CHAPTER 5
The next morning dawned bright, and Severus got up promptly at 6 AM. He made coffee for himself and ordered some breakfast and milk for Elle. At exactly 6:20, the newspaper was delivered to his dining table. Severus sat down with his coffee, savoring the 25 minutes he had to himself before he had to wake up Elle and drop her off at school for her last day.
It was a Friday, and Elle's last day at school meant she would be in the castle for the rest of the summer. Severus knew it would be extremely difficult to keep her confined to the quarters, a necessity he deeply regretted. He was well aware that Potter would roam around the castle all day.
After reading the newspaper, Severus folded it neatly as the clock chimed 6:45. Rising from his seat, he made his way to his daughter's room. A smile tugged at his lips as he saw her sleeping form, her limbs sprawled out of the blanket, which was half on the floor and half around her midsection.
"Elle, it's time to wake up," he said softly as he moved around the room, picking up stray clothes and dumping them into the laundry basket.
A small groan sounded from the bed as Severus took out fresh clothes for her to wear. "Wake up, you little minx."
"Go away," Elle whined, burrowing herself further into her bed.
Snape smirked. "You have three seconds."
No response.
"Two."
Just a twitch in her leg.
"One."
Nothing.
"Don't say I didn't warn you." Severus crept up and started tickling her, eliciting squeals of laughter.
"DAD!" she said angrily, sitting up. Severus picked her up and slung her over his shoulder.
"You have ten minutes to be at the table for breakfast," he said, depositing her in front of the bathroom door.
Elle groaned and swayed, still half asleep, as he left.
At exactly 7 AM, Severus heard the soft, sock-clad feet of Elle as she made her way to the table. She dumped her backpack on the sofa before taking a seat. She was dressed in the clothes Severus had laid out for her: a pastel green polo and black shorts with white socks.
Snape nodded approvingly as he filled her glass with warm milk. "Anything special for the holidays?" he asked.
Elle gave him a scowl that mirrored his own as she took a bite of her toast. "I hate you."
"Ah yes, you've hurt my feelings terribly," Snape said with a poker face as she stuck out her tongue at him.
"Do that again, and your tongue will be stuck out for the rest of the summer," he threatened jokingly.
Elle quickly retracted her tongue and took a sip of her milk. "I was thinking, maybe we can go looking for your ingredients in the Forest?" she asked. Spending time with her dad in the forest while he collected ingredients was one of her favorite things to do. Severus never said no to her and always educated her about various plants and insects used in potions and otherwise.
Severus nodded his head reluctantly. "We shall see," he said with reservations.
Elle's face fell, and she pushed her plate away. "Is this because of Harry Potter?"
Severus didn't answer but simply pointed at her plate. "Eat your breakfast."
"Dad, you can't do this," Elle said, tears welling in her eyes.
"Elle, you're a child," Severus said softly. "I don't expect you to understand why I do what I do, but just know it's for your own good."
Elle stared at him as a single tear fell down her cheek. She loved summers. Not the heat, of course, but it was the only time she could spend with her father without being afraid of anyone watching. During the term, she was always confined to the quarters. Her dad never let her meet any students. She sometimes enjoyed her time with Albus and Minerva, but they were adults.
Severus and Elle always spent a few days at Hogwarts before going to their house where Elle felt the happiest. This time, they couldn't even do that because her dad had told her he had work at school and they had to stay here for a few weeks, or possibly the whole summer.
She pushed her eggs on the plate, not feeling like eating anything. She sniffed before finishing her milk, taking her untouched plate, and leaving it near the sink.
Severus sighed as he watched her. He knew this would happen. Bloody Potter had to go and spoil his relationship with his daughter too, now. Severus knew Potter was not to blame for this, but he just couldn't help it. He finished his coffee and got up. He saw Elle waiting near the door, her bag on her shoulders and her laces untied.
Severus gave a small smile as he strode over to her. He picked her up and deposited her on the ottoman, where he proceeded to tie her shoelaces. She sniffed, and Severus watched as more tears fell down her cheeks.
He wordlessly hugged her small frame, feeling guilty for putting her through this. She was just a child—a mere seven-year-old who just wanted to enjoy her summer holidays. Was Severus really willing to take that away from her? He rubbed his hand on her small back as her shaking slowly subsided.
"Are you okay?" Severus asked as he procured a handkerchief and wiped her face and nose.
