Chapter 1 – Past Come Haunting

Two bodies were tangled on a bed deep in the bowels of a great castle. The two bodies entwined in a passionate struggle only to fall on the mattress in a sweaty heap. It was a beautiful summer's eve night. They dozed of in bliss waking up in the early hours of dawn. The woman got up to dress as the man propped himself up on his elbow to gaze at her adoringly.

"Stay", he pleaded not for the first time. The woman shook her head smiling softly as she finished dressing. She came and kissed him chastely on the lips.

"You know I can't", she told him, not for the last time.

"Why not?" he asked her caressing her stomach.

"You know I cannot say. Please. Let us part in friendship", the woman said. She glanced at the clock on the mantle. "It is time."

She leaned in once more and he closed his eyes savouring the gentle touch of her lips on his cheek. Next time he opened his eyes, she was gone.

Professor Severus Snape had never intended to survive the final battle, but here he was ever the Potions Master, ever the professor of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He had been cleared on the account of murdering Albus Dumbledore and any other crimes he might have committed as a spy for the Order of the Phoenix during the two wars against the Dark Lord Voldemort. He had been given an Order of Merlin, First Class for his efforts during two decades. He had been promoted as Deputy Headmaster under Headmistress Minerva McGonagall. He was considered a hero. Everything he had ever wanted, except for the Defence Against the Dark Arts position which he had given up on after a year in the position. Yet, none of it was truly satisfying. He had almost had... No, he would not dwell on the past.

Here he was in his old home of Spinner's End enjoying the Christmas holidays away from the school by the insistence of Minerva.

"You have worked yourself ragged, Severus. Don't say anything! I haven't finished with you. You will take this Christmas holiday for yourself. I do not want to see you in Hogwarts before your birthday. If I do see you, so help me, you will regret the day you were born."

He knew all to well that the Headmistress would stand behind her words and he was exiled from the dungeons the moment the students left on the Hogwarts Express. Spinner's End was cozy enough, but it held painful memories for him. Things he didn't care to dwell on.

He only noted that he had dozed off after he heard the doorbell ring. Severus frowned. His Muggle neighbours never visited assuming he was gone and his friends from the wizarding world would Floo him. The doorbell rang again. Severus got up ready to pull his wand out in an attempt to defend himself from unwanted guests. The doorbell rang a third time as he opened the door. Nobody was there. He heard a voice and looked down.

A child.

There was a young child at his door. A small girl with silky, raven locks and dark eyes that peered at him with curiosity. She was wearing Muggle clothes with a cloak against the winter wind. A silence fell over them and the small girl offered him a scroll with his name written on it. The handwriting was familiar.

"May I come in?" she asked and he looked at her from the letter surprised to hear her speak.

"And why do you think that would be appropriate?" Severus asked the child. She shrugged.

"The letter will explain", she answered simply. She fought back a shiver. "Please, sir, it is quite cold here."

Not knowing what to do Severus beckoned the child in. She went directly into his living room and sat onto the sofa beckoning to the letter. He stared incredulously at the girl's audacity, but concluding that no answer would come from the child before he read the letter, he opened the scroll.

Severus,

I wonder how you remember me? I remember our time together as something I can never truly find anywhere else, but I was left with a reminder of you. You must be wondering why a eight year old girl would find her way to your door. Well, say hello to your daughter Nathaira Callidora Snape. She has been my pride and joy and I hate to depart from her, but I was given an assignment with short notice and it is too dangerous for her to follow.

I would have left Nathaira at my relatives, but she has lived a quite secluded life with me travelling across the world with me and my work. And my parents are dead. You are the only family she has left. I thought maybe it is her time to know her father.

I do not know how long this assignment will last and I will not be able to be in touch. If something were to happen to me, my employer would not be able to inform my surviving family until five years after the end of the investigation and only if the surviving family, Nathaira, is an adult. Nathaira... She understands about my work. She will probably have to stay with you until she goes to Hogwarts.

I... I truly hope you would take care of her and not send her off. She is an easy child, fond of books and riddles, especially Arithmancy. She has your intellect and love for Potions.

Love,

Hermione

PS Tell Nathaira I love her. And... You are the only one to know of her existence.

The letter was smeared with her tears. After reading the letter he crushed it in his deft hands and looked at the child who had fallen asleep. He sat down heavily in his armchair at a complete loss.