Have you ever pretended to yourself that you were not in love with someone you shouldn't be in love with and done a perfectly find job of the thing until someone told you that your feelings were reciprocal?  Then suddenly the truth you had carefully hidden from your own heart and mind leapt up before you to your utter dismay? Is it more likely that even if one has the opportunity to take the left fork in the road and chose the secret love, thereby changing everyone's plans, most do the more sensible and proper thing and take the original path to the right instead; or would most break their original agreement and turn to the left?  Does one who has been there, ever occasionally regret not having chosen to turn left instead of right? And how many, many, many years go by before one stops wondering, what if? Can one write a storyline that fully renders that dynamic without ever having experienced it? Is it possible to really understand the feelings involved from only reading about it in romances?  Does this situation happen to almost everyone but they just never talk about it, or does it simply make for a good romance story? I wonder.

Not only is the Severus/Hermione interplay sensuously riveting, but I love the other characters' observations.  Lance, Padma, Neville, Moe and Minerva all see perfectly well what's going on... even when our "lovers" do not.

I don't think I reveiwed the last chapter due to lack of time on my part as well.  I should go back and fix that, but this is one of my favorite chapters, so I had no choice but to move on instead.Every moment of this chapter is wonderful- her altered wedding dress that only he appreciates enough to notice, Moe assuming that Hermione is dressing to please Severus, the mutual jealousy of the two when other men or women are around, and lots of alcohol to relieve them of their inhibitions.The rooftop dance is one of those moments that I have always remembered from this fic, and it didn't diappoint the second time around.  The wine-induced honesty is refreshing, if not a bit terrifying for them, I am certain.  I am torn as to whether I agree that it is best that she was asleep when he returned.  It would certainly cut to the chase, but where would be the fun in that?

id be making love with my hand in a bowl of murtlap stuff, how they both gonna get free? (hitwizard) lol thanks for the update.

Such a lovely chapter. I think the time is coming for them to have a skate on that thin ice. 

This chapter is amazing.  It was well worth the wait, though I want more, more, more!  I hope you are feeling better soon.

Beautifully written thin-ice-skating, thank you!

I am so glad you included this.  I REALLY wanted to see Theo get his comeuppance.  Thank you.  And the letter was perfect.

Ohh I totally forgot about the dance! I wonder who the potion is for?? hehe

If she hadn't been so distracted by Severus' beauty she might have asked for whom he was brewing such a potion. Could it be for personal use? I'm sure Cordelia would not interfere if they were discrete. The problem is that they need to quit broadcasting their attraction for the other. She would be bothered by that. Others might notice. I'm sure she is off with her lover. Someone or something has caused Severus to need some clarity thought and insight perhaps? What the hell is Hermione to do about those damned Goblin rings. I wonder if Theo's ring burned when Severus was pressed to Hermione's back? You still haven't told us if the actual act has to take place or if just lusting after another person is enough to set the rings off. I suppose you may be saving that information for another chapter.  If Hermione decides she wants a divorce but doesn't know exactly where Theo is, would an owl be able to find him, or her Patronus?  Sigh...I have to wait for the next chapter to be posted. I would read you all night if I could. It's Friday. 

Only bad thing about this chapter was that there was no 'next' button to push...

That was a really great chapter.  I'm a big fan of the slow build. 

Ah, they will be walking the tight-rope for a while as they wait for Theo to fall off the fidelity wagon. Severus, I'm sure, is aware that Cordellia was never on the fidelity wagon in the first place. A marriage of convenience, indeed. What wizards and witches must do to jump through Ministry hoops! A pile of bulgerdash, if you ask me.

As I read more, I remember more, but that doesn't mean that I'm not anxiously awaiting the next installment.

Just curious. First time around, you submitted a short from Theo's perspective part way through this as it's own little snap-shot. Will you be doing that again? I very much enjoyed seeing things from his perspective for a brief time.

Hermionie is in big trouble, she best keep her feeling for Severus to her self for now.  They are getting very close, and that can only lead to trouble for both.

Minerva doesn't miss a trick, does she?  When she said that neither Cordelia nor Theo would win spouse of the year award even my eyebrows shot up.  And Neville!  His comments to Hermione on their walk to the castle gates set my thoughts a'spinning. 

Apparently Severus and Hermione are very transparent to everyone but themselves.  Lance can see that they are good for each, and it warms my heart that he is willing to say so to Hermione. 

And after Hermione's self-revelation as she stirred the Exostraserum, I began to wonder if she would decide to keep a single dose of the potion just to make sure of her feelings.  Or perhaps Severus will. 

Whatever happens, I have to say I love Lance!!!  He is wise and perceptive and unafraid to say what he thinks.  And I think his is just what the doctor ordered for both Severus and Hermione.

Thank you for a lovely chapter!  I'm looking forward to the next one.

Beth

"........overwhelmed by the sensation of his chest pressed against her back. When he spoke, she could feel the rumble of his voice through her robes."  Makes me weak in the knees. Beautifully written once again.  Thanks. 

Good will come of it, but not before rather a lot of pain, I expect. I'm surprised her ring hasn't rung yet, poor thing. :-p

Excellent! can't wait for the next chapter!!!

“If you wish to cross wands, Cordelia, I suggest you do it with somebody else. You are no match for me, and I have far more mud to sling than you.”

I can't believe Cordelia had the unmitigated gall to say that about Severus taking Hemrione to his bed (even though I'd like nothing better than for that to happen).

I'm so happy that Severus is escorting Hermione to Pomona's retirement party.  I know there will be raised eyebrows and whispering behind hands, but I am thrilled with this.  Let the dancing begin!!!
*iz grinning* 
Beth

I'm glad that Hermione got that bit of business off her chest.  I can honestly understand how much it had been gnawing at her.  Cordelia's comment was interesting.  It never ceases to amaze me how the unfaithful partner is always the first to accuse the other of wrong doing.

Now onto the party, yay!!!  Will there be dancing??? (pretty please with sugar quills on top!)  Excellent chapter!!!  :D

My dearest little beloved, please feed me faster. Please! I need more more more...If I start another unfinished story I get them mixed together. Now what can I go read to get my Severus Snape/Hermione Granger relationship fix while I wait for the next instalment. 

Sounds like Cordelia's weekends away are a little suspect. :)

I remember why Cordelia goes away all the time. I'm actually anticipating that revelation; that and if I remember correctly, the situation with Hermione's ring. Cordelia thinks she's sooo slick in trying to fool Severus, but he knows what's going on. Looking forward to the next chapter.

Cordelia realy has no idea who she married, does she?

Ooh, those rings. Bad idea, Herms.