Chapter 32

"Are you okay?" Severus asked once they were back in their bedroom from Lord Voldemort's meeting.

"More or less," answered Skyrah,sitting on the slightly wrinkled, dark purple bed sheets.

Her husband joined her in bed, and she rested her head on his shoulder while her palms covered her womb. The familiar room and her enveloping warmth managed to calm his nerves down a bit, but he could still feel his heart pumping at the image of Skyrah confronting her father so bluntly.

"You can be very bold when you want to be. It is almost Gryffindor..."

"Says the bravest man I have ever known," she teased, gazing up at him.

"I am serious."

"Me too."

An uncomfortable silence followed. By the anguish in Severus's eyes, he needed the reassurance that Voldemort wouldn't touch her until she delivered the baby, so that is what she told him.

"I am still concerned about you. The worst tortures tend to be emotional and psychological, not physical. If the Dark Lord-"

"Don't worry," she cut him off. "I won't cross the line. He will do nothing to me."

Severus didn't know if she was trying to convince him or herself, but he let that be for the time being.

"You got mad when he told us that Lucius would be the godfather…"

"Well, you can't be happy about that, can you? He wants you to control Lucius." She snorted. "I bet he asked Lucius to control us as well."

"Is that the only reason why you are displeased?"

"Certainly not. I meant it when I said we should be able to choose the godparents of the child."

"Did you already have an idea who could assume the role before the meeting?"

"Yes."

"Do you mind sharing it?"

"Albus. I wanted to make him happy before he slipped away. He would be keen on having a godson since he doesn't have a child of his own despite loving children. He helped us when we most needed it. I wanted to show him I appreciate him by making him the godfather... I guess we'll have to stick to Lucius though. We have no choice," she ended resigned, a wry grimace etched on her face.

He clasped her hand in his, warm skin against cool skin.

"Albus is the closest father figure I have ever had. He kept me from going to Azkaban and showed me a way to redeem myself. I would be lying if I told you I didn't think about him as a possible godfather too."

"So you have pondered more options?"

"Ever since you got pregnant the first time…"

Those words left in Skyrah a bittersweet taste in her mouth, like dark chocolate.

"Whom have you considered?"

"Do you really want to know?"

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not in the habit of asking questions I don't want to know the answers to."

He smirked at her cheeky response.

"The only godfather I have considered is Albus. I am still unsure about the godmother… Your sister is a good candidate. Although she is young, she values her family like nothing else in the world. She will love the baby. I gathered you'd like her to be the godmother."

Skyrah melted at his consideration, although she remained unconvinced. Despite loving her sister dearly, Skyrah didn't feel the girl was prepared for such an important role. Besides, she already had a clear idea who would make a wonderful godmother. She just hoped Severus mentioned her.

"Who else did you have in mind?"

"Minerva. She doesn't have children and she has been my friend for years. She would be an exceptional role model for our son."

Severus respected Minerva. Skyrah palpated it by the way his eyes shone hopefully when he mentioned her, seeking her approval. Skyrah had caught them teasing each other endlessly, amused twin smirks on their faces, and she was reminded of the relationship she had with her sister. She loved teasing Dione, but that didn't mean she didn't love her, quite the contrary. Skyrah bet Severus felt something similar when he was with Minerva. All in all, Skyrah agreed that she would be great, but she still hoped Severus had considered somebody else.

"Is your list any longer?"

"As a matter of a fact, yes, it is. I have considered someone else."

The name that slipped off his tongue was the name Skyrah had longed to hear.

The Snapes entered the headmaster's office. Albus was sitting on his chair, mumbling something unintelligible to Fawkes. The married couple greeted him and sat in front of him, as usual.

"Good morning," started Albus. "The note you sent me said you needed to tell me something important."

The Snapes exchanged looks. Skyrah nodded at Severus and gave him an encouraging smile to let him know he should be the one to break the news. Severus locked eyes with the old wizard and cleared his throat.

"We are expecting a baby boy."

It was obvious by his steady tone that Severus wanted to remain neutral about the news, at least in front of Albus. Nevertheless, the subtle way in which his thin lips curved up forming a hint of a smile and the singular light that invaded the blackness of his eyes told Albus that Severus was overjoyed.

