Chapter Eleven
As Amelia lies in her bed in the girl's dormitory, she has trouble sleeping. The evening's events are still fresh in her mind. Trying to even her breathing, to calm her down, she's repeating to herself 'Get to sleep...go to sleep...you have potions tomorrow...' she sang, then thinking: 'Falling asleep in class in front of dad will be a grave mistake.' Amelia repeated. She looked over at the clock on her table next to her: 1:30 am.
'Damn,' she cursed to herself. Finally, about 30 minutes later, her eyes drooped, as sleep overcame her. Drifting peacefully into sleep she began to dream:
Dream:
Amelia, who looks older, and taller, stares out of the clock tower window, watching the night sky. She reminisces about someone in particular. She always thought of him as her older brother, but recently, her view of him changed. There's a winter ball coming this year, and for the last few years, she couldn't attend because she wasn't old enough. But now, being in her third year, she is. All these mixed emotions stirred within her. She wants to attend with someone; however, she doesn't know if he'll ask her or if he's even interested. She is now at an age where she can attend the winter ball and she is aware of her feelings for him. She wants to go to the ball with him and she is scared to find out if he is interested in her in the same way.
She is now facing a crossroads; will she take the chance and ask him to the ball or will she keep her feelings to herself?
"Amelia?" She heard her name being called, turning her head to find the voice she saw emerging from the stairs. It was him, the boy she had been thinking about. She was rooted to the spot, her heart beating faster, as she struggled to find the words to ask him.
"Hey..." She whispered; he closed the gap between them. The boy stood in front of her. "What's going on?" He asked. His voice was low and full of concern, and his eyes searched hers. She could feel the tension between them, but there was something safe about it. She took a deep breath and smiled.
"Oh…" She paused.
"Nothing." She shifted her gaze to look out the window again.
"You have always been a terrible liar. I know there's something brewing on in that brilliant head of yours." The boy smirked. His eyes searched hers.
"There's…. this ball." She struggled to find the words to explain what was on her mind. She had been excited about the ball for weeks, but now she felt too scared to go alone. She didn't want to tell him the truth, but she knew he could see right through her.
"The winter ball?" the boy whispered.
"I want to attend, but I don't want to go alone. Teagan has a date, as well as Bailey…even Finn…of all people. No one has batted an eye at me. Am I that hideous that no one will ask me? Maybe Casey was right, maybe I am an ugly bitch." Amelia sighed. The boy grimaced at her degraded herself. The boy felt a deep sadness for her. He knew that Amelia was an incredibly kind person. He was sure she was just as beautiful on the inside as on the outside. He wanted her to know that she was worthy of love and deserved to be asked to the ball.
"Amelia Snape, you are not ugly." The boy said.
"Are you going to the ball?" Amelia asked. "I plan to."
"That means you already have a date, then?" she asked. The boy shook his head. 'She's absolutely beautiful…but sometimes…clueless.' The boy laughed. Amelia noticed his smirk.
"What's so funny?"
"For someone who's so smart, she can be clueless sometimes." He stepped closer to her. Without thinking, the boy took hold of her face, kissing her full on the lips. Amelia drew closer to his warmth. Wrapping her arms around him, the two needed air. She felt like the world around them had stopped spinning. He moved away, still holding her face, their eyes connecting. He leaned in once more, pressing his forehead against hers.
"'Melia, I would like to go to the ball with you." He whispered.
"You do?" she asked in disbelief. The boy grinned.
"Of course, to be honest, since my 4th and your 1st year, I've always fancied you." This confession made Amelia grin from ear to ear. She was taken aback by his confession, but she couldn't deny her own feelings for him. She felt her heart racing and her cheeks flush as she looked into his eyes. They kissed, and it was the start of a beautiful relationship.
"Then…I'd love to go with you." She confirmed. The boy's grin grew wider as he kissed her again. 'If her father caught us, I'd be dead,' he thought in the back of his mind. 'He defiantly doesn't feel like a brother anymore.' Amelia thought as her heart swelled. For the first time, Amelia felt something beyond friendship toward the boy. Even though she knew it was wrong, she wanted to take the risk and enjoy the moment. She no longer saw him as a brother but as something more.
End of Dream
Amelia shot up like a bullet. Looking at the lock; 6:30 am. She couldn't believe she had a dream like that. She never thought of him like that. 'Dreams are so weird. 'Amelia thought to herself. Taking a moment to collect herself, she began to get ready to take on the day.
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Monday, October 1st, 2018
After Lunch Severus met Hermione outside the hospital wing, he left the class to Professor Knight, he knew he could trust him. Closing the gap after making sure no one was around, he embraced her. She breathed in his scent. Sandalwood and fresh herbs, and a hint of vanilla.
"Are you ready for this?" Severus asked his wife. She looked up at him, her chocolate brown eyes meeting his black orbs.
