A/N: Hi and welcome back to another chapter of Forever Mine. Thanks to my beta AnnHarrisForever (formerly MrsBates93).Thanks to you, the readers for the support. Check out my tumblr wordsofthemultiverse for fic recommendations, fan art and more.

August 1983

Severus returned home with an uneasy feeling in the pit of his the mission was completed, Severus went to Spinner's End to check in on Lauren, only to find the girl was note or hint to where she might have gone. He'd even gone to St. Mungo's searching for her. When he stepped through the Floo, he was greeted by the sight of Jake gnawing at a striped limb of what could have been a zebra.

"Get. Out." Severus snarled at the hyena. The nearly one hundred pound beast simpered from the room with its tail between its legs. Severus made his way to the garden, where Kem was usually situated.

"Blimey, I'm a whale compared to you," Severus froze at the sound of the voice. He lingered in the corridor watching Kem and Lauren sitting at the kitchen table flipping through a photo album.

"How far along were you here? Lyle must have been a tiny thing," Lauren commented. Kem peered closer at the photo.

"I must have been just about four months there. But this was from my second pregnancy. Can you see that bracelet just there? My goddaughter Luna made it for me. She knew from the start I was having a girl," Kem finished with a soft laugh.

"What happened? I'm sorry..." Lauren trailed off as she added,"That's terribly impolite of me.I shouldn't have…"

"No,no. It's quite alright. I had... an accident during my second trimester. I named her Lily, after my best friend."

An uncomfortable silence fell between them. Severus gave a soft cough, breaking the gloomy atmosphere.

"Oh, there you are dear. How did the conference go? I told Lauren that you'd be learning all the latest techniques in potion making,"Kem said. She came to his side and placed a kiss on his cheek.

"It was very interesting,"Severus replied. Whenever he went on a mission, Kem made up excuses for his absence.

"And what is Ms. Walker doing here?" Severus questioned.

"Really, Severus? She's due any day now. Was I to leave here there, alone?"Kem looked affronted.

"Now, to the good news. I've talked to my dad, and he's agreed to give Lauren a job and I'll be bringing one of the girls from the village here to help her with the baby. Everything's going to be just lovely," she said joyfully. But there was a glint in Kem's eyes. Severus had a feeling that she was upset with him, he knew they would talk later.

"You've both been very kind. I don't know how I can ever repay you," Lauren said going to the counter for the tea kettle.

"Don't think of it at all. Now, go sit back down, you know what Healer McCain said," Kem chided gently.

"Mummy, what's that?" Lyle asked coming in from the garden. He pointed to a slimy puddle at Lauren's 's eyebrows shot up to her hairline.

"Beemo!" Kem called. The elf ran into the kitchen looking worried.

"Yes, Meestress?"

"Go fetch Midwife Krum, tell her it's urgent. Lyle, go to your room and take Jake with you. Severus, dear, please go to the green house and get Red Raspberry and Nettle leaves, also a few towels and hot water. Lots of boiling water," Kem eyed Lauren accepted Kem's arm for balance.

"Let's get you to your room," Kem said calmly, supporting the younger woman.

For over six hours Kem had not left Lauren's side. She held Lauren's hand while wiping sweat from her brow.

"I don't want to go to church," Lauren mumbled. Kem looked at her with concern.

"What's wrong with her Krum? She seems very confused." Kem questioned. The midwife didn't answer,but waved her wand over Lauren's belly.

"Healer McCain has arrived," Severus announced, showing the man nodded to Kem and received a dirty glare from Krum.

"Mrs Snape, do you mind if I have the room? I do need a bit of space to get situated," McCain said, undeterred by Krum. Kem patted Lauren's hand and gave the healer some space. Kem only went as far as the doorway, in case she was needed.

"Shall I fetch your parents?" Severus asked.

"What? Oh no. That's alright," Kem half responded. "Aren't you tired? You've been gone nearly two weeks. You need your rest," she said, looking at him.

Severus was more weary than he'd let on. He knew how worried Kem was and didn't want to leave her.

"I'm quite alright," Severus responded. "I do, however believe you need a break. Have a cup of tea and let McCain and Krum do what they need to."

Kem smiled and let Severus lead her to the kitchen.

"Is there any of the Cara blend left?" Kem asked, going through the cupboard. Severus simply shrugged.

"Hmm...Osmanthus tea will have to do, I suppose," Kem mumbled. She sat two mugs in front of Severus and prepared the tea. "I saved you a slice of strawberry pie, would you like it now?"

"That would be fine," he said nonchalantly.

Kem smiled as she placed the dessert in front of him. Though he pretended otherwise, she knew Severus had a soft spot for the sweet.

"Is there anyone we can contact for Lauren? She mentioned that her parents hate magic, but is there no one else? What of the father?"

Severus sighed. "Jeremy Turner has removed himself from the picture."

Kem pursed her lips. "The bloody..."

"Mistress is needed to Lauren Walker," Grundy interrupted softly. Kem leapt to her feet hurrying back to Lauren's side. When she entered the guest room, Krum and McCain were exchanging heated whispers.

"What is it?What's going on here?" Kem demanded. Beemo stood on a stool,holding an ice pack on Lauren's forehead.

"Mrs Snape, I believe Ms Walker might be experiencing pre-eclampsia. And..."

