"Then I fainted," Hermione said with a huge grin on her face. She had met Ginny for lunch in muggle London and they were discussing the awesome time they each had while on their respective honeymoons.
"Great Merlin!" Ginny exclaimed with a shocked expression that quickly turned to a devious smile. "I hope you got him back."
"Of course I did." Hermione said with a conspirators grin. "I tortured that man every night until it was time to come back home. When we weren't out exploring the countryside, I had that man tied to my bed...he was my slave and loved every minute of it."
Meanwhile, Snape was meeting with Headmaster McGonagall to go over the changes to the new school year curriculum.
"You said what?" McGonagall cried, almost dropping her teacup. "I meant while students were present at the school...not during your honeymoon. Even I know honeymoons are no time to show restraint. Oh, what Hermione must think of me?" McGonagall exclaimed as she stared back at Snape.
"Don't worry, I came to my senses and made it up to her." Snape said with a grin. "Do you want to know how? It involves handcuffs and a blindfold." Snape couldn't help but smile at the blush that came over McGonagall as she became flustered and made up some excuse to rush from her office. He looked up at the Headmaster's painting and didn't miss the two thumbs up he was being given. Snape gave the painting a slight bow and left the office in search of his wife.
"The Ministry has offered to buy Grimwald Place. They think it would make an excellent safe house or a place to hold secret meetings. We're seriously thinking about it. Since we are all expected to have children, we have been thinking it would be nice to have a house with a yard." Ginny said as she absentmindedly stirred her teacup. "Kreacher doesn't want to leave but he hates the thought of not serving Harry. Ever since the night of the big battle, Kreacher has become devoted to Harry. I think he feels honored that he serves the man who defeated Voldemort."
"Well, you know how I feel about house elves and servitude. I've finally been able to convince Tippy to take a small allowance every week, but I think she just leaves it in a box underneath the kitchen counter. I suggested she take every Sunday off and she cried for two days. I finally had to relent and just let things be. Severus says serving us makes her happy and gives her a reason to get up every morning. I'll never understand it, but I've promised to just let her be. She was with the Prince family since before Severus was born and I don't want to be a wedge between them. I owe her my life—if it hadn't been for her alerting Hagrid that I was in trouble..." Hermione shivered and Ginny decided to change the subject.
"So you start your apprenticeship with Professor Slughorn in a couple of weeks. I bet you are excited."
Hermione's eyes lit up and they spent the next thirty minutes discussing her potions' apprenticeship and Ginny's apprenticeship with Madam Pomfrey. Hermione looked up and saw her husband had just entered the sandwich shop. She waved him over and watched as Ginny stood to give him a hug. He leaned over and kissed Hermione on the lips before taking a seat at the table.
"So, I hope you ladies haven't been discussing anything that would embarrass me or Harry." Snape said with a small smirk. Both women exchanged a smile as they assured him they had only been talking about their respective apprenticeships. For some reason, Snape highly doubted that was all they discussed. Noting the time, Ginny excused herself saying she had to go back to work. She was helping Madam Pomfrey with cataloging their supplies, so they would know what they needed to restock before the school year began. Snape and Hermione both stood to hug her goodbye. After her departure, Snape kissed his wife again and suggested that they get some shopping done, in Hogsmeade, before heading back to the castle. Hermione sighed when he told her where they would meet up with the Auror's who had been assigned to keep an eye on them this week. She knew it was necessary, for the time being; however, she looked forward to the time when all the former Death Eaters were caught and they didn't require bodyguards. For now she was just glad to be with her husband and looked forward to becoming an Apprentice.
