Who Would Have Thought

This was originally written for TSS Contest # 4 Other Challenge # 8
Other Category Challenge # 8
Pair one of these characters (Harry, Draco, Sirius, Remus, Severus, Lucius) with any one of the following (Neville, Seamus, Blaise, Ron, Charlie, Bill, Oliver).

PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW!!!!!! They don't hurt (much) to write.


Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Thanks to Tivogirl for the beta work she does so graciously for me (not to mention putting up with the ramblings)


Who Would Have Thought

He sat in the Potions classroom looking nervous. He tried to concentrate on his assignment, but the Potions Master distracted him. He could already tell today was going to be another wasted class. This was the only class the young Gryffindor had problems with and everyone attributed that to the Professor.

He watched the imposing figure observe the class activity. He went back to trying to concentrate on his potion. It looked like it might actually come out right this time. If only the clock and bell would signal the end of class before Snape got around to his side of the room. He only had hope, like every other day. And every other day he watched his hope die. Would today be the exception?

His friends often wondered why he seemed shy. After so many days of ridicule, you only want anonymity, but he wasn’t allowed even that. His friends tried to pull him out of the doldrums and it only made it harder. There were too many things he had to hide from all of them, but he could do it.

Snape looked around the room. He really should find someone else to intimidate, but it was such a thrill to see the “brave” Gryffindor shudder as he questioned and ridiculed. It was an extra bonus to see the crestfallen face when he dropped just the smallest, harmless ingredient in, stepped back and waited for the explosion.

The imminent explosion today was spectacular as predicted.

“Mr. Longbottom, are you suicidal, murderous or just incompetent? Can anyone, anywhere, please tell me how Mr. Longbottom has managed to keep from killing all of us? Mr. Longbottom, you must have truly been,” Severus paused, “touched to be able to perform to this level of incompetence. Remove yourself from my classroom. You will report back here immediately after dinner. I am feeling generous today, so you will be given the chance to successfully brew this potion at that time. You will do it correctly or you will always remember this evening. NOW GO!”

Neville picked up his books and supplies and made his way out of the door. He heard the snickers of the Slytherin students as he exited the room. How he dreaded the thought of returning tonight. Actually, he dreaded the wait until he was back.

Neville made a sharp left outside the door, walked down ten feet and stood against the wall. He let his left hand drop to his side, pressing his fingers hard against the stones. He felt his fingers and the hidden ring click into place and braced himself. The small part of the wall moved, letting him step back through into the comfortably furnished room. Dropping his books on the table and his potions supplies on the long counter, he removed his robes and shoes. Walking over to the couch, he settled down, stretched out, getting comfortable with the throw that had covered the back of the couch.

Today wasn’t as bad as others had been, so he was thankful for small favors. Snape could be absolutely hateful when he tried. Neville just wished it wasn’t directed at him so much. His thoughts slowed as he warmed up under the blanket. A smile covered his face as he thought it was wonderful not to have classes until late this afternoon and he could sleep. He was tired lately and it was getting more frequent. Maybe he should be checked out later. Right now, sleep was calling him and he answered the call.

His most challenging class was over for two days. Severus Snape had reasons to be happy. His largest distraction was not appearing until after dinner. Severus made his way from the classroom to his semi-private quarters. Glancing around let the retired spy reassure himself things were as they should be. Hanging up his robes, he continued into his private quarters. Closing his eyes, he walked through the rooms to his bedroom. He had to take a shower. He had to remove the explosion residue left in Longbottom’s quake. Slipping into the bathroom and removing his clothes, he stepped into the shower. Making quick work of the washing, he stepped back out and dried himself with a towel. Walking back towards his bedroom, he grabbed his dressing robe. He was off until Lunch and then he didn’t have to make an appearance today.

Severus walked back into his living room heading for his favorite chair and stoking the fire. As he made his way to the chair, he glanced at the couch and stopped, frowning. Walking over to the couch, he gently sat on the edge. Reaching out a hand, he moved the soft brown lock of hair from the forehead. The man did not stir so Severus slowly whispered a spell to enlarge the couch so he could lie down also. Sliding under the blanket, he tucked it around both of them and immediately fell asleep.

Severus woke two hours later still on the couch with the other man sound asleep. Moving in closer he let his lips brush the forehead, nose and finally the lips. Eyelashes fluttered and eyes opened to gaze into his. “Severus” was sighed as the man burrowed closer. Severus wrapped his arms around the man.

“Neville, what’s wrong? You don’t usually come during the day. I’m always here and you’re always allowed to slip in, but I’m sensing something wrong. Tell me.”

Neville sighed. “I don’t know what’s wrong Sev. Classes or most classes are going well. No one has picked up on it yet that I’m only in about three classes a day. I’m tired more often, have no desire to blow things up in your class, have to go to the bathroom more. What’s really strange is brushing my teeth in the morning makes me ill. I mean pray to the porcelain gods ill. Can you check me out? I’d rather not go to Poppy if it’s something small.” Neville stopped talking and let his body drift closer.

