A/N: Tryin to keep the word around floating around/or at least 2500 words. We'll see how this chapter goes. Originally I was going to include the end of this in the last chapter then I thought we probably needed a little more time between. Keep me posted on the speed.

PS. I only speak English fluently so pardon my mistakes if I butcher a language.

After the match Draco began attending Scorpius' four a week practices. He was impressed with the young boy's abilities and pleased that Ginny had found him a competent coach and team. Some of the other teams were hardly managed and looked horrible on their brooms. But his son's team flew like an organized unit and it was easy to see Scorpius' skill as a Chaser. It was also easy to see that he had learned a lot of this from Ginny.

The next month had flown by and it was at his next match that Draco found himself in a skybox with Ginny and several other contributors to the league. He himself had donated a substantial amount to the league when had taken back over his own finances. It was a worthy donation, it also didn't hurt that he was able to outdo the young Weasley in at least one aspect of his son's life.

"Hullo Draco," Ginny said. It was one of the first times they had spoken alone since her little explosion in the garden. The moment had puzzled him during most of his free time, which was admittedly a lot as he often sat at his desk at Malfoy Enterprises completely bored out of his mind. He found that the business didn't need him that much since his incarceration. His mother had developed an able board that needed only final approval for most projects. It seemed he would need to find something new to occupy his time, he didn't think that interrupting the smooth machine that had replaced him was really intelligent at this point in time.

"Afternoon Ginerva, he's on his game again," Draco said happily watching as Scorpius scored another goal. The match today was much more even than the last match he'd watched.

"Yes, he practiced most of the day yesterday after he finished with his tutor. I had to drag him inside by threatening to take away his dessert." Draco chuckled. He took a sip of his whiskey and took a moment to look at the woman next to him. She was dressed simply in a pair of dark jeans, encased in a fashionable pair of brown riding boots, and an emerald green blouse. Around her neck was a simple locket and she wore only diamond studs in her ears. He found himself thinking that she was a refreshing breath of fresh air from the other mother's in the room, many of whom were wearing borderline cocktail wear and incredibly high heels. He found that he appreciated her simple sense of elegance and need for comfort.

"Have you bought his tux for the Halloween ball yet?" Draco asked, stamping on his thoughts about her attractiveness for more mundane matters.

"No, I thought we'd do that tomorrow. He was far too preoccupied with the match to sit still long enough to be measured and the tailor is very good about taking out last minute requests…now at least." Draco chuckled at this, suspecting that his mother had had something to do wit this but let it slide. "Have you thought anymore of attending with us?"

"Oh…No," Draco said. Ginny looked over at him, her eyes slightly narrowed and he put his hands up in defeat. "I assumed you were going to go with Potter, as Scorpius suggested."

"I'm not," Ginny replied stiffly. Draco gave her a questioning look and she took a long drink from her butterbeer. "I haven't spoken with Harry since your release. Though I suspect I'll have to when we go to my parent's tomorrow."

"I didn't realize. I have no problem escorting you…If that's what you'd truly like," Draco offered. He told himself he was being generous, she had, afterall, placed her life on hold for him for seven years. But in the back of his mind he had to admit it would be fun to see Potter with his back up, and to attend with her. He'd had the opportunity to observe her for the last month, although she had avoided being alone with him. And he found that she was a brilliant woman.

Recently she had been in the paper for her work on the wolfsbane potion. In the last few years she had produced a much more potent potion that left the user in complete control of himself when the change occurred. Her quote to the papers stated that she was still working on a much more complete cure, but that this was a step in the right direction. She had also, apparently, had moderate success with a vaccine for dragon pox. Although it did not eliminate the chances of contracting the disease, it at least gave children that contracted it a 95% chance of full recovery. Snape would have been proud, though he would have been loath to admit it.

"Good. I'll be wearing green." Ginny said with a smile. She reminded him, not the for the first time, of his mother. Like someone who had gotten exactly what she wanted in exactly the way she wanted to get it.

"I can bring Scorpius with me when I go to have a new tux fitted," Draco offered. Scorpius had just scored another goal and Ginny was clapping, but looking very much like she would rather be in the stands shouting him on with the gaggle of Weasleys in the top row directly across from them.

"That would be wonderful. I've been so busy that I haven't had a moment to myself lately."

"I saw in the papers. You're quite the sensation in the wizarding world right now," Draco said with a small smile.

