The Project

"Alright everyone, settle down."

Muggle Studies.

A class that most students at Hogwarts took purely because of the fact that it was easy. Severus was taking it for the same reason. It was an easy class, made even easier by the clueless professors that usually taught the class. They were usually purebloods who were seemingly fascinated by muggle culture, but not so fascinated that they'd actually make sure that what they were teaching and reading from the text books was actually accurate. Half-bloods and muggleborns usually did quite well in the class, if for no other reason than the fact that the professors were aware of the fact that they were half-bloods and muggleborns and probably knew more than the professors themselves knew about muggle culture.

This year however, things are different.

This year there's a half-blood teaching Muggle Studies. Professor Debora Waltz and she wasn't quite as forgiving as previous professors were when it came to accuracy regarding the subject. This year, actual effort had to be put in to studying for the class and so a record number of students dropped it since it didn't seem worth the effort. Severus was taking the class because he still found it comparatively easy to other subjects in school. Plus he figured that it would be one of the few classes that he wouldn't have to share with the bloody marauders. He also needed to earn extra credits if he was going to get his potions mastery.

Unfortunately, much to Severus' dismay, Muggle Studies seemed to be a compulsary subject for anyone that wished to pursue auror training, since aurors had to deal with muggles and muggleborns from time to time. Which meant that unfortunately; James Potter, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin did not drop the class the way that most students did.

"Today you will be receiving a new assignment that will require you all to group up into pairs."

An assignment? At the end of the year?

Severus frowned.

They've already finished OWLS and received their marks. The summer holiday is just days away-

"This assignment will count towards thirty percent of your grade going into your seventh year, so anyone who plans on dropping my class isn't under any obligation to do it, however," The woman said with a pause her piercing blue eyes scanning over the room, "Those that do will have to spend their Summer Holidays here at Hogwarts in order to complete it."

A series of loud groans and complaints spread across the room, with Potter and Black being the loudest of them all.

Severus ignored it all. At least this way, he won't have to go back home for the summer.

"I've already cleared it with the headmaster." Waltz said raising her voice to that high pitch that seemed to make them all cringe and quiet down. She gave a nod and cleared her throat, "If you continue with the class, your parents will be informed and you will stay here for the holidays. So anyone who will not be taking Muggle Studies next term please raise your hand."

There was a brief pause before five hands went up. Much to Severus' continuing dismay, other than a few grumbles from the Gryffindor twats, none of them moved. Brilliant. He could have had such a lovely summer.

Waltz seemed to pause and counted the hands before reaching for her wand and casting a spell on the piece of parchment on her desk and then giving a nod.

"Very well, you five are excused from the assignment so your parents will not need to be informed. As for the rest of you, like I said before you'll need to work together in pairs."

Severus let out a sigh. It's moments like these that he was grateful Narcissa was with him. Ordinarilly, the girl never would have taken Muggle Studies, but she wanted to become a healer once school ended and unfortunately Muggle Studies was one of the required subjects. Of course, Narcissa probably wouldn't be able to become a healer, not with her engagement to Lucius. No no, the future lady Malfoy could never do such a thing.

But Narcissa still wanted the option to be there. Severus admired that.

He looked over to the girl beside him and Narcissa seemed to be resisting the urge to roll her eyes as a few more groans and complaints filled the class room.

"We'll have the dorms to ourselves for once." Narcissa whispered, leaning in towards him just a bit as she reached out to brush a lock of hair from his face, "How about you finally let me do something with this mop on your head?"

Severus did roll his eyes, "I'm perfectly fine with my hair the way it is."

Narcissa huffed.

"This assignment." Waltz started bringing the class to a hush all over again, "Is one that I'm actually quite excited to start with. In the last few weeks we examined the muggle family unit, typical family traditions, activities and such and so it is with great pleasure that I announce, that you will be pairing up for a child raising experiment."

Severus frowned.

What?

"This is an experiment that many muggle teenagers do for school. Typically they would pair off and each pair would have to care for a child for a period of one month or two. Using team work and problem solving skills to care for the child as if it were their own and then at the end of the assigment, each pair would hand in a report on their experiences during the experiment."

A hand went up.

"Yes Miss McDonald."

The girl was frowning, "So, they'd have to have to have a child for school?"

Professor Waltz scoffed, "Of course not, the child in the equation wouldn't be an actual child. Just a representation of one. It could be any thing from a plant to an egg or a doll that functions like a real child. It's up to the paired students to care for the plant or egg or doll like an actual child. Feeding it, protecting it, caring for it. The aim of the project is to test your teamwork and problem solving skills in a way that, well, I'm sure many of you will be doing in the future. None of you will be forced to give birth or be given an actual child to care for." There were many sighs across the class room, with Black seeming to be the most relieved at the news. Severus scoffed, it figures that he'd be the most opposed with being given any real form of responsibility.

"But just because it won't be a human child doesn't mean that you won't have to take this assignment seriously." The professor warned as she brushed a silver curl of hair behind her ear. "What you will be receiving will look, sound, feel and behave like a real new born baby. So don't think you can slack off and get away with it. The experiment will work as so. For the next seven weeks, each pair will be in charge of caring for their own child. In the first week, we will be simulating a pregnancy. Professor McGonagall and Madame Pomfrey will be assisting me in casting the charms for the pregnancy simulation. So before you do anything else, it will be up to you to decide who the bearer in your pairing will be. Remember, same sex pregnancy is possible even if it requires the use of potions, so if you are paired together as two boys or two girls, it will not matter for the purpouses of this experiment."

Severus looked over to Narcissa who only arched a brow in return. He gave her a pleading look and she rolled her eyes.

"Fine, it'll be good practice for later."

Severus sighed in relief.

"On the second week, you will all receive your children. Again, what you receive will look, sound, feel and behave like a real child and therefore you must treat it like a real child. No cutting corners. Every week that you care for this child it will age by one year, so by week two you will be dealing with a two year old, week three a three year old and on and so forth. However," She said clearly, "If you are neglecting this child in anyway, if you're not feeding it, bathing it, changing the daipers; if you do not care for it, it will not age. With that, I will be able to tell who took this experiment seriously and who was mucking about not doing what they were supposed to. In order for the assigment to be considered successful the child must be at the age of six at the end of it. That will earn you an automatic Outstanding for the assignment, however if the child's growth is stunted even just by a year it will count against your final grade. And I don't want a single one of you trying to use charms or any spells to cheat because that will not work, and I will know. Is that clear?"

A series of yes professor's filled the classroom. Severus became concerned.

There were whispers across the classroom, most of which sounded just as worried as he felt. He's never taken care of a child before. Merlin, he barely manages to take care of himself. How is he going to be able to do this? At first as the professor started to explain the assignment he thought he might be able to get away with just charming the stupid thing into submission and being done with it. But if it really does behave like a real child he might not be able to do that.

"Good, now. For the experiment, you will be working to raise this child as a family unit, because of this I've managed to arrange for the family quarters beneath the Hufflepuff dorms to be made available. You will be living together, with your partner, taking care of the child and anything you require either for yourself or the baby will be provided for you. Each pair will be receiving an elf to help with the assignment. Clothing, daipers, sanitary products, just ask the elf and they will get it for you; however, food will be something you either collect from the Great Hall or alternitively you can ask for ingredients to prepare the food yourselves. If you do make your own meals that will count towards your grade as well. Bonus marks if you will, but it is not a requirement."

The room was quiet again. The woman actually had the nerve to smile.

"Well, since you all clearly seem just as excited as I am I think this is as good a time as any to get started. Again you'll need to decide on who will be the bearer for the pregnancy portion of this assignment and it will be beneficial for you to decide on baby names. I'll also need three drops of blood from each member of each pairing, for an extra surprise. But before all that, I will be dividing you into pairs as you will not be choosing your own."

And the groaning returned.

Severus wanted to scream in frustration and annoyance. The one thing he didn't mind about this blasted assignment was being able to work with Narcissa for it. But of course, of course he couldn't even have one thing.

"You might as well quiet down, I'm not changing my mind." Waltz said sternly as she reached for the parchment beside her and spoke. "There are twenty of you in class, since five of you will not be taking my class next term. So we will have ten even pairings, that I've arranged at random. These parings will be; Marlene McKinnon and Frank Longbottom, Gilderoy Lockheart and Martin Hughs, Alice Langley and Mary McDonal-"

"This is a nightmare." Severus hissed and Narcissa's lips pursed into a tight line.

"Maybe there's still time to drop the class."

"I can't," Severus hissed, "I need the extra credits if I'm going to qualify for potions mastery. It's too late to take another class. The extra work load would be enormous."

"We're the only Slytherin in class, we'll probably end up paired together. She usually puts us together anyway." Narcissa sighed and spoke quietly, "Or maybe Waltz will pair you up with the Muggleborn girl."

"Lily?" Severus glanced over to the girl through his hair before quickly looking away, his hands clenched against his desk. "I... I don't think that would go well."

They haven't spoken since what happened at the lake.

Severus tried to apologise, multiple times in fact but Lily made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with him. He doubts being paired up for an assignment like this would change that situation for the better. Besides, who knows what Potter and his idiots would do if they were put together-

"Lily Evans and James Potter."

Somehow that was worse though.

He could hear Potter let out a whoop of excitement before he and his little band of idiots started to celebrate, glancing back at the class he saw Lily rolling her eyes, though she didn't seem too upset about the development. Not surprising, apparently they started dating a few months ago. Everyone knew about it. Students, professors. Potter made sure to practically sing it out to the high heavens the first time they went out. Severus had felt so betrayed when he found out but at the same time...

They aren't friends anymore, why should she care about the fact that she's dating one of her ex-friend's school bullies?

Narcissa shook her head, "You're better off anyway."

Severus just looked away from the group.

"I forgot to mention, that since you are all still very underage; to give your parents and guardians peace of mind, chastity spells will be in place for the duration of the assignment. So there will be no shenanigans that may result in actual babies while you and your partner are living together in the family quarters." She said giving Potter a pointed look, causing the hazel eyed wizard to pout while Lily laughed. "Where was I, Christopher Woods and Alfred Murkins, Narcissa Black and Remus Lupin."

Narcissa tensed, "Oh for Merlin's sake." she hissed before looking back to the marauders. Lupin looked over to her at the same time while Black thumped him on the back as he laughed. Narcissa glared hard.

"Unbelievable."

"So much for that." Severus said with a silent sigh. He wasn't paying too much attention though. Who was left-

"And finally Sirius Black and Severus Snape."

Severus' heart dropped right into his stomach, he stopped breathing. Narcissa's eyes went wide.

"What?! But Professor! I can't get Snape!"

"You can and you just did Mr Black."

"But-"

"You will work with Mr Snape for this assignment Mr Black and you will behave yourself as you complete it or so help me, I will fail you. Is that clear?"

"I-"

"Is that clear?"

Black huffed loudly as he slumped back into his seat. Severus curled into himself a bit more as he could feel the dark glare against his back. Narcissa moved a bit closer.

"Severus?"

"Now." Waltz said with finality as she set the parchment aside. "I'll let you all get to your pairs so you can begin discussing the assignment and your roles in it. Get to work."

The class filled with noise as chairs moved and students got up. Severus buried his face in his hands.

"Maybe we can ask Waltz to switch us. It's absolutely moronic for her to think that you'd be able to work with that bigheaded twat." Narcissa said and Severus shook his head.

"No, its fine. I'll handle it."

"Severus-"

"Narcissa, really, I-I'll be fine." Severus said and Narcissa frowned. The raven lifted his head to look at her, "Clearly Black is about as excited about this as I am, I'll deal with it."

"Sev-"

"Uh... Narcissa?"

They looked up and both immediately glared at the blonde that stood beside the table with his bag slung over his shoulder. Lupin seemed to immediately tense at the dark glares he received. Narcissa's lips pulled into a sneer.

"Who gave you permission to call me that?"

"I-"

"If you haven't noticed, we're in the middle of a discussion Lupin. It's rude to interrupt someone when they're busy. Why don't you run back to my cousin like the pathetic little sycophant you are?"

Lupin tensed even further, Severus resisted the urge to sigh as he collected his things.

"It's fine." Severus said shooting her a grateful look, "We'll speak later."

Narcissa looked like she wanted to say something but Severus turned away from her before she could. He looked up and saw Black still in his previous seat, now without Lupin at the desk while Potter and Lily sat together already discussing something.

He isn't sitting there.

Instead he sat at one of the vacant desks near the front and took out some parchment and a quil to start writing. He might not be happy about this assignment but, Merlin be damned if he's going to fail it. He started writing down the things he might need, made a note to look up books on babies and child care in the library, maybe a few extra supplies for himself that he might need. What do babies need? Right off the top of his head, Severus thought of daipers and formula, clothes and blankets, bottles, baby food. What else?

Just then a bag landed on the desk beside him with a loud thump.

"Snivellus."

Severus tensed and looked up at the person that slid into the seat beside him through his hair. He couldn't help but glare. But said nothing as he just looked back down to the parchment before him.

What else?

He'll need a place to put the baby to sleep. Will there already be a crib or will he have to ask for one? He wrote it down just in case. Sanitary products; wipes he's seen that on tv and read it in books and novels, he'll need baby wipes, towels-

What else?

"Just so we're clear, I hate that I'm being forced to pair up with a disgusting creep like you."

Severus' hand clenched around the quill but he still didn't respond.

Severus tried to think of a television show that he saw at Lily's once where the main character had a newborn baby. What had they needed then?

