Thank you to everyone who has reviewed, I appreciate all of them! Here is a wee bonus chapter because thanks to the promise of birthday cocktails, I'm feeling slightly generous ;)

He woke on Christmas day feeling surprisingly happy. Happy was not a normal emotion for him to feel, it felt rather uncomfortable. Still it was almost nine and he really should get up, Hermione was coming to see him at ten. They'd discussed her telling her friends during the holidays and if he was honest he was worried about their reaction. The Weasley boy could be particularly insensitive. He wasn't sure why they were friends but given her fierce defence of Potter the first time he'd brought that up he had to assume they weren't going anywhere. He had no urge for her to shout at him like that again, so he uncharacteristically was going to keep his mouth shut. She was stubborn, his daughter, and currently she was dealing with all this rather well. He didn't want to upset that. Upset her. He frowned, he never normally cared about not upsetting people. That was new.

She appeared in a blur of Christmas excitement, hugging him again. He could get used to that. Especially now that she wasn't getting snot all over his buttons. She was babbling about some present Harry had given her, a book of some description he thought but she was speaking so quickly he wasn't sure. How much sugar had the girl had?

"Merry Christmas, Hermione. You appear to be in good spirits."

She was grinning again. At him. He hadn't expected a smile to come with feelings, what was that about? Surely it wasn't normal. And yet he felt all warm. It wasn't entirely comfortable. No one smiled at him. Not genuinely.

"Merry Christmas...Father."

Oh. Oh fuck. Why did that make him want to cry? He didn't cry. He was Severus Snape for fucks sake. He had better control than this. Presents. He could do presents. Anything to get rid of this uncomfortable feeling that he was ten seconds from breaking down and crying like a baby.

"This is for you." For fucks sake, even his voice sounded off. Maybe she wouldn't notice.

"Ah. This is for you." It was wrapped in slytherin green.

"You first." the I need a minute so I don't cry was left unsaid.

"Oh. Oh it's beautiful!"

"It was my mothers, your Grandmother's. She had very little of value but her father gave her that necklace before she went to Hogwarts and I don't believe she ever took it off."

"Will you put it on me?"

She was examining it, that small teardrop diamond attached to the gold chain. It wasn't much by Pureblood standards, but it was the only thing he had of his mothers. Other than the schoolbooks he'd been given when he went to Hogwarts, already out of date, even then.

"Thank you. It really is lovely. Will you open yours?"

She'd gotten him a set of ornate potions vials and a glass stirring rod engraved with his name. They were quite possibly the most beautiful things he'd ever owned. He went more for practicality when he was brewing.

She looked nervous before she spoke again. "Do you like them? I asked Aunt Cissa because I wasn't sure."

"They're lovely, Hermione, thank you."

He hugged her first this time. He felt her surprise before she hugged him back, to his eternal relief.

"I didn't expect to like you, you know."

He arched a brow at her. She wasn't looking at him so he let the silence go on for a while.
"You're nothing like the person you pretend to be in your classroom. You're actually quite sweet. And funny. I definitely didn't expect you to be funny."

"I am not sweet!"

She smiled again, amusement at his displeasure clear on her face and then she dropped her head to his shoulder and his indignation melted. He was in so much trouble. This girl of his would have him wrapped around her little finger if he wasn't careful.

"I have a present from Lucius and Narcissa."

"For me?"

"No, for Potter. Of course it's for you!"

"Oh. What is it?"

"I believe it is customary to open it to find out." He responded drily, trying not to roll his eyes.

"Draco sent me sugar quills. And actual quills. I thought it was from all of them."

"Apparently not. What did you give Draco?"

"Seekers gloves. I got Harry some too. I sent Aunt Cissa some muggle makeup that I asked Mum to pick for me after we visited. She seems to feel better now she's met you. Dad apparently thinks you're wonderful. Especially as you are terrifying and live in the castle with me. He's weirdly really excited about your teeth. I sent Uncle Lucius a book about different birds. Might make him less fond of the peacocks."

He laughed at her as she opened her present, her eyes going wide. "Is that a first edition? "Oh my god it is!"

