Hogwarts Business
Severus and Zelda had arrived only a few minutes earlier, when Rowena began barking at the wall.
"Hi Phineas," said Zelda. "What's cooking?"
He rolled his painted eyes at her breezy tone and said repressively, "Headmistress McGonagall wishes to know if you'll receive her in five minutes."
"Of course," she replied. "Any time."
She looked at Severus, a question in her eyes, but he only shrugged.
"You have time to change clothes and put on your slippers," he said.
Severus knew that her legs and feet sometimes swelled at the end of a long day and she needed to put up her feet after the walk to the castle. He watched her go to the bedroom, worried as always.
Minerva entered and glanced at Zelda's robe and bunny slippers, which made her smile.
"You look very comfortable," she said pleasantly.
"Do you need to talk with Severus alone?" asked Zelda. "I'll leave if you'd like."
"No, please stay," replied Minerva. "If you have any insights I'd like to hear them."
"Then please come to the sitting room, so we can be comfortable."
Severus went ahead to light the lamps and the fire. They all sat down, with Zelda on the couch where she put her feet up.
"Sorry for the informality," she said.
"I received word from the Ministry earlier today that they wish to learn more about our joint counseling endeavor with St. Mungo's. They have asked for a meeting as soon as possible," said Minerva, her lip curling slightly. "I put them off until Tuesday, but we must make a persuasive presentation, and I'll need your help, Severus, to prepare it."
"Will Michael need to be present?" asked Zelda, frowning.
"Of course. I believe they'll ask for details of the students' sessions too, which of course cannot be released," Minerva said firmly.
"Why now?" asked Zelda suspiciously. "How would the Ministry know? Did someone at St. Mungo's report to someone there? Or did someone here do it?"
"A good question," said Minerva. "I cannot imagine and I had frankly hoped we could let the process work longer before discussing it with the Ministry."
"Who'll represent the Minister in this meeting?" asked Severus.
"Kingsley has offered to find out for us," said Minerva. "He and Michael will come to Hogwarts tomorrow morning to assist in preparing our presentation. Severus, as my deputy, I must ask you to be part of this."
Severus looked irritably at Zelda, who smiled ironically.
"Of course he'll be there," said Zelda, blowing a kiss at her scowling husband. "And if there's anything I can do to help, say the word."
These women were managing him, he thought sourly. Yet when his wife blew him a sweet kiss in front of the headmistress, it was all he could do to keep from smiling.
"Of course I'll assist you," he said stiffly.
"Why don't you, Michael and Kingsley come here for breakfast in the morning?" said Zelda. "Dilys will be here at half past nine to see me, so it wasn't going to be a sleeping in day for us. You can all talk here without unwanted eavesdroppers."
"Thank you. That sounds delightful," replied Minerva. "Will nine o'clock be suitable?"
"Perfect," replied Zelda.
Minerva rose, saying, "I'll leave you then, but see you in the morning. Don't get up, Zelda."
"See you, Minerva," she replied.
Zelda gazed around the room, smiling at how beautiful it was. She wondered what it would be like to live here at Hogwarts, to be far from her Muggle life and from Lily and Elijah. There was the cabin, of course, now hers to share with the others. But to be the only one who couldn't do magic would be strange, she thought. But it seemed she could adapt to Severus's world more easily than he could live in the Muggle world.
"You're not sleeping, are you?" asked Severus as he returned to her.
"Not at all," she replied. "I hope you don't mind my inviting the whole crowd, but obviously you're going to be dragged off to work tomorrow. This way I can keep you here a little longer."
He sat next to her and placed her legs across his lap.
"I'm glad you prefer to keep me with you," he said. "This is a bloody nuisance."
"We'll think about it tomorrow," she said. "I need time to look at you, my gorgeous husband. I have too little time to appreciate you."
"Only you could find looking at me pleasing," he replied cynically.
"Since tomorrow's going to be a stupid, busy day, let's go to bed," said Zelda. "Just a minute, though. Dobby!"
Dobby appeared before them and said, "How can Dobby serve Mrs. Professor Snape?"
"Hi Dobby," she said. "It's so good to see you. We're going to have a few guests for breakfast at nine tomorrow. Headmistress McGonagall, Mr. Fletcher and Auror Shacklebolt. Will you bring it to us here?"
"Dobby is happy to bring breakfast," he said. "Will Mrs. Professor want her coffee earlier?"