"I am not going to be the bearer to this fucking freak show. Merlin knows anything you breed would just end up an evil monster, better off aborted."

Severus jaw clenched, but he kept ignoring him. Even if it sounded almost exactly like something his father had said to him once... twice... too many times. The Slytherin shook his head free from the thought.

There was that episode, with a stroller. Will he need a stroller? Severus put it down just in case and-

Toys, he'll need toys right? It might be too small to play the first week but if Severus does his best and it really does behave like a real child, it'll need toys later right?

"I can't believe Waltz is forcing me to take care of some fake brat with you."

Severus never really had any toys growing up. The only thing he had was a ball that his father bought him once. But that was a long time ago, before he started doing accidental magic...

Severus resisted the urge to tense up even further.

If he ever had a child, a real child, he'd want them to have as many toys as possible.

"And don't get any ideas just because we'll be sleeping in the same place. I wouldn't touch a roach like you under threat of death."

Yes, he'll need toys. If the school is providing for everything anyway, then he could get just about anything. So yes, toys. As a child he'd always wanted a teddy, something to hold in the middle of the night, but Tobias never would have gotten him that. Not even if he begged.

He can ask for a few plushies-

"Hey! Are you listening to me?!" Black growled as he grabbed a hold of Severus' arm and pulled hard to force his attention. Severus immediately dropped his quill and quickly slipped his wand from his pocket, aiming it at the animagus' face as he glared hard.

"If you don't get your disgusting paw off of me I will hex it off."

Sirius' hand clenched even tighter as he glared back before finally letting go and folding his arms over his chest with a huff. Severus moved his chair a few inches further away before picking up his quill while he kept his wand in his hand with the other.

"I do not need your help with this assignment. I'll do it on my own."

"And what do you expect me to do, you stupid-"

"I don't need your help." Severus hissed, "I'll do it alone. You can take credit for it afterwards, I don't care, but I will not fail because I was unfortunate enough to be cursed with having you as a partner."

Sirius glared back, his lips pulled into a sneer and Severus could already see the stupid mutt start barking when-

"Alright, I hope you've all managed to get things started off." Waltz suddenly called out as she reached behind the desk and put a box of vials on her desk. "As you leave class, I want each pair to come up and put a few drops of blood into a vial, this is for the surprise I have planned for this assignment. As for the rest of the preperations, you'll need to find time to do that on your own and then next week, once the holidays start. You will report to the Great Hall, eight o'clock Monday morning, to finally begin." She let out a sigh, "Come along, one pair at a time."

Severus quickly put his things away. Black snarled.

"What makes you think that you get-"

"You don't want to work with me. I don't want to work with you. It's a simple equation Black." Severus sneered as he got up, "I'll do it alone. We'll report to the Great Hall on Monday and after that, you can crawl off and rot for all I care."

"What if I wanted to do it on my own?" Black said as he stood from his chair as well. Severus stopped and just glared back at him.

"Do you? If you fancy taking care of a thing that looks, sounds and behaves like a real brat then you're more than welcome Black."

Black said nothing, just gaped like a fish out of water.

"I'll do it alone." Severus turned to walk to the front of the class. He didn't bother to look to see if Black followed.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Simulation week

In the days leading up to the end of the term, Severus spent most of his time in the library, reading every baby book he could find. He was trying to make sure he'd be prepared, that he wouldn't be caught off guard when they started the assignment. Narcissa was with him on a few occassions... with Lupin, unfortunately. It turns out that he wanted to make an actual effort with this whole thing and at least be on civil terms with his temporary partner. Narcissa in turn seemed to hold back a bit on the insults, though she made it clear that she wasn't happy about the situation. Thankfully, Lupin kept his mouth shut most of the time. The operating phrase here being, most of the time.

Once he asked Severus how he was dealing with Sirius. Severus just glared at the werewolf, it turned out to be the right response since Lupin just sighed and said.

"I figured."

The term ended on a Thursday. Severus was up Friday morning brewing. He found a book in the library that had a portion on potions for expecting mothers and babies in it. There were potions for general pain and fever, teething, colic and stomach cramps, colds and - Merlin forbid - diarrhea. Home brewed ointments for daiper rashes and skin irritation, allergies. Severus was up on Friday trying to make sure he had something for everything. He got most of the ingredients from the Forbidden forest thankfully. A few of the others he managed to sneak from Slughorns stores.

By Monday morning, he was ready.

Or atleast, he thought he was.

Monday morning he reported to the Great Hall. Breakfast was served in which the Muggle studies class all sat together, regardless of house affiliations. The fact that Narcissa and Severus were the only Slytherin in the class felt just that much more pronounced that morning.

After breakfast they lined up to get started. They had to do the first part.

The pregnancy simulation.

Black stood beside him, arms folded over his chest and glaring at everything that moved. Narcissa and Lupin were just behind them. Potter and Lily were a few students ahead.

"James Potter and Lily Evans." Professor Waltz said as she made a note on the clipboard and parchment in her hands, "Which one of you will be the bearer?"

Lily folded her arms over her chest, her lips pursed in displeasure even as she spoke, "I will."

Potter rolled his eyes as he leaned over to whisper, "It just makes more sense this way."

Waltz just nodded, "You will be having a girl, what will be the baby's name be?"

"Rose Potter." Potter said proudly only for Lily to speak as well with a glare.

"Rose Evans Potter."

Potter rolled his eyes yet again and somesort of silent exchange went between the two. Waltz arched a brow at them but otherwise didn't say a word as she made another note. She waved them off to McGonagall and Pomfrey who stood on the other side of the hall ready to cast whatever spells needed to be cast.

The next pair went up and then the next.

By the time it was their turn Severus felt beyond nervous.

"Sirius Black and Severus Snape. Which one of you will be the bearer?"

Black scoffed, Severus resisted the urge to shake his head as he spoke.

"I will."

"Alright." Waltz said giving Black a look that he ignored, "You will be having a boy, what will the baby's name be?"

He thought about it all night and finally, finally decided on something that he liked. When it came to his last name... well, he didn't like his own name, it reminded him too much of his father. He'll be taking care of it alone anyway, what Black thinks won't matter.

"Alexander Black."

Sirius looked over to him sharply, eyebrows furrowing in confusion.

"Alexander Black it is. On Saturday night the spells will wear off, you'll receive your children on Sunday morning, nine o'clock sharp."

Severus couldn't help but ask, "There won't be a birth simulation?"

Severus had read about that in the many books he found and honestly, he was terrified.

Waltz giggled, "Don't be silly Mr Snape. If I tried to put you through that sort of pain, the ministry would have me arrested for the torture of magical children. No, they'll wear off Saturday night, you might still have a few side effects in the weeks to come but nothing too bothersome and nothing that won't just wear off eventually."

Severus nodded, she waved them off to Madame Pomfrey and McGonagall. "Off you go."

Severus turned right on his heel and started walking. Black followed less than a foot away and then-

"Alexander Black?"

Severus didn't even bother with a response.

When they made it to McGonagall and Pomfrey, both women looked at them in concern.

McGonagall muttered a few spells around Severus and Black and Pomfrey only cast a few on Severus. Though when Severus stood in front of the mediwitch she asked quietly.

"Are you going to be alright, Severus?"

Severus hesitated but still answered, "Yes."

McGonagall handed Black a key, "You will be in room eight and I should hope, you'll both behave yourselves." As she said this she looked pointedly at Black who rolled his eyes and gave her a charming smile.

"Of course Professor, I'll be on my absolute best behaviour. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Snape. You know how Slytherin can be."

McGonagall sighed, "In the event that things may not go well,"

In case they strangle each other, she means.

"All students have their dorms in their own houses available to them." She then waved them off as Narcissa and Lupin came up behind them.

They walked in silence. Severus thought about the spells that were cast, wondering what they were supposed to do. He could tell one was a chastity spell, though that one seemed a bit unnecessary as far as he was concerned. The others he didn't really recognise. All the way to the floor beneath the Hufflepuff dorms, it was tense and quiet. It was one long hallway lined with doors. At door eight, Black unlocked the door and stepped inside. The enchanted lamps went on when they walked in.

It looked like a decent space.

They walked right into what looked like a living room space that opened up to a small eating area and a kitchen to the left. Severus walked straight through to the doors down a very small hallway. There were two doors to the right and a bathroom to the left. One of the bedrooms was very clearly a nursery while the other was a bedroom with two single beds up against the furthest wall.

Neautral colors. Browns, whites and pale greens. Warm colours from the carpets to the bedsheets. The bathroom was white with blue tiles; a white bathtub, toilet and sink. The nursery had been done up in pale shades of yellow and pink. There was a crib with a mobile above it, a blanket and pillow on the soft mattress inside. A changing table to the other side, a rocking chair by the crib.

Honestly it was all... it was nice.

What would his life have been like if he had grown up in a place like this?

Severus jumped when he heard a door slam and realised that he was alone.

Black left.

Good.

He finally let out a breath and went over to slump on the bed towards the left, only turning his head to look around the room. If he'll be alone then maybe he can spell the beds together. Suddenly there was a pop and Severus looked up to find an elf standing beside the bed, looking up curiously at him.

"Morning sir. Mines, Tippin sir. I'll be helping sir with the assignment."

Right, the elf.

Severus sat up and cleared his throat.

"Severus Snape."

The elf smiled, "Very nice to meet you sir." The elf then glanced around, "Will the other sir be joining us soon, sir?"

At that Severus' mood almost soured, "No, he won't. You'll just be helping me."

The elf frowned but nodded all the same.

"How may Tippin be helping you sir?"

"I..." Severus quickly reached into his robes to pull out a the parchment he had there. "I..." and then he paused.

He isn't really sure what he has in the quarters with him yet. He doesn't-

A sudden bout of anxiety washed over him but Severus took a deep breath to stamp it down and squash it. Yes, he's alone. No, he's never taken care of a child before, real or otherwise. No, he doesn't really know what he's doing but he read up as much as he could and-

Severus' hands clenched around the parchment. No, no he can do this. He'll be fine. He's managed to survive Hogwarts so far, his father and the bullies from school. One fake baby isn't what's going to do him in. He's alone but, really, he's always been alone and he survived because he's a survivor. He'll be fine. He'll be O.K.

Severus took in a deep breath, he looked down at his list. First things first. He should probably check the quarters to see what's in there before asking for anything just yet.

"Nothing yet, once I've decided, I'll call you."

"Nothing sir?" The elf seemed to frown and Severus let out a silent sigh.

Elves.

"A cup of tea, please."

"Right away, master Snape sir."

Severus fell back on the bed.

The rest of the day he spent figuring out what he had and what he'd need. He had Tippin bring his things to the quarters and then asked for a few extra things. Things he'd need for the baby and things he'd need for himself. Things that, he didn't necessarily have before.

It was lovely being able to wash his hair before he went to bed that night, really wash it with more than just a bar of soap.

Maybe this assignment won't be so bad after all.

No it was awful. Absolute hell.

Severus woke the next morning so nauseous with his head throbbing so hard he could barely think straight. He ran to the bathroom and emptied his stomach into the toilet, simultaneously wondering what on earth was wrong when he remembered.

The pregnancy simulation.

He has bloody morning sickness.

As soon as he felt ready to crawl back to the bedroom he quickly went through the potions he brewed and found the one for just the ailment he was suffering from. It seemed so silly when he was brewing it. He didn't think the pregnancy simulation would be so realistic that he'd actually need any of the extra potions he was making for it.

Thank Circe he always over prepares.

He went to breakfast in the Great Hall after getting cleaned up and dressed. He found Narcissa absolutely miserable as she clutched her head and nursed a cup of tea while Lupin sat beside her, rubbing circles on her back.

Severus couldn't help but blink in surprise. She must really be out of it if she's letting him touch her like that. Though she didn't seem to be the only one. There were other students sitting at the table looking miserable, Frank Longbottom had almost run right into him as he bolted for the nearest bathroom while Marlene McKinnon followed behind him. Potter sat beside Lily, who snapped at him irritably when he tried to touch her. Severus just walked around the table to sit beside Narcissa.

"Good morning, Narcissa. Lupin." he said evenly and the girl looked up at him and with all the composure she could muster nodded as she straightened her posture.

"Good morning Severus."

"Morning Snape." Lupin said still rubbing Narcissa's back.

"You look dreadful."

"And you-" She was about to cut at him with some scathing remark only to stop and frown, "You don't, why the hell do you look so good?"

Severus scoffed, reaching into his pocket to pull out a vile of potion. He thought she might need it. "I was brewing this weekend. Seemed like a good idea at the time."

Narcissa stared at him as he held the vile out to her while Lupin looked on curiously. Severus almost rolled his eyes as he leaned forward and whispered.

"Morning sickness reliever."

Blue eyes went wide as Narcissa snatched the bottle away and pulled the stopper off before downing its contents. It took a few moments to kick in, but when it did, she let out a deep sigh, color returning to her cheeks.

"I love you Severus."

Severus scoffed, "Don't let your fiance hear you say that."

"You made that this weekend?" Lupin asked and Severus' eyes narrowed down at him.

"Yes, and I'll thank you to keep that information to yourself Lupin."

Narcissa gave the Gryffindor a sharp look. Lupin raised his hands in surrender as he turned to his plate and started to fill it. Narcissa let out one more sigh before she spoke.

"How was last night, I hope my dear cousin wasn't his usual charming self?"

