Congratulations! It's a…
Severus was shocked and hurt as he jumped hastily backward. Dilys turned and grabbed his wrist firmly.
"I warned you. She doesn't mean it, Severus, and don't you leave this room," she exclaimed bracingly. "This part lasts a short time, and it's miserable."
One contraction came almost on top of the previous one, giving Zelda little time to regroup between them. She lay on the bed, holding her belly and moaning wretchedly. Finally the pain seemed to ease and Dilys approached her.
"I need to examine you," she said matter-of-factly.
Severus wondered if Zelda would allow it, but the feral gleam was fading from her agonized eyes and she was quite docile as Dilys examined her.
"Nine centimeters," said the Healer in satisfaction. "Hold on, Zelda, it's almost time."
Another contraction began, causing Zelda to withdraw into herself and breathe carefully.
"Severus, will you ask Dobby to fetch Poppy? I'd like her to stand by now."
Severus walked out to the drawing room, taking a deep breath as silence surrounded him.
"Dobby," he called softly.
"Here is Dobby, Professor Snape," said the house elf. "Is Mrs. Professor all right?"
Severus exhaled hard, remembering, but he said, "She's fine, I think. Healer Smethwyck wants Madam Pomfrey. Will you please fetch her?"
"Dobby will go immediately," he said, disappearing abruptly.
A moan came from the bedroom, and although Severus still felt crushed by Zelda's rejection of him, he returned to the room and stood a short distance from the bed.
"Sorry… Sev," she sobbed, summoning him to her with her gaze.
He took her hand and she looked up at him, misery mingled with agony.
"You warned me, sweetheart," he said softly, kissing the top of her head.
Contractions were coming one on top of the other, with barely enough time for her to recover between them. She was amazingly strong, he realized, as she crushed his hand each time.
Madam Pomfrey entered the room and consulted with Dilys. Several times they glanced at the couple.
Severus saw a shocked look appear on Zelda's face.
She gasped, "I have to push!"
Both witches hurried to the bed.
"Hold back until I see where you are," said Dilys, hurriedly checking.
She smiled encouragingly at Zelda and a second later said, "Ten centimeters. Push when you must, Zelda."
The contraction passed and Zelda looked at Severus.
"Hold me," she begged, so he moved behind and held her, just in time for the next contraction.
Severus felt all her muscles work fiercely as the contraction took her and she struggled to push. It seemed to take a long time before it eased, and she panted, sweaty and red-faced. Then it began again. There was a strangely beautiful rhythm to it, although the pain must be devastating, he thought. He kissed her hair and held her.
"Good work," encouraged Dilys as the contractions continued. "Now, one or two more and I think we'll have the head out."
Zelda strained hard with the next contraction, sobbing with effort. It finally passed and she lay spent in her husband's arms.
"Once more, Zelda," said Dilys firmly. "Don't give up now.
The next contraction was building. Zelda could feel it and she wanted this to end. She took a deep breath as it began and holding it, she pushed yet again.
"There's the head!" said Dilys triumphantly. "Almost finished."
One more push and the rest of the baby slithered out into her hands. Dilys took a quick look to assure that it was breathing. She suctioned out the mouth and nose, listened to the first jerky breaths and watched the color turning a good, robust pink.
"It's a boy," she said, laying the child on his mother's belly.
Zelda laughed for joy. "A boy," she murmured, laying her hand on the tiny slick body.
Severus gazed in shock at their child. It was slick and wet, with black hair and a tiny wrinkled red face. He'd thought newborns cried at birth, but this child lay quiet under his mother's hand, his dark blue eyes open and unfocused. He breathed evenly.
"Now, the afterbirth," said Dilys comfortably. "One last push when it's time, Zelda, and we're all finished."
It seemed no time at all until it was over, with Zelda lying on the bed, her energy drained. Madam Pomfrey tied off and cut the umbilicus. She took the child for a moment and examined him, and then wrapped him in a soft cotton blanket and gave him to Severus.
"Congratulations, my friend," she said, handing over the tiny creature.
"Thank you," he said, amazed that he held his son, warm and real in his hands.
He turned to look at Zelda and saw her watching him with tears in her eyes. He smiled tentatively at her.
"Zelda should feed him," said Dilys.
