Severus lay in the warm arms of his lover while the rain beat a steady rhythm against the foggy windowpanes of their bedroom at Spinner's End. He absently picked up their laced hands and brushed his lips over her knuckles before pressing their entwined hands back against his heart. They had only been home from Grimmauld Place a few days and already his home was their home and his room their room. Were they moving too fast? Would she tire of him eventually if she found someone younger and more suited to her? Would there be room for him once she had rebuilt her own life now that she was free of Bilius for good?

He felt the witch in question stir softly from behind, and wrap one arm more securely around his waist and squeezed his clasped hand with hers as if to reassure him away from his deep seated insecurities, her legs entwining with his even further. The warm steady puffs of her breath on his back told him that Hermione was still very much asleep, and for once, he was grateful as he needed this time to think about all that had happened in the last year and a half.

There was no doubt he loved Hermione, of that he was sure. What he felt for her was far deeper than any love he had ever harboured for anyone, including Lily Evans. Now that he had something real to compare it to, he realised what he had felt for Lily was more obsession than actual love. It was an obsession borne out of a deep need to feel accepted and wanted, which was transferred to the first person other than his mother to offer him kindness and friendship.

In his youth, Lily's friendship had been like a rope that he had clung to in shark infested waters, but over the years those feelings for her had changed into something more than she could ever give him. For many years he had blamed himself for the initial destruction of their friendship, but time as well as a woman who actually reciprocated his feelings, and unbelievably her own son, had made him realise that his one time friend was far shallower than he had perceived her to be. She could have forgiven him, or at least given him the chance to explain why he had used such terrible words against her. She knew what his home life had been like as well as the bullying he had been receiving on a daily basis from those not in his own house. No, he was not an innocent in all of it and he gave as well as he got, but more times than not, he was usually on the receiving end of things. Poppy Pomfrey's meticulous files alone could attest to that. Still Lily had rarely if ever stopped to defend or help him when things happened. In fact, she usually blamed him for many of the occurrences, inciting either his anger or those he associated with in his own house, whether it had been his fault or not. If Hermione had been in Lily's place, he knew she would have hexed anyone to the ground who would have dared to try and hurt one of her friends, all house politics aside.

Hermione would also have sought for a further explanation into things, inquisitive witch that she was, and not immediately assumed he was to blame for everything because of his disposition or the fact he was a Slytherin.

Hermione was nothing like Lily, and for that, he loved her even more, but would his love be enough for her over the passage of time?

They had known each other for almost twenty years before becoming romantically involved. Seven of those years had been as student and Professor as well as allies during the war. Afterward, as Hermione withdrew into her marriage with Bilius, Severus had begun to pick up the pieces of his shattered life and rebuild it. With the persistence of Harry and his family, as well as Lucius, Arsenius and a few others, he was able to savour the full taste of freedom for the first time in his life. After resigning his post at Hogwarts two years ago, Severus knew he was finally the master of his own destiny, and embraced it wholeheartedly. Though he had seen Hermione on occasion over the years, usually at Ministry functions or potions symposiums if the Ministry sent her, he had heard little from her as she seemed to pull away from everyone's life, including Harry's.

Now, of course, he knew why.

Unexpectedly over a year and a half ago she had started a correspondence with him seeking help for a potions project she had been working on at the Ministry. At first it had been all work related, but surprisingly when the project ended, their mutual correspondence not only continued but flourished.

The result had been an awakening experience for Severus as he began to know Hermione not as a former student, but as a highly intelligent woman in her own right. For all the roles he had assumed in his life, he had long put aside the one that counted the most; the fact that he was a man who actually possessed feelings and had needs and desires like any man has. They had just been suppressed for so long; he thought that part of him had died with Lily.

He was wrong.

