Professor and Mrs. Snape at Hogwarts

Zelda was trying on clothes. They'd bought enough so she wouldn't have to shop again during her pregnancy.

"I don't have to try all of these," she said, slipping a silk chemise over her head. "This is what Renaissance Fair people wear under everything, but this summer, it'll be wonderfully shapeless and cool."

"It's huge," said Tonks.

"Zelda will be huge the last few weeks," said Molly. "The fabric's lovely, Zelda."

"I'm pleased with it."

Hermione said very little, but it was fun being with women. Having two boys for her best friends, she had a lot to learn about woman things.

"Look at this! Do witches really wear five hundred year old fashions?" asked Zelda, holding up a maroon dress one would wear over a chemise.

"It's lovely fabric," said Molly. Try it on."

It was ankle length and full enough to cover Zelda's belly with room to spare. Tonks laced the back.

"Not so tight!" said Zelda, startled.

"You look like a medieval woman in a castle," said Hermione.

"I feel like it. It's cool that I can dress like this at Hogwarts, but I hope I'll fit into my jeans when I'm not pregnant any more."

"This is more practical," said Molly, holding up a chemise, but one that had embroidery around the hem and ivory lace at the cuffs and the neckline. It was a deep green.

"I love that," said Zelda. "If I'm not going to have a waist, I can still have embroidery."

The collection of robes was also large, some black, others different colors and styles. Molly efficiently shortened the ones that needed it, but Zelda suddenly excused herself.

"I need to pee again," she said.

"I'll hang those up," said Hermione, producing her wand.

Efficiently she hung the gowns and robes magically in Zelda's wardrobe while Molly and Tonks watched, impressed.

"I should practice those domestic spells," said Tonks admiringly. "You did that beautifully.

Zelda emerged from the bathroom carrying her new dress and chemise. She was wearing a soft violet silk negligee that flowed elegantly over her rounded belly and emphasized her full breasts.

"Where'd you get that?" asked Tonks. "You look dead sexy."

"A parting gift from my colleagues," she replied. "They gave me two more. This one and a black one are maternity wear."

"Brilliant," said Tonks.

Hermione held out her hand and took the clothes Zelda was holding, sending them to hang in the wardrobe with the other things.

"Hermione," said Zelda, sitting on the edge of the bed. "Want to feel the baby?"

"I can feel it?" she asked in amazement.

Zelda took the girl's hand and put it on her belly. She breathed evenly, trying to relax.

A tiny movement pressed against Hermione's hand. It withdrew and then happened again.

"Oh… Zelda, wow," she said. "It's amazing."

"May I feel it?" asked Tonks. "It's not something Aurors get to experience."

Hermione replaced her hand with Tonks's and whispered, "Just wait a minute."

"When I sit still or try to sleep, the creature gets active," said Zelda calmly.

"Hey! That was it, wasn't it?" asked Tonks.

"It was," said Zelda, smiling at Molly. "I'm grateful not to be carrying twins. Were yours wild in utero?"

"Actually, they were lovely. I imagined twins would be terrible, but it was Ron and Ginny that were fierce when I was pregnant."

The young women looked at her, horrified.

"Don't look like that," chuckled Zelda. "It's just that some are friskier than others. I remember very well that Elijah spent the last month upside down. He'd wedge his foot against my rib and stretch out his leg. It hurt. Lily just had hiccups."

"I never knew all that could happen inside," said Tonks. "I don't think I want to be pregnant any time soon."

"I have lots to do before I think of having a baby," said Hermione.

"Good," said Zelda. "Wait until you can give your kids the attention they'll need."

"Where will the baby sleep? Have you a cradle?" asked Molly.

"We have almost nothing," Zelda said ironically. "By the way, how do witches deal with diapers?"

Molly smiled. "It's not a problem while you stay at Hogwarts. Dobby can clean nappies for you."

"I can't ask him to do that!" said Zelda, horrified.

Hermione smiled approvingly at this reaction.

"But he'll be hurt if you don't," said Tonks. "Besides, you don't have laundry facilities here."

"I had a service when my kids were small. They came once a week, took the nasty ones and brought a nice big bag of fresh ones. But we paid them!"

Molly shook her head at Zelda's naiveté, but merely said, "I have a cradle you can use, if you'd like."

"Thanks, I'd like it very much," she said.

There was a sudden knock on the door.

"Come in," called Zelda.

Harry put his head cautiously in, but all he saw was the group sitting and talking.

"We should go back, Hermione," he said. "Zelda, can I come see you tomorrow morning? I've had a brilliant idea."

