A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews. I'm glad everyone is liking it so far. Thanks so much to my beta, debjunk!

To Angerosanor: No, Narcissa wasn't teasing Hermione. Death Eaters share their wives (at least in my fic lol).

Warning: Sexual content at the end of the chapter!

Chapter 30

Hermione and Ashley were in the kitchen when Severus Apparated in the backyard. Hermione looked up just as the clock on the wall chimed five times.

"Always prompt, that one." Hermione chuckled as he knocked on the sliding glass door.

She flicked her wand and it slid open, just as there was a knock on the front door.

"I suppose that's for me," Ashley mumbled.

Severus stepped in as Ashley left the kitchen.

"The roast is already in the oven, along with the potatoes. We just need to prepare the broccoli and carrots and we'll be set to go," Hermione smiled at him.

Severus discreetly sucked in a deep breath as another pain rocked through him. He leaned against the wall as his balance swayed slightly. Thankfully, Hermione didn't see as she bent down to retrieve two pots.

SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG

Ashley opened the door with a smile.

"Hi," she said and stepped aside for Remus to enter.

"Hi," he said in return and stepped over the threshold.

She shut the door and turned to look at him, her back pressed against the door.

"Would you like something to drink?" she asked.

"No, thank you," he smiled at her.

Taking a deep breath, she gestured to the sitting room.

"Please, take a seat."

He sat down on the sofa, his body tense. She sat down beside him, her left leg tucked under her as she faced him.

She laughed and rubbed his shoulder. "Don't look so nervous."

He looked over at her and gave a small smile.

"I've never…felt this way before. I mean, of course, I've felt attraction towards another person but…" he tried.

"Not to a Muggle?" she asked.

He gave her an apologetic look.

"It's all right. That's what I am," she grinned.

"If you don't want to date…someone like me, I completely understand." He tried to smile, but it came out more like a grimace.

Ashley took his hand in hers and smirked.

"Remus, I admit, I know next to nothing about werewolves, and it was a little scary learning that I've fallen for one," she said.

His eyes widened. "You aren't afraid?" he asked.

She squeezed his hand.

"From what I've seen so far, you're a very kind and sweet man. Maybe you need to take charge more often," she said with a shrug.

"Take charge?" he questioned.

"Well, yeah. Quit worrying about what other people think. Live for yourself; don't be afraid of doing what you want to do."

Remus thought for a few seconds. "Don't be afraid," he murmured.

He turned, and in a second his lips were on hers. She gasped in surprise and placed a hand on his cheek.

SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG

Hermione slid a saucepan over to Severus, placing a cutting board and the carrots in front of him.

"Will you cut the carrots, please? And I'll take care of the broccoli," she said as she put the broccoli in another pan.

Severus took out his wand, waved it, and the carrots were evenly chopped.

She smiled as she added butter, salt, and pepper to the broccoli.

"It is nice to do things magically," she said.

Severus smirked as he slowly added the carrots to the pan, using only his right hand.

Hermione watched him a moment, her brow creasing.

"What?" he asked.

"Nothing. I was just wondering why you didn't hold the pan in your left hand and use your right hand to slide them in," she said softly.

Her brain was running haywire. His left arm had been in the same position it had been when he arrived; attached to his midsection.

He sighed, exasperated.

"I do not ask how you do things, Hermione. I would appreciate it if you did not ask about my way," he said softly.

"Okay, sorry," she bit out.

Severus slid the pan to her.

"Are we done now?" he asked.

She put the pan on the stove and started the flame.

"Yes, now we just wait." She opened the stove door and looked in.

"Roast beef is nearly done. We can sit and…" relax she started to say but as she caught sight of Severus her mind went blank.

Severus was headed for the chair when a powerful pain wave shook him. His right hand gripped the counter of the island so hard his knuckles were white. His trembling didn't go unnoticed by Hermione either.

"Severus!" she cried out as she ran to him.

Not knowing he'd broken his arm, she gripped his waist attempting to hold him with her body against his left arm. He growled so hard she let go. She took her hands off him and waited for the tremors to stop.

"What happened?" she asked as he sat down heavily on a chair.

"I'm fine, Hermione…must be the heat," he mumbled some sort of excuse.

"No, no, no, don't you 'I'm fine' me. Something is wrong. I noticed it when you got here. Your left arm hasn't moved an inch, and those tremors are not from the heat!" she cried out angrily at him.

