After the Bludgers
Tonks arrived first with Hagrid and Rowena. The students stood back and watched Severus prepare for an onslaught of people. First he greeted the big dog and led her to the sitting room where Zelda slept.
"Good dog, Rowena," said Severus. "Stay with Zelda."
The dog licked Zelda's hand and settled on the hearthrug in front of the couch.
Severus left them, reassured that Zelda wouldn't be alone if she woke suddenly.
Minerva McGonagall, accompanied by Kingsley and Michael had arrived in the moment he'd left the main drawing room.
"Severus, is she all right? Dilys is coming," said Michael urgently.
"She had some tea and she's sleeping. I believe she's all right," he replied, gripping his friend's hand.
Tonks and Kingsley were conferring with Minerva when someone began pounding on the door.
Severus opened it to a wall of scarlet. Harry, Ginny, Ron, the Weasley parents and Granger were all there, along with Dilys Smethwyck.
"Come in," he said, rolling his eyes resignedly.
Having warned Dobby, he pointed his wand at the table across the room and a huge platter of food arrived.
"If I may have your attention," he said softly, only continuing when everyone quieted. "I'll ask Dilys and Michael to see to Zelda. I also wish to know if anyone saw what happened. Please eat if you require sustenance."
"Professor," Harry said urgently, his eyes pleading. "Please, is she okay?"
Severus nodded. "She's all right. Eat something, Potter."
Harry headed slowly toward the food, where Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle stood.
"Ginny told me what you did," he said to Draco. "She screamed when she saw a Bludger heading for you all. Did you see them?"
"Not until she screamed," Draco replied, his eyes cloudy gray. "Do you think it's…?"
"I dunno. Hardly anyone knows about Zelda, and would anyone attack Professor Snape? But two rogue Bludgers would've likely killed them if you hadn't seen them," said Harry.
"Tonks and Professor Snape blasted them too, but it was close," said Draco. "By the way, Crabbe and Goyle know about Zelda."
Harry looked up in alarm at the massive pair, placidly grazing on sandwiches.
"Don't look at me," said Draco impatiently. "Snape told them they're married and she told them herself that she's expecting. I think she likes them."
"Really?" Harry asked, stunned.
Draco rolled his eyes and sneered, "They're pretty harmless, actually."
Harry glared at his former nemesis, an icy stare that reminded Draco of someone else.
Lowering his voice, Draco whispered, "Did you know they started seeing Michael last week? They think he's brilliant as Merlin. When they find out he's friends with Zelda, they'll do anything for her."
"Does life ever seem like a weird, sick joke?" asked Harry sardonically, pondering this new information.
"Every minute of every day," Draco muttered.
Michael came out of the sitting room and looked around at the crowd. When he saw the two boys standing at the table, he smiled briefly and winked at Harry and Draco, but headed for Crabbe and Goyle.
Harry watched jealously as the doughy faces lit up. The man smiled warmly and spoke quietly to the pair, clapping each one on the shoulder before leaving them.
"Hi guys," said Michael, the worry he'd been hiding becoming plain to see. "Harry, don't look like that. Dilys says she's okay and when some of this mob goes, she wants to see you. We can't let everyone in. The girl needs rest."
"Okay, I'll wait," the boy replied, feeling sullen and impatient.
Ron, Hermione and Ginny all approached the table.
"Is she okay, Harry?" asked Ron, eyeing the table.
"Yeah, Michael says she'll be fine. I didn't see a bloody thing, though, did you?"
Ron shook his head. "Gin's the only one I know of that saw anything," he said. "Unless… Malfoy, did you…?"
"Not 'til they were on top of us."
"I only saw the one that headed from the east," said Ginny. "I thought it was an accident until there were two blasted Bludgers. I've no idea where the other came from."
"Draco, I saw you all walking with Zelda. Is she okay?" asked Hermione.
He nodded, struck a pose and said, "Maybe you all hadn't noticed, but you stood to lose more than Zelda and Professor Snape. Yours truly was in line for obliteration too. You didn't tell me I could be killed by a pleasant afternoon at Quidditch."
Ginny snickered and even Harry couldn't quite keep from laughing a bit, although Hermione looked reproachfully at him.
