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Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.
The clock on the wall provided some often soothing ambiance, as Draco paced the living room, Matilda in his arms. The only thing concerning was the fact that Hermione was absent; she'd finally returned to work today in the Magical Law Enforcement Department, and she had sworn to be home by six, no later than that. But it was now 7:15, and their one year old child was fussy; she should have been in bed half an hour ago at the very latest, and now she was fighting sleep because she missed her mother. Tiny little brown curls tickled Draco's neck, her tiny pudgy fist clutching his shirt collar for dear life.
"I know, love," he said softly, gently rocking her as he moved. Sometimes, movement was all that kept Matilda calm. "She's just running a bit late. She'll be home soon. If you go to sleep now, you'll see her in the morning, I promise."
Matilda grumbled. Whether she understood his words or not was left in the air, but she certainly had enough attitude that made him think she could.
Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.
Pausing by the window, Draco peered out into the street. The sky was darkening, the lampposts turning on, while people walked on the sidewalk to and from their destinations. It was coming onto a quiet hour, mostly young adults and teenagers were the ones still wandering, though he saw a few kids speeding by on bicycles, calling out to each other with excitement. No doubt they were heading home for dinner, after another good summer's day just enjoying the sunshine and warm weather.
"That'll be you soon," Draco said, more to fill the silence than anything. "You know, I don't know how to ride a bicycle, I'm not sure how much help I could be, but I could certainly try my best. Or would you prefer a broom? At least a toy broom can't go very fast."
Glancing down at his daughter, wide grey eyes stared back up at him. "I know, it's shocking," he said. "Your da not knowing how to do something. I was raised with the best tutors gold could buy, and yet some things are forever beyond my comprehension. I'm still struggling with learning to drive, can you believe it? Me? Quidditch star that I could have been? Your mother keeps laughing at me, even if she tries to hide it. I know her cheeky smile anywhere."
Matilda smiled, showing off the three brand new teeth that had recently grown in. Hadn't that been a headache and a half?
"And you have the same cheekiness." Draco shook his head, as if saddened. "I'll never know peace again."
She cooed, giving his shirt collar a tug, and Draco resumed his gentle pacing.
Tick. Tick. Tick. Tick.
"I can't help but wonder," Draco mused after a few more minutes, "how you might grow up. You'll be better than I ever was, that's for sure. But...I wonder what your favorite color might be. What books you'll favor. If you'll like trainers or dress shoes better. Will you like your hair short, long? Will you be the type to bounce on your bed or sit quietly? You already chatter like you can speak, so I know for sure you'll never know how to keep quiet, but I credit that to Hermione's genes than mine. That woman loves exposition."
Glancing down, he took in Matilda's expression. The babe was finally beginning to relax, her eyes half lidded as tiredness was finally taking over. Being past your bedtime really took it out of you. How many times did Draco long for bed when it hit 10 pm? And he wasn't even 30 years old yet! He felt old though, maybe that was all the difference.
"I might teach you how to play piano," he murmured thoughtfully. "Piano is a good instrument. I adored learning how to play. My mother used to pick me up from the bench because I'd get so lost in the music. Getting to play for Hermione felt like such a privilege. I played for you too, before you were born. Maybe you'll remember the lullabies."
She made a sleepy mumble.
"Oh?" Draco smiled. "Well tell me little miss, do you remember this one?" And he started humming, a lullaby from years past, one that Narcissa used to sing to him when he himself was just a boy. Matilda's body got heavier as she relaxed fully, and after a few renditions of the song, the quietest little snore indicated that she was finally down for the count. Carefully, oh so carefully, Draco carried her up the stairs and down the hall, turning the door that led to her room, and then it became a contortionist act just to tuck her in without disturbing her slumber.
That was how Hermione found them twenty minutes later. After kicking off her shoes and hanging up the keys, she went up the stairs and found Matilda in her bed, and Draco sitting beside it, his head braced against the wall as he dozed. Smiling, Hermione snuck in, reaching to tuck some of that fine blond hair behind his ear, kissing his cheek, and his eyes pushed open, glancing to find her in the light streaming from the hallway. The tired smile he gave made her heart feel light. "I'm so sorry, love. Did she go down alright?"
"She was a perfect angel," Draco whispered loftily. "How dare you suggest otherwise?"
Hermione huffed out a laugh before taking his hand. "Alright then, your turn. Come to bed."
"Gladly."