Chapter 15 - I Have An Announcement

Chapter 15 – I Have an Announcement

It was a week before Severus and Hermione shared the happy news with their families. Not because they were so happy that they wanted to keep it to themselves, it was due to Hermione's suffering from severe morning sickness. She would have been ecstatic if it had been confined to the mornings, but she was ill almost the entire week. "I don't understand how it can be called morning sickness if one suffers it from the time they wake up until an hour before they go to bed," she complained at one point. Severus wisely remained quiet and handed her a cool rag.

By the start of the next week, her symptoms had disappeared and she felt full of energy. She decided that the whole house was in need of a late spring cleaning. She had everyone out of bed at the crack of dawn, scrubbing walls, beating carpets and dusting anything that could possibly collect dust. Unfortunately for Severus, he was automatically drafted into her cleaning brigade. "I am not getting out of this bed," he grumbled.

"Severus, I want all of the linens washed and ironed today. Either you get out of the bed now or I will make you wash the linens when you can motivate yourself to rise," Hermione commanded from the foot of the bed.

Severus cracked an eye open and looked at his wife. She looks so delicate and sweet in that shade of rose, he thought to himself. Who would have thought she could be so bossy. "Fine, I am awake," he grumbled. He hauled himself into a sitting position, grabbed his robe from the foot of the bed and shuffled over to the comfortable sofa across the room.

"Where do you think you are going?" Hermione demanded.

Severus turned his head and saw his beautiful wife glaring at him, her hands on her hips. He could not imagine how anyone could be so alert without at least two cups of strong tea this early in the morning. "I am getting out of bed so you can wash the linens," he patiently explained.

"No, you're not," she stated.

"Pardon?" Severus was certain that he had misheard her.

"I said, no, you're not!" she repeated.

"Fine, then you tell me where I may sleep," he said in exasperation.

"You are not going back to sleep. You are going to get dressed and help me pick out what we are going to need for the nursery. We are going to my parents this morning and tell them of our wonderful news. Then we are going to the tailor's for a few items you need and the dressmaker for myself. After that, we are going to your mother's for tea and inform her of our surprise. Tonight, we are going to the opera. You don't have time to finish your sleeping," Hermione stated in a no nonsense voice.

"Are you sure you are not channeling Molly Weasley?" he asked grumpily. At her irate look he continued, "Is it possible that some of this could be done on another day? It isn't like the baby is coming tomorrow." He could feel the start of a tension headache nudging into his conscious.

"No, it can't wait. I currently feel very energetic and am able to go through an entire day without feeling sick. I want the plans started on the nursery decorating before my mother can take over and surprise us with a green and pink room, or what ever color she decides is fashionable."

At that, Severus shivered with a sudden chill of horror. He changed his direction and headed for his wardrobe. "Give me half an hour," he said as he started pulling out clothes. He looked around when he heard a soft click and breathed a sigh of relief that Hermione had left the room. He would have crawled back into bed had he been certain that Hermione wasn't timing him. He grumbled to himself about pushy females but secretly, he was actually starting to get excited about sharing the news of the baby with other people.

Later that morning, Severus found himself seated in Lady Malfoy's drawing room. At least I got to eat breakfast, he grumbled to himself. He hated to be rushed, but in this case, it was easier just to let Hermione dictate the day.

"To what do we owe the pleasure of your company this morning?" ask Lucius as he entered the room.

"Good morning, father. Isn't it enough that we just wanted to see you?" Hermione said as she gave her father a kiss on the cheek.

"My darling, little girl. No. You rarely come unannounced. Is something the matter?" he responded as he hugged his daughter. He narrowed his eyes as Severus.

Severus groaned. The last thing he wanted was an argument this early in the morning. "Nothing is wrong. Your daughter got me out of bed at an indecent hour and dragged me over here," he grumbled. He turned and glared at his wife when he felt a soft kick on his ankle. He was startled to see she was looking pointedly at him. "What?" he silently mouthed.

Hermione rolled her eyes. Sometimes, she couldn't believe how obtuse her husband could be.

"Hermione, darling, I hope you don't roll your eyes like that in public. It isn't very attractive or lady-like," Narcissa admonished.

"Yes, Mother," Hermione said, only a slight hint of sarcasm was in her voice. She turned towards Severus and quietly hissed, "Tell them."

Severus leaned forward and under the pretense of kissing his wife's cheek, growled back, "I thought you wanted to tell them. After all, it is you who was so anxious." When he saw her eyes narrow he sighed. He knew when to give in. He stood and gently cleared his throat. She owes me for this, he fumed. "Mother. Father." He almost choked on these words as his in-laws were almost the same age as himself. "The reason we came this early was... we..." Severus faltered. He wasn't embarrassed, he just didn't know how Lucius was going to receive the news. He did a quick check to make sure he had an escape route, in case Lucius took the news badly.

