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Title: Prof. Snape's delicate condition,
Dressing for the day ahead Snape eyed his old wardrobe with a bit of wishful longing. Nothing fit anymore. Almost all of his robes had been reshaped, transfigured, to their limits and still couldn't come close to covering his expanded waist. Even his underwear was becoming uncomfortable. Only one robe still fit resonably well but he had no doubt it too wouldn't be long in following the others. Well, he certainly wasn't going to go about the school dressed in his nightclothes. A trip to Diagon Alley was called for. Brouching the subject to Dumbledore proved to be more troublesome than Severus expected. As Snape's pregnancy advanced so too did Dumbledore's protective streak grow. With the threat of Voldemort's desire to claim the children and Death Eaters out to kill the compitition to their young gaining the Dark Lord's favor Albus was against Severus setting so much as a single foot off of school grounds. Here Snape was safe, protected by the vast number of wards the school possessed, the staff, and of course Dumbledore himself. When he pointed out the state of his attire, or lack thereof, the Headmaster promised to pick him up several good robes when he went to London tomorrow. This illicited a shudder of horror from the Potions Master. Given the old man's taste in apparel Severus could well imagine what Albus would return with. Finally, after three hours of intense discussion (in other words arguing) Albus reluctantly agreed to the trip so long as some precautionary measures were observed. Snape was never to be left alone, someone was always to be with him. To ensure this Severus would be accompanied by himself, Remus, Hagrid, Electra, and Black in dog form. And while Severus understood the necessity of an escort it still grated against his nerves. Being ushered around like a little child. He was almost 40 for Prospero's sake! It wasn't as if he were completely helpless. He was still one of the most powerful wizards in the isles and knew more curses and hexes than even Voldemort himself. Severus was far from helpless even in his currently gravid condition. "Ready Sev?" Remus popped his head around the door to Snape's bedroom. "Do I look ready?" came the sarcastic reply. Ignoring the other man's attitude Remus strode over and adjusted Snape's collar. "Well you have your robes on, got boots on your feet. I'd say you were ready." The clicking of claws on the old stone floor announced Black and Electra's arrival. Things had not been going well for the Animagi. Now that Electra understood the magic McGonagall and Black used to become animals and learned to recognize their changed scents the Corgi refused to allow Black closer than ten feet to her master. The two times he'd attempted to apoligize to Severus found Sirius requiring Madame Pomfrey's attention after Electra attacked him. For such a young and small dog the Corgi packed one hell of a bite. Mindful of the pup besides him Black stopped well short of the ten feet limit and transformed back to human form. "Are you ready yet?" he asked sharply. "We don't have all dayyYOUCH!!" Snape tried not laugh too hard as he watched Sirius bouncing around the room holding one foot. Electra had just given the Animagi a lesson in manners. "You know Sev, I might want to borrow Electra on Monday. She'd make a great study for the kids." the werewolf smirked. "You sure she isn't part demon dog?" "Quite sure, I have her registration and bloodline papers." Snape's smile was wide and wonderful to see. "But who knows what the breeder used to originate the species." Sirius having healed up the minor bite was now glaring at the unrepentent dog. Electra stared right back at him. The staring match went on for several minutes till at last it was Black who had to look away. Electra snorted, having satisified herself that Black now knew who was dominant, and trotted over to her master. (( We go now?)) She asked looking up. "Yes Electra, we'll be going just as soon as Albus arrives." Snape replied. (( Old man weird.)) She sneezed. (( Smell..funny.)) That comment sent Severus into another fit of laughter. "Oh Electra I would dearly love to hear Dumbledore's reaction to that."
The Headmaster of Hogwarts was greeted with a great deal of smiles and happy voices. Some of the more boisterous members of the crowd called out for Hagrid to come join them. And while the half-giant longed to set down to a good butterbear, he couldn't. This was a mission for the school, for the Headmaster. Duty came first. Seeing two dogs travelling with the Hogwarts group started up the gossip and speculation. The big one looked more like a Grim, enough to give many nightmares, but the young Demi Corgi was absolutely adorable. That observation lasted only until someone tried to pet Snape's leashed hound. One harsh snarl, barring of teeth, and many thought they had better things to do than risk amputation. Only a tiny little fly seemed brave enough in the whole lot to seek the dogs out, landing undetected on the back of the big black one. Diagon Alley was bustling with activity. The bright sunny day invited people to leave their homes for a day of casual fun. Severus sighed. He hated crowds. They'd always bothered him, even when he himself was attending Hogwarts as a student. At least his escorts were proving to be useful in assisting the vulnerable Potion's Master through the shifting traffic. With Hagrid leading the way they made it quite quickly to Gringotts. After all, who in their right mind would attempt to bar the half-giant's path. Once within the bank's sturdy white walls Albus took the head Goblin aside for a little chat who then arranged a special cart to take Severus down to his personal vault. For the first time he could ever remember Snape actually found the ride quite pleasant; nice and slow so as not to aggravate his pregnancy. Remus waited on him while he gathered up some galleons from his vault. The sacks he left with were a bit heavier than he ususally withdrew, but then it wasn't everyday that he bought such a wide variety of clothing, which naturally would take a fair amount of money. The pair returned to the surface and rejoined the others. This time Albus led them strait to Madame Malkin's robe shop. "Albus!" The squat