April 24, 1999

"Well, I'm happy to report that whatever you two have been doing is working perfectly," Draco stated with a smile. "Your baby has an eighty-five percent chance of survival if born early."

"Really?" Harry asked.

Draco nodded. "Would I lie to you, Harry?" He asked with a small chuckle. "Yes, Harry, really. Everything looks great from the last few check-ups. I already told you the baby turned head down at thirty-two weeks when you hit eight months…Development for physical and magical growth is steady and just about where it should be for how far along you are…"

"Which is…" He checked the folder. "Today marks you thirty-five weeks, my friend. If you stay on track for June 4th delivery, then next week, you'll be a month away from that when May 4th hits. Your blood pressure is normal, heart rate, temperature. And the baby is making its way in the same direction."

"What you're saying is keep doing what we're doing?" Severus inquired.

"Basically," Draco nodded to his godfather.

"Has my body started to shift yet?" Harry wondered.

"No, nothing yet. But that's why I added in today about checking between your legs, to see if the birth canal and cervix are forming." The blonde informed.

"Remember I said that it usually starts forming slowly over the last month, that will be next week when you're thirty-six weeks. I'll be checking every appointment from here on out." He paused.

"And if it doesn't form and you still want to give birth that way, I'll brew the potions for it. Alright? You still have the c-section option too. As long as nothing changes drastically in the next few weeks, I don't foresee needing to use that at all unless it's an emergency. Don't worry." Draco promised.

Harry nodded to him. "Thanks, Dray."

"You're welcome." Draco replied as he went to fill out the chart with the updated information from his checks and scans for both Harry and the baby while Severus helped Harry sit up and fix his pants. "Alright, off with you. I'll see you next week, let's push it to the 4th of May unless you feel you need to be checked earlier than that."

Severus helped Harry down from the lounge chair and they did as they always had done when leaving appointments. Severus left by floo to his own office and Harry walked out of the infirmary on his own to get either his classes, the library to get some work done, or right back to Severus's office. The two worked hard not to be seen with one another so no one made the connection.

And today was a Saturday, so the castle was kind of empty with students off at Hogsmeade or relaxing in groups of friends. For Harry, he'd taken all the NEWT exams he could and really now only had to focus on physical classes he attended or self-studying. But having some classes finished completely by taking the final exams for them took a lot of stress off of the teenager, so he was glad to have them done and only focus on a little now as he was in the final stretch of his pregnancy.

About a month had passed since Harry got sick. It lasted about eight days and had been rough as Harry also had to deal with extra suffering because of the pregnancy. Severus had been nothing short of incredible through it all by helping Harry in and out of bed, to and from the bathroom, rubbing his back, getting his potions, adjusting pillows, and just about doing anything he needed or wanted.

The man woke early, slept late but was always close by and ready to help. He had stopped brewing those eight days, and Minerva took over head of the school duties from her own office and had someone or a few teachers help with teaching her classes while she did all that. But when Harry was better, he was definitely horny and Severus was more than happy to aid in relieving that.

Beyond that, the two kept up with everything as it had been before Harry got sick. Sex at least once a week, but more happening was always welcome. They cuddled in bed, on the couch, and snogged pretty often or engaged in foreplay. Both had admitted to having fallen for the other, but not aloud to the other person. It was pretty obvious when they made love though. The magic was pure and strong between them when they did that.

Severus recalled Poppy telling him that feelings involved would be ideal and provide the biggest help to the baby's development and growth. Severus wanted to tell Harry how he felt, but also didn't want to ruin a good thing. The two of them did everything a normal couple did, except be in an actual relationship. There had been so many times when they made love that Severus almost slipped to reveal his feelings, but he didn't want Harry to feel he was only saying it because of the sex.

Maybe he should just sit Harry down and tell him. It would be better coming from a normal conversation rather than during sex and if he revealed it then he didn't have to worry about it slipping when they made love. Yes, they could talk tonight. Severus was sure of his decision. They'd have to keep things as they had been, a secret, but that wasn't so bad. Only until the end of term, then they'd be together, have their baby and get to just enjoy life.

. . .

April 25, 1999

Severus never got around to talking to Harry yesterday like he wanted since the teenager was having a rough day. Not sick, just sore, tired and the baby was really active. He admitted Ginny was trying to pass him messages through other people, going on that she was sorry and would leave him alone. Hoped they could still be friends. Asked what he thought about a graduation party after school was out. Harry never answered, of course.

It was annoying, but technically, she wasn't breaking the rules of no contact if it wasn't between the two of them and she was staying the proper distance away. And if he wasn't dealing with that at random, Ginny also maintained the distance but was trying to show off her new boyfriend in the Great Hall, in the library, in the halls. She always smiled wide, clung to the guy, and kissed him. Harry knew it was an attempt at making him jealous, but it didn't work. Harry would just roll his eyes and get back to whatever he was doing.

