Chapter 27

Severus Snape was an odd little boy with odd things happening to him. From the first year of Hogwarts, Severus has been the most unpopular boy in school. Everyone hated him, but there were four boys directing the bullying, the Marauders. Their unfavorable attitude toward the boy fueled the other student's disdain directed to him.

However, as things always turn out twisted and weird in his life, something happened to Severus Snape.

First, Severus Snape got pregnant with a child.

Male conception was the rarest occurrence even in the wizarding world, which is why Severus was forced to deal with the situation alone. There had been only a few records about actual male conception in history and he became the first person to conceive a child in centuries.

Then, he found himself attracting unwanted and unexpected attentions from others.

Sirius Black, and his brother Regulus Black was the start. And then, Remus Lupin was the next. Severus was, again, forced to spend time surrounded by boys who despise or were indifferent to him.

For a boy who was unpopular and despised, this was very peculiar.

But there one more. There was another person in Severus' life who, in a glimpse, the most unlikely person to be involved. Lily Evans, the girl everyone in Hogwarts wants.

Lily was pretty and smart, talented witch with bright prospect for the future. Her bright green eyes shining and her deep red hair contrast to the creamy white skin were absolutely gorgeous. The very opposite of Severus. To say that such girl was in fact madly in love with the boy would be outrageous.

But it was true.

Lily could not help herself even though she fought every step of the way. Now, she must complete her fate. Lily tried to look for Severus ever since waking up from the hospital wing. She imagined Severus would be near her, worrying about her. Yet, she could not find even a sliver of him. Lily suspected the boy was too scare to be near her after what happened in the fifth year.

Poor Sev.

Back then, Lily was terrified by him, thinking that he would abandon her for the dark side. As it turned out, though, he would never abandon her for anything.

However, days after days, Severus had not shown himself. There must be a class in which the two listens together, yet Severus had not shown up in classes either. Lily begun to feel worried, as it is so unlike Severus to skip classes.

She asked Professor Slughorn for Severus' whereabouts, but he told her he did not know. That old useless weasel. It is house-head's duty to acquire knowledge about student's wellbeing and Severus had already missed enough classes to worry him.

As time passes, Lily grew anxious to see him. What if Severus is avoiding her? Could it be that he's just sick for a moment? Sick worrying about her. Poor Sev. She must see him at once.

…...…...…...…...…...…...…...

A week has passed without seeing Severus. Sirius was going to die out of frustration and anxiety if he doesn't see him now. Or better yet, he might be murdering his own best friend because that best friend was the one preventing him from seeing Severus.

Sirius tried everything to see Severus.

He tried to sneak at nights, which was thwarted by James Potter locking the door with Anti-Alohomora without him knowing. Then, Sirius tried to sneak out after classes but that didn't work either as James or his loyal servant Peter Pettigrew cast a spell to alert them when he's three feet away from them. Sirius honestly thought everything he could think of, but being a best friend meant that James knew what he would come up with and can counteract to his plans.

It was, without a doubt, the most frustrating week Sirius Black had ever had to endure.

However, if there's a friend who thinks avoiding a danger is the way, there's also a friend who thinks dealing with dangers is better.

Remus Lupin was the one come to his aid and teach him how to deal with dangers on his own. If James Potter wanted to alienate Sirius from Severus because he thinks Severus was dangerous, Remus considered avoiding the boy was not the way to deal with things.

So, despite James' intense objection, Remus allowed Sirius to escape the stifling dorm so that he can run down to the dungeon and see Severus after a very long time.

He must admit he was quite nervous. When Sirius left the dorm, he felt like trotting down to the dungeon. Yet, he found his steps growing slower as he got near to the nursery. What if Severus was mad that he didn't show up soon?

Worries started to build up in his stomach, but Sirius Black was not a man to hide from his fears. With a trembling hand, he tabbed the entrance which glided open smoothly as he remembers.

A second felt like hour before he finally saw Severus on bed. Sirius took a hesitant step towards the bed, alarming the boy in sleep.

"Mm….?"

Severus slowly lifted himself, one hand cupping his belly. To Sirius eyes, it had gotten bigger. Sirius hurried over to the bed, sitting down next to Severus.

"Hey", Sirius whispered.