witch squealed in delight, rushing over to embrace the ancient wizard. "How are you, you're looking well. What can I do for you?" She asked as she eyed the assortment of men and dogs behind the elderly wizard with curiousity. Albus reached back and pulled the black clad Potions Master forwards. "Severus here needs some new robes and some other daily garments. I do hope you can help him." "Why Professor Snape! What's wrong with those robes I made for you back in December? Surely you haven't ruined them already?" "No, but they no longer fit," he figited. Quite unlike the man. It was one thing for the students and faculity to know of his condition, they were confined to the school and under orders not to pass the information along to the outside world. But for someone here in London to be shown this.... "No longer fit? How can that be? You seem just as trim as ever." Albus nodded to Remus who with a flick of his wand shut and locked the shop's door and covered the windows with a concealing screen. "Show her Severus." Still not comfortable with this Snape did as he was told. Madame Malkin nearly fainted right there on the spot as she saw Professor Snape's enlarged midsection. "You...you're...are you..??" She sputtered. "Yep!" Remus beamed. "He's up the duff!" "Oh, Oh dear, well that certainly changes things!" The witch began bustling around the shop, picking up robes from racks and alcoves till she had an entire rolling rack filled with robes of all shapes and colors. "Here we are! These robes are already large-sized. You just go ahead and sort through these, see if there's anything here you might like." Albus and the werewolf dove gleefully into the task. Snape himself held back. Even from here he could plainly see there was nothing on the rack that appealed to him. Everything was far too bright, the patterns too decorative. And most damming of all; there wasn't a stitch of plain black in the whole lot! "Look at this one Sev!" Remus held up a deep purple robe that reminded him of one the Headmaster himself was fond of wearing. "No." Severus shook his head. Unphased by the rejection the DADA Professor went back to the rack. "AH! Here's one!!" Dumbledore picked up a God-awful bright orange robe with ochre yellow stars. "Just what are you thinking man?" Snape covered his face with one hand. Just looking at the gaudy thing was making him nauseous. "Scratch that, you don't really think." "That's too bright Albus, this one's much better." Remus held up a long flowing robe of deep forest green that possessed a rather low plunging neckline. "Oops! Oh no! That's a lady's robe!" Malkin took the garment away before the werewolf could hold it up to Snape's body for a spot fit. Severus sank into the chair Hagrid pulled over for him gratefully. After all this time his feet were getting sore. The wizards continued to sort. Each robe they offered up for Snape's consideration was more flashy and garish than the last till Severus was on the verge of pulling out his wand and hexing the lot of them. The final straw came when Albus tried to talk him into buying an absolutely ridiculious outfit of orange, purple, lime green, and white. There he put his foot down. "ENOUGH!!" He shouted. "What is it with the two of you? Are you deliberately trying to make me into one of those stomach-churning muggle parade floats?" "But Severus, you really must admit that your taste in attire is a bit bland." "I prefer it bland Albus, thank you very much!" He rounded now on the stunned seamstress. "Would you perhaps have stored somewhere in this establishment some pure black robes that might fit me?" Malkin closed her eyes, mentally reveiwing her stock, before snapping her fingers. "Why yes, we just might. Please wait here a moment." "Severus, what would it hurt to choose some brighter colors to wear?" "Bright colors are not my nature Albus." Malkin was back very soon carrying quite a few long black robes cut similiar to ones Snape already owned. "These were commishioned by a Norwegian wizard who never did come back to make the last payment. If they fit I can let you have the whole lot for only 4 galleons." Four galleons? That was practically a steal! Severus fingered the fabric, pleased with the feel of the weave. Taking one, Snape retreated to the nearest dressing room. He turned to close the door only to bump right into Dumbledore. "What are you doing in here?" Severus hissed as the old man locked the door. "Get out!" "Now Severus, be reasonable, you need help trying that on." Dumbledore smiled ever so sweetly. Snape rolled his eyes but let the moment pass. He'd learned over the years that when the old goat was smiling like that there wasn't any use arguing. And if he'd only admit it to himself having Albus help would indeed ease matters along.
"You see the slats on the side are held in place by the waist ties. You can adjust the ties to give you more room as your pregnancy advances." Malkin explained, demostrating for the young man how the system worked. "I must say Severus that black does indeed suit you." Albus grumbled mildly as one hand soothed out a wrinkle in the ebony fabric. Severus, a smug smile on his face, adjusted the collar a bit. "Oh? You just now noticed?" Malkin fussed a little bit more before asking if there was anything else he needed. Snape was only too willing to let her see his list. With the kindly witch's assistance the remainder of his clothes shopping was over and done with quickly. "Now you remember to bring those robes back once you've had these little dears," Malkin told the black-clad man as she rung up his purchases. "I'll be glad to trim them down to fit." "Thank you." He graced the woman with one of his actual smiles, bringing a blush to her cheeks. Goodness! That young man could be quite handsome when he wanted to be. So it was that Snape finally left the shop with six robes, a dozen boxers, some soft loose stockings, several extra large undershirts, and three new extra large nightshirts. He however wasn't carrying a single bag. What good was it to have these men for an escort if he couldn't make them play packmule? "So, are you finished Sev?" Remus asked. "No. I need to stop at the Menagarie before we return to Hogwarts." "Thinking about buying another Corgi?" The werewolf smirked. "Hardly. I just have to ask about Electra's diet."
