Disclaimer: I own nothing.
AN: This is the sequel to Through Time And Space. If you don't read that first this won't make much sense.
Chapter 1 New Beginnings
When God wants
something special done
in this world...
He sends a baby and then...
He waits.
Author Unknown
Alexis woke up to the sound of the babies crying. She waited a moment to see if Snape was going to get up since it actually was his turn to tend to the boys. When there was no movement from the man curled around her she gave a big sigh and made sure she elbowed him as she crawled out of the bed. Turning around to put on her robe she saw the smirk he wasn't even bothering to hide so she did what any wife would do faced with the same circumstance, she threw a pillow at him.
Alexis yawned as she bent over the bassinette set up in a corner of the bedroom. With the boys being less than a week old, they had decided to keep them closer than the nursery. Quickly using her wand she cleaned and changed them before picking them up and heading back to the bed. Handing Snape the babies, she climbed in beside him and opened her robe to give the boys their two a.m. feeding. The postpartum potion she was taking ensured that she would have an adequate milk supply for both boys. Otherwise they would have had to supplement the feedings with formulae.
Snape shifted so that he was holding the three of them. He found it fascinating watching his sons feed. He also found it arousing, "How soon did Poppy say we could resume normal activities?" he whispered against her neck.
Alexis shivered in response to the feel of his lips against her skin, "Two days, three hours and forty-five minutes," she replied. "How do the Muggles manage?"
"What do you mean?" Snape was stroking Aleser's cheek as he fed.
"Muggle women have to wait six to eight weeks after having a baby," she yawned the explanation.
"Why?" Snape was astounded.
"Without magic it takes that long for a woman's body to heal," Alexis snuggled her head against Snape's shoulder, "wake me when the boys are done."
Snape knew that Alexis usually did something with the boys involving putting them on her shoulder and patting their backs, but he had never actually tried to do it himself. But he was the Potions Master so how hard could it be.
Twenty minutes later the boys were back in their bed and he was taking a quick shower to clean the spit up off of his back. Next time he would have to remember to put one of those cloth things over his shoulder like Alexis used.
The next morning he brought the boys to Alexis after using magic to change their diapers. That was the first parenting spell Poppy had taught them. Alexis gave them their breakfast and then watched in surprise as Snape took a burp cloth and placed it over his shoulder and began patting Nathair's back. At his smirk she turned her attention to Aleser and began to burp him.
"What are your plans for today?" Snape asked as he watched her bath Aleser and dress him.
They switched babies and Alexis responded, "I am going to the Weasley's to talk to Molly regarding Ginny acting as godmother for Aleser."
"How are you getting there?" Snape asked concerned.
"The Knight Bus," Alexis responded with a sigh.
Several hours later Stan Shunpike, The Knight Bus conductor, was helping Alexis lift the double pram off of the bus. A lopsided sign stuck in the ground informed Alexis that she was at The Burrow. It was a large stone house that looked as if it had been added onto higgledy piggledy as more space was needed. It was several stories high and very crooked.
As Alexis pushed the pram toward the front door, she could see a red head peeking through the door and faintly hear, "She's here! Mrs. Snape is here." This was followed by a small whirlwind rushing up to her. "Mrs. Snape can I see the baby?" Ginny asked before throwing herself at Alexis for a hug.
"Of course you can," Alexis grinned at the excited girl.
"Ginerva Weasley, you let Mrs. Snape get into the house. I've taught you better manners than to start a visit out in the yard," with that Molly Weasley came hurrying out of the house drying her hands on her apron, "Mrs. Snape, come in and have a cup of tea," she invited.
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley, and please call me Alexis," she offered.
"Oh and dear you must call me Molly," looking into the pram, "Twins, you have twins? Boys or girls?"
"Two little boys, Nathair," indicating the one in the blue blanket, "and Aleser," patting the tummy of the one wrapped in a green blanket.
"I remember what a handful Fred and George were," Molly had taken over pushing the pram as she chatted away leaving Ginny and Alexis to follow behind.
Alexis pulled Ginny into a one armed hug as they headed up to the house, "Having a good summer?"
