Ups and Downs
The following April days held progress on many fronts for Severus. In the wake of Miss Granger's injury, rumors swirled through the school that Draco Malfoy and his cronies were the perpetrators, although even Ron Weasley realized it wasn't true. Oddly, Potter steadfastly believed in their innocence. That young man was stubbornly determined, and young Malfoy seemed to trust his former enemy. Crabbe and Goyle followed Malfoy, as ever, but seemed heartened by Zelda's belief that they would never commit such a vicious act.
On Wednesday evening the mystery of Zelda's accelerated pregnancy was solved. Dilys Smethwyck arrived earlier than planned and Dobby went to fetch the Snapes, who were in the Potions classroom. They hurried home, eager to discover how the pregnancy was progressing.
"Hello. We didn't expect you so early," said Zelda. "I was keeping Severus company while he brewed potions for Madam Pomfrey."
A slow, knowing smile appeared on the Healer's face and she said, "Have you often kept him company?"
"A few times," said Zelda, suddenly realizing what she'd done. She looked toward Severus in dismay.
"I'm a thoughtless idiot," he said. "No more potion brewing until after you've given birth, my girl."
"Well, let me examine you and see how you're progressing," said Dilys practically.
In a very short time, Dilys had finished. She sighed and said, "Twenty seven weeks of fetal development. Stay away from steaming potions and I'll return again on Saturday. I can't predict a due date now, obviously, but I'll see you then and again on Wednesday. We should know more after that."
"Okay," said Zelda, still stung by her foolish behavior.
"And Zelda, continue to exercise sensibly, but rest a great deal. The child is growing amazingly fast, so you must take care of yourself."
"She'll clean up and go right to bed," said Severus, scowling.
"Please don't worry, Zelda is still fine and so is the babe," said Dilys, seeing their guilty faces.
Severus walked her to the door, prepared to lock up and care for his wife, but Dilys almost collided with Potter and Weasley as they rushed up.
"Good evening," said Dilys, nodding pleasantly to the young men as she strolled away.
"Well?" asked Severus, aware of his sweaty, disheveled appearance.
"Madam Pomfrey says that Hermione's not ready to go back to school yet, but being in the Hospital Wing's driving her mad. Can Hermione stay a couple of days here, having Zelda take care of her?" asked Harry.
"Out of the question," Severus snapped. "Zelda needs her rest."
"Hey! Aren't you going to ask me?" asked Zelda, having walked up behind him.
"You need to rest more than ever," he hissed.
"So does Hermione," she replied mildly. "Really, we'll just sit around gossiping for a couple of days. Taking care of a concussed person is easy."
He couldn't resist her hopeful smile, and realized she must be lonely at times when he was away.
"Wait here," he told the young men, striding to the desk and writing a brief note. "Take this to Madam Pomfrey and tell Granger that she may infest our spare room tomorrow morning until she's declared fully healed."
"Thanks," said Ron. "She'll be happier here, but don't let her bring her homework along. She wants to start studying again."
"No problem," said Zelda. "Run along boys, I'm sure I'll see you soon."
They finally headed for the bath, hoping to remove any last traces of potion that might be clinging to them. They were both very quiet, but afterward, as Zelda rubbed lotion on the itching, stretched skin of her belly, she grimaced.
"Why don't we wallow in mutual guilt tonight and forget about it tomorrow?" she asked. "I feel incredibly stupid and I'll bet you believe it's all your fault."
"It's not productive to wallow in guilt, but I do it frequently. Will you help to distract me?"
"Sure," she said. "Any suggestions on how I should proceed?"
Amused, he murmured, "Use your imagination, my clever wife."
&&&&&&&&&
Saturday morning, the Snape home was full of guests. Rowena was kept busy greeting and supervising people as they came and went. First was Madam Pomfrey, who declared Hermione well enough to resume her studies and return to classes on Monday.
"Study, but take a nap this afternoon," said the school nurse.
Hermione beamed at her, nodding.
"I'm fine," she said happily, waving cheerfully as Madam Pomfrey left.
"Good for you, kid," said Zelda. "Dobby will tell the guys to bring your books."
"Finally," said Hermione. "It's been great staying here, though. The Hospital Wing's so boring. Thanks."
"Any time, but you don't need to be seriously injured to come and visit," said Zelda. "It's nice to have company."
Dilys Smethwyck arrived next and without delay shooed Zelda into the bedroom, Severus following nervously.
