"Oh, she's beautiful," Gabrielle cooed as Ron handed her the newest Snape.
"She has 'Mione's nose and his hair - lucky kid," Ron said snarkily.
"Oh, Daddy, she has pretty eyes!" sparked their youngest.
"Shhhh, yes, Bryan, she does. Speak softly, love, her Maman is very, very tired right now." Gabrielle smiled over at the proud, exhausted parents of the tiny bundle she held in her arms. Deep violet eyes peered out of alabaster skin, dark wispy hair framed a very feminine face, and a tiny smirk grace the newborn's lips.
"Oh, you are your father's daughter, you are," smiled Gabrielle as she passed the infant back to her mother. "She is beautiful, 'Ermione, and those eyes! It is almost as if… well, surely a fortunate sign, yes?"
"We should go, 'Mione, let you get your rest. Snape, congratulations," said Ron, and extended his hand. Severus Snape took the proffered hand and shook it, and gestured towards the door.
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley, children. My wife is very glad you came," he said as they exited the room and shut the door. "A word, please. Children, please wait just down the hall, there."
Ron looked at Severus Snape with a shadow of his old distrust.
"My daughter's eyes are going to be commented on, on a regular basis I imagine, and few will know the significance. Mrs. Weasley, you obviously know something of the history of that particular trait, and many of the implications. I ask that, for the time being, you share this information only with your husband and no one else. I would like to tell my wife what this means when she has regained her strength."
"What what means? What are you on about, Snape?"
"Ronald, cher, this is a delicate matter, and not a discussion for within the hearing of little pitchers, yes? Children, it's time to go home. I will take care of this, Severus Snape, have no worry on that," finished Gabrielle as she gathered her brood and spouse and herded them towards the floos.
Severus heaved a sigh of relief and went back to his wife and daughter.
"Amethyste Lillian Snape. Such a beautiful name for such a beautiful girl!" Harry picked the infant up and blew on her belly. Ginny looked on fondly, then resumed listening to Hermione.
"So, he said he didn't know it would manifest, and was certain there were no worries about it if the baby was a boy - which is what we were told we were having - and now… well, now we'll just have to see what happens. There's no stopping it, and training… there isn't anyone in this country to do it! I really don't know what we're going to do."
"I think you should just treat her like the beautiful girl she is and tickle her belly. Oh, yes I do. Brrrrph." Harry continued to play with Amey as Hermione gave a slightly exasperated sigh.
"That's wonderful, and don't slobber on my baby's belly, but what if I'm feeding her and she just… changes? I don't want my response to hurt her, I don't want to be startled into dropping her, I can't think of what I'd do if she was taken, and I…"
"'Mione," Harry said, looking his friend in the eye, "you have nothing to worry about. You've got to be one of the most competent people in existence, your husband is one of the deadliest, you're both among the smartest, and you have some of the most protective humans on the planet watching out for you no matter what. They won't take her, you won't drop her, and she knows you love her and your reaction will be just what it's supposed to be."
"Oh, Harry, I know you're right. I just - it's so typical. My child is special and it puts her, our family, and our friends in grave danger for life."
Ginny took Hermione's hands in her own. "At least you can handle it. I'd never even be able to leave the house in your shoes!"
"That's just because you wear a size 8 and I wear a five-and-a-half."
"Well, at least your sense of humor hasn't been affected… more's the pity," muttered Harry, dodging a swipe from both women.
"Well, it's time for us to get back. Thanks, you two. I know having a goddaughter with Fey blood isn't a pleasant surprise, but it's good to know you love her no matter what."
They exchanged hugs and baby kisses and cooing for several minutes, then Hermione stepped into the fireplace with Amey, announced "Snape Manor", and disappeared.
Severus and Hermione lay in bed, recovering from their first full intercourse since their daughter was born.
"Darling?" she asked softly, rubbing her hand on his chest.
"Mmm?"
"Harry and Ginny said you were one of the deadliest wizards in existence, and one of the smartest."
"They insult me. I am the smartest wizard in existence: I married you. I am also the deadliest wizard in existence: I would kill anyone who harmed even an eyelash of yours… or our daughter's."
"They also said they're watching over us, all of them, and that they'll help if needed - no matter what."
"You have loyal, if overzealous, friends my love, and we three are blessed in protecting our daughter in this most… unusual circumstance."
He sighed and stared at the ceiling as his wife drifted off to sleep. He'd known he had a family line of questionable purity, but had not thought he would ever have to worry about any progeny. When Poppy had announced that they were having a boy, all the worries disappeared, and he was relieved that he wouldn't have to explain the oddities in his bloodline to his inquisitive young wife.
Now, it seemed that Fate had other plans.
Having Fey blood was once a common occurrence: many a young maid and wife made sacrifices for the promises of the Little Folk. It was rumored that half-Elves were the reason for the House Elves dark past and subsequent servitude. But now, with belief waning and fairy circles in short supply, the Daonie Shide were rarely seen or interacted with, and the occurrence of Fey blood was becoming something of a fairy tale.
Severus sighed, and gathered his wife in his arms. She was so small compared to him, fitting snugly under his chin, her buttocks pressed into his crotch. She made him so hungry for her, and the last several weeks had been very trying for him. Now that they were back in action, he found he needed to hold her more, just needed her near. His daughter and his wife were his most precious possessions – he did possess them in his mind, no matter the reality – and he intended to do whatever he had to, so that no harm ever come to them.
He lay in the dark, cradled around his sleeping wife, and thought. He would have this problem sorted out, no matter the cost.