"Yes mam. Dad's got tickets for the Quidditch World Cup. My brothers, Bill and Charlie, are home for a visit and to go to the match," Ginny started filling Alexis in on all that had been going on so far.
Reaching the kitchen, Alexis grinned as she saw Molly holding both boys with practiced ease, "I just love how babies smell," Molly said with a dreamy look in her eyes, "Ginny get Alexis a cup of tea and some of those biscuits we made this morning," Molly started to get up.
Alexis interrupted, "Would it be alright to stay here?"
"In the kitchen? The parlor is just in here," Molly indicated.
"If you don't mind, it has been a while since I have been able to sit around a family table and enjoy a cup of tea," Alexis smiled softly.
"Of course, if that is what you prefer," Molly was, as always, gracious to her guests, "Ginny when you've finished setting out the tea and cookies, go find your brothers and tell them our visitor is here." Ginny nodded and set down the cups and plates and ran off on her errand.
"Molly," Alexis started, "Ginny and I became close last year while I was guarding Harry Potter."
Molly nodded, "Yes, Ginny told us how much you helped her and all."
"She is a wonderful girl. Severus and I have asked Remus Lupin and Amber Doff to be godparents for Nathair. We want to ask Ginny to act as Aleser's godmother. Since she is not of age, I thought it best to discuss this with you first."
Molly stared at Alexis for a long moment. This was not at all what she had been expecting from a visit from the Draluck heiress. "Why Ginny?"
"Because I am genuinely fond of her, I think she would do an excellent job," Alexis replied honestly.
"So why is it you didn't ask Hermione Granger?" Molly asked.
"Hermione and I don't have the same relationship Ginny and I do. Ginny was having trouble sleeping last year. She and I would stay up talking until she felt she could go back to sleep. We really got to know each other during those late night talks," Alexis explained.
"Ginny wrote me that you were helping her deal with what happened to her during her first year," Molly's eyes held a sadness only a parent who doesn't know how to help their child can feel.
"We helped each other. I'm sure you've heard the gossip and read about me in The Dailey Prophet. I was going through a confusing time as well. Ginny helped me deal with that. She is very mature for her age," Alexis took a sip of her tea.
"I'll discuss this with her father and we will let you know," Molly allowed.
"Thank you for considering it," Alexis smiled.
Molly started giving her advice on how to handle twins and babies in general. Alexis had started making notes when a loud bang signaled the arrival of the Weasley boys. All except Percy who Alexis was told was at work at the Ministry.
"Alexis, these ruffians are my sons; I believe you know Fred, George and Ron. The other two are Bill and Charlie. Boys this is Alexis," before she could finish Bill and Charlie had both stepped up and each taken one of her hands.
"Charmed to meet you," the said in unison before kissing the back of her hand and smiling at her with more charm than any two men should be allowed to have.
"Snape," Molly finished hiding her smirk by nuzzling the babies.
"Snape?" Bill asked.
"Any relation to Professor Snape at Hogwarts?" Charlie questioned.
"Yes," Alexis smiled winningly at the two young men, "I'm his wife."
They dropped her hands as if they had suddenly caught on fire, "Wife," they stuttered.
"Yes, and these are our sons," Alexis nodded over to where Molly was sitting.
Fred and George whopped, "You had twins!" before hurrying over to their mother to try and get her to release the babies.
Molly reluctantly let her twins hold Alexis' twins admonishing them, "You two be careful. Remember they are just babies."
"Mum we know how to handle babies," George said as he cuddled Aleser close and chucked him under the chin.
"After all we took care of Ronnikins and Ginbug when they were in nappies," Fred finished as he put Nathair on his shoulder and began to run his back.
"Yes and how many times did I catch you dropping Ron to see if he would bounce?" Molly asked furiously.
At Alexis' concerned look Fred hurried to reassure her, "Mrs. Snape we would never bounce your babies."
"At least not until they are much older," George amended with a teasing grin.
"Well I see they got old sour pusses hair, but at least they got their mother's nose," Fred grinned over at Alexis who rolled her eyes at him.
"Fred that is no way to talk about your Professor," Molly scolded although mentally she couldn't help but agree with the sentiment.
"Oh mum, Mrs. Snape knows we don't mean anything by it," George said.
