Disclaimer: I do not own any of JK's characters, but I do claim my own original characters.
AN: There is a birth scene in the chapter, just a forewarning. Sorry to all of you who have been waiting for this chapter, that it took so long, but I am in college and am currently swamped, so I won't be updating as quickly as I had been. This is story has not been abandoned and I continue to work on the chapters, a bit here and there. It is also taking more time because the chapters themselves are getting longer. Thank you to all who reviewed, please review. I need to here your veiws and thoughts regarding the story.
Chapter 8 – Explanations, Agitations, and Beautiful Twins
Sirius woke with quite a start. "Mr. Black, why is it that you are out of your bed. It is late and you need your rest," said a voice that sounded soft and caring. Sirius looked up through bleary eyes at the young mediwitch standing over the bed. "Whaa," he said. The mediwitch looked as though she was becoming annoyed, "You, Mr. Black, are currently in Mr. Snape's room, when you, Mr. Black, should be in your own room." Sirius sat up on the bed and looked at the woman, "I felt like coming to see Snape and how could I possibly sleep with him calling me so bloody loudly." A worried expression traced its way across the young witch's face and she reached out placing her cool hand against Sirius's forehead. "Mr. Black, are you feeling well because I can assure you Mr. Snape has done no such thing. We intended to release you in the morning, but in light of these new events we made need to do a few more scans on you …" Sirius smacked the witch's hand away, "I am perfectly fine, I just came for a visit. I'll go back to my bloody room if it will make you leave me be." Sirius was practically growling as he stomped noisily out of the room, with the now irate mediwitch behind him, following to make sure he did indeed return to his room and his bed while mumbling something about ungodly hours and nuisance patients.
Sirius settled into his bed and sleep took him. It was a very light sleep and Sirius woke a few hours later hours later to see it was very early morning. He pushed the covers back and pulled on his discarded shoes, before stretching and heading for the desk in the hallway. He winked at the young mediwitch behind the counter before declaring that he'd like to be signed out. After a few compliments to the girl, she signed Sirius out and he headed back down the hall to Snape's room. He was happy that he was not being called 24 hours a day anymore, but still he thought maybe Harry and Remus would show early. He walked in to see Snape was no longer sleeping but instead was sitting up in bed reading. Sirius stood in the doorway for a few minutes until Severus realized he was there. "What do you want Black?" Sirius walked across the room and took the seat he been in only a couple hours prior. "Harry, Remus and I had a talk last night, as you should remember, you were awake for some of it," he stated. Severus visibly paled, but Sirius took no notice and continued on. "Our conversation included details of the end of the war, your new status as a family member as well as a hon… hon… honorary ma… ma… marauder, and your odd desire to have a child as well as the measures taken to get one." Severus was sweating now thinking Harry wouldn't have told him, would he. "Harry said there was more to tell, but it was for you to tell me."
Severus let out a sigh of relief and Sirius snorted, "I was right in my assumption that no one would dare knock you up. However, I never thought of Snivellus ever actually wanting kids. Ha, it is totally laughable." Severus looked up at his nemesis, whom was glaring at him. "Leave, now. I have nothing to tell you, there is nothing more you will know, whether you need to or not." Severus pointed to the door indicating for Sirius to leave, but Sirius made no move to do any such thing. "Right like I am going to leave because you said so. Youcan't make me." Severus had enough and pushed back the covers to his bed, gently moving his legs over the side of the bed and standing. He moved towards Sirius, "Black I have had just about enough of you, you torment me in life, then in supposed death, and then back in life again. I will not hurt you because Harry and Remus love you so dearly, but you will remove yourself from my presence this instance." Sirius stood and suddenly it all clicked. He swept over to Severus and placed hid hand on Severus belly, causing Severus to freeze in his tracks. "I may be a foolish Gryffindor, but I am by no mean unintelligent. How could I possible torment you in death, nightmares of your childhood aside? The baby is mine is it not?" Severus was stunned into silence, he never thought Sirius capable of rational thought. "Speechless, eh, Snape? You want to know how I figured it out, do you not? Answer me Snivellus." Severus pushed Sirius away, "Get out," he growled.
