Truth Told

Truth Told

After they had had time to talk about it, Severus and Deidra had resolved that it would be best if they simply allowed news of their new marital status to leak out on its own. But at the same time, they did help the spread along a bit. For both knew that it would not be long before Deidra's condition began to become visible. So each was careful to allow various people to happen to over hear them talking about it.

Soon enough, most everyone in the castle was aware of it, so when Deidra's belly began to swell, no one thought much of it beyond the normal goings on of a married couple. But what many people noticed, but few understood, was that, as the weeks wore on after it became evident that she was expecting, Deidra became more and more short and anxious. While Dumbledore seemed to shut himself up in his library alone more often than ever.

Many students noted that it didn't seem to matter what time of day or night it was, there was always a steady glow coming from the headmaster's library window. He too seemed to be growing more and more tense. Minerva and the other teachers assumed it was just regular parental worries of ones child having a child.

But Deidra and Albus knew the truth, they knew that time was running out to save Deidra and the baby. Indeed, it seemed that from the moment Deidra had been pronounced pregnant, she'd contracted every known illness and affliction known to man. Colds, viruses, aches, fevers, you name it. She concealed it very well. Only her father, Madam Pomfrey, and Severus were really aware of it, and for the latter two, she convinced them that it was just regular pregnancy symptoms, nothing more. But as the time drew nearer and nearer, Deidra found herself spending a good deal more time along side her father in his library, searching through every book they could lay hands to, to find something that might help them.

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By the time Deidra was in her sixth month, fully swollen, dealing with a massive head ache and swollen ankles, she was ready to kill. Her father was not much better, he was searching frantically for something to help his daughter, but in four months he accomplished next to nothing.

So, when an owl arrived one morning from the ministry announcing that the minister of magic would be arriving shortly to seek the headmaster's help. Father and daughter alike could have exploded. Upon reading it, Deidra had collapsed into a chair weeping. "How am I to deal with him. That self-worshipping ninny, what will he say when he sees me! I'm in no condition to put up a show father! If he steps out of line as he's so inclined to do, I doubt I'll be able to contain myself."

"I know," Albus said, fumbling for something he could say to dissolve the fits of weeping his child had fallen into. As she got deeper and deeper into her pregnancy she seemed to progress further and further into a state of decay, as if hope were already lost. He was beginning more and more, to see in his daughter the same state of being that had occupied his wife all throughout her pregnancy. He had not understood then, but he understood now. This was the curse in affect, Deidra was in fact, slowly being destroyed inside and out, he would need to find a cure soon if they were to have any hope.

"We shall just have to try to bear him and get him out as soon as possible so we can continue our search." He said, affectionately patting her shoulder. Then another thought struck him, actually, he'd been mulling it over for many weeks now and he thought it might not be a bad time to address it. With that in mind, he asked in a rather guarded voice, "does Severus know anything yet."

Deidra shook her head dumbly, her loose hair streaming out in all directions. "I can't tell him, he's too overwhelmed with his impending fatherhood to deal with something like this, it would be too much for him, and I need him now, someone has to be strong when the time comes."

At this, Albus firmly laid his hands on Deidra's shoulders and forced her to face him. With all the force and fire he'd every had he told her, "Do not talk like that! I will not have it. This is not just your fight, this is mine too, it's my fault you're in this mess, and it's my grandchild you're carrying. And on that same note, this is Severus's fight too; this is his child just as much as yours and I think he has a right to know. What's more, he could be useful in our search. He is the greatest potions master I have ever known, he may have something to contribute, and I think he'd want to. You cannot bear all this alone, it's not right and it's not fair. Let others help you, don't try to protect Severus, he's a big boy, he can take care of himself, what's more, you are doing him a disservice by keeping him in the dark, this is his problem just as much as yours. So don't dwell on this, it's not worth your energy, energy that could be better spent doing other things. We shall find a solution, but until then, you must try to go on and not weaken yourself further with these hysterics. Come now, you are my daughter, possibly the most powerful wizard in this world, you have saved this entire school, you defeated the dark lord by yourself, this is nothing compared to those things, we can over come it."

Deidra wiped her face on the back of her hands, sniffling slightly; she nodded her agreement. Her father's words made sense, these tears and these scenes did nothing but tire her further; they certainly didn't help her cause. "As always father, you are right, I shall try to be stronger and more hopeful."

"That's my daughter," he said gently pushing her hair out of her face. "And as for Fudge, I shall do my best to get rid of him as soon as possible, and I shall also try to make sure he stays away from you."

Wiping her eyes one last time, Deidra stood up and headed out, calling over her shoulder, "I think I'm pretty much done for tonight. I'll see you tomorrow morning, good night."

"Good night my dear," Albus called after her as she shut the door. Shaking his head sadly, he returned to his desk to pass yet another sleepless night, in search of some cure for his child.

