Title: Could Have Been Worse
By: Bridget McKennitt
Pairing: Harry/Severus
Rating: G
Word Count: 463
Contains: No warnings in as far I know that can't be extrapolated from the header itself. Mpreg
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is owned by other companies. They are used here without permission, and for entertainment purposes only. No challenge or infringement upon the copyright is intended, nor should any be inferred.
Author's Notes: Timestamp of Are You Worthy?. Written for accioslash who prompted 'eighteen months after the end of "Are You Worthy?"'.
Harry hurried into the nursery just as his daughter's cries grew louder. "Don't cry, Abby." He reached into the crib and picked her up, jiggling her as he stepped from one foot to another. "See, you don't have to cry. Daddy's here."
"Want Daddy!"
Abby's cries settled into whimpers as she sucked her thumb into her mouth and rested her head against Harry's shoulder. Harry sighed in relief and carried her into his study. Snape was already there, sitting in his plush chair and reading a thick book. He looked up and raised his eyebrow.
"Is she all right?" he asked. "You certainly ran out in a hurry."
"Yeah. She just wanted some attention. Didn't you, Abby?" Harry rubbed the palm of his hand against her back as Abby hiccupped.
Snape put aside his book and rose to his feet as he headed towards Harry. He took Abby out of Harry's arms and held her. "You look exhausted. Go and get some rest. I'll take care of our daughter." He glanced at Harry. "You're only eighteen and already look like you're my age. What will your adoring fans think when they see your haggard face on the cover of Witch Weekly next month?"
"Whatever they want," Harry said, grumpily. "They're not the ones who had to go through some stupid contest and carry a baby from someone they never wanted. Oh yeah, and they don't have to live with you either."
Snape chuckled and leaned in to kiss Harry on his forehead. "You left out the part where we are far more suited than one would think and you enjoy being my mate. Now go, take a nap while I read to Abby, and I'll come in later to rub your back. Does that sound suitable?"
Harry smiled softly and nodded. "Sounds perfect. Thanks."
"Besides, think of it this way, it could have gone much worse for you. Better you mated with me instead of Draco Malfoy. Think of what your children would have looked like.
Harry laughed and shook his head. "Every time I see him at Diagon Alley, he still shoots me glaring looks. I didn't think he wanted to win so badly. All right, off to bed with me. Try not to teach Abby any curses, okay?"
Harry kissed Abby on her cheek and hesitated a moment before locking lips with Snape. His mate was right; despite his complaining, he did enjoy being with Snape. And there was no way in the world he could not love Abby. From the day she was born until now, nine months later, she was a joy in both his and Snape's lives.
He drew back from Snape and walked towards their bedroom. He couldn't wait for Snape to put his hands on him.
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