"You're wonderful for remembering," she said, beaming at him. "Since I'm having a baby, I shouldn't have too much caffeine, but yes, tomorrow, coffee at eight would save my life. I'll bring some decaffeinated coffee back with me next time I come to Hogwarts."
"Dobby will do it," he said cheerfully. "Good night, Professor and Mrs. Professor."
"See you in the morning, Dobby, and thanks," she said.
The house elf disappeared and Severus looked at his wife admiringly.
"You certainly have taken to Dobby," he said.
"I hate that he's like a servant," she replied with a faint frown. "I like the little guy and I wish I could do something for him. But that's not the way this world works."
Zelda rose slowly to her feet, saying, "If I'm this pokey so early on, I'll be like a beached whale before this pregnancy's finished."
"Are you sorry you're pregnant?" asked Severus, gazing intently at her.
"No," she replied. "But I wonder if you'll find me repulsive when I'm humongous, that's all. I've done it before and it doesn't last forever. But you didn't sign on to have a kid or a monstrously enormous wife. Are you sorry?"
He put his arm gently around her and steered her toward the bedroom.
"Of course not," he murmured, pressing his lips to her hair. "My ridiculously insecure wife, I'm happier than I've been in my life and you're the loveliest woman I've ever known."
Her rueful smile warmed his heart. He knew what insecurity felt like, in fact had spent much of his life hiding it behind a menacing façade. He also knew how fine it felt when she reassured him of her love. They were pathetic together, but he felt they were perfectly matched in all their absurd insecurity.
"Would you like to soak in a warm bath?" he asked.
"I'd love it, if you'll join me," she said wistfully.
"It shall be done," he said, smiling.
They undressed in the bedroom while the bath filled and he helped her into the water.
"Ahh… All my little aches are disappearing," she said, leaning back in his arms and letting the water relax her.
They took their time washing up and then he sat comfortably with her in his lap.
"Zelda, can you actually believe that you're repulsive?" he asked. "Nothing is more beautiful than the sight of you pregnant with our child."
She sighed and turned within the circle of his arms.
"Sorry, it's more stupid baggage. My ex-husband began his career of infidelity when I was pregnant with Elijah. He said he couldn't help himself, that I wasn't sexy and he had a man's needs."
His curled lip and the cold gleam in his eye as he digested this offensive tale made her smile.
"I'm very lucky," she said, putting a hand up to stroke his cheek.
"Is he perhaps gay? Or simply a moron, perhaps. I cannot imagine not desiring you, my sweet wife. You're quite remarkably sexy," he said, kissing her lips gently and persistently.
"Even pregnant?" she asked between kisses.
"Especially pregnant," he replied, capturing her hand and wrapping it around his prominent erection. "Can you doubt it, my girl?"
"Mmm… I'm so lucky," she said slowly, saluting that magical organ. "Let's go to bed."
Her brilliant smile and the enthusiasm she put into making love to him filled him with joy. If he was out of place in the rest of the world, this was where he belonged, he thought.
&&&&&&&&&
The morning came too soon for Zelda's taste. She sighed, realizing she had to pee again. Reaching for her robe, she headed for the bathroom, recalling the previous evening with a smile. To be with Severus, she thought, she'd give up her old life completely and without regrets.
As she climbed back into bed she was swept into a close embrace.
"Good morning, my love," he murmured. "How are you and our child this morning?"
"I'm shockingly happy," she said, stroking one black brow and then threading her fingers into his long hair. "Thus, so is the fetus."
"So am I," he said, laying a hand on her round, hard belly.
Almost immediately he felt a faint pressure against his hand and he smiled at Zelda and kissed her.
"Good morning, fetus," he said.
"That's amazing. Did you call him?" she asked. "The creature doesn't normally perform for an audience."
"Him?" asked Severus.
"I can't keep saying 'it' all the time. I have no idea if I'm right. But there's a fifty percent chance that I'm right."
Severus felt another faint movement. It was so enchanting that he laid his head on her shoulder and relaxed, feeling a connection to the child that grew every time he felt it move.
"Will you be disappointed if it's a girl?" he whispered, feeling the occasional movements under his hand.
"Not at all. I can say 'she,' if you'd rather," she said softly. "Either way, this child is going to be gorgeous and look just like you. I never thought I'd have a black-eyed child, but I love the idea."
"I prefer blue eyes and pretty blond curls," he said.
Her hand strayed to his hair and she stroked him, saying, "Sorry, blue eyes are recessive. Unless you have blue-eyed people in your ancestry, it won't happen."
