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Title: Prof. Snape's delicate condition,
Finished. Weeks worth of meticulous planning. Sneaking about the school in the dead of night to gather all the necessary ingredients. Filching an invisibility cloak to slip unnoticed into the restricted area of the library to copy forbidden spells. Long hours of studying their intended targets, noting their daily habits. All done in the strictest secrecy. No matter how badly their housemates wished to see their soon-to-be victims' downfall a few still retained some outdated sense of honor which might have pushed them to reveal the whole plot. The conspirators had worked far too hard to allow that to happen. Later, when the plan was too far along to be altered, they'd let their fellow Slytherins in on the whole thing. Right now it was just the three of them. Pansy, Millie, and Morgana. "Should we really be doing this?" Millie asked as she watched the oldest of the trio carefully stir her bubbling cauldron. "Yes," Pansy replied, eyes never leaving the potion's slick surface. "It's absolutely perfect. Think about it Millie, that little Gryffindor mudblood will be immediately expelled, and many of her so-called friends will desert her. It wouldn't even surprise me if her idiotic parents abandoned her. She'd be all alone, homeless, too shamed to be hired by anyone in the wizarding community. She'll be forced to take some menial dead-end job in the muggle word in order to support herself and her bastard offspring. A most fitting end to the life of that show-off Hermione Granger." She cackled in sadistic glee. This would teach that snake Draco to ignore her! Hmph! the very thought of Malfoy sniffing around Hermione like a hound after a bitch in heat made her want to vomit. He was a Malfoy. One of the Dark Lord's future servants. It would be in his best interest, especially his continued breathing, if he'd keep his paws off that mudblood and take up with a proper pureblooded witch like herself. What was that quote from the muggle play she'd read once? Something about hell having no fury like a woman scorned? "But using hi-" "The masterstroke. When news of Granger's condition comes to light the scandal will be horrendous. The school's governors will immediately call for his resignation. After all, what kind of parents would trust their daughters to a Headmaster who was caught shagging a girl not even 16 yet. His reputation will be completely ruined! McGonagall will most likely take his place as Headmaster, thus leaving the school extremely vulnerable to attack. Two birds with one stone Millie, two troublemakers out of our, and the Dark Lord's, way forever." And in her mind the ambitious girl was dreaming of what the pleased Lord Voldermort's reward to his young servants would be for their crippling blow to the school's defenses. Certainly they and their families would move higher in the Death Eater ranks, replacing idiots like that miserable Wormtail. Perhaps she would even be given a certain pale-haired boy as her personal property, to do with as she wished. "Don't be so hasty Pansy, things can always go wrong." Her slender friend cautioned. "Remember that."
"The potion's done." Morgana laid aside her ladle and reached for her wand. The next part was going to be tricky, but with a little luck all her hard work and practice would be worth the effort. "Excellent!" Pansy pulled free her own wand. "Now for the fertility spells." "Tell me again why we have to use them?" Morgana rolled her storm-grey eyes at the scatter-brained girl. "It would be a wasted effort in creating this potion if Granger wasn't at the correct time of her monthly cycle. The fertility spells ensure that she is in the proper physical state for the potion to work." "Oh, okay." "Now, everyone ready?" Morgana raised her wand, a move echoed by her two friends. "Yes!" Pansy hissed eagerly. "I suppose so." Millie said reluctantly. "Then let's begin." The spells were complicated and demanded absolute concentration. Many wizards decades older than these three would've had trouble casting them. But many wizards didn't have their drive, or their desire to cause untold misery. Between them they managed to complete the very special potion. Casting such powerful spells left the girls drained and sprawled about on the carpet, looking as if they hadn't slept in days. Morgana, being the oldest, recovered first, having had more experiance in handling the after effects of heavy magic. Rising to her feet she took the cauldron filled with a small pool of clear liquid and carefully poured the contents into a prepared vial. "Tomorrow when class is in full swing merely empty this into Granger's cauldron." Morgana instructed Pansy again. "When it blows make sure that none of the discharge touches you." "This isn't going to work." Millie groaned as she rubbed her temples. "If Granger doesn't swallow it.." "We've went over this a dozen times you twit. All the potions has to do is touch her skin and it'll be absorbed through into her bloodstream." Pansy smacked the other 5th year across the back of her head. "OUCH! Right! Right! Skin contact. Now can we get some sleep? I'm beat." She whined, rubbing at her sore scalp. "Yes," the 7th year ushered the two girls up to their beds. "Sleep well. Pleasent dreams." "Revenge is the most pleasent dream of all." Pansy smiled even as she yawned.
The lesson today was about using a standard healing draught as a base medium for the far more powerful medical potions. Pairs of student were to begin brewing the base and when done they would move onto the more complicated ingredients. Like a wraith Snape made his way through the isles, inspecting each pair's cauldron, praising the children from his own house and stripping points off Potter and his friends at every oportunity. In truth he didn't particularly hate these children from Gryffindor as he so convincingly portrayed; hatred was reserved for those that truly deserved it. Rather he harbored a mixture of resentment, anger, mild disgust, and if he was truthful with himself a gruging amount of admiration which was targeted towards three youths in particular. Today Harry was working with Draco, the two young men snaping at each other even as they prepared each of the potion's components. Hermione and Ron were faring better, the girl's sharp mind keeping the Weasley boy on track. But what exactly had possessed him to pair that walking disaster Longbottom with Seamus Finnighan? Neville couldn't brew a potion if his life depended on it, even after all these years. And Seamus, he had a tendency to blunder, even going so far as to setting things on fire or blowing them up in his face. It was like lighting a fuse on one of those muggle sticks and tossing it into his storeroom. The smell of Armageddon was thick in the air. Pansy saw her chance. Granger had turned her back, speaking to her partner as he studied the written list. Uncorking the vial Pansy poured the entire thing into Hermione's cauldron. Besides her Millie still retained her doubts even as she shared Pansy's anticipation of Granger's impending motherhood. The next step in the potion was crucial, which was exactly the time for Neville to mess up. However he got his hands on the jellied frog eyes was unimportant, only the fact the potion had turned a distinct shade of yellow was and begin to hiccup was. Snape saw the two boys botched potion and moved to investigate.... The pewter cauldron in front of Hermione began to wobble..... Pansy was leaning forwards so as to not miss a minute. Oh, lt was times like this that made the Slytherin wish she had one of those muggle camcorders. She dearly wanted to catch this event for posterity.
Several students screamed and dove for cover as Hermione and Ron's potion did a passable imitation of Mount Vesuvius, the expelled contents catching the surprised Professor right in the face as he walked past. Snape quickly rushed to the sinks to rinse off. There wasn't anything truly dangerous about the mix yet, but what had been brewed was quite hot; burning the flesh it touched.
