Disclaimer: I just own the plot.
Review Responses:
Dark Comet - I have to say I think you know what's making her ill as well but she has her reasons for being upset. Gryffindors, behaving? Well I'm sure it won't last don't worry they can only behave for so long! You could just throw bananas at them anyway! Sorry for leaving such an evil cliffhanger. Thanks for the review!
Bonezz - Yep, I'm evil for leaving it there! Sorry but it was just too tempting to leave you all guessing! Computers are difficult to keep happy aren't they? I hope you fix your word processing problem soon. Thanks for the review!
Cricket13 - Well I'm flattered that you love my story but your review was a tad scary! Good guess but I'm not telling, you'll have to read on to find out! Thanks for the review!
Errisar - I write too well? Well I'm just glad you're all enjoying it! Glad you liked the translation about the ministers of magic, I just threw it in for fun! I agree, stressful politics can bring out the worst in some people. I'm sure deep down Sev loves those pesky hormonal fifteen year olds! LOL! I doubt that, actually deep down he really just wants to cut them up and put them in his latest potion! Also pleased you liked the Hufflepuff reporter I just figured that with Sev being so gorgeous someone had to have fallen for him at some point and I thought he'd be pretty disgusted if it were a Hufflepuff (much as I personally love the Hufflepuffs and mean them no offence!). Hmm, I think you did use leglimancy here as it has to be said one of your guesses in the review was right. Not saying which one but you'll see in this chapter. Hope you like the development. Looking forward to learning leglimancy, personally I intend to use it to find out where Alan Rickman is and devote my life to stalking him! LOL! Thanks for the review!
Aki-Ame1 – Sorry for being evil, I won't tell you what happens but read on and it's in this chapter. You were the person who jumped to the most tragic conclusion though. Thanks for the review!
Errisar – Responses to review #2. I wasn't offended by the first review I thought it was perfectly nice. So don't beat yourself up over it I'm not offended or anything. I always want to Avada Kedavra cliffhangers myself! Hope those relatives aren't too bad! I am quite sure you are a lovely individual, your reviews are very flattering and complimentary and a pleasure to read. I see you're sticking by your guns on the why she's ill issue. You'll see if you're right now. Thanks for the reviews and don't worry about offending me, I wasn't.
A/N: What can say other than I am eternally sorry and please don't hate me or stop reading. I promised you a quick update and it's been a fortnight! I have no excuse I got the chapter back from my beta reader almost a week ago! I am sorry but I've been a bit busy of late and even though all I had to do was write the review responses (funnily enough I did that days ago!) and post the thing I still didn't find the opportunity. So basically I'm sorry and I really hope this won't happen again! It was the worst point for it to happen at with the cliff-hanger I left it on so I do apologise. Now, enjoy!
I Found a Little Courage to Call it Off
**Narcissa's Thoughts**
/McGonagall's thoughts/
Chapter 19
Molly Weasley was pottering about in the garden late one morning, when Narcissa showed up suddenly.
"Hello dear! What brings you here?" Molly smiled.
"I need to talk."
Narcissa sounded serious and looked rather pale, so Molly wiped the earth from her hands and quickly ushered the woman inside. Conjuring up a cup of tea, Molly said, "Now dear, tell me what's the matter," using the same tone she used with the children when they were upset. She always felt that Narcissa needed a bit of mothering every now and again.
Narcissa took a deep breath and launched into what had brought her to The Burrow, seeking the loving support Molly always seemed to radiate. "I haven't been feeling well lately, so Severus convinced me to see a doctor and see if I was ok...so, I made an appointment for this morning."
"Is everything alright, dear?" Molly asked, concerned that it could be something serious.
"Oh yes, I'm fine. Oh God, Molly! I'm just a bit shocked." Narcissa shook her head as though something hadn't quite sunk in yet.
"What is it?" Molly pressed.
Narcissa hesitated a moment, and then quietly said, "I'm pregnant."
Molly was about to offer congratulations, then saw the tearstains on Narcissa's face. "Are you happy about it?"
