It's True, What Now?
The Slytherin Head's quarters at Hogwarts felt like a haven as they arrived on Sunday. Severus went to light the fires while Zelda paused to hang up their cloaks.
"Welcome home, Mrs. Snape, and congratulations," murmured a silky voice from the wall.
"Phineas," she exclaimed exasperatedly. "Somehow I feel like this is all your fault."
"My dear woman, I was not the one who impregnated you," he said, smirking. "Although you would certainly have no further use for young Snape if I had."
She glared icily at him.
"Don't flatter yourself," she snapped, "I can still find that ratty old towel."
With a supercilious smile, he strolled out of the frame. She looked around the room and smiled, appreciating the warmth and growing familiarity of it.
Severus and Rowena came looking for her.
"I believe Rowena should go to Hagrid, so we can have a few hours alone," he said.
He sent his Patronus toward Hagrid's home, while Zelda knelt and petted the dog.
"Do you want to play with Fang, sweetie?" she asked, kissing the soft head.
A flash of silver heralded Hagrid's reply.
"He'll be here shortly. After that we'll be alone until the meeting."
She kissed him and walked through all the rooms, making sure everything was in order. Moving around so often made it hard to keep everything straight in her mind.
Rowena suddenly bounded toward the door, whining. There was a loud knocking, and Severus went to admit Hagrid.
"Afternoon," he said, chuckling as Rowena leaped affectionately upon him. "Down!" he said firmly to the dog.
Immediately she sank to the floor, gazing adoringly up at him.
"I wish Fang had such fine manners," he said. "Hey, Zelda. "S'good ter see yeh again."
"You look well, Hagrid," she replied, clasping his huge hand in both of hers. "Thanks for having Rowena visit. The way things are now she doesn't get to burn off all her energy at my house. She loves coming seeing you."
"I'll bring 'er back after the staff meetin's over, if tha's all righ' with you," he said. "Minerva said it shouldn' be too long."
"Good," Severus said curtly. "Thank you, Hagrid. I'll see you at the meeting."
He turned to Zelda. "Alone at last, my girl. I've had so little time alone with you and I need you to help me grasp the idea of fatherhood. Come with me."
They went to the sitting room, where the fire was blazing brightly. He pounded a couple of large throw pillows to fluff them into a cozy nest for her on the couch, and sat beside her.
"What have you to say for yourself, Mrs. Snape?"
"I'm terrified but happy, I think. But I don't want you to worry."
"I wonder if we must announce our marriage," he mused. "Certainly you won't be able to hide your pregnancy until the end of the school year."
"My due date is July tenth, so I'll be incredibly huge by the end of the school year."
Severus tried to imagine seeing her large with his child, but it seemed too unreal.
"I'm going to retire," she said abruptly. "I'll tell my principal we got married over Thanksgiving, that you're teaching in Scotland and flying in to see me once a month. Finally, I'm pregnant and I'll finish out the year, but I won't return after that."
His black eyes held hers as he asked, "Are you sure? You love teaching, my girl."
"I hope to have another job someday," she said slowly. "But I want to give this child and you my full attention. Too many problems come from parents not being present in their child's life. Unless we need the money I can earn, of course."
He put his arm around her shoulders, charmed by her earnestness.
"Zelda, I've had nothing to spend my money on besides books since I began teaching at Hogwarts. I have more than enough money to support my wife and our child," he said reassuringly.
"I won't have a full pension, but I'm in my eighteenth year of teaching, so I'll have some money out of it," she said.
"We'll be fine," he murmured, rubbing his cheek against her curly hair. "I fear we must tell Minerva today."
"Lily and Elijah too," she said. "I wonder how they'll feel about their ancient mother having a baby."
She lay back and held out her arms to him, so Severus joined her. They held each other in silence as the fire crackled gently before them.
"When we first met, you were very angry at your father," said Zelda softly. "In cases like that, sometimes it's hard for a guy to imagine being a father. Are you worried?"
"Of course," he replied. "But I've learned a great deal about loving from you, and from Michael too. I cannot take fatherhood for granted, but I can learn."
"You'll be an adorable father," she said, rubbing her nose against his.
He was unable to refrain from smiling at her confidence. No wizard could be more fortunate, he thought complacently.
"I suppose we should tell Minerva right away, so she can expect a Healer to visit us here on weekends," she said. "And once Lily and Eli know, they'll tell Harry and his friends."