"What Severus is so elegantly trying to say, is that you are going to become grandparents this winter!" Hermione exclaimed.

"Oh, my darling!" Narcissa cried as she enveloped Hermione in a warm hug. "How wonderful!"

Lucius stared through narrow eyes at his friend for a moment. He knew that they were married and that his daughter was happy, but still, the thought of that man with his hands on his precious little girl made him uncomfortable. He shook his head at the sound of Narcissa's voice calling him over. "Of course! How exciting. I hope you are taking good care of yourself and being careful not to overdo anything," he gently said.

"I am feeling fine," Hermione said happily.

"Severus." Lucius turned towards his friend. "I am happy beyond words. However, should she become the least bit upset, you will be answering to me," he said, the unspoken threat unmistakable.

"Of course. Thank you for the warm words," Severus said. He could understand the fatherly concern, but really, he hadn't done anything wrong. He looked over at his wife, still talking happily with her mother and smiled. Yes, married life is definitely not that bad, he thought.

Hermione felt someone's eyes on her. When she looked up, she was surprised to see Severus smiling at her. Happily, she smiled back and walked over to join him. "We wanted you to be the first to hear our news. We are going to Lady Minerva's for supper and will tell Severus's family then."

"What news?" came a voice at the door.

"Oh! Draco, do come in! Your sister and Severus are expecting!" Narcissa trilled.

"Mother, please. I haven't had lunch yet," Draco said with a pained expression. "I didn't really need to hear that."

"Draco. You will go and congratulate your sister," Lucius commanded softly.

"Don't get me wrong, I am happy for you two," Draco said as he hugged his sister and shook Severus's hand. "I am just amazed that someone would want to spend that much time with my sister. So, we are going to have a miniature Draco running around, huh?" he said as he seated himself elegantly on the sofa.

"A what?" Severus asked. "What have you been doing?"

"No, not me! Yours."

"Draco, why would we name the baby after you?" Hermione asked in confusion. "Normally, the first born would be named after the father, if anyone."

"My dear, Hermne. Why wouldn't you want to name him after the most handsome person you know? Most sought after bachelor. The one you have looked up to all of your life. Sorry, old chap," Draco said to Severus.

"Enough, children!" Lucius smoothly interrupted. "Draco, you and I are expected at our Solicitor's and we also have a couple of other business matters to attend to. Severus, I leave you and Hermione to do whatever you have planned. Narcissa, my pet, I will see you tonight," he stated as he gave his wife a tender kiss.

"That is fine, darling. Hermione, what are your plans for the rest of the day?" Narcissa asked.

"Severus is going to his tailor's and I thought I should get something special to wear for the ball I am going to host."

"Wonderful! I will also need a new gown. Lucius and Draco can drop Severus off on their way and we can go to the dressmaker's together. You don't mind, do you?" Narcissa asked sweetly.

"Not at all," was the terse reply. Severus had actually been looking forward to spending the afternoon with Hermione, but decided it would be prudent to let his wife handle her mother alone.

Later that evening, the happy couple gathered in the dining hall at Lady Minerva's with the rest of the Snape family. As usual, this included more extended members of the family.

"Uncle Albus, I am so happy that you could join us," Hermione said as she gave the older gentleman a kiss on the cheek, and took her place beside him at the table.

"As am I, my dear, as am I. I must say, you are looking absolutely radiant," he said, smiling.

"Thank you, sir." Hermione chuckled to herself. She had been mildly shocked to see Albus in a rich fuchsia, velvet jacket. Of course, it was quite comical as her silk dress was the exact same shade. She was glad that her cream lace overdress toned down the rich jewel tone.

"So tell me, my dear, how did your day go? I heard that you spent the afternoon at the dressmaker's with your mother?" Lady Minerva asked.

"Quite well. Mother made her 'recommendations' and I gave my opinion. Either mother is getting bored with this game or I am getting better at persuasion as it only took us three hours to agree on our gowns for the party instead of five."

"I commend you, my dear. Your mother informed me of these contests of wills and I must agree, you have made wonderful progress."

"Do you mean to tell me, that you spent three hours at the dressmaker's?" Severus asked in disbelief.

"Yes."

"I thought you were joking when you told me earlier. And to think I almost ended up escorting you two," he said rather weakly. He could feel the blood drain from his face at the mere thought of spending so much time at the dressmaker's.

"Why do you think I sent you with father and Draco?" Hermione asked. Noting her husband's pale face, she said quickly, "Please, take a sip of wine. Breathe deeply. Don't you dare faint."

"I do not faint," he growled.

"That's better," she said with a satisfied look on her face. "Of course you don't, dear."

"How goes it with the decorating, Hermione?" asked Ron.