Even though Albus was aware that delivering an heir was the task Lord Voldemort had assigned them, the news stunned him for a moment. He recalled the interactions he had witnessed between them. Severus was fond of Skyrah, and Skyrah seemed to adore him just as much, if the way they were holding hands was not proof enough. Albus realized that they really wanted that baby, not only for Voldemort to spare their lives but for themselves, to start a family. Thus, he congratulated them with a gentle yet truthful smile.

"We would like you to become his godfather," added Severus.

Albus had certainly not expected that. He always remained calmed, composed, and had a wise air around him. His sapphire eyes always twinkled. But not then.

"I don't think I am the most suitable man. I am dying."

"Precisely," said Skyrah, ignoring his grave tone. "You helped us both, Albus. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. Dione wouldn't be safe and Severus would be in Azkaban. You gave us a chance. This child is your chance, our way to thank you. A child gives hope. You need that now more than ever. However…"

Albus distinguished a sudden anguish in her brown eyes. Even her tone had darkened.

"However?"

Skyrah took a big breath. "Lucius Malfoy will be the godfather, no matter how much we dislike the idea. My father leaves us no choice."

"He knows about the pregnancy… When did you tell him?"

"Last night."

"I surmise that you found out about it only a few days ago…"

The couple nodded.

"Did he say anything important?"

Skyrah shrugged. "He wants me to keep working as a teacher, and so do I. The baby is due in August, anyway, which means I will be home during my last pregnancy months. I can teach as I have been doing until now. Nothing's changed."

"Everything's changed!" Severus snapped. When Skyrah's eyes widened, he realized he had been too harsh and tried to remedy it by softening his voice. "A pregnancy changes everything."

"Most women work during their pregnancies. I will work and that's final, Severus."

Unaffected by her ultimatum and steely gaze, he growled, "You will not."

If Skyrah hated something, that was feeling like somebody was cutting her wings, like she couldn't fly and decide for herself. Voldemort already kept her trapped. She had no desire for feeling like her freedom was curtailed by anyone else, husband or otherwise.

"I'm a pregnant witch, Severus, not an invalid. I'm healthy. Poppy said I could work. You cannot expect me to stay in bed all the time. I need to move. I need to teach."

"You are healthy... Now. Who says you can't have pregnancy complications later on? Poppy said you could work as long as you took it easy. You cannot overload yourself. I know you. You love teaching. You give your all for this profession. I cannot consent that, not now."

"You cannot decide this for me. I'm a grown woman and I make my own decisions. I will teach if I please."

"Stop being so bloody stubborn for once in your life!"

"Look who's talking!"

"You are with child, dammit! I can't lose him!" he bawled, gripping her by the shoulders.

Skyrah was breathing hard by then, staring at his eyes intently, seeing his tormented soul through them. He suddenly looked scared, almost as if he had seen the phantom of Tobias shaking Eileen, as if he was Tobias and Skyrah was Eileen.

No.

He wasn't Tobias.

He would never hurt Skyrah. She didn't even look frightened but empathetic. She knew him. She knew the analogy his mind had drawn, and he knew her well enough to grasp she didn't want him to even compare himself to his father, so he forced himself to bury the nasty thought. The pressure of his fingers on her shoulders faded away, but she could still feel a ghost of his touch there. Severus hung his head and stared at his trembling hands, now resting on his lap.

He inhaled sharply and repeated brokenly, "I can't."

Although the words not again were left unsaid, Skyrah was certain they had passed through his mind. She lifted his chin up with her fingertips.

"Do you honestly think I would put our son in peril?"

Like mirrors, her eyes reflected the moment they lost their girl. He could feel her pain and determination to avoid something like that again, no need of legilimency.

"I know you wouldn't. I just… I can't risk it."

Skyrah sighed and brought his hand to her lips, planting a kiss.

"My father wants me to keep the job, Severus… I have to do this. I promise I will be extra-careful. You can tell me if you think I am indulging too much in teaching. I will listen to you. I will take it easy. The last thing I want is to lose our child. I love him."

Albus was observing the scene with keen interest. He reckoned it was incredible, almost surreal, the way the couple passed from sheer anger and disagreement to care and understanding in a matter of a second. Even though their gazes spoke louder than words, Albus didn't understand the language. He had the presentiment they were hiding something from him, something that disturbed them. Curious as he was, he didn't wish to make them uncomfortable. That is why he chose not to go into the matter and gave them a solution instead.

"I could hire another Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. You would still teach Skyrah, only not to all the levels. Would that be acceptable for both?"

