What a horribly uncomfortable feeling to realize that your first lover was (intentionally or otherwise) using you like some kind of sex toy, utterly oblivious to you and your satisfaction. I hope there is real passion to be found in Hermione's future, rather than just more of the mindnumbing clockwork existence she currently finds herself in.That goes for Harry too... a miserable childhood with the Dursleys, then essentially fighting Voldemort constantly from the time he entered Hogwarts, then finally destroying the bastard only to be sentenced to an even more hellish life.

Too bad these two are at this impass.  It's good to realize when someone's not right for you, and I believe Ron is definitely not right, but it's still a bit sad.

She is being a coward about Ron, but if it didn't work, it didn't work.  Just tell him.  But there is some underlying sadness there.  I feel bad for her.

This is quite frightening.

A very realistic and intriguing view of what the wizarding world might come to after the war. Not so different from the developments in the real world during these last years! Loved your story and hope to read more soon.

What an incredibly depressing life Hermione and Harry are trapped in... they saved the wizarding world from Voldemort for this? They had far better, more fulfilling lives when old Snake-Face was still around!It sounds like they're both absolutely miserable, with no end in sight, and, on top of everything else, Hermione's loyalty is in question? Especially when it seems that Hermione's the only thing keeping Harry from running away screaming. IDK, but I think it's more that Duke wants Hermione out of his way.Anyway, how ironic that a society based around magic should become so soulless and mechanical. Intriguing beginning!

What a sad and bleak beginning! I must assume that somehow it will get better.