Most Welcome News
Severus sorted through his notes as he put his thoughts in order. It was the day of the symposium, and Severus was nervous. Feeling nervous meant he wasn't in control, and Severus hated not being in control of his circumstances. Severus frowned and made a dissatisfied noise as he tried to pin down the root of his emotions. He knew his topic like the back of his hand, and the research was solid. There was no worry there. Severus sighed heavily as the answer came to him; what had Severus' nerves up was how he felt like an impostor.
He'd attended some of the other presentations; they were given by well-known potioneers and drew large crowds. Compared to them, Severus was nothing more that a young upstart that taught bumbling children ten months out of the year. What could he possibly share that would interest anyone of note? Miriam assured Severus that Miller wouldn't have asked him to participate if he felt Severus brought nothing to the table. He wanted to believe that, but Severus had his doubts.
A knock on the conference room door interrupted his musings, and Severus told the person to come in. He looked up from his seat at the long table as Ian walked into the room. "Uncle Severus, Auntie M sent me to give you these." The young boy handed Severus some papers.
"Thank you, Ian." Severus took the papers and filed them into his pile. Severus inhaled deeply and tapped his papers against the table to straighten them.
"You alright, Uncle Severus? You look paler than usual."
Severus looked oddly at the boy. He could tell Ian was sincere by looking at his face, and Severus' eyes lost their hardness. He was too young to realize what he said wasn't exactly polite. "No," Severus answered honestly. "I am nervous."
Ian's eyes widened. "Do you feel like you're gonna throw up?"
"What? No!" Severus said as he shook his head.
"Oh," Ian said simply. "That's what I do, when I'm nervous. It doesn't help," Ian added.
A small smile passed Severus' thin lips. "I'd imagine not."
"You know what does?" Severus shook his head no, and Ian continued. "I use my Mum's positive phrases."
Curious, Severus sat his papers down. "What are those?"
"It's where you say kind things about yourself, because how you talk to yourself becomes your inner voice. Just tell yourself; I'm smart, I'm courageous, and I can do hard things," Ian explained happily.
An amused expression crossed Severus' face. Ian exuded the confidence of the young, and though his technique probably held merit, Severus felt it wouldn't help him right now. Rather than rebuff the boy, Severus simply nodded. "I'll have to try that, then."
Ian smiled. "You really should. I have to go—Auntie M said to not dawdle."
Severus watched as the door closed behind Ian, and he glanced at the clock on the wall. It was time. Severus picked up his papers and made his way to the lecture hall as he tried to calm his nerves. It was a short walk, and Severus took a moment for himself before he committed to this folly. He stood in the hallway and looked through the window in the door. Will stood at the podium, and he spoke to the crowd that Severus could not see; he hoped there were more people in the audience than just Miriam, Will, and his family. "I'm smart, and I can do hard things," Severus muttered to himself.
A dry chuckle escaped him; he did feel slightly better. Silently, Severus opened the door and closed it behind him. He still could not see the audience, nor they him, as there was a wall separating them. Severus watched Will as he talked about Severus and his work; as he listened, Severus decided he owed Will a drink after this for making him sound more renowned than he was. He glanced at the long table beside the podium; everything he requested was there, and Severus knew once he got his hands on the equipment his nerves would dissipate.
Finally, Will motioned to Severus as he finished his introduction. Severus heard polite applause as he walked confidently to the podium, his outward appearance much calmer than his insides. As he looked out into the room, Severus realized it was full. Surprise replaced his nervousness, though it did not show on his face. As the audience applauded, Severus allowed his eyes to drift over the mass of people.
His gaze went to the front row and settled on Miriam. She sat tall in her seat and she smiled at Severus as she clapped. Will took the seat to her left, and Severus noticed Inga, Helga, Ian, and Phineas finish out the row. To Miriam's right sat Eileen, and then Severus saw Gerald and Norah. He almost didn't recognize them, as they wore wizarding attire to blend in. He saw Albus, Minerva, Filius, Pomona, and Rolanda in the crowd as well. The rest of the seats were filled with other symposium attendees, but Severus also caught a glimpse of Johann, Betsy, and their boys in the sea of people. Severus' eyes fell to Miriam once more, and she winked at him before giving him a subtle nod.
