Chapter 1*

Lucius Malfoy was lounging with a book in his favorite chair by the fireplace, the soft crackle of the flames normally a source of comfort. Today, however, a sudden wave of nausea washed over him, tightening his throat and churning his stomach. He set the book aside, his brow furrowing in discomfort as he pressed a hand to his abdomen. The sensation intensified, making his mouth water with the unmistakable taste of bile. Clamping a hand over his mouth, Lucius bolted from the room, the world tilting slightly as he rushed down the hall.

In the bathroom, he barely made it to the toilet before retching, his body convulsing with the force. He gasped, taking deep, shaky breaths, and reached for his wand, quickly casting a cleaning spell. The sharp pain in his stomach lingered, a dull ache that seemed to radiate outward, twisting uncomfortably.

Lucius wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, feeling unusually vulnerable. He leaned heavily against the sink, his reflection in the mirror pale and drawn. The dark circles under his eyes were more pronounced than usual, evidence of restless nights and frequent trips to the bathroom. He couldn't deny it any longer—something was wrong.

"Father," Lucius called weakly as he entered the study where Harden Malfoy, the ever-present figure of support and authority in his life, was working. Lucius had always admired how Harden balanced both the traditional roles of parenthood. To Lucius, Harden was simply "mom," a blend of wisdom and strength he had come to rely on.

Harden looked up immediately, concern flashing in his eyes at the sight of his son's pallor. "Lucius, what's the matter?"

Lucius, visibly pale and trembling, hesitated before speaking. "I've been sick, Mom. My stomach hurts badly, and I feel dizzy. I just... I need your help."

Harden's expression tightened with worry, his normally calm demeanor giving way to concern. "Sit down, Lucius. I'll contact the family healer right away."

Lucius sank into the nearest chair, his hands trembling slightly as he rested them on his knees. He watched as Harden moved to the fireplace, his silhouette tense against the glow of the flames. With a flourish of green fire, Harden called for the family healer, his voice edged with the urgency of a parent's worry.

As Harden spoke into the flames, Abraxas Malfoy entered the room, his eyes narrowing as he took in the sight of his son's distress. "Lucius, what's going on?" Abraxas asked, his voice firm but laced with concern.

Lucius opened his mouth to respond, but before he could speak, Healer Mitchell Jones stepped through the fireplace, her demeanor professional and composed. She was known for her no-nonsense approach, but there was a warmth to her that put Lucius slightly at ease.

"Lucius," she began gently, moving to his side. "Can you tell me what symptoms you're experiencing?"

Lucius leaned back, closing his eyes briefly as if gathering his thoughts. "I've been nauseous, my stomach's in knots, and I'm exhausted all the time. I've also been waking up more frequently at night, feeling bloated and... just off."

Healer Jones nodded, her expression serious but understanding. She pulled out her wand and began a series of diagnostic scans, her movements precise. Lucius watched the glow of her wand with a sinking feeling, his mind racing with possibilities. He thought of the nights he spent tossing and turning, the sudden food aversions, and the overwhelming fatigue that had been plaguing him.

After a moment, Healer Jones studied the results of her scans, her expression growing more serious. She turned back to Lucius, her tone careful and measured. "Lucius, I need to ask you something personal. Have you been sexually active recently?"

Lucius frowned, confusion and concern evident on his features. "Why do you ask?" he said, his voice slightly strained.

"Because," she said, hesitating only briefly, "the scans indicate that you're pregnant."

For a moment, Lucius was silent, the shock of her words rendering him speechless. The room seemed to close in around him, his mind struggling to process the healer's revelation. Pregnant. The word echoed in his mind, conflicting with everything he had known.

Abraxas, who had been standing nearby, was the first to speak, his voice firm but tinged with disbelief. "Lucius, is this true? How is this possible?"

Lucius swallowed hard, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, Father. It's true." He glanced at Harden, whose face was a mixture of shock and a growing sense of understanding.

Harden's voice was softer, but no less serious. "Who is the other parent, Lucius?"

Tears welled in Lucius's eyes as he answered, his voice cracking. "Severus Snape. We've been... involved. But I didn't expect this. I'm scared, Mom. I don't know what to do."

Healer Jones, sensing the need for privacy, quietly excused herself, leaving the family to process the news. Her exit left a silence that was heavy with unspoken words.

Harden moved closer to Lucius, his expression shifting from shock to concern. "Lucius, was this consensual?" he asked gently, his hand resting on Lucius's shoulder.

"Yes, it was," Lucius replied, his voice trembling. "But Severus told me that if this happened, he didn't want any part of it."

Harden's expression hardened with determination. "We need to speak with Severus and his father. This cannot be ignored, Lucius. You won't go through this alone."

"Please, Mom," Lucius pleaded, his eyes full of anxiety. "I don't want to make things worse."

Abraxas placed a hand on his son's other shoulder, his expression firm but reassuring. "Lucius, we are your family. We will handle this. Your well-being is our priority."

Shortly afterward, Tobias Snape and Severus arrived at Malfoy Manor. Severus appeared irritated, his expression impatient as he glanced around the opulent study. "I have important studies to attend to," he muttered, barely acknowledging Lucius.

Harden's gaze was cold and unyielding as he addressed Severus. "You're here because you've impregnated my son, and you've made it clear that you want nothing to do with him. That is unacceptable."

Severus met Harden's gaze with indifference. "I made it clear that if we were intimate, it was his responsibility to cast the prevention charm. I'm focused on becoming a Potions Master and don't have time for this."

Abraxas's voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Whether or not that was your agreement, you will contribute to Lucius's needs throughout the pregnancy, including all medical expenses. This is non-negotiable."

Lucius, who had been silent, finally spoke, his voice heavy with emotion. "Father, I did cast the charm. But something must have gone wrong. Severus was supposed to cast it too, but he didn't. Severus," he turned to him, his voice trembling, "if you didn't care for me, why didn't you just say so? Was I just a convenience for you?"

Overcome with emotion, Lucius abruptly left the room, unable to hold back his tears. Harden quickly followed, his heart aching for his son's distress, determined to provide the support and love Lucius needed.

Abraxas fixed Severus with a stern gaze. "Lucius is right. You had a responsibility, and you failed him. From this moment on, you will provide financial support, but you will not be involved in Lucius's life unless he chooses otherwise. Custody of the child will be Lucius's decision, and you will have no say in it."

Tobias Snape, who had been standing silently beside his son, nodded in reluctant agreement, acknowledging the terms Abraxas had laid out. Severus remained silent, his expression unreadable as the weight of the situation settled around him.