"About as ready as I ever am, you?" She gripped his right arm, for comfort.
"The feeling is mutual." Hand in hand, they walked into the hospital wing.
"There you two are! Hop on the bed dear, we'll take a look." Poppy demanded in her normal happy tone. Nervously, Hermione did as she was told. Severus sat on the other side. Poppy took the gel and placed it on the transducer.
"It's going to be a tad cold dear," Poppy warned her before placing the transducer on her belly. The few moments seemed like a lifetime for Severus, he can only imagine what its like for Hermione. He squeezed her hand for reassurance.
"You're doing great, love," Severus said. She just smiled at him.
"Well?" Hermione asked.
"You are about nine weeks pregnant, have you been experiencing any vomiting, chills, or fever continuous pain, burning with urination, blurred vision, continuous headache, sudden swelling of the hands or face, five or more uterine contractions per hour, decreased fetal movements, leaking of fluid from the vagina? Either blood or water?" Poppy asked.
"I had a little morning sickness, but since I've been taking the supplements, I've been feeling better. However, I've noticed that my boobs hurt more." Hermione confirmed. Severus couldn't help but chuckle.
"It's not because of you." Hermione glared at him. She couldn't help but mess with him.
"I didn't need that image, thank you. But as you know, you need to cut out caffeine, deli meats, and shellfish as it could cause a risk of miscarriage, we don't want a repeat of last time." Poppy instructed. Hermione hated this part of pregnancy. She loved her caffeine, but she understands the risk.
"If your vomiting becomes persistent within the second trimester, I need to know. I need you to look out for any lower abdominal cramps with back pain, vaginal bleeding or discharge, an UTI." Poppy continued.
"We understand Poppy, we've been cautious," Hermione said.
"That's good. So far, you're doing really well, the baby is healthy." Severus didn't know he was holding his breath until he exhaled.
"Looking so tense, Severus." Poppy chuckled. Severus glared at her.
"You beat around the bush, Poppy. About time we get a clear answer." Severus remarked. Hermione squeezed his hand.
"Love, it's alright. She's just going over what is to be expected." She soothed him. Severus huffed.
"Would you like to know the sex?" The two nodded in anticipation.
"Congratulations, Hermione, Severus. You're having a baby girl." There is a moment of silence.
"We're having a girl!" Hermione exclaimed with excitement. Poppy beamed at the couple.
"I'll print these off and give you two some time," Poppy said, leaving the room.
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As the sun sets over the Hogwarts campus, the Gryffindors make their way to the Quidditch field for tryouts. Excitement and nerves mingle in the air as the students anticipate the chance to prove themselves on the pitch. Alex Snape, a loyal friend to James and Arthur, watches from the sidelines, cheering them on as they prepare to take to the skies. Craig Sterling, the Gryffindor team captain, steps forward to address the group, his voice ringing out across the field as he calls for order. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as the tryouts begin, each student eager to show their skills and earn a coveted place on the Gryffindor team.
"Alright now, just because you were on the team last year does not mean you're on the team this year. Potter, Weasley—you're first." Craig signaled to the fourth year. Taking their brooms, they took their flight. Alex watched from afar, taking a seat on a nearby bench he pulled out a few sheets of parchment and a pen. He always preferred pens to quills, cheaper and more effective in his opinion. He started to write.
About halfway through the tryouts, he saw something wiz by him, thinking it was a bug of some sort, he caught it without thinking twice. He tried to squish it; however, it was solid. He turned to see the item in his hand.
"What?" He asked. The shiny golden ball laid in the palm of his hand was the snitch. The boys came running towards him.
"Alex! You—you caught the snitch!" James screamed. Arthur patted him on the back.
"How'd you manage to do that?" Arthur asked.
"I thought it was a bug" Alex explained.
"Are you sure you don't want to try out?" Craig asked.
"I appreciate the encouragement, however, I'm only here for support." Alex glared at his friends.
"You'll be an excellent seeker," James commented.
"I thought you wanted the position?" Alex raised his eyebrow.
"Arg, do you have to do that mate? You remind me of Professor Snape!" Arthur laughed.
"In my defense, I am his son." He sneered.
"What's more important than Quidditch?" Another 4th year asked.
"Music!" Alex answered, a bit annoyed. The Gryffindor group expressed their disappointment by shaking their heads, but Alex was okay with being left alone.
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Headmasters Chambers
Hermione leaned back against Severus' chest as they returned to their chambers. He wrapped his arms around her glowing belly, gently caressing her smooth skin. He kissed the top of her head, taking in her scent of jasmine with a hint of honey. They cherished every moment they had together, and Hermione let out a contented sigh. Severus asked if she was alright, and she smiled at him.
"I am perfectly happy being in your arms right now," Hermione answered. Severus pulled her closer to him.
"I'm—I'm having another daughter." He whispered in her ear.
