Hermione: *Harry's sitting up against the headboard, holding him, and Hermione is snuggled close, watching James as well*

Severus: *Sev clings to Remus' hand as they enter the room, his breath catching a bit as he sees James*

Harry: *glances up when they walk in and beams at them*

Hermione: *Hermione smiles at them; she looks tired, and a bit sniffly, but happy* "Come and see him." *motions for them both to come close*

Severus: *moves closer, watching James with wide eyes, speaking softly* He's absolutely lovely.

Harry: *holds him out a bit so they can get a better view, reaching up to nudge the blanket away from his face* He's still all red, but he looks a lot better now than he did when he first came out.

Hermione: *giggles softly* "He's perfect."

Remus: *smiles, looking a little awe-struck* He is indeed.

Severus: *nods* He is. Completely perfect.

Harry: *still beaming proudly* Who wants to hold him first?

Severus: *his eyes get even wider* We can hold him? This soon?

Hermione: *smiles* "Yes, come sit on the bed, if you want to."

Harry: *to Sev* Well, *I'm* holding him, so sure, it's okay if you want to. Have a seat. *offers James to Sev*

Hermione: "Just be careful to support his head, and it'll be all right."

Severus: *hesitates for just a moment before taking a seat and reaching out for James, nodding to Hermione and being careful to support James' head as he cradles him*

Hermione: *gives a distinctly "aww" sort of look and takes Harry's hand, then smiles at Remus*

Remus: *sits down next to Sev, watching Sev hold James with an adoring look in his eyes, and rests his hand at the small of Sev's back, rubbing gently*

Severus: *holds James close - being extraordinarily careful as he does - his own expression turning softer than any Harry or Hermione have seen on him as he watches James*

Harry: See? He won't break.

Severus: *leans slightly into Remus' touch, then turns to look at Remus, his own eyes equally loving. Stares at Remus silently for a moment before turning to Harry* No, it seems he won't.

Hermione: *leans in to look at James's face as he sleeps in Severus's arms*

Hermione: "See, James? This is your Uncle Severus, he's holding you now."

Hermione: "And this is your Uncle Remus--who says you can call him Uncle Remy, if you want to."

Hermione: "They've been waiting with us for you to be born."

Severus: *quietly* Hello, James. I suppose it's alright if you call me Uncle Sev, if Uncle Severus is a bit much for you to say.

Harry: *grins* What about Uncle Sevvie?

Hermione: *giggles*

Severus: *gives Harry the closest thing he can manage to a glare at the moment - which is noticeably unmenacing, really* I don't believe so.

Harry: It'll probably end up being Uncle Sev'us anyway.

Severus: *chuckles softly* That will be acceptable.

Hermione: *smiles, watching Severus hold James, who is sleeping contentedly* "I think he likes you."

Remus: *leans his head on Sev's shoulder and smiles* I think he does too.

Severus: *looks slightly shocked at that, but then obviously pleased* He does seem rather relaxed.

Harry: He's sound asleep -- you can't get much more relaxed than that.

Severus: *watches James for another moment before turning to Remus* Would you like to hold him, love?

Remus: *chuckles* Are you sure you wouldn't like to coo over him a little longer?

Severus: *raises an eyebrow, but can't help but grin* Coo? You're implying that I was cooing?

Hermione: *stifles a giggle, resting her head on Harry's shoulder*

Remus: *teasing* Perhaps not aloud, but internally, yes.

Harry: *squeezes her hand, grinning*

Severus: Mmm. I suppose I can't deny that. *looks back at James* You're going to have a little cousin soon.

Hermione: *grins* "Yes, somebody to play with and grow up with."

Harry: It's good they'll be close in age, because there's no telling when we'll do this again.

Severus: *wry grin* At least you have some measure of control over it.

Hermione: "I think I'll need at least a couple of years to recover before we think about another one." *pokes him*

Harry: *pokes her back* I know, you've already said that.

Hermione: *giggles*

Hermione: *to Severus* "Well, hopefully the spell will give you *some* time to regroup in between."

Severus: *nods, rocking James slightly* Yes, I hope it will. I'm not especially concerned about it, really. The spell has treated me well so far.