Elle nodded but was clearly miserable.
"Can we go now?" she asked, and Severus nodded. Instead of letting her get up, he just picked her up and held her against him tightly. He loved his daughter to death, and nothing could make him feel otherwise.
Because Potter was in the castle, Severus opted to take her to school via the Floo Network. Elle held on to him tightly as they flooed directly to a small shop close to her school.
"Good morning, Mr. Snape and Elara!" the shopkeeper greeted them. He was a wizard who ran a small grocery store in London. He had left the wizarding world and found solace there. Severus knew him from his younger years and trusted him to keep his secret.
"Good morning, Mr. Kippet," Severus nodded at him. Elle still kept her face buried in his shoulder.
"Not having a pleasant morning, are we, darling?" Mr. Kippet asked as he watched Elle burrow herself further into her father.
"Don't you want to greet Mr. Kippet, Elle?" Severus asked, and the girl shook her head. He looked at the man and gave him a small smile. "Apologies, Mr. Kippet. We are not feeling too well this morning."
Mr. Kippet gave a kind smile. "Ah, no worries. I guess this could cheer you up." He procured a small bar of chocolate and dangled it in front of Elle.
She looked up for a second, her eyes twinkling as she saw her favorite treat. She looked up finally and sought her dad's silent permission. Severus nodded, and Elle smiled as she grabbed the bar from Mr. Kippet.
"Is there something you would like to say?" Severus tapped her hip, prompting her to speak.
"Thank you for the chocolate, Mr. Kippet," Elle said happily.
"Oh, you are much welcome, darling. You keep that smile on your face now, you hear me?" he said, and Elle nodded.
"Well, it's time we take our leave. Good day, Mr. Kippet!" Severus said and strode out while Elle gave the old man a small wave.
They walked to school, which was hardly five minutes from the shop. Severus finally put Elle down and crouched to her height.
"I will pick you up in a few hours," he said as he brushed some soot off her hair.
Elle nodded and put the chocolate bar in her pocket.
"Don't go eating all that alone," Severus warned. "Share with your friends."
Elle nodded.
"When you come home, we can watch a movie together. Would that make you happy?" Severus asked. He instantly got his answer as Elle hugged him tightly.
"I love you, daddy," she whispered in his ear and gave him a soft peck on his cheek. Severus smiled at her, a full-blown genuine smile reserved only for his daughter and, previously, for Lily.
"I love you more, my sweet, sweet flower," he said and stood up. "Now go. It's your last day. Have fun."
Elle nodded, and before Severus could blink, she had run off inside the school among the crowd of students. He sighed and shook his head. One crisis averted, he thought as he relived the morning drama.
He knew he had to be patient with Elle. She was an extremely understanding child, and he was so grateful for that. But she was a child, and she had her needs.
Severus quickly reached the gates of Hogwarts and walked inside. He wondered what Potter would be doing. He knew he had to keep tabs on the boy. A movement to his right caught his eye, and he saw someone in the air. The object came closer, and Severus saw that it was Potter flying. The boy flew slowly over the plains and garden of the castle, his hair blowing in the air. Severus watched as the boy noticed him. He didn't stop, just gave a small wave before flying away.
A million thoughts ran through Severus' head, and his feet subconsciously took him to Dumbledore's office.
"Sherbet Lemon," Severus said, giving the password. The gargoyle moved aside, and he ascended to the Headmaster's office.
"Severus!" Albus greeted from behind his desk. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Albus," Severus replied, settling heavily into the armchair in front of the desk.
"Something wrong?" Albus asked, concern tinting his voice.
Severus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. He could feel a headache building behind his eyes. "It was a rough morning today, with Elle." He gratefully accepted the cup of coffee Albus ordered for him, alongside a cup of tea for the older man.
"Is she alright?" Albus inquired.
Severus nodded and took a sip of his coffee, the hot liquid soothing his headache a tad. "I hope so. Albus, I am not able to give her a proper childhood," Severus confessed.
Albus sighed. He knew many demons plagued Severus, one being the necessity to keep his daughter hidden from the world. Severus had done a bloody good job so far. He had chosen a school far away from prying eyes in the wizarding world. He had left Spinner's End and now lived in a cottage far from London in a small town.