Sirius simple said no and once again took his seat. Severus turned to and began to stalk back to his bed, but his legs gave way and he fell. Sirius was quick to act and caught Severus, lifting him and placing him back on the bed. "We will wait for Harry and Remus, then I will give my explanation and you will listen, then you will in turn give your explanation. For now, you need to rest. I may not like you and you may not like me, but that is no reason for the baby to suffer." Severus glared at Sirius, he hated feeling week and he wanted to shower, to scrub away the feeling of Sirius body against his. He was disgusted, being saved from a nasty fall by Sirius Black. He continued to glare at Sirius even after he returned to his chair, and after Black had fallen asleep and until he himself succumb to sleep. They were awoken two hours later by a gently hand and a soft voice stating that Severus had some visitors. Severus looked to see Harry and Remus, hugging Sirius, before coming over and greeting him. Once everyone was seated Sirius cleared his throat, "Last night I remembered why I was released from the veil, why it was I ended up on Remus front door, and what that has lead me to believe, although it has yet to be confirmed." With all attention diverted to him Sirius continued.
"When we were in the Hall of Mysteries at the ministry, I was knocked into the veil. Bellatrix's curse did not hit me, but the missed and caused me to stumble backwards into the veil. Therefore when I entered the veil, I remained alive, mind, body, and soul in tact. However, the afterlife is not meant for mind and body, which I quickly learned, as I was fixed to one spot and could not move. Lily and James were watching over us at the Ministry that night, so were there to receive me when I came. Lily quickly announced however that I was not dead and I had to go back. She said she would work on a way to get me here, after all it's not like she did not have an eternity. They could not move me and they tried many different methods, but none of them worked. They would have to leave me often and I would sit and try to think of a way myself. This obviously went on for years, but I had little sense of time there, so it did not matter. I guess than it would have been a couple of months back that Lily came to me and said that I would go back soon, and when the time came, I would know and not to hesitate. Then she congratulated me, told me to make sure to give Harry a big hug and to tell you, Harry, that she and your father send there love. With that she left me. I guess it was about 3 weeks ago that I heard what sounded like a lovely humming calling to me, so I reached out for it and then I woke up on the floor in front of the veil." Severus, Harry, and Remus listened intently following his every word, but Severus was thinking as well, it all lined up to perfectly. "I do not know how long I was in there but I do know that I had no wand, and I was very hungry so I started to pounded on the door and call for help, until someone came and let me out. I was still hearing the humming, at the time, and when the man offered me food and drink I ignored him and following the humming, determined to make it stop. I walked with no wand and no money in the direction of the humming and it was difficult, because it was not always coming from, the same direction. I ate what I could find and got little sleep, I would say I walked for about two weeks until I found the humming at your house Remus. Then I had a confrontation will Snape and fainted from the exhaustion, hunger, thirst, and the unbelievably loud humming that was giving me a migraine. Then when I woke up the humming was still there, and later I followed it here to Snape's room. It continued on during the conversation and I ignored it, but after Remus and Harry left it continued, so I got up and walked over to Snape, just looking at him. I moved closer and was compelled to touch him. So I reached down and touched his abdomen and the humming stopped just like that. I didn't really think anything of it, except why the hell was Snivellus calling me, but after our argument this morning I realized that it wasn't him, it was the baby, my baby." Harry and Remus were wide eyes and Severus was giving Sirius a look of disbelief. "I am correct in assuming that the child is mine, that Severus was given my DNA as a match for the procedure?"
