The beginning of this story may be a "slow burn" because I really want to build the relationship between Snape and his long lost daughter. It can't just be "oh look I have a daughter and now everything will be perfect and we love each other instantly". It also doesn't help that Isobel herself is very distrustful. I'm not really sure how most of this will play out, although I have several ideas...I more than likely will skip through most of the years until we lead up to Snape's original death. I don't know. Share your thoughts!

. . . . .

Several hours later, when all the students in Hogwarts were sound asleep, even those late-night troublemakers, Severus Snape was leading Isobel down the stone corridor toward his office. He was making less time than he normally would, but he shortened his long strides for the sake of the small girl beside him. Every so often he would glance down at the top of her head from the corner of his eye. She didn't stare at the paintings anymore, had simply accepted and acknowledged that pictures in the wizarding world were different than she was used to and that was that. They didn't interest her anymore.

Snape's thoughts reflected to the events after the Sorting Hat.

The sound of a rumbling stomach was unmistakable in the small office of Professor McGonagall. All eyes landed on the small girl who uttered a simple "Sorry" in response to the attention. McGonagall rushed over with a wave of her hand, "Nonsense, dear. Come on, up with you. Albus, I'm taking her to the kitchens for a proper meal."

Dumbledore's eyes gleamed kindly down at the girl as he declared, "Of course, Minerva. I daresay she'll be amazed at the house elves."

Once the pair had left, Dumbledore faced Snape. "I've been thinking Severus. The girl should not begin school right away. Ask her later what she wants, if you will. By her age, she should be a 3rdyear student, but she has had no magical training at all." Snape continued to stare at the fire in contemplation. He too had been ruminating on these issues. "Her choices are either to receive a crash course make-up tutoring starting at your earliest convenience until you drop her off at Hogwarts Express for her 4thyear. Or…she could start as a first-year student. She could pass as one with her stature."

"I will ask her."

"Good. Now we have the issue of sleeping arrangements. If I recall, you have an extra room in your quarters, do you not? Small I believe, but manageable."

"Yes, I do."

Dumbledore nodded his head thoughtfully. "Then we must have the House elves prepare a room for Miss Isobel. She can stay with you until the end of the year. I trust you to give her a balanced education this summer, Severus, and if you need anything from the Library, please don't hesitate to borrow any useful books."

Snape couldn't bring himself to look at the Headmaster, his friend and confidante. Despite their forced closeness over the years, he could not bring himself to reveal every aspect of himself, like how very grateful he was at the Headmaster's overbearing qualities during this situation.

Dumbledore and Snape talked into the night until McGonagall brought the girl back, well fed and exhausted.

Reaching the door to his office brought him back to the present as Snape once again glanced down at the shiny black head of Isobel, a daughter he had no idea had existed until this evening. They walked to the room behind his office where he kept most of his supplies. They walked to the corner of the room where it was empty, and this is where Severus paused and hesitated. He cleared his throat and cautioned the girl, "Alright, stay close to me, choose a step and stay there while keeping your elbows tucked in."

Snape tapped the wall twice and the floor and wall opened to reveal stairs leading further below. Stairs that moved the moment they both stepped on and began the descent down, reminding Isobel of escalators.

The quarters were small and dark, and Snape quickly led her to the room that would be hers temporarily. With a wave of his hand, the torches lit to reveal the momentary awe in the girl's eyes at the simple magic. After glancing around, Snape was satisfied with what the elves had accomplished on such short notice.

The room consisted of a small wooden bed with folded green linen at the end and a small wooden nightstand stacked tall with books. There were so many books that many were stacked on the floor as well.

They both noticed the books at the same time. Snape spoke under his breath, "I see that Dumbledore wasted no time in asking the house elves to bring books."

Isobel's only response was, "Elves are not what I expected."

"Yes, Muggles have odd ideas when it comes to magical creatures. Either way, this is where you will be staying until the end of the school year. Depending on your choice, we can stay here a bit longer or leave when all the other students leave." Then Snape turned to face her, despite the room leaving little room to do so, and asked her seriously, "Our Headmaster has extended two choices for you. We can either begin working on your education immediately of the first three years that you have missed and hope that you are ready for your 4th year." Snape's expression was severe as he watched her. "I will warn you that I refuse to go easy on you if you make this choice. You shall be pushed to your limits the entire summer. Your other choice is to begin the following school year with the other first years."

When she remained silent, Snape tried to rear back his Professor mentality and offered less severely, "I realize it's late, so if you wish to think on it, you may go to bed now."

Shaking her head suddenly, Isobel resolutely decided with a fierce expression, "No. I don't want anyone to accuse me of being behind." She stared at Snape. "I will work hard this summer."

Snape's face relaxed to such a degree that Harry Potter would have been hard pressed to recognize the Potions master at all. He smiled down at the girl and proudly nodded his head. "Well then, I suggest you get some sleep. You have these quarters and my offices upstairs to keep you preoccupied, otherwise I would suggest you avoid the students. The house elves will bring you food, and if you need anything at all, don't hesitate to bring it up to them. They'll do anything you ask of them; they live to serve." He then bade her good night and turned to leave but hesitated at the doorway. Finally, he glanced back at the girl and told her almost apologetically, "I promise that your room will be bigger once we leave here. I have a house with plenty of space." And then he left the girl alone to stare at the room that was not much bigger than a closet.

