The Blood Compact – Chapter 9 – Care and protection

Amelia had entered a routine in her life at Spinner's End. Daily house chores. The meals to prepare. The clothes to hang and iron after they had been washed. Fortunately, Severus had Muggle appliances such as a washing-machine and a vacuum-cleaner in his house, which helped her a lot. Yet, with her pregnancy, she had become more and more tired. She had to do things on a slower pace now.

One evening, as she was well into her sixth month of pregnancy, Amelia decided to ask the Professor a question that had been nagging at her since she had arrived at Spinner's End. She waited for them both to be in his bedroom to ask it. She did not want Wormtail to hear anything of it. Severus noticed she was nervous.

"Master..." she hesitated.

"What is it, Miss Davis ?" Between the four walls of the bedroom, he could give up the 'Mudblood' expletive he usually used to address her otherwise.

Amelia cast down her eyes in a submissive manner. She had noticed that adopting such a posture could be an advantage in front of such a Dominant male like Severus Snape. "I... I would need to go and see a Healer."

He watched her. "A Healer ?" A pause, during which his gaze fell on her pregnant belly.

"Yes, Master," she said softly. "I used to see a Healer once a month to follow up my pregnancy. I'm into my sixth month, I should have seen one about two weeks ago, Master."

Severus expected that one day or the other, she would make this kind of request. He had even been surprised that she had not made it earlier. Yet, it would not change anything as to his decision.

"I'm sorry, but you won't see any Healer. Or anybody else for that matter either."

This time, Amelia raised her gaze to him. A panicked look appeared on her face. "But I really need to see a Healer ! Master ! Please !"

His dark eyes reflected a brief gleam of compassion for her situation. "I'm sorry but you'll have to make it without a Healer. Pregnancies... are not diseases. They're a natural process."

Amelia's mouth opened but no sound came out. She realized the implications of his words. "You mean that... that I won't see any Healer to follow up my pregnancy at all ? And what if something goes wrong ?" He remained silent. "Does that mean that... I will have to give birth... alone ?"

Severus watched her, his face unreadable again. "Yes, you will. Like pregnancies, deliveries are also natural processes."

Real panic showed on Amelia's face. "They are also more than often a cause of mortality among women. You know that !"

"I do indeed. However, I cannot have a Healer or even a Muggle midwife come into my house. You'll have to give birth here on your own."

Panic left place to anger in her green eyes. "Easy to say for you. That's not you that's risking your life here. It's me !"

Severus wanted to tell her that he did risk his own life, in other circumstances. But he could not tell her. He had to leave her out of this. "I appreciate that, but once again, I cannot grant your request. You'll have to be on your own."

"But I do need someone, Master ! I need help ! That's my first child, I don't know how things are going to happen. It could be a breech delivery ! How will you deal with that ?"

"I won't. You will."

She watched him carefully. He still had that mask of unreadable expression on his face. She looked suddenly crestfallen. "No... you can't do that... leaving me alone in this..." She sounded she was about to cry. "What if... if the baby is in a bad position ?... I could... I could suffer for ages before..." She hid her face in her hands, the image of despair. Before dying. "That's a fight I cannot win on my own, Master..." she ended before letting out a sob.

Severus did not like it when people cried around him, especially women. He could not handle that. "Enough. You're young, in good health, from what I can see. Everything will be alright. Now, you stop crying. My decision is taken. You shall give birth here, on your own." His tone showed his decision was final.

Amelia's gaze met his. For a moment, her green eyes exhaled pure loathing for him as well as sheer distress at this precise moment. Severus did not care. He was used to loathing – he could handle it. But distress... A change in topic was most welcome.

"You never told me that you could do wandless magic."

She planted her gaze in his with a challenging, angry look. "I didn't know it before either. I suppose that anger can arrange things a lot." She would not tell him that she had begun training her wandless abilities some time ago, first with simple housework spells. She was not sure whether anger had something to do with it either – except in young magical children. Maybe her pregnancy was not stranger to this new ability of hers.

Severus had followed the same train of thoughts, more or less. He knew this was possible. However, it could not be said that magic had escaped her like it could on certain occasions. Maybe her pregnancy had fuelled her magic – he had read this was possible for certain witches. He would have to monitor this even if he doubted she could do much without a wand. She would not be able to disable his complex wards, for example. He let it go and turned his eyes away from her face. He would enquire further later. He went behind the changing screen and began to undress before going to bed.

