It has been 3 years since that day you left Hogwarts.

Severus couldn't concentrate, not when the guilt, self-loath and grief were hitting him more with every passing day.

You and Severus had a secret affair, a relationship that was blossoming too quickly, that had to stay between both of you. You both were happy.

But then you got pregnant. You were shocked since both of you were always careful about your activities. None of you had expected it. And you were scared of his reaction.

And rightfully so...

When he heard those words he felt his entire self froze. Not because of anger but because of fear. His heart closed, his mouth formed words that shouldn't have been said at all, never. He denied it, said it couldn't be his child. He was cruel, his self-defense kicked in, merciless. He turned around and left sharply, leaving you heartbroken and alone.

He buried his face in his hands at the memory. He regretted his words, his actions every single day. He remembered trying to reach out to her, but it was too late. She left Hogwarts and moved Merlin-knows-where. He tried to find her, contact her, but nothing. He hated himself. He didn't even know if she was alright, if their child was alright, if it was a boy or a girl, he didn't know anything. And that was painful.

He couldn't keep on sitting there in that dull lab of his in the south of France. He was sent there for a mission, a job related one that Albus asked him to take. He slammed the quill against the table and left the small house he had to live in for a few more weeks.

HE walked for a while before he saw a small coffee and bake shop. His head pulsed, he knew he needed a strong coffee. He walked inside and looked around. He was new to France. Never been in it before. He stepped a step closer and hilted, hearing that voice he knew so well, the voice that made his heart race faster. He desperately looked around and spot her, standing there with a young child in her arms in front of a tile with cupcakes. His eyes widened. That... was her... he stepped closer, standing right behind her.

"... You...."