"Wonderfully. Severus ordered some new furniture earlier today," she answered.

"Really? For which room, Sev?" asked Harry. His curiosity rose as he noticed Severus glance at Hermione and she gave a small nod. "Well? Wait, don't tell me. Let me guess. You are decorating a nursery!" he exclaimed and burst into laughter at the stunned faces of his brother and sister-in-law.

"How did you know?" Hermione asked in a small voice.

"I'm sorry. I was just making a joke. Please, go ahead and tell," Harry said, wiping a stray tear from his eye.

"You already told for us, brother," Severus said darkly.

"What?" Harry stopped laughing.

"Hermione and I are expecting a child sometime around the holidays," Severus said.

"Wow! That is wonderful. Congratulations!" Ron said.

"I am very happy for you," Luna said shyly from her place beside Ron.

"Thank you, Luna." Hermione smiled at the pretty girl with large blue eyes.

Severus looked fondly at his wife. He then looked towards his mother. Minerva was sitting in her chair with her hands clasped together at her bosom. She had tears in her eyes and was smiling happily at him. He gravely inclined his head and smiled shyly.

Hermione looked up and saw the brief exchange. She felt tears prick her own eyes to see that same smile turned towards herself.

"Severus. You have made me very happy today. I have longed for you to settle down. Words can't describe how I feel to see you happily married and with my grandchild on the way. Hermione, I feel as if you were my own true daughter. Thank you for this precious gift and for making my son such a wonderful wife."

"I believe a toast to Severus and Hermione are in order," said Albus. He rose with his glass of wine in hand while the rest of the family followed suit. Hermione raised her glass of lemonade. "May the child of Severus and Hermione lead a most blessed life. May he, or she, have good health and the love of its parents forever." Everyone took a sip with smiles and laughter.

Nobody noticed the slight frown that fleetingly crossed Harry's face before he took a sip of his wine. Deciding things were becoming too sentimental, Harry spoke up. "I think that now would be an excellent time for some music. I believe that Miss Lovegood is an accomplished pianist." He raised his brow in question and smiled when Luna nodded her ascent.

Everyone filed out of the dining room and gathered in the salon. Ron stood by the piano to turn pages while Luna seated herself upon the stool. Albus and Minerva settled on the small divan and Hermione sat next to them with Severus standing behind her. Harry took the chair on the other side of the Albus.

"What exactly is wrong with Luna's playing?" Severus asked quietly. He remembered Hermione and Draco discussing Luna's recital in the past.

"Oh, nothing. Her playing is wonderful."

"Then why was Draco sporting a headache afterwards?" Severus asked. Something just didn't make sense.

"Shhh. Just listen. You will understand," Hermione hushed him. She smiled as she felt his hand rest on her shoulder. The gentle strains of the music soothed her.

Everyone politely applauded as the first piece finished. Then Luna started playing a soft aria. This would have been fine, had Luna not started singing. Hermione winced as Severus's hand tightened involuntarily. Whether this was from the pressure of his hand or the screechy voice, she could not honestly answer.

"My gods! You could have warned me that the girl had a tortured cat stuck in her throat," Severus hissed in his wife's ear.

"Now where would be the fun in that? To truly appreciate her voice, it must be experienced without an opinion to cloud your judgment," Hermione giggled back.

Finally, the song ended. Before Luna could start another piece, Minerva stood and walked to the young girl. "Thank you, dear. That was most entertaining. If you forgive an overly fond mother, I haven't heard my son play in a very long time. Would you allow Severus to play for a bit?"

"Of course, Lady Minerva. I was not aware that he played. I look forward to hearing him," Luna said warmly. She was touched by Minerva's request and being blessed with absolute ignorance about her singing voice, she was not in the least offended by having played only two pieces.

"Severus? Would you mind? For your mother?" Minerva asked politely. Her eyes pleading with her son to accept her request.

"Of course, Mother," he replied. "Anything to keep that girl from singing," he muttered under his breath.

Hermione was astonished. She had no idea that Severus could play. In their many conversations, he had never once mentioned this talent. She was further shocked to hear how talented he really was. She tucked this piece of information back in her mind. One never knows when this might come in handy, she thought to herself. Visions of him playing to their sleeping child someday, or even to her after a stressful day brought a happy smile to her lips, one that remained for the rest of the evening.

All too soon, the evening came to a close. Hermione tiredly climbed into the carriage and snuggled tightly against her husband. The gentle movement of the carriage and his even breathing lulled her to sleep. Ron escorted Miss Lovegood home while Harry went to his club and Minerva enjoyed a late night gossip with Albus.

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Author's Notes: I apologize for the delay in posting this chapter. Real life was not kind. Things should hopefully get back on track. A million thanks to my two awesome betas: Tinnidawg and White Dragon!