"Well?" asked Zelda, as Dilys measured and prodded.
"About twenty eight weeks development," said Dilys. "How have you felt the past few days?"
"Exhausted and hungry. I've gone out for a short walk every day, but I nap every day, put my feet up a lot and take a warm bath every evening to relax my aches and pains."
"Precisely what I wish you to do," replied Dilys, picking up a quill and doing a rapid calculation on a small piece of parchment. "I still have hopes that the development will slow, and we'll see on Wednesday. So… I think you may expect to carry the child to term by May thirtieth."
"Merlin…" whispered Severus, feeling sick as mud when he realized what exposure to potion fumes had done to Zelda. "It's April already. Can her body bear such stress?"
"We'll see," said Dilys. "Even in the Muggle world, babes born at this stage of development survive. If the child comes early I believe all will still be well."
Severus sat down on the bed and reached for Zelda's hand, saying, "Dilys, will you let me teach you to use a Patronus for communication?"
The Healer smiled. "I've heard of that technique, created by Albus Dumbledore, was it not?"
"Yes," he replied. "I'm at your convenience, Dilys. If something should go wrong, I wish to communicate with you immediately."
"I'll return here tomorrow afternoon," said Dilys comfortably. "It seems a useful skill to master."
She took her leave then and left Severus prey to deep worry. Rowena seemed to sense something was amiss, so she left the hearthrug and went to him, nudging his hand with her moist nose.
Severus stroked the warm head without thinking, before returning to the bedroom with the dog by his side. When he saw Zelda's face, pale and tearstained, he went to her, kneeling by the bed and kissing her.
"Zelda, I'll take care of you," he said, wiping tears from her cheeks.
"Come here," she said, holding out her hand.
Carefully he climbed onto the bed and put his arm around her. Rowena leaped up on the other side of the bed, crept close and began licking Zelda's face.
"Yuck," she said fondly, petting the dog. "Good girl, now stop sliming me."
"Shall I evict her?"
"No, she's almost as comforting as you are," said Zelda. "I'm a little shaky right now, but I'll take care of myself and we'll be okay."
Severus pressed against her back, embracing her as closely as he could. He couldn't imagine what his life would be without her. She was his connection to warmth, his wife, mother, sister and partner. He pressed his face into her hair and schooled his breathing to calmness. His worry was contagious and she needed to feel safe and relaxed. Under his hand, a gentle movement was felt.
"Sweetheart, we'll do whatever you wish today," he said.
"Are you treating me like a frightened child?"
He kissed her neck and said, "More like a spoiled wife."
She realized he was helping her feel better simply with his presence.
"We should prepare a place for the creature," she said. "The guest room's far away, so we could put the cot and everything in here, over in that corner near the window. Molly's cradle can be in the sitting room so the creature can hang out with us there."
"All right," he said. "Shall we never have any privacy once you've given birth?"
Awkwardly she turned over to face him and said, "The first moment I'm healed after giving birth I'll be all over you, love. I'd hate it if you felt neglected."
He gazed reassuringly at her. "I'll keep you safe and well. Get dressed and direct me while I arrange the creature's belongings."
"Okay," she said, slowly sitting up. "We have to choose a name too. What about baby Severus?"
"I hope the creature's female. One of me is more than enough," he snapped.
"Okay, no Sev junior," she said. Smiling, she said, "What if you name her if she's a girl and I'll do it for a boy."
He studied her suspiciously. "You don't know it's a boy, do you? Has Dilys said something?"
"Nope," she said. "I promise I don't know. Or you can name the boy."
He thought and said, "I'll choose the girl's name. I cannot think of a male name I could bear."
"No Zelda, then," she warned.
"No Severus," he replied firmly.
"Okay," she said, offering her right hand.
They shook on it and began arranging a comfortable nook for their infant.
&&&&&&&&&
During the following week, Severus watched Zelda closely, but forced himself to keep a close eye on the seventh year students too. Gossip followed Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle wherever they went. All except Harry Potter shunned the three.
Malfoy seemed impervious to the whispers that followed him, but Crabbe and Goyle had a more difficult time. They still seemed stunned that Potter supported them, but they enjoyed themselves when they came to Zelda for tutoring sessions. It was late to attempt the education of learning disabled teens, but Zelda used a most creative idea to assist their communication skills. She asked them to research and present the history of Quidditch to her. The young men were thrilled, because Zelda found the subject fascinating. They came to her on three consecutive evenings and she taught them to present their research in an orderly fashion.
