A/N: I fixed the age mistake I made two years ago, now, can we just enjoy the story please? Thank you!

-rainbowcoloredballoons

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, only the story

Hermione looked back at Severus as he buttoned his shirt. She was sitting on his bed, holding the blankets around her.

"Hermione, love, you should get dressed. The sorting will start soon," he came over and kissed her forehead.

She stood up and started reaching for her clothes. Her stomach felt sick.

"Would you like me to get you robes? That way you would not stand out as much as you would in your muggle clothing."

Hermione nodded.

"Are you alright love?"

She looked up and smiled and nodded.

"Good. I will be back with robes and to escort you to the Great Hall," he left the room swiftly.

Hermione felt tears well up in her eyes. For something she had hoped for coming here, it felt so wrong to do.

Don't be ashamed, she scolded herself, this is Alea's father. She needs a proper family.

She was pulling on her sweater when Severus entered the room holding a single orchid and bearing robes.

"For you," he handed her the orchid, and threw the robes on the bed, pushing himself and Hermione onto them.

"It will never die, l enchanted it. Beauty should never die."

He kissed her lips and trailed to her neck, taking in her scent, the same smell he remembered from almost twelve years ago.

Hermione was standing in the Great Hall near the doors. The first years had yet to arrive and Hermione was anxious to see her daughter. Looking around, the Great Hall looked the same as it had when she had attended Hogwarts with Harry and Ron. Her eyes went across the professors table when she noticed Severus watching. Blushing, she looked away.

Dumbledore stood up, and Professor McGonagall walked through the doors with the first years. Hermione quickly scanned the group and almost immediately found Alea, who looked excited. The sight of her daughter comforted her. Professor McGonagall led them to the stool placed at the front of the hall, and proceeded to call out names.

"Anderson, Alexandra!"

Hermione paid slight attention to the other students, focusing on Alea, who had already made quite a group of friends.

"Snape, Alea!"

The atmosphere in the hall changed. Many professors stood to see the child of their colleague, and almost every student had their eye's pinned on Alea, wondering if she was related to their professor.

Alea noticed the attention she was receiving, but perceived it as good, and continued to walk to the Sorting Hat. Eagerly, she placed it on her head.

The Sorting Hat took seconds to decide, but to Hermione it felt like an eternity.

"Slytherin!"

Hermione's heart stopped. Alea slid off the stool, avoiding tears. Slowly and shamefully, she went to sit with her newly assigned house. Hermione wanted to go over and comfort her daughter, but she knew this would shock and embarrass her. Instead she looked at Severus, hoping for some comfort for her.

He had a slight smile and his eyes were shining. Making a slight gesture, his nodded his glass towards Hermione. She looked away.

The sorting ended shortly after, and the feast began. Hermione exited the hall, not having much of an appetite. As she entered the entrance hall, she noticed footsteps hurrying behind her. Turning around, she saw Severus.

"Hermione, is everything okay?" He caught up and put his arms around her.

Hermione stiffened. She didn't want to be touched so she pushed him away slightly.

"I'm fine. I just wanted to take a walk. Prepare myself for Alea."

Severus looked away.

"You're upset she's in Slytherin, aren't you?"

"No…no…I was just hoping for Gryffindor, that's all."

Severus sighed.

"Listen, Hermione, just because she's in Slytherin does not mean she will be evil. The Dark Lord was an exception, the same of his followers. Slytherin's are chosen because they are resourceful, have great ambition and are intelligent, all of which I'm sure Alea is. It is not something to be ashamed of, love."

Hermione was quite for a moment, deciding not to push the matter.

"Alright Severus," she smiled and turned and walked out the entrance hall.