Love and Potions - Severus Snape x OC

Chapter 53 - Sly Fox

Rowan watched as the students she had seen grow and learn this past year finish up their last exam of the school year. The next two weeks would be filled with 5th Year students taking their OWLS, and the next week the 7th year students would take their NEWTS. While Rowan had enjoyed her time teaching potions, she had to admit she was excited to have her own classroom after this school year finished up. Though, that was not the only change coming to Hogwarts in the next school year.

Over the past few weeks, Rowan had been avoiding Madam Pomfrey like the plague. With Severus making her any potions she needed to aid her with feeling her best, there was really no need. That- and she had promised she would take Severus the next time she went to see Madam Pomfrey. It wasn't that she didn't want to take him, it was the fact that he was a worrier. He would want to know the ins and outs of the child before they were born, and with the student exams coming up, Severus was stressed enough. 

"Class dismissed," Severus sighed as he looked up to the students. Rowan watched as lines grew on his smooth forehead; She just wished there was something she could do to help him. As the last of the students fled the room, Rowan leaned over to wrap her arms around Severus' waist. "You need a break, Sev," Rowan whispered as she softly grabbed a quill that Severus had in a death grip. His tired eyes met hers and no words were needed. 

Swiftly, Rowan placed her hand behind Severus' head and gently pulled his head against her chest. Immediately, Rowan felt his body relax against her own. He had been working too hard, and it was affecting him. Rowan felt Severus slowly place his hand against her small but growing bump and a smile fell onto both of their faces. "Can't we see Poppy today? Just to check in, my love," Severus asked as he traced small circles around Rowan's stomach, causing small flutters throughout her body. The baby was almost drawn to Severus' touch; it was incredible. 

Sighing lightly, Rowan rested her chin on Severus' head. Pursing her lips, Rowan nodded. "Fine, but only quickly. Then you need to get some rest," Severus nearly sprung up from his seat at her words. Rowan chuckled and joined him and they walked together, openly holding hands as they made their way down the hallway. 

Students no longer gave them a second look when they saw the pair together, and if they did Severus' deadly stare surely threw them off the path of mocking them. "Hey, Knight!" Rowan heard from behind them and she spun on her heel, reluctantly releasing Severus' hand. None other than Blaise Zabini was approaching quickly with Juniper quickly following. 

"Try a 'Professor,' in front of my last name Zabini," Rowan chuckled as Blaise threw his hand around her waist being careful around her small bump. Blaise only rolled his eyes as Juniper finally caught up with the growing group. "Hey, Ro!" Juniper exclaimed as she joined Rowan at her free side. The trio and Severus continued to walk down toward the infirmary as they caught up.

There hadn't been much time for them to hang out anywhere as their tests were quickly approaching. Millicent hadn't left the library in her free time for weeks, and the only time Rowan saw her was in potions class. "I do not like sharing my time with you, Professor," Severus complained from behind the trio, his tone was obviously annoyed. "Hey pops," Blaise began sourly. "You'll get used to it," he snapped venomously, shaking his head with a small chuckle. 

"Detention, Zabini. You'll get used to it," Severus bit back as he removed his wand and slowly removed Blaise's hand from Rowan's waist with it; Severus would not be caught dead making any physical contact with a student. Scoffing, Blaise stopped walking with the group. "I'll see you around, Rowan," Blaise called out with a hint of sadness in his voice. 

"Juni, will you make sure he's alright? I know how he gets," Rowan asked with pleading eyes. She hadn't wanted either of them to go, but Blaise had become reckless in the past few months. With his actions and Severus' inflated ego, Slytherin had no chance of winning this year's house cup competition.  "Sure thing. Keep me updated on what Madam Pomfrey says, alright?" Juniper replied and with a quick nod from Rowan, she was off to find Blaise Zabini before any trouble could. 

Severus took his moment to meet Rowan at her side again, but they didn't join hands. Rowan was much too disappointed that Severus hadn't been able to become cordial with Blaise, but they had been much angrier at each other since Rowan had returned from being captured. She would never know exactly what those two had said to each other, and not a soul would tell her. The only thing she knew was that whatever happened was not going to be fixed easily. If Blaise and Severus had to be in a room together for longer than necessary, it was almost certain that the word detention would be said multiple times before the day was over. 

