The Day Arrives
There was a short silence.
"Oh," she said blankly, her hands ceasing to crochet. "I wonder… I think you're right."
She looked at him, rather startled, and held out her hand to grasp his.
"Shall I contact Dilys?" he asked anxiously.
"Um… I think you should," she said slowly. "But it's very early. This'll take hours. I should try to eat something too, but not too much."
"Here is breakfast, Professor and Mrs. Professor Snape," called Dobby, entering the room with a tray.
"Contact Dilys after breakfast, okay?" she told Severus.
"Thank you, Dobby," said Severus. "Will you please take a note to Professor McGonagall for me?"
He went to his desk and wrote a couple of short sentences, then folded the note and gave it to Dobby.
"Dobby will be right back," said the house elf cheerfully.
Zelda had risen and walked to the table, so Severus seated her there, looking apprehensively at her.
"I'm okay," she told him. "Not the least bit uncomfortable yet. It'll probably take all day."
"I asked Minerva to contact Dilys, but to tell no one else. I'll stay with you today," he said firmly.
"Thanks. If you feel like you can't stand it, Sev, take a break. I don't want you to hate it but feel obligated to be here."
"Idiot girl," he snapped. "Stop being noble and let me take care of you."
She chuckled. "Spoil me then, husband. I'm sorry I seemed to doubt you."
She took a sip of her dreaded decaf coffee and nibbled some toast.
Severus ate distractedly, trying not to stare at her. His collar threatened to choke him as his nervousness grew, so as soon as he finished eating he went back to the bedroom and changed his clothes. He put on his worn black jeans and dug through his things until he found a soft black T-shirt with Bob Marley on it. It was the first piece of Muggle clothing he'd worn with Zelda, an old shirt left behind by Elijah, and he was fond of it.
Zelda had gone back to the couch to work on her tiny afghan again. She looked up and smiled brilliantly when she saw what he was wearing.
"You're as sexy as the first time I saw you in that old shirt," she said.
"Why don't you freshen up," he said softly. "I'll help you."
"But I'm not finished yet," she said with a faint frown.
"Come with me, love, and afterward you can show me how you do that."
"You're managing me, aren't you?"
"You said it was my turn," he reminded her, holding out his hand.
When she was standing, he put his arms around her and held her gently.
"I love you and I won't leave you today," he told her.
She laid her head on his shoulder and relaxed against him, breathing slowly. They stood like that until he felt a faint tightening of her abdomen.
"Does it hurt?" he asked.
"Not yet," she replied. "Actually, I'd love to take a bath now, before things get too intense."
He filled the bath and helped her into the warm water, where she lay back, sighing with pleasure.
"It feels so nice," she said. "I wish I could stay here all day."
A Patronus flashed into the room to Severus. "Minerva alerted Dilys, who'll be here within the hour. Michael was with her when my note arrived, so he knows and if it's all right he plans to come down around noon to see how you are. Is that all right?"
He bathed Zelda and warmed the water so she could enjoy it as long as she wished. He knew she'd need to heal before she could take a bath again, and wanted to prolong her comfort. But finally she was ready to get out and she put on a soft chemise.
They went to the sitting room just in time for Dilys and Dobby to arrive. The house elf's huge eyes were bulging.
"Is Mrs. Professor having her baby now?" he asked.
"Probably sometime later today," she said kindly. "Will you stay close in case we need something?"
"You is only needing to call and Dobby will come."
"Zelda, let's go into the bedroom so I can examine you," said Dilys, studying her carefully.
Severus followed and watched as Zelda lay back for a pelvic examination.
"About four centimeters," said the Healer. "Severus is taking good care of you."
"Of course he is," said Zelda, sitting up.
"I was in the middle of a seminar at St. Mungo's when Minerva contacted me. Since it looks as though this will take some time, may I leave for a couple of hours? If I'm needed earlier, I can be here in minutes."
"Of course. I've done this before, you know," replied Zelda.
Severus stifled a protest. Logically he knew Dilys would be back soon, but…
"Severus, I'll Floo from Minerva's office and be back very soon. There's nothing to do but wait right now," she told him firmly.
"Run along, Dilys," said Zelda. "I'm going to show Severus how to crochet."
Dilys nodded reassuringly and bustled from the room, leaving Severus to stare accusingly at his wife.
"Is this safe?" he asked grimly.
"Of course. I'd rather be alone with you now anyway. Now, please help me into the sitting room. I wouldn't object if you want to hold my hand for a little while.
&&&&&&&&&
There was a knock on the door to the Snape quarters, which Dobby answered. Crabbe and Goyle stood there, looking hopeful.
"We're here to see Mrs. Snape," Goyle told the house elf.
"Please wait. Dobby will tell Mrs. Professor Snape," said Dobby, fidgeting.
He returned after a minute saying, "Mrs. Professor can see you for two minutes, but Professor Snape said if you stay longer he will hex you into oblivion."
The two looked uneasily at each other, but went to the sitting room. There they saw a most remarkable sight. Zelda was sitting on the couch with her feet perched on a footstool. Professor Snape… He sat next to her wearing a black Muggle T-shirt, looking practically naked to the students who'd only seen him dressed in his black robes before. There was a small metal stick that was enchanted to do some kind of knitting thing, and a small green and white blanket taking shape in midair.
