Severus Snape woke up to a loud, shrill crying. He groaned and slid out of bed, tugging on a robe. The crying was coming from outside the door of his cabin. He said the charm that would unlock his door, then swung it open. Upon not seeing anything outside, Severus was about to close the door, when he realized the crying was still there. He looked down, and saw a small bundle of blankets. His shaking hands reached down and picked the bundle up, cradling it carefully in his arms. There was a note safety pinned onto the blanket.

Dear Severus Snape,

You do not know me, but I know you. Please take care of my daughter, Sable, for me. Do not tell anyone about her, or she will be taken away. She has strong magic in her, and I am trusting you to help cultivate that. Due to circumstances, I am unable to keep her. Please take good care of her, love her like your own, and do not tell anyone about her.

Severus looked around outside, noticing a large playpen filled with baby supplies. He sighed and pulled the crib, which fortunately had wheels, inside. The baby, Sable, had quieted down when she was picked up, and was now staring curiously up at Severus. Her bright blue eyes didn't waver from his face, even as he glanced around nervously. He frowned, wondering why she was staring. Suddenly, her eyes were drawn away as she spotted the bright, full moon above. A black lock of hair, although she didn't have much, was hit away from her face as her arm raised and she reached for the moon.

"If you're always going to be this ambitious, you're going to end up in Slytherin," Severus closed the door, sighing as she began to cry. "Or maybe you'll end up in Gryffindor, crying when you don't get what you want."

Sable's crying increased, her eyes clenching shut with the force of it. Severus rubbed his head, sensing a headache coming on. What was he supposed to do? Why couldn't babies talk, like normal human beings? Why was the child still even here He should have taken it to Dumbledore already.

"Be quiet already," Severus groaned. "What do you want?"

Severus sighed and grabbed hold of the crib. He shut out the baby's cries and Apparated -baby, crib, and all- in front of a large cottage. A surprised looking Hagrid was standing in front of the cottage. His eyes were immediately drawn to the small, crying form in Severus' hands.

"Hagrid," Severus nodded briefly, walking over with the crib dragging after. "Make it shut up."

"Er," Hagrid took the offered baby, eyeing Severus. "Sure, Severus, sure. She's probably just hungry, that's all. I hope you don't mind my asking, but where'd you get this little, ah, lass?"

"It doesn't matter, at the moment," Severus glared, motioning for Hagrid to go inside. He followed with the crib as Hagrid turned and went in. "Just quiet her."

Severus sat on a chair and observed Hagrid's movements. The large man was rocking the baby gently and filling a baby bottle he had grabbed out of the crib. A fine, white powder was dumped into the bottle. Hagrid grabbed a cup of water and held it out to Severus.

"Do you think you could warm this?"

Severus cast a simple warming charm on the cup. Hagrid nodded awkwardly and added the warm water to the bottle. He shook it then offered it to the baby, who grasped the bottle eagerly. Hagrid handed her back to Severus as the baby drank greedily. They were silent for long moments before Hagrid cleared his throat and began talking.

"Ah, are you going to tell me where you got her now?" Hagrid was watching the baby. "Who's is she? She's a pretty little lass, but I don't see any resemblance between her and anyone I can think of."

Severus sighed. "She was at my doorstep." He handed Hagrid the note. "This was with her, as well as the supplies."

"Are you going to keep her?" Hagrid asked after reading the note.

"Why would I?" Severus snapped.

"Well, it seems important that she isn't found..." Hagrid shrugged, trying to grin. "Why didn't you take her straight to Dumbledore then?"

"I don't know," Severus murmured, watching as Sable fell asleep. "But even if I wanted to, which I don't, there would be no way for me to take care of her. I have a teaching job every day."

"I could watch her while you're gone," Hagrid's eyes brightened. "I mean, maybe there's a real big reason she shouldn't be found."

"I suppose," Severus stood up swiftly. "I must go now, I have to be up early tomorrow. Come by tomorrow before I go to Hogwarts, you will be watching Sable."