"I wouldn't know if he was. He spent the night elsewhere." Severus said coolly as he filled his plate. Morning sickness was gone but he felt absolutely ravenous. Pregnancy charms he realised. Normally he doesn't eat too much, wary of how his body will react once he's back home and he doesn't have as much to eat. But since won't be going home for a while and he's supposed to be a carrier well-

A full english breakfast with extra sausages it is.

"He wasn't there?"

Severus shook his head at her tone, "I'm doing this on my own."

Narcissa only shrugged. Lupin, of course, frowned.

"You shouldn't be doing this on your own."

"As long as you keep your mouth shut Waltz won't find out so-"

"No, I mean that you shouldn't have to." Lupin sighed, "It's not right and..."

Lupin trailed off, Severus watched him from the corner of his eye. Narcissa shook her head.

"Severus is more than capable of completing this assignment alone and frankly, I don't like the idea of him being alone with Sirius. It's better this way." She said that last part softly before looking up to fix Lupin in a glare. "I think we've already discussed not bringing up your... mates in my or Severus' presence."

"I-"

"Severus and I have some private things to discuss. Go run off to your friends, I'll call for you once I'm done." Narcissa said lightly and Lupin let out a sigh of frustration as he picked up his plate and walked around the table over towards his friends. Potter seemed to give him a tired smile while Black-

Severus just brought his attention back to Narcissa, "I see you already have him house trained."

"Not as well as I would have liked." Narcissa said as she put extra scones on her plate with a few pieces of bacon. "You're sure you'll be able to handle this on your own."

Severus then sighed, "No help will be better than Black's help."

"I can't argue with you there." And then she looked up, "I didn't get the chance yesterday, what did you decide to call your soon to be abomination?"

Severus let out a snort, "Alexander Black."

"A simple but strong name." Narcissa said with a nod, "Though I'm surprised at the choice of family name."

"I couldn't name it Snape, I just... I couldn't."

Narcissa nodded.

She knew some things about Severus' home life. Not all of it, but just enough for her to understand.

"What about you?"

"Oh its absolutely atrocious." Narcissa started as she took a sip of tea, "Abigail Lupin."

"Abigail Lupin?"

"I let Lupin name it." She said, "I didn't want the responsibility."

"Hmm." Severus hummed as he started eating, taking a moment to swallow, ''It's not terrible."

"I suppose not. Lupin's been surprisingly... decent." She remarked and Severus arched a brow at her.

"Really?"

"Yes. He's almost... sweet. I'm surprised he gets along so well with the other morons." She said thoughtfully as she put some jam on one of her scones before shaking her head, "Enough about them, what are your plans for the day?"

"I plan on brewing a few more potions, making sure I'm prepared for the worst."

"You'll make sure to make a few extra for me of course?"

Severus scoffed, "Of course. You never said, how did Lucius take the news about the assignment?"

Narcissa shook her head as she sipped her tea, "He wasn't pleased about my absence for the holidays because of some silly muggle nonsense. I wrote back that it was basically training for when I finally give him an heir. Aunt Walburga also wrote me, she said that its about time that this waste of time I insisted on taking finally became useful. She even pointed out how Bellatrix may have benefitted from the assignment and could have given Rodolphus an heir by now." Severus almost laughed out loud at that one. Narcissa shook her head, "She wrote to Lucius as well. That seemed to appease him."

"Really?"

"Well, mostly appease him anyway. Let's just say he was very pleased to learn of the chasity spells."

Severus scoffed, "He can't seriously think that you'd have an affair with Lupin of all people."

"Oh, at this point I don't think it matters either way. I informed him that you and I will not be able to attend any... unscheduled meetings for the summer."

Severus almost froze, "His response."

"He wasn't exactly happy about it but he agreed with me that dissappearing at odd times would draw attention. With there being so few students at school the professors are bound to notice our absence." Severus let out a soft breath, Narcissa looked up at him with a pause, "Your hair looks different."

Severus paused and flushed just a bit, "I'm not sure what you're talking about."

Narcissa giggled, "Next time ask the elves for the brand I use. I think it'll do wonders for this mane of yours."

"I don't think they'd bring me anything that expensive."

"Severus, the school is paying for it. Now is not the time to be frugal. Salazar knows you deserve it after everything you put up with around here." She said vaguely gesturing to the headmaster who sat at the end of the table talking with one of the professors and Severus paused in thought.

They finished breakfast more or less the same way, talking and eating. Severus noticed that they both seemed to eat much more than their usual portions. Hopefully he won't end up gaining too much weight.

He spent the rest of the day brewing and reading. He sent Narcissa another morning sickness reliever for the next day.

The next morning he woke and-dear sweet Circe, he gained weight. Not enough to really cause a problem but enough for him to notice a difference. His sides filled out more, there was a slight round curve to his stomach now. This odd slight bump that had him dreading the next few days. His body ached some but it wasn't too bad. The only truly strange thing had been the cravings.

Treacle tart. He wanted treacle tart, with strawberries, cream and marmite. Actually he wanted marmite on a lot of things. Toast, scones, ice cream, marmite on a salad and marmite on roast beef. Actually that last one didn't seem all that odd.

The day after that he had in fact gained weight to a point of concern. A point at which his clothes were starting to get a little tight. But he remembered Narcissa's words and goddamn it, if the school's paying for it anyway, then why not.

He got some extra robes, pants with elastic bands and larger shirts and jumpers, new socks a few extra shirts and even underwear.

Severus had never had so many clothes before.

Friday, he looked and felt like a balloon underneath an oversized circus tent under those robes. Severus did not want to leave the quarters looking like that, so instead he decided to just cook for himself instead. Tippin had been horrified when Severus asked for the ingredients to make dinner but refused to let the elf cook for him.

"It's against the rules, so just the ingredients please."

The elf still wasn't pleased but he allowed it.

He kept it as simple as he could. Severus' feet were swollen and his back ached so he tried to sit for as long as he could. Nothing that needed to be continuosly stirred and nothing he had to keep getting up to check.

He made stew for dinner. The warm smell of the spices filling up the quarters and making him feel warm and peaceful in ways that he hadn't thought possible. Reminding him of the few times where he was able to spend time with his mother, whenever his father was away.

He'd just finished cooking when there was a knock at the door.

He made his way over, refusing to admit to himself that it was more like he waddled over to the door. The only people that came to see him were Narcissa or Lupin because Narcissa sent him to fetch a potion from him. So Severus didn't feel the need to pause before he opened the door and-

"Snape?!"

Severus' eyes narrowed down, "Potter."

The Gryffindor wasn't in his school clothes, dressed in a dark pair of pants and a grey shirt. He'd stared at Severus with wide eyes and Severus resisted the urge to wrap his arms around himself. Again, he wasn't wearing robes. A stretchy pair of black pants and an over sized button up shirt with his hair tied up, though some of the strands hung loosely around his face. He looked very very pregnant. Which is why he elected to just stay in rather than allow anyone to see him the way he was, especially not one of his school tormentors.

Dear Merlin, Potter's going to have a field day with this one.

Hazel eyes had gone wide as the Gryffindor gaped at him.

"You, I just... it just smelled like someone was cooking and I-" Potter finally shut his mouth, eyes wandering over the Slytherin before he spoke, "You look... pregnant."

Severus didn't even bother dignifying that with a response as he pulled back and slammed the door shut in his face.

His mood was ruined.

Unfortunately his appetite remained and he was sitting down for dinner ten minutes later when there was another knock at the door.

This time he grabbed his wand as he went to the door and opened it with the wand raised.

"Sna-whoa!" Lupin just stared at the wand that was pointed right between his eyes and he raised his hands. "Uh Snape?"

"Severus, really, stop being dramatic." A voice said and Lupin was nudged aside as a very pregnant looking Narcissa made her way into the room, "I'm starving and my feet hurt too much to go to the hall."

"I uhm, offered to cook. She wouldn't let me." Lupin said, still staring at the wand that was still aimed at his face and Severus let out a soft breath as he lowered his wand. He stepped aside and Lupin gave him a nervous smile as he just stood where he was.

"Actually, I just brought Narcissa. So, I'm not staying. I'll be back around nine." He offered as he looked over to the girl who moved much more gracefully as she swept over to the table in her long lavender dress that looked much too lovely to be refered to as maternity wear. Narcissa flipped her hair over her shoulder.

"Severus I'm starving."

Severus looked back at the werewolf, whose eyes had gone all round and soft as he stared at her and he arched a brow.

"Would you like a picture Lupin?"

The werewolf flushed and cleared his throat.

"I'll be off then." and then he quickly turned and walked away. Severus just shut the door behind him and went over to the table.

"I think your pet might be developing some affections for you."

"Of course he is, why wouldn't he?" She answered dismissively before reaching for a plate, "I smelled stew with potatoes."

"I have bread as well."

"Thank Salazar," She then looked up at him, "I don't suppose you have any dirt lying around."

Severus looked at her, "Walburga would be appalled."

"If rumors are to be believed, my beloved aunt craved pickles and muggle peanut butter during her pregnancies so I don't think she's in any place to judge." Narcissa said just as Severus set the bread on the table and then paused, "You look different."

"Pregnant?" Severus asked with a roll of his eyes and Narcissa rolled hers right back at him.

"Well obviously, but that's not what I meant. You look good Severus, almost glowing. Pregnancy is a good look for you."

"I'm going to pretend you didn't say that."

The next day, Narcissa came over as well. They had a celebratory dinner to celebrate the soon to be end of their pregnancies which involved too much ice cream and entirely too much marmite before Lupin collected her a bit later.

When Severus woke the next morning. The baby bump was gone, the extra weight had dissappeared. There were no cravings or morning sickness. He felt perfectly normal.

He did feel nervous though.

As he made his way to the hall he could almost hear his heart thumping in his ears and let out a sigh of relief when he noticed Narcissa and quickly made his way over towards her. He could feel eyes on him as he did, but didn't look up even after he made it to the blonde's side. They chatted as they ate, with Lupin stubbornly staying at her side. Severus didn't comment on it. He figured it would be necessary with what would be coming next.

Merlin, what is coming next?

Once breakfast was over and the dishes at the table vanished, Waltz stood up at the end of the table.

"Good morning everyone. I hope you're all rested and ready to begin the next step of your assignment. Now, before I start handing out your... children I have an announcement to make. If you remember, when we started I asked that each member of each pair supply three drops of their blood for a special surprise." Her eyes were twinkling in a way that was disturbingly similar to Dumbledore's as a smile spread over her lips, "As you all know, the objects you will be receiving will look, sound, feel and behave like an actual human child. What I didn't tell you was, thanks to your blood samples; these substitute children will look like a perfect combination of you and your partner."

Severus resisted the urge to gape.

The table filled with excited whispers and chatter.

"She can't be serious."

"I know, its all very exciting, but remember. Though this is not a real human child you must care for it as if it is. If you have any problems or questions Madame Pomfrey has made herself available. You may go and speak with her at any time day or night." She said gesturing towards the medi-witch who gave the woman a very dubious look before shaking her head as she stood next to a nervous looking Hagrid-

Severus frowned.

What's Hagrid doing here?

"Or you can come to me, and I will try and help you in any way that I can. However neither of us will be taking care of this child for you. This will be your responsibility. Is that clear?" No response. "Good, I'll call you up one group at a time, you can leave as soon as you've collected your... assignment."

She raised her wand and the doors to the Great Hall opened. Ten black stollers came into the room and they all watched as they stopped right behind her.

"Marlene McKinnon and Frank Longbottom."

The two walked up to the professor and everyone watched as she pulled one of the strollers closer and put it in front of the two. McKinnon leaned forward, seeming to move a blanket to the side. Her eyes widened to comical proportions and Longbottoms eyes rolled into the back of his head before he passed out. There was a bit of a commotion as Pomfrey ran closer to check on him.

Severus and Narcissa shared a look. A few minutes later Longbottom regained conciousness. McKinnon ushered both him and the stroller out of the hall.

"Mary McDonald and Alice Langley."

The girls quickly went over. When Langley lifted the blanket, McDonald squealed.

"Just look at it!" She reached in and pulled out a bundle of white blankets exposing a head of soft brown curls that she carefully held up against her shoulder. Langley scoffed as she took hold of the stroller and they walked through the hall.

The students started chattering again.

Lily and Potter went up next. The idiot's eyes had gone impossibly wide while Lily seemed to go a bit pale before they left and the next group went up.

It felt like forever and entirely not long enough before his own name was called.

"Sirius Black and Severus Snape."

Severus got up, resisting the urge to look back at Narcissa when she reached out to squeaze his hand. He took a deep breath and determinedly stalked over to the front. Professor Waltz arched brow, Severus figured she was wondering why Black wasn't with him only for Severus to resist the urge to jump when he felt another presence just beside him. Waltz stepped back to pull the stroller closer.

It all felt like it was happening in slow motion. Severus was trying hard to keep his breathing steady.

It's not a big deal. It's not a big deal. It won't be real. It's basically just a doll. Probably looks like a doll. It'll be fine.

She set the stroller before them. Severus took in yet another deep breath as he leaned down to look at the bundle covered in blankets inside and he reached in to pull the sheet up, away from what should be the things face-

And froze.

He could feel Black tense tremendously behind him. Severus quickly replaced the blanket, took hold of the stroller and determinedly walked out of the hall. There were footsteps behind him, he didn't look. Not until he had left the Great Hall and turned into one of the vacant hallways to stop and breathe as deep as he possibly could. He looked at the stroller and then steeled his nerves together to reach in and lift the blanket again.

