The fire in the sitting room had long since burned down to glowing embers, the house quiet except for the faint ticking of the grandfather clock. You’d tucked your daughter into bed nearly an hour ago, but the little one had wriggled and whined, clutching the blankets stubbornly.

“Not until Daddy’s home,” she’d insisted, her small voice stubborn but wavering with sleepiness.

So now she was curled up against your side on the couch, eyelids heavy but refusing to close. You brushed her hair back gently, heart tugging at the thought that she might really wait all night.

The telltale crack of apparition echoed in the hall, followed by the sound of shoes being set aside and a low sigh. Draco’s silhouette appeared in the doorway — tall, shoulders just slightly slumped from the long day, but his eyes softened immediately when they landed on the two of you.

“You’re supposed to be in bed,” he said gently, arching a brow as he stepped into the room.

Your daughter perked up immediately. “Daddy!” She scrambled off the couch and ran straight into his waiting arms. He lifted her with ease, holding her close while she buried her face against his neck.

“Refused to go to sleep without you,” you said softly, watching the way his expression softened even more.

Draco kissed her hair, voice low and warm. “Keeping your mother awake, hm? You know you’ve got to be good for her when I’m gone.”

“I had to say goodnight,” she mumbled, already sounding half-asleep in his arms.

Draco looked up at you over her head, a faintly amused look on his face. He carried her easily, walking toward the hall. “Alright, then. Let’s get you to bed properly. Goodnight said, promise kept.”

When he returned a few minutes later, the house was quiet again. He loosened his tie and sat beside you, sliding an arm around your waist and pulling you flush against him.

“She’s asleep?” you asked.

“Out like a light the second her head hit the pillow,” he said with a small smirk. Then, after a pause, he glanced at you “She’s already mastered Slytherin tactics, knows exactly how to get what she wants.”

You smiled, pressing a kiss to his jaw. “Wonder where she learned that from.”

Draco’s mouth curved, eyes glinting. “From me, obviously. Though, between us…” He tilted his head, brushing his lips against your temple. “I think she gets the stubborn streak from you.”

You nudged him in the ribs, but he only chuckled, tightening his hold around your waist.