Written as a response to the "First Time" Challenge at WIKTT. As ever, I do not own anything. Making no money, etc.

BABY

I can't bear it. It physically pains me to be standing here, holding her hot, sweaty hand watching her scream in so much pain. I'm desperate to give her a potion to ease the suffering she is clearly experiencing, but she refuses, insisting that she wants a natural birth. Oh Gods, please let this be over. She squeezes my hand until I'm sure the bones will break. "I swear, Severus I am never ever going to have sex with you ever again, I'm going to rip it off with my bare hands I'm going to… you did this to me you bastard!" I smile, trying to calm her down. "Breathe…"

"Piss. Off. It's not bloody funny…" she screams as more pains hit her. It's nearing the end now, the midwife is telling her a few more pushes and it'll be over. I close my eyes. Hermione screams, then the pressure on my hand is released. It's over. It's a girl.

                *              *              *

Our daughter. My daughter. She's tiny. How could something so fragile cause my wife so much pain? I'm sitting down on the chair next to Hermione's bed, when the tiny thing in her arms grabs hold of my finger. I lift her up and cradle her in my arms. I can't speak. For the first time in my life, I'm speechless. This beautiful, delicate thing in my arms is my child. Who would have thought that a quick shag against the dungeon wall would result in this? This… miracle. This beautiful, precious thing that is grasping onto my finger? Hermione looks up at me, a smile across her exhausted face. This is truly the happiest I have ever been. I was so afraid when I discovered she was pregnant. But seeing my child falling asleep in my arms fills me with a love so strong it makes me glad to be alive.

        I look at Hermione. She is glowing with joy. "Harry's going to be delighted." Ah, yes. Harry Potter. The idiot that I reluctantly agreed would be the godfather of my child. Severus, it would be so nice for him to feel part of a real family… please… But if it hadn't been Potter it wouldn't have been anyone. Who would I make godparent? Albus? I return my gaze to the bungle of blankets in front of me. Her huge brown eyes. She has Hermione's eyes. She's perfect. I turn to look at my wife.

"I hope you didn't mean what you said about never having sex with me again." She smiles.    

THE END