Trouble Strikes Again
Two weeks had rushed by in a blur, Zelda thought as she lay back on the bed. Dilys was examining her, a slight frown on her face.
"Have you taken any potions since you got pregnant?" she asked.
"No," replied Zelda. "Why?"
"Because you're the equivalent of twenty-six weeks fetal development, and that's much faster than I expected. Your womb is here," she said, pressing in just below Zelda's ribcage. "Are you having shortness of breath?"
"Yes," said Zelda. "I didn't think anything of it, because it's been a long time since I was pregnant."
"You're well into the third trimester, which means your due date will be sooner than I predicted. I can't tell you when, until the rate of development stabilizes."
"I'm glad Severus isn't in this room. He'd freak," said Zelda, feeling a little queasy. "Is the baby okay?"
"Fine, but this child will be seeing you sooner than we expected. Do you have things ready?"
"I have some things, but knowing this, I should make a list," Zelda said turning on her side and looking up at the Healer.
"I've been tired and my back aches sometimes, but I feel all right…" she said, a question in her voice.
"Zelda, the fetus is fine, you look healthy and I believe you'll have a normal delivery. I'd like to come back on Wednesday to evaluate the development."
"Okay," said Zelda. "What time?"
"In the evening, after I finish at St. Mungo's. But don't worry, Zelda. If anything goes wrong, magic can get you to St. Mungo's in an instant. We'll take good care of you."
Zelda got up and dressed again. "Severus will be back any minute. Will you help me tell him? He'll be worried."
"Certainly," she replied. "May I help you with that?"
So Dilys helped to lace the back of the dress and they went out to the sitting room to wait for Severus.
"How's Michael these days?" asked Zelda. "I rarely see him these days, although he comes to Hogwarts regularly."
"He's fine. The Dumbledore Clinic is developing a very good reputation due to his hard work and professionalism. Our society is very lucky that he's chosen to work among us."
"I feel better being here with Severus, knowing Michael's accepted at St. Mungo's," Zelda said thoughtfully.
The door opened and Severus entered with Rowena prancing by his side.
"Good morning," he said to Dilys. "How is Zelda?"
"Come in and sit down," said Zelda, patting the couch next to her.
He frowned and said, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong, but fetal development is still progressing very quickly. I'll come back late on Wednesday because I want a better idea how it's going," Dilys said.
He looked immediately at Zelda, who seemed as bright-eyed and well as she'd been an hour ago.
"But you're all right?" he asked, with a piercing stare.
"Yes," she said firmly. "I'm fine, Dilys is coming back early and we're going to see the creature a bit sooner than we thought. That's all."
She reached for his hand and squeezed encouragingly.
"I'll let you two talk," said Dilys. "I'm meeting Minerva for a purely social visit, so I'd like to get started."
After she'd left, Severus turned to Zelda.
"Are you well enough to come with us today?" he asked.
"I wouldn't miss it. I'll relax while you teach Harry how to put protective wards on his happy home. I like his little cottage."
"We still have to walk out of the gates to Apparate," he said. "You've been easily exhausted lately."
"I'm winded easily because the creature is pushing on my lungs, perfectly normal since I don't have endless room in me. I won't have full lung capacity until the baby drops down into my pelvis at some point before the birth."
He looked out the window. It was a lovely Saturday in April with spring in the air and soft blue skies. He did want her with him, so…
"Very well, but I'll be watching you," he told her. "Potter has gone ahead, so if you're ready."
She put on her cloak and they left the castle and began walking toward the gates.
"What a lovely day," she said, taking the arm he offered. "Has Harry shown the place to any of his friends?"
"He specifically said he wants to go alone and set up his protections, a sensible precaution that surprised me. I'll ensure that he does it correctly if you're going to spend time there."
She squeezed his arm and said, "He'll do it right, or else?"
"Exactly."
They were passed by a number of students also walking to the gates.
"I forgot it's a Hogsmeade day," he said, glaring at a group of passing third years.
"Professor Snape!" called a familiar, eager voice from behind them.
They stopped and waited for Hermione and Ron to catch up.
"Hey, kids," said Zelda. "It's nice to see you. What's up?"
"Are you going to, um, you know where now?" asked Hermione, panting slightly.
"We do know where we're going, Miss Granger," said Severus coldly. "Please speak precisely."
She looked around and then said quietly, "Will you see Harry?"
"Yes," hissed Severus.
"He needs to know that Ron knows who some of them are," she said excitedly.
He turned to Ron and said, "Tell me."