He peered at the title. Hogwarts, a history, of fucking course. She snuggled back into him as she opened the book.

"I told Harry and Ron last night."

Fuck. That had the potential to be very, very bad. She seemed happy enough though. And given that she was sitting on his sofa allowing him to hug her into his side, that notion was bizarre all unto itself. For the first time he wondered, seriously, what it would have been like if she'd grown up with him. The easy way she touched him was a revelation, that she allowed him to touch her in return was baffling. When was the last time someone had hugged him willingly, allowed him just to sit with them. His daughter seemed perfectly comfortable with his arm around her shoulder. He was Severus Snape, greasy git, dungeon bat. No one touched him. Ever. It was as disconcerting as it was nice.

He wondered if he would be more used to it if he'd known about her as a toddler, a child, rather than a teen. Or would she have been as emotionally stunted as he was. Maybe it was best not to dwell on it. Maybe he should just accept that she was willing to hug him and that she appeared young enough to allow him to hug her in return. He hoped she wouldn't grow out of it. He'd come to crave her hugs, even as they made him uncomfortable. Proof that someone gave a damn about him. No one other than Minerva really cared and she wasn't exactly warm and fluffy. Well….actually he supposed she was. He wondered idly for a moment how many fingers he'd have left if he tried to hug her in animagus form.

"How did that go?" He asked finally.

"Surprisingly, they were ok. Surprised, obviously. Ron had a bit of a rant, called you some names. Harry made him calm down. I didn't tell them about Uncle Lucius and Aunt Cissa though, I thought that might be too far for one conversion. Especially as Mr Weasley seems to hate Uncle Lucius. Why is that? Uncle Lucius was vile to him this summer, more so than he was to my parents."

"Lucius is a prejudiced prat. Maybe, you'll make him question some of his beliefs, maybe not. It's something you should probably consider should you intend to have a relationship with the Malfoys." At her slow nod, he continued, "The Weasley's and the Malfoy's have been feuding for years. I cannot remember what it was about but it involved the marriage of a Malfoy to a Weasley and something about money and broken promises. Old families take their feuds seriously. It's been going on for over 200 years. The fact that Lucius was also a Death Eater and despises all muggles also upsets Arthur."

"You were a Death Eater, did you despise muggles?"

"I despised one muggle and took it out on the rest." Fuck he wasn't sure how to do this. This wasn't the conversation he'd expected to be having and she was watching him now, waiting for an answer.

"I made a terrible mistake. I was a lonely, unhappy boy who made a monumentally stupid decision that I will forever regret. However once you were in, you were in. There was no way out. I've tried very hard to make up for that mistake."

"By spying?"

"Yes."

She was nodding at him again, and putting her head back where it had been. Was she really that forgiving? Fuck he really couldn't cry. He settled for pulling her closer because really what else was he meant to do?

She'd spent a quiet couple of hours in his quarters before they had to leave for lunch. Really, he needed to tell Albus soon. If the dunderheaded duo knew it would be all over the sodding school and then Albus would be furious. The man never liked being the last to hear the gossip. He was worse than a teenage girl in that respect.

He watched Potter and Weasley watch him throughout lunch. Subtle. He wasn't sure he'd ever seen such an intense look of concentration on either of their faces. He saw Hermione nudge them both with her elbow. Judging by their wince, it hurt. Good.

And now Albus was looking at him, fucking wonderful. He'd be having that conversation today then thanks to the fucking imbeciles his daughter was friends with. Minerva appeared to be smothering a laugh. When had his life turned into this farce?

He found himself in Albus' office after lunch, thankfully Minerva was with him. That would prevent Albus throwing too much of a tantrum.

"You wished to see me, Severus?"

"Yes. As you are aware I have the second year's brew a heritage potion at the start of the year. This years revealed something."

"I see, do go on." This was harder than he had imagined. Especially with Minerva's smug look. She didn't suit it.

"Miss Granger was adopted. She knew. The potion revealed her birth parents."
"Oh for Merlin's sake Severus stop beating around the bush!"

"I assume Miss Granger's biological parents were not muggles?" Fucking hell Albus looked amused now. He'd take a tantrum over the Headmasters amusement. How much mulled mead had the man drank at lunch?