"Nothing Professor, we've only used what was called for." Hermione answered. "Of course, and I suppose that this little disaster was also called for by the list?" he snarled in disqust. "Twenty points from Gryffindor! Now clean up that mess!!" "But Profess-" "Mr. Weasley, if I hear another word from you I will make it fifty points." Snape's lip curled in a satisfied sneer as the youngest Weasley boy backed down.
"Well? How did it go?" She laid aside her book. "We're dead, we're dead," Millie was sobbing hysterically. "Shut up, let me think, just let me think!" Pansy kept repeating as she paced the room, face whiter that the sheets on her bed. "I take it things didn't go as planned?" "NO!! NO, IT DIDN'T GO AS PLANNED!!!" thin little hands grabbed the older girl's robes, yanking her out of her cozy chair, beginning to shake her. "MILLIE! PUT HER DOWN, NOW!!" Pansy barked. Morgana struck the panicking girl across the face, knocking some semblence of sanity back into her. While Mille rubbed her bruising cheek Morgana brushed her robes back into place. "Now will one of you CALMLY explain what has you both so in a dither." "All right, it started like this.." Pansy had by this time composed herself enough to think a bit more rationally. Paying attention to every detail Pansy gave a complete run down of everything that had happened in class. By the time she finished Morgana was paper white and shaking like a leaf. "Oh Gods! This is a right mess." She moaned into her hands. "It won't work right? Right?" Millie wrung her hands. "I mean, Snape's a man, he--he doesn't have the right..erm..equipment! Right! Equipment to have a baby!" "On the contrary, it could very well work. Those fertility spells were extremely powerful. If anything, I"d be surprised if he DIDN'T get knocked up." "Isn't there a way to stop this?" slumping onto the bed Pansy's stomach turned as her brain began suppling images of what the coming months might hold. "No, they might try several Finite Incatatems and a few other potions, but it won't do--" Millie grapped her hand and began towing Morgana towards the door. "Fine! Fine! Let's go get Professor Snape and explain--" *SLAP! SLAP!* "IDIOT!!" Pansy drew her hand back to strike another blow. "Do you want to be skinned alive!!!? What exactly do you think his reaction will be if we walked up to him and said 'Oh hey Professor, we sabotaged Granger's potion and now you might be pregnant.' Yeah, that would go over really well!!" Millie curled up in a ball, sobbing where she lay. "We're doomed, we're doomed..." "Morgana, is there any other way?"
"We'll be reduced to crispy little carcasses the second the Professor catches on." Pansy flopped down on her bed. "What're we going to do now?" "You think he'd leave that much behind as evidence after he's through with us?!! No, they'll be lucky if they find a single strand of hair." Morgana shuddered, wild images of the various means of death Snape had at his disposal hidden in his potions cabinet seeped into her mind. And who knew exactly what spells might be swimming about in that dark mind. The sheer possiblities were nauseating. "There's always an off chance that it won't work." The 7th year reminded her younger friends. "Tell me Morgana, is there anything at all we can do?" Pansy right now was willing to grasp any small shred of hope the other girl could offer. "Only one thing comes to mind." "And that is??" She looked the other Slytherin strait in the eyes. "Pray, pray as you've never prayed before." "What for?" Millie wiped her bloody nose. "That, for once, I totally screwed up and botched the brewing." "How will we know if it worked?" Pansy ignored Millie who was taking Morgana's advise and ferverently praying to whatever deity she could. "The first symptoms should appear in a few weeks." "O-kay, what are the symptoms?" Morgana blushed. "I don't know." "YOU DON'T KNOW???" Pansy shrieked. "WHY DON'T YOU?? I THOUGHT YOU SAID YOU DID ALL THE RESEARCH ON THIS!!!!" "I DID!!" the older girl screamed right back. "I MEANT I ONLY DID RESEARCH ON THE SPELLS AND POTIONS, NOT PREGNANCY!!" "If we don't know what to look for, how will we tell if he's up the duff?" It was Millie of all people who hit on the obvious. "We go to the library. They must have books on pregnancy there. We just look up the signs and watch."
"What? What's wrong? Is there something on my face?" She reached for her handmirror. "Out of the mouths of imbeciles." Pansy muttered. "C'mon Morgana, let's hit the books." "Right." The two girls departed, leaving their companion behind as she was still busy trying to find some little blemish her friends had spotted. *~*~*~*~* Professor Snape found himself once again rushing to the loo, kneeling before the toilet as he emptied his stomach for the fifth morning in a row. As he leaned wearily against the tub's cool surface Severus ran over his scedule from the day before and could find nothing that could possibly lead to his current condition. Classes were for once spill-free, the teachers and students at least tolerable, and the meals the house elves prepared was one of the staple fares here, nothing special about it. At least this mysterious malady responded to his potions--most of the time. So long as he took a swallow from the green vial before he started classes Snape's rebellious stomach settled down. He didn't want to dwell on what might happen to his reputation if his students saw him trying to cough up his stomach lining every 10 to 15 minutes. He shuddered to think what Potter or that Weasley boy would say. Feeling recovered enough to move Snape laboriously climbed to his feet and made his way over to the desk. A large bottle of green potion sat waiting besides a porcelain cup. He quietly poured about a fourth of a cupful out and drank it down in three gulps, grimacing at the taste. "I really must remember to add some mint or something to the next batch." Snape said before trying to wash away the taste with water. Snape filled several vials with the thick liquid and made sure they were stored in his robe pocket before going back to the loo. He felt better now; what wonders a simple hot shower could produce. Again he'd used a cleansing potion on his hair, clearing away the grease, leaving it silky and soft. Snape rarely bothered with his hair, prefering to leave it be as the sight of it often drove most people away. But over the last few days the man had found it increasingly irratating till he couldn't stand it a minute longer. That first day had caused quite a stir amoung the staff. At least they now appeared to have gotten over the initial shock, they weren't making snide remarks anymore. Other odd little things like that were popping up. Pulling on his shirt Snape flinched as the fabric rubbed against his sensitive chest. For unknown reasons his nipples were quite tender, every little shift in his clothing became torture. Maybe the house elves had changed soap in the laundry area and he was having a reaction to it. Definitely something to check out, when he had the time. Eating was proving to be a new experience. Some of his long-time favorite items he couldn't bare to even look at anymore, thus paving the way for others to take their places. Lemon flavored items were high on his new foods list. Lemon pie, lemon cookies, lemon pudding, lemon-flavored candy. His classroom desk and it's twin here in his room now sported identical tins filled with lemon candy he'd purchased on his last trip into Hogsmeade. He couldn't understand it, Snape had never been overly fond of lemon before. What had sparked his interests now? Putting aside that question, along with the rest, for later Snape busied himself with getting ready for the long day of teaching. The first test of the day would simply be going up to breakfast with the other staff members. Thankfully he sat at the far end of the table, away from most of his fellow teachers, giving him a measure of peace from their incessant chatter. Unfortunately it also placed him besides one of his least favorite instructors. Again the Headmaster had seen fit to hire Remus Lupin for Defense Against the Dark Arts class. And of course the amiable idiot just had to chose the chair besides his to sit at every meal. Snape did his level best to ignore the man's attempts to interest him in a conversation. The Potions Master could hold his tongue when it was necessary. It wouldn't be prudent to loose his temper and attack a fellow staff member right in front of every student in the school. But Lupin was nothing if not persistant. Today was to be no exception.
