Harry's mouth dropped open in surprise and he was momentarily struck dumb.

"You don't mind do you?" Malfoy asked silkily.

It was then Harry realized that Malfoy didn't recognize him. The blond had no idea that he was hitting on his former enemy.

"No..." Harry said nervously, trying to figure out what to do.

Malfoy sat beside him and leaned his back against the bar, his elbows resting lightly on the counter behind him. Harry took a big gulp of water, wishing now that he had something stronger.

Malfoy turned towards him and his brow creased slightly as his eyes penetrated Harry's emerald gaze.

"Do I know you?" he asked. "You look familiar."

"No, I don't think so," Harry stammered.

"What's your name?"

"James."

"James what?"

"Er, James...Smith," Harry said, saying the first name that popped into his head.

"Oh," Malfoy said, his suspicious expression clearing. "I'm Draco, Draco Malfoy."

Harry simply nodded and finished off his drink.

"Where are you from?"

"London," Harry replied without thinking.

"London?" Malfoy sounded surprised. "You must have gone to Hogwarts then."

"Er..."

"James!"

Harry turned and saw Matt fighting his way through the crowd towards him.

"There you are!" Matt said, eyeing Draco.

"Hi, Matt." Harry smiled in relief.

"Let's go dance," he said, tugging on Harry's arm.

"Excuse me, but we were talking," Malfoy interrupted, standing up.

"And who are you?" Matt asked, his blue eyes gazing at him coolly.

"Draco Malfoy."

"Sorry Draco, but James is with me. Goodbye."

Matt turned and dragged Harry along behind him all the way to the dance floor. Harry glanced over his shoulder and saw Malfoy standing with his fists clenched and his grey eyes narrowed.

"I'm sorry about that," Matt said, slipping his arms around Harry's neck and pulling him close, "but you didn't look very comfortable, so I decided to rescue you. Do you know him?"

"Kind of," Harry admitted, "he's a real ass-hole."

Matt smiled at that and placed his cheek against Harry's as they danced. Harry smiled, but couldn't stop himself from scanning the crowd around the bar, looking for Malfoy again.

The Slytherin looked almost exactly the same, except taller and more mature. He still dressed in expensive clothing and Harry was surprised to see that it was expensive Muggle clothing that he was wearing.

The last time Harry had seen him was at their graduation ceremony at Hogwarts three years ago, then Malfoy had mysteriously disappeared during the war. Not fighting for either the dark or the light.

Harry couldn't see the blond anywhere.

When the song ended, a man with long, black hair came up to Matt and asked him to dance.

"Do you mind, James?" Matt asked.

"Not at all." Harry smiled easily, stepping back.

As Harry made his way back to the bar, for lack of anywhere else to go, he had the strangest feeling that he knew that black-haired man. He sat on the stool and watched Matt and his partner, racking his brain for who it could be.

Then it hit him - Blaise Zabini. Which probably meant-

"Lost your partner, James?"

Harry's heart sank as he turned to see Malfoy sitting beside him once again with a satisfied smirk on his face.

"Apparently," Harry answered coolly.

"Can I buy you another drink?" Malfoy asked, unperturbed.

"No thanks."

Malfoy frowned, not use to being rebuffed.

"Come on, it'll do you good," he urged.

"I said no th-" Harry started angrily, but cut himself off when he caught sight of Fred and George making their way over. "Uh...I have to go to the bathroom."

Harry stood abruptly and made a bee-line for the nearest men's room. He stood at the sink and splashed some cold water on his face, trying to calm his racing pulse.

I wish I was at home, Harry thought miserably. This is more trouble than it's worth.

A tall, burly man emerged from one of the cubicles, his eyes lighting up when he caught sight of Harry. Harry could smell the alcohol from where he was standing and saw the dangerous glint in the guy's eyes that meant 'time to leave'.

Harry turned and headed for the door but the man was closer and placed himself in front of it, barring the way.

"What's your name, pretty?" he slurred.

"Excuse me," Harry said, trying to get past.

"I don't think so." The man smiled, then suddenly shoved Harry backwards against the wall and pressed up against him.

"Get off of me!" Harry cried, struggling against him.

"I'm not done with you yet, pretty," he said slowly.

Harry turned his head to the side to escape the foul smell of alcohol being breathed into his face.

"Yes you are."

Harry looked over his attacker's shoulder and saw Malfoy standing there looking at the man with utter loathing on his face.

Harry took the opportunity to knee the man in the groin as hard as he could. The guy instantly collapsed to the ground, moaning loudly. Malfoy smirked as Harry stepped over the writhing body and walked over to him.

"Nice one," he said.

"Thanks," Harry said hesitantly. He never thought he'd ever say that to Malfoy.

"How about a dance now?"

"I don't think so..."

"Why? What's the problem?" Malfoy sighed in annoyance.

"Well, I...I'm kind of with someone," Harry said, thinking of Ron.

"But he's dancing with someone else right now."

"No, not him."

"Then how come you danced with that Matt guy?" Malfoy pointed out.

"Er..."

"Look, how about a drink then?" he pressed.

"Alright," Harry relented. After all Malfoy did distract his attacker so that he could get out of there.

"Good."

Harry left the bathroom, his assailant out cold on the floor, and followed Malfoy back to the bar. As he walked behind the tall blond he hoped he wasn't making a huge mistake.