Very interesting to see these two ladies join the story.

Yeah, didn't seem like the real Moody.  He's nuts, but not that nuts.

This was a simply beautiful chapter, even though Severus took it all wrong at first.

Xyz•Well, Harry is still an egotistical arse.  I wonder if he will ever get his head out of his butt long enough to use the Carn without becoming the same dark  creature that the Black Witch and Voldemort became? He needs to get a move on or he's going to come to the same sticky end that is planned for the  Dark Lord.  (Does Flitch still have those chains and thumbscrews in his office?  I'm just sayin'.) 

Once again you have worked your considerable magic with Arthurian legend and have given us a crafty and less than honorable Merlin who sought to marginalize his niece's influence, but undo the foundations of Camelot and bring down King Arthur.  Brava!  I like the detail you've written about Nimue and how the Vale of Carnwennan came to be.

More stuff I like:• Severus' mark of the Knight of Carnwennan is very cool!  • Andromeda and Bellatrix are twins?  It is indeed a good thing that Andromeda is the older twin.  Godz, I don't even want to think about what would happen if Bella had been born first.• Alice Longbottom being one of the Vale ladies is very much a surprise.  It's a shame they can't say anything to Neville, but <it will have to wait until the vale business is complete.</i>

I hope the planning session Albus intends to have after everyone has eaten dinner will come off as easily as he seems to think it will.  "It shouldn't take too long to plan the trip to the Vale and the summoning of the dagger. After that, it is merely strategizing a final push to defeat Tom once and for all."  Something makes me think that an unexpected hitch might crop up.

Thanks for this update!  It just keeps getting interestinger and interestinger!

Beth

LOVE IT.  This is getting SO interesting now.  I'm dying to know who was at the gates..

Loving it!

I am absolutely loving this story, and have to wonder if Hermione or Severus will just get tired of Harry's prejudice (which he must have inherited from his father) and decide to give up on fighing The Dark Lord, leaving Harry as the one who hated more than he could be the hero.That being said, I've always suspected Ron to be more of the whiny prat of the pair.But I am loving the Arthurian aspects in this story.

Love love love love this story! On the edge of my seat- Can't wait to see what happens next!

I had thought it might be Draco and Lucius at the gate, but Andromeda and ??? was totally unexpected. By the way, where IS Draco? Enquiring *cough* mine *cough* minds want to know. *grin* Loved the scene at the end where he insists on a handfasting and compares her to stained glass. It's perfect, but how does he know there would be a son rather than a daughter? Is it because he's the Knight and there has to be a son to follow him? ^_^

just caught up and still loving it...next button seems to be missing

A choice like that forced on any woman is truly unimaginable, but I do believe that Severus broke the news to Hermione as gently as humanly possible. As Hermione said, she and Severus started their journey together from a place of mutual fondness and it's obvious to me that they found rather more than simple contentment.But I'm sure there will still be those who insist that Snape was lying to her and/or that anyone would've been a better choice for Hermione to give up her virginity to, Lupin included. *cough*Harry*cough*

I absolutely loved this chapter and the title reveal!!!  I think I goofed up and missed a chapter though.  I'll figure that out later.Anyways, tons of new info packed into this installment made me equally sing out in joy and smack my head on the table repeatedly.  You are a wicked, naughty, evil cliffie sorceress, aren't you???  Dangling delicious little plot carrots in front of our very noses, then tucking them away until the next chapter.  Oh, the agony of it all!  lol  Well done!  :D

Thank you for this lovely, lovely, lovely update.  I guess you can tell how much I like this story.  *grins*"Of course, his. A boy with your nose."  I think a son who looks like this father would be wonderful.  Just what the fangirls like.Severus is so very cautious in his approach to Hermione as though he expects her to be revolted by his offer, but her complete acceptance was a joy to behold.  They will be a family, and they will raise a handsome son who will be a blessing to all who know him.I love that Severus compared her soul to the beauty of brilliant stained glass. "Even shattered, it is a sight to behold." Now, just who is that other person with Andromeda Tonks?  Inquiring readers want to know.  Can't wait to see what you have in store for us next!Beth

What a amazingly beautiful chapter, Severus words there at the end, words that also explains the title to your story, were shear beauty. I didn't think it possible to fall even more in love with your story, but by each chapter you prove me wrong. Over to something else: You cheated, you only let us know Andromeda was one of the four ladies, but not who the last one is:-)) I look forward to finding out.

That was an absolutely gorgeous scene at the end! Just beautiful! Lots of love there - it's fun to read!

Oh... my. When Severus stormed out, I got all teary-eyed! I'm SO glad he heard her out. I loved their honest declarations of like and respect... although I think Severus might already be past "like"... why else would the sly Slytherin demand a handfasting before consummating? *wink*

As for who is at the gates, I can only hope it isn't Tonks.  Now is not the time for a clumsy misstep.  If I wanted to have a total cow, it would be Umbridge.  Can't you just see a complicated spell being continually interrupted with "hem-hem?"But my vote is for Griselda Marchbanks.  Why should the youngsters get all the glory?

It is progressing beautifully, and I am so delighted to be able to read it.  Thank you.  I do find Severus so alluring.  His wit and strength are written splendidly.  Bravo!  Motherhood agrees with Hermione.  Eileen is quickly becoming my favorite! Lovely!Thank you for sharing~

Loving this story, although I want to hear more of ! :)

Harry Potter you spoiled little boy!! I'm really interested to see who's at the gate!  Is Hermione still blind now? 

Another wonderful chapter.  I think I know where this is going, but rather no say.....I'd rather read you wonderful take on my "hoping."  I have so enjoyed this story and your wonderful writing.  Thank you work the great read (again).

There are so many things happening now, and Harry is getting on my last nerve so I can really appreciate Severus' self-control.  I had hoped the talking to Albus gave him when they broke for dinner would have made him shape up, but by the end of the chapter he was back to being The Boy Who Continued To Be A Pain.Seeing Luna come into the story put a smile on my face.  At first I was surprised to find out that Columbine Winters was her mother, but when Luna began telling Hermione about her dreams it all made sense... especially when she told them her mother had told her, 'You are the one; you must seek out the Vale'.And now someone "is urgently trying to get in the gate."  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I think it must be another Lady of the Vale.  After all, Hermione and Luna had recently performed the modified Summoning Spell.I want to hear the rest of Hermione's tale of how she came to choose Severus to be the man she is with.Great chapter!Beth

"Have fun storming the castle!" *grin* If it's not Harry being petulant with Snape, it's someone at the gates. This story has more interruptions than parents trying to be alone while living with toddlers. I liiiiike it. ^_^

Harry is really detestable in this.  What a way to begin a relationship.  However, it looks like it was definitely for the good.

Harry seems quite determined to act like a spoiled, petulant child. Perhaps the solution is to treat him like one and have someone turn him over their knee. I just hope Harry doesn't take advantage of Severus, Remus and Dumbledore's temporary absence to badger Hermione. She's been through quite enough already. As for who might be at the gate, I'm thinking maybe another Lady, since Hermione and Luna just completed the spell.