The Snapes exchanged looks and nodded.

"I will teach fifth year. My father wouldn't like it if he found out I wasn't close to Harry."

"You should also teach sixth and seventh year," proposed Severus, calmer after Albus's suggestion. "Students are older, more autonomous. They will not require your constant assistance in class."

Severus worried too much for her. If instructing the oldest students instead of the youngest helped him find a feeling of serenity, even if it was a minuscule ration of it, she would do it. She only wanted to teach, anyway. A brief nod and it was settled. The Snapes made to leave.

Right before they opened the door, Albus's voice struck them, "I am happy for both of you. Your child will know what love means."

Skyrah gave him a gentle grin.

"Would you have accepted to be the godfather if the Dark Lord hadn't forbidden us to choose?" wondered Severus.

There was a short pause.

"I would have refused at first. I am dying, after all. Nevertheless, I must say your wife is quite persuasive… I reckon that I wouldn't have turned down that chance in the end."

Nobody in the room knew if the response made them feel better or worse.

The Snapes went to the Hospital Wing and asked Poppy to go to their chambers when she finished working. That was how she found herself slumped in an armchair located diagonally from the couch where the Snapes were seated. Poppy had a hard time recalling the last time Severus had invited her over. What she didn't have trouble remembering was the faint potions' scent that impregnated the air and clogged her nostrils until her smelling sense grew accustomed to it.

"My wife and I wanted to ask you something…"

"Do you want to become the godmother of our son?"

Poppy lost her breath at the Skyrah's question. She stared at the pair wide-eyed.

"I don't know how to do this. I… I am not a mother. After I lost my baby, I couldn't have more children. I have zero experience."

"Poppy, you take care of all the school. Of course you have experience!" countered Skyrah, taking her hand. "You have more experience than anyone I know!"

"The fact that you cannot have children makes it even more meaningful," added Severus. "You must have recalled the moment you lost your child while trying to save ours. It must have been hell. We want to repay you. We feel blessed with this boy, and we want you to feel blessed as well. If anything happened to us, we would trust nobody but you with our son. Naturally, you are not obliged to accept. We are merely asking you to consider it."

Poppy was overcome with emotion to the point her eyes watered with happy tears.

"There is no need to think over it. I will be the godmother. Of course I will! Thank you! Thank you so much!"

She rose to hug the Snapes, but Skyrah raised her hand to stop her.

"Before you agree, you should know something about me."

Poppy returned to her seat at the fear of rejection in her eyes.

"You know I spy for Albus," started Severus. "What you don't know is that the Dark Lord set me a task last summer. I had to wed Skyrah and get her pregnant."

Poppy frowned. "Why would he command you to do such a thing?"

"Because I am his daughter."

The blunt answer stunned Poppy, who kept shaking her head.

"This better be a nasty joke."

"I am afraid it isn't. I am You-Know-Who's daughter."

Skyrah hadn't even blinked. She wasn't lying. And it made sense. It made all the sense of the world.

"That's why you didn't tell anybody you were married," Poppy breathed out, glancing at Severus, who nodded. She met Skyrah's gaze and raised her voice. "But you know he isn't loyal to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. If your father knew, Severus would be dead. Why haven't you told him? And what about Mr. Potter? He was living with you two!"

"We would never hurt Harry," said Skyrah, putting her palms forward. "I don't share my father's beliefs, I never did. He kidnapped my mother and half-sister so that he could make them suffer if I didn't obey him… He wanted to manipulate me. Albus helped me and my sister is safe now. Does the name Dione Fawley ring a bell?"

"The red-haired girl who came after the school term began? She wasn't nourished enough when she got here, but she refused to tell me why, and so did Albus."

"Death Eaters held her captive in precarious conditions. That's why my sister was so gaunt."

"Albus knows about this, then."

"He does," confirmed Severus.

"An arranged marriage… You can't fake your emotions like that," she muttered to herself, recalling the way Severus sobbed and cradled the woman after the fatal event. "Your love is genuine."

Severus turned the faintest tinge of pink and shifted about discreetly on the seat. Since when were his emotions so obvious? He dared to glimpse at Skyrah, who was playing with the crows pendant, their love symbol. She met his eyes and gave him a soft grin that almost made him forget how to breathe. If Poppy hadn't been there, he wouldn't have hesitated to kiss her.