Their exchange has sent Amelia in a fit of anxiety. Of course, there was no book around to reassure her about the childbirth process. There was not such books in the Professor's library here. She would have to rely on her memory of what she had read before, at the Ravenhearts', on what the Healer midwife had told her before, and on her own instincts and intuition. She laid herself in the bed, turning her back onto him. She did not wish to see him.

Maybe he expects me to die in childbirth ? she could not help thinking.

Amelia had woken up on the day after with a grim feeling. She resented the child that she carried. A child another man had imposed on her. She resented the Professor and what she construed as a selfish behaviour from him. All of this just because he did not wish to have any visitors in his home, except his precious Death-Eater friends. The very thought of giving birth alone was enough to send her in a complete panic and a foul mood.

Maybe... if she could die giving birth... her days of misery here would be over. But Amelia considered it a duty to live on. She remembered her silent promise about the Ravenheart kids. She was the only non Death-Eater person to be able to tell where the children were. Mr and Mrs Ravenheart had died because they had fought against You-Know-Who by taking the stand against that pure-blood supremacy craziness, among other reasons. Not only they set an example to her but she had a debt towards them. They had been so kind, compassionate and understanding with her in the past. No, she could not die. Not now. Not like this.

Amelia decided she would fight on. Till the very end. She would do everything in her power to survive her delivery. She cared less for the baby. It could die. She had to live. She had to honour the secret pledge she had made to herself about their children. The noble name of Ravenheart would not disappear from the wizarding world.

Two days later, Amelia was in her Master's bedroom to make the bed. Severus was already in his lab, where he spent most of his time these days. He came out only for the meals and the occasional errand outside. He came to bed quite late in the evening too.

Yet, on that morning, Amelia found a book on her pillow, as if the book had been specifically put there for her attention. Intrigued, she took the book. Her eyes went wide when she read the title.

Pregnancies and Births – Giving Life and Enjoying Motherhood the Natural Way

She let out an exclamation of surprise. She opened the book to check its origins. From the look of it, it was a Muggle book. She got confirmation as the author was a Muggle obstetrician by her title of 'Doctor'. A female doctor that had given birth to three children on her own, at home, in a natural fashion, as per the short biography at the back of the book.

Amelia sat on the bed and began to go through the pages. There were images, drawings and texts, which presented information in a very practical fashion. The book was divided in chapters that covered the topics of pregnancy, childbirth, infant care and contraception in a chronological way. She became quickly enthusiastic about the book – it was well done in her own opinion and full of recent and useful data as well as first hand experience.

Amelia heard a sound downstairs. Out of reflex, she rose from bed and put the book back on her pillow, where she had found it, her eyes intense on the door of the bedroom she had closed, her senses in alert. After long seconds, it appeared there was nothing weird and she came back to the book.

How come such a book could have arrived here ?... As soon as this thought had popped up in her mind, she discarded it. The answer was obvious. There were only two people that could enter the room. She and her Master.

Amelia remembered the vivid exchange she had had with the Professor about her pregnancy and the childbirth to come. Only he could have brought that book here. For her. The book was for her. She took it and opened it again.

A few written words had been written on the first blank page. A nervous handwriting, yet elegant. Amelia had the weird feeling she had already seen that handwriting somewhere.

"A pregnancy may be an accident, but it is not a disease. There are also many ways to win fights. This book is one. Though there are things in this world that can be only acquired out of experience, I hope this book will help you go through your coming childbirth with fortitude."

The message was signed 'The Half-Blood Prince'. Amelia knew at once who had penned these words. Severus Snape. It could not be but him only. He had referred to their previous conversation on the matter. And yes, she remembered where she had already seen that handwriting now. On her Potions essays.

Yet, she was intrigued by his signature. The Half-Blood Prince. What a weird title, she could not help thinking. She even wondered if it was the custom among Death-Eaters to have such grand titles. Lord Voldemort... The Dark Lord... The Half-Blood Prince... Well, another mystery about this man.

Amelia read the message again. She could not help wonder about these words. The stern Professor had been thoughtful enough to procure her a book – a Muggle book he could not have purchased but only in a Muggle bookshop – that could give her some comfort regarding her upcoming childbirth. Of course, a book was not a midwife but nonetheless, she found his attention had been kind.

