The Malfoy Manor was resplendent in enchanted icicles, non-melting ice sculptures, and large, detailed snowflakes that fell from the atrium ceiling without hitting the ground.
Buckets of iced champagne bottles lined the kitchen, and a hundred sparkling champagne flutes were laid out on the preparation island, each with a small strawberry wedged onto the rim.
"You've really outdone yourselves," said Scorpius, entering the kitchen as he buttoned his vest.
"Thank you, Master Scorpius!" said Pokey excitedly. "For the first party Master Draco has thrown in such a long time, Pokey and Pike wanted to make sure everything was perfect."
Pike nodded from behind the large, elaborate, five-tiered cake she was finishing. It was ice blue and covered in glittering, golden frosting.
"That looks lovely, Pike."
Pike, quiet as ever, just smiled in thanks.
"Scorpius!"
Scorpius sighed as Draco's voice echoed throughout the house. He grabbed one of the brownies from a nearby tray and grinned as Pokey feigned a protest.
"Coming!"
Scorpius, robes over his shoulder, sauntered into the sitting room which was decked out in winter garland and opened to the rear courtyard, where the fountain had been frozen over in a spectacular still geyser. Draco was standing in front of the window, watching the sun set over the hills behind the manor.
"Is everything set?"
"Near as I can tell," said Scorpius through a mouth full of brownie. "Still not sure why you decided to do this now."
Draco took a thoughtful sip of his brandy.
"I want people to see that the Malfoys aren't what they used to be," said Draco. "I don't want you to have to live with the suspicion I have since graduating. I deserved it, but you don't."
"That's..." Scorpius struggled to find the right word, wiping the chocolate frosting from around his mouth. "Well, thank you."
Draco gave Scorpius a sad smile.
"I need to know that when I'm gone, you'll live a good life," said Draco.
"You're not going to be gone for a long time," Scorpius said firmly.
"True, but there's no time like the present."
The doorbell chime echoed throughout the house, and Scorpius smiled.
"No time like the present."
The Malfoy house was packed with families from across the wizarding community of the United Kingdom - some of them Albus knew, and others he didn't. Whether or not he could identify all of those faces didn't seem to matter - even if he didn't know them, everyone certainly seemed to know who he was, and he was immediately uncomfortable with all the attention.
Scorpius saw Albus cornered by two witches and watched with amusement as he tried to get away. They were clearly trying to impose some unwelcome advice upon him, and Albus was trying excuse himself politely to no avail. After watching him for several minutes, Scorpius decided it was his duty to extract him from the situation, so he walked over, grabbing an extra flute of champagne along the way as he passed Pike, and wrapped his arm around Albus' shoulders.
"Hello, ladies."
"Mr. Malfoy," they said in unison. Scorpius realized they were twins.
"This is Hestia and Flora Carrow."
"Pleased to see you again," said Scorpius with a bow. He'd crossed paths with the Carrow sisters only a few times in his life. "I trust you're enjoying yourselves?"
"Yes," said one of them. "The party is quite lovely."
"Though the invitees are... less than ideal," the other said, glancing at Albus.
"While I regret that you find the guest list to be less than ideal," said Scorpius, turning on the cold, Malfoy cordiality that sent less-than-pleasant shivers down Albus' spine, "I can assure you that the Malfoy family is quite pleased to have everyone here. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to greet some of our more open-minded guests."
Scorpius seized Albus' hand and pulled him along.
"Why am I less than ideal?" Albus asked as they entered the atrium where most of the guests were milling about. "Is it because of us?"
"No," said Scorpius coldly. "It's because you're Harry Potter's son and he's a blood traitor."
"Oh," said Albus. "Good to know it has nothing to do with who I am."
"Just don't worry about it," said Scorpius.
Across the room, Albus spotted his sister talking to Neville Longbottom excitedly. He tugged at Scorpius' hand and pulled him through the party towards them.
"We just received a new batch of Mandrakes," Neville said. "I wasn't expecting them so soon, but I think we'll have fun with them when we first get back."
"Can I come down to the greenhouse and see them when we get back?" Lilly grinned eagerly.
"Of course. I'll be back the day before you are. I'll make sure I set one aside and it'll be yours."
Lilly squealed with delight.
"You can't be giving the Potters preferential treatment," said Scorpius.
"I'll always give the Potters preferential treatment," said Neville with a wink. "I saw the Prophet the other day."
"Of course you did," muttered Albus.
"I have to say I was surprised," Neville said, folding his arms.
"Finally!" said Albus, jumping. "Finally, someone who is actually surprised!"
"I guess it makes sense," said Neville. "You've been inseparable since you were first years. Besides, this is great karmic payback for your fathers."
Scorpius laughed and Albus shook his head.
"Scorpius!"
Ainsley appeared from behind Scorpius and threw her arms around her cousin's neck. Scorpius hugged her back, lifting her off the ground for a few moments.
"It's so good to see you," she whispered in his ear. "Mother has been horrible."
