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With a wave of his wand, the rest of the leftover ingredients littering the students’ workstations went into the trash. His face fell into a sneer at how much was wasted. These students don’t bother to understand how wasteful they are being. Just using everything without care. He simply could not comprehend it. A quick scourgify was cast next to clean the surfaces before snatching a sheet of parchment and a quill to take to inventory. With each item he had to jot down, the more annoyed he became. This was going to cost a fortune to restock at the rate these monsters deplete the stocks. Thankfully, this was all on the school’s dime, but it also meant that he would be needing to make a trip to the apothecary down in Hogsmeade before he was able to return home. As if his mood wasn’t bad enough, all he wanted to do was spend the night with you curled up in front of the fire, not walk through town during the busiest time of the year.
Complaining about it wasn’t going to make things go faster so he rolled up the parchment and stuck it in his pocket. Making a quick trip to his office for his warmer coat and a scarf, he was soon walking down the snowy path from Hogwarts to the shops. His mood did not seem to improve as the noises and commotion of shoppers started to increase as he approached his destination. The air was brisk and cut into his cheeks. People were busy drinking something warm out of cups from the look of the steam rising out of the openings. Worst of all, the sheer volume of laughter and voices was so high, it nearly made it impossible for him to think. The scowl on his face surely contrasted the happy mood of everyone around him, but it seems like they could be bothered less by what was happening outside of their own little bubble. Good. All he wanted to do was to get what he needed and get out of there.
The sound of the shop bell rang through the space signalling his entrance to the shopkeeper. With a silent greeting to each other, he made quick work of getting what he needed and whatever he couldn’t find, he put in for a special order to be delivered. He was able to pay and complete his trip in less than 5 minutes. As he shrank everything to fit securely into his pouch, he noticed through the frosted glass of the apothecary the sign for Madam Puddifoot’s teashop. While he dreaded stepping foot in there, it was the only place close by to acquire tea and he figured he should pick up some of your favourite citrus blend as a surprise. Only the thought of you was able to soften his frown a touch, but as he opened the door to the pink covered store, it quickly returned in severity. He made quick to flag someone down and bark his order to try and get out of the cheer infested space. His luck just seemed to continue to worsen though as he was informed it will still take a few to wrap his tea with the number of customers present. Can anything go right today?
As he was waiting for the witch to return, he took a seat along a red velvet cushion by the storefront. He tried his best to ignore all that was going on around him, but the racket made it difficult. At the sound of an obnoxiously loud laugh, his gaze was turned to a table in the far right. There sat a child no more than five with two people who were no doubt the parents. Whatever had happened had made the father laugh in clear amusement. He could see how happy the mother was being with them. The child seemed as if they had no care in the world. How unfair and rare.
Watching how content and unaware of the world around them they were, triggered something in him. How could they be so joyful with all that goes on? Do they never fight? Do they actually love each other? Family. What a loaded word it was. The child never has a say in what kind of “family” they get. He certainly never had any sort of resemblance of family in his life. It definitely wasn’t his choice growing up, he was just dealt the worse hand. His train of self-loathing was cut off when the witch from before walked up with his order. He paid quickly wanting to get out of there as fast as he could.
The second he stepped out the door, he apparated away and landed in front of yours and his shared dwelling. Unfortunately, thoughts of his father and childhood, or rather lack thereof, still swirled in his mind. His shoes and coat joined yours on the hook before following the sound of your voice.
There you were in the living room, clad in nothing but his sweater, ornament in hand singing and dancing along to a Christmas song he’s heard a million times but has never learned the words of. He leaned against the frame just taking in the moment. The stress and frustrations of the day withering away the longer he stood there watching you. It wasn’t until you placed your delicate hands across your stomach that a large toothy smile broke across his face.
“Severus!” you startled. “I’m going to have to attach a little bell on you if you keep sneaking up on me like that!”
You rested your hands on your hips in a scolding manner but the grin on your face gave away the joy you felt now that he was home.
“I’m sorry darling. I just love watching you dance.”
Pushing himself off the wall, he circled his arms around you pulling you in for a kiss. And another one. And maybe just one more.
You laughed at his antics and gave in to the affection, not that you minded one bit.
“I’m sorry I didn’t wait for you to start decorating. I couldn’t help myself.”
“It’s alright. I know how much you love this time of year. Your impatience increases tenfold with anything relating to the holiday season.”
You swatted your hand playfully against his chest, but the man was correct. “If you know that already then what are you doing still standing there! Get into something cosy so you can help your love and child out decorating this tree.” You spun him around and gave his tush a tap to get him moving.
His glare was harmless, but the smile was sincere. He gave you one last kiss and bent down to give your belly one for good measure as well. Walking into the bedroom, he was quick to change into a warm pair of pyjamas.
As he walked back into the living room, realisation fell over him. There you sat, hands protectively against the swollen bump, singing along softly to the music. He had promised himself the second he found out you were pregnant that he will be the man and father his own was not. With that thought in mind, he took place on the opposite side of the sofa and pulled you to lay against him. Giving him a pleased sigh, you made yourself comfortable knowing that the man you loved more than anything was right here with you.
He may not have had a family growing up, but you, him, and your soon-to-be child is all the family he’ll ever need.