"Good Morning Severus." Snape glared at the other man. "How many times must I remind you Lupin that I am most certainly not your friend and therefore you have no reason, or permission, to call me by my first name." "You never bothered to correct me before." Remus speared a sausage and munched happily. "Before I was concerned with other matters." Snape growled as he spread some lemon marmalade on his toast. "Those matters aren't viable anymore Sev. Why can't you just forget the past and let's try at least to be friends?" Remus leaned forwards to get a better look at the other man's face. And a strange new scent filled his nostrils. Werewolves retained a few lupine traits while in their human form and a heightened sense of smell was one of them. Several times Remus had been lucky enough to come within scenting range of Severus, enough so that he was familiar with the man's unique scent. Something had changed. Snape's scent was now laced with different pheromones, ones he wasn't familiar with, yet still nagged at his memories. They invoked an instinctive reaction within his wolf half. The desire to protect Severus sprang into his heart, to defend the Potions teacher against all dangers. That made no sense, what on earth would Severus need protecting from? Shaking his head to clear these sudden and disturbing desires Remus leaned back, out of Snape's personal space. "They may no longer matter to you Lupin," Snape replied in a menacing hiss. "But they are still with me, every day I look at their results in class, in the halls. What they cost me is far beyond you're understanding." Now that was intriguing. Were they really talking about the same thing? He was refering to the incidents with the Shrieking Shack. What was Severus talking about? Before he could question further Snape finished his meal and left for the dungeons.
It had taken three hours of dedicated reading in the library to find all the possible signs of pregnancy and list them for reference later. Each girl was equipped with a copy and carried it everywhere. Trailing Professor Snape became a full time chore, one they would continue to pursue till they were sure about the potion's effects, one way or another. Snape was looking a bit paler than usual, but with him one couldn't really tell if this was normal or not. Millie had noticed that he'd taken a liking to lemon foods and thought this might be a craving. It frigthened the poor girl till both the others firmly reminded her that one symptom did not a pregnancy make. Morgana was the one who had discreetly followed Snape two days ago and saw him throwing up in one of the unused classrooms. Double potions was in the afternoon this year. Snape was more caustic and overbearing than usual. His encounter with Remus at breakfast had set his nerves on edge and he'd taken it out on the students. So worked up, mind still dwelling on the memories Lupin's plea had stirred up, Snape didn't even stop for Lunch. He hid within the realitive safty of his classroom and worked on a potion Madame Pomfrey had requested. Sweeping his gaze over the seated students Snape felt whatever calmness he'd reclaimed while working thru lunch escape his fragile grasp. This was the fifth year students. Potter and his friends. He quickly got the class going on making supplies for the cold season this winter. Fever-reducing potions were the order of the day. Not an extremely complicated potion but one that required percision cutting and stirring. Once everyone had started Snape began his inspection. As usual Longbottom was doing it wrong. Really, why didn't the little klutz give up on the whole subject. Making his way towards the Gryffindor's seat Snape felt the vague lightheadedness that had annoyed him all morning rise up to make it's presence known.
Draco was the first to react. He was out of his seat in a flash, kneeling besides the still form, unsure how to aid his favorite teacher but determined to try. He stripped off his robe, wadding it up before easing it under Snape's head. This seemed to galvanize the rest of the class for the chatter immediately started up. "What happened?" "Did you see his face I swear it looked.." "He isn't sick is he?" "With him who could tell?" "Crabbe, get some water and a clean cloth." Pansy snapped over her shoulder as she knelt besides Draco, feeling the clammy skin of Snape's forehead. "Shouldn't someone get Madame Pomfrey?" Of course that would come from a Gryffindor student. "No! Leave that old woman out of this. He's our head of house, we'll take care of him!" Pansy snarled with such venom that several of her own house backed away from her. Draco stared at her a moment, this wasn't like the Pansy he knew. "He didn't eat much this morning, and I didn't see him at lunch," Seamus piped up. "My cousin gets sick and faints if her blood sugar drops too low. Maybe that's wrong with the Professor." "For once you might be right Finnighan." Draco admitted grudgingly. Professor Snape never ate enough in his opinion, he was far too thin, you could count every rib beneath his robes. Pansy accepted the basin of water and washcloth Crabbe managed to scrounge up. Dipping the rag she wrung it out and patted his face and neck. Her own face was a mask of calm concern, all the while a whirlwind twisted about inside. Fainting was another symptom, Morgana had seen him throw up, and Millie thought he was craving lemon flavored foods. (Oh Gods! Oh Gods! He is! He really is!) She nearly gave into the panic, wanting nothing more than to flee, to get as far from Snape as she could before this whole mess came to light. But she held her ground, running would only draw attention, and suspision, to herself. Snape moaned softly. He opened his eyes to the sight of several of his students faces peering down at him with worried expressions on their faces. What? How was it they were above him? That answer was found when he discovered he was laying on the dungeon's cold floor. "Wha-what happened?" He asked, voice a bit rough from a dry throat. Draco helped him sit up, easing himself behind the Professor as a support. "You collapsed Professor. You've been out about five minutes." "Collapsed?" Well, that made as much sense as everything else that had been happening to him. "Professor Sir, did you eat anything at lunchtime?" Ms. Parkinson asked him. What? "No, I was working on some of the more complex potions Pomfrey wanted." Now young Finnighan was kneeling besides Draco, fishing a couple of chocolate frogs out of his bag. "Here Sir, you should eat these, they'll get you on your feet but they won't last long. You need to eat a real meal." Snape shook his head, mouth opening to argue, when a broken off frog's head was stuffed into it. He shot a withering glare at Draco however the effect was totally wasted by his weakened state and palor. "Please Professor, just eat it." Malfoy insisted, backed up by Ms. Parkinson. Having no choice, being too dizzy still to stand and he was rather hungry, Snape chewed and swallowed, feeling the chocolate's warmth spread through him. With a little more coaxing Draco, Pansy, and Seamus managed to get their teacher to eat one whole frog. He handed the other still wrapped confection back the Finnighan. "Keep the rest of your candy Mr. Finnighan, I am much recovered now." And it was true, he did feel a great deal better enough so that he regained his feet with only a little assistance from his students. While Pansy saw to the Professor Millie, displaying another one of those instances when her brain was in fact residing her skull and functioning, had rung for the house elves and ordered a simple meal to tide Snape over till dinner. Within a few minutes one of the short creatures was there with a nice chicken stew and some fresh made bread. Under his students watchful eyes Snape ate the plain meal. It was truly surprising how hungry he really was. Very soon the bowl was empty and the bread gone. Pansy and Millie were both smiling smugly but to Draco's trained eye both girls were still nervous and hiding something. The rest of Potions class was relatively quiet. When class ended Pansy and Millie were the first out the door, running down the hallways as fast as their legs would carry them. Draco just caught sight of them fleeing up the stairs. Hmm, curiouser and curiouser, perhaps he should look into this odd behavior being displayed by his fellow housemembers. The smell of manevolent mischief hung in the air and he wanted to know why it'd started without him.