He was...

Pale skin and dark pitch black curls around the head, what had to be the tiniest button nose and slowly very slowly a pair of eyes blinked at him, a bit murky but already reminiscent of a dark blue almost stormy grey color. It squirmed in the blankets that surrounded it, wearing a cream white onesie, arms and legs kicking out a bit as it made this odd fussy type of noise. Severus-

He felt his chest fill with the oddest sort of warmth and carefully reached in to take the baby out. It made that noise again, sounded a bit close to crying actually and Severus did the first thing that felt right. He lifted it up against his chest and hushed it.

The books said to be careful of the head, always support it. He put a hand on those too soft curls to steady the head against his shoulder and a lump formed in his throat when he realised how warm it felt, how he could almost feel the tiny heartbeat in its chest.

A soft cry.

"Shh, it's-it's alright." He rocked a little and the baby let out a few whining noises before it seemed to settle down. Severus felt his eyes sting-

"You said you'd do it alone."

He looked up and found Black standing a few feet away, with an indefinable look on his face. His eyes kept flickering over to the bundle in Severus' arms. Severus felt the immediate urge to cover him up. He hated it, Merlin he hated it but he could feel a tear roll down his cheek just as he turned to look at the other.

Black flinched back. It was quiet for five whole seconds before he looked away. "You said... the assignment. You still... You'll do it alone?"

He sounded oddly unsure.

Severus cleared his throat, awkwardly shrugged his free shoulder to wipe the tear from his face, "Yes."

Black's lips pursed into a tight line, his eye brows moving together before, "You... Fine. Just don't fuck it up Snape."

He turned around and walked away. Severus stood there for a moment staring after him when the baby made another whining sound and he quickly hushed it.

"Shh, it's O.K. We'll be fine. We'll be fine on our own. Don't worry."

Week One

Once the shock passed, Severus... well he didn't feel better but, he'd settled into things a bit.

The first thing he did when he got back to the quarters was check the baby's daiper and fed it, remembering to check the temperature of the formula before feeding him and then burping him. He tried to follow the instructions he read as closely as possible but seemed to do a relatively good job of it since the baby quickly settled down and fell asleep.

Severus set it down in the crib and just stared at it for a while.

It's not real.

It's not supposed to be real but-

It looked and felt so real.

After staring for what felt like five minutes but was actually an hour of Severus just watching the thing breathe and move a bit in the crib, he went to go make something to eat in the kitchen. Just a quick sandwhich before he went back to the nursery carrying one of the baby books he took from the library with him, reading in the soft light beside the crib in the rocking chair.

Another two hours after that... Alexander woke. Crying.

Severus jumped, almost dropping his book as he rushed to the crib and picked the baby up. The daiper had been alright before but, it wasn't now.

Severus will never admit that it took him about thirty minutes trying to figure out the stupid sticky strips and which way was the front. He's forever grateful that he managed to get the elves to bring him muggle daipers instead of cloth daipers that most of the wizarding community still used for some baffling reason. No need to wash, just throw it away.

He spent the next two days alone, just acclimating to his new... situation.

It took a while for him to feel comfortable enough to leave the baby alone in its room for longer than twenty minutes. He just...

Severus didn't want to be too far away-

It's not real. It's not real.

He kept reminding himself.

Wednesday morning he woke to the baby screeching... At two am as usual.

Severus groaned as he fumbled from the bed and untangled himself from the sheets to leave the room.

He stumbled out the door and took a moment to take in a deep breath before he walked inside. The room was bathed in the soft orange glow of the enchated lamp in the corner. Severus walked up to the crib and reached in to pick up the baby.

"Alright, Alex, calm down." He hushed as he put the baby up against his shoulder, patting his back softly before going through the usual checklist.

Daiper, fine.

Temperature, normal.

Food... that's the one.

Severus couldn't help but scoff as he snatched the baby bottle from the bowl that he kept enchanted to warm, pausing to check the temperature against his wrist before lifting the teet of the bottle to the baby's mouth. Large stormy grey eyes blinked up at him as the tiny hand gripped at the bottle. Severus smiled letting his finger drift over the chubby cheek as it made soft noises while it drank but-

It's not real. It's not real.

With feeding and subsequent burping done and Alexander calm and back in his crib, Severus dragged his feet back to his room and collapsed on the bed, immediately falling asleep.

Only to wake again at six am... as usual.

The brat was his own personal alarm clock.

This time it was a daiper change that Severus quickly took care of before getting Alex into a bath. The baby squealed and giggled as it splashed in the water and Severus tried to make sure he didn't trip as he took him out of the water. He's gotten bigger, sitting up on his own and even trying to crawl about when Severus sat on the rug in front of the fireplace with him. It was growing so fast. Severus couldn't help but smile when Alex reached out and started tugging at the loose locks of hair that fell around his face. He had to give the baby a rattler just so he could get his hair back without it being ripped from his scalp.

Then it was back into a fresh change of clothes. He finished another feeding and set Alex down again before deciding to take a quick shower while he still had the chance. After getting dressed he checked in on Alex one more time before he decided to get some tea and toast. The kettle had just finished boiling when there was a knock at the door. Severus looked over to the clock and almost blinked when he realised that somehow he didn't notice that a full three hours had gone by since Alexander woke him.

How does time manage to go by so quickly?

He opened the door and found who he was expecting.

Narcissa looked great as usual, though Severus could tell that she was missing just a few hours of sleep. The blonde had her hair up, which was a bit unusual for her, even as she wore a pair of emerald green robes. There was a bundle squirming in her arms. Blonde curls momentarily tamed in a matching green onesie, a black pacificer in her mouth, bright blue eyes momentarilly shut in sleep.

"Tea Severus."

Was all she said as she let herself inside and Severus just shook his head as he waited for Lupin to walk in behind her. The werewolf gave Severus a slight smile as he tugged at the baby bag over his shoulder and walked in.

"Morning Snape."

Severus shut the door behind him, "Why is it that your pet now knows proper etiqute and yet somehow you've managed to forget it?"

Lupin gave him a withering glare even as Narcissa answered, "Because I've trained him well. Where is your hell spawn?"

"Sleeping, though he may wake soon enough."

"Hmm." She then looked over to Lupin who set the bag down beside the chair in the kitchen, "You can go, I'm sure you're just itching to get away to your little friends."

"No, it's fine. I don't mind." Lupin said with a smile as he opened the bag and took out a miniature crib. Wand in hand he enlarged it and set it down in the middle of the living room, "James' been busy with Lily mostly anyway and Padfoot-"

"I'll rephrase, I want some time alone with Severus to discuss a private matter. Go spend time with your little friends." She said clearly, rocking just a bit with the baby in her arms and Lupin opened his mouth to protest. "Now... please."

Severus blinked, Lupin's lips pursed for a brief moment before he relented.

"Alright. I'll see you later."

"At lunch." She said shortly and Lupin nodded as he walked over and reached out to the baby to brush a hand through its curls. Lips pulling into a smile before he headed for the door.

"Snape."

"Lupin."

The door opened and then closed. Severus turned to arch a brow at her.

"Quite the devoted pet you have."

"He's driving me absolutely insane. Just hovering constantly." Narcissa said as she went to the crib and set the baby down. "It's good that he's willing to take care of Abbey when she wakes in the middle of the night, but dear Circe he just... hovers constantly, I can't stand it."

"At least he's useful." Severus said as he went to the kitchen and pulled out another cup of tea. While Narcissa sat herself down at the table.

"I can't deny, the extra help is... helpful." She shook her head with a light scoff, "You know, I can't imagine Lucius doing half of what Lupin's been doing. Changing daipers and dealing with vomit."

"I can't either."

"Hmm." Narcissa hummed with a slight frown before just sitting up in her chair, "How have you been managing alone?"

"Well enough," Severus said as he settled into the chair across from her, "Tippin has been very helpful but, I'm trying to avoid letting him do too much. Though he seems to adore it. Seems convinced that the baby is real."

"Well, they're certainly quite convincing aren't they?" Narcissa said as she looked over to the crib in the living room before pouring herself some tea.

"I've decided to let him believe that it is, I think it might just be safer that way."

It was quiet as Severus reached for the toast he made and started to spread some jam, before he ate. Narcissa took quiet sips of her tea and then-

"Lupin tells me that he spends time with my dear cousin when he's away from me. Apparently Evans has Potter entirely occupied so they don't see him much."

"Oh."

"He's convinced that Sirius is miserable."

"Good."

Narcissa let out a giggle, "You're awful."

"What did you expect me to say?"

"Nothing, I suppose."

"Then why tell me?"

"Why not? Oh... boredom. Lupin said 'Padfoot' keeps bringing up the assignments when they talk, asking about you sometimes. I just think that's interesting."

Severus paused, "Narcissa, I already told you-"

"Yes, yes I know." Narcissa said as she reached for her own piece of toast, "Don't misunderstand Severus, I'm not against you doing this on your own and really, if Sirius wants to be a part of this so badly then he should come down here and say so. But these last few days have been... difficult for me. I can only imagine what you're dealing with without a pet of your own to assist you."

Severus took in a deep breath, "I'm fine. It's not exactly easy but, I'm managing."

"As long as you're sure Severus."

Just then a loud cry filled the air and Severus sighed as he got up from his seat.

"Just like clock work."

"Your little lord's finally awake and demanding your attention, is he?" She scoffed just as she took a sip of tea only to let out a sigh of frustration when a cry came from the crib in the living room. "For Merlin's sake, I just got her asleep. Shut up that little brat of yours."

"I didn't tell you to come over Narcissa."

"And I'm already regretting it Severus!"

The next day, Alexander was crying and crying and crying.

His daiper was fine and Severus definitely fed him but...

His temperature was a little off.

Severus decided to just try and get him to sleep so he could rest. And he did sleep, for about thirty minutes, before he started crying again. Screaming his lungs out, red faced and skin now much warmer than before. Severus cast a temperature charm. He had a fever. Alright, that's fine. He has a potion for that but-

But what if it isn't just a fever?

What if something else is wrong and he ends up just making it worse? Or masking a bigger problem that he won't figure out until its too late. Severus paced around his quarters in a slight panic, unsure of what to do. He kept the baby in his arms, tried to keep it calm. Hushing it and softly patting its back as he tried to stop the crying that he knew wouldn't stop until he figured out what was wrong.

Maybe its a cold.

Again, he has a potion for that. But what if that isn't what it is?

Severus tried to keep his own breathing steady before finally making a decision. He quickly got ready, putting Alexander in his stroller and grabbing a few of the potions he made to put in his pocket. He had his hair up and out of his face again but Severus didn't bother doing anything about it. Alexander was quieter than he was before but he was still very clearly agitated and fussy. The thought came to cast a silencing charm on him but Severus thought better of it and just quickly rushed out the door, locking it behind him before rushing down the halls with the stroller. They were mostly vacant, with nothing more than a ghost here or there.

But Severus barely paid attention to his surroundings. Not until he reached the hospital wing.

"Madame Pomfrey!" He called out and the medi-witch came rushing out of her office blinking as just as she came out, Alexander started wailing again.

"Oh dear." She said as she hurried over just as Severus took the baby from the crib. "What's wrong?"

"He has a high temperature and I thought I should give him a fever reliever but I was worried that it might be something else so I didn't give it to him, but he feels warmer now and-"

"Severus calm down. Take a deep breath." He didn't realise that he had started rambling Pomfrey gave him a soft smile as she edged closer, "How about we have a look at him?"

It was an agonising ten minutes as she looked the baby over, casting one spell after hte other before she handed Alexander back who was still making soft fussy noises.

"It seems that he's just teething dear."

"Teething? He was screaming so loudly-"

"I know, it can be quite stressful to hear for the first time but, he'll be alright. It's mostly the pain and the fever driving that reaction." She said as she reached for her clipboard and made a few notes, "You said you had a few potions?"

"Yes."

"Did you make them?" She asked, though she clearly already knew the answer. Severus let out a soft sigh as he rocked a little.

"Yes."

"Let me have a look at what you've got."

Severus moved around a bit to take the potions he had in his pocket out setting them down on the cot where he sat and she picked up one at a time to look over them.

"Pain, fever, cold, stomach aches, even one for teething. And excellently brewed." Pomfrey smiled, "You've outdone yourself Severus."

He felt himself flush but tried to ignore the feeling, "I just... I wanted to be prepared and I found a book on potions for babies in the library."

"Well, you've certainly done an excellent job." And then she sighed, "If only everyone in your class prepared as well as you. I can't even begin to tell you about what the Lockheart boy did-" She cut herself off, almost like she just remembered that she was talking to a student. Shaking her head she gestured for him to put the potions away. "The teething potion should do the trick. Your little mister seems a bit more demanding though. Pain reliever and the fever reducer as well. You know the dosage?"

"Half a teaspoon no more than once every four hours, just before feeding for the pain reliever and fever reducer. One drop of the teething potion gently rubbed onto the gums with your finger."

"Very good." Pomfrey nodded, "You should get him a few teething toys, that ought to help as well for the next few days... You're doing very well Severus, he seems to be a healthy weight. Well cared for, though, I'm surprised you're here alone."

Severus looked away but didn't answer. She just gave a strained smile, "Well, in any event. Since you've done so much preparation I think it's only fair to tell you to keep the flu potion close by. For next week. I think you'll find it quite useful."

