Crack. Two figures apparated out of thin air at Spinner's End at twilight. A tall figure and a small one that could have been a quarter of his height stood linked at the hands, the warm summer wind gently whipping at their clothes. Had the residents of Spinner's End been awake, they probably would have thought that these two were dressed in a very strange manner. But the residents of Spinner's End were all members of the working class of Muggles; boring people with ordinary lives that were devoid of any sort of imagination or excitement. The usual nine to five schedule had them entirely convinced that there was nothing more to life than the boxed environment they lived in and their repetitive robotic schedule. Nothing amazing ever happened here.

Dense smog covered the town and hung close to the houses on a seemingly empty street, seeping inside the numerous cracks and open windows. The strangely matched pair headed for one of these dilapidated brick houses lined up in a row, the tall man sweeping gracefully and the little girl walking hurriedly, tiny feet trying to keep up. As soon as the visitors had reached their mark, the man took out a wand and with a sweeping motion summoned a fresh gust of wind to clear away the haze and shut all of the windows in the vicinity.

Knock. No answer. Knock again. The door opened a crack; an eye obscured in stifling darkness looked out. The contrast of the last moments of golden twilight and the airless gloom from within the house was overwhelming.

"Severus," the wizard said with a warm smile. The door opened and the tall wizard swept in. All of the living quarters were obscured by dusk comparable to the finest Peruvian Darkness Powder that was quickly becoming so popular these days. A solitary candle melted almost to the base was flickering on top of an enormous book case bent inward from a hefty amount of books placed on it. "Let's get some light in here," said the wizard.

With another flick of his wand, the chandeliers were lit and a soft glow was cast upon the humble abode. Snape's quarters were almost empty other than a couple of bookcases and some rickety furniture that stood against the darkened windows.

"You really should get some more light in here Severus. It's not good to live in the dark." More light was summoned at once.

The tall old wizard was enveloped by a certain mysterious air about him, holding the hand of what looked like a toddler. The small girl stood pigeon-toed, her eyes glassy and unfocused. She looked fragile and detached.

Severus Snape walked to the middle of the living room and sat down, gesturing for Dumbledore to do the same. "Come Vittoria," he said with a smile and a calming tone. She looked up at him and allowed him to sweep her to the couch, but wouldn't let go of his hand. When they were situated comfortably, her gaze drifted off again, her eyes becoming unfocused once more.

Dumbledore turned his attention to Snape. His face was blank, pale, sunken. It seemed as though he hadn't seen the light of days in years. His hair was unkempt from the infinite number of times he had tangled his fingers in it, his black robes that were always kept so neat were wrinkled and untidy. "Severus, I hope you got my owl and that our arrival wasn't a complete surprise." Snape gave a curt nod. "There has been a slight change of plans. I had planned to come see you alone, but our visit together couldn't have been helped."

Snape's eyes wandered to the child.

"This is Vittoria."

At the mention of her name, the little girl looked at Dumbledore. He smiled at her gently. "She needs a place to stay and a strong presence in her life to lead her in the right direction." Dumbledore's trademark penetrating gaze surveyed right through him.

After the silence that followed, Dumbledore decided to switch his approach. "How have you been?" he asked intently. "I haven't seen or heard from you in almost a month. I'm concerned."

Snape stared at the older wizard. He finally found his voice. "I will be in teaching condition by the beginning of the school year."

"That's not what I am concerned about."

Snape started. "I don't know what to say to you Dumbledore."

"You're grieving, I understand," said the older wizard.

Snape gave an involuntary twitch. "Grieving?" His posture suddenly came back. He drew himself to his full height, his eyes filled with fury. "She's dead! Lily Evans is dead!" He grabbed at his long hair in anguish like a mad man. "What do I have to live for?"

"Is this remorse, Severus?" the look in Dumbledore's electric blue eyes hardened. "You gave me your word that you would do whatever it takes to clear your conscience not even two months ago. If you truly loved her, you will do whatever it takes."

Snape shook in grief as Dumbledore continued. "Now calm yourself, we must ensure that both you and the future will be provided for," he said more kindly this time. Dumbledore reached out to Severus, put a calming hand on his shoulder and pushed him back into his seat.

Snape regained control of himself, mastered his breathing. Dumbledore looked at Vittoria; the child was staring blankly into space once more. "You might be wondering why I brought Vittoria here."

Snape nodded. "She has no family. She is too young to be sent to Hogwarts. And," Dumbledore's eyes slid onto Snape's again, "she exhibits qualities that would make her dangerous to be put into a Muggle orphanage." He looked for Snape's reaction.

Finally a realization hit him. "Me? Dumbledore…" he stammered. "I have no… I'm not… I am in no position to be taking care of a child!"

"That's not true Severus, I feel that you should indeed be able to and be great at," it looked like he was about to interrupt, "caring for this child. I believe that you and Vittoria would both benefit from each others' company in many positive ways. You will learn from her and she - in turn - from you."

Severus Snape was now looking at Vittoria. "But… but what about my special assignment? It's not like I can just stop whenever I want to, Albus…"

Dumbledore looked stern. "I have thought things through, Severus. As you know I don't do things without reason. Vittoria is now your responsibility along with your assignment. I have affirmed her papers; she is in your care now. Remember, you gave me your word."

Snape was lost for words. Dumbledore softened his expression and took Vittoria's hand in his. "Vittoria, I would like you to meet someone." Her big empty eyes were fixed on Dumbledore again. "This is Severus Snape. You will now be in his care. Please take care of him as well," he said smiling.

Vittoria's eyes found Snape. She looked at him for a full minute, taking in all details of this new acquaintance, then slowly got to her little feet and fumbled over to Snape's chair. She put her little hand on his big pale one and looked up into his large dark eyes.

"There now, everything will be alright," said Dumbledore soothingly, more to Snape than the little girl. He stood up to leave.

Snape's tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth. He patted her hand absentmindedly and stood up and followed Dumbledore to the door.

"I…"

"If you're worried about the money, I have already visited Gringotts."

"No… I… Are you sure?"

"Sure I'm sure. You'll do fine, Severus. Good bye Vittoria."

"But how will you know that I'll be a good enough father?" he said to the wizard's retreating back. No answer followed.

Snape stood at the open door for awhile, staring into the wake of the wizard, not knowing what to do. Finally he forced himself to turn and look at the little girl. She stood there, pigeon-toed, as fragile as ever, staring at him with her big dark eyes. He heaved a sigh and came back into the room.

He stared at the child taking in all of her features. At most she looked to be about two years of age, with big brown eyes and olive skin. Her dark hair was hanging down her back and she was wearing some poorly chosen combination of Muggle clothing.

"Vittoria. The Italian version of Victoria. Feminine form of Victorius in Latin, directly meaning 'victory'. A great witch in the 4th century had your name." The large brown eyes were taking him in as well. "Do you understand? Of course you don't, you're only two!" he clapped a hand to his forehead. He felt the small hand on his again. He looked down and saw her nod at him.

"Very well Vittoria."

Dumbledore had a curious if not an unorthodox way of doing things. Severus Snape had calmed down. He now had a purpose. He was steady in his decisions.