Thank you! I'm glad you liked it!  I thought Harry would be feeling very unsure about Severus at this point and how to act around him.  Severus has been much nicer than Harry initially expected, but after the past five years, he can't quite trust him yet either.  Harry just has lots of conflicting emotions about Severus right now.

Ultimately, Quidditch will become a moot point, but yeah, Harry does realize that things are changing for him, and that there are things more important.  Good thing Oliver Wood wasn't in Harry's place, huh?  The Wizarding World would be in big trouble.

And yep, there will be more about Severus' past coming up later, and Potions class will be a little different this year.

Thanks again for your kind words.  I guess the chapter really isn't that short---it's longer than the previous one anyway.  It just seemed shorter to me because there was a lot more I wanted to put into it, but oh, well,  there's always the next chapter, right? 

It would be wonderful to have magic, wouldn't it?  I can't tell you how many times I've started cleaning my house and wished that I could just snap my fingers (or wave a wand) and have it all be done.  I'm glad you liked Harry's and Severus' relationship in this chapter.  I meant to show that they took a significant step here---they've been growing closer, but it was circumstances beyond their control (Harry's injuries) that threw them together.  Now they're consciously planning for the friendship to continue once Harry is well.

Glad you liked Neville and Luna, and Harry will go back to class soon, but I'm not sure if it will happen in the next chapter or the one after---I let the characters start talking and then they just won't quit, you know. 

Thanks again! 

Thank you!  Don't feel bad.  Harry hasn't done anything to Draco in this story.  Draco's comment is a throwback to the Ministry battle in OotP, when Lucius was revealed as a Death Eater and sent to Azkaban.  Somehow, in Draco's mind, this is Harry's fault.  I think Draco did actually say something to that effect at the end of OotP. 

I'm glad you understand Harry's conflicting feelings.  He does like Severus, but it's hard to let go of the past, especially since they've never really dealt with it.

I hope it doesn't disappoint you, but I'm probably just going to skim through Dumbledore's lessons, because they're pretty much what happened in HBP, where Harry learns more about Voldemort's past and about the Horcruxes.  Just now, Severus is going to know all about it, too, at the same time.

I may try to begin ch. 18 tomorrow.  Thanks again!

Thank you!  I loved reading your review!  I'm glad you approve of the way the lessons with Dumbledore are going--hopefully it'll sort of streamline the plot, and give me more time to write important things, like Severus and Harry, lol. 

I do think Severus and Harry have come a long way, and it was fun putting the 'Yes, Dad' line in there.  Harry intended it as a joke, but then realized that it was sort of true--that they really are starting to act like family, more than professor and student.  And then he was afraid that Severus would be uncomfortable with the idea so he quickly retreated.  And I think the line kind of gave Severus a jolt, but he doesn't really mind.

As for adoption,  I don't know.  I've planned all along for their relationship to remain 'unofficial' as far as the legal side goes, that is, not having Severus be Harry's legal guardian or adopted father.  But that's mainly because they spend most of the year just getting close, and by the end of the year,  Harry will almost be legally of age anyway.  But they do grow very close, and Severus is very committed to Harry.  Being with Harry, protecting him and guiding him will become Severus' top priority, actually, by this point it is already.   So in all the ways that really count, in their hearts, Harry and Severus will become father and son, even if it's not actually a legal adoption.

And Ron and Hermione are great!  I've always loved them, and thought that Harry was lucky to have them at his side.

Thanks again! 

Thank you!  Severus is pretty open with his emotions here, but I think it's because of several things  happening.  First, he was already moved by the conversation with Dumbledore when D. first came in and thanked him for the elixir.  Then the whole thing with Harry being cursed again was so sudden and unexpected, and so scary, that he was really rattled.  Also, I'd like to think that Severus is beginning to realize that he needs to change, that his way of dealing with people isn't good for him or anybody else, and that he's just getting to the point where he realizes it's possible for him to change, if he has the courage to, that is.

Right now, I'm not sure how big a role Elizabeth Stone will play, but she may well become a minor recurring character... we'll see.  And ooh, you noticed about her eyes being glassy, I wondered if anyone would!

I know in your profile you said youi only read fics, but you really should think about writing, too.  I think you have a good grasp on the characters and their feelings and motivations.