The potion lab was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls as Severus Snape worked urgently over a cauldron. Lucius Malfoy, pale and sweating, paced nearby, his breaths coming in sharp, ragged bursts. The situation was dire; their baby was coming too soon.*
"Severus," Lucius said through gritted teeth, wincing as another contraction hit. "I don't think I can—"
"Hold on, Lucius," Severus responded, his voice tight with worry as he glanced up. "We need to stabilize you. This lab isn't set up for a delivery."
Lucius sank onto a nearby couch, his face contorted in pain. The room seemed to close in on him, the shadows lengthening with each labored breath. He could feel the baby pressing down, each contraction more intense than the last.
Severus quickly administered a calming potion, his hands steady despite the strain in his eyes. "This should help with the pain, but we need to get you to a more suitable place."
Lucius shook his head weakly. "No… it's happening now. We can't—"
His words were interrupted by a sharp cry of pain as another contraction seized him. Severus's heart pounded as he grabbed the medical supplies. His voice, though firm, was steady and reassuring.
"Lucius, focus on your breathing. I'll take care of everything."
Lucius tried to follow Severus's instructions, though the pain was nearly overwhelming. The baby's movements were jarring, and Lucius could feel every shift inside him. Sweat streamed down his face, and he trembled with exhaustion.
The moment of delivery arrived with intense pain and urgency. Severus guided Lucius through the final stages with practiced precision, his tone calm but firm. The baby's first cry pierced the tension, a sign of both relief and continued concern.
Severus wrapped the newborn carefully, his hands steady as he checked the fragile child. "We need to ensure the baby is stable," he said, his voice a mix of relief and caution.
Lucius, drained and exhausted, watched Severus with a combination of hope and fatigue. The ordeal had left him physically spent, but the sight of their tiny baby provided a much-needed sense of comfort.
Finally, Severus looked up, his expression showing cautious optimism. "You did well, Lucius. The baby is stable for now, but we'll need to keep a close watch on both of you."