He scowled. Potter would very likely hang around making a nuisance of himself. His burst of foul temper was derailed by her next word, however.
"Evanesco," she murmured suggestively.
He knew how to take a hint. He Vanished all of their clothes and immediately felt the radiant heat of the fire warming his bare skin.
"Splendid," she murmured, lying still as he gazed at her. There was not yet a sign of what she carried in her belly, he mused, stroking the soft flesh.
"Do you feel any different?" he asked.
"Once in a while I feel a bit seasick, and a few days ago my breasts began aching," she replied. "I pretended it was nothing, but they feel heavier, and hot too."
Indeed, they were warm to the touch, he thought, as he weighed them in his hands and kissed them. He made love to her slowly, lingering over every sensation. Now that she was pregnant with their child, she was even dearer to him. It had been a weary weekend, emotionally draining for both of them, and they slept deeply, there on the couch in the sitting room.
&&&&&&&&&
"Now Dobby must keep Professor Snape's secrets," whispered the house elf nervously.
Dobby fetched a crocheted blanket from a nearby chair and draped it over the naked Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts, who was asleep on the couch, curled protectively over his wife. The elf could see that she also seemed to be wearing nothing. He took a few steps back.
"Professor Snape must wake up," Dobby exclaimed. "Sir! You is late for the meeting!"
Severus realized, horrified, that they were not alone, and in fact he was…
"Dobby!" he snapped, sitting up and clutching a blanket to his loins. "What are you doing here?"
"Professor McGonagall sent Dobby to remind Professor Snape it is time for the staff meeting!" squeaked the frightened house elf.
Severus realized Zelda was now exposed to the embarrassed elf, and that she was now awake. Gallantly, he put the largest part of the blanket over her, trying to ignore her stifled giggles.
"I'll be there immediately," he snapped. "Go now, and tell no one how you found us!"
Dobby drew himself up to his full, miniscule height and proclaimed, "Dobby keeps his master's secrets!"
He then disappeared without a sound, looking hurt.
Severus summoned his clothing back and quickly made himself as immaculate as possible. He covered Zelda with the blanket and kissed her with a rueful groan.
"That must be the most humiliating moment of my adult life," he muttered as he adjusted his cravat.
"I slept so marvelously, though," said Zelda, a guilty smile on her face. "How can we make it up to Dobby?"
"I'll apologize after the meeting," he growled. "House elves are appallingly forgiving, so I hope all will be well."
She clutched the blanket to her body, laughing. "If we're alone, I'd like to go to the bedroom and put something on."
"I'll escort you," he told her, wrapping the blanket around her.
His eyes were drawn to her face as they went to the main room. Her cheeks were pink and her eyes bright with laughter. At the bedroom door he kissed her lightly.
"May I bring Minerva back after the meeting?" he asked.
"Of course. If we don't tell her, Michael and Kingsley will undoubtedly blab," she said. "I'll wear clothes, okay?"
He smiled at the memory of his absurd wife wearing only a blanket as he began rapidly climbing the stairs, black robes billowing properly behind him. The Bloody Baron drifted over his head and stared down at him, a subtle reminder of where he was, so Severus resumed his normal expression and entered the staff room.
&&&&&&&&&
"Severus, how good of you to join us," Minerva McGonagall said tartly.
"I apologize for my tardiness," said Severus stiffly, sitting down at the table.
She nodded graciously and passed him a copy of the meeting agenda.
"We've finished the first three items listed, so I'll review them with you after the meeting. However, the next point is of utmost importance."
Severus listened gravely, only slightly distracted by something brushing his foot.
Minerva continued, "Rufus Scrimgeour sent word that he'll inspect the school, along with several Ministry officials. Frankly, I doubt he has the slightest idea what he'll see here, but we must strive for order and decorum throughout the castle before and during their visit. They'll arrive unannounced sometime this week."
Hushed whispers rustled through the staff, while Severus felt something rub against his left calf. Deeply disgusted, he realized that Sibyll Trelawney was seated next to him, staring dreamily off into space as she moved her stockinged foot against his leg. He froze, forcing himself not to kick her. Then he casually turned in his chair, moving his leg away from her.
"There've been no significant disruptions since we have been aggressively patrolling the corridors," he said flatly. "It seems to be working, so I believe we must continue our presence throughout the castle."
Minerva watched approvingly. As always, her new deputy minced no words, so she decided to allow him to deal with the fallout.