"Good afternoon," Severus began as the applause died away. "Before I begin—,"
/-/-/-
At the conclusion of Severus' presentation, Miriam clapped enthusiastically with the rest of the audience; she was so proud, and it showed on her face. Severus truly was brilliant, Miriam thought to herself as several audience members approached the podium. Miriam watched, amused, as it was now Severus' turn to shake hands and field questions. Eileen gently touched her arm, and Miriam turned away from Severus to look at her mother-in-law. The two witches shared a knowing look, and Miriam gave Eileen a subtle nod. Quietly, Eileen and Norah slipped out of the room.
Severus answered questions and talked with the people around him, and he wondered how Miriam did this so effortlessly. It was exhausting. Occasionally, he'd glance past them and lock eyes with Miriam as she waited for him; the looks he received from her gave him the energy to press on. Severus found the attention overwhelming, and he couldn't wait to take a moment for himself.
Finally, everyone left, and Severus had his moment to breathe. An audience of his peers was certainly more taxing than a room full of students, Severus mused. This experience certainly left Severus with much to think about; mostly if he would ever agree to do this again, Severus thought wryly. Miriam made her way to the long table, and helped Severus gather his things; together, they left the lecture hall. Silently, Severus followed Miriam to the small office she shared with Will.
"Just think, earlier you were worried no one would attend your lecture," Miriam teased as she shut the door. She sat Severus' items down on her desk and turned to face him.
"I never imagined that many would show up," Severus admitted. "What did you do, call in favors to fill the seats?"
Miriam looked slightly offended. "I did no such thing!" She stepped closer, wrapped her arms around his neck and stared into Severus' eyes. "The people you recognized came because they wanted to be here. Even your grandparents came to support you, despite knowing nothing about potions."
"Mmm, yes, imagine my surprise as I looked out and saw Gram in a pointed hat." Miriam laughed, and Severus shook his head.
"I may have had a hand in that," Miriam admitted. "Severus, I'm so proud of you. You were brilliant!" Miriam declared as she beamed at her husband. "How does it feel to be seen for your skills?"
Miriam had always told Severus his work was amazing, and today was the first time Severus had tangible proof others thought so as well. "It did feel good, having peers take my research seriously and ask questions," Severus answered truthfully.
Miriam looked at him appreciatively, and Severus gently brushed the side of her face with his curled fingers. Severus studied Miriam as he looked for any signs she wasn't feeling well, and he pulled Miriam closer as his hands rested against the small of her back. "How are we feeling?"
His dark eyes searched her face and his expression was somber; the past week was particularly trying on both of them. One morning, he walked in on her clutching her bump, a concerned look on her face. His initial reaction was panic, but Severus quickly stamped it down. His calmness would also keep Miriam calm, and that was the most important thing.
Miriam was reluctant to say anything, but when he pressed her, she admitted to feeling pain along her hips and lower abdomen. Severus insisted on flooing Dr. Bickerstaff, and he promptly made a quick house call. After a brief exam and several questions, Dr. Bickerstaff reassured them the pains were normal and expected at this stage of her pregnancy. It was a relief to them both, but Severus still found himself keeping a watchful eye on his wife.
Miriam saw the worry in Severus' eyes, and she bit her lower lip. Severus gently rubbed her hips, and Miriam sighed as her aching muscles relaxed under his hands. "We are fine, Severus." She smiled softly at the relief she saw fill Severus' eyes; she hated that she caused him worry on such an important day. Miriam knew she was Severus' first priority, but she wanted to give Severus one day focused solely on him and his accomplishments. In Miriam's eyes, it was the least he deserved.
Severus watched as Miriam's countenance changed as she stared at him, and he felt her fingertips slip beneath his hair. "You look absolutely besotted," Severus mused.
"I am. Severus, if this child has a fraction of your mind, the world won't know what to do."
"Well, their mother is equally brilliant."
"Oh, Severus," Miriam whispered as she lowered her eyes.
Severus lifted her chin with a slender finger. "Never doubt that." He kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Now, shall we bid our farewells to Will and go home?"