"Good Afternoon Sir. How are you getting along with your puppy?" "Quite well actually. Except for one minor detail-cats." "Ah yes. No one's really sure why some Demi Corgis crave cats, the breeder certainly never intended them to, and it's impossible to remove by spells." "Is there no way to deter my dog from devouring every cat she sees?" He asked, thinking that if there wasn't he may have to muzzle Electra. "One of my fellow teachers is an Animagi, her form is a cat." "Oh dear, that's bad." The witch went back into the shelves and returned a moment later carrying a large box. "These should help." Snape read the label. "Puss-Puss Puffs?" "Developed specifically for Demi Corgis. Feline flavored. Guaranteed to please your puppy's palate." She giggled behind raised hands. "That's the company's selling pitch, not mine." Shooting her a slightly annoyed look Snape opened the box and pulled out a semi-hard piece of tan colored treat cut into the shape of a smiling cat's face. It reminded him of the old drawings of the cheshire cat from alice in wonderland. It didn't look all that enticing to him, there wasn't even any smell to it, at least not one he could discreen. Electra however went ballistic the second she caught a wiff of the tailored treat. (( GIVE!!GIVE!!)) She begged her master, bouncing up and down. "So you want this eh?" He smiled as she wriggled about at his feet. "All right then, here you go." The treat didn't even reach the floor, Electra snatched it right out of midair. Landing on all fours the Corgi busied herself with chewing, jaws working furiously, a look of pure bliss on her canine face. "They're designed to need heavy chewing, gives the dog a sense of eating something more substantial while cleaning their teeth at the same time." Electra didn't care whether it cleaned her teeth or not, all that mattered to the Corgi was the positively scrumptous taste that filled her mouth. Cat, pure, lovely feline. Closing her eyes she savored the rich essence. Oh heavenly! All the wonderful flavor and texture without the effort of chasing one down and killing it. That would be missed. The thrill of the chase and capture was half the pleasure. But maybe she could still do that, chase them down in the castle. Electra was sure her master wouldn't mind so long as she didn't kill and eat it. "That one treat ought to hold off her craving for 24 hours, possibly as long as 36 hours given she's young yet." "Excellent. I'll take this box and four more." While his purchase was being rung up those with him were exploring the shop. Dumbledore ended up buying a new perch for his phoenix Fawkes. Remus purchased a nice bristle brush to use on Snuffle's thick coat. Snape joked he should be investing in some better smelling shampoo for the blasted mutt. This earned the Potions Master a growl from said mutt but only that. The Animagi couldn't retaliate against Snape, not here in public and with the threat of dire and painful retribution from Electra hanging over his head. Hagrid was more than disappointed that the last batch of Demi Corgi pups had sold out just two days ago. But the saleswitch promised she'd send word to the half-giant the moment another litter was brought in for sale. In the meantime he consoled himself with buying the breeder's guidebook, saying he'd just use the time to learn up on the breed before he got his own pup. Everyone's business finished the group returned to the Leaky Cauldron. No one noticed the little buzzing fly lift off Snuffle's back and zip away towards the darkest corner of the pub.
When Rita Skeeter had tried her little poison pen bit against Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts and been caught the Daily Prophet severed all ties with the coniving woman. Word spread through the staff that such twisting the facts for sensationalism and to attack the reputation of innocent people would not only no longer be tolerated, it was now grounds for termination. So Nester and his fellow reporters were now taking their time investigating story leads, and his patience on this story had just been rewarded big time! The reporter had first got wind of this story from his nephew's letters home. The lad was in his first year at Hogwarts and had recently written home asking his mother for whatever old remedies she use to use when she was pregnant. He wrote all about the accident in Potions, what it's results were, and what the Headmaster himself had stood up and admitted in front of the whole school. A little more snooping using his trusty Spyfly had brought Nester all the remaining facts he needed for what was shaping up to be the biggest story of his whole career. If he hurried he could get it written and submitted in time for tomorrow morning's edition.
"Good morning Severus." Dumbledore greeted the younger wizard as he helped him sit. "I reserve judgement on that till later." Snape replied without commenting on the old man's well timed assistance. "Morning Sev." Remus beamed. How the man could be so chipper in the morning was beyond Snape's understanding. Maybe he and Albus used some wacked out spell to perk themselves up before coming to eat with him. "Morning Professor Snape." Bill Weasley smiled at the Potions Master. "Are you going to be attending class today Sir?" "Of course," Snape speared a banger before Remus could make off with the lot. "While you are not incompitent it still requires a trained eye to watch over Longbottom." "I still can't believe how many times I've had to use that safety shower since I started teaching." Bill chuckled, spreading some cream cheese on a warmed bagel. Through the open window several owls swooped in with mail, packages, and the morning paper. Things now quieted down as everyone bussied themselves with what the birds brought and dropped in their laps. Severus opened the paper, raising his cup he took a sip of tea before reading the headline. Remus and Bill yelped in surprise as Snape sprayed them both with the whole mouthful. "What'ya do that for Sev?!!" The werewolf glared at Snape. Now pale as a sheet, the shaking man thrust the paper towards Remus. "Read!!" ~~MATERNITY LEAVE FOR HOGWARTS POTION PROFESSOR~~ Yes folks, you read correctly. Within a few months time the hallowed halls of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry will sound with the cries of new life.According to several very realiable resources this writer has discovered that Professor Severus Snape, Hogwart's Potions Instructor and acknowledged to be one of the top five Potions Masters in the world, was accidently doused with a fertility potion devised as a vicious prank by a group of girls against another student. The effects of this magical mixture were not discovered till months later when Professor Snape went to the school's nurse for assistance with his strange illness. Having been told of his unique condition Professor Snape has decided to go along with this unusual pregnancy. According to paternity spells preformed by Madame Pomfrey the biological father is the Headmaster himself Albus Dumbledore. The Headmaster has professed great excitement over his impending fatherhood, especially since Professor Snape is carrying twins. Yes folks, two of them! Much of the school's students and staff are also assisting in seeing that the Professor doesn't overexert himself. All our thoughts and prayers go out to Professor Snape and wish him and his offspring nothing but the best.