Severus & Serena One Shots

What Baby?

"How was your class?" he asked her that night as they ate dessert together in their chambers at the school.

He had walked out on a limb, and taken a risk. He opened his own apothecary and potions shop in Hogsmeade. The old apothecary was neglected and forlorn, no respectable witch or wizard wanted to get within ten feet of the shop. Billings, the sketchy owner easily took his offer to buy the storefront.

It set very well in his mind to take the shop from the person who refused to sell to him for the last five years. And now he provided higher quality ingredients, better potions, and a more professional shop. Potions brewers from around the world came to his shop; he made and shipped potions everyday to other countries.

He was proud. He even had an apprentice: Joel Winterbranch, his most talented student. He was well on his way to becoming a Master.

Serena smiled weakly, the purple half moons under her eyes obvious. It was the end of October, and the winter was fast approaching. The lack of sun caused her to tire easily, often falling asleep right after dinner before he could make it home.

"They're going well, I'm pleased with my seventh years. I think they will all pass their o.w.l.s with flying colors. I fell asleep during lunch though" she laughed, scooting closer to him on the couch, her head on his shoulder

"Perhaps we should take you to Poppy? You've been very out of sorts. It's a little early in the winter for this type of exhaustion" he suggested, a slight fear tugging at his chest.

She looked up at him, hazelnut brown eyes full of adoration. Six years.  Since he had met her. Since they became friends. Became lovers. Got married. Made a home together. She was his biggest supporter, always guiding him to reach for his dreams. He became a better man so that he could be worthy of her. And he worked every day to show that to her.

"Not tonight Severus...I just want to be with you. I'm not used to you being gone all day yet. Your presence was just such a comfort and now I need to take it when I get it" she told him, burrowing in beside him, kissing his hand.

"I don't have to go in tomorrow, it's Saturday. I could have Joel watch the shop...I miss you too" he turned her chin up and kissed her softly, chest filling with a hope that he never thought he could have.

"Letting Joel do everything? I must look a sight. I love you" she murmured dreamily, kissing his cheek and neck with her eyes closed.

"I love you too" he whispered to her already sleeping body.

——————-

Last summer ( June )

They walked along the cobbled streets of Prague, the casual chatter filling in their comfortable silence. Serena noticed a family of three sitting at a table with a little girl, sharing lunch together. They were laughing because the little girl had pastry all over her face and was going back for more. Serena's stomach tightened, a quick flash of wistfulness settled in her chest.

"Have you ever thought about children?" she asked him as they sat down on some steps to people watch.

"I work with children everyday, of course I think about them" he answered sarcastically, rolling his eyes at her

"Ass. You know what I mean. Did you ever want to have children?" she questioned somewhat cautiously, aware that this may be a trigger for him.

"I never thought I would. I suppose I had told myself I wouldn't..." he answered sadly, remorse coloring his words.