At the Quidditch Match

During the week that followed, Severus suspected someone was watching him. It unnerved him slightly by the end of the week. Although he enjoyed walking up to the castle when he arrived every day, he took to varying his routine. Sometimes he took the tunnel from the Shrieking Shack and occasionally he went to the Hog's Head and Flooed to Minerva's office.

"I must respect your instincts," she said when he arrived on Friday. "Use my fire whenever it seems advisable."

"I cannot imagine who is watching me and I worry about bringing Zelda here. She dislikes the tunnels and has never used Floo Powder."

"Perhaps a spot of camouflage," she suggested. "Why don't we have Molly walk up from Hogsmeade with you tonight?"

"That's an excellent idea," he said. "As Zelda's pregnancy progresses, she seems to feel more isolated from her colleagues. Molly's company will be welcome."

"Does she seem well otherwise?" asked Minerva, gesturing him to a chair.

"She works too hard," he replied irritably. "Yesterday she became lightheaded while we were cooking dinner. When she rests enough, she's fine. I wish she didn't have her bloody job."

"You sound like a Victorian husband. Have you told her this?"

"She actually said it to me," he said defensively. "She's not able to give her best to her class and she's unhappy about it. She's afraid she'll be unable to finish the school year."

"Let her decide what to do," suggested Minerva. "Take care of yourself too, my friend. Will you see Michael today?"

"Of course," he said. "Crabbe and Goyle saw him earlier this week and both agreed to see him again today. He'll be coming to Hogwarts earlier and staying later from now on."

"We're fortunate to have him," she said. "He and Kingsley will be my guests for the Quidditch tomorrow. Will Zelda attend?"

"She's looking forward to it, but I wonder if it's safe," he mused.

Minerva frowned. "Sit among the Slytherin students. Tonks can sit with you and play bodyguard. Don't smother your wife with worry, Severus."

"A good thought," he said. "Of course Sibyll will believe I'm simply indulging my illicit passion for the pink-haired brat."

"She's been hitting the sherry more. I've spoken with her and I'll be watching her closely. She must know you would never…"

"Never!" he agreed, shuddering.

He took his leave and headed for his first appointment. He must remember to ask Molly about escorting them into the school, he thought.

&&&&&&&&&

"Good evening," said Molly Weasley.

Severus and Zelda, holding tight to Rowena, had just Apparated to the darkened main street of Hogsmeade and saw a small crowd approaching.

The dog woofed a warning, but Zelda laid a hand on her head and she quieted.

Her husband, Tonks and Lupin had all accompanied Molly, Severus realized. He supposed he should get used to the werewolf's presence, but it still galled him. Still, a larger group would disguise their arrival well.

Zelda finished greeting the Weasleys and turned to Tonks as they began walking toward the school.

"Hey, Tonks. I hear you've got a thing for my husband," she said with a smirk. "Hands off, kiddo."

"I can't wait for tomorrow's staff meeting to see what happens," Tonks replied with a gurgle of laughter. "Back at the Ministry they told me I'd be totally bored by taking this position, can you imagine?"

Remus stared at the women, startled to hear that his Tonks cherished a secret passion for Snape, of all bloody people, and that Mrs. Snape was amused.

"She didn't tell you about the staff meeting?" asked Zelda. "Professor Trelawney seems to be jealous of Tonks's special relationship with Severus."

Lupin's eyes bulged. The thought of the lovely Sibyll pursuing Snape was hilarious and revolting at the same time.

"Shut up, Lupin," said Zelda. "Don't even say it."

A tiny smile twinkled in his eyes as he murmured, "I didn't say anything."

"Good," she said smartly.

"You know, Trelawney's a bit touched," he said thoughtfully. "I doubt she'd be happy to learn of your existence."

"The price I pay for being married to such a sexy guy," she said, grinning wickedly.

"Oh, Merlin," he replied irritably. "Spare me, please."

"How could I resist?" she smirked.

They passed through the gates, which Severus then locked. Rowena's tail began wagging as they walked on, but at a word from Zelda she fell in step obediently.

"Why do you have a dog?" asked Lupin.

"She's good company and I'd miss her terribly if she weren't with me."

"She seems happy here," he commented.

"Hagrid's somewhere here and she knows it. She's crazy about him," she said.

"Ah… I see."

They arrived at the dungeon entrance of the castle and prepared to go their separate ways.

