Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe and characters belongs to J.K. Rowling, unfortunately not me.

A/N: Thanks to those that reviewed! I really appreciate the encouragement!

Chapter 9

With the children home, new life was brought to the Potter house. Harry was happier than he had been in months, and things between him and Ginny seemed much better with the distraction of the children. They had both taken some time off of work to spend with the three of them, and they spent their days going out and playing games. Over dinner every night the couple got to hear about all of the joy and drama of their children's lives at Hogwarts.

All in all, Harry felt like order had been restored to their family. That is until Christmas Eve rolled around. Traditionally, the children would go to bed early on this day so Harry and Ginny could finish any last minute wrapping and getting ready for Christmas morning with the 5 of them before heading over to the Burrow for Christmas dinner with all of the Weasleys. This particular Christmas Eve was much the same as in the past, however, Harry and Ginny were much more behind than usual. And also much more drunk. They had each drank a healthy amount of wine with dinner, and then the minute the children were in bed cracked open a bottle of firewhisky.

Harry looked around at all of the presents that still needed to be wrapped and then over at his wife. She was pouring herself another glass of firewhisky. In that instant, fueled by far too much alcohol and pent up frustration, Harry felt something inside him snap. "Don't you think you've had enough to drink? We have quite a lot to get finished tonight," he asked, an edge to his voice that he was sure Ginny picked up on.

She froze while replacing the cap to the bottle of firewhisky. She whipped around, eyes blazing and then stopped. She took a deep breath and responded lighlty, "You're probably right, darling. I should know better by now."

It should have stopped there. That should have been the end of it. The night should have continued pleasantly while the couple charmed presents to be wrapped and enjoyed each other's company. But Harry couldn't seem to bring himself to do that. "Yeah you should," he spat out. When Ginny didn't answer he continued, "I guess it doesn't really matter. Drunk or sober, you annoy the hell out of me these days." And as soon as it was out of his mouth he regretted it. Not only was it not completely true, it was also completely uncalled for.

Ginny just stared at her husband, tears starting to well in her eyes. Harry opened his mouth to apologize, but before he could his wife pushed past him towards the stairs, firing one of her infamous Bat Bogey hexes over her shoulder. "Well, I probably deserved that," Harry mumbled before uttering the countercurse. He looked miserably around at all the presents, wondering how things had gotten this bad.

Harry was awoken the next morning to a throbbing headache and a sinking feeling in his chest. What had he done? He could only hope that he and Ginny could keep the events of last night from ruining Christmas.

By some miracle, Harry had managed to drunkenly charm the presents wrapped before passing out on the sofa in the living room. They weren't perfect, but they would do. Judging by the sunlight streaming in through the windows, his family would be up soon. Harry didn't want to upset his family so he pulled himself off the couch to take a hangover potion and make it appear that he slept in his bed with his wife last night.

A mere 20 minutes later, the family was gathered in the living room, excitedly chattering and handing out presents. Ginny hadn't said a word to Harry all morning, but she was putting on a good show for the children. She was smiling and laughing, yet her eyes were dull.

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of present opening and a breakfast that Ginny and Lily prepared together while the boys and Harry admired Albus's new broom. In no time it was time to get ready to head to the Burrow for Christmas dinner.

Harry was dressing in some worn jeans and last year's Weasley sweater when Ginny entered the bedroom. "I am so sorry, Ginny. I was just drunk, and I didn't mean what I said."

Ginny just sighed. "I know there was a lot of alcohol involved, but I think there was more truth to that than you're willing to admit."

Harry wanted to protest, but he had to admit that she had a point. "Look, Harry, let's just get through the holiday break as a happy family. Once the kids are back at school, we can sit down and talk about us." With that, she turned to leave the bedroom. "Hurry up, we don't want to be late," she added over her shoulder.

Harry finished getting dressed as the sinking feeling in his chest returned. It was finally hitting him just how serious their relationship problems may be. Now was not the time to dwell on this, however. Now was the time to put on a happy face and give his kids the best Christmas possible.

Christmas dinner passed by boisterously yet uneventfully for the entire Weasley clan. As everything was wrapping up and everyone had entered a food coma, Harry began to gather his family's belongings. "What are you doing?" his wife inquired. "Aren't we going to just stay the night?"