"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you've been hit with the Cruciatus curse…"

She paused as she looked back at him, horrified.

His head hung low as he cursed under his breath.

"Severus," her voice gentle. "Tell me I'm wrong," she pleaded.

He looked up at her, his eyes softened as they found her's—fearfully looking back at him.

"I cannot and will not lie to you, Hermione. The Dark Lord punished me for not yet telling him about the strengthing potion," he said with a deep breath.

"And your arm?" she asked as a few tears slipped down her cheeks.

"Broken," he simply said.

Hermione growled out in frustration.

"Broken?! What the bloody hell, Severus?!"

She grabbed an old dish towel from under the sink and transfigured it into a sling.

She walked over and stood before him.

"Hermione, I do not want that…" he tried.

She gave him a look that said 'I don't care'.

"I need your shirt off," she demanded.

"What?" he scoffed.

"I can't put it on properly if you have your shirt on. Strip…or I'll do it for you," she challenged him.

He arched an eyebrow at her and stared at her for a few seconds before he lowered his head; conceding. He flicked his wrist and his shirt disappeared.

Ignoring the heat that went straight to the pit of her stomach, she carefully slipped his left arm in the sling. His knees stopped her from moving any farther so she couldn't reach to put it behind his neck.

"Could you…" she gestured to his legs.

Sighing, he opened his legs. She stepped in them and pulled the sling behind his head. As she focused on adjusting the sling, her breasts were mere inches from his face.

"Hermione…" he groaned, his voice thick with arousal.

"I'm almost done, Severus," she said, oblivious to her actions.

Pulling back, she looked at him and nodded her head.

"There, that should stay until morning." She smiled.

Picking up his shirt, she brought it over his head.

"I can dress myself, Hermione. I am not a child," he mumbled as he pushed his right arm through the shirt sleeve.

Biting her tongue from saying then don't act like one, she turned on her heel and turned off the burners on the stove as well as the oven.

"I'll let Ashley and Remus know we're leaving," she said and left the room.

Hermione walked into the sitting room to find Ashley and Remus lip locked: Ashley's hands in Remus's hair and Remus's hand on the back of Ashley's neck. She didn't have to force a smile at the sight. She cleared her throat.

Remus sprang back and stood up, looking guilty. Ashley laughed as she stood up and looked at Hermione.

"Dinner ready?" Ashley asked.

"Yeah, I just need to get it on the table. Um, Severus isn't feeling well, so we're going to head home," Hermione said.

"Oh? I hope it's nothing serious," Ashley said softly.

Hermione shook her head. "Nothing I can't handle."

They all walked into the kitchen to see the table was already set with plates, cutlery, and steaming food. Severus even managed to make up two plates for him and Hermione to take home.

"It smells delicious. Thank you, Hermione, Severus," Remus said.

Hermione beamed as she looked at her cousin and Remus.

"I'm just glad we could help." She hugged Ashley and whispered in her ear.

"Enjoy your night." She squeezed her tighter.

Hermione also hugged Remus.

"Take care of my cousin," she said to him with a smile.

"I will. You take care of Severus," he whispered to her and gave her a look that said he knew what had happened.

Severus pulled out a small jar from his inside pocket and held it out to Ashley.

"The bruise salve I promised you," he told her.

"Oh, thank you, Severus." She took the jar from him.

"I hope you feel better as well," she continued.

"Thank you," he said quietly.

Hermione picked up the two plates and followed Severus out the door. He wrapped his right arm around her shoulder and Disapparated them to Hogwarts. A short while later they were in the sitting room and Hermione insisted on feeding him.

Hermione glared at her husband propped up on the couch.

"I didn't get my choice in marriage, at least let me be the wife I'd like to be, Severus."

"What is that supposed to mean?" he asked.

She sighed and put the fork back on the plate

"In sickness and in health…I want to take my vows seriously."

She picked the fork back up and turned back to Severus.

"That includes, taking care of my spouse when he is sick. Now open up," she insisted.

Severus sighed. He opened his mouth to argue, but Hermione put a forkful of beef in his mouth before he could even utter a sound. He moaned as he chewed the delicious meat.

"I have to say, you do know your way around a kitchen," he said after he swallowed.

Hermione smiled and gave him another bite.

"My aunt and Ashley both loved to cook. After she passed, Ashley came over and cooked with me," she said.