Remus and Harry nodded, but Severus glared. "Stupid Gryffindor, I am having more than one child. So I would have to say you are incorrect and I will correct you by saying, they, the babies, are unfortunately and to my great displeasure, yours." Remus and Harry frowned at the pair. "Could you to please stop fighting for once, this is not the time," said Remus. Sirius looked at Severus, and rolled his eyes, "now I believe you owe me an explanation." Severus growled and ground his teeth glaring dagger at Sirius, "there is nothing much to explain, I care more for the children than about the fact that you are their father, I would never give them up. I do not care if you hate me or if you do not want them, I will ask nothing of you as far as their rearing is concerned. They need not even know that you are their father, if…" Severus was cut of by an angry Sirius, "I will care for them, they will be loved by me, despite the circumstance, and they will always know that I am their father whether you like it or not. Of course I want them, this is the chance I did not ever fathom having. They brought me back, they need me, and I need this. I thank you Severus for bringing them into this world, and for that I am willing to put aside our difference for the sake of our children." Sirius was now standing in front of Severus, his face set with determination. However his little speech did not have the desire effect he was going for, as Severus burst into tears, causing Harry and Remus to rush to his side, and attempt to calm him. It was several minutes before Severus was settled and was calm enough to talk. He glared at Sirius then gave a determined face, "For my children, I will try to put our differences aside."
Just then the mediwitch from the night before came in, "Good morning, I need to do a few scans on Mr. Snape to determine whether he will actually need to stay any longer. Now, If you'd please, we only allow the immediate family or in this case the other father to be present for the scans, so if you would please wait outside for a few minutes." Harry and Remus nodded, before turning to Sirius, who waved them off and turned to the mediwitch as the two exited the room. The mediwitch looked at Sirius, "I take then you are immed…" She was cut off by Severus, "He is the other father, now if you please, I would like to go home." The mediwitch gave Severus an irritated look, but then proceeded to do the scans. After a few minutes the scan were finished and the results parchment appeared with a small pop. The mediwitch looked it over, the turned to Sirius, "Your husband will be allowed to go home, with strict orders to stay in bed. You are to tend to his every need and he is not to leave his bed except to bath and relieve himself." Sirius nodded ignoring the husband part, and then the mediwitch left stating she would sign Severus out and he could leave after a shower.
Harry and Remus came back into the room and Sirius asked if Harry or Remus could help Severus take a shower, but Remus stated he need to get some clothes for his friend and Severus said he did not want his former student to see him in his birthday suit and Harry quickly agreed. Sirius rolled his eyes and before Snape could suggest calling a mediwitch, he picked him up with ease and carried him into the bathroom. Sirius was grateful for the chair in the tub and place Snape on it. He undid the medical gown and left to cover his lap then turned the shower on helped Snape clean himself, making sure to wash his hair three times and turning away to allow him to clean his more private areas. Once he was done he handed Snape a towel for his lap and used another to dry his hair and wrap him in it. Once he was covered Sirius hoisted Snape up and carried him out of the bathroom and placed him on the bed. All the while Severus was too shocked to make any objection, even as Sirius took his clothes from Remus and helped him dress. Harry and Remus gave them both incredulous looks, as the four of them left Sirius wheeling Severus in a wheelchair.
The four of them called a cab and took it to Spinners End. The place was rather shabby on the outside but that was nothing to say for the inside, which was decidedly cozy on the inside. As you entered the house you walked directly into the living room; which had a nice fireplace, a couch, a loveseat, a recliner, and was done in earthy neutral tones. Sirius pushed Severus through the doorway and parked him beside the couch and then he looked to Harry and Remus, "What now?" Harry moved over to Severus and helped him out of the wheelchair, "Now we make him comfortable and takes turns watching over him, until time come for the delivery. Then we do our best to help him when the babies are born, whilst trying our best not to irritate him." Harry helped Severus into the chair and Sirius turned to him shaking his head. "No, Harry. I think you and Remus should go home to your wives and children. I am sure I can take care of him; it is not like I have any pressing matters to attend to. Everyone who needs to know I am back already knows, so I can take care of Severus. They are my children too." Harry and Remus both gave him worried looks and Sirius huffed in indignation. "Honestly, you two, I am not going to bloody kill him. I have no desire to jeopardize the pregnancy." Harry and Remus nodded and turned to Severus, "We will be back to check on you in the morning." Severus nodded, although he could not believe he they were actually going to leave him alone with Sirius. He was still in shock from his shower and dressing this morning. Remus and Harry both gave him a quick hug, and Severus cursed inwardly, thinking there was way too much of that going on lately, but did not voice his opinion. They then turned and gave Sirius a tight squeeze, before heading over to the fireplace and flooing to their own homes. No doubt to spread the good news that he was home and well.
