A/N – Hello! Thank you for your wonderful response. Here's the much awaited chapter with Snape and his daughter.

Chapter – 3

"DADDY!"

Severus smiled as he heard his little girl's squeal. He turned and knelt just as she launched herself at him. Elara Snape had beautiful shoulder length black hair like Severus's, her nose and soft features resembled her mother's (not that Severus remembered much about her), but her high cheekbones and eyes were an exact copy of his.

"There's my little girl." Severus said as he picked her up swiftly. "How was your day?"

"It was good, daddy!" Elle said excitedly as she bounced on his hip. "We drew a house and a butterfly and you won't believe what Jonah did-"

"Mr. Evans!" Severus stopped and groaned as he heard his name being called. He knew who it was. For Elle and his own protection, Severus had enrolled her in the Muggle school under the name of Elara Evans rather than Snape. It was just a precaution incase any one from the wizarding world ever stumbled across.

"Daddy…it's your favourite, Luke's mum." Elle giggled as she whispered in his ear. Severus just gave her a small glare from behind his sunglasses before turning around, his famous sneer plastered on his face.

"Mrs. Trent." He nodded at her. Lucy Trent was one of the Muggle moms who had a massive crush on Snape. Apparently single dads were considered very attractive, these days. Plus, Severus' expensive suits and sunglasses didn't help his cause.

"Mr. Evans-Alan!" Lucy said blushing. "How are you?"

"I'm good, thank you." Severus said, desperately wanting to get away from this situation. He put Elle down and took her hand in his.

"Well, I was thinking, since Luke and Elara are such nice friends…" Elle stuck her tongue out at the boy standing beside the woman. Severus coughed a little before pushing the girl closer to him. "We should keep a playdate!"

"I am afraid I can't, Mrs. Trent. Me and Elle are taking a trip this summer." Severus said quickly.

"Oh." Lucy said sadly. "Where are you both going?"

"Just…"

"Germany." Elle said in between with an extra sweet smile. "I always wanted to visit. Dad's taking me there."

"Well, maybe some other time then." Lucy said expectantly.

"We'll see." Severus said shortly. "Good day, Mrs. Trent."

With that, he quickly turned around and walked before anyone else called for him, a giggling Elle stuck to him.

"She's got a husband." Severus muttered as he walked.

"But alas, no shame." Elle said and laughed as Severus cuffed her head lightly.

"You're getting too cheeky." He said as they entered an abandoned alley.

"Dad, can I have ice cream today?" The girl asked as she walked alongside him.

"You had ice-cream yesterday." Severus said as he stood at the apparition point.

"But I really want it today." Elle pouted as Severus picked her up and held her close.

"Just because you really want it isn't a good reason to rot your teeth out. You ready?" He asked her and held her head on his shoulder as she nodded. With a look around, Severus apparated them directly in front of Hogwarts' gates.

"Shh…" He rubbed Elle's back as the little girl groaned. She was yet to get used to the experience. "Good?"

"Yeah." She said softly before squirming, wanting to be put down.

The duo made their way to the Entrance Hall with Elle skipping in front of Severus, talking about her day and running behind all the butterflies while Severus just commented here and there while carrying her bag.

The castle was empty except Severus, Albus, Elle and the elves. Professor Sprout visited sometimes to care for her plants, but other than that, no one.

Severus guided Elle to their quarters where, to his surprise, Albus was already seated on the couch.

"Grandpa Albus!" Elle ran and plopped herself on Albus' lap.

"How are you, Elle?" Albus asked her as he hugged the little girl he considered as his own granddaughter. Elle squealed in delight as Albus produced a lemon drop and quickly popped it in her mouth before her dad could take it away. Albus had seen her since she was a baby left at Severus' doorstep. He had played a significant role in keeping her hidden. He had helped Severus get a birth certificate and all other necessary documents required for the girl without the news getting out. Severus' role as a double agent had posed many problems, but the man never gave up.

"Don't get her high on sugar, Albus." Severus warned as he went into Elle's room to keep her bag. "She has to eat her lunch."

"Grandpa, do you know, Luke's mum likes daddy." Elle said and Albus raised an eyebrow towards Severus who just rolled his eyes and took a seat on the armchair.

"Elle, go get changed." He ordered. "I'll order us some lunch."

"And ice cream!" She yelled and ran inside.

"You've spoiled her." Severus shook his head as he called an elf and ordered lunch for him and Elle.

"Can you blame me?" Albus shrugged. "What is this I hear about Luke's mother?"

