Right Beside You - A Year On Title: Right Beside You – A Year On. Author: savine_snape Beta: sc010f and talesofsnape Cheerleader: beffeysue Genre: Romance/Angst • Rating: NC-17 to be safe • Warnings: male/male sex, language Pairing: SS/HG/BW • Characters: Severus Snape, Hermione Granger, William Weasley, Poppy Pomfrey, OMC. Word Count: 2,390 Summary: A year on and what is happening in the Snape-Granger-Weasley household?
A/N: Many thanks to Scoffy and Tales for picking up my typo’s and tense errors. Any remaining errors are because I couldn’t resist tweaking the document after making the corrections they suggested. Sorry Ladies, you know me, never quite satisfied. Oh, yeah, and if you think I own anything but the plot to this subverse of The Potterverse you need to be admitted to the Janus Thickery ward at St. Mungo’s. Many happy returns, Headmaster Snape :D
He stares out of the window watching the snowflakes as they twist and turn on their journey from the sky to join the multitude of flakes that already clothe the earth in their wintery blanket. He is lost in thought, so much has happened in the last twelve months.
Turning, he faces the bed he shares with his wife and husband and smiles. Hermione is still wrapped in the arms of Morpheus, blissfully unaware of his ponderings. Her hair cascades across two of the three stacks of pillows like water falling over a cliff edge, her exposed breasts are full and swollen ready and waiting for the son or daughter whose impending arrival both thrills and frightens Severus.
Will he be a good father, will he love the child enough, will the dynamics of their trio shift now that he and Hermione will have a child of their own together? All these things weigh on his mind. He loves Hermione with every bone, sinew and cell of his body. She accepts him for who he is: not as an idolised war veteran who did what he did for love, but as the sometimes sour man who made a wrong turning and then pulled it all back when his best friend died at the hand of the man who had tempted him with dreams of fame and power.
Warm arms wrap around him, pulling him tightly against a firm chest and broad shoulders.
“You think too hard sometimes, love,” Bill whispers in his ear. “I can almost hear you. You’ll be great. You’ll be nothing like your father or your mother. You will love the child that grows in our wife’s belly with every ounce of your soul.”
“How can you be so sure, William? Nature and nurture maketh the man.”
“Funny that, I was always told that manners maketh the man.”
Growling, Severus turns to face his husband.
“You know what I mean. My own parents didn’t love me; maybe I won’t love the child...maybe I will be...”
Bill silences Severus with a brush of his lips.
“You will be a great father to your child. You are a great father to Rose and Hugo and to Vicky also. God, Vicky can’t wait to get started here, neither can Rose and Hugo. It’s not just the fact that Hermione and I will be teaching them, it’s that they will be closer to you, too. Rose loves that you spend time with her explaining the magical theory behind the potions you brew together when she and Hugo are here. Hugo loves that you allow him to perform tricks on his broom that my little brother is too scared to permit.
You can deny it all you like, love, but our kids adore you.”
Severus twines his fingers in Bill’s long, red hair, pulling him closer before kissing him. Lips part, tongues twist, hips grind against each other.
“Yes,” Bill pants as his hand moves between Severus and himself, squeezing his lover’s growing hardness. “Fuck me, right here, right now.”
With a wordless incantation their clothing vanishes, a muttered spell Summons their favourite lubricant. Severus scoops up a generous amount of it with his fingers before wrapping them around their eager erections. His movement are slow and steady at first, as he relishes the feeling of his husband’s prick sliding against his own. Gradually he increases the pace and firmness of his grip, twisting his hand slightly as he nears the heads, trailing his thumb through the pre-come before stoking back down again to the base. Bill rocks his hips in time with Severus, biting his lover’s shoulder as his ejaculates over his husband’s fingers. Severus groans, moving his hand faster until his own orgasm shoots forth over Bill. Spent, he rests his forehead against Bill.
“You two will be the death of me.”
“I seem to remember you saying that a year ago, and look, you’re still here. Even after the Beltane festival, I understand you were insatiable,” Bill teases, a grin turning the corners of his mouth up.
“Yes, well, I’m another year older today.”
“And you’re still as sexy and randy as I am.”
A whimper causes them to turn their attention to their bed. Hermione sits perched on the edge of the bed, rubbing her swollen belly as she breaths heavily.
“Hermione?”