"We are overjoyed about becoming parents, not to comply orders but for us. We want to start a family," said Skyrah.

Recovered from his embarrassment, Severus cleared his throat and followed, "We lost the baby girl because the Dark Lord wants an heir, a boy. This baby will be in danger. Skyrah and I will do anything to protect him and keep him safe. We don't want you to become his godmother without understanding the implications."

"We are aware it sounds crazy, so you don't have to answer us now. We just thought you ought to know before making a decision."

Poppy remembered Skyrah crying when she revealed she was pregnant with a boy. Poppy had assumed they were happy tears back then. Now she knew they were relief tears. She stared at their tangled fingers, at the way Skyrah was covering her belly with her free hand while Severus free arm draped around her shoulders, trying to provide some solace to the rejection they were expecting.

"My decision remains the same. Nobody will hurt my godson if I can help it, not even You-Know-Who."

Skyrah and Severus let out a breath they didn't know they had been holding, relieved Poppy hadn't judged them and agreed to such a commitment. While Skyrah hugged the medi-witch fiercely, Poppy locked eyes with Severus.

"Thank you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

"No, thank you for giving me this chance."

Dione and Harry settled down on the sofa, waiting for the Snapes to make a move. They had been the ones to call them, after all.

"We need to tell you something," said Skyrah, almost bouncing in excitement.

"Good news, I guess," Dione mumbled, letting out a titter upon her sister's behavior.

"Notoriously good news, in fact," said Severus, enjoying the youngsters' obliviousness.

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Well? What is it?"

"We are having a baby boy," announced Skyrah as a dazzling smile finally seized her face.

Harry didn't move. Dione made a choking sound.

"I'll be an aunt?"

Skyrah nodded.

"Wow."

Skyrah giggled at her sister's dumbstruck expression. Even Severus smirked. Dione rose from the sofa and hugged her sister. Dione looked at Severus with so much trust and contentment he was taken aback. Not many people looked at him like that. He remembered her initial concern and skeptical attitude towards him when she first came to Hogwarts. She was very fond of Daniel and couldn't fathom why her sister would fall in love with somebody else, even less with a reputed Death Eater, supposedly the most loyal. He also caught the scared face she tried to hide when he gave Neville detention on her first day. Now though, there wasn't even a glimmer of unacceptance and Severus found himself returning the pleased grin.

"Congratulations, sir."

"Thank you, Miss Fawley."

Skyrah smiled at the scene before her.

"The baby is the heir… What will happen to him?" asked Dione, suddenly realizing the critical implications of the news.

"I don't know. What I know is that Severus and I will keep him safe. I will not let Father turn him into a monster."

Skyrah glimpsed at Harry then, who had stayed mute all this time. His eyes were dwelling on her still not-showing belly as if hypnotized, an unreadable expression on his face. She had expected Harry to flash them a broad smile and jump in excitement at the news.

"Harry, are you all right?" wondered Skyrah. "You haven't said anything."

He pulled himself up from the sofa and walked towards the door. He didn't even look at her. If he had, Skyrah would have seen that his emotionless mask was cracking.

"Where are you going? Did you do badly in an exam? Did something happen at the Quidditch practice? You can tell us. Don't leave like that. Sweetheart, come on."

"Don't call me sweetheart!"

Skyrah gasped. She stood in shock as Harry went out through the door without looking back. Dione and Severus exchanged a look and instantly knew how to act: Severus chased the boy while Dione kept her sister company. It didn't take long for Severus to catch him. He took Harry by the chemise's collar and hauled him towards an empty classroom.

"Muffliato," he muttered to ensure nobody would overhear them, shutting the door. Severus turned around, keeping his back on the door, black eyes lancing through Harry. "What the bloody hell is wrong with you, Potter?"

"So we are back to Potter, eh? Not Harry. Never Harry," he said, clenching his jaw.

"Considering that you snapped at your Professor, who just happens to be my wife, for calling you sweetheart, I reckon it is safe to keep my distance and call you by your surname."

Harry sulked, his arms folded across his chest.

After a heavy silence, Severus sighed and asked, this time more calmly, "Why did you react like that, Harry?"

There was no response, not even when Severus stressed his first name.

