Now wait a minute.  Everybody is saying what a great Mother's Day gift this was.  But, but, IT WAS A CLIFFHANGER.  That's more like punishment.  Just saying.

Paris was lovely.  I'm glad things have gotten out in the open.  Well, except for Cordelia overhearing of course. 

EAGERLY awaiting the next chapter.

Aww, I'm glad he finally took the  potion and was able to have some of his fears taken care of (and the 'Hermione issue').

I really enjoyed the banter regarding the names.  You made me chuckle.

Lovely as always!

Thank you for the Mother's Day wishes.  Is it bad that I want to celebrate by putting my children to bed and then reading your story?  :)

Their trip was lovely, even if he avoided talking to her like he'd planned to do.  That he takes her to the opera he knows she loves, has me a little weak in the knees.

What a relief that they have finally talked, although I can understand how it feels like more of a burden now.  She certainly does have more at stake now than ever.

It is amazing the clarity of mind that Severus possesses, just from figuring out what he feels.  He is a man on a mission now, and I wouldn't want to get in his way.

“Cordelia’s back?” Hermione whispered, her face stricken. “Already?”

“So it would appear,” Severus said grimly.

“Do you think she heard us?” Hermione asked, desperate for him to say no.

Severus glanced at the open door of the sitting room, only feet from where his wife’s trunk sat. “Almost certainly.”

Somehow I know that Cordelia won't have those same qualms that I do.  Gulp.

I love the banter between Severus and Hermione over the names of her friends' babies.

I'm so glad that he lets her confide in Padma.  She really does need some advice from a female who is not directly involved in the mess at hand.  And she is such a good friend for being supportive and making good points.

And from the point where Hermione explores Severus' scars, all of the way to the end is emotional and beautiful.  It was very brave of him to take such a potion, but a guy like him needs that sort of thing to admit his feelings.

For in his potion-induced state of reason and clarity, he recognised this pain for what it was.

He loved Hermione Granger.

With all his heart.

This gladdens my heart more than I can say.  Although, come on Severus, it has been obvious to pretty much everyone else for awhile now.  :)

I completely forgot Cordelia overhears everything! I got goosebumps this time around too. This was the best Mother's Day gift I've gotten, aside from the gifts my girls gave me.

“Do you think she heard us?” Hermione asked, desperate for him to say no.

Severus glanced at the open door of the sitting room, only feet from where his wife’s trunk sat. “Almost certainly.”

They have crossed the Rubicon, and I imagine that all hell is about to break loose.  No turning back now...  Hallelujah!

Cornelia is bound to be furious having overheard Hermione and Severus talking, and I could understand a bit because they were in her home and declaring their love for each other.  But... I'm a bad house-elf... I couldn't be happier!!!!

Thank you for this wonderful chapter!!  I''ll just  go iron my hands now.

Hugs you,
Beth

At last they admit their love for each other.  Now comes the fight of their life to be together.  I'm sure Cordelia will make life as horrible as she can.  Your Cliffy has me biting my nails to the next chapter.I don't know how you do it LB but each chapter is as good as or better than the one before, another great chapter. 

Oops.  Still, it doesn't change the facts.  If she won't divorce him in February they can leave the country together until she will.  She'll want to marry Everard eventually. :)

I LOVE this story. It makes me sad only knowing it will be another week before another update. Thanks for re posting this. 

Every time I open my email and see that there's an update for this story makes my day!!! Please update soon!!! Especially after leaving us with this evil cliffy!!!

Oh dear jealousey has raised its ugly head,  and Severous did not help with his outlandish and hurtful statement.  I liked that she allowed him to explane and for gave him,  they do belong together.  I wonder what trouble Theo will be causing for our couple.  I forgive you for the cliffy, I'm sure it will be worth it 

Lance is so awesome! I think he's my favorite OC ever!The return of reality really stinks - Hermione & Severus still have a long road ahead...

Glad to see Hermione go after him and not let him go off to sulk on his own.  Looking forward to the next re-post!

There is always hope, but things are looking pretty grim.  This chapter has a very "fore-shadow-y" feel.  They are both so damaged... as are many of the other characters in this story.  Let's see if Lance is right.

“Yes, well, I had a drink with him up on that roof garden last night, and he told me you’ve gotten together... Well, he as good as told me, such was his prickly defensiveness, and now you’ve confirmed my suspicions.”

Lance is such a loveable rascal!  I'm glad he is so supportive of Hermione and Severus.  It's true that both of them may need someone to talk to from time to time, but Hermione really does need to feel like there is someone other than Severus that she can confide in who won't go running all over "hell's half-acre" and blabbing about everything. 

I'm not a bit surprised that Severus still has nightmares about Dumbledore and Nagini, but he really does deserve to be able to put that time in perspective— I don't think he had any other choice.  If he didn't carry on then he would have died and been unable to help Harry, Draco would surely have been punished unto death by the Dark Lore and Albus would have suffered imminent pain and humiliation.

Neville is having such a hard time.  My heart goes out to him, and I hope that something will turn up that lets him care for his parents and go find Luna.  He deserves to have a happy life just like Hermione and Severus do.

Thank you for another moving chapter.  While there is much for our lovers to be concerned about, there is much to hope for as well.

Beth

I LOVE that she didn't let him run away from her. I'm SO glad he opened up to her about his dreams. Part of me expected Theo to walk in on them in bed together, though. :) 

How satisfying to see Theo get what he deserves. I'm glad you included it in the story this way- it fits perfectly and put a smile on my face.

Too bad about that Swedish girl last night, Theo.  Now get busy and do the right thing and ask Hemrione for a divorce.
*claps hands* 

Beth

YAY! Ring of Fire has been found!  I am so looking forward to reading it again.  Just deserts, Theo... what goes around, comes around.  Of course, when Theo returns, as he eventually must, not only will the apple cart be up turned, it may even lose a wheel or two. 

I love that Seveus and Hermione have this week together.  I want so much for things to go smoothly for them, but I'm not so much of a romantic to think that there won't be some unpleasantness in their future.  What kind of scene will Cordelia make when she figures out just how far the relationship between Severus and Hermione has grown?  In her house!  My crystal ball tells me that fireworks are in the offering.  I'm counting on Lance to put Cordelia in her place when she does raise her hackles.
Thank you for this beautiful interlude for our love birds. 

Beth

Cue Theo's return? ;)

“Yes, well, I had a drink with him up on that roof garden last night, and he told me you’ve gotten together.”

Hermione gasped. She couldn’t believe Severus had confided in the old man so quickly. “He told you?”

“Well, he as good as told me, such was his prickly defensiveness, and now you’ve confirmed my suspicions.”

Heehee.  Lance is so adorable, I just want to pick him up and squish him.

And the interaction with Cordelia was super uncomfortable.

And poor Severus with his nightmares.  I am sure glad that when he stormed out that Hermione followed him.  And that he didn't turn her away when she did.

I personally think that she should tell him she loves him, but after all, there is always hope.

Lovely chapter.  So glad you found Ring of Fire and thanks for the mini bio.  See you next chapter. 

Sigh so beautiful to see two people finding each other and more important trusting each other.  I dought Severus has ever told any one but Hermione about his dream maybe now he can let it go because he knows he is no longer alone.  beautiful chapter.

I always thought this should have been added to the story. It's a funny interlude and does not detract from the story at all. Still loving it!

I think this chapter fits well into the story even though it was orginally a separate piece. Nice to see Theo get his comeuppence!  

Gander, Goose is on her way over.  Said she is bringing some sauce.