"Okay," she said. "After breakfast, whenever you don't have class."

"Thanks, Zelda. It's been really fun. See you all later," said Hermione as she followed Harry out.

&&&&&&&&&

Severus closed the door behind the departing students and went to see what the women were doing. He knocked on his own bedroom door, snorting irritably.

"Come in," called his wife.

Zelda was lounging on the bed, looking exquisite in the nightgown she'd gotten from her fellow teachers. Nymphadora and Molly were sitting on chairs facing her, talking quietly.

"Hello," she said, smiling at him. "A job well done, and I'm very grateful to Molly and Tonks."

"We're just leaving," said Tonks, winking at him. "See you tomorrow, Severus."

He walked them to the door, rather curious about what they'd discussed, but mostly relieved that they were going.

The witches gone, Severus settled Rowena in the sitting room and returned to his bedroom.

Zelda had gone to the dressing table and was brushing her hair, so he went behind her and put his arms around her.

"Your colleagues certainly know how to give the perfect gift," he said, running a finger along her neckline.

"I love it, and I don't feel so fat and ungainly in it," she said.

"My absurd wife, come here," he said, turning her around and embracing her. "You're remarkably beautiful. It's also very late, so we must go to bed."

"I love to go to bed with you," she said. "Will you start work early tomorrow?"

"Yes, but I hope to finish early tomorrow too," he said, undressing and heading for the bathroom.

He returned to find her drowsy, but she held out her arms and drew him close to kiss him.

"Did it shock you that I entertained the masses in your bedroom?" she asked with a lazy, mischievous smile.

"Yes, but it's our bedroom now," he said. "Just so you evict them before I claim my rights as a husband, it's amazing how little I care."

She smiled suddenly and placed his hand on her belly where their child was moving inside her.

"I never thought I'd feel this again," she said. "Since you came, my life's full of wonders that have nothing to do with magic."

"Sleep, my love," he commanded. "By the time Dilys comes on Saturday, I want you rested and feeling well."

She turned on her side and he moved close behind her, putting an arm around her. He felt her body relax into asleep, but he lay awake long afterward, feeling the movement of his child inside her as she slept.

&&&&&&&&&

"So you see, Zelda, you can have a real Muggle address and so can I," finished Harry eagerly.

"Are you sure you want to be a homeowner, especially in the wilds of Scotland? You can go anywhere and do anything after you finish school."

"I have no family. I'm still too famous to like being around a lot of wizards and I don't know what to do with my life. With Apparating, I can go anywhere I want, so having a place near Hogwarts isn't a problem. Will you help me buy one?"

"Of course, if you're sure," she said. "But what about money?"

He snorted. "I'm kind of rich, I guess. Not in the Muggle world, and if my uncle had found out he'd have tried to get it, but my parents left me a pile of Galleons in the vault at Gringotts."

"You know, Severus will want to come with us," she mused. "Is that okay?"

"I guess so," said Harry, feigning reluctance, but secretly rather pleased.

"Okay, we'll pick a day and start looking soon," she said. "You head off to class and I'll talk to him when he comes home."

"Thanks," he said with a wry smile. "See you later."

&&&&&&&&&

Severus had enjoyed his morning at Hogwarts. He'd missed being there in the mornings while he lived at Zelda's house. This entire week they would stay, and already he felt more a part of the school than before. The last meeting he had before the lunch hour was with Minerva.

"How is Zelda feeling after leaving her position?" she asked.

"Stunned, at first, but I hope she's adjusting," he replied.

"Very good. Do you think she'll dine with us this evening in the Great Hall? It would normalize her position here."

His first impulse was to refuse, but upon reflection, the entire school knew of her existence now. It might make her feel more at home if she took part in the school's daily life.

"Watch those bloody witches," he said irritably.

"We'll seat her between us this evening," she said. "I've had very little time lately to see her and I look forward to catching up."

He nodded, appreciating her consideration.

"Has Potter told you what they're doing?" he asked.

"I thought it best to avoid calling attention to him, so I told him some time ago to come to me if I can help them. He has not, however."

"They have a fairly well planned little operation," said Severus. "I hope they find something."

"Now, about examinations," said Minerva, reverting to what was, after all, their mission. "I'd like to go over this list of students who may require special coaching."

The change to a purely educational discussion was quite refreshing for both of them, and went on until it was lunchtime.

"I'll see you and Zelda at dinner," said Minerva as they descended the stairs together. "Thank you for a most productive meeting."

