Snape found little solace in the confines of his house at Spinner's End. The place did not feel like home and he never looked forward to returning to its dreary walls during the summer. The memories of his childhood of poverty, neglect, and abuse in the Muggle neighborhood brought him stark discomfort. However, with the arrival of fatherhood, the once lifeless walls had taken a new significance.

He sat in the living room, the morning light shining on his pale face. He perused the Daily Prophet with his characteristic look of skepticism. Journalistic integrity, be damned. He was determined to stay up to date now that he had someone else to protect, even if he would rather forget the weight of the world's suffering.

The man snapped out of his contemplation as he heard the creaking floorboards and familiar steps. A faint smile graced his lips as his progeny approached. His dark eyes peered over the newspaper as he acknowledged the welcome interruption with a nod. He certainly had not intended to be a father but would protect his offspring with his life.