The Potter girl

chapter 20

Draco leaned in, his forehead resting against hers, and their breaths mingled as they both took in the sight of their sleeping daughter. "You need to rest," he said, his voice a gentle command. "You've been through so much."Addie nodded, her eyes drooping with exhaustion. "I'm just afraid to miss a moment," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You won't," Draco assured her, his thumb continuing to stroke her cheek. "We'll be right here." He leaned over and kissed her forehead gently. "And she'll be right here," he added, gesturing to the sleeping Emily.

Addie's eyes searched his, finding the reassurance she needed. With a nod, she closed her eyes, her body finally giving in to the exhaustion that had been building since the early hours of the morning. Draco watched her for a moment, his own eyes drooping before he turned his attention back to their daughter. He swayed slightly from side to side, the motion soothing to both of them.

The room was quiet now, the only sounds the occasional coo from Emily and the soft whispers of the Weasleys as they marveled at the baby. Draco felt a gentle hand on his shoulder and looked up to find Harry watching them, his expression a mix of concern and happiness. Harry offered a knowing smile and a nod before stepping aside to allow Draco a moment with his new family.

Draco looked down at Addie, her breathing shallow and even, and knew she needed rest. He leaned over, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. "Sleep, sweetheart," he murmured. "I've got her."

Addie's eyes fluttered open briefly, and she offered a small, tired smile. "Thank you," she mouthed before succumbing to sleep.
Draco looked down at Emily, her tiny body nestled in his arms, and felt a swell of pride and love. He began to sway from side to side, his steps matching the gentle rhythm of the rocking chair that had been placed in the corner of the room. The motion was comforting, not just to the baby, but to him as well. It was a silent promise that he would always be there to protect and care for her, regardless of the prophecy or the battles they might face.

As he rocked their daughter, Draco couldn't help but glance over at Addie. Her eyes were closed, her chest rising and falling with the steady rhythm of sleep. He knew she was tired, her body having undergone the tremendous ordeal of childbirth. The shadows beneath her eyes spoke volumes of the exhaustion that she must be feeling. He leaned over and whispered, "Sweetheart, you need to rest."

Narcissa, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, stepped forward. She placed a gentle hand on Draco's shoulder, her voice filled with the same concern she had shown for Addie. "Draco, honey," she said softly, "you need to rest too." Her gaze was filled with a warmth that seemed to melt away the icy grip of fear that had held him in its thrall for so long.
Draco looked up at his mother, his eyes heavy with fatigue but also with a stubborn determination. He knew she was right, but the thought of leaving Emily's side was almost unbearable. Yet, he also knew that he needed to be strong for Addie, and for their family. With a sigh, he nodded, reluctantly passing the sleeping baby into Narcissa's waiting arms.

Narcissa took Emily with the same tenderness that Draco had shown, her eyes never leaving her son's as she settled into the rocking chair. "Your father and I will watch over her," she assured him, her voice gentle and soothing. "You go and get some sleep. You're no good to her if you're exhausted."

With one last lingering look at his daughter, Draco leaned down to press a kiss to Addie's forehead. "I'll be back soon," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He knew that he needed to rest, to be strong for them both, but the thought of leaving them was difficult.Addie's eyes fluttered open as Draco started to pull away, and she reached out, her fingers wrapping gently around his wrist. "Don't go," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. The grip was weak, but the desperation in her eyes was clear.