Severus continued down the stairs to the dungeon. If they were to dine in the Great Hall, he thought he deserved a peaceful lunch at home with his wife. He strode to the door of his rooms and opened it, to be greeted by Rowena. He paused to pet her.

"Where's Zelda?" he asked, causing her tail to wag faster.

He followed her to the sitting room and when he entered, Zelda turned and smiled brilliantly.

"What a delightful surprise," she said, getting to her feet and meeting him with a warm hug. "Are you here for lunch?"

He nodded and kissed her possessively.

"I'll call Dobby in a moment," he said.

At times his mind returned to the grim, bitter years he'd lived in these rooms, friendless but for Albus Dumbledore, walled off from the world. A chill despair had consumed him then. He'd never throw it off completely, but the presence of his wife, warmed him and gave him shelter. Her arms were around him and he groaned appreciatively.

"It's good to have you here," he said, pressing his nose into her soft curls and inhaling.

A surge of emotion rushed through her. She'd thought all morning about what must be happening back in her classroom, longing to be there. But Severus needed her, she thought, so she couldn't regret being with him. She tilted her head back and kissed his large nose with a happy smile.

"It's good to be here," she replied honestly, running her fingers through the curtain of his black hair.

Severus fought the urge to forget work and spend the afternoon with her. He enjoyed having Zelda pet and adore him, although he wouldn't say such a thing.

"How are you feeling?" he asked sternly. "Have you taken your vitamins?"

"Of course," she replied. "But the fetus and I are hungry. Let's eat and I'll tell you about my morning, if you'd like."

Severus summoned Dobby with a flick of his wand, causing the elf to appear before them almost instantly.

"Will you bring some lunch for us, Dobby?" he asked.

"Of course, Professor," said Dobby eagerly. "Dobby will be right back."

Severus took off his robes and tossed them on the couch. He turned and put his arms around her again, studying her closely. He was heartened by what he saw. In spite of her recent emotional upheaval, she'd rested, and looked better. She was still rather pale, but her eyes were bright, so he trusted that a few more days would restore her normal robust health.

"Minerva invites you to dine in the Great Hall this evening," he told her.

She looked enquiringly at him and asked mockingly, "Is it allowed, mighty husband?"

"Brat," he murmured, spanking her bum lightly. "I'll stay close to keep you from behaving outrageously."

"I'm a little intimidated, but I'll do it. In case I make a scene you'll have to stay close, of course."

She smiled and caressed his thin cheek. He could almost feel the surge of emotions in her. It must be very unsettling to be pregnant, he thought.

"Lunch is here, Professor and Mrs. Professor," proclaimed Dobby. "Call Dobby when you want it taken away, please."

"We will, Dobby," said Zelda. "Thanks."

Over lunch Zelda told Severus about Harry's plan. She was surprised that he already knew, and in fact he reluctantly approved.

"He obviously wishes to stay in close contact with you and I assume you don't mind," he said, rolling his eyes.

She smiled wryly. "Thanks for being so generous about it. For some reason poor Harry annoys you at times."

"I'm annoyed because I plan to accompany you when you go house hunting. A waste of time, that would be better spent alone with you," he replied.

She chuckled, standing up and saying, "That was a lovely lunch, and if I'm going to be on display at dinner, I should take a nap now."

"May I tuck you in?" he asked, his eyes gleaming as they met hers.

"Do you have to go back to work right away?" she asked wistfully.

"No," he replied slowly. "I have almost an hour."

He removed her clothes, touching her hard, round belly with sensitive fingers. Impatiently he Vanished his own clothes and climbed into bed with her.

"Will there be a time when you shouldn't have sex?" he asked, holding her close.

"After the baby's born," she said apprehensively. "I'll need three to six weeks to heal after giving birth."

He scowled at her tone, realizing she was afraid he'd be offended.

"You well know that I've gone far longer than six weeks without sex," he chided, smoothing the worried crease between her eyebrows with his finger.

"I certainly have too, but I don't want you to be unhappy," she replied.

He touched his lips to hers, kissing softly until he drew a faint smile from her.

"I won't be unhappy," he murmured. "I'll have you with me, and we'll undoubtedly be worn to exhaustion caring for our demanding infant."

She put her arms around him, mindful that he would soon return to work. In truth, she wondered how she'd live manage without frequent sex. It was comfort as well as passion; his physical presence had become an addiction to her.

"There's still plenty of time before we need to worry about that," she said hopefully.

"I enjoy making love to my ever-changing wife," he whispered, kissing her full breasts.