As their correspondence grew to include personal visits and interactions, he knew their growing attraction was mutual, no matter how hard he tried to deny it and push it away as idiotic nonsense. They had been dancing around each other for so long, when reality finally struck him, he almost didn't recognise it until it was too late. Thankfully, his years of self healing had also changed him enough to push aside his terror of being rejected, in order to take a risk and let Hermione in. Unfortunately in doing so, he had also weakened himself to the point where he knew that if he ever lost Hermione or her daughter, it would kill him. Such was the flip side of the coin.

The truth of the matter was, he was completely at her mercy, and he knew it. When he had given her his heart, he had surrendered his soul as well. When he loved someone, he did it completely and forever, and it terrified him. If she ever grew tired of him, or wanted him gone from her or Rose's life, it would completely destroy him, though he would never tell her that which was now his biggest fear.

Severus turned in Hermione's arms, and pulled her warm body more tightly against his lean frame. She gave a soft and contented sigh as she buried her head against his chest. He drew the thick velvet duvets more securely around them, still in awe of how perfectly their bodies fit together and the feeling of rightness that surrounded them. There was no more sense in fighting it or thinking about the past. He was hers, and in return, she belonged only to him. He had other more pressing issues to consider such as Bilius' upcoming trial, their trip to Vienna, and most urgently, this ridiculous bedtime story he had to tell Mi…Rose in order to get back into her favour, and it was something he was absolutely dreading.

He simply did not tell bedtime stories.

He would seek help for the latter part in the morning, and he knew exactly where to go.

Burying his face in his lover's mass of soft umber curls, his long ebony locks twined with her own and formed a beautiful palette on their pillow as he surrendered himself and his heart into her hands. He let himself be pulled into sleep against the lulls of her soft breathing and the gentle rhythm of the rain against their window.

Severus awoke as usual before anyone else in his new household. Decades of a strict teaching schedule as well as spy duties had left his internal clock unaccustomed to anything else. He leaned over to bestow a kiss on the head of the woman in his arms before quietly untangling himself to rise from his-their bed to make his way to the bath and his usual morning ablutions. Finally dressed in his usual array of frock coat, white linen shirt and slim black trousers, he gave his gently snoring witch a last peck on her warm cheek before leaving their room to head across the dimly lit corridor to Rose's bedroom.

Silent as a shadow, he crept inside and stood by her bed watching her sleep. She was clutching Babbity and looked very much at peace in his home. Their home, his mind whispered the correction, but then pushed it back. He was not sure if Rose considered Spinner's End her home yet as she always referred to it as 'Professor Snape's house'.

Severus sat down on the chair next to her bed contemplating the little girl who had reduced his walls to rubble in a way The Dark Lord or Dumbledore had never been able to. While it was a terrifying conclusion; parts of him were also intrigued. Was this what it felt like to have a child? It felt similar to how he felt about the twins; his godchildren, but there was something more with Rose. He wanted to draw her into his arms and keep her safe from all the darkness of the world. She certainly did have him wrapped around her finger, and he had to admit to himself, at least, that it felt right. What gave him pause was he was unsure that she felt the same way about him.

Rose had declared (rather passionately) during the battle with Bilius that she wished he had been her father instead of Bilius, he knew, though, that sometimes things could be said during the heat of the moment that were not necessarily true, and right now the little redhead was still so angry at him, he doubted very much she could think of him as a friend let alone a father figure. Would she ever trust him enough to accept him as a permanent fixture in her and her mother's lives? If he wanted to build a closer relationship with Hermione's daughter, as well as make Spinner's End feel more like her home, he knew he would have to make certain changes in both his personal life and his home.

Could he do that? Could an old dog be taught new tricks after so long?

Smoothing back a strawberry curl from her head, he tucked his mother's quilt more securely around her shoulders and exited the room with a plan in mind.

If he doubted he was in love before, all thoughts fled with the changes he knew would have to take place, especially within himself. He hoped it would not end up being his undoing.

For Rose, this child... for Hermione, a beautiful soul... Severus sighed. Changes, upheavals - for these two ladies he could love and learn to be what they needed. He wanted to change.