"But, Severus," protested Sibyll Trelawney in a misty voice, "I have not the temperament for performing these tasks. If I am to be effective as a Divination teacher, I require tranquility."
Professor Sinistra cooed, "My dear Severus, it is difficult to find time for these patrols. My classes are frequently at night. It seems unfair that I must do night patrols."
"Does anyone else have an objection to patrolling?" asked Severus in a silky voice.
He looked around the room, his face utterly expressionless, and those who had known him for years decided they would not protest.
"Good," he murmured. "Professors Sinistra and Trelawney, we are unable to excuse anyone, given the size of the task. I will, however, ask that you submit a list of convenient times, and I'll make a rotating schedule."
"Shall I bring it to your office?" asked Sibyll hopefully.
"That will not be necessary. Anyone who feels the need for special consideration should send your request to Minerva in the usual way. I will collect them at noon tomorrow and make a schedule for the next two weeks. We'll evaluate the continuing need after that."
Minerva glanced from Hagrid to Professor Flitwick, sharing her enjoyment of Severus's firm tactics. The man was worth his weight in Galleons as a deputy, and she decided to finish off any more complaints immediately.
"If we may move on now," she said decisively. "I'll begin performance evaluations next week. I'll try to accommodate your class schedule, but in some cases I'll arrange for a substitute teacher."
Tension permeated the room. Minerva McGonagall had been their colleague until a few months ago and some of them were apprehensive about how she might judge their performance. The rest of the meeting progressed uneventfully, with hardly a word from the staff.
Minerva's tactics amused Severus, but his enjoyment was ruined by the return of that revolting foot. The instant the meeting was adjourned, he was standing. Hurriedly he confronted Minerva.
"Headmistress, may I have a word with you?" he asked calmly.
She smiled, well pleased with his performance during the meeting. "Of course, Severus. Shall we go to my office?"
He followed her out of the room, and only when they were alone did he say, "My rooms would be better."
Obligingly, she turned and walked with him down the stairs to the dungeon.
"You dealt with the subject of staff patrols admirably," she murmured. "There was far less whinging than I expected."
"Idiot women," he hissed.
He opened the door to his quarters and ushered her inside.
"Zelda is generally in the sitting room," he said, directing her on.
They entered to find Zelda curled up on the couch with a book in her hands. When she heard them approach, she looked up and grinned.
"Hail the warriors, returning from battle!" she proclaimed mockingly. "Hello, Minerva, it's lovely to see you."
"You look well, Zelda," replied Minerva. "Severus clung to me like a drowning man while I escorted him safely through our female colleagues. But he wished to speak with me, so here I am."
Severus Conjured a tea tray and gestured her to be seated.
"What the hell is Sibyll Trelawney thinking?" he hissed. "Why was she sitting next to me? The dithering lunatic kept prodding my leg with her bloody foot and it took great self-control to keep from hexing her."
Minerva's eyes bulged as she tried to control her mirth.
Zelda glared. "Trelawney? I remember her from last summer! Poor Severus, how dare she prod my husband?"
She poured out tea and handed it around, composing herself as she did so.
"Perhaps you should sit by colleagues who can control themselves," suggested Minerva mockingly. "Now, what did you wish to discuss?"
Severus glanced at Zelda. Her cheeks were growing rosy pink and her secret smile was for him. He took a deep breath.
"Zelda is pregnant," he said bluntly. "She'll be seen frequently by a Healer, Dilys Smethwyck, who finds it most convenient to come to Hogwarts. So it seems we'll be telling people about our marriage sooner than we had planned."
A slow, wicked smile transformed Minerva's face. "Congratulations. I assume this was not planned."
"No," said Zelda. "Not planned."
"But welcome news," said Minerva, amused. "Zelda, please consider Hogwarts your home, as it is Severus's, for as long as you wish. I know Dilys Smethwyck and look forward to seeing her."
"Thanks," said Zelda gratefully. "Severus says we should start telling people here that we're married, but he thinks some people will be hateful when they find out I'm a Muggle."
"The sooner the better. Perhaps our female staff will find another interest when they know that Severus is married."
"Bloody pests," he snapped, shuddering at the thought of that bony foot assaulting his leg.
Zelda glanced at Minerva, who was gazing into the fire and seemed lost in thought, before looking at her agitated husband.
"We don't have to tell them, do we?" she asked. "Not if you're going to have a hard time because of it."
