Phineas Nigellus is Helpful
Looking back over the month of January, Severus could not remember precisely when Zelda began acting differently. He was busier than ever, and though he left for Hogwarts at the usual time every morning, he was often kept later than before by additional business. He hoped she wasn't fretting at his longer working hours, although he fretted every day he was delayed in getting home to her.
Michael was coming to Hogwarts every Tuesday and Friday, between noon to five o'clock. Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter and Severus all had regular appointments. He also consulted with Minerva, explaining various ways stress could be manifested in young people. He was doing a good deal of research and consulting with mental health professionals, and found his life to be more rewarding than ever before.
"Is this helping, Severus?" he asked the wizard who sat stiffly on the edge of his comfortable chair in the new Hogwarts counseling center.
Severus smiled thinly and said, "I cannot think of many things more dreadful than discussing my memories. I could only do it with you. But yes, it's productive."
"Are you sleeping well? How about nightmares?"
"I sleep well, but in the past week Zelda has had several nightmares. It worries me."
"Will you bring her to the cabin after work today? We haven't seen either of you much lately and it's the end of January already."
"An excellent idea," said Severus. "I'll see you in a few hours."
He left Michael and decided to patrol the halls, making sure he was visible to all the students present. He did it as often as possible, as did the rest of the staff, and there had been no major outbreaks of violence or vandalism since before Christmas. That was gratifying, but he feared some other staff members were relaxing their guard as time passed.
Outside the library was a most remarkable sight. Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter were standing together in a small alcove, muttering in low voices.
"I hope you know what you're doing, Malfoy," said Harry grimly. "If you'd let me tell Ron and Hermione…"
"Forget it, Potter, the fewer people who know, the better. It's bad enough that…" Draco broke off suddenly. "Hello, Professor Snape. It's a lovely evening, isn't it?"
Severus stared cynically at the pair. "Since we're nowhere near a window, I wonder how you know it's lovely or evening, Malfoy."
Harry's lips twitched as he valiantly controlled his smirk.
"Malfoy was practicing Quidditch earlier. It must've been lovely then," he suggested, his green eyes sparkling with mischief.
"That's right, Professor," said Draco with a revolting, saintly air. "A brisk, refreshing wind, you know."
Severus glared narrowly at them. "I wonder what you two are up to," he murmured silkily. "A most unusual conversation. Must I expect trouble?"
Gray eyes and green met and looked away so quickly that Severus could not see what the glance meant.
"These are dangerous times, Professor," said Harry seriously. "I think you should always expect trouble, and then if it doesn't happen, you'll be pleasantly surprised."
"I'll be on my way," said Draco abruptly. He nodded back at Harry. "Potter."
Harry turned and began walking briskly toward the Gryffindor common room.
Severus caught up to Draco in two long strides.
"I've seen very little of you lately, Draco," he said. "Are you well?"
"Fine," replied the boy. He looked around cautiously before adding, "I'm going to St. Mungo's to see my mother tomorrow. She owled me yesterday to say she wants to see me."
"I'm glad to hear it," said Severus. "Do you ever hear from your father?"
Draco shook his head. "I don't know if they're allowed to write when they're in… Azkaban…" he whispered.
"Do you want to hear from him?" asked Severus cautiously, walking by his side.
"No," said Draco, but his movements were rigid and twitchy. "He ruined us, you know. Our whole family, the Malfoy name. He's the reason why my mother's so bad off. His stupid ideas about Voldemort and blood purity… I was a fool to believe it."
"You were a child, Draco," replied Severus sternly. "Now you're of age and able to judge for yourself."
The gray eyes stared briefly into his, searching for something, but suddenly Draco looked away.
"There's the common room, so I'll go," he said to Severus.
"Very well."
Severus nodded to they young man and turned on his heel. At least this time he knew nothing had happened to Draco as he walked the halls. He decided to check the dungeon corridors before he left Hogwarts, and found everything as it should be. So he entered his quarters and changed into his black Muggle clothing. It was cold and empty without Zelda and Rowena waiting there, so he put his traveling cloak on and left the castle, heading toward the gates in ground-covering strides. Once he was outside, he Apparated back to Zelda's house to prepare for a weekend away.
&&&&&&&&&
Zelda felt unusually exhausted as she drove into her garage that afternoon. Flu and other winter viruses had run rampant through the school since the Christmas holidays had ended. It was difficult keeping her students on track when so many were absent, and she went straight to the shower when she got home every day. Still she felt weak and on the verge of illness wanting nothing more than to go to bed.
She entered the house and found Severus packing a small box.
"Hello, what are you doing?" she asked wearily.
He looked up, alarmed by her paleness and her faint voice.
"Zelda! Are you all right?" he asked urgently.