Sirius turned to Severus, "Um, well. Are you hungry, because I could make some breakfast." Severus looked at him in utter disbelief, "I hope you that you do not honestly believe that I would eat any disaster you managed to throw together and have the gull to call food." Sirius rolled his eyes and walked into the kitchen to cook some breakfast, even if Severus was not hungry, he was starving for something that was not hospital food. He opened the refrigerator and began to search for something healthy. Should Severus change his mind, Sirius was by no means going to shove unhealthy things down his throat, no, only the best for his children. He pulled out some fruit and proceeded to cut the fruit up, to make fruit salad. He then got some eggs from the refrigerator, and set them to boil. Simple enough he though, boiled eggs and fruit salad for breakfast. The food was finished rather quickly and Sirius made up plates for Severus and himself, pouring them both a glass of water, before bringing the food out into the living room. He handed Severus his plate and then sat down on the loveseat across from the couch and began to eat his food. Severus looked at the food as though it was the foulest substance on the planet for several minutes, but then upon very loud protests from his stomach he started to eat. Severus was astounded, to say the least, by the fact that Sirius had actually managed to make a halfway decent meal. Actually the meal had been rather delicious, for being what it was, eggs and fruit salad, but Severus would never admit that little detail out loud. He was barely able to admit it in his head.
Sirius waited for Severus to finish and after he did, he got up and headed into the kitchen, taking their dirty dishes. Sirius proceeded to wash up the dishes and Severus took the time to take a much needed bathroom break, baby B seemed to always lie right on his bladder. Sirius returned from the kitchen, to find Severus missing. Worry hit him instantly, because only a few moments ago the man had barely been able to stand on his own and hadn't the mediwitch said he should be in bed. He was about to go search for the obstinate man, when he heard a flush from down the hall and then the running of water. Sirius headed down the hall and stopped in front of the door, he heard sounds coming from. A few seconds later, Severus opened the door and immediately scowled seeing Black standing at the door. "You should get into your bed now, Snape," stated the mutt simply. Severus raised an eyebrow and was about to speak, but Sirius quickly added, "Unless of course, you would like another trip to the hospital and a decidedly much longer stay."
Severus shot him a nasty glare, before stalking past him and heading up the stairs. Sirius followed behind him all the way up the stairs, down the hall, to the second door on the left. Sirius watched as Severus crossed the room and climbed into his bed. Severus turned to Sirius, "I am hot. I would like some ice cream," he stated. Sirius nodded and headed out the room, back down the step and into the refrigerator, while Severus lay down and pulled the bed sheets up around him. Severus knew very well, there was no ice cream in the house, and that Sirius the noble Gryffindor would go out and try to find some, which would leave him alone for a couple hours of peaceful rest. If Sirius was going to make him stay in bed, then Severus was going to give him hell. He would not be eating the ice cream Sirius brought back, but instead would request a different flavor, probably only to change it again. For now, however, he just really needed a nap, a nice long nap.
Severus did not remember falling asleep, and now he was being woken by a rather strong hand rubbing his belly. Rubbing his belly, he thought questioningly. He cracked an eyelid to see Black smiling at his baby bump and gently rubbing his abdomen while talking quietly. Black had not even noticed he was awake, that is until he practically growled, "Black, if you do not remove you hand from my person post haste, I will remove it for you." Sirius jumped and his hand quickly shot away from Severus' tummy, then gave Severus an 'I hate you' look before stating, "They are my children too and I will talk to them all night, if I bloody well please. Besides I'm not at all delighted at all by the fact that it is you I have to care for and you that I must touch if I want to feel them kick, so stuff it up your arse Snape." Severus responded to that statement by literally kicking Sirius off the bed. "No one asked you to play the noble Gryffindor, I entered into this pregnancy without you and I most certainly do not need you now," he growled. Sirius huffed and hoisted himself off the floor. "I am not playing the noble Gryffindor. It is really so hard for you to believe I want to be an important part of my children's lives," he shot back. He picked up the ice cream container off the floor and shoved it at Snape, who turned his nose up at it, "I do not like that kind." Sirius was turning red from his slight anger, "Tough," he spat, "deal with it." He dropped the container in Snape's lap and stomped out of this room. "This is going to be a long month," he said as Snape called down the hall to bring him more blankets. He is doing this on purpose, he thought.