As Scorpius set her down, he saw Daphne Greengrass emerge from the crowd. Albus stepped closer to him. It was like watching Astoria walk towards them, and Scorpius swallowed hard.
He hadn't seen his aunt since his mother's funeral.
"Aunt Daphne," Scorpius said. "I'm so glad that you and Ainsley could make it tonight."
Daphne pursed her lips and looked at Ainsley, who dutifully took her place at her mother's side.
"You look well, Scorpius."
Albus saw Scorpius' jaw tighten and placed his hand between Scorpius' shoulder blades to make sure he knew he wasn't alone.
"And you."
"I see your father has invited everyone," she said, looking around the crowd. Neville folded his arms and leaned back against the nearby marble column. Daphne's eyes slid over Albus, Neville, and Lily. "Though I think the guest list might have been different if your mother were alive."
Ainsley looked down at her shoes, embarrassed.
"You know, Scorpius," Daphne began, "You are the last Malfoy - the last of a proud and strong bloodline. It's your duty to act as such."
Daphne didn't bother to disguise her disapproving glance at Albus, who stood up a bit straighter.
"It's my duty to be happy," said Scorpius. "As my mother would have wanted."
"When you come to your senses, let me know," said Daphne. "I'm living in London now, working with other respectable witches and wizards to strengthen our ranks."
"Yes," said Scorpius. "I'll let you know if I become an entirely different person."
Daphne scowled and shook her head before turning and disappearing into the crowd. Ainsley, bound to follow her, glanced back at Scorpius and mouthed 'sorry' before disappearing with her.
"Charming," said Lily.
"Well, we were only able to put the Death Eaters in Azkaban," said Neville. "Couldn't lock people away for being nutters."
"Damn shame," said Albus.
"I'm so sorry," said Scorpius, shaking his head. "My aunt, she's -"
"Not yours to apologize for," said Lily. Don't worry about it.
Scorpius smiled down at her. It was nice to be finally surrounded by those who understood.
Draco invited the congregation out onto the back lawn for a midnight fireworks show. Scorpius, who had been quite happy to find a seat with Albus and Rose near the fireplace, was reluctant to go back out in the cold.
"Must we?" he asked them, looking longingly at the fire.
"I think so," said Rose, equally unhappy. The three sighed and bundled themselves in their scarves and coats before going outside. Outside, they found Harry, Lily, James, Lily, Hermione and Ron huddled together around one of the fire pits.
"Can we join you?" said Scorpius, his arms around both Albus and Rose for warmth.
Harry looked up at the trio and smiled. "Of course. It's your house."
The three sat down on the ground near the fire pit and huddled together. Ginny leaned forward in her seat to where Albus sat and wrapped her arms around him, kissing him on the cheek.
"Ugh, mom!" Albus said, but gave her a sarcastic grin. Scorpius smiled at them holding his hands up to the fire.
"It's strange being back here," said Hermione. "It looks so much the same but it's so different."
Scorpius saw Hermione looking around, clearly uncomfortable. Rose reached up and took her mother's hand, and Hermione accepted it gratefully.
"I'm sorry you have such bad memories of this place," said Scorpius. "I only know a bit of what happened, but... I'm sorry."
Hermione shook her head. "It's not your fault, Scorpius. And it was a long time ago."
"Thank you for coming, though," said Scorpius. "Despite it all."
"I have to admit it's odd being here on a social occasion," said Harry. "But given the circumstances, it's quite nice."
Harry patted Scorpius on the shoulder, which Albus took as the best complement the Malfoys were going to get that evening.
Draco approached, his long black coat trailing in the considerable wind.
"Less than ideal conditions," he said and looked to Scorpius, standing beside the group. "Are you ready."
Scorpius nodded and Draco looked at his watch, waited a moment, and raised his hand to someone across the courtyard. Just beyond the house on the sprawling, manicured lawn erupted fireworks, counting down from the number ten.
The guests - all of them lining the walls and the fountain, counted down from twenty-five to ring in the new year, and Lily sat down next to Albus and took his hand. He, Scorpius, Rose and Lily all huddled together counting down, and again, Albus was overwhelmed with the comfort offered by those around him.
When the countdown reached one, cheers erupted. Scorpius pulled Albus closer and kissed him, smiling the whole time and letting his hand travel over his side and shoulders. When they broke apart, he pressed his forehead to Albus', still grinning.
"Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year."
Draco, who had taken a seat next to Harry and Ginny, leaned over to the pair after they exchanged New Years' kisses.
"I think we're going to have to get accustomed to spending holidays together," he said, nodding to Lily, Albus, Scorpius and Rose in front of them, all laughing, still huddled together.
Harry shrugged as Ginny leaned into his side for warmth. "I can live with that."
"Happy New Year, Potters," said Draco, smiling, as he stood to make his rounds wishing everyone well before they left.
Albus and Scorpius kissed again after the fireworks were done, and the fire in front of flared just a bit more than it should have.