"I don't know, yes and no," Narcissa started. "I don't know how Severus will take it. I did want more children, but that was rather a long time ago. I'm thirty-seven for Christ's sake! I'm a bit old to be having children! And look at the mess I made with Draco!"
The poor woman sounded quite overcome by the whole thing, and Molly rubbed her back soothingly. "Narcissa, calm yourself. You didn't make a mess with Draco and, as for your age, I had Ginny when I was thirty five. Narcissa, do you want a child?"
"Yes," the answer was quiet but certain, and there was a hint of a smile playing around the corners of her mouth.
Molly smiled back at her. "Then go to Hogwarts and tell Severus! I'm sure he'll be pleased!"
Narcissa nodded resolutely and appparated instantly to the school gates, leaving Molly to look through her old knitting patterns; there were jumpers to be made.
*******
Severus was not in a good mood, his potions class with the fifth year Slytherin and Gryffindors was not going well. He was beginning to wonder if any of his students were in possession of a brain, or even had the vaguest idea about what such a thing was. Abruptly pushing him out of his thoughts, there was a tap at the door. Snapping, he called, "Come in!"
The class looked up and fell silent as a tall, blonde woman stepped into the room.
Draco looked at her with concern clear on his face, but she simply smiled at him and turned her attention to her fiancée. "Severus, could you step outside for a moment? I need to talk to you."
The potions master followed her out, silent in shock, and shut the door behind them. "Are you alright?" he asked, finding his voice.
"Yes," Narcissa said reassuringly, "But I know why I've been feeling ill."
"Why?" Severus asked placing a concerned hand on her arm.
**Just take the plunge!** "I'm pregnant."
Severus simply stood there.
"Please say something," Narcissa prompted, after he had remained that way for several long moments.
"You...you're...," he kissed her suddenly, all but sweeping her up off her feet.
"So, you're pleased?" she gasped when he released her.
"Yes. Aren't you?"
She smiled, "Yes, I am. Still a bit shocked though."
"I'm taking you out for dinner tonight, just you and me. We can go wherever you want!"
She laughed at the man's uncharacteristic enthusiasm. "You don't have to do that!"
He kissed her again. "I want to."
It was at this point that fate decided to interrupt the romance of the moment and a small explosion was heard from within the classroom.
"Ugh! Stay in the school, go and sit in my office and put your feet up or something. I think Mr. Longbottom just blew up his first cauldron of the term. It's about time actually. He's lasted an unusually long time this year!"
She smiled and kissed his cheek. "I'll wait in your office."
The last thing she heard as she walked back through the dungeon corridors was Severus' voice shouting, "Longbottom!"
"Well, it looks like fatherhood isn't going to soften him up much!" she chuckled to herself. Not feeling like staying in the dungeons, she had decided to walk around the grounds when she ran across Dumbledore in the entrance hall.
"Ah, Mrs Malfoy, a pleasure as always!" he greeted her, his eyes twinkling.
"Headmaster, it's good to see you again." She responded politely, wondering at his enthusiasm in greeting her as the last time they'd met she had assaulted a teacher in his office.
"What brings you here, Narcissa?"
"I needed to see Severus; I had something important to tell him."
"Ah yes," Dumbledore smiled. "Do you know the sex of the child yet?"
"What?! How do you know...?" Narcissa sighed. "You really do know everything that is said within these walls don't you?"
"I should never presume to make such a claim, but I do try to keep on top of current events." The man's eyes were twinkling more than ever.
She smiled. "It's a girl, but Sev didn't even ask. He seemed too delighted at the idea of a child to care either way."
"Would you care to join me for a cup of tea in my office, and perhaps a celebratory sherbet lemon?"
"That sounds lovely. Thank you Professor."
Narcissa followed him up to his office, wondering why she suddenly felt like dealing with the man who usually irritated her so much.
Once they were seated he conjured her a cup of tea. "Thank you," she sipped the tea, then hesitated. "I suppose it would be pointless asking how you know I like Darjeeling?"
"Not at all. You had tea in here several times as Head Girl with Greg and I do remember your preference for Darjeeling tea."
