Chapter 5

Chapter 5

"Are you ready to go to the hospital?" Remus asked.

"I have been ready for several weeks, but those infernal Healers have insisted that I have to wait. I'm bloody well ready to have this thing out." The fact that Remus was now grinning like a fool infuriated him even more. "And wipe that ridiculous smile off your face."

"Sorry. It's just an exciting day." He helped Severus to his feet. "How do you want to do this: Floo or Apparition?"

Severus weighed his options. They were both equally disorienting, but at least through Apparition, he wouldn't have to worry about climbing into or out of a fireplace. "Apparition." He did not care for Side-Along Apparition, but he was not willing to risk Splinching himself and being discovered. When they arrived in the private room at the hospital, he lost his balance and nearly dragged Remus down with him.

A junior Healer soon arrived in their room. "Welcome, Mr. Snape. If you could change into the hospital gown, the senior Healer will be here shortly."

Remus helped him out of his clothes as he muttered about how glad he would be when it was all finally over. "And quit smiling!" he snapped. Once he was in the hospital gown, he somewhat clumsily maneuvered himself onto the bed.

"The happy day is here," said the senior Healer as she entered the room. "How are you feeling?"

"I will feel much better once you cut this leech out of me," he replied as the Healer examined him.

She scowled at him. "Hopefully you'll feel differently afterwards."

"Don't mind him. He's been exceptionally cranky these last few weeks."

"Because you infernal people insisted I carry this child to full term. I know for a fact that this child could have been safely removed three weeks ago, at least. How much longer is this going to take?"

Remus squeezed Severus's hand. "Just relax. Getting upset won't do you any good. It will all be over soon."

"No, it won't. If your blood pressure is too high, I can't operate. Take a few minutes to calm down. I'll be back in a little while."

"Back in a little while," Severus muttered. "Infernal woman just likes to see me suffer."

Remus rubbed Severus's shoulders. "If you don't relax, this will only take longer. Just think, very soon we are going to be parents. We'll be able to hold the life that we created, our son or daughter."

"It's your responsibility. I don't want anything to do with a smelly, crying baby."

Remus leaned over and brushed Severus's cheek with his lips. "So you've said."

"And I mean it."

"I believe you," Remus replied in a voice that meant he didn't believe his lover's words at all. "Just relax and it'll be over soon."

*************

Severus felt more like himself than he had in months. The pressure and the kicking were finally gone from his abdomen. It was still distended and he had put on some weight overall, but his body was once again his.

Remus was grinning like an idiot, sitting in the rocking chair holding their daughter. Let him deal with her. At least she had finally calmed down. He had not thought that something so small could make that much noise.

Remus rose from the chair, crossed the room and sat on the edge of the bed. "I think you should hold her."

"Not particularly."

"Now, darling, you know the Healer said that breast milk is best for her."

"I am not breast feeding her," he replied coldly.

Remus gently pulled back the blanket that was covering her, revealing fine, dark hair. He then set her against Severus's chest. "Well, you can at least hold her for a little while. I need to use the loo."

"Remus! Don't leave her with me." He was irritated that Remus walked away without looking back. She started squirming, and he cradled her to keep her from rolling off his chest. Looking down into her face, he examined her features. This was the first good look he had had of her. She had his dark hair. For now, she had a dainty nose, and he hoped that she had not also inherited that from him. Gently, he brushed the dark hair, surprised at how soft it was. As he traced his finger down past her tiny ear, she reached up and grabbed his finger and tried to suckle it.

When she didn't get anything from his finger, she started to fuss.

"Don't do that," he said softly, but she didn't listen to him. Her fussing became more urgent, and he was alone in the room. He thought that she was hungry, but there was no way he was going to breast-feed her. It had been bad enough that he had been forced to carry her.

Realizing the only way he was going to get peace was to feed her, he lowered the gown and offered her his breast as the Healer had showed him earlier. "Come on. Take it," he urged. She was obviously hungry, and he couldn't understand why she wouldn't suckle. Finally, she latched on.

Remus peered into the room and grinned broadly at the sight of Severus taking care of their daughter.

************

When Remus thought enough time had passed, he returned to the room and leaned against the doorway watching Severus and their daughter. He smiled softly at the two of them. He had suspected this was all it would take for Severus to fall in love with her. He knew that when he held her for the first time it had been one of the most glorious feelings of his life. "What do you think we should name her?" he asked as he finally entered the room.

"That's entirely up to you."

Remus could tell that Severus was trying to maintain his gruff exterior. "I was thinking about Persephone."

"Persephone?" Snape arched an eyebrow.