~~~ Cornelius Fudge, flanked by several Aurors, strode up to the old school's entrance. He'd made arrangements for this trip the moment he got over his shock on reading the Daily Prophet's headline that Malfoy had pointed out to him. What on earth was Dumbledore thinking? Allowing Snape to have children while still teaching at school, to have HIS children! Professor McGonagall and Hagrid greeted him politely enough, though the Aurors noticed how tight-lipped the woman was and how her fingers kept straying towards her wand. The half-giant was a bit more open with his opinion of their arrival. He was looking at them as if they were a bunch of filthy trolls. "Minister Fudge." She acknowledged the simpering man. "Professor McGonagall," Fudge didn't even bother looking at the woman. "Where is the Headmaster?" "Seeing to Professor Snape. I believe he didn't take too well to the news of his condition being splattered all over the Daily Prophet's front page." At the mention of Snape's name Fudge stiffened. "Take us to him please." Minerva bristled at being so blantantly ordered about by this spineless fool but did as she was bidden. Albus had told her that Fudge might show up and she was to see he was escorted to him right away. So in a sense she was following Dumbledore's orders not Fudge's, the Minister's request just happened to mirror his. Instead of leading them to the dark and dreary dungeons as Fudge remembered the man rooming the Transfiguations Professor led them to a warm well lit room on the first floor. Inside there was a small group of staff members and students surrounding the setting, obviously pregnant, Professor Snape. They all seemed to be consoling the teacher. "Headmaster Dumbledore!" Fudge announced himself loudly. "Ah Cornelius, I expected you would be arriving sooner or later." Dumbledore rose to intercept the Minister of Magic before he could reach the seated man. "Albus this is totally unacceptable!" the smaller man sputtered. "The man's a Death Eater for Merlin's sake. What proof do you have that whatever's growing inside him is really yours, much less that they're human." The ancient wizard's eyes narrowed, but his voice remained pleasent. "The paternity spell is completely accurate as you well know Cornelius. The babies are indeed mine, without a doubt human, and Severus has worked against Voldemort by spying for our side since the very beginning." "Be that as it may the school's charter clearly states that there are to be no relationships between faculity members. You're facing some serious charges here Albus, you and Professor Snape." "Ah, I do remember that bit of the charter. But since this pregnancy resulted from a child's potion and not from any sexual relationship between Severus and myself, that particular part does not apply now does it?" Damm, it didn't apply unless there was some sort of sexual relationship. He knew he was grasping at straws to begin with but the Minister was hoping that maybe he could sneak it by the ancient wizard. Why couldn't Lucius have come up with something better than that odd line in the old school's charter? Well, he had tried. Malfoy would just have to find some way to get to Snape himself. What did the man want with Snape anyway? Surely if he wanted to meet with Severus alone somewhere all he had to do was owl the man and set it up... "No, it doesn't." He sighed dramatically, not noticing the disqusted looks he was getting from the school's inhabitants. "Well, there really isn't anything else to keep me here then, I guess we'll just be leaving." "Must you? That's too bad. The house elves always do such a fine job on breakfast." Dumbledore said reluctantly, all the while carefully steering the group back towards the exit. "Yes, yes. I really must return to London. So much to do you know, so very much." Fudge puffed himself up importantly. His pose might've pulled off the air of nobility and importance if not for the fact that there was a wet spot appearing on his pants leg and boots. "Wha-WHAT'S THIS?!!" He screeched, shaking his leg as the warm liguid soaked through the leather and drenched his sock. Over by Snape's chair Electra reappeared, looking supremely satisified with herself. The fat little man had annoyed her the second he stepped into the room. She could smell his hatred for her master, his fear and anger towards the old wizard. He would hurt her master if he could, but refrained because of Dumbledore. And since he'd made no actual threatening moves towards her master the hound couldn't justify attacking him. But that didn't mean she couldn't show him exactly what she thought of the sniveling creature. It did make a bit of a mess on the floor but her master would forgive her. "Oh dear, looks like one of the children's pets isn't quite castlebroke yet. Best go home and change Cornelius before you return to your office." Albus said with a strait face. Furious the little man shook his leg, luckily facing away from his escort so he didn't see the Aurors snickering behind raised hands. Without another glance Fudge stormed out, grumbling something about having no other clean pants till washing day tomorrow. The entire room broke out into riotous laughter the second the ministry group was gone. Snape pulled his dear pet as close as he could given his stomach for a hug, whispering his praise for her well-timed gesture. Electra wiggled around and licked his face, happy to have pleased her master so. "Severus! I do believe Electra here deserves the Order of Merlin for that!" Dumbledore breathed heavily as he tried to stop laughing, wiping tears from his face. "If only it were awardable to dogs I'd agree. As it is she deserves some special treats." He scratched behind her ears, watching her tongue loll out and eyes close in delight. "Pussy Treats?" Severus chuckled wickedly. "Puss-Puss Puffs Albus, the other sounds so vulgar, especially coming out of your mouth." *~*~*~*~* Figiting Snape sat quietly. It had been a long time since he'd been on the other side of a teaching desk. He found he liked it even less now than he did back then. Pomfrey walked in, a small bundle gently cradled in her arms. "Sorry I'm a little late Severus, but I just had to fetch this sweet dear." She cooed happily down at what he could now see was a baby. What in Circe's name had posessed the woman into bringing a baby into the school now? "And where, might I ask, did you find that?" He eyed the squirming infant warily. "Molly Weasley agreed to bring over her new niece." She settled the baby onto the table's padded surface. Severus felt a sudden urge to be somewhere else. What on earth had he been thinking when he let Pomfrey talk him into this? He did know a few things about babies and their care, thanks mainly to Poppy's book and the multitude of pregnancy and baby guide books he had bought and stashed away in his rooms. All those tomes must have some beneficial