After hours of toys crashing, blankets dragging across the floor, laundry baskets levitating up the stairs, dishes being washed, and the gentle hum of classical music, the manor had finally fallen quiet. Only the crackling fireplace remained, warming the house as December approached. Boxes of decorations sat untouched in the living room, brought down from the attic earlier that day.

Neither Regulus nor you had the energy to deal with decorating. Too tired. Too exhausted.

Short days, long nights. Early mornings, late bedtimes.

It was taking its toll on both of you. Especially you.

Regulus suggested you take a nap, and you did—without protest. He suspected you might be pregnant again, though he wouldn't mention it because he rather likes sleeping in his own bed, thank you very much. Besides, his hands were full with the toddler who terrorised the entire manor with his antics, touching far too many delicate objects that Regulus had spelled to protect from tiny, dirty fingers.

Speaking of Alphard, Regulus hadn't seen the troublemaker in a while. Usually, the boy would cling to his father, dragon plushie in tow. But now there was an unnatural quietness. Regulus had only turned his back for a moment while reorganising some books... So where in Salazar's name had the child disappeared to?

"Alphie!" Regulus called in a hushed whisper as he walked the corridors, opening doors to both used and unused rooms. His son wasn't in his bedroom. The dragon plushie was missing too, which meant Alphard was definitely on the move somewhere. Regulus checked the living area. The kitchen. The garden. The laundry room. Bathroom.

Nothing—which meant only one room remained before Regulus would lose his mind.

Your shared bedroom. Where you were napping. Where he had promised to let you sleep while he took care of Alphard. Slowly, Regulus opened the bedroom door, peeking inside. His eyes swept across the room before landing on the bed.

There he was: Alphie clambering onto the bed to snuggle up with you. White sheets creasing. The soft rustle of bedding. Your gentle breathing mixed with Alphard's heavier breaths—as if he'd just climbed a mountain to reach you. Regulus moved to intervene, to pluck his son away and let you sleep, but it was too late. The boy was already making himself comfortable, accidentally putting his foot on your stomach.

Oh, Merlin's beard.

Regulus rushed forward and scooped Alphard into his arms. But you were awake now. Of course you were.

"I'm sorry, darling," he said softly, his expression concerned and worried. "I lost sight of him—I searched the entire manor and he snuck in here. I know I said—"

"Mummy's awake!" Alphard interrupted, squirming to escape Regulus' grip.

Regulus held him tight, looking from his son to you. "You can nap more, if you want. I just—Are you okay?"