S/V Quarters [April 2019]

After a class that had seemed to drone on for eternity, Viper had finally arrived at her and Sevastyan's shared quarters. An intricate blend of anxiety, fear, and a twinge of hope and excitement coursed through her form as she struggled to organize her various trains and thoughts swirling around her mind. A glance at the clock told her that Sevastyan's class would be ending soon and assuming he received the note she had sent via Drakon, it wouldn't be long before he arrived and would find out the truth. The whole truth.

Subconsciously, out of sheer nervousness, Viper began pacing back and forth around the sitting room, her mind spinning and debating on various ways to tell Sevastyan that she was pregnant. During her time at the Ministry, she had managed to catch a few snippets of conversation between the married female ministry workers, and recalled how one of them was telling the others how she had informed her husband of their upcoming arrival by writing the message on a cake, while another had informed her husband by wrapping a small rattle into a wrapped box and giving it to their husband to open. While both were rather clever, Viper mused, in their own way; neither seemed quite appropriate for the circumstances revolving her pregnancy. Not only because she lacked the talent involved in cake-baking, not to mention frosting art, as well as lacked a baby rattle at the moment, but because one crucial difference lay between her and the other women: they had desired, planned, and managed to beget a child, whereas Viper's had occured, in all honesty, accidentally.

Although, she had to admit, it was a rather delightful accident. While her students were taking their test, Viper had allowed her thoughts to wander. Thinking back and counting, she had realize that it had occurred on Sevastyan's birthday: the day they had gotten back together. While she may have simply been looking too deeply into things, the witch couldn't help but think how it was rather symbolic, in a way. Almost as though it marked the beginning of a future Viper had once thought was lost due to her folly and fate's cruel hand.

Still, despite her joy and excitement over the prospect of carrying Sevastyan's child and have a part of him and a proof of their love and reunion within her, there was nothing she could do to quiet that small bubble of fear and nervousness manifesting within her. She couldn't help but think once more that Sevastyan would react negatively to the news. After all, if one wanted to really think about it, it could very well be considered her fault, as it was her neglect to take the proper potion at the appointed time as she normally did throughout their relationship that caused it. Despite knowing that it went against Sevastyan's nature, Viper couldn't help but fearfully imagine an explosive, angry reaction from Sevastyan. She even had the image of him just not saying a word, and walking out on her and their child, never speaking to, or acknowledging them ever again. Viper would understand if such a thing ocurred, considering she had more or less forced this unto Sevastyan right after their relationship had mended and all the trust was being rebuilt, yet the thought of Sevastyan abandoning her and their baby still hurt her nonetheless, stressing her.

As the increasing stress and fear made its presence known, sending a new wave of dizziness to attack her. Remembering that she wasn't just living for herself and now had another being she really ought to think about, Viper forced herself to quiet her fears, and cease her mental wanderings. Whatever happens happens, she mused. Like many things in life, this was out of her hands, so all she could do was wait until Sevastyan returned and hope for the best.

To kill some time before Sevastyan's return and to further get her mind off of everything, Viper headed over to the piano that sat at the corner of her room. Gently, as to not cause any harm to their baby, she sat down, her hands lightly trailing over the ebony and ivory keys, As she began to play a song, she couldn't help but imagine a child, a miniature version of Sevastyan, sitting upon her lap with little fingers trailing after her's along the ebony and ivory of the piano.

Sevastyan walked at a moderate pace to his and Amaranth’s shared quarters. It had been a month since Hogwarts’ resident Potions Mistress and he had reconciled their previous spat back in January. An eternity ago, it seemed... And to think he nearly committed suicide, assuming redemption for something he hadn’t even done to be unattainable. Then again, the past month or so had been hell on the wizard.

Between the Russian’s fingers was a piece of parchment, which he fidgeted with as he walked. It was a note from Amaranth sent via her snake, Drakon. All the while during his class after receiving the note, Sevastyan’s mind was truly focused upon one thing – or more precisely one person – only: Amaranth Viper. He wondered what it was she wished to discuss with him that was so urgent she would send Drakon to him. It was his hope that she didn’t want to break off their relationship... one thing he feared ever since Roxane and he had come to the conclusion their relationship wasn’t working.

