenge!
SnapeSeraphin: Yes, I'm trying to give Hermione a bit more self-confidence, but you have to admit, Lucius is quite intimidating! Yet, she's getting there! No more tests (I hope) for me for a couple of weeks, yet the workload hasn't really gotten any less, unfortunately. And I still am going to advertise your story: Everyone, read SnapeSeraphin's 'To save a Malfoy'!!!
Kontara: Draco's going to be unconscious for a bit longer, for plot-sake. So, every time he starting to wake up, I just knock him back down. Please don't hate me.
Anni: Patience is a virtue. Or at least, that's what they told me. But being virtuous sucks! So here's the next chapter!
Tamlane: Dear Tamlane. Don't ever. EVER. Stop reviewing me!!! Never ever ever... Can anyone notice it's the end of the week? I can. I'm starting to blablabla...
Anyway; (Author preens under all the lovely remarks and comments) thanks again for your encouragement! You are really one of the reasons I keep writing, because, come on, who wouldn't get addicted to such reviews. Short cookies indeed! I love those! This chapter doesn't really have that much action or adventure or excitement... Actually, it's very boring, but I promise better days to come!
Krynn: This chapter, well, I'm not very happy with it, yet next chapter will be better!
Read300300: Narcissa crazy... Yes, in a way she is, I think.
MiSSxMELON: Thank you so much!
Artemis Moonclaw: I hope I can keep up the good work! But I'm trying and I really am going to finish this fic, I promise! No matter what school throws at me!
DarkRoseBlood: No plushies... B-But... That's not fair! Looks at empty hands. Well, I'll can live with your lovely review! Thanks!
Wackorama87: Uhm... I checked and the address was right but... Hmmm. Here's the address again. Try it again?
Buffy: I'm honoured that you like my characterisation of Lucius. I try my best!
Summery-ice: Thank you very much for your praise and I hope you'll continue to read my story with the same appreciation. I'll try my best to keep Lucius in character!
Meave: Hopelijk ben je nu ook weer nieuwsgierig naar het volgende hoofdstuk want hoofdstuk 13 wordt leuker hoor, dat beloof ik!
Iarethirwen: You are quite right about Narcissa. And I love your name too!
Aine Rowan: Wow, you really understood the last sentence! Yes, I think I'm doing things right here!
Harry Hippie: Maybe after reading what I'm doing to Draco you won't like me so much anymore... I'm... persuading Draco to stay unconscious just a bit longer. Yet, when he objects, I can't help but make him see reason... the hard way (insert evil laughter)
Warriorangel15: Here it is and enjoy!
Shiro Ryu: What can I say without revealing too much... I'll stay quiet then. Sorry! Though... You might be on to something.
Athena Linborn: Yes, isn't she nice? A wonderful person, Narcissa is.
Ndmorgan: I really spend some time on the plotline and let me tell you a secret: It actually works to have a working plotline! My fic has... purpose!
Starslover: I'm not going to answer your questions now, because that would spoil it. But I promise that everything will be answered later on in the fic!
Mrs Alfred: Drak chocolate... Hmm. Thanks for your tasty comparison!
Kay: I think he's a lot more interesting showing something else than hate and anger, though I love the angst in Lucius too!
Belladonna: I wonder too what Draco will say and how he will react... But that won't happen for some time yet! But there might be some surprises!
Pale-Slytherin: I like to build up the tension! And yes, I think it's very neat that all kind of nationalities are attracted to this phenomenon called fanfiction!
CharmedLeoLvr: I managed to surprise you with the identity of Hermione's attacker? Good! Romance will come, I promise! And no, you can't have him!!
Moonjava: Thank you.
Hope: It is my duty to make Lucius a dangerous SOB!! Yet, I gave him a few somewhat nicer traits. Do you like the cocktail?
SlytherinDragoon: Good! That's very good to hear!
Kittykatekat: Next chapter will be up next week!
TA Salmalin: She's going to try and assert herself! Just like I'm going to assert my fic priorities!
Shivawn T: I hope the wait wasn't that bad?
Son of Evil: Another person converted to LM/HG! Yes!
Inell13: All I can say is, that I am very proud to be reviewed by you and that you actually like my fic! Thank you very, very much!
Dixi: Tamlane's 'pimping' of my fic (as she calles it ) certainly is a great compliment of her and I'm happy to hear you find this story good too! When I started this fic, I never dared to dream this story would get such good reviews!
Shabopo: I didn't kill Narcissa off, because 1) I find it quite unbelievable if she just disappears and 2) because we don't know much about her character, we can come up with all kind of stories, which is fun!
Imiryoku: Out of his shell... Hmm, that's a nice way to put it!
Peggywoo: You bet Hermione is going to experience some of that Pureblood behaviour!
Jheopardize: Another Dutch! Yeah! En ik weet dat Engels schrijven veel pittiger is dan lezen! I hope this story will be as enjoyable to you as the Draco/Hermione fics are!
Dewey: I like to think of petnames for Hermione that Lucius can use and still sounds like a downright bastard!