Gently he put a supporting arm around her shoulders. He felt her forehead and she didn't seem to have a fever.
"I think I've been contaminated by the creatures," she said, leaning against him and closing her eyes. "I want to go to bed."
He thought quickly. He could care for her as well at the cabin as at the house.
"Darling girl, Michael wants us to come to the cabin. I can care for you there. Is that all right?"
"I'm not ready. There are things to do," she said irritably. "And I'm so tired, Sev."
"Everything is arranged. I used your absurd telephone to call Jess. She'll care for the cats."
He put his arms around her and felt her sag against him.
"Okay, but can we go now? I should lie down," she said.
Instantly he Apparated with her to the cabin and they went inside. Michael was in the kitchen and turned around when they entered. The smile died from his face when he saw Zelda's white face and dark circles under her eyes.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
"I might have the flu," she said. "Severus thought we should come here anyway, but I'm going to clean up and go to bed."
"Good idea," he said. "Sev, you go collect Rowena and whatever else you need. I'm going to give this girl some peppermint tea while you're gone."
Severus nodded and immediately returned to finish his packing. On impulse, he went to the cupboard and took out Zelda's bottle of vitamins, which he added to the box. He fed the cats, called Rowena and then he was off to the cabin again.
&&&&&&&&&
Zelda looked a bit less wretched when he returned and she was happy to see Rowena. She carefully set down her cup and smiled.
"I feel a little better, Sev, and I'm sorry to be such a sick, pathetic mess."
He frowned at her. "I'll run a bath for you, and after that you're going straight to bed, young woman."
"You men are spoiling me," she said, a weak smile lighting her eyes. "I like it."
Severus went to fill the bath, warming the water with his wand to achieve the perfect temperature. He laid out towels and put her warm robe nearby. Then he went back to Zelda.
Kingsley had arrived while he was busy.
"Hey, Severus," he said. "You two need to stop partying constantly. The girl needs a break."
"Zelda's bath is ready," replied the grim faced wizard. "After she's in bed, I'll be back."
"That'll be something different," said Michael, laughing. "Zel, feel better, babe."
He blew her a kiss as Severus helped her to her feet and led her to their room.
"I feel like such a baby," she said. "You don't have to take care of me. What if you catch whatever bug I have?"
"Wizards are more resistant to illness than Muggles," he told her as they entered the bathroom. "I want to take care of you."
"How can I say no to that?" she said, as he began to remove her clothes.
"Tell me how you're feeling," he said. "You haven't slept well lately, have you?"
She sank into the bath and sighed. "This is just perfect. Thank you, my boy."
She ducked her head under water and washed her hair. Once it was rinsed, she thought about her condition.
"Until you said it now, I didn't realize that I've been so tired. I've had really vivid dreams and nightmares lately."
"I know it," he replied. "You've cried every night, but it was better when I could hold you."
She finished scrubbing herself thoroughly and stepped out of the tub. Severus wrapped a towel around her shoulders and handed her a hairbrush. When her hair was free of tangles, he used his wand to dry her completely and helped her into her robe.
"I feel germ free and pampered," she told him. "After a nap I hope I'll be good as new."
He tucked her in and sat on the edge of the bed until she fell asleep. Her cheeks had regained some of their normal color, he noted, reassured. He felt terribly disturbed at her appearance, but caring for her eased his worry slightly. He caressed her cheek and went to be with Michael and Kingsley until she awoke, considering what potion might help her.
The kitchen was bright and warm. Michael was carefully cutting vegetables and there was a bowl on the counter with strips of meat soaking in a brown liquid.
"We're making stir fry for supper," said Kingsley. "How's your lady?"
"In need of rest. Do you think Apparating between Hogwarts and here so regularly is tiring her?"
"Maybe," replied Michael. "This is the worst season here for sickness, though. She should rest and she'll be fine."
Severus picked up a knife and cut vegetables for a few minutes, still fretting.
Rowena began barking at the wall and they realized Phineas Nigellus had announced himself to the dog. They went to the portrait and found him pacing in his frame.
"Snape, I've been looking everywhere for you," snapped the portrait wizard irritably. "You left Hogwarts without consulting the Headmistress. Will you be at the staff meeting on Sunday?"
"Of course," replied Severus. "Is that why you followed us here?"
"It's boring hanging around on walls, I imagine," said Michael impudently. "He likes to spy on us, I think."
Phineas rolled his eyes. "You three are as blind as any three males in history. Given the circumstances, I suppose it is not surprising. You drones may go back to your domestic task. I wish to speak with Snape alone."
Kingsley frowned at the portrait wizard. He took Michael's arm and pulled him back to the kitchen.
"Must you insult my friends?" asked Severus icily.
