A/N: I know I've changed the spelling of Tracie's name. But it's done, so we'll just be consistent now. This is longer to make up for the delay! Enjoy

By the time they reached the Minister's mansion Tracie was considerably calmed and seemed to be actually enjoying herself. Harry had arrived sometime after dinner and Draco had, albeit stiffly, invited him to join them for a drink before departing. Scorpius had blatantly ignored Harry's presence and demanded Ginerva's full attention until that time, something that made Draco smile inwardly.

"Victoire Weasley escorted by Lysander Scamander," the man at the podium was saying. Draco frowned; he had thought that Scorpius was escorting Victoire to her first ball.

"Violet Parkinson, escorted by Scorpius Malfoy." Draco was unsure what was going on at this point. The last owl he had received from Pansy, although it had been over a week ago now, Fred Weasley had been picked to escort Violet – and his own son was to escort Victoire. Fred appeared then, holding the arm of a young blonde girl he didn't recognize. She was at least a year younger than Scorpius.

Before he had time to investigate he heard their names being called and he allowed Tracie to steer him into the ballroom. No one stepped forward to greet them right away, and Draco didn't really expect them too. He led Tracie over to the bar and ordered them a round of tequila shots. For her part, Tracie did not seem so disturbed by the reception they were receiving. Draco was rather angry, but trying his best not to show it.

Pansy and Theo were introduced shortly after that, with much the same result. However, when Ginny was announced she was almost immediately surrounded by a group of red heads and others – Harry navigated her easily through the throng greeting each person in turn. Draco watched as the two made their way around the room. Harry was in a nicely fitted pin-stripe suit. He wore a deep maroon shirt and a white and gold tie.

Narcissa was introduced with the Barrister, Draco assumed they were rather an item at this point, and was greeted just as warmly as Ginerva. This distracted and surprised Draco. He noted that his mother was wearing what she had made her signature white gloves, rolled easily up to her elbows. Despite the fact that he had seen her ready before they left her town house, he was surprised at how beautiful she looked.

The potions and various solutions Ginny had been giving her had brought color back to her face and softened the lines in her face. Her skin was practically glowing with happiness and the gray-silver hair that had been threatening her roots had disappeared. She now sported the hairstyle of his youth, a healthy golden blonde that she let hang nearly down to her waist.

"I hope I am as beautiful as she when I'm her age," Tracie remarked. She was sipping a gin and tonic now as they admired the still entering couples. Yule was by far the largest ball of the year and many families who had left the Continent returned for it each year.

"I'm just glad that they aren't being as rude to her as they once were," Draco replied in a low tone as he motioned for a fire whiskey.

"Well she helped Molly Weasley plan the Ball, so she's been accepted into the Weasley inner circle," Pansy replied from Draco's other side. She stepped around him to hug Tracie.

"Davis, it's been far too long."
"Parkinson," Davis replied with a smirk. Theodore approached them as well, his face unreadable.

"Draco, Tracie. We're seated together for dinner for New Years, with Zabini and his date, whoever he decides to bring, and Oliver Selwyn and his wife Rosalie Selwyn née Rosier. I thought you'd like to know – assuming Tracie will be attending New Years with you as well." Tracie was nodding, leaving Draco free to assume she would indeed be attending New Years with him.

"Well that will be fun," Draco muttered. Theodore laughed and he frowned. "What? They're not related to you!"

"No, that's correct they're not. They're also the only others with invitations to the party, besides us, that went through the war. At least they had the decency to sit us together and not try to split us into separate tables."

"That'll be Cissy's doing," Pansy said with a soft smile. Zabini had just entered the ballroom – Sylvia Melville clinging to his arm.

"I thought you put her into detox," Draco hissed to Tracie. Tracie was scowling.

"I did!"

"She's not going to cause a scene is she?" Pansy asked, looking quite worried. Tracie shrugged.

"I don't know what in bloody hell he's thinking. She's had one clean day in a month and he's convinced she's okay again. They're only ever together when she's not using," Tracie replied.

"They're together then," Draco asked softly. He watched as Zabini worked the room, greeting many of the men and women who frequented his many establishments. Sylvia looked magnificent on his arm and quite comfortable making small talk. Only their small group would see the pale, paper-thin quality of her skin beneath all the glamours and makeup.

Pansy had pulled Theo off to greet Ginny who was momentarily free from Harry as she spoke with Luna and Newt. Tracie laid her hand carefully on Draco's upper arm.

"Draco, it's been a long time. They've been playing this game almost since before you were thrown in jail," Tracie said softly. Draco nodded, pulling his eyes away from the couple.

"It's fine. But what about that blonde girl…Viola, the one from the other night that was in his lap."

"Well, if you ask me I think the three of them sometimes share each other – on some of their worse nights. But Viola has always been more of a distraction. She a ditz," Tracie said with a smirk.

"Oh look here come's the Minister," Tracie said as Arthur Weasley was introduced with Molly. The room quieted in a round of soft applause. "Narcissa must have helped Molly with her gown."

Molly was in a crimson taffeta gown with a fitted bodice crisscrossed in white bands, thick straps that fell loosely down her arms and an empire waist. The beading drew the eye to her surprisingly trim waist and away from some of her less desirable areas.

"Yes, they have been spending a lot of time together," Draco replied. He took another drink of his firewhiskey he eyes moving away from the Weasley to his son who was conversing with Fred in the corner of the room. The two looked thick as thieves.

"Ten years ago I would have never imagined that my son would be friends with a Weasley," Draco said with a frown.

"Despite what still needs to happen, you even have to admit that the world is a better place than we could have hoped," Tracie replied. Draco nodded slowly.