Maybe he wants to make amends for his refusal to get me some medical help.

Amelia felt better suddenly. She made the bed, thinking about her Master. What a strange man indeed ! He could be harsh, abrasive and even cruel, both in words and deeds. Yet, he had tried to help her the best he way he had deemed – with a book. He had sensed her need and responded to it in his own way, the only way he may know actually – with a book. A way that could not land him in trouble with the Dark Lord either, should the book be found.

That's why he didn't sign it with his own name and used that 'Half-Blood Prince' stuff instead.

She remembered his sneering remark when she had asked him a recipe book. "Ravenclaws. Always having or wanting a book for anything." She smiled fondly at the memory, while making the bed. For sure, she would treasure the book. She put it under her pillow. This book would become soon a precious friend.

The very evening, Amelia began reading the book, once in bed. Severus had not spoken to her for the whole day. His mind seemed to be lost in intense thinking. She did not dare interrupt him in his train of thoughts, not even to thank him, and even less in front of Wormtail. She would do so once they were alone in their bedroom.

She sat in bed and became quickly engrossed in her reading. So much, that she did not realize it was getting late. It was about midnight when she heard her Master entering the room. He had his sharp gaze on her and the book. A tiny smirk curled his lips. Somehow, he was glad she had found the book and enjoyed it.

"I can see that you have a good time reading," he commented flatly, while removing his frock coat. "No need to hide it from me. But you shall read it here only."

Amelia smiled at him shyly. "Of course, Master." A pause. "Thank you, Master, for the book. It was... nice of you."

His dark gaze was intense on her. "Don't thank me. And let me tell you one thing once and for all : I am not a nice man."

His tone was cold. Amelia lowered her gaze. He could say whatever he wanted, he could have harsh words and harsher deeds towards her, she knew that deep down, he paid attention to people around him. She preferred to remain silent in front of him, in their bedroom. She did not want to make him angry and suffer his displeasure as a consequence. She knew how he could behave when lost in his Dark, evil ways. No need to tempt him after all. Especially when they were alone together in their bedroom.

A few minutes later, he was in bed and he switched off the lights after Amelia had tucked her book safely under her pillow.

Evenings were spent in the sitting-room. Severus read, Wormtail did so sometimes (most of the times, he read either the newspaper or some dirty magazine hidden between the pages of a book ; Severus had discovered that and had just smirked at him out of contempt). A bit of music could be heard on a few occasions, when there was a musical program worth listening on the radio.

Severus sat in his armchair, while Wormtail slouched his plump form in the sofa. Amelia just sat at her Master's feet, like he had ordered her to do so, in a show to assert his authority, domination and possession over her. She enjoyed the light from his lamp just besides his armchair, to do some sewing. Other times, she did some ironing in a corner of the room.

This night, she was sewing back some buttons on one of his frock coats. From time to time, Severus glanced at her and her work. He had to admit that his dominating nature enjoyed to have her sitting at his feet in a very submissive stance. He could see her deft fingers handling the needle with precision. He realized she knew to do many things. Well, buttons were not that difficult to repair, even without magic. Yet, he was surprised. Happily surprised. She seemed to have all the qualities to make a good wife.

A wife ? Severus dismissed that thought quickly. He did not need a wife. He did not even need a woman. A housekeeper – well, why not ? But a wife... No.

Yet, he was troubled to have even thought about it. He was even more troubled to realize that not once, Lily's image had showed up when he thought about the notions of 'wife' or 'woman'.

He needed a grip on himself. He grabbed her hair with a nervous hand. "Mudblood ! Bring me some tea !"

Amelia's head collided with his knee, yet gently. She knew he had to act in front of Wormtail but sometimes, he seemed to enjoy dominating her that way too much to be only an act. At least in her own opinion. Her cheek was in contact with the cloth of his trousers. Still that male scent... She closed her eyes very briefly, taking in the smell. His smell.

The tension on her hair had decreased yet she could feel his fingers in her mane exerting an almost caressing pressure. His fingers had entangled themselves in her thick curls, his fingertips almost massaging her scalp. Then she felt his fingers going down her neck to stop on the scar he had made by biting her there. He released her after holding her for a few extra seconds as such against his leg. Amelia felt strange but she did not lose time pondering over the sensation. Maybe it was just that, a sensation she had felt, nothing to do with reality or whatever feelings.

