Disclaimer: JKR owns it all...lucky, lucky.
Severus and I had been living together for just over five months, making me a whopping seven and a bit months pregnant. I was huge to say the least. We had found out we were having twins, but we did not know the genders as I wanted it to be a surprise. Severus seemed to be very into the fatherly role, as we had moved to his dungeons at Hogwarts, since he still needed to teach classes. The staff was extremely supportive of us, with the exception of Trelawny. "You two are a disgrace to Hogwarts. Having children out of wedlock, and Severus is old enough to be your father not theirs," she sniffed. We had a good laugh at that one, Severus was only forty...while he could biologically be a grandfather, I suppose, it was highly unlikely in today's times. I believe poor Professor Trelawny was simply jealous, after all the chances she would settle down and have children were relatively null.
I forced Severus to have windows put in in the nursery. I could not bear the idea of my children waking up to this dark, dank place every morning of their lives, I barely knew how I handled it. About a month ago, we decided to decorate. Thanks to lovely coloring spells, there was no noxious paint required. The nursery walls were pale green, with a yellow-cream trim. We had two lovely cribs, of pale birch wood with all the matching furniture. Any blankets and the like were white, yellow or green. I would not buy anything in pink, purple or blue as we did not know the genders of our babies. I believe Severus considered me crazy, going with all these neutral colors and heaven forbid -- windows, that took a lot of convincing and a little seducing on my part But in the end, the beautiful pregnant woman gets her way.
Severus and I had begun to discuss names. I was very partial to the name Olivia. Not because of sentimental connections, I simply love the way it sounds...on its own. Severus and I were having this discussion again. "I still like Olivia," I commented. "But I have only found one boy's name that I am a little fond of: Brandon. Any ideas, love?"
"Hermione, I have been thinking too. And I know you wouldn't like him to be named as my middle name," When Severus brought this up again I grimaced. Pheredin. Without noticing my look he continued, "Even though it is a Snape family tradition, I suppose we are not exactly traditional are we? So I like Patrick for a boy. It's a strong name. There will be no namby-pamby whimsical names like Sky or Daffodil or whatever it is you Muggles call them. For a girl, while your name is nice, I like Sephima."
"Hey! I like the name Sky! But Sephima? No way, Severus. Ew."
He laughed gently, "I was kidding. Sophia. That would be my favorite." I mulled his names over in my head, little Patrick and Sophia, Patrick and Olivia, Olivia and Sophia, Brandon and Sophia, Brandon and Olivia, Brandon and Patrick. I
I preferred the surname Snape and to Granger, but Severus and I had yet to discuss that matter, and I was rather annoyed with waiting (hormones did that to me a lot) so I brought it up over breakfast one morning. "Severus," I began lightly over our eggs. "Severus, I've been wondering what are we going to put on the birth certificates in regards to a last name.? Granger? Snape? Granger-Snape?"
He thought it over a little, then stood up to walk the whole two feet to where I was sitting. A confused look played on my face, while he looked dead nervous. "I have been thinking of that myself. And I can only think of one solution. Hermione Granger, love of my life, light in my eyes, will you do me the immense honour of becoming my wife?"
My breath caught in my throat as he pulled a gorgeous ring out of his robes. White gold, diamonds, engraved with I love you in shimmering letters, this ring took the cake as to most beautiful jewelry I had ever seen. I realized I was gaping at the circular object, and said nothing but held out my hand. I was euphoric, at that tiny table in the dark dungeon, as I accepted Severus's proposal.
All of a sudden, I felt warm and wet on my legs, I stood up and realized something terrible had happened. My water broke!
No offense to any Sky's or Daffodil's out there. Really. I love the names.
A/N: So sorry to leave you hanging, but I am starting chapter 13 right away. I am still looking for names, both boy and girl as none of you know what these babies will be. Soot Box's suggestions were very good. I do indeed like the way "Olivia Snape" sounds. But that's not final yet. I still need some boy's names and a few more girl ones would be helpful to. Thanks, and please review!