That was great. I probably would've thought what Hermione said--about using certain positions in dueling club and the bedroom only:D Maybe I would've said it. It was funny that both Draco and Hermione ended up at home having to take care of themselves while thinking of the other. Can't wait to read more.

I enjoy seeing Draco humble and feeling like Hermione is too good for him. I wish things weren't so awkward after their physical encounters, but I guess that will fade in time. I look forward to Draco finally opening up to Hermione emotionally and I hope that Draco doesn't have to spend Christmas alone. Great job so far...can't wait for more : )

Sorry, but the start of this chapter didn't have the polished feel as with your previous work. Perhaps you felt rushed to get Hermione and Draco into bed? The hug/kiss at Defense Class was out of place as well: what happened to the tension? the battle of thoughts/diversion? Less graphic sex and more intellectual development will provide you with the quality and surprise of intimacy necessary to keep Draco and Hermione's personas authentic. Lots of baggage to unload for Draco: info that will provide heady conversations and unexpected choices if you care to go that way. And don't forget the interactions of Rose/Hugo/Scorpio. I suspect their friendships could have an enormous impact on Draco and Hermione's futures. Just a thought or two.

Author's Response: Thanks for the review! Constructive criticism is always helpful. I generally find there are two ways to go about a Draco/Hermione story - either spend a long time building up the relationship and have the climax/conclusion involve them finally getting together, or get them together initially and spend the remainder of the story struggling through the challenges they face as a couple. I'm obviously going the latter route with this story, and as I've never really wanted or intended it to be a novel-length 150,000 word behemoth, I needed to skip over a month or two of their relationship build-up, get them together and then move on from there. Hope you're still enjoying it!

Wow that was a hot chapter! Go Draco and Hermione ; ) I was sad to see her go so soon afterwards but I guess it makes sense for them to not be completely comfortable with what happened after the adrenaline wore off. I hope that they get a chance to talk about it and become closer emotionally. They both have a lot in common now that they are divorced with kids at Hogwarts. Hope to see a new chapter soon : )

Fantabulous! Just build that sexual tension woo-hoo! My fave lines: "What if I were really attacking you? (italics) I'd let you do whatever the hell you wanted...Looking forward to Chapter 5! :D

Bravo! This chapter was perfect : ) Nice portayal of how Draco and Hermione are getting emotionally and physically closer as time moves on. Even though Draco lost, I hope Hermione gives him a real kiss in the next chapter...can't wait for more!

I really liked it but it seems almost unlike Hermione to move on this quickly. I think she is slightly out of character especially when she responds to Malfoy so quickly other then that its really good and I hope you update regularly:)

Author's Response: Thanks for the review! I get what you're saying, and I think the answer is that Hermione had checked out of her marriage years earlier, and after Ron demonstrated that he's perfectly willing to move on, she didn't feel she had to hold back either. Sometimes these things sneak up on you!

Ah...a little mental distraction and Zap! the wand is out of the hand. Good job!! Perhaps a bit more description during Hermione and Draco's disarming practice: highlights of their spellcasting and blocking that moved them around the room and consequently resulted in their being the center of attention. Am looking forward to chapter 4!

Author's Response: Thanks for reviewing! I am not as good at writing action scenes; the relationships are my strong point, so I try to keep the focus on that. I do think you'll get some good action (in so many ways!) later in the story, though, so stay tuned!

Interesting storyline with a variety of possibilities. Might I suggest you keep the tension palatable between Draco and Hermione? Create a multitude of interactions that scream the sexual tension without the act?? Develop "dueling dialogue", imbued with humor and curiosity. As you already pointed out...15 years have passed and our main characters have history to put behind them and discoveries before them. Good luck!

Is great :-) Write more!