The Mechanics of Motherhood
Chapter 68 of 101
Rose of the WestSeptima experiences the Yule Ball and the last weeks of pregnancy.
ReviewedDisclaimer: The characters here and the world they inhabit are the creation and property of JK Rowling and her assigns.
The Yule ball was brilliant but exhausting. Septima danced with several Hogwarts professors. She discovered that dancing with Flitwick was not as odd as dancing with Moody. She knew Severus distrusted Moody and tried to stay away from him even as Moody sought Severus out. Tonight, Mad-Eye seemed a little over-interested in Septima.
“You are quite light on your feet, Professor Vector. I can't believe you aren't in greater demand among the wizards or even married... with children. Is there a wizard in particular you've pined for?”
There was something about his eyebrow—she'd seen another face do that, years ago. “I'm perfectly happy as I am, Professor.”
“I can teach you Defense Against the Dark Arts. I know things other wizards could never show you.”
The song wound down to an end. “I'll keep your offer in mind,” Septima said with a smile. She went back to her table, glad to have it over. It was just small talk after all. If his facial expression reminded her of someone she'd known as a student, perhaps they were related. All the pure-blood families were, if one looked more than three generations back, and most of the half-bloods only needed four generations.
After an all-too-brief interlude in the gardens with Severus, Septima worked her way down to the dungeon and the rooms she shared with him. She sat in the lounge and watched the fire for several minutes before deciding to prepare for bed. Surely Severus would wake her when he got in. She stared at the two bedroom doors before going toward Severus's room. She left her own door shut.
She had just doused the light when she heard the main door to the apartment open. She stretched luxuriously and considered calling to Severus, but she heard two voices in the lounge.
“It appears that the witch is asleep in her room, Severus, so we can finish our talk.”
“As you will, Headmaster. I've been hounded to death by one school's headmaster, who can't stop talking about his Dark Mark, and now I've been insulted by you telling me I don't belong to my own House.”
“I only meant that you could have been in Gryffindor.”
“By which you mean that Slytherin is somehow less desirable. It's an insult either way.”
“Be serious, Severus. You know as well as I do what the prickle in your arm means. You know what you will have to do.”
“You mean that I'll have to go back to him, that I'll have to apologize for not having all the information about the prophecy, for hiding behind your robe during the trials, and then living in your good graces for all these years, that I'll have to hope that he doesn't kill me, and then that I'll have to withstand whatever punishment he metes out?”
“We all have our role to play, and yours is based upon the sins of your early life. Thank Godric the child isn't yours. I need you, Severus, and you can't afford any hostages. Just in case anyone has figured out about Septima and thinks it's yours, I'm making arrangements to have the child removed from the situation so it won't be an issue.”
Septima shrank back in the bed. In the back of her mind she heard echoes of conversations about the children of Death Eaters. There had been one conversation in Dumbledore's office, but if she lay really still she could recall something much longer ago. It was just a snatch of a whisper. “Much safer for the child this way...”
She was brought back to awareness by something Dumbledore was saying. “It's going to be a cold night. I could have some brandy fetched down here and stay...”
“I think not, Headmaster. I need to keep my wits about me in case something happens. The witch's burden is getting cumbersome, and she may need assistance.”
Septima thought she could hear the old wizard shudder. “I'd best leave, then. Happy Christmas, Severus.”
“Happy Christmas, Albus.”
The main door shut and Septima heard Severus fix himself a drink before sitting down with a sigh. She pulled her dressing gown on and went into the lounge. “Is adoption a better option?”
He looked at her and smiled tiredly. He reached for her with his free hand, and she went to him as if Summoned. “I don't think it will matter. He still hasn't told me how the Dark Lord will supposedly come back to life, but if it does happen, the fact of our children's existence will be easily found and exploited.”
He pulled her onto the couch next to himself and slid his hand down to her bottom. She wasn't ready. “Our children are in danger?”
“Renée has been in danger since she sorted, thanks to her deplorable choice of friends. If the Dark Lord returns and considers Potter an enemy, then our daughter will be an enemy as well. I can only hope, if it comes to it, that I will have some sort of influence...” Severus's voice got thick. “Our son, however, will be viewed as a future Death Eater, just as any student in Slytherin. I think he will be fine. We simply must hope for the best.”