"In my day, wizards did not shirk their duty to marry and reproduce. Shacklebolt carries great power within him and it is disgraceful that he has chosen the self-indulgent path he is on."
Severus felt rage spark in him.
"I will not listen to ignorant bigotry," he hissed quietly. "What is it you want to say?"
"Loyalty is supposed to be a Gryffindor quality," replied Phineas with a mocking gleam in his dark eyes. "But in spite of your impudence, I shall tell you something."
"Well? What is it?" snapped Severus.
"I recognize certain signs. I believe your wife is breeding," said Phineas smugly. "You have much to learn of marriage, for a man of your age."
Severus felt the air leave his body and his mind reeled. "It's not possible," he whispered, staring in horror at Phineas.
"Ah, really?" said Phineas, arching one eyebrow in polite disbelief. "I shall return to the Headmistress now and assure her you will attend the meeting on Sunday."
"Wait!" muttered Severus. "It's not possible, but say nothing of this."
"It is excellent news, but I shall indeed say nothing," said Phineas, nodding in a condescending manner. He strolled out of his frame.
Severus was not sure how he got back to the kitchen table. He sank down on a chair, his head sunk in his hands.
"Severus," said Kingsley, sitting down across from him. "What is it? What did he say?"
Michael sat down too. "Are you okay, man?"
"It's not true. It cannot be true," said Severus, looking up at his concerned friends, his eyes clouded with anxiety.
"What?" asked Michael. "Tell us!"
Rowena slipped under the table and put her head on his knee, and unconsciously Severus began stroking her warm head.
"He said… Phineas said Zelda is not ill, she's pregnant," he said, rushing the words out.
"But, Severus, you didn't want that, did you?" asked Kingsley, looking narrowly at him.
"Of course not," snapped the wretched wizard. "We talked of it, and it is impossible."
Michael was confused. "Accidents happen, guys. But how can you be so sure? Zelda's no kid. She's way past her peak of fertility. It's got to be the flu."
Severus was thinking furiously. He got up from the table and began pacing impulsively. It could not have happened, he was always aware, he thought. He was distantly aware of Michael and Kingsley conversing together in low voices. When Michael came to him he stopped and stared grimly.
"Kingsley explained it to me," said Michael. "I had no idea, Severus. When you experienced your flashback, is it possible you didn't know and…"
"And I allowed nature to decide?" Severus shuddered. "It is possible. I had no idea what was happening. In such mental turmoil, yes, it is possible. Merlin, Michael, we must talk to her when she wakes… I don't know how to face her."
Michael put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed comfortingly.
"I still don't believe it, buddy. Come sit down by the fire."
Kingsley continued preparing the meal, contemplating the prospect of Severus Snape, reluctant father. Compassion warred with cynical delight at the idea, and if it were true, he and Michael would have a new addition to their family, he mused. For a wizard who never managed to interest himself in women, it fascinated him to think of being part of an infant's life. Guiltily, he hoped it was true.
Severus was struggling to control his emotions. In spite of the fact that Michael was coming to know him better than anyone but Zelda, it was hard to speak of.
"Zelda asked me, of course," he said. "In her practical way, last summer she asked if I wished for children. I said no, and she was quite relieved. She said she had no interest in starting over with an infant. She wanted to give her attention to our relationship. I agreed completely, and still do."
"She helps you heal," mused Michael. "You needy drama queens are perfect for each other. You'd each bleed out to make the other happy, and you love it. I see where a kid would distract from that whole co-dependent game you play."
Severus barely heard him. His mind raced ahead to Zelda's reaction, if it were true.
"Sev, whatever happens, it'll be okay. Why don't King and I Apparate to a drugstore and pick up one of those pregnancy test kits? We need to know, first."
Severus nodded, feeling numb. He wanted to go to Zelda and pour out his worries, but he couldn't. This was his entire fault, if it was true.
"Finish with the food, buddy, and we'll cook it when we're back. It'll be just a few minutes," said Michael. "God, Sev, I should thank you. In my life I've never bought a pregnancy test kit. This is a hilarious first!"
"Shut up, Michael," Severus muttered, glowering at him. "And hurry!"
&&&&&&&&&
Severus discovered Kingsley had finished everything, so once he was alone, he was drawn irresistibly to Zelda. He sat on the side of the bed and stroked her soft hair gently, filled with love and guilt.
Zelda woke slowly, feeling warm and comfortable. Her eyes opened to discover Severus sitting by her, looking drawn and harried.
"Hey," she murmured drowsily.
"How are you?' he asked.
She remembered feeling horrid earlier, but it had passed. She reached for his hand and their fingers twined together comfortingly.
"Better. I needed to rest, I guess. What's happening?"
