Harry and Draco. More similar than they are different, I'd say. Both having dealt with the Dark Lord more than any other person their age. What will happen as they begin to get close, become friends, and maybe even something more? Will they be able to move past the dark memories of their youth? Find out in this fic!

Disclaimer: Characters in this story are not my own.

Chapter 1

Harry woke up with a pounding headache and not much memory, "Ughhh!" he groaned.

"Fun night, Harry?" George Weasley said, handing him a cup of coffee.

Harry pushed himself up on the couch in George Weasley's apartment living room, happily accepting the coffee, "Er-to be honest, I don't really remember."

George laughed, "Yeah, I'm not surprised. Shoulda seen the state you were in last night. Surprised you even found my place. Who were you out getting right pissed with?"

Harry remembered starting off that evening in the Burrow. But what had happened to lead him to crash on George's couch with a killer hangover?

XX

Harry, 25 years old, walked down the steps of the Burrow.

Although much of the Burrow had been burnt down, The Weasley men had quickly worked to refurbish it to almost its former glory. Mr. Weasley had insisted it was the perfect opportunity to use the Muggle tools he'd collected over the years. The home was still magical, of course, not only because of the magic Mrs. Weasley had surely used to hold the place up when Mr. Weasley's skills had failed him, but because of the memories it held.

The house was full to the brim with nostalgia. As Harry walked down the stairs, he remembered the times he'd run suddenly into Fred and George, new and self-proclaimed experts at Apparition. Walking into the kitchen, where he'd zipped up Ginny's dress, feeling the spark between them grow into something he'd never felt before. Setting up for a wedding that would lead to a disastrous night. It had been a long time since Harry Potter had first set foot in the Burrow, after a horrid summer at the Dursleys. It all seemed so long ago now. But he could remember every feeling like it was the first time.

It had been almost a year since Harry had set foot in the Burrow. He hadn't even realized it had been that long. Only a few months ago it seemed he had taken an extended leave from his position as an Auror at the Ministry of Magic and traveled around Europe with Ginny, who had become quite successful as a professional quidditch player, even going on to write a book about her experiences, which, being so popular, led to the one year tour they were taking.

To the shock of his friends and colleague, he had agreed, even offered, to leave his position at the Ministry of Magic to go on tour with Ginny. In fact, she had suggested a long-distance relationship while they both worked on their careers. But Harry had been needing a break for a while. Something he didn't realize until he was given an opportunity for one. Traveling with his beautiful girlfriend? Not being the Chosen One for a while? It almost sounded too good to be true. Of course, he wasn't in a bad position. He left on good terms, welcome to come back at any time. He was Harry Potter, after all.

And so they had traveled. And now they were back. At least for a little while. In fact, the whole family was at the Burrow to celebrate the Christmas Holiday, save for Arthur and Percy, who'd been conducting a study on the American Muggle for the past two months. It was a full house. And Harry felt good to be back.

Walking into the kitchen, he was greeted with a kiss from Ginny, "Hullo, Harry. Good nap?"

She was dressed in a bright green turtleneck and ripped jeans. Her hair, which was usually hanging down her back, was braided to the side. He found himself dumbfounded at her beauty, even after 6 years of dating.

He smiled at her, "Oh yeah, much needed." He nodded. She smiled reassuringly at him. She knew he'd been having nightmares almost every night. It was her and Mrs. Weasley who had ushered him upstairs to get some rest. She was pleased at the success.

"Oi, Harry!" Harry turned to the kitchen table, where Ron Weasley sat and Hermione Granger hovered about, laying out wrapping paper, scissors, tape, and wine. Ron gave a sharp nod to Hermione, "The girls here are kicking us out. Guess we can't help with the Christmas festivities. I'd say that's sexism, wouldn't you? Aye!" Hermione had given him a quick flick on the hand.

"Ronald Weasley, you know right and well that we're having a girl's night. Are you a girl? Didn't think so." She turned her attention towards Harry, "You understand, Harry, don't you? Molly's been going on and on about a girl's night in now that Ginny's home."

"'Course, Mione," Harry responded. "I can make myself scarce for a bit."

Ron crossed his arms and yawned, "I'm thinkin I'll go over to George's and have myself a beer, maybe pop in a movie. My boss has been working me like a mule."

"Oh has he?" George Weasley chimed in from the other room. "Well maybe if his coworker wasn't such a freeloading slacker, he wouldn't have to."

Ron rolled his eyes, "We work at a joke shop for Christ's sake, it's not that serious," he whispered to the kitchen group. "Anyways, Harry, want to join us?"

Harry considered the offer before politely declining. "I think I'm gonna pop around town. Been a while since I've been here, be good to clear my head."

