Disclaimer: I own nothing, except my own creation, Allinorah Jane Snape.
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The night before his eldest daughter leaves for Hogwarts for the very first time, Severus Snape joins her on the bed.
Pulling her close to his side, he talks about how proud he is of her. It doesn't matter which house she was sorted into – he'll still be proud.
She's his first born child – the apple of his eye – with his intelligence (don't tell her mother that!) and her mother's kindheartedness.
Looking down at the dark hair so like his own, he took a deep breath before continuing.
'Allinorah. Please don't be afraid to be yourself,' he said seriously. 'Study hard, but have some fun too.'
Seeing the nervousness in her eyes, he squeezed her shoulder.
'And no matter what rumours you hear about me, don't worry, I was ten times worse,' he growled, smiling inwardly as Ali laughs.
Shifting himself so he is eye-to-eye with his daughter, and in a rare display of emotion, he said: 'I love you. And I'll miss you. But you're going to be fine!'
Throwing herself at her father, Ali gave him a bone-crushing hug before leaning back and tweaking his nose – something that she has done ever since she was old enough to grasp said feature.
'I love you too Daddy.'
Tucking her into bed, and kissing her one last time, he extinguished the lights and left the room.
Closing the door halfway, he turns and finds himself looking at his teary wife. Looking somewhat bemused, he clasps her arms and drops his head, trying to see her face.
'Mia?'
Sniffling, she responded: 'That was lovely.'
Bracketing her neck, he pulled her in close. 'She's growing up so fast,' he said softly.
'I know. My baby's off to Hogwarts.'
'Hols will be here before we know it,' she added.
'Mmm-hmm,' was all he could offer, speaking into her hair.
After checking on their four other children, Severus and Hermione bedded down for the evening, preparing themselves for the chaos that will surely come with the morning.