Hormones flooded her with heavy, gravid desire, which she shared with him using Legilimency. Their physical lovemaking mingled with their open emotions in heady intimacy, leaving them spent and blissful. Severus lingered there, savoring the warmth of her as she dozed. Finally, reluctantly, he tucked the covers over her and got out of bed.

"I love you, Sev," she murmured softly. "See you after work."

He kissed her nose tenderly, summoned back his clothing and went to the sitting room for his robes. He petted Rowena on the way to the door, paused for a moment to compose himself and then headed for his office.

&&&&&&&&&

They entered the Great Hall as students were filing in and sitting down at the long tables.

"Zelda, it's good to see you," said Minerva McGonagall, gesturing toward the chair next to hers. "You look well."

"Thanks," replied Zelda as Severus seated her. "Um, they're all staring at me. I assume I'll get used to it?"

"We all did," replied Minerva dryly. "We can stare back at them, of course."

"Of course we can," said Zelda, glancing out at the faces floating above a black sea of school robes.

"Potter looks quite anxious," said Severus. "You didn't tell him you'd be here?"

"Does he have to know every move I make?"

Zelda looked in the direction her husband was looking and saw Harry staring intently up at her. He did indeed look tense and worried, but all she could do was give him an encouraging glance before looking for other familiar faces. She barely noticed the arrival of her meal until her husband's voice hissed softly in her ear.

"What's so fascinating that you haven't noticed food?" he asked.

"So many of them," she replied. "I only know a few. There's Neville Longbottom sitting by Ron, and Ginny, and that Luna girl at the table over there. And your Slytherins, my boy."

She saw Draco's impassive gaze on her and she gazed back, equally impassive. Then the aroma of very appetizing food recalled her to the purpose of this performance and she tucked in happily, trying to forget the myriad eyes that stared at her. The formality of the setting prevented her from conversing with anyone except her tablemates, so she chatted pleasantly with Minerva, enjoying the older woman's cynical wit and quickness. When the meal ended, however, others came forward to greet her.

"Hello, Mrs. Snape," said Piers Clearwater. "It's good to see you."

"You too. How's Muggle Studies going?" she asked with a friendly smile.

"There's too much for me to tell you here," he replied. "I'd love to discuss what's working and what's not working, if you have time."

She chuckled and said, "I have plenty of time right now. Any day this week, just let me know, okay?"

"Thanks," he said, stepping aside as Professor Flitwick joined them.

"Hello, Filius," she said cheerfully. "As you see, I've emerged from seclusion."

"And high time," he said with a warm smile. "I hope to see you here in the Great Hall often now."

"I'll be around more," she replied. "But if you'll excuse me, I see an acquaintance I'd like to speak with."

Harry Potter was loitering nearby, obviously wanting to speak with her. He was standing with Hermione, but Ron was just disappearing out of the Great Hall with several other young men.

"Hello," said Zelda with a wry glance. "What an experience that was, although the food's outstanding. They want me to do it again, too!"

"Did you ask Professor Snape about…?" Harry left the sentence unfinished, but looked intently at her.

"Of course, and it's fine," she told him. "Stop by tomorrow when you have a few minutes and we'll talk about it, okay? But I want to speak with Tonks and Molly before Severus and I go home. I'll see you later, okay?"

She winked and went to join the remaining staff members, who were lingering after dinner before going their own ways. Most of them were welcoming, but Professor Sinistra had left immediately after the end of the meal, and Professor Trelawney paused long enough to glare sourly at Zelda before she left, huffing irritably.

Severus had found himself in a serious conversation with Solomon Davis. Several of the seventh years were in need of coaching, which Severus reluctantly agreed to do before the N.E.W.T. examinations were given. A few of these students would not have been in the class had Horace Slughorn not taught in the past year, but having come this far, they would all be given the opportunity to take their exams. It behooved the staff to prepare them well for that day.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I need to go sit down," Zelda murmured apologetically as she approached them. "Shall I go on ahead?"

"No!" said Severus hastily. "Solomon, I'll begin meeting with your students tomorrow, but now I must escort my impatient wife home."

Zelda put her tongue out at him quickly, but then smiled absurdly.

"Sorry again, Professor Davis," she said. "See you later."

Solomon Davis watched Severus offer his arm to her and they left the room together. He'd known the grim faced wizard for some months, since he was acquitted and released from prison. He admired his intellect and looked forward to seeing how such a perfectionistic fellow would adapt to fatherhood. The couple disappeared downstairs, so Davis, smiling faintly, headed for his own quarters to prepare for the next day.