A/N: I have not updated this story in over half a year. For that, I am terribly sorry. If you choose to shun me, I wouldn't hold it against you. There is not excuse, but I suppose I'll tell you anyway. I didn't like this story, so I left it to collect dust. However, today, I read over it, and wondered what possessed me to do so. That's why I'm here!

Disclaimer: If you haven't realized I don't own HP, I sorely recommend you get off this site.

Dalilah woke up the next morning feeling better than she had in-well, ever! She slowly got out of bed and was reluctant to get dressed. She'd never been able to relax, as she'd always been forced to be doing one thing or another for the Dursleys. She'd been jealous of Dudley, only because he'd had the privilege to recline in anything he could squeeze his fat bottom into.

So instead of changing she stayed in her pajamas, picked a book off the shelf, and plopped her small frame onto her soft bed. She couldn't read very well to begin with, so there was no question that her developing brain didn't stand a chance against all the wizarding words the book contained. So Dalilah contented herself with just looking at the pictures. This was how she spent most of her morning before there was a knock on her door. It was opened before she could question who it was, though Dalilah had a pretty good idea. Professor Snape stood, his eyes raking over the room until they landed on her. His black orbs seemed to soften, if only a fraction.

"I came to check on you," he muttered, his voice low and velvety. Dalilah smiled shyly.

"Oh. No one has ever done that before. I guess they thought I wasn't important." Severus inwardly cringed. How could someone be so heartless as to treat a child as if they were nothing more than a used tissue?

'Your father' a small voice in the back of his head said. He cursed himself. Why was he comparing Potter's spawn to himself again?

He shook his head as if that would purge him of his unwelcome thoughts.

"Would you like lunch?" he asked her in a flat voice. Well, almost flat. It held a hint off gentleness.

"Yes, please!" She jumped up and realized she was still wearing her pj's. Dalilah smiled sheepishly.

"I'll change first."

Professor Snape gave her a curt nod before leaving and shutting her door behind him. She changed as quickly as possible. She didn't want to keep her guardian waiting. She had a feeling he wasn't going to hurt her, but old habits died hard.

When she met him in their living room, she grinned and he didn't scowl, so she took that as good sign and nervously reached for his hand. He stiffness and Dalilah recoiled, her cheeks flushed in shame.

"I-I'm sorry!" She squeaked, and Severus realized she was afraid of him! He knealed down in front of her. He had an odd urge to protect her.

"I will never hurt you...Dalilah." She looked up at the sound of her name and wrung her hands anxiously.

"P-promise?"

"I promise." With that, he stood up and held his hand out to her, which Dalilah gladly took.

As Dalilah was currently at Professor McGonagalls quarters, Severus sat in one of Dumbledores chairs, and the two men discussed what they were going to do with the Chosen One. Summer breaks end was fast approaching, and they planned on what they were to do with Dalilah during Term.

"I can't see why she can't sit with you as you teach, Severus."

"I have a reputation to uphold! I cannot have a pink clad six year old giggling and praddling and still be intimidating!" The old man pondered this.

"Perhaps we could appoint various students as babysitters!" Albus suggested.

"Yes, that may work. But what if they ask for a salary?" Dumbledore chuckled.

"I doubt that will be necessary, my dear boy. It is hard not to love her. It seems this is a trait she acquired from Lily." Dumbledores blue eyes twinkled as he said this. Severus couldn't help but agree.

R, R, & R! My thumbs ache as this was written off my phone, but I was determined to finish.