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Deidra trudged down the last set of stair to the dungeon with the aid of the side railing. She would probably have fallen in a heap right there had not Severus been, at that very moment coming out of their room. She collapsed into his waiting arms and allowed him to guild her into their room and onto the bed.

Gently, Severus began to undo her robe, his face full of worry. "You should have waited for me to come and get you. You shouldn't make this trudge up and down all day by yourself."

As Deidra shifted on the bed she winced, bringing Severus down on her in a fit of concern. Since first they had known, Severus had been very protective of her. Having no experience in what happened during pregnancy, his strategy was to be over helpful, which, at times, could be very annoying. He responded to every whimper, whim, and whine that Deidra uttered in a manner that would surprise everyone else who knew Severus Snape.

As far as he was concerned, Deidra should be kept in bed and waited on hand and foot at all times. Now that she only had about three months to go, it was almost unthinkable that she do anything for herself. He even tried to cut her meat and feed her at dinner, since he had not been able to persuade her to stay in bed and let him bring dinner down to her. He was utterly devoted and at this moment it was no different.

Lifting her head so he could place a pillow beneath it, he lovingly stroked her cheek, "what is it my darling, is the babe kicking again, does your back ache, can I get you anything?" He was almost begging at the last part.

It was at this moment, when Deidra looked right into Severus's eyes and saw the utter devotion, love, and concern, that she decided her father was right, she needed to tell Severus the truth. Awkwardly she attempted to sit up, immediately Severus came to her aid, but she pushed his hand away. "Stop all this fussing and sit down, it's high time I told you something and it's not easy for me, your fusing around doesn't help, so just sit down and listen to me for a moment, and for gods sake, don't interrupt me." Sensing the seriousness in her voice, Severus complied without further hindrance.

With a little more effort, Deidra succeeded in sitting up, propping herself against the headboard, she took a deep breath and prepared herself for the hardest thing she'd ever had to do in her life. Slowly, she began, "Severus, you know I've been sick a great deal since I became pregnant, and you've been wonderful about it." Looking over she saw him nod seriously, he knew not to interrupt her when she spoke so seriously.

"But I have kept something from you regarding these illnesses. At the time I thought I was protecting you, but now I realize I have only done you a great disservice, a disservice I wish to correct."

At this point Severus did interrupt her, "there is nothing to tell dearest, Madam Pomfrey has told me that all women suffer a variety of sickness when they are carrying a child, I only wished to helpful to you, since I cannot physically share your burden." That made Deidra smile. No one except her knew this side of Severus. No one saw the sweet, confused fool who only wished to do the right thing. A kind man who could fill your whole heart with his naïve romantic notions. Right then she felt very grateful that she had stumbled on this unknown side of Severus, for it had changed her life.

"But," she continued, "there is something particular about these illnesses that I had not told. I did not think you would deal well with this information, and you've had such a tough time adjusting to the fact that you're going to be a father, that I thought this might be a bit much for you to handle." Deidra looked down at her hands, feeling very ashamed of herself.

Closing her eyes, she tried to stop the tears that were once again threatening. Suddenly, she felt a warmth over her hand. She opened her eyes to see Severus's hands closed tightly around hers. Using a voice so gently that most of his students would have thought him another person, Severus said, "whatever it is, you can tell me. It's the two of us now, you and me, we're a team, and I'll be there for you, don't worry about me, I can take care of myself."

Looking up, she smiled at him, "yes, you are a grown man and you can take care of yourself, I should have realized that earlier, I was wrong to keep this from you. But I'll tell you now; these illnesses are caused by a curse. Ever since our child began growing, I have slowly been being destroyed by this curse." Severus dropped her hands, a look of utter shock on his face.

"How, how could this be happening?" He'd launched himself off the bed and was now feverishly pacing the room.

Deidra followed him with her eyes, feeling helpless. "It was not something I was aware of at the time dearest," she pleaded. "But it seems that, long ago, in an attempt to hurt my father, Voldemort put this curse on my mother, and now it has passed on to me."

Severus had stopped now and stood facing her, "but I don't understand, what curse, what are you talking about?"

"My parents were trying very hard to have a child, but they didn't seem to be succeeding. Then Voldemort put the curse on her. They didn't know it at the time, but what it did was, the next time they tried, the curse fertilized their child. But as the child grows, it passes some sort of evil or poison to the mother, so, as the baby grows, the mother is slowly destroyed, mentally and physically. By the time the baby is ready to be born, you are forced to either kill the baby, or deliver it and have the mother die. My mother knew what was going on, she didn't tell anyone else, and simply decided to have me, she died moments after I was delivered. And now I face the same fate." Finally as though she had just lifted a great weight off her shoulders, Deidra slumped in on herself and waited silently for Severus's response.

He too seemed only able to stare into the air. When at last he spoke, it was simply, "how long have you known?"