Narcissa smiled. "The loony old codger really is just an act, isn't it?"
Dumbledore smiled benevolently. "That's a matter of opinion. Would you like a sherbet lemon?"
"No, thank you, and you're very good at changing the subject. I'm sure you felt that your offering me a sherbet lemon, yet again, would provoke another outburst and therefore we wouldn't have to discuss the fact that you're a many faceted person who many underestimate."
Dumbledore merely smiled at the woman who persisted, "I realise the last time I was here my behaviour was not at it's best, but I do not allow people to hurt those I care for, and your attitude irritated me. Do believe me when I say I always respected you. I just haven't liked you for a good while."
"That is your prerogative."
"I know," the woman continued, as if to say, 'I don't need your permission to dislike you!' "I just felt that you didn't always do everything you could for people, particularly the Slytherins."
The man sighed and Narcissa was reminded of how old he really was. "I have made many mistakes with people. I have failed to see the warning signs and sometimes when I _have_ seen them I have simply left people to cope on their own, hoping that they would realise certain things for themselves."
"Seems a pretty callous policy," Narcissa said coldly.
"People are entitled to their own viewpoint. If I had come to you and told you to leave Lucius, how would you have felt?"
"Touché!" Narcissa sipped her tea.
"I admit I have failed to help those who needed it sometimes, and I do regret that you felt your house has been at a disadvantage. I suppose I find the Slytherins an awkward bunch to understand."
"I know what you mean. We Slytherins don't always understand each other, but the children in that house have a habit of growing up faster than they should. Ambition is often fuelled by pain, or a determination to prove that there is something more to you than people realise."
"And what was your ambition fuelled by?"
"Self-importance," she answered without hesitation. "I felt that I could be someone; that I _deserved_ to be someone. I have since learnt that there are more important things, and that we do not always get what we deserve; and that sometimes we get exactly what we deserve."
The man's expression became as benevolent as she could remember seeing it. "You deserved better than Lucius," he said sadly.
"No," she smiled and shook her head. "I let him take me in. I was a bright, intelligent woman with intelligent friends who warned her. He showed me _exactly_ what he was. I just refused to believe I could have been mistaken in him and I think I got what I deserved. I have done things that were less than pleasant."
Dumbledore sighed. "I know."
She knew then that he did know. He must have, he had been defending Severus. The looks he had given her in her husband's trial all made perfect sense. Somehow, he had known who had written that letter before she had ever told Severus, because he knew _her_. She smiled, beginning to respect the man more than ever.
"You wouldn't have made a bad Slytherin yourself, you know."
"Really?" he asked, his tone lightening.
"Yes. I think you can be just as manipulative and cunning as any of us, and I doubt you lack ambition. What house _were_ you in?" she asked curiously, trying to take advantage of the moment in order to get an answer to a question that had puzzled her in her school days.
The headmaster merely smiled enigmatically and extended a paper bag her way once more. "Sherbet lemon?"
She smiled. "Alright."
They sat in silence for a while, sipping tea and watching each other. "Professor, you won't send Severus back to them will you? You do realise his cover is blown? They know he was a spy."
"I am well aware of that, and I would never ask Severus to go back, he has done enough."
"If you send him anywhere dangerous, or get him volunteering for ridiculous missions, I will not rest until your head resides as a hunting trophy on my dining room wall," Narcissa said with complete calmness and composure.
He smiled. "I think we understand each other."
"Good. I love him and I don't want him risking his life because he feels he owes you something."
"Severus owes me nothing. He has more repaid any debt he may have felt was there, and I have never considered him to be in my debt. If I had paid attention to him earlier he might have been spared a lot of pain and danger."
"He might," she conceded, "But you were right about one thing. You can't make these children's choices for them. They have free will and every right to exercise it. If they genuinely choose to fight for someone else, then they should be allowed to go. But, I think that's harder to understand when you're younger and just want someone to tell you what to do."
"Yes," he smiled at finally seeing an understanding in the woman that he had always believed her capable of, but had never before seen her demonstrate. "Which is what makes Severus such an excellent head of house. He knows how to guide without influencing people's decisions, he simply provides them with the information to choose for themselves."
