The Last Kiss

News all around...

~8~

Renae dismissed her last class and headed to the dungeons. She had been trying to find Severus to tell him what she found out about Aleanor's necklace, but he always seemed to be out lately. Reaching the classroom, she again found it empty. Why in the world you always seem to slip out right after class, I'll never know! She quickly checked his office. It was empty too. Damn it Severus, you asked me for a favor, and I'm trying to give you an answer here! She stormed out of the room.

~~~*~~~

"So Prongs, how's it going?" Sirius asked James as he walked into Sirius' office. Since James was promoted, he no longer had to share the now spacious room.

James rolled his eyes before flopping himself in an empty chair. "Not good. You-Know-Who's been keeping me on my toes, that's for sure. I have a feeling I may be getting close to him."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because, I'm coming up against more and more Death Eaters trying to take me out! Merlin, one person shouldn't be doing this on their own!"

Sirius handed him a sandwich. James ate lunch with him every time they were actually in the building together, which wasn't much lately.

James took it, lifting the top piece of bread. "Oh... Munster."

Sirius chuckled. "I thought I'd be nice."

~~~*~~~

Renae had practically given up on finding Severus, and after taking a long nap in her room, she headed to the Great Hall for dinner. As she sat down next to Professor McGonagall, she was surprised to see Severus walk in and sit in his usual seat, two chairs from her. He hadn't been in for dinner all week. As she sat looking over at him, he looked over and gave her a weak smile.

Renae's stomach growled as food appeared on the table. Filling her plate, she began to feel as though she was quickly losing her appetite. The food looked incredible, but for some reason, the smell of it was beginning to make her stomach churn. Those around her piled their plates and began shovelling bits into their mouths, the smell still wafting into her nose. Her stomach suddenly felt as if it flipped upside down. Quickly, she put her hand to her mouth. The room spun as she realized that the strange tingle radiating through her body could only mean one thing. Dear Merlin!

Knowing she couldn't hold it back, she dashed out of the Great Hall just in time to run into the Faculty bathroom and into one of the stalls. She grabbed the sides of the toilet as the contents of her stomach forced themselves up and into the bowl. She felt like she was heaving up her every last organ. As the feeling began to subside, there came a voice from behind her.

"Renae, are you alright?"

Severus placed a hand on her shoulder as she continued to breath heavy. She started to nod her head when another wave hit her. "NO!" she shouted before grabbing the sides of the toilet once more.

Severus stayed there, waiting until Renae felt well enough to stand up and walk away from the toilet. As she did, he took hold of her arm and helped her to the mirror. Renae groaned as she saw her green tinged face stare back at her. "I look as awful as I feel!"

Severus handed her a glass of water. "Here."

"Thanks." She took it and drank half the glass.

He still had a hold of her shoulder. "Are you ill?"

Renae set down the glass, slightly shaking her head. "I was fine until the food appeared on the table. I was starving one minute and throwing up the next." She looked over to see a strange look cross his face.

"Did the smell of the food bother you?"

"Well, yes, actually." He seemed to think about this for a minute, his eyes drifting away from her face. "Severus, what is it?"

He let go of her shoulder and paced the bathroom. "By any chance, have you been tired lately, feeling worn down?"

Renae thought about it and realized she had been napping a lot lately. She had even fallen asleep while administering a quiz earlier that week. "Now that you mention it, yeah, I have been."

Severus grabbed her arm. "Come with me." He began leading her to his office.

"Severus, what is it?" His grip remained tight, and he didn't answer her question. As he walked faster, she felt her stomach beginning to churn again. "Slow down, please, I'm feeling sick again!" She quickly covered her mouth.

"Sorry," he apologized, slowing down a bit as they reached the dungeons.

He pushed his office door open and pulled an empty chair up beside his desk. "Sit here, I'll be back in a moment."

Having grown to trust him, she obeyed and sat in the large black leather seat. She was thankful it had such a high back, she was able to let her head fall back against it. Closing her eyes, her stomach slowly started to settle down. In the classroom, she could hear the sound of a spoon scrapping along the inside of a cauldron and the distinct tinkle of glass upon glass.

"Renae," a warm hand was gently shaking her, "Renae, wake up." She opened her eyes to find Severus standing beside her, holding a small knife and an empty glass vial. "I need a little of your blood."

The statement sent her bolting upright in the chair. "Are you serious?"

He nodded. "Will you trust me?"

His face looked a little shocked when she nodded and reached for the knife. Her hand trembled as the light of the candle across the room glinted off the blade. I hate knives! She held the blade against her forearm, but couldn't move it. Quickly she lifted the knife and held it out to Severus.

"I can't, I hate knives. You do it."

"Are you sure?" he asked, as he took the knife from her hand.

"Yeah, just let me close my eyes first."

She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth. There was a small, warm tingle on the inside of her forearm.

"There."