It was just a hard day and Severus did what he could to make it better for him with comfort, snuggling, or snacks. Today had been better, Harry was getting some work done and Severus had a couple meetings to deal with. It was about 3:45 pm when Severus got into his quarters and found Harry sitting at the desk, but relaxed in the chair with his hands on his belly.

"Will you please settle down so daddy can finish his homework that's due tomorrow? Somehow I don't think my professor will buy the excuse that my baby in utero demanded an ice cream sundae that once I finish will have me napping." Harry mumbled.

He hissed, moving his hand to the newly kicked spot. "Nor cuddle time with papa. Don't be stubborn…You know he's busy. He can't abandon all his responsibilities as headmaster just to come snuggle with us in bed all day." Severus hid a chuckle. "I miss him too though."

"Just give daddy ten more minutes? I'm almost done, then we can go lay on the couch and eat ice cream…" Harry pleaded. "If you don't quit kicking my ribs, kid, I'm telling papa you're being mean to me. I'll ground you as soon as you come out."

It might be cute to keep seeing this exchange with Harry talking to their child in utero, but Severus could tell Harry was getting frustrated and uncomfortable with being unable to get his work done. He was trying so hard to be able to keep up with everything despite being eight months pregnant, it had certainly been a challenge for him. Severus crossed the room and brought his arms around the teenager gently.

Harry jumped a bit, but relaxed catching Severus's scent and leaned more into him as the male got his hands on Harry's belly. "Easy now, little one. Papa is here. Settle down for your daddy and let him get his work done, then I promise we can lay in bed together to snuggle and let you have your ice cream sundae." Severus stated.

A few more light kicks and Harry sighed in relief, closing his eyes. "I think we know who the favorite is right now…" Harry muttered. "Thank you. Just back to check on us?"

"You're welcome. Admittedly, I came in just as you sat back and I watched that whole thing. Sorry, I thought it was adorable." Severus told him as Harry snorted, but continued to lean into the man's embrace from behind. "And no, I'm done for the day. Last meeting with the board was shorter than expected."

"Something happen?" Harry wondered.

"Nothing at all. I'll tell you about it after I shower. You finish up and then I can see my promise through so our child hopefully gives you a peaceful night." Severus told him.

"Alright." The teen agreed. "I'll meet you in the bedroom or couch?"

"Wherever you're more comfortable." Severus smiled as he helped Harry to sit up again, then Severus kissed his forehead and headed off for the bedroom where their private bath was. Harry was left sitting there and had blushed a bit, feeling his heart flutter.

The teen had been struggling with his feelings. He knew he cared for Severus long ago, but their time together bonding over the baby had gotten them closer. Severus was true to his word in doing anything for the baby or Harry, he was there for them no matter what. Maybe it was fate that they both had the same idea to go out with secret identities, something to put them back in each other's lives.

Harry knew he felt something for the man, he just wasn't sure he should pursue it. Could they raise this child together, be a couple…? Harry had wondered if they could make it work, if Severus felt the same or could grow to in time. Maybe he already did, who knew. They should probably talk before something gets misconstrued. Harry decided he'd bring it up tonight.

For now, he needed to focus on getting this work done. So, Harry rubbed his eyes and took a drink of his water bottle…Then he picked up the quill and got back to writing his paper.

. . .

It took thirty minutes, but Harry finished and set everything away he'd need for tomorrow's classes. The teen forced his way up slowly and got to the couch, but he didn't sit right away. His hands were on his back, rubbing a bit and eyes closed.

"Harry?" Severus's voice made Harry turn to look at the man striding towards him with worry in his eyes. "Are you alright? You look like you're in pain…"

"Easy, Sev. I'm okay, it's just from sitting in that chair too long. I needed to stretch my back a bit before I sat again." Harry smiled.

"It's my job to worry, Harry. We both know that you can always go into labor early and you're far enough along that there shouldn't be any major issues during delivery or birth. Draco gave us the warnings for if things look like they're heading in that way." Severus reminded.

"I know, but I'm not feeling any of that, Severus. Just stretching my back a bit," Harry assured. "I'll sit down in a minute or two, the comfort of the couch will help too because I can put my legs and feet up…They're sore and swollen today."

"Well, take your time then," Severus smiled. "Once you sit, I can massage your back and feet if you like? I've been working on a new cream that might help. I've been designing to target the specific aches of pregnancy…"

"Really? All that work for me?" Harry blushed a bit.

"I got the idea because of you, and was hoping you'd be my tester…Nothing harmful to the baby, I promise. And if it works, you get to enjoy the benefits for the rest of your pregnancy and then I can market it for others to enjoy too." Severus stated.

"Alright, sure…That sounds alright." Harry agreed. It was sweet of him to get inspired for something to help Harry and then even after that, help others who all dealt with the same thing. "Is this what you've been locked away doing during your free time?" The teen asked while making his way to finally sit down on the couch. Severus helped adjust the pillow for his back, then gently lifted his legs to be on the foot rest.