"I heard about the sorting hat's song from Draco, and I must say it was right. The houses will stand no chance against the Dark Lord if they cannot stand united."
"True, but I think we are already seeing the beginnings of greater inter house cooperation. I mean whoever would have thought the sons of Lucius Malfoy and Arthur Weasley could be friends?"
"Not me, that's for sure." Narcissa smirked, "Though I don't think they're ever going to admit that they're friends."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with mirth. "Probably not, but it _is_ progress."
"Yes, it is." Narcissa finished the last of her tea and stood to leave. "The classes will be over for lunch soon, I told Severus I'd meet him in his office."
"You run along then, and do take care of yourself."
She smiled, "Thanks, I will." She hesitated, **Oh, how much harm could it do?** "You do the same."
Professor Dumbledore nodded at her, and she left the merry headmaster's office.
*******
Narcissa went down to Severus' office to find him near frantic. "Where have you been?! What's going on?! How can you be pregnant?!"
**I thought things went a bit too easily the first time round.** Narcissa kept her tone calm and quiet and pushed Severus down to sit in his chair. "I've been having a cup of tea with Dumbledore in his office. I'm pregnant and I'm fairly sure it happened the normal way."
Severus looked about to faint. "But..." he whispered before trailing off looking shocked.
"Sev," she crouched beside him. "You are alright aren't you...?"
She was cut off suddenly by him leaping to his feet. "You should be sitting down," he guided her into the chair. "You've got to take things easy!"
"You're sure you're happy about this?"
He looked at her in bewilderment, "Happy? I'm bloody ecstatic, Narcissa! This is wonderful!"
She smiled but then looked concerned at the expression on his face; he looked sad.
"Severus, what's the matter?"
"I'm going to be a father. I'm not sure I'll be a very good one; the kids here all hate me. I've made some awful mistakes in my life, and I don't deserve this. I'm not sure I deserve you. What did I ever do to make you love me?"
The question sounded so earnest that Narcissa stood up and placed her arms around his neck, holding him until she could speak without her voice cracking with the emotional strain of the day.
"Severus, I love you because you are a good man. You're kind, brave, witty, handsome and charming. I could go on forever, but I think I love you most of all _because_ you made some awful mistakes and had the courage to put them right. It's a rare person who can do that. Severus I love you and I think you'll make a great father. The kids here don't all hate you. The Slytherins don't and neither does that Hufflepuff you used to teach. You know, the one who wrote that article? Well, she seemed very fond of you," Narcissa smiled. "You're going to be a wonderful father to this little girl."
"It's a girl?" he asked quietly.
She nodded, eyes bright with tears. They remained holding each other for a long moment before Severus conjured her a handkerchief and ordered the house elves to bring them some lunch.
*******
Later that day, Minerva McGonagall was sat in the staff room having a nice cup of tea and a toasted muffin when Severus Snape swept in looking surprisingly pleased with himself.
"You look happy!" she said suspiciously. "Why? Have you expelled one of my Gryffindors, or merely put us out of the running for the house cup by sending us into negative points?"
Severus merely smirked evilly at her. /Oh God, he's done it. He's finally found a way to expel Potter!/
Minerva spent the next hour trying in desperation to provoke Severus into telling her what ills he had inflicted on her house. Meanwhile he tried to read the Daily Prophet. Eventually, he stood up and tossed the paper onto a nearby table. They were the only ones in the staff room and he smirked at her before finally putting her out of her misery.
"Narcissa's pregnant."
Severus took a moment to savour the look of utter shock on the transfigurations professor's face before sweeping out of the room, leaving Minerva staring at the door and swearing that she was going mad. Severus couldn't have just told her Narcissa was pregnant, could he?
*******
So what do you think?
Next chapter Draco finds out he's no longer to be an only child and Narcissa encourages him to break the rules! LOL! Well she's pregnant she's allowed to be hormonal and irresponsible!
I'll update again soon! (And I actually mean that this time!)