"We'll see you at Quidditch tomorrow, Zelda," said Molly. "I can't wait to catch up with you and hear how things are going."

As the women embraced, Severus thanked the others for escorting them. He gazed speculatively at Lupin for a moment before they parted.

"It's nice to be back," said Zelda as they entered his rooms.

Rowena trotted around inspecting the place. When everything had been sniffed, she returned to her humans.

"Is everything under control, Rowena?" asked Zelda, sitting down and petting her.

Severus had gone to light the fire in their bedroom. He was suddenly struck how different it was. Before Zelda, this room had been a Spartan refuge where he'd come to lick his wounds all alone before returning to spy. No longer a spy, no longer alone, his bedroom now represented his new circumstances. The lady in the magical tapestry on the wall resembled Zelda, glowing and lovely. The room was inviting, a refuge he shared with her.

"Are you okay?" asked Zelda from the doorway. "If you need some time alone, I can busy myself elsewhere."

"I'm fine. At times I'm shocked at how different my life is," he replied. "How do you feel?"

"A bit tired," she said. "Tomorrow I'll ask Dilys if it's anything to worry about."

"I cannot risk complicating the pregnancy by giving you a potion," he said. "Besides, the effects are short-lived and no substitute for rest."

"Are you still planning to see your students tonight?"

"Briefly," he replied. "But I want you settled first."

"No problem. I'll read until you come back," she promised.

Severus watched her prepare for bed. He lit all the lamps around the bed and tucked her in with her book.

"I'll return soon," he said, kissing her.

Rowena accompanied him as far as the door and watched as he put his Hogwarts robes on.

"Take care of Zelda," he commanded.

He was pleased when she turned and headed for the bedroom as though understanding him. Closing the door, he put a protective charm on it so none would disturb her.

&&&&&&&&&

The Slytherin common room was noisy and full that evening. Silence fell as Severus strode in. He spotted his prey, sitting in a corner far from the fire, and headed for them.

"Good evening," he murmured smoothly. "I'd like a word with you three."

"Good evening, Professor Snape," replied Draco politely.

Crabbe and Goyle only goggled apprehensively. They hadn't expected a visit on Friday evening and wondered if they were in trouble.

"It's all right," Draco told them impatiently.

"Please come to my office," said Severus. "I regret imposing on your free time, but it is unavoidable."

The three followed him out of the room, knowing all eyes were upon them.

Out in the corridor, Goyle looked at Draco and said, "They think we're in trouble."

"Imagine that," Draco replied sardonically. "Um, we're not in trouble, are we, Professor?"

"No," said Severus, flinging the door of his office open and lighting the fire with a flick of his wand.

He Conjured another chair and gestured to them to sit.

"I must assess whether your counseling sessions with Healer Fletcher are benefiting you. During the school day there is little time to meet with you, but Headmistress McGonagall requests to know if you wish to continue."

The three young men looked down, seeming flustered by the question, but as always, Draco spoke up first.

"I thought it was idiotic at first, talking about my life with a Muggle. He couldn't know anything about me, right? But I was wrong. He knows things… I think he's smart. I was wrong about Muggles."

"I want to keep seeing him," said Goyle. "It's weird that a Muggle can help me figure things out, but he explains things so they make sense."

"Will they stop him from coming to Hogwarts?" asked Crabbe nervously.

"Professor McGonagall will support his visits if you wish to continue. But it has been suggested by others that counseling is a Muggle thing, of no benefit to wizards."

After a startled moment, Crabbe muttered, "Whoever said that must've been talking to my dad."

"Since you wish to continue, there's nothing to worry about," said Severus.

He looked speculatively at them. He still had doubts, but soon everyone would know.

"I shall have a guest with me at the Quidditch match tomorrow," he said slowly.

Draco stared pointedly, waiting to see what he would say next.

"I ask that you'll respect my confidence until it's generally known," he said directly to Crabbe and Goyle. "The guest is my wife. She's a Muggle, so I wish to be sure of her safety before letting it be generally known."

"You're married?" asked Goyle, awestruck.

Draco snickered, earning a filthy look from Severus.

"Yeah, he's married. I met her a week or so ago," he said hastily. "She's never seen Quidditch before. I'd love to see what she thinks of it."

