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Dobby arrived ten minutes later with a two plates of chicken and potatoes for the girls and a warm bottle of formula for Edgar.
"Thank you, Dobby." He said appreciatively, sticking the bottle into Edgar's mouth. Immediately the baby suckled, his eyes going wide with relief.
"Dobbys is being happy to help, goodnight, sir." The elf said, appirating away.
"Edgar...what are we going to do?" He asked the baby. Today was Friday...the ministry child protection services wouldn't be open until Monday again save for emergencies...and he didn't want to traumatize Imogen again... He shook his head. "What was your mother thinking?" He gently pulled the half-empty bottle away from the quick eater. Carefully he burped the boy, glad that he didn't get thrown up upon. Returning Edgar to his arm, he stuck the bottle back into the babies mouth. Baby...that was when it hit him. Nappies. He did not have any lying around. He sighed, he could always transfigure some though that was not the problem. The problem was that he was nowhere near eager to change dirty nappies. And colic...he was almost certain that caused diarrhea as had been the case when Imogen was littler. Oh, joy. "You may be adorable, but you better not pee on me." He warned, his voice gentle.
A knock sounded at his door and he stood up and placed Edgar over his shoulder. The boy had finished his bottle now and was ready to be burped for the final time. Patting the back, he went and opened the door to reveal Albus.
"Come in." Severus quickly moved out of the way, allowing the older man inside. He led Albus to the couch and sat down, Albus taking a seat next to him. Finally the baby burped, and Severus returned him to his arms. "Albus, I promise you I will do everything to get this situation-"
Albus cut him off. "Severus, I'm not here to scold you. I'm here to ask if you need anything." Albus assured, smiling down at Edgar who cooed in return.
Severus rolled his eyes. "Would you like to hold him, Albus?"
The blue eyes lit up and Severus slipped Edgar into Albus's arms, relieved to have his arms free for the first time in what seemed like hours. The baby whimpered, but when Albus titled him so he could see Severus, he cooed.
"Oh, he is such a cute little thing." Albus gushed, tickling Edgar's chin. "So are your nieces...such cute little things."
"Do not let Octavia here you calling her that, Albus." Severus warned. "She may look girly, but she is anything but."
"Severus, why didn't you tell me there were so wonderful?" Albus asked as he smiled down at Edgar. "You hardly talk about them at all."
"Claudia hates magic...they were only ever allowed around me because they needed a babysitter that wouldn't freak out seeing accidental magic." He explained. "Believe me, if I could have taken them I would have."
"Why don't you?" Albus asked, catching him off guard. "Severus, do you really want to send them into a foster-care system? They might get split up?"
Severus sighed at the thought. "Albus, I can't keep them here. And the ministry would nev-"
Albus cut him off again. "They must certainly are welcome here, Severus. And I'd most certainly help you get situated. And as for the ministry, I'm sure I can influence them to let you keep the girls and little Edgar here. They have much more pressing matters these days, anyways, to pay much attention."
"They...they can stay?" Severus asked, trying to keep the relief and happiness out of his voice and failing miserably. He really had been dreading forward to Monday when he'd have to give the girls and Edgar up.
"Of course, Severus. Just say the word. I'll give you a few days-"
This time Severus interrupted Albus. "I want them."
"Very well then. Hold Edgar while I situate you quarters to accommodate you all." Albus stood up and placed Edgar in his arms.
Severus watched Albus work with fascination, amazed at the amount of magic that the man could muster. Seemingly effortlessly, Albus waved his arms about and the quarters seemed to expand. Severus wasn't even entirely sure the man was using his wand! One door appeared, and then another and another. Albus walked into each and spent a few moments within before going into the next. Severus just sat and waited on the couch with Edgar as he cooed angelically. The baby seemed utterly mesmerized with the magic taking place around him and when Albus returned an hour later to sit on the couch, the infant squealed with delight. Sure enough in seconds Albus's wand was floating over and hovering above Edgar, who refused to take his black eyes of it.
"That is quite some magic, little thing." Albus purred, grabbing Edgar and his wand. Edgar started to whimper again, until Albus placed the stick in his chubby little hands.
"You should see what Octavia can do, purposely." Severus bragged, hardly realizing what he was doing.
"I'm sure I will get the chance soon." Albus smiled, making his wand shoot out puffs of colors and earning coos of delight from the baby in his arms. "Why don't you go and see the changes I've made Severus, I'm more than happy to hold Edgar."
Severus happily took the opportunity and went to the first door that Albus had created, and walked inside. Much to his chagrin, the walls were done in a pastel pink. This was clearly meant to be Octavia's room. The bed was large, and filled to overflowing with plushies of various cat types and pillows- clearly Octavia had made it known that she loved the furry animals. A think pink quilt was laid neatly on the bed, finishing the girly look of the bed. Looking around he noticed a closet, and he walked over and opened the thing, revealing tons of clothes, mostly dresses, in pinks, purples, and every color imaginable. Shaking his head he closed the door and turned to look at a mini vanity beside the bed with a stool in front of it. Opening the drawer to it he was greeted with the sight of dozens of hair bows and clips and bands that he would likely have to learn how to use. Lastly, there was a toy chest, full to bursting with various muggle and wizarding toys. How Albus had done this all was beyond Severus, but he wasn't about to complain.
Moving into Imogen's room he was pleased to see the room down in a more tomboyish manner, reflecting on Imogen's character. The walls were a soft blue instead of pink, and Severus figured he could live with it. The toddler bed was also strewn with plushies, only not all of cats. Severus easily spotted a dragon, lion, and a dog. He shook his head- making a mental note to remember to remove the lion before, merlin forbid, Imogen became attached to it. There also, was a toy chest. But this time the chest was filled with a mixture of both girl toys and boy toys. From just a quick peek, Severus was sure that the trucks within were going to be Imogen's favorite. A glance in the closet showed various outfits in various colors, however there was significantly less amount of dresses.
Lastly, Edgar's room, which was done in a dark blue. Severus marveled at the amount of magic Albus had wrought in only an hour. A nice crib was made, the blankets the softest things Severus had ever before touched. The closet was filled with clothes of various colors too, even a pink onsie, which Severus would never put the boy in. A toy chest was stocked up with various toys appropriate for the infant. The changing table, to Severus's relief, was stocked underneath with various supplies that he would need. At least now he wouldn't be winging it for the first few nights.
"Albus, thank you." Severus insisted, sitting back on the couch in the living room. "Your help really is appreciated."
"Oh, the pleasure is all mine." Albus assured, rocking Edgar gently. "And you'll find your kitchen has been stocked with formula for this little guy as well as a few snacks for the girls."
"Thank you." Severus repeated, dumbfounded at the generosity. "Are you certain it's alright-"
"Severus," Albus looked him straight in the eyes, "It is perfectly alright for the children to be here. All I ask is that you'll allow me to babysit and coddle them in return."
Severus rolled his eyes. "As long as your goal is not to turn them into Gryffindor's, I think I can allow that."