"...and the artichoke paddling around happily in a saucer of olive oil on the dresser..."

LOVE that image. ;)

I love the title. And the story certainly lives up to it. I'm deeply dubious of Geraint Rodway's inner worth, but I love Hermione's aplomb in the face of social adversity. I sort of want her to go off and be a successful cursebreaker spinster with a garden of decorative flying artichokes which she refuses to eat.

This was BRILLIANT! I'm begging you, PLEASE continue this one-shot!

great chapter. I'm really looking forward to what happens next, and meeting Geraint. I noticed that this story showed up in the DMHG section...so I'm guessing that the main coupling is Draco/Hermione. I've never read a fic where Draco was married, but hopefully Pansy won't be too miserable when he leaves her. Well, wishing you luck, please continue this!

Great story. Pity it's apparently a one shot. Hermione is about to make the greatest mistake of her life; almost on a par with Snape's choice to join the Death Eaters, and probably as hard to escape from once you're in. And she still doesn't have serious second thoughts, not even when it's rubbed in her face that these are her boyfriend's idea of friends and family (and why on earth wasn't he there, BTW?), until she hears Snape grumbling to himself. Looks like she still respects him more than she likes to admit, despite everything - and he thought she was "brave, gifted and pretty"? Who'd have thought?

Great story.

I once was awarded points by a reviewer for correct use of the word antimacassar - I am now proud to pass those points on! ;-)

It would be hateful to have to try to prove that you belong to people who are making every effort to show you that you don't belong.

And I liked the artichoke - I have a problem in the books with the way things that seems so *sentient* are treated like they are carrots. I remember it making me a bit queasy to think about the mandrakes - they look like people, they cry, they can act 'moody and secretive', and then they get chopped and juiced! Glad Hermione has similar reservations.

I really did enjoy that (and was there a hint of SS/HG at the end?) But then I am wondering if his notice in the "Alumni News" is the direct result of this evening, LOL.

oh, wow. That was just amazing. The detail and the little side-comments about what they were eating - a helluva lot better than the average Just In fic. A question though: is there going to be a romantic pairing of any kind?

Very, very good. And I mean that. Not at all the average "just-in". Your story is very detailed. Lots of imformation about the food (JKR would have done that) and it give a nice little peek into the Pureblood way of living.

I like it how you also give some time to show us what's going on in Hermione's brain. Usually authors either overdo it, or don't do it at all. My compliments.

Are you intending on keeping this a one-shot or are you going to add a 2nd chapter?

Well, I usually intend to let my reviews be more than just 'good job' so here's my piece of advise: try to use a little bit more humor next time. I like the scene where Snape knocked over his goblet and the artichockes escaped. Do thinks like that more often. You're good at it. Or maybe some witty replies to Zabini?

Anyway.. I just wanted to congratulate you on a great ficlet. May you have lots of reviewers!

Maaike

Wow. That's all I can really say. I'm blown over by this story. This was very well-written with so many intricate, lovely details, especially with the various foods that Hermione experienced at the dinner party. Beautifully done.