Just Us Two?
Miriam slowed her run down to a jog and tried to catch her breath. This was Miriam's easy run, but today she struggled to keep pace. Determined, Miriam pushed herself to jog the last half kilometer. When the front doors of the castle came into view, Miriam slowed to a walk. Her hands on her hips, Miriam gasped for air; she focused on breathing in deeply through her nose and out her mouth.
As she walked to their chambers, Miriam thought about how wonderful this year had been so far. She and Severus both turned twenty-five in January. Then, in February they celebrated a memorable Valentine's Day followed shortly by their one-year anniversary. Granted it was only March, but Miriam held optimism for the remainder of the year.
Glad to be home, Miriam sank down into the soft couch on their upper floor. Why was she so exhausted, Miriam wondered idly as she bent over to unlace her trainers. Miriam kicked her shoes off and stretched out across the cushions. She was chilled to the bone from being outside, and the heat from the fire felt amazing. Miriam closed her eyes and decided to warm up for a few minutes before taking a hot bath.
Severus dismissed his last class and watched the students file out. He gathered his crate of vials to grade and carried them down the corridor, then through the door into their sitting room. He sat them beside his desk and looked around the room. Though a fire burned in the hearth, the room sat empty. Where was Miriam, Severus wondered. She should be back from her run, showered and dressed; they had dinner in an hour.
Severus took the stairs to the upper floor. As he entered the large room, he saw Miriam asleep on the couch. Her shoes were strewn across the rug and she still wore her black sweatpants and sweatshirt. Both pieces sported the Slytherin crest prominently, as they were quidditch team wear from her seventh year. Her hair was braided around her head to keep it off her face.
Severus came closer and knelt beside the couch. His brow furrowed with concern; Miriam's behavior was unusual. Her naps were usually reserved for breaks or weekends; the last time she napped in the middle of a weekday was while recovering from the dark spell incident.
"No more biscuits," Miriam mumbled. "More tea." Her words trailed off as she slept on.
Severus watched Miriam sleep. She was obviously knackered; while Severus wanted to leave her be, he also knew she needed time to get ready. "Mia," Severus whispered. He gently squeezed her shoulder. "You need to wake up, love."
Miriam stirred at his words. She looked up at Severus with sleepy eyes. "Why are you home so early? I thought you had class," Miriam said with a yawn, then she smiled at him.
"Early? We have dinner in an hour," Severus told his wife.
Miriam's eyes widened. "What!" the witch exclaimed. She sat up and looked at the clock on the mantel. "I've been out for over an hour, then," Miriam said as she ran a hand down her face. She watched Severus as he stood and then sat beside her on the couch.
"Are you poorly?" Severus asked.
He brushed his thumb across Miriam's cheek and put his arm around her. Miriam saw the worry in his eyes. "I'm fine," she reassured him. "Just really tired, that's all."
Severus smiled. "I could tell. You were talking in your sleep about tea and biscuits."
"Really?" Miriam shook her head. "That's strange." She wrapped her arms around Severus and rested her head against his shoulder, which was still covered with his teaching robes.
Severus squeezed Miriam gently as he held her. He heard Miriam inhale deeply. "Gods, Severus. You smell so good!" Miriam's voice sounded almost greedy as she took another deep breath.
"What?!" Severus said incredulously.
Still wrapped in his arms, Miriam looked at Severus. "You smell like chai, and sandalwood." Miriam brushed her nose along his collar and inhaled once more. "Mmmm, and dittany," she breathed.
Severus looked strangely at his wife. "How could you… I had a cup of chai tea during my first class this morning, and my cologne was applied hours ago. I suppose I picked up the dittany when I cut some leaves after lunch. Nose of a bloodhound you have today," Severus mused.
Miriam laughed. "I suppose so." She looked again at the clock and sighed. "I'm just going to wash my face and put on what I was wearing before. Want to join me for a bath after dinner?" Miriam asked.
"Of course," Severus said, pleased at the invitation.
Over the next few weeks, Miriam and Severus kept busy with their respective duties. One windy afternoon, Miriam returned home shortly before Severus. She busied herself with tidying up a bit as she waited for her husband. Nos followed Miriam around insistently; he twined around her legs and meowed at her. She lovingly scratched his chin and continued on, but still he followed. His meows grew louder and more insistent. Pushed to her limit, Miriam stopped. "Merlin's beard! What!? What is it that you want, Nos?" the witch hollered in frustration.
Nosferatu looked at Miriam and meowed so loud and long at her it was as if he accused her of offending his ancestors. "Ohhh," Miriam said as she understood. "You're hungry."
Miriam grabbed his dish and a tin of cat food from the cupboard. Nos went to the hearth and waited patiently for Miriam to serve him; his black tail tucked politely around his paws. She walked over and knelt down to set the dish on the stone. "Silly cat," Miriam said to him as she popped off the lid. The smell of chicken delight hit Miriam square in the face and her stomach rebelled. She clapped her hand over her mouth to keep from vomiting on the rug. Miriam bolted for the guest loo and heaved the remnants of her lunch into the toilet.