"Yes—we are." There was a moment of silence before Hermione spoke again.
"Severus?"
"Yes?"
"I hate to ruin this moment…" She paused. Severus growled.
"What?"
"Your daughter would like to have some strawberry cheesecake…. please." She innocently requested, her eyes bored into his, pleadingly.
"So, she's my daughter now?" He teased. Hermione playfully slaps his arm.
"Do you know how much I love you?" Hermione said.
"I should hope so, for dealing with your pain in the arse for almost 19 years." Sarcastically.
"Please?"
"Very well witch. I shall return with my daughter's desert." Unwrapping himself as he headed towards the kitchen. With it being late in the night, the elves are off duty.
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Saturday, October 6th, 2018
Slytherin Common Room It was a successful tryout for the Slytherin Quidditch team. Trying out for Seeker was Amelia's goal. She hopes to make the team. There would be no doubt in her mind that her father would be very proud of her. Mallory Malfoy, Scorpius's sister, tried out for Beater. Mallory would make an excellent beater, according to her observation. Jamie Fraser, 7th year, is this year's Quidditch captain, and he will post the roaster with Madam Diggory.
As far as she was concerned, Jamie was pretty cute. It was his red curls and green eyes that made him fit in perfectly with the Weasleys, as well as his thick Scottish accent that was so appealing to her. Additionally, he has a nice muscular figure to go along with his attractive looks. In the common room, she sat with Teagan, Bailey, and Finn as she watched the corkboard in the corner of the room. Finn turned his attention to the grandfather clock and said,
"It is almost 7 o'clock.".
"Two minutes!" Amelia fidgeted nervously. Her left leg is trembling anxiously with anticipation. She was anxiously waiting for the tryout results. She had worked so hard and now the final moment was just two minutes away.
"Have you told your mum?" Bailey asked.
"She should know. Madam Diggory said that she talked to Dad to see if I could try out, and both agreed to go for it. I assume she knows." She answered. Not really thinking about it as the most awaited piece of parchment appeared on the corkboard. Amelia rushed to the list.
She read:
As of Saturday, October 6h, 2018, this season's team is as follows:
Keeper: Erin Basic -5th year
Beater: Jamie Fraser - 7th-year
Beater: Mallory Malfoy- 3rd-year
Chaser: Charlie Dunn- 7th-year
Chaser: John Felton - 6th-year
Chaser: Scorpius Malfoy - 4th-year
Seeker: Amelia Snape- 1st year
Note: Practices are held Tuesday and Thursday after supper. Please be prepared and ready. Congratulations." Amelia couldn't help but scream in excitement. She hugged Finn as he was the closest person to her.
"OH, MY GOD! I made it! I made the team!" Amelia jumps for joy. Amelia was ecstatic about making it onto the team. She was filled with joy and couldn't contain her excitement. She was overwhelmed with emotions and hugged Finn in celebration.
"You only made the team because your dad is Headmaster." Said a female voice coming down from the girl's dormitory. Amelia looked up to see Mallory Malfoy coming down the stairs. Amelia's friends quickly defended her, telling the female voice that Amelia's skill and hard work landed her a spot on the team. They argued that her father had nothing to do with it and that she deserved to be on the team. This was based solely on her own merits.
"That's not true. She got in because she had talent." Teagan spat back.
"Say's who? Madam Diggory? And how is she qualified to coach the team?" She spoke. Mallory paused before continuing.
"Honestly, I'd never heard of her until this year." She finished as she looked at the list posted on the board. With a cheeky grin, she nodded. Accepting her role as a beater.
"If the Headmaster hires her, she must have the qualifications. I believe Madam Hooch even recommended her."
"I called Malarky about that. Anyway, if they have you as a seeker, Slytherin is screwed. A first year? That hasn't happened since Potter Sr. And as I recall, he only made the team because of rotten luck as the 'chosen one.'"
"Mallory, that's enough," Scorpius called as he entered the common room, wondering what the commotion was about.
"Scorpius…congratulations brother. You made the team." She quickly changed her tune.
"You aren't the high and mighty Mallory. Stop acting like a nasty old hag. Amelia hasn't done anything to you. You wanted your position. Be lucky you got it. If you question her choices, maybe I can talk to Madam Diggory myself and discuss your removal for harassing a team member. I'm sure that will go over well." Scorpius grinned in disgust. He has no idea why she's acting this way towards Amelia. Mallory huffed, glaring at Amelia before walking off.
"What's her problem?" Amelia asked Scorpius.
"She's all but hurt because she wanted to be Slytherin's first, first-year student to join the team. She tried so hard but wasn't cut out for it."
"Her? I saw her try out and she's really talented. I'm surprised?" Amelia was surprised.
"If she wants to be a stick in the mud, so be it." Teagan snarled.
"Congratulations to both of you! I can't wait to see the first match!" Bailey piped up.
A/N: Please Review!