Did she perhaps want to slow down their progress a little? They had gotten back together rather quickly, after all... The concert was amazing, but the events thereafter had been even moreso. Sevastyan revisited those memories often. He wouldn’t blame her if she wanted to slow things down. Perhaps slightly disappointed and thinking maybe he’d done something wrong, but it was something he could easily get over. He’d been brought back from the depths of his mind’s hell before... surely that was worse that a short bout of disappointment!

They were still rebuilding their shattered tower, of sorts...

Arriving to the portrait that guarded their chambers, Sevastyan tucked the note into his jacket pocket and murmured the password. He’d hoped to slip into the room before Amaranth got there, but the moment he heard the soothing cadence of melody from a piano in a corner of what had been deemed her room. Mesmerized, Sevastyan followed the sound, knowing that when he found the source of the enchanting music he would find an equally enchanting woman.

The door to her room was open, so therefore he crept into it so as not to disturb her from the piece she was playing. Tranquilly he watched while she played even though he couldn’t see precisely which notes she was playing. How he wanted to take up his guitar and join her! But that would likely entail producing enough noise to ruin the song. Instead, he approached ever closer and listened.

Sevastyan was a good five feet away from her by the time she had finished, and softly applauded the impromptu performance. “I cannot be certain if it vos the music or the musician that enchanted me more,” he remarked with a light smile. “Though, I’m personally positive it vos the latter...”

“Is everything okay? I got your note...” Sevastyan asked, concern beginning to etch itself upon his features.

As her hands danced lightly across the ivory and ebony keys, the young witch lost herself within the enchanting melody. Further and further as the song progressed, her mind lost itself into the meadows of fantasy, away from reality's maze. At least, until the song ended. The sound of Sevastyan's clapping both startled and excited her, causing her to jump slightly, and turn to face him with a smile. A light blush accompanied the smile at the words that followed, flattered at the heart-felt compliment.

"Um, yeah. At least, I personally think it is..." she trailed off a bit awkwardly. She could feel the panic within her rising once more, causing her heart to race like wild horses. Waves of dizziness and nausea continued to attack her, though she couldn't quite be sure if it was due to morning sickness or just a bout of nasty nerves. She attempted to rise from her seat, but dizziness met her first, causing her to nearly stumble and grip the piano for support as she closed her eyes, praying for the dizzy spell to fade quickly. Once it was through and had halted, she headed towards Sevastyan.

She pressed a light kiss to his cheek entwining her hands with his, wishing it would stop shaking slightly from nervousness. "We really need to talk though..." she whispered softly as she lead Sevastyan out of the room where she kept her potions supplies and equipment, and randomly placed her piano in, into the living room.

Just as she had before when she had first sat down at the piano, Viper sat down slowly unto the sofa, almost as though she were afraid the simple act of sitting down would cause any type of harm to her and Sevastyan's baby. The gentle air continued as she slowly shifted her feet under her, sitting sideways and getting comfortable, waiting for Sevastyan to do the same.

It was rather funny to think that Amaranth Viper stood as a woman who could stare each member of the Wizengamot in the eye basically tell them to "F*** off", yet trembled in front of her boyfriend, terrified to tell him she was carrying his child. Far too many "What if" and "Maybe" scenarios plagued her, causing the nausea to resurface. Briefly, she considered backing out of her confession and just going about her merry little way. However, the thought was aborted the moment it was conceived. With them spending every spare moment together, how would Sevastyan not notice her abdomen swelling? True, there were charms and glamours, but... even if that did work, what would she say the moment the infant was born? "Oh, hello, love. Yeah, I have no idea where this kid over here came from. It was just here on the sofa this morning. Hey, you know. It's not that bad looking and is actually kind of cute. Want to keep it?"