"I'd like that," Miriam readily agreed. Miriam slipped her hand around Severus' offered arm, and together they exited the office. They walked leisurely down the hall, until Miriam stopped abruptly as she remembered something. "Oh, Merlin, I think I left my cloak in the conference room! Would you grab it for me?" Miriam sweetly asked Severus as she gestured ahead at the door.
"Of course," Severus replied as he reached for the knob. Without another thought, he opened the door and stepped through.
"CONGRATULATIONS!" A chorus of voices rang out, and the sudden noise startled Severus. Severus took a large step back; he bumped into Miriam and froze in the doorway. He looked suspiciously at the room full of people, and they looked back at him happily. Everyone he recognized from the audience was there. The long table he sat at earlier was pushed against the wall, and it was piled high with various finger foods and drinks. His dark eyes narrowed; to Severus, it looked like a surprise party.
He felt Miriam's small hand on his shoulder. "I had no part in the size of the audience, but my hands were all over this," Miriam whispered in his ear.
Severus turned slightly and looked at his wife's pleased expression. "Sneaky little witch," Severus whispered back.
"I'm only sneaky when necessary. How else could I plan the celebration you deserve?" Miriam asked her husband. "Go on, Severus, live a little," Miriam teased as she gently pushed Severus further into the room.
/-/-/-
"It's your move, Severus."
Severus stared at Miriam over the small chess table between them. She sat in a walnut curule chair, her left arm draped over the upholstered scrolled arm, and her hand of playing cards in her right. She crossed her legs and studied him silently as she waited. An errant curl blew across her face as the wind from their open balcony doors gusted through the bedroom. Miriam shook her hair over her shoulder and looked at him expectantly.
Severus looked at his hand, then at the discard pile. He picked up the jack of spades and discarded a five of hearts. "Gin," Severus said, his voice triumphant, as he knocked and spread his cards across the table for Miriam to see.
"Ah, damn," Miriam breathed. She shook her head. "You bested me that time," Miriam admitted. She placed her losing hand by the discard pile and grabbed a handful of popcorn. She watched Severus tally the points as she munched away.
"Well, I'm only ahead by ten points, so there's hope for you yet," Severus teased. He watched Miriam laugh at his comment, and his eyes drifted over her. It was late, and Miriam wore a linen nightgown and nothing else. The scooped neckline was low, and the spaghetti straps left her arms bare as the off-white linen flowed loosely to her knees. Severus picked up the cards and began to shuffle them. "I wish our summers were longer."
"Why is that?" Miriam asked as she gazed at him.
"We have no responsibilities, except to spend time with one another." His eyes met hers as Miriam leaned forward. Her small hand slid over his, and Miriam smiled.
"I love spending time with you, Severus—even when you trounce me at cards," Miriam teased. Suddenly, the magic around them shifted, and Severus felt Miriam's hand tighten around his. Their wards alerted them that the floo was active in their sitting room.
"Who could be dropping in at this hour?" Severus groused. He stood and grabbed their dressing gowns from the foot of their bed. He handed Miriam hers, and slipped his arms into his. As he tied the sash, Severus watched as Miriam debated how to tie hers closed. Frustrated, she settled on just above her bump, and Severus smirked slightly as he gestured for Mia to go ahead of him.
As the couple descended the stairs, they heard Will's urgent voice as he walked through the house. "Miriam! Are you up?"
"Oh, Gods, I hope Inga is alright," Miriam whispered to Severus as she hurried down the stairs. The three met at the bottom of the staircase. "What's wrong? Is something wrong with Inga? Are Ian and Phineas, okay?"
Will seemed caught off-guard by Miriam's rapid-fire questions. "They're fine. Why would you think they're not?" Will asked, bewildered.
Miriam looked at Will as though he sprouted antlers. "Why else would you be here this late? Inga's last pregnancy did not end well, and frankly I'm more anxious for her than I am for myself," Miriam answered Will sharply.
"Ah, hell," Will muttered as he realized how this appeared to Miriam. Chastened, he looked at the floor and rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm sorry I scared you, Miriam—it was not my intention."
Severus cleared his throat and Will looked at the tall wizard standing behind Miriam. "If everything is fine, why are you here so late, Will?"
Will hesitated. "Things aren't exactly fine. Could we sit down and talk for a moment?"