"Really?"

"Flu potion, fever potion, pain reliever. You know the dosages?"

"Yes."

She winked at him, "Keep them in mind for next week. Off you go, before this one gets even more fussy."

Severus let out a heavy sigh, "Thank you Madame Pomfrey."

"You're welcome."

He carefully set Alexander back in the stroller before making his way out of the hospital wing. He already has the formula and baby food ready in the kitchen. He hasn't really been out to the Great Hall in a while. He's mostly just been cooking for himself and Narcissa whenever she decided to stop by as well. Lupin would be there sometimes and it was surprisingly... pleasant.

He found that he didn't mind the werewolf's company much when he was around. Surprising since he didn't think he'd be able to stand being around Lupin after what happened last year but-

Right, last year. Exactly how does Lupin plan on dealing with his condition while they're doing this assignment? Severus couldn't help but frown a bit to himself. Would Narcissa be alright?

Severus almost paused to turn and ask Madame Pomfrey when-

The doors opened and in stepped Potter and Black.

Severus froze at the sight of the animagus, when Alexander suddenly let out a soft whine.

He shook the thought from his head and simply kept walking to make his way out of the doors. Potter and Black noticed him. Of course they noticed him, Severus just hoped that he'd be able to leave the bloody infirmary without either one of them making things difficult for him.

He walked by the two, not saying a word or glancing at them even as he felt their eyes on him and made it just a few feet away from the doors when he tripped and fell. It might not have been so bad if he wasn't holding onto the stroller when he did. As Severus crashed to the ground his eyes widened in horror when he noticed the stroller rock and tip over on its back wheels. Time almost seemed to slow.

The baby was going to fall. What if it hit the handle bar on the stroller or just landed head first onto the stone floors of the hospital wing? Merlin no-

Just then Severus let out a grunt when he was caught and looked up to see a hand stretched out to stop the stroller from falling and set it back down on four wheels. He let out a soft sigh of relief as the figure that held him stood up straight and looked up only to tense when he looked into a pair of familiar stormy grey eyes. Severus froze for a split second before pulling free of the animagus' grasp and stepped back.

"Severus!" He heard Madame Pomfrey cry out as she came closer, "Everything alright?"

Alexander was screaming again Severus quickly rushed over to pick up the baby to check him. His skin was still red, the fever was still burning under his skin. Severus wiped his wet cheeks and shushed him.

"He seems alright." He said softly and the medi-witch leaned over his shoulder to check herself before letting out a sigh.

"Good." and then she turned around and glared at Potter, "A hundred points from Gryffindor!"

"What?! But the year hasn't even started yet!"

"You should have thought about that before trying to injure a student and a child with a tripping hex, Mr Potter."

"Snape is fine and those things aren't even real!"

As they kept arguing Severus just focused on getting Alex as calm as he could before setting him down in the stroller.

"He looks sick."

Severus looked back at the animagus when he suddenly spoke. And paused.

He saved them. Was actually helpful for once, so maybe Severus could answer that much.

"He's teething, madame Pomfrey said he'll be fine." He said shortly as he dusted himself off and grabbed a hold of the stroller again when-

"Everything's alright then?"

Severus looked back, "Yes."

"... Snape I-" The animagus seemed to pause himself, his lips pursing into a tight line before he just turned around and walked away. Severus watched him go before he just turned and left the Hospital wing, making his way back to the quarters.

On his way back, while in the hall he noticed that there was screaming coming from just about every door in the Hufflepuff family quarters. Mostly baby cries, some sounded like arguining while the babies cried. Clearly he's not the only one going through a bit of a rough time.

But-

They're all teething at the same time?

That's oddly convenient, almost like they're on a schedule. But that would make sense since the baby's aren't real. Whatever they are must be spelled this way.

After giving Alexander his potions and making sure he was fed, they both took a nap on Severus' bed with the baby lying against his chest. About two hours later he woke and Severus sat down on the rug in front of the fireplace the way he's gotten used to. Alexander seemed much more calm, bright stormy grey eyes stared back at him as he kept the blue teething toy in his mouth with his chubby little hands.

It's not real. It's not real.

"You're unfairly cute for a not real baby." Severus said as he held the baby up so he was standing on his feet and Alex seemed to bounce a bit, still staring back at Severus while he kept chewing on his toy, "Though now you seem a bit more like a dog than I'd strictly like. You must get that from your father."

Just then there was a knock at the door and he got up, picking up Alexander as he went to answer it.

"Lupin."

The werewolf looked like he was in a state. His hair was a mess and there was a very distinct looking orange stain on his shirt. Lupin gave him a strained smile.

"Abbey's been screaming all day and we haven't been able to get her quiet and she's got a fever-"

"She's teething."

Severus said and Lupin blinked, "Really?... Al-Alright so what do we-"

Severus turned around and headed for the kitchen cabinet to grab a few potions before heading to the door.

"This is a fever reducer. This is a pain reliever and this is a teething potion. Half a teaspoon of the fever reducer and pain reliever no more than once every four hours, before feeding. One drop of the teething potion on her gums, you rub it in gently with your finger tip."

"How did you-"

"I went to Madame Pomfrey, the potions I already had made myself." Severus said shortly and Lupin seemed to finally notice the baby in his arms who was notably not screaming its lungs out like the rest of them down the hall, and just staring back at him with large eyes as it chewed on a blue toy.

He sighed.

"Thank you Snape." He said with a smile of relief his shoulders visibly relaxing before he suddenly moved forward to hug the Slytherin. Severus tensed and glanced over to Alexander who didn't seem all that bothered by the werewolf smothering them both in a hug.

And then kept hugging them.

Severus prayed for patience when he realised-

"Lupin, staying here won't make Narcissa less angry."

"I-I know."

He finally let go and gave them one more smile before.

"REMUS!"

Severus blinked at the sound of Narcissa screeching louder than any of the other cries coming down the hall. The werewolf jumped.

"Thanks again." He quickly darted away and Severus couldn't help but scoff as he pulled back to shut the door.

"Silly dog, isn't he Alex?"

Alexander mumbled out something against the teething toy but still wasn't willing to let it go either.

Yes, a silly dog indeed.

Severus' lips pursed in thought. Before he turned back into the quarters.

"When do you think the next full moon is, Alex?... No answer? How about we read a bit before dinner?"

Week four

Two weeks went by in a flash.

Severus barely managed to notice the time go. Alexander had him occupied. The little demon spawn managed to start walking and talking so quickly Severus was barely able to keep up.

It turned out Madame Pomfrey's tip on the flu potion had been correct as Alexander became sick on Tuesday and Severus had to deal with a very sick, very fussy two year old who demanded his attention every moment that he was awake. Severus ended up sleeping next to the crib in the rocking chair for most of the night. When he woke up the next morning, he woke to discover that the brat had decided to give him a new name all on his own.

"Papa!"

"Alexander calm down." Severus said as he hoisted the baby bag over his shoulder while he locked the door. Stormy grey eyes glared up at him impatiently and a pout was starting to pull at his lips, bone straight raven hair tucked behind his ear while a few strands fell over his face "I know you're excited to play with Abbey, but we aren't even close to being late. Besides, Cissy is just a few doors away."

"But Cissy said I'll get ice cream today."

"And you'll get your ice cream." Severus said as he finally turned back and reached out his hand towards the boy. "After you finish dinner."

"But Papa-"

"No buts. Come on."

Alexander finally took his hand and Severus shook his head with a scoff just as he turned around only to tense up completely when he saw a figure watching him.

James Potter stood a few feet away. Staring between Severus and Alexander in what the Slytherin can only describe as confusion? He wasn't really sure what the look on Potter's face was supposed to mean. Since the incident at the Hospital Wing Severus hasn't had to deal with the marauders at all. He mostly stayed in the family quarters. With the one exception being when he and Narcissa decided to take a walk around the school in week three. Lupin then had the brilliant idea to have a small picnic outside. It was... nice.

Honestly, Severus almost forgot that the marauders even existed for a while, so suddenly seeing Potter now, he wasn't entirely sure what to do. Potter looked... tired. There were circles around his eyes and his hair seemed to be an even bigger mess than normal.

"Papa?"

Alexander tugged at his hand and Severus looked down to find the boy practically hiding behind his leg as he looked up at Potter. Severus just took a deep breath as he crouched down to pick the boy up, who then instinctively hid his face in the crook of Severus' neck.

"Snape." Potter finally said and Severus just stared back at the other before he determindely walked around him towards the other side of the hall.

"Is Sirius around?" he called out. Severus paused briefly as he looked back at the other. Why is he asking the obvious?

"No." and then he kept walking until he reached door number six and knocked.

He looked back for a brief moment and Potter was still staring at him. Taking one more deep breath he knocked again.

Lupin opened the door looking... well, not quite well. As to be expected from this time of the month.

"Snape." He smiled as he stepped aside and let them in Severus wasted no time as he quickly walked inside setting the boy down on the ground as he did, who immediately rushed up to hug Lupin.

"Remmy!"

"Alex, how are you today?" he said just as he pulled back.

"Good. Where's Abbey?"

"Tired of me already, are you?" Lupin just scoffed, "She's in her room with Cissy. You can go check on them if you like."

"O.K." Alex said with a nod before he ran off down the small hall and Severus just watched him go before looking over to Lupin who seemed to be taking his time from crouching on the floor.

"That time of the month I see." Severus said quietly and Lupin blinked at him before giving another scoff.

"That obvious, is it?" He finally stood up, hands shaking a bit as he pulled a hankerchief from his pocket to wipe his brow, "It's been difficult keeping it from Cissa, the girl is a blood hound."

Severus scoffed himself, before reaching into the bag over his shoulder until he took out a small bottle with a blue almost green potion inside of it and handed it to Lupin.

"Here."

"What's this?"

"I was doing a bit of research on your ailment. I'm sure you're aware of Damocles Belby's wolfsbane potion." Lupin nodded and Severus shrugged, looking down the hall to make sure Narcissa was still preoccupied. He could hear giggling and squealing coming from the room just before the blonde's signature bored drawl. He looked back at Lupin. "He developed a few potions before that though. Things that focused on individual symptoms and such until he eventually found one that could assist with the curse as a whole. I considered trying wolfsbane myself but, its more complex than I'm comfortable attempting at this point. Plus I didn't want Alexander exposed to the ingredients or the fumes they might cause. That one's just for the pain before and after. It should make your transformation somewhat easier."

Lupin just stared back at the other with wide eyes and a gaped mouth, "Snape... I-"

"You take it just before your transformation. Make sure you drink every single drop."

"But-"

"You should be able to recover a bit faster this way." Severus said shortly, "This way Narcissa won't be too suspicious. Better to think you were out with your friends all night than... the truth."

Lupin's eyes softened, "Snape... Severus, thank you."

Severus was surprised that he didn't feel the urge to tense up when the werewolf used his first name, when a squeal suddenly came from the bedroom and Lupin quickly stuffed the potion in his pocket.

"Sev!" The girl ran for him at full speed. Long blonde hair fluttering behind her and bright blue eyes beaming as she hid behind him and Alex came running out soon after.

"No fair! You're not allowed to hide behind Papa."

Abbey just stuck her tongue out at the boy and Remus rolled his eyes, quickly scooping up the girl in his arms before an arguement could start between the two.

"Alright, that's enough of that."

"Daddy!"

"We still need to get your room tidy if Alex is going to sleep over. Alex, you can come and help too."

"But-"

"Go on." Severus said, "You want to earn that ice cream don't you?"

With a brand new pout on his lips, the boy followed behind them. Narcissa finally appeared from the bedroom, rolling her eyes with a scoff as she watched the boy sulk by her.

"You spoil him entirely too much, Severus." Narcissa said as she walked over to the kitchen, already getting the kettle started, "He can't even do a few chores?"

"Oh like your heathen cur even knows which part of a broom goes on the floor."

"Of course not." She said and Severus walked over to settle into one of the kitchen chairs. "Now, are you cooking tonight or are we going to the Hall for once?"

"Honestly, I'd rather stay in. I ran into Potter in the hallway." Severus said and Narcissa sighed.

"What did he do now?"

"Nothing, surprisingly. But you know what that lot is like."

"Well, it should be fine tonight. Remus said he'll be out with the lads all night so, I think it'll be fine."

Severus paused at her tone, "You don't seem pleased. I thought you'd be happy to have a night where he isn't hovering around you."

"I am."

"Then what's the problem?"

Narcissa stopped and sighed, "He's been behaving very oddly lately. He says he's just feeling under the weather and he does seem sick but... I don't know, something feels off. He went to see Madame Pomfrey and he said she just told him to get some rest."

Severus resisted the urge to shift in his chair a bit, "Maybe its cabin fever. We've all been locked down here for a while, haven't we? Getting out to see his friends might improve things."

"Maybe." Narcissa shook her head, "Hopefully that's all it is."

Severus arched a brow at her, "Narcissa Black, if I didn't know any better I'd think you were worried about him."

The blonde paused and then gave him a glare, "He's a pet Severus and a useful one at that. I simply don't fancy the idea of taking care of Abbey on my own."

"Of course."

"Speaking of which, I'm assuming that Sirius still hasn't gotten his sorry arse down here to finally fulfill his duties?"

"What duties are those?"

Narcissa turned to look at him, before shaking her head. "None I suppose. Although," She paused, "Aunt Walburga owled."

Severus resisted the urge to tense, "Did she?"

"Yes, she enquired about your health and Alex's development."