He had taken every measure to hide Elle. However, giving her a normal childhood was a different challenge. Severus lived at Hogwarts for nine months of the year. Naturally, his daughter stayed with him. But keeping her hidden in the castle was a task in itself. When Elle was younger, Albus or Minerva would look after her when Severus was teaching. But as Elle grew, her curiosity about the outside world increased. She longed to play and explore, and no one could blame her for it.
Severus tried to give her a normal childhood. He would sometimes take her outside at night when no students were around, but those occasions were rare. Elle was extremely sharp, inheriting her father's traits. Severus had done a great job parenting her, but she couldn't be confined to books and four walls all day.
In the summer, when no students were at Hogwarts, Elle would race through the corridors, exploring the castle with her father. After a few days at Hogwarts, they would usually go to their house for the rest of the holidays where they could be carefree. Albus knew how much these moments meant to both Elle and Severus. Seeing Severus so morose today tightened the old man's heart.
"I can't take these two months away from her, Albus," Severus said softly.
Albus took a deep breath. "I am sorry, Severus. I know I made you stay for Harry. You must understand, he needs someone like you in his life. This rivalry you have… it's futile."
Severus didn't react. He just listened. He knew it was futile. Blaming a boy for his father's mistakes was not right. But when it came to James Potter, Severus had no boundaries. So, he remained silent, grappling with his deep-seated animosity toward James Potter, transferred to Potter. Dumbledore's words resonated, challenging Severus to reassess his stance.
After the events of last year, Severus realized what a big mistake he had made. If someone treated Elle the way he treated Harry, he wouldn't tolerate it. But Harry Potter… he was a different case. Severus always hated the boy for his behavior, his tendency to rush headfirst into danger. Severus was scared to confront the real reasons he hated the boy, knowing it was easier to continue his grudge.
"I can't just suddenly forget everything and embrace the boy with a warm heart," Severus said. "It is easier said than done."
"I'm not asking you to do that, Severus," Albus said, leaning back in his chair. "Maybe just try to get to know him."
Severus didn't answer. He stared at the Sorting Hat sitting behind Albus.
"Maybe he will surprise you," Albus suggested.
Severus snorted. "Oh really? With what? Sudden respect and brilliance in Potions?"
Albus chuckled. "With how much of Lily he has in him compared to James."
Severus looked at Albus pointedly, the mention of Lily striking a chord. Dumbledore knew the right buttons to press.
"I take it you came here to see if I agree with your decision to introduce Elle to Harry?" Albus asked.
Severus shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I'm not sure what to do. If we stay here for the whole summer, I don't wish to confine Elle in the quarters. I'm not cruel. And she doesn't deserve this."
"I think it will be wonderful," Albus smiled.
"Of course you do," Severus rolled his eyes. "According to you, the world is full of rainbows with a pot of gold at the end of it."
"It is just a matter of perspective, my boy," Albus said, his eyes twinkling annoyingly.
"I haven't decided yet," Severus clarified.
Albus observed him for a moment. "I think you have."
"No, Albus. This isn't a decision about tomorrow's breakfast—it's life and death," Severus insisted grimly. "If anything happens to Elle—"" He gulped in fear. "She is too vulnerable, and she is just a child. Exposing her to anything related to Harry bloody Potter is a risk I am not willing to take yet."
"I understand, Severus. But in your words, does she really deserve this? She is a child. She needs someone."
Severus recoiled at the suggestion, defensive of his role as Elle's sole protector. "She has me," he argued firmly.
"She needs a friend who isn't a parent," Dumbledore countered softly.
Severus struggled internally, torn between shielding Elle and acknowledging her need for connection beyond their secluded life.
"She has friends. And Potter is several years older than her. He will hardly be her friend," Severus scoffed.
"I don't know how much of Harry you know, but he does have a soft spot for children," Albus chuckled. "He is a child, and he needs someone too, just as Elle needs you. He is lonely too, Severus."
Severus didn't comment but continued to stare at Albus.
"I need to think," he said, standing up.
"Of course. But you came here for my opinion."
"And you never fail to provide it," Severus muttered, walking to the door. "Yet, I have it."
"You didn't need it," Albus said, smiling as he watched Severus depart from his office.
As it turned out, Elle's last day at school was very tiring for her. She greeted Severus with a tired smile as she watched the students leave.
"Ready?" he asked, holding her small hand in his. Elle nodded and looked at Severus.
