"I'm sorry Father couldn't make it, by the way," Draco says to his mother. They're in a Muggle restaurant in London, one he hasn't tried but his mother's sister raves about. So far, on the strength of the wine and appetizers, it lives up to the reputation Aunt Andromeda established.

"He sends his regards, though I'm not sure I'll be sending yours back in full," says his mother with a small smile. "Before you object, I am happy if you are happy, and it seems as though Harry makes you happy. But I imagine it would be prudent to wait until it gets serious before we tell your father who you've decided to take up with."

"Serious. I'm not even sure what that looks like, frankly."

"Well, were Harry a pureblood, it would involve courtship." Draco cringes, and his mother smirks. "Your father also detested the idea, but he was a perfect gentleman about it. Of course, your father was fortunate, in that he'd become romantically interested in me even before our parents arranged our marriage. Speaking of arranged marriages, Astoria's mother sends her regards and wonders if you'd reconsider."

"How many years is she going to wonder that?"

"Until she sees the evening addition of the Prophet, I imagine," Draco's mother says. "I took the liberty of bringing my copy." A waiter drops off their food as Draco grabs the paper, looking at the front page.

"Dear gods," says Draco. His mother's charmed it so the photographs aren't moving, but he can tell if they were, he'd be nuzzling his nose into Harry Potter's neck all over the front page. "When does this come out?"

"Usually around 6, but they seem to have opted for an early release today. Any news that involves Mr. Potter is fit to print, and relationship news is certainly front-page material. This is interesting, though."

"What's that?"

"Well, he dresses much better now, doesn't he?" Draco snickers. His mother continues, "It's interesting, because clearly, he knew someone would inform the Prophet and you'd be the news of the day. And judging from what goes on in that picture, he doesn't seem to care."

"No," says Draco, smiling faintly as he looks at Harry's grin in the picture. "He doesn't."

"Have you thought this through?" Draco's mother asked. It sounds as though she's choosing her words carefully.

"In what regard?"

"Despite your ranking at the Ministry and your general avoidance of the sort of behavior that is frowned upon in our society, our family name is still not exactly clear." His mother looks at him across the table, studying him carefully; Draco stiffens, as this is never a comfortable position to be in. "You taking up with Mr. Potter, well, not everyone is going to be pleased."

"Well, that's their problem, then, isn't it?"

"It is yours as well and you know it, Draco. I know you can take insults, but have you thought about the possibility of physical assaults?"

Draco barks out a laugh. "You really think seven or eight years on or however many it's been, that's still a possibility?"

"Of course I really think so. Why do you think I haven't returned?"

"I thought you liked France."

"I like safety. France just happens to have that." Draco's mother's facial expression softens. "I don't mean to scare you. I just want you to be as happy as you are now with no ... interruptions."

"I can be happy, but I'm afraid I won't be this happy without him," Draco admits, somehow finding the strength to look his mother in the eye. "I don't love him, obviously. We've been together less than two full days. But there's something about him. He makes me feel ... I don't know, lighter. Like I don't have to worry quite so much if he's going to be around."

"You do worry too much."

"I don't think that'll be a problem anymore."

His mother nods and smiles slightly. "I just hope you will be careful."

"When have I not been careful?"

"I seem to recall some embarrassing tales out of school involving transfiguration and dressing up as a dementor."

"I was a child." Draco attempts to suppress a smile at the idea of elaborately mocking Harry Potter and fails. "I was allowed my minor indiscretions. It's going to be fine, Mother."

"I hope so."

"Enough about me and the possibility of physical harm," says Draco. "How's Teddy?"

Draco's mother breaks into a full-on smile as she talks and talks about her grandnephew, and Draco nods and asks questions and wonders how hard it will be to push assaults, on himself or Harry or both, out of his mind.