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The MA chose the "Heal the Room of Requirement" prompt and it is amazing. A beautifully written, quiet, thoughtful but very powerful story featuring Minerva, Neville and Hogwarts. I love stories with the castle as a character and this one is so good. Oh, I could cry with how wonderful it is. I read it yesterday and will be reading it many more times in the future because it is made of win.

Please go, read and leave the author some love.

To Build On Rock

And the very, VERY belated exchange_bingo gift will be forthcoming soon. The muse appears to be back. :)

This was the prompt from the darling Shiv: Oooh how about Severus has heard that blonds have more fun, so he has a bit of an experiment. What does Hermione think about it all?

So, without further ado (and with the understanding that this is not betaed!) I present:

Birthday Surprises

“Severus?” The irritation in Lucius’ voice was audible through the closed bathroom door. “You are usually ready hours before me—are you quite well, old boy?”
Severus scowled. “I suppose that depends on your definition of ‘well’.”
“You know I hate it when you talk in riddles.” Lucius’ voice had gone from irritation to petulance. “Hermione will be here in less than an hour. We did promise her a birthday she’d never forget.”
Severus muttered to himself. “No worries in that department”.
“Severus Snape, do not force me to blast this door open. They are so very expensive to replace.”
“Fine, come in if you must.” Snape faced the door, crossed his arms and leaned a hip against the vanity.
“Good god, man! What have you done?”
“It is blindingly obvious.” Snape’s mouth twitched up at one side. “Close your mouth, Lucius. You look like one of the koi in the pond.”
Lucius snapped his mouth shut, raised his eyebrows and gestured in Severus’ direction. The power of speech seemed to have been shocked out of him.
Severus turned to face the mirror, which had the good sense to keep its opinions to itself. His own reflection was still a bit of a surprise. “I have been hearing for years, especially from you, that blonds have more fun.” He shrugged. “So, I decided to have a bit of an experiment.” Lucius stood behind him and their eyes met in the reflection.
“Well? What do you think?”
The other man seemed to be mostly over his initial shock. He pursed his lips and examined his friend critically. “It is a bit disconcerting at first glance. But overall, I have to say, it doesn’t look that bad.”
“Should I change it back?”
“No.”
Both wizards whipped their heads toward the door at the sound of Hermione’s voice.
“Merlin’s sacred balls!”
“I don’t believe it!”
Hermione grinned as she looked from Severus to Lucius and back again.
Her hair fell in waves of golden blonde across her shoulders. Her eyes sparkled. “You gentlemen promised me a birthday I’ll never forget. Shall we get on with the celebration?”

Just a quick note to everyone who reads this to say we're still alive. I am working feverishly to finish my gift fic, and am writing nearly every spare moment. It's coming along fabulously. One of my best yet and there's no smut to speak of in it!

Hubby and I went to see his mom Sunday. She's nearly back to her old self again. She knew who we were, has the old sense of humor back and is engaged in what's going on around her. She does have moments when she slips back into crazy-land--she asked me "where's the baby?" I thought she was talking about my grandson, but she thought Hubby and I had a baby. When I told her we don't have a baby she asked what happened to it...then she asked if Hubby did something to it!! We explained that we've never had a baby...just the cats.

She still has a feeding tube, but the doctor is encouraging her to take liquids by mouth so she doesn't lose the swallowing reflex and can hopefully have the tube removed one day.

We have also been helping an online friend who has had a bit of bad luck recently.

Working like crazy, too.

Guess that's about it for now. I have to finish getting ready for work...tonight it's more writing...