"You mean she's asking if any abnormalities or problematic features have shown up yet." Severus sighed and Narcissa shrugged.

"Basically." Severus scoffed, Narcissa did the same. "You know most people would be happy about getting this sort of attention from the illustrious house Black."

"Oh and I am." The raven drawled, "I am so happy that your aunt seems so set on turning me into the family breeder; with which she plans on trapping the Prince Line. Really, Narcissa I couldn't be more excited."

Narcissa laughed.

~ Flash Back ~

He met Walburga Black on week three.

In week three professor Waltz decided that it would be a great idea to have pictures taken of the students and their respective assignments, and then have those pictures sent to their parents and guardians. As a sort of report on their childrens progress. Severus was sure that it was a terrible idea that was doomed to turn out terribly and of course it was.

Hours after the owls were sent out parents started flooing into Hogwarts demanding an audience with both the headmaster and the professor. Apparently the not-real babies looked just as real as they thought. Some of the guardians worried that maybe their children had actually gotten pregnant and this whole summer assignment thing, was just some illaborate rues to cover it up.

Severus had been worried at first. Wondering exactly what would happen if his father ended up getting the letter with the pictures instead of his mother. Thankfully it seemed that Eileen had managed to intercept it in time. She did write to him though, just to make sure that the baby wasn't actually real since she didn't even know how she'd explain it to Tobias once Severus came home.

He made sure to assure her that none of it was real, before enquiring on her health and how she was doing on her own. Usually in the summer he was there to mitigate some of Tobias' rage, but with him at school for the summer...

Eileen said she was fine and told Severus to stay safe. Severus wasn't sure he believed her but, worrying about it while he was miles away wasn't going to help things.

It was right after getting the letter from Eileen that Severus decided to take a break and go see Narcissa. Plus Alex seemed to like spending time around Abbey so he thought an impromptu play date was in order. Anything to distract him for a bit.

He knocked at their door. Lupin opened it and Severus just walked inside the way he was used to completely ignoring the werewolf that sputtered and flushed, seeming to try and say something but having difficulty getting the words out. Only to freeze when he saw that Narcissa had guests.

Deer in headlights.

Severus just froze, his hand clenched reflexively around Alex's and the boy seemed to sense the immediate tension in the air as he moved in closer to Severus' side. He's never met Walburga and Orion Black. But he didn't have to. There were pictures of the house of Black posted in the prophet sometimes and the crests pinned to their robes definately gave them away.

That and the dark forboding energy that seemed to fill the room.

"Snape." Lupins whispered as he edged a bit closer to the raven, "Now isn't the best time."

"Severus! How lovely of you to join us." Narcissa said from her seat on the couch while Abbey sat close by the blonde's side. Not quite leaning into her, with her posture unfairly straight for a three year old. "Come in."

A silent exchange seemed to go between her and Lupin and the werewolf let out a sigh as he shut the door behind him and headed for the kitchen area. Severus just stood still.

"Aunt Walburga, uncle Orion. This is Severus Snape a fellow classmate. I've mentioned him before." Narcissa said and Severus quietly cleared his throat before giving a slight bow.

"A pleasure to meet you Master and Madame Black. My apologies for interrupting, I wasn't aware that Narcissa had guests." He straightened up and tried to keep his gaze steady and unwavering as he kept his posture straight.

"Snape." Walburga said, something extremely unpleasant passing behind her eyes, "This is the one Regulus is always talking about. The one Lucius mentioned. The half-blood."

"Yes."

"Well, he seems to have some manners about him." Orion commented something equally unpleasant building in his brow. Narcissa seemed to shift a bit in her seat.

"He's also quite the gifted student. Quite talented in brewing, his potions could put Slughorn's absolutely to shame."

"Is that so?" Orion said though he clearly wasn't impressed. Narcissa looked at Severus, he could already see the apology in her eyes. If he had less control over himself he would have stopped her since he could already see what she was going to do.

"Well, one simply couldn't expect less from the last in the Prince bloodline. They're master brewers aren't they, aunt Walburga?"

Severus could almost feel the way Lupin tensed in the kitchen before turning to stare at him. Orion and Walburga's reactions were much more restrained, though they still reacted.

The Black patriarch blinked and his eyebrows lifted ever so slightly before he moved a bit closer to the edge of the couch, seeming to try and get a better look at him while the matriarch's brow twitched and her head gave a slight tilt.

"Your mother is Eileen Prince?"

"Yes, madame Black." Severus answered evenly though he wished that he hadn't. He didn't like bringing up his parentage especially around the pureblood lot. It always resulted in a series of different reactions. Most of which were... unpleasant. For the most part, he's been able to keep it a secret at school. Lucius helped in that regard. Whenever someone in Slytherin managed to figure it out the blonde always made sure that they kept the information absolutely to themselves. These days Severus has just been trying to keep a low profile so no one else would be able to figure it out. Only the headmaster and Madame Pomfrey knew in the school staff. He ended up telling Narcissa and Regulus. Thankfully they all managed to keep quiet about it.

Until now.

"There are rumors of her dissappearing and then marrying a muggle. I wasn't aware that she had a child." There was an edge of disgust in the man's tone though he kept watching Severus very closely. "Are you in contact with your mother's maiden family?"

"No sir." Severus answered and Orion seemed to sit back a bit, "Pity."

"Yes, quite the pity indeed." There was something calculating in Walburga's eyes. Severus could almost see the cogs turning in her head and turning at an alarming speed before her gaze slipped down to the child still stuck to Severus' side.

"Is that your... child?" she asked and Severus resisted the urge to swallow hard as he glanced down at Alexander who was quietly chewing on his thumb.

"Yes. This is Alexander."

Her eyes narrowed down ever so slightly, "There's something familiar about him."

Narcissa quietly cleared her throat and spoke quickly, "Sirius is Severus partner for the duration of the assignment, aunt Walburga."

Orion tensed and Walburga's lips pursed, "I see. You've been paired with the boy."

Severus didn't know how to respond to that so he just didn't. She held her hand out towards them and glanced up at Severus.

"May I?"

Severus resisted the urge to tense and just tugged on the boy's hand. "Come, Alexander."

"Papa?" the boy asked softly, his thumb just there in his mouth and Severus tried to project reassurance as he smiled at him.

"Don't forget your manners. You should greet Master and Madame Black." Alex followed along until they stopped right beside the couch.

"H-Hello." The boy said and Severus stomped out the anxious urge to pick him up and run from the room, pureblood ettiqutte be damned.

Surprisingly Walburga simply stared back at the child. "Afternoon. What is your name?"

"Alex." He looked up at Severus who gave him a nod, "Alexander Black."

"Alexander Black?" Walburga raised that piercing gaze to Severus for a moment while Orion seemed to let out a soft scoff beside her, she just brought her gaze back to the child. She reached out to touch him and Severus yet again had to stomp out the urge to drag the boy away. Her hand slipped under his chin to lift it, tilting his head this way and that.

"He certainly has the Black features. Considering what your professor told us about the nature of these creatures, this is quite impressive."

Severus almost frowned.

"Their nature, aunt Walburga?" Narcissa asked.

The woman glanced at her from the corner of her eye. "She explained exactly how this... experiment works. How they've managed to make them seem so, real. As for their features its meant to be a prefect representation of your combined bloodlines. Effectively the most accurate represenation of any real child you would have with your current... partner." At that last bit she looked over to Lupin who quickly averted his gaze.

"It's impressive, almost encouraging that the child's managed to avoid contamination and retain more favourable traits."

Severus internally bristled at the clear reference to his muggle half and simply kept his gaze steady as Walburga let her thumb brush against Alex's cheek. "The hair is a bit different but, he's quite similar to the boy when he was young. Though I think he seems a bit closer to Regulus."

"Has he shown any problematic behaviours yet?" Orion asked his eyes gleaming with interest and Severus paused.

"No, sir."

"Hm." Walburga let go and Alex moved back so he was closer to Severus, "You said that you aren't in contact with your mother's maiden family?"

"No mam."

"Are they even aware of your existence?"

Severus couldn't help but blink, "I-... I'm not sure."

She arched a brow but sat back in her seat as her eyes went back down to Alexander, "Regulus speaks very highly of you. You get along well with him?"

"Yes, Regulus is a lovely young man."

What else was he about to say? Regulus was nice. He was one of the few friends Severus had. What else could he say?

"You should come for a visit sometime. During the Christmas holidays perhaps." Her eyes were still on Alexander before they snapped up so quickly to fix on Severus he couldn't help but tense, "I'm sure he'd be pleased to have your company."

"Of course." Severus said as he reached down to pick up Alexander and the boy immediately turned around to wrap his arms tightly around Severus. "I think I've intruded long enough. Please excuse me. it was an honour meeting you both Master and Madame Black."

They simply stared back at him. Severus left the quarters as quickly as he could without just running out the door. A quick glance towards Lupin and he realised that the werewolf was internally screaming for someone to rescue him.

The Blacks left sometime after that, about an hour later is when Narcissa decided on that walk outside and Lupin decided to turn it into a picnic. He played with Abbey and Alex a few feet away on the grass while Severus and Narcissa sat on a blanket under a tree and tried to recover from... that.

"Salazar, I can't believe they actually came. I was sure she was going to blast Abbey into oblivion right there and then."

"So did I."

"I don't know." Narcissa paused with a frown, "She seemed, surprised when she saw her. Seemed to freeze up a bit."

"They look quite real."

"I think she might've been expecting somesort of deformity or imperfection considering... well, Remus." Narcissa sighed before looking up at him, "I think congratulations are in order. You've managed to impress her."

"Thanks to you, of course." Severus all but grumbled giving her a glare, "I can't believe you told her about my mother."

"If I hadn't they would have spent the entire time insulting you and-" Narcissa sighed, "It would have been entirely uneccesary."

"What if they tell people?"

"Trust me, they won't. At least not yet."

Severus sighed as well, "At least its over."

Narcissa arched a brow at him before simply shaking her head, "Honestly Severus, you're so naive sometimes I can hardly believe it."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Come now, aunt Walburga wasn't obvious enough? Her questions on whether or not you're in contact with the Princes? The way she stared at Alexander? She invited you over for Christmas because it would please Regulus to have you there, for Merlin's sake."

"Oh well, do forgive me Narcissa, I don't seem to speak pureblood. Care to enlighten me on what it means?"

Narcissa rolled her eyes, "Aunt Walburga intends on having you engaged to Regulus by the time he graduates."

Severus gaped, "What?"

"And uncle Orion doesn't seem all that keen on stopping her." Narcissa shook her head, "You're the heir of Prince, Severus. A bloodline that most thought had died out years ago."

"I'm a half-blood."

"Yes, well, apparently aunt Walburga is willing to overlook a few discrepencies in your pedigree if it means gaining access to the Prince bloodline."

Severus just stared back at her in shock, "But I'm not the heir of Prince. They disowned my mother years ago, they wouldn't want anything to do with-"

"Aunt Walburga thinks she'd be able to convince Lord Prince to reclaim you. If you married into a family of high standing and produced an heir you wouldn't just be a half-bood; you'd be the half-blood that rebirthed the house of Prince." She shifted to sit a bit closer to him, looking over to where Remus was still playing with the kids before returning her gaze to the raven, "Have you ever heard of new bloods Severus?"

"No."

"Well, they're nothing special. Basically just muggleborns. Mudbloods as it were. The idea is that some theorize that muggleborns are necessary in order to keep bloodlines fresh. Over concentrated wixen blood can be... problematic at times, though, most refuse to admit it. Purebloods aren't keen on admitting that their blood is anything less than perfect. However some families would intentionally have their heirs marry muggleborns in order to refresh the blood line."

"Really?"

"Yes, don't misunderstand, it's not a popular theory but one that's been seeing a bit of traction as of late. My point is, the Princes have powerful magic, extremely powerful magic but have been having difficulties producing heirs over the passed few generations. Some blamed the overconcentrated wixen blood. Which is why your mother... dissappearing caused such a stir. Lord and lady Prince only had one child, they weren't able to produce another and with there being no other siblings or relatives-"

"When my mother left the bloodline ended."

"Exactly."

Severus frowned, "I don't understand how that-"

"The idea is that when a mudblood marries a pureblood they're deemed new bloods because they're refreshing the bloodlines, giving them new life. But only if the heirs they produce retain as much of their wixen features as possible. Now, Severus you're a half-blood but the theory stays the same. Your paternity is muggle, your maternity is pureblood wixen; at this point, the Prince blood flowing through your veins is the 'cleanest' that its ever been. That's why aunt Walburga seemed so interested in Alexander. As a combination of you and Sirius, he managed to retain most of the desirable freatures. If Alexander were a real child, theoretically, with the combination of Prince and Black blood coming together so well, he'd be quite the treasure and with your muggleblood refreshing the bloodline; If you were to marry Regulus and produce an heir the same way well... Let's just say lord Prince would be hard pressed to turn you away."

Severus' lips pursed together as he took this information in. Something unpleasant stirring in his chest at the thought of being used like some breeder in a prized cattle competition, "And if lord Prince did refuse? Even after getting married and having a child."

"It wouldn't matter." Narcissa said dismissively, "Because of the union and the new heir, once he dies everything would go to you anyway. Titles, deeds, you would inherit everything under the Prince estate. Which would also give Regulus access to the Prince estate. So regardless of whether lord Prince accepts or refuses-"

"Walburga wins."

