When she apparated to Draco's place, Hermione was NOT prepared for the sight that is now unfolding in front of her.

Draco and Emma playing with dangerous magic? Yes.

Draco sleeping with Emma playing alone in her crib? Yes.

Emma nowhere to be found and Draco panicking? Ofcourse.

But not THIS.

Draco was speaking to Emma. Not in a baby voice. Not to make her laugh as he usually does. He was actually conversing with her.

"Emma bear, I love you. There is not one thing in the world I would not do to make you happy. Whatever you want, a cool sun, a very hot moon, a funny dragon or a dangerous bunny? Maybe I won't let you near it, who knows what will happen? Oh no. Not a dangerous bunny, nothing remotely dangerous near you. But the point is, you name it, the next second it's yours. I don't wanna lose you ever, you get me?"

Well, Emma..she was straight ahead looking at him from her crib, listening to every word he said..with her baby 'coos', her slightest nod of her small head, her face full of wonder. It was as if she understood every word he said.

Hermione was speechless. Something stirred inside her, something very strong, very deep. She barely held back tears.

"Ahem..sorry to interrupt this wonderful conversation but I think it's time you both went to bed"

"Oh..Hermione. You are back..early."

"Could ask the same about you. What happened to your bachelor party?"

"I couldn't stay there leaving Emma with my house elves. She doesn't eat well unless you or I feed her. And I felt you needed this night to be yourself..you know..after all these few months have been tiring on you. So I said hi to everyone and returned home as soon as I can."

What could she say to this? This man. This beautiful, beautiful man. He was looking worn out, eyes were tired.

"And who will take care of her if you fall sick? You stupid fellow, go to sleep. I will take it from here."

With a sheepish nod, he slept beside the crib, gently rocking it for Emma to sleep.

Hermione smiled and casted some spells so a comfortable big bed appeared under him out of nowhere with a soft blanket. She went near the crib and looked at her smiling daughter. She sat at the side of the bed so the crib was to her right side and Draco was lying on her left.

"I see you haven't conjured up pillows" Draco smirked.

She smiled. She had a little something in her mind.

"Not needed". She spread her arms a little.

He smiled that radiant smile of his and placed his head on her lap. "Ah..feels comfortable". He hugged her legs and cuddled close.

She was rocking the crib with her right hand. She suddenly didn't know what to do with her left hand. It was sort of hovering above his head in the air.

When she was sure he fell asleep, she gently placed it on his head, caressing his hair, rubbing here and there. It felt good, silky soft between her fingers. It was actually better than her hair, which never listens to her, sticking out all over her face. She giggled.

"What is so funny?" His croaky voice jerked her. Oh my, he was impossible.

"Pretending to be asleep? Geez Draco, do something a bit unexpected next time"

"Don't act, woman. You believed I was asleep or else I wouldn't have received such love and attention from your hand just now."

"So what if I did? Is it wrong?" She held a small expression, trying very hard not to melt to his charm.

"Not at all. Not a bit wrong" His face looked a lot serious now, lost all playfulness. His hands slowly travelled up, cupping her neck, framing her face.

She was visibly shaken. Such a hot stare from him, she was almost a puddle on the floor.

Just when she thought he is about to kiss her, he touched her nose with his for finger, like a button. "Boop" he smiled, knowing full well what was going on in her head.

"He he he" this cute giggle came from Emma. She was watching the whole spectacle. She clapped her little hands, clearly having fun.

"Looks like somebody is still not asleep" Draco was twisting his face so he looked angry. Inside, he was all lovey dovey seeing his angel happy.

"Ha ha you are trying to look angry. I never thought you would look funnier than when you were transformed by Moody. Oh my..oh no" Hermione was clutching her sides, laughing very hard at his antics.

"Glad you are having fun" He said, sarcastically.

"Emma, isn't he funny? Tell him Emma..he is such a stupid fool..tell him" Hermione was pointing at him to Emma, encouraging her to make fun of Draco.

Emma looked at him, tilting her head she went, "Dada! He he, Dada! Dada!"

Hermione and Draco were stunned. Draco slowly got up, his eyes watery, picked up Emma and kissed her forehead.

"Emma ...you called me..you " Draco could only look at Hermione to see her expression.

She looked at him, straight into his eyes and said "Yes Emma, he is your Dada.."He hugged Emma tight, his eyes never leaving Hermione's.

He started singing a lullaby, gently rocking Emma on his shoulders. Emma went to sleep, holding his shirt tight. Hermione came near, placing her head on his other shoulder and gently stroking her baby's back with her hand.

He couldn't have asked for a better way to end the night.