"I hesitate because I don't want the Ministry and other bigoted idiots to focus on you," he said. "If I weren't concerned for your safety, I would immediately place an announcement in the Daily Prophet."
"When is the baby due?" asked Minerva.
"July," said Zelda. "I'm planning to finish out my school year and then resign my position."
"Where will you live?" she asked relentlessly.
"We have not decided," replied Severus nervously. "But we'll spend weekends here so Healer Smethwyck can visit."
Minerva smiled. "I hope you'll inform a few friends. If Zelda will be here more often, she'll enjoy company."
Severus scowled. "Which of them do you suggest?
"Molly Weasley, Hagrid and Filius Flitwick, of course. More if it seems advisable," she replied.
"Phineas knows," Zelda told her. "In fact, he's the wretch who started all this. Has he told the other portraits?"
A thin eyebrow rose slightly as Minerva considered that statement.
"How is Phineas responsible?"
Severus sneered. He glanced toward the drawing room and said, "He watches us at times, and told me recently he believed Zelda was not ill, but pregnant. He'll be insufferable now."
"To answer Zelda's question, he's not the most social portrait subject. He speaks with Dumbledore at times, but enjoys knowing things Dumbledore does not."
"So he hasn't told anyone," said Zelda.
"He's bound by honor to tell me first of anything that concerns the running of this school."
"We should tell Lily and Elijah first, and then others," said Severus. "I should mention that Michael and Kingsley know."
"Ah, if Michael is involved, that explains how you found Dilys. Are you aware that she's renowned in the field of childbirth healing? You're very lucky."
"All Michael said was that she wrote a book and is a great poker player," said Zelda wryly.
Severus pondered what poker and healing had in common and frowned, but Minerva saw his thought and any comment he might have made died unspoken.
A flash of silver appeared and Severus said, "Hagrid is returning with Rowena."
"Tell him now," suggested Minerva.
Zelda was taken aback by her serious tone. "Really?"
Severus looked at Minerva, and then at his wife. When Zelda slowly nodded, he nodded in return and went to answer the door.
Rowena burst inside and leaped delightedly at him, then raced toward the sitting room where she expected to find Zelda.
"Thank you, Hagrid," said Severus. "Can you spare a moment to come in?"
The half-giant smiled genially. "Jes' a few minutes. I'll be patrollin' tonight, yeh know."
Severus rolled his eyes. "Thank you. Has there been much resistance among the rest?"
He directed Hagrid to the sitting room as they spoke.
"Sometimes they complain, an' a few times I think they skive off, jes' like students. But not me, I think there's still good reason fer it."
He looked taken aback to see Professor McGonagall sitting with Zelda, but he simply nodded to her and greeted Zelda, who was petting Rowena.
"Thanks for babysitting," said Zelda. "Look how happy she is. You're wonderful, Hagrid."
"Eh, it's good fer Fang to have her around. Maybe her brains'll rub off on him," said Hagrid. "She's good company."
Severus found himself reluctant to say the words to another person, so he looked to Zelda, relieved when she smiled reassuringly.
"Are you up to hearing another secret?" asked Zelda. "A temporary secret, that is."
"They say I can' keep a secret," he said, his black eyes twinkling.
"They do say that," said Minerva cynically.
Zelda took a deep breath, finding it hard to say the words.
"Well, Minerva thinks you can, and at some point everyone will know. But I'm pregnant, Hagrid, and since Rowena stands to have a new baby sister or brother, I suppose you should know to help prepare her."
Hagrid laughed out loud. "Tha's great news," he said heartily, his glance flicking toward Severus, who was striving to look imperturbable.
"If Zelda finds herself in trouble here, can she come to you?" asked Severus slowly.
"Course she can," he replied bracingly. "Yeh didn' have ter ask, Severus, you know I'll take care of 'er fer yeh."
"I wish I didn't feel so pathetic," said the subject of their conversation, rather dejected.
"Don't look so downhearted," said Minerva. "Magic isn't everything, although I'll admit at Hogwarts it seems so."
Hagrid knelt in front of Zelda, still large enough that he loomed over her, but he took her hand rather shyly.
"Zelda, Minerva's got the righ' of it," he said. "Yer smart and yeh'll be a great mum ter this baby. Mos' people here'll be fine. But if yeh need anything, jes' let me know."
She smiled rather self-consciously. "Thanks, Hagrid. You're the first person, besides Minerva, that we've told."