"People tend to underestimate my aunt, they usually regret it later." Narcissa said with a pause only to scoff, "Honestly, if it meant getting access to the Prince line, aunt Walburga would welcome Sirius back with open arms provided that he was bringing you with him." And then her eyes became odd, distant, "She probably wouldn't even care about whether or not I married Lucius."

"That's a bit of an exaggeration don't you think?"

"So naive, Severus. I could probably end up marrying a... werewolf and it wouldn't matter." Narcissa joked. Severus felt the distinct urge to cringe before she continued. "She'd probably just send Bella to come and help me plan the nursery."

"Why wouldn't she help you herself?"

"Because she'd be too busy helping you with your nursery master Prince." Narcissa said with a roll of her eyes, Severus couldn't help but scoff while Narcissa simply leaned back with her hands braced on the blanket. "I've already spoken to Remus by the way, he's promised to keep the information concerning your mother to himself. You won't have to worry about Potter finding out."

"You think he'd try to make things even more difficult for me?"

"I think he'd try to marry you."

Severus looked at her sharply, lips twisting in disgust and Narcissa laughed.

"The theory on new bloods. It's been gaining traction because of efforts from Charlus Potter."

"Charlus Potter?"

"Potter's grandfather." Narcissa supplied, "He used to be all over Wizengamot arguing over the rights of muggles and muggleborns trying to normalise marraiges between wixen and muggles. The man is absolutely convinced that newbloods are necessary in order to preserve wixen blood and keep it strong, that's why it caused such a row when Potter's parents married. Charlus had wanted his son Fleamont to marry a muggleborn or even a muggle, but when he came of age he was already in love with Euphemia and refused to marry anyone else."

"Euphemia is a pureblood?"

"Euphemia hails from the house of Black." Narcissa said with a smirk and Severus just blinked back at her. "Fleamont married her despite his father's wishes and things went quiet for a while, until they started trying to conceive and weren't able to. That stirred up even more tension with Charlus not so subtly blaming Euphemia for their inability to concieve, until eventually Potter was born. That seemed to appease him."

"Is Charlus still alive?"

"Oh very much so. Apparently visits quite frequently and spoils his beloved grandson to death, while simultaneously lamenting the fact that he only has one grandson."

Severus rolled his eyes, "If he wanted a 'newblood' in his family so badly then why didn't he marry a muggleborn himself?"

"Oh well, arranged marraiges Severus. You know how those go. That of course hasn't stopped him from keeping himself entertained with the... company of muggles."

Severus looked over to her, "No..."

"It's quite the scandal. No one speaks of it but everyone knows it's happening." Narcissa said with a smirk before shaking her head, "That's why I'm saying, you should be a bit more careful around Potter. He idolizes his grandfather quite a bit from what I understand."

Severus paused. Briefly he remembered that day on the train. Potter had been vaguely interested in Lily when they entered the train car, but it's only after she mentioned that she was a muggleborn that his eyes seemed to light up like Christmas. It was... uncomfortable to think about. Severus just didn't want to think about it.

But even so. Even if Potter had managed to inherit such... proclivities from his grandfather-

"I sincerely doubt that Potter would ever develop any such affections for me."

"Well what Potter wants may not matter. Really Severus, if Charlus found out about you; newblood from the Prince line, I have no doubt he'd try to have you and Potter married and pregnant before the end of the year, age of consent be damned." Narcissa looked entirely too amused for her own good before she shook her head, "Thankfully, I don't think it'll come to that. Remus promised to keep it to himself and I assure you, you don't have to worry about aunt and uncle telling anyone."

"Because they plan on trapping me themselves?"

"Yes."

Severus sighed in frustration, this really isn't something he want's to think about now or... ever for that matter. Deciding to just put the Blacks and Potters and just general awfulness of purebloods aside for the moment, he looked back towards Lupin who was lying on his back as Abbey and Alex squealed and laughed, apparently trying to smother him to death and while he just let them. Severus smiled.

"They seem entirely too real."

Narcissa smiled as well, "Hmm, you know. I can't imagine Lucius playing like this with any child, real or not."

Severus sighed, looking over to see the still distant look in her eyes. "Neither can I."

They stayed out there for another hour before finally heading back inside. Severus bid them both a good night before quickly taking Alex inside. They went through what had become their usual routine. Dinner, bath and then bed time. They replaced his crib with a bed not too long ago, but the rocking chair stayed in the room. Severus couldn't help but tense when he suddenly saw the chair move a bit just as he stepped into the room.

"Papa."

Alexander said and Severus looked at the boy with a smile as he carried him over to the bed, "Well, what will it be tonight? A story or just a cuddle?"

"Cuddle." the boy beamed and Severus felt his heart melt a little.

"Alright." Severus turned out the lights leaving just the night light in the room on while Alex grabbed a plushie and they both quickly settled into bed. He leaned up and pressed a kiss on the boy's head and Alex seemed to snuggle in a bit closer to his chest. The raven sighed.

"Just the most annoying little brat, aren't you? You must get that from your father as well."

Just then he saw the rocking chair move just a bit, or maybe he didn't.

"Papa." The boy suddenly asked and Severus looked down at him, seeing those large eyes peaking up at him, he couldn't help but smile.

"Yes Alex?"

"Do you love Daddy?"

The Slytherin blinked, "I... Alex, do you even know what that word means?"

The boy nodded and Severus looked away. Of course he does, their... assignments seemed to know a lot of things already all on their own. Which made things easier in someways but, difficult in others.

"Do you know who your daddy is?"

Alexander paused thumb going back into his mouth before he nodded his head, "Yes."

"Who is it?"

"Sirius Black."

Severus paused as well, "Your... father and I are." Telling the truth would be the easiest and simplest thing to do. But an odd sense of discomfort came over him at the thought of telling this child, real or not, that he despised Sirius Black and wanted nothing to do with him. Plus, the idiot hadn't done anything terrible to Severus as of late. And there was that day in the hospital wing...

"It's difficult to explain." Was all he said and Alex' head gave a tilt.

"Remmy loves Cissy."

Severus blinked and then scoffed, "You think so?"

"Mhmm."

"Well then, Merlin help Remmy."

Oddly, Alex giggled and then quickly leaned up to press a kiss on the Slytherin's cheek, "I love you Papa."

Severus just stared back at the child, for the second time at a complete loss for words so instead he just pressed a kiss on Alex' temple and hugged him tightly; even as he felt something in his throat ache and something in his chest clench tight. "Get some sleep. Good night Alex."

"Good night Papa." And then, "Good night Daddy."

Severus' eyes went wide and almost instinctively his eyes snapped up to stare at the seat beside the chair. Could it be- No, it couldn't. Why would he even be here? He looked down at the boy who seemed to already be well on his way to sleep before looking up at the chair that didn't move even a little for what felt like forever before just shaking his head. First Walburga and Orion Black and now he's seeing things. Alex probably means to say good night to Sirius wherever he may be. Alex has always been... sweet like that. Severus kept his eyes on the chair even as he let his head rest on the pillow before letting out a heavy sigh as he shut his eyes.

He definitely needs some sleep

~ End Flash Back ~

"Before I forget." Narcissa said as she headed towards one of the cupboards on the opposite side of the kitchen to take out a silver box tied with a black silk ribbon, "Aunt Walburga sends her regards and asked that you remember that you're expected for Christmas."

Severus sighed just as the box was set in front of him. His lips pursed and he hesitated before he pulled off the ribbon and took the lid off the box and pulled back the gift paper inside. Severus blinked.

It was a blanket.

Velvet or chasmere? Soft and warm. It was midnight blue with thousands of bright silver stars all over it. Severus looked up at Narcissa and she shrugged.

"Well its clearly a blanket Severus."

Severus rolled his eyes, "I can see that Narcissa. What I don't understand is what it's for."

"For Alex to start with."

"And to end with?"

"The child you and Regulus have, once you marry and have a child of course."

"Dear Circe." Severus shut his eyes and let out a sigh of frustration only to pause when Narcissa spoke again.

"It's the same blanket Sirius and Regulus got when they were children."

Severus blinked, "She can't be serious."

"Clearly, she is." Narcissa said turning back just as the kettle boiled. Severus didn't know how to respond to that. He just shoved the lid back on the box and stuffed it in the bag he brought with him.

Severus was able to just forget about it for the rest of the night as Alex and Abbey kept them both busy with endless demands of games and ice cream and arguments over who gets to sleep where.

The next morning, Remus was back by eight.

He'd given Severus a soft smile after he arrived. Looking much better than he did the day before. Severus deemed his potion a success and didn't say a word when Lupin offered to make breakfast before he and Alex left that morning.

He left their rooms and headed back to his own when he heard arguing.

That wasn't really all that odd considering all the other noises that radiated from the rooms all around the hallway, but this arguing was accompanied by the crying of a child. The sort of crying he hasn't heard since the first week when all the babies seemed to be teething.

He would've ignored it, if he didn't realise that one of the voices sounded like Lily and the other clearly belonged to Potter... Actually he would've ignored it once he realised that it sounded like Lily and Potter and maybe he should have. But he didn't.

Instead Severus walked towards the noise, frowning as it only seemed to get louder. Alexander frowned beside him.

"They sound mad."

Severus looked down at the boy before letting out a sigh, "We won't be long."

"I was here all alone, all night while you were out with your mates doing who knows what!"

"I told you, it was important! I wasn't just fucking around for the sake of it."

He reached the door on the furthest side of the hall, door number one. He took one very long deep breath and let it out before he knocked. The arguing came to an abrupt halt though the crying didn't stop.

Severus waited, looking down at Alex, the boy gave him the most curious wide eyed look and Severus immediately felt at ease.

The door opened. The volume of the screeching child increased.

"Sev-Snape." Lily opened the door, staring back at the other with wide eyes before she quickly composed herself, "What're you doing here?"

"Who is- fucking hell, what do you want?!"

Potter was a few feet behind her. Both looked frazzled, tired- well exhausted really.

Lily's lips seemed to twist in annoyance she looked like she was trying very hard not to turn back and resume her previous argument with Potter. Severus decided to just put a stop to it already.

"How old is it?"

"What?"

"The... child. How old is it?"

"That's none of you-"

"Two." Lily interupted and Severus nodded despite his shock that they were still stuck in the second week.

"So, a cold?"

"We asked madame Pomfrey for some potions but she didn't have anything specifically for babies and she said we should just use what we have."

Severus just looked away and started searching through the bag on his shoulder until he came back with three vials. And handed them to Lily, Potter had come closer but thankfully kept his mouth shut. Severus gave him a wary glance as he spoke to the redhead.

"That's pain, that's fever and that's just a general flu potion. Half a teaspoon of each before feeding, no more than once every four hours." He cleared his throat, "If you have normal potions then its best to dilute them, no more than one drop each in the baby formula. That's what madame Pomfrey meant. But these potions are suited for babies so you won't have to do that. The ughm, flu potion should help it settle down and get some rest."

"Where did-"

"I made them."

Both Lily and Potter just stared at him, the crying from the rooms still going. Severus quickly moved to pick up Alex. "C'mon Alex."

Lily blinked again Potter tensed, suddenly seeming to only just notice the child who stared at them before waving goodbye as Severus walked away.

"Bye-bye." Alex called out. Severus just kept walking. He heard the door close once he was a few feet away. Thankfully the arguing didn't start up again. Severus just took a deep breath and decided to forget about the incident.

At midnight he received a very rude awakening.

Someone quite literally shook him awake, immediately jolting the Slytherin from sleep. It took him a moment to understand what was happening. A moment for him to recognise stormy grey eyes burning with rage.

"Black?"

"Where the hell did you get this?!"

"What?"

Something soft and plush suddenly hit him in the chest and Severus squinted through the darkness of the room to notice bright silver stars on dark material.

Walburga's blanket.

He hadn't planned on using it, but Alex had gone looking through his bag, searching for his plushy earlier only to find the blanket and just giving Severus the brightest smile when he did. The boy had wrapped the material around his shoulders and beamed at him so brightly as he asked if it was his; Severus didn't have the heart to tell him no.

Stupid not-real brat.

Once he realised what was going on Severus just sat up with a glare.

"That's none of you business Black." He said shoving his own blankets aside and setting his feet on the floor, before reaching for the blanket again, "Did you take this from Alex's bed?"

"I cast a warming charm around him, he's fine." Black growled impatiently, "Answer my question. Where did you get this?"

Severus got up and looked the animagus right in the eye and repeated, "That's none of your business."

He walked around the Gryffindor to leave the room only to stop when his arm was grabbed and he was jerked back.

"What-"

"You got this from my mother didn't you?" He asked lowly and Severus just stared back at him.

"And what if I did?"

"How did you even-" Black seemed to take in a deep breath through his teeth before he spoke, "I don't want those people around him, do you understand me Snape? You keep them away from him."

Severus scoffed, "Or what? Exactly what are you going to do if I don't?"

"I'll-"

"You have no right to tell me how I should or shouldn't handle Alex, or who I should allow around him." Severus said clearly as he wrenched his arm free, resisting the urge to rub the spot that would surely be bruising tomorrow morning, "We both agreed remember? I do this on my own. You stay out of my way and do whatever the hell you want, far away from here. Everything is fine, we're in week four and he's four years old. He's perfectly fine, so get out."