"Bloody broody, still, aren't we?" Ron joked, receiving a wide-eyed look from Hermione.

"You sure, Harry? You're fine to just hang out upstairs or something. It's not a big deal," Ginny chimed in.

He pulled her in, "Thanks, Gin. I think it'll be good for me to get out. You ladies have fun."

Suddenly, there was a frantic, "Oh no no no!" erupting in the room.

Mrs. Weasley ran up to the table Hermione had just set up, "Oh Hermione, dear, this just won't do. We need to have a separate area for the wine. And the scissors just lying about? House full of boys, that's an accident waiting to happen. I still don't understand why you insist we hand wrap these when we could get it done with just the flick of a wand."

"Jeez Mum lay off; and you realize we aren't 5 anymore, right?" Ron said.

Ignoring her son, Mrs. Weasley took the scissors and placed them into a cup. Taking out her wand, she put a spell on the wine, which magically poured itself into three glasses before neatly tucking itself away.

Hermione let out a sigh and rolled her eyes, "Well, the boys are getting kicked out anyway. Ron, dear, I'll see you later tonight. Stay at George's if you're going to drink."

Ron gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before heading towards the door, "As you wish." He said with a bow. Hermione rolled her eyes again, but couldn't hide a small smile.

"Come on, Arry, let's leave the women to it," he said. "You coming, George?" he shouted into the sitting room.

"King of Disapparating, isn't he?" Ginny said sarcastically when there was no response.

Harry and Ron departed the Burrow right as Hermione and Mrs. Weasley broke out into a scuffle about the most efficient way to wrap presents and bake Christmas goodies in the time they had.

Harry side-eyed Ron, " So...Dating your mother, aren't you mate?"

"Ha. Ha. Ha. Haven't heard that one before. Sure you don't want to come over?" he asked one last time.

Passing the chicken coop, Harry grabbed his broom and shook his head, "Save me a beer for tomorrow. I'm gonna fly for a bit."

Ron waved and Disapparated, surely to join George at the apartment above Weasley's Wizard Wheezes.

Harry mounted his broom. It was a clear night, the moon was full, and the air was cool but not freezing for December. Harry flew, enjoying the night and enjoying the silence until he arrived at Hogsmeade. He hadn't even realized that's where he was headed. He was again filled with nostalgia as he flew down into the town, which was decorated with colorful Christmas lights and lightly coated with snow. Had it really been over ten years since he had used the invisibility cloak and the newly gifted Marauder's map to take his first trip into the magical town?

He landed gently next to Honeydukes. His mouth watered thinking about chocolate frogs and chocolate cauldrons. Closed for the night. He'd have to come back when it was open.

A tipsy young couple stumbled down the street, giggling madly into each other. Harry thought that maybe they had the right idea, as he made his way towards where they were coming from.

"Oy, aren't you Arry Potter?" the young man shouted as he passed, probably much louder than he had meant to.

They looked at him with wide eyes. Harry gave a closed smile and a short nod, "Alright?" he asked politely.

"Can you show us your scar!" the young woman suddenly said, before erupting into giggles.

"Take it easy, you two," Harry concluded, walking away. It wasn't a new question by any means. But it was something he hadn't gotten as much while he traveled with Ginny, her being the star of the hour. But he was back home. And as nice as that was, he couldn't say he missed the attention he received.

Harry passed the Three Broomsticks, which was almost shaking with loud music. Large groups of young people stumbled out as new ones sauntered in. It wasn't exactly a conspicuous place for him. Harry decided quickly that he'd head to the Hog's Head, which was sure to be a more private place to grab a warm drink.

He walked to the bar and as he reached for the doorknob, it suddenly swung open. A tall blonde man stood in front of him, his head swung over his shoulder as he drunkenly shouted, "Thanks for the brew you piece of shit!"

In a friendly tone, a man with a heavy Irish accent shouted back, "Oi, right back attcha, D! Don't come back or I'll have to kick ya out!"

The blonde man laughed and turned, suddenly noticing Harry, who stood patiently in front of him, hands in his pockets. Harry wasn't surprised by the face that looked back at him. Well, that wasn't necessarily true. He'd recognized the white-blonde hair instantly. No, it wasn't the person that surprised him, but the state of his face. Draco Malfoy, as Harry had never seen him before, was happy. Happy, and then surprised.

"Oi, my bad, mate," he said, stepping to the side, obviously, in his drunken state, not realizing it was Harry Potter standing in front of him.

"Er, no worries," Harry said as he walked in.