"It's unbelievable. There are over a dozen and some are Ernie, Susan Bones, the Patils, Seamus, Terry Boot, Goldstein, Zacharias Smith and some others."
Ron looked sick after listing the names but there was a resolute look in his eyes.
"Have you any proof of wrongdoing?"
"No," replied the young man. That's why we haven't gone to Professor McGonagall. But this morning I followed Ernie to the bottom of the Owlery stairs, wearing," he whispered, "Harry's cloak. They met there, but I decided not to follow them up."
"Finally I see common sense developing in you," said Severus in exasperation. "Please inform the Headmistress while we're away. What shall we tell Potter?"
"That's all, and we hope he gets things settled so we can see the place," said Hermione.
"He hasn't shown it to you yet?" asked Zelda.
"He said he wants to feel settled there before anyone else sees it," she replied. "He's feeling good about it. I hope it's nice for him."
"Me too," said Zelda. "You two be careful today. Are you going to Hogsmeade?"
"Pretending to be on a date, but we're going to stage a fight as a reason for Ron to hang out with the others."
"Ron, be careful," said Zelda nervously. "You don't know who all of them are. Please go back early and talk to Professor McGonagall. Tell your mother too."
"We'll be careful and we'll tell Mum. Don't worry, Zelda," he said with a smile.
They reached the gates and Severus gave the pair a serious look.
"Don't take reckless chances," he snapped, putting his arms around Zelda.
"Bye," said Zelda, smiling as they Apparated away.
&&&&&&&&&
Harry Potter walked through his new home, a little scared, but very excited. It was really his, the first real home he'd had since he was a baby. It was solid too, a stone cottage that felt as eternal as the earth. Once it had magical protections, he'd have more security than he'd ever had. Of course, it was in Professor Snape's name, and would stay that way for a while. There was a knock on the door, so he went to meet his first guests.
"Hey, Harry," said Zelda, smiling fondly at him. "I like your house."
"Potter," said Severus coolly.
"Come in," he said, suddenly shy. "I've got chairs and everything."
They entered the sitting room, where Harry had added several comfy armchairs before the hearth, and a side table.
"I have tea," he offered.
"Maybe a little later," said Zelda. "Ron and Hermione asked us to tell you they know who some of the troublemakers are."
She sank down into the armchair in the middle and gestured to him to sit.
"Who are they? How did he find out?" asked Harry, suddenly alert and frowning as he sat down next to her.
"A group of students met early this morning in the Owlery," said Severus. "I wonder if they're planning something after all this quiet time."
"Seventh years?" asked Harry softly.
Severus nodded.
"I can guess who some might be, but I hate this whole mess," said Harry. "I wished they'd just given up, but there's still a lot of weirdness. This quiet worries me."
"When are you going back to school?" asked Zelda.
"I guess as soon as this place is protected," said Harry slowly. "I want to talk to Draco and keep an eye on Ron. He's good, but if he goes up against a group…"
A determined gleam was in his eyes as he looked at Severus.
"I did the reading you told me to do, Professor. Let's get started on the wards, so I can go back."
"Very well. Have you traced the boundaries of the property carefully?" asked Severus, rising from his chair.
Harry nodded. "I'll show you."
Severus followed Potter outdoors and Zelda watched the two black heads as the wizards traced a line parallel to the unpaved road. They looked toward the cottage for a moment and then walked out of sight.
Those two adorable idiots, she thought ironically. They're so much alike, so stubborn and so passionately good. Perhaps they enjoyed pretending they hated each other to avoid realizing that they knew each other too well for comfort. Smiling, she wriggled a bit, trying to find a comfortable position, and took out the book she'd brought along.
&&&&&&&&&
"Is it too much to ask that you give your whole mind to this process?" asked Severus acidly.
Harry started and said, "Sorry, Professor. I hope Ron's not in over his head. I'm paying attention, really."
Actually, Severus was also unable to shake a feeling of apprehension, so he nodded a grim response to the boy's apology and decided to go on. They were almost finished.
"The Muggle Repelling Charm should be placed back from the road and the post box," he said. "It's not a difficult spell, and if you wish to modify it to allow Zelda and her children within it, I'll show you how to do that."
Harry grinned, excited to have a place to invite his friends. Magical folk could Apparate to and fro, but he hoped Elijah and Lily would stay sometimes. He paid close attention to his teacher's instructions and it wasn't long before the spell was accomplished. As with the other wards, he waited rather anxiously while Professor Snape tested for weaknesses.