With that Severus spun around and left the room, he had enough presence of mind to snatch his wand off of the dresser as he made his way to Alex's room. Thankfully the boy was still asleep. He quickly removed the warming charm and then tucked him in with the blanket again. Alex sighed in his sleep. Severus couldn't help but smile before he left the room and shut the door behind him only to freeze when he turned and found Black behind him.

"What are you still doing here?!" He hissed, "I told you to leave."

"Not until I'm sure that you'll stay away from Walburga bloody Black."

Severus glared back at him, "You don't get to tell me what to do."

"He's mine too, Snape."

"He's not real."

"He's real enough for you to go about playing pretend mummy for four weeks."

Severus' glare got darker, "Drop dead."

"Snape-"

He turned and determindly walked to the front door, holding it open while he aimed his wand at the animagus' chest. "This conversation is over Black. Get. Out."

Black glared back at him, eyes going to Alexander's door before he stalked forward. He paused right beside the slytherin, Severus just kept his wand aimed at his face.

"This isn't over."

"Get out."

With one more growl the Gryffindor finally left and Severus shut the door before casting every locking spell he could think of.

With a heavy sigh he leaned back against the door and slid down to the floor, dropping his wand to drag both hands over his face and through his hair.

The next morning he would be woken again, this time much more gently by two soft hands gently nudging him awake to a pair of different stormy grey eyes looking at him nervously.

"Papa."

Severus frowned, Alexander looked bigger. Did the next week start already? He couldn't help but smile a bit when he realised that he was still making good progress and that the boy really was alright. He reached out a hand to put on the back of Alex's head to draw him close and press a kiss on his temple.

"Morning Alex, did you sleep well?"

The boy nodded before nervously looking up at the opposite side of the room as he whispered.

"Papa, what's Daddy doing here?"

"Daddy?" Severus frowned again letting go of the boy to turn over on his bed and look to the opposite side of the room. To the other bed that he never really got around to spelling onto his own only to freeze.

The bed had an occupant. If those shaggy raven locks were anything to go by, he knew exactly who it was.

Suddenly wide awake, Severus reached for his wand and got up.

"Alex, go to your room. Don't come out until I come get you."

"But Papa-"

"Don't argue with me, go."

The boy hesitated before he turned and quickly darted from the room. Severus waited until he heard the door close before he quickly got out of his own bed and quietly stepped over to the other just to confirm his fears.

Once those fears where confirmed, Severus glared hard.

"Aguamenti!"

The Gryffindor in the bed was startled awake after being dosed with ice cold water and sat up gasping in his now soaked bed. He blinked around himself in confusion only to stop when he saw the raven standing beside his bed, wand aimed at his face and glaring with rage.

"What in the name of Salazar, are you doing here?!"

Black seemed to catch his breath as he dragged his wet hair back over his head. "I told you this isn't over."

"Get. Out."

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"You forget, that we're supposed to be doing this together. You can't make me go anywhere."

"We had a deal."

"I changed my mind."

"You worthless bas-"

"Uh uh, language Snape." Black had the nerve to smirk, "We wouldn't want the little tyke hearing you talk like that about his Daddy."

"I'm going to kill you."

"Unless you want to explain to Waltz that we haven't been doing the assignment as ordered, you're not going to do anything." Black said as he got up and Severus took a step back, still glaring at the animagus.

"Why are you doing this? I don't want you here. You don't want to be here that's the whole reason why-"

"I don't want those people around any child of mine, real or not." Black said with a glare of his own, "If I have to stay here and protect you myself then that's what I'll do."

"I don't need your protection."

"Well you're getting it Snape so you might as well get used to it."

With that the animagus left the room and headed for the bathroom. Severus wanted to scream in frustration but managed to minimize it to a huff and a very very deep breath in and out, shutting his eyes for a brief moment.

"Just bloody perfect."

Breakfast was... somewhat of an ordeal.

Partly because Severus hadn't figured out what on earth he was going to do about Black, but mostly because Alex seemed so excited at the prospect of 'Daddy' being in the house with them. Out in the open at least-

"What do you mean?"

Alex's head gave a tilt, "Daddy usually only comes at night. He always stares for a long time too. He stares at you for ages Papa."

Severus felt his eye begging to twitch, "He comes here at night?"

The boy nodded and Severus took in a silent breath, "Alex, why didn't you tell me about this?"

Alex paused and looked down at the empty plate before him for a moment, pulling his bottom lip between his teeth before he spoke, "Daddy made me promise not to. He said it was a secret."

That stupid, bone headed-

"Are you mad Papa?" Alex asked, worry clear in his eyes and Severus moved back towards the table to press a kiss into his hair.

"Not with you."

Alex blinked, "You're mad at Daddy?"

He's going to strangle that stupid mutt.

Severus didn't answer him, instead giving a smile as he quickly reached out to grab hold of the pan on the stove.

"What would you like on your pancakes this time?"

"Blueberries." Alex beamed and Severus scoffed as he got breakfast started. Alex sat babbling in his chair about Abbey and a game that they played last time. Severus hummed as he cooked. He made himself some toast with bacon and eggs, which Alex seemed to like as well before he set everything out on the table. He was just taking the kettle off the stove when.

"Bloody hell, you actually cook?"

Severus resisted the urge to tense. He'd almost forgotten about the stupid-

He turned back to face Black who was dressed and already making his way over to the table. The kettle was in his hands, he might've thrown it right at the twit's head if he wasn't worried about hurting Alex as well.

"I thought James was lying when he said he found you barefoot, pregnant and cooking."

Severus glared hard.

"Morning Daddy." Alex called out and Black paused as he looked at the boy, almost like he was surprised to see him there before he cleared his throat and sat down in the chair beside him.

"Uh... morning."

"Papa made pancakes."

"Yeah, I uh, I see that."

"Do you like pancakes Daddy?" Alex asked, eyes wide with infinite curiosity and Black seemed to hesitate before he answered.

"Yeah."

Severus just took one very very deep breath as he started dishing out for Alex and gave the boy a smile, "Once you're finished you should go get dressed. Cissy's coming over with Abbey in a bit."

"Can we go outside today?"

"Maybe later, we'll ask Remmy when they get here."

"Remmy?" Black asked incredulously and Severus just glared at the animagus who had taken it upon himself to pour out his own food. The absolute arrogant-

"Are you coming too Daddy?"

Black looked over to the boy, eyes going up to Severus for a moment before he spoke, "Why not? Apparently, I can't leave you two alone for one second."

Alex beamed. Severus was still glaring at the Gryffindor when he spoke.

"Alex, go wash your hands."

"But I already washed my hands."

"Do it again. One more time."

The boy began to pout even as he got down from his seat, "Yes, Papa."

He headed off to the bathroom and Severus continued to glare at the animagus until the door shut.

"Not bad Snape." Black said stuffing a forkfull of eggs and pancake into his mouth, "You know, I could get used to-"

"You have a lot of nerve you ignorant cur." Severus hissed, "Have you been sneaking in here and spying on me?!"

"No I-"

"Alex told me that you've been coming in here at night."

Black paused and swallowed what was in his mouth as he spoke, "I was just making sure that you weren't messing anything up. I'm not failing muggle studies just because of you."

Severus' glare became darker, "Well clearly everything is fine, so why don't you do us both a favour and leave?"

"I don't want my mother around him."

Severus prayed for patience.

"Fine, I have no reason to be around Walburga Black anyway, now leave."

Black matched his gaze for a moment before he reached out for the kettle and poured himself a cup of tea and set it back down again.

"No."

"No?"

The animagus gave a smirk as he seemed to get comfortable in his seat, "I rather fancy staying down here a bit. Home cooked meals, cozy little house."

"I-"

"Plus the boy is going to need a proper father figure don't you think?" The Gryffindor said with that smirk growing and Severus yet again fought off the urge to grab the tea pot and-

"You miserable-"

"Now now, love. We already spoke about you talking about me like that around the little one."

"You-"

The door to the bathroom opened and Alex came rushing out. Severus pulled back to take a deep breath as the boy scrambled onto his previous seat.

"All done."

Severus nodded, "Would you like some juice Alex?"

"Yes please."

"Awfully polite, aren't you?" Black said as he started eating again Alex shrugged.

"Papa says a wizard should always be polite."

"Does he?" He looked up at the Slytherin who was sitting down on the boy's other side, "Shame you can't take your own advice, love."

Severus tensed and glared hard at the animagus before he simply filled his plate and muttered one of the few wandless spells that he knew. The plate infront of Black immediately flipped over along with his cup and spilled right onto his shirt and lap. The animagus quickly stood from his chair at the hot burn of the tea.

"Daddy?!"

"Ow fucking he-"

"Language." Severus said smoothly as he lifted his own cup of tea, "Honestly, no house training whatsoever. It seems someone needs a few lessons in manners, don't they Alex?"

Black glared hard, opening his mouth to probably start cursing when-

"Are you O.K Daddy?" Alex asked, eyes wide with concern and the animagus felt himself start to deflate.

"I'm... I'm fine." He shoved the food that had landed on his lap onto the table and got up, "I'll go get changed."

Severus scoffed as he took a sip of tea before looking back at Alex with a smile, "Would you like some more bacon, Alex?"

And so began week five.

Week six

James let out a sigh of frustration as he stared at the door before him. Door number eight.

He's been staring at it for what felt like forever but what was really about five minutes.

Why is he at door number eight? James wasn't really sure, but he was and no matter how many times he tried he just couldn't manage to make his feet move away from the stupid fucking door. He dragged a hand through his hair, let out another sigh before just reaching out to knock.

'Don't be a fucking coward. You're a Gryffindor for Godric's sake.'

He heard the sound of a child squeal and giggle on the other side of the door, and then that oh so annoyingly familiar drawl not too far behind before it opened and there was Snape.

Smiling.

The Slytherin's hair was up again, though a few of the raven strands had fallen out of the pony he had it tied up in. A rosy flush colored those no longer sallow cheeks and those cold dark eyes had filled with so much warmth.

James felt himself flush ever so slightly.

The raven on the other side quickly reached down to snatch up the child in the door. Which is when James realised that Snape hadn't been the one to open the door.

"Who told you you could open the door?"

"Daddy said I'm the man of the house." The boy beamed, those oh so annoyingly familiar eyes gleaming as he threw his arms out before wrapping them around Snape's neck. The Slytherin scoffed.

"Daddy's an idiot."

"That's mean Papa."

Snape finally looked up at the person standing on the other side of the door and immediately tensed. James cleared his throat.

"Morning Snape."

"Potter."

"Good morning." the boy said and James couldn't help but stare at him before he quickly brought his attention back to the raven when he spoke.

"What're you doing here?"

"Oh, I was just uhm-"

Shit now what?!

James tried to think of something, the best he could come up with was-

"Is Sirius here?"

That was pathetic. Is Sirius here? Of course he isn't here! James knows that Snape's been doing this whole thing alone and Padfoot wanted nothing to do with it. This is just as bad as it was two weeks ago when he asked that same stupid question.

Merlin, he could've made up some excuse about his own assignment. He could've asked for something concerning Lily or asked for a potion for Rose. But no, his stupid mouth comes up with; is Sirius here?

It's those eyes, those stormy grey eyes that stared at him from the face that looked a little like Sirius' but still reminded him of Snape way more than he was comfortable with.

Is Sirius here?

He's such an idi-

The sound of a door opening and then closing. Snape glanced back over his shoulder at something.

"Who's at the door?"

James frowned.

What-

"Potter." Snape said shortly as he stepped away from the door only to stop when Alexander beamed and reached out for-

"Daddy!"

The door opened even further and there stood Padfoot, in a plain shirt and flannel pants with a towl on his head, seeming to dry his hair. He took the boy that reached out for him with a grin before letting out a dramatic groan.

"You're getting way too heavy for this."

The boy just giggled as Sirius pressed a kiss into his hair when Snape took the child all over again.

"Alex, let's go get breakfast ready."

"But Papa-"

"No buts."

The Slytherin gave James a wary look before dissappearing behind the door. Sirius seemed to finally look at him and blinked in surprise.

"Prongs, what're you doing here?"

He asked obliviously and James resisted the urge to gape.

'That's what I should be asking you!'

"I uhm, it's just-" Instead James forced a smile, "It's been a while since we all got together. Figured I should check up on you."

"Oh... ohhh," Sirius smirked, "Evans driving you up the wall again, is she?"

James managed to give a way more convincing laugh than he thought he would, "Yeah, something like that."

"Well, I'm a bit busy now but-" Sirius said glancing back into the quarters before looking back at James, he could hear pots and utensils, "We should definately get together later, Remus said something about Narcissa wanting to see Severus so-"

Severus?!

"Tomorrow after dinner, at about nine? We'll meet up at Remus and Narcissa's. You know the room number right?"

"Yeah, yeah I do."

"Brilliant." There was a loud crash and Sirius quickly looked back only to let out a scoff, "I should go. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Right..."

The door closed, as James tried to wrap his mind around what just happened he heard another clatter come from the inside, Sirius groaned and Alexander practically screeched as he laughed... and Snape laughed-

Snape laughs?

He took his glasses off and dragged a hand over his face with a heavy sigh.

Suddenly there was a low animalistic growl just before Alex squealed with delight.

"Padfoot!"

"Oh no you don't you mangey mutt," A sharp bark, "Sirius, don't you dare!"

A series of loud thumps and crashes came from behind the door, Alex was in a giggling fit, Snape seemed to be having somesort of melt down between the yips and growls that came in between.

James set his glasses back onto his nose before looking over towards the other side of the hall. To door number one.

And sighed again.