Severus remained on high alert as he watched over Beth throughout the day. He would not ask questions when she needed something such as water or more food. Thankfully, Beth was mostly sleeping so he went about his day and focused on his work. Around 3 pm, he left his quarters to take a stroll. With students focusing on their O.W.L.S. and it being a weekend, there shouldn't be any troublemakers. That and security had tightened up around Hogwarts since the last attack. He didn't have to worry in that area. His robes moved back and forth like a synchronized dance, and he walked briskly through the long hallways.
His mind frankly was spinning with him being a father. This was his worst-case scenario. He couldn't avoid nor escape the reality that was going to happen. He just had to pretend everything was fine and simply "dandy". He walked to his office and shut the door with a deep exhale. He didn't lock it in case someone wanted to bother him, and he sat down to grade some of his students' tests from a few weeks ago. Ever since Elizabeth came into his life, he had started grading "slightly" less strict on some topics. He learned about the word empathy from her. Those struggling students didn't deserve to be smashed down more and treated badly. He was still the same old Severus, that part would never change. However, he did think before he spoke. Sometimes. Hardly. Whatever.
He continued to be in deep thought as his cold and large hand trailed across the papers. Using his ink and quill, he made his corrections. For the stern and very serious man, he did know what he was doing. He had extensive knowledge of Potions, spells, and much more. He did however begin thinking about Beth and her beautiful red hair. How could he have hated that feature on her? Well.....it was reasonable at the time because he was in deep despair and anger. Her green eyes were also so beautiful and pierced into his darkened soul. He stopped writing as he looked out the small windows from his office. There was still snow on the ground but not as much. April did seem to get its fresh powder of snow every year. He exhaled as he put his hand against his firm right cheek and shook his head. So much to think about in a short amount of time.
A knock came to the door, and he knew from the soft yet firm knocking who it was. "Enter, Minerva." He said slowly as the tall woman in green robes walked in. "Good afternoon." She said firmly as he straightened himself up a little bit instead of slouching on his side like he had before. "Indeed." He replied as she sat down in the corner away from him. "You would only come hither if you needed something from me." He said deeply as he watched her with his dark eyes. She gently looked over at him with a firm upper lip. "Perhaps, but today I require nothing from you." She spoke as she removed her wand from her robes and tapped it down once. In her lap appeared a grey and green wrapped gift. "A gift." She said as Severus lightly smirked. "You're ridiculous." He said as he knew who it was for. "I am not ridiculous! Severus, it is for your child, and well......it is an exciting time for the staff of Hogwarts because some of us do not have parental roles." She said as he rolled his eyes. "You need not bring attention to me, however, Minerva. It's embarrassing." He mumbled. "In case you haven't noticed Severus, we care about everyone. Even you." She replied as he looked at her with softer eyes. Care.......such a word. It was a word he never knew until he met Beth.
"Well, are you to accept the gift?" She asked as he gently used his wand to take it from her and he grabbed it with his hands. It was a small box with a green bow on the top. He gently shook it and it sounded like a toy. He then nodded and set it down. There was a moment of silence shared between them before Minerva made a small observation. "It looks like you are grading students' work." She spoke. He nodded silently. Minerva walked to the small windows and looked out at the powdered snow. "Have you ever stopped to ponder your journey in this academic year?" She asked as he smirked. "What a ridiculous question." He said. "Severus Snape, if you use the word ridiculous again, I will show you what I think of your ridiculousness!" She said as Severus shut his mouth immediately. Minerva was the second woman that he had the most respect for, and he wouldn't dare or dream about overstepping her. He watched her closely as Minerva began talking again. "I am uncertain of your awareness, but you truly have changed Severus. You stand much taller than before. You smile more as well. The latter statement is the one that is the most noticeable." She shared as he gave her a nod. "Elizabeth has.......changed my perspective on how I view this world. She is American and has a personality that brightens everything around me. It is mysterious how she works her magic on me." He smirked deeply at the end of his sentence. Minerva smirked in return. "She does have her special way of doing things...I knew she would be a wonderful contribution to our staff." She said as Severus looked at the finished tests.
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Fanfiction**UNFINISHED* Let me take you deep into an alternate universe. Where perhaps the ending was not what you thought it was. The tale of a broken and bitter heart that was once again mended by kindness and love. No one would have guessed that his heart...