"I believe we'll be off now," said Draco snidely. "We have first years to bully and acts of unspeakable evil to commit, you know. By the way, Weasley, you're still my king."
Harry snorted, suddenly feeling a bit better at the sight of Ron's slight frown.
Draco collected his friends, who seemed ready to stay by the food table until it was empty, and ruthlessly dragged them away. Gradually, after a great deal of talk and concern, most of the others headed away. Finally only Harry was left. He sat dejected in a chair near the door to the sitting room, staring sightlessly out the window at the dreary rain.
Severus watched the others depart, and he saw Potter's grim determination to stay until he could see Zelda.
"Go in," he said resignedly.
Harry leaped to his feet and almost ran to the couch. He didn't hear Severus follow slowly behind.
Zelda's eyes were closed, but at the sound of his approach she opened them.
"Harry," she said with a weary smile. "Help me sit up, please. I overdid it a bit after the Bludger thing. And sit down."
"God, Zelda, I was so worried," he said. "I didn't even know until after the game, when Ginny told me. By then you were gone."
She grimaced and said sadly, "I was squashed under Severus and I didn't get to see you catch the Snitch."
He smiled eagerly and his green eyes suddenly lit up. He put a hand in his pocket and pulled something out.
"Hold out your hand," he said.
When she did, he carefully wrapped it around a small, fluttering thing.
"Wow! Harry, is it…?"
"It's the Snitch," he said, delighted by her response. "I'll take it back to Madam Hooch, but first I wanted to show it to you."
"The one you caught today?" she asked in amazement. "I only saw it once, for a second."
"Yeah, the one from today," he said.
She felt the tiny, magical wings beating against her fingers.
"It feels almost alive," she said. "I feel like I'm holding it prisoner."
"A long time ago they used a real magical bird, but the birds usually died, so the Snitch was invented," he told her.
"How sad," she said, imagining a tiny bird in her hand. "Poor birds. People can be so stupidly cruel, can't we?"
"It was centuries ago," he said, alarmed by her sudden change of mood.
Severus watched in silence, feeling like an intruder but unable to slip away unnoticed.
"Hey, don't look so worried. Being pregnant means I'm a bit more emotional than usual. It won't last forever, though."
She smiled and rolled her eyes at her own silliness, pleased when she saw him smile.
"I should rest," she said, handing back the Snitch carefully. "Will you come down and stay with me while Severus is at the staff meeting tomorrow? Not the whole crowd, but I'd like it if you'll come."
"Sure," he said, looking like Christmas had just arrived.
She wanted to stand, so he helped her to her feet and hugged her. She looked up into his eyes.
"Don't worry," she said, kissing his cheek. "It'll be okay."
She caressed his thin young cheek, and out of the corner of her eye she saw Severus standing in the doorway.
"I'm going to soak in a warm bath now. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay," he replied. "See you."
Severus walked him to the door, accompanied by Rowena.
"Potter, if you and Malfoy decide to pursue this, be very careful," he warned. "Something's wrong."
"I know. Thanks for letting me see her," he said, nodding stiffly.
"Of course. She wanted to see you," said Severus stiffly.
"Bye, Professor," said Harry.
&&&&&&&&&
After that warm bath and a bit of supper, Severus finally could be alone with Zelda. A simple day at Quidditch had nearly cost him everything, but he could do nothing more, for the moment.
"I don't suppose you saw the Bludgers?" he finally asked her.
She shook her head. "I was looking at you and when Harry went after the Snitch I was watching him."
"I'll stop talking about it. I know you're tired of it," he said.
"Good. Lock up and I'll meet you in bed."
She'd seen his anxiety and in truth, she too was still shaken by what had happened. She undressed and slipped naked into the bed to wait, laying a protective hand on her belly. When he entered the room and saw her waiting, his scowl lightened.
"It's good to see you safe," he said softly.
"You too," she said. "I can't imagine it was aimed at me, because almost no one knows I exist here."
He tossed his clothes on the chair as he removed them and slid under the covers, pulling her close.
"It makes no sense," he said. "Kingsley and Tonks will come to breakfast in the morning. We must find out what this means."
Zelda nuzzled his neck, pressing her body against his and holding him tight.
"We're safe now," she murmured.