"Oh shit," the blonde man said, realization washing over his face. He quickly and awkwardly stuck out his hand. Harry instinctively flinched back. He hadn't seen Draco Malfoy since a year after the Battle at Hogwarts. Even then, it had been at a distance. Draco hadn't even noticed him. He'd been sitting with a man at a coffee shop, looking sincerely uninterested. Did Draco expect him to shake his hand? Old buddies, were they?

Draco let out a shaky laugh and brought his hand to the back of his head, as he grabbed his hair, which was shaved on the sides and cut short on top, "Uh, right. Can't blame you on that one."

Harry stood dumbfounded, unsure of what to say if anything at all. "Right, he started, before Malfoy cut in.

"Uh, well I was about to leave, but let me buy you a drink. My drunk coat's already shed, anyways." he shut the door and headed towards the bar, Harry followed him, but only with his eyes, as he walked up to the bar and lifted up two fingers to the bartender, who Harry quickly recognized as his old classmate Seamus Finnegan. "Any preference, Potter?"

Harry considered turning out the door and heading to the Three Broomsticks. He could handle a little attention. He could show people his scar. However, as he began to turn, Seamus called over to Harry, "Harry-freakin-Potter. How long has it been, mate? Take a Guinness, will ya?" he called cheerily, ushering Harry over. So much for a quiet evening.

Harry smiled and waved, "How are ya, Seamus? Too long, too long. Let's make it a fire whiskey, neat." he said as he headed to the bar. He'd definitely need something stronger than a beer if he was going to be in the same room as Malfoy.

"Make it two," Draco took a seat at the bar.

As he poured two glasses full of the smooth amber liquid, he turned his attention towards Draco and said, still friendly, but more seriously "Oy you drunk bastard, aven't you had enough?" and slid him his drink.

"Oh shut up you Scottish brute," Malfoy waved, taking a drunk.

Harry watched the two banter with curiosity. It wasn't just regular bar banter between a bartender and a drunk, but it actually seemed like the two might be friends. Was this really Draco Malfoy and Seamus Finnegan?

"Close your mouth, Harry, and take a seat," Seamus said, handing Harry his drink, which he drank quickly to hide his embarrassment.

"Whatcha been up to, Harry? Heard you're a world traveler now." Seamus winked.

Harry coughed and ushered to Seamus that he'd like another, "Uh, well, just Europe. Just came in from Glasgow." he drank readily at his newly replaced drink.

"You left Glasgow to come here? Knocked off your rocker, are ye?" he teased.

"Wow, Glasgow, beautiful place," Draco added.

Harry side-eyed him, still unnerved at his presence

"Yeah. Anyways, just in town for Holiday. Then we go back out."

"Ah yes, how is Ginny? Almost more famous than you now, I'd say," said Seamus.

"I'd say so," Harry grinned. "So what about you? They leave you in charge of booze now? Who's bright idea was that one?"

"Not just alcohol, the whole place. The man was losing his marbles, practically gave it to me. Not very bright, you're right there." Seamus smiled.

The two talked a bit more about what they'd been up to. It seemed Seamus hadn't been up to much after the war. Drinking, mostly, before he decided to make it his career. Malfoy chimed in every once and a while. Seamus would respond to him like they were old friends. Harry would ignore him. At one point, Seamus gave him a nudge when Malfoy wasn't looking and said, "Loosen up a little, will ya?"

Suddenly, a few seats down, a large man threw down his drink, which shattered violently, and began shouting incoherently at another man.

Seamus yelled, "Barnaby you Bassa, I'll shove your ass outta here if you break another one of my glasses. Sorry Harry, come back again soon, ok? Got more I want to talk to you about?"

And then it was just Harry and Draco.

Harry was feeling less tense, thanks to the alcohol, but still couldn't get past the fact that Draco Malfoy was sitting next to him. More shockingly, that he was smiling stupidly and pouring Harry and himself another drink from the bottle Seamus had left.

"I'll have Seamus put it on my tab. Very cool about Glasgow. Been there once, myself. Took a trip our fourth year at Hogwarts. Missed a whole month of school, if you can believe it. Easier times, huh?" he said as he took a sip and gulped it down slowly. He ran his fingers through his hair once again and coughed awkwardly.

"What's this about then? Friends now, are we? Old pals talking about the good old days?" Harry was feeling more confident with the two glasses of fire whiskey in him.

Draco put his hands on his lap and began running his hands meticulously over his black jeans. Harry was taken aback again at how different he looked. He wondered if Draco thought the same of him? Although he still felt like he was 18, with unruly hair and disheveled clothing, the truth was that he had learned how to take care of himself quite well since his teenage days. His dark hair was curly and while still fairly untamable, it looked neat on his head. A few small curls covered the scar on his forehead. He was dressed in a light blue jumper and dark blue jeans. He'd taken up running after the Battle at Hogwarts. He felt like he could get his anger out when he ran. Because of this, he was quite fit, with strong legs and back.

