— The sun was setting over the quiet countryside as you and Severus sat together in your cozy living room, the fire crackling softly in the hearth. The house had been peaceful lately, a welcome contrast to the busier days when you were younger, raising your daughter and working at Hogwarts. Severus, now 54, looked as composed as ever, though the silver strands in his black hair were more pronounced, and the lines on his face had deepened. You, at 49, had settled into the rhythm of life with him after so many years together.

You had spent the day preparing the house for an entirely different kind of energy—a five-year-old whirlwind, otherwise known as your granddaughter.

Your daughter had sent an owl earlier, reminding you both that she and her husband would be leaving tomorrow for a week-long trip. It was meant to be a quick getaway—a chance for them to reconnect and rest. You and Severus had offered to look after your granddaughter while they were gone, and although it had been a while since you’d had a child in the house full-time, you were looking forward to it.

“She’ll keep us on our toes,” you said, looking over at him. “I hope you’re ready for a week of endless questions, darling.”

He sighed dramatically but couldn’t hide the faint smirk that tugged at the corner of his lips. “If she’s anything like you, I expect I’ll be in for quite the challenge.”

You laughed softly, shaking your head. The house might be quieter these days, but you were more than ready for the joyful chaos your granddaughter would bring. It would be a week full of noise, laughter, and more than a few moments of exhausted silence once she finally went to bed. But it would also be a week filled with memories—something both of you cherished more now than ever.