"No," Krum cut in. "She is young and is first pregnancy. This is normal." The old woman glared daggers at McCain.

"What do you base this on, Healer McCain?" Kem asked.

"The amount of albumin, which is protein in her urine sample, is higher than it should be. Her ankles are swollen and the baby is too small for this stage of the pregnancy. All signs of pre-eclampsia," McCain stated firmly.

Lauren groaned loudly, causing Kem to rush to her side. "You've...you've been so wonderful to me, Kem," Lauren ground out.

"Shh now. Save your strength," Kem said.

"Mrs have to act quickly; pre-eclampsia is a danger to both the mother and the baby. A caesarean section is the only answer," McCain said.

"Caesarean? Cut her open like a Muggle?!" Krum exclaimed. "Fifty years attending births, I have. And I've never had to cut a woman open."

Lauren groaned again in pain, gritting her teeth. She gripped Kem's hand.

" you're right Ana, I'll leave you to it," Kem said, hoping she'd made the right decision.

Midwife Krum pushed McCain aside,who looked utterly flustered.

Severus remained in the hallway, as if standing guard. He watched as the three frantically ran about, tending to Lauren and fetched items which were needed.

"Once more," midwife Krum said.

"You're almost there," Kem encouraged. Lauren grunted, pushing as hard as she could. After a few minutes loud shrieking cries filled the room.

"It's a healthy girl," Krum proclaimed proudly.

"You did it! You did it, Lauren!"Kem said cheerfully. She wiped tears of joy from her face. When she was done cleaning the baby, Krum placed her in Lauren's awaiting arms.

"She's beautiful, Lauren,"Kem cooed.

"She'll be so loved, won't she?" Lauren murmured.

"Of course she will. Severus and I will be here to help you in anyway possible. This little girl won't want for anything."

"I fancied the name Camellia. My mother grew the most beautiful Camellia flowers. I used to wear them in my hair at Easter."

"That's lovely, Lauren. I think it fits nicely. Now, I think it's time the two of you got some rest," Kem said softly. She left the new mother to the capable hands of the midwife and healer.

"I think I'll sleep in the den tonight, just in case Lauren needs anything," Kem said to Severus, who had waited stoically in the corridor. Kem wrapped her arms around his waist,placing her head on his chest.

"I'm knackered."

"I'll retrieve the bedding for you," Severus said with a slight blush. Healer McCain had spotted them embracing, Severus gently peeled Kem off him.

After escorting Krum and McCain to the Floo, Severus returned to Kem, who he found nodding off on the chaise lounge. Lauren was already fast asleep, the baby in a crib next to her. Severus laid the blanket over Kem and gently lifted her head, placing a pillow underneath. Finally with the house quiet, Severus decided to retire.

"Lily,don't! Leave it alone." Severus watched as a tentacle slithered up from the Black Lake. Lily walked into the lake, the waterup to her knees. A tentacle wrapped around her waist causing her to giggle.

"Come on Sev, its perfectly harmless," Lily called back. Severus moved forward until he stopped at a comfortable Giant Squid caressed Lily's cheek, leaving pucker marks.

"Let's go Lily, we'll be late for Charms," Severus said cautiously. He stared as Lily played with the Giant Squid. The setting sun made her hair look like warm couldn't help but smile at her antics. Without warning Severus felt a harsh sting across his face. The Giant Squid's tentacle rose preparing to strike again.

"Severus Snape!" Lily squeaked. Severus was confused and the Giant Squid struck him again.

Severus awoke to find Beemo on his bed. The elf's hand was raised high in the air. Severus pushed it aside before it could slap him again.

"What the bloody hell is wrong with you, you daft creature?" Severus growled. With the last remnants of his dream fading away, Severus was doubly annoyed.

"Beemo is sorry but Severus Snape would not wake up. Emergency with Miss Lauren. Meestress needs help," the elf said. After grabbing his wand, Severus rushed down the stairs.

Entering the room he found McCain and Krum along with Kem's parents, all in their night gowns. Kem was beside Lauren, holding baby Camellia. Lauren was drenched in sweat,hyperventilating.

"My head!" Lauren cried. She smacked herself on the forehead with her palm. Kem's mother, tried to calm her with a cool towel but Lauren resisted.

"What about a Motherwort tonic or Valerian tintcure?" Ayo asked Krum and McCain. They looked at one another nervously.

"There is nothing to be done, Mr Okafor. Pre-eclampsiais fatal," McCain answered.

"What's happening?" Kem asked, had started to spasm and gasped for breath.

"The seizures have started, I'm afraid there's nothing we can do," McCain said gravely. Lauren's jerking became more violent.

"Krum, you must do something? You said she would be fine!"

The old woman avoided Kem's gaze. "The girl has not responded to anything I know," Krum replied.

"She can't breathe!One of you must do something," Kem cried. Everyone in the room stood unable to do anything. Silently Lauren stopped moving; the warmth gradually drained from her skin turning an ashen brown.

"No..."Kem whispered.

Healer McCain came over and placed two fingers at Lauren's neck to check her pulse.

"I'm so very sorry, Mrs Snape," McCain said gravely.

In the quiet of the room, there was a soft looked at Kem,in her arms baby Camellia stirred, stretching her tiny arms.