"I'll be disappointed," he confessed.
As he lay there with his nose pressed against the tender skin of her neck, he felt their child move again under his hand. He felt an embarrassed pleasure that she wanted the child to resemble him.
They stayed there, cozy and intimate, until they heard Rowena bark sharply.
"It must be Dobby!" exclaimed Zelda, sitting up. "Let's get her out to pee, and then you can get dressed."
"Don't you wish to go first?" he asked, sitting up.
She smiled, gently mocking him and said, "Assuming your full regalia takes time, my dear. You'll need to shave too, since it's a working Saturday for you. I'll have my coffee and entertain the troops until you're ready."
Her eyes moved downward to admire his naked body.
"Gorgeous," she said softly.
"Barking mad," he replied wryly, studying her in return. "But how beautiful you are, my Zelda."
"Only to you, but that's all I care about."
She reached for her heavy white robe, which was the only one that fit comfortably. She put on her slippers and they went out to care for Rowena.
Dobby had brought a tray with coffee and croissants, but he was nowhere to be seen. She sat down and poured a cup of coffee.
"Dobby's wonderful," she said. "Shall I save some for you?"
He had opened the secret door from the drawing room to the outdoors and let Rowena out briefly, then called her inside again.
"No thank you," he said. "You're eating for two, aren't you? Anyway, I must get dressed."
He went to kiss her as he headed for the bedroom.
"Enjoy your little snack," he said, ruffling her hair.
&&&&&&&&&
"That was outstanding. My compliments to the chef, Zel," said Michael earnestly, his eyes twinkling.
"I'll ask Dobby to pass the word. I'm sure the house elves will be thrilled that a Muggle appreciates their culinary efforts," she said.
"I suppose we must get down to business," said Minerva. "What have you learned about the Ministry representatives, Kingsley?"
"The bad news is that Scrimgeour has delegated Dolores Umbridge to represent him in this meeting, said the Auror. "But Arthur Weasley will also be present. Hippocrates Smethwyck and Pye will be representing St. Mungo's, along with Michael. And of course, you two."
"Will Dolores be writing the report for the Minister?" asked Minerva, her eyes narrowing in disapproval.
Kingsley nodded. "I imagine she won't be respectful to Mike. Of course he has the full support of the Board of St. Mungo's, as well as the majority of the staff. Keep an eye on her wand, though."
"I'm worried about Mr. Malfoy, should Dolores learn that he is seeing Michael. She was eager to see him imprisoned last summer. In fact she has no love for any of our students. They must be protected."
"Smethwyck and Pye will fight any effort to breach their confidentiality," said Michael. "Arthur too. We'll protect the kids."
Rowena whined loudly, followed by a knock on the door.
"It must be Dilys," said Zelda, rising and going to answer the door.
"Good morning, Zelda," said the Healer. "You look well."
"I feel fine this morning. Come in and say hello to our guests," Zelda said with a smile.
"Hey, Dilys! Come to try and take your money back?" called Michael when he saw their guest.
"Next week will be time enough for that," she said mischievously. "You got lucky, young man."
Michael grinned at Minerva and said, " She thinks I'm young. I love her."
Minerva rose and shook Dilys's hand.
"It's delightful to have you visit Hogwarts again," she said. "One day soon you must come to dinner, Dilys."
"I'd like that. But now, I must examine Zelda," she said turning to Zelda.
"Let's do it," she said, looking at Severus and smiling.
He had been hoping she wanted his presence.
"Excuse me," he said. "I'll be with you shortly.
He rose and followed the two women to the bedroom.
Michael looked at Minerva, who stared in surprise to see her deputy involving himself in what she'd always believed to be women's business.
"In Muggle America, men stay with their wives as much as they want to during this time," he explained. "Zelda's loser of a first husband never had much interest, but I imagine Severus is fascinated. I would be."
"Really? I never imagined men would want to know anything about it," she replied. "Why don't we begin outlining our presentation until Severus returns?"
&&&&&&&&&
Zelda lay back on the bed while Dilys measured how much her womb had grown. A faint movement under her hand made her smile.
"An active little one," she murmured. "I should say you're at the halfway point, perhaps eighteen or nineteen weeks along. I hope that two weeks from now you'll be at twenty-two weeks. Then the rest of the pregnancy should progress normally. Have you felt exhausted?"
"Extremely exhausted, but I've arranged to leave my job at the end of this coming week, so I'll be able to rest more."