Christmas was fast approaching and Hermione had already become proficient at teaching the first years. Snape was surprised that Professor Slughorn was letting her teach so soon. He knew how intelligent Hermione was and figured Slughorn just wanted a break from teaching dunderheads the difference between a cauldron and a hole in the floor. The rest of Hermione's day was used brewing potions to fulfill orders at St Mungo's and Hogwarts Infirmary. Every night, after dinner, the Snape's would sit around the fireplace and read or discuss something Hermione had learned during the day. Snape would offer suggestions on how to shave minutes off the brewing time and Hermione would jot them down in her journal with the intention of benefitting from her husband's knowledge. Snape would sometimes tell her funny things that happened to him during the day; however, he was content with just hearing about her day. He'd never admit it to anyone, but there were days that he missed the soothing sounds of twenty cauldrons bubbling quietly and the quiet reflection one could enjoy while slicing ingredients for a potion. Teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts was nothing like potion brewing. He rarely got to sit down and had to be ever alert in case one of the students decided to use a new hex on another student. The day before, he had sent a student to see Nurse Ginny, due to having hair growing out of their ears. The student responsible was currently serving detention with Hagrid.
They were snuggled together on the sofa, when word came through the Floo network that Luna had given birth to a healthy baby boy at St Mungo's. Everyone had been notified earlier that Luna was in labor. The Draco's and the Snape's had stopped by when classes were over, however, it looked like it was going to be a long night, so everyone but the Potter's decided it was best to go home and wait for news. Ginny stayed to help the staff deliver the baby and Harry stayed to offer Neville support. He was a basket case by the time they were getting ready to leave and Hermione was almost positive she saw Snape slip a calming draught in the young man's tea before they left. Hermione smiled at the thought of how much her husband cared. Not many people got to see the side of Severus that she did. Most people thought he was a snarky, uncaring bastard, but she knew better. He cared more than he wanted to let on.
They went to bed and made love before falling asleep in each other's arms. Ginny and Harry had already announced that they were expecting a baby in April. In fact, Ginny was almost six months along and was already showing. Hermione had begun to worry, since she hadn't managed to get pregnant yet. Snape assured her that it was probably due to all the stress she was under, and suggested they practice more. Hermione had to smile at his suggestion and agree with him. They still used the gifts Ginny had given them on occasion; however, Hermione also loved the fact that her husband was so spontaneous. Sometimes all it took was a smoldering glare from him or the feeling of him planting small kisses on the back of her neck to get her naked and at his mercy. Last weekend they had visited his childhood home on Spinner's End and he had actually taken her against the bookcase in his study. Books were falling around them as she wrapped her legs around his waist and he thrust into her repeatedly. She was wearing a skirt and had purposely decided not to wear any knickers. When he learned of her decision, he lowered his pants and took her right there. There was something so delicious and dirty about having sex while still fully clothed. Luckily her husband had thought to use a silencing spell or half their neighbors would have heard their love making.
March had arrived and Hermione was dealing with morning sickness. According to her calculations, it was while Severus had taken her against his bookcase that she had gotten pregnant. All their careful planning to become pregnant and all it took was a spontaneous moment. Ginny was only working half days and was sympathetic to her best friend's morning sickness, since she remembered going through it herself. Professor Slughorn suggested that Hermione teach the first years and then take the rest of the day, as he couldn't stomach being around anyone who didn't feel well. After class, Hermione would stop by Ginny's quarters and sit with her awhile. Ginny and Harry had decided to sell Grimwald Place to the Ministry and would be looking for a house over summer break, after the baby was born. Hermione was content with Spinner's End; however, her husband had been talking about selling it and buying another house with a yard, as well. Secretly Hermione thought it would be cool if they could find a house close to the Potters. That would enable their children to play together over summer break.
Hermione was finally able to keep food down and felt better than she had in a long time. Snape had been worried about her health, since she refused to take anything for the nausea. Hermione was talking about having a natural, drug-free childbirth and the thought scared him to death. He had already promised to be in the delivery room with her and didn't know if he could handle watching his wife suffer through the pain.
Snape was busy rearranging the student desks, one Saturday in late April, when Ginny waddled in and leaned against his desk. Her hair was hanging in a long messy braid and she was wearing something that resembled a muggle house coat with slippers.
"Shouldn't you be resting?" Snape asked as he moved the last desk into place.
"I was due last week, damn it. Madam Pomfrey said walking may speed things along." Ginny said quietly as she wiped her brow and grimaced.
