He paused after a few paragraphs, the book lowering slightly as he turned toward her. “You’re not falling asleep already, are you?” he asked with a raised eyebrow, his voice soft but still teasing. “I thought you were going to stay awake for as long as possible.”

His eyes flicked up to her occasionally, watching her expressions as he read. There was something about this moment, something simple and comforting, that made him feel grounded in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time.

His voice flowed smoothly, each word carefully articulated, the cadence soothing as he read the first few lines of the book. His eyes flicked up to her occasionally, watching her expressions as he read.

With a casual stretch, he made himself more comfortable, leaning back into the cushions while still keeping her close.

“I’ll try not to bore you too much,” he added, before he cleared his throat and began reading.

Then wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer. "It suits you," he murmured, his lips brushing the top of her head.

With a practiced motion, he clasped the necklace, securing it in place, his fingers brushing lightly against her skin as he did. He couldn't help but smile at how perfectly it framed her.

“Come here,” he added, patting his chest in invitation. “You can lie back—use me shamelessly as a pillow. I’ll read to start, unless you fall asleep first.” A pause, amused. “Which, knowing you, is highly likely.”

Draco settled himself onto the couch rather than the armchair, stretching out with practiced ease before looking back at her.

He turned toward the shelves, fingers trailing along the spines until one caught his attention. “This one,” he decided quietly, withdrawing the book and giving it a thoughtful tap with his knuckle.

“Sweet Merlin,” he murmured, the corner of his mouth lifting as he glanced back at her, “you’re going to put me off my game if you keep looking at me like that.”

With a flick of his wrist, the teapot finished itself obediently—steam curling, cups filling to the precise shade she liked—before he crossed the room and set both mugs carefully on the low table between them.

He paused, softer now. “Once you’ve rested… what would you like to do? We can read together?”

With a flick of his wand, the kettle set itself to boil, cups drifting down from the cupboard as he rolled his sleeves. “Tea for both of us,” he said, glancing back at her. “You look like you’re about three minutes from falling asleep among the spines.”

“But,” Draco continued, lips curling into a faint smile, “I won’t deny I like being part of what makes this place feel like home to you. Or that you feel safer with me here.” He tilted his head, teasing returning.