"Perhaps you shouldn't come here until we solve this," he said reluctantly.
"I like coming to Hogwarts," she told him. "I love our bed and our comfortable sitting room. I don't want you to be lonely or me to be lonely."
I'll put more protective spells on our rooms here, but you'll have to stay inside while you're here. You'll be isolated."
"Sev, not everyone was involved in this. I can visit with some people here," she said. "Tonks and Draco, Crabbe and Goyle."
"Michael and Kingsley, Minerva and the Quidditch players," he said, feeling slightly better.
"Hermione, Molly and Arthur," she said. "I trust Hagrid too."
"You're right," he said. "We'll discuss it tomorrow. I want to hold you, my girl."
He tightened his arms and felt her do the same, feeling each other's heart beating. Suddenly she gasped.
"What?" he asked anxiously.
She grinned up at him.
"I felt it move just now. It was the first time."
He stared, not having thought what their prospective child was like.
"What does it feel like?" he asked, putting a hand on her belly.
"A faint fluttering. You'll be able to feel it in a week or two, but it's not big enough yet."
They gazed into each other's eyes for a long time.
"I'll leave immediately if I must, to keep you safe," he muttered hoarsely.
"We're safe now. Tomorrow can wait," she said.
&&&&&&&&&
Zelda felt more energetic in the morning. She knew Dilys was right about needing much more rest. Women she knew had often fantasized about speed pregnancies, but the real toll this was taking on her body was horrifying.
Severus had suffered nightmares and woke several times in a cold sweat. Once he even got up and paced restlessly, trying to throw off the memory of his dream before returning to bed. He woke early, heavy-eyed and with a slight headache. Checking on Zelda, he saw that she was awake.
"Poor Sev," she whispered, stroking his lank hair.
"I hoped I hadn't disturbed you," he said guiltily.
"I'm sorry you slept so terribly," she said. "I actually feel much better after resting."
"Good, one less worry for today," he replied.
"I've been thinking about what Dilys said about my super-fast pregnancy," she told him. "I never felt so weak before, and it's a problem. I can't work full time through the end of the school year."
"What will you do?" he asked.
"The first two months of the school year I had a student teacher. She's finished her degree and looking for a job now. I asked my principal about teaming with her in case I can't finish the year," said Zelda slowly. "She knows my students well. I'll call her this week and see if she can begin working immediately."
He knew she'd wanted to finish her job. However, if this would keep her from complete exhaustion…
"I'm sorry," he said, kissing her. "It's not what you wanted."
"No, but I won't feel so awful if Teresa finishes my job. She's a promising teacher and she studied my curriculum before the school year started. She loves the kids too."
"I'm relieved that you won't exhaust yourself," he said. "It hasn't been easy to watch."
"I know. Life can't be the way I wanted it, but it'll still be good," she said. "But you slept badly, my boy. Can I make it better?"
He sighed as she began rubbing his back.
"Perhaps," he said, forcing the nightmares from his mind and allowing her hands to ease his tight muscles.
She massaged firmly, recognizing the signs of stress.
"Ahh…" he groaned. "Marriage to you is a fine thing."
Worry faded as he gave in to bliss. When she leaned over and kissed his neck, he turned around and scooped her into his embrace.
"You're feeling better," she said haltingly, between kisses.
"Much better," he replied as his hands caressed her lush curves.
Her breasts were larger now, heavy and warm in his hands, and they tempted his mouth to them. He was learning that her pregnant body was more easily aroused. He loved this hypersensitive, sexy wife of his and lazily he toyed with her, making her moan with helpless delight.
"You're delicious, my pet," he murmured, kissing her belly.
She reached for him and he entered her, smiling into her eyes.
"My sweet Zelda," he murmured.
"Severus," she whispered, opening her lips to receive his kisses.
For this short time they were able to simply love each other and it was joyous, passionate and tender. When it was over they still held each other for a long time, both smiling.
"Better?" she asked softly.
"Much better," he murmured, his eyes closing in contentment.
She remained still, watching him as he slept. She cherished those moments when she could simply hold and love him.