He grinned then and said, "Then I'd best be avoidin' Harry an' his friends, or I'll be wantin' ter tell 'em."
"We can't tell them until my own kids know," she told him. "But they'll know soon enough. I hear Hermione does fabulous magical knitting, so maybe she'll make something cute for the baby."
Hagrid stood up, chuckling. "It's a better use fer her knittin' than tryin' ter free the house elves."
That reminded Zelda of something and she sighed. "I need to talk to Dobby before we leave, Severus."
Minerva and Hagrid left together, and as soon as the door had closed, Zelda looked ruefully at Severus.
"Dobby!" she called. "Please come here."
Dobby appeared before them instantly and stood waiting, gazing up at them earnestly.
"What can Dobby do for Mrs. Professor Snape?" he asked.
She knelt down impulsively, so they were almost eye-to-eye.
"Dobby, we must apologize for earlier today. Professor Snape and I behaved foolishly and it wasn't your fault," she said softly.
"Get up, Mrs. Professor!" Dobby said shrilly, looking scandalized. "You is not supposed to be on the floor!"
"I don't suppose you'll sit down, will you?" she asked.
"Dobby will sit, but get up, Mrs. Professor!" said the elf.
Severus helped Zelda to her feet and they all sat on the couch with Dobby in between them, kicking his sock feet.
"I must apologize, Dobby, more than Zelda," he said, looking grim. "You did nothing to deserve my anger. If you'll forgive me, I'll try to do better from now on."
Dobby looked shrewdly from one to the other. "You is the oddest humans Dobby has seen," he proclaimed. "Is it because Mrs. Professor Snape is a Muggle?"
"You must know, from knowing Hermione, that I'm not used to house elves. I'm not used to having servants, either," said Zelda, frowning worriedly. "But I like you and you've helped us wonderfully. If you don't want to do it any more, it's okay."
Dobby grinned knowingly. "Dobby thinks you needs him more than anyone in the castle and Professor McGonagall says Dobby should take care of you."
"Dobby," said Severus, "I hope you'll knock in the future."
"Dobby will! Dobby's old family never did such things, but they was bad, miserable wizards," he said earnestly. "Professor and Mrs. Snape is much kinder and happier."
"Thanks, Dobby," said Zelda, giggling. "You seem great at keeping secrets, so I have something to tell you."
At her serious tone, he stared attentively.
"Dobby, I'm going to have a baby. Only a few people know, but if I'm a bit ill, that's why."
The house elf gave them a toothy grin and said, "Dobby is glad to hear it, and will not tell! Dobby will iron his hands if he forgets and tells someone!"
Zelda's eyes flew open in horror and she gasped, "Goddess, Dobby! You wouldn't! Don't hurt yourself."
He gave her a knowing smile. "House elves is supposed to punish themselves if they does wrong, but Mrs. Professor wouldn't know that."
"Dobby, if you make mistakes, Mrs. Snape will forgive you. But she's not used to the ways of house elves, so don't punish yourself," Severus said firmly.
"Yes, Professor Snape," said the elf politely. This wizard had never treated elves cruelly, not even long ago as a visitor at Malfoy Manor.
Dobby slipped to the floor and said, "Is there anything Dobby can do? Otherwise he must go to help the other elves."
"Nothing, thank you," said Severus. "We'll be back most weekends from now on, so Mrs. Snape will need your help."
Dobby waved cheerfully and disappeared, leaving Severus alone with his wife again.
"I'd like to sit by the fire again, but after what happened last time…"
"Please?" she asked. "I'll behave if you will."
He sat down and put his arm around her shoulders, pleased when she leaned comfortably against him.
"How long have we been married?" she asked.
"Have you forgotten again? We were married on August ninth, so it's almost six months. Why?"
"It's like I've always been with you, but I've only remembered for about two months," she mused. "I wonder sometimes if I've dreamed you and I'll wake up alone again."
"Zelda," he whispered, kissing her soft hair.
She looked up and he held her gaze for long minutes. Finally he spoke.
"Amor est vitae essentia, Domina," he murmured slowly. "Love is the essence of life."
Her eyes were sparkling as she replied, "Loving you is the essence of my life. Everything else springs from it, Sev. And you're totally sexy when you speak Latin."
He tangled his fingers in her curls and kissed her with a slight smile.
"Let's go home," he said. "We'll go to bed, so you can wake up with me. I'm no dream, my love, and if we sleep together enough times you'll be forced to believe it."