"Hey guys," said Zelda warmly. "I hate to cancel, but I'm having a baby today, so I need to concentrate on that. I'm sorry."
They gaped at her, never having imagined what a woman looked like when she was having a baby. She seemed her usual self, smiling fondly at them.
"It'll be hours from now," she said, wincing slightly as she changed position. Can we put it off for a week or so? I'll be tired after the baby's born, but I'll definitely be here. Study for your exams this week, okay?"
"Can we tell Draco and Potter?" asked Crabbe.
"No!" said Severus.
Zelda sighed. "Please, Sev? They won't tell everyone, but a few friends should know."
"Potter will come, demanding entrance," he said irritably.
"And that's okay," she said, reaching for his hand and squeezing it.
"Please tell Harry and Draco," she told the young men. "And study hard. You're better than you know at learning, you need to believe in yourselves."
"Thanks, Zelda," said Goyle. "We're going now, Professor, so you don't need to hex us."
"I'll see you boys soon," she called as they left.
The minute the door closed behind them, both young men began to run up the stairs.
&&&&&&&&&&
"I need to get up and walk," said Zelda. "It'll help the labor progress."
"Why don't you go to open the door? I believe Potter will be here in about two minutes," Severus growled, assisting her to stand up.
"Sev, you know he'll be worried. He can come and visit for a little bit now, while I'm still feeling okay. He's going to tell Lily and Eli when the baby's born, you know."
She held his arm and walked into the drawing room. Right on schedule, there was a loud, hasty knocking on the door. They made their way there and Severus opened it.
"Zelda!" said Harry. "Crabbe said… I thought you're having the baby."
She laughed at his confused expression and said, "Come in, sweetie. It takes hours and hours. Dilys isn't even back yet and Michael's coming down around noon. I can't have this kid without his permission, can I?"
Harry looked anxiously at Severus for reassurance, and the older wizard gazed calmly back at him.
"I have to go back to class, but I wanted to see you," he said.
She held out a hand and he took it. Then she stepped close to him and carefully hugged him.
"I'll be fine," she told him, kissing his cheek.
He held her, his heart thudding, feeling the hard fullness of her abdomen against him. It slowly grew harder, causing her breath to catch briefly and making her lean against him.
"Ah… I felt that a bit more," she said, slowly moving away from him. "Go to class, Harry. Severus will send a Patronus after the baby's born."
Reluctantly he turned and opened the door, giving Severus a long, serious look. Then he smiled tentatively at Zelda and left.
Severus put a supporting arm around her, but before they could walk any further, there was another knock on the door.
It was Madam Pomfrey.
"Dilys sent word that this is the day, so she asked me to see if you need anything," she said, eyeing Zelda professionally.
"I was hoping to sit down," said Zelda. "I've been walking a bit, and it's working. The contractions are more noticeable."
"We haven't had a babe born at Hogwarts during my time here. It's quite marvelous," said the nurse pleasantly. "Will you need potions for the pain?"
"I haven't with my other children, but it was a long time ago," replied Zelda. "I thought it would be a shame to give birth and never learn what it feels like. It's amazing. I'll see how I feel later."
"Very well," replied Madam Pomfrey. "I'll have Dobby make up the bed for you, but continue walking as much as possible. Shall I stay with you?"
"I'd like to be alone with Severus a little longer," she said, smiling at him as he helped her to sit down.
"Very well. I'll see you later then, but call on me if you need anything."
The nurse left them. Severus put his arms around her and held her for a while. He gradually became aware of the periodic contractions. He was dimly aware of Dobby moving about in the bedroom, but his focus was completely on his wife and her condition.
A door opened somewhere and suddenly they weren't alone.
"Greetings, parents," said Michael cheerfully, coming to kneel before them. "How are you, Zel?"
Zelda wriggled rather fretfully and Severus released her at once.
"I'm okay, maybe a little thirsty. Do we have tea?"
Severus Conjured a tea tray on the table. He poured a cup of tea and offered a small plate of sugary cookies to her.
"Thanks," she said, taking a small bite.
"How are you, Michael? I haven't seen you and Kingsley in ages, and now you're offering counseling services to half of Hogwarts."
"It's too bad the kids got to such a bad state, but Pye and I are training two more Healers, and the clinic is developing a solid reputation. We'll do our best for the students."
"Will you have a place for Draco after he finishes school?" asked Zelda, sipping her tea.
"I'm working out the details of an apprenticeship program. Draco will be our first apprentice, starting July first."
Michael sat down nearby and watched her as they spoke. She seemed occasionally uncomfortable, but she was remarkably calm, he thought. Severus was completely focused on her and she seemed to draw strength from his presence.
Severus realized that she wanted to get up, so without speaking he held his hands down to assist her.
She smiled and hugged him briefly as she got to her feet. "What would I do without you?" she asked, kissing his chin. "I'm going to the bathroom and I'll be right back."
After she'd left the room, Michael asked, "Are you okay?"