Before Hagrid could react, Severus had Apparated himself, Sable, and the supplies back to his cabin. He sighed and began moving things out of the crib. When everything was on the floor, Severus settled Sable down into the crib, a soft, warm grey blanket placed over her. With a last glance at the baby girl, Severus climbed into his own bed and promptly fell asleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~7 Months Later~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Severus woke up slowly, blearily blinking his eyes. He slid out of bed, cursing as his foot landed on a sharp baby toy. Sable, now 10 months old according to a bracelet they had found on her wrist, was still sleeping soundly in her crib. Severus sighed and pulled on a robe, placing a pot of water over a fire and pulling out some tea leaves. The water finished boiling and Severus had just added the tea leaves when there was a knock on the door. Hagrid was right no time.

"Hello Hagrid," Severus opened the heavy wooden door easily. "Come in, I've just finished making the tea."

"Hello Severus," Hagrid nodded, following him inside. "How's little Sable?"

"She's fine," Severus sipped his tea, flinching as it burne his tongue. "Her fever went down last night. I haven't checked again yet, I'm not quite ready to have her awake again."

"Aye," Hagrid grinned. "Never known a baby to wake up at any touch like her before. But maybe that's because of her size, maybe her skin is more sensitive. Heard preemies are more sensitive."

"I suppose," Severus watched as Sable's eyes fluttered opened at the voices. "She's awake."

Severus got up and walked over to her crib. She had just started wailing when Severus picked her up, rocking gently. She smiled widely at him and clutched the black robes he was wearing. They were soon seated at the table and she was handed to Hagrid.

"Her fever seems to be gone," Severus finished his tea. "Anyway, I must be going now. I might be back a bit early today, I've a bit of a headache and I'm sure my Gryffindor/Slytherin class will agitate it further."

"Alright then Severus," Hagrid stood up and walked to the door with Severus. "Say bye to daddy, Sable."

Severus looked up sharply. "I am not her father. I do not want her to think of me as her father. How often must I tell you? She will grow up calling me Severus."

"Sorry," Hagrid watched as Sable reached for Severus' robes, her eyes welling up when she couldn't reach. "I just keep forgetting. You're like her father though. You take care of her."