Severus frowned and gestured ahead to the sitting room. He placed his hand gently on the small of Miriam's back as they followed Will. The couple sat on the loveseat and Will took a seat beside them in the leather chair. Miriam's hand reached for his, and Severus twined his fingers through hers as they waited for Will to speak.
For a long moment, Will studied Miriam's face. At length, he spoke. "Malcolm's dead, Miriam."
Miriam's brows knitted together as she absorbed Will's words. Severus watched as a wicked grin twisted her full lips. "Good," Miriam said simply.
Will nodded in agreement. "That was my sentiment as well."
"How did you find out?" Miriam asked.
"Silvan Burns dropped by the house. Apparently, Malcolm had me listed as his first person to contact," Will said tiredly.
"Lucky you," Miriam said sarcastically.
"Who's Silvan Burns?" Severus interjected.
"Malcolm's crooked-assed lawyer," Miriam sighed. "He's quite amoral, even as lawyers go."
Will chuckled. "He asked me for your address, you know—said he wanted to stop by and talk with you about the next steps, as you are the only surviving kin."
"What a load of shite! Silvan is well aware of my place of residence." Miriam shook her head. "What did you say?"
"I said absolutely not! I then told him any meetings would take place at our offices in London; I figured you wouldn't want him here."
"No. No, I do not," Miriam said firmly. She shifted slightly and crossed her legs. "Besides, I don't know why he wants to meet with me anyway. I don't care what happens."
"Miriam, you know that the estate and any personal effects will pass to you, and those will have to be dealt with," Severus reminded her.
Miriam made a disgruntled noise as she thought about his words. She looked at Severus. "You're right," Miriam admitted. "Leave it to the bastard to make me responsible for his mess one last time." Defeated, Miriam sighed heavily, and she felt Severus slip his arm around her shoulders.
Will cleared his throat. "You'll probably get an owl tomorrow, but I wanted to tell you as soon as I could. I'm sorry I scared you."
"It's alright." Miriam frowned. "I just…I can't believe that after all these years, it's finally over." Suddenly, realization dawned on her face and Mirim lightly slapped the cushion beside her. "Oh, damnit! You bring me most welcome news, and here I am, unable to partake in the bottle we have set aside for this monumental occasion."
Will laughed, and then he saw Severus' confused expression. "I have a bottle of Dom Perignon at the house. We promised years ago to drink it together when Malcolm went the way of the ghost," Malcolm explained.
"It's a good bottle, I take it?"
"Absolutely," Will affirmed. "1961Magnum Moet Chadon—worth about 1,333 galleons." Severus' dark eyes widened at the price. "Don't worry, it'll keep until you're done being pregnant and breastfeeding," Will assured Miriam. "Oh! Speaking of babies, how was your appointment?"
"It was wonderful!" Miriam said happily.
"Then, you know if it's a boy or a girl?"
Miriam looked at Severus, and she blushed. "We do."
Will leaned forward in anticipation. He looked from Severus to Miriam as the silence hung in the air. "Well?" Will asked impatiently.
"It's a secret," Severus replied.
Will threw up his hands. "Gah! You two make me crazy! Fine, keep your secrets, then," Will pouted as Miriam laughed.
/-/-/-
The next morning, Miriam woke to the sound of Severus breathing deeply beside her, his arm draped over her. It was a late night, but for her lack of sleep, Miriam wasn't tired. Oddly enough, she felt energized and at peace. She smiled and stretched slowly as she tried to not wake Severus up. Her actions were for naught; Miriam felt Severus squeeze her gently. Very carefully, she rolled over.
"Morning," Severus whispered. His eyes opened slightly before they closed again as he yawned loudly.
"Good morning," Miriam said softly. Severus still seemed tired. "Did you not sleep well?"
"Just not long enough," Severus admitted.
"I'm sorry about last night. I hadn't planned on being up that late."
"Wasn't….put out…least," Severus mumbled.
Miriam gazed lovingly at Severus as he began to slip back into sleep. She kissed him on the cheek, then whispered. "Go back to sleep, love."
A few hours later, Severus woke to a quiet room and an empty bed. He brushed his hand over Miriam's silk pillowcase and noticed it felt cool to the touch. Severus sat up and ran his hands down his face. He left his dressing gown at the foot of the bed and groggily made his way downstairs.
