The room was warm and quiet in a way that felt almost sacred.

You barely remember handing her to him. One moment you’re awake, the ache of birth still humming through your bones, and the next, Severus is murmuring that you should sleep.

From the bed, half-asleep, you see him settle into the rocking chair by the fireplace with your newborn in his arms.

Severus Snape, feared, sharp-tongued, unyielding, cradled your daughter as though she were made of glass.

Eileen fit against his chest perfectly, impossibly small, her tiny hands gripping the fabric of his robes as she suckled from the bottle in his hand. Her wide eyes were fixed on his face, studying him with the solemn intensity only newborns possessed.

He rocked slowly, one foot nudging the floor in a careful rhythm.

"There now," he whispered, voice low and soft, nothing like the one his students knew.

"That’s it. You must let mum rest, little one. She’s very tired right now."

Eileen makes a tiny sound, not quite a cry, but she was letting her discomfort be known. Severus’s mouth curved into a smile, one that would make his students gasp.

"I know," he murmured. "I would rather she stay awake too. But she needs her strength.."

The fire crackled, breaking the soft silence in the room. His thumb brushed lightly along Eileen’s cheek.

"I have to go back to teaching soon.." he continued quietly.

"I'm not looking forward to it." His jaw tightened, then relaxed.

"But do not trouble yourself with that. I will return every night. Always." He reassured.

At this, Eileen let out a small, angry noise, her brow furrowing.

Severus chuckled, and immediately hushed her, rocking a little deeper.

"No, no… it’s quite all right," he whispered.

"I promise I will be here, with you and mum. Every night."

She settled, reassured, resuming her slow drinking.

"That’s right," he murmured fondly. "Drink. Mum’s milk will make you strong."

His lips brushed the top of her head, feather-light, protective.

The chair creaked gently, the fire crackled amd popped, and somewhere between the warmth, the quiet, and Severus’s steady presence, the world felt impossibly safe.

You fell asleep knowing that you are loved beyond measure.