Perhaps the world had stopped, but Harry didn’t see it. Nor did he see Severus.
He just stared at the wall. Listened to the ticking of the clock, the crackling of the fire, the pounding of the heart he heard when Severus embraced him. But it wasn't enough.
"I need to know what happened."
Harry shook his head.
"I need to understand what's wrong so I can help you. Harry, talk to me, please."
How could Severus understand? He hadn't lost what was most beautiful and precious to him. Actually, he had. He just didn't know it yet. Harry had yet to tell him. He had wanted to be sure first. And... that had surely bitten him in the ass. He opened his mouth and took a breath, but no sound came out.
"It’s alright, Harry. You may tell me later. Tomorrow. Would you like some chocolate? Tea?"
He loved Severus and Severus loved him, even if they didn't say it to each other often.
Okay.
He'd tell him tomorrow.
Harry drank the tea Severus gently placed in his hands. Too sugary, but he kept quiet.
Nothing will fill the emptiness.
No.
He'd tell him now.
"We were expecting."
Years of spying finally paid off. Harry spoke so quietly it could hardly be heard, but Severus pulled it off.
"We were expecting?"
"A little boy. Sorry."
Harry nervously picked at his cuticle, tearing it away. The first drop of blood trickled down, leaving a trail of red in its wake. Severus wiped the blood away with his thumb and took hold of Harry's hands.
"I'm so sorry, Harry. You shouldn't have dealt with this by yourself."
It helped a little. Being held.
Harry’s eyes welled with tears. It was time.
Looking him in the eyes was probably harder than speaking up.
He'd never seen Severus cry. Perhaps that was why the wet marks on his cheeks surprised him so much.
"I should have... I wanted to wait. I should have told you right away but... I wanted... to wait a little bit. The healer said... the healer said that it happens. I'm sorry. You had a right to know."
Severus leaned in and rested his forehead against his.
"I know it now. You're not alone in this, Harry."
Harry took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and began his story.
About how sick he'd been when Severus had wanted to give him a good morning kiss, but his morning breath had been... Bleugh.
Coffee didn't taste like coffee. Alcohol was disgusting... even though Severus had excellent taste.
He went to see a healer to be on the safe side. Pregnant.
Pregnant!
Thank Merlin!
The healer warned him what he needed to avoid. She gave him potions to replenish his vitamins.
She said to take it easy. The early months are crucial, Mr Potter.
He recounted how he had been planning to tell Severus the news. The healer had even told him it’s a boy. Harry went and bought little blue shoes. So tiny they could fit in his palm.
He recounted how… someone bumped into him. By mistake. His belly hit the edge of the table.
Unfortunately... This sometimes happens to pregnancies such as yours, Mr Potter.
He recounted how he was lying in the white room that day. They asked if they should call someone. He refused.
He recounted how he took off his robes in the hallway of their house and felt the shoes in his pocket.
His voice trailed off. He didn't remember Severus returning from work. There was nothing more to say.
He stayed silent.
Wanting his little boy.