Neville Longbottom carefully stirred his potion, his brow furrowed in concentration. The room was filled with the soft hum of bubbling cauldrons and the occasional clink of glass. As he added a final ingredient, a quiet snicker sounded from behind him.

Before he could react, there was a sudden, deafening explosion. The cauldron erupted in a burst of vivid green smoke, sending Neville sprawling backward. The fumes filled the room, and the remnants of the cauldron scattered across the floor.

"Longbottom!" Professor Snape's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and urgent. He stormed into the room, his eyes widening in alarm as he saw Neville on the floor, coughing and covered in potion residue. Snape's usually stern expression softened with concern.

"Everyone, step back!" Snape ordered, his wand sweeping to clear the smoke and mend broken glass. His gaze never left Neville, who was struggling to rise. "Are you injured?"

Neville's face was pale, and his hands trembled as he clutched his abdomen protectively. "I—I think I'm alright," he said weakly. "Just a bit shaken."

Snape's eyes were filled with worry. "You're not just shaken. You're nearing your due date. You need to be more careful."

The room was filled with shocked murmurs as students looked from the wreckage to the reprimanded Slytherins. Theodore Nott, the Slytherin responsible, looked horrified under Snape's stern gaze.

"Who did this?" Snape demanded, his voice cold and authoritative. "Explain yourself."

"I—It was meant to be a harmless prank, Professor," Nott stammered. "I didn't mean for it to cause any harm."

"A harmless prank?" Snape's voice was laced with disappointment. "You have no idea what could have happened if Longbottom had been more seriously injured."

Nott's face turned even paler. "I'm sorry, Professor."

Snape's attention snapped back to Neville, his expression softening with concern. "Longbottom, we're going to the infirmary immediately. You need to be checked to ensure everything is alright."

Neville nodded, anxiety clear on his face. Snape placed a steadying hand on his shoulder and guided him out of the classroom. "Just breathe deeply," he instructed gently, though his own worry was evident.

In the quiet corridors leading to the infirmary, Snape stayed close to Neville, his eyes never leaving him. When they arrived, Madam Pomfrey was waiting, her expression serious as she took in the situation.

"Professor Snape, what happened?" she asked, moving swiftly to Neville's side.

"Longbottom was injured in a potion explosion," Snape explained, his voice low but urgent. "He's nearing his due date. Please, ensure he's thoroughly examined."

Madam Pomfrey nodded, her concern deepening as she looked at Neville. "Of course. Let's get him settled."

As Neville lay on one of the infirmary beds, Madam Pomfrey began her examination with a practiced but worried hand. "We need to be very cautious," she said, her voice calm but anxious. "The stress from the explosion might have triggered contractions or other complications."

Suddenly, Neville winced as a sharp cramp shot through his abdomen, causing him to gasp and clutch his stomach. The pain was intense, and tears sprang to his eyes as he struggled to keep from crying out.

Snape's face went pale as he saw Neville's distress. "Neville!" he said urgently, moving closer. "Are you in a lot of pain?"

Neville nodded, tears streaming down his face. "It hurts so much," he choked out. "I can't—"

Before he could finish, another cramp hit him, causing him to cry out softly. Snape's expression was one of deep concern as he reached out, gently placing his hand on Neville's shoulder.

"Stay with me, Neville," Snape said, his voice soothing and supportive. "Madam Pomfrey is here to help. We'll get through this."

Madam Pomfrey quickly moved to Neville's side, her face filled with professional concern. "We need to check for any signs of labor. The cramps could be a result of the stress, but we must be sure."

Neville's sobs were muffled as he tried to calm his breathing. Snape's hand was a steady presence on his shoulder, his worry evident in his tense posture. As another wave of pain washed over Neville, he cried out softly, his fear growing.

"Severus," Neville whimpered, reaching out with trembling hands. "I'm so scared."

Without hesitation, Snape carefully gathered Neville into his arms, holding him close. "I'm here, Neville. You're not alone," Snape said softly, his voice filled with reassurance. "Just focus on my voice. We'll get through this."

As Neville rested against Snape's chest, another intense cramp hit him. He cried out softly, tears soaking into Snape's robes. The pain was overwhelming, and he could feel his fear mounting.

Suddenly, there was a warm, wet sensation. Neville's eyes widened in surprise as he realized his water had broken, a clear fluid spreading beneath him. Snape's eyes widened as well, and he looked at Madam Pomfrey with a mix of concern and urgency.

"Madam Pomfrey, his water has broken," Snape said, his voice steady but filled with worry. "What should we do now?"

Madam Pomfrey's expression grew more serious as she quickly assessed the situation. "We need to prepare for delivery. Neville, you need to stay as calm as possible. We're here to help you through this."

Neville's sobs continued as he clung to Snape, his fear evident. Snape held him gently, his own anxiety evident as he stroked Neville's hair soothingly. "You're doing so well, Neville. We're here, and we'll make sure everything is alright."

Madam Pomfrey and her assistants began to prepare for delivery. The room was filled with the quiet energy of medical preparation. Madam Pomfrey issued instructions calmly, her voice reassuring. "We need to keep Neville comfortable and monitor the contractions. It might be a long labor."

The pain intensified as Neville's contractions came closer together, each one causing him to gasp and cry out softly. He leaned heavily against Snape, his breathing ragged and his body trembling with pain.

Snape's face was a mask of concern and determination. He murmured soothing words, his hands gently rubbing Neville's back and whispering encouragement. "You're strong, Neville. You're doing great. Just a little longer."

Hours passed as Neville's labor continued, the contractions coming in waves. His soft cries filled the room, his fear and pain palpable. Snape remained by his side, unwavering in his support, holding him through each contraction and providing a steady presence.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Neville's cries became more desperate. "I don't know if I can do this," he sobbed, his voice breaking with exhaustion and pain.

"You're almost there," Madam Pomfrey assured him gently. "Just a little more. You're doing so well."

With a final, determined effort, Neville gave a tremendous push. The room was filled with the soft, first cries of a baby as Madam Pomfrey gently lifted the newborn and began to clean and wrap them.

Neville, exhausted but relieved, looked up at Snape with tear-streaked cheeks. "Is the baby alright?"

Snape's eyes were filled with a mixture of awe and relief as he looked at Neville. "The baby is healthy. You did it, Neville."

Madam Pomfrey placed the baby in Neville's arms, and Snape stood beside them, his hand gently resting on Neville's shoulder. The room, now calm and peaceful, was filled with the soft sounds of a newborn's cries and the quiet, comforting presence of those who had helped bring the baby into the world.

Neville looked down at his baby, tears of joy and relief mingling with his exhaustion. Snape squeezed Neville's shoulder, his gaze tender and full of pride. "You were incredible," he said softly.

The room, now filled with a sense of tranquility, marked the end of a challenging ordeal and the beginning of a new chapter for Neville and his baby.