The kitchen was the center of activity, Severus realized as he made his way through the still house. Severus found Miriam at the stove, her back to him as she worked. Severus smelled the scent of crepes in the air before he noticed the tall stack beside Miriam. They shimmered under the preserving charm she placed over them.
Severus glided silently across the room to stand beside Mia. "Good morning, again," Severus said silkily.
Miriam turned slightly and smiled widely at Severus. "Good morning! Brunch?" Miriam inquired as she poured a ladle of batter into the hot skillet.
Severus watched with interest as Miriam tilted the pan and spread the batter impossibly thin. The crepe bubbled and began to brown before he answered. "Please. I didn't know you made crepe batter yesterday."
Miriam kept her eyes trained on the crepe. "I did, and I used all of our buckwheat flour, so remind me to put it on Millie's shopping list. The crepes are almost done, the chocolate sauce is ready, and here is your cup of coffee," Miriam said as she handed the warm cup to Severus.
Severus took a sip and allowed himself a moment to appreciate the thoughtful gesture. Miriam made his coffee just the way he preferred it—one sugar with a splash of cream. "Thank you," Severus said sincerely, and Miriam nodded. She flipped the crepe expertly and continued to watch it carefully. "You've been quite busy this morning. Need any help?"
"You could slice the bananas," Miriam told him.
"Putting my knife skills to good use, I see," Severus quipped as he grabbed a knife and the cutting board.
Miriam laughed. "Well, I do love to watch you work with your hands, Severus," Miriam teased.
"I'm well aware," Severus drawled. He settled in beside her at the counter and started peeling and slicing. "What are our plans for the day?"
Miriam raised an eyebrow at Severus' question. She wondered how her husband would take her request, since it was not something he enjoyed. "I'd like to go shopping." Miriam turned off the stove and added her last crepe to the stack. She leaned against the counter and watched Severus slice the bananas. "What say you to buying furniture for the nursery?"
Severus paused and pretended to appear deep in thought. "I say, that's a marvelous idea, Mrs. Snape," Severus answered. "Just tell me where you'd like to go, and we'll get whatever you want."
"Really?" Miriam asked, her voice laced with surprise. She didn't know what to think about him agreeing so readily. Severus usually wasn't a fan of leisurely perusing the shops, and Miriam thought she'd have to work harder to convince him.
"Yes, really." He sat the knife down and looked at Mia. "I want you to create the nursery you've always dreamt about. Right down to the paint on the walls and curtains for the windows. If we have to commission a bespoke crib to get what your heart desires, then that's what we'll do," Severus said firmly. "After all, it's not every day we have a baby."
Miriam's grey eyes misted over at Severus' words. Concerned at her reaction, he grasped her hand and kissed it; Miriam took a shaky breath as Severus studied her. "You're right," Miriam agreed. "It's not."
Severus pulled Miriam into his arms, and as he held her, Severus could hear Miriam's muffled sniffles as she cried. "I didn't mean for my words to upset you. Please don't imitate a rain cloud," Severus gently teased Mia as he attempted to lighten the mood.
Miriam rested her head against Severus' shoulder. "I'm not upset, Severus. You've no idea how happy your words made me."
"You're happy, yet you're crying?"
"Yes." Miriam pulled away slightly to look at Severus. He stared at her, the confusion he felt evident on his face.
"There are some things about you that will always remain a mystery to me," Severus finally admitted.
"Severus, before you, no one was invested in or interested in what I wanted. No one loves me like you do, and when that deep love overwhelms me, it comes out as tears sometimes," Miriam explained.
Severus was silent for a moment. "I suppose I can understand that. No one loves me like you do, either."
"I was also taken by surprise—you really threw me for a loop, you know. I was prepared to wear you down over several conversations about coming with me," Miriam added with a small laugh.
"It's my job to keep you guessing," Severus teased, but he quickly sobered. "I meant every word—whatever you want, Mia, it's yours."
"Whatever we want, Severus. We're doing this together—all of it," Miriam said earnestly.
"Whatever we want," Severus repeated as he kissed Miriam on the forehead and held her close.
/-/-
A/N: This chapter took longer than I wanted, but finally...it's done.