I'm remembering something very similar that never got to second stage in my own life and how desperately I wanted it...One should never judge Hermione's actions rashly. It isn't a decision that's made lightly or in mockery of a marriage. Sometimes it's what someone needs to wake them up into being a better spouse, sometimes its the catalyst for getting off the fence one has been sitting on forever. I'm sure in some cases if one can keep it to 'just sex' (look at how many young people can do it - so it can be done), then it's not a problem either. The hang ups are self-guilt. Honestly, if you're that far that you've acted upon it, then you're not thinking of the sanctity of the union by that time anyway. After years of marriage...sometimes that little piece of paper is all that holds you together, kids or no...

Thought I would read some of the other respones and they are thought provoking and insightful. However I am a RABID SS/HG shipper I have to throw this in.... Marrying your highschool crush after defeating the most evil wizard ever will eventually catch up with you. Hermione though mature is still growing (as is Ron) and WILL change over time, we all do. I can see her growing out of even a great relationship that you have penned in your story. It happens in the RW all the time.

Oi, beautifully written. Sure wish life was simpler. Part of me feels like she needs to come clean with Ron soon.  It is somehow OK that they got totally carried away in the moment, but a premeditated, prolonged secret affair seems wrong.  Not that fessingup is going to be easy. Thanks again!

And it starts. ^_^

Let me start by explaining that I'm a big, big fan of yours & couldn't believe it when, after what seems like an eternity of not seeing anything from you, I recently saw that you had posted a new fic. I confess that I have been reading this story over on Ashwinder, but being the impatient type and loving it so much, I switched to continue it on here when I realised that this site was ahead! I have cried many times at various SS fanfics over the almost five years that I have now been reading/writing/reviewing it (such can be the intensity/passion of some writers words), but I don't think many chapters have resonated with me as much, or 'fulfilled' a place so deep in me as much, and thus made me cry as much, as this.  It was perfect.It's difficult to explain all my personal reasons for these feelings here (not to mention not wanting to bore you to pieces!), and whilst I can't condone adultery, and again I don't want to disclose too much on a personal level, I have to admit that I can fully understand where Hermione is coming from and the intensity of her (up until now) unrequited feelings. However, without knowing it (or needing to understand my full reasons), you have just made me very happy in a bittersweet way  - this is the fic/chapter I've been longing to read all these years I believe. I just want to say THANK YOU - what a great start to my New Year! :-)

This is super hard to read knowing what is going to happen because of the warnings and because of how entirely unfair it is to Ron. For me it is hard to see how she can justify her relationship with Snape stating that no one knows me as well etc. Because it was Ron after all who could see she was restless after the kids were gone and needed some mental stimulation and pointed her in the direction of getting it because he knew her well enough to know she needed it, and knew himself well enough to know he couldn't provide it for her. Plus, there is the fact that Ron has never been jealous of the late hours she's keeping or even suspcious of her at all. There is a lot to be said in a guy who is so confident and trusting in his wife he wouldn't even suspect of anything amiss. Personally, I think she will be dissatisfied with the outcome with Snape. It may seem exciting at the time, but I think she will have a hard time living with herself afterwards. And if she never tells Ron even more so. Because there will always be that hit of pain, the hit of hiding something, that dispell of displeasure within herself that will always make her not want to look at herself in the mirror. And then, Hermione truly won't be Hermione anymore, but a person walking around with the same face, but her soul would be a disguise.

All the things Hermione has - home, job, family, friends - all the roles she plays.... not enough.Does she work at making these more fulfilling and by taking Ron's advice to follow what inspires her, or will she try to get Snape to fill the empty space she has allowed to grow?Will she think through the consequences? It appears Snape already has.Hmmmmmm. Thought provoking.

splendid how Severus weasels (sorry) himself into her life and thoughts. He has not shown up for no reason, I'm sure. But there's not rushing on either side, that's nice. thanks for a good read!

Great chapter to amp up the relationship.  I can see him coming in and doing what he did - going to brew with Hugo instead of milling with guests and he would not have anything to say to.  Great chapter...  Wonder how many people will noticed he has finally called her by her first name? Loved it!

Good chapter - loved the 21 questions bit.  Ron with the raw bacon... yeah I can see it.  I can also see Ron as a pawer and not a smooth lover.  Great chapter.

I loved the "no family resemblance there.." - great line.  Their conversation is real and fits with the characters.  I loved how you had him track her too her office.  Great read.

I loved the whole interaction in the classroom between Severus and Hermione.  I can so see that happening.  Most witches might have hexed him at some point but not Hermione- I think you did a great job capturing the character as well.

I loved this chapter - all the snarkyness of Severus.  You captured him wonderfully with words.  I love the last part - 4 minutes... I could just picture it.  It was exactly what the character would do.  Great writing.

Great story and cannot wait to see where it leads - extremely well written.

I find it incredibly funny that Snape would deign to play a game with Hermione at all! Twenty-One: what is the difference between that and Twenty Questions? They sound very similar, but there has to be a difference in order to have different names. Well, being that it's that game at all shows a marked interest on Snape's part to have Hermione get to know him quite well. It's a total 180  compared to the way he was as Wartime-Snape. Could it be too, that there has been attraction to Hermione for a while?

Awesome story!!! Hard to read since Ron is such a good guy in this!!!

I really like the last paragraph! That she's being seen at last. Not so much as a wife and mother, but as a person. Wonderful! ^_^

Sounds like some serious second thoughts, there. ^_^