The scent of sausages and eggs as well as coffee and muffins had roused Hermione's senses, and though she was saddened to have wakened to an empty bed, the delicious smells told her that her wizard was preparing breakfast. Grateful that at least one of them could cook, she bathed, dressed in one of her new robes and actually took the time to style her hair. Afterward, she stared at herself in the looking glass (thankfully a Muggle one that did not speak back) and almost did not recognise herself.

The new robes, a rich earth brown interwoven with forest green silk threading was pulled together at her waist with a deep moss sash enhancing her hour glass shape. The gold beaded eyelet bodice dipped low enough to define her cleavage but was still very modest in its cut. The sleeves were long and flowing, and the softness of the fabric made her feel as if she was cradled in silk. Her hair was loose and flowing the way she knew Severus preferred it, with only a few strands pulled back to accentuate her face.

For the first time in her life, she not only looked like a witch of her standing, but also felt like one. It was amazing what love, friends, and a new outlook on life could do for one's self esteem. It had been so long since she felt both beautiful and worth the love of a real man.

Feeling a genuine smile on her face, she left their bedroom and walked over to her daughter's room to collect her for breakfast. Rose was already up and dressed in one of her new pinafores of striped crème and blue. She was painting at her easel and concentrating so hard, she did not even realise her mother had walked in until she was grabbed from behind and pulled to the floor for a tickle filled hug.

"Mummy, I'm working!" Rose huffed, clearly not happy at being interrupted. She also had her dignity to contend with considering she was no longer a baby. She was seven for Merlin's sake!

Hermione laughed thinking how grown up Rose could sound with her irritation. "I'm sorry Rosie; I just wanted to bring you down for breakfast. If I am smelling correctly, I think Severus has made muffins… chocolate to be exact."

Rose clapped her hands, clearly forgetting about her drawing or the inconvenience her mother had caused the budding artist. Professor Snape was making bread and chocolate muffins at that!

She scurried from her mother's lap and raced to the door, only to stop abruptly in front of it.

She was supposed to be mad at Professor Snape until he told her a story.

Even though Rose was not mad anymore, and also felt bad for what her Professor had to do for them, the little bit of pride within would not allow her to back down.

She had to stay mad at him, even though she didn't want to.

"Rose," Hermione said quietly as she bent down to her daughter's level. She knew Rose liked to be on eye level with the adults who spoke to her so she could feel equal in a sense. It made her more comfortable. Thankfully Severus had understood that from the beginning and usually did the same thing.

Ron had always glared down at her from his tall form.

"Sweetheart, tell me what's wrong?"Hermione whispered as she pulled her daughter into her arms.

Rose leaned into her touch and rested her strawberry head against her mother's cheek, allowing herself to be lifted onto a hip.

"Nothing mummy, I'm just not very hungry this morning."

Hermione sighed. She knew where this was coming from, and unless it was solved soon, nobody would have any peace; especially Severus whom she knew was also hurting from their estrangement. His last spoken words to Rose alone told her that. Unfortunately, she also understood that it was something Severus and Rose had to solve themselves, especially if they were going to establish a parental relationship. She could not interfere.

Hermione didn't say a word as she took the child's hand in hers and together they made their way to the source of all the tantalising smells; the sunny kitchen of Spinner's End.

Breakfast was an unusually quiet affair, even for someone as reclusive as the Potions Master. A heaviness of discord hung in the air between the older wizard and the stubborn little girl until Hermione could take it no longer. Severus had made several attempts to speak to Rose, only to have her rebuff him at every turn. She even refused to try the chocolate muffins he had made especially for her. Hermione could see that Severus was getting more flustered by the minute and was about to admonish Rose for her rude behaviour when Severus suddenly took her hand and kissed her open palm in full view of her daughter. Her hazel eyes met his deepest grey with absolute shock at such an open display of affection. The whole world seemed to melt away until the only things she recognised was the warmth of her palm in his hand, and the intense look in his stormy eyes.

