joanwilder (harry/severus, G)
Title: Birth (Written for 100quills)
Author: joanwilder
Rating: G
Prompt Set: 50.3
Prompt: 8
Word Count: 200
Summary: A babe in arms...



Severus watched Harry, thinking to himself what a natural he was with a baby. Harry expertly swiveled the infant to his shoulder, at the same time managing to get the burp cloth there first.

"You're already an old hand at that," Severus remarked dryly.

Harry smiled happily. "Not that complicated. You're next."

"Thank you, no. You're so good at it, I'd pale in comparison." He paused, then reached over to take one of the tiny hands in between his fingers. He brushed it gently with his fingertips, marveling at the prefect proportions, the tiny joints and fingernails. "Birth is truly a miracle," he said softly, awe-struck when the little hand reflexively latched onto his finger.

"Look at what we're missing," Harry teased.

"Oh, not much at all. All these Weasleys will require godparents to take them on outings, weekends to spare their parents, not to mention presents on birthdays and Christmas. Birth at a distance is fine for me."

The baby screwed up the features of its tiny face, took a chest full of air, then let out a shriek at Harry's ear.

Patting her gingerly, Harry whispered, "Get Hermione, would you?"

Snape laughed out loud, then muttered, "Coward."