Chapter One Hundred-Twenty
After that fateful night in late January when Tobias had miraculously, almost unbelievably, killed Voldemort with a mere gun, news had spread rampantly, both in the Muggle and wizarding worlds. In the days that followed, the remaining Death Eaters had mostly disbanded. Some fled the country, while others tried to make their mark still, perhaps wishing to show their lasting support for a leader they refused to believe dead because of "some filthy Muggle."
The work was slow and dirty, but the Aurors captured several of the Death Eaters that winter. Without their master, they couldn't hold their cause together. Without someone powerful enough to rally under, their ignorance would get them no where but to a cell in Azkaban.
On a more somber note, those who had given their lives fighting valiantly in the war's last days were paraded as heroes. Their funerals were highly attended, and Severus and Lily were among those present.
Arthur Weasley's had been the most touching and probably the hardest to endure. Even though the Weasleys hadn't been a part of the Order because of their responsibility to a family of small children, most of the Order were friends with them, at least by proxy.
Lily confessed to feeling like she had personally known the Weasleys, and Severus strongly suspected this was because the Weasley family had always given off the impression of what it must feel like to return home to your family after a long journey.
After the formal service, Lily approached Molly Weasley and introduced herself, expressing her heartfelt condolences.
Whilst taking the older woman's hand, Lily was saying, "I'm truly sorry for your loss. You have a charming family."
Molly smiled at Lily. "Thank you," she managed, a couple of tears escaping her eyes.
A boy about four years old tugged on her mum's robe, his glasses too big for his little nose. "Mummy," he complained, "Charlie's saying he won't let me play Quid'ich with Bill and him when we get home."
"Percy, darling, don't you mind your older brothers. Go find Uncle Bilius. He's got Fred and George with him, and I know you love playing with them." Molly gave Lily an apologetic look.
Percy nodded, a little reluctantly, and traipsed off.
"I apologize," she murmured, distracted.
"It's no matter," Lily replied, suddenly feeling an enormous amount of compassion for the woman in front of her.
Molly managed another smile and said, "Dumbledore has told me about you, of course. He spoke highly of you and your husband, and I see you and I have something in common." She indicated her belly, which was larger than Lily's by far.
Lily nodded, smiling, but wondering how Molly would manage on her own. She spotted Severus, who was engaged with Dumbledore and some Healers, and called him over.
"Severus, I'd like you to formally meet Molly Weasley. Molly, this is my husband, who Dumbledore has told you about."
Feeling slightly awkward, Severus took Molly's hand. "I am sorry," he said quietly, but sincerely. "Lily met your husband a few times at the Ministry. He was... very kind. Also very brave."
He wondered if he was being appropriate. Funerals had a tendency of making people feel vulnerable and exposed, and so the natural reaction was to close up. Severus, however, couldn't in good conscience stand there and not tell someone like Molly Weasley the truth.
"He defended us, just like your dad did for you," Molly pointed out shakily.
Severus wondered if Molly was thinking something along the lines of, But he died, and your father is alive.
Lily took the moment of silence to ask, "When are you due?" The question had been blurted out, and she wondered if she ought not to have said anything so bluntly, but she knew she appreciated trying to find some happiness in times of sorrow and hoped Molly would likewise.
"March first," Molly replied. "Another set of twins, if you'll believe it, only a boy and a girl this time. It runs in Arthur's family."
"Well, congratulations," Lily supplied graciously. Seeing that a group of red-headed people were edging closer, no doubt wishing to speak with Molly, Lily added, "We ought not take all your time. Again, my condolences."
"Don't be a stranger, dear," Molly said. She gazed upon Severus and took his hand, much to his surprise. Giving it a squeeze, she said, "Take care of her and that baby."
Severus nodded and found himself saying, "If you ever need any help-"
"Thank you. Dumbledore was right about you both - what kind people you are."
x x x x xThe Minister had never issued an Order of Merlin to a Muggle, but there was a first for everything. Tobias thought the medal rather gaudy, to be honest, and simply hung it by the mirror in his bedroom after receiving it.
Severus and Lily were among those who received the medals as well, and Severus agreed with his father. For all his desire to have one in the past, it somehow seemed pointless now - just a piece of flair to show off.
x x x x xThat winter produced more snow than Britain had seen in decades. It became harder and harder for Lily to manuveur down the pavement, the drifts and piles of snow very high on either side of her, but as February drew to an end, despite her larger belly, the snowfall had relented.
For the first time in weeks, the snow had melted enough to see the old playground clearly. With Death Eaters in custody and feeling it finally safe to do so, Severus and Lily took the long way to Lily's old house and walked by the park.