"We'll be sitting with Slytherin tomorrow, so you'll have that opportunity," said Severus. "I hope you'll receive her respectfully."

"Does she want to sit with our house?" asked Crabbe doubtfully. "If she's a Muggle and she's heard what they say about us…"

"She finds the prospect bearable. I hope no one will give her reason to regret her decision," said Severus coldly. "I'm also trusting your discretion until the time is right."

The young men all nodded seriously.

"Very well, thank you for your time. Crabbe, Goyle, I must commend you on the progress you've made on your schoolwork. Professor McGonagall complimented me on your Transfiguration yesterday, Goyle."

"Thanks, Professor Snape. I've been working hard."

"Good. I'll see you at the match, then."

The students went ahead, leaving Severus to extinguish the fire and lock up. He was back to his old habits of caution again, without knowing what threat there could possibly be. But there was something, he thought.

Pausing outside the common room entrance, Draco muttered, "Say nothing to the others. I'll do my best to help him keep her safe, but I dunno how Blaise and the others will act."

They nodded solemnly.

"I have too much homework to talk to anyone," said Crabbe seriously. "Draco, will you help me figure out my Transfiguration?"

Draco nodded. He owed these two a lot for their blind, stupid loyalty over the years. The least he could do was help them pass their fifth year exams in seventh year.

They went straight through the common room and on to their dorm, where the two remedial students pulled out their books and parchment. A long night of work lay ahead.

&&&&&&&&&

It was blustery and cold as Quidditch fans headed for the stands that Saturday. Severus made sure Zelda was wrapped up well against a possible chill, especially since Dilys's words had pushed his anxiety a notch higher.

"Severus, she's doing well, but the development is still nearly twice the rate of a normal pregnancy. The toll on her body, especially because she's not young, is significant. I expect the rate to decrease in the next few weeks, but she must rest as much as possible and take care of her health."

Zelda had heard a similar talk a few minutes earlier and accepted it without comment. She was chatting with Molly Weasley when Severus had waylaid the Healer on her way to the door.

"Should she attend the Quidditch match today?" he asked, feeling like a fool, but wanting it all spelled out for him.

"If she feels like it. If you treat her like an invalid, she'll go mad." Dilys smirked and added, "A clever wizard like you should be able to convince her to take a nap after the match."

"I'll see what I can do," he said calmly.

A knock on the door had announced Harry Potter and his friends. Potter and the two Weasleys were dressed for the match, carrying their broomsticks and in high spirits. Granger was wearing a scarlet rosette.

"Such an abominable spectacle has never been seen in these rooms before," said Severus, curling his lip at the scarlet-clad brats.

Harry grinned at his words and said, "Is Zelda up? We wanted to see her before we go down."

The bedroom door opened and Zelda appeared, chatting with Molly Weasley.

"Zelda!" exclaimed Ron. "Will you be at the match today?"

She smiled with delight. "You all look amazing. I wouldn't miss it for anything."

She hugged them all in turn and admired their uniforms.

"Can I cover my eyes if you're going to be maimed?" she asked Harry as she kissed him.

"I'll try not to let it happen," he said.

"Where will you be sitting? In Professor McGonagall's box?" asked Hermione.

"With the Slytherins," said Zelda happily. "Minerva's box will be all full of Michael, Kingsley and their egos today."

"Will you be with Gryffindor, Hermione?" asked Molly. "Arthur and I will be there, and the twins too. I hope you'll sit with us."

"I'd love it," she replied, silently vowing to have a word with Malfoy about watching over Zelda.

&&&&&&&&&

Zelda walked along with Severus, delighted to be out in the cold, blustery air for a change. Staying hidden away in the castle was not something she could do forever, she thought. There were people everywhere, many wearing their team's colors. Sport seemed to be as important to wizards as to Muggles. She wondered idly if this was a magical equivalent of NASCAR. Then they were climbing the stairs to the seats and she could see the Quidditch pitch.

"Wow," she murmured, her blue eyes wide with interest. She stared at the huge goals, but Severus prodded her along, pleased by her excitement.

"First sit down and then you can stare," he murmured, sitting down by her side.

Immediately someone said, "Is this seat taken?"

Draco Malfoy was looking innocently at the seat on Zelda's other side.

"Draco Malfoy, how nice to see you," said Zelda. "I believe that seat's taken by you. Sit down and tell me how you are, please."

