A/N: Thank you so much for sticking with me. I've got plot bunnies flying by me left and right. Problem is, they're later on in the fic. Many thanks go out to my beta, debjunk.

Chapter 29

Remus was sitting in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place with Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks when Severus walked in.

"Has something happened?" Kingsley asked as he started to rise.

Severus held up a hand and shook his head.

"No. I am here on…" his eyes looked over to Remus.

"…personal matters."

Remus visibly swallowed.

Severus purposely waited a couple of seconds before he spoke.

"Miss Ashley would like to invite you to dinner tonight. Hermione and…I will be cooking while you and Miss Ashley…work things out."

"So, it'll be poisoned," Mundungus Fletcher slurred as he came into view from the corner.

"What are you doing here?" Kingsley growled.

Ignoring Fletcher, Remus looked up at Severus.

"Ashley wants to work things out?" he asked.

"Is that not what I just said?" Severus snapped at the man.

Rubbing his face, Remus nodded his head.

"What time should I be there?" he asked.

"She's expecting you at five. Dinner will be at six," Severus replied.

He turned and walked to the door, paused, and turned back around.

"Congratulations on your nuptials," he said, looking at Kingsley and Tonks.

Tonks smiled as she squeezed Kingsley's hand.

"Thank you, Severus," Kingsley said.

"To you as well," Tonks said.

Severus bowed his head to them, turned, and left.

"I didn't know you were seeing someone, Remus," Tonks piqued.

Mundungus feigned sleep, slumped over in the corner.

"Hermione's cousin…the young lady I was with the night we were attacked," Remus offered.

"Ah, I sure hope she is all right after that," Kingsley said.

"Ha! From what I heard, Muggle or not, she can take care of herself," Tonks laughed.

Remus rubbed his jaw.

"I'll say," he said.

"How's she taking that you're a werewolf?" Kingsley asked.

"She…well, we haven't exactly talked about it," Remus shrugged a little embarrassed.

"Wait…she doesn't know?" Tonks asked.

Cringing, Remus sighed.

"She heard it from Dolohov."

"So, tonight you find out if you still have a girlfriend," Kingsley said as he stood up.

He pulled out the chair for Tonks before looking back at Remus.

"Good luck man," Kingsley said.

"Thanks," Remus muttered at Kingsley and Tonks left.

A couple of minutes later, Remus blew out a breath, stood up, and left the room. Mundungus opened one eye and then the other looking around. Thinking as he slowly stood up, he staggered and clumsily made his way out the backdoor.

SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG

"Before we head to the store I need to change into some shorts," Hermione said as she fanned herself.

"Yeah, it's supposed to be a hot one today," Ashley said.

Ashley followed Hermione up the stairs.

"Maybe before summer ends, we could go to the pool?" Ashley suggested.

Hermione laughed as she tried to picture Severus sitting beside a pool in swimming trunks.

"I don't know, Ash. It's not a good idea to be out and about," Hermione nibbled on her bottom lip.

"I don't know about you, Hermione, but I'm not going to stop living my life because of Voldemort," Ashley said with her hands on her hips.

Hermione shook her head as she traded her blue jeans for shorts.

"You don't know what he's capable of."

She looked over at Ashley, her eyes pleading her to understand.

"If they knew who you were last night, who knows what would have happened."

"And us going to the store is okay because…?" Ashley questioned.

Hermione swallowed.

"It's not, really. I'm actually surprised Severus is letting me go." She sat down on the bed.

Looking down at the ring on her finger, she placed her right thumb over the sapphire. Ashley sat down next to her and put her arm around Hermione's shoulder.

"I'll be more careful, all right?" Ashley asked as she gave Hermione a small squeeze.

Hermione smiled.

"Come on," she stood up.

"We've got shopping to do."

Ashley smiled and followed her cousin out of the room.

SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG

Yaxley stood with his back against a brick wall in an alley beside Borgin and Burkes. Examining his nails, he sighed and pulled out his pocket watch. A pop sounded from beside him, but he didn't move.

"This had better be worth my time," he said to the person.

"Only if…you got the…Firewhiskey," the man hiccupped.

Yaxley turned to face the drunk. He had his wand out and at the man's throat.

"I am the one who will decide if it's worth it. Out with it, Mundungus!" Yaxley hissed out.

Mundungus lifted his hands in surrender.

"The girl that was with Remus last night is none other than Granger's cousin!" Mundungus cried out, terrified.

"Oh?" Yaxley said, lowering his wand he stepped back.

"Yes, Snape came over to invite him over for dinner. The girl wants to work it out with 'im," Mundungus said as he nodded his head enthusiastically.

Yaxley eyed the man for a moment before procuring a small bottle of Firewhiskey from his inside pocket and handed it to Mundungus.

"Thank you, sir," Mundungus said as he greedily took the bottle from Yaxley.

Yaxley Disapparated as soon as the bottle left his fingers.

SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG

Severus sat at his desk, making sure his lesson plan was all ready to go for the year when Albus knocked on his open door.

"Headmaster," Severus acknowledged him without even looking up.

