Severus Snape: "__" Would Include...

His S/O Giving Birth Alone

Anonymous: I really hope your requests are open because I'm desperate to request this to you! I was wondering if you could do Snape's reaction to coming home after a meeting with Voldemort and finding you've given birth to his child and it was successful and you and the child are okay. (It might be that it's too dangerous for her to get in touch or that they are hidden.)

● Horror. Severus is familiar with the scent of blood. Imagine his horror when he flu's home, only to have the stench of iron bombard his senses. No. He couldn't lose you. You were everything to him. Everything. Dropping everything, he'd race through the house, shouting your name.

● He'd be terrified. Remember, he's been in this situation before. The last time, he'd ended up finding Lily Potter's body. When you hear his frantic calls, you'd do your best to answer him. Of course, in your weary state, you'd forget about the silencing charm. Poor Severus.

● He wouldn't even notice the baby at first. Upon opening the bedroom door, Severus would give a heartbroken sob. "(Y/N)." Staggering to your bedside, he'd fall to his knees. "(Y/N), oh Circe, (Y/N), (Y/N)..." Face buried in your hair, he'd have a death grip on you–his body still shaking.

● He'd hover. Even if a house-elf or Madame Pomfrey herself had helped with the delivery, he'd still be unsettled. Having you on a strict potions regiment, he wouldn't be satisfied until you were well enough to hex him.

● He'd try to do everything for you. Simply put, he's going to hover. After all, your rest is more important at the moment. Did the baby wake up hungry in the middle of the night? Don't even think about getting up, (Y/N).

Note: Imagine waking up to feel your daughter nursing. He'd cringe–having tried his hardest not to wake you. Imagine your surprise when he admits that this isn't the first time he's simply let you sleep through the night.

● He'd resent the war. Even though he'd seen the delivery through your memories, it wouldn't be the same. He should have been there, yet he wasn't. And for what—a cursory meeting to report Harry Potter's emotional status?

● He'd have another reason to survive. When babies are born in the wizarding world, there is likely a bonding of magic between parent(s) and child. The fact that he'd missed this as well? It would bring tears to his eyes. Gritting his teeth, he'd vow to survive. He refuses to miss watching his child grow up.

Note: Holding your child close, Severus would gaze into a set of sleepy, yet so familiar eyes. Feeling his magic protectively encircle theirs, he'd close his eyes—leaning forward, resting forehead to forehead.

BONUS:

If he got summoned just as you went into labor...

You clutched his hand, doubling over in pain. "Is there anything I can do?" You shook your head. "Just don't leave me?"

"Never."

As if on cue, his arm suddenly burned causing him to wince. "What is it?" You drew away. "I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to squeeze so hard!"

He shook his head. "No, it's not that."

Silence filled the space between you. Oh, Circe, not today. Not now. Frustrated tears burned your eyes. Gods dammit. Why couldn't he let Severus have this one day?

"I'm staying."

You froze. "W-What? Sev, you have to..."

"I can't just leave you," he snapped.

You both knew the truth. Your voice was a whimper as you told him, "You have to."

...

Tears welled as he readjusted the pillows one last time. He was stalling; you both knew it. For once, you didn't scold him.

"I love you," you whispered, giving him a brave–if not watery–smile. His heart broke. "(Y/N)..." The tears fell.

"Shh," you soothed, rubbing his jaw. "Just be careful and hurry back. I'll be fine. Just...please, Sev–be careful. Don't let your emotions get the best of you."

He groaned, leaning forward to rest his forehead against yours. "I love you so much, (Y/N)."

"And I love you." You reached up to kiss him. You'd intended a chaste affair, but he couldn't help it. Deepening the kiss, he desperately buried his fingers in your hair. For a short moment, he tried to forget everything.

Your wince drew him back as another contraction hit. You huffed labored breaths. "Go," you urged.

He knew he had to, yet how could he? Everything in him rebelled against it. "Severus Snape! Go before I hex you!" Still, the message was clear: I can't lose you.

With a sharp nod, he thought of Malfoy Manor. A loud pop. Then nothing but your harsh breaths.