Passing Notes 2

It was two weeks into the start of the new term. Harry Potter-Snape had been married for three years now and for the past year had taken up the Defence Against the Dark Arts position, breaking the curse.

For the past few days, when Harry awoke, he was inundated with nausea. The young professor had spent the last three mornings with his head over the toilet.

His husband insisted that he go see Poppy and after a whole week of being sick Harry finally relented and went to the Hospital Wing.

"Hello, Poppy." He greeted the mediwitch as he walked into the familiar room.

"Harry, are you alright?" Her first action was to rush over to him and take out her wand to scan for any injuries.

Harry couldn't help but laugh. Poppy had been like a mother to him whenever he was ill or injured. Refusing to allow him to leave until he was recovered, forcing him to eat, making sure he was comfortable and even fire-calling his friends to keep him company when she was busy. "I'm fine, Poppy. Well…except I've been sick recently. I was wondering if you could just check that I haven't got that bug that's been going round.

"Of course, my dear. I had another new case yesterday. Young Mr Davy, he fainted in Charms. Poor Filius was terrified." She joked easily with the wizard. "Ok. Onto the bed with you."

Harry hopped onto what they jokingly called 'his' bed. He had spent more time in the Hospital Wing than almost anyone else over the past ten years.

She ran her wand over him then frowned. "Well, you haven't got that bug. What did you say your symptoms were?"

"Nausea in the morning. I usually feel fine later on but I've been throwing up as soon as I get up." Harry explained patiently. He still had another hour until his first class luckily, he would get to spend some time with the witch, he hadn't been to talk to her for a while.

"Nausea in the morning but fine later in the day." She repeated quietly. Something clicked in her mind. Scanning him again her suspicions were confirmed. Laughter escaped her.

Harry shot her a confused glance, "What is it, Poppy?"

The aging witch let out a giggle. She couldn't help it; she was just imagining Severus' reaction. "Harry…have you ever considered having a family?"

"I have a family. But I've always wanted kids, you know that. Unfortunately male pregnancy is incredibly rare and there is no way I'm having sex with a woman, no offence. I would never cheat on Severus." Harry babbled. He really was confused now. He was expecting to get a potion and be told to take it easy for a day or two. What was going on? A faint part of his mind grew hopeful at the witch's question but it was subconscious.

"Well, you seem to be one of those rare wizards who can bare children, Harry. Congratulations. You're two months pregnant." Poppy was so happy for him. She smiled at his dumbfounded look.

"Pregnant? Really?" Harry's hands went to his stomach. Was there really a life in there? His child? Severus' child?

The mediwitch nodded silently. "I expect that you're little one will be born in April but I'll be able to predict more accurately later on."

"April. Oh Merlin, how am I going to tell Severus? We've never discussed the possibility of children." The wizard was panicking slightly now. What if Severus didn't want children? There was no way Harry would give his child up. Severus couldn't stand most of the children he taught. How would he react?

Poppy saw his anxiety and hurried to reassure her young charge. "Harry, I've known Severus since he was eleven. He does want a family, even if he claims he doesn't. He will adapt to another person, as will you. There is nothing to worry about." The matronly woman embraced Harry warmly.

Harry smiled at the witch, "Thanks Poppy. I think I needed that. Now, is there anything I should know about the pregnancy?"

Shaking her head she answered, "No, it's basically the same as a woman's. But mood swings might affect you a little more considering you won't be accustomed to the oestrogen in your system."

Harry paled a little, "Mood swings?"

Poppy smirked wickedly, "Don't worry, Harry. Women mostly find them fun. It's their partners who suffer with them."

Harry couldn't help but laugh at the look on her face. It was absolutely evil.

They stayed talking until the bell rang for change over whereupon Harry bid his friend goodbye and hurried down to his first class of the day with a huge smile on his face.

Professor Potter-Snape's cheerful mood did not go unnoticed by the student body. He also seemed to be rather distracted, Gryffindor and Slytherin had got into a minor fight in a corridor in front of him and all he had done was part them, he didn't take points.

One thing did come from Harry's ruminations that day; he had decided how to tell his husband of their new arrival. In the same way Severus had used to propose.

He entered the Great Hall with purpose, taking his customary seat beside the Potions Master.

Smiling brilliantly at his lover he said. "Good evening, Severus."

A raised eyebrow and a harsh, "Good evening" was his only response.

Harry was used to this. His husband was not a very sociable man and the incompetence of the students irritated him to migraines. Harry often saw him take headache potions at night.

Silently he handed Severus the note, discreetly, under the table.

The man opened it curiously. His eyes went wide. Then he fell of his chair in a dead faint.

Harry burst out laughing.

Dumbledore summoned the note to him and read the two words on the parchment, 'I'm pregnant'. His eyes twinkled brilliantly and the headmaster smiled at his young professor.

The End