Meet the Wife

Severus prepared to leave Hogwarts on Friday afternoon with a pounding headache. The past week, since he'd told the staff of his marriage, had been full of irritations. Draco Malfoy, of all people, had caused the lingering worry.

"You told them all about her?" he'd asked, stalking up to him in the dungeon corridor, his face white with anger. "We don't know who's behind it yet. She could be in terrible danger!"

"Too many people saw her that day, I had to tell the staff," hissed Severus. "Into my office, now!"

In the thirty seconds it took to walk to his office, Severus managed to quell his urge to strangle Malfoy. He unlocked the door and ushered the boy inside.

"Sit," he snapped, going around the desk and seating himself.

Draco realized he'd pushed the wizard too far. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

"I'm sorry," he said grimly. "We're worried, though."

"So am I," said Severus. "Draco, it was too unmanageable. Zelda and I discussed it with Professor McGonagall, Michael and several others. It was not done lightly."

"I'm sorry. I heard Pansy and Blaise talking about it this morning, so I think most students know already. Sir, did you tell them she's a Muggle?"

"No. The fact of the marriage is unavoidable, but only a few of you know the rest. Please say nothing."

"That's the most sensible thing I've heard," Draco said firmly. "We won't say a word, of course, and we're watching things when she's here."

"Thank you," said Severus. "Shall I assume that you're representing Potter?"

"He was quite upset, so I suggested that I come instead of him," Draco said smoothly. "Um… Professor? Has it occurred to you that Potter's a bit mad about Zelda? Like she's his mum, or something."

"Is there something wrong with it?" asked Severus, looking narrowly into the gray eyes.

"Well, if you don't mind it, and she doesn't. I guess his own mother's dead, so maybe he… I dunno," he finished.

"As much as it irritates me at times, it seems she loves Potter."

"If something happens to her, I wonder how he'd cope," warned the young man.

Severus stifled a shudder. "He's not the only one. I'll protect her at any cost."

Draco nodded. "We're trying to draw them out, far away from Zelda. Crabbe and Goyle are okay, but don't trust anyone else from Slytherin, no matter what they say."

"All right," replied Severus thoughtfully. "I have an appointment now. Come to me if you need help."

They left the office understanding each other better than when they'd entered. Draco felt relieved, but Severus was left with lingering uneasiness that lasted through the week.

Severus Flooed from Minerva's office to the Hogs Head on Friday, preparing to bring Zelda back for the weekend.

Aberforth Dumbledore was seated at the old desk in the office and grunted when Severus stepped out of the fire.

"Good evening," he said.

"I heard something," said the old man. "Heard you got married. Were you goin' to tell me?"

I was, but how did you hear?" asked Severus.

"That Rosmerta was talkin' with some witches from the school. They weren't happy 'bout it."

"I'm quite happy about it and I'd be honored if you wish to meet her. She's a good woman."

"I won't say no," he replied. "Take care of 'er."

"I shall," replied Severus. "I'll Apparate here with her and meet the Weasleys, who'll escort us into Hogwarts."

Aberforth grunted again and Severus knew he was dismissed.

&&&&&&&&&

"I've been here last summer," said Zelda, staring bemusedly at the Hogs Head. "When I met Minerva last summer, we came here."

"Zelda, Severus," called Arthur Weasley quietly. "Over here!"

The Weasleys approached them from up the street and Zelda handed Rowena's leash to Severus.

"There's a small change of plan. Aberforth Dumbledore wishes to meet Zelda. It'll only take a moment," he told the couple.

Arthur and Molly waited outside. Zelda and Severus entered the dingy pub, which was empty except for the skinny old man with stringy grey hair and a beard. He was standing behind the bar, polishing a glass with a filthy rag.

"I saw you last summer," said Zelda, approaching him with twinkling eyes. "Hello, Aberforth Dumbledore."

He looked closely at her and after a pause, held one gnarled hand out to her.

