At the mention of Professor Snape, Hermione's eyes jumped up to Luna's, like a stag caught in the wandlight. Luna smirked knowingly, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

Oh, I do so love Luna! So quiet. So unassuming. But absolutely deadly when it comes to figuring things out!

This was such fun and exactly what I needed for a little bedtime reading! Now I'm off to what I'm sure will be pleasant dreams.

 "Obviously you've finished it, and you've come to mock me."

Oh, Hermione! She still can't believe he's even interested, can she?

"The secret is yours, and obviously it is one that you are not ready to share. It is not my place to take it from you, and certainly not for the pleasure of solving a puzzle."

Wow! That is heartfelt and so very thoughtful of him.

Severus felt the world drop out from underneath him and his brain completely shut down.

And the other shoe drops as he finally sees the secret she has been protecting for so very long!

After a lifetime of being lost, they had finally come home.

Awwwwwww! Adorable fluffy sweetness just as you promised!

~Smooches you.~

Hermione had left the Great Hall hovering somewhere between completely thrilled and completely baffled.

Those pesky Slytherins do seem to always have ulterior motives for everything they do.

Her first fail-safe had been activated. Someone was close to solving the puzzle.

Oooh, she knows someone is working it all out and he knows she knows! This should be fascinating to watch.

Please, don't be him. Please!

Poor Hermione! Her wildest dream and her worst nightmare seem to be colliding suddenly after five long years.

He would never know, and she would never tell.

Well, not without a whole lot of subterfuge and a bunch of safeguards. ;)

Looking at her now, he couldn't help but feel that he had made an egregious error in doing so.

Yep, perhaps he should put as much effort into solving her as he has her equation. eh?

He now knew that even if it took him all year, he would see it unravelled.

~Squees happily at the thought and heads onward.~

I am intrigued! After five years without a solution, Severus Snape has decided Hermione's equation is worthy of his time. I'd suggest he go easy on the brandy. Hermione's secret seems exceedingly well protected!

~Scurries onward.~

Luna is wise. I do believe a calming draught will be in order for Snape's sake. She should listen to Luna, for reals. Does Severus know he's the mystery guest? Is he prepared? Will Ginny behave? Yey! For Hermione and Severus' happy future.

Good man! Willing to not finish the puzzle if was to cause so much pain for her. What a reilef to have had him finish the puzzle. Hermione was starting to sound a bit like Snape. I am in high hopes that all goes well for these two people who belong together.   The only thing that would make the story better so far would some lemons.

Poor girl feels used and betrayed. Get it over with mean man!!! I'm reminded of a Cheech and Chong skit where a guy after a motorcycle accident has his bandages removed by a sadist biker hating doctor. Crap! That dates me for sure. Does anyone else here even know who Cheech and Chong are? If you know who they are, Hermione could use the Empire Hancock Building right about now.

How To Win the Heart and Mind of a Snarky, Brainy Professor in 6 years, by Hermione Granger.  She has finally accomplished life long goal number 1. Impress Professor Severus Snape. This is awfully nerdy fun!!!!!

That's right! Hermione is brilliant! Hmm hmm, that's what I'm talkin about! You go girl! But ...so is Professor Severus Snape! Why do I have a sneaking suspicion that the secret involves said Professor? You've got me hooked.

Congratulations for a lovely story!!

Aw, trust Luna to know what's going on when no one else does. And yay for Hermione getting her guy!

Oh that's just lovely. Who cares what Ron and Harry think - this is meant to be!

Oh that's just lovely. Who cares what Ron and Harry think - this is meant to be!

Surely it can't be that awful? In fact, in think he might be rather pleased! This is a lovely bit of fluff, btw, enjoying it hugely!

This witch with the fascinating mind? I think he's hooked!

Uh oh, Hermione! If anyone is going to solve it, you just know it will be Snape! And I wouldn't be at all surprised if he is the answer :)

Lol.  Oh to be a fly on the wall at that meeting.  Thanks for a fun story.  Angstrom fluff is my fave.

I like Luna & most people write her as very perceptive.  I like that as well.  I am sorry that we don't get to see their faces but hey, I have a good imagination.  Thanks for the ride.

Well that was quite a roller coaster of emotions for Hermione.  And Severus was so, so...awwwwww.  Lovely.  Thank you.

Lovely story. *grin* And I have to agree with your eval of Linlawless. She is AWESOME! ^_^

Thank you, this was a lovely character study of both of them, and a warmhearted romance as well. I agree that if Harry and Ron run amok at Christmas it's worth a revisit :) But I love Luna having the final word here!

What a great ending!! Smacking the boys until they promise to behave at Christmas is my idea of ending on a high note. Lovely bit of fluff!

thank you i loved you story i was feeling the love!

Luna is always ultraperceptive and understanding. :)