Thanks for reading! I appreciate your comments.

I do appreciate your concerns, too. It's always nice to know that not everyone is following along in lockstep. I could have done without it, I suppose, but I though it was an added measure to convey the desperation of the situation. While Ron's not exactly "shipping out" to the continent or anything, I think the wizarding war has a sense of totally insecure, due to its nature. In Muggle war, people only die on the battlefront. In wizarding ar, people die anywhere, anytime, mainly due to forms of instantaneous travel. When someone says, "we could die tomorrow," it’s not an exaggeration. I wanted to convey this desperation.

Anyway, I'm rambling. (See what happens when they let me play without a beta?) Thanks for reading!

I liked this immensely.  The scene between Percy and Ron was brilliant; Ron placed in the 'older brother' position and feeling awkward about it, but coming through wonderfully.  Percy and Penelope's interaction throughout was very nice.  Your fleshing out of her character provided a third dimension that I doubt that we'll see in canon.

The scenes with Ron and Hermione were very well done.  The interaction of those two has been the strength of this story, and doesn't disappoint here.  You've shown us Clueless-but-Caring Ron and Insecure Hermione, sides to their personalities that seem completely in character. 

I think you achieved a marvelous blend of humor and seriousness in this chapter.  I loved your take on McGonagall mentoring -- even mothering -- Hermione.  The closeness between those two was well sketched.  And the Gryffindors naming Ron and Hermione 'Dad' and 'Mum' was priceless. 

Thanks so much for sharing this with us! 

Thank you, for taking the time to read it, and to reveiw. I appreciate the insightful comments you've made in the past, and I'm glad you enjoyed this one. Look for more, coming soon!

And the Mum and Dad thing? I'm going to break down and admit that the inspiration for that came from my own fraternity brothers...who were they referring to? Why, I haven't a clue.

Another brilliant chapter!  BRAVO!  The tone of this one is so radically different from the last that I was somewhat disappointed at first.  Then I reached the part where Percy and Ron have their talk and I decided that herein lies its brilliance.  Only those who have experienced true love can understand what Ron and eventually Percy speak of and you've written of these sentiments very eloquently especially on Percy's part.  I've never been very fond of Percy's character in canon and here I'm seeing a new side of him which I like very much.  I'm rather glad that Penny was able to evesdrop on their conversation and hear for herself the sincerity of Percy's feelings.

As for Hermione's related scare, this must have been a difficult subject to write.  I really like how you approached it and find that she seems very much in character.  I also like how Professor McGonagall mentored her and helped her see that she had supporters she could go to any time she needed to talk.  Possible pregnancy is something a woman shouldn't have to go through alone whether she is married or not.

I look forward to your next chapter.

Arnel

P.S.  I chuckled every time your comic relief bit about the nicknames Seamus gave Ron and Hermione came up.  Very clever indeed!

Hi Ugly Brother!

Great chapter! I really like how the second version came out. It's good.

I love you!

Love Sistwerp