Renae opened her eyes as he finished healing the tiny cut with his wand. She had barely felt him cutting into her flesh, he was so gentle, and quick! He gave her a smile before heading back into the classroom, the vial carrying a small amount of her blood in his hand.

She heard the sound of the spoon again hitting the inside of the cauldron and the sound of liquid being poured. Soon after, Severus walked into his office, carrying a tall glass tube filled with an odd, pale beige liquid.

"What's that?" she asked as he set the tube down on his desk and sat in his chair. On the tube were several lines going up the glass, each numbered one through forty.

"Wait."

"Wait for wha..." Renae stopped when she noticed the liquid at the bottom of the tube turn pink. Slowly, more changed color, until it stopped at the line labeled six. It looked strange, all the liquid above that line remained beige.

Severus put a hand to his temple and slouched back in his chair, letting out a deep breath as he did.

"What?" she asked him.

He pointed to the glass tube. "Do you know what that means?"

She looked at it. "No. Why?"

"It just told us what is wrong with you."

Her heartbeat quickened. "Well, what?" She leaned in, grabbing the edge of his desk.

"You're pregnant."

Renae's eyes bulged out and her jaw dropped. Words failed her. Severus continued to explain. "The potion turns pink or blue depending on the baby's sex, stopping at the line that indicates how far a long you are. So according to this, you're six weeks pregnant with a baby girl. You're due June the first."

Renae began shaking her head. "No, no, no, no, no. This isn't happening." Standing up, she backed away from the desk. "This is all just a bad dream. I'm not pregnant, and any moment now I'll wake up."

Severus stood up and walked towards her. "No, Renae, I'm afraid you're not dreaming." She began to shake as he took her arm. "Relax, you're going to be fine."

"But... but Sirius," she stammered, "oh, Merlin, he's gonna kill me!"

Severus laughed. "He is not going to kill you. Himself maybe, but not you."

"Oh, very funny." She rolled her eyes.

He pulled her into a hug. "Black may be not be my favorite person in the world, but I do know one thing. He loves you. You'll be alright.'

Renae gave him a peck on the cheek. "You're right." Then panic hit her again. "Oh shit, Severus, how in the world do I tell him?"

Severus chuckled, leading her back to the leather chair. "Just tell him."

"Oh, yeah! Hey Sirius, guess what? I'm pregnant. We're having a baby girl in June. Yeah, that will go over nicely," she retorted, dripping with sarcasm.

He chuckled again. "Maybe not, but the look on his face would be priceless!" Severus broke out in the most ridiculous looking smile she had ever seen on him. "Owww!"

Renae had just nailed him in the arm.

****

Sirius drug himself into his office. His cloak was in shreds, his robes torn, his hair matted to his head with sweat, and his arms covered in bleeding wounds. He and two other Aurors had walked right into an ambush. Luckily all three of them got out, which was more than they could say for two of the Death Eaters.

As he walked into the empty room, he threw what was left of his cloak in the trash, and flopped into his chair. He closed his eyes and laid his head back. All he wanted to do now was go home, take a nice long, hot shower, and dive into bed. After resting his eyes for a moment, he sat up and noticed an envelope sitting on his desk. Sirius recognized the handwriting immediately.

Sirius,

Dumbledore has asked to see Lily and me tonight; apparently he has received some news that concerns us. I would feel better if you came over as well, Lily would too, I'm sure. You're like a brother to me, and I know you would want to know what is going on. Please come over for dinner tonight, 6 o'clock. Thanks!

James

Sirius folded up the letter and went to stuff it into his robes, only to find his pocket no longer had a bottom. Rolling his eyes, he tucked the parchment into his pants pocket and headed home to clean himself up.

****

"Renae, you must tell him."

"I know that Severus, I just can't yet."

Severus had begun pacing his office, like a great black bat circling its prey. "You can't just put it off, he'll find out eventually."

Renae rolled her eyes. "No shit, Sherlock!" He looked at her as if she sprouted a second head. "Muggle reference..." He looked towards the ceiling. "Look, I will tell him...but not until I'm ready. I'm still getting use to the idea myself!"

He finally stood still for a moment. "Then when? Next week? Next month? You won't have that long before..." he waved towards her stomach.

"I know! I'm not going to wait that long! I just need some time, that's all." She appreciated his concern for her, but he was, again, becoming very stubborn. He crossed his arms and stood in front of her. "Alright, I'll tell him by Halloween, okay?" she asked. His stern look didn't fade. "That's only two weeks away," she added.

Severus let out a sigh. "Alright. But if you don't tell him by Halloween, I am stepping in."

"Yeah, Sirius would LOVE that! "

****

Sirius Apparated into the street and made his way up the Potter's walk. Lily opened the door before he even reached it. "Hi, Sirius!" She gave him a hug.

"Hi, Lily. How's Harry?"

Lily led him inside, closing the door behind him. "Calm for a change. Ever since James got home, Harry has been rather subdued. I think he realizes something's on his father's mind."