A knock sounded on the door. Severus sighed as Hermione stood up.

"Don't move," she ordered as she went to the door.

"Hello, Headmaster," she greeted as she opened the door and stepped back to let him.

"Mrs. Snape."

He nodded to her as he walked in.

Severus inclined his head to Albus, his mouth full of potato.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Severus, but I needed to know how Yaxley got the information about Ashley," he said.

Hermione looked from Albus to Severus.

"What information?" she asked as she sat down.

Severus leaned forward and placed the plate back on the table.

"Somehow, Yaxley found out that Ashley is your cousin. He reported to the Dark Lord, who wants me to keep him informed about her relationship with Remus, as well," Severus supplied.

Hermione shut her eyes and shook her head.

"Do you have an idea of how he got the information, Severus?" Albus asked.

Severus shook his head.

"When I went to talk to Remus, Nymphadora and Kingsley were the only…" he paused as he thought about it.

"What?" Hermione and Albus asked.

"Mundungus Fletcher was there…he seemed like he was passed out in the corner, but he made an underhanded comment that our dinner would probably be poisoned if I was cooking it," Severus said, thoughtfully.

Albus nodded his head.

"If Yaxley offered him alcohol, Mundungus wouldn't think twice," Albus said.

Hermione swallowed thickly.

"Wait! What if he tells about Severus's true loyalties?" she asked, starting to panic.

Albus held up a hand and stood up.

"I will take care of it," Albus quickly made his way to the door.

"Enjoy your dinner, Severus, Hermione," he said and left, shutting the door behind him.

Hermione sat there nibbling her lower lip, forcing her racing heart and breathing to calm down.

"Hermione…" Severus said softly.

"I can't believe Mundungus would stoop so low. What a fucking coward," she said quietly.

Severus paused. Hermione rarely cursed, and he wasn't sure how to handle it.

She stood up and pointed to his plate.

"Make sure you eat. I'm going to take a long soak," she said as she started to head for the loo.

Pausing, she turned back, leaned down, and kissed him on the cheek.

"Let me know if you need anything. That's what I'm here for," she said and left the room.

SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG

After the door shut, Severus slumped back against the couch.

What a tiring day, he thought to himself.

He had to admit, it was nice having someone other than Madam Pomfrey caring for him—even if it was out of an obligation to their marriage.

He sat up after his stomach rumbled and noticed her plate still full when he reached for his. He placed a stasis charm on her plate and picked his up.

Twenty minutes later, Hermione emerged from the loo with a towel wrapped around her head and in a white bathrobe.

"I placed a stasis charm on your plate," he said softly.

"Oh!" She laughed. "I was so worried about you I forgot to eat. Thank you."

"That's why I am here," he repeated her words back at her.

She threw a smile his way as she picked up her plate and sat down next to him. She started eating. After a few bites, she paused and looked over at him. He was leaning back on the couch, his eyes shut.

"Yes?" he questioned her without moving.

When she didn't answer, he opened his eyes, lifted his head, and looked at her.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I just…something…odd happened today while I was at the supermarket…I'm not sure what it was," she said softly.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

She set her plate back on the table and turned to face him.

"Well, I had a potato in my hand one moment, the next my hand cramped up and a sharp pain went through it. I looked around for anybody throwing a spell at me, but Ash and I were the only ones around." She chewed on her bottom lip.

"Which hand?" he questioned, as he sat up straighter.

"My left," she said as she held it up.

He held out his right hand to her and she placed her hand in his.

"Any residue pain? Or tingling?" he asked as he ran his fingers from her palm to her wrist?

Shaking her head, she replied, "No."

"What time was this?"

His eyes still on her hand as he examined it.

"Um…around one-thirty," she said as she thought about it.

His head shot up to stare at her.

One thirty? I was being punished by the Dark Lord then…could she have felt it?

"Severus?" she placed her other hand over the top of his.

His face emotionless, he let go of her hand.

"I don't see anything here, and you seem healthy," he said as he stood up.

"Finish eating, I am going to bed. Good night," he said.

Once he shut the door to his bedroom, he leaned against it.

What the bloody hell does that mean?

SSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHGSSHG

After dinner, Remus helped Ashley clean up—the Muggle way. They both retired to the sitting room with their third glass of wine.

"Do you know much about Severus?" Ashley asked him.