"No. Her Mother is Elladora Fawley."

Well that stopped the amusement. Who the fuck had he been thinking it was?

"And her father, Severus?"

"Me."

He'd actually shocked the headmaster into silence. Wonders would never cease.

"I had thought she was a Black, the hair….you know" he said eventually, gesturing vaguely at his head.

"No." he hesitated, "Lucius and Narcissa have already met her."

Fuck even Minerva looked surprised at that.

"Do you think that was wise, Severus?"

"Narcissa requested it in return for information on Ella's location. Miss Granger, Hermione, asked me for information regarding her mother and I went to the only people who were likely to know anything. Apparently Narcissa knew about the child, although she was not aware of my involvement nor of the child's adopted name."

"And how is Miss Granger coping with all of this?"

"She told her idiot friends last night. I've met her parents and it appears she intends me to spend some time with them. She appears to be adjusting reasonably well."

"She told Mr Potter and Mr Weasley?" Minerva sounded astonished. "But the castle is still standing!"

"That would indeed explain their scrutiny over lunch, Severus. I had wondered what had occurred." Albus still sounded remarkably calm.

"Apparently they took it reasonably well. As did Draco."

"Mr Malfoy knows! Sweet Merlin."

"Of course, Minerva. I took her to his house!"

"Yes, but the castle is still standing, Severus!"

"Indeed. I do believe that she has not yet revealed her familial connection to Mr Malfoy. She fears that it may tip Mr Weasley over the edge."

"Smart girl." the woman muttered. "It'll come out eventually though. Is she really ok with Lucius Malfoy's views?"

"Of course she isn't. I believe she intends to try to change them. I have warned her that it may not be possible but you know how Gryffindor's get over a lost cause."

She glared at him then.

"What do you intend to do about her, my boy?"

"Do about her, Albus?"

"She is Harry's best friend, Severus. That makes her a liability when the Dark Lord returns. I assume you have considered this?"

Of course he had considered it. He had. For a reasonably long time but she was his daughter and quite honestly she was the best bloody thing that had ever happened to him. He wasn't giving that up. Albus may suspect the Dark Lord was returning but he had no idea of a timescale and he couldn't watch her from a distance for his entire life. Not now. Not now he was beginning to get to know her. He wanted to know her. He wanted to watch her grow up, scare off boyfriends, attend her wedding, when she was about fifty. Fifty-five. He'd like grandchildren, at some point. Adopted grandchildren obviously. She could have those without a husband. He wanted all of it. And for once he was going to be selfish, he was going to put himself first because damn it, he didn't want to not have the annoying girl in his life.

"Of course Albus. What do you suggest?"

"She has two parents, Severus, what makes you think she'd want a third?" Oh he said it gently, but the meaning was clear.

"Albus! That was uncalled for!" Minerva didn't sound too pleased. Good, at least one of them was on his side.

"We have discussed it." Albus didn't look pleased about that.

"I see. And your conclusion?"

"She calls me Father. I will be in her life in whatever capacity she allows for as long as she allows it. And should the Dark Lord reappear, we will deal with it then. I will not give up having my daughter in my life based on what ifs and guess work."

"Oh my boy! You've finally grown up!" Fuck was Minerva crying? What was he meant to do with that! It was Hermione all over again. Should he hug her? At least if he did she wouldn't get snot on his buttons.

He gingerly wrapped an arm around Minerva's shoulder, hoping his face didn't show his panic as the woman threw herself at him and sobbed. Oh for fucks sake. These women were ruining him.

"I'm sorry, Severus." Minerva said eventually, drying her eyes with a handkerchief. "I was so worried when you first found out and I never thought I'd get to see you like this. I think it's wonderful!" She was glaring at Albus as if daring him to disagree.

The old man sighed. "Well I don't suppose there is much I can do now. I do wish we had discussed it sooner, Severus. I suggest you encourage Miss Granger to share her link to Mr Malfoy shortly. These things have a way of coming out and goodness knows Harry needs her. Not telling him will make him suspicious."