Severus blinked few times before he finally met Sirius' eyes. The dark orbits widened as they took in Sirius' form. Severus gasped, amazed. Sirius imagined the shock in those dark eyes couldn't outweigh his own, as he took in Severus' bony hands. Severus was a skinny boy, but this was beyond skinny. Those pale hands were literally bony. Sirius could see the thin bones poking out from the back of his hands. Sirius frowned. Severus had gotten thinner, unhealthier.

Severus' face was sallow and the bags under his eyes showed how much tired Severus was. His cheeks were hollowed, and Severus' lips were chapped, dry.

I'm going to murder James. Sirius muttered to himself.

He should have come down here, no matter what James says. He should have taken care of Severus.

"I'm sorry", Sirius mumbled, his head lowered like a kicked puppy.

Severus lifted his hand to touch Sirius' cheek, hesitantly. The Slytherin boy's thin fingers ghosted over his face, as if afraid of breaking it. When they felt him, Severus breathed out a breath he's been holding. Sirius looked up to meet his dark eyes, which were glistening with tears.

"Are you alright?" Severus asked.

Sirius frowned, "Am I alright? What about you? What happened to you? Why haven't you-". He started to rant out in frustration. Oh, he should have come down!

Severus didn't answer, instead, he lowered his head to Sirius' chest.

And Sirius felt his heart just stopped with a pound. He choked, unable to move or speak, when Severus slide his arms around Sirius' neck, holding him. Sirius could feel the baby bump in his thighs as Severus leaned his weight on his body. Panicked, would be the perfect word to describe Sirius' present state. Sirius didn't know what to do and was afraid to do anything. His heart was pounding as it ordered Sirius' to take the chance and embrace the exhausted boy in his arm. His hands twitched in desire to hold Severus, but Sirius was scared he might do something to the boy if he did. Something inappropriate to a pregnant person.

"Would you like to lie down?"

This time, Sirius couldn't hold back a choke. "Er-..., what?" Sirius croaked.

Severus nodded towards the bed and then looked at Sirius. "I couldn't sleep last night so I was trying to take some rest. And I think you could use some rest after-" Severus trailed off.

"Oh."

He's pregnant, you dolt! Sirius mentally chastised himself. Sirius felt like a pervert for thinking what just crossed his mind.

Sirius eyed on the cozy bed which was rumpled where Severus was lying down. He gulped. Sirius was unsure of his own patience or endurance in this matter. But when he found Severus' eyes again, he couldn't say no.

Sirius nodded.

A small smile tucked the corners of Severus' lips. The Slytherin boy fumbled around to lay himself down, gently cupping the belly. Sirius helped by lifting the sheet and laid down next to him, covering the duvet over them. He placed his head on his arm, facing Severus who was doing the same thing.

It felt comfortable like that as if they've been doing this for very long time. Like they've just found their places to be. Sirius reached for a strand of dark hair, covering Severus' face, and gently pushed it out of his face. Severus took his touch comfortably.

They stayed like that, without saying anything. Only the sound of their breathing filled the air and each other's faces were the only thing that filled their eyes.

The long silence was breaking when Severus spoke.

"I had the first contraction while you were away."

Sirius, not knowing what to say, said, "Oh?"

Severus chuckled, "It's getting closer."

"Right."

Severus chuckled even more when he caught the hint of fear in Sirius' answer.

"We'll going to need a name."

"Mm-hmm."

Severus could not help himself and starting to giggle. Sirius let out a bark-like laugh at his own cowardness and the two boys laughed for a while.

…...…...…...…...

James was seething when he saw Sirius leaving their dorm room. He couldn't believe Remus really let him go back to that stinking dungeon to see Severus fucking Snape. What is it, really, that makes everybody fallen over for that slimy git? What have he done to James' friends?

James waited for Sirius to come back after the night had fallen yet the dark-haired boy did not return. James gritted his teeth as he changed into his nightwear.

A sound of sighing came from his behind. James slowly turned to see Remus looking at him with the look that makes him feel like a five-year-old. He glared at the taller boy as if to dare, yet Remus said nothing.

"What?" Finally, when he couldn't help himself, James snapped.

Remus sighed again.

James frowned slightly, offended by his friend's condescending attitude.

"If there's something you want to unload, then do tell. Otherwise, stop staring at me creepily." James said.

"I think you're the one who needs to unload", Remus returned.

James scowled, "what's that supposed to mean?"

Sighing, Remus stepped closer. "You know that it isn't Severus' fault."

Since when did Remus call Snivelly Severus? James buttoned his nightshirt, purposely ignoring Remus' green eyes. Remus snorted, then he made it to James' bed and sat down, looking up to his hazel eyes.