As promised, Harry and Remus checked on Severus the next morning. They were satisfied to see Severus was in bed and looking slightly more rested. However, they gave him a disapproving look when they saw Sirius looked much less rested and seemed to be close to snapping. Harry and Remus offered to take over for Sirius, for a few hours, so Sirius could get some rest, and Sirius gladly accepted the offer. Harry went downstairs to make breakfast and Remus stays with Severus, giving him a lecture over his treatment of Sirius, letting his disappointed show through loud and clear. Severus got the point, unfortunately and against his will he would have to be civil to Sirius, but he would do it for Remus and Harry. Sirius woke up about three hours later feeling much better and ready for whatever Severus had to throw at him. He was surprised to see Severus asleep and Harry and Remus chatting quietly in his room. He thanked his friend and his godson, and then suggested they all talked downstairs while Severus slept, even if he really just wanted to throw a shoe at the man's head to wake him or pour warm water on his sheets to make him think he wet himself. After the day he had, he wondered how it was possible for him to resist. The trio talked about what life was like now, and Sirius gave them the details of the previous day, stating his first day of 'father to be' was absolutely horrid. Harry and Remus laughed, stating that at least he missed the mood swings and morning sickness. All of them laughed harder, no those things most definitely would not be missed.
The three of them talked for about another hour, before Remus and Harry decided it was time for them to go home. They went upstairs to say goodbye to Severus, shaking him gently and letting him know they were leaving, and then leaving him to rest peacefully. Sirius hugged his godson and his best friend goodbye and went about making lunch for him and the pregnant demon. He was almost done when said demon called him. "Sirius." Sirius turned casting a small charm to keep the soup from boiling over and headed upstairs to see what it was the demon wanted. Sirius opened the door and strode over to Severus, "Yeah, what is it." Severus blushed deeply before stating, "I require bathing, um, help me into the bathroom." Sirius gave him an evil smile, "why, feeling smelly Severus?" Severus gave him an irritated look, he would have asked Remus, but he was gone. "Its can wait," states Sirius offering his hand to Severus, "lunch should be done heating up, let eat first. Then you can have your shower." Severus looked dumbfounded but took the offered hand and allowed himself to be hoisted up. Sirius lead Severus out of the room and down the hall, then proceeded to help him down the stairs and into the dining room. Severus took a seat while Sirius went into the kitchen and filled the two bread bowls he made with soup before making them each a cup of tea and levitating the food to the table. Severus looked at the food, not sure whether something so elegant should be eaten, he would never admit to Sirius, but, as much as he hated it, he was impressed by Sirius' apparent ability to cook.
Severus looked over to Sirius who was already enjoying a mouth full of soup, before digging in and enjoying the taste of the hot creamy soup. Potato, mmm. Severus downed his soup with poise and dignity, but downed it none the less, and Sirius watched him with an amused look on his face. "Slow down Snivellus, you are eating for 3 not 40," he mocked. Severus sent a glare his way, "your one to talk, one would think you have never eaten a day in your life and quite honestly I didn't not think I would have use for the baby's bibs before they arrive, but from the state of you shirt, Black, I can see that I am sadly mistaken." Sirius sent a death glare to Severus, "Watch it Snivellus, or you shower will demonstrate what it is like to go swimming in the arctic." Severus sneered at him, "Please, you try it and you find yourself lacking a few parts of you anatomy, if you catch me drift." Sirius had enough of Severus attitude and he quickly got up from the table, leaving the dining room in favor of less hostile environments. "I hope you enjoy your shower", he sneered on his way out. Severus growled muttering things about stupid temperamental Gryffindors and idiotic no good mutts. He finished his lunch and deposited his dishes in the sink, now to have a nice hot shower, he thought as he turned around. He slowly made his way to the stairs and started up them, it was a very tiring ordeal and by the time he made it up the stairs he was completely winded, he was starting to loathe being pregnant with more than he loathed Black. Severus made his way to the bathroom, going in and closing the door behind him. He sat down on the toilet, he was much too tired for this, and he thought maybe a relaxing bath would be better. No, he thought, the large tub was better for baths. He reached over and turned on the shower, getting it to the right temperature, before taking off his clothing and climbing into the shower. He was extremely tired by this time and although the hot water helped he was sure his legs would give out soon.
