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Ever a light sleeper, Hermione's entrance woke Severus. He opened one eye and saw Hermione reaching for a blanket.

When she turned back to him, she nearly laughed. His look of relief at her return was comical.

She quietly asked, "Did you two have a nice time?"

Severus slowly sat up, trying not to wake his daughter. Hermione reached over and gently took her from him.

"Yes…it was… You won't be having another birthday again for a while will you?"

Hermione merely smiled and took Charlotte to her room. Severus began cleaning up. It was hard work being a parent.