"Michael and Kingsley will be back soon and then we'll cook dinner. They're making stir fry," he murmured.
"Do you have time to snuggle a bit?" she asked wistfully. "We haven't had much time together lately."
He realized how much he'd wanted to be close to her, so instantly he climbed into bed next to her and scooped her into his arms.
"Sev, I'm okay," she said. "I feel so much better after a nap."
She kissed his nose, smiling tenderly when she felt some of the tension leave his body.
He held her close and pondered. He was in full control of himself, and even if he were not, she could not get pregnant if it already had happened. He needed her.
"Evanesco," he murmured. "Sweetheart, I've missed you."
They were both instantly naked, and the sudden intimacy washed over and around them comfortingly.
"You'll bring back my robe later, won't you?" she asked, caressing him with a delighted sigh.
"Of course," he muttered distractedly as he buried his face against her breasts. The physical reality of her filled him and he began kissing her eagerly. Their mutual delight in making love drew him in and for a short time he forgot everything else.
As they lay together, warm, still entwined, there was a distant sound of a door slamming and they knew the others had returned.
Severus recalled everything and groaned as he held her close.
"What's wrong?" asked Zelda. "Please don't worry all the time."
"I must return to them. Rest here, please."
"I feel better, and I'm hungry too," she said. "If you'll bring back my robe, I'd like to come too. I'll rest by the fireplace out there if I'm tired."
He recalled their clothes and they left the bedroom together.
Kingsley was in the kitchen, heating the wok as they joined him. He looked curiously at the pair, but at Severus's slight shake of the head he realized that Zelda knew nothing of their conversation.
"Hey, beautiful, you're looking better," he said with his most charming smile.
"I feel better. I wonder if this jet set lifestyle we have, running back and forth to Hogwarts, is taking a toll. Plus, half my students have been sick in the past couple of weeks. I'd like a vacation," she said softly.
Michael entered the kitchen and put an arm around Zelda's shoulder. "Are you contagious?" he asked, his eyes twinkling mockingly at Severus as he hugged her.
She rolled her eyes. "I have no idea, but you're pretty brave to get this close if you're not sure," she said.
"Get over here, Mike and let's cook this stuff," said Kingsley. "Sev, if you'll make breakfast, we'll serve you like royalty over by the fireplace tonight."
Without hesitation, Severus took his wife's hand and they headed for the couch. He settled her in his lap and stared seriously into her eyes as he held her.
"Will you worry so much every time I catch a cold?" she asked. "I'm actually very healthy."
"Probably," he replied frankly. "I cannot help it."
She put her arms around his neck and rubbed her nose against his.
"I know. If anything happened to you, I couldn't bear it," she said frankly. "When I think of last summer and everything you went through, I get shaky."
They clung together, simply breathing and enjoying the crackle of the fire. Rowena hopped onto the couch next to them and curled up, sharing the warmth.
Lulled by warmth and closeness, Zelda smiled. "A year ago I was alone, and now I have you and Rowena with me. I'm so lucky."
When Kingsley came and Levitated a table in front of the couch, Rowena got up and left them, looking reproachfully at the Auror.
Michael came bearing a wok filled with steaming meat and vegetables. Kingsley served them all, and Michael went to fetch the drinks. He brought beer for himself and the other men, but put a tall glass of fizzy ginger ale in front of Zelda.
"Where's my beer?" she asked, looking confused.
"In case you do have a bug, I think this is better for you," he replied. "Don't argue with an apprentice Healer."
Distracted, as he had hoped, Zelda said, "A Healer? Babe, you're a Muggle. You can't do magical Healing."
"I can't do it, but I've been studying hard and I recognize many common maladies and can do research for cures. I'm also far more advanced than anyone on the staff at St. Mungo's in mental health issues. I'll never be able to practice magical Healing, but I can lecture on the basics now and observe almost any procedure. So I have a title I've earned, which helps formalize my position."
"Wow! You're a clever little Muggle, aren't you?" she asked admiringly. "By the way, this is yummy. I'm almost ready for seconds."
She applied herself to her plate with gusto, while the three men exchanged glances. It should be tonight, they knew. They needed to know, one way or the other, what lay ahead.
Severus glanced back periodically at the empty portrait frame on the wall. He was afraid Phineas Nigellus would return and tell Zelda, in the most obnoxious way, his opinion of her condition. Already it felt wrong that he, Phineas, Michael and Kingsley had all discussed the possibility before Zelda herself had any idea it was possible.
Dinner was over and Zelda leaned comfortably on her husband's shoulder while the other men cleaned up after the meal. They both glanced meaningfully at him as they got up, and reluctantly Severus inhaled deeply.
"Zelda, there is something I must ask you," he said slowly.