The breeze whipped around them, blowing scraves and hair. Lily clutched at her scraf and held it down, turning her head toward the playground. Beyond the abandoned poles where the swings used to hang, the bare trees swayed in a frenzied cadance.
"It seems smaller," she remarked, coming to a stop.
Severus halted beside her and took in the scene. "Yes, it does," he agreed. "Everything seems larger when you're a kid."
Lily pointed to some twiggy bushes. "There's where you hid. Of course, the shrubs have grown considerably in almost eleven years." Moving her hand, she redirected her focus. "And just beyond those trees is 'our spot.' My God, it looks so different in the winter."
"Hardly green," Severus said wryly. "The river is frozen over, of course, and has been for weeks. Remember hearing the gushing water as we sat there for what seemed like forever? I'd swear those summers seemed like they would never end. Time to a kid is so different. You think you have forever, and then... time passes, and you find you're on the opposite side of things." Severus smiled gently at this last part and placed a hand on Lily's stomach.
"Do you suppose the old park will be fixed up one day? I'd love for him to be able to play where we did - to be able to tell him that this is where Mummy and Daddy first met."
"'Daddy?'" Severus asked, amused.
Lily giggled that bell-like laughter, so sweet and pleasing to the ears. "Well, he might call you that."
"True enough, I suppose," Severus replied. "Come, let's continue on. It's still bloody cold out here, and I, for one, would like to get inside."
Lily resumed walking. Once they passed the park, she posed, "So, do you?"
"Do I what?"
"Do you think the playground will be reopened for kids to play in?"
"I don't know, but perhaps we can do something about it when the time comes," Severus supplied.
Lily seemed content with this answer, and they continued to the Evanses' house in companionable silence. Upon reaching their destination, Violet greeted them warmly and invited them inside.
"Would you care for a cup of hot tea, or perhaps hot cocoa?" she offered.
She was wearing her apron, which meant she'd been busy in the kitchen. Violet's hair, which had grown back fully from her days of chemo, was pinned back from her face on either side. The older woman smiled at her daughter's belly, asking, "How is the little guy?"
"Tea would be nice, thank you, Violet," Severus replied.
"I think the cocoa would be delightful," Lily said. "And he's fine. Just fine."
"How many more weeks is it now?" Violet asked, returning to the kitchen and glancing behind her.
"About six, maybe five," Lily replied. "Here, let me help you."
Severus shook his head, slightly amused, and turned when his father-in-law stepped into the room. He shook Severus's hand.
"Ah, women," he joked lightly. "Do you feel ready for the big job of being a father, Severus?"
"I, uh, suppose so," Severus said awkwardly. He had tried to imagine himself holding a baby and found it a foreign feeling, indeed. Excitement was definitely prime among his emotions, but anxiety was also present. "The closer the date, the more nervous I become," he admitted in a quiet voice. "But I am looking forward to it, very much."
"As are we," Ross said with a nod. "I'm glad to see Petunia dating that Sirius Black bloke. We always assumed she'd be married first, what with being the older daughter, but life, I guess, is often full of the unexpected." Sobering, he finished, "I'm just glad that war is over and that you're all safe."
Severus exchanged a smile with Lily, who was engrossed with her mum in conversation and hadn't heard a word of what her husband and father were discussing. "Yes, and we have my father to thank for that."
x x x x xBy a couple of weeks later, the weather had improved dramatically. The temperatures, although still quite cool, were warm enough to venture outside for longer periods of time, and the increased amount of daylight afforded Lily the time to take walks over to her old house. Since she wasn't yet working, and Severus had returned to his apprenticeship weeks ago, she had a lot of time on her hands.
Petunia had returned to the university, so Lily spent much time with her mother. When she wasn't visiting with Violet, Lily kept in regular contact with Mary and her newly-acquired friend, Molly Weasley. Molly had given birth to twins, a boy and a girl as projected, a couple of weeks ago. From what Lily could understand, both the Weasley and the Prewett extended families were so large, they took care of Molly and her now seven children.
Lily had inquired after Severus if he had known the Weasleys well before, and he had told her what he could.
"They fought in the Order during the second war, and every one of their children was in Gryffindor. They were always targets since they were blood traitors in the eyes of many purebloods, but Arthur Weasley never died last time. I was never close with them, however, if that's what you're asking," Severus had explained.
"So, you've never been to their house?" Lily had asked.
"No," had been his response.
Now arrangements had been made to visit the Burrow. Molly had graciously extended the invitation a week previously, but Lily had wanted to give her some time to adjust to having two more children to look after. When Severus returned home this evening, they would be making a visit to the Weasley household, and Lily was excited at the prospect of seeing the new babies.
