A/N: I would like to start with an apology for the delay. I really struggled with this one. I couldn't decide how I wanted it to go. Draco was a hard character for me to grasp. I think he's changed since the war, but I'd like to think he's still a little mischievous. Hopefully I've done a good job with that. Please let me know what you think.

Also, I'd like to thank everyone who has reviewed. I appreciate it. Special thanks to bickering-sidekicks and GhibliGirl91 who have reviewed almost every chapter. Until recently, I didn't realize I could respond to reviews, so I will now respond to every review I'm given. Sorry for not figuring that out before.

Since this one took so long to update, I PROMISE that the last part will be up in no later than a week. Really. Maybe even before then.

Sorry for the long note. Now on to the story.

I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters.

Draco

Visiting Hogwarts is not exactly one of my favorite things to do. In fact, most of the time, I absolutely hate it. Whenever business demands that I stop at the school, I avoid it at any cost. I'll make up some outrageous story about my wife's mother being dangerously ill and she needs me to clean out her attic; or avoid making eye contact with the boss who's picking the delegation to Hogwarts, hoping he'll pass right over me because I'm not looking at him; or I'll play sick (it's worked for me before). Anything to keep me away from that school.

I am aware that I am a grown man and should not resort to such juvenile tactics to avoid unpleasant things. I should know by now that I sometimes have to do things I don't like, and I should just suck it up, but I really don't care if I'm being ridiculous.

You may ask why I go to such lengths to not return to Hogwarts. Well, it's because every terrible, embarrassing, and worst-moment-of-my-life type scenario has happened at that school. I'm not just being dramatic. Sure, every kid thinks that school is horribly embarrassing, and they do something that they think is the worst moment of their life, like trip up the stairs in front of their crush or something, but they are wrong. I really experienced terrible and embarrassing things. More so than anybody I think. When Potter caught me crying in the bathroom , then proceeded to accidentally almost kill me, for example; or when I nearly died in the Room of Requirement; or my ENTIRE 6th year.

I don't like to be reminded of that period of my life. I'm embarrassed of the type of kid I was: scared and insecure, all hidden behind a pompous and jealous façade. I've moved on and don't want to remember how people remember me.

Despite my understandable hatred for Hogwarts and everything I just told you, there is one event that brings me back every single year: the Quidditch Cup.

Once I get in the stands of that pitch, I forget all the other terrible things that happened during school and just focus on the excitement of the game. This year it was particularly exciting because it was the Gryffindor/Syltherin game. I always relish a chance to see the Gryffindor team thoroughly thrashed. Granted, it doesn't happen very often because the Gryffindor team is always superb.

It's annoying.

An added bonus this year is that my son's on the Slytherin team. Chaser. And a darn good one at that. He has twice the talent I ever had (And I did have talent, okay? My father didn't buy my way on the team. I really was the best choice for the spot… the broom gift was just a coincidence, alright. This is still a sore topic for me.).

"And Slytherin chaser Malfoy executes a perfect fake and behind the back shot, bringing his team 50 points ahead!" yelled Luke Jordan into the commentator's microphone, "That's his sixth goal this game!" I told you Scorpius had talent.

Only pausing to smirk tauntingly at his best friend and opposing chaser James Potter, Scorpius immediately fell into defensive mode and began marking Rose Weasley rather closely.

"Weasley with the Quaffle, she passes off to Potter, he takes it up the pitch and- is hit by a bludger from Slytherin McLaggen. Zabini heads toward the goal passes to- intercepted by Weasley, dodges a bludger with an impressive Sloth-Grip Roll. She shoots! She scores! Bringing the score to 90 to 50 Slytherin.

"Zabini with the Quaffle, throws to Malfoy, Malfoy back to Zabini, fumbles 'cause of a nice bludger from the other Potter, recovered by Weasley who streaks up the field. Dodges beater Goyle and- wait! Is that the snitch?"

The whole crowd turned to watch as Flint and Potter (seriously, do all the Potter kids have to be good at Quidditch? Can't one of them be a failure at something?) dove toward the ground, but I continued to watch Weasley. I would never tell her father this, but that girl can fly. The way she could dodge everything that came her way with such grace was incredible to watch. She was about to take the shot, when Scorpius came out of nowhere and rammed into her broom. Locking her broom handle with his, he pushed her to the side, throwing off her aim. Slytherin Keeper Bletchly caught it with ease.

