The crackling fireplace filled the cozy cottage with warmth, its golden light flickering against the walls. Y/N sat on the floor, legs stretched out as their youngest child, a curly-haired toddler, tugged insistently on her fingers, babbling happily. Two older children were sprawled on the rug nearby, absorbed in a game of Exploding Snap.Lily stood in the doorway, leaning against the frame with an affectionate smile. She'd just returned from the Ministry, her robes still perfectly pressed despite what must have been a long day. For a moment, she didn't announce herself, simply watching the scene before her with her heart full."Mama!" the toddler squealed suddenly, catching sight of her. Lily crouched to scoop them up, her laughter light and warm as the little one wrapped chubby arms around her neck.Y/N's head snapped up, and her face lit up in a way that always made Lily's heart race. "You're home early!" Y/N said, rising to her feet.Lily crossed the room, the toddler still in her arms, and leaned in to press a soft kiss to Y/N's lips. "I couldn't bear being away any longer. Thought I'd surprise you all.""You've succeeded," Y/N murmured, her voice filled with affection.The two older children perked up at the sight of their mother, rushing over to hug her tightly. "Did you bring us anything?" one asked eagerly.Lily chuckled and reached into her robes, pulling out a small box of Honeydukes' finest chocolate. "Of course I did."As the children scurried away with their spoils, Y/N looped her arms around Lily's waist, their toddler now dozing contentedly against her shoulder. "I missed you," Y/N admitted softly.Lily rested her forehead against Y/N's, her green eyes sparkling. "I missed you more. No amount of politics and paperwork can compare to this.""Good," Y/N teased. "Because I wasn't planning on letting you leave again anytime soon."With the children giggling in the background and the fire casting a golden glow, the two women swayed gently in each other's arms, savoring the rare, quiet moment of togetherness.
