Say, next time you talk to Lucius -- and I'm sure he has the best ideas for this -- do ask him what he sucks on to keep his ears from popping?

I'm done, I'm done, I promise!

But as long as I'm here, it's a good time to mention how much I love Fifty-three Stories About Snape and Black. I didn't read it basically forever, not realizing it was humor -- most of your stories are too dark for me, and I didn't want to see awful things happen to my sweeties -- but was amazed and delighted by it. *g* I also really enjoyed As Sharp As Sunlight. The writing is gorgeous.