"Don't you ever relax?" Albus chuckled.

Severus arched an eyebrow as he looked at the man.

"Pray tell, when would I have the time?" he asked the older man.

Albus sat down on the hardened chair in front of the desk.

"You should be enjoying your honeymoon," Albus said before he held up his hand to hold off Severus's retort.

"Whether you wanted to get married or not. Get to know the woman, Severus. You may see you're more alike than you think," Albus urged.

Severus fought the urge to roll his eyes at the man.

"As a matter of fact, Albus, we are having dinner with her cousin…and Remus," he visibly shuddered.

"Oh. I'm glad to see you and Remus are setting aside your differences," Albus smiled.

"I am only being…tolerant for Hermione's sake. Remus and I will never be more than acquaintances," Severus mumbled.

"Hmm," Albus said as he placed a hand under his chin.

"For Merlin's sake, Albus! What now?!" Severus growled out.

Albus laughed and stood up.

"It's nothing, dear boy. Just my matchmaking mind going haywire," he chuckled.

Shaking his head, Severus opened his mouth to tell Albus to leave it to Cupid but suddenly his left arm was burning. He hissed and gripped his arm.

Albus's eyes widened as he watched his Potions Master in pain. Severus summoned his Death Eater robes and mask before he nodded to Albus and left his office.

Reaching the front gates of the school in a few minutes. Severus slipped his robes and mask on, threw up his Occlumency shields before he touched his Dark Mark, and appeared before the Dark Lord.

Kneeling in front of the man, he waited until it was safe to stand.

"Severus, you may stand and remove your mask," the Dark Lord hissed.

Standing, Severus took off his mask, "Thank you, My Lord."

"Yaxley, here, has brought me some interesting news…regarding your wife's…family," the Dark Lord said.

Severus glanced at Yaxley before looking at the Dark Lord.

"My Lord?" he questioned.

"Come now, Severus, what are you hiding from me?" Voldemort asked.

"The only thing that comes to mind, My Lord, is a strengthing potion I am working on for you. Nothing comes to mind concerning my wife's family, I am sorry," Severus held his breath.

"Why haven't you informed me of this strengthening potion, Severus?" Voldemort hissed, displeasure evident in his voice.

Voldemort stood up from his throne and circled Severus.

"I am still trying to perfect it, My Lord. I want to make it so it solely works for you and none other," Severus replied.

"Regardless, I do not like being left in the dark, Severus. You know this. You will receive punishment for not informing me of this potion," Voldemort scoffed.

"Yes, My Lord, my apologies," Severus said clearly.

"First, did you not know that your wife," he spat out the word as if it was a swear word.

"Has a cousin, and said cousin is dating the blood-traitor werewolf known at Lupin?" Voldemort asked.

"As far as I know, My Lord, they are not yet dating. They have only met at a wedding of the blood-traitor Weasleys," Severus supplied.

Voldemort twirled his wand and glanced at Yaxley then back at Severus.

"You will keep me up to date on this relationship, Severus. Do you understand me?" Voldemort angrily said.

"Yes, My Lord," Severus said softly.

Voldemort turned and walked up to his throne.

"Yaxley, you may go," Voldemort said as he sat down.

Severus swallowed thickly as he heard Yaxley pop away. Hopefully, it won't be too bad this time, Severus thought as he discreetly took a deep breath.

Voldemort held up his wand.

"You need to learn, Severus, that I must know everything, no matter how irrelevant you think it is," Voldemort said softly but in an authoritative voice.

"Crucio!"

SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG

Hermione dropped the potato she was holding and gasped.

Ashley laughed and went to retrieve it as it rolled away.

"Hey butterfingers, what was that about?" Ashley asked her.

Hermione scanned the supermarket for any suspicious people. Not seeing anything she shook her head.

"I don't know. It was like my whole body cramped up or something…" she leaned towards her cousin.

"Like I was hit with a curse or spell," she whispered in Ashley's ear.

Hermione flexed her hand a few times as Ashley looked around as well.

"Well, I don't see anyone but maybe we should hurry up and get home," Ashley suggested.

Nodding her head, Hermione gathered a handful of potatoes and put them in her basket.

"Yeah, once we're home, I'll feel better," Hermione said.

The girls quickly picked up carrots, broccoli, and a round roast for their Sunday roast dinner, paid, and got out of the store. Hermione took Ashley down a secluded alley to use side-along Apparation to get home.

They put the food away and Hermione looked at the clock on the wall.

"It's only two, what do you want to do?" Hermione asked.

Ashley smirked while Hermione saw her look and shook her head.

"I know, I know," Ashley said.

"It's too early to drink, and I want a clear head when I talk with Remus," Ashley continued.

Hermione arched an eyebrow at Ashley.

"Wait…you don't want to drink? What have you done with the real Ashley?" Hermione teased.

Ashley shook her head.

"Ha ha ha."

Looking around, Hermione shrugged, she turned to look out the backyard.

"How about we get on our swimming suits and see if we can get a tan?" Hermione suggested.

Ashley laughed and raced out of the kitchen.