"I have to go now, or I will be late," Severus let Sable grab hold of his robe before Disapparating. He heard her shrill cry just before he appeared in front of Hogwarts. "Today will be a long day."

~~~~~~~~~~~~Later~~~~~~~~~~~~

Severus sighed wearily as he Apparated beside his house. Sable tended to cry when she was surprised, and an Apparating Severus was included in that. Severus paused as he heard voices inside his cabin and noticed the door was open. His eyes widened as he recognized the second voice to be Albus Dumbledore. He rushed inside to see Hagrid cradling Sable and Dumbledore standing with his back to the door.

"Where did you get this child, Hagrid?" Dumbledore's voice was stern. "And how long have you had it? Why did you keep it a secret?"

"The child is mine, Albus," Severus spoke up.

"Severus?" Dumbledore turned around, his eyes puzzled. "This is your child? I didn't know you had ever..."

"No no!" Severus spoke quickly, horrified. "I am not her father. She is not my child by blood. But she is mine. Hagrid watches her while I am gone."

"Oh," Dumbledore nodded. "Who are her parents?"

"I'm not sure, Albus," Severus walked forward to take Sable from Hagrid. "Go on Hagrid. I'll talk with Dumbledore."

"Okay," Hagrid gave a last smile to Sable before disappearing out the door.

"Wait, Hagrid," Dumbledore called suddenly. Hagrid's head appeared in the door. "Go talk to McGonagall, she will tell you what I came to tell you." Hagrid nodded and once again disappeared.

"I suppose you want to know about her, the circumstances." Severus sat down with Sable sitting on his lap, trying to hide from Dumbledore.

"Yes, I would appreciate that, Severus," Albus sat down beside him, watching as Sable hid herself inside Severus' robes. "Start from the beginning if you don't mind."

"Well she just appeared at my doorstep one night," Severus watched Sable through the opening of his robes where she was playing with the black shirt Severus wore under his robes. "There was a crib of things, and a note..."

Severus stood up, making sure Sable didn't fall. He walked over to a small box and pulled a small key from his pocket, unlocking the box. The box had two folded pieces of paper and a bracelet. Severus picked them up and brought them to Dumbledore. While the Headmaster looked over the notes and bracelet, Severus continued.

"She cried so I went to Hagrid to get him to figure out what was wrong. He fed her and we talked," He concentrated on watching Sable, who was still playing in his robes. "I went back home and Hagrid came over the next day to take care of Sable while I was at Hogwarts. It's been that way ever since. We never told anyone about her. I found that other note not too long ago. That was in the box, hidden under the bedding of her crib along with a mostly blank book."

"Severus.." Dumbledore sighed. "I wish you would have told me about her. I could have helped you."

"You would have taken her away," Severus spoke so low he could barely be heard.

"Severus, I know you get lonely..." He paused as Severus glanced at him sharply. "Whether you admit it or not. I would not have taken her."

"No matter," Severus shrugged, noticing Sable was falling asleep. "Excuse me."

Dumbledore watched as Severus carried Sable over to her crib. She looked up at Severus sleepily, clutching onto his robes. The mattress squeaked as he set the baby girl down, covering her with a soft grey blanket. They were silent as Severus sat back down on the couch, taking the box with the notes and book from Dumbledore.

"Severus, you've taken good care of her," Dumbledore smiled, his eyes twinkling. "I expect you to bring her to Hogwarts from now on whenever the students are all on break."

"What?" Severus blinked in surprise before regaining his composure. "Of course, Albus. Now what was it you sent Hagrid off to do?"

"Ah, that," Dumbledore frowned. "You've of course heard of what happened to the Potters. Hagrid has gone to drop Harry off at the Dursley's house. They're the same age, you know. Although Harry is a few months older. They will attend Hogwarts the same years."

"Great," Severus grimaced. "If he is anything like his father, I want them to have nothing to do with each other."

"Severus, you can not let yourself be biased," Dumbledore spoke sternly. "Also, I think the Weasleys will have a son in the same year."

"Yes, well, the Weasleys have a child in every year," Severus snarled, then frowned at Dumbledore's glance. "Yes yes, I know. You know, Lucius Malfoy has a son that will be in the same year. Lucius is training him to be a future Death Eater."

"I expected as much."

"And you're still going to let him in?" Severus couldn't hide his surprise. "Why?"

"He is his own person," Dumbledore smiled. "We can hope that he will decide not to become a Death Eater."

"Who says his father is giving him a choice?"

"Don't worry, Severus," Dumbledore patted his arm. "Anyway, I must be going. Business to attend to. Remember, bring Sable when the students are all gone."

"Yes, Albus," Severus watched as Dumbledore walked outside and Disapparated.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~4 Years Later~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Sable!" Severus called loudly, his voice amplified by the empty halls. "Come on, it's time for lunch!"

"Looking for someone?" Peeves laughed from behind Severus.

"Where's your playmate, Peeves?" Severus glared.

"Eh, she's somewhere out there."

"You mean you lost her?" Severus took a menacing step forward.

"Oh no, of course not," Peeves grinned. "She's with the Fat Friar."

"At least I know she's safe," Severus sighed. "That little girl gets into all kinds of trouble. Mostly because of you, Peeves."

"I can't help it if a five-year-old likes playing tricks with me," Peeves laughed and did a few flips. "Stupid Fat Friar took her from me though."

"I shall have to thank him for that," Severus nodded. "I must be off to find her now. Goodbye."

Severus walked down the halls, calling for Sable. He ventured up stairs, into rooms, down secret hallways he knew of, but did not find her. He frowned and made his way into the Great Hall. He breathed a silent sigh of relief as he saw the fat Friar standing beside Sable, who was giggling at Peeves. Severus was glad to see the Friar was keeping her away from Peeves.