information in them which could be used for his children's well being. "Oh wonderful," he rolled his eyes heavenward. "Yet another Weasley. I expect that this one too will be attending Hogwarts? Is there no end to this red-headed infestation?" Poppy shot him an annoyed glare. Obviously advanced pregnancy hadn't lessoned the man's caustic nature by very much. "I do hope that you'll keep a civil tongue in your mouth when Molly arrives." "She's still here?" "Of course! Do you really think she'd just floo in, drop off the baby, and floo back? Really Severus, I know you have more common sense than that." Now it was Poppy's turn to roll her eyes. Snape sat back, a foul look lingering on his face. Of course it made sense that Mrs. Weasley would remain. No doubt she'd be showing up soon to see that the dreaded Potions Master her children had told her about didn't banish her niece into some dark dimension. If that was so, then why wasn't she here now? "Does Mrs. Weasley know exactly why you wanted her niece?" "Of course. Molly trusts me to see that you don't do anything stupid. She's just checking up on her children before joining us." She clapped her hand. "Now let's begin. Our first lesson will be on how to hold a baby." How to hold a baby? Well, that certainly sounded safe enough. "Babies are rather like a limp sand bag in some respects. They depend on whomever's holding them to support their delicate head and neck. Later, when their older, they develop the muscles and balance necessary to do it themselves. But until then you're it." Pomfrey explained, motioning for Snape to approach the desk. With no small amount of trepidation Severus rose and edged forwards. Poppy took hold of his arms and positioned them. "Now just hold still." She instructed. Before Snape could inquire why exactly he was holding still for in this ridiculous position Poppy had laid the baby in his arms. Immediately he pulled his arms closer to his body, frightened he might drop the infinitely fragile being that had just been placed in his arms. "Not so tightly," the old woman coaxed him along. "Relax, you're all right." It felt strange, and somehow right, to feel the infant's weight, her warmth, the tiny puffs of breath against his arm. He shifted a bit to adjust his grip and two soft green eyes opened to look up at him inquistively. There was no fear mirrored there in those emerald depths, just curiousity as to who this new person holding her was. Quite disconcerting really. Snape marvelled at the baby's calm. The few times he'd had some experiance with babies had always ended with them screaming at him for some reason or another. "What are you staring at?" He asked. Of course he got no answer, being but three weeks old the little girl wasn't up to any deep conversations yet. The baby continued to stare. "Is she supposed to be doing this?" He asked Pomfrey. "Babies are naturally curious about their surroundings Severus. You're a new person to her." Poppy smiled. Snape was becoming more comfortable with holding the baby, in a few moments he sat back down, being extra careful not to jarr his precious bundle.
Growing bold Severus shifted one arm to support the baby, freeing the other to do a bit of experimenting. Green eyes followed the Potions Master's long fingers as they weaved about in front of her face, little hands reaching up. Snape startled a bit when those delicate fingers wrapped around his own displaying surprising strength for one who appeared so fragile. It was here that Molly Weasley came in. The Weasley matriarch had grown more and more concerned she'd made a big mistake by bringing her darling neice here. After all those stories she'd heard over the years about Snape she still, on Pomfrey's word, hands over a three week old infant into his dubious care. What had posessed her? Finishing up her visit Molly headed back to the hospital wing, navigating the halls with record speed, her anxiety growing with every step. Bursting through the doors Molly was prepared to face the worst, but instead got the shock of her life. There was the dreaded Professor Snape, the chief player in many Potions student's nightmares, calmly holding her niece. A tender, of all things, smile played about his normally stern visage as the girl tried to suck his finger. That he was allowing this seemingly indignity was stunning, but to see him so calm, so gentle! That was almost a heart-stopper. "Oh Molly! There you are!" Poppy quickly rose to greet the stunned woman. "Have a good visit with the children?" "Good Morning Mrs. Weasley." Snape greeted her politely. Guiding Molly into a chair besides the pregnant man the kindly nurse decided it would be best to go ahead with the next lesson since her assistant had now arrived. "Well Severus, since you've done so well with holding I think we should move on." Eyeing the woman suspisously Snape reluctly agreed. "And what is next on the agenda?" "Diaper changing." That didn't sound all that bad either, a thought which only lasted till the baby's diaper was opened and the sight and smell hit him. "Gods Woman what on earth have you been feeding her?" Severus gasped, pale skin now tinged with green as Molly, quite recovered from her shock, displayed the proper way to remove a soiled diaper. "Only milk Professor," Mrs. Weasley assured him. "And it produces that??" Years of dealing with foul and disgusting ingredients for potions had obviously not prepared him for this part of parenthood. "Yes Severus. You'd best get used to this now, after all you are having twins." That was a horrible thought; smell and sight times two. Despite his queasy stomach and reluctance to even touch the diaper Severus managed to get through the ordeal with the two women's approval on his quick learning. After changing the baby began to figit. Molly explained it was time for her feeding which led to the next lesson. Feeding a baby was quite simple really, but the two women just had to make matters complicated for the man. They pestered him about the merits of breastfeeding, explaining the benefits it provided. And since he'd developed a bit of a bustline he really should try it. They weren't big enough to produce enough milk for both babies but Snape could supplment with bottle formula afterwards. As this barrage went on Severus became increasingly uncomfortable. He did want to do what was best for his children, but letting them latch onto him like a leech? The mere thought of it sent shivers of revulsion down his spine. "It's really not that bad Severus," the red-headed woman tried to soothe away some his agitation. "It's rather wonderful really. The sense of connection you get, the feeling..it's indescribable really." "Try." He snapped softly so as not to disturb the now sleeping baby. "I can't there aren't any words that really express it right. For each woman it's different. That's all I can say." Molly said, a soft dreamy look entering her eyes. Snape closed his eyes and wondered again for the ten thousandth time what deity he'd offended to deserve this.
Pottery shattered against the wall, sending fragments everywhere, splattering nearby paintings with wine. "Damm him!! DAMM HIM!!"