Seeing those green, though not the same shade as Lily's, James couldn't take his eyes off.

"I'm sorry what happened between you and Evans, and I know you were terrified when Sirius got poisoned. But you know all these are not Severus' fault." Quietly, yet firmly, Remus spoke.

James clutched his fists tightly, abruptly taking his eyes off of Remus'.

Remus harrumphed, stretching his hand to take James' chin in between his fingers and turning it to meet his eyes. If Lily's were bright grassy green, Remus' eyes were like a forest, much deeper and richer in color. James felt odd as he stared into those eyes. When did those green eyes obtain such sincerity and maturity? Remus Lupin was always the matured one in their circle, but James hadn't realized how much grown he became during the seventh year.

"Aren't you at least angry with what happened? Sirius could have died…." James muttered.

"Yes, he could have. But he hadn't, and what's more important is that you would've done the same in his position. This isn't about Sirius caring Severus, isn't it? It is about you refusing to change." Remus returned.

James let out a frustrated laugh, astounded, "it's fucking Snivelly we are talking about! Why ever should I?"

"Stop calling him Snivelly, we are not first years. You should be respecting him, James Potter, he is not your inferior." Remus scolded; disdain palpable in his voice.

James flinched, biting back an angry retort. He saw the genuine revulsion in Remus' eyes that warned James.

Remus heaved a sigh, brushing his hair back. He seemed to be composing himself as he took a deep breath before he spoke again.

"Severus Snape is not a piece of meat for you to play with. I let you and Sirius do whatever you want to do with him for far too long. I refuse to help you treating the poor boy in foul manner. I know the price of negligence; I've felt it too deeply."

James bit his lip, remembering the day when Remus stormed into their room, screaming and shouting, livid with fear and pent up self-loathing. He didn't want that to Remus, either. He is not a bad person. Deep down, James knew this isn't really about Severus Snape. It's just that James couldn't face the truth, so he dumped everything to Snape, blaming the Slytherin.

The truth is, to his shame, James was frightened as much as ashamed. He was frightened by the fact that things could change and would change as time passes. James imagined himself marrying Lily Evans, having children together but that seemed so far away. He thought the marauders would last even longer before that would happen. The seventh year, in his mind, would be the extension of the past Hogwarts' life he shared with the marauders.

But things started to happen, and things got changed.

Sirius almost killed Severus Snape and that had him and Remus apart for a while, which was the darkest day James ever had to endure. When that was over, Sirius had himself tied with Snape and Remus was the same. He was left with Peter, who was neither of them.

And not only Sirius and Remus Snape has in between his fingers, Lily was one of them.

He knew. He knew Lily loved Snape. He knew that from the first time he saw the two together in the train. It was clear from her eyes how much she adores the scrawny boy.

James couldn't simply accept that. James couldn't admit, not even to himself, that he was jealous of Snivelly.

Of all people, Severus Snape, the ugly dark arts fanatic, was the one James Potter would kill to be in his place. That was mortifying. To think James was jealous of anyone would be absurd and of Snape? That's just…. unacceptable. So, James tried to ignore every jolt of hatred whenever he saw the git with Lily, convincing himself it was only aversion, not envy.

"Let it go, James. It's time for you to start changing." Remus said.

James, despite the protest in some part of his heart, nodded.

…...…...…...…...…...…...…...…...

Things gotten remarkably better than both thought before they had their little reunion. Sirius thought Lily the tramp would interfere them but all she does was looking at them time to time. Though he believed she would do something eventually, but for now, she was out of the picture.

As well as James Potter, all thanks to Remus Lupin.

Remus somehow convinced James the importance of letting Sirius to be with Severus. After that, he hardly objects, though Sirius could see how much James was retaining himself. He appreciated his mates' efforts.

Although the two never said anything, they knew things are quite different. Severus started to rely on Sirius even more, opening up to him. He actually came to Quidditch matches to support him, though he was not exactly sitting at the booth. Sirius didn't want to risk the baby for stuff like Quidditch. He loved Quidditch but he loved the baby even more.

In return, Sirius tried to accommodate Severus with his work in potion class. Trimming down Valerian twigs and sneezewort, dissecting flabberworm for potion making became his mid-night routine.

Recently, Severus and Sirius started to sleep together at the nursery. As the winter had passed and the spring came, the labor drew nearer. They decided it is safe to be prepared for every possibility beforehand. Well, that was what Sirius said to convince Severus.