Septima snuggled closer to Severus. “Is that all we have?”
He put his empty glass on the table and slid his hand around her belly. “It's all I've got to offer you, Septima. Do you regret casting your lot with me?”
“It's not as though my heart ever gave me a choice,” she answered. “Somehow I think I'll be as well off at your side as I am anywhere else.”
He plucked at the tie of her robe. “Did you know that Aurora is pregnant?”
“I don't think she's as far along as I am.”
“So you knew?”
“I guessed. She's been so happy this year.”
“He mentioned a witch being pregnant and I thought he meant you, but from what he said, he must have meant her.”
Septima's skin started to feel very warm under his hand. “Are you really more interested in other witches than in me?”
After the holidays, time seemed to speed and drag at odd moments. Miss Granger had a quick visit with her parents and then spent the first few weeks of the term staring at Septima, which was disconcerting. Septima was strangely tongue-tied around the girl, now. She looked at her and knew she was the child she had carried, but there was no sense of connection. She wasn't sure if she should tell her or not. Since she didn't know what she would be offering if she did tell Miss Granger the truth, she shrank away from it.
Getting up and down the stairs between the Great Hall, the Arithmancy classroom, and the dungeons became more and more of a chore. As January wore on, Septima started having odd pains in her belly that made her sit down quickly from time to time. Poppy explained that they were small contractions that weren't actually part of labor but simply allowed the body to prepare. “It's just practice, dear. Get used to them now and practice the breathing patterns you've learned.”
Septima longed for a day when she could have her body back to herself, and yet was completely surprised on a Friday at the end of January when Poppy told her to dress quickly and then handed her a Portkey. “I believe it's time for a visit off-campus,” she said with a cheery smile. To Dumbledore she explained, “She doesn't have much longer before the child comes. She should get out and see the world for a bit before that happens.”
“Will she be all right by herself?” asked Dumbledore.
“I think she'll be fine, and Severus's classes should be over soon. I'll send him after her, and he'll make sure she gets back.”
“I trust you to know your business,” growled Dumbledore.
“Look at how pale and worn she looks. I think a few hours away from Hogwarts could give her the energy she needs.”
“Very well,” said Dumbledore. He tapped the Portkey with his wand, and within seconds Septima felt the pull of magical travel.
A/N: Thank you to Kyria of Delphi and Owlbait for beta reading!
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Latest 25 Reviews for Quantum Mechanics
328 Reviews | 7.55/10 Average
I found this story on random and unfortunately got into it before I realized it hadn't been finished. I've enjoyed the pairing and the artful way in which you weave in and out of canon. I'm so sorry you've abandoned this tale - I would have liked to have seen how you would have handled the remainder of the story.
Just digging through my WIPs and noticed that you haven't surfaced in awhile. I hope everything is okay, and that you are going to continue this. I miss you.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you so much for asking about this! It's a full year since I wrote the chapter last posted for this story. My beta reader got sick, and then I got distracted by other things. I'm sorry about that. I know exactly what's supposed to happen next; I just need to write it. Let me see what I can do.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you so much for asking about this! It's a full year since I wrote the chapter last posted for this story. My beta reader got sick, and then I got distracted by other things. I'm sorry about that. I know exactly what's supposed to happen next; I just need to write it. Let me see what I can do.
Don't know how I missed this update. I like the twists this story is taking with canon. Of course, things aren't going to be smooth for them for a long time, if ever.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you for the review! I hope I'm staying relatively consistent with the canon, even if there are a few AU leaps here and there.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you for the review! I hope I'm staying relatively consistent with the canon, even if there are a few AU leaps here and there.
Oooh, clever Severus...
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
He has some good ideas, sometimes. Thank you for the review!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
He has some good ideas, sometimes. Thank you for the review!
Please write more!!! I actually have a Septima Vector (the only) Twitter account. Some of the ways you see her and Snape and the intellectual part of their relationship is so close to how I see it as well. Very fun to read!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you for the review! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a while. I got caught up in a couple of things that have kept me busy since last summer. More is coming, though!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you for the review! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in a while. I got caught up in a couple of things that have kept me busy since last summer. More is coming, though!