The third Gryffindor chaser, Thomas, screamed, "Blurting! Madame Bell, Malfoy just Blurted Rose! Didn't you see that!"

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Quidditch fouls, Blurting is "locking broom handles with a view to steering opponent off course" (Quidditch Through the Ages 29).

Katie Bell, the referee, had been watching the seekers make their dive and had missed Scorpius' infraction, so the boy got away with it. Good for him, I say. There's a reason he's a Slytherin.

The Gryffindor team, however, did not see it my way. They were furious. That did not bode well for them. Gryffindors get sloppy when they're angry and make mistakes. So before they knew it, "Flint catches the snitch! Slytherin wins 240 to 50 in an upset that no one saw coming! I mean, who would have thought that the stacked Gryffindor team, under the superb leadership of James Potter, could ever lose to a team that is composed of players so stupid that they can't even-" McGonagall turned off the mic before Jordan could finish.

I took my time leaving the stands, giving the students a chance to make their way back to the school. I let the crowd clear and scanned the area for my son. Over by the Slytherin goal posts I spotted three figures: one clad in red, a similar one in green, and one I had been hoping to avoid. Holding in a resigned sigh, I made my way over, hoping Potter (Senior) would leave before I got there. I don't hate him anymore, it's just that his face reminds me of things I would rather forget.

By the time I was within earshot to hear Potter congratulate Scorpius on a game well played, I could tell the boys had seen me. Being the brats (and I say that with love of course) they are, however, they hadn't warned Potter, whose back was to me. Needless to say, our greeting was less than that of long lost brothers.

"Malfoy," Potter greeted, somewhat surprised by my sudden appearance.

"Potter," I replied, ignoring the snickers of the boys next to me. Sure, laugh it up while you can. I'll get the last laugh when your kids end up being best friends with those of McLaggen, who I know you both despise.

I was about to try to start a civil conversation by complimenting his children's performances, but I was saved by his wife calling him over.

"Well done boys. Goodbye," he turned to me, "Malfoy."

"Potter." Saved by the former Weasel girl. Good. Now I didn't have to falsely compliment his kids. The only one I really like is James. Albus is too much of a goody-goody like his father (practically another St. Potter), plus he always seems to know what I'm thinking, it's creepy (and his name is horrible. People have given me flack for giving Scorpius a unique name, but Potter deserves it more than I do). Lily, I guess I don't dislike her, she just doesn't strike me as a particularly interesting person. Unlike the other redhead that was rapidly approaching.

"James! I HATE your best friend!" a yell echoed from halfway across the pitch. The three of us, even the ones not named James, turned to see what the ruckus was about. Approaching quickly and leaving a crowd of terrified people behind her, Rose Weasley stormed toward us, alternating glaring between my son and her cousin.

James turned away from his angry cousin with a sigh and mumbled under his breath so only I could hear, "Lies."

Holding back a snort of laughter (that would not be dignified), I looked at my son and observed him take in the sight before him. The expression and smirk on his face clearly said, "We beat you! We beat you! Na na na na na na!" The gleam in his eyes, however, clearly spoke to his appreciation of her flushed face and windswept hair, even as she came to tell his off for his, um, less than legal move during the game.

It was almost as though he was anticipating the inevitable shouting match. I guess I really couldn't blame him. Her parents were always some of my favorite people to annoy to the point of argument when I was in school. I know most of my altercations had been with Potter; and I always enjoyed watching the internal struggle between doing what was right and hexing me until I was unrecognizable that was evident in Potter's eyes; but quarreling with his sidekicks was more fun. Weasley was always great because he would get worked up so fast. It was like instant gratification. Plus, he would turn so red he would put his own hair to shame. Granger, on the other hand, was harder to get riled; she preferred the 'Ignore Them and They Will Go Away Approach'; but once she did, the comebacks were quicker and cleverer than either Weasely or Potter could have ever come up with. There was one time I really got her mad, and things got physical. Despite the bruised nose and ego I sported for two weeks after the incident, that was probably my favorite argument. My son, it seemed, had been born with my joy and talent for getting under people's skin (regardless of my wife's valiant efforts to prevent it), especially the Weasley girl's.