Crabbe and Goyle were becoming deeply loyal to their Muggle teacher. Her kindness and acceptance was in stark contrast to the way they'd generally been treated. On Friday evening, Severus was discussing the situation among the students with Potter and Malfoy when Zelda emerged from the sitting room with her two huge students.
"You two are educating me more about the magical world than I could learn alone in a lifetime," she said, beaming at the two. "I can't wait to see what you have for me on Tuesday."
Crabbe and Goyle were actually smiling at her, Severus realized. He didn't think he'd ever seen them smile.
Draco Malfoy was shocked to see how confident his former thugs were with Zelda, but he felt deeply relieved. Given their loyalty to him during their entire school career, he owed them loyalty in return, but at times they were a heavy burden. Poorly educated, clumsy and unskilled, he'd wondered how they'd survive in the world, now that their families had lost their prominence. Perhaps there was hope now.
"Harry and Draco, how lovely to see you," said Zelda. "I hope you've stayed out of trouble."
Draco rose and shook hands with her, and then Harry came and kissed her cheek.
"How's Hermione?" she asked. "Caught up with her studies?"
He rolled his eyes and said, "She'll never be caught up."
"What brings you two down to see Professor Snape?" she asked curiously.
"Erm… I guess we wanted to ask him about a few things," he replied evasively.
"Harry, you guys be careful," she whispered.
All four young men left together and she turned to Severus.
"They're going to do something risky, aren't they?" she asked him, her eyes.
"They're not alone, they have people watching them. Don't worry," he said. "I'm worried more about what Dilys will say tomorrow."
"There's nothing we can do, so why don't we go to bed?" she suggested. "We have less time alone than ever these days."
He watched her lead the way into the bedroom. She moved more heavily these days, but her skin glowed radiantly and her hair was thick and healthy. She was as rich and fertile as a summer day. He remembered how upset and frightened she'd been to discover she was pregnant. She'd put her fears aside out of love for him, and they'd grown so close he found it hard to believe that a year earlier he had not known she existed.
In the bedroom she waited with a hopeful smile.
"May I?" she asked, beginning to undo buttons. "This is a favorite hobby of mine."
The frock coat came off first and she removed his neck cloth, unbuttoning his collar next and slowly exposing his chest, which she kissed and rubbed her cheek against.
"So sexy," she murmured, smiling up at him and running her hands up and down his bare back.
She knew how to please him, he thought, his skin tingling in response to her caresses. When she began unfastening his trousers he smiled in anticipation. Not bothering to undo everything, she led him to the bed, exposing him just enough. She stroked him, smiling mischievously.
"Take off your robes," he said hoarsely, wanting to see her glorious nakedness.
Slowly she removed her robes and her knickers, leaving her bra for last.
"Everything," he said, offering his hands to support her heavy breasts.
She complied and slowly climbed onto the bed, where he caressed her tenderly. He loved her pregnant body, so sensitive and alive.
Zelda pushed him back, suddenly eager. She climbed on top and straddled him, sliding onto his erection.
"My Zelda," he whispered as they moved together. "Ah, sweetheart."
Soon it might be too difficult for her to make love, he realized, so he decided they'd make the most of this moment. Although she was on top, he still took charge, making certain that she enjoyed every second and that her orgasm overtook her before he allowed himself to climax. The sight and feel of her pleasure enhanced his own and he tenderly helped her to lie on her side in the circle of his arms.
"I love you," she whispered, offering her feelings to him using Legilimency.
"My Zelda," he murmured, kissing her forehead and drawing her closer.
&&&&&&&&&
"Thirty weeks fetal development," said Dilys. "It's not faster, but it's not slowing down yet. Are you experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions?"
Zelda nodded seriously.
"Your womb is pressing against your lungs, are you having trouble catching your breath?"
"Yes," Zelda confessed. "Climbing the stairs to go to the Great Hall is difficult these days. My legs and hips ache at times too, which I remember from my earlier pregnancies."
"All normal," said Dilys. "I see you're getting things set up over there for the baby. Um… I've heard that many American Muggle women don't breastfeed."
"I do," said Zelda calmly. "No worries, Dilys."
"Good," said the Healer. "Perhaps you should prepare Severus for what he'll experience during childbirth."
Zelda chuckled. "Poor Sev, if you aren't terrified of me when it's over it'll be a miracle."
He reached for her hand, staring quizzically at her.
