Pride
"Snape, Marlene!" Professor Sprout called out.
Severus felt himself lean forward in his seat as the Great Hall started filling with whispers about which House Marley would be Sorted into. From what he understood, there was a betting pool that had been organized by the Black and Weasley twins (because of course, there was), and almost everyone placed bets on either Gryffindor or Slytherin.
"Gryffindor," Lily whispered into Severus's ear.
"You're not winning this time," Severus whispered back with a raised brow.
Marley approached the stool and turned around, sitting down as the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. She wiggled in her seat to get comfortable as the Hat started leaning one way first before switching directions. Severus clenched his fists until they hurt. Alice-Marie was a Ravenclaw, Neville was a Hufflepuff, and Harry was a Gryffindor (because of course, he was); while he would love his children no matter their House, there was a primal need for at least one of his children to be in Slytherin. The main problem was that, despite his want, it was difficult for him to determine which House would best suit her, and there was a good chance she would be another Hatstall, much like Alice-Marie, Neville, and Harry, and if that-
"SLYTHERIN!"
Severus's breath left his lungs as he almost leaped out of his chair, but he was beaten when Marley jumped off the stool and spun around with a wide-eyed, cheek-reddening smile on her face.
"DADDY, I DID IT, I GOT IN!"
The Great Hall erupted with laughter and applause as Severus felt his face go as red as his daughter's, and he hushed her and gestured for her to hurry to the Slytherins' table.
Marley's already wide eyes widened even more as she clamped a hand over her mouth, and she quickly apologized to Professor Sprout before running off to the Slytherins, nearly tripping over her robes. "TORI, I MADE IT!" she cried out as she launched herself into the open space beside the recently-Sorted Astoria Greengrass, pulling the other girl into a hug.
Severus's hands were shaking under the table, his eyes fiercely locked on Marley as the other Slytherins congratulated her arrival. There was some strain on his cheeks, and it took a moment for him to realize he was smiling.
"Professor Snape?"
Severus turned to face Lily, who had an amused look on her face. "Hmm?" he asked.
"I believe you won the bet," Lily said in a reminding tone. "And I believe that means you get a reward?"
Severus looked back at Marley, who had managed to take control of whatever conversation had started. "I think I've already got my reward," he said stupidly.