He cautiously handed the child the Zelda, who had unbuttoned the front of her chemise with shaking hands and exposed a breast.
"Let's try this, sweetheart," she murmured, kissing the tiny head and holding him expertly to her nipple.
The newborn felt something against his cheek and groped clumsily with his mouth until her nipple was in his mouth. Minute by minute his instinct grew stronger and he was suckling quite well. Dilys and Madam Pomfrey watched, and then left the room, wanting to give the couple a few minutes alone.
"Well?" Zelda asked her husband.
Severus had watched in amazement. Reality was far more incredible than he'd dreamed it could be. Words failed him and he could only look at her in love and awe.
She giggled weakly and said, "You're adorable. I'll be wide-awake for a couple of hours, but I shouldn't move around for a while until we're sure I won't hemorrhage. Breastfeeding stimulates all kinds of good hormones to help my uterus contract."
Severus sat down on the side of the bed and watched her. She was sweaty and tearstained, but had never looked more beautiful.
"What can I do for you now?" he asked.
Her mouth twitched as she said, "Forgive me for screaming at you. I didn't mean it and if you'd left, I'd have felt horrible."
She put out her hand and he caught it in his and kissed it.
"You're very brave," he said. "I'm impressed."
"Will you send that Patronus to Harry? I want Lily and Eli to know they have a baby brother."
Severus found his wand on the nightstand where he'd dropped it earlier and reluctantly sent his Patronus away.
"I told him not to come here tonight," he told her. "I also informed Minerva."
"What time is it?" she asked, caressing the tiny head at her breast.
"I have no idea. Does it matter?"
The door opened and Madam Pomfrey entered, Levitating a tray before her. Severus caught it and set it on the bedside table.
"I was just about to say I'm hungry," said Zelda, deftly removing the babe from her breast and switching sides.
"You look well," said the nurse. "The baby is fine and healthy, too."
"He's lovely," said Zelda, examining the tiny fingers. "What did he weigh?"
"Three and a quarter kilos," she replied. "A fine little boy. Have you chosen a name for him?"
Zelda looked at Severus and smiled wickedly. "I get to name him," she said mischievously.
"I never found an acceptable female name," he said. "So this is just as well."
"We'll announce it soon, but I want to be sure Severus approves," said Zelda.
"Dilys has gone to dine with Minerva, and she'll be back soon. In the meantime, if you need something I'll be in the sitting room."
Thank you, Poppy," said Severus. "I'd like a little time to acquaint myself with this creature."
She smiled benevolently upon them and retreated from the room.
"What is his name?" asked Severus curiously, sitting carefully on the side of the bed.
"Alaric," she said softly, watching his response. "If he's going to have a middle name, you can choose it."
"I've never known anyone called Alaric," he said slowly.
"That's one reason I like it. It's an old name, of course, from the Visigoths. I don't know any Visigoths…" she mused wryly.
"It's a fine name," he said. "Does he need a middle name?"
"There seems to be an obvious one," she said, rolling her eyes.
"Alaric Michael Snape," he pronounced, a hint of a smile in his black eyes.
The baby had grown sleepy and was sleeping against his mother's breast, making faint snorting noises.
"He's eaten, so will you hold him while I eat?" she asked.
He poured out a large mug of tea and put it within her reach, then held out his hands, careful to support the infant's head.
"Thanks," she said gratefully, reaching for her tea and drinking deeply. Next she picked up a sandwich and began eating.
Severus studied his sleeping child, still wrapped only in a blanket. The baby was incredibly small and fragile, he thought. His tiny nose was small and shapeless, which seemed a very good sign. He opened the blanket and gasped.
"He's… I never thought a baby could be so, uh, well endowed," he stuttered.
Zelda paused in her ferocious chewing to say, "He's just like his dad."
Severus flushed and held the child close as tenderness grew in him for this tiny son of his.
"Sev, they all look like that right after they're born," she said calmly. "And the minute he can control his tiny hands he'll reach for it. It'll be his favorite thing, just like every other boy."
"Don't be so cynical. He's defenseless," said Severus, frowning at her.
"I'm too old to have illusions about my male children, but he's absolutely perfect too," she said with a smile. "Mmmm… Look, here are oatmeal cookies."
Severus examined the stump of the umbilical cord.