"Last one outside is a twit!" Ashley called out as she bounded up the stairs.

SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG

Severus Apparated to the front gates of Hogwarts. He sucked in a ragged breath, blood pooling from his nose. His left arm—broken—clutched to his chest while his right hand gripped his wand.

Halfway up the drive, he heard shouts.

"Severus!"

Albus was next to him in an instant.

"I'm fine," Severus uttered.

"Should I stay?" Remus asked with concern.

"No," Severus rasped out.

Albus looked apologetically at Remus.

"I've got it from here, thank you, Remus," Albus said with a small nod of his head.

Remus turned and slowly walked down the drive.

Severus was already walking towards the front doors.

"Severus, let me help you," Albus urged.

"I do not need help, Albus, I just need…" he staggered slightly to his left, his right arm flaring to grab ahold of something.

Albus took ahold of Severus's right arm.

Neither saying a word they slowly made their way to the castle.

Minerva came into view from the Great Hall as they walked in the Entrance Hall.

"Oh my!" she gasped as she saw the pair.

"Minerva please inform Madam Pomfrey. We will be in Severus's quarters," Albus said as he and Severus made their way to the dungeons.

Once they were in Severus's quarters, Albus eased him down on the couch. Madam Pomfrey and Minerva stepped out of the fireplace.

Madam Pomfrey made quick work waving her wand over Severus.

"Broken arm, internal bleeding. It's not as bad as his usual work but…" she muttered sadly.

"Just fix the internal bleeding, Poppy. There's Skele-Gro in my stores, would you mind…" Severus started to ask.

Minerva didn't even wait for him to finish before she turned on her heel and out the door.

Madam Pomfrey waved her wand over Severus twice more before she nodded her head.

"Internal bleeding has stopped," she said.

Albus nodded his head sadly.

"What happened?" he asked.

Severus took a sharp breath as he felt pain in his arm still.

"Yaxley somehow found out Ashley is related to Hermione and that she wants to date Remus. I told him that they were not yet dating, and I did not think it was useful information," Severus gasped out.

Minerva came in with the Skele-gro bottle as well as a pain-relieving potion.

Severus nodded his thanks as he quickly downed both bottles.

"I was not punished for that information, but for withholding the fact that I was working on a strengthing potion for him." Severus sighed as he leaned his head back on the back of the sofa.

"Hmph" came from both ladies.

"Attempting to keep you in line, I suppose," Albus muttered.

"How did Yaxley find out about Ashley?" Albus asked.

Severus scrunched up his face as a pain wave shook him. No matter how much pain potion you took, nothing could stop the pain from the Cruciatus curse.

"Severus should rest the rest of the night, Albus," Madam Pomfrey said sternly.

She looked around. "Where is Hermione? I want to make sure she keeps an eye on you," she continued.

"No," Severus ground out.

"Hermione does not need to know," Severus said gritting his teeth.

Minerva crossed her arms over her chest.

"You can't keep it from her, Severus," she said.

Severus sighed and closed his eyes.

"Hermione is out of the castle. I will be meeting with her later," Severus said.

"Well, you're going to have a hard time controlling your tremors if you want to hide it from her," Madam Pomfrey said as she rolled her eyes.

"I don't understand why you men have to show you're stronger than us women. Hermione will be worried sick…" she started to say before Severus cut her off.

"That's precisely why she does not need to know about it. This is not new to me, I can deal with it. She may not be able to, nor does she need to worry about me and my problems."

Albus stood before either of the ladies could reply.

"We'll let you rest for now, Severus," he said as they started heading for the door.

Madam Pomfrey waved her wand one more time to check on his arm.

"You should put that in a sling, but knowing you, you won't. Just please, reframe from alcohol until your bone has fully grown back," she said softly.

Severus grumbled as they left but as soon as the door shut, he was out within seconds.

SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG

"Hermione?" Ashley grumbled as a bead of sweat rolled down her chest and into her cleavage.

"Yeah?" Hermione replied wiping the sweat off her brow.

"Can you summon us some ice water?" Ashley asked.

"You're just too lazy to get up," Hermione laughed as she flicked her wand and two glasses of ice water zoomed from the kitchen.

"Not lazy, just hot," Ashley laughed as she drank down her water thirstily.

Setting her glass down, Hermione groaned as she stretched.

"I guess we should get a shower before…" she paused and smirked over to Ashley, "…our men get here."

They both giggled.

Ashley stood up as Hermione did as well.

"Well, cuz, I love you and all, but not enough to shower with you," Ashley laughed.

Hermione threw her a glare and stuck her tongue out.

"That's just gross," Hermione said.

"Yeah, it was, wasn't it? Sorry," Ashley shrugged and picked up her glass.

Hermione did the same and followed her back into the house.

"You take our bathroom and I'll take your parents?" Ashley asked.

Hermione nodded.

"Sounds good to me. See you in a few," Hermione said.

They both headed for the showers, it was now four o'clock.

A/N: Short but I think I'll leave the dinner for the next chapter, not sure how long the dinner will be. Thanks for the reviews!