"Not bad, Potter," he said finally. "If you put your mind to it, you'll become familiar with your protections over time and become aware of any weaknesses, so you can mend them. It would take a determined and powerful wizard to breach these wards."
Such unusual praise drew a flush of pleasure to Harry's thin cheeks as they walked back to the house.
"May I have Zelda here to visit sometimes?" he asked hopefully.
"She'd be most irritated if she thought you asked my permission to bring her here, you know," commented Severus. "But yes, this is quite safe, so you do have my, er, permission to bring my wife here any time she wishes."
Harry chuckled as he opened the door and held it to allow Professor Snape to pass through. They entered the sitting room to find Zelda curled up in her armchair, asleep.
"She sleeps well here," commented Severus, his eyes softening at the sight of her. "May I suggest a couch? She'll undoubtedly suffer from cramp after sleeping like that."
He went to her and shook her shoulder.
"Zelda," he murmured, tickling her ear.
Her lips curved into a smile, and she tried to move.
"Owwww!" she whined. "I'm stuck, Sev."
Harry watched Professor Snape kneel before her.
"Look at me, my girl," he said firmly.
His black eyes fixed on hers and he held her gaze.
"Stand up now," he commanded, holding his hands out to her.
She took his hands and he helped her stand, but a muscle in her side spasmed and she fell against him, gasping.
"Give me a minute," she said, putting a hand on her side as she leaned on him.
Harry watched them, amazed at the wizard's patience. He was glad they were married, because he thought Professor Snape liked having someone to take care of.
Zelda felt his hand warm her side and gradually her pain eased.
"Thanks," she said, smiling wryly. "Where's Harry?"
"I'm here," he said from the doorway. "Are you okay?"
"Fine. Pregnancy is uncomfortable sometimes," she said. "Are we going back to Hogwarts now? You want to check on Ron, don't you?"
"Yeah. I need to talk to Draco and a lot of other stuff," he said. "I hope you'll come back here soon, after things are settled at school."
"I'd love it," she said. "Okay, we can go now."
Arriving near the open gates of Hogwarts they saw a group of students standing and talking in low voices. Harry looked anxiously toward Zelda and ran ahead.
"I heard she almost died," said Pansy Parkinson gleefully, unaware of Harry's approach.
"I heard Flitwick say she'll be fine, worse luck," replied Blaise Zabini.
Harry forced himself to be calm as he approached the group of Slytherins. Rage would get him nowhere with this lot.
"Lose your way to Hogsmeade, mates?" he asked sarcastically.
"Well, you certainly missed a chance to play the hero, Chosen Potter," said Pansy nastily. "You'd better hurry on up to the castle and see if your precious know-it-all is still alive."
Severus and Zelda were approaching slowly and heard the last words. Zelda clutched his arm hard, but kept continued at her deliberate pace.
"What about Hermione?" asked Harry, his eyes narrowing.
"Seems she tried to throw herself down the stairs to your glorious tower," said Blaise. "Despondent, is she? Or were you sick of her incessant showing off and pushed her?"
"Shut it, Zabini," said Harry in a cold, low voice.
Several of the Slytherins drew their wands, so Severus judged it time to intervene.
"Playing nicely, are we?" he asked menacingly.
"Good afternoon, Professor Snape and Mrs. Snape," said Pansy, smiling earnestly. "We decided to run into Hogsmeade for a little while and met Potter going the other way. He seems upset."
Harry was tempted to defend himself, but realized it wasn't necessary. Finding out if Hermione was all right was most important."
"Excuse me, I'll be on my way," he said through clenched teeth.
He ran desperately toward the castle, wishing he could Apparate. Hermione must be in the Hospital Wing. He knew Zelda and Professor Snape were behind him, but he'd tell them what happened after the Slytherins were gone.
He raced inside and ran upstairs, arriving panting and sweaty at the Hospital Wing. He flung open the door and saw Madam Pomfrey and Ron standing by a bed.
"What happened? Is she okay?" asked Harry, approaching the bed more slowly.
"Don't excite the patient," warned Madam Pomfrey. "Call me if she needs anything."
"I'm fine, Harry," said Hermione in a faint little voice. "I wasn't careful enough, but I'll do better next time."
Harry and Ron looked at each other.
"Harry?" whispered Hermione. "Where's Malfoy? He saw me just now being brought here and headed off right away. I hope he's not in trouble."
"You going to stay here?" he asked Ron.
Ron nodded, and watched Harry squeeze Hermione's hand, then turn and head for the door. There was a sound of a collision from the hall, followed by the entrance of Professor Snape and Zelda.