"Mrs. Snape," he grunted.

She reached out unhesitatingly and grasped his hand.

"Severus told me how amazingly you helped him. Thank you," she said seriously.

The two pairs of blue eyes met and although he looked away in seconds, she recognized what he was.

"Oh… I see," was all she said.

He nodded brusquely, having seen the truth about her too.

"We'll be going," she said. "See you 'round, I hope."

He nodded, glanced once at Severus, standing back a few steps, firmly holding a dog's leash, and they were dismissed.

"Wow," Zelda whispered. "He's wide open. Does anyone know about him? He must've had a rough time of it."

"I believe his brother must have known, but we never speak of it."

"He knows what I am," she said, taking Rowena's leash from him. "You knew he'd see, didn't you?"

Severus nodded, but said no more as they joined the Weasleys.

"What do you think of the other Dumbledore?" asked Arthur agreeably.

"He's amazing," said Zelda devoutly. "So you two are my escort tonight. I'm sorry if it's a drag."

"I enjoy the exercise," said Molly. "I've lost a bit of weight since I've been here at Hogwarts. I feel very healthy."

"Normally I'd love walking here, but this, um, condition of mine is kicking my ass," said Zelda. "I'll be ready for bed as soon as we get to the castle."

Severus had fallen back a pace or two, allowing Zelda to talk with Molly. He knew how much she enjoyed having a woman to talk with who'd shared the experience of having children. He was learning to allow her a bit of space, which had seemed impossible at first. Her friendship with Molly took nothing away from her love for him, he realized.

"Are you ready to be a father, Severus?" asked Arthur as they walked.

Severus snorted. "I have no idea how to go about it. I'd ask you, Arthur, but after teaching your twins perhaps I don't want to know your technique."

Laughing heartily, Arthur said, "They were the worst, believe me. Luckily Molly was up to the challenge. Once in a while I'd think she was too harsh with them, but the next moment they'd destroy something valuable and I'd think torture was the only way."

"They no longer live with you, I believe," said Severus.

"They're on their own and I'm bloody grateful for that joke shop. I can never thank young Harry enough for giving them the gift of independence."

"Potter?"

"I didn't learn about it until long after, but Harry gave the twins his Tri-Wizard winnings. It seems Fudge dropped the prize money on him after what happened in the Final Task. Harry was upset, as you can imagine and didn't want the money. So he gave it to the twins and the rest is history."

"Ah… so Potter is partly responsible for the proliferation of Skiving Snackboxes," said Severus. "Lucky for him the staff was unaware of that fact."

"Unless Zelda is carrying twins, you'll be fine," said Arthur with a reassuring chuckle. "Twins run in Molly's family, of course, so in our case it was unavoidable."

Severus shuddered inwardly at the thought of raising identical menaces. As they were approaching the gates of the school, he stepped forward and opened them, allowing everyone to pass through. He was locking them when they heard Hagrid's voice.

"Hello," he called pleasantly.

"Hey, Hagrid," said Zelda. "How are you?"

"Jest fine, Zelda. Fang seems ter know when yer comin' to Hogwarts, so we decided ter come down an' meet yeh."

Fang was already greeting Rowena, so Zelda unhooked the leash and let her go free. The dogs ran a short way and rolled together in a joyous canine wrestling match.

"Do you want her to stay with you tonight?" asked Zelda.

"We're always happy ter have Rowena visit. I'll bring her up in th' mornin' then," said Hagrid.

"Thanks, Hagrid," she said. "We'll see you tomorrow."

As Hagrid headed for home, Rowena broke away from her play to dash back and nose Zelda, then Severus, before running off to join Fang.

Severus came to Zelda and took her arm.

"Are you tired?" he asked.

"A little, but I'll be fine after a good night's sleep."

"I hope you're ready for tomorrow," said Molly lightly. "Almost everyone's going to be there, you know. And keep an eye on Sibyll. She's been acting a bit odd."

