Severus' POV
The rain tapped rhythmically against the high windows of the library tower, blurring the outlines of the distant Forbidden Forest. The scent of old parchment, wax, and damp stone wrapped around Severus like a second cloak as he pored over his Transfiguration essay, quill dancing swiftly across the page.
He hadn't expected the owl.
It arrived in a flurry of grey feathers and raindrops, shaking itself off irritably before extending one leg. The seal on the envelope was unmistakable gold wax, pressed with the Black family crest, but just beside it, a delicate silver stamp: the Black family serpent, coiled and proud.
He broke the seal.
His mother's handwriting flowed like silk across the thick parchment.
My dear Severus,
I hope this letter finds you well—and that you're remembering to sleep and eat and wear something warm when it rains I saw the forecast for Scotland, and it looked miserable. I know, I know you're rolling your eyes. But it's my job to fuss.
I've been meaning to write for days, but between travel and late-night briefings, I kept telling myself I'd wait until we had a quiet moment. Now I've locked myself in our little suite at the inn here in Brașov, tea in hand, and your father pacing in the next room while rehearsing his speech for tomorrow's summit. So, it's now or never
Your father and I are in Romania now. We arrived two nights ago and I wish you could have seen the mountains rising outside the window. Alphard keeps saying you'd love it here he's already started talking about bringing you along next time. You know how he gets when he starts planning. Romania has been beautiful. Cold, but beautiful. Your father meetings have kept us busy from morning till nigh he's leading the delegation on magical creature rights, trying to broker new agreements with several Eastern European Ministries. He mentioned just yesterday that he wishes you were here to see it all firsthand.
We both miss you. Terribly.
The house hasn't felt the same since you left for school again. Your father pretends he doesn't notice, but he's gone quiet during supper. I caught him just standing in your room last week . He says he's "just checking the window enchantments," but I know better.
And now, before I ramble any further, I need to tell you something—something big.
We're expecting.
Yes that kind of expecting.
I'm three months along, and everything looks good so far. It was a surprise, but a happy one. Your father is over the moon he keeps talking to the baby . He's already planning what languages to teach it first, and what wandmaker he'll take it to when the time comes.
You're going to be a big brother, Severus.
I hope that doesn't sound too strange. It still feels a little unreal to write it. But if this child is anything like you sharp, kind, stubborn in the best ways we'll be incredibly lucky. And I think you'll be brilliant with them, in your own quiet, steady way.
We both miss you more than we can say. Write when you can
Mum
P.S. Your father says: "Tell him I expect a letter by Friday. If not, I'm writing to his Head of House about a sudden family emergency."
He's joking. Mostly.
Severus was still staring at the letter when someone slid into the seat beside him.
She set her books down gently and leaned in, trying to get a glimpse of his expression. Her hair, slightly windblown from the walk back from breakfast, framed her face as she tucked a loose strand behind her ear. "What are you reading?" she asked softly.
Severus blinked, as if pulling himself back to the present. "A letter from my mother," he said.
Petunia's eyes lit with curiosity. "What does it say?"
"I'm going to have a sibling."
Petunia blinked. "Really?"
Her eyes widened, and her whole face lit up. "Wow. You were gone for a little bit and now you're going to be a big brother?"
Severus laughed under his breath, the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. "Well... they clearly didn't waste any time after I left for school.
Petunia gave a snort and threw her arms around him before he could move away. "You're going to be such a great brother," she murmured into his shoulder, voice full of conviction.
"I know I will," Severus said simply.
She laughed, pulled away, and looked at him with affection. "That's the most confident thing I've ever heard you say."
Before Severus could answer, a smooth voice cut in.
"What's all this happiness about? You lot are practically glowing."
Regulus Black appeared beside them like a cat drawn by warmth, sliding into the seat with his usual self-assured grace. His uniform was neat as always, his tie perfectly straight, and there was a suspicious glint in his grey eyes.
Severus smirked slightly. "My mother wrote to me. She and my dad are expecting a baby."
Regulus blinked. "Really? Well—" he leaned back in mock awe, "—looks like the Black family line isn't going to end anytime soon."
Severus rolled his eyes, but he couldn't stop the small grin tugging at his mouth
Severus rolled his eyes. "It's not your side of the family that's expanding."
"Close enough," Regulus said with a shrug. "You carry the name better than most."
Petunia raised a brow. "You sound like a pureblood genealogist."
Regulus grinned. "I might have skimmed a few family trees in my time."
Then, as if remembering something important, Petunia suddenly bent down and rustled through her bag. "Oh! Speaking of things I promised—"
She pulled out a crinkling paper bag the size of a small cauldron and plopped it dramatically on the table in front of Regulus.
"Here!" she said triumphantly. "That's the promise I made. I told you I'd buy you sweets from Honeydukes."
Regulus's eyebrows shot up. "Merlin, Petunia—did you buy half the shop?"
Severus glanced at the bag, eyebrows arching slightly. "I know you're good at keeping your promises... but that's a lot of candy."
"Thanks, Petunia," Regulus said, peering into the bag like it might bite him. "Seriously, this could feed a small Quidditch team."
Petunia grinned. "Well, you should finish it soon. I'll buy you more next time."
Regulus gave her a mock-serious look. "Let's just hope I still have my teeth by then."
Petunia smirked. "If you lose them, I'll bring you straight to Madam Pomfrey myself."
Then she turned to Severus, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "And when Slytherin and Ravenclaw have their next Quidditch match make sure Regulus loses a tooth or two. That way he can blame the sweets."
Severus snorted, shaking his head. "Sure. I'll make very sure of that."
Regulus stared at them both, scandalized. "You're both evil."
Petunia nodded solemnly. "We plan ahead."
Regulus sighed dramatically and shoved a chocolate frog into his mouth. "One day, I'll find better friends."
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