"Father knew right away, that's why he raged out of the infirmary the day we found out. When I went after him he told me the truth." Suddenly leaning forward on her knees, she held her hands out to him, pleading. "I did not want to further burden you, this was not your fault, you should not have to suffer as well."

He looked at her then, and there was a flash of anger and pain in his eyes. Suddenly, he lunged forward and grasped her upper arms, violently shaking her, he roared, "how could you keep this from me, you're dying, our child is killing you! And all this while you've been calmly sitting back, fooling me and everyone else into believing nothing was wrong! When were you planning to tell me, with your last breath! You know how much your father suffered after his wife died. He was devastated, what made you think I would be any different. The only difference would be I would have probably followed you, how could you do this to me!" He collapsed on her, holding her tightly to him, tears flowing freely from his eyes.

They cried together for a few moments, each clutching the other in their mutual despair. Finally, Deidra lifted her head, smoothing Severus's hair out of his face, she took his head in her hands, her eyes searching his, imploring for forgiveness. "I did not want to see you as you are now. I wanted to know that you would be strong for me, that I could relay on you, I was being selfish."

Sitting back down next to her took her hands in his again, "I can still be strong for you, but knowing, I can help you too, we'll win this together, there must be a way."

Nodding, Deidra wiped her eyes, "father and I have been searching since we found out. It was his suggestion that I finally tell you, he also thought that you might be able to help."

"I'll start first thing tomorrow, there must be a way, there must." Slowly, he pulled them both down on the bed. Laying her head against his chest, Deidra settled down for the night, feeling more secure than she had in many months.

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It was only two days after his letter arrived that Fudge himself arrived. In fact, he arrived during dinner that evening. Not bothering to wait to be properly greeted, he walked right into the great hall, causing a great deal of commotion. Upon seeing him, Albus, Deidra, Severus, Minerva and several of the other teachers came out from behind the head table to meet him.

Albus and Deidra were the first to reach him, stopping him right in the middle of the hall. Right away, Fudge took stock of his welcoming committee. He took in Albus's tired, haggard looks, Severus's disdain, and then his eyes fell on Deidra and her swelling figure.

Not really thinking before he spoke, he leaned in towards Albus and whispered so only those closest could hear, "now Albus, I know how you feel about being generous to those who are 'close' to you. But is this really appropriate, I mean all the children you are setting an example for."

Unfortunately, both Deidra and Severus had overheard this. Severus's lower lip began to tremble with rage and his fists clenched in anger. Deidra's face grew very red and she advanced several paces on the minister, who happened to be three inches shorter than her.

Albus too was angered by this statement, but he kept his anger under control, saying loud enough for everyone to hear, "Fudge, I do not believe you have met my daughter, Deidra Dumbledore," he inclined his head and hand in his daughters direction. "Lately Deidra Snape."

Fudge swallowed hard. He looked from Deidra's face, filled with anger, to Severus's, a menacing scowl fixed on his face, to Albus, a look of pure disgust on his. But after a moment all three looked as if nothing had happened.

Albus resumed his courteous host air, offering to show Fudge up to his room, while Deidra excused herself, saying she was over tired, and Severus followed her out.

All the way up to his room, Fudge kept glancing at Dumbledore, wishing he would show some sign of how he felt. He and the headmaster had almost always been on decent terms, but he knew full well the extent of Albus Dumbledore's rage, and just how powerful he could be in rage. But after that one moment where disgust had been clearly written on his face, he showed no other emotion. And when he bid Fudge goodnight, he acted as though nothing had happened.

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But what Fudge didn't see was the look on Dumbledore's face after the door had closed and he'd turned around. The disgust was back, now mingled with the hatred his daughter had felt, and the disdain his son-in-law had felt. He had always known Fudge was a fool, only looking to his own advancement, but that he could be so gutter minded and inconsiderate, Albus had not known. All the way back to his study, he was silently cursing the minister and nursing his rage.

Slamming the door, he was surprised to find both Deidra and Severus waiting for him. Deidra was seated in an armchair, her face buried in her hands. Severus sat on the arm of her chair, holding her, and stroking her hair and whispering soothingly.

Albus sat down in the armchair next to that one and patted Deidra gently on her shoulder. "I am sorry dearest, I should not have let that happen."

"It is not your fault," she sobbed, "the man has no decency, to say such things in front of everyone, how could he have thought such things of you."

Albus shrugged, "he is a worldly man, he thinks that all men think and act as he does. But let us not linger on his foolishness, we have work to do, come my dear."

Standing up, he walked over to one of his bookshelves. Running his fingers along the many volumes, he finally stopped. Pulling six or seven down, he put them on his desk, taking three back to the armchair with him. Handing one to Severus and placing one on Deidra's lap, he reseated himself. "Now then," he said more lightly, "let's get to work, this cure won't fall into our lap." And with that he opened the book and began reading.

Shortly after, Deidra and Severus followed suit. And so they went long into the night searching and searching.