"Daddy, up please?" she asked in a tiny voice. Severus indulged her and settled her on his hip. She was small for her age compared to the girls in her class. Severus didn't complain though; it just gave him more time with her before she grew up and became independent.
Elle rested her head on her father's shoulder as Severus walked the short distance to Mr. Kippet's store.
By the time they had Flooed to Severus' quarters, Elle was fast asleep, the day's events catching up to her.
Severus gently laid her down in her bed and changed her into something more comfortable.
He ordered himself a small lunch and asked their house elf, Fizzby, to keep some sandwiches in case Elle woke up hungry.
"I am going out for a while. Please inform me when Elle wakes up," he instructed.
"Yes, Master Snape," Fizzby said and disappeared.
Severus knew what he had to do now. He couldn't leave Potter alone in this castle for the whole day. He had to check up on him. With an unintentional scowl forming on his face, Severus left the quarters.
/
Harry was having a great time. He had woken up early that morning. After a cup of coffee, which he surprisingly found that Hogwarts served only to those who specifically asked for it, and a simple breakfast of toast and eggs, Harry had taken off to clear his head. He flew for a while around the castle, taking in the beauty of the mountains and the school itself. Harry couldn't believe that he had this whole humongous castle to himself. He realized that even after spending nine months here for the past five years, he still hadn't explored the entire castle. There were many towers and many rooms he did not know of.
He wasn't sure why, but Hogwarts always made him feel warm inside. He felt as if the castle hugged him whenever he came. He knew it was probably because he had never had a home before Hogwarts where he felt safe and happy. But sometimes, it felt like Hogwarts tugged at his magic, telling him he was home and welcoming him.
Harry's thoughts were broken when he caught sight of a black figure walking along the main path to the Entrance Door. Harry swooped in towards the figure and saw that it was Snape. He was dressed in Muggle clothes again. Harry wondered where he went dressed in such clothes. They looked good on him, he couldn't deny that, especially because they looked a little on the expensive side. The man was wearing sunglasses, and Harry pushed back a snort.
He waved at the Professor, unable to think of what else to do, and flew away. Snape was a different story altogether in Harry's mind.
"Professor Snape happened."
Dumbledore's words were still fresh in his memory.
Snape was a bully. He never really liked Harry or Gryffindors for that matter. Harry was just targeted extra because of his father, as he had found out last year. Harry was confused by the man's behavior. Why was he suddenly interested in what went on in Harry's life? Why did he retrieve him from the Dursleys? Was it Snape who made Dumbledore agree to Harry living at Hogwarts?
The questions roamed around Harry's head as he dismounted his broom and walked towards the Gryffindor Common Room. It was hot outside, and Harry was delighted to see a jug of cold Pumpkin Juice waiting for him. "Thanks, Dobby," he muttered and gulped down a glass before heading to take a quick shower.
He decided to work on his summer assignments for a while. Now that he was at Hogwarts and had a whole array of books to help him, maybe he could do better. He picked up his book bag and headed towards the library. He picked out a table at the far end, which was covered by bookshelves, and sat down.
That was how Severus found him a few hours later. Almost seven or eight books were opened on the table as Harry furiously noted down some points on a spare piece of parchment.
"Well, well, trying to make up for five years of slacking in one afternoon?" Severus drawled as he stood at the end of the table opposite Harry. Harry jerked out of his reverie and almost dropped the ink bottle to his right. "Charming," Severus commented as he picked up a book and read the title. "Bless my heart, it's a potions book."
Harry rolled his eyes. "I am working on my summer assignments," he explained as he tried to gather his unorganized papers. Severus raised an eyebrow at him and put the book down.
"Is that what you will be doing for the rest of the day?" he asked. Harry shrugged, not looking at the man. He was still a little singed after the man had shut the door on his face the other night.
"Use your words, Potter," Severus said sternly.
"I don't know, sir," Harry said. "Why?"
"Have you had lunch?" Severus asked him in return. Harry was going to shake his head, but seeing the man raise an eyebrow, he quickly muttered, "No."
Severus watched him for a few more minutes. "Potter," he called. Harry looked at him. He wasn't sure why Snape was here. Why was he bothering now?
"Yes?"
Severus opened his mouth to say something but decided against it. "Eat," he said instead and tapped the table with his long nails. A plate of hot sandwiches appeared along with some juice. Harry's mouth watered at the food. He was so engrossed in his work that he had forgotten to eat. The food looked great, and Harry realized that he was hungry. But he waited for the Professor to leave before he could devour the plate.
