AN: Finally, some progress on the Harry/Draco budding friendship! Alcohol always helps!

Disclaimer: Don't own any of the characters or anything even remotely related to the Harry Potter Franchise, except my own copies of the books and some merchandise.

Dinner

Ginny clunked a teaspoon against a glass and called everyone to dinner. Draco didn't quite know where to sit; he waited until most people were seated so that he wouldn't have too many options.

He ended up near the head of the narrow, long table; Harry seated at the head on his right and Ginny across from him, and Neville on his left. The kids were further down the magically-extended table.

Dinner was served and there was pleasant conversation going around as everybody tucked in. Harry could hear Mrs. Weasley criticizing Ginny's cooking, and Ron arguing with her.

Neville looked at Draco as if he were afraid he might attack him. Having nowhere else to look as Ginny engaged herself in a dispute with Bill and Fleur, Harry asked Draco awkwardly, "So. . . um, are you enjoying yourself?"

"Quite. Your son James is rather . . . energetic. And Lupin's kid is quite interesting as well" Draco said, sipping some more mead.

Harry raised his eyebrows as Draco continued, "I've been chatting to them."

"About what?" Harry asked, hoping he didn't sound nosy. He was worried Draco would tell his children about their horrible history, or his involvement in the Dark Arts in his younger days.

"Quidditch" Draco replied. Even he sounded surprised. "Apparently, Scorpius is quite a good flyer. I must admit I'd never noticed. . ."

"You didn't notice your own kid is an excellent flyer? How did you miss that?" Harry asked.

Draco smirked.

"I guess even I make mistakes" said Draco as he smiled slightly. Harry got the distinct feeling he was apologizing for their past in an indirect way.

"Don't we all" Harry agreed. He held up his glass and made a toast, just between him and Draco. "To fatherhood"

"To the best sons in the world" Draco agreed, and tapped his glass lightly against Harry's. The both drank deeply and emptied their glasses.

"Speaking of sons, where's the other one?" Harry asked. "I thought you were bringing him along?"

"The 'other one' is with his grandparents. My father dotes on him more than he did with Scor. I do not know why" Draco replied.

"Oh". Harry had been looking forward to seeing what the youngest Malfoy looked like. If Scorpius was anything to go by, he would be a mini-Draco. Scorpius, too, had the pointed face and bleach blonde hair, as well as those mysterious grey eyes, and the smooth English pale skin. Those were just the obvious features though; Harry had noticed that Scorpius and Draco had subtle differences. Scorpius's smile was warmer, his nose a bit less straight and pointed and a bit more button-like, but ever so slightly. Scorpius's hair was longer than Harry had ever seen Draco's. It was also dead straight, but not as sleek. It was not all one length, seeming to be cut in layers; the longest pieces reaching just past his shoulders.

When Harry had thought about it, he rather thought that Scorpius was girlish in appearance. He was so petite, his eyes were big and bright, his eyelashes long and dark. . . And the narrow, feminine jaw-line didn't create any contrast to the image. He wouldn't be mistaken for a girl, but he was pretty.

"How is Lucius?" Harry asked, shaking himself from his thoughts.

"He's well. . . getting on in years, you know. Nearly sixty, but fit as a fiddle" Draco said, looking around for a refill of mead.

"Something to drink?" Ginny offered, seeing his wandering eyes and the way he was holding his glass.

"That'd be lovely, Ginevra" Draco said, not quite smiling. "Mead will be fine."

"I think we've run out. Can I offer you some Elf-made wine, or perhaps some Firewhiskey?"

"I think it's a little early in the evening for Firewhiskey; maybe a pumpkin juice with a shot of vodka?" Draco asked hopefully.

"That I can arrange" Ginny said with a wink. "Anything for you, dear? She asked her husband.

"I won't say no to a Firewhiskey" Harry said, grinning. Ginny went to the bar.

Speaking as if their conversation had not been interrupted, Harry asked, "Does he still walk around with his pimp-stick?"

"Excuse me?" Draco looked confused.

"His cane-thing with the silver snake head" Harry explained.

There was a look of dawning comprehension and Draco burst out laughing. "Yeah he does. . . When he dies, I'll inherit it. Goes back a few generations you know" he said, still laughing.

"I'll bet you're already plotting his murder. Who wouldn't want a silver pimp-stick?" Harry grinned.

Draco laughed again as Ginny arrived with a tray. She handed everyone their drinks.

Draco drank a draft of pumpkin juice, seasoned with some fine, strong vodka. "Ah, that hits the spot" he licked his lips appreciatively. He was truly surprised to find that he was enjoying himself. He thought it was going to be a long, unpleasant night. Instead, it was getting very late quickly and he was not noticing the time go by.

AN: So Draco is slowly easing into Potter's crowd, with the aid of some tasty beverages. Am currently craving a Klippies and Coke.

Next Chapter: Goodbyes

"Yeah, thanks Uncle Dray!" Albus said. Draco raised his eyebrows. When had he been dubbed that?

. . .to be continued!