"Ron, is she all right?" asked Zelda anxiously, stepping ahead of Severus and heading for the bed. "Hermione, how are you?"
Hermione smiled weakly at her and said, "I'm okay. Thanks for coming."
Severus came to stand next to Zelda and pulled up a chair, gently pushing her to sit down on it.
"What happened, Miss Granger?" he asked in a low voice, noting the mismatched pupils of her eyes.
"I came back to Hogwarts alone after I staged a fight with Ron in Hogsmeade. I was preoccupied. I was going to help two of the second years with their Transfiguration homework," she explained. I was half way up the stairs to the common room entrance and a spell hit me from behind. It was Locomotor Mortis, and I fell backward.
"Did you hear who cast the spell?" he asked, a cold gleam in his eye.
"No," she replied wonderingly. "It must've been non-verbal…"
"Interesting," he said. "Zelda, I wish to speak with Madam Pomfrey. Will you wait with Miss Granger?"
"Sure," she said.
Severus headed for the office, leaving Zelda and Ron with Hermione.
"Sweetie, how long will you be here? Are you all healed?" asked Zelda.
"Zelda, her skull was fractured," said Ron, his freckles standing out on his pale face. "I can't believe I was off playing idiot for those troublemakers while you were being attacked, Hermione."
"Ron, it's not your fault," said Hermione earnestly.
"No, it wasn't," said Zelda. "Ron, I wish you could all just stop this and be students."
Ginny Weasley rushed in through the door, followed by her mother.
"Hermione," she whispered, "Please tell me you're okay."
Molly looked at Zelda first and was reassured by her faint nod.
"Goodness! Miss Granger needs rest, not a mob of visitors," said Madam Pomfrey, bustling up to them. "I must ask you all to leave so she may finish recovering."
Severus followed her. "Rest, Miss Granger. Zelda, you should be resting too."
He held out a hand to her and she went along with the others who were banished from Hermione's bedside.
They all looked at each other, standing in the corridor.
"Why don't you all come downstairs?" asked Zelda.
"You haven't eaten lunch and you need to rest," objected Severus.
"I'll rest on the couch and Dobby will raid the kitchen for us," she said, smiling hopefully at him. "Please?"
He scowled and said, "I'm not your keeper. Of course, if you wish it."
She took his arm, smiling warmly at the three Weasleys. "Come and visit, please? Severus is secretly thrilled at the idea of a little party."
Ron snorted, trying valiantly not to laugh, and Ginny was smirking.
"Zelda, don't mock your poor husband," chided Molly, although she was struggling not to smile. "He's right to be concerned about you."
Zelda squeezed his arm affectionately and his eyes gleamed with ironic humor.
"He'll have paybacks," she said, smiling up at him.
Arriving home, Zelda called Dobby. Without stopping to chat, he rushed away, returning with a huge platter of food and laid it out on the large table in the drawing room.
"I wish Harry were here," she said. "Sev, would you tell him we're here, if he's free to join us?"
He snorted slightly, but he wanted to know where Potter had gone so quickly, so he pulled out his wand and sent his Patronus messenger to the bloody boy.
"Now, what happened?" he asked Ron. "Which of them were in Hogsmeade, and who may be suspected by their absence?"
"Seamus was there with Ernie at the three Broomsticks," said Ron. "Hermione and I saw the Patils and Susan Bones earlier on the street. I don't recall seeing anyone else."
A silvery flash heralded Harry Potter's Patronus. It went to Professor Snape who said, "He wishes to bring Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle along."
Ginny and Ron looked at each other doubtfully, but Ron slowly said, "I'd like to know where they were when Hermione was attacked."
Severus nodded without comment and sent his Patronus in return.
"Come help yourselves to some food," said Zelda. "We'll wait to see what the others have to say before we talk, but I'm starving."
She led the way to the table and filled up a plate with food, then headed back to the couch and set her food on a small table and sat down. Severus brought her a glass of pumpkin juice, something she'd developed a craving for recently.
"Thanks," she said softly, blowing a kiss to him. "Sev, how's Hermione?"
"Madam Pomfrey healed her skull fracture, but she has quite a severe concussion, so she must be kept quiet for some time."
Brisk knocking interrupted him, so he went to answer the door.
Potter, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle stood there.
Severus eyed them cynically, a faint smirk in his eyes.
"Please come in," he murmured silkily.
The four entered, but Draco glanced behind them apprehensively before the door closed.
"They're setting us up," he told Severus. "Crabbe and Goyle and me. They want us to take the blame for attacking Granger."
