Happy Birthday
Morgan had put a lot of thought into Severus’ baby shower, although she had not known the man long, they had become quite close over the past few months and she had the advantage of having seen his reaction to other baby showers they had attended. She knew he would not appreciate many of the silly games sometimes played at baby showers. There would be no blindfolded nappy-changing competitions, balloon-popping races or bobbing for dummies in a bucket of water.
Severus was having difficulty moving around so all games would be played seated at the table. She had baby bingo cards with baby items on them, a nursery rhyme quiz and a pass-the-parcel with clues written on the wrapping to indicate who should take off each layer. Severus would of course end up with the prize, two little lion onesies Morgan had found in a muggle baby shop. There would also be a rubber duck lucky door prize draw, each guest would collect a rubber duck as they arrived, the ducks would have a number written on the bottom and a hat with the corresponding numbers would be placed in the middle of the table, a number would be drawn from it at intervals during the party and the person with the same number on their duck would collect a prize.
The main part of the Shower would be the afternoon tea and conversation. Colly and Cadby had done all the cooking preparing cakes and sandwiches to Severus’ taste and supplying a variety of different teas and cold drinks.
Morgan had also made arrangements for Harry while the baby shower was taking place. Severus had asked her if Andrew would be willing to chat with Harry about the Alpha role in childbirth. Andrew had been happy to help. Morgan had then gone one step further and asked Mathias to come along too. Dylan had only given birth a few weeks before and Mathias was still very protective of his husband and newborn son. Morgan knew Mathis would be happy to help, he would also feel much better being in the house with Dylan and he could also answer Harry’s question specific to male omega birth.
Severus was looking forward to the party, he had missed a few meetings recently and he was ready to have his friends around him again especially as he was creeping closer to his due date. Morgan arrived at 9:00 am to set up for the party. Harry had helped to decorate the dining room for the Shower hanging pink and blue streamers all over the room. Severus had let the secret of the babies’ gender slip during their discussion of second genders. Harry had not been upset, he was too excited to have a son and a daughter. Morgan had arranged balloon bouquets as well as a large cake with “Baby, it’s nearly time,” written in blue and pink frosting.
They set up a table for presents and another for drinks so guests could help themselves to tea, coffee or juice. Morgan also had some non-alcoholic bubbly for the toast to the new papa.
Guest began to arrive at 11:00 and Harry disappeared into his study after giving Severus a kiss. Morgan promised to show Andrew and Mathias in when they arrived.
Severus thoroughly enjoyed the baby shower, fully aware that just ten months ago this scenario would have horrified him. He played baby bingo and participated in the nursery rhyme quiz without complaint or snarky comment and he even cooed over the lion onesies he ‘won,’ in the pass the parcel.
Most importantly he laughed and talked with his omega friends about baby-related things and he felt good about himself. He always did when he was surrounded by these people who really understood him. They knew his story, understood his fears and accepted him unconditionally.
Severus opened his presents so he could thank people personally and individually and he was delighted that people had used the gift registry and they now had everything that had been on Narcissa’s baby essentials list. As well as several extra things Harry had thought were cute.
As the afternoon wore on he began to feel the strain though and at 3:00 pm sharp Morgan called an end to the festivities. She saw the guests out and then helped Severus into an armchair in his sitting room come bedroom. Harry arrived shortly after to thank her for all she had done for Severus, then Morgan, Andrew and their girls took their leave.
Harry had, had quite the day too. He got along very well with Andrew and Mathias and they had an enjoyable afternoon. The elves had provided an antipasto platter as well as a bottle of whiskey and some red wine and later, there had been tea and coffee.
Harry had felt a bit awkward at first he knew the other two alpha’s were there to share their experiences with him but he was not sure how to start the conversation. He need not have worried though, Mathias brought the conversation around to where he wanted it to be when he mentioned that this was the furthest away from him Dylan had been since the birth of their son.
By the end of their time together Harry felt much better about his fears and also reassured that he would be able to support Severus through the birthing process and after with caring for their babies.
Andrew had confided his fears that Morgan would struggle again with her next pregnancy Harry had encouraged him to talk about his Lordship and the requirement for an heir. Andrew needed a male alpha for his line just as Harry did for the Black Lordship. Mathias and Dylan had not had the spell cast on their son as there were no inheritances for them to consider. Mathias did say that he knew Dylan was hoping their son was an alpha so he did have to live as omega. Harry thought that was sad but he did not say so.
