LP HP: Second Dose- A Story in Twenty-Eight Snippets

by Tavalya Ra

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by J. K. Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Rowling is a goddess; may she have mercy on my soul for writing this.

Author's Notes: Thank you to Mawkish for putting me up to the challenge of writing this and to everyone who read and commented upon the story in April- especially Skip, who never failed to make me laugh.

To manic- Sirius pregnant… I shudder at the thought. Actually, I don't think I've ever encountered a pregnant!Sirius fic. To Exwhyzed- and why shouldn't the Potions Master crave potion ingredients? He's probably ingested enough of his own brews to know what everything tastes like. To risi- I assume that whoever has taken over Potions class is also serving as Head of Slytherin. Thank you also to lillinfields and viky_mama for reviewing.

If anyone wishes to archive this story on his or her site, please contact me at clearbluedelphia@yahoo.com.

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Snippet #8: Chimera

Severus realized, to his discomfort and dismay, that he was teetering on the edge of requiring maternity robes. He had managed to stuff himself into his regular robe this morning, but the waist of the garment was painfully tight. His stomach, while nowhere near the full girth it would inevitably attain, was gaining prominence, and he felt strangely encumbered as he ascended the stairs to Dumbledore's office.

With deliberate care, Severus settled himself into a chair by the headmaster's desk. Dumbledore looked at him with twinkling eyes.

"How do you feel, Severus?"

The Potions Master answered dourly, "Fat."

Dumbledore just smiled at him. "You are prepared to move into the castle tomorrow?"

"Yes. Thank you. You did not have to give me the chamber in the South Tower-"

"The South Tower is isolated and has room for both you and Sirius. It is also very close to both Pomfrey and Remus. It was an ideal choice."

Severus nodded. "How are negotiations with the Ministry?"

"Minister Fudge is none too pleased that I refuse to disclose Sirius's location, as you can imagine," Dumbledore replied with deceptive cheer. "However, they have agreed to a trial in two months' time."

"Thank you."

"Severus," the headmaster asked suddenly, "when did you last have contact with your mother?"

"What?" Severus placed his hand over the swell of his stomach, uncertain if the fluttering inside was the baby or butterflies. Stiffly, he replied, "I haven't spoken to Chimera in almost twenty years nor do I intend to do so ever again."

"You don't think she should know of the imminent birth of her grandchild?" he questioned.

"It is not imminent," Severus snapped. "And no I don't. Considering our parting words, my child can hardly be considered any relation to her."

Dumbledore sighed. "I'm afraid you will not be pleased then."

Severus gripped the armrests of the chair. "What did you do? You did not-"

"I have been in contact with Chimera for sometime. She is very active in the Order of the Phoenix," the headmaster said. "She recently inquired about you. I owled her yesterday that you are expecting a child."

If Severus had faced any other man at that moment, he might have exploded in fury. Only one time had the headmaster's presence failed to diffuse his anger and this, certainly, was not that moment. He slumped in his seat and growled in exasperation, "Albus, I can't believe this! How could you-"

"This is the first time Chimera has ever asked after your well-being, Severus. She may wish to reconcile-"

"I want nothing to do with that woman!" Severus declared fiercely.

"But you must admit that you have inherited her obstinacy," Dumbledore remarked incisively.

Severus fumed and said nothing.