Another Dark Star

A/N: Thank you to everyone who is bearing with this story. Reviews and messages help keep the dreaded block at bay and are gratefully received, even positive criticism! Thank you especially to those of you who review/message regularly. You know who you are and I feel honoured to have you.

Chapter 41


Snape had been barely able to take time to visit home as the year sped on and was glad when Sadie finally decided that Hadrian was old enough to take a trip to Hogwarts.
One Saturday come late March, many of the teachers were waiting in the Staff room for her to arrive. Severus was late, overseeing yet another detention for Crabbe and Goyle and would be up later.

There was a rush of excitement when Sadira entered carrying a Muggle baby carrier in one arm and a large bag in the other.

“Hello everyone!” she called.

She had worked hard to lose the baby weight, desperate to return to fighting fitness in case her skills were needed as the war escalated. Everyone who had known her as an Auror could see little change. Her hips and tummy were still a little bit bigger, and her breasts were enormous, but she still looked like any other trendy 22 year old. She was dressed in her favourite tight fitted jeans, green blouse and well loved leather duster coat, teamed with her favourite spike heeled boots. Her make-up was still as dark and she wore black fishnet fingerless gloves with red varnish on her long nails.

“Sadira, how good to see you both,” McGonagall welcomed warmly, stepping forward.

“And here’s the wee man we’ve heard so much about.” She peered into the carrier and saw a pink faced smiling boy with unruly black hair and dark eyes in a pale green and blue striped velvet sleepsuit with white ducks embroidered on, holding the matching hat which he had just tugged off.

“My word, isn’t he like his father!” Sprout commented.

“Och yes, the image of Severus, that’s plain to see.” McGonagall concurred, both witches bent over the baby.

Sadira took a seat and placed the carrier on another chair and was soon surrounded by Hogwarts staff keen for a look at the new baby. It had been years since any of the staff had a family, not since Headmaster Black and it was ironic that the current staff baby was a descendant of his. It wasn’t only the women who were interested either. Flitwick was fascinated by Hadrian and was ecstatic when the child rewarded him with a bright gummy smile. Sadie unclipped him and handed him to McGonagall. The formidable old witch softened as soon as the boy was cradled in her arms.

“Hello Hadrian, welcome to Hogwarts. You’ll be attending here when you’re older.” She told him.

He didn’t seem to mind being passed round like a parcel. In fact he seemed to enjoy the extra attention. Hagrid got quite emotional when it came to his turn to hold the boy.

“Reminds me o’ little Harry at tha’ age.” He sniffed.

Slughorn engaged the young woman in small talk while the others cooed over the baby. He wanted to learn more about the girl who had melted Severus Snape’s icy heart. She had clearly made enough of an impression to make him risk his job, if staff gossip was to be believed about her schooldays.

They found they had a lot to talk about, between Potions, Hogwarts and the Ministry. He found her to be brilliant with a dry, sarcastic sense of humour but with warmth underneath the surface. Now the bump was gone he could see that she had a fine figure as well as a pretty face. In fact the longer he spent with her, he wondered what she ever saw in Severus in the first place.


Severus entered the Staff Room in a foul mood; aggravated, Sadira thought, by the presence of Albus Dumbledore. There was a tension between them, as if they had just stopped arguing.

“Sadira, my dear, I quite forgot you were visiting today.” Dumbledore said jovially.

“Headmaster, how are you?” she greeted politely, hugging him briefly.

“Oh I’m fine, how are you?” he asked, patting her shoulder.

“Tired, but fine.” She smiled, her gaze moving to where her husband stood. He was clearly keeping a tight rein on his temper for her sake.

“Where is young Hadrian? I’ve been waiting to see him since I heard the news.” Albus said, interrupting the long meaningful look the two were giving each other.

“Hagrid has him.” She replied.

“May I?” he asked as Hagrid brought him over.

“Of course Albus” she said, watching fondly as the greatest wizard of all time held her son with the air of a proud grandfather.

“He’s lovely Sadira; the image of his father.” Dumbledore commented.

“That’s what everyone says.” She smiled. Someone got a camera out and was taking pictures of the boy with everyone.

“How are you, Love?” Severus whispered, standing behind her.

“I’m fine, really. Just a little bit tired.” She replied quietly.