To her though, it was enough.

…..

As Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley were leaving Potions class, Ron leaned in their tight-knit group and whispered wonderingly, "Snape hasn't given detention to anyone since you know what happened. Do you think he's lost it?"

They all knew that Professor Snape had been livid at Sirius Black's escape, so they had expected the absolute worst.

Harry glanced back at the classroom and grimly acknowledged, "No. He hates me more than ever. I think he wants to strangle me every time he walks by my desk. I suspect Dumbledore is intervening."

"I think you're right Harry," agreed Hermione with a slightly concerned look on her face. "Snape has been acting oddly, but it could be worse."

Ron nodded with a sheepish expression, "That is true, Harry. It could always be worse."

Harry left it, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Snape was acting more unusual than normal.

….

The last couple of weeks had sailed quickly for Snape. The end-of-term feast would begin shortly, yet Snape was rushing down to his office. Dumbledore had sought him out to speak to him about Isobel's alarming behavior. She had proven herself to be such an avid bookworm, putting even Granger to shame, that he had spent little, if any, time with her at all.

When he entered his office, his eyes locked on Isobel, seated calmly at his desk, reading a 2nd year book. He sighed heavily and approached her slowly.

"Isobel?" She didn't look up. "Isobel," Snape repeated more sharply. She looked up with a bored expression on her face. "Dumbledore informed me there was an incident with a house elf."

"Yes," was all she said.

He scoffed and pinched the bridge of his nose trying to reign in his frustration. "Isobel, you told a house elf that you were displeased with their services and asked it to jump out a window. What part of that do you think is acceptable?"

She stared up at the frustrated and stern man. Then she answered, "I was curious. I didn't think it would listen to me. They must be rather stupid."

"Of course they are!" He hadn't meant to raise his voice so sharply, so he promptly stomped over to the fire to regain control. Dumbledore had warned him. He had cautioned him and advised on this situation that was so precarious. The child needed guidance and patience, and heavens help him, love. He was beginning to doubt his capabilities.

A soft voice queried from behind him, "Are you going to send me away?"

Like a bucket of cold water, Snape came to a disheartening conclusion. She was pushing him to see if he would rid himself of a child that acted up. Isobel had grown up knowing she was not wanted. She didn't trust him. She didn't know him.

As far as she knew, he could be just like her mother.

Sighing again, he walked back to the desk. She was watching him closely. "I will not send you away. Whether you like or not, you are my daughter. You and I are a pair from now on, do you understand? That means we must learn to get along, and part of what that means is that I would appreciate some effort in your behavior. If you have any questions about something, seek me out. From now on, I am at your service." He smiled gently down at her, "Consider your curiosity safe with me. No question will go unanswered."

"Do you promise?"

His throat caught a moment with the words, but he managed to surprise himself when he answered, "Yes, I promise."

For the first time, she smiled shyly at him, and in that moment, she gained a piece of the Potion master's heart. "Okay. What's a Muggle?"

And Severus Snape gladly returned her smile.

….

The day was bright and warm as Isobel stood on the grounds of Hogwarts, soaking it all in. Some days, none of it seemed real. The students had left for their homes, which allowed her to leave the confines of Severus' office and explore.

McGonagall had a soft spot for the girl despite her being the daughter of her Head rival and not being in Gryffindor. She chose to remain at Hogwarts for a week after the students left to tutor Isobel on Transfiguration. By the end of the week, she proudly informed Snape that the girl was a natural.

Snape didn't seem surprised.

Then she was off to her cottage in Hogsmeade.

While Snape was wandering the halls, constantly planning assignments for Isobel, he walked down a corridor brightly lit by the open windows. Dumbledore stood in front of a window and stared down at the grounds. He glanced behind him and noticed Snape. Smiling, he said, "Severus, there you are. I was just on my way to speak to you, then I got lost in my thoughts." Handing Snape a letter with the Hogwarts seal, he continued, "I figured I could give you this before you both leave."

Snape looked from Dumbledore down at the letter in his hands. Then he opened it. He already knew what it was. He read it anyway:

Hogwarts School

Of Witchcraft and Wizardy

Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore

(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,

Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)

Dear Ms. Isobel Snape,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.

Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.

Yours Sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Deputy Headmistress

Severus felt his chest tighten with an unfamiliar emotion as he read his daughter's acceptance letter. If Dumbledore noticed, he didn't comment on it. Snape also didn't fail to observe the list Isobel had been given for 4th year school books.

Dumbledore confidently trusted that Snape would have her ready in time.

Without a word, he folded the letter, then detected movement beyond Dumbledore. Isobel was standing quietly in the corridor, having stopped to sight the view of the grounds. The light shone brilliantly on her head, appearing as if a halo sat there.

And Snape felt deep in his bones that everything would be alright. His daughter was where she belonged.