"Very good. You're being more sensible than I thought you'd be. You were very young when you had children before this," said Dilys. "You're fine, but you need to take care of yourself."
"I know. Severus is quite a dictator too," she said, smiling fondly and holding out her hand to him.
He sat down next to her and held her hand.
"You're a sensible wizard," said Dilys. "I wish more fathers would be involved while their wives are pregnant."
"It's important," he said softly, basking in her approval.
"Will the child be born here at Hogwarts?" she asked.
"We haven't discussed it yet," said Zelda. "You'll be with us for the birth, won't you?"
"Of course. If you wish it, you may come to St. Mungo's to give birth, but I believe you'll be more comfortable here in your home."
"What if there are complications?" asked Zelda calmly.
"We can get you to St. Mungo's instantly. Also, if you do not object, I'll ask Madam Pomfrey to assist me when the time comes. Severus, I assume you'll be present?"
"Of course," he replied.
"Excellent. We'll speak more of what you should expect during the delivery, but there's plenty of time for that, said Dilys comfortably.
"I must return to the others," said Severus, rising slowly. "Thank you, Dilys."
He returned to the drawing room, where he found the others making copious notes on parchment.
"Ah, Severus. I'm glad you're back," said Minerva. "We have an appointment at noon to meet Healers Smethwyck and Pye at St. Mungo's."
"Very well," he nodded calmly, internally cursing his overactive sense of duty. "I should see if Zelda will want company in my absence."
Her brief grimace when he told her the news, followed by an ironic smile, warmed him. He was oddly reluctant to leave her at Hogwarts without him.
"I need to get out today. I wonder if Hagrid would like company this afternoon," she said. "Rowena can come along with me."
"Shall I see if Potter and his friends will accompany you?" he asked.
"I'd like that, and you won't worry so much if you surround me with enough bodyguards," she replied. "When will you leave?"
"We're relocating to Minerva's office, but I sent the rest of them ahead so I can steal a few minutes alone with you."
He led her to their bed and pulled her down into his arms in a warm hug. When her arms went around his neck and she kissed his nose, he swore in a low voice.
"What was that?" she asked innocently. "Never mind, I feel the same. We're pathetic, Sev. Hurry back, my dear boy."
He squeezed her a bit harder and she snuggled close. He realized, charmed, that something was pressing against his ribs.
"The creature is stirring," he said. "Does it disturb you?"
"No, not yet. But in the last few weeks, these little movements can be a bit painful," she replied. "But you're going to be all disheveled if you stay here. If you go to Minerva's office all mussed up, Michael and Kingsley will mock you."
He raked his fingers through her hair, tousling her hair into wild curls and murmured, "Like this?"
"Beast," she replied, copying his actions and then raking his hair back from his face.
"Impudent wife," he hissed, studying her with a faint smile. "No one takes such liberties with me."
She caressed his cheek and said, "I suppose you should go attend to business or I'll be forced to take more liberties and start unbuttoning things."
"How naughty you are," he said, untying the belt of her robe and opening it. "Vulnerable too."
He knelt above her and began kissing her breasts.
"Lovely," he murmured, nuzzling against them. "Now I must leave you."
He rose and picked up his wand. One small flick straightened his hair. He went to the mirror and straightened his clothes, then turned to look at her.
"That was most unkind," she said, laughing. "You look fine though. Run along and be a deputy headmaster, because when you get back to me every button will be undone and you'll be all mine."
His eyebrow rose enquiringly and he smiled once more before left the room.
Zelda smiled as she got up from the bed and tied her robe closed. She went to the drawing room and realized she was indeed alone with Rowena.
"Dobby!" she called.
The house elf appeared with a faint pop and said, "What can Dobby do for Mrs. Professor Snape?"
"Hi Dobby. Professor Snape will busy for the rest of the day. Will you ask Harry, Ron and Hermione if they'd like to hang out with me this afternoon?"
"Dobby will go immediately!" he proclaimed cheerfully.
He disappeared instantly. She stayed in the same place and two minutes later he reappeared.
"They is going to come in a few minutes. Would Mrs. Professor Snape like Dobby to bring lunch?"
"Kids are always hungry, so that's a great idea," she replied. "I'm going to get dressed now. Will you let them in when they arrive?"
She headed for the bedroom to get ready for the rest of her Saturday without Severus. It felt strange being at Hogwarts without him, but she was determined to stop acting like such a baby and get on with things.