Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of 8
ValadyHermione is in a miserable marriage with Ron, but having an affair with Severus. Will she finally leave Ron for Severus or vice versa?
ReviewedHermione didn’t want to wake up just yet, for she felt safe and warm in her love’s arms. She hated the thought that in a few hours she would have to leave the little flat once again and go back to the cottage in Hogsmeade. However, now she knew that one day, in the not too distant future that when she looked up at Hogwarts, Severus wouldn’t be there. He would be thousands of miles away in Spain. She had some hard thinking to do and a decision that was long overdue.
She felt Severus stir behind her and knew that he would soon be waking up. He wants to have a family with me. Hermione smiled as she remembered the words he spoke the previous night. She tried to picture a life with Severus, days spent in research together, nights spent in his arms, and perhaps a child or two in the not too distant future. To her it was an idyllic picture and one she so wanted to have for her own. The arm around her tightened, and she felt him place a kiss on her shoulder.
“Good morning, love.”
“Good morning, did you sleep well?”
“I always sleep well when I have you next to me. Have you been up long?”
“No,” Hermione said as she turned to face him, placing a kiss on his lips. “Would you like a cuppa?”
“Yes, please.”
“I’ll be back in a moment,” she said as she sat up and bent down to retrieve her robe from the floor.
Severus watched her walk away, and his thoughts wandered back to last night and their ‘talk.’ He hoped she would choose to leave with him. He would miss her desperately if he had to leave her behind in Britain, only seeing her, maybe, once a month.
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Hermione set the water to boil on the stove while she set up the teapot. She didn’t want to leave here today, but if she didn’t show up at the Burrow, Molly would go in search of her. Well, at least Harry, Ginny, and their kids would be there too. Harry… Gods. Harry would take her leaving Ron about as badly, if not more so, as Ron!
Flashback
“This is going to be fantastic, Hermione--Ginny and me, Ron and you, We’ll be like one big happy family! Our kids will grow up together…”
“Whoa, Harry, we haven’t even discussed having children yet. We can’t afford to have children right now. I’m still in my apprenticeship, and Ron is still in Auror training.”
“Well, once you’re married you can give up the apprenticeship, Hermione. I mean you won’t need to be a Potions mistress. Mrs Weasley says being a mum is a full-time job in itself. When would you have the time to work too?”
“I am NOT giving up my apprenticeship, Harry, no matter what anyone says. It’s something I have always wanted, and I don’t care what ‘anyone else’ thinks about it.”
“I’m sure Ron won’t mind your completing your apprenticeship. By then he’ll be a full Auror and making enough so you two can start a family. You know I’ve always thought of you as the sister I never had, Hermione, but now with you marrying, Ron we’ll really be related.”
“Yes, Harry, it’ll be wonderful.”
“Hey, maybe you and Ron could live with Ginny and me at Godrics Hollow, you know, until you two can afford a place of your own. I know living at Burrow would put a crimp…”
“Excuse me? Who said we would be ‘living at the Burrow’?”
“Uhh, Ron… and Mrs Weasley. I mean even you said you two can’t afford to have children yet. This way the two of you could save some money.”
End Flashback
Hermione shuddered as she remembered the two years of living at the Burrow: constantly being under the ever ‘watchful eye’ of her mother-in-law; the so unsubtle hints about how they shouldn’t wait too long to have children; the constant criticism and unasked for ‘advice’ about how she could be a ‘better wife to her son'; and Ron just sitting there silent while his mother’s mouth kept going on and on. Unless of course it was a criticism about him, then he’d say something!
Hermione poured the hot water into the teapot and placed the lid on top. While the tea brewed, she put some biscuits on a plate and set it on the tray. A nice quiet morning, having tea and biscuits in bed… Ron would never do that. For one, he had to have a huge breakfast every morning.
”My mum makes a hearty breakfast every morning for my dad. It’s what a good wife does, Hermione.”
Pushing the thoughts of Harry, Ron, and the Weasleys out of her mind, she focussed on the wizard awaiting her in the bedroom.
She entered the bedroom, the tray floating in behind her as sat next to him and allowed the tray to settle down on the small nightstand next to the bed. She took the plate of biscuits, placed them on the bed, and then proceeded to serve the tea.
“You spoil me terribly. You do know that, don’t you?”