Before Ginny could respond there was a father as her elbow mentioning something about a new apothecary he was going to be opening near Devon. Ginny offered him an apologetic smile as she allowed herself to be pulled away to speak with the man's partner. Draco turned his attention back to the game and found himself, once again, very much alone.

"Draco, Mum wants to know if you're ready yet." Scorpius called as he entered Draco's rooms. He found Draco in front of the mirror fussing over his hair. "Mum's right, you do take longer than a girl to get ready."

Scorpius broke into giggles at the glare that Draco sent him and sat on the edge of the tub to watch. Draco finally finished with his hair and started to on his tie. After the third try Scorpius was in a pile on the floor laughing. Growing frustrated Draco looked down on him.

"What?"

"Mum's much faster at that. You look like Uncle Ron trying to do it," Scorpius said with another giggle. He pulled himself off the floor and brushed off his pressed black pants. Grabbing his father's jacket from the back of the chair in the bedroom he pulled Draco down the stairs. Draco was grumbling that he was being led by a child – though grateful that his son was at least on speaking terms with him, that didn't mean he was ready for his son to be laughing at him.

"Mum, Draco needs you to do his tie for him," Scorpius said when they reached the foyer. Ginny was pulling on a necklace at Narcissa's insistence and she turned from the mirror as they reached the landing. Draco drew in a sharp breath. She was in a floor length gown with a slit that reached to about mid-thigh. The bodice was strapless with a sweetheart neckline and the teardrop diamond necklace Narcissa had forced on her accented the little cleavage she had showing. Her hair, styled in soft ringlets, fell down her back and was held on the sides by two silver butterfly pins.

"Ginerva, you look wonderful," Draco said with a smile. She walked over and did his tie quickly and efficiently. He pulled a tiepin from his pocket and fastened it. "Guess it's been a while since I've had to tie one. Never used to have trouble."

"It's fine, Ron never bothered learning so Hermione or I always have to do it for him."

"Are we sitting with them tonight?" Draco asked innocently enough. Ginny frowned at him but shook her head.

"I didn't think you'd be comfortable. And it wouldn't look good for daddy if you were at his table so soon, no offense, so I had us seated with Pansy and Luna."

"Ms. Ginerva Weasley escorted by Mr. Draco Malfoy," Ginny allowed Draco to lead them into the ballroom, a smile pasted on her face. She really hated these events. It was a small blessing that she knew most of her family did as well. Especially Ron, who hated putting dress clothes on period. Probably why he'd remained a Quidditch player as long as he had.

"Ms. Violet Nott, escorted by Mr. Scorpius Malfoy," Scorpius looked only slightly put out by having to escort the nine year old Parkinson girl into the ballroom. As soon as they reached Ginny and Draco he dropped her arm. He waited, perched on the balls of his feet until Ginny waved him off.

"Go find your cousins then," Ginny said. Before he could escape Scorpius felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Stay out of trouble. You're Grandmother's table for dinner. And you will dance the first dance with Miss. Nott," Draco said firmly. Scorpius scowled but nodded before taking off. Draco watched after him and then turned, finding Ginny's eyes on him.

"That was probably a good speech. I usually just assume he's going to get into trouble. Fred seems to carry it around with him like a cloak."

"I'd prefer not to have any fireworks tonight," Draco replied seriously. Ginny bit back a laugh because he didn't know how close to the truth he was. Pany and her husband, Theodore Note joined them. Ginny smiled at the couple and greeted Pansy with a kiss on the cheek.

Draco shook hands with Theo and accepted Pansy's kiss and listened while she and Ginny made small talk. Pansy looked well, seven years had done her many favors. She was in a fitted navy gown with a halter top and silver hoop earrings. Her hair was styled in an elegant up-do.

"How 'bout we go get some drinks," Theo offered, growing bored of the garden party talk going on between the women. Draco nodded and followed Theo towards the bar in the corner.

"How've you been mate," Draco asked. In the two games he'd been to with Ginny, Pansy and Theo had been noticeably absent from the box they shared with most of the other parents.

"Been good, I've been so busy travelling that I've barely seen the family. Missed the last two games too but heard they killed it. Heard Scorpius topped a couple records in them too."

"That he did," Draco said. "Leo makes an excellent beater. Takes after his father I suppose, even if you didn't play at Hogwarts."

"Couldn't be bothered after I was free of my father. Plus the team was solid without me," Theo shrugged. Draco ordered them a couple firewhiskeys and some wine for the women. He threw a couple galleons down before Theo could reach into his cloak.

