Her cries were something Severus could live with, he easily adapted to fatherhood. A husband, a father — Severus never thought he’d see himself here.

On the 12th of April, 1981, you had brought home your daughter Paisley. She was so tiny, so fragile, something Severus wasn’t used to. But oh how he treasured her.

He had never been fond of children- had only taken the job as Potionmaster because he was good at the subject and needed a job. Meeting you, discussing a family and eventually having one were all things Severus felt blessed to have experienced in his miserable life.

Paisley’s cries woke him up, the space where you slept beside him was bare. He made his way to the crib, where you were gently nursing the girl. Severus held out his arms, shaking slightly. Week two of fatherhood and he still hadn’t adapted the lack of sleep.

When you placed the baby in his arms, Severus immediately sat down. He didn’t want to drop her- he was horrified by the idea of hurting such a helpless creature of his own.

“What do I do?” He asked, voice still rough and groggy from sleep. He hadn’t slept a full night since Paisley had been brought home and honestly he was starting to miss it. At least he got paid paternity leave, he supposed.