"At least not much," Fred added.
"If it is alright with your mother, I believe that at least during the holidays, you lot may call me Alexis. All of this Mrs. Snape is making me feel old," Alexis looked to Molly for approval.
Molly gave her reluctant approval adding, "As long as you are respectful, during the holidays," she stressed, "you may call her Alexis."
Alexis ended up staying for lunch with the Weasleys' and having a blast. Molly was like a favorite aunt and full of helpful advice on babies and marriage. Some of the advice had Alexis blushing but mentally making detailed notes. Any woman, who had managed to have seven children and keep her marriage alive, was worth listening to.
"We are having the christening this Saturday, I hope you will all be able to attend," Alexis added, "The invitations should be arriving tomorrow."
"Where will you be having it?" Molly questioned.
"Professor Dumbledore insisted we have it at Hogwarts. He is going to be officiating at the ceremony."
Molly felt a sense of relief. According to the paper, the Snapes and the Malfoys were on very good terms. She wouldn't have felt right attending a function at Malfoy Manor and there was no way she would ever get Arthur to attend anything there.
"We will look for the invitation," Molly smiled.
Alexis noticed the time and reluctantly rose to get ready to leave. She started looking around for her sons. She wondered how long it had just been Molly and she in kitchen, "Do you know where my babies went?" Alexis asked feeling like a terrible mother.
Molly smiled at her, "The boys took them out into the parlor."
Heading into the parlor, they found Bill and Charlie stretched out on in chairs their feet sharing an ottoman: each with a baby asleep on their chests. Molly told Alexis, "They used to hold their brothers and sister like that."
Fred, George, Ginny and Ron walked Alexis out to signal the Knight Bus; Molly was pushing the pram trying to decide if she could talk Arthur into another baby. Alexis got a hug from everyone before holding her wand out. The Knight Bus appeared with a bang. Fred lifted the pram onto the bus for her and Alexis waved goodbye before bracing herself for the wild ride home.
The next day Snape had decided it was past time for Alexis to learn to apparate. So early in the morning, with Minerva happily watching the twins, he took Alexis out onto the grounds to have her first lesson.
"Severus are you sure this is such a good idea?" Alexis was very nervous.
"Yes," Snape responded as he found a nice open area in the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest.
"If anything happens to me you will have to raise the twins all by yourself," Alexis warned.
"Stop being so melodramatic, if I thought there was any danger to you I wouldn't let you do it. Now, look I am going to walk about twenty feet away. I want you to focus on me and then picture yourself standing beside me and then will it to happen." Snape moved off and stood there waiting.
Alexis stood in the middle of the clearing feeling like an idiot staring over at Snape. But it would be nice to just be able to pop about instead of having to floo or take the Knight bus. The twins had enjoyed all the bouncing but it had left Alexis feeling sick and dizzy.
Snape was beginning to look impatient. His arms were crossed over his chest and his fingers were drumming a rapid beat. Alexis stuck out her tongue at him, which caused him to scowl at her. His scowl was so sexy Alexis just wanted to be right next to him giving him passionate kisses. Suddenly there was a pop and she was standing on his foot.
Alexis looked around in surprise, "I did it?"
"Yes now get off my foot and do it again," Snape snarled.
"Opps, sorry," Alexis stepped back.
"Go back to where you were," Snape instructed.
Alexis tried and tried but she couldn't manage to move herself.
"What were you thinking when you did it the first time?" Snape asked frustrated.
"How kissable you are when you scowl," Alexis grinned at him.
Snape closed his eyes in frustration. Then shrugging his shoulders he walked away and turned around and gave her his best scowl. Alexis shivered and popped and once again was standing next to him. This time she threw her arms around his neck and gave him a good snogging.
Snape indulged himself for a moment before disengaging from the kiss, "Concentrate on apparating," he commanded but couldn't resist one last kiss on her pouting lips.
He apparated to twice the distance as before and scowled at her: again Alexis apparated next to him. "Try picturing me scowling at you over where you were before," Snape instructed.
Alexis concentrated and closed her eyes and tried until the sweat was pouring off her face. Suddenly she heard a pop and felt a wrench, opening her eyes she found that she had moved six feet away from Snape.