"I heard you sent a few lucrative deals my way while I was inside. Let this be my one and only show of appreciation," Draco said with a smirk and raised his glass. Theo laughed and raised his as well, taking a swig.

"Those of us that knew you at school…Knew Astoria…And after, knew you were innocent. Ginny knew too, mate. Not as bad as she was in school anymore. Changed a lot. She did you a solid taking in Scorp and raising him the way she did."

"Sounds like you know her pretty well," Draco speculated as they made their way back across the room. Theo looked at him out of the corner of his eye and nodded.

"I've worked some with her on the potions for her big secret customer. She won't tell me who it is, but it's interesting work. And you know I've always had a knack for potions. When I'm not travelling we experiment in her lab – it's top of the line have you seen it yet?"

"No, not yet. She mentioned that Scorpius helps her though."

"He always helps her prepare the ingredients. He does a good job, very thorough. He's very good at following her directions. She's hoping to let him start brewing some potions in the near future – but I think she wanted to talk to you about that herself so don't ruin the surprise okay mate," Theo said with a sly wink. Draco nodded. They reached the women then, who had been joined by Luna and Newt, and Ginny took her glass and raised it.

"To friends, both new and old…And being able to come to these events like we're still in school – without the house animosity." Everyone chuckled at that but clinked their glasses together. Shortly after her toast dinner was announced and Draco found himself seated with an unlikely group.

After dinner Draco led Ginny onto the dance floor for the first dance. He was surprised that she hadn't been approached by any of her family yet, but assumed it was because of the company she was keeping. There were an awful lot of Slytherins she seemed to be associating with. He intended to ask her about that.

He was surprised to find that she was an adept dancer and they enjoyed several dances with one another.

Harry watched from the sidelines. His date, if she could be called that, had disappeared to dance with some Quidditch player from Ron's team. George Weasley joined him and nudged him with an elbow.

"Still carrying a torch for my sister mate," he asked with a small smile.

"You know I never stopped," Harry replied with a frown. He looked at George who was twiddling his thumbs a mischievous glint in his eye.

"How 'bouts I go steal her away from the evil snake and you come steal her away from me. Just wait 'till the song is over so it doesn't look like a setup," George offered. Harry laughed and nodded his assent, taking another sip of firewhiskey.

"Go on then."

George disappeared a slight spring in his step. He tapped Draco on the shoulder with a smile.

"Mind if I steal this beautifuuuul woman from you for a spell?" he asked. Draco looked to Ginny who nodded and stepped back, letting George take over. He made his way to the bar and ordered another firewhiskey. When he turned back around he found that Ginny was dancing, not with her brother, but with a dark haired wizard.

"Well, I do believe this switch in partners was orchestrated," Ginny said her eyes narrowed as she allowed Harry to spin her around the dance floor. He had become a more…proficient dancer than he had been at Hogwarts and managed not to step on her toes too much in the process.

"I don't know what you're talking about," Harry replied with a soft smile. Ginny frowned but didn't move to leave his embrace, unaware of the eyes on them.

Draco was frowning into his firewhiskey when his mother appeared at his elbow. He vaguely remembered that she had been announced with his Barrister, why he was unsure but he wasn't about to pry into her personal life.

"They make quite the couple," Narcissa said. She took a glass of water from the bartender with a smile as she turned to watch with Draco. He nodded his assent. "She's turned him down more times then I can count," Narcissa offered. Draco looked at her in surprise.

"Why?"

"She never did say. But I think it has something to do with your son…Otherwise, I think she would have told me." Draco took another drink of his firewhiskey. He noticed that Bill's wife, Fleur, was sitting at a table by herself, watching the festivities.

"I think I'll go ask Mrs. Weasley to dance," he said suddenly.

"Draco," Narcissa grabbed his arm. "I've grown quite close with Ginerva and she's one of my dearest friends now. Please don't do anything to jeopardize that."

Draco nodded that he had heard and walked away.

"You've been avoiding my owls," Harry stated.

"Yes, well it doesn't seem you've been lacking dates. Rita does a very good job publishing every single one of them. Are you here with the blonde or the brunette tonight?"

"The blonde. But I only asked her after you ignored my invitation…Four times."

"There are reasons for that Harry. And we've been over this more times than I can count." Albeit, mostly drunk…Scratch that – sloshed.

"They don't mean anything and you know that. You've always known that."