When evening came, Severus changed into something more comfortable, and together, they Apparated to Ottery St. Catchpole. Severus knew the Weasleys had never been well-off financially, but their home had a quaintness to it. Being in the countryside, it was endearing to look a little worn. In the city, a house like Spinner's End was not so charming when in a rundown condition.
Molly greeted them warmly and invited them into the sitting room, which was filled with two other adults, cousins of Molly's, and too many children for Severus's liking. He tried not to curl his lip at two toddlers who he knew would grow up to be infamous pranksters went running by, one chasing the other with a regular broom. The two oldest boys, obviously Bill and Charlie, were taunting an irritated Percy with a book on magic spells. The place was a den of disaster for Severus, but to Lily, it was lovely, as she had put it.
"The little ones are asleep right now," Molly explained, "so we'll have a spot of supper, and then you can properly meet them. Let me introduce you properly to the rest of the family..."
While Lily was delighted throughout the whole ordeal, Severus was less than trilled. Whenever Lily would glance in his direction, he forced a small, pained smile, hoping to God that his child wouldn't be so unruly. After Molly gushed over her boys, she ordered them to clean up for dinner.
After a large dinner, Molly introduced Severus and Lily to her second set of twins. "This is Ronald, and this is Ginevra," she stated, a caress in her voice.
She passed Ginevra to Lily, who held the little baby girl carefully, the natural mother's instinct taking over. When Molly offered Ronald to Severus, he replied uncomfortably, "Uh, that's okay. I don't think- I don't think I'd be very good at holding him." And how odd that Ginevra would be born early.
"Nonsense," Molly admonished in her typical motherly voice, and Severus wondered why he always felt about ten years old around the woman. "Here, it's easy."
Not giving Severus much of a choice in the matter, she passed her child off on him. Severus awkwardly held the baby, feeling very strange indeed. He couldn't help but look at the slumbering boy, who he had known as one of Harry Potter's friends and a trouble-making teenager.
"See? You're a natural, Sev," Lily lightly teased. Looking at Molly, she remarked, "You have beautiful children, Molly. I'm sorry I didn't get to know you sooner."
"That's all right, dear," Molly replied, smiling indulgently at the young married couple across from her. "You'll have one of your own soon. Perhaps they can be playmates."
Severus's stomach twisted in his discomfort. The meal had been too heavy, and although Molly Weasley was known for her excellent ability at cooking, he had always declined staying after Order meetings when the rest of the Order would gratefully partake in her meals.
"Have you thought of a name for your little one?" Molly inquired a moment later.
"Er, a name?" Severus asked, stunned out of his discomfiture.
"Not yet," Lily admitted, amused at her husband's remark. "But I'm sure we'll think of something."
Later that evening, when they were back home, Lily posed the question. "What would you like to name him, Sev?"
"Certainly not 'Severus.' I dislike the thought of a junior or any other ridiculous nicknames he might acquire, such as 'Bud,' because of it."
"Could we use your name for his middle name, at least? I like your name, and it's common to give the eldest son his dad's name as his middle one."
"That would be fine," Severus confessed.
Severus pondered what name would be appropriate for their child. He thought for some time, and Lily left him to it. Finally, he suggested, "What about 'Evan?' He's your child, too, Lily, and if he's to share my name with his middle and last names, I think he ought to bear your maiden name as his given one. Of course, 'Evans' would need to be 'Evan' to work right-"
Lily beamed. "I think it's perfect, Sev. 'Evan Severus Snape.' I like it."
"Evan," Severus murmured, a smiling slowly creeping onto his lips. He placed a hand on Lily's belly as she lay curled up against him on the bed. "Hello, Evan," he said to the baby.
Suddenly, the day's venture to the Burrow hadn't been so stressful after all.
x x x x xDuring the Easter holidays, Petunia returned from the university to spend time with her family. She seemed to be in a particularly good mood that Saturday, and while Lily and Severus were visiting for lunch, Lily took notice of this.
After the meal, she pulled her sister aside. "Is something going on that I should know about, Tuney?" she asked.
"It might be," Petunia replied airily, completely out of character for her.
"I see," Lily remarked wryly. "Does it involve a date with one Sirius Black tonight?"
"You should say that," Petunia said vaguely. Finally looking directly into her sister's eyes, she added, "I'll need to be getting upstairs - I can't possibly go in these rags."
Lily snorted lightly. "I'd hardly call what you're wearing 'rags,' Petunia, but whatever you say, dear sister." Smiling, Lily watched as her sister turned and went upstairs.