"It's true, he fainted right in front of the whole class." Pansy told the older girl. Morgana sighed, shaking her head. "That's it then. The symptoms are there; he's pregnant." Millie hugged her old stuffed teddy tightly. "What do we do now?" "Good question," the older girl's shoulders slumped. "One which I'd pay dearly for the answer to." "If we tell him now he might go easier on us." Millie said. Pansy snorted. "Yeah, give us a quick death as opposed to drawing it out." "The longer we wait the worse it's going to get." Morgana pointed out. "The side-effects are only going to get worse." "Maybe if we told Dumbledore." That suggestion earned Millie two rather harsh slaps. "Idiot!" Pansy snarled. "If we tell Dumbledore about the potion the first question out of his mouth is going to be who we intented to douse in the first place. Once he finds out it was Granger we can kiss any leniency goodbye. The old fool protects his precious Gryffindors like a hound guards his sheep, and Granger is one of his special favorites." "Okay, so that option's out, what does that leave us with?" "Maybe I can answer that." All three girls screamed and jumped off the bed, scrambling instinctively for cover. Draco just had to smile at this, he so loved frightening people. "I know you lot have been up to something, I want to know what it is right now."
Other members of Slytherin looked up from whatever they were doing to stare up at the ceiling. They had never heard Malfoy scream like that. No one moved to investigate however. After all this was Draco they were talking about. If he wanted them to know about what he was yelling about the pale-haired boy would tell them later.
Draco stood there, wide eyed, chest heaving as he threatened to hyperventilate. This was utterly impossible! How could these dammed chits have done this? And to Professor Snape of all people. Oh sure, it was an accident. That certainly made it all better. They hadn't meant for Snape to get pregnant, only Granger. As if that made it permissible. True, Slytherins had been attacking the Gryffindor with whatever bit of smut, real or implied, that they could lay their hands on or think up. But this was only because the whole house had Snape backing them up. (Well, that'll change now.) he thought grimly. "What's done is done," he growled. "Did you, perhaps in your casting, make plans for accidents such as this?" Millie shook her head timidly, snuggling a little closer to Morgana's comforting warmth. "Great, just great. Okay, that brings to light another question, who's the father?" Pansy mumbled something too low for him to hear. "What was that?" Drawing in a deep breath Pansy tried again. "Dumbledore." *THUD!!* It was quite an interesting sight to see Draco Malfoy sprawled out at the foot of someone's brass bed unconscious. "He took that rather well, don't you think?" And for once Millie agreed she asked for the hits both girls delivered.
Christmas was never one of his favorite times of the year. Never had been to be honest with himself. The holidays were rarely if ever celebrated by his parents, and then only the basest of items were given as presents. When he came here to Hogwarts Severus had to watch his friends get presents from their families and other children here at the school. So he wouldn't be laughed at, the scrawny young boy had been forced to sneak a couple of packages under the tree in the common room for himself. Joining the staff was no better. Occasionally there was something there for him from Dumbledore, but noting else. So why was he here in Diagon Alley? The need to be away from the school had just been too great to resist. Hogsmeade was closer but Severus wasn't interested in dodging the various glares he received from the townsfolk. Oh, he still received the same treatment here but to a lesser, and therefore more bearable, degree. Weaving through the crowd of holiday shoppers Snape methodically went about his shopping. He stopped at Gringotts first to retrieve some money and deposit a couple of valuable books. The black-haired man left the bank thanking every deity he knew that his stomach had remained calm during the wild ride down to the vault and back. Severus checked with Madam Malkin at her robes shop, asking if there were another fabric that he could wear that wouldn't bother his skin so. The old woman offered several suggestions and after testing swatches against his skin agreed to one. He ordered four robes to which Malkin promised they would be ready before New Years. He picked up some special parchment at the stationary shop then bought some rare herbs the Apothecary had just received for his personal potions stock. That proved to be a heavy task in itself. The smell of the old shop had rarely if ever bothered Severus before, however this time it nearly sent him to his knees with nausea. Only the saving grace of a breathing spell held him together long enough to complete his shopping. Florean gave him a sympathetic look as he ordered a simple bowl of lemon sherbert, adding an extra scoop, saying he was too thin and pale. Snape, being too interested in the bowl and it's contents, failed to make some snide remark about the man's concern for his health. He sat down in the far corner and ate his treat quietly, watching the ebb and flow of people outside the shop's windows. Once he finished and felt sufficiently strong enough to venture outside again he bid Florean goodbye. Flourish & Blott's was the last stop on his list. There were some obscure texts that he'd been searching for for some time and he just wanted to check. The manager nodded to him as he entered, not bothering to offer his assistance. Snape had been here so often he knew the shelving better than some of the assistances who worked here. Luck seemed to be with him today for here were two of the books he'd been looking for. A rare smile graced his face as he paid for the heavy leather bound books. Done with his shopping Snape decided to make one last stop before he returned to the Leaky Cauldron and it's fireplace.