Snape sighed, "It is a beginning."
He had her continue practicing until she could finally make it to him and back where she had started. The only reason he stopped working her was a sudden wetness reminded her that it was time for the babies' lunch. He wanted to give it another few tries until she thrust his hand under her robes to feel how wet her shirt had become, "I'm leaking like a cheap cauldron. Minerva is probably pulling her hair out because the boys are screaming. I'm leaving." And she stalked away.
Snape hurried to catch up with her, "That was acceptable for a first lesson. We have to find another way for you to apparate other than me scowling at you though."
Alexis shot him a dirty look and then concentrated for a moment and apparated away. Snape looked around in surprise wondering where the hell she had gone.
"Severus I am at Hagrid's hut," he heard her yell.
He found her waiting on the front steps with Hagrid enjoying a cup of tea, "If you piss me off, I can apparate away from you too," she smiled sweetly at him before handing Hagrid back his mug. "Come on, don't dilly dally, the boys are waiting."
"I don't dilly dally," Snape hissed highly offended.
Alexis just smirked as she hurried to get back to Minerva. The longer she waited to nurse the more painful it became. Minerva looked up when Alexis walked into her office, both babies were contentedly watching a brightly colored ball float and dip and sway above their bassinette.
"Wow, where can I get one of those?" Alexis asked. The sound of their mother's voice broke the spell the ball had cast on them and they both began to cry.
Minerva pulled up a chair and handed Alexis Nathair. Adjusting her robes, she tucked him under and immediately felt him latch on. Snape brought over Aleser and helped her adjust everything so that he too could get his lunch. Alexis sighed in relief as the painful pressure was released.
Later that afternoon, Snape and Alexis took the boys to Malfoy Manor. They had to talk to Lucius and see if he would allow Draco to be Aleser's godfather. They also had to break the news that the twins were boys and not girls. Alexis had generously allowed Snape the pleasure of imparting that information.
A house elf opened the door as soon as the carriage had rolled to a stop. Twinkie escorted them into the smaller family parlor where the Malfoys were waiting.
Narcissa rose and leisurely came forward to greet Alexis with a cool kiss on her cheek. Her casual attitude was belied by the greedy look in her eyes as she reached for the baby carrier that Snape was holding, "Alexis you look wonderful. It is hard to believe that you just gave birth."
Lucius agreed as he sauntered over to look at the babies, "So these are the newest Snape girls."
Snape replied, "Actually Lucius, they are both boys."
Lucius looked up at him sharply, "Boys. Both of them?" as Snapes affirmative nod, he recovered himself, "Congratulations," he offered flatly.
"Yes, we were hoping for a little girl to help strengthen the bonds between our two families," Snape offered expressionlessly, "However, with your agreement, we may have found a way to achieve that goal. At least until we have our next child," Snape smirked.
"When will you try for another?" Lucius asked trying to disguise his eagerness.
"When the twins turn two," Snape responded to Lucius' disappointment.
"What is this alternate method?" Lucius asked thinking something was better than nothing.
"We would like Draco to serve as godfather to Aleser," Snape offered, "It was Alexis' request as her birthgift for me to allow her to name the boys' godparents," Snape continued allowing a trace of displeasure to color his tone.
Alexis flushed and looked at the floor.
"Of course. We would be delighted for Draco to serve as godfather to Aleser. Severus, would you care to join me in my study and we can go over the details for the christening?" Lucius offered with a smirk that perfectly matched the cold look in his eyes.
As soon as Snape and Lucius had left, Narcissa reached in and lifted Aleser from his carrier. She held him awkwardly as if she had not had much practice. Narcissa noticed Alexis looking at her and her usual cold mask fell across her features, "Would you care for some refreshments?"
"Yes, thank you," Alexis smiled noticing that although Narcissa's look was cold and hard, her hands on the baby were gentle and tender.
Narcissa called for a house elf and ordered a tea tray to be brought into the parlor and refreshments to be served to the men in Lucius' study.
"I hope I am not presuming on our friendship," Alexis started, "but I cannot help but wish that Draco had a sister for one of the boys to be betrothed to."