When she returned to the dining room, Severus asked, "What was that about?"
"Petunia has a date with Sirius tonight." Gazing at her parents, she questioned, "You don't think-?"
"We suspect there might be something big coming, yes," Ross said. "Sirius seems the old-fashioned type in some respects."
Did Black come to them to ask Petunia's hand in marriage? Severus wondered. He flushed a little, wondering now if he ought to have done likewise, but he didn't seem to need to have won over the approval of Lily's parents, as they had been fond of him for years before that.
"In any case," Violet interjected. "Tomorrow is Easter, and I'll need your help getting things ready, Lily... if that's all right. Seeing as Petunia will be otherwise occupied-"
"Gladly," Lily agreed, just happy to see Petunia in good spirits. "Although," she said, standing awkwardly, "I may not be of much assistance. Severus has taken to teasing me at home about waddling and not being able to bend over far enough."
Severus smiled, embarrassed. "Only teasing because I care, Lily." He stood. "I can help you as well, Violet."
Several hours later, when the Evanses and the Snapes were done preparing the house and food for tomorrow (with the aid of magic), they were gathered around the telly. The first Star Wars movie was making its television debut, and Lily's father had been a closet fan for the past three years. He cheered at all the exciting parts, and Severus couldn't help but wonder what the big deal was.
The front door opened, and Petunia entered, followed by Sirius. Severus wondered if the evening had gone as expected, and by the ridiculously large smile on Petunia's normally scowling face, he assumed it had.
He didn't have to assume for long, because Petunia stepped into the sitting room, exclaiming, "Sirius asked me to marry him!"
Imagine that, Severus thought sardonically, but as the rest of the family stood to offer their congratulations, he joined them.
Lily was embracing her sister tightly, and Ross was enthusiastically shaking Sirius's hand. Severus met Sirius's eye for a moment and raised an eyebrow.
Well, this is certainly going to prove most interesting, Severus thought.
x x x x xFour days after Easter, April 10, Lily went into labor.
A hurried travel to St. Mungo's via Apparition had been the fastest way of getting there. Now, Lily was in the delivery room, surrounded by several Healers and their assistants. Severus was the nervous father who couldn't sit still if he tried, and although he was training to be a Healer, he didn't have the knowledge to assist, and not knowing how to help was frustrating.
"Just try to relax, Mr. Snape," one of the Healers, a man in his forties with dark blonde hair and a beard said soothingly, much to Severus's annoyance. "Everything is proceeding accordingly, so don't fret."
I'm not fretting, Severus wanted to argue.
He wished he could see Lily better, but since she was surrounded by others, he was kept at a short distance.
Lily was grateful for the invention of pain potions, but the delivery was still longer than she imagined. She pushed with everything she had, and when a small baby's cry went up in the room, she thought her heart might burst with joy.
"Keep pushing, now," one of the Healers instructed. "You're almost there."
Severus crept closer and eased his way into the gathered Healers, until he could see clearly. Lily was covered in sweat, but the baby's cry had undone him. He wanted to witness this miracle... the birth of his son.
My God... my son. My son.
Severus felt beyond amazement. Everything felt so surreal.
Soon enough, the baby had emerged. The first thing Severus noticed was black hair covering his little head. He had a good set of lungs, too, for he cried loudly, and he was red in the face.
The Healers cleaned him off and wrapped him in a blanket, handing him to Lily, who took the baby in her arms like he was the most precious treasure in the world.
Severus moved to the side of the bed and leaned over his wife and child. Lily's eyes were glistening with tears of elation. Severus reached out a hand and smoothed it over the baby's hair, then down his cheek.
"He's so soft," he murmured.
"He's beautiful," Lily whispered, kissing the baby. "Hello, Evan... little Evan Severus," she spoke to the baby softly. "Welcome to the world."
"Dear God, Lily," Severus breathed. "We did it."
Lily smiled widely up at her husband. "We did it together, Sev."
Severus sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped an arm around Lily, pulling her and Evan closer. Unable to fully comprehend how he had gotten so lucky - no, so blessed - in this life, Severus thanked God and silently promised to cherish the two most important people to him the rest of his life.
Thank you for giving me another chance.
Author's Note: We're almost there, folks! Just the epilogue to go!
Artwork for this chapter is here: http:// sindie11 . deviantart . com / art / Severus-with-Pregnant-Lily-91073361 (remove spaces)
Artwork for chapter 118 is here: (colored by LilyHBP) http:// sindie11 . deviantart . com / art / 1980-81783026 (remove spaces)
