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It was early the next day, the sun had barely risen and Minerva was sitting in her living room, with baby Athena happily sucking at her breast. Minerva couldn't believe that this little angel was hers. She smiled happily watching her daughter feed. So far, Athena had been anything but trouble, waking up only once for feeding. Humming softly to her baby, Minerva leaned back into her chair. Sudden bursts of green flames at her fireplace made her stand upright, clutching the baby tight against her chest. Athena pulled away but instead of crying, fixed her dark eyes onto the fireplace. If Minerva's heart weren't pounding a mile a second, she would be amused by her daughter. Such typical Snape characteristics. Anyways, the green smoke cleared and in its place stood a house elf. It had huge purple eyes and a kind smile. In its hands was a small carpetbag. It smiled timidly at Minerva.
"Hello, Tootles, welcome," greeted Minerva, her heart resuming its normal pace again. Tootles bowed low to her.
"Good morning, mistress, Tootles honored to be serving mistress," she said. Minerva just smiled.
"Sit, please," she said and motioned to a stool nearby. Tootles looked a little wary but eventually sat down.
"Tootles, this is my daughter, Athena," began Minerva; her face was now the mask that she wore for class, a face that demanded respect. Tootles looked briefly at the baby and then looked back at the floor.
"She is beautiful, mistress," said the house elf. Minerva just nodded. It was important that the house elf knew the seriousness of the situation. It won't be easy to juggle her classes and a newborn baby, so she was going to need all the help.
"How much do you know about babies, Tootles?" asked Minerva. Immediately, the elf began to smile widely.
"Oh, mistress, a lot, a lot knows Tootles. When mistress's sister had baby boy, Tootles care for baby. Tootles can care for baby Athena," said the house elf. Inwardly, Minerva let a sigh of relief. She had a feeling Mallena won't be too surprised when Minerva tells her about Athena. Her sister was annoying like that.
"Wonderful, then caring for my baby won't be so hard," she said. Tootles shook her head vigorously. Then a thought came to Minerva's head.
"Tootles did my sister go to work straight after the baby was born?" she asked. Mallena worked for the ministry and when Andrew was born, the ministry was in turmoil and needed all the help they could get and maternity leaves were cut horribly short for some. The house elf nodded.
"So how does the baby feed?" she asked. She may have helped look after her nephew, but she couldn't remember feeding it.
"Oh, it is easy mistress. Early morning Mistress's sister pump milk which Tootles keep warm for baby to drink. It is the same, it is," said the house elf. Minerva didn't understand.
"Pump milk?" she asked.
"Yes, milk from milk chest, here," said the elf, and began patting her chest. She understood.
"And it is enough?" she asks.
"Yes, for drink in the morning, enough," said Tootles. Minerva nodded. And then she'll return for lunch and breast-feed Athena.
"How many times does a baby feed?" she said to herself, but Tootles heard.
"Oh, not much, not much, sleep a lot babies do," said Tootles.
"And you are sure you can care for her well, while I am teaching?" asked Minerva again. She was very reluctant to leave her baby in the care of an elf.
"Yes, mistress, well, very well. Trust Tootles mistress," said the house elf. Minerva was assured. Mallena wouldn't send anything but the best.
"Alright, I need to bathe and get ready for classes," she said and passed the silent, but awake baby to the elf. The elf gently cradled the baby in her arms and Minerva knew Athena was in good hands. Athena didn't cry at the change of scene, but her eyes were perceptive than ever, curiously taking in the elf's profile. It made Minerva's heart ache. Severus was like that. Taking everything in warily, never exposing his weakness.
She spent quite a long time in the shower, the hot water working wonders for her tired muscles and when she finally stepped out, she felt better that she had in ages. Since it was still early, she took her time getting ready. She picked a periwinkle colored robe, a change from her normal dark green and combed her hair (which now hung slightly over her shoulders), securing it back with a pair of black clips. Finally, she went into the living room. Tootles had placed Athena in a beautifully engraved cradle, decorated red and gold, with lion's engravings.
"Where did that come from?" she asked, her tone soft with awe. It was a beautiful cradle.
"You're friend, mistress. She sent," said the elf. Poppy, Minerva thought fondly. Dropping a kiss... well, actually several, on Athena's forehead, Minerva left last minute instructions, and Tootles must never leave the room and not tell a soul about the baby. The house elf nodded vigorously and with one last look at her baby, Minerva left for the Great Hall.