Anna's point of view:

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"It's a surprise," Severus replied, giving me a sly smile.

"Not even a hint?" I asked.

"No," Severus said as he wrapped his arm around my waist. His warm hand made me shiver. I grinned at the affect he had on me. I loved my husband and his affection toward me. His possessiveness during the pregnancy had grown, making my attraction for him grow even more.

"Why are we at my room?" I asked when Severus put his hand on the doorknob of my classroom.

"For your surprise," Severus said. "It seems your students wanted to surprise you."

"What?" I asked, feeling confused.

Severus opened the door to reveal my students, most of them female, yelling surprise. A large banner that read 'Congratulations' with baby designs on it was hung in the corner. A large table of presents sat in another corner near a table laden with food. My mouth fell open. We talked about Muggle baby showers this last week of teaching, and I was surprised that they'd thrown me one.

"We wanted to throw you the shower because you mean so much to us," one of my sixth years, Amy, said as she stepped up to me.

I laughed and hugged her. Throughout the next hour, I hugged many of my students as we talked and ate. I nearly laughed when I saw Severus sitting in the corner. He sat frowning at the room with his long legs crossed at the ankle. He hated his job as a teacher, and I could tell he had a strong distaste for being around the room of teenagers. Deciding that I needed a break, I walked over to him and sat in a chair next him.

"Would you need anything to drink?" he asked.

"Of course, and you should try some food. It's delicious," I encouraged my husband.

He sighed as he stood. Leaning back I rubbed my belly as a shy Hufflepuff sat next to me.

"How are you, Sarah?" I asked.

"I'm good. Are you having fun?" she asked timidly.

I nodded. "This means a lot to me."

"Amy and I planned this together," she admitted. "We were worried that we'd get something wrong."

"Everything is prefect." I smiled at her. "And this means a lot to me. I didn't really get this the first time."

She frowned past me, and I turned to see Severus holding two glasses of punch and a large slice of cake.

"Did you cut into that?" I asked.

"Yes," Severus replied as he held out one of the cups of red punch.

"Severus, you were supposed to wait," I said. "I think they had a schedule."

"Oh." Severus frowned. "I didn't know."

"Might as well cut it now," Sarah said, standing.

I rolled my eyes as my husband took his seat back. "I hope you enjoy the first piece of my cake."

"Would you like it, dear?" Severus looked tired.

"No, that's okay," I said. "She's getting me some anyway."

"It is good," Severus said after he swallowed the first bite.

"I'm sure that's why you're here," I muttered.

"Not sure if it's tradition for the husband to be here anyway," Severus muttered.

"It can be," I said. "And it means a lot to me that you're here."

Severus gave me a quick kiss just as a large piece of cake was brought over to me. A few hours later, I put away the many gifts I got. I got a few clothes and toys for the babies. I laughed when a few of them gave me wizarding baby toys that moved on their own or flashed different colors.

"Are you ready for me to get Karina?" Severus' voice asked from behind me.

"I suppose." I sighed and put my hand on my belly. "I wanted to get a nap before she came back, but there was the shower. I'm exhausted."

"We could go outside," Severus said. "Daddy could wear her out before dinner?"

"That sounds good," I replied. "I love you very much."

"I love you too." He stepped up to me, leaned forward, and kissed my soundly.

"Go get our daughter." I smiled up at him.

"Hmm," he replied and kissed me again.

I giggled as he kept kissing me soundly.

Severus' point of view:

"Severus, wake up." A hand shook me, and I grunted and turned over. "Severus, I need you to help me to the hospital wing."

I mumbled and turned over again. A cry made me jerk up. I sat up quickly and looked around.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"I'm, oh, in labor," Anna said. She cringed as she put her hand on her belly. "I think. Something's wrong."

Jumping out of bed, I threw on my clothes. If briefly reminded me of getting ready to meet the Dark Lord in the middle of the night, but I knew it was something different. I threw on my clothes, as Anna didn't bother to change out of her loose nightgown. I put her slippers on her feet and helped her stand. I wrapped my arm around her waist as we walked.

"Oh, I can't walk, wait," Anna said. She was breathing so hard, it sounded like she'd been running. "It, it hurts too much."

"Do I need to carry you?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. I was frightened. She wasn't the type to give up.

"I don't know, Severus," Anna replied as she started to cry.

As her legs gave out, I caught her. "Let's go, my dear."

I swept my arm under her legs and picked her up bridal style. I walked as quickly as I could to the hospital wing. Anna whimpered the whole time as her head lulled.

"Severus," Anna moaned. "Hurry."

"We're almost there." I was breathing hard as I stepped up the hospital wing. Without waiting for Poppy to let me in, I opened the door. Taking long strides, I brought Anna to the nearest bed. Gingerly I placed Anna on it. She clutched her stomach and curled around it. A hiss escaped through her teeth.

"I'll get, Poppy," I said.

I nearly ran to get Poppy so I could get back to my wife as soon as possible. Banging loudly on her door, I stood nervously, wanting to get back to my Anna.

"Is it time?" Poppy asked, not looking surprised to find me on the other end of her door.

I nodded and quickly moved back to Anna's side. She lay on her side, curled over her belly, and her eyes were screwed shut. My jaw clenched as I saw her.

"Anna, what do you need from me?" I asked.

She didn't say anything as she held out her hand. Her hand squeezed mine hard. I put my hand her forehead and ran her my hand through her hair. Eventually, her hand stopped squeezing mine. Her large eyes opened to look into mine.

"We're going to be parents tonight, Severus." Anna smiled up at me as a shot of fear and longing ran through me.

I was going to bring children into the world. I felt joyous and nervous at the same time. I knew, in that moment, why I'd been spared from dying. I was meant to become a father.

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