Chapter 50

The Turning of The Tide

"I'm having your baby Severus," she spelled out. There was more silence. Taya didn't know whether he would yell at her, storm out, cry or what.

"You... you're having my baby? You're pregnant. Are you sure?"

"Yes one hundred percent."

"Taya..." He hugged her and for the first time she had ever known him he laughed out loud, a real laugh, not a quiet subdued one, or a hollow choke he sometimes used in class, but a real tension relieving laugh, it was a sound she had never heard from him before, and it touched her. He leaned forward hugging her, kissing her deeply and laughing softly into her hair.

"My baby," he said. "Ours."

"Are you happy?"

"Yes." He touched her belly. "Very happy."

"I am too." She smiled at the feeling inside her, Severus' feelings too that were now flooding through the subtle link between them.

It felt as if a weight had been lifted from his heart and as if all those crushing negative emotions from before had never existed.

"I love you," he said squeezing her tight. "I love you." He was crying. "Love you more than anything in the world." They kissed.

"Oh Severus." She felt herself cry too. Taya pulled the pendant free from under her robes and slid a finger over the snake. It slithered back revealing the hidden message. 'You are my cherished love too," she said holding up the rose for him to see. It was glowing the deepest red. "I love you so much, Severus," she whined, her voice garbled slightly from the choking emotion.

The reason of her dreams also came to an understanding and the subtle communication that whispered in her mind like the calling of the breeze. It was her baby. The child in her dream was a symbol of fertility. The locket, a representation of a new beginning.

"Thank you. Thank you so much. I never imagined even in my most wildest of dreams that I will have a love and a child."

"You've got both, sweet love." He nodded and made a small sob of delight. Such powerful emotions. He had never before wept tears of joy.

Severus knelt down in front of her pulling her body as close as possible to him. He lay a hands against the swell of her abdomen, against their unborn child. His finger reached inside the waist band of her skirt seeking out her skin. Gently he kissed it.

"Um, scuse me...I...sorry to barge in like this but..." Said a small rather embarased voice. Severus quickly pulled away and turned around.

"Harry!"

"Um, God. I..." He expected Severus to fall into a deathening rage of tantrums. Instead- Severus wiped his face then realised he was grinning. "Um sorry this is a bad moment. I...I'll come back later."

Severus turned to Taya who was bashfully looking at candle with sudden interest.

"No...Stay. You are here now. Taya?" She looked away from the unlit candle and stepped beside Severus. "We have something to say."

"What?" Harry appeared a little startled and dumbfounded.

"You are the first to know."

"What?"

Taya took his hand. "Tell him Severus," she wispered. "Or...?"

He turned his head "I'll say now. This may come as a shock to you Mr Potter, but as amazing as it sounds. I myself can hardly believe but..." He swallowed. "We are having a baby."

"Oh my God," whispered the boy who lived. "I mean... Congratulations to both of you." Severus reclined his head.

"Thank you. Oh and I better straighten this out young Potter. When at the point you burst in on us we weren't um... we were not doing what you thought."

"I believe you, Severus," Harry retorted happily and winked. He turned toward the door.

"You disbelieve your potions master?" Severus shouted after him.

"Ex potions master!"

"Very well. Think what you may. No word of this to any one you hear me!" His face hardened back to normal. Severus rose a finger. "To no one. Not even the Headmaster."

"No, I promise."

"Good. What did you come here for?"

"Severus we could have a double wedding." Harry grinned.

"Not on your life we will." He sneered and turned his head when he heard the musical sound of Taya's laugh.

"What is so amusing young lady?"

"You. I think Harry came here for a reason, didn't you?"

"Oh yes." The younger man slapped his forehead with his hand. "You told me to check on those Luglimper potions in your office, Professor. I... I didn't think any one would be here."

"Nor I," he muttered. "Damn," he spat angrily. "It's too late now. He dangled his pocket watch out in front of him. Mr Potter we will have to start again tomorrow. Miss Matterson?" That gave an indication for Harry to leave.

"Gun night then. I'm glad to have seen you happy for once." Harry smiled slightly.

"Out." Severus pointed toward the door. Quickly he left the dungeons before any more amazing revelations were devolved. He had enough shocks for one night.

When Harry Potter was gone he stood in silent awe. Since the potion was off and he had nothing further to do that night he lifted Taya up into his arms and carried her to his rooms.

"I thought people only do that when they are married," she said hugging on to him as he carefully lowered her to her feet.

"That's true. However I have been thinking. Marry me Taya." Tears were falling like a steady stream down her cheeks. Severus' face dropped. "Whatever is wrong?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all. It's just-"

"What?"

" I never thought you'd want it."

"Marriage?" Taya nodded. "I'll marry you. Oh, I love you so much." Taya tightly clung to him, kissing him deeply. "This is the best thing that has ever happened. Actually come to think of it we are already married in a sense."

"How?"

"We're bonded. You should have seen Harry's face." Taya wispered with a chuckle against his ear. Her betrothed shuddered slightly.

"Yes. If he breaths a single word about this to anyone-"

"Yes, I know you will kill him." She moved her hand up and touched his face. Abruptly he captured it in his hand and stroked her ring finger.

"We must purchase a ring for you," he said.

"I don't need a ring on my finger to prove that you love me."

"Neither the less my fiancée must have a diamond ring on her finger." A determined expression was set on his face. "But until tomorrow when I shall buy you one we have tonight."

"What do you fancy on doing love?"

"What do you have in mind?"

"I don't know."

"Consummating our marriage?"

Taya laughed and suddenly found herself inside his sleeping chambers. "Blimey, we did that half a year ago. Look what you did to me." She patted her belly.

"Exquisite," he mumbled before his lips were pressed against hers. Taya enveloped him with her arms. "How many months gone are you?"

"Three and a half according to Poppy."

"Everything has come all at once hasn't it?"

"Yes," he said kissing her again.

"I love you, Severus, We love you. And..."

"Pray tell."

"I forgot to mention that I sometimes sense her thoughts."

"It's a girl?"

"Yea, that's the impression I get. I only felt a few times, but I know."

"We are going to have a daughter?" He laughed softly against her hair. "What other surprises do you have hidden up your sleeve?"

"Ah, that my dear potions master is for me to know and you to find out."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" He said stepping away. "You are teasing me."

"It's hot," she said randomly and I am tired." Taya smiled. "Are you?"


"I am rather warm. Why?"

"I didn't mean it quite like that… You turn me on Severus. "

"You think I am sexy?" He turned away. Taya captured his chin and brought his face up to meet hers.

"You are blushing again sweet Severus."

"I do not-"

"Make love to me Professor Snape. That special way."

He knelt down in front of her. Severus leaned toward her belly and kissed it. "I love both of you," he said and rested his cheek against her. Listening to a barely discernible sound of a thrumming heart beat.

Perhaps a baby could help put to rest the remaining demons floating around in his head. Someone else to cherish and give what he never had as a child.

Love.

The End.