"You look beautiful today Hermione."

His voice was deep and warm with no hint of sarcasm or mocking tones. She searched his eyes and saw no hint of deception, only truth.

Severus Snape had paid her a compliment…openly.

Her mouth opened and closed several times, and she felt a deep blush rise to her cheeks that spread down her neck. She knew she looked decent enough and had thought so herself this morning, but to have him openly acknowledge it was completely unexpected, and something she was not use to. Ron had rarely if ever complimented her looks, unless he was drunk and trying to shag her.

Certainly not the way to bolster a woman's self esteem.

But Severus was being honest and in fact still had not released her hand nor turned his gaze away from hers.

Hermione ran a small tongue over her bottom lip and gave a shy smile. "Thank you Severus. I…I feel good for once. It's not just the clothes; it is many things starting with you, to be honest. I wanted to…"

"What about me? Aren't I pretty?" A small voice asked.

Hermione and Severus turned in the direction of the question only to be met with intense blue eyes locked onto their joined hands.

Suddenly self-conscious, Hermione tried to pull her hand away from Severus', but he held on to hers with a gentle yet firm grip going so far as to interlace their fingers much to Hermione's astonishment. Rose's eyes narrowed.

"Seeking compliments …Rose?" Severus queried, testing her name on his tongue and finding it much easier to say than he had in the past. "I do not think, however, that is your real question. Why don't you ask what you really intended to?" The Potions Master's dark eyes met Rose's gaze with a steady calm that even he was not feeling.

Relationships were an entirely new realm for him, but he knew if he did not take the plunge now, he never would.

Rose's piercing blue eyes travelled from her mother, who was smiling at her encouragingly, and back to the Professor who even though was not smiling, did not seem threatening or angry. In fact if Rose were to guess, he seemed almost…..curious?

Rose crossed her arms over her chest not wanting to give too much away. She needed to protect herself and her mummy as well as Babbity….maybe Elly too. If she could resist those delicious chocolate muffins that had been taunting her since they arrived at breakfast, then she could do this, too.

She was still mad…wasn't she?

Besides, she could not let the Professor hurt her mummy like da…no, Ron had done. She had to know the truth. She had to protect her mummy.

Pushing up her small chin, she met the Professor's dark eyes with all the resilience she could muster. "You like my mummy?" Rose asked with as much command in her tiny voice that a seven year old could produce. Remy and Severus had told her that her mummy was sweet on the Professor, but that didn't mean it was true. She'd show them!

"No, I do not."

HA! Rose knew it! He even admitted it! She could not wait to tell the twins. She had to save her Mummy, and then….

"I love her."

Rose lost all train of thought and felt like she had just fallen into the cold stream by Neverland. All the words she had planned to use in her anger against the Professor fell out of her mind like bubbles popping in the summer air. She looked at her mummy and saw her staring at the dark wizard with astonishment etched on her face. Stray tears glistened down her cheeks like falling stars on a warm night. Their joined hands tightened, and her mummy placed her other free hand on top of the Professor's own. Then Rose finally understood.

Her mummy loved him back.

Rose dropped her eyes down to her lap. She thought she would feel angry, but she didn't, in fact, deep down, she almost felt jealous. The Professor never said he loved her, just her mummy, then again, why would he? She had been so mean to him, even though he had apologised to her. Even Remy and Sevvy had tried to tell her that he was a good man. Didn't he just risk his life to save both her and her mummy? What was wrong with her? She didn't even realise she had been crying until strong arms picked her up and held her close, his soft black cloak wrapping around her with the scents that were now so familiar to her. Clean linen, cut grass…..

She tried to keep herself still and not give in. She didn't want to show weakness like she had to Ron. She knew that if she did, he would just hurt her like all fathers did.