Sirius nodded. "Probably does. It's hard to get things past that little guy."

As they walked into the dining room, Sirius found James sitting, feeding Harry his dinner. "Hi, Sirius. I thought I'd get Harry fed and off to bed early tonight. I don't think Dumbledore would appreciate any wand pulling tonight."

Sirius laughed and rubbed his backside. "Yeah, I still have memories of that!"

Lily went back in the kitchen as James finished wiping Harry's face. Sirius quickly filled James in on the events of the day. When Harry was finally taken upstairs and put into bed, Dumbledore arrived. Sirius greeted him while Lily began setting the food out on the table. James soon came down from tucking Harry in bed, and joined them around the table.

"So, James how is little Harry?"

James smiled at Dumbledore. "Fine."

"Good, good." The old man ran a hand over his beard and turned to Sirius. "I hear you had an exciting day."

Chuckling he responded, "Yeah, just a little."

Lily seemed a little nervous as she brought in the rolls. "Let's eat before this gets cold."

Dumbledore didn't waste time to give them his news. "Actually, Lily, I feel we need to talk first, if you don't mind." He looked over his half-moon spectacles as she timidly nodded in agreement, setting the rolls down on the table. The old man continued, "James, Lily, I'm afraid I have heard some rather disturbing news."

Sirius watched James swallowed hard.

"I have been informed that Voldemort has expressed a desire to rid himself of one of his greatest threats, which, at the moment, is you." Lily's eyes grew wide. "Now, I trust my source entirely, and feel that all of you, including Harry, are at great risk. We must put our heads together and find a way to help protect you from Voldemort and his followers, who, even at this moment, are working to find you and destroy you."

Sirius felt his heart stop as he looked over at his best friend and his wife, their hands clenched together so tight, their knuckles were white. James' worst fear had come true, not only was he Voldemort's target; but so was his family.

Sirius felt tears forming in his eyes.

~~~*~~~

Renae awoke, at noon, and was grateful it was Saturday. She was starving, so much so, she was willing to give food another try. Putting herself together, she stopped and looked in her full-length mirror. Turning sideways, she put her hand over her stomach. "Won't be flat for long."

She was still chastising herself for setting the bottle of Anne's Lace potion on the nightstand that night, which left it vulnerable to being knocked over. How could you be so stupid! She looked down at her flat stomach, her hand still resting over it. "Sirius, I hope you can handle this," she muttered, imagining the worst.

Yeah, he was an excellent godfather. He had grown up, a lot, from even a few years ago, but a child...out of wedlock. Renae wasn't even sure he could handle wedlock. A baby would surely scare him off.

She took one last look at herself in the mirror and headed for the Great Hall.

****

Sirius got up, finding himself passed out on the couch. He didn't get back from James' till about four o'clock that morning. James had ended up asking Remus to come over, but he couldn't find Peter.

The four of them, James, Sirius, Remus, and Dumbledore, had stayed up late to come up with a plan while Lily headed for bed; she had Harry to look after the next day. What they had finally come up with made Sirius a little uneasy, but he'd do anything for his best friend, even put himself in harm's way.

Sirius sat up and stretched. On the mantelpiece sat a picture of Renae, smiling at him. Sirius stared at it, the memory of her violet scented skin hitting him. He hadn't seen her in a week; he had been so busy at work. Deciding to visit her, he dragged himself into the bathroom and started the shower.

****

Most of the students were still eating lunch when Renae walked into the Great Hall and headed for the head table. She was feeling rather good as she walked halfway into the room, but it wouldn't last. Only a few yards from the head table, the smell of the food was beginning to get to her again. Severus caught her eye and motioned for the back door, which led to the Faculty bathroom.

Not again! She thought as she gave him a quick nod, her stomach flipping over.

She ran to the back door, which Severus reached in time to hold open for her. Running into the Faculty bathroom, she dashed into the nearest stall, taking the familiar position.

"Perhaps you should eat in private for a while. The variety of foods in the Great Hall apparently does not agree with you."

Renae spit a mouthful of saliva into the bowl. "No shit! What ever gave you that idea?"

****

Walking into the Entrance Hall, Sirius ran into McGonagall. "Good afternoon, Professor." He bowed, causing her to chuckle.

"Good afternoon Sirius. I haven't seen you lately," she tilted her head, looking over her glasses, "either you have gotten better at not being seen, or you haven't been in this past week."

Sirius laughed. "I'll never tell," he grinned. "Have you seen Renae?"

McGonagall's face paled a bit. "Yes, she headed for the Faculty bathroom only a few minutes ago."

"Is something wrong, Professor?"

"No, Sirius, I just think she hasn't been feeling well lately. She left dinner last night as well, without eating a bite."

"Thanks, I'll go see how she is."

McGonagall gave him a smile as he made his way past her and towards the Faculty bathroom.