"I would have liked a little girl, but Lucius wanted all of our attention focused on Draco. That way he could have the benefit of our undivided attention," Narcissa replied stiffly.
"With Draco in school now, I'm surprised that you haven't opted for another child. After all you are both still in your youth," Alexis flattered.
Narcissa looked from the twins to Alexis and a small smirk appeared on her face, "Perhaps it is time to broach the subject with Lucius again," changing the subject Narcissa asked, "Tell me about your plans for the christening?"
Alexis complied and the two enjoyed an amiable if slightly stilted conversation.
When Lucius and Severus returned, both seemed surprised to find Narcissa holding a baby. Alexis stepped in, "Lucius, I was just telling Narcissa how much I wish Draco had a sister that we could discuss betrothing to one of our boys."
Lucius' eyes sharpened, "Yes it is a pity. Although Narcissa and I were just discussing the possibility of having another child," he inserted smoothly.
Not by word or motion did Narcissa display that this was news to her instead she smirked, "Yes, I wanted to see if I still remembered how to hold a baby after all these years. Alexis was kind enough to let me practice on Aleser."
"Yes, we will have to call Popkins out of the kitchens to act as a nursemaid," Lucius subtly reminded Narcissa that Malfoy's did not tend to their own children. That is what servants were for.
Draco appeared in the doorway, "You called for me father?"
"Yes, Professor and Mrs. Snape have something to ask of you," Lucius took a seat in the armchair that matched the one Narcissa was seated in. Narcissa had tucked the baby back into his carrier without a break in her icy façade.
"Draco, Mrs. Snape and I would like to ask you to act as godfather for our son Aleser?" Snape's demeanor was emotionless.
Draco looked first to his father and upon receiving his nod of approval, "I would be honored."
"Draco, the baby next to your mother is Aleser," Alexis smiled at him.
Draco walked over to the carrier and looked inside, "He's tiny. Good thing he has your nose Mrs. Snape," Draco froze as he realized that he had actually said that aloud.
"Draco, this is Aleser's brother, Nathair. Would you like to meet him?" Alexis was trying not to laugh. Snape's features were frozen.
Draco looked at no one as he crossed the floor to stand next to Alexis, "He looks the same," Draco sounded vaguely disappointed.
"They are identical twins," Alexis explained with a grin. "Would you like to hold your godson?" Alexis offered.
This time Draco looked to his mother for advice. Her barely perceptible nod had him agreeing.
Draco sat down next to Narcissa. She lifted Aleser and helped Draco position the baby so that his head was supported in the crook of Draco's arm. Aleser squinted up at the blonde blur and then blew bubbles before breaking into a wet, gummy smile, "Mother did you see that?"
"Yes, Draco he smiled at you," no one in the room even thought about mentioning gas to the teen.
After visiting for another hour or so, Alexis and Snape called for the Hogwarts' carriage they were using and took their leave.
Once safely inside the carriage and outside the grounds of Malfoy Manor, Alexis nestled against Snape and asked, "I wonder how long before Narcissa and Lucius announce the impending birth of their second child?"
Snape snorted, "With the way Lucius was looking at Narcissa, any day now."
Alexis could tell something was bothering Snape, "What is it Severus?"
After a moment he replied snidely, "Does everyone have to comment on their noses?"
Alexis had gotten an owl from Molly Weasley asking her to come back to The Burrow for tea and to meet her husband Arthur. When Alexis told Snape about the invitation he quickly offered his excuse of working on Amber's potion and being at a tricky stage so he would not be able to accompany her.
Alexis just grinned and made arrangements for tickets on the Knight Bus. She took the precaution of imbibing an anti-nausea potion before making the trip this time.
Once again, Ginny was the first one out the door to greet Alexis as she pushed the pram up the driveway. Molly and Arthur were waiting at the door to welcome her. To Alexis' disappointment, Molly had set up tea in the parlor. Molly introduced her to Arthur who gave Alexis a long considering look before taking her hand.
There were soon the sounds of a wild stampede as the three youngest Weasley boys made their appearance. Arthur watched in disbelief as Alexis made no objection to Fred and George each grabbing a twin and heading for a seat on the couch. Ron and Ginny settled one on each side of Fred and George and began playing with the babies.