Harry told both men he was worried that Severus would not cope well if their children were omegas because of the clause only requiring one pregnancy in their marriage contract. He also discussed his feeling of inadequacy in supporting Severus during the birth.
Mathias assured him that while it had been difficult to see his husband in so much pain, he knew that his being there had helped Dylan. His scent and his presence had soothed the omega as he tired during the long labour. The referred pain he felt through their bond had helped him to focus on Dylan’s needs.
The chat had done Harry the world of good and the other alphas indicated they had appreciated the opportunity to talk as well and the three had promised to stay in touch.
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Harry had found his husband dozing in his chair in the sitting room after seeing Morgan and Andrew out. He pulled the wool blanket he had given Severus for Christmas over him and settled in his chair with a book. Colly came in to confirm plans for dinner Harry approved her menu without waking Severus and went back to his book. Severus did not stir until the scent of roast meat wafted into the room from the kitchen.
Severus groaned and rolled his neck as he opened his eyes, “Alpha?” he said with a sleepy growl.
“Severus, are you feeling ok?” Harry asked gently, putting his book down and moving towards the omega who was trying unsuccessfully to stretch his back.
“I am fine Alpha, I will be better when I can move properly,” he said with a sigh.
Harry knelt down in front of the omega and took his hand “Colly has cooked roast pork for dinner if you are hungry,” he said softly.
“Hmmm, Severus hummed. “My favourite Alpha,”
“I know and so does Colly I think she thought you deserved a treat,” Harry told him.
“I have had many treats all day, Alpha,” Severus replied “but I can’t say no to roast pork,”
“I would be concerned if you did, do you need help to stand up love,” Harry asked carefully.
“I imagine so,” Severus said wiggling himself forward on his seat. Harry stood up and held out his hand which Severus took then he moved so he could help Severus out of the chair. When they were both on their feet they returned to the dining room which was now steamer and balloon free and sat down for their meal.
“It seems we got a lot of new baby things,” Harry said eyeing the present table which was still under the window.
“Indeed alpha that is part of the point of a baby shower, although Morgan also gave me a large gift basket of things which are apparently for me. I will deserve pampering she said,” Severus wrinkled his nose as he spoke.
Harry grinned “Oh Severus my beautiful husband, you always deserve pampering,” he said taking the scowling omega by his hand and pulling him close for a kiss.
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March seemed to take forever to arrive, Severus had just begun to wonder if they were stuck in some kind of time loop when suddenly they were two weeks into the month.
At seven and half months Severus had given up on moving far from the sitting room he usually managed to get from the bed to the bathroom and then to his chair all with help from Harry. Abigail was in touch every day to see how he was progressing.
Braxton Hicks contractions had begun in the eighth month Harry had called Abigail in a panic on the 3rd of March when Severus had grunted in pain and clutched his stomach suddenly during lunch.
The days passed until they reached the third week of March. Braxton Hicks contractions had become part of life and then on March 22nd, Severus woke up in the very early hours of the morning with a sharp pain in his abdomen. It was not much stronger than Braxton hicks but it was different. It faded quickly and Severus dozed until the next one came. They were not overwhelming and they were about twenty minutes apart, after about six of them Severus struggled to sit up and get his legs over the edge of the bed.
“Severus?” Harry said sleepily “You ok love?” he asked.
Severus grunted as another contraction hit “Yessss, alpha,” he pressed out.
Harry opened his eyes and looked at his husband “Are you sure Sev?” he asked suddenly awake.
Severus took several deep breaths and the pain faded “I think these might be real alpha,” he said, sounding uncertain. “I need to time them,”
Harry sat straight up and grabbed his phone from beside the bed. He had not had a phone until he came home but Severus had bought one to keep in touch with Abigail and Penny. Harry had bought one so Severus could call if he needed him. He opened the timer app and they waited. When the next one hit they timed it it only lasted a few seconds and there were twenty-two minutes before the next one which also only lasted a few seconds.
“I guess we just wait huh?” Harry said after they had timed a few and found them fairly consistent.
“Yes, I guess so,” Severus replied. “Abigail said we didn't need to go to the hospital until they were five minutes apart and lasting one minute, you should try to sleep alpha,”
“Are you going to sleep?” Harry asked.
Severus shook his head “No, probably not. I will sit here though,” he said leaning back against the head of the bed.