In a flash, Severus is kneeling before his wife, concern evident for all to see.
“It would seem junior wanted to make his presence know, nothing to worry about love, probably just another bout of Braxton Hicks.”
“I’ll let Poppy be the judge of that,” Severus replies.
“William, can you inform Poppy that her opinion is sought, and you, young lady, are coming with me for a bath.”
“Mmm, that sounds lovely.”
“There will be no hanky panky for you, I want you to relax and stay calm.”
“I am calm, love, it’s you that needs to relax. Junior just wants to wish his Papa happy birthday.”
“Yes, well, we shall see.”
“Don’t pull that face, dearest.”
“What face? I did not knowingly pull any type of face.”
“Oh, but you did!” Hermione teases. “You pulled the face you always used when Neville was about to...”
“Enough, woman! If you do not soon shimmy your delightful derrière into that bathroom I will do more than cast a scowl your way.”
“Is that a promise?”
“Hermione...” Severus growls as he gently pats his wife’s arse. “Be gone with you woman, I shall be in shortly.”
After many years spent with the irascible man, Hermione knew that his limit was rapidly approaching. Raising herself on tiptoes she places a chaste kiss on his lips before leaving the room.
oooOooo
Hermione smiles to herself as she runs the water for her bath, adding the bubble bath Severus had brewed for her. Gently, she rubs her bump, murmuring sweet nothings to her unborn child.
“Well, little one, it looks like you’re going to give us a dual reason to celebrate this day from now on. I can’t wait to meet you, and neither can your fathers.”
The sound of the door creaking open makes Hermione jump, Severus wraps his arms around her rubbing her belly.
“Poppy is here,” he whispers.
“Okay, you look after the bathtub whilst I go and let Poppy examine me. There really is nothing to worry about, love.”
oooOooo
“Hermione, dear.” Poppy greets Hermione with open arms. “So, tell me, was I right? Does Minerva owe me a bottle of Talisker? Will we be seeing another Snape celebrate their birthday today?”
“Truth be told, I’m not sure, Poppy. You tell me.”
“Come on then. That’s it, just lay down here.” Poppy directs Hermione to lie on the bed.
With a practised arc of her wand, Poppy begins to chant numerous spells, giving little hums every now and again.
“Are you still set on the idea of a non-magical birth?”
“You know I am, Poppy. We’ve talked about this. As far as possible, I would like minimum intervention. I didn’t get my wish with Rose and Hugo, please; I know you think I’m mad...”
Poppy smiles as she pats Hermione’s left hand.
“Not completely mad, my dear, but you are a witch, there is no need to go through any pain.”
“I know, and I know that Severus has brewed the relevant potions. Every base is covered, Poppy. I just want to do it my way this time.”
“As you wish, I’ll go give the father to be the good news.”
“Oh, where’s Bill?”
“He’s gone for a walk. You may be able to pull the wool over dear Severus’s eyes but you failed to dissuade William that your pains were anything more than mere twinges.”
oooOooo
Severus was nervously pacing the space in front of the Floo like a caged big cat. What was taking so long? If it was simple Braxton Hicks Poppy should be out by now.
“Severus. Oh, my boy, you can stop that right now. Both mum and baby are fine, although, I do think that from next year this day will have a dual celebration.”
“But, he’s not due for another week!”
“He? I’ve noticed that you’ve both referred to the child as he.”
“You know what I mean, Poppy,” Severus replies briskly. “Don’t raise your eyebrow at me like that; you know we agreed not to find out the gender of the child.”
“I do, but that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t give in...”
“I can categorically state that I have not performed the relevant diagnostic spell. I have adhered to my wife’s desire to wait.
Oh, fuck, you said, oh bugger! Bloody hell...I’m going to be a father!”
Severus sinks down into his favoured chair, knees suddenly weak as the truth hits him like an errant Bludger.
“Severus, you are already a father to three children who, I might add, absolutely adore you.”
“Yes, but, my own flesh and blood. I’m not ready...”
“No one ever is, my dear,” Poppy replies as she sits in the chair opposite the flustered headmaster.
oooOooo
Hermione winces as another pain shoots through her back. Absentmindedly, she rubs her bump as she pants through the pain.
“So impatient, just like your father, well if you are truly ready to arrive, I’m ready to meet you, Se...”
