Authors Note: Wow! Heh, it took me the longest time but I finally updated. I suppose school finally left me with some free time. Anyway, I apologize for the shortness of this chapter, and the semi pointlessness. I just wanted to get everything back to normal and allow for some fluffiness before I start screwing everything up. Yes, in upcoming chapters some action will start up, and the actual plot will be known J Anyway, I hope you enjoy this small update.

Chapter Nine

The next morning Severus woke up to the sun gleaming through the thin material of the curtains. As he attempted to get up he realized he was not alone and looked down to see the sleeping form of his daughter, and what he saw made him smile as he recalled what had happened the previous night. Even though he would much rather let her sleep it was almost time for breakfast and she would have to head back to her dormitory in order to change end freshen up for the day.

"Paige…sweat heart wake up," he said as he lightly nudged her with his elbow. Instead of an awake girl however all he got in return was a groan and a small shift in her weight. "Come on it's time to get up. It's already 8:00 and breakfast starts at 8:30 you know." When that also did not work the potions master let a small smirk plague his lips. "Alright, suite yourself. I was only thinking you might want to freshen up before Ron sees you…or should I begin calling him your boyfriend?"

Just as he had expected Paige nearly fell off the couch at her father's words. Paige rubbed her eyes for a moment and then focused on her father's knowing expression as her cheeks turned bright red. "You….know about that already?" she said laughing nervously.

Severus nodded as he stood up and grabbed a change of clothes for the day. "Of course I know of that already. In fact, I not only know about it, I was able to witness it firsthand. You seem to have forgotten that I myself have the night watch around the castle…" He paused for a moment to laugh at his daughter's expression. " Which reminds me…you and I are going to have a talk about….ehem….public as well as private displays of affection. Kissing…will be one of those discussions we will have."

Paige's jaw dropped as she stared at her father who seemed to be enjoying her display of shock. Not knowing what else to do she stood up to leave and stuck out her tongue. "Ya well….I've gotta get going so I can change and everything. Like you said, I wouldn't want Ron to see me looking like I just got out of bed would I?" Before she could continue her father tossed her some clothes.. "…But I guess you have everything taken care of don't you?"

Her father nodded with a knowing smile on his face. "Of course I do, I'm your father. Besides, if I allow you to simply walk away now you will undoubtedly avoid any conversation I wish to have with you about your…significant other. Now go on and get changed and such, and we'll talk when you get back."

Paige laughed a bit and smiled. Things certainly seemed to be a bit better than they were last night. Her father's mood seemed to have improved greatly and for that she was glad, even if she was going to have to suffer through one of his lectures about dating and how she is too young to be kissing. Gathering the clothes her father had given her she gently kissed his cheek and smiled before walking into the bathroom and closing the door behind her.

Severus could not help but smile as his daughter shut the door to the bathroom. It was true that he was feeling a bit better this morning. Paige had truly been there for him last night and allowed him to open up and let his feelings out. Sighing he shook his head and quickly changed into another set of black robes for the day. Deciding he'd wait for his daughter and walk to the Great Hall together he sat down and waited patiently for her to finish. What he hadn't expected was to start nodding off again. If it weren't for the creaking of the bathroom door opening he would have fallen asleep.

Paige stepped out of the bathroom full of energy and life., a smile gracing her lips. Her hair flowed loosely on the sides of her face and shined in the sunlight streaming through the window. She walked over to her father and held out her hand as she smiled, motioning for him to get up. "Come on dad! You don't want to be late do you? You are a teacher after all, you should be setting a good example for your students." Paige giggled and ducked her head as her father tried to hit her with one of the couch pillows.

By the time the potions master stood up the young girl was already standing at the door with her hands on her hips, obviously waiting for him to move a bit faster. Severus smirked as he joined his daughter. "My my…aren't we the impatient one?"

Paige once again stuck her tongue out at her father and ran ahead of him. "You know, I was gonna walk with you, but just for that I think I'm gonna go ahead…" she warned, trying to hide the laughter that was building inside her. Turning to face her father her eyes widened as he looked as though he hadn't even heard her at all. Before she could say anything about it however, the sound of chattering students could be heard nearby. "Wonderful…it looks as though I really am going to have to go," she said rejoining her father for a moment. Before anyone could see she quickly hugged him and smiled. "Don't take too many points on your way to the Great Hall," she ordered, the smile still remaining. With that said she turned and ran down another hallway, waving one last time as she faded from sight.

Severus was left, standing in the same place his daughter had just left him, but he was smiling. No matter what happened in the next few moments he knew the smile would not fade from his face. Paige was truly the most wonderful girl a father could ask for, even if she was falling for a Gryffindor. Suddenly he saw a flash of a student who was running down the halls. It was then that his usual smirk returned. She had said not to take too many house points…not to not take any.

Unknown to both Paige and the potions professor, Professor Dumbledore was smiling as he had witnessed the episode between the father and daughter. He had noticed that Severus had seemed a bit saddened the day before and was glad that things appeared to be back to normal, well, as normal as anything ever had been. Letting a chuckle escape him he too made his way to the Great Hall.