"Too tactful, Molly. She behaves appallingly," snapped Severus.

"Molly, do any of them know I'm a Muggle?" asked Zelda quietly. "Besides our friends, that is."

"They have no idea, and also no idea you're expecting."

"That'll change when they see me," Zelda replied slowly. "It's still going faster than normal and while some people may just think I'm fat, not everyone's going to be fooled."

"I've placed protections on our rooms," said Severus grimly. "I hope you'll stay close to her, Molly."

"The Hogwarts staff can't all be deranged lunatics," said Zelda. "Er… I hope not, anyway."

"It'll be fine," pronounced Molly irritably. "Severus, enough dire predictions. The worst that can happen is that she'll be bored to death by too much boring chitchat."

They were arriving at the dungeon entrance to the castle.

"We'll leave you here," said Molly. "I'll come early tomorrow to help prepare, if you'd like."

"I'd love it," said Zelda. "Thanks for walking up with us and we'll see you tomorrow."

The Weasleys departed. Severus checked the corridor before allowing Zelda to enter, but all seemed safe. He put his arm around her and she leaned on him as they entered their quarters.

"At last," he said, sealing the door against intruders.

He removed her cloak and hung it, slinging his over it.

"At last," she echoed, watching him point his wand at the drawing room fire to light it.

"Do you want to go right to bed?" he asked.

"I'd love to sit with you in the drawing room for a bit," she said. "We've both been so stupidly busy and I'm afraid you'll worry to death if you don't relax."

He walked with her into the bedroom, lit the fire and they both undressed. Severus put on the black bathrobe his stepchildren had given him for Christmas. He watched Zelda try to put on the robe he'd given her, which was now uncomfortably tight in several places. She went to stand in front of the mirror, frowning.

"Will you get me my white robe?" she asked, slowly removing her silk robe and setting it aside.

She stood naked before the mirror, weighing her heavy breasts in her hands and staring at herself. She put one hand on her belly, now obviously pregnant.

"Put this on, my girl. It's cold in here," said Severus, holding out the heavy, shapeless robe.

"I'll have to get some clothes that fit," she said, trying to throw off her pensive mood.

"I've heard that women love shopping," he suggested wryly.

"This woman, not so much," she replied. "But it's unavoidable now."

They went to the sitting room, where Severus lit the fire and Summoned all the throw pillows, making a soft nest in front of the fire for her. He helped her to lie down, kneeling by her side.

"I can still do this, but soon it'll be hard to get up," she said, adjusting pillows until she was comfortable.

She looked up at him. "Well?"

Smiling, he lay down next to her. He curled his body around her without disrupting the position she was in.

"Rest now," he told her gently.

Her eyes closed and her breathing became even, but then her hands moved slowly to unfasten her robe, exposing her body.

"Give me your hand," she murmured.

She placed his hand on the side of her warm belly and held it there. He waited, wondering what she was doing. Then he felt it, a faint movement within her. Something brushed against his hand and withdrew, but a moment later it happened again.

Her eyes were half-closed and there was a sweet smile on her mouth.

"Amazing," he whispered, not daring to move.

Her lack of movement made the sensation under his hand easier to feel and they stayed there until it finally subsided.

"Zelda…" he whispered, gathering her close. "Thank you."

"This is perfect," she murmured. "Right now, with you."

He held her as she went quickly to sleep. He remained awake, however, listening to the quiet crackle of the fire and the sound of her breathing. After an hour he decided she should be in bed. Smiling, he carefully Levitated her to bed and climbed in next to her, tucking the comforter around her. This was his family, he thought.

&&&&&&&&&

Severus had planned security for their social gathering almost as though he were inviting Death Eaters to tea. Minerva applauded his caution even as she gently mocked him.

"Your security system?" she asked, glancing into the sitting room that was to be kept off limits.

