Severus could feel the gentle tug on the blankets as small hands attempted to pull them back. He cracked open an eye. There Samantha stood, her black eyes shining with excitement as she tugged on the blankets.
"Daddy" she murmured. "Daddy, it is time to get up, it is Christmas!" Severus could feel Mary chuckle besides him as she heard their daughter's plea for him to get up. Samantha always went to wake him first, she knew it was easier to get her mother up so she didn't bother with Mary.
"It's too early sweetheart." Severus replied a smile playing on his lips.
"You promised Daddy" Samantha pouted, crossing her arms as she looked at him. She was more Mary than him in most ways, her mannerisms and attitude was all Mary.
"You did Severus" Mary stated as she rolled over, her arm encircling his waist.
"Daddy, Auntie is already up!" Samantha stated looking rather disappointed Avielle was up before he was.
"Alright, Alright" Severus caved as he began to sit up and throw his legs over the side of the bed. Samantha was smiling brightly at him before grabbing his hand and pulling on it. Behind him he could hear the bed springs moaning as Mary got up. In one swift movement he stood, picking up his over zealous five year old before heading down stairs.
The sitting room was warm and inviting as Severus stood in the doorway, Samantha resting on his hip. Avielle had lit the fire in the hearth that was dancing merrily as he set his daughter on the floor. Watching her run towards the tree, dropping down on the floor with a smile on her face. Avielle was sitting in the chair near the fire leaning on her arm, her eyes closed. He nudge her awake, chuckling at the glare he received as he sat on the floor near Mary. He never dreamed that he would be spending his holiday like this. He never thought he would have a beautiful daughter or a loving wife that didn't care about his past. He couldn't wish for anything more.