The witch at the counter eyed him carefully over her black spectacles as he passed over the threshold, but for the moment she was too busy with a young wizard trying to find a new cat to bother with him. This left Severus to roam about the shop unmolested. He peered into cages and water-filled tanks, taking in all the strange creatures resting within. It was only when he came to a pen full of puppies that he stopped. The little creatures were flopping about, playing with each other, yapping and growling. Severus knelt to get a better look attracting the attention of several of the pups who crowded forwards poking their little muzzles through the bars and making whining noises. "There cute little things aren't they?" The witch said as she came over. "What are they?" He asked curiously. "A special sub-species of Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Bred to herd and protect Demiguise by a breeder in Wales. They can see anything invisible to our eyes, can go invisible themselves for short periods, with a keen sense of smell second to none." They could see things invisible? Go invisible themselves? "Don't let their size fool you, Demi's are as strong and fast as the largest hounds.They're highly intelligent, loyal to their masters, slightly telepathic, and possess very long lifespans. Each one's already received basic training and shots." The witch recited the breed's strong points. Snape's interest perked up considerably when she spoke special eyesight. He kept thinking what a nice surprise it would be to catch that brat Potter in his invisiblity cloak out after hours. He looked closer at the pups. Many were fawn or tan colors mixed with white. But one little pup stood out. It set in the back, eyeing it's littermates with an air of slight disgust. This one's coat was a deep black along the back and shoulders, edged with a sable color, with white around it's muzzle and underbelly, and possessed the most amazing shade of amber eyes. "What of that one there?" he pointed out the tri-color. "Oh her," the witch sighed. "She's the odd one of the lot. Doesn't seem to want anything to do with people. A few've tried to get her attention but she won't even take notice. If this keeps up she'll have to be sent back." For some reason she sounded sad at the prospect. "Would that be bad?" "Oh yes. Being anti-social with people isn't a trait one wants to instill in a breed that works closely with wizards. More than likely they'll put her down. To keep the genepool clean." Hmph! If that were true for humans Severus himself would've been 'put down' ages ago. Severus eyed the female pup. "You just don't want to be stuck with some stupid brat do you?" He said softly. On hearing his voice directed towards her the pup's ears perked up. Amber eyes studied him closely, just as black eyes returned her scrutiny. This one was different, not like the loud young ones with their poking fingers and painful grasps. He, for he smelled of male but with a puzzling scent of a carrying female lingering about him, was quiet, he didn't make any sudden moves or try to woo her or her siblings as the others had. This one was smart, he carried himself with a manner of power that she liked. Perhaps he would be a worthy master. After a moment of careful consideration the pup made up her mind. Rising she crossed the cage, shouldered two of her brothers roughly aside and pressed close to bars, whining up at him, one paw patting the air. "Well I never thought I'd see the day, I think she likes you!" "Of course she does, the dog obviously has good taste." Severus actually heard himself chuckle. "How much?" And so it was that when Snape left the menagerie he was the new owner of a Demi Welsh Corgi. The little pup rode in a carrier floating behind him, along with a large box carrying her goods. Brushes, shampoos, vitamins, litterbox, sweaters, collars, a good leash, a book about the breed, feeding bowls, food, and various toys. Severus was a little puzzled about his sudden impulse to buy a puppy. He kept telling himself that it was just to prevent them from putting the helpless animal to sleep for no good reason. But if Severus was honest with himself he'd acknowledge that somewhere in his heart he longed for companionship. The puppy was perfect.
The pup didn't even whimper as they flood back to Hogwarts and down to the dungeons. Once safely enscrolled in his home territory Severus set the cage down and opened the door. "This is your new home." With a regal air the pup strode out to survey Snape's quarters. Carefully she inspected every single inch of the room, poking her nose into everything. It was almost comical to watch her attempt to sniff the cabinet where he kept his special potions. She kept sneezing. Eventually she toddled back to him, tour done. "Did everything meet with your satisfaction?" He asked, unpacking her goods. She snorted and slid closer, watching carefully as he pulled out her large wooly bed which he placed over near the fire so that she'd be warm. It was a bit cold here in the dungeons at this time of year. He added several blankets for good measure. A small box held all her toys, and a divided bowl held her food and water. "There, do you approve?" She barked and hopped into the bed, little teeth snaring the blankets as she arranged them to her satisfaction. "You know, I can't keep talking to you like this." She cocked her head, listening intently. "You need a name." He sat down in his favorite chair and immediately his lap was full of a squirming ball of fur. He found himself smiling as he petted her, noting the look of bliss on her face as he scratched behind her ears. "Hmmm. Your eyes are just like amber. I could call you that but it sounds so common, and you are anything but. Electrum is latin for amber, only that's not a proper name for a lady. How about Electra?" The pup gave a little growl and stood, planting her forepaws on his chest and licking his chin. "Then it's settled, Electra it is." Severus pulled out a small black collar with a green and silver tag and with his wand inscribed her name and owner on it before fixing it about her neck. The next several hours were spent in perfect contentment as the new companions got to know each other better. Electra lay sprawled across his lap, eyes half closed as those long fingers rubber her little tummy. The longer the pup was in contact with her new master the more her mind became attuned to his. It wouldn't be too long before she was able to mindspeak to him. She still wondered why he was carrying pups, he was a male after all. But it shouldn't be so strange to her, humans were odd creatures. Perhaps when he could hear her she could ask him to explain. It was only the rumbling of both their stomachs that reminded them it was time for dinner. Severus saw to Electra's needs first, watching as she wolfed down her meal. Once she was done he moved towards the door, the elves would be serving dinner soon. Just as he opened the door the little clicking of claws on the floor announced he had company. "So you want to come with me hmm?" He asked the pup as she sat waiting at his feet. A sharp bark was his answer. "Very well, just be quiet." And so Severus found himself walking down the halls with Electra by his side, pointing out each hall and door to the little pup who then sniffed the area to commit it to memory. "This is the Slytherin dorms," he pointed to one portrait. "Be careful around them, some of them may try to hurt you." The little dog growled an suddenly disappeared from view! "Electra!" Snape cried out, alarmed, till he remembered this was one of the breed's special talents. A little bark announced her return to visibility at his feet, looking up at him with a cocky little grin plastered on her muzzle. He immediately scooped her up and nuzzled her fur. "Yes, that's right, you vanish on them, don't give them the chance to hurt you." He carried her the rest of the way, putting her down only when they reached the doors to the great hall. "Remember, you're my dog, hold yourself proud."