Harry sat up and pulled Severus to him the omega rested his head on the alpha’s shoulder. “I will sit with you love, we are in this together,”
Severus moved his head to kiss Harry’s collarbone before settling again with his head resting on the alpha’s chest and Harry wrapped his arms around his omega.
They stayed like that until the sun rose timing and counting contractions. By the time the sun was fully up the contractions were about 30 seconds and coming at between ten and fifteen minute intervals. Harry called for Colly who appeared unsurprised at the news Severus was in labour. She immediately popped away and reappeared with toast and tea. Severus managed to eat a piece of toast and drink a cup of weak black tea before Harry decided to call Abigail.
Abigail arrived at 9:30 am in a car which belonged to the hospital. “I know how you feel about taxis Severus and I am not sure apparition even by your elves will be good for your blood pressure,” she explained.
Harry smiled a genuine smile and thanked the midwife for her thoughtfulness. Severus grunted as another contraction hit.
Abigail set her bag down and pulled out her stethoscope and checked the babies' heartbeats, then Severus' blood pressure. She had Severus lie down while she felt the babies’ positions. “You are doing really well Severus and these two are ready to get moving. They are in the right position so as soon as your contractions are lasting for a minute and coming at intervals of less than ten minutes we will head to the hospital, how long have you been awake?” she asked.
“Since three,” Harry replied as Severus grimaced through another contraction.
“Have you tried to rest at all?” she asked.
“We sat together on the bed and we dozed a little between four and when I called you. Sev got up and had a walk to the bathroom and back a few times, but he hasn’t really slept since I woke up at three,” Harry told her, as he rubbed the omegas back.
Abigail nodded “Well walking is good because gravity will help to speed things up but we are still a way off full labour and I would like Severus to conserve as much energy as he can for the main event,” she told the alpha.
Harry nodded “How will we know when it’s time to…you know push?” he asked.
Abigail smiled “That won't happen for a while and we will hopefully be in the hospital then. I will have to check Severus soon to see how far dilated he is, I don't expect he is more than about two centimetres at the moment,”
Harry took a moment to process that and he growled when he realised just what she would be checking.
“I am sorry Harry, but I do have to check. It is my job to help Severus give birth to these babies. I can't do that without looking at him,” she said gently.
Harry flushed “I know that Abigail I am sorry I just…”
“It’s alright Harry, it is perfectly natural, you should be protective of your omega. He is vulnerable and needs you to be protective of him, he needs to feel safe to get through this,” she said and smiled at him.
“The closer you can stay now the better. As things progress your scent will strengthen, it will reassure him and help him to relax between contractions. You will soon, if you haven't already, begin to feel an echo of the contractions in your bond. It won't be everything Severus is feeling but it will let you know when it’s time to push and when it is time for the babies to be born,” Abigail told him.
Harry nodded and licked his lips Mathias had told him that would happen. He had said the contractions took his breath away at times but that seeing Dylan in agony had been distraction enough that he didn't notice it all the time. Harry was not looking forward to any of that, but he had to be strong for Seveus his omega was counting on him. Harry knew Severus was strong and could handle pain but he would not be doing it alone.
Colly appeared at lunchtime with a plate of sandwiches and some chicken broth. Severus who was walking around the room hoping to speed things up, managed to eat some broth. Just after one Morgan arrived and sent Harry out for a cup of coffee and to lay down for a while. The alpha looked like he wanted to fight her but she insisted and he was tired. He knew he needed to sit for a minute and gather his thoughts. His wolf howled as he left Severus in Morgan’s care but he knew he had to be sensible. He couldn't be strong for his omega if he was asleep. The pain in the bond would alert him if things changed or progressed.
At 3 pm, more than twelve hours after things had started Abigail asked Severus to lie down on the bed so she could check his dilation. Severus knew it was necessary he had purchased nightshirts for just this purpose. Morgan stepped back away from the bed and Severus lay down pulling his knees up and spreading his legs so the midwife could look at him. Harry sat beside his omega holding his hand, while Abigail lifted his shirt and nudged his legs further apart. Her hands pressed his thighs further apart, Severus flinched at the first touch of her gloved hands and Harry growled. Abigail did her check as quickly as possible and moved back so Severus could lower his legs.
“You are doing well Severus, but I think we should head to the hospital. You are four centimetres and the contractions are nice and regular now. We still have a way to go and your blood pressure is starting to creep up. I think it is time to move you,” she told them.