The sound of breaking glass filled the room. After five more minutes there wasn't a breakable thing left in the whole den. Broken bits of china, glass, crystal, crockery, and terracota littered the floor. Wine and other liquids dripped slowly down the walls and pooled about in places on the hard polished wood floors. Curtains were half torn off their rods. Furniture overturned. Pillows strewn about, their surface torn and stuffing torn out. Books were everywhere, having been ripped from their shelved and hurled with great force at something or other. And there, in the center of this destruction, stood a furious Lucius Malfoy. Breathing hard from his exertions the elder Malfoy struggled to rein in his rage, with only marginal success. The current condition of his den was proof of that. ( Damm that miserable bastard to the lowest levels of hell! All these years of waiting, plotting, preparing Draco to assume his rightful place as the Dark Lord's heir. And what happens? Along comes Snape and his bastard offspring and my son, and every other Death Eater's child, gets thrown to the wayside! All Lord Voldemort talks of is Snape this, Snape that, Snape's children! ) Stalking over to the untouched bar Malfoy grabbed up a bottle of brandy, uncorked it, and took a long swallow. The alcohol burned it's way down his throat. "I will not stand for this!" He muttered to him self before taking another pull from the bottle of aged liquir. "Draco is the rightful heir, not two brats who haven't even seen the light of day yet. And if I have anything to say about it they never will! My son will be heir!" Obviously sending Fudge in was a mistake. The spineless worm had his uses but this was beyond his limited scope of skills. Lucius would have to find another way to lure Severus away from Hogwarts. Or perhaps find a way to send something, or someone, in. Lucius himself could enter the castle but would be too closely watched to do anything other than threaten. No, it would be better anyway to see that whatever ill befell Severus and his runts happened while Malfoy was far away with a good Alibi. Flopping down in one of the untouched chairs Lucius began to make plans.
All these blasted helpers were getting in the way. And some of the suggestions! Prospero's beard! If he heard one more suggestion dealing with anything absolutely cute and fuzzy someone would be hopping out of this room harboring a deep desire to eat flies! There was Remus and Sirius over in the corner debating whether to approach Snape with another of their ideas. Harry and his two cohorts were essembling the swings and not having much luck despite Hermione reading the instructions. Draco was trying his level best not to curse Neville as the two boys made headway in preparing the walls for the forest image Snape had picked out. Pansy fingered her wand, face contorted into an annoying snarl, while Ginny whistled some sweet little tune as she went about dusting everything in sight. And here he was regulated to a dammed chair on Poppy's orders. The school nurse was worrying too much in his opinion. Despite his gender the pregnancy had advanced along a smooth path. What complications had arose had been slight and easily dealt with. He was in excellent health, as were his children. In his opinion the old bat was being too nosy. And while ordering this particular batch of helpers was fun Severus longed to add his own personal touch to his children's nursery. "Hey Sev?" Black eyes glared warily at Remus and Sirius. "Yes?" "We were wondering. This mural that you've chose. Does it cycle through the whole twenty-four day?" "Of course, and the seasons and weather patterns as well." He sighed, irratated to notice this was fourth time he had to explain this to the pair. Well, to Black specifically. "Isn't that going to be hard on the kids?" The Animagi took another look at the ready walls. "In exactly what way do you mean hard Black? Please, if you're going to open that caverous maw you label a mouth, be sure that you have some intelligent to say. However, seeing this is you we're talking about here I have assigned an impossible task." Sirius snarled and would've lunged at the seated man if not for Remus' death grip on his arm and voice whispering in his ear. "What Sirius was trying to say Sev is what will the children think about the scene changing all the time?" The werewolf elaborated for his friend. "Winters are sometimes harsh, and we both know how bad storms can get. They might get frigthened." "True. But they will have to learn about them sometimes. And I'd like to think that my children would have the sense to ask about such things." "More like they'd run scared strait to Dumbledore." Black snarled. "Probably be spending most of their time in his company anyway seeing as how they have a mother who's a bitc--RIBBIT! RIBBIT!!" "Severus! Change Sirius back right now!" Remus shouted as he raced around trying to catch his now amphibian friend. Snape just sat there in his seat and smiled, twirling his wand idly around with two fingers. Oh, that was extremely satisfying. He'd wanted to do that for years and years now. "Severus," Dumbledore sighed as he strode over. "Please change Sirius back." "Why should I?" "Because he can't work if he's a frog." True, there was that. With a disagreeable snort Snape flicked his wand and Black was once more among the human race, though not before he'd eaten at least one fly. "Ugh! Disgusting! Ugh!!" He spat several times in an attempt to rid himself of the taste. "Someone give me some mouthwash!" "Severus?" "Yes Albus?" Severus glanced up at the older wizard. "Please give me your wand." What? Give him his wand? "What for?" "Magic is straining on the body. You can't afford to go hexing people in your condition. Don't worry, you can have it back after the twins are born." He held one hand. Eying the outstretched hand with distaste Severus nevertheless did as he was asked and handed over his wand into the old wizard's safekeeping. Little did Dumbledore know that this would only stop him from preforming some of the more complex spells. Simpler ones were still availible to him through his wandless magic. Oh, what Lucius and the other Death Eaters would do if they knew he could preform magic without a wand, a skill possessed only by Dumbledore, Voldemort, Potter, and himself. They'd really have a fit! Thinking about Lucius brought Draco into mind. Snape was worried about the young man. It was a sure bet when Draco returned to Hogwarts next term he'd be sporting a Death Eater's mark. But what wasn't a sure bet was whether Draco really wanted to follow in his father's footsteps and serve the Dark Lord. Snape planned to have a private little chat with young Malfoy, offer him a way out of his father's overbearing demands. If he could just arrange a little private time with the boy without his overprotective watchers snooping around Snape would try talking to the boy today. Later today, right now though there was the decorating to finish.
