27 Nov 1997 - A Look at Baby Granger
Severus thought it ridiculous that he was dressing in his best robes for this day but he did not stop. He would not deny it but he was anxious for today. 27 November 1997 would be the day he would be able to meet his son or daughter.
Obstetric Healers had a charm that could be used upon an expectant witch three months into her pregnancy. Like a Muggle ultrasound but much clearer and detailed, this charm showed the actual fetus within the womb. It was this stark reality of life that made abortion nearly unheard of in the wizarding world and gave a high importance to safe sex that included spells, charms, and potions to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
Severus had been certain that should Hermione ever awaken from her coma she would want her child despite its violent conception. After the Daily Prophet had gotten hold of Hermione's complete story and shared it with the wizarding world it had inflamed his ire when well-meaning busybodies would offer their condolences on Hermione's situation, and would then suggest the babe be put in an orphanage as soon as was possible. Now, it happened so often that he ignored the suggestions. It saved his blood pressure.
Severus met his most staunch supporters, Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy.
"From Draco, Severus," said Lucius in greeting as he handed the Potions Master a small but elegant envelope sealed with a waxen seal.
Severus took the letter and broke the seal. He quickly read the letter. "It appears that Harry and Draco have mended their differences and have set an appointment to speak to the Weasley matriarch and patriarch."
Lucius nodded. "Did you see the postscript, Severus?"
The Potions Master bent his head to the letter again but he had caught the postscript the first time. "An apprenticeship with Ollivander."
"He does not need the money," said Lucius half-heartedly. Narcissa glared at her husband quickly.
Narcissa added, "Draco has professed an interest beyond his upcoming nuptials. I see no reason he should not pursue such a trade."
"He does not need to waste his…" began Lucius.
"Don't finish that thought, Lucius," warned Narcissa. "Wandmaking is an honourable profession that Draco will not only be excellent at, Lucius, he will restore honour and trust in our family name." The blonde-haired witch then gently touched her husband's forearm. "We are pleased with all that our son is doing, Severu."
Lucius nodded, and then smiled genuinely at his wife. "Quite so, Severus. We are proud of young Draco." Lucius drew Narcissa to his side, and kissed her cheek.
Severus read the short note in which the Malfoy heir let the Potions Master know that he was thinking well of him on this propitious day. He then folded the letter, and tucked it into an inner pocket of his long coat. He tugged the sleeves of his coat down to straighten them as he drew in a steadying breath.
He did not understand this sudden flutter of nerves in his belly. Was this more than just a matter of form? Could I actually be excited?
Poppy met the trio of Slytherin alumni out in the corridor. "Severus, Mr & Mrs Malfoy, Hermione is ready," Poppy ushered them into the Infirmary and towards the once hidden room where Severus often spent time recovering from injuries inflicted by Voldemort or his Death Eaters during their meetings.
Within this room lay Hermione. Poppy had brushed out the young witch's hair, and put a pleasing gown of sky blue silk with long, puffed sleeves, and lace cuffs upon her. Her blankets had been pulled up to her waist and neatly folded over. Hermione's hands rested at her sides.
Severus halted, and he felt his breath hitch at sight of the young witch. She appeared as if she were a goddess asleep. There was nothing of the young student with bushy hair, and an overbite that he had known when he was her teacher. This was the visage of a young woman in the bloom of youth… and robbed of a chance at a future.
Poppy took Severus by the elbow and helped him into the comfortable leather chair he had conjured so long ago. He sat while the Healer indicated two other chairs for Severus and Hermione's visitors.
"Hermione doesn't look sick," observed Narcissa.
Poppy explained, "We do a very good job of seeing to Hermione and her baby but her magical core continues to send healing to her body, Mrs. Malfoy. It is why we are still hopeful that someday she might waken."
Poppy moved to the other side of Hermione's head where she glanced at the always glowing vitals of mother and babe. "In a moment, Severus," the Healer smiled. She held out her wand and described the shapes of several runes while she chanted softly under her breath. In moments there came a gasp from Harry and indrawn breaths of awe from the three Slytherin as the curled up form of a 3-month old fetus took form. It was misty at first then became more solid.
Severus felt his heart stop beating for two seconds when he saw the tiny, curled fist stretch out, and then clench. The fetus… the babe, his mind corrected, yawned!
"Severus," said Poppy softly. "Come over here. The way the baby is turned… come over here," she smiled.
Severus rose slowly, and since he did not take his eyes from the tiny life that was steadily breathing above Hermione's belly, his knee struck the corner of the end of her bed. Lucius caught his friend and guided the younger wizard to the Healer's side.
"How do…?" Severus asked faintly. Poppy pointed and whispered in his ear. And then he broke out into the widest smile anyone had ever seen on the Potions Master's face. "A girl," he whispered. His face fell as the cruelty of this child's beginnings intruded.
Lucius moved next to his brother and Narcissa followed. "A daughter," said Lucius solemnly. "Be of continued good cheer, my brother. No matter this child's conception her life is a blessing. Keep you that in mind so that you may teach your daughter the value she has to us all."
Severus nodded. Lucius was right. No matter his daughter inauspicious entrance her life was a worthy one. She would be her mother's daughter.
"Congratulations, Severus," Narcissa said with a gentle stroke to the younger man's shoulder. "Do you have a name in mind for her?"
Severus glanced at the young man, disconcerted. He had never thought to name the child! What name would Hermione wish for her child? The Potions Master's tongue felt unreasonably frozen; he was a lacewing fly caught by a faerie.
Narcissa continued, "Severus, the girl will be your daughter, thus your heir. You should also provide a name for her that honours your family."
For a moment Severus frowned. There were no Snape ancestors he wished to honour, and he had very little knowledge of Prince family names. Perhaps, he thought to himself, my daughter's name should honour her adoptive father?