Your Baby is the Size of A...

And Finally, It Ends...

Watching Severus crumple – Remus would have thought – should have been the worst of it. But as it turned out, every second afterward surpassed it in ache. While it should have only taken seconds to reach the darker man, it felt like hours. The dungeon floor bit harshly at his knees. "Severus," he said sharply, his tone turning almost desperate. His fingers cupped the other's face, trying to smooth away the angles and lingering pain. And when Severus should have responded to his calling, and didn't, the suddenly slow progression across the floor felt unimportant. That dark head lolled on a boneless neck.

Severus was all sharp angles and unpredictable lines as Remus tried to corral the darker man into his arms. He finally managed to get his arms around Severus, bundling him tightly against Remus's chest. He tried to swallow down the feeling of terror bubbling up from behind his breastbone as he stumbled almost lost through the castle. His chest cinched up tight as the Infirmary came up empty. The terror simmered down into panic as Poppy finally emerged, even though her face white with the sight of them.

"Out," Remus positively growled, his body trembling. "I don't fucking care if it's not ready! Cut it out ."

"Get in the backroom," she said softly, voice choked and eyes wide.

He stumbled across the floor, carrying Severus with as much tenderness as he could, while he felt as though he'd fall apart. Severus had managed twenty years pulled in two, but there was something repugnant about death coming from within.

"Severus," he groaned, face in the other's neck as Remus spilled him upon the bed. "Severus, please," he whispered, nosing at the other's neck – only vaguely aware of the high whine building in his chest.

"Go get the Headmaster," Poppy snapped, her fingers grabbing hold of Remus's arms. She shook him, trying to get his attention, and finally that hazel gaze lifted to hers. The look was uncomprehensive.

"But," Remus started, teeth worrying at his bottom lip.

"Now," she ground out, pushing the werewolf toward the door. For a moment, she didn't think he would actually leave, but then the lighter man was nearly fleeing the Infirmary. "Oh Severus," she gasped out, eyes filling with tears as she looked the dark man over. They had expected it she tried to remind herself, but it hurt as it always did. "You poor dear." Severus was all a tangle of robes and long limbs as she fought to undress him.

While it hadn't happened often, there had been a few times when Severus had collapsed during the Dark Lord's reign – turned a ragdoll by pain and exhaustion. It was hard work. Hard work that she never thought she'd have to do again – to get him undressed so she could survey his belly. They'd stopped by earlier, Remus distraught with Severus's discomfort, and she had tutted away the werewolf's fears. Severus's discomfort had been a constant since the start; it had been expected. More than that, it had been accepted. So, she had explained babies couldn't be rushed and sent them on their way.

Which had apparently been the wrong assessment. Because she could see Bump twisting just under the stretched taunt skin, and Poppy cupped the distended belly, trying to soothe the motions. "There now, love," she started. "We'll have you out in just a bit." Her gaze strayed to Severus's all too still face. And while they had conversed at length about the risk he was taking, she had never really thought it possible. After all, as Severus had stated a Dark Lord had tried and failed to destroy him, though the infant seemed to be doing a well enough job.

Her fingers pushed through his hair as Poppy waited, rather impatiently, for Dumbledore. Not that the Headmaster would be helping with the operation, more that he would be responsible for . . . containing Remus. Of course, it was rather unfortunate that there hadn't been time to tell Minerva as well, and Poppy hoped the other would forgive her that indiscretion.