"Are you okay?" Snape asked his voice filled with concern as he noticed her demeanor.
"Yes, I'm just wonderful, Severus. My back hurts and I feel like it is a hundred degrees in here." Ginny said with a slight sneer as she gently lowered herself into one of the chairs.
"Back pain could be a sign of labor coming on. Perhaps I should assist you to the infirmary. I'm sure Madam Pomfrey won't mind checking you over. It doesn't hurt to be..."
"I'm fine, Severus," Ginny swiftly cut him off. "Besides, Madam Pomfrey is helping out at St. Mungo's today. I told her I would Floo her if I needed her. It seems as if everyone is in Hogsmeade today and the castle seems too quiet. Where's Hermione, by the way? I stopped at your quarters first, but she wasn't there."
"It's her turn to chaperon the students," Snape said with a small, smug smile. "She needed to get some potion supplies, so she volunteered—better her than me."
"I remember those carefree days of going into Hogsmeade. I never thought I would miss being a student, but sometimes I do," Ginny said as she slowly rose to her feet. Suddenly, fluids gushed down her legs and made a puddle around her feet. She bent over and clutched her round belly. "Oh shit, my water just broke...oh gods it hurts!" Ginny cried as she lay back on the desks that Snape had pushed together.
"What are you doing?" Snape demanded sharply as he crossed the room to stand next to her. "We have to get you to the infirmary and call Madam Pomfrey."
"There's no time...I think I feel the baby coming. Sweet Merlin, my mother warned me that her labors came on quickly and didn't last long. I can only hope mine will be the same." Ginny wheezed before taking a few deep breaths. "Slide your fingers inside me and see how dilated I am. I feel like pushing, but I can't until I'm fully dilated."
"I'm not putting my hand anywhere near your...you know what, Nurse Ginny." Snape snapped back, fear settling into his stomach. He had faced down the most evil wizard of all time and yet he couldn't remember feeling as frightened as he did right this very moment. Except for McGonagall, who was probably up in her office, they were the only two people in the school—there was no one to help him. Ginny grabbed him by the front of his robes and yanked his face down until it was mere inches from hers.
"I wiped your ass and cleaned your body every day when you were unable to do it yourself. Now get your sorry ass down there and see what the hell is going on or I'll hex you until next year, do you understand me?" Ginny hissed through gritted teeth. Snape nodded meekly and moved to stand between her bent knees. He removed her soaked knickers and was preparing to insert his fingers when he heard someone gasp in the doorway.
Harry had just returned from a mission and was looking forward to spending some time off with his wife and wait for their child to be born. When he couldn't find his wife in their quarters, he began searching all the places his wife might have gone and was now standing in the doorway to Snape's classroom. "What the hell?" He breathed. Although highly improbable, it looked like Snape was sexing Harry's wife on top of the student desks.
Snape thought there would never be a time when he was glad to see Harry Potter show up, however, seeing the young man standing there made him want to leap for joy.
"Potter, get over here and help me. Your wife is apparently in labor." Snape practically shouted.
Harry sprung into action and transfigured the desk into a hospital bed with stirrups. He took Snape's place and directed the older wizard to summon a house elf for towels. Snape couldn't believe he hadn't thought of that. Tippy appeared and set to work getting towels and hot water ready. Next, Tippy apparated over to St. Mungo's and alerted Madam Pomfrey. Snape stood next to Ginny and held her hand as Harry declared that he could see the baby's head and encouraged Ginny to push. Snape winced in pain every time Ginny gripped his hand and pushed. He wiped her brow with a towel and tried to ignore the insults she screamed at him whenever he touched her. Her crying and screams of pain were making Snape seriously rethink the whole idea of natural childbirth for Hermione. If at all possible, he wanted his wife drugged to the hilt when she delivered their baby. Luckily, Madam Pomfrey ran into the room and took over for Harry, which allowed him to stand on the other side of Ginny and continue encouraging her. Unfortunately, Ginny refused to let go of his hand and Snape had to suffer through two more death grips before he heard a babies cry. She released his hand and he was able to stumble away and sit down heavily in his chair as Madam Pomfrey cleaned the baby and handed him to Ginny.