Rose felt long fingers stroke her hair as he sat on her chair and gently rocked her back and forth pressing her against him. The child clutched at the dark cloth; she was still crying softly, somehow afraid to let go... to having to return to being mad at her Professor.

"Rose, I need you to listen to me," his voice thrummed gently against her ear laid against his chest. "I understand that you are mad at me but I have explained and apologised for having hurt you, and your mother. I cannot keep apologising repeatedly, though. You either accept it or you do not, though I do hope that you will, as being unforgiving can cause more damage than you realise. I know this from experience," Severus said, and lifted the child's chin so she could meet him eye to eye. A surge of hope filled his heart when she did not pull away or refuse. Encouraged by this, Severus continued, "I will however fulfil my end of the bargain and give you a bedtime story tonight, after that, the ball as they say, is in your court. Whatever your decision, I will respect it, but that does not change the fact that your mother and I are together. I do indeed love her as I love you, and even though it is not much, I am hoping you will eventually accept Spinner's End as your home." As an afterthought he added, "You will be free, of course, to decorate your room as you see fit, and perhaps after we come home from Vienna we can make it a project we can work on together. What do you think, hmm?"

Rose stared at Severus, not knowing what to say. She turned to look at her mummy, but noticed that she had moved off to clean the dishes and tidy up the small kitchen without use of magic.

Rose wasn't stupid, she knew it was to give her and the Professor time alone.

Rose swallowed hard, and started to chew her bottom lip. The Professor said he loved her just like her mummy, but what if he hurt them like Ron did? Didn't Ron say the same things before? How could she trust him?

"You won't never hurt me again?" her finger shyly stroked one of the buttons on his frock coat.

"I shall never purposely do so," Severus promised solemnly. He knew he might do so inadvertently, but parents did so, did they not? They were not perfect, and he certainly knew he was not.

Rose's mind kept speaking to her, Everyone from the twins to Mr. Jigger, Mr. Malfoy and even her mum said she could trust him. Mummy trusted him with her life, and didn't he just save them both?

And didn't you tell Ron that you wished he were your father, nudged another voice that sounded very much like Babbity.

Rose turned her cerulean eyes to the Professor's dark grey, and reached up her small hands to catch the strands of his blue/black hair. He tightened his arms around her, and she fell back into the now familiar rhythm of relaxing against the comforting wool of his frock coat, with all those buttons. Maybe she could trust him and one day he would want to be her father. She had never seen her mummy look happier, and she wanted to be happy too….but he still owed her a story.

"Professor I…"

"I think under these new conditions," Severus said with clear relief in his eyes as he brushed a stray lock of strawberry curl behind her ear. "-it would be more relevant for you to call me something other than Professor Snape. Though the honorific is something I am entitled to, I think being the daughter of the woman I am in love with I should bequeath you more rights than the average person, therefore since you have given me the right to call you by your given name Rose, I shall give you the same right in return."

Rose looked at Severus in confusion before turning to her mum who was putting away the last of the dishes. Hermione smiled with clear amusement in her eyes.

"In other words Rosie, you may stop calling him Professor Snape and may instead call him Severus."

Severus huffed in indignation. "I believe I just said that."

Hermione walked over to the dark wizard and planted a small kiss upon the top of his head. "Rose is seven if you recall, my dearest, not forty."

Feeling happier than she had in a long time, Rose pulled a chocolate muffin off the top of the pile still on the table and took a large bite. Bliss filled her senses before she snuggled closer to her Professor…Severus, and smiled contentedly.

"I know what he meant. I was just being sure," Rose lied before taking another bite of the muffin. He really was the bestest cook in the entire world and he belonged to her and mummy now!

For his part, Severus said nothing as she ate the entire muffin while crumbs fell all over his frock coat and trousers. She seemed content to sit on his lap while eating, and he was too releived that she no longer seemed angry at him to ask her to move.