"Have you thought about Potter?" Severus ignored him as he opened the cuffs of his muggle shirt. Severus had enrolled Elle into a muggle school till she was ready to attend Hogwarts. He wanted her to learn all subjects and not just magical ones. He himself taught her a few things about Potions and Magical History sometimes. To drop her off and to pick her up, Severus always had to wear Muggle clothes. He didn't despise them; they were actually more comfortable than the usual robes he always had to wear.

"I was thinking. Hogwarts is empty during the holidays." Albus said slowly. "Why consider Grimmauld Place?"

Severus blanched at the idea.

"No." He shook his head. "Albus, Elle has summer to run around the castle. Otherwise, the poor girl rarely gets out. I can't have Potter take this time away from her."

"Who said anything about that?" Albus said, his eyes twinkling.

"Albus…" Severus shook his head. "Albus no. Potter can't know."

"Severus-"

"NO!" Severus said, his voice rising. "She's the one thing which I will guard with my life, Albus! You cannot take this away from me!" He could not take any chances with Elle.

"Severus, are you really telling me that you think Harry will endanger you or Elle?" Albus asked.

"It's not about what I think, you fool. It's about my daughter! I have kept her from all of this till now. Potter can't know, that's it." Severus snarled.

"She's going to attend Hogwarts in a few years, Severus. What will you do then?" Albus asked, desperately wanting Severus to understand his reasoning.

"Hopefully, your Golden Boy will have vanquished the Dark Lord by then." Severus said simply.

"Sev-"

"Albus, Elle and I need to have our lunch." Severus said tightly. Albus sighed. He knew Severus was very protective of Elle. But he needed Severus to understand that someday, Elle would have to be exposed.

"Whatever you say about Harry, about his behaviour, his relatives, his alleged drinking. If that's true, he needs someone, Severus. Someone to guide him, to mentor him, someone to talk to. He can't have that in Grimmauld Place. It will just be a punishment for him to stay there so soon after Sirius." With that, Albus left the quarters leaving Severus feeling a tad bit guilty.

Severus sighed and ran a hand through his hair before taking a deep breath.

"Elle!" He called her as he moved towards the dining table to set up plates and glasses. "Food's here."

Elle came inside and stood near her chair. Obviously, she had heard all the commotion.

"You and grandpa Albus had a fight." She said softly while looking at her socks.

Severus sighed again and sat on a chair, beckoning her to come closer. Elle stood between his knees and he took her small hands in his.

"Yes, me and Albus had a fight regarding something." He brushed a strand of hair from her face and tucked it behind her ear. "I'm sorry if we scared you."

Elle shook her head. "Who's Potter? Is it Harry Potter?" Severus nodded his head.

"Is he going to come and live with us?" Elle asked, her eyes twinkling.

"Come, let's eat." Severus said as he made her sit beside her.

"Daddy! You're avoiding me." Elle pouted.

"I am not. I am simply not answering."

"It's called avoiding."

"Elara, eat your food."

The girl didn't say anything else after hearing her father call her by her actual name. It usually told her that he means business. She quietly picked up her fork and started eating her food.

After lunch, Severus and Elle sat in the living room, each with their own book. Elle curled up on Severus' side as he put an arm around her.

Severus loved these moments when he could be with his daughter. During the term, Severus hardly got any time to spend with her except weekends. Elle wasn't a very demanding child. She was happy with whatever she got, but sometimes, Severus knew from her tantrums that she was really tired of being hidden from all the students. She loved to play with everyone, and not being able to talk to anyone at Hogwarts was like a punishment for her. But she understood, at least Severus thought she did.

He looked down and saw Elle's head lolling to the side with the book in her hand dropping. He quickly caught the book and kept it on the on table. He then adjusted the girl so that her head was on his lap and legs spread out.

He smiled at her little face. His thoughts wandered over to Potter. Severus obviously disliked the boy especially after what had happened last term. Thankfully the boy hadn't seen any memories of Elle kept in the pensive. But, after becoming a father, Severus always thought that mercy yielded a sweeter fruit than extreme strictness. His softer side was usually reserved for his Slytherins. He never showed any signs of even having mercy outside of the dungeons. It was a role he had to play and being disliked by the majority of the student body, especially Gryffindors and Potter, was a part of it. With Potter, the dislike came naturally. He always saw James Potter and his behaviour in the boy. But, he was Lily's son too. Severus hated him for being James', but somewhere had a soft spot for him because he was Lily's. He had vowed to protect him, after all.