"You have a healthy baby boy." Madam Pomfrey beamed as she watched Harry hug his wife and weep tears of joy over his newborn son. Snape laid his head down on his desk and wished Hermione was here. He had never been an overly affectionate man, however, he suddenly felt like he could use one of her bear hugs. He struggled to get his emotions under control and stood to approach the couple. He patted Harry on the back and was rewarded with a sudden hug from the young man. Snape tried to hide his embarrassment and pulled out of the embrace as soon as he could. Ginny was crying and kissing the baby on the head as he flailed his arms and screamed his little head off. Snape smirked when he thought about the Potters having to hear that sound in the middle of the night. That sound would wake the dead. His smirk fell off his face when he realized he would be in for the same thing when his baby came in about six months. Snape assured Ginny that he forgave her for all the horrible things she had called him and made a hasty retreat, leaving Tippy to clean the mess. He needed a drink and couldn't get to his chambers fast enough.
Hermione returned from her day trip to Hogsmeade and was surprised to find a disheveled Severus lying on the couch nursing a drink. He immediately set the drink down on the table and crossed the room to envelope her in a bear hug.
"Well, hello to you too," Hermione said against his shoulder. When he didn't release her right away, she began to worry. "Severus, what is wrong, sweetheart, what happened?"
"Ginny had her baby," Snape said while still clutching his wife tightly. "Right in my classroom, on top of my desks...I thought I would have to deliver the baby, until Harry showed up. I never thought I'd be so glad to see that boy in all my life."
"Wait...what?" Hermione said, pulling back and looking up into his face. "Ginny went into labor and had her baby, just like that? How long was her labor?"
"I don't know, twenty minutes, maybe." Snape said staring down into his wife's shocked face.
"Some women have all the luck," Hermione breathed and laid her head back against his shoulder.
"Luck...what luck? She had the baby in my classroom, without drugs and almost without anyone besides me there to catch the screaming thing. I've been thinking, Hermione. I think you should be unconscious when our baby comes. I don't want you going through what she did. It was horrible. I thought I was going to die." He held up his right hand. "She broke two of my fingers." Snape felt Hermione shaking against him and realized she was laughing. "It's not funny." He said sounding a little put out. "She said something about hexing our balls off and for a moment I thought she was really going to do it."
"Severus, I think Ginny was very lucky to have you with her. I'm sure you stayed calm and took charge of the situation. I can't think of anyone I would rather have with me when our baby comes. If the pain becomes too much for me to bear, I will ask for something to take the edge off, okay?" Hermione said as she smoothed the hair off his forehead and placed a kiss on his lips. They moved over to the couch and Hermione encouraged him to lie back down and place his head in her lap. She stroked his hair and listened intently as he started at the beginning and described his harrowing ordeal. Hermione had to fight the urge to laugh when her husband relayed the horrible things Ginny had called him while she was in labor.
The Snape's were on their way to visit the Potter's new house during summer break. It was early August and Hermione was eight months pregnant and complaining about the heat. Her husband cast a cooling charm on her as they approached the house. Hermione was careful not to cast any charms herself for she feared it might hurt the baby. Snape thought she was being a little too cautious, but knew not to argue with her while she was in this hormonal state. Snape had no sooner sat down on their couch before Ginny deposited little James Sirius on his lap and left to take Hermione on a tour of the house. Snape stared down into the boys green eyes as he looked up in wonder. He had just realized the boy had Lilly's eyes, when the baby squealed in delight and reached up to grab his nose. Snape held out a rattle and the baby released his nose to grab at the toy. Snape sighed in relief and counted it as a good sign that the baby wasn't screaming yet. He wasn't used to being around babies and hoped he was holding him right. Kreacher walked through the room and mumbled something about being careful with the baby Potter. Snape fixed him with a threatening glare. Kreacher's ears flattened and he quickly ducked into the kitchen. Harry chose that opportune moment to sneak into the room and snap a picture. Snape narrowed his eyes at him, but was relieved when he set the camera down and picked up his son. Snape gave a sigh of relief. Hopefully, he would be able to hold his own child without constantly worrying that he was going to drop the baby or cause it undue harm.
