Reaching the lake, Hermione quickly took off her shoes and put her feet in the water. During her school years this had been her stress reliever, and she was happy to find out it still helped.

But the thoughts in her head were still overwhelming. Her concerns about Alea; telling her Severus was her father, and the fact she had been unwillingly sorted into Slytherin. Her relationship with Severus was killing her. And George. Oh merlin, George, she could definitely use his comfort now.

Leaning back, Hermione let her thoughts go back to the Christmas after Alea was born. She had just moved into a new apartment alone, and didn't even have a tree let alone presents for her new born daughter. The divorce had caused her to be a wreck financially and mentally.

She remembered sitting on the sofa with a bottle of wine, crying while Alea slept on the bouncer in front of her. A noise from her front door caused Hermione to wake from her trance, yet she still didn't move. The door opened, and George walked in bearing gifts. He saw the tears falling from Hermione's face and left them at the door.

George had wrapped his arms around her and comforted Hermione, conjuring a tree as she cried. When baby Alea woke up he showered her with gifts and tricks. Later that night, after he tucked Alea back into bed, he gave Hermione her presents, mostly books. The one present she remembered was the silver locket. It was round and on the inside he had a picture of Alea and Hermione on the day Hermione had brought her home from the hospital. It was her most cherished item and she hadn't taken it off since.

Hermione always loved having George around, and she knew he loved Alea. But she wasn't blind and couldn't ignore that George had feelings for her as well. Though she knew it could be mutual if she didn't try to ignore it, she always told herself she needed more time to get over her divorce with Ron and her affair with Severus before beginning anything with George. She realized that after eleven years that excuse was no longer valid but Hermione felt as though she was back where she was when she found out she was pregnant. Having to choose.

Severus' face came into her head. She had slept with him in her seventh year due to a school girl crush. During her time at Hogwarts she admired him while at the same time hating him, and when Voldemort had been defeated and the truth came out about Severus, Hermione admired his courage and bravery even more. And although he admitted his feelings towards her, she had never loved him, and realized she probably never would. However, for Alea's sake, she had to try.

Hermione was back in the castle and making her way towards Severus' rooms so they could tell Alea the truth. It was late, and she judging by the empty corridors she assumed most of the students had already turned in for the night.

Reaching Severus' rooms, she paused to breath. Knocking, she slowly opened the door.

"Severus?"

The room was empty.

Hermione walked in anyways, and checked the bathroom. When that proved to be empty, she made her way towards his classroom, but paused when she heard laughter.

Opening the door she saw Severus and Alea, a book opened in front of them. Both looked up quickly.

"Mum…?" Alea looked shocked and a little nervous.

"Hermione! There you are! I was just explaining some of the Slytherin history to Alea here."

Hermione looked at her daughter and smiled.

"Hi honey. Are you excited to be here?"

Alea stood up.

"What are you doing here? I am so embarrassed! Mum, nobody else's parents are here!"

Hermione sighed. Seeing the stress in her face, Severus went to stand next to her.

"Alea, your mother and I need to tell you something."

Alea thought she realized what was happening. She smiled slightly.

"Mum, are you dating Professor Snape? Wait- but-"

"Alea, no. Professor Snape is-"

"I'm your father Alea."

Alea didn't move or say anything.

"Honey?" Hermione went over to her daughter, but this caused her to back away.

"Why didn't you ever tell me? Didn't you think this was important for me to know?"

Hermione knew this wasn't going to be easy.

"Alea, honey, you have to understand-"

Severus cut her off.

"You have to realize that when you were born a war was just ending. Unfortunately, due to my job I was mixed in with the darker side and I didn't want to put your mother and yourself at risk. I put you into hiding for your protection. But now it is safe, and we can openly be a family."

Hermione was shocked. She had not expected Severus to lie for her, to cover her mistake. Glancing at Alea, she knew her daughter was confused.

"The darker side…? Were you a Death Eater? I just don't understand," Alea looked at Hermione.

Severus sighed.

"Unfortunately, I was quite involved with the dark side. But that's not a story for tonight. I suppose you should get to sleep, your classes start tomorrow."

Alea agreed, and Hermione offered to walk her to her dormitory, but Alea politely declined. Once they were alone, Severus wrapped his arms around Hermione.

"Well, that went alright. Would you like to go to sleep as well love?" he kissed her forehead.

Hermione pulled away.

"Actually, I should-"

He pulled her back to his chest.

"Actually you should come to bed. With me," he smiled and pressed his lips to hers.

Again, Hermione thought of George, but then Alea's face came into her mind.

She needed a family, and Hermione would give her one.