""Screaming, swearing and cursing you are all likely," she said. "But I won't really mean it."
"How fortunate that you're a Muggle, my girl, or the curse might be real," he said, kissing her hand.
"I don't want to hurt your feelings," she warned.
"He doesn't believe it, Zelda, he'll have to see it," said Dilys.
"I know," she said, rising from the bed and slipping on a bathrobe. "Thanks for coming, Dilys. Will we see you next Saturday?"
"Of course," she said. "Zelda, it is April the twelfth. It should be at least a month before you go into labor, but nothing is certain. We'll take good care of you and your child seems strong and healthy. Try to relax and take care of yourself."
"I feel scared sometimes, but I can't back out now," said Zelda. "You'll be the first to know besides Severus, if labor starts."
This discussion unsettled Severus. He hadn't spent any time considering what women's lives consisted of. Childbirth seemed more serious than he'd thought, and he realized with increasing fear that Zelda would be at risk of dying. Having a child wasn't worth the risk of losing her. He walked over and looked out the window. Stifling the surge of terror, he turned around and presented a calm front to the women.
&&&&&&&&&
Zelda was breathing heavily when they reached the level of the Great Hall for dinner on Sunday evening, so they stood still for a few minutes so she could catch her breath. Her appetite was no longer great; she ate several small snacks throughout the day rather than three meals. But appearing for dinner most days was her mission, and she was daily pleased to see that Professor Sinistra was unable to meet her gaze.
"Hey, Zelda!" called Tonks. "Piers and I have a question for you. Come sit with us."
Severus escorted his wife to sit between the two and then seated himself next to Hagrid. The place on the other side of him was empty. Hagrid was in a gregarious mood, so Severus didn't realize that someone sat down next to him until it was too late.
"Good evening, Severus," a woman murmured softly.
It was Professor Sinistra, Severus realized in horror. He nodded coolly, aware that the entire school was present, so he couldn't hex her or storm away. He checked to see that Zelda was all right, seated several places away from him. His wife saw what was happening, but wouldn't make a scene at dinner. Her blue eyes flashed with fury, however.
Severus applied himself to eating, determined to leave as quickly as possible, but the witch spoke directly to him in a subdued voice.
"You cannot avoid me forever," she said. "I wish to apologize for my rash act."
"Don't bother," he replied, moving his goblet away from her vicinity.
"I shouldn't have done it," she whispered. "But Severus, I have more to offer than you can imagine. You'll tire of her; she doesn't belong at Hogwarts. When you want me, I'll be waiting."
He looked at her briefly, finding her repulsive, but refused to answer. Instead he glanced down at Zelda, who was waiting for this signal. When she pushed her plate away slightly and smiled at him, he stood up composedly.
"Excuse me, but my wife is ready to depart," he said generally, going to solicitously assist her to her feet.
"I'll see you later," Zelda said to her dinner companions.
She took her husband's arm and walked away, a slightly pugnacious tilt to her chin.
"Next time Michael comes, ask him if I can borrow the Glock again," she hissed. "I'd borrow the sniper rifle and take her out when she's in her nasty tower, but I want her to face me while I torture her slowly."
He was startled at her lack of humor and her rage. She must know the witch meant nothing to him. He too was irritated by such impudent behavior, but Zelda's reaction was extreme. He looked into her eyes, concerned.
"All right?" he murmured.
"I think I was just kidding," she confessed weakly. "I'm tired, Severus, and I saw from where I sat that she's not done chasing you."
"She's pathetic," he replied, offering support as they descended the stairs. "She said that when I tired of you, she'd be waiting."
Tears of rage and insecurity sprang to her eyes, and she held tight to his arm until they reached the dungeon. Once they were in their own drawing room she let go of his arm and sat down heavily on the couch, wondering drearily how soon he'd be tired of her.
She was not herself, and he remembered what she'd said at times about mood swings and hormones. If she and Dilys were right, childbirth would be dreadful, but she was still his sweet girl, he thought as he sealed the door and lit the fire. He knelt before her and studied her face.
"Zelda," he whispered, seeing despair and deep hurt in her unguarded eyes. "Is this what mood swings are? You cannot seriously believe I'd ever leave you."
She sobbed once, struggling for control. "I'm sorry. I feel like I'm going insane. Let me go cry for twenty minutes and I think I'll feel better."
He helped her to her feet and she went to the bedroom alone, leaving him feeling bereft as he stared around the empty room.