"Did they feed you?"
Harry didn't have to ask who 'they' were. He thought about whether he should lie or not. But what was the point of lying? Snape had a clipped tone but a different undercurrent when he asked Harry. Harry almost missed it, but caught the slight concern radiating from under Snape's words.
"Does it matter?" he settled on asking.
Snape didn't reply but studied the boy before averting his eyes. He had gotten the answer.
"Eat," he repeated and turned around to leave. He stopped in his tracks, his back still turned. "Should you need any assistance with your Potions work, you can… come to my office."
Harry watched as the man practically glided out of the library. The last sentence sounded painful, and Harry grinned. What was wrong with Snape? Did he really want to have a doubt-clearing session with Harry Potter?
"Well, bless my heart," he commented to himself before picking up a sandwich and taking a bite. He looked out the window as he ate. A whole castle to himself, good food, no Dursleys, and a slightly civil Snape? Maybe this summer could still turn out good. He thought of Snape's offer and smirked. Come to think of it, he did have a few questions. With that thought brewing in his mind, Harry finished his food. He set the utensils aside and pulled his books closer. Time to get back to work.
/
Elle woke up feeling a little refreshed but still cranky. She turned in her bed, intending to go back to sleep, when Fizzby appeared beside her.
"Hello, Little Elle, had a good nap?" he said cheerfully. "Would you like something to eat?"
Elle shook her head. "No, thanks, Fizzy. Where's Dad?"
"Master Snape has gone out for a while, but he will be back shortly," Fizzby replied.
Elle was used to Fizzby. He had been with the Snapes since she was a baby. She couldn't pronounce Fizzby's name correctly when she was younger and called him 'Fizzy,' a nickname that stuck.
"Miss Elle must eat something for lunch. Fizzby has made your favourite sandwiches: chicken salad with extra cream."
"No, thanks, Fizzy," Elle said again, noticing the house-elf's face drop.
"Thank you, Fizzby, I'll take it from here," a voice said from the doorway. Elle looked up to see her father entering the room. The elf bowed and disappeared.
Severus walked in and sat on the bed beside Elle. "Not hungry?" he asked as Elle shook her head and climbed onto his lap.
He touched her forehead to check for a fever and was relieved to find it cool. Children her age often caught colds or other bugs, especially in Muggle schools.
"Then what's the matter?" Severus asked as Elle rested her head on his shoulder. He encircled his arms around her, holding her close.
"I don't know. I just don't feel like eating anything," she mumbled.
Severus stood up with her in his arms and carried her to the living room. He gently placed her on the couch and covered her with a soft rug that he usually kept at the back of the sofa. Elle looked at him quizzically as he disappeared into their storeroom.
A few minutes later, Elle's eyes widened, and a grin spread across her face as she saw her father emerge from the storeroom with their television set levitating in front of him. She squealed in joy as Severus set up the TV and summoned a few DVDs before her.
"Choose," he said with a smile, watching as the little girl peered over the DVDs before selecting one.
"Ah…my personal favourite. The Lion King," Severus said as he put it in. He dimmed the lights and settled beside Elle. She crawled up to him, making herself comfortable at his side, her father's arm draped over her.
As the movie started, Severus ordered some juice and fruits for Elle. He couldn't let her skip lunch entirely, could he?
The familiar opening notes of The Circle of Life filled the room, and Elle's eyes sparkled with delight. Severus looked down at his daughter, a soft smile on his usually stern face. Moments like these were rare and precious.
"Remember the first time we watched this?" Severus asked, his voice gentle.
Elle nodded. "I was so scared of Scar, but you told me he was just a character."
"That's right," Severus said, smoothing her hair. "And you were very brave."
As the movie continued, Elle gradually nibbled on the strawberries Severus had ordered. By the time Simba met Timon and Pumbaa, she was giggling, had finished her juice and was singing along to Hakuna Matata.
"Feeling better?" Severus asked, looking down at her.
"Yeah," Elle said with a nod. "Thanks, Dad."
Severus kissed the top of her head. "Anytime, Elle."
The two of them watched the rest of the movie together, the weight of the world outside forgotten for a little while. Severus marvelled at how Elle's laughter could lift his spirits, and Elle felt safe and loved in her father's embrace.
A/N: Please leave a review!