Vivica's eyes went huge and her jaw fell to the ground. "Cousins!?"

"Yes," he said quietly.

"But sir, in what way are you two related!" Vivica asked excitedly.

"My mother and his mother were second cousins." He lied smoothly, as if he was returning to his old double-agent days. "End of story,"
She finally relaxed. "That is incredible sir."
"Mmhmm," he looked into those beautiful emerald eyes of hers. "I really missed not seeing you for while, my heart leaped when I saw you in that Qudditch Shop a few days ago."

"Really," she grinned. "I'm sorry I did not recognize you; and sorry if my mum was a little-er-out of character. That is completely not normal of her."
"It is." Snape nodded. "She is usually very kind but she hasn't been herself since James Potter died,"
Vivica nodded in understanding.

Snape pretended to busy himself with an essay and asked the eleven-year-old: "How was James like as a father,"
He winced at the excitement in her voice.

"He was really fun, from what I can remember. He taught me how to ride my first mini-broom! He also did a lot of fun tricks with his wand like make rainbows and colourful sparks fly out."

"That's good." He glared at the paper. He knew that he should be happy that James had treated her right but it hurt him so much on how she idolized the man that caused him pain and took both the girls he loved away from him. It also took all his strength to swallow the urge to admit that he was her father; he was the one that loved her with all his heart. Lily would be furious if he did tell her and he knew the woman all to well that she would probably drag her child right out of the school and enroll her in Beauxbatons Academy just too keep the confused child away from him because she was stupid enough to think that he was still under the death eater regime and would have her killed just like her precious husband.

"Sir,"

Snape didn't want to look up until she said 'Daddy,'

"Sir?" she tried again, getting the hint that she should leave. "I believe that I should be going now. Thank you for telling me what you know, sir," as she stood up, Snape finally looked up with his glossy dark eyes.

"It has been a pleasure, Vivica Rose," he gave her a genuine smile when she perked up at the use of her middle name.

"Have a good evening, sir," she waved to him and left steaming potions classroom.

Snape took out a fresh piece of parchment, his inked his quill and began his letter.

September 2nd 1989

Dear Mrs. Lillian Potter,

Good evening Mrs. Potter, I would like to inform you that Vivica has made it safely to school and that she is an exceedingly bright student. So bright, in fact, that I had to keep her after school for desperately wanting to answer my questions. While I was talking to her, I realized that you have never mentioned me. Ever. Lily, I know that you hate me for what I did and I hope that you realize that I take full responsibility of my actions and that I regret them. I have changed my ways, Lily, and if you give me another chance; if you let me tell our daughter the truth, I swear to it that you will not regret it. I have been clean for seven years now Lily and I think you should know how much it hurts to have her think of me as just a teacher, not a father that loves him with all his heart.
Lily, just be logical and think for what is best for our Vivica Rose. You've done a great job over the last ten years but I have to be a part of her life again. She needs a father figure in her life, James was only there for a few years and Remus can not be reliable with his condition. Perhaps if just imagine being in my shoes, not being able to see your daughter in ten years and when you finally get the chance, you cannot hug her and embrace her tell her how much you love her.

Please consider it Lily, I beg of you.

Love,

Severus

Snape evaluated his letter. He knew that it did not sound like the normal Snape. But he was not contacting anyone ordinary, he was contacting Lily. The Lily that was the mother of his beloved child and the Lily that he would always love, no matter what she did since he would always love her. He had previously tried to rid all feelings for her but it was like their matching patronesses carried a bond that would never break them apart forever. Although even he could not fool himself with his Slytherin ways. He tried to sound as sorrowful and desperate and helpless as he can to guilt the wretched woman to believe that he was right. He nodded in approval of the result of his letter, sealed it with a charm so that Lily could be the only one to read it and sent his black and grey owl to deliver it in the setting sun.

XXX

After dinner, Snape returned to his office to see that his intelligent bird hooting at his high windowsill. He hurriedly crossed to the bird anxiously untied the letter attached to the it's leg with his fumbling fingers until he frustratingly cut the twine with a spell. Garnet hooted for a treat but Snape shooed him away. With his heart racing, he tore open the envelope and his eyes moved back in forth across the paper like an old muggle typewriter.

September 2nd 1989

Dear Professor Snape,

Good night to you professor. I would like to thank you very much for your false flattery and I would like to tell you that the answer is a straight-forward no. The answer has been no for years and my answer has not changed. Remus and Arthur are wonderful father figures and she certainly does not need a death eater as one. You betrayed my trust and your loyalties Severus, and that is something you have not earned back yet. I cannot imagine being in your shoes because I am not that stupid to make selfish decisions. You know that you can not tell her anything unless I give consent so don't you dare try anything. I know you are hurt, but I am in just as much pain because you misguided me and your folk killed off my husband. An apology won't cut it Severus, you have to prove that you are suitable and I know that that will be impossible. In the mean time, don't let our daughter believe in the wrong things.

Lily Potter

He glared at the letter, hating Lily for denying him the right of letting his own daughter call her 'daddy.' Why is Lily in so much denial about him? Has he not apologized a million times; has he not explained himself in a million letters? What is the reason that Lily hated him for? He furiously whipped out another piece of parchment and messily wrote back a response.

Sept. 2nd 1989

Lillian Garnet Potter,

You have to tell me the real reason for not letting me see our daughter! Are you afraid that I might corrupt her, turn her into a snake! Are you ashamed of me? Have I not explained over millions of letters of how I have changed for the better? You're pleased to see me in pain because you think you are avenging your precious James' death. Or perhaps you don't want your daughter to know that you have flaws too and that you aren't as lovely as people say. You know that I love you and you know that I love Vivica, what is the reason for all this suffering!

~Severus

He sealed it, charmed in and laced it onto the owl's leg before it gave an annoyed hoot and bite to his finger. "Be sure I get a reply," he hissed before she took off. He angrily stomped into his private quarters and took out a glass for his whiskey. He didn't normally drink such a strong substance, but he needed it tonight. For the first time ever, he tried to drown out his memory of what Lily has become.

XXX

Seeing his daughter later in class that day did not even make his mood change. He moodily lectured his class until Vivica became distracted by Garnet at the window.

Snape strode towards the bird and took the letter back. His owl flew off, knowing that snappy Snape wouldn't spare her a treat today.

"Start your assignment," he barked at the first years and made the instructions appear on the board. "Due at the end of class,"
Vivica raised her hand. When he didn't look her way she dare spoke aloud. "Professor?" she called out.

"What!" he snapped back, felt even angrier when he saw his daughter shudder at his tone of voice and her familiar emerald eyes wince. "Sorry sir, but we can not finish this potion today since it is a two day potion,"
"Then hand it in tomorrow," he said managed a little more civilly and returned to his desk with the letter. He tore it open quickly and unfolded the letter and scowled at the short reply.

Sept. 3rd 1989

Severus,

I'm coming to Hogwarts on Friday to parent night. We'll sort it out there.

~Lily

His heart leapt. Now, he might have a chance.