Hermione watched the whole situation unfold, but said nothing as she knew the two people she loved most in the world were on their way to repairing the damage that had been done, in their own way. She silently slipped out of the kitchen to give them more time alone.

When Rose was about to reach for a third muffin, Severus gently stilled her hands.

"I think that is enough for now, young lady, if not, I doubt your mother would allow me to make anything else for you in the future."

Rose's mouth turned down with a frown, but she released the muffin and allowed the Potions Master to clean her face and wipe the crumbs from both her pinafore and his frock coat. He stood, put Rose on her feet, tidied up the kitchen table with a Scourgify and banished the muffins to his bread bin. Severus then stretched out his hand to the little girl. Rose seemed to have an internal debate before finally accepting the proffered hand, and together they made their way to his study where Hermione was already seated behind the desk answering correspondence regarding their trip to Vienna. Rose ran to her mother who smiled down at her daughter before picking her up and placing her on her lap. She turned to Severus who was watching the tableau of mother and child as he, once again, was struck with the realisation that he was a part of them, now.

"Are you headed off then, love?" Hermione asked of Severus. She tried not to let concern invade her voice. Severus told her yesterday after Rose had gone to bed that he would be gone for most of the day, though he would not specify where. He told her that if he was needed for anything, Lucius would know where to find him. Though it bothered her that Severus did not seem to trust her with the information, she also knew she was dealing with a very private man whose reclusive life had just been turned completely upside-down. She could see he was trying to take huge steps for her and Rose, and in return, she would have to do the same for him, even if it meant backing down at times. She had to keep reminding herself that this was not Ron, and that she could trust him.

Severus could see the emotions play out upon Hermione's face as she kissed her daughter's forehead, smoothed the pinafore, and fussed needlessly over Rose while consternation, and her need to know fought within her. He stepped over to them both, and stroked Hermione's cheek with the back of his fingers.

"I need to speak with Harry, and then my godsons, Hermione. Yesterday was, no doubt, confusing to them. I ought to say something to them."

Hermione smiled gratefully at this small concession from the usually reticent wizard. It warmed Severus' heart to see that smile. Severus summoned his cloak and scarf before adding, "I shall not be back until this evening. I believe I will take care of the necessary paperwork and acquire our Portkey to Vienna after visiting the Potters," he said while wrapping his Slytherin scarf snugly around his neck. He may no longer be tied to Hogwarts, but he was still damned proud of his house even if most people, including the former Headmaster saw it as a detriment.

"That's fine Severus. I'll handle the rest of the arrangements, and start the outline for your speech from the notes you gave me. It's actually quite fascinating love! I had no idea you were so close to finding a better alternative for the Wolfsbane Potion. Remus would have been very proud," she said softly.

Severus nodded, "Perhaps." To himself he admitted that he no longer felt a glimmer of the grudge he once held against the 'last of the Marauders'. If the wizard had lived, it was possible they might have repaired their differences – yet, with the man gone, he would never know if that was to be. Severus bent to place a chaste kiss on Hermione's cheek, before turning to Rose who had been watching the exchange with curious eyes the entire time.

"Always the observer," Severus murmured before patting her head softly. He turned his dark eyes back to Hermione. "Do not worry about dinner. I will bring something home. Preferences?" He asked as he slipped on his black fingerless gloves.

"A curry is fine. I'm sorry I can't be of more help in the kitchen, Severus," she blushed before turning her head away in embarrassment over her lack of culinary skills.

Severus immediately cupped her face and forced her to look into his eyes. "Never apologise Hermione. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. The important thing is we acknowledge them and strive to do better. I will not hear anymore of this nonsense, is that clear?"

Hermione looked into the eyes of the wizard before her, and knew he meant every word. After years of abuse from Ron, accepting not only herself, but support from others would be a challenge, although she knew she needed to learn, or her daughter would not fair any better. She now had a man who truly loved her as well as a daughter who needed her to be a better role model.

Severus was right.