As tempting as the offer might have been, Viper opted to pass. Telling Sevastyan, she felt, was like extracting the toxins from a flobberworm. It wasn't something one looked forward to, and had a myriad of possible results, both positive and negative, but was a neccesity for the future, nonetheless.

"Sevastyan I-I, I-" she stammered a moment, unsure of how to continue. After all, to her knowledge, this was the only time she ever had to tell her significant other she was pregnant. She took a deep breath, gathering all the courage within her, though considering she was a Slytherin, it wasn't a whole lot, and uttered her deepest secret. "Sevastyan, I'm pregnant."

Green orbs met grey as their owner stared into the eyes of the man who meant the world to her, biting her lip nervously, watching his features closely for his reaction. "I-I know this is sudden and rather unexpected and we hadn't planned this at all, and I know you probably think this is all my fault for forgetting to take the potion, but..." she whispered softly with a shrug, unsure what else to say. She had presented the information to Sevastyan as best as she could, and now there was nothing more she could do other than pray that the next few words out of Sevastyan's mouth wouldn't be uttered in a tone and volume of complete fury.

"What are you thinking?" she asked tentatively, in a soft voice, wondering which of the numerous scenarios flashing in her mind of Sevastyan's reaction would come to pass.

A wave of happiness washed over Sevastyan at the smile Amaranth bestowed upon him. That same old blush crossing her cheeks – but one of many features he had fallen for – could only tell him that things were very much well and good with the world, the looming threat of purgers aside. His only concern was whatever it was Viper had to tell him, she seemed uncomfortable telling him. She also seemed... the wizard couldn’t quite place the correct word. When she nearly stumbled Sevastyan raced forward to steady or catch the witch for whom his heart yearned. Independent as always though she had managed, and thus Sevastyan hung back.

He leaned into the contact of the affection, reciprocating it seconds later as he wrapped his hands around hers. Ebony brows furrowed slightly when he noticed her hands were shaking. Was she alright? Had something happened to someone in her family? No, no, that wouldn’t have made sense... why would she be happy about something happening to someone within her family, unless she really hated the person? Becoming acutely nervous at her insistence they needed to talk, Sevastyan could only nod his consent and allowed Amaranth to lead him from the room.

The Russian waited for his significant other to be seated first, and observed precisely how gingerly she went about it. For the briefest of moments Sevastyan entertained the notion that perhaps she had gotten in a duel and came out the better, despite a few aches. Once she was comfortable he joined her: placing one leg upon the sofa before placing his weight upon it, and curling the other leg to his chest. Eventually he would end up sitting normally, the leg beneath him crossed under the other, but for now he was situated.

Amaranth’s stammered beginnings caused Sevastyan to begin to dread what she was about to say. He thought for certain it would end to the effect that they should see other people, and the thought was like malevolently being set on fire yet showered with ice at the same time. Despite this he remained calm, though worried, for it often wasn’t wise to jump to such conclusions. In an attempt to reassure the woman he loved that it was okay and that she could speak with him about anything, Sevastyan retrieved one of his hands from her grasp and rested it upon her shoulder. The hand that remained entwined with Viper’s reached for her now freed hand in addition to the one it already held.

"Sevastyan, I'm pregnant."

It was difficult to say whether it was purely relief at not being disregarded as incompatible or surprise at the nature of this news that was running through the wizard’s veins. His gray eyes were wide but they were far from cold. A baby... in his teens he’d feared such a thing despite his promiscuity, but since becoming an adult had longed for children of his own. But was he really ready for a child so soon?

Sevastyan’s grip tightened upon Viper’s shoulder in an affectionate, supportive manner. How frightened she must be: first there was the slowly-re-forming stability of their relationship, then the actual thought of having a baby... with her condition of being unable to feel pain she wouldn’t be able to detect complications or problems. While Sevastyan loved and longed for children he didn’t want to put his significant other’s life in danger... who was to say she even wanted the child to begin with? His brows tightened with worry and concern.

"I-I know this is sudden and rather unexpected and we hadn't planned this at all, and I know you probably think this is all my fault for forgetting to take the potion, but...