Would it be so bad to have him in the castle during summer? Severus somewhere knew that Potter wasn't exactly as bad as the man portrayed him. Additionally, if there was some kind of negligence or abuse during his childhood, then Potter was definitely not the boy Severus had thought him to be.

Maybe if he came here, Elle would finally have someone to socialize with?

It could also go horribly wrong, Severus thought. Maybe Elle wouldn't like Potter, or Potter didn't like small kids.

Severus sighed and threw his head back, his hand softly caressing his daughter's silky hair. It was a tough decision, but it could wait for a while. With that, Severus closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.

/

Harry was back on the roof. It wasn't weed this time. It was a pack of cigarettes. Jerome still hadn't returned and Harry sometimes met his other friends in the park. They had recommended him this brand. Harry shrugged as he lit one up. It wasn't green, but it would do, he thought.

He took a puff as he thought about his day. It had been 2 days since Snape and Dumbledore had come to his house.

Harry wasn't sure why but he had seen Snape give him a sympathetic look when he was leaving. Or maybe Harry was just hallucinating.

He knew Snape hated him for being his father's son. He too hated Snape for being a bully that he was. But, after seeing those memories, he felt bad for the man. Just a little bit. A thought did cross his mind, that maybe Snape deserved the treatment his father gave him, but being the victim of bullying himself, Harry banished the thought. He realised that maybe his father was the bully, not Snape.

Snape's behaviour was odd ever since 1st year. He definitely showed how much he disliked Harry, but his behaviour towards Slytherins was always different. Somewhere Harry envied that Slytherins had a head of house like Snape who always cared enough to make sure everyone was fed and warm. He had heard rumours of Snape even comforting 1st years who had had nightmares.

Harry had dismissed them because he couldn't imagine Snape showing compassion, he wasnt even sure if the man was capable of showing any emotions other than anger, sarcasm and hatred. But he knew for rumours to start, there has to be some ounce of truth.

Harry had always longed for an adult in his life who could guide him, make sure he was doing well. Dumbledore only cared about his golden boy when it came to killing Voldemort. McGonagall wasn't that interested. Maybe she was, but Harry wasn't close enough to her to go and cry to her about all his problems. Ron's parents already had a whole litter to take care of, so Harry never expected anything from them.

And Dursleys, Harry's mood darkened as he took another puff of his cigarette. Vernon had slapped him today. He was already very pissed about the visit from his professors and when Harry asked today if he could have something to eat, Vernon had slapped his hard across his face and kicked him when he had fallen down.

The slap still left an impression on his cheek. All five fingers, clearly visible. His eye was a little swollen too. Harry blinked away the tears as he smoked. He wasn't guilty of smoking cigarettes or weed. He wanted this release. He needed it.

There wasn't anything else that could help him cope with his life. He was all alone. People expected him to be sad after Sirius' death. Harry was sad, mind you, but not as much as they would have liked. He knew the man for 2 years. Even then he was mostly in school or with Dursleys. Sirius and him only spoke via letters. He wasn't exactly an adult Harry thought he could rely on. He was more of a traumatized man who was finding himself and his life after being tortured in Azkaban for 12 years.

No doubt he loved Harry like his own. But somewhere, Harry knew he only liked him because he was James' son. He wasn't oblivious to the fact that Sirius sometimes called Harry by the name of James. The man missed his best friend, that was given.

Harry had seen Sirius as his only family back then. He was so desperate to have someone in his life, someone to come home to. Losing Sirius was like a blow to his stomach, that was for sure, but Harry recovered. Or rather, he will recover soon. He always did.

He knew no one stayed forever. Ron and Hermione were the longest running candidates yet, but Harry wasn't sure if they would still be with him after they left Hogwarts. Ron and Hermione would probably get a place of their own, get married and have kids. And Harry? He would be all alone, as usual. No home, no family, just Harry.

Harry finished his cigarette and sat back. God, he was dealt with a fucked-up hand in his life. After a few minutes, he made his way back down the roof and into his own room, hoping to get some sleep at least tonight without any nightmares.

/

"Potter!"

It was 10 in the morning. Harry was up since 4. He had barely slept for half an hour before a nightmare woke him up. He was about to drift off in for a nap when he sat up with a jerk as he heard his uncle yell his name.

His door opened and Dudley came in. Harry and Dudley didn't exchange animosity anymore. There was a certain kind of civility, an unspoken respect which they adhered to.

"What happened now? What did I do?" Harry asked him as he put on his glasses.