It felt odd but great to be near Severus. The warmth radiating from the body next to him was remarkably wonderful. He never knew such feelings before, though it was not the first time Sirius woke up with someone next to him. But gods, Severus was singular. He can feel the baby moving under his palm placed protectively on Severus' belly, which was magical.

He felt he was exactly where he belong.

And one Friday night, it happened.

Severus woke up in the middle of a night with the jolt of pain in his abdomen. It was more forcible than usual, and somehow, Severus could feel it in his heart that this was it. What a coincidence it was, what an envious fate's trick it was, Sirius was not there. He was going to be late as he was forced to attend detention Professor McGonagall gave him.

Severus panicked, worrying.

He slowly climbed out of bed, pacing around the nursery, trying to calm himself.

He thought of calling Mimny, but Mimny was technically not his house-elf, so calling wouldn't work. Severus grew scarier. He didn't know what to do.

"Ah!"

Then, another contraction hit him. He doubled over the desk, clutching his belly.

Severus bit his lip, trying to straighten himself.

"Sirius…." Severus whimpered, "please…."

Come quickly.

Severus complied to his pain and sat down on the chair. He inhaled deeply, calming himself. Contraction hit him again in shorter term. It was getting closer. Severus gritted his teeth, trying to withhold the pain but it hurt so bad. Was it supposed to hurt this much? Severus worried.

When Severus tried to send some kind of signal, not caring if anyone sees it, the house-elf materialized with a pop.

Mimny squealed, "Master!"

"Mimny-", Severus whispered.

Mimny hurried to him, "Master! Master!" she seemed equally panicked as he was, repeating over and over again.

Severus frowned as another contraction hit, "Quiet, Mimny", he snapped. Mimny slapped her hands on her mouth. Severus met the electric blue eyes, and gritted out, "Listen, the baby's coming, Mimny. I need you to find Sirius and bring him here at once."

Mimny did not hesitate and Disapparated.

Severus sighed in relief, hoping Sirius would come in time.

…...…...…...…...…...…...…...

It was late and Sirius was exhausted. Damn that old heck. She was a nightmare, Sirius grumbled. Because of that hearty old woman, Sirius was forced to spend the night organizing student's detention records in Filch's office. Severus must be waiting for him.

He hurried his steps towards the dungeon where his Slytherin was waiting. Then, there was a figure walking across the corridor. Sirius recognized the familiar form as James Potter. The other Gryffindor boy grinned as he noticed Sirius.

"Padfoot!"

"Prongs."

James looked as if he'd been looking for him, which made Sirius weary of him. Although James hasn't bothered him yet about going to dungeon, but he still refused to acknowledge how much important it is for Sirius to see Severus.

The bespectacled boy saw the weariness in his face before it was concealed. He ignored it.

"Hey, you remember our Friday night, right? Moony's, unfortunately, unable to attend due to his fluffy furry problems…." James trailed off as he saw the awkward look on Sirius. The unspoken decline was too clear. James breathed in deeply, "I suppose you are also unable to attend?"

Sirius smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, mate."

"Um-hmm." James smiled too, with more force.

"I'll make it up to you, I promise-"

Sirius was stopped by the sudden pop, a small figure coming out of nowhere. Startled, the two boys stared at it for a moment. Sirius gasped as he noticed it was Mimny.

"Master Sirius! You must come!"

"Wha-"

Before James could ask what is going on, the house-elf abruptly took Sirius' hand and Apparated.

James stared at the empty spot where his friend just have been, with wide eyes.

…...…...…...…...…...…...…...

"Oh Merlin", Sirius cried.

He hurried to where Severus was bending over, taking the smaller boy in his arm. Trying to lift him up, Sirius studied his face. Severus looked in pain, his pale face covered in sweat, contorted. Sirius felt his heart racing. He took a deep breath and turned to look at the panicking house-elf.

"Severus, you alright? I'm here." Sirius whispered in his ears.

Severus looked up, "Hey."

Sirius smiled ruefully, brushing off a strand of hair on Severus' sweaty forehead. He heard a weep from behind. Turning his head, Sirius ordered.

"Mimny! Stop it!"

The weeping elf croaked but stopped crying. Sirius ordered again, "Good. Now, get pillows on the floors, like we've planned, remember?"

Mimny nodded, hiccupping, and did as she was told. With a snap of her fingers, a pile of pillows stacked on the floor where carpet laid.