Those few students who had remained for christmas stood up to get a better look as the two passed. "Why Severus, I didn't know you had a dog." said Dumbledore as he watched the black-clad man take his seat, his lap occupied by the pup as soon as he was settled. "Where'd yeh get the little feller Professor?" Hagrid was immediately interested in Electra, the man simply couldn't resist animals. "He sure is ah cute 'ne." "She," Snape corrected the man automatically, noting how Electra chuffed in annoyance when Hagrid referred to her as a he. "From the Menagerie in Diagon Alley. I named her Electra." Hagrid was out of his seat by now, looming over the pup he reached out with a hand bigger than she was. "Must remin' meself tah visit there, if they got anymore o' these cuties." Electra didn't like this one, he was too big, way too big! Hagrid nearly fell on his ass as the pup litterally vanished right before his eyes! "Blimey! What happened tah her?!" Snape chuckled wickedly as he pointed to Dumbledore's lap where the pup now sat growling at the huge man. "She's a Demi Corgi, am I right Sev?" Remus said from his other side. "Correct." he replied as he patted his knee and the pup returned to his lap, much to Dumbledore's disapointment. "They can go invisible at will Hagrid, they were bred to watch over Demiguises." the werewolf explained as he put out his hand towards the cute furball. As soon as Electra got a whiff of this new man the cute furball evolved into a snarling ball of fury. This one reeked of a predator, the stench filling her nostrils. He was a danger to her master and his pups. She must defend! "Whoa!!" Remus leaped back as Electra lunged at him, jaws agape, tiny sharp teeth glistening in the candle light. She just missed, the crunch of wood filled the air as she tore away part of his chair's armrest. Everyone was astonished by this for that was good solid oak that young puppy just ripped off. Snape grapped his pet before she could leap onto the other teacher. "Electra, down!" Despite her desire to continue Electra complied with his order and settled down into his lap, though she still eyed the Professor in shabby robes warily. "What happened, why'd she attack Remus?" McGonagall asked from her seat next to Albus, wand halfway out of her pocket. "I'm a werewolf," the man said wearily. "She sees me as a threat to her master." Electra cocked her head. That didn't make sense, the predator should be angry, not sad, not ashamed. What was going on? She looked up to her master for answers. All the teachers present were shocked as Severus petted his companion and explained in a soft and calm voice Remus's condition. This was getting weird. Snape buying a pet? Acting gentle towards it? Treating it as if it knew exactly what he was talking about? "Really!" Professor Sinestra snorted in disgust. "It's just a stupid animal, why talk to it?" "Oh no, no, Demi Corgi's are as intelligent as wizards, they understand every word said around them after six weeks of age." Professor Flitwick disagreed witht his fellow teacher. "My cousin has one, says he's smarter than many of the adults he's met." "Really? So if I called Severus a miserable git and a disgusting Death Eater she might take offense?" The burgandy robbed woman snickered. "See for youself." The little Professor pointed. Sure enough, Electra's sharp ears had picked up the other teacher's comment. She stood on stiff legs, fur fluffed, ears laid back, a truly hideous snarl on her muzzle. She was even drooling a little! The pup was the picture of adorable rage. ( How dare she insult my Master! ) Electra snapped at the air, biting off her growls. Amber eyes fixed on the woman, burning golden orbs challenging her, threatening her. "Well Snape, it seems you have one staunch defender here in the school. Too bad the mangy beast doesn't understand about the Dark Mark, isn't it?" She sneered, though not quite as visiously as before. Not with a dog who could shred wood setting there on his lap eyeing her like a prime candidate to become her next chew bone. "Electra, heel. She's not worth the effort. Besides you might become ill if you were to bite her." Snape pointed out softly. She calmed down. True, the loathsome woman didn't look all that appetizing. She looked downright sour, probably spoiled too. Making a loud noise of disgust Electra settled down on her Master's lab, resting against his stomach, one ear attuned to the heartbeats within. Severus ate his meal, carefully avoiding being drawn into conversation with anyone, concentrating on the food and his puppy. Electra was a true lady, her table manners were immpeccable. She neither begged nor attempted to steal food, nor would accept any morsel unless it came from Severus himself. After the meal Snape allowed the other teachers staying over Christmas to become acquainted with his pet. Dumbledore got along with the pup, she had after all had chosen his lap to escape to when Hargrid first approached. The half-giant finally did manage to pet Electra, mumbling sweet little endearments, stroking her soft fur with one finger. With Flitwick, Hooch, McGonagall, and Sprout his pet accepted their touches and compliments, but made no move to illicite anything further. Madame Pince wasn't as well received as the others, Electra couldn't help baring her teeth at the woman every time she drew near. When Trelawney tried to pet her the pup had a sneezing fit, the thick incense clinging to the woman's robes upsetting her sharp nose. Remus was eventually able to pet Snape's new companion, Electra mulled over what her master had told her of him and deciding he wasn't the threat as she first thought. The DADA teacher was thrilled in this little victory. In his bleak existence as a werewolf friends were hard to come by. Every one was precious, even a dog's acceptance was welcome. To Vector and Sinistra young Electra was hardly civil, she snarled, baring sharp teeth, the second either one came within ten feet of her and her master. Both teachers seemed to harbor just as much animosity for the little pup as for her owner. Snape swore it was hate at first site and made a mental note to train Electra to avoid those two in the future. While they probably wouldn't try anything outright, he wouldn't put it past them in attempting to hurt Electra if the chance presented itself. As for the students Electra avoided them at first, she preferred adults, they were a little more careful of handling things like tender puppies. A few finally managed to lure the puppy close enough to briefly touch. Those that were rough she never approached again. Only the ones who kept their petting gentle got to keep petting her.
He held one hand, palm up. "Hi," his voice soft. "Hi girl." Another boy crouched by the first, his hair a bright red. "Careful Harry." "She's just a puppy Ron." "She's SNAPE'S puppy." Ron pointed out even as Electra edged closer to his hand. Her nose was a mere inch away from Harry's fingertips when the Corgi's sharp ears picked up her master's growl of displeasure. He did not like this boy, therefore she should not like him either. "See, I told you." Ron was smug, Harry stunned, as the pup bristled, gave a gravelly growl and turned away. She trotted back to Snape without a second look back. "All right, she's Snape's dog." The Boy Who Lived sighed. *~*~*~*~* Severus groaned and shifted again. How was he supposed to get a good night's sleep if he couldn't get to sleep in the first place? Growling in frustration he finally gave up and abandoned his bed. Slipping on his nightrobe and scuffs the black-haired man decided to take a little walk. Electra struggled out from under her blankets and trotted after him. As he passed by the corner he caught sight of his reflexion in the full lenght mirror resting there. After that lingering bout of nausea went away Severus had managed to gain quite a bit of weight. Funny thing was it was all situated in his stomach area. He tried to cut back on his eating only to found that an impossible task. Those strange cravings of his just grew stronger till he was sneaking down to raid the kitchens on a nightly basis. Luckily none of the other instructors had noticed his recent weight gain. Thanks to a simple glamour he retained his normal slim appearance. Standing sideways he ran his hands down his stomach, noting the way it curved out and then dipped back in towards his body. On the way down he passed over his navel which was now protruding as if someone had pushed on it from the inside. For a moment the image in the mirror struck him as rather familiar, one he'd seen on a few occasions elsewheres. But the location's memory escaped him. Oh well, there was time enough to think of it later. Right now he felt like a nice bowl of porridge sweetened with lots of plump blueberries, maybe two bowls, and some of that goulash left over from supper, and a slice of lemon pie if they had any left. The halls were quite as he and his companion made their way up from the dungeons. Severus liked this time of night. No students to bother him with their glares and whispers. Just tranquil darkness. "Oh!" He gasped, one hand flying up to cover his stomach. Electra growled, instantly looking around for the source of her owner's discomfort. There it was again, that strange not-quite pain that seemed to move about in his stomach. Sometimes it was high up near the ribs, others it rested low in his belly. But always it was completely unexpected. No warnings, it's randomness making it incredibly difficult to pin down any one thing as the source of this latest annoyance. ( This has gone on far too long,) he shook his head as he resummed climbing. ( Tomorrow, tomorrow I will speak to Poppy about this.)