The girls returned and they all sat around the kitchen table and discussed the upcoming year at Hogwarts and Harry's responsibilities in the Auror Department. Kreacher had set out a lunch consisting of finger sandwiches and pumpkin juice. He smiled a big toothy grin at the baby and then disappeared into the other room. Snape watched Hermione as she held baby James and made faces at the baby causing him to smile and gurgle. He could already tell she would be a good mother and felt a sense of relief. His mother had never been one to show any affection. He was glad that his children would have a mother like Hermione. His children would never know the feeling of desperation and loneliness he had known as a child. "I love you," Snape blurted out suddenly to his wife and all conversation around him stopped.
"I love you, too." Hermione said giving him one of her trademark grins. Snape felt his checks redden in embarrassment and quickly changed the subject to the upcoming birth of their child. Ginny assured them that she would be on hand when Hermione went into labor and everything would be planned out well in advance. Snape sighed in relief, still affected by his part in baby James' birth. He was serious about not wanting to see Hermione suffer like Ginny had. Ginny had assured them that she didn't even remember how painful it was and planned on having another as soon as possible. Baby James' stayed with her mom during the day and Molly was looking forward to having a whole house full of grandchildren. The Snape's had arranged to have a nanny when their baby came along, much to the chagrin of Tippy, who felt she was more than capable to watch a baby. Tippy had cared for Severus, when he was an infant. He knew she was only allowed in the house when his father was at work and wasn't sure how much Tippy had actually done to care for him. Some of his earliest memories were hiding in the closet, while she comforted him. His father would come home drunk and scream at his mother for giving him such a useless son. He hated anything to do with magic, so Tippy had to stay out of sight while he was present. Tippy would whisper words of comfort to keep him from crying. As long as his father didn't know where he was hiding, he couldn't beat him. Tippy had saved him more times than he could count. However, his child wouldn't need that sort of protection. Of course, he would never forget what Tippy had done for him and assured her that his children would know what a good and faithful house elf she was. Snape had assured her that a nanny would be necessary to help with all the things Tippy couldn't do. Snape was pleased that Hermione was okay with Tippy playing a big part in their children's lives. Hermione had grown to love Tippy as much as he did and believed it would help their children have respect for the house elves and all they did to serve their wizards. She still wasn't comfortable with their servitude, but at least they saw eye to eye on her being part of the family. Snape was drawn from his reverie by the sight of Ginny exposing her breast to feed the baby. He looked away in embarrassment and hoped his wife would be more discreet when she fed their children. Hermione noticed his reddened cheeks and gripped his hand under the table. He gave her a small smile and focused his attention on Harry for the rest of the conversation. The baby began making humming noises like he was feasting at a banquet and Snape cursed himself every time he glanced over at them. Snape forced himself to appear indifferent, since everyone else was acting like her feeding him in public was part of the norm. He happened to glance over the moment Ginny pulled her breast from the baby's mouth with an audible pop, and shut his eyes as he waited for her to move the baby to her other breast so he could finish eating. Ginny noticed his discomfort and giggled at him. Harry, who had been engrossed in telling his story about the Auror's latest capture, noticed Snape's discomfort and discretely draped a blanket over Ginny's shoulder to shield the baby from view. Snape gave him a discernible nod and relaxed in his chair. Snape felt Hermione's gaze and didn't want to see her smirking at him, so he asked Harry to continue with his story. Harry lapsed back into his story and soon Snape was so engrossed he didn't realize Ginny had moved James onto her shoulder and was now burping him. Soon it was time to go and Snape helped his wife to her feet so they could say their goodbyes.
Once they were outside, walking towards the Disapparation point, Hermione let go of the laugh she had been holding. "Really Severus, breastfeeding is the most natural thing a mother could do for her baby." She gave his hand a squeeze and he frowned down into her smiling face.