"Ahh the things we will teach you young one," Fred stage whispered to Aleser.
"Yes, my little prankster in training. We will soon have you following in our footsteps," George told Nathair.
Arthur stiffened when Alexis began to chide his twins, "Fred, George, can you at least wait until they can walk, before you start training them in the ways of mischief?"
"Must begin their training early," George responded.
"Yes, we didn't start early enough with these two," indicating Ron and Ginny, "and they are a sore disappointment to us," Fred added.
"At least promise me no exploding diapers," Alexis teased.
"Hadn't thought of that one, Alexis," George grinned.
"Yeah, thanks for the idea," Fred smirked.
"Since it was my idea, can you at least give me a warning so I can make sure Severus is the one that changes those diapers?" Alexis pleaded with a wicked gleam in her eyes.
"Can do," Fred and George chorused.
Arthur was looking from one of the richest witches in Europe to his prankster sons in disbelief. Molly had tried to tell him that Alexis was not your normal rich pureblood. But he hadn't believed it. Not taking into consideration her marriage to Snape and her much publicized friendship with the Malfoys.
Looking over at Molly, he gave her a nod, indicating that he no longer had any major objections to Ginny acting as godmother to Aleser. Ginny had been full of stories of all Alexis had done for her and the other students throughout the year.
Molly spoke up, "Alexis you had something you wanted to ask Ginny?"
Alexis looked over at Molly and a large smile appeared on her face, "Thank you for reminding me Molly. Ginny, I was hoping that you would do us the honor of agreeing to be Aleser's godmother?"
Ginny's eyes widened and she looked from Alexis to her parents to the baby Fred was holding, "Mum can I?"
"If you want to take on that responsibility your father and I have no objections," Molly replied.
"Oh yes, thank you Alexis," Ginny gave Alexis a big hug before going over to Fred and demanding that he hand over her godson immediately. Fred handed Ginny the baby before pulling them both down into his lap.
"I guess this means that we are the boys' goduncles," Fred crowed in delight.
Arthur looked over at Alexis to see how she was taking this, she met his look and winked at him, "I guess that means that you and Molly would be their godgrandparents?"
Molly gasped in delight and went over and took Nathair from George despite George's loud protests, "Yes that is exactly what it means." Arthur just hoped that this meant that Molly would stop hinting about an eighth child.
Severus was reading through the morning mail, "Alexis do you know why we have two invitations to attend the World Quidditch cup?"
"Who are they from?" she asked from the bedroom where she was putting the boys down for a nap.
"This one is addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Draluck and is from Cornelius Fudge. This one is from Lucius and Narcissa," Snape held up two ornate pieces of parchment.
Alexis came back in and settled on his lap, happy that once again she was able to take her favorite seat, "You know as much about the one from Lucius and Narcissa. The one from Fudge is probably in response to all the money I have instructed the accountants to start spreading around," Alexis explained as she mentally counted how much longer she had to wait before she could jump her husband: just another six hours. She would have to make sure he took a strengthening potion at lunch time.
"Why are you spreading money around?" Snape asked as he started calculating how soon his wife would be released from the medically imposed celibacy.
"Because I want us to have influence if we ever need it: the only way to assure that is to buy it," Alexis replied cynically.
Snape nodded slowly, "So do you want to go?"
"I wouldn't mind going," Alexis admitted, "Although how are we going to get there since my apparition lessons are going so slowly."
"Fudge has arranged a V.I.P. portkey for the afternoon of the match," Snape consulted the parchment he held, "Would we bring the boys?"
Alexis looked uncertain, "I don't know. I don't think it would really be the best place for two newborns, but I don't think I could leave them overnight. In fact I know since I am nursing I would not be able to leave them for longer than a couple of hours."
"There are charms to take care of that," Snape told her.
"Amber has been begging for a chance to baby sit," Alexis reminded him.
"Let's do it, if Amber is free that weekend," Snape nodded once.
The christening was scheduled for two o'clock Saturday. Everyone was excited. The Great Hall had been decorated for the occasion and all the paraphernalia that Dumbledore would need to perform the ceremony had been set out.