With a groan, Miriam raised her head. That was unexpected, Miriam thought to herself. The cat food never affected her like that before. Miriam shook her head and chalked it up as a fluke occurrence. She flushed, and then went to the master bath to brush her teeth.
Severus was piling things on top of his desk when Miriam walked into the sitting room. "Is there a reason why Nosferatu is upstairs eating out of a tin like some feral stray?" Severus asked his wife.
Miriam hesitated. She didn't want to tell Severus about getting sick; he would worry, and Miriam didn't want that. "Oh, that's my fault. I dropped it when I went to feed him and then I got distracted," Miriam said. At least what she said was partially the truth, Miriam reasoned. She felt guilty about her little lie.
Severus nodded. "Well, good luck getting it away from him," Severus said. "Come," Severus offered Miriam his arm. "Let's go to dinner."
Dinner was amazing, as always. Roast was usually one of her favorites, but tonight Miriam picked at her food. She really wasn't hungry, so she reached for her wine and took a small sip of the red liquid. Miriam's expression turned to one of disgust, and she sat the goblet down.
Severus noticed Miriam's face and looked at her quizzically. He took note of the food on her plate that she had barely touched. "What's wrong?" Severus asked.
Miriam shook her head. "Does the wine taste sour to you?" she asked.
"No, I think it's fine," Severus replied.
"Must be just me, then," Miriam said, perplexed. She reached for the carafe of water and poured herself a glass.
As she drank, Severus looked again at her full plate. "Are you not hungry?" he asked.
"Not really," Miriam admitted.
Severus leaned over. "Are you sure you're alright?" he whispered.
"Severus, I'm fine," Miriam whispered back. She gave him a measured look until he straightened and returned to his meal.
-/-/-/
The last day of March was a Sunday. It had been a gray, damp month. Snow covered the grounds, and the dungeons were icy. The cold was brutal, even for Scotland. Moods were foul and tempers often short amongst the students since they were stuck inside the castle. However, the Snape's quarters were a haven; charmed to retain warmth, they rivaled the kitchens for comfort. Miriam and Severus spent every free moment they had in the home they created beneath the lake. The pair kept to themselves mostly, content in each other's company.
Miriam woke later than their usual time, but she was in no hurry to get up. She actually felt rested, which was a refreshing change. She'd been tired more days than not, lately. Miriam pushed that nagging thought out of her mind as her brow furrowed. She shut her eyes and tried to go back to sleep. After several minutes, Miriam sighed and looked at the clock. Her stomach did a little flip and Miriam scowled. Not again, Miriam thought as she inhaled deeply through her nose. She laid on her side, desperate to delay the inevitable.
Miriam dared not move as she battled with herself. Just then, she felt Severus tighten his arm around her middle to pull her closer. The battle was lost as a wave of nausea washed over Miriam; she flung off the covers and ran for the loo.
If Severus wasn't awake when Miriam jumped out of bed, the sound of the bathroom door as it slammed shut certainly did the trick. He wondered what the hell was going on as he tossed the covers aside and walked silently to the door. His eyes narrowed as he heard Miriam throwing up on the other side.
The witch was hiding something from him. Severus had heard her vomiting a few other times, though she did not know he heard. They were random times and days with no pattern Severus could decipher. That, coupled with her not eating and things tasting off had Severus worried. What if she was gravely ill? If Severus lost her now, he didn't think he could bear it.
Miriam, meanwhile, was oblivious to Severus' turmoil on the other side of the door. She flushed the toilet and leaned against the wall. Mia stood wearily, and washed her hands, leaving the tap on as she prepared her toothbrush. She needed to talk to Severus; the sooner the better. Miriam looked in the mirror then down at the sink as she began to brush her teeth. She leaned over the vanity as she argued internally with herself about what to say to Severus. How would she tell him that she was pregnant?
Miriam rinsed out her mouth and turned off the tap. She grabbed the hand towel and dried her face, straightening as she did so. When she looked in the mirror, she locked eyes with Severus.
"Christ!" Miriam exclaimed as she jumped. She spun around and stared wide-eyed at Severus; the hand towel clutched to her chest.
"You're hiding something from me," Severus said quietly; his tall frame loomed over Miriam.
Miriam could hear the faucet drip behind her as she studied Severus' pale face. His expression was unreadable.
"Miriam, what's going on?" There was an edge of anger to his words. Severus crossed his arms and waited.
Miriam hesitated as Severus stared her down. The words simply would not come.
Severus watched Miriam visibly deflate in front of him as her eyes filled with tears. Instantly, his anger melted away. "Come here," Severus said softly. He pulled Miriam to him and wrapped her in his arms. Miriam clung to him, and Severus felt his shirt dampen as she cried.