"Your professor is here." Dudley said and looked around the room with sadness. The threadbare mattress which was Dudley's when he was 5 years old. The torn blanket, chipped furniture which Harry kept upright by putting pieces of folded paper under them, and a small cupboard which barely closed – all of this saddened the boy more than anything and made him feel guilty.

"Dumbledore?" Harry asked. 2 visits in 3 days? Was something wrong?

Dudley shook his head. "The other one. The long haired one." Dudley's eyes suddenly fell on the lighter and cigarette box which Harry had forgotten to hide last night.

"Harry-"

"Shit!" Harry said as he realised his mistake and quickly took the two things and put them in is drawer.

"Harry, I…" Dudley sighed as he looked at his cousin. His whole family had failed the boy, including himself.

"Dudley, please don't." Harry said dismissively as he moved past his cousin.

"I'm sorry, Harry." Dudley said quietly and Harry stopped mid-way. He turned around to look at Dudley.

"It's not your fault. Just do me a favour and keep what you saw to yourself." Harry muttered before making his way downstairs, all the while wondering why Snape was back here.

Snape was standing near his old room, the cupboard under the stairs. Petunia and Vernon seemed to have left to go into the sitting room.

"Potter." Severus greeted him.

"Sir, why are you here? Is everyone alright?" Harry asked as he looked at the man. He was wearing a sky-blue muggle dress shirt and black dress pants with a black coat. He raised an eyebrow at the attire. "You…look well."

Severus rolled his eyes before his attention settled on Harry's cheek and is eye. He gently grabbed the boy's chin and turned it around to look at the print of the palm imprinted there.

"Your Uncle?" He asked.

Harry removed his head from his professor's grip. "Why are you here, sir?" He repeated.

"Pack your things, you're coming with me." Severus said, keeping his anger at bay.

"Sir?" Harry gave him a questioning look. "Is this because of this?" He pointed to his cheek.

"No, Potter. I was here to get you anyways." Severus said, his eyes searching the boy over to make sure there weren't any other injuries.

"But, why? And where are you taking me?" Harry asked as the man pushed him upstairs towards his room.

"Just go, pack. I will answer all your questions when we get out of here." Severus said with gritted teeth. He wanted to punch that walrus of a man, Vernon Dursley. How can someone raise their hand at a child?

"Go, Potter! Dumbledore's orders." Severus hissed. Harry just looked at him for a second before going upstairs.

He wasn't sure what was happening. Why as Snape taking him away? And where?

He didn't have a lot of things taken out, so he took out his trunk from under his bed and stuffed his handful of t shirts and jeans. He took all his books and quills and put them in there too. He opened his drawer to get his photo album when he saw his box of weed and cigarettes.

With a quick look behind him, Harry wrapped the two things in his old t-shirt and stuffed them at the bottom of his trunk. He'll need it.

After taking a quick look around, he closed the trunk and grabbed Hedwig's cage. The owl hooted in protest but didn't complain much as Harry dragged her downstairs.

Snape was tapping his feet in impatience. "Ready?" He asked as soon as Harry came downstairs.

"Yeah." Harry nodded.

"Let's go." Snape took out his wand and minimised Harry's trunk so that the boy could easily carry it in his pocket.

"Let the owl go to Hogwarts." Snape ordered as they stepped out of the house without saying anything to the Dursleys.

"Is that where I'm going?" Harry asked expectantly.

"Yes."

A small smile graced Harry's lips as he heard the affirmative answer. Hogwarts…his real home.

"Come on, girl, go to Hogwarts, I'll see you there." Harry told the owl and she hooted once before taking flight.

"Come, Potter."

Harry watched as Severus descended down the stairs of the porch. He still wasn't sure what was happening. Just in a matter of 15 mins, his whole living arrangements were changing.

"Harry!" Harry turned as Dudley came out of the house. "You're leaving?"

Harry nodded absentmindedly.

"Are you going to return?"

"I-I don't know." Harry shrugged honestly. He always returned. But this time, he genuinely did not know what to answer.

Dudley looked in his eyes and nodded. "Good for you, cousin. Take care."

Harry gave him a small smile. "Thank you, Big D. You too."

With that, Dudley nodded and closed the door behind him. Harry saw Snape was waiting for him near the front lawn and jogged till there.

"Let's go."

They walked to the apparition point. Snape took a hold of Harry's shoulder and in under 2 seconds, Harry was staring at the main gates of Hogwarts.

A/N - Leave a review! You know I love those!