The therapist studied the file in front of him. Marriage counseling was not uncommon in the wizarding world, as divorce was a concept known only to muggles. Severus and Hermione Snape, married four years, expecting their first child. Gods how this was a textbook situation.
He scanned lower on the file. Ah yes, there it was, infidelity. He looked over his glasses at the couple before him. Gods what a scary looking man. Lank black hair, a scowl that could murder, and a large, hooked nose. It was no wonder the beautiful chestnut haired woman had cheated on him…..no wait, he thought, looking once more at the 'problems' section. He was the one who cheated. Well this ought to be interesting, he thought, taking off his glasses to address the expectant couple.
He cleared his throat.
"Pleasure to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Snape, and may I just say congratulations on the baby."
Hermione smiled.
"Thank you Mr. Wasselman," Hermione said politely.
"Please, call me Brent. I think we will be spending a fair amount of time together, so it's not necessary to be so formal," the therapist said, taking another quick scan of the file.
Severus cleared his throat uncomfortably.
"I think it's best to start at the beginning," he said. "Severus, why don't you tell me how you met your wife?"
Severus scowled.
"We met when I was her teacher at Hogwarts," he said simply.
Brent looked at the chart again. Ah, yes. Well that certainly explained the age difference.
"And how did you two become 'involved,'" he asked, this time addressing Hermione.
"I was at university, looking for an apprenticeship, and I asked Severus to meet with me, to recommend a master I could train under," Hermione said, amber eyes alight with the memory. "There was immediate chemistry between us, and Severus was very charming."
'Ah,' Brent thought. 'So he charmed the pants off her….literally.'
"And how long was your courtship?"
"Two years," Severus said shortly.
"How often are you having sex?" Brent asked.
"Him or me?" Hermione asked coolly.
"Once every week or so," Severus said, sidestepping her remark.
"I see, And Severus, how long have you been having an affair?"
"I am no longer having an affair," Severus said shortly.
"When did the affair start?"
"Six months ago," Severus replied.
"And how often did you see this person?"
"Witch," Severus said pointedly, "Once or twice a month for about four months."
"I see. What would you say was the motivation for this infidelity?"
Hermione looked intently at Severus, wanting to know the answer herself.
"A lack of intimacy with my wife, the forbidden fruit concept, the excitement of a change, take your pick," Severus said, clearly bored.
"How did that make you feel, Hermione?"
"Inadequate." Hermione said quietly.
Severus looked taken aback.
"Is that what you think?" he asked her.
Hermione nodded.
Severus plunked a few galleons down on Brent's desk and scooped up his wife. He needed to show her how 'adequate' she was.