Severus watched with interest as the young man said quietly, "Thank you, Mrs. Snape. First I'd like to introduce my friends, sitting behind you here. This is Gregory Goyle and that's Vincent Crabbe."

Zelda turned around to discover two very large young men wearing Slytherin robes sitting down directly behind her. They looked shy and anxious, completely lacking Draco's polished air of self-confidence. She offered her hand to first one, and then the other, with an encouraging smile.

"I'm happy to meet you," she said sweetly. "Did you tell, them?" she asked Draco.

"No, I did," said Severus. "If Potter and his cronies can be trusted to know, I trust these students too."

Crabbe and Goyle squirmed at such unprecedented praise and the friendly smile offered by Mrs. Snape.

"Fair enough," she said cheerfully. "But since you really can't shout Mrs. Snape out here, you'd best call me Zelda, if that's not too weird for you."

"Okay, Zelda," Draco said, glancing toward Professor Snape. "And what shall we call your husband?"

"Sir," she snapped.

The two behind her snorted with laughter, but grew quiet when someone sat down beside them.

"Ready for your first Quidditch match, Zelda?" asked Tonks cheerfully. "Hello, Severus, Draco, Crabbe, Goyle."

"Professor Tonks," said Draco coolly.

"Hi Tonks," said Zelda. "I can't wait. Of course, I have no idea how Quidditch is played."

She turned to the students and asked innocently, "I don't suppose you'd care to explain the basics, would you?"

Crabbe and Goyle became quite animated, being in the rare position of knowing more about a subject than someone else. Soon Zelda was overwhelmed by talk of Bludgers, Beaters, Chasers, Quaffles and point scoring. The stands filled with excited fans without Zelda realizing it. When the time came for the game to begin, however, everyone faced forward with the dedicated air of people preparing to experience religious ecstasy.

It was terrifying, thought Zelda. It took time before she began to grasp the basics of the game. She recognized Harry, Ron and Ginny, following them in turn as they flew. Ginny's performance impressed her and she thought she'd never liked the girl better. Ginny was agile, determined and had a fine grasp of her position, which was that of Chaser.

"What does a Chaser do?" she asked Draco.

"The Chaser tries to get the Quaffle and score goals," he replied patiently. "Are you watching Weasley? She's a decent player."

The match was fairly even and in fact Hufflepuff was ahead by three goals after an hour. Harry had seen the Snitch once, but it escaped when he dodged a Bludger.

Zelda noticed Draco watching Harry's performance critically, although he didn't comment. At times she looked at other stands, equally as full as the one she sat in. She saw Hagrid across from them, sitting in stands that were a sea of scarlet. In another she saw Minerva, Michael and Kingsley.

"Sev, how long does a match last?" she asked quietly. "This seat is hard on my anatomy and the wind's brisk."

"Tired, my girl? We'll leave any time you wish," he murmured.

Suddenly the crowd erupted with excitement. Potter saw the Snitch and so did the Hufflepuff Seeker. They raced along, shoving each other toward the far side of the pitch.

A scream above them made Severus look up and he saw both Bludgers hurtling toward them from different directions. He pointed his wand and blasted one into dust, then pulled Zelda down and covered her, knowing they'd both be hit. But nothing happened and after a second he saw that Tonks and Draco had both pulled their wands and blasted the other Bludger to pieces. He resumed his seat and helped Zelda sit up.

"What was that?" she asked shakily.

"Rogue Bludger," he said briefly, knowing there was more to it.

He didn't wish to alarm her however, and looked meaningfully at Draco and Tonks.

"Thank you," he said grimly.

Incredibly, since Potter caught the Snitch at that moment, most of the crowd was unaware of what had happened. Severus saw Ginny Weasley make a pass over their heads, looking down before she joined the rest of her team on the ground.

Shocked, Crabbe and Goyle realized the Bludgers must have been spelled to attack. Professor Snape looked grim and his kind wife looked upset as they got to their feet.

"We'll walk to the castle with you," offered Crabbe, nudging Goyle.

Draco looked approvingly at him and then toward Tonks.

"Draco, go with them, please. I have some questions to ask here and then I'll meet you at Professor Snape's," she said. "Nice shot, by the way."

"Thanks," he said, striving to look casual. "You too."