"Yes, Master," she said while putting her sewing aside to get on her feet. She went to the kitchen to prepare the tea.

Severus' dark gaze met Pettigrew's watery blue eyes. The small wizard snorted. "You know how to handle Mudbloods, Severus," he said as a compliment.

Severus locked his eyes with his. He read in them that the small wizard wanted to do the same thing to the young witch. To have her at his feet. To have her doing things to him... Naughty things, worthy of a Muggle porn movie.

"Yes, and I do intend to keep it like this. She's mine and mine only. Don't go thinking otherwise, Wormtail."

Pettigrew must have remembered then that he had been subjected to Legilimency because he broke eye contact quickly. "Don't do that, Severus !" he growled.

"Don't do what, Wormtail ?" Severus asked with a tone laced with irony.

"Reading in other people's mind without their consent. That's rude."

"Not as much as lusting over other people's property, Wormtail. The Mudblood is mine and mine only. Do not forget it," he ended in a low voice that announced danger.

Amelia came back with tea on a tray. "Master..."

Severus took the cup without even thanking her – as usual.

"Mudblood," Severus said in a cold voice, after a sip. "Once you're done, you may go to bed. But you don't need to warm up my place there as I will spend most of the night in my lab. I don't know when I go to bed, so don't wait for me and go to sleep."

"Yes, Master," she replied softly.

This time, Severus was more than troubled : she was so submissive to him and he truly enjoyed the feeling this raised in him. For a second, he was glad to spend the rest of the night in his lab, because otherwise... No !

Wormtail had raised his head too, when hearing that the girl would be alone in bed that night. Severus did not need to watch him – he expected this reaction. So predictable. "No, Wormtail, I don't need to be replaced between her legs." The image invoked was deliberately crude, Amelia knew it. That was part of the act. "So you shall stay in your bedroom, enjoying the dirty magazines you have there," Severus ended with a scathing tone. "On your own."

Amelia stopped on her way back to the kitchen. She was tense yet not surprised by the little wizard's choice of reading. Just disgusted. He whined out of frustration and left the room – not without slinging a lustful look at her. She went back to sit at her Master's feet to finish with the last button to be sewn.

"I'm done, Master. Your frock coat is ready," she said with still a submissive tone.

"Good, Mudblood. Hang it in my wardrobe and go to bed now."

"Thank you, Master. Good night, Master." She rose from her place at his feet, gathered her sewing stuff and the garment she had just mended.

Severus could not help watching her leaving the room. His previous sensations came back full force, a mix of what he had already seen of her, her half-naked body in his bedroom, her submissive stance and tone, her docility at his orders, her housewife qualities.

He realized she would be alone while going upstairs. He put down his book and followed her. He caught her in the stairs, grabbing her free wrist before she could start climbing. A look of panic showed on her features in front of his cold gaze and the harsh lines of his face. A change of heart ? "Yes, Master ?" she asked with a shaking voice.

"I'm coming with you. I don't trust Mr Pettigrew. Especially after one evening spent reading dirty stuff."

Always so protective of her. She lowered her eyes and nodded. She could not help appreciating his carefulness. He gestured her to go upstairs, him following her closely. He could not help watching her back and long hair. The rest of her body was hidden under the black, silk robe she wore to keep warm.

Severus had been right – Wormtail was standing at the threshold of his own bedroom, obviously waiting for the witch. The Professor pushed Amelia aside and took out his wand. With a quick and sharp gesture, wordlessly, he expelled back the little wizard into his room and closed the door on him.

They made it to their bedroom. "Now you're safe," he just whispered once they were inside. He was about to turn his heels when he felt a hand on his arm. He turned his dark gaze on her.

"Thank you, Master."

His charcoal eyes shone forth with intensity. "Don't thank me, Miss Davis. Wormtail has to understand that you're mine and mine only. That nobody touches and even less sullies my property."

Amelia was taken aback by the intensity of his gaze and the husky tone he had spoken these words with. This time, she was not sure if this was just part of the act.

Hope I have kept Severus and Wormtail in character. I wanted to show all the ambiguity in Severus' attitude towards Amelia. Please leave reviews and comments !