"Suffice it to say, I do hope you will show more restraint. I do not want other people, especially other men, getting an eyeful of your breasts." Snape said with a huff. Hermione laughed again and leaned her head against her husband's shoulder.
"I promise I will not pull my breasts out in public so other men can get an eyeful, okay?" She whispered quietly as they stopped at their apparition point. "Speaking of breasts, I was hoping I could show you mine, in the privacy of our quarters, of course." Snape beamed down at his smiling wife. One good thing that could be said about her raging hormones was that she was particularly randy. They couldn't utilize some of his favorite positions, however, that just meant he had to be more creative.
"Of course, Madam Snape...I'd be more than happy to examine your breasts, when we reach our quarters." The sound of Hermione's laughter carried on the wind as they Disapparated.
As soon as they reached their quarters, Hermione waisted no time in dragging him towards the bedroom and divesting him of all his clothes. He pulled her dress over her head and helped her remove her bra, enjoying the sight of her swollen breasts. She was never lacking in the size department; however, they were even larger now and he loved the way she moaned when he gently licked her nipples. She kicked off her knickers and climbed onto the bed and held out her arms for him to join her. He slipped in behind her and began placing kisses on neck and shoulder as she whimpered that she needed to feel him inside her. He rose up on his knees and instructed her to remain on her right side as he pulled her leg up to his shoulder and slowly slid inside her. With her right leg straight between his thighs and her left leg on his shoulder, he was able to penetrate deeply, causing her to moan in pleasure every time he pushed forward. She encouraged him to pick up the pace and soon he was thrusting in and out of her as he struggled to maintain control. Hearing her moan in pleasure sent jolts through to his groin and made him want to come. He concentrated on potion ingredients as she cried out for him to thrust harder. Nurse Ginny had warned about being too rough during sex, much to his embarrassment. He had wondered what his wife had told the nurse he did to her during sex. Ginny had frowned at him as if he was performing acrobatic stunts during their lovemaking. He pushed all thoughts of that aside as he began thrusting more forcefully...surely his wife would tell him if it became too uncomfortable. Hermione cried out in pleasure and he felt her body tighten around him, urging him to completion. He thrust a few more times and then lost the ability to hold out any longer. Crying out her name, he thrust one last time and spilled his seed deep inside her. As soon as he came down from his high, he used his wand to perform a quick cleaning spell and laid back down behind her, pressing his chest against her back as he wrapped his arms around her. He heard her softly snoring and realized she had already drifted off to sleep. He chuckled softly and pulled the covers up over them. He snuggled down close to her willing himself to sleep, knowing that she'd want a repeat performance as soon as they awoke in the morning. It had gotten to where Tippy was afraid to pop in on them unannounced. Two days ago Hermione had demanded that he take her on their sofa. Tippy had popped in to check on her and gotten more than she bargained for. She had covered her eyes and apologized repeatedly before popping out of sight. He sincerely hoped they hadn't scarred the poor elf for life. He enjoyed his time with Hermione, knowing that in a couple of months they would be sleep deprived and spontaneous lovemaking would not be as frequent as it was now.
"Just breathe, Hermione, focus on your breathing," Snape whispered soothingly into his wife's ear as he sat straddled behind her on the hospital bed.
"I am breathing!" She screamed at him and began crying again. She was lying back against his chest as he reached around and massaged her stomach. Just as he had feared, Hermione had refused anything for the pain until it was too late. Another contraction seized her and she leaned forward and gasped for breath.
"I am never doing this again! Do you hear me, Severus Snape? Never again! You did this to me!" She cried out as the contraction subsided and she collapsed against his chest. "Never again!" Snape didn't think now would be a good time to remind her that they were required to produce at least two offspring. Nurse Ginny came behind the curtain to check on her patient again.
"How are you holding up, Hermione?" The redhead asked calmly.
"Kill me, Ginny, please kill me...let me die." Hermione pleaded and Snape's heart constricted. His worst fears were coming true; Hermione was in terrible pain and he was powerless to help her.