Remus took a sip of wine.

"He's a good man. Scary to most people, but I trust him with my life," Remus said.

"Hmm," Ashley didn't mean for it to come out as she thought about it.

"What? You don't like him?" Remus asked as he turned to face her.

"Oh, it's not that. I like Severus a lot, and I'm not the only one," she grinned like a Cheshire cat.

"Hermione?" he asked.

Ashley arched an eyebrow at him and took a bigger gulp of wine then intended to hide her smile. Remus smiled and took a gulp of wine as well.

"I think a little bit of love would be good for him. He needs it much more than the rest of us," he said thoughtfully.

"And you don't?" Ashley asked, her eyes glossed over as she felt the effects of the wine.

Remus set his empty glass on the table, plucked her's out of her hand, and put it next to his.

"I believe I have already found mine," he said as she loomed over her.

Not waiting for a reply, his lips found hers, and he pressed her against the back of the couch with his body. She moaned into his mouth and both hands wove their way into his hair.

"Would I be too forward if I asked you to come upstairs?" she asked after catching her breath.

"Not at all," Remus replied.

He gave her a quick kiss and stood up. Holding his hand out to her, she placed hers in his, and he helped her up with ease. Leading the way up the stairs to her bedroom, Remus couldn't help but admire the view of her backside.

As soon as they were through the door. Ashley pounced on him, pushing him against the closing door.

"Do tell me if I get too rough," she whispered in his ear.

He let out a growl, lifted her in his arms, and just about threw her on the bed. Following her, he kicked off his shoes and landed on top of her. He started kissing her neck; his hand hesitated over her breast.

"If at any time you want to stop, just say the word." He lifted his head to look at her.

"Not a chance," she whispered.

She wrapped her arms and legs around him. With hands on both sides of his face, her lips crashed against his. His left hand squeezed her breast as his right hand gripped her hip.

He ground his clothed erection against her thigh.

"Mmm, fuck," she moaned as she attempted to hump him.

He lifted himself up off her, and gripped the bottom of her shirt, swiftly pulling it off.

"Remus," she whispered as she sat up.

Her hands went straight for his belt and started unhooking it.

"You're going to hurt yourself if you stay in those trousers," she chuckled.

"Wait." He stopped her from pulling his trousers down.

She looked up at him. He pulled his wand out of his pocket, placed it against her stomach, and whispered a spell.

"Contraceptive," he explained at her confused look.

"Oh, I'm also on the pill." She shrugged at the afterthought.

"Sometimes Muggle contraceptives work sometimes they don't on wizards," he said.

Remus leaned over her to set his wand on the nightstand. His hips thrust forward as she slipped her hand under his trousers and pants, gripping his cock in her hands.

"Oh, fuck!" Remus moaned out.

"Yes, that is my intention." She lightly bit his arm.

His hand reached down and unbuttoned her shorts as his other hand unhooked her bra. She pushed his trousers and pants down past his hips and started pumping him in her hand faster.

"Ashley…I won't make it if you keep that up," he groaned, unable to pull away.

"Hurry up and strip me, Remus. I need you," Ashley said huskily in his ear.

Not needing to be told twice, Remus gripped the sides of her shorts and pulled them along with her knickers down, throwing them behind his head. Pulling his trousers and pants off the rest of the way he tossed them on the floor as well.

Holding himself up with his elbows on either side of her head, he positioned his cock against her entrance. Her juices had already soaked the head of his cock. Pulling back slightly, he thrust quickly into her.

A low breathless moan left the both of them as pleasurable shockwaves ran through their bodies. Her hands gripped his shoulders as he slowly pumped into her.

"Harder. Don't be shy…let out your…inner…werewolf," she moaned.

His pace quickened as he picked up speed, she ground herself against him as he thrust forward.

"Oh, fuck!" she moaned as her orgasm shot through her.

Her upper body lifted up off the bed as her nails left marks on his back.

"Yes!" he cried out as he ejaculated a few thrusts after. Her walls clenched him so tightly he couldn't hold it any longer.

Falling on top of her, they both were sweating and gasping for air. She clung to him before she could no longer get enough air. Her arms fell to the side as he slipped out of her and rolled over on his back.

It wasn't long before they both fell into a much-needed rest, both sprawled out—naked—on the bed.

A/N: Thanks for reading! That last part took a lot longer than I thought it would…lol.