At length, Severus guided Miriam to their bed and they sat down beside each other. "I did not mean to startle you," Severus said. "But what aren't you telling me? Are you sick? Is it serious?" Miriam shook her head no. "Then what?" Severus asked in exasperation as he wiped away Miriam's tears.
Miriam looked at Severus and saw nothing but concern and worry in his dark eyes. At that moment, she found her words. Miriam took a deep breath. "Severus, I think I'm pregnant."
Miriam's words rang in his ears. They didn't fill him with anxiety and dread like the first time he suspected she might be with child. Still, his mind flooded with random thoughts and feelings. Disbelief, because so many doctors told them it would probably never happen. Reckless, for all the times they forgot to use the contraceptive spell—which was more often than not, lately. Tobias and his lackluster fatherly attributes, and Severus' own shortcomings.
There was also memories of Miriam and her nephews; her gentleness and delight in teaching them, and his own pleasant experiences with Ian and Phineas. Their conversation at the little garden café where they talked about children replayed in his mind. Severus meant what he'd said that day; only with Miriam would he ever entertain the idea of a child. He also knew the desires of his wife's heart. Severus saw the want that filled Mia's eyes when she looked at her nephews before resignation over her situation would replace it.
Miriam watched Severus as he quietly sat beside her. He seemed confused as his eyes flitted briefly to her abdomen, then back to her face. The silence was killing her; she just wanted him to say something—anything. "Severus, please talk to me," Miriam pleaded.
"Are you late?" Severus finally asked.
Miriam nodded her head yes. "You know it's always wonky, so that really doesn't mean anything."
Severus nodded. "You've been vomiting." Severus' words were a statement, not a question. Miriam dropped her eyes and nodded. "You're barely eating." Again, Miriam nodded. Severus' dark eyes narrowed. "How long have you suspected?" he asked.
"About a week." Miriam's voice was barely a whisper.
Severus made a noise of frustration. He slipped a finger under Miriam's chin and tilted her face to look at his. "A week? Mia, why didn't you come to me sooner?"
"I don't know! I just... This wasn't supposed to happen! What if I am? What if I'm not? What if I am and I miscarry? What if you're angry with me? What if—"
Severus pulled Miriam into his arms to stop her rambling thoughts. "Why would I be angry?" he asked. "We knew this could happen."
Miriam looked at him. "The Chudley Cannons 'could' win the Quidditch World Cup, but that doesn't mean squat," Miriam said sarcastically.
"Well, we basically stopped using the contraceptive spell," Severus said more to himself than Miriam. "Speaking of spells, why haven't you found out if you actually are pregnant yet?"
"Denial, I guess? I didn't want to be alone when I found out, but I didn't know how to tell you, either. Besides, you're the one with experience casting that particular spell, Severus. Not me."
Severus scowled. He remembered well the rough patch he and Miriam had that drove him to seek out and learn the pregnancy detection spell. "Perhaps I should have kept that memory to myself," Severus said tartly as he pulled his wand out from under his pillow. For a long moment, he and Miriam simply looked at each other. Then, Severus grasped her hand; with the other, Severus moved his wand in short, precise movements and pointed the tip at Miriam's navel. Neither of them moved as they watched and waited. The tip of Severus' wand glowed white and then deepened to a bright gold.
Severus rested his elbow on his knee and rested his chin in his hand. He stared at Miriam's flat stomach. "You're pregnant." He looked at Miriam and gifted her a small smile.
Miriam's face lit up with joy. She placed her hand on Severus' leg. "You're going to be a father."
Severus' dark eyes widened as the reality began to sink in. What had they gotten themselves into? "Bloody hell," he breathed. His hand touched his forehead, and he dragged it slowly down his white face. It was as if all his color was wiped away.
Miriam dropped her eyes to their coverlet. "You're not happy?" Miriam asked quietly.
Severus dropped his wand on the bed and cupped Miriam's face with both of his hands. "Listen to me right now, Miriam Snape. I told you before, if a child finds its way, we will take care of it-together. I meant it then, and I mean it now." Miriam's eyes searched his face as though looking for the truthfulness in his words. "I'll even make an unbreakable vow if you need reassurance that I will take care of you."
Miriam's eyes softened. "No, Severus, you don't need to do that. I believe you."
Severus sighed. "I know my reaction isn't what you expected, but you've had a week longer than me to process this. I will need time, but I am not unhappy. Shocked and scared shitless maybe, but not unhappy," Severus added.
Miriam let out a small laugh and Severus looked relieved. "I love you, Severus."
"I love you, too. Are you feeling better now?" Severus asked.
Miriam nodded. "I'm just worried. I feel so unprepared."
Severus leaned back against the headboard and brought Miriam with him. "Worrying never solved any problem, Mia. Let's get you booked in with your doctor and go from there, hmm?" He felt her small arms squeeze him tight, and Severus absently ran his hand through Miriam's hair. They held each other, lost in their own thoughts.
/-/-/-/
A/N: I've had their lives planned out since before I started writing, and I always knew I wanted to give them a child in my stories. Btw, the timeframe is 1985.