Nodding, she raised her hands to cover the wizard's own gloved ones on her cheeks and lifted her head to lightly brush her lips over his. She knew it was another step of intimacy in front of her daughter, but Hermione felt it was one that needed to be taken. She wanted Rose to understand that Severus was going to be a permanent figure in their lives, and one her daughter needed to start accepting, even if it was gradually.

Severus sighed so softly at the kiss it was almost inaudible, before pulling back. With a slight nod to both his girls, he turned on his heel and strode toward the sitting room intending to Disapparate to his destination. He had just fixed the location firmly in his mind when he heard someone running toward him.

"Severus?"

Severus spun around to see Rose staring at him from the doorway to the sitting room. It was the first time she had called him anything aside from Professor. Severus took a breath and met the girl's gaze calmly.

"Yes Rose?"

Rose took a hesitant step into the room.

"You are coming back?" She didn't meet his eyes, but followed the pattern of the Oriental rug by the hearth instead.

Severus stared at the little girl in front of him allowing her unsaid insecurities to wash over him in order to understand. "Come here," he said and bent down so he was eye level with the child.

Slowly she came to stand before him, her hands twisting in front of her. She still didn't meet his eyes.

"Accio Elly." The faded, charmed bunny flew through the air and landed in the Potions Master's hands. He brushed her off a bit, and smoothed back the floppy ears before pressing it into Rose's hands.

"I know you do not want her because you are angry with me, but Elly is not to blame for what happened. I am. She needs a friend right now, and since I cannot be here, I would like to ask that you take care of her until I come home. I cannot leave Elly, just like I cannot leave you or your mother, so you have my word that I will come back. Will you do this for me?"

Rose finally raised her eyes to look at Severus and nodded. As she pressed Elly against her chest, the fear that he would not return started to fade. He was not like Ron. He would not leave them. He still had a story to tell her. He promised.

Suddenly, she felt her heart open like a floodgate. She did not want Severus to leave without him knowing that she was no longer mad at him. Still clutching Elly with one hand she threw her arms around the Potions Master's neck and buried her face into his hair, tears streaming down her face.

"I….I'm s-sorry, Severus. I'm not mad anymore. I never wanted to be, but I thought you hated me. I dint understand everything that happened. Remy and Sevvy tried to tell me, but I got all confused with the Legimans. Are you alright now?" She asked, her face still buried in his hair.

Severus allowed a small smile to tug at the corner of his lips, as he held the little girl close while patting her back soothingly. "I am indeed much better, but it will still take time for me to heal completely. I hope you can understand this. No matter what happens, please know I have never hated you, Rose, only what your fath..what Bilius did to you and your mother. As I said earlier, I am rather fond of both of you."

Rose pulled her face away from Severus' hair and looked straight into his eyes.

"You said you loved us."

Severus nodded and breathed in slowly. Sentiments were never easy for him to express, but he knew she needed to hear it. "Indeed I did…I do."

"Elly and Babbity too?"

Severus pretended to give a resigned sigh while rolling his eyes. "If I must."

Rose smiled knowingly. "Of course you must. They are part of the family too, you know, and you did promise all of us a story tonight. You're still going to tell us one right, Severus?"

Severus stared at the child wondering if she realised what she had just said. She had called them a family. Severus nodded silently not trusting himself to speak at the moment.

If Rose understood any of the implications of her words, she kept it to herself, choosing instead to hug Elly close while placing a small peck on the Potions Master's sallow cheek before running upstairs.

Severus stood up and stared at the place where he last saw Rose standing. He hesitantly touched the spot on his cheek where the little girl had kissed him, before letting his usual mask of indifference fall over his face. Turning on the spot, he Disapparated away.

Hermione stood silently in the little alcove near the study having watched the entire exchange with thoughtful eyes. Silent tears slipped down her cheeks, but there was a smile on her lips.

Not all tears were bad, some were even healing.