Sirius had seen Severus climb the stairs and returned to the dining room to finish his lunch and clean up the dishes. By the time he was done, he had heard the showering running and decided to go check on Severus. God forbid, he fell and something happened to the babies. He opened the door to see Severus's silhouette leaning against the shower wall looking very tired. Sirius sighed, this was going to be a very long month, since when did he ever feel sorry for Snivellus. "Severus," he called. The potions master straighten up, "What do you want Black?" Severus answer was a hand towel and a chair materialized into the shower. Severus sat in the chair rather gratefully and looked at the hand towel. "Where are you cloth and soap," asked Sirius. Severus understood and placed the towel over his lap, even if his pregnant belly hid his anatomy sufficiently. He told Black where his things were and then relaxed with warm water running over him. After a few moments Sirius pulled back the curtains frowning at Severus. "Next time, come get me. No matter, your pride. I do not want anything to happen to the three of you." Sirius summoned a chair and sat beside Severus, who was looking at him skeptically, thinking did he just say three. Sirius paid no heed to the man and wet the cloth, before lathering it with soap. He himself had not even realized what he said; he was a Gryffindor after all, so he just said it on impulse. He started to wash Severus, frowning the whole time, until he reached the baby bump and his frown dissolved away, replaced by a small grin. He could still hardly believe he was going to be a father. Severus was taken aback by the sudden change in the man's facial expressions and became more uncomfortable the longer the man grinned. "Black, please do stop grinning like an idiot." He growled, but Black ignored him, and his grin was replaced by a bright and genuine smile. This worked to terrify Severus, who was now wishing for the shower to be done and over with.
He was very happy when the water was cut off and Sirius left him to dry and dress on his own, smiling as he left the room. Severus climbed out of the tub and dried himself and looked to the counter to see him clothing was laid out for him and his toothbrush was ready for him as well. Severus looked over the clothing that was chosen for him and growled, before slowly getting dress in the green and grey striped jumper and black slacks. Stupid sweater, stupid McGonagall got him for stupid Christmas, blasted woman. He brushed his teeth and exited the bathroom, bringing his dirty clothes with him to deposit in his room. As much as he hated to admit it, he could use a nap, and so he headed for the comfort of his bed. He was vaguely aware of someone, coming into his room and rubbing his belly gently, but once he felt the gently rubbing, he was done and sleep came rather quickly. He slept for quite some time because the next thing he knew he was being awoke by Black and helped to dinner. He looked down at the spread in front of him as he sat down at the table, grilled chicken with garlic and mushrooms, mashed potatoes with gravy and steamed and buttered Brussels sprouts. He quickly tucked in with even more gusto as the morning, which only led to another row between him and Black. Thankfully this time Sirius did not storm out and later they retired to the study where Severus did some research from his potions books and Sirius read the Daily Prophet.
Life was pretty much the same for the next two week with much rowing between the two men, which often included death threats and the removal of certain anatomy, but there were also quiet moments where they played chess or read in the study. However on this morning two weeks after Sirius had begun to stay with Severus, things were different. Severus woke up feeling very restless and this was not to unusual in itself, except that he had the most unexplainable urge to clean, up until then he had not really noticed it, or the fact that for about a month and a half he unconsciously straightened things, but this was different. Severus got up from his bed and started to straighten his room, even going back to re-straighten things he had already straightened. Once he was satisfied he ventured out his room and headed straight for the nursery and spent most of the morning in the room tiding the already tidy room. It took a while for Sirius to find his for their rather late breakfast, but after he woke up and cleaned his room, he went to the kitchen and decided that the room was not clean enough and started to clean it, therefore breakfast was at 11:30 instead of 9am. Breakfast was rather peaceful and afterwards Severus went to go take a nap, after insisting to Sirius he need more blankets and pillows, which Sirius thought was a weird request especially since it was spring.
