The Potions Master and the Ravenclaw

Maybe Someday

Snape woke to find himself alone in bed and he did not like it one bit.  He frowned. 

"Madeline?" He called out for her.

"I'm here," came her reply from the bathroom, "but please don't come in."

He got up, went to the wardrobe, pulled out his dressing gown, and wrapped it around himself.  "Madeline, are you still ill?"

He heard her retching. 

"That answers that question," he mumbled to himself.

He stood outside the bathroom door, worried.  "Darling, are you alright? Let me in."

"I don't want you to see me this way.  I'll be out in a moment."

"That's ridiculous.  Let me help you!"

Once more, the sounds of her vomiting reached his ears, followed by the flushing of the toilet.  He heard water running for a few moments, then she opened the door at last.  She was pale, holding a wet cloth to her lips.

"Come on, my love.  Let's get you back in bed."

He helped her lie down and then climbed in beside her, gently holding her to him and kissing the top of her head.

"Severus, I don't think this nausea is from apparating," she said very quietly.

He sat up and looked down into her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I'm wondering if I'm..."

"Pregnant?" he finished.

She nodded.  "Are you angry?"

"Angry!  Oh, no, my darling! I'm not angry at all!" A smile slowly spread across his face.  "In fact, I find myself... quite thrilled!"

"Really?"

"Yes.  Really.  How are you feeling about it?"

"I'm not sure.  I'm still trying to get my head round it.  I could be wrong.  It's just a thought.  We shouldn't get too excited until we know for certain."

"Yes, of course.  You're right."

"A baby," she whispered.

"A baby!" He laughed out loud.

"I just don't know how..."

"You know how, darling," he smirked.

"No, I mean I've been so conscientious about taking precautions.  I never miss my potion.  Never."

"Well, the potion isn't one hundred percent effective. You know that. There's always a chance that it will fail."

"I'll get Poppy to give me a pregnancy test this afternoon."

He smiled and kissed her forehead. "I want to be with you when she does."

"I'm glad." She snuggled into him.  "Meet me in the hospital wing at two o'clock. We can do it then."

"Perfect.  That will give me time to run into Hogsmeade before my first class.  I have a quick errand to run. Will you be alright alone?"

"Yes, my love.  I'm feeling much better now."

...

Madeline sat on the bed in the hospital ward twisting the hem of her white nurse's pinafore in her fingers nervously.  She heard the doors open and turned to see Severus making his way purposefully toward her.  She smiled as he approached and he kissed her lips tenderly. He sat next to her and took her hand in his.

"How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Nervous."

"Don't be nervous, Madeline.  It will be fine either way."