Sev ran his hands over Neville, taking care to be gently, not wanting to disturb the young man. Finding nothing, Severus had Neville stand up in front of him. He ran a critical eye and gentle hand over the young man, noting the subtle differences and different reactions. Putting out a hand, he took Neville’s and led them to his bedroom, lying them down on his bed.

“Neville, I think I know what it is. I have one or two more things to check and then we can go talk to Poppy. First, I want you to know I didn’t know or expect this. Next, I will take care of everything, you just need to relax.” Severus stopped speaking for a minute. “Neville, stretch out and let me work.”

Neville did as Severus told him as he began his incantations. He saw the results and paled further. This was not good, but not bad either, just unexpected. This was going to get a little rough for him, but worse for the young Gryffindor. Severus had a sudden wish that Potter hadn’t killed Voldemort already. The Dark Lord would have taken care of all his problems with a simple whisper. Oh well, time to break the news, take him to Poppy and then face the Board of Directors. It might have been easier if Albus Dumbledore was still alive as the Headmaster, but that was just Severus’ luck. The Board of Directors and the Daily Prophet were going to have a field day with this, but he still had a few surprises of his own. As the Headmaster, Severus did know a few things too.

Severus put his wand under his pillow and lay down on the bed, taking the man in his arms, kissing him gently. “Neville, did you ever in your life, wish for more family than your Gran? Before you and I came together?”

Neville stiffened in the warm arms. He had thought a lot about a family but thought it would never happen. Even being a pureblood, guaranteed pregnancies didn’t happen like that, unless it had potions help. “Sev, you know I’ve always wanted children later and we considered adoption. Why? Are you wanting to adopt now before I graduate?” Neville was a little nervous now. “Sev” he kissed his husband with uncertainty laced through it. Severus sensed the fears and took over the kiss, pouring his feelings into it. He wanted Neville to know he was loved and nothing would change it, and there was nothing to fear. Neville responded to the man next to him as he changed positions, pulling the older man over him. Severus realized where he was laying and tried to ease off his young husband. Supporting himself up on his hands, he pulled his knees up between Neville’s legs.

“Nev, we have to talk. Come on, sit up so I can tell you what I found.” Severus moved to rest against the headboard, pulling the Gryffindor with him, tucking him against himself. “Comfortable? Good. Neville Longbottom Snape, you know my feelings for you. We’ve talked about children before. Nev, do you remember the explosion about four months ago that you instigated? It was a slight purple in your cauldron?”

Neville thought back, smiling. “Oh, I remember that. You never did tell me exactly what it was that finally caused the explosion, but I remember for the next month we were like little bunnies in heat. You took me anywhere and everywhere you could. I think the best time was in your “big office” under the nosy eyes and gossiping portraits that are under compulsion to never talk about what goes on in there. I think that was about a month to the day after the explosion. Why?”

Severus blew out a breath. “Neville, I’ve been going over that month in my mind. Somehow that day in class we were making the “Mis-Conception Potion” or pregnancy prevention potion. You added the final ingredient that day and I never questioned what you used. It seems you concocted the “Positive Pregnancy Potion.” In other words, Neville, congratulations, we are going to be parents.” Severus let this sink in as he stroked up and down Neville’s stomach, feeling just the slightest of a bulge beginning.

Neville sat stunned before making a sound that was a cross between a squeal and a groan. “Oh gods, Sev. How far? Do you want it? What about your job and my graduation? Oh hell, we’re screwed aren’t we? This is the screwing we get for the screwing we had isn’t it? Is this fate’s idea of justice? Oh gods, Sev. What are we going to do? We knew our marriage was legal because of my age but how are we going to tell anyone? What about Gran? We can’t just stand up in the Great Hall, have you kiss me senseless, you are sooo good at that, and announce that we’ve been married for almost a year and I’m expecting.”

Sev looked at Neville before letting his hands and lips roam. “Think about it Nev. No more pretending, hiding, fixing schedules. I do like sneaking around though. If worse comes to worse, I can start my own Potions School. You can take your rightful place as my assistant and show the world how truly proficient you are in potions, not what we’ve lead them to believe.”

Neville scraped his bottom lip before grabbing for Severus. “Fine. We can do it tonight at dinner. That will give us both time to clean up and rest before my “attempt at correcting the potion tonight.”

Severus smirked at him. ‘And what, Mr. Snape, do you have in mind that is going to require rest and cleaning before that enlightening experience at dinner?”

Neville returned the smirk. “Why my darling, Sev, I do believe I’m going to practice those detailed wand wavings you were describing in class to make sure our potions “come” together with satisfying results.”