Tonks and Remus dropped by the next and neither could contain their laughter at the amusing situation. Tonks stated that the pair was nesting, that it was perfectly normal and that the babies would probably come soon. Severus sighed a breath of relief before heading to the potions lab and coming back with some wolfbane's potion for Remus. "Sorry, I cannot be with you yet again, but I will be able to soon enough. Take care of him Tonks." Remus smiled and told Severus that it was okay and that he didn't mind. Sirius just looked at them like they were all crazy; he still wasn't use to the whole Severus being a marauder thing. Remus and Tonks had lunch with the pair and then they had to go pick up Lilianna, not wanting to leave he on Harry and Ginny to long. After they left Severus and Sirius almost immediately got into yet another row. "Tomorrow, night is the full moon," he stated. Sirius nodded, he could guess where this was going. "You will go and spend it with Remus." Sirius was shocked, that was not what he was expecting. "He will need someone there and this way Tonks can tend to Lilianna." Sirius looked at Severus in disbelief, "Are you crazy? Did you not here what Tonks said? The babies are coming soon, what if you go into labor while I am gone." Severus growled, "Honestly Black, it is only for one night, I am not going to drop dead. If I go into labor I am sure I can get to the hospital." Sirius was about to object, but Severus looked up at him with sad eyes. "Please go", he whispered. Sirius rolled his eyes, stupid Snivellus going all soft. "Fine", he growled, "I did promise that as long as I was able I would be there for him", and then with that statement he stormed out of the living room.
Sirius and Severus did not speak to each other for the rest of the night, but Sirius still helped Severus to bed. Things were not much better the next day, there was much more tension between the two then there had been in the last two weeks and Sirius was still apprehensive about leaving. Even so when the moon started to rise he left, speaking to Severus for the first time since he agreed to go, saying he would be back first thing in the morning. Severus watched as the door closed, then finally allowed his face to wash over with pain. It had hit him around mid afternoon and now the pain was starting to intensify. He gently rubbed his abdomen to try and soothe the pain away, thinking he could do this, he planned to do it on his own in the beginning anyway. He'd already downed the necessary potions to allow the birth to happen day ago, and he could feel the potion begin to take affect as the pain began. His privates were changing rather rapidly to allow the birthing to take place. As the pain intensified he decided he would take a bath in the large tub to soothe his pain. It was around one in the morning when he began to fill the tub with water and making sure the water was at the right temperature. The tub was deep, so when he sat his abdomen would be completely emerged in the water, and was large enough for four or five people to sit in it comfortably. Severus was about to climb into the tub when he was over come by this weird sensation, then suddenly clear fluid gushed from his now changed genitals. Severus was rather scared, he knew from his book that meant the pain would intensify, yet again and the babies were likely to come sooner. He would not make it to the hospital and suddenly found that he did not really want to. He was even more surprised to find more than anything he wanted Sirius there to care for him and make the pain stop. He shook the thoughts from his head and climbed into the tub allowing the warm water to calm him, thinking its just the hormones talking, just the hormones. Just as he figured his pain began to intensify steadily and he was tempted to grab a pain-relieving potion for himself, but he did not want it to harm the babies and he did not want to leave the comfort of the tub.
Meanwhile Sirius tried to enjoy his time with Remus during the full moon, but he thought constantly turned to Severus and he found himself silently wishing for an early sunrise. Remus himself was wishing for the same thing, but the night was waning on slowly and he was becoming irritated be Sirius pacing. He was very happy when the sun began to rise around five in the morning and Remus found himself shifting back to his human form. Sirius quickly changed back and hugged Remus before stating he needed to go. Remus felt the difference in Sirius, and told him he would come to, even though he was very tired. He would feel it, something was not right. Both men quickly apparated to Severus' home and called out to the man, unfortunately receiving no response. This caused the pair to become nervous and they quickly set about searching for the man. They found him quickly just by following there noses and were shocked to see Severus laboring in the large tub, in obvious pain. Sirius rushed over to him, "Severus, we have got to get you to St. Mungos right away." Severus opened his eyes and grabbed Sirius hand squeezing until the contraction passed. After the contraction subsided, he shook his head and stated his breathing ragged, "We won't make it, the babies are coming now." Sirius nodded, "Well, what do you want me to do?" Severus squeezed his hand tightly again as another contraction came. "Get in", he breathed. Sirius nodded then turned to Remus, instructing his to get warm towels for them, to inform the family, and then to come back as quickly as soon as he was finished.
