Veils Removed

Birth of their Princess

Following the intense battle, the months had passed in a blur. They had settled into their secluded cabin, the quiet life a stark contrast to the chaos they had left behind. Severus had taken up gardening, his green thumb coaxing life from the barren earth surrounding their new home. Hermione had devoted herself to studying ancient texts, searching for any knowledge that could aid in the protection of their unborn child. Their days were filled with whispered secrets, stolen kisses, and the sweet anticipation of what was to come.

As the leaves of the enchanted forest outside their window turned to a fiery hue, Hermione felt the first stirrings of discomfort in her swollen belly. At first, she dismissed the sensation as the usual pregnancy pains, but as the evening progressed, the intensity grew, each wave stronger than the last. She gripped the edge of the kitchen table, her knuckles turning white as she tried to keep the pain from showing on her face.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she called out, "Severus!" Her voice was stronger than she felt, echoing through the cabin. Severus emerged from his study, his eyes immediately drawn to her pale face "Its time," she panted, her hands clutching the fabric of her dress.

Severus's expression switched from calm to urgent in a heartbeat. He rushed to her side, his eyes searching hers for any hint of doubt or fear. "Let me check," he murmured, his voice a soothing balm to her nerves. He raised his wand and murmured an incantation under his breath, a faint blue light enveloping her swollen abdomen. The light danced over her skin, revealing the life growing within her, their child's movements becoming more insistent with each passing moment.

"You're right," he said, his eyes flicking to hers. "It's time."

Severus led her to the cozy bedroom they had prepared, his hands steady despite his racing heart. "Do you wish to go to a muggle hospital?" he asked, his voice tight with concern. "They have the medical facilities to ensure a safe delivery."

Hermione shook her head, her breath coming in short gasps. "No," she managed to say. "I want to be here, with you."

Severus nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "Alright," he said, his voice calm despite the turmoil in his chest. "We have potions stocked in the pantry. I will get the ones needed for the delivery."

Hermione nodded, her eyes never leaving his as she felt another contraction begin to build. The pain started low in her back, a steady crescendo that wrapped around her belly and tightened with an intensity that stole her breath. She clutched at the fabric of her dress, her knuckles white as she tried to keep her voice steady. "Hurry," she managed to murmur, her eyes squeezed shut.

Severus moved swiftly through the cabin, his footsteps echoing down the corridor to the pantry. His hand shook slightly as he searched the shelves, his mind racing with the instructions he had read in the ancient tome of childbirth spells and potions. He grabbed a bottle of pain relief potion and a second, smaller vial filled with a glowing blue liquid. The potion was designed to ease the transition from womb to world, a gentle buffer for their child's first breaths.

As he rushed back to Hermione, the urgency in her voice grew. She was on her knees by the bed now, her palms pressed into the mattress, her eyes squeezed shut as she rode out the next contraction. Severus knelt beside her, his hand warm and comforting on her back. "Drink these," he urged, his voice steady despite the fear clawing at his heart.

Hermione took the potions with trembling hands, her eyes never leaving his as she swallowed them down. The warmth of the potion spread through her body, a welcome reprieve from the pain that had been steadily increasing. She felt a sudden surge of energy and allowed Severus to help her onto the bed, her legs shaking with the effort.