Remus gently brushed her hair. "I thought it would be a good name for her. The goddess of Spring and of the Underworld. I think it's very fitting, don't you?"

"Are you implying something?"

"That you are dark and moody, but then, I wouldn't want you any other way." He leaned down and kissed Severus.

"Persephone what?"

"I hadn't thought about it too much. I thought you might like to have some input, too."

"You're much better at names than I am."

"How about Persephone Aurora Snape?"

"After the dawn. Very touching."

Remus smiled brightly that there was no sarcasm in Severus's voice. "I thought so. I saw how she makes your face light up."

"You're imagining things."

"Of course. Let me get a cloth to burp her."

"You were right. Persephone is a good name for her."

Remus handed Severus the cloth. "I'm glad you approve." He wrapped his arm around Severus. "And I'm glad that you had that potions accident. I love you."

***************

Remus was pleasantly surprised that Severus took time off from work after Persephone's birth. While he had said it was to fully recover, Remus thought it was because Severus was becoming quite attached to their daughter, even though his partner steadfastly denied it.

Remus had known that once their child was born, Severus would feel differently. And he had been correct. Some nights when he was working late on his new novel, he would find Severus reading to Persephone. Granted, he was reading her articles out of his Potions journal, but his tone of voice was very soothing. And when Severus didn't think he was watching, he would sometimes catch sight of a very warm smile, a smile that even he didn't get. But he didn't mind. He knew the love for a child was completely different from any other sort of love.

Of course, Severus could not completely stay away from his potions, not that Remus minded. He enjoyed the time he had with Persephone. Even now, he could tell that she was going to take after Severus. And in more than just appearance. Her hair was filling in quickly, but she was also a fussy baby, at least for him. She definitely seemed to prefer Severus. There seemed to be this bond...

A couple of weeks after Persephone's birth, they received word that Hermione and Harry's baby had also been born. The two of them had a boy, who they named James Allen. When Remus suggested that this was a good thing, that Persephone would have a playmate growing up, Severus gave him a rather dirty look. He knew it would take time for Severus to get used to the idea, but he had faith Severus would warm to the idea in his own good time. After all, Severus has spent years hating him, but had finally come to realize how idiotic that grudge had been.

****************

After six weeks, Severus finally returned to work, though he took every Wednesday off. For the remaining days of the week, Remus and Hermione would switch off babysitting duties. Severus had not been pleased when broached with the subject, but recalling his own lonely childhood, he relented, realizing the importance of Persephone socializing. Even if it was with a Potter. Especially one named James. Later, he would ensure that she socialized with the proper sort of children.

He did have to admit that it wasn't all bad being a parent. Here was a child that he could mold from the beginning, teach to be a proper witch, one accepted in society, one who would be Slytherin through and through. Oh, he was positive that Remus would instill in her all those idealistic Gryffindor principles, but he knew how to ensure that she would be properly sorted.

From watching her, he could tell the she was a bright child, but then, it was only to be expected. He had been the brightest student in his year, even if that overbearing James Potter had been the teacher's pet and had been given Head Boy because he a was both a good student and star Quidditch player. Not to mention that Remus had been no academic slouch. There was no doubt in his mind that Persephone was destined for greatness. He just had to ensure that she associated with the right wizards. He was sure this would be a sticking point with Remus, but he had no doubt that he could convince his lover of the wisdom of this course of action.

Everything was looking up. He was well-respected in his field, finally appreciated after years of toiling in forced obscurity. Most of the wizarding world turned a blind eye to his past, focusing instead on the beneficial work he had done the last few years. Remus was finally accepted in society, though few knew the true nature of his profession, which was probably for the best. And now, they had a daughter. She was a true joy in his life, though he would admit that to very few. After all, he did still have a reputation to maintain.

As he walked to his office, he realized this was the life he had always wanted, but never thought he would attain. He truly was a lucky man

~The End~

A/N: Okay, folks, that ends this installment. I have had ideas for a future set fiction. I had thought of making it part of this one, but I didn't want to skip way ahead in time. I think it will be better set as a new fic. I hope that you have enjoyed this story and will be patient for me to write the follow-on to this. I have several other projects ahead of this one.

As always, thanks to nota for all her wonderful suggestions. She helps put the finishing touches on all my chapters. Also, thanks to JenKM1216 for spawning this idea. The fic turned out better than I thought it would.

Additionally, shameless self-promotion coming up: this fiction is nominated in the Multifaceted Awards for Devotion and Laughter. Voting opens 5 July and I hope that you will consider this story. Also, Beholden to No Man is nominated in Aphrodisia and Identity. http://multifaceted.creative-musings.com/main.htm