"What are you thinking?"

The hand upon Viper’s shoulder reached upward, the backs of Sevastyan’s fingers caressing her cheek and reveling in the familiar softness. “Amaranth... please calm down. This is... this is unexpected, I von’t dispute that, but I refuse to point fingers in declaring anyvone at fault,” he began tentatively. In truth he felt he was just as much at fault for the pregnancy. Gray eyes immediately glanced downward out of reflex and curiosity to Viper’s abdomen, but he couldn’t see any changes yet. For a fraction of a second he wondered how long she’d known and how far along she was. The child couldn’t have been conceived before their stint apart, else she’d be showing. Unless... unless she’d glamoured herself. Sevastyan shook that thought from his mind, though, under reason of it being illogical. She wouldn’t have done that to keep it a secret... or at least he didn’t think she would. That only left... his birthday. Russian’s eyes darted back up to the pools of emerald where they belonged, gazing into the eyes of the woman who held his heart in her hands, and now a part of him within her.

“I am not sure if ve are ready for a baby. Ve are still re-establishing everything...” he said honestly, though those weren’t his bigger concerns and it showed. “... I... I also vorry about you: vith your condition, and the chances of complications... I don’t vant anything to happen to you. But...” he continued on, pausing once more to grasp her hands tighter.

The hand previously at her cheek migrated to the middle of Viper’s back and rubbed the area lightly. “But if you vant this baby... Our baby... then you vill not be alone in this. If you don’t... then I’ll understand it is the wrong time.

“The child grows vithin you, and I vill not force you into doing something you do not vish to do. I’m not that kind of man,” he explained, shaking his head, “But I promise, if ve go through vith this, that the child vill not be vithout a father. I’ll be there... for both of you.”

A faint blue glow surrounded him for a fraction of a second in proof he had sealed his vow with magic. Despite the strength of arcane power within said vow, all the magic in the world couldn’t hide or intensify the warmth and conviction in his eyes any more than what was already present.

The witch inhaled sharply as she noted her significant other's eyes grow wider upon hearing her news. Vaguely, at the back of her mind, she wondered if she should brace herself for a scolding or worse, though brushed that thought away. Sevastyan wasn't like her Father; he respected and loved her, and didn't look at women as though they were beneath him. Not to mention his eyes showed no trace at all at anger, but surprise, which was completely understandable, given the magnitude of what she had just revealed.

Her fear subsided, gradually; even more upon feeling Sevastyan's grip upon her shoulder tighten in a gesture of affection and support. Wanting to reciprocate the affection, she tightened the hand interlocked with Sevastyan's, entwining their fingers. As she stared into depths of grey, she wondered what exactly it was Sevastyan was thinking and what he was feeling. She knew he wanted a child and that, hopefully, at least a small part of him was happy. It was merely the question of whether or not he wanted one with her that haunted and plagued her. They were re-establishing their relationship, after all. Not to mention there were times when she wasn't the most understanding or empathetic of people, or the most Maternal of Professors to the students. She wasn't sure if she could be a Mother. Hell, she was rather certain she'd fail at the daunting task. Did Sevastyan perhaps feel the same way?

“Amaranth... please calm down. This is... this is unexpected, I von’t dispute that, but I refuse to point fingers in declaring anyvone at fault,”

"I am not sure if ve are ready for a baby. Ve are still re-establishing everything... I... I also vorry about you: vith your condition, and the chances of complications... I don’t vant anything to happen to you. But..."

Emerald orbs fluttered at the contact upon her cheek, savoring the familiar touch and caress and the flutters of delight within her because of the touch. Slowly, with each syllable of comfort echoing from Sevastyan in cadence, a wave of calm, like that of the ocean, washed over her, calming her fears and easing her nervousness.