"Fine," said Severus. "I want this over, so I know she's all right."
"I know. We all want that," replied Michael.
Zelda appeared, pausing with a hand on her side.
"Yuck!" she exclaimed, suddenly standing in a pool of liquid.
"What is it?" asked Severus, rather appalled. "Are you all right?"
"My water broke. It's good, since things are progressing, but… I feel horrid."
"Evanesco!" Severus impatiently Vanished the pool of liquid and dried her legs with his wand.
"Michael, my contractions will get more intense now. Will you see when Dilys will be back?" Zelda said as she walked toward them. "I want to walk a little more, to keep things moving. Someone will have to clean the floor afterward."
Severus held out his arm and she held it. They walked back and forth, stopping to look out the window at the overcast day.
"It's not such a pretty day, I might as well stay inside and give birth to a baby," she said lightly.
A stronger contraction overcame her and she clutched his arm hard.
"Time them, please. Dilys will want to know how frequent they are," Zelda said brusquely.
Once it had passed, she resumed walking. When Michael returned after a few minutes.
"She'll be here in twenty minutes," he said. "Madam Pomfrey's coming down now to stay with you."
Another contraction halted her, and she stood still, closing her eyes and breathing oddly. When it had passed she looked at Severus.
"How long?"
"Five and a half minutes," he said, beginning to worry.
"It's okay," she said, resuming her assisted pacing. "Michael, can you stay a little longer?"
"I have an appointment at half past one, but I'll stay a little and come back when I've finished for the day."
She looked relieved and said, "I hate to ask you to wallow in this woman atmosphere, but I like knowing you'll be here."
"My turn, Severus," said Michael, offering his arm to her. "Go have something to eat, man. You need to keep up your strength too."
Severus saw that while he'd been concentrating on Zelda, Dobby had brought sandwiches. He grabbed one and ate quickly, not tasting it at all, but he felt better as he washed it down with some tea.
"Time, Severus," called Michael, supporting Zelda as she leaned on his arm.
"Five minutes," said Severus.
Madam Pomfrey entered the room. She looked at Zelda, recovering from the contraction, and went straight to her.
"Come with me, dear, and I'll examine you," she said gently.
She took Zelda's arm and steered her to the bedroom. Severus followed, but Michael excused himself to go back to work.
"Your water broke, I see, and you're six centimeters right now. Dilys will be here any minute," she said soothingly. "What time did your labor begin?"
"I woke up really early and couldn't go back to sleep. It started then, I'm sure, but I can't pinpoint a time."
"You're doing well. I see that you like to be in control," said the nurse humorously.
"Don't you?" replied Zelda, a wave of irritation washing through her. ""What's taking Dilys so long?"
A contraction took her, more painful than before, making her gasp.
"Four minutes!" said Severus, striving for calm.
"Excellent," said Madam Pomfrey. "Now, try to lie still for a moment."
She placed her wand on Zelda's belly and said, "Sonorus."
The baby's heartbeat filled their ears. Madam Pomfrey concentrated on it until the beginning of the next contraction made Zelda bat the wand irritably away from her and breathe carefully.
"Four minutes," muttered Severus.
"The babe is fine," said Madam Pomfrey. "Sit here with her while I speak briefly with Dobby."
He sat down on the side of the bed as Zelda turned on her side with a groan of relief.
"Lying on my back hurts," she said fretfully, grasping his hand. "Are you okay?"
"Fine, sweetheart," he said quietly, stroking her hair gently. "Tell me if there's anything I can do for you."
"Don't leave," she begged urgently. "Please, this is the scary, lonely part. Stay with me."
He lay down next to her and looked intently into her eyes. He saw her fear and offered reassurance. The connection held until the next contraction began. He saw pain infused through her body and mind and he lost contact with her. He grasped her hand and she held it until the contraction passed.
The door opened and a welcome voice said, "What excellent progress you're making, Zelda. Thank you for your patience."
Dilys approached the bed with a warm smile, looking intently at Zelda.
"Just in time, I think," said Zelda, looking stressed. "It's going a bit faster than I expected."
"It's one o'clock," replied Dilys. "Poppy told me that you're six centimeters dilated, so things are moving along nicely."
"I wish I could nap a bit," said Zelda.
There was a plaintive note in her voice that made Severus ache to help her.
"Darling, let's get you comfortable and I'll hold you a bit. You can rest between contractions," he said.
He leaned back rather awkwardly on the bed and helped her lean against his chest. He felt her relax slightly.
"You're nice and warm," she murmured, pressing her cheek against him.
The next contraction was strong and lasted longer than previous ones, but once it passed she leaned on him again. They stayed that way for another half hour, while Dilys moved around the room, keeping a close eye on things while she prepared for the birth.
A shriek suddenly rent the room.
"Goddess! Oh… It hurts!" Zelda wailed frantically.
Severus reached for her, but she was agitated and wrenched away.
"Don't touch me!" she snapped, wrapping her arms around herself and moaning.
"Zelda!" Severus hissed. "Stop!"
"Leave me alone! Don't you come near me again!" she shrieked, her eyes wild.