Sirius looked down at the pain-racked face, of the father of his children, and smiled, before shedding his clothing and climbing into the tub behind Severus. He proceed to try to calm and soothe the man and once he was calm enough, asked him whether he felt like he needed to push or not. Severus nodded and Sirius told the man to go ahead, while he quickly rubbed Severus shoulders and gently removed the hair from his face, as Severus pushed. Remus arrived back with the towels, stating that the everyone was gathering in the living room, just in time to seem Severus push out a small pale gook covered baby with black hair. Severus lifted the baby out of the water and placed the baby on his chest while his body relaxed for a bit. Severus heard Sirius whisper from behind him that it was a girl and then he allowed Remus to take her and clean her off, as he was hit by another wave of contractions. Remus placed the child in the baby basket on the floor once she was clean, then raced downstairs to tell everyone the first baby was a girl. Severus and Sirius could he the cheering all through the house as the second baby was pushed out and Remus returned. Severus picked up the next pale, gook cover, black haired baby and placed the baby on his chest. He was the one to whisper this time that it was a boy. He kissed the baby and handed him to Remus to be cleaned, while he finished nature's process, allowing the placentas to come. Remus went down stairs to tell everyone the second baby was a boy, while Sirius vanished the contents of the tub, then cleaned up and quickly dressed Severus and himself. Severus took a strengthening potion and a potion to allow his genitals to change back, and was very relieved it worked immediately. Then he took potion that would allow his insides to go back to normal, but would take about three months to work, while Remus, who had returned, and Sirius diapered and clothed the twins.
The trio headed downstairs, Severus helped by Remus and Sirius carrying the twins and looking at the adoringly. As they enter the room, quiet cheering and applause met them. Severus and Sirius smiled and sat on the love seats looking at the babies with so much love, both had curly black hair, cute button noses and big blue eyes with a ring of black color around the outside on the iris. Every awed at the adorable babies then Hermione asked if they had names. Sirius looked to Severus, they hadn't talked about names, to see Severus nodding. He kissed his little girl's forehead and said, " her name is Artemis Diana Siriya Black," and then he kissed the little boys cheek and said, " his name is Sirius Evander Severin Black." Everyone gaped at him, but he simply ignored them, what stunned him the most was the thank you whispered in his ear followed by the kiss on his cheek from Black. He turned and looked at Sirius wide eye, but Sirius was focused on the twins, so he just decided to let it slide this time. Everyone was stunned, and after a moment of gaping Ginny giggled and stated it was the hormones and the potions. Everyone nodded but Ron looked confused, "that doesn't explain Sirius behavior." Hermione rolled her eyes and stated, "it didn't explain your extra affectionateness, either I suppose." Ron turned as red as his hair, "I get it", he mumbled. Everyone else had already begun to congratulate Sirius and Severus, as well as coddle the new babies, and Severus was becoming annoyed, but it was mostly because he was tired, but he endured, until the most of the family left.
Severus and Sirius were left to sleep cuddled up on the couch, while Harry and Tonks looked after the twins. The new parents were utterly exhausted; after all they managed to fall asleep on the loveseat together, while the some of the others were still around. Definitely totally exhausted, thought Harry.
AN: As far as Sirius comfort to Severus, no they have not realized their feeling for one another. I just figure since Sirius was taking fairly decent care of Severus and since Severus was in a enourmous amount of pain, he would want so comfort and the source of even a small level of comfort has been coming from Sirius lately.
Next Chapter: CH 9 Settling In and the Family Picnic