A small smile, an upturn of the corners of her mouth formed at the news that Sevastyan wasn't angry at all, and merely worried. She found it thoughtful that in midst of a problem, Sevastyan still worried for her and her well being. He had nothing to fear though, from a medical standpoint, anyway, for she wasn't the first CIPA patient to undergo a pregnancy and there were treatments available. To try and ease Sevastyan's fears, in turn, she tightened the hold upon his hand. "Medically, there's nothing to fear. There are treatments and spells available. It's... the actual... baby... that's the, erm, issue..." she replied, trailing off a bit awkwardly.

“But if you vant this baby... Our baby... then you vill not be alone in this. If you don’t... then I’ll understand it is the wrong time."

A sigh escaped her at the migrating hand now upon her back, caressing it softly, taking a moment to ponder it all. This was one of those moments in life that would literally change everything. At this very moment, she and Sevastyan stood before a fork in the road of life. This decision would literally change everything, past, present, and future. The past would be erased, old wounds forgotten, with the the present looking forward to the future. She could either go through with the hand that Fate had bestowed upon her, or... well... let's just say it won't be a prenatal potion Viper would ingest tonight...

“The child grows vithin you, and I vill not force you into doing something you do not vish to do. I’m not that kind of man. But I promise, if ve go through vith this, that the child vill not be vithout a father. I’ll be there... for both of you.”

The choice was hers. No matter what, much to her relief and happiness, Sevastyan would stand with her, holding her hand through it all. Though she felt at ease by his vow, she was still nervous about the task ahead, and Sevastyan's reaction. While he had vowed to stay with her, she wanted it to be because he wanted the child as well, and not out of duty and a sense of obligation. Hesitantly and slowly spoke, feeling as though she were walking barefoot upon shards of glass.

"I'll be honest with you, Sevastyan. I never wanted children. I hated them, to be blunt. Not a single day went by in my life when I saw a child and said to myself "I can't wait until I have one of those.". If anything, I was thinking if the Mother would mind terribly if I cast a silencing charm upon it just to get the kid to shut up. But, then I came to Hogwarts..." she paused a moment to smile softly at Sevastyan.

"When I first heard I was to be the Potions Mistress, it wasn't the fact that I lost my authority, position, and power that really repelled me. The heart of everything was that now, I wouldn't just be a Potions Mistress. I'd be a Mentor. A mentor to children. I'd have to be a Mother-like figure to these children for a majority of the year, while theirs were home, waiting for them. I swear, I must have kicked and screamed, and pouted for the first few weeks here at this new responsibility, but... but then I-I grew to... actually like it. I grew to like them" she admitted quietly, dropping her gaze. While she hated to admit it, especially with her own personal need to maintain her snarky, Slytherin Head persona, she did care for the students of Hogwarts. All of them.

She couldn't be sure if it was the newly acquired hormones or merely the heat of the moment, but by this point, Viper was getting quite emotional. Tears were filling the emerald orbs and slowly cascading down her face as she struggled to continue. "And then I met you, a-and even though I had a fair amount of faults a-and I made a few idiotic mistakes and errors in judgment a-and nearly obliterated everything, y-you still loved me a-and took me back with open arms. A-and gave me a child. Th-This might seem a bit superstitious, but...But, this... somehow... just feels... right. Like, it was meant to be..."

Viper sighed, taking a moment to compose herself, taking a few deep breaths and wiping a few of her tears away before continuing. Absent-mindedly, her hand wandered to her abdomen, softly caressing it as she spoke. "I want this baby, Sevastyan. I want our baby. I-I don't know anything about being a Mother, or how to raise a child adequately. Hell, for all I know I could fail abysmally at the task, but..." she paused, tears softly trailing down her face. "I can't relinquish it. It would be like erasing a part of us."

Both of them had stood at a crossroad in life together. Sevastyan had given her the choice and vowed to stand and stay with her regardless of what she chose. There was no going back now to the land of familiarity. At this point, they could only go forward towards the dark abyss of the mysterious and unknown, and not look behind them, dwelling on the shadows of the past. She had made her choice, and could now do nothing but hope for the best. Hope, and have faith in herself, in Sevastyan, and their relationship.

"What of you, Sevastyan? Do you want this child?"