Harry looked worried “Will he be ok?” he asked.
“Yes, but he will be safer in the hospital, I don't anticipate a problem but I would like to be safe, rather than sorry,” she told them.
Severus looked to Morgan the other omega smiled at him and took his hand. “Abigail won't lie to you Severus, you should listen to her. If she says it's time then it's time.”
Severus gripped her hand and leaned into her. “I am scared,” he whispered in her ear.
“I know, but you will be ok, you are strong and you have Harry and me with you,” she whispered back.
Harry watched as Morgan convinced Severus that he should go to the hospital. His alpha was growling but he had promised to give Severus anything he needed and if that was Morgan’s reassurance then he would give him that too.
Morgan collected their hospital bag and Harry wrapped his arm around Severus' waist to steady his walk out to the car. Abigail cast a subtle notice me not charm on the two men so the neighbours would not see Severus in his nightshirt and robe, his stomach swollen with twins. Harry felt the magic and gave the midwife a grateful smile.
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They had been at the hospital for about an hour when things started to move. The contractions were coming faster and lasting for almost a full minute every time. Abigail gave Severus another examination and found him almost six centimetres dilated.
Severus, due to his deeply ingrained belief that displaying pain made you weak, gave hardly any indication of the pain he had to be feeling. He did not cry out or scream though Harry almost wished he would, the pained grunts and moans were almost worse than full-on screaming.
Morgan encouraged Severus to keep walking. The omega had decided the birthing pool would be too messy once things got going. Morgan reminded him it would be messy regardless but the omega pursed his lips together and refused the pool.
Harry found the referred pain in his bond both distressing and reassuring. He could feel that Severus was ok apart from the pain and the omega was dealing with that as he always did. Harry was surprised that he was much more accepting of Morgan’s gentle presence than he had expected. Penny came and stood with him as he watched Morgan put her head against Severus’ temple and whisper to him.
“You are doing very well with having her here,” Penny commented.
“Yes, I guess I have gotten used to her over the past few months and she seems to be able to help him when I can’t,” Harry said a touch of sadness in his tone.
Penny nodded “Yes your extra leave was a blessing in many ways, Harry. Morgan is able to reassure him that what he is feeling, in spite of it being very painful, is normal and doesn’t mean anything is wrong. Severus is a practical man, Morgan has been where he is, and so he trusts her experience. Abigail and I are medical professionals but neither of us has given birth, so he is relying on Morgan’s experience. Her scent will be helping you too, it will help to keep you calm in the face of your omega’s anguish,” Penny explained.
Harry looked at her in surprise “I can’t even scent her though,” he said his eyes going wide.
“You can, but your mind is focused on the distress in Severus’ scent and the pain you can feel coming from him. You may not be able to distinguish it, but Morgan’s scent is helping you stay calm in the face of his pain,” Penny told him.
Harry nodded and moved back towards his omega and Morgan, taking His husband’s hand and picking up the face cloth on the bed to wipe the sweat off his forehead.
Severus found to his great surprise that the lowered lighting and soft music playing in the room as well as the combined scents of his alpha and his omega friend actually did help him deal with the pain. His body was being racked with agonising waves of pain at intervals which were now so close he had very little time to recover in between.
They had been walking for a few minutes when Severus stopped and his face flushed a deep red as a gush of liquid ran down his legs. Harry looked worried but Morgan understood “It’s ok Severus it’s just your water breaking, it’s a good thing it means your babies are on their way now,” she told him.
Harry gripped his husband’s hand and brought his other hand to the man’s face. Severus lifted his head to look at his alpha and a single tear ran down his cheek. Harry saw his unspoken fear ‘What if I can’t do this?’ Harry kissed away the tears and whispered “I am so proud of you Severus Potter-Prince, you are so strong and so brave, you’ve got this, I will help you,”
Severus nodded “I am not sure I can walk anymore,” he confessed.
“That’s ok, let’s go to the bed,” Harry said putting his hand on the omega’s back and guiding his husband towards the bed at the back of the room.
The contractions continued to come hard and fast and almost before Harry knew what was happening, Penny was there whispering to Severus that it was almost time to push. Harry could tell she was assessing Severus’ mental strength for what was to come and he sat quietly holding his omega’s hand. Morgan stood behind Harry with her hand on his shoulder. He turned to look at her and she smiled at him.