Please Review!!
Review Responses:
Dark Comet - I have to say I think you know what's making her ill as well but she has her reasons for being upset. Gryffindors, behaving? Well I'm sure it won't last don't worry they can only behave for so long! You could just throw bananas at them anyway! Sorry for leaving such an evil cliffhanger. Thanks for the review!
Bonezz - Yep, I'm evil for leaving it there! Sorry but it was just too tempting to leave you all guessing! Computers are difficult to keep happy aren't they? I hope you fix your word processing problem soon. Thanks for the review!
Cricket13 - Well I'm flattered that you love my story but your review was a tad scary! Good guess but I'm not telling, you'll have to read on to find out! Thanks for the review!
Errisar - I write too well? Well I'm just glad you're all enjoying it! Glad you liked the translation about the ministers of magic, I just threw it in for fun! I agree, stressful politics can bring out the worst in some people. I'm sure deep down Sev loves those pesky hormonal fifteen year olds! LOL! I doubt that, actually deep down he really just wants to cut them up and put them in his latest potion! Also pleased you liked the Hufflepuff reporter I just figured that with Sev being so gorgeous someone had to have fallen for him at some point and I thought he'd be pretty disgusted if it were a Hufflepuff (much as I personally love the Hufflepuffs and mean them no offence!). Hmm, I think you did use leglimancy here as it has to be said one of your guesses in the review was right. Not saying which one but you'll see in this chapter. Hope you like the development. Looking forward to learning leglimancy, personally I intend to use it to find out where Alan Rickman is and devote my life to stalking him! LOL! Thanks for the review!
Aki-Ame1 – Sorry for being evil, I won't tell you what happens but read on and it's in this chapter. You were the person who jumped to the most tragic conclusion though. Thanks for the review!
Errisar – Responses to review #2. I wasn't offended by the first review I thought it was perfectly nice. So don't beat yourself up over it I'm not offended or anything. I always want to Avada Kedavra cliffhangers myself! Hope those relatives aren't too bad! I am quite sure you are a lovely individual, your reviews are very flattering and complimentary and a pleasure to read. I see you're sticking by your guns on the why she's ill issue. You'll see if you're right now. Thanks for the reviews and don't worry about offending me, I wasn't.
A/N: What can say other than I am eternally sorry and please don't hate me or stop reading. I promised you a quick update and it's been a fortnight! I have no excuse I got the chapter back from my beta reader almost a week ago! I am sorry but I've been a bit busy of late and even though all I had to do was write the review responses (funnily enough I did that days ago!) and post the thing I still didn't find the opportunity. So basically I'm sorry and I really hope this won't happen again! It was the worst point for it to happen at with the cliff-hanger I left it on so I do apologise. Now, enjoy!
I Found a Little Courage to Call it Off
**Narcissa's Thoughts**
/McGonagall's thoughts/
Chapter 19
Molly Weasley was pottering about in the garden late one morning, when Narcissa showed up suddenly.
"Hello dear! What brings you here?" Molly smiled.
"I need to talk."
Narcissa sounded serious and looked rather pale, so Molly wiped the earth from her hands and quickly ushered the woman inside. Conjuring up a cup of tea, Molly said, "Now dear, tell me what's the matter," using the same tone she used with the children when they were upset. She always felt that Narcissa needed a bit of mothering every now and again.
Narcissa took a deep breath and launched into what had brought her to The Burrow, seeking the loving support Molly always seemed to radiate. "I haven't been feeling well lately, so Severus convinced me to see a doctor and see if I was ok...so, I made an appointment for this morning."
"Is everything alright, dear?" Molly asked, concerned that it could be something serious.
"Oh yes, I'm fine. Oh God, Molly! I'm just a bit shocked." Narcissa shook her head as though something hadn't quite sunk in yet.
"What is it?" Molly pressed.
Narcissa hesitated a moment, and then quietly said, "I'm pregnant."
Molly was about to offer congratulations, then saw the tearstains on Narcissa's face. "Are you happy about it?"