Fortunately Hermione is smart and sensible, because it must be difficult to have to treat and be treated by your parents as if you are teacher and student. I am sure she can understand and play along, but still, it would be tough. If Severus was smart, he would teach occlumency to Hermione, who could in turn teach Harry :)
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Yes, I'm sure it's difficult, but she's been keeping things from the boys for a while, like when she had the time-turner. Severus will be teaching her some extra useful things, though. Thank you, again!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Yes, I'm sure it's difficult, but she's been keeping things from the boys for a while, like when she had the time-turner. Severus will be teaching her some extra useful things, though. Thank you, again!
My favorite part of the chapter was Hermione spying on her parents. What a Harry thing to do, LOL! But, it makes you wish that they could see themselves through her eyes. I think after while you start to miss the subtle nuances in your relationship, or maybe they've never noticed because there is so much baggage with their relationship. Perhaps the Snapes need a trip into the pensieve. Nice chapter.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
It was time to bring in Hermione's POV, but yes, that's exactly what I was hoping for, here. We've gotten so much of what they're thinking and feeling, but they can't see some of the things that are visible from the outside. Thank you so much for your review!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
It was time to bring in Hermione's POV, but yes, that's exactly what I was hoping for, here. We've gotten so much of what they're thinking and feeling, but they can't see some of the things that are visible from the outside. Thank you so much for your review!
Well, as he said, he likes her better than anyone living. LOL
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Yep! I'm not sure he quite understands what that means, yet. Thank you for the review!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Yep! I'm not sure he quite understands what that means, yet. Thank you for the review!
These two are so compatible in most all things, and yet, there is a sort of disconnect when it comes to their relationship. Lily is always hanging there betweem them, keeping Severus from knowing he loves Septima, and keeping her from feeling worthy of his love. But still, they remain together. I wonder what will finally bring them together completely?
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you, again! Yes, he's still got the idea that love has to hurt, and Septima is finally giving him a dose of uncertainty, but that's not necessarily good either. Yet now with the whole Lily thing understood, things are starting to even out. There are still a couple of canon secrets from Septima that have an effect on them as a couple. We'll discover them eventually.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you, again! Yes, he's still got the idea that love has to hurt, and Septima is finally giving him a dose of uncertainty, but that's not necessarily good either. Yet now with the whole Lily thing understood, things are starting to even out. There are still a couple of canon secrets from Septima that have an effect on them as a couple. We'll discover them eventually.
That didn't go well. It could have been much worse of course, but it wasn't pretty either. But, I am glad that Septima said the things that she did. She needs to get it out, and let him know how she feels. And, not succumb to his request to come to bed with him. Of course, it was surely good for him, too. If they can just stay the course and continue to communicate- good, bad, or otherwise- I think that things just might work out.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you for the review! I think they needed a chance to have the whole thing out. She's been so afraid of his temper and of losing him over the course of their relationship, and now she's finally shed that worry and can say what she thinks, even though it's in the back of her mind that maybe she's pushing him too far.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you for the review! I think they needed a chance to have the whole thing out. She's been so afraid of his temper and of losing him over the course of their relationship, and now she's finally shed that worry and can say what she thinks, even though it's in the back of her mind that maybe she's pushing him too far.
I'm a little surprised that he shared so willingly. And didn't sugar coat it. There is hope yet. Damn Lily and her carelessness with men's hearts (and other parts, apparently, LOL).
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Lily just wanted to make sure she and James were "compatable." Unfortunately, she wasn't worried about how the other people involved would be affected. But I think Severus realizes here that there's nothing to hold on to, and he's always felt safe to tell things to Septima. Not that she's going to just handle it and move on, of course. Thank you, again!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Lily just wanted to make sure she and James were "compatable." Unfortunately, she wasn't worried about how the other people involved would be affected. But I think Severus realizes here that there's nothing to hold on to, and he's always felt safe to tell things to Septima. Not that she's going to just handle it and move on, of course. Thank you, again!
Oh, dear. She heard a lot in a short conversation. Fortunately, Severus didn't hear it. I wonder if she will share any of it with him, or ask about Lily. That was possibly the worst part of the conversation. These two really need to have a heart to heart so they know where each other stands.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
I'm not sure how much Severus overheard. I think he got enough of it to know the jist of what they were talking about and to prepare for what Septima must have been thinking. They do need to talk everything out, but he's been holding onto his memory of Lily like a miser. Now that it's out there, perhaps they can start to figure things out. Thank you for the review!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
I'm not sure how much Severus overheard. I think he got enough of it to know the jist of what they were talking about and to prepare for what Septima must have been thinking. They do need to talk everything out, but he's been holding onto his memory of Lily like a miser. Now that it's out there, perhaps they can start to figure things out. Thank you for the review!