“Of course, but it’s my prerogative to do so!” Hermione smiled at him as she handed him the cup.
“So, what are your plans for the day?” she asked.
“I suppose I should go to Diagon Alley and replenish some of my stores that are beginning to go low, perhaps stop by Flourish and Blotts to browse a bit.”
“I don’t look forward to my day at the Burrow,” she sighed. “I just hope Harry and Ginny’s children keep Molly occupied enough so she’ll stay out of my hair today.”
“She’s still giving you a hard time?”
“Every chance she gets. I swear the woman isn’t happy unless she has her nose in every aspect of her children’s lives. I’ve been tempted a number of times to invite her to watch to make sure Ron and I are ‘doing it’ to her satisfaction.”
Severus laughed and blanched at the thought. He tried to keep thoughts of Hermione in bed with Weasley as far from his mind as he could, but the image of Molly Weasley’s face being issued such an invitation was just too funny to ignore. Severus reached over his lover and placed his cup and the plate back on the tray. He untied the sash to her robe and began kissing her neck.
“Perhaps I can give you something to think about while you’re stuck at the Burrow today,” he said as he took her in his arms and eased her back down on the bed.
Hermione spread her legs invitingly for her lover as he eased down upon her, kissing her neck, lips, shoulders, breasts--awakening her need to become one with him, again. The two lovers kept the world outside their little flat at bay for a little while longer.
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Latest 25 Reviews for The Little Flat
71 Reviews | 6.25/10 Average
Wonderful story!
Ahhhh. Just what I was hoping for! Severus is very familiar with what it is like to come to terms with one's feelings after having suppressed his own for so long, so he is tender with Hermione while she learns to deal with hers. What a special man he is, and perfectly suited to her. They are both very fortunate to have each other. I'm looking forward to the next chapter so much!!! Well done, Valady.Beth
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Thank you so much! :) The next chapter will be in the queue soon.
Good for Harry for being such a good friend, and double-good for Hermione for finally telling Ron she wanted to end their marriage. I wish she hadn't told Ron that Severus was the man she loves... I would hate for Ron and Molly to make trouble for him, although I seriously doubt that he would much care what the world at large thinks about him so long as he and Hermione will be together. I hope he is still at the flat when she gets back there. This is so good!Beth
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Thanks. I think Harry would always support his friends... especially Hermione.
It is a real mark of Severus' love for Hermione that he didn't say anything to her remark about her and Ron "doing it." His only response was to let her know how much he loves her and treasures her. With any luck, Molly will be in full blown "control everything" mode, and Hermione will think long and hard about Severus while she listens to Molly waxing eloquent about her short comings as Ron's wife.Good chapter!Beth
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Thanks!
"I can’t promise that what we have now will always be enough for me. I want you to be my wife; I want to have a family with you.”Severus is being as honest with her as possible. Love is not enough to build a life on if the love cannot be declared and lived everyday. Sooner or later, even the sincerest of lovers will long for the ordinary, which is quite extraordinary in the scheme of things. It means he loves her with all his heart and it is killing him to have to share her with her other life. That's honesty. I hope Hermione will have focused on the "I want you to be my wife; I want to have a family with you.” instead of the "I can’t promise that what we have now will always be enough for me." part. C'mon, Hermione. This decision should be easy... just move out of your comfort zone and claim the joy that is waiting for you!I really like this story !Beth
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Hermione is a smart girl, she'll make the right decision. :)
Dear me, Molly does love to call the shots where her family is concerned. Never mind that Hermione would come to be so unhappy as long as her son got what he wanted. How I wish Hermione has listened to her own mother. With 20/20 hindsight, regrets become large.I really like the feel of this story, and I'm dying to know what decision Severus has made. Off to the next chapter!Beth
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Don't we all have regrets. Yes, I picture Molly as very controlling. Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying the story. :)
Phew - think I need a lie down after this chapter (and I've only just got up!!) Severus can definitely come round and cook me dinner any time he likes, especially if that's what happens afterwards! 
I'm so glad for them though. I just hope that Ron & family are not going to cause too much trouble ... I'm really pleased you've updated this story again! :-)
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Me too! hehehe I'm glad you're enjoying it. The next chapter will be in the queue soon, and then the epilogue.
