The Forbidden Forest was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. Severus moved through the underbrush with practiced ease, his black cloak blending seamlessly with the shadows. He was out gathering rare ingredients for his potions, but tonight, fate had a different plan.

A faint, almost imperceptible cry reached his ears. He paused, narrowing his eyes as he strained to locate the source of the sound. Following the weak cries, he soon found himself in a small clearing. There, lying on a bed of leaves, was a tiny baby wrapped in a tattered blanket. The child’s cries were soft and pitiful, barely loud enough to disturb the nocturnal creatures of the forest.

Cautiously, Severus approached the infant. As he knelt down, he noticed a letter pinned to the blanket. With a furrowed brow, he untied the string and unfolded the note. The handwriting was hurried, yet elegant, revealing a desperate plea.

Please, take care of her. She has no name yet. She belongs to a powerful and dangerous family. Only you can protect her from those who seek to harm her.

Severus's mind raced with questions as he gently lifted the baby into his arms. Her tiny fingers clutched at his robes, and her cries subsided into soft whimpers. Without another moment’s hesitation, he turned and made his way back to Hogwarts.

Once he reached the castle, he headed straight to the quarters of his trusted assistant, a young but capable witch, his assistant. He knocked softly, not wanting to wake the other residents.*

She opened the door, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Snape holding a baby. Her face a mix of curiosity and concern.

"I know this is too much to ask to an assistant, we have a new charge," Severus said, his tone serious. "This child was abandoned in the forest. We must protect her." Severus is as always very serious.