"You shouldn't have snapped. Frankly, I don't understand why you didn't even smile. I thought you'd be happy for Skyrah, for me. You and Poppy are the only ones who know about the miscarriage." His voice trembled when he pronounced miscarriage and Harry had the urge to avert his gaze to avoid seeing his pain. "You know how much we have suffered. And now, when we finally have something to be happy about and share it with you, you storm off. Do you know how excited Skyrah was to tell you she is pregnant?"

He paused, giving Harry time to absorb the information and reflect.

"You told me you cared about me once. Not congratulating me and my wife for expecting is not the definition of caring. Why did it bother you so much that she called you sweetheart? Why does it bother you so much that Skyrah is with child?"

"It bothers me because you won't care about me anymore!" Harry exploded, making big gestures with his hands. Tears stung in the corners of his eyes, his breathing ragged. "You won't… You will have a son now, a real one, unlike me. You'll stop caring."

Severus drew in a short intake of breath at the outburst, eyes wide open.

"Harry…"

"Don't even try to deny it! I am James Potter's son. Why would you want me? Why would you want an insolent teenager like me?"

Severus cursed himself. He wished he knew what to say to calm Harry down. Skyrah would probably do it effortlessly. She had always been adept at dealing with moody teenagers; unlike him, who finished any impertinence with a detention and a considerable deduction of House points. These methods were inadequate for this case though.

He thought of what Skyrah would do, and whispered, "You aren't your father. I thought you knew this already. Skyrah and I cannot be your guardians, Harry. We discussed it before starting the school year."

A single, impotent tear fell down Harry's cheek, but that didn't stop Severus.

"Do you remember what Skyrah told you then? She said that even though we cannot be a family, the bond was already formed. That is why we wanted to share the news with you and that is why it hurt us when you didn't even look at us while we did so. Skyrah sees you like a son, and I... I care for you, too. This will not change when the baby comes."

Skyrah had told him once she saw him like a son. That didn't surprise Harry. What struck him was that Severus had confessed he cared for him. Granted, he had always been there when he had needed him and he had assured him he cared for all his students, something that included him, but he had never been straightforward with him until now.

"Do you mean it?" Harry asked hopefully, feeling warm and fuzzy.

"I have never lied to you."

Harry gave him a broad smile.

Surprisingly, the corridors were empty and quiet on their way back, in contrast to the chambers, filled with the voices of the sisters. Dione understood as soon as Severus nodded at her that they needed space, so she mumbled a quick goodbye. Harry didn't talk until Dione's footsteps resonated no longer.

"I'm sorry. I acted like a selfish idiot. I thought you wouldn't care about me now that you will have a child. That's nonsense. I see it now. I am happy for you, I really am. After everything you went through, you really deserve this. You will be brilliant parents."

Harry tapped his foot, holding his breath.

Skyrah grinned ruefully. Jealousy had caused his reaction? She couldn't blame him, not when she had been afraid her own mother wouldn't care so much for her after having Dione.

Hoping to save Harry from a deeper embarrassment, she asked, "Do you want to stay for dinner? We could cook together…" She glanced at her husband with an amused expression and added, "I am sure Severus won't mind the help."

Harry's face broke into a radiant, grateful smile the Snapes would treasure forever.

It took Skyrah one week to persuade Severus into telling his mother about the pregnancy before the substitute teacher arrived and the whole school found out. He had agreed to invite Eileen to drink tea as an excuse to bring her over and break the news, but not without a scowl on his face and a little insecurity in his chest.

The Snapes settled on the couch. Eileen sat on the same armchair Poppy had occupied not so long ago. Her gaze leapt from her son to her daughter-in-law various times, finally resting on Severus.

"I know drinking tea was a false context to get me here. Tell me what you want from me already."

Eileen had been cutting, as always, but Skyrah didn't mind it.

In fact, she was just as blunt when she replied, "As you wish. I know you are my mother-in-law. Should I call you Eileen or Irma?"

Eileen looked at Severus, eyes narrowed.

"Did you reveal my secret?"

"My wife is a sharp-witted woman. She figured it out on her own."

Eileen huffed. "So this is why you asked to meet me, to tell me my cover identity is blown."

"Not exactly. We thought you deserved to know something else," started Skyrah.

Even though Severus had to tell the news – Eileen was his mother, not Skyrah's – he vacillated. Skyrah clutched his hand in hers, assuring him he wasn't alone in this. Severus stared at their hands for some time, as well as Eileen. He cleared his throat, grabbing her attention.

"We are having a baby."