"Come, let's get down there."

Sirius slide his arm under Severus' arm, helping him up, and then they staggered toward the pile. Severus groaned in pain as he knelt down. Sirius felt a jolt in his heart at hearing the pained grunt. He breathed to calm himself. He can't have himself panic.

Severus' grip on his arm suddenly tightened as the boy gasped in surprise.

"What it is?" Sirius asked.

Severus looked up, "water-... broke", he muttered.

Water? Oh fuck.

Sirius looked down between the boy's crotch which was wet. Sirius pulled out his wand from the holster and flicked it, disrobing the boy. A snow-white flesh was exposed in the lantern-lit room. A round belly on the middle, the boy seemed miraculous to Sirius. He shook his head; this was no time for ogling.

"Mimny, get boiled water and towels, lots of it. And prepared everything we've discussed", Sirius gave another order, which the house-elf followed promptly this time.

Supporting Severus by his elbows, Sirius had him positioned. The pregnancy book told him it was better for the expectant to kneel down rather than lie down. His knees apart shoulder wide, supported by piles of pillows and cushions, Severus hold on to Sirius, clutching his elbows tightly.

"Aaghh!"

Severus screamed in pain when the contraction hit him hard. It was the first one since the water broke, which meant this was finally it. Sirius tried not to panic.

"It's alright, Sev, it's starting." Sirius whispered again. A small smile, though crooked with worries, tucked the corner of his mouth.

Severus looked up to meet the Gryffindor boy. When he tried to speak, another contraction came. The Slytherin boy dug his head down, clenching around Sirius' arms. It hurt so much. Severus had endured a lot of pain in his life, but what he was feeling right now was pure agony. It felt like a gigantic lump trying to squeeze itself out from his body, tearing him in two. Severus ground his teeth in an attempt to shut himself, but pained grunts and groans escaped his lips uncontrollably.

"Severus, it's alright to scream", Sirius said, taking the smothered screams into his heart, "Mimny, cast a silence charm", he shouted.

Mimny replied, "This room is already silent, Master Sirius".

As if on cue, Severus let out a howl of agonizing screams, making Sirius flinch inwardly. This was the scariest thing he ever had to undergo; Sirius was sure. A million of thoughts and worries crossed his mind. Numerous possibilities that entail both the good and the bad were positively terrifying.

"Shh- you're doing great, Severus, you're doing great", Sirius assured him.

How many hours passed, they did not know? But Severus' screams did not subdue at all. Rather, they escalated as the time passes and the crowning finally started. Sirius noticed the top of the baby's head poking out from the entrance behind his penis. And he wonder he felt at seeing it was beyond any adjective could describe.

Severus all but wailed as the head getting out even further.

"It's almost there, Sev, it's almost there- Just one more", Sirius encouraged.

Now, Sirius slipped his hands down between Severus' legs, catching the baby's head on his palms. Grips on his shoulders tightened as another contraction pushed the baby out. And the head was finally out, and the rest of the body came quickly out from his body. Sirius caught the baby in his arms in a fluid motion, taking the wailing child in his arms.

It felt like the time had stopped as he stared down at his child. The squirming little thing flushed in red and wet with blood and water. It was a boy. His boy. This tiny little thing was his. Sirius felt his eyes burning abruptly, a drop of tear falling down his cheek.

Severus saw the baby in Sirius' arms, crying at the top of his lung and he felt his own tears running down. His face was a mess, wet with sweat and tears, dark strands of hairs sticking to his temple. But he was the happiest than ever he felt.

A piece of cloth flowed over to them, which Sirius took and covered the baby with it. The boy handed their baby to Severus who took him with wonder. Their eyes met; a sob mingled with laughter escaped their lips at the same time. Sirius leaned towards Severus and their lips met. Severus' lips tasted salty with sweat, but Sirius felt no such happiness with any others he had kissed.

Severus' heart was filled with bursting emotions. Happiness, this was happiness. He thought to himself as if like a child learning something unfamiliar. But he knew he could get used to this. Because what he was feeling made all the hurts and anger, he had within him fade away. He felt the empty hole in his heart being filled. He felt complete.

And when he looked up again to find Sirius' grey eyes, he knew that the Gryffindor boy was feeling the same.

That was when a howl of house-elf, filled with joy and enthusiasm, was heard. The two looked around to find Mimny crying and smiling all at once, her face screwed up in weird expression. They chuckled at the helpless elf.