"Are you certain you'll be all right Severus?" Dumbledore began perstering him the moment most of the students and Black were out of the room. "I could postpone my work, or Remus--" "Really Headmaster, I am quite fine at the moment, my only need right now is for some privacy." He shot both men a whitering glare. "And privacy for me would be the two of you leaving me alone." "But what if you need some--" "Then I can get it myself, or have one of the House Elves fetch it." Dumbledore was about to try another line of protest when Remus laid a restraining hand on his shoulder. "Albus, he needs some space. Remember what happened the last time." That brought the old man up short. There was no way he wanted to drive Severus into doing something dangerous or foolish just to spite him. "Very well," he sighed. "I do have some papers to tend to." "And there's some essays I need to check over for the third year students." Remus said as he began steering the old wizard towards the door. "You will call us if you need anything won't you?" Albus called over his shoulder. "Yes, yes, now just go!" Severus snapped. With one final look at the gravid Potions Master the two men were gone. Reluctant now to stay in the same room as Snape now that the two Professors were gone the remainder of the students began to leave. "Mr. Malfoy," Snape's voice stopped Draco before he could follow the others. "Stay a moment. I would like to talk to you." "Yes Sir." The young man stepped out of the way so Pansy could pass by. "Ms. Parkinson, please close the door." Shooting her classmate a sympathic look the girl did as she was told, leaving Snape and Draco alone. "You wanted to speak to me Sir?" Draco watched as Snape laborously rose to his feet. A grimace spread across the older man's face, his long fingered hands kneading at the small of his back. "Are you all right Sir?" "Just a backache Draco," he rubbed a little harder, but it did little good. Snape simply didn't have the leaverage to do any real good. Draco bit his lip. He didn't like seeing his teacher in pain. "Sir? If you want I could give you a backrub. I've been told I'm pretty good at it." Snape blinked. "That would be quite nice Draco." For once Severus allowed a student to order him around. He followed Draco's instructions and laid down on his bed, his shirt off. That had took a bit of effort on the boy's part to convince the older man to disrobe, his embaressment at letting a student see him in his present state was understandable. But Draco was persistant and finally the lure of relief from the almost constant ache swayed Snape to comply. He barely even batted an eye when the youth asked if he had any oil or skin lotion, just pointed to the bottle on the bedside stand. Draco rolled up his sleeves, poured out a generous helping of lotion and applied himself to his task. Severus groaned in pleasure, eyes sliding shut as those surprisingly strong fingers worked and kneaded his abused back. How on earth had Draco learned this? Maybe it was a born talent? Severus didn't really care, where ever the boy received this gift didn't matter, only that he kept on using it. Draco was pleased. He could see Professor Snape relaxing underneath his working hands, the tense and pained expression disappearing from his face. For several minutes Draco continued to work, lulling Snape into a semi-awake state. "Draco?" Snape's voice was slurred a bit as he said the boy's name. Relaxed now and free of pain he was fighting off sleep. "Yes Sir?" the teen answered while continuing to rub. "What do you want?" "Want Sir?" "Yes, what do you want." Perplexed Draco replied. "I don't want anything Sir, I like helping you." "No," Severus shook his head. "What do you want to do with your life?" "Oh! Well, my Father--" "No Draco." He leveled a steady gaze at the youth. "Not what Lucius wants. What do YOU want to do with your life?" Draco blinked. No one, simply no one had ever asked him that before. Everyone in his life had simply made the decisions for him and expected him to follow their lead. "Do you even know?" "No Sir." His head went down, light from the torches dancing across his pale hair, eyes studying the stone floor. "Then tell me this. Do you know what you DON'T want to do with your life." That, at least, he had an answer for. But could he tell Professor Snape? Yes. "I don't want to be a Death Eater." One fine black eyebrow rose. "And why is that?" If it were anybody else Draco wouldn't have answered. "There's too much pain. It's not about setting wrongs to right, or standing up for some principle. It's all about domination, the freedom to indulge in anything you want no matter how depraved it is, like my Father wants to. I'm not sadistic, inflicting pain on others makes me sick. I can insult, curse, and play pranks with the best of them, but torture and murder are beyond me." Draco stopped and sat down on the bed with a heavy sigh. "But what's the use. As soon as I go home this summer my Father will force me to become one of Voldemort's followers." "Do they treat you well?" "Only in public. When no one's around...well, at best they ignore me, at worst..." Snape didn't need for Draco to elaborate further, he'd seen the bruises, the faded scars the boy carried and did his best to hide. "Draco? What are your feelings...towards me?" That certainly was a question he hadn't seen coming. "You've been more of a father to me than Lucius ever was." Severus smiled and laid a hand on the young man's shoulder. "And your mother?" Draco snorted. "What about her? She only pays attention to me when it's in her best interest to do so. I can't really remember a time when she was with me as a mother because she truly wanted to." To that the teacher nodded. For a long time now Severus had had a suspision this was so. Narcissa never struck him as the maternal type. She was far too vain, too centered on her own needs to offer up love to anything else, even if it was to her own child. Her only reasons for marrying Malfoy was his old family name, his money, and the fact the man looked good on her arm. Nothing more. "Draco?" a bit of hesitation entered the older man's voice. He wasn't sure if this was the right time to ask but time wasn't on their side right now, he couldn't let Draco return to Malfoy's estates. "Yes Sir?" "Would..would you like to be my son?" Thank Merlin he was already seated otherwise Draco was sure he'd be laying flat on his back right now in shock. "Do you really mean that Sir?" came the boy's timid query. "Yes Draco, I do." For a moment Snape thought that perhaps he'd been wrong, that he'd made a mistake. Then he was engulfed in a fierce hug, Draco openly weeping as he said over and over again 'yes' into the Potions Master's hair. Severus did his best to return the hug, stroking the boy's back to calm him down. "Good. We'll see about arrangements tomorrow. The Headmaster would help I'm sure." "Does this mean I have to be good now?" "Define good." "You know. Be nice to people, stop calling them names and stuff." Severus chuckled. "Draco, just be yourself. And you don't have to worry about me reprimanding you for harrassing Potter and his little band of do-gooders, they need you to show them what true cunning and style are." And both shared a good laugh.