&&&&&&&&&
Severus swept into the room in advance of the rest of the staff, mentally prepared as much as possible for what he was about to say. Molly Weasley, Hagrid and Filius Flitwick stayed close, offering what support they could. No explanation or culprit had been found for the Bludger attack, but there were questions from many as word of the incident had spread. There was nothing to be done but forestall rumors as much as possible.
Minerva arrived, followed by the rest of the staff, who seated themselves and looked at her curiously.
"Good evening. There are rumors going around about an event that occurred at yesterday's Quidditch match. Two Bludgers were spelled to attack spectators in the Slytherin seats. No one was injured, thanks to the quick work of Professors Tonks and Snape. If anyone can assist us in finding the culprit, please contact me immediately."
She stared around at the silent staff, but no comment followed.
"Professor Snape, I believe you wish to speak next," she said calmly.
Severus took a deep breath and said stiffly, "I attended yesterday's match with a guest and the Bludgers attacked our vicinity. I married recently, and it was my wife in the box with me. Since some people became aware of her presence, I thought it advisable to inform all of you."
"Married? I saw nothing of this in the cards!" shrilled Sibyll Trelawney.
"Congratulations," mumbled Professor Davis hastily, trying to cover for such a rude outburst. "I assume I met the lady in Hogsmeade during the Christmas holiday."
"Thank you, Solomon," said Severus. "Yes, you did meet her. She's employed elsewhere, and so does not live here."
"I hope she wasn't harmed by Bludgers," murmured Professor Sinistra sincerely.
"How splendid, Severus," said Professor Sprout. "I look forward to meeting your wife soon."
Minerva let the conversation rumble on briefly, but Severus was hoping to avoid too many specifics, so she recalled the meeting to order.
"Since this latest incident, I believe we must consider our problems to be ongoing. The corridor patrols will continue this week. We'll use the same schedule as the previous two weeks."
"We don't know it was related to the earlier incidents!" whined Sibyll Trelawney. "I thought we were finished with corridor patrols."
"Patrolling is for the safety of our students and our staff," Molly Weasley said earnestly. "Sibyll, it's so important."
The Seer glared at her, but remained silent for the duration of the meeting.
"Now, Career Counseling will begin in the next two weeks for our fifth years," said Minerva. "Since the past two years were fairly disruptive for our students, if sixth and seventh years wish for a voluntary session, we'll also accommodate them."
"Notices will go up tomorrow," said Severus. "Also, if there are students who need additional coaching in preparation for O.W.L. or N.E.W.T. exams, please try to accommodate them."
"Results of your professional evaluations will be made available to you at the end of the coming week," said Minerva. "Please contact me if you wish to schedule time to discuss your evaluation with me."
The silence that followed was almost deafening.
"Is there anything else that we must discuss?" asked Minerva.
More silence.
"Very well, the meeting is adjourned," she said.
Severus braced himself. As he expected, he was surrounded by a large number of people, all offering good wishes and eager to ask questions. Maintaining a calm exterior, he forced out the words he knew he must say.
"I must leave immediately, but I look forward to introducing my wife to you all. Next Saturday afternoon, please come to my quarters for a brief reception."
His words were greeted by commendations all around. Hogwarts teachers were not in general a social group, but they were all curious to see the woman Severus Snape had married, so it seemed they would all attend.
"I must go, Professor McGonagall," Severus said calmly. "I shall return tomorrow, as usual."
She nodded briskly in response. The last thing Severus saw was the arrival of refreshments, so he knew his personal life was about to be painstakingly dissected.
He started down the stairs, but a voice behind him called, "Professor Snape!"
It was Piers Clearwater, the Muggle Studies teacher. He was so quiet during meetings that Severus often forgot he was present. However, he had met Zelda at Christmas time.
"Professor, I don't wish to delay you, but I recall that your wife designed the Muggle Studies curriculum. I'd like to consult with her about it," the young man said hesitantly. "If she's willing, that is."
"I believe she'll be happy to meet with you," he replied. "Come to my rooms on Saturday and she'll schedule a time to meet with you."
"Thanks," said Piers. "I only met her once, but I feel I know her through her curriculum. She's a very creative teacher. Anyway, I'll let you go. Goodbye."
Severus left the young teacher, relieved that it hadn't been one of those bloody women. He sped downstairs, wanting only to get Zelda home without incident. It had been a most unpleasant weekend.