Remus: *smiles when he notices the rocking* It has indeed -- the symptoms haven't been terribly bad so far.

Severus: No, nor did it choose to make us wait longer than we wished to.

Hermione: "That's good." *to Remus* "And he did tell you that you're not to let him eat too much butter, didn't he?" *teasing tone*

Remus: *mock-sternly* No, he did not.

Severus: *snorts softly* As long as I'm not denied my chocolate. That could cause a problem.

Hermione: *giggles* "He assured me that he would not neglect his nutrition in the spirit of indulgence."

Severus: I've no intention of neglecting my nutrition. I have been eating quite nutritional foods. Chocolate, however, is necessary.

Remus: We'll be careful about his diet, but yes, chocolate is necessary.

Severus: *grins slightly* Perhaps more so for Remus than for me.

Hermione: *smiles* "Harry always made sure we had chocolate."

Harry: Well, you can't be expected to give up *everything* for nine months. That's just not right.

Hermione: "Exactly."

Severus: No, it most certainly is not. *gets an undeniably 'AAAAW' expression as James gives a little yawn*

Hermione: *to Harry* "I think he's smitten."

Harry: *grins* I think you're right.

Severus: Remus, I think it's best that you hold him for a bit now, else I'm going to have difficulty giving him back.

Hermione: *smiles at that*

Remus: *smiles affectionately* Just think: you'll have one that you don't have to give back in a matter of months. *reaches to take James from Sev carefully, making sure to support his head*

Hermione: "Mmm. And so will you."

Severus: *nods, his expression getting even more aaaaw-ish as he watches Remus hold James* I will. Suddenly I'm even more eager than I was before.

Remus: *cradles James carefully against his chest, watching him closely and taking in all the details* I know how you feel.

Hermione: *smiles up at Harry* "Can you believe he's here yet?"

Severus: *reaches out to stroke Remus' arm softly as he alternately focuses on Remus and James*

Harry: *smiles back* It's starting to sink in, yeah. How about you?

Hermione: *smiles broadens* "Yeah. He seems pretty real." *watches Remus with him*

Harry: Yeah, it's probably easier for you, because of the labour and all.

Hermione: *giggles* "Yeah, that was pretty real."

Severus: *his other hand moves to rest on his own stomach* I think that seeing him is making my situation seem more real to me as well.

Hermione: "Yes, I hope it didn't scare you to think you were going to have to go through this in a few months."

Severus: *shakes his head* No. It actually made me feel a bit better now that it's not a complete unknown.

Hermione: *nods* "It's the not knowing what it'll be like that's scary."

Remus: *glances up from James to look at Sev and smiles* I'm glad to hear that.

Severus: Yes. Now I have a bit of an idea. *reaches out to squeeze Hermione's hand* You handled it all admirably.

Severus: *smiles back at Remus* Don't worry, love. No second thoughts.

Hermione: *smiles and squeezes his in return* "Thank you. There were a few minutes in there I didn't feel very admirable, but I had Harry to help me, so it was all right."

Severus: Well, it seems that you both came through it successfully. All three of you, rather.

Harry: I had the easy part -- stand there, let her break all the bones in my hands, and say 'push'.

Hermione: *giggles, a little more loudly, and James stirs a little in Remus's arms before continuing to sleep on contentedly*

Severus: *to Remus* It is fortunate that your bones are a bit more sturdy than most.

Severus: *gets a practically melty expression as he watches James stir*

Remus: *rocks James a little as he stirs, his own expression tender. To Sev* Yes, and I'll get earplugs, too, in case you decide to roar the place down during the worst of it.

Hermione: *smiles at Remus rocking James* "I think he likes you, too."

Severus: *raises an eyebrow* Whatever gives you the idea that I'd do such a thing?

Remus: *raises a teasing eyebrow back at him* I can't answer that in front of James. *to Hermione* I certainly hope so.

Hermione: *grins in response*

Severus: *chuckles* I believe the situations are so vastly different as to not warrant comparison. *nods* He does seem fond of you. Not that I expected otherwise.

Hermione: "I'm sure Remus will be one of his two favorite uncles."

Remus: Well, he hasn't woken up and started crying, so I'll take that as a good sign. Perhaps it's because he recognises our voices.

Severus: *nods* He knows us.

