Severus groaned softly as he lowered himself down onto his knees in front of the three year old girl. Picking up her lavender scarf, he carefully wrapped it about his youngest child's neck to keep her warm.

"Be still Astrid, " Severus murmered as he tugged on her mittens.

"Nonni, where is Daddy?" the little girl asked as she tried to do as her maternal father instructed.

Smiling gently at his daughter, he struggled to his feet, his balance thrown off by his swollen belly. "Daddy will be here in just a moment love." Turning his attention to the other children, he nodded his approval that they were already dressed and ready to leave as soon as their father arrived.

Caroling had become a tradition in the Potter-Snape household since the first Christmas they had shared as a married couple, some twelve years ago. Now with four children and another on the way, they seemed to have their own personal choir to serenade their Hogsmeade nieghbours.

"Nonni…Daddy is home!" crowed their seven year old son, Patrick, who had been watching out the parlour window for his father.

"Alright everyone, listen to me," Severus commanded in a deep but gentle voice. "Kelsy, take Astrid's hand and do not lose her. Aiden, take Patrick's and do not, I repeat, do not lose your brother."

The children laughed and qued up as instructed and greeted their father when he opened the door. Severus allowed Harry to draw him awkwardly into an embrace, kissing him teasingly as the children giggled.

Harry looked over his growing family and smiled, looking then at Severus, his heart melted again. He needed to pinch himself every now and again just to be sure that the man he was spending his life with was truly real.

"Everyone ready? Everyone warm enough?" He asked as he helped his pregnant husband with his cloak.

"Yes!" came the excited chorus.

Taking the hand of the one he loved, Harry led Severus down the walk to the street with their children following close behind.

"How are you feeling tonight?" Harry asked as he noticed Severus was a little more out of breath than he thought he should be. Severus smiled gamely before he answered.

"I am a bit achy love, it was a long day with the children, and I just don't get around too well these days."

"We will make it short then, and get you home and tucked into bed." Harry said as the family entered the gate that opened to Ron and Hermoine's cottage.

Arranging his family, he started the caroling with 'Jingle Bells'. The door opened before the first note died away to reveal Ron, Hermoine and their two young children.

'over the fields we go. Laughing all the…"

Harry almost didn't catch his husband as doubled over in sudden pain. Completely self conscious of everyone watching him, Severus reddened slightly and whispered to Harry.

"I need to go to Poppy, love, it's time."

"Oh Merlin…"Harry exclaimed.

Ron was at their side immediately, he had an idea as to what was wrong.

"Baby?" the red headed wizard asked.

Severus only nodded as another contraction gripped him. "Harry, we have to hurry, she is not going to wait." He whimpered in pain.

"Go, we have the kids. We will be there as soon as we get ready." Ron said as he helped Harry get Severus into the house and to the fireplace.

Harry held his lover tightly as they flooed to the Infirmary where they were greeted by a surprised mediwitch.

"Oh my, I wasn't expecting to see you this soon." Was all she said as she helped to guide Severus to a private bed and undress him.

"This will teach me to put off buying my husband's Christmas presents," Severus laughed as another contraction doubled him over. Poppy just laughed at the look on Harry's face as he heard the rest of what Severus said.

"Happy Christmas love, I hope you don't mind, this present is non returnable."

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