“You’re taking this well. I didn’t think you’d let anyone else hold him.” He remarked.

“I’m not that clingy Sev.” She defended.

“Not clingy; just protective.” He replied soothingly.

“I’ve missed you.” She said longingly, turning to face him. Taking advantage of everyone’s attention being on his son, he bent and placed a brief but loving kiss on his wife.


Suddenly a loud piercing wail came from the direction of the crowd.

“Oh dear, Sadira!” Dumbledore called anxiously. She returned to her son, bawling his eyes out.

“Thanks Albus, he’s just hungry.” She assured them, laying the child against her shoulder.

“How do you know that already?” Severus asked. She looked down at her chest where her blouse was beginning to strain.

“Because I’m in agony. Where can I feed him?” She asked.

“There’s a classroom further down the corridor, you can use that.” He replied. She lifted up her bag and exited swiftly.


Twenty minutes later, she returned with a changed, fed and winded, happy baby fast asleep. Suddenly there was a knock on the Staff room door and McGonagall answered it to reveal Ginny Weasley.

“Professor, is it true my cousins have come to visit?” she asked.

“Yes Miss Weasley.” McGonagall repliet tartly.

“Can I see them please?” Ginny wheedled.

“Students are not usually allowed in the Staff Room.” McGonagall replied.

“Oh please Professor. I haven’t seen Hadrian yet.” She wheedled.

“Oh very well, but quickly mind.” McGonagall relented.

“Sadie!” Ginny squealed, hugging her cousin nearly to death.

“Hello Ginny, how’s school?” Sadie asked, returning the hug.

“School’s fine. Ron’s still being a git though.” She said.

“That doesn’t surprise me. I don’t know where Molly and Arthur went wrong with him!” Sadie joked, making Ginny smile.

“Where’s Hadrian?” Ginny asked.

“Asleep.” Sadie replied, pointing to the carrier, where he was making tiny snoring sounds.

“Aww, so cute. Wait till I tell everyone about him.” She gushed. “I see he got Snape’s hair.” She said softly, tentatively stroking the soft fine hair, wary of his soft spot.

“Yes, and his eyes too. He’s just like his dad.” Sadie told her.

“He’s got Auntie Delilah’s nose though.” Ginny pointed out.

“Thank you.” Snape said triumphantly, having snuck up on the chatting pair.

“I still say it’s too early to tell.” She replied with a sigh. Ginny held in a giggle. It was clear that this was an issue they had been arguing over for a while.

“When he wakes up, can I hold him?” Ginny asked.

“I don’t see why not.” Sadira replied.

“Shouldn’t you be resting missus?” chided Madam Pomfrey as she entered the room.

“He’s only just gone off Poppy, honest.” She defended.

“Well; leave him with me for an hour or two while you catch up on your rest.” Pomfrey said. Sadie looked wary.

“It’s ok. I’d rather not.” She said quickly.

“Sadira, have you ever left him before?” Poppy asked.

“No.” She replied, fearfully. Poppy smiled indulgently.

“It’s ok to be scared, it’s normal separation anxiety. But you do know you can trust me don’t you?” Poppy said.

“Yes, I just don’t like leaving him.” Sadie whined. Severus placed a hand reassuringly on her shoulder.

“You know full well he’ll be safe with Poppy. Come with me, you need some rest.” He said softly in her ear, encouragingly but also expressing how much he wanted to get her on her own.

“Ok then Poppy, thank you.” She sighed.

“Good, the hospital wing is empty right now, he’ll have peace and quiet.” Poppy assured her.

“Can I come too? I want to help.” Ginny said. Snape glared at her audacity.

“I suppose so, if Madam Pomfrey agrees.” Sadie said indulgently. Poppy nodded, making Ginny squeal.

“Ooh, wait till I tell all my friends.” She gushed.

Snape accompanied Sadie to their rooms while Ginny and Pomfrey took care of Hadrian. He held her hand tightly, stealing long smouldering looks at each other as they made their way to the dungeons. It really had been too long since they had last been together, even longer since they had been alone, without worrying about Hadrian waking.

As soon as they passed the threshold to their private rooms he pressed her against the door kissing her possessively, full of need and longing.

“Gods I’ve missed you.” She sighed as he swiftly unbuttoned her blouse to reveal her large, aching breasts.