Around one the guests started arriving. The Weasleys arrived by Floo: the Malfoys by private carriage. The rest of the guests arrived by every method known to wizard kind.
The boys were wearing the christening gowns that Narcissa and Lucius had given them. Draco was wearing his best robes and looking slightly nervous. Ginny was wearing new robes and looking very pretty.
At two, Dumbledore called for everyone's attention and asked for the parents to bring the babies forward. Alexis and Snape, each carry one of the boys, approached Dumbledore as he stood on a slightly raised dais, "Namegiving ceremonies have a history almost as old as the human race. It is an occasion when a new birth is celebrated and a child welcomed into the world. Family relationships are deepened and the parents become more fully aware of their responsibilities. Together we are here today to welcome two new members into our circle of family and friends," Dumbledore beamed at the people gathered around, "we also seek to remind all concerned of the great responsibility involved in bringing up a child, and to recognize and appoint those who will have an important role in the child's development. Would the godparents come forward at this time?"
Amber and Remus came to stand next to Snape while Ginny and Draco approached Alexis. "Severus Snape, do you recognize this child as your son and heir?"
"I do."
Albus waved his wand over the baby's head and startled a gurgle from the child as blue sparks came out of the end of the wand, "Who stands for this child?"
"We do," Amber and Remus chorused.
"Do you promise to provide love, support, and care for this child?"
"We do."
"If anything should happen to this child's natural parents, will you comfort and succor him, raising him as if he were your own?"
"We will."
Dumbledore placed his hand on the baby's head in a silent benediction before taking him from Snape, "I present to you, Nathair Wulfric Snape, first son and heir of Severus and Alexis Snape."
The assembly bowed to the baby who started crying. Dumbledore kissed him on the forehead before handing him back to his father.
Snape handed Nathair to Remus and moved to take Aleser from Alexis.
Dumbledore stepped over to and began again, "Severus Snape, do you recognize this child as your son and heir?"
"I do."
Albus waved his wand over the baby's head and green sparks came out of the end of the wand, "Who stands for this child?"
"We do," Ginny and Draco chorused.
"Because these two are minors, who stands for them?" Dumbledore asked
Narcissa stepped up beside Draco, "I do."
Molly stepped up next to Ginny, "I do."
"Do you support his decision and promise to provide any aid to them if they should be called upon to fulfill their duties as godparent?"
"I do," Narcissa replied before stepping back beside Lucius.
"I do," Molly smiled as her daughter before returning to stand with the rest of her family.
Looking back and Ginny and Draco, Dumbledore asked, "Do you promise to provide love, support, and care for this child?"
"We do."
"If anything should happen to this child's natural parents, will you comfort and succor him, raising him as if he were your own?"
"We will."
Dumbledore placed his hand on the baby's head in a silent benediction before taking him from Snape, "I present to you, Aleser Richard Snape, second son and heir of Severus and Alexis Snape."
The assembly bowed to the baby who stared as if wondering what all the fuss was about. Dumbledore kissed him on the forehead and handed him to Snape.
"Please welcome the newest additions to our world," Dumbledore instructed the gathering.
The babies were quickly surrounded by well wishers. Snape soon found his arms empty as Molly claimed Aleser.
Snape made his way to the refreshment table where Lucius joined him. Offering Lucius a glass of punch, Snape poured them each a beverage.
"Interesting choice of godparents," Lucius commented.
"Yes, if I had any idea what Alexis was going to ask for her birthgift I would have performed Imperio on her. She kept talking about a necklace she had seen in Diagon Alley so I was sure that is what she was going to ask for," Snape said allowing a bare hint of displeasure to color his tone.
"Women sometimes need a firm hand," Lucius replied, "guidance in what is proper and expected from a Pureblood."
"Yes, I assure you I will not make the same mistake next time," Severus stated coolly.
Lucius nodded before taking a glass of punch over to Narcissa.
Alexis walked up to Snape and hooked her arm through his, "Didn't we have two sons when we got here?"
Snape smirked down at her, "Yes. But apparently they are going to be even more popular than their father."
"Even if they don't have his nose," Alexis reached up and tweaked Snape's nose with a grin.