Draco Malfoy looked up, a faint smirk on his patrician face. He was sitting at the table with Crabbe and Goyle on either side of him, and there were books and parchment all around them. The other two students looked up from their work and greeted Professor McGonagall rather sheepishly.

"The Slytherin common room is too noisy and filled with distractions for serious study," explained Severus smoothly. Mr. Malfoy has decided to assist his friends in their remediation. This is an excellent place for uninterrupted studies."

"I don't recall seeing that door before," said Minerva, eyeing him curiously.

"Zelda wished for a door into our bedroom," he said.

A faint smirk touched his face as he opened the door to reveal Rowena. The dog came forward, wagging her tail happily at the sight of him. He petted the dog's head and said, "Go back, Rowena."

The dog trotted to the foot of the huge bed and lay down.

"Interesting," she said coolly.

"I'd considered more radical methods, but Zelda thought this might be adequate."

"Who do you suspect? Or are you just completely paranoid?" she asked.

He closed the bedroom door gently and nodded to the students as he directed her back toward the main drawing room.

"Minerva, you're part of a small group that I trust with Zelda's safety," he said grimly. "The rest? I have no idea and refuse to take risks."

"Anyone who knows you would not believe that you open your rooms to students," she said.

"The other bedroom and the bathrooms are accessible, but that is all," he said. "I wish this was not necessary."

"Many of them have already seen or met her," she said skeptically. "You simply hate parties."

Zelda and Molly finished speaking with Dobby and joined them by the window.

"It's a beautiful day," said Zelda, gazing out at the winter sunshine. "After two hours can we eject them and go play in the snow?"

"You sound like Severus," said Minerva. "Except that he'd say five minutes, not two hours."

Zelda smiled at her husband and said, "Women are more able to accept unpleasant reality."

"I think you'll enjoy yourself," said Molly. "There are one or two annoying people, but in general the staff is very pleasant."

"If you feel tired, let me know and I'll send them all packing," Severus hissed.

Laughing, she went to him and hugged him, right in front of the other women. He flushed slightly, but put his arms around her and held her.

"Dilys says I'm fine," she said. "Two hours, Severus."

"I must ask you if alcohol will be served," said Minerva. "Sibyll has indicated that she'll be here."

Molly groaned resignedly and said, "It really is unavoidable. She's the only one we must watch."

"I'll try to do it," said Minerva. "I asked Phineas to be present and keep an eye on things."

Zelda turned around, but still leaned lightly on her husband.

"I suppose it wouldn't be a party without Phineas," she said sarcastically.

They all looked at his large framed portrait.

"I know you're there, Phineas," called Zelda. "Come out. I want to see if you're all spit and polished."

The portrait wizard swept into his frame and stared at her coldly.

"The wife of a deputy headmaster should behave with more decorum," he told her.

"I'm a mere Muggle," she said, grinning at him.

"It is distasteful to hear you joke that way, Mrs. Snape," he hissed. "You have a position to uphold."

Before anyone could respond to him, there was a loud knock on the door. Severus and Zelda went to answer it and discovered a small crowd, headed by Professor Flitwick.

"My dear Severus and Mrs. Snape," he said with a bright smile. "You see that we are a prompt group."

"Come in," said Severus, fighting the urge to slam the door in their faces. "Let me introduce you to my wife."

So began Zelda's formal introduction to the Hogwarts staff.

&&&&&&&&&

As soon as Professor Snape had closed the door, Draco, Crabbe and Goyle pulled Extendable Ears from their pockets and went to the door.

"Remember, if someone comes toward us, back to the table right away," said Draco.

"Okay," said Goyle obediently, his brow wrinkled in confusion. "But I still don't see why we're here. Teachers wouldn't do anything to Professor Snape's wife, would they?"

"He didn't survive the bloody Dark Lord by trusting people. Our job's just to be here in case someone comes in, and then see what they do."

"D' you think anyone's going to find Potter?" asked Crabbe.