"I don't know, yes and no," Narcissa started. "I don't know how Severus will take it. I did want more children, but that was rather a long time ago. I'm thirty-seven for Christ's sake! I'm a bit old to be having children! And look at the mess I made with Draco!"
The poor woman sounded quite overcome by the whole thing, and Molly rubbed her back soothingly. "Narcissa, calm yourself. You didn't make a mess with Draco and, as for your age, I had Ginny when I was thirty five. Narcissa, do you want a child?"
"Yes," the answer was quiet but certain, and there was a hint of a smile playing around the corners of her mouth.
Molly smiled back at her. "Then go to Hogwarts and tell Severus! I'm sure he'll be pleased!"
Narcissa nodded resolutely and appparated instantly to the school gates, leaving Molly to look through her old knitting patterns; there were jumpers to be made.
*******
Severus was not in a good mood, his potions class with the fifth year Slytherin and Gryffindors was not going well. He was beginning to wonder if any of his students were in possession of a brain, or even had the vaguest idea about what such a thing was. Abruptly pushing him out of his thoughts, there was a tap at the door. Snapping, he called, "Come in!"
The class looked up and fell silent as a tall, blonde woman stepped into the room.
Draco looked at her with concern clear on his face, but she simply smiled at him and turned her attention to her fiancée. "Severus, could you step outside for a moment? I need to talk to you."
The potions master followed her out, silent in shock, and shut the door behind them. "Are you alright?" he asked, finding his voice.
"Yes," Narcissa said reassuringly, "But I know why I've been feeling ill."
"Why?" Severus asked placing a concerned hand on her arm.
**Just take the plunge!** "I'm pregnant."
Severus simply stood there.
"Please say something," Narcissa prompted, after he had remained that way for several long moments.
"You...you're...," he kissed her suddenly, all but sweeping her up off her feet.
"So, you're pleased?" she gasped when he released her.
"Yes. Aren't you?"
She smiled, "Yes, I am. Still a bit shocked though."
"I'm taking you out for dinner tonight, just you and me. We can go wherever you want!"
She laughed at the man's uncharacteristic enthusiasm. "You don't have to do that!"
He kissed her again. "I want to."
It was at this point that fate decided to interrupt the romance of the moment and a small explosion was heard from within the classroom.
"Ugh! Stay in the school, go and sit in my office and put your feet up or something. I think Mr. Longbottom just blew up his first cauldron of the term. It's about time actually. He's lasted an unusually long time this year!"
She smiled and kissed his cheek. "I'll wait in your office."
The last thing she heard as she walked back through the dungeon corridors was Severus' voice shouting, "Longbottom!"
"Well, it looks like fatherhood isn't going to soften him up much!" she chuckled to herself. Not feeling like staying in the dungeons, she had decided to walk around the grounds when she ran across Dumbledore in the entrance hall.
"Ah, Mrs Malfoy, a pleasure as always!" he greeted her, his eyes twinkling.
"Headmaster, it's good to see you again." She responded politely, wondering at his enthusiasm in greeting her as the last time they'd met she had assaulted a teacher in his office.
"What brings you here, Narcissa?"
"I needed to see Severus; I had something important to tell him."
"Ah yes," Dumbledore smiled. "Do you know the sex of the child yet?"
"What?! How do you know...?" Narcissa sighed. "You really do know everything that is said within these walls don't you?"
"I should never presume to make such a claim, but I do try to keep on top of current events." The man's eyes were twinkling more than ever.
She smiled. "It's a girl, but Sev didn't even ask. He seemed too delighted at the idea of a child to care either way."
"Would you care to join me for a cup of tea in my office, and perhaps a celebratory sherbet lemon?"
"That sounds lovely. Thank you Professor."
Narcissa followed him up to his office, wondering why she suddenly felt like dealing with the man who usually irritated her so much.
Once they were seated he conjured her a cup of tea. "Thank you," she sipped the tea, then hesitated. "I suppose it would be pointless asking how you know I like Darjeeling?"
"Not at all. You had tea in here several times as Head Girl with Greg and I do remember your preference for Darjeeling tea."
