"Severus?" Minerva's voice broke him out of his enchantment. For that was what it was. At first sight, baby Athena had enchanted him. He had fallen into her powerful spell and he was lost forever to her, to love and to protect, or die trying.

"She's beautiful, Minerva," he gasped, walking slowly towards them. Minerva smiled, but it was more sad than happy. Athena continued looking at him, clutching her mother's robes, but the dark eyes never leaving his. Apprehensive yet trustful. It was like she knew who he was but couldn't recognize the face. He stood right in front of them and a long, slender finger reached out to touch the soft tendrils of her hair. Her mother's hair... but my eyes, he thought. Any doubts he had that the child might not have been his went up with the smokes. This was his daughter, the resemblance was uncanny. Softly he trailed his finger down her smooth skin and gently touched her little fingers, which he saw would one day be slender and long like his. All the while, Athena didn't flinch at his touch, but just waited and watched. And when his finger met her small hands, it instinctively curled around his finger, gripping it hard. Severus smiled. He couldn't believe that such a small act could fill him with so much warmth and joy. Could it be that the ice he had been building around his heart had begun to thaw? Just after one touch? Could this be the wonder of parenthood that he's heard so much of and scoffed so readily?

"You have strength. And one day, you will be the best Potion Maker the wizarding world has ever seen," he whispered not wanting to break the tranquil feeling within his soul, and as if she understood, Athena broke into a huge smile and gurgled loudly.

"No doubt she will be an eager student," answered Minerva. She had been so quiet, he had almost forgotten about her, even though she was the one holding the girl. Severus looked up at her.

"May I?" he asked, holding his hands up to the baby. Minerva hesitated, but reluctantly agreed. She placed the baby in his arms, and guided him where to put his hands so he may support her fully. Severus looked at the baby in his arms, smiling at him. She knows he's her father.

Minerva watched the father and daughter, clutching each other, wearing identical contented faces. She didn't know what to make of it. Relieved that he knows? Heartbroken because they'll never be a proper family? She moved away from them, and stood by the fire, staring into its roaring flames. She wished she could grab all her problems and throw them into the fire, let it burn with the flames. She was so into her thoughts that she didn't hear him speak.

"Minerva," he said for the third time. He saw her jump a little and turned to him. Her blue eyes were sad.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know how,"

"Were you ever gonna tell me?"

"Severus, are you going to get angry and shout?" she asked back, her tone like a little girl about to be scolded by her father. Severus felt like he should be doing just that, hell, it was his nature to scream and shout, and he had never felt anything but anger. That, of course, was until he held his daughter. Suddenly, he didn't feel angry anymore. All he wanted to do was curl in front of the fire with Athena and tell her stories of beautiful places and beautiful people.

"No, I won't shout. But I want to know," he replied. He wasn't sure, but he thought she looked a little relieved.

"I didn't know if you would want her. I guess I was to afraid to find out, in case you said no," she said, her head bent low, her words barely reaching his ears. But he heard.

"Why wouldn't I want her?" he asked. She looked up at him, her eyes narrowed.

"Don't you remember what happened? The night we... y'know..." she blushed crimson.

"Made our daughter? Yes, I remember now. It took a while, but I remember," he said. He thought he'd omit the bit about the Book for now.

"And yet you still can't see?" how I took advantage of you? Her heart continued what her lips couldn't say.

"Minerva, I'm lost. Do I strike you as a man of no responsibility, no honor? Did you think I would let you bring up this child alone?" he asked again utterly bewildered. He didn't understand it. Sure, he had done some horrible things in his past, but hadn't he atoned for it all? He watched helplessly as she shook her head.

"No, but I didn't want to burden you with her. It wasn't like we planned to..." she couldn't continue.

"Minerva, so many things have happened that we didn't plan. I agree, this child may not have been born out of mutual love or even attraction, but she's still my daughter," he said. Hot tears pricked the back of her eyes as he said those words. There was so much love in his words. Not to her, but to their daughter. He obviously did not hold her responsible for taking advantage of him in such a state. All she can do now was say sorry.

Severus didn't what else to say. How could he ever apologize to Minerva? If only he had practiced a little restraint and not pounced on her in the tub, they wouldn't be having this conversation. But then he wouldn't be holding this precious being in his arms. He was sorry he seduced her to having sex with him, using her distraught situation for his own carnal pleasure, but he couldn't bring himself to regret Athena's birth. All he can do now was say sorry.

"I'm sorry," they said simultaneously. Their eyes locked for about a second, before Minerva turned away.

"It was wrong of me, Severus. But lets forget the past," she said. He nodded, but then realized she couldn't see him.

"Yes, I agree. Leave the past in the past. We have a daughter to raise now," he said, trying to make light of the situation, but failing. Minerva didn't even bother to smile.

"So, what next?" she asks.

"I suppose Albus could marry us, he is qualified," said Severus, thinking hard. Minerva nearly chocked on her words.

"WHAT!!??" she cried. Athena let out a little whimper. Minerva rushed over to them and plucked her out of his arms.

"Married?" she said again, this time much softer. Is he insane? They can't get married!! Severus took a step closer, but she increased the gap by backing up further. He could've kicked himself for his stupidity. Of course, she wouldn't agree to it.

"Minerva... listen," he began.

"No Severus. I won't marry you. No!"