"Infants are fragile, aren't they? Shall I put him in the crib?" he asked reluctantly, tucking the blanket around the newborn.
"No, please, I don't want him to be alone so soon after he was born," she said. "Do you mind if he stays with us?"
"Is that allowed?" he asked.
She chuckled and said, "He's ours. We decide what's allowed. I want him to know how much he's loved."
Severus was pleased to keep holding the child. He turned when the door opened and Dilys returned.
"How are you, Zelda?" she asked, glancing at Severus and the baby with a smile.
"Sore," she said. "What time is it, Dilys?"
"About seven in the evening. Your babe was born at half past five. Now, would you like to clean up and change into something fresh?"
&&&&&&&&&
An hour later Zelda had showered and was tucked up comfortably in bed, still awake and holding the baby again. Dilys was planning to spend the night in the guest room.
"I'll come in to check on you every few hours, Zelda," she said.
While Severus helped Zelda to shower, Dilys and Madam Pomfrey examined the baby more thoroughly and pronounced him healthy. They dressed him and returned him to his parents, who placed him gently in the center of the bed, between them.
"He's awake again," said Severus, touching the wispy black hair.
Sure enough, the baby's eyes were open.
"Hello, little one," said Zelda, kissing his forehead. "Welcome to the world."
She looked up at Severus and smiled.
"You're beautiful," he told her. "I love you, my Zelda."
"I love you," she replied. "You were wonderful today."
Severus yawned. It had been exhausting, although the result of this day was to bring them closer together than before.
"Are you sure it's safe to have him here?" he asked.
"I think so," she said, yawning. "I'm tired now. Leave the lamp lit over there, okay?"
She smiled drowsily and caressed his cheek. Then she caressed the baby and almost instantly she was asleep. Dilys came in to check on her, but Zelda, deeply weary, barely woke. When the baby stirred, however, she'd wake and murmur comfortingly to him. In the wee hours of the morning she woke and fed him, still lying in bed.
Dilys found them there and said, "Let me take him, Zelda. You've done good work but I wish to watch him for a while."
She took the infant, changed his diaper and put him in the cradle in the sitting room, where she'd made a warm fire.
Zelda was too sore and tired to argue. She cautiously moved closer to Severus and snuggled against him. Sound asleep, he put his arm around her and thus they both slept.
&&&&&&&&&
Severus woke gradually to the sound of Dilys's voice.
"Zelda… Severus, it's time to wake up," she said softly.
Zelda stirred in his arms and nuzzled against his cheek.
His eyes flew open and he saw Dilys standing by the side of his bed, holding a blanket wrapped bundle. Memories of the previous day flooded his mind. He squeezed Zelda, pleased that she was easier to hug.
"Zelda," he murmured as she snuggled closer to him. "Dilys is waiting."
Dilys watched them, fascinated to see the contentment radiating from Severus. He still wore the T-shirt and jeans from the previous day and his hair was disheveled. At this moment he was simply a loving husband and stunned new father.
Zelda's eyes opened and she smiled. "Where's our baby?"
"Good morning, Zelda," said Dilys. "This young man wants feeding."
She handed the baby to Zelda, who examined him carefully as she held him to her breast.
"He's beautiful, isn't he?" she whispered.
Severus sat up and watched them together. Zelda still had dark circles under her eyes, but the tenderness in her smile as she held their child was beautiful.
"Beautiful," he murmured.
Dilys examined Zelda and found no hint of fever.
"You'll need to decide when you'll see visitors," she suggested. "Your friends are eager to see you and the baby."
A sneer of distaste appeared on the new father's face, but then he had a happier thought.
"Is Michael here at Hogwarts?"
"He'll be here at seven and says he'll see you two right away. He suggested that you get dressed."
Zelda laughed and exclaimed, "The pest! Since he's going to be a godfather, we'll never hear the end of his impudence."
"What's the baby's name?" asked Dilys.
"Alaric," replied Zelda.
"A fine name," replied the Healer. "Now, I must return to St. Mungo's today, but Poppy Pomfrey will check in on you and the baby every few hours. If you feel ill or worried about young Alaric, call her immediately. I'll return this evening."
"Are you going to work today?" Zelda asked her husband.
He glared at her. "I've told Minerva that I'm willing to consult if it can be done here, but I'll stay here as long as you want me."