"Sable!" Severus called out angrily. "Where have you been?"

"Sevvy!" The little girl pulled out of the Friar's reach and ran over to Severus. "I was having fun with Peeves, but then the Fat Friar took me away! He wouldn't let me do anything!"

"It's for the best, Sable," Severus glanced at Peeves, who was sulking.

Sable frowned and looked at Peeves too. Her attention was drawn away and she was suddenly clutching onto Severus tightly. He laid a hand on her back and looked around. He saw McGonagall walking over and grinned. Ever since Sable first saw McGonagall, she had disliked her. She was afraid of the prude woman, no matter what McGonagall did. Severus didn't blame her.

"Sable?" McGonagall spoke as gently and nicely as she could. "I have a present for you."

Sable peeked out from behind Severus' robes where she had hid. McGonagall pulled out little bag with a few round candies in them. She offered them to Sable, and Severus identified them to himself as sherbert balls. Sable looked up at Severus for approval. At his nod, she reached for the bag. McGonagall smiled and handed it to her.

"They're called sherbert balls," McGonagall said. "Go ahead, try one. While you suck it, you'll float a few inches."

Sable's eyes widened. She opened the bag and reached in, taking one out. She popped the candy in her mouth. Severus watched, bemused, as Sable floated a few inches from the ground, grinning and giggling. His eyes grew wide as she kept rising until she was seven feet off the ground. She wasn't supposed to be that high, sherbert balls only lifted you a few feet. There was a loud crunch as Sable bit into the candy, causing her to rise a few more feet before she came down to the ground again. She grinned happily at McGonagall.

"Thank you!" She giggled and hid back in Severus' robes.

"Your welcome," McGonagall smiled. "I have another treat for you after dinner."

Sable smiled and leaned back against Severus. Severus saw Dumbledore watching, most likely wondering the same thing he was. How did she levitate that high? Severus sent Sable to go eat lunch. As soon as she was gone, Dumbledore approached.

"I take it you are wondering how she did that, also?" Severus spoke, watching as Sable darted between the tables, trying to find something she wanted. He hoped she would get a lot, her small size worried him sometimes.

"I believe I know why," Dumbledore smiled. "She must be very powerful. Or she will be. The candy must have reacted with the magic she has inside her, causing her to rise higher than normal. I'm not completely sure though."

"I suppose that makes sense," Severus nodded, then frowned as Sable wandered over to an overjoyed Peeves. "Why does she always go back to him?"

"They're alike," Dumbledore smiled warmly. "They both enjoy causing trouble. Let them continue, he's the closest she'll get to a friend her age."

"Peeves is older than me," Severus felt his lips twitching into an almost smile.

"I'm talking in spirit, Severus," Dumbledore pat his shoulder. "Whether you think it or not, you are her father. Maybe not by blood, but you are to her what most children's fathers are to them."

"I know."

Severus watched as McGonagall approached Sable again. She handed a small box to Sable. Upon it being opened, a chocolate frog jumped out. Sable laughed and giggled as she chased after the enchanted chocolate frog. The frog stilled as it was caught, then was eagerly popped into Sable's mouth.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~1 Year Later~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Remember, Sable," Severus was kneeling down in front of a 6-year-old Sable. "If you need me, just hold onto your necklace and think it in your mind. Just like I showed you yesterday. Okay?"

"Okay, Sevvy," Sable nodded, looking at black gem necklace hanging on a golden chain around Severus' neck, and then her own matching one.

"Go now," Severus stood up, motioning to a door behind his desk. "The students will be arriving soon."

Sable nodded and darted into the little room. Severus closed the door, locked it, then cast a silencing charm on it. Dumbledore had suggested the plan. Hagrid was leaving on a trip and wouldn't be around to watch Sable anymore, so Severus had needed some way to keep her supervised. Dumbledore had said she could hide in Severus' spare room, the one behind his storage room, while he was teaching. They got the necklaces so if Sable needed anything she only had to think it and Severus would know. He could also communicate back to her. This was the first day they would be trying it. Severus sighed as the first student came in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Bye Sevvy!" Sable darted into the spare room that she always went in.

They had been doing this a week, and Sable thought it was boring. She sat down on the chair that had been put inside the room. The chair was black, crushed velvet with a fluffy cushion. Sable liked the chair. But it wasn't enough to cure her boredom.

"Aw, poor Sable, locked up in a closet!"

"Peeves?" Sable glanced around, her eyes coming to rest on the grinning ghost. "Peeves!"

"Hello Sable," Peeves smiled as Sable ran up to him. "You want out of here? There's a secret hallway that we can sneak into. I haven't shown it to you yet."

"Yeah!" Sable grinned widely. "It's boring here! I told Sevvy, but he said there was nothing he could do about it."

"Don't worry, you'll be out of here in no time!" Peeves pointed to a brick in the fireplace. "Haven't you wondered why they put a fireplace in here? Why would a closet need a fireplace? For a secret passage of course! Go on, press that brick right there."

Sable sprinted forward and pressed the brick eagerly. The back of the fireplace slid away, revealing a dark hall. Peeves entered the passage, beckoning for Sable to follow. She grinned and skipped happily after him. They ran around the entire of Hogwarts, going back to the spare room whenever Severus went to get her. Even after Hagrid came back from his trip, Sable went with Severus to work everyday, and explored the school with Peeves. No one ever found out.