Professor Snape rarely came to her for medical assistance unless it was quite grave. The man knew his medical potions and spells, a necessity for any Death Eater, and usually took care of any maladies that cropped up on his own. Besides the obvious fact that the man loathed to be pinned down under her care. "Good morning Professor," She greeted him politely. "What brings you here today?" "I wish to speak to you, in private." "First I must insist that animal leave, it's unsanitary." She pointed at Electra. ( I'm cleaner than you are, you old moo.) The dog snarled at the insult. "She stays." Snape glared at her, the twist of his lip mimicking his pet's exactly. "Professor," Poppy stood her ground, glaring at the tall man. "Dogs carry all manner of germs." "Electra stays." His voice brooked no more argument. Reluctantly the woman backed down, not because he'd succeeded in intimidating her but because her curiousity was becoming too great to tamp down. "All right, come with me." The old school nurse led them into one of the isolation wards. "Now what's wrong Professor?" "I'm not sure. This all started about five months ago and unfortunately I've reached the end of my medical experience. Perhaps you can figure out what is going on." He admitted rather grugingly that he didn't have the skills needed to deal with his problem and that pleased Poppy. It was after all her job, seeing to the health of everyone in Hogwarts; students and teachers alike. "Describe your symptoms." And so he did, in precise and as complete in detail as he could manage. This was one thing you had to admire in the man, his dedication to detail. As she listened Poppy's mind began adding up the symptoms, running them through her mind, searching for a perticular aliment or curse that contained such a wide array. Only the longer she thought the more one unique 'aliment' came up, one utterly impossible for one of his gender to suffer from naturally. Still.... "Severus, have you gained any weight?" "Yes, wait a moment." Snape pulled out his wand and dispelled the glamour about himself. Poppy's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates as she took in his gracefully curved stomach. ( By Merlin's beard, this can't possibly be true!) "Just wait right here Professor, I just need to get a few things for some tests. You can lie down if you want to." "Very well." Leaving the room the nurse quickly scribbled out a note to the Headmaster and gave it to her owl to deliver immediately. She then gathered up two instruments she had only had to use here at the school four times. Returning to the room Poppy found her patient laying on the bed fast asleep, the dog setting close by on guard over her master. He really did look rather handsome when he wasn't scowling. In any event his being asleep was probably the best for her. She could run the tests and he'd be none the wiser. The first involved a simple spell which would print his current state of health onto a blank parchment. The other was an instrument that attached to his stomach under Electra's warning gaze. She sat that one up while waiting for the first spell to finish. When the results came back from both tests the old nurse nearly had a heart attack. This couldn't be right. She ran the tests again... And then again...both times were identical to the first. 100% positive. No doubt whatsoever. Professor Severus Snape was pregnant, very pregnant. About five months along by her gauging.. With twins to boot.... Dear Merlin! Was the school ready for this, was the world?
"My dear Poppy, whatever is the matter?" At the sound of the Headmaster's voice the nurse snapped back to reality. "Oh! Thank Merlin you're here Albus! I'm completely lost! I don't know how to handle this!!" The white-bearded wizard laid a calming hand on her shoulder. "Settle down Poppy, you're making very little sense. Take a deep breath now, that's it." After several cleansing breaths she felt in control enough to speak. "Professor Snape came to see me this morning." Blue eyes narrowed slightly. "Really? How unusual. Normally Severus wouldn't come within eighty feet of this place unless it was absolutely necessary. Go on dear." "He was complaining of some illness that had been lingering over the last five months and wanted to know what I made of it. The more he talked the more it sounded like..well, like he was..." "Oh dear, he's not terminally ill is he?" "No! No! Nothing like that. Though before this is all over we might wish he were dying." She took a deep breath. Better just get it all out right now. "He's pregnant Albus." Albus blinked. "I'm sorry Poppy, I don't think I heard you correctly. Did you just say that Severus is pregnant?" "Yes, yes I did. Severus Snape is pregnant. He's currently in his fifth month of gestation and Albus, he's carrying twins." "Are you sure?" Dumbledore dropped into the nearest chair, stunned to the core of his soul. "Very sure, the tests I used are full proof." Unable to stand any longer Poppy flopped down onto one of the empty beds. "Where is he? Surely you haven't told him yet, have you?" "No, I haven't told him anything. He fell asleep in isolation room one." She began wringing her hands again. "I thought perhaps it'd be best if you were there with me when I went in. I really can't see Snape being pleased with this news." Her smile was shaky. "You can keep him from tearing me to pieces." "You've been listening to our students too long my Dear Poppy. Severus is a rather nice man once you get to know him. I think he'll surprise you," said Dumbledore with a chuckle.
Of course these spells never dealt with one overwrought Potions Master. "WWHHHHAAATTTT???!!!!" The scream shattered the silence spell, rattling windows in their frames, causing close by students and teachers alike to jump in shock. Poppy, having delivered her diagnosis, had taken refuge behind Dumbledore who stood in a protective stance, wand out, ready to defend should it become necessary. Severus Snape sat there, chest heaving, eyes wide, shallow skin flushed red with anger. Besides him Electra was growling, amber eyes fixed on the old woman who was the target of her master's anger. "I did not come here to be the butt of some twisted joke woman!" He growled through clenched teeth. "This is no joke Severus," Dumbledore was completely unfazed by the younger man's anger. "OF COURSE IT'S A JOKE!!" Snape roared, now on his feet. "THERE'S ABSOLUTELY NO POSSIBLE WAY THAT I COULD BE PREGNANT!!" "Severus! Calm down!" Poppy shrieked as she saw her patient becoming hysterical. "Getting upset isn't good for the babies!!" Those particular words didn't do much to soothe the situation, if anything they made it worse. Snape's eyes narrowed into thin slits as he reached for his wand. "Bindus Totalis!" Dumbledore brought his wand down sharply. With a shocked yelp Severus stumbled and fell back onto the bed, his body bound by unseen ropes. Electra leaped forwards, searching for the souce of her master's sudden fall. "Now Severus, I do hope you will listen this time." Dumbledore stood over the struggling man, arms crossed, looking for once quite stern. "Madame Pomfrey is, as you well know, a highly skilled nurse--" "Obviously not if the old bat thinks I'm knocked up!" He hissed, jerking his hands in an attempt to wrest them free. Her master was bound! Electra whirled around. This was his fault! The long-furred male he called Dumbledore! He'd chained up her master. Well, she would see he released him! "That was uncalled for Severus. The test results are quite clear and if you just take a moment to think things through you would see that you've been experiencing quite a number of the minor aliments that women suffer when carrying a child." Albus said even as he flicked his wand out and placed an invisible collar and lease on the pup. Electra, feeling the restraint, fought; twisting and flailing about. "And how exactly am I to know about these aliments? Being a man I have had no pressing need to understand the workings of the female reproductive system!" It was a valid point, Dumbledore had to admit that. "I don't believe it Headmaster." Snape's eyes locked with the older wizard's, blue to black. "And I refuse to accept it." But somewhere, deep within Severus' heart, a part of him was urging him to believe, to accept. "Well, whether you accept it or not Professor, it doesn't change the fact that you're five months pregnant," said Madame Pomfrey angrily. Snape snarled visciously and twisted against his restraints. "Albus, he might hurt himself squirming about like that." "Yes, yes, quite right." Snape nearly fell out of bed as the spell was lifted.