Rose, it turns out, inherited the best of both worlds: easy to anger and quick with retorts. Irresistible for a Malfoy. He has it bad for the girl… he just doesn't know it yet.

Stopping two feet away from Scorpius, Rose spread her feet shoulder-length apart and crossed her arms defiantly. Jaw clenched, the effort of holding in her frustrations seemed to be making her right eye twitch slightly. It was very amusing.

Taking the situation into his own hands, James broke the silence, "So, Rose, what was it you yelled across the pitch, very rudely interrupting our conversation with Mr. Malfoy I might add? We couldn't quite make out the words you bellowed."

For the first time, Rose seemed to register my presence. Turning toward me, all her anger left her countenance, and she looked pleasantly surprised. "Mr. Malfoy," she said at a normal volume, "How nice to see you again. I would offer you my hand, but I'd be afraid of getting you all sweaty."

I had met the young Miss Weasley on several occasions, mainly at Potter's annual Christmas party. Through these few interactions we had formed a cordial relationship. She respected me for my ability to get on her father's nerves without saying a single word, and I respected her because she had no qualms with putting my son in his place. Every young man needs someone his own age to call him out. It's healthy.

Needless to say, I approve of her.

Laughing, I shook her hand anyway, "Think nothing of it Miss Weasley. A little sweat will not kill me. Excellently played game by the way."

She smiled ruefully, "Not good enough apparently, or we would not have lost." Her expression changed to a worried one, "I'm sorry I interrupted your conversation. I can come back later…"

Waving her apology aside, I assured her it was alright: "I was simply about to tell off the boys for playing a rather unamusing joke on their fathers, but I have a feeling that you have some scolding of your own to do. By all means, continue."

At my reminder of Scropius' transgressions, she muttered a polite, "Thank you," to me and resumed squinting angrily at my son like there had been no interruption. He, however, was glaring at me for my traitorous actions. I wouldn't have been surprised if he had mimed getting stabbed in the heart and said, "Your own son?" His attention was diverted from me when Rose addressed her cousin, though still looking at Scorpius.

"I said that I HATE your best friends, James. How you can still associate with him after his ghastly cheating against our team is beyond me." Beside her, James rolled his eyes at her attempt to ignore Scorpius and reprimand him at the same time.

"It wasn't cheating because Madame Bell didn't see it!" Scorpius retorted.

Forgetting she was ignoring him, Rose wasted no time letting her voice be heard, "BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T SEE IT? BECAUSE SHE DIDN'T SEE IT?" Her face was now as red as the Quaffle she was so apt at throwing through the hoops. "THAT IS THS SLIMYEST THING YOU HAVE EVER SAID SCORPIUS MALFOY! ONLY A LOWLY, COWARDLY SLYTHERIN WOULD USE SUCH TACTICS! I THOUGHT THAT SINCE YOU SPEND SO MUCH TIME IN THE COMPANY OF GRYFFINDORS SOME OF THEIR UPSTANDING BEHAVIOR WOULD RUB OFF ON YOU! I'M SURE YOU FATHER HAS RAISED YOU BETTER THAN THAT!"

I had actually done no such thing, I wasn't going to change her impression of me though. Hopefully, Scorpius would not blow my cover. I could tell James wanted to, but luckily Scorpius chose that moment to defend himself. I think the "cowardly" comment got him… or it was the "slimy" comment. He's never like slimy things. When he was little, worms freaked him out. I think they still do. I don't know what he does when he has to use them in potions. Probably cons his partner into putting them in the cauldron. That's my boy. Anyway, I digress.

"YOU'RE JUST MAD BECAUSE I GOT AWAY WITH IT. EVEN ROSE WEASLEY, GRYFFINDOR ANGEL/POSTER CHILD FOR FOLLOWING THE RULES, WOULDN'T COMPLAIN IF HER TEAM HAD GOTTEN AWAY WITH THE SAME MOVE!" Scorpius shot back smugly. James nodded his head and shrugged his shoulders as if to say "Yeah, probably".

"MY TEAM WOULDN'T HAVE TO CHEAT BECAUSE ALL DECENT PLAYERS DON'T NEED TO RESORT TO BANNED STRATEGIES!" she yelled at a decibel that was sure to leave her with a sore throat in the morning.