Another pain steals her breath. In the adjoining room, the vibration of her wand alerts Poppy that she is needed.
“Stay where you are, I’m going to go check on your wife. Bill will be back shortly.”
With that, Poppy leaves Severus to ponder his fate.
oooOooo
Time seems to have slowed down as Severus sits and waits. Minutes seem like hours. He keeps looking at the pocket watch his mother gave him for his 17th birthday all those years ago.
Silently, Bill enters their living room. Smiling, he watches as Severus fidgets. He’s not seen his husband this ill at ease since their Bonding ceremony.
“She’s in good hands, love,” he murmurs as he stills Severus’s twitching hand.
“How can you be so calm about this, William? She’s...Hermione is through there going through non-magical childbirth...”
“With Poppy. She’s not alone, love, she’s in very safe, very capable hands.”
Bill kneels before his husband, running his hands up and down his husband’s black swathed thighs.
“You’ll see, everything will be fine, you will be outstanding, as will Hermione.”
“Severus,” Poppy calls as she peeks out from their bedroom. “Hermione wishes for you to come and join her.”
Severus’ face pales.
“Go on, go greet your child,” Bill instructs before kissing his husband.
Severus slowly walks across the room. His legs still feel like jelly as he enters their bedroom. Before him is an angel...an angel who is enduring pain to bring his child into the world. The speed with which he covers the remaining ground betwixt them suddenly increases. He seats himself beside Hermione taking her small hand into his own larger one.
Neither Hermione nor Severus register that Poppy has left them alone for a moment.
“I’m here, little one. You’re doing great, not long now,” he tries to soothe her even though his own emotions are in turmoil.
Hermione smiles at Severus.
“This is a lot harder than either Rose or Hugo.”
“You can change your mind anytime, little one, I won’t think any less of you.”
“Pass me the water, please.”
Severus does as he’s bade, passing the small glass of ice-cold water.
“Is that better?” he asks after Hermione passes the glass back to him.
“Much,” Hermione groans as another contraction shoot through her back. “Junior really is impatient, get Poppy I want to push.”
Severus rises quickly, and asks Poppy to rejoin them. After a brief examination she smiles at the expectant parents.
“Well, it looks like it’s time for Junior Snape to make his grand entrance. When you feel your next contraction I want you to focus on something and push as hard as you can.”
Hermione nods, before wincing as another pain shoots through her. She pushes with all her might, squeezing Severus’ hand tightly as she does so. Severus sighs with relief when she ceases to crush his fingers. He marvels at the strength she has managed to summon.
“That’s wonderful, Hermione, another few of them and Junior will soon be with us.”
Severus isn’t sure how many more times Hermione practically crushes his fingers, but he does feel a sense of relief when Poppy instructs her to simply breath through her next contraction whilst she ensures that the cord is not wrapped awkwardly around the baby.
With a nod, Poppy gives Hermione the go ahead to push once more. Summoning every last ounce of her inner Gryffindor strength, Hermione gives one last determined push with her next contraction. As the pain and burning sensation ceases she flops back onto the bank of pillows Poppy hads arranged behind her. Seconds later, a piercing scream shatters the air.
Poppy make short work of Junior Snape’s first medical before placing the babe on his mother’s chest.
“Congratulations, Severus, Hermione, you have a healthy son.”
Hermione strokes the back of her son’s head, marvelling at the full head of jet-black hair. She turns to look at her husband. A tired smile lights her face up as her eyes meet those of her husband.
“You have a son, love,” she whispers. “Would you like to hold him?”
Severus gently lifts his son from his mother, wrapping him in a blanket before sitting down again. He had promised himself that he wouldn’t cry, but he can do nothing to quell the tears that form. His darling, beautiful wife has gifted him with an heir. All the planning and preparation that had gone into the Beltane celebration has been worth it.
“I’ll leave you three to bond then. I’ll instruct Bill that he may come in when he is ready shall I?”
“Thank you, Poppy,” Severus replies without looking up from his son. “That would be most kind of you.”
“I was thinking we could name him Sebastian,” Hermione murmurs as she indicates for Severus to join her on their bed. “Or would you rather name him something else?”
“Sebastian is acceptable,” Severus replies. “Most fitting I think, actually.”
And so it was that Sebastian Snape made his grand entrance on his father’s 51st birthday.