Eileen sucked in air. The regular sneer on her face dissipated until her lips were slightly curved up and her black eyes sparked the same way Severus's did when Skyrah told him she was pregnant.

"Do you know its sex?"

She expected the couple to kick her out right then, so she was greatly surprised when Skyrah revealed it was a boy with a thrilled smile on her face.

"A boy," repeated Eileen, looking at Severus.

He was running his thumb across Skyrah's wrist, most likely to avoid looking at his mother. Eileen swallowed the hurt the thought caused in her and congratulated the couple. Skyrah thanked her and Severus gave her a brief nod.

"W-will you let me be part of his life? Will you let me be his... his grandmother?" she stuttered, fearing rejection once again.

Severus's breath caught in his throat. He recalled the words Skyrah uttered some time ago. She deemed Eileen cared for him. Perhaps Skyrah was right, albeit he wasn't ready to forgive his mother yet.

"Do you want to act like a grandmother?" he requested.

Eileen gulped. "I don't want to bother you..."

"That is not a proper response."

"I know I lost my son. I don't wish to lose my grandson before he is even born, too. The answer to your question is yes. I want to act like a grandmother."

Severus stared straight at his mother then, searching for any sign of deception. He hit upon none. The environment was tense.

Eileen was about to surrender and back out of the room, when a velvety voice spoke, "Show me you have changed. Show me you can be a mother first, and I might consider it."

That was more than Eileen had ever hoped for. She gave him a smile that showed her teeth. Severus didn't recall his mother smiling so broadly, ever.

"I will. Skyrah, I know my son probably put up a fight and refused to announce this wonderful news to me, so thanks for convincing him. I… It means a lot. I want you to know that you can count on me if you need anything. And by the way, you may call me Eileen when there is nobody else around to hear us."

"I will, Eileen."

Eileen erased her gleeful grin when she stepped into the corridors, becoming the famous vulture of the library once again, Irma Pince.

Skyrah was eyeing Severus with gleaming eyes.

He quirked an eyebrow. "What?"

"You should be proud of yourself. Your mother hurt you badly throughout your life. Yet, you are willing to give her a chance. It takes a strong, nice man to do that."

He snorted. "Nice is the last adjective anybody would use to describe me."

She pouted. "I disagree. You were always nice to me, even when you knew nothing but my blood line about me. Although, I get it, you have a reputation to protect as the bat of the dungeons."

He shook his head, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You sometimes see things that aren't there…"

"Yes, well. I sometimes think you can be blind when you set your mind to it."

"Skyrah, I'm only nice, as you put it, to you. That doesn't make me a nice man."

"Your argument is invalid. You were nice to Harry on multiple occasions, starting by taking him home despite your past. "

Damn her and her logic, he thought. "You are insufferable."

"I am not. I recall you saying that you might do more than only tolerate me. At most, I exasperate you, but you are never as angry with me as you pretend to be. You are only adorably grouchy."

He cracked a grin because those words couldn't be truer. How well she knew him was scary yet pleasant.

"Let's just say you have the capacity of being nice to whom you want, when you want to," she concluded.

He was about to retort he had no interest in being nice to people, ever, and that he could count the individuals he had ever been nice to with the fingers of his hands and still have some to spare.

However, he teased her further, "Whatever makes you shut your mouth."

"Severus!"

He chuckled and drew her into his arms to kiss her. That silenced her, disregarding the soft whimpers that escaped her mouth, that is.

Skyrah groaned and sagged against the chamber's door, eyelids closed. She came from a first meeting with the new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, and she couldn't be gladder she was back with Severus, in the chambers she was starting to see like home.

"Headache?" he asked, familiar with her pregnancy symptoms.

He had already summoned the anti-headache potion by the time she opened her mouth.

"Yes, but not due to the pregnancy. I have just realized that Albus should get some advice on how to hire personnel."

He couldn't agree more. An ex-Death Eater like himself, Voldemort's daughter, a werewolf, the pain in the arse also known as Lockhart and the stuttering fool that literally had Voldemort in his head, to name a few. Yes. Albus's decisions were questionable to say the least.

"Poor children! I don't want to imagine what a class with that pink toad must be like!"

He lifted an eyebrow at the insult.

"Pink toad? That's a new one," he mumbled, handing her the flask she gladly accepted.

"Yes, well. You'll understand everything later. Tonight Albus is introducing her to the students and the staff. She starts working tomorrow."