Horses ... centaurs ... she'll figure it out eventually, LOL.I like how Hermione scolds Severus and then hugs him before running off all in a short span of time.Things are a little tense betweem Septima and Severus, huh? I do hope they can both figure themselves out, and therefore, be more available emotionally to one another. The physical side of things ... I think they've got that part worked out already. ;)
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
You've hit the nail on the head. They need to figure out what exactly is going on between them. It was one thing when they had a secret to keep from Dumbledore, but now with the Dark Lord and the Order of the Phoenix involved in their lives, they need to understand better what the situation is. As for the scolding and hugging, it's the sort of thing that happens to the Daddy at our house all the time, LOL.Thanks for great reviews!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
You've hit the nail on the head. They need to figure out what exactly is going on between them. It was one thing when they had a secret to keep from Dumbledore, but now with the Dark Lord and the Order of the Phoenix involved in their lives, they need to understand better what the situation is. As for the scolding and hugging, it's the sort of thing that happens to the Daddy at our house all the time, LOL.Thanks for great reviews!
What a sweet little chapter. Septima does have a right to a life outside of her family, and if she bows down to everyone else's needs all of the time, she will lose herself entirely. That is a good sign for her.I loved the nice family feel to the scene she witnessed between her children. It was sweet as can be, and though she felt a little jealous, it seems she can see the goodness in it, as well.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
It can be a bit complicated to sort out motherhood along with the other things the mother actually wants in her life. It's a bit of a mid-life crisis, to realize some things aren't feasible, others may need to be postponed, while other things are lovely here and now. She'll figure it out. ;) I love watching siblings interact, especially when they don't realize their mum is watching. They can form such a bond together, hopefully not against the parents!Thanks so much!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
It can be a bit complicated to sort out motherhood along with the other things the mother actually wants in her life. It's a bit of a mid-life crisis, to realize some things aren't feasible, others may need to be postponed, while other things are lovely here and now. She'll figure it out. ;) I love watching siblings interact, especially when they don't realize their mum is watching. They can form such a bond together, hopefully not against the parents!Thanks so much!
Severus' daughter is good with words; it must be in the genes. "Shamefully" is spot-on. I like how actively she builds up her relationship with him, even manhandling him. Excellent thinking, too, that Severus fed Hermione the idea for D.A. Yes, well, women surely are difficult ... next the old meddler will tell Severus that men are anyhow the better partners.However, why he seems to enjoy Umbrige's meddling is not clear to me. Does he try to aggravate Severus in yet another way?
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
I have several models at my house for how teenaged daughters treat their daddy. Manhandling is definitely the right word, LOL. Dumbledore has certainly hinted that he didn't think Severus would pick up with a woman, so he's just "waiting it out" until Septima gets boring or something.Meanwhile, Dumbledore is enjoying anything that causes Severus trouble because he hopes it will drive a wedge between him and Septima. Unfortunately, I don't think it's working.Thank you for the review!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
I have several models at my house for how teenaged daughters treat their daddy. Manhandling is definitely the right word, LOL. Dumbledore has certainly hinted that he didn't think Severus would pick up with a woman, so he's just "waiting it out" until Septima gets boring or something.Meanwhile, Dumbledore is enjoying anything that causes Severus trouble because he hopes it will drive a wedge between him and Septima. Unfortunately, I don't think it's working.Thank you for the review!
I love how that Arithmantic problem is spot on.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Hee hee! Well, Septima's pretty good at her art, unfortunately for Dolores. Thank you, as aways!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Hee hee! Well, Septima's pretty good at her art, unfortunately for Dolores. Thank you, as aways!
I'm glad she's finally looking to her own interests. That is important in a relationship. However, she's been bottled up so long, I fear more of the same will be coming out of her mouth.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Oh, yes, she's going to be full of snippy remarks until this is finally hashed out. She feels just confident enough to know what's missing in her life. Thank you for the review!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Oh, yes, she's going to be full of snippy remarks until this is finally hashed out. She feels just confident enough to know what's missing in her life. Thank you for the review!
