“But in case something like this were to happen again, perhaps you could provide me with a way to reach you?” “Also in the notes,” Snape said, and with a tight smile, he turned and left her office.Mr. privacy extraordinaire gave his info before she asked for it?  This is headed nowhere good (and yet a part of me thinks yes, somewhere good).  Oh, dear.

How sad, the way Hermione feels about her life.  But this is how it begins, I suppose.  And poor Ron is still being loveable ...And what had Snape all grumpy in the beginning?  Did he leave Hermione feeling the same way?  Just figure out she is no longer Granger?I am loving this!

The Potions class did provide them with a challenge--even if not the one their professor has in mind. I'm still confused what Snapes does for a living, but so is Hermione, right? She's well on her way to discover it. Well constructed also how the post-children phase reveal what bonds a couple has or lacks.

I absolutely love your Ron.  You'll have to write a story with this version of him where things don't end badly.I have to say that I have been happily married for a very long time, and there are so many wonderful things that come from a long term relationship.  But, the one thing that I will admit to missing is that exciting, butterflies in the stomach feeling that comes from a fledgeling relationship, especially an unexpected one.  My point in blabbering on about myself is that I think you have Hermione's feelings spot on. I can truly see how this starts. Her thoughts and feelings are completely innocent at this point, and she is just enjoying that long suppressed feeling of fun and excitement. It is completely irrelevant how happy she may be in her current situation.   Snape seemed to enjoy himself as well, and I don't suppose he is surrounded by loads of friends these days.  I suspect things are going to get good (and bad) quickly.You are so good with the emotions of characters.  They are always so real.   I love your stories!

Can I just say 'let's hear it for Fort!'? I'm severely allergic to cats, so I appreciate a Hermione story without a cat for a change! I can also appreciate how Hermione isn't letting Severus bowl her over. She's showing she really is an adult and isn't intimidated by him anymore. I'm sure that attitude has impressed Severus.

Sounds like Hermione is back to being the third wheel in this relationship. I like how she's getting along with Snape, though. ^_^

Ooooh! Snape in a playful mood? Terrorising a teacher? This sounds promising. ^_^

I'm sooo suprised Snape didn't put Portage in his place right away.I guess he was just relieved that he was paired with Hermione who actually had potions knowledge, rather than some other idiot.

Snape was a troublemaker, and Hermione was no angel either- ooh, the potential if they work together!I like your Ron, his character as well as his occupation.  Don't hurt him all too much, will you?

Oh, dear.  I absolutely adore your writing, so there is no way that I would skip this one, no matter the warnings.  But, it is really easy to read a story about adultry when the other half of the couple is portrayed poorly, such as Ron frequently is in fanfic.  Instead, you've given us a kind, thoughtful, mature Ron, and that is what, at least in part, is going to make this so heartbreaking, I suppose.  Looking forward to what is to come ... sort of.  Faboulous start to this story.

Ah, just what she needed. A wake up call!

So supermom Hermione's not happy? Wonder why.

Excited to find this story and loving it so far! You're painting a believable picture! 

I must have missed this during the HGSS_exchange. I'm really enjoying it! Whatever else happens, I heartily approve of your Ron Weasley. He's intelligent and mature and has integrity (so far). And elementary school teacher (so to speak) strikes me as a more believable occupation for him than the traditional Auror or Quidditch star.

I love the way you show Hermione and Ron's life together as comfortable and loving...but yet they're engineering ways to spend less time together. Meanwhile, Hermione's just buzzing coming out of class with Snape. Such a contrast, and so realistic. Can't wait for the next chapter!  

Wow, I loved this so much I couldn't help cheating and go looking for the rest of the chapters. So good, so sad, but in a good way. Thanks for a remarkable read!

Excellent.  I really look forward to seeing how this goes.

I read this on the exchange, and it's one of my favorites.You have a real gift for describing the emotional process between characters. I sat paralyzed as I read this because although it was just a story and it wasn't real, what it portrayed was true to the human condition in more ways than I can describe. Thank you for such a lovely read!

This sounds like it might be good. At least there won't be any Ron-bashing, right? ^_^

This is just brilliant.  You've powerfully tapped into the emotions of an affair.  The thrill.  The yearning. The guilt.  The revulsion.  The heartbreak.  All of it.  Thank you for this very poignant and bittersweet story. *T

Ok.  I haven't finished the chapter yet, but really?! Hermione would only want to leave Ron if she had Severus to take her? Forget that she's unhappy. Unfulfilled. I kind of hate Hermione right now.  (Not the story, mind you. I'm LOVING the story. But, Hermione ~ not so much.) 

Mid-life crisis much?  Poor Hermione.... or should that be poor Ron?  
Loving this so far. I wouldn't have found this if not for the lovely ladies over at the quiz.  
Kudos to you all!

Mid-life crisis much?  Poor Hermione.... or should that be poor Ron?  
Loving this so far. I wouldn't have found this if not for the lovely ladies over at the quiz.  
Kudos to you all!

This was a really beautiful story. The best one I've read in ages. Well done.

*snip*“And then Rose made a total idiot of herself,” Hugo said, “and asked Professor—”“Hu-GO!”“Well, it’s true, according to Jamie and Al.”“Hugo, whatever Rose might have asked, isn’t it better to ask a question than to miss something important? When I was in Muggle school, the saying went, ‘There are no stupid—’”“Yeah, yeah, I know, Mum, no stupid questions, but Rose asked Professor Laurent to dance.”“The man is part Veela,” Rose wailed. “I was powerless to stop myself! I think it’s hereditary. You know how Dad is with Aunt Fleur.”Hermione gave her a stern look. “Rose, that’s no way to talk about your father.” Inside, she finished, even if it is absolutely true. She looked forward to telling this story to him later—in great detail. “You just wait, Hugo Weasley,” Rose said. “You wait until Victoire hits puberty.”“Victoire is my cousin,” Hugo said with a disdain perhaps only mustered by eleven year old boys. Rose chuckled darkly. Hugo glowered at her. *snip*Just pure awesome - and so easy to see in the Weasley household... great sibling banter!