"You'll have to get used to him sometime, Severus. He's one of my best friends," Rowan said as they reached the infirmary doors. Her stomach fluttered with anxiety as she prepared to be scorned by Poppy. She hadn't attended any of the agreed-upon appointments in weeks. "He may be your best friend, but that doesn't mean I have to like it, darling," Severus said sourly as he placed a kiss on Rowan's forehead. Before Rowan could protest, Severus opened the door to the infirmary and Rowan's eyes met with Poppy Pomfrey's. 

Both a look of anger and relief seemed to wash over Poppy as she ran over to meet the pair. "Rowan Knight! You had me worried sick!" Poppy exclaimed as she began to prepare the strange machine they had used the last time Rowan had come in for a check-up. It had become almost muscle memory for Poppy as she attached her wand to the machine and a screen began to appear. "I'm sorry, Poppy. With the exams-"

"It's my fault, Poppy. I have been making her potions for her symptoms so I felt she had no need to come; I apologize," Severus interrupted as he placed a hand on Rowan's back and lead her to the prepared cot beside the machine. With pursed lips, Poppy shook her head at Severus. "You are not a doctor, Professor Snape," She began as the look on her face morphed from enraged to overjoyed. She turned to face Rowan as she slowly began to roll up Rowan's shirt so that her stomach was exposed. "You are off the hook this time, Rowan. Don't make a habit of it," 

With a few turns of the nobs that were attached to the make-shift ultrasound machine, a small picture of the growing child appeared on the screen. Rowan felt Severus lace her hand with his own, squeezing slightly as the image cleared. "This baby will make for a fine witch at our school one day," Poppy smiled slyly as Rowan's eyes widened. "Witch?!" Rowan cried out in excitement as she looked anywhere she could for confirmation. 

"You two are having a little girl; she looks very strong and healthy," Poppy smiled as she gave a small nod. Rowan turned to look at Severus who had turned as white as Nearly-Headless Nick. "Are you alright, Severus?" Rowan asked as she reached out with her free hand and placed it against his cheek. "Yes, sorry. I am absolutely alright, my love," Severus smiled brightly, placing his hand over the top of Rowan's. 

Poppy began to pack up her things before handing Rowan a small picture. In it, a small picture of her daughter; in true wizard fashion, the picture was filled with movement. The little blink of her heart on the picture brought tears to Rowan's eyes; this was happening and it was most certainly real. 

"I'm changing your appointments to bi-weekly," Poppy began as she rolled the machine out of the room. "That means you must come to them, Rowan!" She called out in a motherly tone. Rowan chuckled in embarrassment as she swung her feet over the end of the cot. Severus, while he still looked like he may faint at any moment, smiled over at Rowan. 

Suddenly, he placed his arms underneath Rowan's knees and lifted her up bridal style. "Why don't we go and join the staff for dinner, my love?" Severus hummed as he placed a quick kiss against Rowan's lips. Electricity pulsed through Rowan's body as Severus continued to pepper kisses along her shoulder and neck. "Sev," Rowan warned as she bit her lip shyly. 

Severus let out a loud chuckle as he nodded. "After dinner, darling," Severus answered, seeming to get what Rowan was hinting at. Rowan giggled and shook her head. "We've been over this so many times before, Sev. My legs work just fine," Rowan complained as she tried to wiggle her way out of his grasp. The more she moved, however, the tighter he held on. "I love you, Rowan," 

Rowan felt her cheeks heat up as she placed her head against Severus' shoulder. "I love you too, Severus," she chuckled and decided that, at least this time, she would let him get away with carrying her. She had been on her feet for most of the day, and while she wanted to act like she still had the energy she did months ago, it just wasn't true. 

Sighing happily, Rowan placed a small kiss against Severus' cheek. How did she ever get lucky enough to have met a man as amazing as Severus Tobias Snape? While she may not know the answer, there was no denying that she was most certainly not complaining.