"Want me to call for your ice cream now or after the massage?" Severus wondered.

"Should probably eat first before the young one gets testy again." Harry chuckled. "The massage will be nice after when I want to nap."

Severus nodded and called for his elf, putting in the ice cream sundae request with the preferred flavors and toppings. When it arrived, the two sat together chatting about the day. Severus told Harry about the board meeting, little updates and also that he'd be retiring when the term ended with the reasoning that he might be a bit older than most when they start…But he wanted to do something with his mastery in potions.

Harry still hadn't decided what he wanted to do after Hogwarts, but tossed a few ideas of what he'd been considering. Severus did ask about Ginny, and Harry reported it was the same as yesterday. She always comes within eyesight, but not the order's range. She was trying to make him jealous, but it didn't work. He was sure next she'd attempt the whole broken heart thing.

"Well, soon…You won't have to deal with her. Once you're graduated from Hogwarts, you can extend the order farther than what it is now. You can even put it on Molly so she doesn't try anything either." Severus reminded.

"I know. I don't have to worry about my house because they can't get there without my invitation…Only a small handful have been told, you included, and no one can reveal the location because they aren't secret keepers." Harry shrugged. "But out in public, wherever I work…I need to make sure they can't get at me there."

"Well, if we're lucky…She'll screw up and get arrested. I hate wishing that on someone, but her obsession is truly disturbing. I believe she'd benefit from some controlled punishment for her actions as well as some mind healing." Severus said.

"What you said is kinder than what I had believed she and Molly needed…" Harry scoffed.

"What did you think?" Severus inquired.

"They both need to be obliviated of whatever Dumbledore promised them and then further compelled to just not associate with me…You know, just like something so they never become interested in me…" Harry informed.

"I believe that could be an option in mind healing if the normal things aren't working." Severus replied. "But I can understand why you'd prefer that."

"You'll still get the order on you too, right?" Harry asked.

"I told you I would. Once we're both out of Hogwarts, and the baby is born…We'll make sure Ginerva, nor Molly can access our family." Severus assured. Something about that sentence just warmed Harry's heart. Their family. Harry wanted that with Severus, a family and having a future together. "I'm sure once the order is in effect, it'll be obvious to everyone that we're together."

"Are we now?" Harry glanced over at Severus with an amused grin.

It took Severus a minute to realize what he said for Harry to give him that look. His eyes widened slightly. "I-I'm sorry. That's not-I didn't mean-,"

"So we're not together in this?" Harry inquired.

"Yes! Yes, of course. I meant that, Harry. Entirely. We are together in this. Raising our baby." He stated quickly, not wanting to make Harry upset. "That we're together…Co-parenting." He clarified. "I just didn't mean to assume that we are together like…That."

"Like what?" Harry tilted his head. How could he not use this moment to bring it up? He said earlier that they should talk about what they were to one another anyway and this was a good way to lead into it. Bue Harry wanted to see if Severus would say something first as he was the one who casually said they were together.

"As…" Severus cleared his throat a bit before continuing, "a couple…I-In a relationship. We're not…Together like that."

Harry giggled, it was cute to see Severus all flustered like this. "Why aren't we? Is there a reason we're not? Is that what you want?"

"I don't know…Maybe because every time I try to tell you I like you and think I'm in love with you, I worry you won't feel the same. I want it more than anything. I want you to be mine…I want us to be a family. I want you to feel for me the way I feel for you…" Severus said immediately as if he didn't realize he was sitting right next to Harry and confessed it all.

Harry sat forward a bit and put his hand on Severus's arm as if to get his attention. The man instantly jumped a bit as if he'd gotten lost in his own mind. "Severus…"

"Yes, Harry?" The man replied.

"I do."

Severus arched a brow. "You…Do? You do what?"

Harry chuckled and wrapped a hand around the back of Severus's neck, pulling him down until their lips came together in a passionate kiss. After a few moments of snogging, Harry pulled back and put his forehead to Severus's with both of their eyes closed. "I want you to be mine. I want us to be a family…" Severus's eyes opened quickly, meeting Harry's green ones. "I feel the same for you as you feel for me…" He paused. "I do."

It was then Severus realized that he'd confessed everything right in front of Harry, he thought he'd said it all in his mind! But…Wait…Harry didn't reject him. That's what the I do meant! Harry wanted the same things! He felt the same way. "Harry…Do-Does this mean…?"

Harry nodded. "I love you, Severus Snape…" He smiled.

"I love you too, Harry Potter-Black," Severus replied as they kissed again. "Will you be with me? Be mine?"

The teen giggled a bit. "I thought I already was? Did we not agree that we were always going to be in each other's lives no matter what? Raise our child together, likely have more?" Severus nodded. "Then I believe we're already together."

"Yes, we are." Severus nodded.

The two shared another passionate kiss, both having a hand on Harry's belly and feeling their child squirm contently now that it was official it's parents were together in a relationship and madly in love with one another.