When someone implies that Scorpius is a less than stellar Quidditch player, he loses all sense of reason. He'll basically say anything that comes to his mind. In this case it was the following: "I HAD TO USE THAT MOVE! IT WAS THE ONLY WAY I COULD GET PAST GRYFFINDOR'S BEST CHASER!" See what I mean? I think he accidentally complimented the girl while in the middle of a fight. Not exactly the best way to win said argument.

James turned to me indignantly, "Hey! I'm Gryffindor's best chaser!"

Not taking my eyes off the argument, I replied, "No you aren't."

James crossed his arms and, for lack of a better word, pouted.

"YOU REALLY THINK I'M THE BEST CHASER?" Rose shouted, slightly taken aback.

Seeing no way out of the complimentary hole he had dug himself, my son decided that he might as well put it all out there. "YES! IT'S FRUSTRATING PLAYING AGAINST YOU! I CAN NEVER GET AROUND YOU!" As much as I admire his ability to express his feelings, shouting them at her was less than dignified. He still needs some help from his father in the wooing department. This, however, did not affect his success this time.

"THANK YOU!" she yelled back, seeming rather flattered, "YOU'RE QUITE TALENTED YOURSELF! I WAS PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED WITH THE WOOLLONGONG SHIMMY (A/N: Quidditch Through the Ages pg 55) YOU USED IN THE FIRST 10 MINUTES OF THE GAME! I'VE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO EXECUTE IT PROPERLY!"

"THANKS! I COULD TEACH YOU SOMETIME IF YOU'D LIKE!" Why they were still yelling was beyond me. I would say that it's a new fad with kids today, but James looked just as confused as I was. Plus, I keep up with the current fads. I glanced over at Albus Potter who didn't look confused at all. I told you that kid was weird.

"I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT VERY MUCH! CONGRATULATIONS ON THE WIN, BY THE WAY! IT REFLECTS WELL ON YOUR CAPTAINSHIP!" Though speaking in a voice so loud that I was sure I would be deaf by the end of the conversation, Miss Weasley's face had returned to its usual hue.

"THANK YOU! IT WAS A TOUGH ONE! WOULD YOU LIKE TO COME TO THE VICTORY PARTY WITH ME… AND JAMES!" he added quickly.

"I WOULD LOVE TO!" she yelled at him, most of the anger gone from her voice.

"ALRIGHT THEN, LET'S GO!" he shouted, more excited than angry. Turning to me, he said at a normal volume and with a grin, "Thanks for coming Dad. Lunch tomorrow at the Three Broomsticks?"

I nodded, "Of course son. Have fun at your party. Congratulations."

Also speaking normally, Rose said, "It was nice to see you again Mr. Malfoy."

"It's been a pleasure as always Miss Weasley."

With one last nod to me, the two of them turned around, following what was left of the crowd back to the castle. They resumed their shouted conversation on the way.

"I HOPE THERE'S STILL LOTS OF BUTTERBEER LEFT BY THE TIME WE GET THERE!"

"ME TOO! HEY! LET'S SNEAK IN SOME OF THAT BOIL CAUSING POTION WE MADE IN CLASS THE OTHER DAY!"

"YEAH! WE'LL GIVE IT TO MCLAGGEN! TELL HIM IT WILL CURE HIS BACK PIMPLES!"

As their voices and laughter gradually died away, I noticed James lingered. Shaking his head and sighing dramatically, he said mournfully, "How could Rose do this to us? Bringing a Slytherin into the family… what a disgrace to the family name…" He smirked at me.

"You, Mr. Potter," I replied, not taking my eyes off the retreating pair, "are your father's son."

James looked horrified, "Mr. Malfoy! Don't insult me!"

I glanced his direction, raising an eyebrow, "Most people would take that as a compliment, especially considering who your father is."

"I know," he said, giving me a knowing look, "but you didn't mean it as one."

Grinning cheekily at me, he ran after his friends. I watched them walk away toward the castle, still in their Quidditch robes, and was struck by the irony of what I was seeing. Green and scarlet; a Gryffindor and a Slytherin; a Malfoy and a Weasley. Weirdly, I kind of liked the sight. Maybe Hogwarts isn't such a bad place. I smiled.

Don't tell anyone. We Malfoys have a reputation of aloofness to uphold.

A/N: If you review, I will respond.