Hermione: "He may be hungry again soon, Poppy said, but you shouldn't take that personally."

Remus: *chuckles, then stands and carries him back to Hermione* In that case, I'll return him to you ahead of time. I wouldn't want to disappoint him if he woke up hungry and started looking.

Severus: *as soon as Remus returns, Sev grabs his hand and squeezes it fiercely*

Hermione: *takes him carefully, smiling* "All right." *settles him in close*

Harry: *reaches out and rests his hand on James' blanket*

Remus: *squeezes Sev's hand tightly in return*

Severus: *rubs his own stomach idly as he watches Harry and Hermione with James* He is absolutely perfect.

Hermione: *smiles* "Yes he is. And now he's met his grandparents and his two uncles, and later he'll meet more people."

Harry: The rest of the tribe. *strokes James' cheek gently with his finger*

Severus: He is going to be surrounded by a community of adoring people.

Hermione: "Yes, he'll have a big, happy family."

Harry: *nods* We'll see to that.

Remus: *to Hermione* Are you tired? If he needs to eat soon, should we go and give you some privacy?

Hermione: *thinks for a moment* "Well, you can stay if you want to. I don't mind." *James starts to stir a little, working up to a cry*

Severus: You wouldn't mind us staying?

Hermione: *smiles* "No, it's all right." *James starts to cry in earnest, and Poppy sticks her head in to ask if Hermione needs some help, but Hermione shakes her head*

Remus: *to Sev* Do you want to stay?

Severus: *nods* Since Hermione doesn't mind. I believe I would. I'm eager to learn as much about all of this as I can.

Hermione: *she moves some clothes out of the way and they can see her concentrating on the procedure she's sure to have memorized*

Hermione: *soon enough, James is happily having another meal, and she smiles proudly* "I'm glad we're getting that right already."

Harry: All the research paid off.

Severus: *watches with obvious fascination, looking near awestruck as James begins to eat*

Hermione: "Poppy helped too. And helped me not to be nervous."

Severus: *nods* Poppy is good at that.

Harry: *nods* Some of it does come naturally, too. A lot of it is common sense combined with instinct.

Severus: I don't imagine James would turn down his meal, even if the procedure weren't entirely correct.

Hermione: *nods, watching James, then adds* "No, but if he doesn't latch on right, he can get air in his tummy, or not as much milk. Plus, it can hurt."

Hermione: *smiles at Severus* "I'll teach you all the tips."

Severus: *winces a bit* That's certainly a good reason to study the procedure.

Severus: *smiles at Hermione* Thank you.

Harry: *becomes engrossed in watching, fascinated*

Severus: *leans against Remus and murmurs* I can hardly wait.

Remus: *slides his arm around Sev's waist* Neither can I.

Hermione: *smiles at both of them* "It'll be here sooner than you know it."

Severus: *nods* I can hardly believe it's been as long as it has already.

Harry: *strokes the back of James' head lightly* It goes by fast.

Hermione: *Hermione yawns widely and smiles* "I think I'm going to need a nap when he's done. Hopefully he'll take one so I can."

Severus: You certainly deserve a rest. It's been quite the day.

Harry: He should -- he'll be full, so that'll probably make him sleepy. I'll burp him once he's finished.

Hermione: *smiles at Harry* "Ok." *looks down at James, who has stopped eating and apparently started sleeping again* "I think he's about done."

Remus: *nods and stands up again* We'll go, then, and let you rest.

Severus: *stands as well* Let us know if you need anything.

Hermione: *moves him carefully away from her and holds him so Harry can take him* "All right. But come back whenever you like. And we will."

Harry: *grabs a cloth and throws it over his shoulder, then takes James* Yeah, we'll definitely be here if you want to drop back by. *grins*

Severus: We very well might. I can't imagine we'll be able to stay away for long.

Hermione: *smiles* "Good."

Remus: *takes Sev's hand, smiling* No, definitely not. *to Sev* Ready, love?

Severus: *squeezes Remus' hand* Yes, I am.

Hermione: *waves goodbye and settles into the bed, watching Harry with James*

Remus: We'll see you later, then. *waves and takes one last look at James before leading Sev out*

Severus: *takes his last peek as well before following Remus*