‘Oh God!’ he thought as she unclipped the cups of her nursing bra. He supported her breasts with his hands, running his thumbs over them in wonder at her new body shape.

“Oh, that feels so good!” she moaned deep in her throat, throwing her head back. He marvelled at how sensitive she was. Capturing her mouth with his once more, he moved his hands to her waist and lifted her, pinning her to the door again and pressing firmly against her so she could feel his hardness through the layers of their clothing.

She wrapped her legs around his waist tightly, grinding her body against him. Her hands clawed at his coat frantically, trying desperately to lay him bare before her.

“Oh Sev, it’s been too long.” Sadira moaned, kissing his lean but toned torso all over, lapping distractingly at his nipples.

Severus dropped her down, just long enough to yank his trousers and boxers to his ankles while she removed her jeans and knickers hurriedly. Again he pinned her to the door, slipping a finger inside her, kissing and licking her breasts. She wrapped one leg around his hip, opening herself up to him.

“Please Severus, I want you now!” she groaned. He spread her wetness around her womanhood before pressing his member against her entrance and pushing his way in, gripping her hips sharply in pleasure and surprise.

“Fuck you’re tight.” He gasped. Since her cervix and vagina had healed, she was as tight as a virgin again and the constricting feeling of her walls stretching to accommodate his girth was amazing.

He didn’t notice her eyes water in pain as he thrust deep and hard into her but she didn’t complain. As much as it hurt her she craved his touch and the intimacy, needed him inside her. Besides, she loved having him dominate her. She wrapped her arms tighter round his neck, bracing herself on his shoulders while her strong thighs squeezed him tight.

He moved one hand to her breast and squeezed the sensitive flesh hard, making her cry out. He smirked sadistically as he pistoned in and out of her, hitting her cervix hard and bruising her back against the heavy oak door. She clawed at his back and pulled at his hair, lost in sweet pain and pleasure.

The usually calm, restrained couple were reduced to vicious feral savages in their lust and hunger for each other. He pinched her sore nipple and this time she screamed in pleasure as her release shot through her, bucking and screaming like a creature possessed. Her pussy contracted hard around him, increasing the pressure and wonderful friction around his sensitive cock and he emptied himself into her with a roar, collapsing against the door, the both of them dripping in perspiration.


“Bed.” He said once he regained control of himself. She took his hand and followed him into the bedroom, Accio-ing her clothes. She replaced the cups on her nursing bra for comfort but, otherwise naked, she climbed into bed with her husband and curled against him in the comfort of their bed.

“This bed feels so empty without you.” He sighed, stroking her long dark hair and holding her tight.

“I miss you too Severus. I wish you were home more often.” She said.

“You may soon get your wish.” He replied ominously.

“What do you mean? I know you and Albus have been arguing again.” She said.

“A minor disagreement.” He snipped defensively. “Do not concern yourself. I told you everything I feel comfortable with telling you about this task. Suffice it to say I do not see myself teaching here beyond this year.”

“Please Severus, you know I worry about you.” She pleaded, her eyes large and damp.

“Hush pet, don’t worry about me. You just look after yourself and Hadrian, I can look after myself.” He whispered lovingly.

They lay there in peace for some time, just kissing and caressing, remembering each other’s touch and forging memories to fortify them against the lonely and difficult months to come. When he pressed her to her back again however, she winced.

“Ow!”

“What is it love?”He asked, full of concern.

“I think you got too carried away before. It hurts a bit.” She replied.

“I’m sorry Love, you should have told me I was hurting you.” He said remorsefully, kissing her again in reparation.

“I’m alright, it’s ok Sev. I missed you too, I understand.” She smiled. He got up and wrapped his dressing gown around himself, leaving the bedroom and a puzzled Sadira.

When he returned a few minutes later she was almost asleep, wrapped cosily in the blankets and happily inhaling his scent.

“Sadie, sit up.” He whispered.

“Hmm?” she looked up at him sleepily and wrapped her arms around him, cuddling up to him again.

“You need to take this,” he encouraged, offering her a single dose vial of a turquoise potion. “It’s for the pain, if you remember.” She sat up uncomfortably.