I'm so glad that Hermione moved her things out of the cottage and into their little flat. I'm also glad that she got to experience all of the lovely lemons that Severus bestowed upon her so graciously. I'm melting! Your story has been so wonderful to read this morning. :D
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Thank you, I'm thrilled you're enjoying it so much. :)
Finally! Great update x
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Thanks, the next chapter will be in the queue soon.
Well... at least we know that Hermione isn't a doormat. I would have loved to have been able to vent like that to my ex-inlaws! I'm glad that she told Ron the truth. It's much better that way. Starting fresh with Severus in another country might be just what the Medi-witch ordered! :D
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Nope, she's never been a doormat, that's for sure.
Severus says such sweet things to her! He really melts my butter! I hope she gets away from the madness of her marriage and takes the plunge. :D
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
That voice will do it every time. :D
Oh, crap! I can understand where Severus is coming from. He's done his thing for king and country and needs a new career. Maybe he sensed that Hermione was becoming too comfortable with their relationship and feared that she would never make the decision to leave her failed marriage unless he made a change. Great chapter! :D
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Thanks. Yes, he's tired of things being in limbo, so to speak.
Why am I not surprised that Molly 'helped' Ron and Hermione down the aisle. Regret is horrible thing. Hermione's mom had every right to be upset about the meddling.Severus seems so much better suited to Hermione's needs and desires. He did a great job getting her attention off that journal she was reading. *fans self*I know Severus needs to tell her something, but it doesn't sound like she is going to be happy about it. Great chapter! :D
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Yes, Severus is better suited in my opinion too. Glad you like it. :)
Having a place to call their own makes such a difference when engaging in the type of relationship that they have. It's a safe place for them to go to and be everything to each other for a while. Nothing good to say about Ron. He will always be a butthead in my book. Fantastic beginning! :D
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Thanks! I agree Ron is a butthead. LOL
this is how things should have ended in jkr's world. great update. thanks muchly
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Thank you! So glad you like. :)
run, hermione! run like the wind! run all the way to spain! cuz if you don't, i will! thanks so much
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
LOL Thanks... I was having a bad day, but this review made me smile. :D
Molly seems to be the mother-in-law from hell. I truly hope you'll give Hermione a chance to say what's in her mind. And two years of living with the in-laws... how anyone could survive that sane is beyond me. :)
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
As if Hermione wouldn't speak her mind! :) Hang on, it's coming.
Speaking as one who has been very happily married to my co-respondent for nearly two decades - do it, Hermione.
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
hehe on my second as well... looks like Hermione may be joining us. :D
Lovely lemons! However, revealing his plans probably didn't go as well as Severus had hoped. The fact that she cried even harder at the mention of having a family is rather concerning. Now what could be holding her back from going to Spain and starting a new life?!
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Never fear she'll make the right decision! :)
so sad. i hope this has a happy ending. thanks so much for this excellent update
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Thanks! Yes, it does end happily. :)
I agree with the other reviewers. Why on earth would she not leave with him??/M
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Gryffindor loyalty perhaps? ;)
Response from morgaine_dulac (Reviewer)
Gryffindors *rolls eyes* ;-)
She should leave Ron and not look back! Yummy Severus vs. Ginger Pubes???? No contest. Please update soon. =]
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
I know I would be packing pronto! :) As soon as I get the next chapter back from my beta I'll be submitting it to the queue! Thanks.
I wouldn't need asking twice if it were me! Severus and Spain - what better combination, eh?! I'm loving your little story; I was sorry to read of previous critisism you had - I can guess that must have been pretty upsetting. My own views/rules are: if I don't like something, I don't review or, better still, stop reading! No one is perfect as this is a site for 'amateur' or novice writers; I see lots of stories that may not be Shakespeare but are sincere in their portrayal and have great story lines. Part of the fun is watching writers grow and develop and maybe even improve in some cases. Reviewers should really try and encourage that.Keep the faith - this is good! :-)
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
Thanks so much for your support.
I've developed a bit of a thick skin to caustic reviews. I was more insulted for my betas and the TPP submission staff. I know what a going over stories get before they even make it on to TPP. If this was that bad it wouldn't be here. :)
oh, bless. She'll go though, right?
Response from Valady (Author of The Little Flat)
All questions will be answered by the last chapter. Promise! :)