Before Harry could respond, Albus jumped in. "No, Mom, we have to go home so I can get ready for the Malfoys tomorrow!"

It was at that moment that Harry realized he had neglected to inform his wife about the plans tomorrow. Ginny turned to look at her husband, and if looks could kill, Harry would be a pile of ashes. "I'm so sorry, honey. I was sure I had mentioned this to you. It's Scorpius's birthday tomorrow, and Draco invited the family over so Albus could celebrate with him. I figured you wouldn't be interested in coming."

To Ginny's credit, she stayed very composed as she raised one eyebrow. "Draco invited us, did he? Well you're right, count me out. You and Albus will have a lovely time I'm sure."

Ron piped up, oblivious to the tension between his best friend and his sister. "Lovely time with the Malfoys? I doubt it. I hope you appreciate your dad, Albus."

Albus rolled his eyes. "Uncle Ron, Scorpius is my best friend and Mr. Malfoy has never been anything than nice to me. We'll have a great time!"

Ron looked at him incredulously and shook his head. "Never thought I'd hear of Malfoy being nice, but I'll have to take your word for it. I'm sure it'll be great. You should make your dad and Malfoy play a Seeker's game; that'll make for some good entertainment," he chuckled to himself, clapping Albus on the shoulder to make sure there were no hard feelings.

The obligatory group hugs and goodbyes were the last sounds Harry heard before he was pulled into his bedroom by his irate wife. She immediately cast the strongest Silencing Spell she could before rounding on her husband. "Going to hang out with Draco tomorrow are you? Were you ever going to inform your wife of your plans to go hang out with the man you've been obsessed with since you were 11?"

"Ginny, come on. You know that's not true. Draco asked if Albus could come over since it's just him and his son tomorrow. I meant to tell you, but it must have slipped my mind. It's not that big of a deal."

"I understand Albus going over there, and I guess I can believe that you simply forgot to tell me. What I don't understand is why you're going with."

Harry opened his mouth to answer, but no words came out. Why exactly was he so set on going with? Luckily for him, at that moment there was a knock at the door. Ginny cancelled the Silencing Spell and opened the door.

Albus stood in their doorway looking sheepish. "I hope I didn't cause any problems by wanting to go to Scorpius's tomorrow."

Ginny's face softened. "Of course not, sweetheart. I was just surprised because your father forgot to tell me, that's all. I think it's great that you can spend the day with your best friend."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely. You boys have fun tomorrow. Lily, James, and I will find something to do."

Albus stepped forward and gave her a hug and then hugged Harry. "Goodnight."

"Night, Albus."

The couple shut the bedroom door. "Let's just go to bed," Ginny sighed.

Harry remained silent as he got ready for bed. It had been a long day, and he wanted nothing more than to sleep soundly. Yet that didn't seem to be in the cards for him. Harry tossed and turned all night, imagining all of the possible scenarios for the next day. By the time morning came, he wondered if Ginny was right. Maybe Harry Potter was obsessed with his childhood nemesis after all.

The next day, Albus was buzzing with excitement about seeing his best friend. "Dad!" he called up the stairs. "Are you ready yet?! It's time to go!"

Harry startled. He had been staring at himself in front of the mirror for the past several minutes, trying to decide if his chosen outfit was acceptable or not. He was wearing some nice, dark jeans with an emerald green button down shirt. He reprimanded himself for even caring. He tried to tell himself he just didn't want Draco to judge him since he would undoubtedly be impeccably dressed, but he wasn't quite convinced. Shaking his head he called back to his son, "I'll be right down!"

And with that Albus and Harry said goodbye to their family, before stepping into the Floo to take them to Malfoy Manor. The first thing that Harry realized was the shock in Draco's eyes when he stepped into the ornate foyer of the Manor, that quickly turned into a polite mask. The second thing he noticed was that he definitely didn't need to be concerned about Malfoy judging his outfit. The other man looked disheveled, as if he just woke up. And yet, there was still a certain air of composure around him that Harry admired. "Hullo, Malfoy. I hope it's still alright if I join in on the festivities," he greeted with a smirk.

Draco nodded and gestured for him to come in. "Good to see you again, Potter," he replied politely before leading them to the study, and if Harry wasn't mistaken he saw a flash of happiness in the other man's eyes as he turned away.