“Thank you Love.” She said, gratefully swallowing it and laying beside him again, smiling contentedly when he snaked his arms around her and held her close.

When Sadira awoke she reached into her coat pocket and brought out a large flat package. She leaned over to where Severus was sleeping and kissed him softly, running her hand through his hair and letting her tousled curls brush against his chest.

“Happy Anniversary Love.” She whispered. He opened his eyes and smiled a wide genuine smile.

“Ah, if only I could wake like this every day.” He sighed. “Happy Anniversary to you too Love. I can’t believe it has been a year already.”

“Yes, so much has happened this past year.” She sighed.

“I’m sorry, I wish our first year of marriage had been a happier one.” He said sadly.

“No Love, our marriage has been the only thing keeping me going through everything that has happened. I thought I was strong but I’m glad I’ve had you to lean on. I’ve been grateful of your strength lately.” She said, stroking his hands as she leaned on his shoulder.

“I’m glad you think so, but you are a strong person Sadie, to cope for so long on your own. I just cannot believe I have had to jeopardise our future happiness to secure Draco Malfoy’s safety.” He said bitterly.

“Let’s not talk about that now. You were there for me every time I needed you and that is all that matters.” She replied.

“This war will be my downfall Sadie, I feel like I am losing myself. I have needed you so much lately. It’s killing me being apart from you and Hadrian.” He sighed.

“Here, I brought you a little something for our anniversary.” She said, handing him the package. He tore off the brown paper to find an antique silver picture frame, likely a Black family heirloom judging from the snakes in the filigree design, holding a moving photograph of Severus and Sadira sat happily together, holding Hadrian on their laps between them proudly.

“So we’ll always be with you.” She said quietly.

“Thank you.” He replied, placing the photo on his bedside table and opening the drawer handing her a red velvet box, long and thin.

“I bet you thought I would forget.” He smirked, handing it to her.

“I knew you’d remember, but I wasn’t expecting a gift.” She replied, opening the box to reveal a glittering diamond tennis bracelet. “Oh my gods Severus!” she gasped, staring at the 16 perfect diamonds.

“You know how I love to spoil you.” He purred, taking her pale delicate wrist and clasping the bracelet around it. He held her hand up to admire how the jewellery sat on her arm, kissing her palm affectionately.

“It’s beautiful, thank you.” She said, kissing him ardently. He leaned into her kiss, pushing her back against the bed and running his hands along her sides.

“Sev, we haven’t time. I have to collect Hadrian.” She protested sadly, pulling away from him with regret. He sneered irritably and sighed, running his hands through his hair.

“I suppose you’re right. I’ll try and visit you again during the Easter holidays but between Malfoy and Dumbledore I cannot make any promises.” He said.

“I know. We’ll be together soon, not long to the end of the year now.” She assured him while they dressed.


They made their way up to the Hospital wing hand in hand to collect their son. When they got there, Ginny Weasley was tickling Hadrian, watching as he kicked and smiled while Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood sat nearby entranced.

“Good Afternoon Mrs Snape.” Luna greeted in her usual dreamy tone.

“Hello Luna, Hermione.” Sadie said pleasantly, hoping the girls were still innocent enough to not figure out what she had been up to for three hours or why she was smiling. Snape walked off scowling to find Madam Pomfrey.

“Hadrian’s lovely Mrs Snape, he’s been good as gold.” Hermione said.

“You can call me Sadira you know Hermione. How’s Harry doing? He hasn’t written to me in months.”

“Oh, you know Harry.” Hermione shrugged evasively.

“That isn’t helpful Hermione.” Sadira said sternly.

“He’s got another conspiracy theory into his head.” Hermione whispered. “Dumbledore’s been giving him private lessons. I think he’s being trained to kill You-Know-Who.” Sadira’s heart raced and her face fell.

“Sweet Merlin Harry!” she whispered.”Hermione; you, Ron and Harry know if you need any help you can come to me don’t you? Any time.” She said.

“Thank you Sadira, I’ll make sure Harry doesn’t forget that.” Hermione said, wondering how much Harry would trust Snape’s wife.

“Ginny, I know you’re Harry’s friend but I don’t want you getting involved in any of his hare-brained schemes or suicide missions.” Sadie said imperiously. Ginny opened her mouth to complain but was cut off.