“Things are about to get quite intense Harry, are you feeling ok about it?” she asked.
“I don’t imagine there is much choice,” Harry muttered. “I just want this over. I hate that he is in so much pain and he is so tired I don’t even know how he is still going right now,” Harry said looking at his phone which told him it was now the 23rd of March and Severus had been in labour for over twenty-one hours.
While Penny had been talking to Severus and Morgan had been checking in with Harry, Abigail had been examining Severus’ dilated hole. She looked up and caught the eyes of the other women in the room before announcing “Alright, Severus on the next contraction I want you to push,”
Severus let out a whimper and Penny moved out of the way so Morgan could sit on Severus’ other side. Harry marvelled at the way his husband dug down deep as the contraction hit and pushed down with everything he had. He grunted as the pain hit and moaned as it flowed through him.
“Well done Severus,” Abigail said as the contraction subsided. “Catch your breath then we will do that again.”
Severus whimpered as Harry felt the pain subside he sent all the love pride and awe he was feeling for his omega through the bond. Severus gave Harry and tired smile as he felt the wave of emotion from the alpha and squeezed his hand. Then he breathed as deeply as he could and prepared for the next contraction.
If the early phase had been hard to watch, this next phase of pushing was truly horrific. Still, Severus did not scream but his pained whimpers raised Harry’s protective instincts. All he could do however, was hold his omega’s hand and whisper loving encouragement, while sending love through their bond. To his very great relief, it did seem to help the omega to gather his strength ready for the next push.
“One more Severus,” Abigail said. “One more and your baby’s head will be out,” the midwife said sounding sure and confident.
Severus nodded and breathed as he waited for the contraction then when it hit he pushed again. This time he did scream and Abigail smiled. “That’s it Severus the head is out, a few more and baby number one will be here.”
Morgan conjured a wet cloth and wiped her friend's sweat and tear-covered face. “Almost there Sev,” she told him. “This next bit will burn though the shoulders are tricky.”
Severus moaned and fell back against Harry, who had moved in behind his husband on the bed as he pushed. The alpha wrapped his arms around the exhausted man and kissed his head. He sent him loving reassurance as he told Seveus how proud he was and how in awe he was of the man’s strength.
It took about ten minutes for Severus to push out his son, Abigail caught the baby and held him up for Severus to see. There was little respite for the omega and Abigail quickly passed the newborn boy to a nurse, as Severus prepared to push again to birth his daughter.
Harry was torn he had one eye on the nurse who was weighing, measuring and wrapping his son, while he held his husband through the last few contractions.
Finally, they heard her cry and Severus fell back against his husband in relief, tears streaming down his face as the little girl screamed in the nurse’s arms.
Harry kissed Severus' face only for the omega to shoo him away to watch over the babies. Abigail was still busy between Severus’ legs he needed a few stitches in a small tear but in all, he had done very well. Morgan explained to Severus what she was doing and he nodded. He had not even realised his bits had been on full display for most of the birth but he flushed now as he became aware of it.
Morgan took his hand and reassured him that no one was really looking. Abigail, Penny and the nurse were professionals doing their jobs and Harry and Morgan had been so focused on helping him they had not noticed either.
Harry appeared beside him holding a baby “Look Sev, it’s our son,” He whispered awed in his voice. Severus winced as he sat up to look at the tiny boy Harry held out to him. Severus took the baby in shaking arms and gazed down at his tiny face.
Harry went back for their daughter while Severus stared at his son, the little boy had his eyes closed and he looked much smaller than Severus had expected, given how huge he had felt when he was pushing him out.
“He’s perfect Severus,” Morgan said with tears in her eyes now that the birth was over, she could relax and be happy for her friend and his husband. “You did so well, Sev.”
Severus smiled at his friend “Thank you, for everything I don’t know if I could have…”
“Of course, you could have Severus, you were amazing and so strong. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you,” She told him.
Harry came back with their daughter and Morgan took the little boy so that Severus could hold his little girl. She had a shock of black hair and her dark eyes were open and curious. She looked like she was taking in everything she saw and was assessing it all.
Morgan grinned “That one is most definitely yours Severus,” she quipped.
Harry chuckled “Yeah, she had been supervising since she stopped screaming.”
Severus kissed his daughter’s forehead “Don’t listen to them sweetheart, you watch and learn my love,” he whispered as he held her close.