Naturally when the summons to appear in court reached Lucius he didn't take the news very well. In fact he destroyed a good portion of his library and injured three house elves. Narcissa merely read the summons with all the interest one lends to walking across the room, which says it wasn't much. Not a single flicker of emotion could be seen in her cold eyes. Draco's mother laid the paper back on the table and with quiet steps returned to her rooms. She still had one more suitcase to pack if she was going to join her friends at the villa this year. Lucius wasted no time in summoning his own lawyers, and a few shadowy characters who were aquaintences of his. There was no way in hell he was going to let his own son of all people publically make an ass of him! The little shit would pay for this, pay dearly!!
And he was right. No less than five explosive devices were intercepted during the morning mail delivery. Each owl having been captured by the new spells Remus and Albus had wove about the castle. The evil little devices were quickly disposed of and nothing was said of the matter to Severus. Eight attempts were made by unknown people to pass through the school's wards, but each were quickly found and dealt with, either by one of the staff or by Fluffy whom Hagrid had brought in to assist him in his patrols. Not much was left after the three-headed dog was through with his new toys but there was enough to know they boded the Potions Master, his unborn children, and his soon-to-be son no good. Again, nothing was said to Severus. There was no use upsetting the man, not in his condition. He had enough to worry about.
Severus watched as Draco played a game of fetch with Electra. His faithful pet had taken quite a liking to the young man and already accepted him as her master's child. A few other children were playing as well, mainly some Slytherins and one or two Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. The lone Gryffindor was Ginny Weasley. Oddly enough Draco had confessed a secret crush on the youngest Weasley, one that Severus was pleased to approve of. Young Virginia was a kind and gentle girl with an intelligent, well-grounded mind. She would make an excellent addition to Snape's growing family if Draco played his cards right. Calmly his mind wandered over various ideas to help the two find each other. A sharp kick to his ribs drew Snape back to reality. "Are they acting up again?" Remus asked softly. "A bit." "If you need to go in Sev we can, I'm sure the kids wouldn--" Snape held up a hand. "No, This is my last chance to enjoy the outdoors till after the birth, I want to make the most of it." "Okay," Remus patted his shoulder. "but just tell me if you feel uncomfortable." "Remus, at this stage I'm always uncomfortable." The Werewolf just shook his head. "You're impossible." "Quite right." Just then a strong breeze came along. It caught the frisbee the children and Electra were playing with and the toy disappeared into some nearby bushes. Draco was closest and he dove in to retrieve the plastic disk, eager to return to the fun and Ginny's laughing face. He had just spotted it, lodged in a thick hemlock, when a hand shot and grabbed his robes. The boy yelped as he was dragged forwards but was unable to cry out for help as one strong arm wrapped around his chest and another hand clamped down on his mouth. Eyes wide with fear he struggled against his unknown assailant. If only he could reach his wand! "Quit struggling!" A very familiar voice hissed coldly in his ear. Now Draco was terrified. He knew his father's voice, especially when he was angry. "Did you really think you'd get away with this? Think you were safe here?" Lucius squeezed, taking perverse delight in the sight of his son struggled breathing in his constricting grip. "Poor little Draco, what a disappointment you've proved to be." Draco shivered, then jerked, screaming against Lucius' hand as strong teeth bit down on his shoulder, drawing blood even through the layers of his clothes. "But maybe I can find something you'll be useful for." Lucius chuckled, relishing the hot blood he licked from his son's wound. "Hey Draco!! You okay?" One boy yelled. "Did you find it?" Ginny's voice sounded closer and closer as she spoke. Obviously the girl was coming to check on him. NO! NO! Lucius would kill her! Draco redoubled his efforts, twisting and turning. A sudden bolt of inspriation struck him. Turnabout they say is fairplay and all. Lucius screamed as Draco's sharp teeth tore into his palm.
"It was Lucius.." Draco gasped out. Never again would he impart the title of Father to the man who had just attacked him and run off like a coward at the first sign of danger. "Malfoy? Here on the grounds?" Remus immediately became much more alert. "Can you stand?" The boy regained his feet on his own. "I just need to get out of here." "Right then, let's go. Come on Electra." The Corgi took one more deep sniff around where Lucius had been standing before following the two wizards back to the group. She now had the scent of Draco's attacker firmly etched into her mind. The next time she smelled the nasty man she'd show him the folly of attacking one of her master's pups! As soon as Draco was close enough Severus had the trembling boy in his arms and was walking him back to the castle. Pomfrey would see to the bite and Remus would inform Dumbledore. The Headmaster was furious at the attack on one of his students, especially so close to the very vulnerable Snape. He worked more charms into the school's wards and wrote several calls via floo to the ministry to inform them of the incident. As always Fudge made light of the whole situation, implying Draco was lying to further along his case. But many others in the ministry believed the Headmaster when he swore that was not the case. A few discreetly offered the old wizard their aid in securing Draco against any further attacks. They also discovered that Fudge had given Malfoy a portkey onto the grounds. This only served to further isolate the Minister from his staff and the Hogwarts Headmaster. If anything good was to be said to have come out of this it was Ginny taking Draco's care into her own hands. The boy wore the most stunned grin as the red-headed girl fussed over him. All would have to be on their guard now. Lucius would not stop at this.
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