Severus Snape has a habit of destroying all the good relationships in his life. But when one rears its head in the form of a child, he finds himself questioning the choices he's making.
An OC story surrounding Snape's daughter, and his complicated r...
Severus glanced at the clock on the wall, which was illuminated just enough to tell him it was 4.15. His body ached for sleep, but his mind had other ideas. Every time he thought he might drop off, Persephone stirred, and his heart leapt, a rush of panic forcing him awake. He looked at her now, a small frown etched on her sleeping face.
She'd been having bad dreams all night. On returning from the hospital, Severus had managed to keep her awake just long enough to get her to eat something, but by the time he'd returned from washing the dishes, she'd fallen asleep fully dressed.
After carefully changing her into her nightgown, Severus had spent the evening laying next to her, unable to bring himself to leave her side. He tried to read, but he was so distracted by keeping an eye on her, he hardly made any progress and instead resolved himself to laying with her until he fell asleep himself.
Persephone twitched again, and Severus knew the dreams were getting worse. Her frown deepened, and she let out a small whine.
"Shh," Severus soothed, hoping she could hear him. He tentatively placed a hand on her arm, then, when she didn't protest, he wrapped his arm around her further until he had her in a solid embrace. "It's okay," he whispered. "I've got you, Sephy. I'm here."
"Mhm... Sev?" Persephone murmured as her eyes fluttered open. She blinked the sleep out of her eyes and turned in his arms to face him. "Sev - you're okay - thank Merlin!"
She wrapped an arm around him and held him tight, burying herself in his chest and causing her hair to tickle against his cheek.
"Of course I am," Severus said quietly as he stroked her hair gently. "Why wouldn't I be?"
"I had a horrible dream," Persephone sobbed against his chest. "It was so vivid... I dreamt I killed you..."
Severus planted a gentle kiss to the top of her head as he rubbed soothing circles across her back. "Silly girl," he murmured. "You fell asleep before I could give you a Potion for Dreamless Sleep."
"I was so tired," she whispered. "But I don't want to go back to sleep, Sev, I want to stay here and hold you."
"Then that's what we'll do," Severus replied. "You know you'll always be safe with me, yes?"
Persephone nodded, and eventually, slowly, she began to relax as Severus held her close, rubbing gentle circles across her skin and kissing her head softly.
"I love you," she whispered, so quietly she thought he might not have heard her when he didn't respond. She raised her head slightly to look at him, only to see he had fallen asleep, and the dark circles under his eyes told her it was for the first time that night. She attempted to roll away, to give him some space, but even in his sleep his grip was strong. She allowed him to hold her close and, even with the fear of what she might dream, Persephone couldn't help nodding off, knowing she was safe in Severus' arms.
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