"My hero," she said. "He'll only be a newborn for a short time and I want to share him with you."
"I'll be back around suppertime," said Dilys. "Have a good day and Zelda, don't try to do too much."
"Okay," she replied, looking down delightedly at the baby.
Dilys smiled and left them.
&&&&&&&&&
"I think he looks like me," said Michael, his brown eyes twinkling as he examined the baby. "What's his name?"
"Alaric Michael Snape," replied Zelda.
MIchael broke into a broad smile. "I like it, but I wonder… Michael Alaric sounds better, doesn't it?"
Zelda burst out laughing. "Brat! Keep it up and I'll change my mind about making you a godfather!"
He grinned at Severus and said, "Who's better qualified than me? May I hold my godson?"
Zelda handed the baby to him and was relieved to see his competence in handling a newborn.
"He's not very large," said Michael. "You couldn't have grown him a bit bigger, I suppose?"
"Idiot! He's perfect," she said.
Carefully, she got out of bed and headed for the bathroom.
"Keep him out of trouble, Sev," she called. "If you two are feeling adventurous, you can change his diaper. Make sure he's peeing, please."
The men looked at each other.
"How was it?" asked Michael curiously. "I've always wondered…"
Severus inhaled deeply and said, "It was shocking. I'm not surprised men avoided seeing childbirth for much of human history. We're weak, puny creatures, Michael."
"Zelda's a tough girl," replied Michael. "Many Muggle women want painkillers, but she said that she never asked for them for the older two."
"She told me that when she was young, women began refusing such drugs, fearing it would harm the child," replied Severus. "Her ongoing pain bore some slight resemblance to the Cruciatus Curse to me, but with a marvelous result."
Michael grinned at the new father and said, "Are you ready for this? Let's change him."
They went to the changing table and Michael laid the baby on his back.
"Do you know what you're doing?" asked Severus with a frown.
"No prob, I've seen people do this," Michael replied airily.
He undid the bottom of the tiny nightgown and pulled it up, exposing Alaric's thin little legs and diaper.
"Look at those incredibly tiny feet," said Michael, awed.
The baby began to squirm and whimper as the cool air met his bare skin.
"Okay, little guy, hang on," said Michael, carefully removing the waterproof pants and undoing the diaper.
Severus watched anxiously.
"Hey! He peed. He's a genius," said Michael. "He's hung like a Shetland pony too! Hand me a clean one, Sev."
After a couple of tries, he managed to apply the diaper. He dressed the infant and sighed with relief.
"Did you watch how I did that?" he asked with a smug grin.
"Is fumbling required?" asked Severus, sneering and taking his son.
Warm again and held firmly, the baby became quiet, his cheek resting against his father's shoulder.
"We're the weaker sex, according to Zelda, so fumbling's normal."
Zelda came out of the bathroom, her hair brushed and wearing a clean maternity nightgown. She looked enquiringly at them.
"Everything's under control," said Michael, quickly going to give her a gentle hug. "By the way, nice work. He's small, but he's quality."
"Unbelievable, isn't he?" she asked. "And wonderful."
"You should set visiting hours, and stick to them, because lots of people want to see the baby. By the way, when you go to the sitting room, Hagrid brought you some of the hugest daffodils I've ever seen. You have to see them."
"Rowena has to meet her new baby brother!" said Zelda. "But seriously, maybe an hour right after lunch, about half past twelve, one around half past four and perhaps one more hour after supper, from about seven to eight. Will you tell Harry and company?"
"Sure. If it's too much, you can cancel the later ones. My first appointment is in ten minutes, so I'll go now and pass the word."
He kissed her cheek and said goodbye to Severus and the baby. Then he was gone.
"Why don't you come into the sitting room and lie down?" suggested Severus. "The sun's shining in and you can nap there."
He held his arm out to her; the baby tucked snugly into his other arm. There were fresh sheets and white pillows on the couch and the cradle was next to it.
"Michael wasn't kidding about Hagrid's flowers," said Zelda as she sank carefully onto the couch.
The daffodils were enormous, drawing every eye to the table with which was covered brilliant yellow blossoms.
"Hagrid has a remarkable garden," said Severus. "But rest now, my girl. Potter will undoubtedly be pounding at the door precisely at half past twelve."