Draco himself looked like he'd taken fitness more seriously since they'd been in school together. While Draco had always prided himself on his appearance, he'd never seemed like an exercise junky. Now he filled out his black sweater nicely. Harry wouldn't be surprised if he lifted frequently.

His features, like Harry's, were more mature. Sharper. There were bags under his grey eyes, but they didn't make him look much older than he was. In fact, he looked like a young man who was haunted by dark memories. Harry figured he looked about the same. Despite this, it seemed, Draco still smiled. Still the weirdest thing Harry had noticed about his old enemy.

"Bit of a dick wasn't I? Yeah, a bit of a dick."

"Just the tiniest of bits," Harry muttered.

Draco let out a loud laugh, genuine laugh. He closed his eyes and threw his head back and his face flushed red.

Finishing his third glass of Whiskey, Harry began to laugh, too. From there, the conversation came easy.

The men continued to drink and laugh. With each sip, Harry began to forget it was Malfoy he was sitting with. Someone he easily would have decked without hesitation any other time in his life. Yet here they were, sharing with each other stories about their lives. Joking about old Professors. Falling into each other with laughter as they remember how stupid they were in their youth.

Each time Draco's leg or hand brushed against Harry's, a warmth spread through his belly. He told himself it was the alcohol. In reality, Harry always felt frisky when drunk. And Draco was, dare he say, attractive. It wasn't a new thought. In fact, when he had first seen Draco his first year at Hogwarts, he'd immediately developed a crush on him. Until the blonde had opened his mouth, that was. His ugly words certainly made it harder for Harry to notice his good looks. But now Draco was being friendly, sincere, and it made the feelings Harry had had in his youth reignite.

But it was only because of the alcohol, of course.

"Remember when Hermione punched you?" Harry said, barely containing his chuckles.

Draco almost spit out his drink, "Remember? I'm still bruised, Potter." looking at Harry's confused face, he added, "My ego, that is. Girl's got quite a punch, Christ."

And they both erupt into laughter again.

"Seriously, I honestly can't remember what I did for her to do that, but I must have deserved it."

Harry's face became suddenly solemn, "Buckbeak," he said curtly as he took another drink.

Draco's face became grave, too. He placed his drink down. "Yeah, well, not just a bit of a dick, was I? Evil, one might say." His eyes darkened and unfocused as he looked deep into his own memories.

Harry coughed and set down his glass. The warmth in his belly had disappeared and was replaced with unease at the thought of the Draco he used to know. He began to feel a bit odd about hanging out with his former bully. "Well, the girls are probably finished up by now. I better get going before Ginny worries." he stood up, feeling suddenly wobbly. He hadn't realized it, but he was not just drunk, but pissed stupid.

Draco stood up and steadied him, "Alright, Harry?" he asked with concern.

Harry let out a chuckle, "What, happened to 'Potter', Malfoy?" stupid drunk he was, alright. Standing up had only seemed to make him more so.

Draco walked him outside, keeping one arm around the drunker man's back, "How'd you get here? You're in quite the state, Potter."

Harry giggled and folded over himself, "Flew in. Ginny will worrryyy."

"Weasley still live above his shop? I'll take you there. Can't hold your liquor, Potter," he said, his old sarcasm showing, although more playful than malicious, a smile flitting across his lips.

Draco gently led Harry to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, where he walked him up the side stairs to the apartment above. As he let Harry lean against the door frame, he again put his hand behind his head and grabbed his hair, "Er, listen, Potter. I'd really like to take you out sometime. Make up for the old days, if that's even possible. Uh, so here's my number. If you don't want to see me again, I'd understand. But if you would...well, just give me a call, alright?"

Draco slid a piece of paper into Harry's pocket. And although Harry could barely remember the conversation they'd had, he could clearly remember the fire that ignited in his stomach at Draco's touch.

Harry smiled and nodded his head, fighting the urge to fall over himself again. He really was a sloppy drunk.

"Have a good one, Harry," Draco said, as he knocked on the door and quickly Disapparated.

George soon opened the door and, laughing, took Harry in, and guided him to the couch. Harry was so drunk that he didn't even hear, as he was drifting off to sleep, George and Ron making fun of him and his slovenly state. Harry could only truly remember falling to sleep and thinking: Drinks with Draco Malfoy. What a weird dream.

XX

Harry, now remembering what had happened the previous night, reached into his pocket and pulled out the slip of paper. Looking at it he said, "Malfoy. I was having drinks with Draco Malfoy."

Chapter 2 will be out soon! Where do you think this story is going to go? Leave a review if you have any ideas or suggestions! Much love Drarry fans.