Narcissa smiled. "The loony old codger really is just an act, isn't it?"
Dumbledore smiled benevolently. "That's a matter of opinion. Would you like a sherbet lemon?"
"No, thank you, and you're very good at changing the subject. I'm sure you felt that your offering me a sherbet lemon, yet again, would provoke another outburst and therefore we wouldn't have to discuss the fact that you're a many faceted person who many underestimate."
Dumbledore merely smiled at the woman who persisted, "I realise the last time I was here my behaviour was not at it's best, but I do not allow people to hurt those I care for, and your attitude irritated me. Do believe me when I say I always respected you. I just haven't liked you for a good while."
"That is your prerogative."
"I know," the woman continued, as if to say, 'I don't need your permission to dislike you!' "I just felt that you didn't always do everything you could for people, particularly the Slytherins."
The man sighed and Narcissa was reminded of how old he really was. "I have made many mistakes with people. I have failed to see the warning signs and sometimes when I _have_ seen them I have simply left people to cope on their own, hoping that they would realise certain things for themselves."
"Seems a pretty callous policy," Narcissa said coldly.
"People are entitled to their own viewpoint. If I had come to you and told you to leave Lucius, how would you have felt?"
"Touché!" Narcissa sipped her tea.
"I admit I have failed to help those who needed it sometimes, and I do regret that you felt your house has been at a disadvantage. I suppose I find the Slytherins an awkward bunch to understand."
"I know what you mean. We Slytherins don't always understand each other, but the children in that house have a habit of growing up faster than they should. Ambition is often fuelled by pain, or a determination to prove that there is something more to you than people realise."
"And what was your ambition fuelled by?"
"Self-importance," she answered without hesitation. "I felt that I could be someone; that I _deserved_ to be someone. I have since learnt that there are more important things, and that we do not always get what we deserve; and that sometimes we get exactly what we deserve."
The man's expression became as benevolent as she could remember seeing it. "You deserved better than Lucius," he said sadly.
"No," she smiled and shook her head. "I let him take me in. I was a bright, intelligent woman with intelligent friends who warned her. He showed me _exactly_ what he was. I just refused to believe I could have been mistaken in him and I think I got what I deserved. I have done things that were less than pleasant."
Dumbledore sighed. "I know."
She knew then that he did know. He must have, he had been defending Severus. The looks he had given her in her husband's trial all made perfect sense. Somehow, he had known who had written that letter before she had ever told Severus, because he knew _her_. She smiled, beginning to respect the man more than ever.
"You wouldn't have made a bad Slytherin yourself, you know."
"Really?" he asked, his tone lightening.
"Yes. I think you can be just as manipulative and cunning as any of us, and I doubt you lack ambition. What house _were_ you in?" she asked curiously, trying to take advantage of the moment in order to get an answer to a question that had puzzled her in her school days.
The headmaster merely smiled enigmatically and extended a paper bag her way once more. "Sherbet lemon?"
She smiled. "Alright."
They sat in silence for a while, sipping tea and watching each other. "Professor, you won't send Severus back to them will you? You do realise his cover is blown? They know he was a spy."
"I am well aware of that, and I would never ask Severus to go back, he has done enough."
"If you send him anywhere dangerous, or get him volunteering for ridiculous missions, I will not rest until your head resides as a hunting trophy on my dining room wall," Narcissa said with complete calmness and composure.
He smiled. "I think we understand each other."
"Good. I love him and I don't want him risking his life because he feels he owes you something."
"Severus owes me nothing. He has more repaid any debt he may have felt was there, and I have never considered him to be in my debt. If I had paid attention to him earlier he might have been spared a lot of pain and danger."
"He might," she conceded, "But you were right about one thing. You can't make these children's choices for them. They have free will and every right to exercise it. If they genuinely choose to fight for someone else, then they should be allowed to go. But, I think that's harder to understand when you're younger and just want someone to tell you what to do."
"Yes," he smiled at finally seeing an understanding in the woman that he had always believed her capable of, but had never before seen her demonstrate. "Which is what makes Severus such an excellent head of house. He knows how to guide without influencing people's decisions, he simply provides them with the information to choose for themselves."
