Disclaimer: I don't own it. Wish I did though.

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Chapter Thirty: Adoption Finalization

Hope went about her days as usual until halfway through June. It was nearing the end of the year and she knew she needed to sign the adoption papers. She was still a little worried though.

She walked down to Severus' quarters, knowing he wouldn't be there until after his last class, and went to her room. She grabbed the papers and a quill before making her way to the headmaster's office. After knocking and receiving a jolly 'come in', she was sitting in front of his desk.

"I need a favor from you," she asked politely.

"Anything, Hope. Unless it will get me into trouble," he said, his eyes twinkling as usual.

Hope laughed. "No, I need a couple things actually. I decided to sign these," she said, passing the papers to him. "If Severus still agrees to it, that is. I need you to be a witness, and call him up here to surprise him with it after dinner. I want to be here, but make him think I did something to get into trouble."

Dumbledore chuckled. "I can arrange both of those. You are free to sign the papers now and we will present them in two hours time," he said to the young girl, and watched as she signed and dated the paper before doing the same himself. He noticed how lit up her eyes were and how she couldn't stop smiling, and dismissed her to dinner with a warning that smiling would give away the fact she wasn't in trouble.

He shook his head as she closed the door behind her. She was definitely turning out to be more helpful to the light than she knew. She was giving their potion's master back his heart.

Severus entered the headmaster's office and noticed Hope was already there, looking apologetic and sheepish. He gave her a look before turning his attention to the headmaster.

"You called for me, Headmaster?"

"Yes, Severus, please take a seat." He waited as the younger man did so. "As you know, our Hope here is a wonderful young girl, but eventually everyone makes a mistake."

Dumbledore watched the emotions flitter across the usually stoic man's face and had to refrain from smiling. "This however, is not one of those times. We are here to discuss this. Could you read this for me Severus, all the way to the end?" He asked, handing over the adoption papers.

Severus scanned the papers with a confused expression on his face until the end. He noticed Hope's signature and jumped out of the chair, rushing over to her. He pulled her up and into a strong hug.

"Welcome to our family, Hope."

Hope smiled and felt tears well up in her eyes. She buried her head against her godfather's…no her father's…chest, content to just be there, with a member of her new family, beginning her new future.

Hope was lying on the couch while she, Severus, and Draco all celebrated with some butterbeer and sweets. They laughed and played around until late. Hope decided to stay down in Severus' dormitories for the night so they could wait for the certificate together.

It was almost eleven o'clock when it came in. Due to Dumbledore being the witness, they didn't have to undergo all the interviews, and were slightly surprised when Fawkes came in, carrying a piece of parchment.

"Hey there," Hope spoke to the bird. "What ya got there?" She asked, taking the letter out of his claws. Rather than replying, the bird trilled softly and left.

Hope opened the parchment and couldn't help the smile that slid across her face. The certificate stating that she was officially of member of the Snape family, though she kept her name, was sitting on her lap. She wordlessly handed it over to Severus, and watched his expression change as hers did.

"It's official now, Hope. We are a family," he said, pulling her into a one armed embrace.

They all three put the certificate in a frame and hung it on the wall beside Draco's. Severus made a copy for Hope to keep in her desk drawer so that she would always be able to look at it. He also did the same for himself.

They sat together for a couple more hours, since it was Friday and none of them had to get up early. After they were all falling asleep on their feet, they reluctantly retreated to their bedrooms. Hope stopped at the door and turned back.

"Hey guys?" Hope called.

"Yes?" They both replied, turning to look at her.

"It's nothing really, just wanted to say thank you," she replied, and watched the looks of surprise that flittered across both faces.

"No reason to thank us, Hope," Severus said, and turned to go to bed.

Hope watched as Draco went into his room and smiled to herself. They really were a family now.

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A/N: Yay! I'm all caught up and even ahead now! Yipee. Hope you all enjoyed.

Thanks to everyone, especially my beta, Nita.

Kayla