"We've talked about that too."

"I just wish…We could go back," Harry said softly, pulling her closer.

"Well, we can't," Ginny replied. Harry opened his mouth to reply but felt someone tapped his shoulder.

"I'd like to dance with my mum," Scorpius said stiffly. Harry looked at Ginny who was nodding at the young boy and sighed.

"Sure."

"Il est dommage une si belle femme a été laissé seul à la table sans partenaire de danse," Draco said with a smile. Fleur responded in kind her own face lighting up. (It is a pity such a beautiful woman has been left alone at the table with no dance partner).

"Oui, vous parlez français merveilleuse. Avez-vous y vivre?" (Yes, you speak wonderful french. Did you live there?)

Non, ma famille avait l'habitude d'été près de Versailles. Voulez-vous danser?" (No, my family used to summer near Versaille. Would you care to dance?)

"Oui!" Fleur responded standing. Draco led her to the dance floor and fell into the routine easily. She was a wonderful dance, better than even his mother. Obviously she had been classically trainer.

"So Mr. Malfoy, vy vould you approach me of all people to dance vith?" Fluer asked as she allowed him to spin her around the dance floor.

"You looked quite lonely. No husband tonight?"

"Non, he vas delayed at the bank. But I love these balls and would hate to disappoint his papa."

"His loss is my gain. You are a wonderful dancer."

"Merci, we are given course at Beuaxbatons. I enjoyed them immensely. I think perhaps, my husband just vanted to miss this part. He hates dancing."

"Indeed. Most men do. See Ron is trying to distract his wife from dragging him to the floor," Draco said gesturing to the youngest Weasley man. Fleur giggled and nodded.

"Yes Ron hates dancing. He vould rather be out flying on a broomstick."

"Wouldn't we all." The number ended and Draco bowed to Fleur. "I think perhaps I will go rescue Ron for a spell, if you wouldn't mind."

"Of course. Merci pour la danse merveilleuse." (Thank you for the wonderful dance)

"Ce fut un plaisir." (It was my pleasure)

When her dance with Scorpius ended Ginny found Newt at her elbow in his place. She gladly accepted his arm.

"Luna's gone off to round up our boys. We're going to call it a night. We thought to offer to take Scorpius if you'd like."

"You don't have to, I can bring him home myself."

"We insist. You don't get many nights like this. Enjoy it, plus I don't think you've had the opportunity to dance with all your brothers yet. And I'm sure Harry will bring you home," Newt laughed at Ginny's frown.

"Yes I'm sure he'd enjoy that," she responded sarcastically. "But I would appreciate it, if you really don't mind. He can summon one of Narcissa's elves to bring a bag for him."

"We'll see you tomorrow then," Newt said bowing as the number came to an end. Ginny nodded her assent as she followed him off the floor. Scorpius was waiting for her with Luna and her boys.

"Be good darling. Did you say goodbye to your father?"

"Looked busy. Can you tell him? I said goodbye to grandmother and grandmum." Ginny frowned but nodded. She squatted down to give the boy a small hug, refraining from kissing him in public – he had told her, quite firmly, that he was getting too old for that behavior.

"Okay love. Have fun."

Ginny made her way to the bar after their departure and ordered herself a firewhiskey. Draco and Hermione joined her shortly after and Draco paid for the round of drinks with a couple galleons and a smile.

"Least I can do," he said. Ginny raised her eyebrow at Hermione.

"Oh Malfoy just saved Ron from a dance on the floor, and made him sputtering mad," Hermione said with a laugh. She took a sip of her wine and looked over to wear Ron was talking with Harry – his hands making loud gestures in the air. "I suppose I should go calm him down."

"Alright 'Mione. We need to have tea soon. Maybe…" Ginny wracked her brain for a moment. "Wednesday? I need to run some new notes by you."

"Sure, send me an owl though so my secretary can put it on my calendar." Ginny nodded and Hermione disappeared.

"So Hermione, eh?" Ginny asked.

"Ron looked like he needed saving. Helped that it ended up being a bit of a needle I suppose," Draco said finishing his firewhiskey and motioning for another.

"Are you drunk?" Ginny asked incredulously.

"Pretty close I'd say," Draco replied. His eyes were only slightly glassy, not a good sign in Ginny's book. She switched their glasses easily so that he had only a half full glass and downed his quickly.

"Come on, one more dance and then you can take me home," she replied with a laugh.