Excellent! Septima sends them away, and they find--family life! And they manage hermione's problems without her, too! Yes, she has a right to this--as much as her family has. 
A win-win-win-win situation; let's hope Septima sees it that way too.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
I think Septima is beginning to realize that even when they're not what she was looking for, good things are good things. Thank you for the review!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
I think Septima is beginning to realize that even when they're not what she was looking for, good things are good things. Thank you for the review!
Leaving Septima alone with Dumbledore is always dangerous, even if the harm isn't physical.Yay for the return of the chalkboard!I thought it was interesting that when Septime made the comment about him being on both the giving and receiving end of rejection and humiliation, he automatically thinks about Lily, but not about Septima. Does he have any clue how he sometimes makes her feel? I mean he is very, very good to her, and I don't think he has bad intentions, but he is still not 100% committed to her, and in the end, that is what she needs and deserves.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
I think the clue brick is in mid-swing. He's going to understand. Right now, though, he's still thinking "Yay for the return of the chalkboard!" along with you. I think Septima handled herself all right, and she survived Dumbledore being the way he always is, Mad Eye making in-your-face comments, and Tonks casting hexes. Pretty successful meeting, actually. Thanks, so much!
Response from HBAR (Reviewer)
That crazy chalkboard! I've never been quite so fond of an inanimate object before! ;)
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Mmm! Me, either. ;) thank you, again!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
I think the clue brick is in mid-swing. He's going to understand. Right now, though, he's still thinking "Yay for the return of the chalkboard!" along with you. I think Septima handled herself all right, and she survived Dumbledore being the way he always is, Mad Eye making in-your-face comments, and Tonks casting hexes. Pretty successful meeting, actually. Thanks, so much!
Response from HBAR (Reviewer)
That crazy chalkboard! I've never been quite so fond of an inanimate object before! ;)
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Mmm! Me, either. ;) thank you, again!
What a nice talk Septima and Remus had. I am glad that past events didn't sour their friendship.And Sirius putting the moves on her made me giggle. Then Snape burst in and snatched her away, and while he made an obnoxious comment about Sirius' house (which also made me giggle) there was no fighting between the two which was a relief. There is enough tension as it is with Dumbledore around.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you! I think Remus and Septima see each other as veterans from the same battle. I've always pictured Sirius as a perpetual young adult male on the make, so he would consider any presentable female to be fair game. Isn't it wonderful that Snape can make a neutral comment obnoxious just with a shrug and wave of his hand? I love that about him.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Thank you! I think Remus and Septima see each other as veterans from the same battle. I've always pictured Sirius as a perpetual young adult male on the make, so he would consider any presentable female to be fair game. Isn't it wonderful that Snape can make a neutral comment obnoxious just with a shrug and wave of his hand? I love that about him.
Oh, no, now Mad Eye as well. I'd reformulate: Why does Septima feel the need to harp on Lily? Then that's a just question, and only Severus knows the answer. A great chapter, as always.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Mad Eye's ok, just a bit in-your-face. It was Tonks who cast that hex. I'll look at that sentence again. It might flow better that way. Thanks!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Mad Eye's ok, just a bit in-your-face. It was Tonks who cast that hex. I'll look at that sentence again. It might flow better that way. Thanks!
trouble in paradise, evidently.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Well, now that Septima has just about everything she wants, she's going to get dissatisfied... that's unfortunately normal for some of us. Thank you, again!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Well, now that Septima has just about everything she wants, she's going to get dissatisfied... that's unfortunately normal for some of us. Thank you, again!
Interesting that she is being inducted. Black needs a good slap.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Aw! He's harmless... so far, but we may get to slap him, too. Thank you for the review!
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Aw! He's harmless... so far, but we may get to slap him, too. Thank you for the review!
I so hope Sirius fainted from seeing Severus smile! 
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
LOL! Sirius is mostly harmless. I don't think he knows a proper way to be in public after all that time in Azkaban and on the run. I think you're right, too. Severus seems to have everything Sirius doesn't have right now.
Severus is so cunning. I'm glad Dumbles is getting played for once.
Response from Rose of the West (Author of Quantum Mechanics)
Yeah, Dumbles is going to wait a couple of years for Severus to get bored, and then we'll be at the end of book 6, bwa ha ha... Thank you so much!