Chapter twenty nine
Over the next few months, everyone got to see Harry's pregnant stomach. It wasn't long after that they also go to see Severus' pregnant stomach. They both continued having their check-ups, they both loved to put their hands on the others expanding stomach and they both couldn't stop grinning much to the amusement of staff and student.
Hermione was at the Gryffindor table when Severus and Harry stepped into the great hall. She gave them a nervous smile as they approached.
'You both should see this,' Hermione pointed at the front page of the Daily Prophet.
Harry and Severus stared at two pictures, one of a pregnant Harry, the other of Harry and Severus with their arms around each other as they walked around the grounds of Hogwarts.
'Where did these pictures come from?' Harry gazed down.
'One of the students must have a camera,' Severus glanced around but no one was taking any more notice of them than usual, 'So unless we see it, expect more pictures to turn up. There's nothing we can do baby, so let's just have breakfast.'
Harry sighed, 'I was hoping to keep this private a bit longer.'
'We always knew it would get out Harry, try not to let it upset you.'
'Yeah, okay babe,' Harry kissed Severus then sat down next to Hermione but kept reading what was written, 'This is bullshit, why are they blaming Sev?'
'The age difference Harry, they just believe it was him that talked you into a relationship. But Professor Snape is right, try not to let it worry you, that's not good for you.'
'I know, but it's pissed me right off,' Harry pushed the paper away before grabbing some food.
'Seems the picture is real then Harry.'
Harry whipped his head around when he heard a familiar deep voice, he stood up and hugged Kingsley making him laugh.
'Yeah, it is, it's good to see you Kingsley.'
'It is good to see you as well Harry, all of you actually,' Kingsley glanced down at Harry's stomach.
Harry laughed, 'Yep, but I'm having twins, Sev is having one.'
'That was not mentioned in the Daily Prophet, just that you were pregnant and it must be to Severus.'
'We fell at the same time, the first time and it was I that started it, not what's written here. I was having a hard time, Sev was helping and I just attacked him, in a good way,' Harry grinned making Kingsley laugh, 'But why are you here, there's nothing wrong is there?'
'Harry, word is out your pregnant, the magical world all wants to know. The ministry is overwhelmed with letters from all over the world. Any mail for you is being diverted to the ministry to be checked, but there's just too much to have it all sent here. I think an interview or a press conference she been called for or everyone will keep writing and speculating about your relationship.
Severus had seen the minister talking to Harry, then he'd seen his face change from friendly to serious, so he hurried from the staff table down to where Harry and the minister were talking.
'Is something wrong baby?' Severus slipped his arms around Harry but looked at Kingsley.
'I was just explaining to Harry that the ministry is overwhelmed with letters for Harry, the world wants to know about your relationship and the pregnancy. But Harry mentioned you are pregnant as well Severus.'
'Yes, I am. I noticed Harry hasn't been getting any mail and I thought that was a little strange.'
'Actually I never thought about it, I never got mail, well, Sirius used to send me letters and Ron hates writing, so to me, not getting mail is normal.'
'We had all your mail diverted to the ministry the moment we knew you were coming back and it was a good thing we did, there were some that were cursed, a few with dangerous curses. I was just explaining to Harry that he might need to do an interview or press conference because a lot of mail for you Severus is hate mail. When Minerva told me about your relationship and speculation was going around, I had your mail diverted as well. Harry is loved by the magical world and the people believe you coerced him into this relationship because of his age.'
'Yes, so I read,' Severus growled before he felt Harry tighten his arms, 'I'm fine love, you know the things people say does not concern me, you do.'
'I know but I said I won't have anyone saying this type of stuff about you, I'll curse the lot of them.'
'I know but please calm down, remember what Poppy said, your body is not handling this pregnancy and you need to keep calm.'
Harry took a couple of calming breathes before putting his hand down on his stomach. 'I know, but they just make me so angry,' Harry caressed his stomach, 'Sev,' Harry's eyes rolled and he fell right into Severus' arms.
'Harry,' Hermione screamed jumping from her seat as Severus picked Harry up with Kingsley's help and carried him out of the great hall. Hermione and their friends ran after them, Draco hurrying to catch up and Minerva McGonagall also leaving the hall.
Everyone either sat or paced outside the doors of the hospital wing waiting for news on how Harry was. Kingsley kept glancing at the door, then he'd pace before stopping and staring at the door again. Hermione had her arms around Draco and they sat together, both looking worried. Neville, Seamus, Dean, Ginny and Luna all sat together talking quietly. Minerva stood with her arms folded and stared at the door, but she never moved or spoke. Every one of them were all anxious about what was going on behind those doors. It seemed to take hours before Severus opened the door and gestured for them to come in, but they saw him nod which told them Harry and the babies were fine.
Hermione was first at the bed and took Harry's hand, 'You scared the life out of me.'
'Sorry Hermione, but I'm fine.'
'He's not fine, he now has to take it extremely easy and mainly sit or bed rest, he also can't be upset,' Severus said.
'He's body is just not coping with this pregnancy, probably more because it's twins.' Poppy said.
'We found out what we're having if you want to know,' Harry smiled at his friends.
'If you want to tell us, I would like to know if I have two goddaughters or two godsons, or both maybe one of each,' Hermione smiled making Harry chuckle but he looked up at Severus.
'Two sons and one daughter,' Severus saw Harry shake his head in amusement, 'Harry is having one of each, a son and a daughter, I'm having a son.'
'Two boys and a girl,' Neville chuckled, 'Oh I can just imagine any boy that tries to snog your daughter, first Harry, the saviour,' Neville smirked, 'Then Professor Snape and we all know how frightening he can be.'
'No boy will go near our daughter,' Severus sneered making everyone chuckle.
'Damn right they won't,' Harry said seriously then grinned, 'But can I get out of this bed now, I hate staying in bed, unless Sev's with me,' Harry smirked up at Severus.
'Yes, you can, but you need to keep calm and you need to rest, a lot Harry. I explained how serious this is, so do what you're told,' Poppy said.
'He will Poppy, I will make sure of it. But since we're all here, minister, I think you have an excellent idea, but not a press conference, that would be too much on Harry. I think a one on one interview would be better.'
'Yes, I agree Severus, Harry is not up to facing those animals,' Kingsley said, 'I'll find someone that is good at their job but will only write the truth. I'll organise it with Minerva so I can bring them through.'
'Them,' Harry looked up in surprise.
'They will want photo's Harry, so a photographer as well.'
Harry groaned, 'Why can't I just be treated like everyone else. This is mine and Sev's life, not for everyone to know,' he sighed and ran his hand over his stomach again, 'It should be private.'
'We spoke about this Harry, you are who you are, nothing will change that, then the fact we are the first men in more than a hundred years to get pregnant.'
'I know babe,' Harry sighed again, then slowly sat up and moved his feet off the bed, 'Still doesn't mean I have to like it though.'
'No, you just have to accept it. I'll get you settled then head to my class.'
'I'll keep him company Severus, I haven't had a chance to speak with Harry for a while,' Kingsley smiled.
'I'd like that Kingsley,' Harry slowly stood and Severus instantly put his arms around him then all of them left the hospital wing except Minerva who looked concerned.
'Is he really alright Poppy?'
'He is and will be if he takes it easy and nothing upsets him again. I have told him how serious this is if he gets too worked up or does too much. I think it is finally sinking in that something could go wrong, not just for the babies, but for him as well.'
'Alright, keep me informed after his next check-up,' Minerva nodded then left the hospital but she couldn't stop her thoughts from dwelling on Harry and just hoped Severus and his friends could keep him calm, but also keep any unsettling news from him, at least for now.