There it was, that damm pleading tone. The old man knew he couldn't fight against that. "Very well," he sighed in resignation.
"But how did I aquire this condition?" Snape was now setting up in the bed, propped up by several pillows, sipping some hot chocolate. Electra, freed from Dumbledore's leashing spell, lay by his side. ( I can't believe he doesn't know! Didn't his dam teach him anything?) The dog shook her head in shock. "Well I would think that you might know that better than any of us Severus." Pobby added a little more marshmallow to her cup, stirring slowly. "It does take two to make a baby." Snape' s back went stiff. "Very funny Poppy," black eyes glared at her. "My preferences has always been for women." "Then a spell, or potion perhaps." Dumbledore sipped his own mug, somehow managing to keep his snowy white mustashe and beard clean of the brown liguid. "A spell would have left traces, but a potion is more subtle." Snape rubbed his chin. "The thought has some merit. There was an incident not long before I started getting sick. Miss Granger's cauldron exploded rather mysteriously. She and Mr. Weasley had no explanation as to why. It drenched me." "Perhaps someone close by slipped something into it?" "A possiblity." He took another swallow. "One which I will explore at the first opportunity." "That raises another question. As Poppy stated it takes two to make a baby. If you are one parent, who is the other?" Poppy sat her cup aside. "There are several paternity spells availible, but only one will work right now, the rest would have to wait till the twins are born." "Can you preform it?" Snape asked quickly. A fear was silently growing in his chest. What if whomever did this to him made Potter the other parent. That would surely be a fate worse than death. It was bad enough he had to teach the brat, but to carry his children? Severus would rather die first. "Of course." Poppy drew out her wand. "Pateris Divulgo!" A rose colored mist issued from her wand's tip to settle about his stomach. It swirled about for a second before an image appeared. "Poppy are you quite sure you cast the spell right?" Dumbledore peered at his own face in the mist. "It seems to be just a reflection." But currently Madame Pomfrey wasn't capable of answering the Headmaster as she had fainted at the first sight of Albus's face in the spell. "She cast it right Headmaster." Snape himself was shocked but he wasn't about to faint over it. He had better sense than that. At least with Albus as the father it wasn't too bad. "You mean that I'm the father?" a slowly widening smile broke across his ancient face. "My dear Severus, this is absolutely delightful! I never expected to be a father, especially not at my age. But here it is! And twins!! I hope it's a boy and a girl, I would dearly love one of each!" "Fine, fine, now could you see if you can wake Pomfrey? I'd like to return to my quarters." Snape rolled his eyes and began rethinking about his thoughts just a moment ago. "Back to the dungeons? Those cold dark rooms? No! You will do no such thing! It's much too damp and chilly for you down there Severus, bad for the children. New rooms on the ground floor will be prepared for you." "The ground floor?!" "And I'll see to finding you an assistant. Yes, can't have you taxing yourself now can we?" He patted Severus' stomach lovingly. "Perhaps we can get one of the Weasley boys to come back for a few months, maybe longer to cover for you after they're born. I expect you'll be quite exhausted those first few weeks." Now Snape was getting worried. He pushed Dumbledore's hand away from his stomach. "Really Headmaster! There's no need for that! I am perfectly capable of handling my own classes." "Nonsense Severus. You obviously need some help. Carrying one child is a chore, with two it's doubled, am I correct Poppy? Poppy? Oh dear, she's still unconscious." As Dumbledore set about rousing Poppy from her stumpor Severus was left to wonder if this was all some sort of nightmare brought on by last night's kitchen raid.
Albus had taken the news of his impending fatherhoood like a fish takes to water. He was so excited it was actually scary to watch. The old wizard bombarded the younger one with ideas. Where the nursery should be, what colors would look good, what old family names sounded best to Severus. That last one really went over well. It seemed to Poppy as if every single name Dumbledore had chose was carefully picked to annoy Severus. Really, she wouldn't name the child of her worst enemy some of those names, imagine what the poor child would go through if he or she were saddled with one. "Aifric? That's a rather pretty girl's name, don't you think Severus?" Dumbledore asked as they ate breakfast one morning. "Aifric? Where in Merlin's name did you get that?" Snape grabbed up the lemon marmalade before the older wizard could abscond with the rest. "Oh, found it in 'Montigue's Many Names for Baby Wizards and Witches', there were rather a lot to choose from." Albus replied dreamily. "It's silly." "Oh? You don't like it then? How about Labhaoise?" "No, sounds more like a spell than a name." " Well, perhaps Eileithyia?" "No." "Avril, that one means April. Always did like April, one of my favorite months." "Not one of mine." "Hmm, how about boy's names then? I rather fancy the names Ailbhe and Lloyd." "No child of mine will ever wear those names." "Maybe Cuthbert?" "Cuthbert? You're sick Albus. Very, very sick." Electra agreed with her owner, covering her ears with her paws, the white-furred man couldn't name pups to save his life. Dumbledore didn't seem the least bit angry or depressed as Snape continued to shoot down every single one of his suggestions. In fact he listened to each of the Potions Master's rejections with a merry little twinkle in his blue eyes. "No," Severus finally snarled through gritted teeth after hearing that last dreadful name. "The first thing I'm going to do today is burn that book." "Good thing it's hidden then isn't it?" Quickly finishing his meal Severus stormed off to his new classrooms, followed by his faithful hound. Once classes began his mood improved a little. Here amidst the long shelves of ingredients and finished potions he felt secure, safe in his element, and could put the facts of his condition aside for a while. At least that was the idea. All throughout the day his mind kept drifting back to the subject of names. He certainly wasn't going to let Albus pick them out. The old buzzard had quite clearly shown this morning that whatever tack he might've had drained out his head a long time ago. He then would make the choices, they were his children after all! If anyone deserved to name them it was him! ( Hmm, let's see,) Severus idly began writing down some names as he waited for his students to finish their tests. ( For the girl, if there is a girl, Pirene I think, or maybe Maude, or Alana. Boys names, something strong yet not too severe. Evander, possibly Albany or Sion.) His preoccupation wasn't lost on the children. Each student caught
themselves wondering what on earth could distract the Potions teacher
from his self-issued duty of making their classes with him as miserable
and terrifying as possible.
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