Author's Note: I've had the idea for this story bouncing around in my head for several months and I've finally decided to write it down. This story predominantly centers around an original character and her part in the wizarding world. I rarely find OCs that I really enjoy, so I've really tried hard to create one that is at the very least tolerable. Feedback would be greatly appreciated especially since there are many twists and mysteries. I want to make sure I'm not being too obvious or too vague. Thank you and enjoy!

Disclaimer: Everything recognized doesn't belong to me

1. Prologue

After he had finished unpacking the meager contents from his worn trunk, Severus Snape exited his quarters into his new office. He sat at the desk and quickly read over the note from Hogwarts' former potions master, once Severus's own professor, Horace Slughorn. Severus sneered as he read, the words unsuccessfully hiding Slughorn's relief at having a decent successor for his job as potions master and Head of Slytherin. Setting aside the note, he looked over Slughorn's lesson plans and began adding his own touches to a curriculum that had remained unchanged over the last half century.

Several hours later, well past midnight, Severus had just began reviewing the sixth year curriculum before stopping on the first day: The Draught of Living Death. He could clearly remember the day, though its memories were bittersweet. He closed his eyes as he recalled her voice, "Severus, there's no need to kill yourself keeping it still. Crush the bean. It'll work better than cutting it." Opening his eyes and looking around the dark dungeon room, fully realizing the gravity of his situation.

On the outside, he would be teaching potions to students, some of them being his former classmates. He would be the youngest professor on staff, the next youngest being a solid quarter century older than he. However, he was there for a much more important reason than teaching; he was at Hogwarts to spy on Albus Dumbledore at the behest of the Dark Lord. But, unknown to the Dark Lord, the headmaster was fully aware of Severus's purpose and had solid assurance that Severus was on his side.

Severus sighed as he thought about the difficult time he had had in convincing Dumbledore of his loyalty, but he had played the part of the double spy well. It was a dangerous duty, but well worth it because she was worth it.

Severus was drawn out of his own head by the head of Dumbledore appearing in his fireplace. "Severus?"

"Yes, sir?"

"I think it would be worthwhile for you to floo up to my office. There is somebody you must…meet."

Severus, although irritated, agreed to the late summons, "Of course, sir," and grabbed a handful of powder from the pot on the mantle and walked into the fireplace. Seconds later, he was in the headmaster's office, dusting ash off his black robes.

Dumbledore had his back turned to him, and was looking out the window. Lying on the large polished desk, were the remains of dinner for two. Whoever was here earlier was no longer there. "The stars seem particularly bright tonight. It could perhaps be the silliness of an old man, but it may be a sign…"

Severus, annoyed at being called at so late an hour, said, "Where, sir, is the 'somebody' that I must meet?"

Dumbledore said nothing, but turned around. Severus raised an eyebrow. Swaddled in a soft cream blanket was undoubtedly a baby, a newborn judging from the size, though there was no movement.

"He's too young to be the Potter boy." Severus thought aloud.

Dumbledore smiled down at the bundle, "Correct. Little Harry Potter just had his first birthday. She, on the other hand, is only a few days old."

At that exact moment, a man, missing an eye and a leg, burst through the door. "Dumbledore!"

"Good evening, or rather, good morning Alastor." Dumbledore responded calmly.

"Urgent news from…" He seemed to have spotted Severus, for his scarred face twisted around his swiveling eye, "Snape."

Severus sneered "Moody."

The tension between the two men was evident, but Dumbledore smiled nonetheless. "Alastor, perhaps a quick word outside?"

Moody, eyes still on Severus, didn't bother to hide his contempt for the younger man, "Naturally." He exited the room, peg leg clunking.

Dumbledore took a few steps forward, and turning to Severus asked, "Severus, could you perhaps hold our young guest while I step out?"

"Sir, I – " Severus began, but Dumbledore pushed the baby gently against Severus's chest and Severus's arms curled around the bundle. Dumbledore, eyes twinkling, left.

Severus looked down at the baby, still sleeping peacefully despite her sudden transfer. She had a head full of soft brown hair and enormous cheeks. One small hand was curled around the edge of her blanket. Severus shifted uncomfortably. He had never held a baby before.

From outside the office, he could hear Moody's voice rise angrily. The baby stirred in his arms and blinked. Slowly her eyes opened and Severus gasped. To anybody else, her eyes were just blue, but to Severus…they were her exact eyes. She blinked again, and seemed to have taken her fill of the stranger holding her, for she began to fuss, her red gummy mouth frowning, blue eyes tearing up. Severus panicked, and bounced her up and down and said in what he hoped to be a soothing voice, "There, there". She quieted except for the occasionally whimper. As Severus readjusted her in his arms, the door opened and Dumbledore walked back in.

"Ah, she's awake." He walked over to the desk and picked up a half finished bottle from the dinner tray on his desk. He took out his wand and tapped the bottle, warming it up. Handing it to Snape, he said, "You'll find it is easier to feed her if you take a seat."

Severus sat, a little apprehensive about feeding her the right way, but as soon as the bottle's nipple touched her cheek, her head turned and she greedily latched on. Without looking up from her, he said, "Sir, her eyes…who is her mother?"

Dumbledore smiled sadly, "Her mother? Her mother was here earlier. She is young, unmarried, and sought my advice."

"Advice, sir?"

"Yes. As you are fully aware, Severus, these are dark times indeed. Not at all the type of world that a mother would want her child born into. But alas, here she is." He said gesturing at the baby, who was now half asleep as she continued to eat. "Her mother is, like you Severus, expected to take a certain side in regards to these dark times, but she finds her family's expectations in conflict with her conscious. She has given her daughter over to me so that I may find a suitable home for her away from all the chaos."

"She gave her up?" Severus said, a little upset. He looked back down at the baby, who was once again fully asleep.

"Severus," Dumbldore began, gravely, "Giving her child up will be the most difficult decision that young woman will ever make. Don't fault her for wanting to give her daughter a safe and better life."

There were a few moments of silence before Severus asked, "And her father?"

"Is, by her mother's assurances, completely unaware of his child's existence. And even if he was, he is in no condition to take her, for his situation is even more dangerous than her mother's."

Severus nodded and said nothing. He brought a finger up and brushed it against her soft cheek. "She'll be safe then, where she is going?"

"Quite. A Muggle family that spends part of the year abroad. They're a bit older, but they've wanted a child for some time now."

"She'll be taken care of?"

"Yes, Severus, she'll be alright. In a few years time, you'll see for yourself"

There was quiet once more, as Severus watched the baby girl with a soft look in his eyes, and Dumbledore watched them both with a twinkle in his.