"My daughter is more than Potter's sidekick, Albus! I will encourage her to divulge her link to Draco, only because they appear to get on well and Salazar knows the girl could do with some other friends. You will not use her as a pawn in whatever it is you are scheming, am I clear?"

"Crystal, Severus." Why didn't he believe him? What the fuck was the man up to now? He'd need to start teaching her occlumency and to be wary of interfering Headmasters.

The patronus startled them all out of whatever was really going on in the Headmaster's office.

"Severus, I need your assistance please. A student has…..well. Maybe it's best to come and see for yourself."

"I suppose I had best go and see Poppy."

"I think I'll come with you, Severus."

He wondered what Minerva was up to. She didn't utter a word during the walk to the infirmary, if he hadn't have known better he would have said it was a show of solidarity. Surely not.

When Poppy drew back the curtain, he had to leave, immediately. It took him twenty minutes to calm himself back down, put his mask back on. No one would know, Severus Snape, dour Potions master had laughed so hard he had cried in an alcove outside the hospital wing.

He tried again, his head hurting with how hard he had to occlude to stop himself laughing. On the bed was Ronald Weasley. Or at least he thought it was Ronald Weasley. He looked like a fucking ginger cat. A giant, anthropomorphic, ginger cat. He had a fucking tail for Salazar's sake. Fuck this was not fair. He wasn't allowed to laugh at students in the hospital wing. Poppy would never forgive him. But. Ron Weasley was a cat!

"Do I want to know how this happened, Mr Weasley?"

The boy shook his head. "So you had nothing to do with the missing ingredients from my stores? Tell me, Mr Weasley, who did you bribe to brew the potion for you? You are certainly not capable."

The boy shook his head again and he sighed.

"Poppy, I should be able to get rid of the fur, but the ears and the tail are likely here to stay."

"It was Mione!"

"Ah such loyalty Mr Weasley. I shall of course let my daughter know how much you value her."

"You wanted to see me, Father?" She looked nervous. Good.

"I just had the misfortune of visiting Mr Weasley in the hospital wing. Do you care to explain to me why he credits you with his...new appearance?"

"Ah. Well. Harry and Ron thought…...they thought that Draco was the Heir of Slytherin."

He arched a brow at her. "Go on."

"They wanted to question him but he'd never tell them anything so they wanted to pose as Slytherin's. So we may have brewed polyjuice in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom."

"Have you any idea how stupid that was? How many things could go wrong? You are supposed to be intelligent, Hermione!"

Fuck, now she looked like she was going to cry. Maybe he shouldn't have shouted. Maybe he should have spoken to her when he first noticed ingredients going missing. Oh hell she was actually crying now.

"I'm sorry! I just….when we first spoke about it I was scared. Muggleborn's are being petrified and no one seems to know why. And I know I'm no longer muggleborn but it's hard sometimes to remember that."

Fuck. He was going to have to hug her wasn't he. At least she wasn't resisting. Although he was sure she was getting snot on his buttons again.

"Who did you turn into?"

"I didn't. I knew Draco wasn't the Heir after actually speaking to him at the beginning of the holidays. I tried to convince them it was a bad idea but they were adamant. Harry changed into Goyle. He's in a cupboard outside the Great Hall. We might have given him a cupcake laced with a mild sleeping draught. And Ron, he thought he had a hair from Theo Nott after the duelling club. Someone must own a cat that Theo has been near."

"Are you telling me it actually worked? Potter changed into Mr Goyle?"

"Yes."

"Sweet Merlin."

"What are you going to do to me?"

He pulled her in tighter and sighed. "I am going to tutor you in potions twice a week. Any second year who can successfully brew polyjuice needs to be doing more advanced work than the curriculum. And in return, Hermione, you are going to promise me that you will never do something so fucking stupid ever again. Come and speak to me. Stop trying to save everyone. You are thirteen. Don't…. you need to stop putting yourself at risk. Promise me."

"I promise. You're really going to tutor me?"

"Yes. Don't tell Draco. You'll never hear the end of it."

Brewing fucking polyjuice in a lavatory of all places. That kid was going to be the death of him. He needed to find Minerva. Hopefully she'd already poured his scotch.