"I heard about the sorting hat's song from Draco, and I must say it was right. The houses will stand no chance against the Dark Lord if they cannot stand united."
"True, but I think we are already seeing the beginnings of greater inter house cooperation. I mean whoever would have thought the sons of Lucius Malfoy and Arthur Weasley could be friends?"
"Not me, that's for sure." Narcissa smirked, "Though I don't think they're ever going to admit that they're friends."
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with mirth. "Probably not, but it _is_ progress."
"Yes, it is." Narcissa finished the last of her tea and stood to leave. "The classes will be over for lunch soon, I told Severus I'd meet him in his office."
"You run along then, and do take care of yourself."
She smiled, "Thanks, I will." She hesitated, **Oh, how much harm could it do?** "You do the same."
Professor Dumbledore nodded at her, and she left the merry headmaster's office.
*******
Narcissa went down to Severus' office to find him near frantic. "Where have you been?! What's going on?! How can you be pregnant?!"
**I thought things went a bit too easily the first time round.** Narcissa kept her tone calm and quiet and pushed Severus down to sit in his chair. "I've been having a cup of tea with Dumbledore in his office. I'm pregnant and I'm fairly sure it happened the normal way."
Severus looked about to faint. "But..." he whispered before trailing off looking shocked.
"Sev," she crouched beside him. "You are alright aren't you...?"
She was cut off suddenly by him leaping to his feet. "You should be sitting down," he guided her into the chair. "You've got to take things easy!"
"You're sure you're happy about this?"
He looked at her in bewilderment, "Happy? I'm bloody ecstatic, Narcissa! This is wonderful!"
She smiled but then looked concerned at the expression on his face; he looked sad.
"Severus, what's the matter?"
"I'm going to be a father. I'm not sure I'll be a very good one; the kids here all hate me. I've made some awful mistakes in my life, and I don't deserve this. I'm not sure I deserve you. What did I ever do to make you love me?"
The question sounded so earnest that Narcissa stood up and placed her arms around his neck, holding him until she could speak without her voice cracking with the emotional strain of the day.
"Severus, I love you because you are a good man. You're kind, brave, witty, handsome and charming. I could go on forever, but I think I love you most of all _because_ you made some awful mistakes and had the courage to put them right. It's a rare person who can do that. Severus I love you and I think you'll make a great father. The kids here don't all hate you. The Slytherins don't and neither does that Hufflepuff you used to teach. You know, the one who wrote that article? Well, she seemed very fond of you," Narcissa smiled. "You're going to be a wonderful father to this little girl."
"It's a girl?" he asked quietly.
She nodded, eyes bright with tears. They remained holding each other for a long moment before Severus conjured her a handkerchief and ordered the house elves to bring them some lunch.
*******
Later that day, Minerva McGonagall was sat in the staff room having a nice cup of tea and a toasted muffin when Severus Snape swept in looking surprisingly pleased with himself.
"You look happy!" she said suspiciously. "Why? Have you expelled one of my Gryffindors, or merely put us out of the running for the house cup by sending us into negative points?"
Severus merely smirked evilly at her. /Oh God, he's done it. He's finally found a way to expel Potter!/
Minerva spent the next hour trying in desperation to provoke Severus into telling her what ills he had inflicted on her house. Meanwhile he tried to read the Daily Prophet. Eventually, he stood up and tossed the paper onto a nearby table. They were the only ones in the staff room and he smirked at her before finally putting her out of her misery.
"Narcissa's pregnant."
Severus took a moment to savour the look of utter shock on the transfigurations professor's face before sweeping out of the room, leaving Minerva staring at the door and swearing that she was going mad. Severus couldn't have just told her Narcissa was pregnant, could he?
*******
So what do you think?
Next chapter Draco finds out he's no longer to be an only child and Narcissa encourages him to break the rules! LOL! Well she's pregnant she's allowed to be hormonal and irresponsible!
I'll update again soon! (And I actually mean that this time!)
Please Review!!