“Promise me Ginny. I swore to your mother I would do what I could to watch out for you children but the least you can do is make it that bit easier for me. Hermione’s seventeen, Ron will be soon and Harry is under Dumbledore’s watchful eye so I can only advise them but you will always be my baby cousin.” She pressed.

“Ok, I promise I won’t purposefully place myself in danger.” Ginny grumbled.

“That’s all I ask.” Sadie replied, relieved. “Come here cheeky boy.” She clucked, lifting the grinning, wriggling baby into her arms happily.

“Are you staying for dinner?” Snape asked hopefully.

“I wasn’t going to; it will be difficult with Hadrian.” She replied. “Do you want me to stay?” she asked when she saw disappointment in his face.

“I do not mind. If you have to go I will understand, but I would like it if you stayed.”
He said quietly, aware of the students observing their interaction curiously.

“I’ll stay longer but we’ll see about dinner later.” She replied. She strapped Hadrian into his carrier and attached a little dog rattle to his wrist which he shook jerkily with a gummy smile.


They left the Hospital wing together, Snape standing protectively close to her and their son, glaring at curious students who stopped to see Snape’s wife and baby. Suddenly she stopped, hit by a sudden stroke of genius.

“Sev, I’ve had an idea. Could you ask Minerva to meet us in the Headmaster’s office?” she asked. He looked at her strangely but acceded her request, sweeping off down the corridor in his usual dramatic billow of robes.


When Minerva and Severus arrived at the Headmaster’s office, Sadira was sat in one of the squashy armchairs, drinking tea and eating a pear while Albus held Hadrian for Fawkes to inspect. The majestic creature eyed the boy warily as though taking the measure of him before lowering his head, expressing his acceptance of the child.

“What is this about Sadira?” Minerva asked, concerned.

“I wanted to ask you both; Albus and Minerva, will you be Hadrian’s godparents? I understand if you feel you can’t because of your responsibilities here but I wanted to ask you both before anyone else.” She said. McGonagall looked stunned and Dumbledore smiled, watery eyed.

“I’d be honoured to my dear.” He replied

“Yes Sadira, it would be a pleasure.” Minerva smiled.

“Thank you both.” Sadira smiled.

“No, thank you. However I believe it is customary to have three godparents is it not?” Albus asked. Sadie looked downcast.

“I did have one more person in mind but I doubt Severus would agree.” She said warily.

“Who? Not Hagrid?” Severus asked.

“No... Harry.” She said, bracing herself.

“Potter?!” he spluttered.

“See, I knew you’d get like this. He is family and that’s very important to me. I want him to feel like he belongs.” She replied.

Snape hated to see his wife upset, especially on their Anniversary. However, he also hated how she made him feel like this; so guilty and over Potter of all people. Most of all he hated how weak he had become by binding his soul to this witch. Despite all this, he did love her and he knew he would do anything to make her happy, but did she have to ask for this?

“I will consider it.” He grumbled petulantly.

“Thank you, that is enough for me.” She smiled indulgently.

She knew she could easily manipulate him into agreeing but she respected him too much to force the issue. She knew it had taken a lot for him not to refuse outright and he would hate her and Harry if she pushed him into a choice he wasn’t happy with.

Their happy moment was disrupted by a loud squelchy farting sound coming from the carrier.

“Lovely.” Sadie remarked sarcastically.

“The boy does seem to have impeccable timing.” Severus agreed.

“Well, it seems I’m suddenly rather busy. Will you excuse me; I have to attend to him.” She apologised.

“Not at all, perfectly natural.” Albus smiled. She yawned as she lifted the bag again.

“I’m sorry Love, I don’t think I’ll stay much longer. I’m just going to go home and sleep I think.” She said.

“That’s fine, you need your rest. You should accept help more often. You try to do too much on your own. Next time you feel this tired, Floo Molly. Merlin knows she’s probably bored stiff at home on her own now all the children are gone.” Severus insisted.

“Ok, I’ll Floo my aunt if I’m feeling overwhelmed, I promise. Owl me if you’re coming home over the holidays.” She smiled.

Albus and Minerva engaged in meaningless conversation, tactfully ignoring the antisocial Potions professor as he bent to kiss his wife and son goodbye.

“I promise I will see you soon.” He whispered before she left.