I like the place this chapter took the story too.  The removal of bitterness has made it a very pleasing read.  Thanks.  I am looking forward to more.

Each time I read this I find a new hidden gem.  The chapter has a circular sense, beginning and ending with Severus and his thoughts about Lily and her inflexibility; at least he doesn't romanticize her anymore.  I really enjoyed his backstory covering his post-war whereabouts and activities.  He has finally fulfilled those Slytherin ambitions and then some.This continues to be a great story.  Go Team Venus!

I like this even more on the second read.  You really took it to a great place!  Go Team Venus!!!

So he's the forgiving type. That's refreshing!

Now that's Slytherin ambition at its finest! If you need to amass a large amount of money, there's no easier way than to appeal to rich people's vanity and desire for pleasure. I'm happy he learned from that nasty experience with Lily. He may be willing to forgive her, but I doubt he'll give up the fun of baiting her!

I really like this story. It's interesting. Can't wait for more.

Wow, the dynamics in this story are fascinating.  Very nice.

Oh wow, I'm deeplly impressed with how he's pulled himself up. Almost proud of the guy. He is, of curse, good to have accepted her awkward appology. BUt he's right, the Ministry wouldn't have imposed this probation on his if he'd been rich.

Nice to see that Severus can learn from the mistakes of others, if not necessarily his own sometimes. :PLoved his intriguing lines of Sensuality and Sexuality products... hopefully, Severus will have an opportunity to use them while in the company of a certain annoying, yet comely Gryffindor sometime in the near future. Well done!

Pretty cool!  The interaction between Snape and Hermione is great

Nice to see a Severus who has grown up a bit.

good writing, would love to see where the story goes. well done

I found it a bit hard to enter the story because of the first two paragraphs, but I'm glad I didn't give up. What's really cool is that I didn't even notice the use of the word "forest" until you said you used it. Well done.

Ah, Snape has planted the seeds of doubt in Hermione's mind! I doubt she will be quite as content with Ron's behavior as she starts to question it. I can hardly blame Snape for being bitter about his parole situation. Snarkiness is definitely in order when you're being tracked down by Aurors on a regular basis!

Wow, you really know how to generate interest.  I can hardly wait to find out what happens next!

“Well?” she said at last. “What have you got to say for yourself?”

“Little that would be acceptable in polite company, I’m sure,” he sneered in response.

^ Awesome.  I'm impressed that Severus even admitted this--though given how the rest of the conversation went, perhaps he doesn't consider her polite company. ;)

The Ron/Hermione relationship makes me want to bash my head against the wall, but at least they aren't married--and I have hope for the future.  :D

Excellent beginning to this story.  I loved your writing style.  Snape was at his snarky best, and Hermione was her usual bossy know-it-all self.  I especially liked the first two paragraphs.  The voice of Severus was extremely well done in those first two paragraphs.  I smiled at the irony expressed several times.  It's good to see that Severus has a sense of humor.  :D

Ohh, great beginning, I loved it.  But Hermione will cut off her nose to spite her face, eh?  I like what you've written, it's really good.

Oh boy!  Talk about sticking your foot in it.  I think he might be up to his kneecaps.  I look forward to how he gets himself out of this.  Thanks for posting, JoAnne

The twisty, bumpy road of romance.

The questions whether the twins wanted to help Ron, remains to be answered.Ah, I forsee a steamy making up :)

wow, that was one fast-paced ride of a chapter.  Well done!

An excellent chapter, in character thoughout (in my opinion), a good blend of the stuff of a real person's actual thoughts: comedy, misery, and the opposite sex.

i appreciate that in this chapter you have both of them lose their cool in a big way, and you set up the next chapter beautifully.  :)

i still enjoy the image of him gorging on chocolates, no matter how many times i read it.  ;)