So Zelda was escorted back to the castle by a full contingent of Slytherins. She was irritated by her physical response to a near crushing by Bludger. Her pulse was racing and she felt disgustingly quivery. She held Severus's arm firmly as she walked.

"All right, Zel?" asked Severus softly.

She looked up at him. "I'm fine, but I'll be glad to sit down."

The students had been watching Mrs. Snape closely. It was with great relief that they entered the castle.

"Come with us," said Severus, leading the way to his rooms.

Crabbe and Goyle stared at each other, realizing they were actually going to see where Professor Snape lived.

Zelda began leaning on Severus, having exerted herself in the quick walk to the castle. He supported her to the sitting room while the students followed, shocked at seeing their professor acting human. Severus unfastened Zelda's cloak and tossed it on a chair, then settled her on the couch in front of the fire. He went to find Dobby and have tea brought to her.

"Sit down, boys," she said weakly. "I'm sorry for being so pathetic, but I'm growing a future Slytherin and it's taking most of my energy now."

Draco smirked while the other two tried to grasp what she'd said.

"Are you going to have a baby?" asked Crabbe.

"A baby Slytherin?" asked Draco. "Um, you'd actually be okay if your kid's Sorted into Slytherin?"

"A baby? You and Professor Snape?" asked Goyle.

"Yeah, but don't tell anyone yet," she replied. "Draco, won't my kid be good enough for Slytherin?"

Their eyes met and he saw gentle mockery in hers.

"I thought since you're pals with Potter…" he said slowly.

"I love Harry dearly, but that Gryffindor thing's too much," she mused. "That endless blather about courage gets tiring, doesn't it? And there's not necessarily anything wrong with ambition."

Crabbe and Goyle finally got it and they smiled at each other.

"You're all right, Mrs. Snape," said Crabbe earnestly.

She smiled mischievously at them, her eyes twinkling.

"I hate to be rude, but if you'll move over, Draco, I can put my feet up," she said wryly.

He moved to make room and when she shivered he handed her a blanket he saw on a chair.

She smiled gratefully and said, "You'll make some woman very happy someday, young man."

Severus returned, followed by Dobby and a huge tray of food. He was pleased to see Zelda smiling and his students behaving. He poured tea for Zelda, adding a generous amount of milk and sugar. He filled a plate with tempting bits of food, which he brought to her.

"Have tea," he told the students. "Professor Tonks will be here soon."

The three made a beeline for the food, allowing Severus a moment with Zelda. She accepted her tea gratefully, but stared when she tasted it.

"I know it's too sweet, but drink it," he said quietly.

"Finally, payback for the gas station tea I gave you the morning I found you," she murmured, offering her memory of it to him.

He had almost no memory of that day, but saw himself complaining to her as he drank tea from a paper cup, ill and half-frozen in her van.

"Drink," he ordered, smiling.

"I'm drinking," she said. "Get something for yourself before it's gone. I know teenage boys, they descend on food like locusts."

She drank her tea, feeling warmth seep through her.

Severus poured a cup of tea and returned to her. The boys followed him, watching curiously.

"Sit down," he said irritably. "Did any of you see where the Bludgers came from?"

Crabbe and Goyle sat in chairs and Draco resumed his place at the far end of the couch. They all shook their heads.

Severus set Zelda's empty cup aside, then sat down next to her. He pulled her legs across his lap and rested his hands on her blanket-covered knees, an intimate pose that made them stare.

"Guys, I need to elevate my feet sometimes," she said, chuckling. "We are married, you know."

"She said your baby's going to be in Slytherin," Crabbe said daringly.

Severus looked enquiringly at his wife, his lips twitching.

"Is that what you tell the Gryffindors?" he asked levelly.

"I don't want to hurt their feelings," she murmured merrily. "So I haven't mentioned it."

She felt much better, quite relaxed, and she smiled at Severus.

"I'll just close my eyes for a minute," she said contentedly.

"You do that," he replied.

Reaching under the blanket he removed her boots and set them on the floor. He rubbed each foot for a moment and watched as her eyes closed. They all sat in silence for a few minutes, not wanting to wake her.

"We'll be having company any minute," he murmured. "And we'll see them in the drawing room."

Cautiously he slid out from under Zelda's legs and tucked the blanket over her. Knowing he'd almost lost her, his eyes grew hard, even as he caressed her cheek before leaving her. He looked up and saw the students staring.

"Let's go," he said curtly.