"I'll laugh my arse off if it happens," said Draco, grinning.

"But I thought you liked him now," said Goyle, looking puzzled. "How can you want him to get in trouble?"

"Potter's got a knack for sliding out of trouble. He's almost as brilliant as me, if he can control that temper of his. I'd love to see how he'd handle it."

"Shhh…" muttered Crabbe. "They're coming in now. Shut up and listen."

They heard many voices in the large outer room. Draco heard Flitwick first, and then Professors Sprout, Davis, Clearwater and Hagrid. No sooner did it seem that everyone was spreading out in smaller groups than Madam Pomfrey and Professor Trelawney arrived, followed by Professor Sinistra. For a while there were many voices rumbling unintelligibly, but suddenly, two voices were heard remarkably close.

"I can't imagine what he sees in such a common looking creature," whinged Professor Trelawney. "I remember seeing her here last summer. American, of all things!"

"My dear Sibyll, it's best if you keep such opinions to yourself," said Professor Sinistra coldly. "You've made a fool of yourself already, do not make it worse."

"You wanted him too!" snapped the Seer. "Don't pretend you didn't."

"I could have had him any time during the past years, if I'd chosen to lower myself," she said calmly.

"Ah, but he wasn't a hero or the deputy Headmaster until now," said Sibyll shrewdly.

"He was as charming then as he is now, and seems quite happily married. I wish them well," said the elegant witch. "Either she's fat as a pig or it seems she may be pregnant. Do ask her, Sibyll."

The Seer goggled at her and moaned, "Pregnant? Is that why he married her? Poor wizard!"

"Good afternoon, ladies. Did you save some biscuits for me?" asked Tonks, her dark eyes sparkling.

"Ah, Professor Tonks," said Sibyll sourly. "As you see, your hopes are dashed."

"What do you mean?" Tonks asked as she helped herself to refreshments. "Oh… I forgot. My infatuation with Professor Snape, of course. Just as well that he's married this nice woman, I suppose."

"Very appropriate sentiments. You're young yet, Professor Tonks. I'm sure you'll find someone," said Professor Sinistra with a condescending smile.

"Thanks," said Tonks lazily. "But I'll just go on as I am. Maybe we'll have another war and I can kill some people."

Silence greeted that unwomanly comment.

"Poppy, come join us," coaxed Professor Sinistra. "What do you think of Severus's new bride?"

"She seems a good, no-nonsense woman, which is excellent, isn't it?" replied Madam Pomfrey pleasantly. "Severus is probably quite a high maintenance husband, I imagine."

"Is she pregnant?" asked Sibyll hoarsely.

"Frog in your throat, Sibyll?" asked the matron with professional interest. "I'd say she's pregnant, although I didn't ask her."

"Really?" asked Tonks admiringly. "I should spend more time with you ladies. She does seem slightly round, doesn't she? Is there anything you all can't piece together in a social setting? How clever you are! But where's Madam Hooch?"

Professor Sinistra smiled mockingly and murmured, "She asked if the new Mrs. Snape was a Quidditch fan. When Minerva said she didn't believe so, Hooch said she'd give it a miss. She's never had much interest in poor Severus, you know."

"I find her décor very pleasing, so I'm going to wander a bit and look around," said Madam Pomfrey, displeased by the gossip.

The witches dispersed, leaving the three male Slytherin students behind the sitting room door holding their Extendable Ears and staring at each other.

"Don't breathe a word of what you've heard here," ordered Draco. "I can't believe those cows!"

"They didn't like Zelda," Goyle mused. "They don't even know she's a…"

"Shh! Don't say it!" snapped Draco. "I can't imagine them actually doing anything to her, but they're revolting, aren't they? Like Professor Snape would look twice at them!"

"How much longer is this stupid party going to be?" asked Crabbe.

"An hour," Draco said. "I wonder if Potter's having as much fun as we are."