Entitled

Chapter 125*

You find yourself walking along the familiar paths of Hogwarts, the cool breeze brushing against your skin. The grounds, usually a source of comfort, seem almost distant today, like a memory of peace you can't quite grasp. 

The weight of exhaustion clings to you like a heavy cloak, both physically and mentally. Four weeks post-partum, your body is still adjusting, and the stress of caring for two newborns, Esmond and Iris, is wearing you down more than you'd imagined.

As you walk, you hear the familiar sound of footsteps behind you, measured and deliberate. You don't need to turn around to know who it is. Severus has always had a way of finding you, even when you're trying to steal a moment for yourself.

When he catches up, his face is etched with the same exhaustion you feel. His usually sharp eyes are dulled by lack of sleep, and his posture, always so rigid and controlled, shows the slightest hint of weariness. But even now, in this moment of shared exhaustion, there's a trace of that unyielding need to be in control.

"Taking a walk without telling me?" he starts, his voice low but lacking its usual bite. There's no real accusation in it, just fatigue.

You sigh, not in the mood for his controlling tendencies. "Severus, I needed a moment. Just a moment where I wasn't being pulled in a thousand directions. Poppy is with the babies; they're fine."

He looks away for a moment, as if struggling to find the right words. "I know it's been difficult," he finally admits, his voice softer. "But I... I worry. You're still healing, and the babies... they need you."

"And I need to breathe, Severus," you retort, your frustration slipping through. "I love them, more than I can put into words, but I'm drowning. Between healing, feeding, the sleepless nights... and you," you add, your voice tinged with weariness. "You watch my every move as if I'm going to break at any moment. I feel like I can't even make a decision without you hovering."

He winces slightly at your words, but doesn't interrupt.

"I'm not made of glass," you continue, your voice trembling. "I'm doing my best, but your constant need to control everything is suffocating. I get that you want to protect us, but you're smothering me, Severus."

There's a long pause. The wind rustles the leaves, the only sound in the otherwise stillness between you. Finally, he speaks, and there's a vulnerability in his voice that you rarely hear.

"I'm sorry," he says, barely more than a whisper. "I... I don't know how to do this. The idea of something happening to you, or the children... it terrifies me." He takes a deep breath, as if steadying himself. "But you're right. I've been... overbearing. It's just... when I don't have control, I feel like everything could fall apart."

You reach out, placing a hand on his arm, feeling the tension in his muscles. "Severus, we're both scared. But we need to trust each other. Trust that we're doing our best, and that it's enough."

Severus looks down at you, his dark eyes softening as he takes in the exhaustion etched on your face. He pulls you closer, wrapping his arms around you in a rare moment of tenderness, his embrace strong and reassuring.

His lips find yours, and the kiss is sweet, almost hesitant, as if he's afraid of overwhelming you. It's been so long since you've felt this close to him, and the simple touch ignites something deep within you that's been buried under the weight of new motherhood and fatigue.

But as you lean into him, seeking more, he pulls back slightly, his forehead resting against yours. "You're not ready," he murmurs, his voice filled with concern.

You shake your head, desperation creeping into your voice. "I am ready, Severus. I need this... I need you. I need to feel something other than tired and overwhelmed."