"Surely you can give her something, Nurse Ginny." Snape said through gritted teeth. If he hadn't been holding his wife, he may have been tempted to strangle Hermione's best friend. Ginny felt between Hermione's legs and smiled.
"Good news, Hermione, you are fully dilated. It's okay to push now. On the next contraction, I want you to bear down hard." The next contraction seized her and Hermione leaned forward and growled as she pushed with all her might. Snape continued mopping her brow and whispering words of encouragement between each contraction. He thought it would never be over when he heard Ginny tell her to give one more push. Hermione groaned and he helped her lean forward as she cried out and pushed one more time. The sound of the baby's cries split the air and Hermione collapsed back against him sobbing for joy. Snape leaned around and kissed her repeatedly on her face as he congratulated her on a job well done. His nerves were shot and he felt tears running down his face as well, not sure whether they were from joy or just elation that it was finally over. Ginny announced the arrival of a healthy baby girl and after performing a cleaning spell, placed the wailing, squirming bundle in Hermione's waiting arms. Snape looked down in awe as his wife showered love and affection on their new daughter. He fought back the urge to sob like a fool when he realized his children would have the kind of mother he had always longed for. All her pain and suffering was forgotten as she kissed their baby. Hermione laughed through her tears as she exclaimed over their baby's black curly hair and her little button nose. Snape sighed in relief at knowing his daughter had not inherited his nose.
Later that morning, Hermione was sleeping sounding in the hospital bed as Snape sat in the bedside chair and held his sleeping daughter. They had decided to name her Katherine Eileen, her mom's middle name and his mother's first name. He leaned down and kissed her face for the tenth time as he heard someone quietly approaching. Harry sat down in the chair next to him and exclaimed over how lovely she was. Snape reluctantly handed the baby to him and watched as the young man looked upon her in awe.
"She looks just like you...minus the nose of course." Harry said with a smirk. Snape stared down at his daughter and tried to see what Harry was seeing. Except for the raven colored hair, he thought she looked just like Hermione. The baby started to make fussing sounds prompting Harry to hand her back to him. Snape was pleased to see the baby calm down once he was holding her again. He tried to hide the smugness he felt and knew he was failing. It felt amazing to know that his daughter missed him holding her. They talked quietly a few moments about how long Hermione's labor had been compared to Ginny's when Hermione stirred and looked over at them. Snape felt as if his heart would burst at the look of love Hermione bestowed upon him. The baby began to fuss again and Hermione pulled herself into a seating position as Ginny appeared and placed more pillows behind her. Hermione pulled a small blanket over her left shoulder and held her arms out. Snape stood slowly and carefully handed her the baby. He was pleased that she remembered their conversation, a few months back, and had a blanket ready to cover her breast as she fed their daughter. Soon Ginny returned to collect her husband and checked to see that Hermione was doing okay. Harry produced a small stuffed bunny from his pocket and handed it to him. Snape looked down at the light green bunny and was amazed at how soft it felt.
"Since you guys didn't want to know the sex of your baby, beforehand, I thought green would be a neutral color."
"Thank you, Harry," Snape said with a small smirk, "Since she will most likely be sorted into the House of Slytherin, green was an excellent choice." Ginny snorted and shooed Harry out of the curtained area so Hermione could get some rest. Harry shook Snape's hand and patted him on the back before following Ginny and closing the curtain back around them. Snape crossed over and sat on the edge of the bed and watched his small family with pride. Tippy appeared and climbed on the bed with a diaper and wipes clutched to her chest. She oohed and aahed over the baby, causing Snape's heart to swell with pride over his new daughter. She was definitely a beautiful baby; of course, he had Hermione to thank for that. Come to think of it, he had Hermione to thank for a lot of things: saving his life, giving him something to live for, filling his life with love and laughter, and now giving him a child to share their love with. He smoothed the hair off her forehead and placed a loving kiss there. Hermione looked up at him and gave him a smile full of love.
"I love you, Severus Tobias Snape." She whispered as her eyes filled with tears of happiness.
"I love you, Hermione Jean Snape." Snape whispered back as he let the tears fall silently down his face.