"You were always the optimist," Draco replied. He finished his firewhiskey and held out his hand as the band started to play. "And as I recall, you loved to dance."

After the first dance Ginny managed to escape Harry and sat at a table with Ron and Hermione drinking a gin and tonic, her face masked as she watched Draco move Tracie across the dance floor. It didn't escape her notice that they were both exceptional dancers and put many of the older couples to shame. Narcissa was enjoying a dance with Scorpius at that point, laughing at something the boy said. Harry was at the bar, downing a firewhiskey.

"Gin, we wanted to let you know that Scorp can come stay with us tonight," Hermione said. The older woman was watching her daughter dance with Fred Weasley at that point. Her youngest was at home with a sitter.

"I'll have to talk to Draco," Ginny replied, shifting her gaze to Hermione. "I'm not sure what his plan is."

"Looks like he's going to want some alone time," Ron offered taking a swig of his firewhiskey. Ginny fixed a cold glare on him. After he squirmed for a minute or two he stood and offered his hand to Hermione. "Dance with me?"

Hermione chuckled but let her husband lead her onto the dance floor, throwing one of her knowing looks over her shoulder at Ginny who settled for scowling at the couple as she finished her drink. It wasn't long before she felt another presence at her side and her brother George settled into the seat next to her nursing a firewhiskey.

"Thought you came with Harry," George offered. Harry was on the dancefloor with some blonde at that point and looked like he was having a good time.

"As you'll recall," Ginny began coldly "I was instructed to fall in line at the last family dinner. Everyone supports dad for the election remember?"

George looked immediately hurt and Ginny felt momentarily bad. Then she scowled again. George might not have been the most adamant about her date for the Yule Ball, but he hadn't taken her side either.

"Gin, I don't think dad would have wanted you to be miserable. Especially around the holidays…" George started. Ginny merely fixed him with a scowl and turned her head away. Her father hadn't been present for the discussion about her Yule date. Originally she had planned on going with Draco. Like him, she had assumed that he would be her date and that they would bring Scorpius. Then Harry had sent a curve ball, demanding that she come to her senses. There had been whispers that he would put his support behind the opposition if she didn't attend with him. So she had fallen in line, and everyone had seemed particularly pleased with this.

No one mentioned that she had spent the better part of the week, almost 18 hours a day, in her lab, closing up for the holidays.

"I'm sorry I didn't defend you. This time of year…It's hard," George said finally, effectively baring his soul in a way he didn't so often. He was watching his son who was in a corner with Scorpius again. Ginny sighed heavily and then huffed.

"That wasn't fair," but she offered him a weak smile anyway. He returned the sentiment and raised his glass.

"To Freddie."

"To Fred, any everyone else we've lost," Ginny replied clinking her glass to his. They downed them then and George offered her his hand.

"Come dance a spell with me. I'll even promise not to hand you off to Malfoy this time," George said conspiratorially. Ginny laughed and allowed herself to be swept onto the dance floor in the arms of one of her favorite brothers, after Charlie of course.

"You should ask Ginerva to dance," Narcissa said as she and Draco moved easily across the dance floor. Narcissa always enjoyed dancing with her son, he had become a polished dancer at a young age and his time at Azkaban had not dulled this talent. He sighed, not breaking the dance but really wishing that he could.

"Mother, I came here with Tracie," he pointed out as a deflection.

"Oh please. Don't take that tone with me. I can tell you care for her. Sometimes you are just like your father. You can't be so afraid to show you care anymore Draco, you're not as young as you used to be."

"That's not what is going on at all mother. I'm afraid you rather misread the situation. Ginerva and I could never be a compatible match," Draco said. He could hear the climax of the song coming and was happy the dance was almost at an end. His mother was staring at his Barrister, Mr. Roundtree, now with a soft smile on your face.

"You can't help who you fall in love with Draco. You get to choose this time, choose wisely, not just for this family – but for your heart," Narcissa said as the song ended. Draco offered her a small bow as Tracie collected him for the next dance.

"Try not to look so pleased," Tracie said with a smile. They began the steps to the partner-switching dance easily. Draco was happy for a more complicated waltz.

"My mother is back to her usual self," Draco replied with a small frown that he quickly masked. Tracie smiled knowingly as she was whisked away by George Weasley. Draco found himself sweeping Fleur into his arms and smiled brightly.

"Bonjour Madame Weasley," he said as they moved together easily. She offered a flirtatious smile of her own.

"Bonjour, Pleasure to see you again Mr. Malfoy."

"I see your husband was able to attend this time."
"Yes, he vas not very pleased but ve got him here anyway," Fleur replied with a chuckle. "I have been giving him dance lessons, he is getting better, no?"

Draco had watched Bill on the dance floor and nodded his acquiencse right before they switched partners again. She joined easily with Harry Potter and he found himself holding Pansy hand. He smiled easily.

"Glad I got you and not one of the Griffindors." Pansy just smiled for a minute.

"Sylvia has been to the bar at least once tonight," she said finally, seriously. It was almost time for the next switch.

"She's Zabini's responsibility."

"You know how he is Draco…Just try to make sure she doesn't make a scene. Your mother put a lot of last minute work into this Ball and she's finally been accepted back into society. I'd hate to see her hurting again."

Pansy spun away to join Harry with a smile pasted on her face and Draco had to keep himself from scowling. He found himself holding Ginny's hand, and then found himself trying not to pull her closer than etiquette called for.

"Oh good, I wanted to talk to you," Ginny said as they went through the complicated steps that finished the dance. "Hermione and Ron have offered to take Scorpius for the night…I think he'd like to spend the night with Fred – they'll bring him to my parents first thing tomorrow."

"I rather thought he'd like to spend the night at the Manor," Draco replied, trying to keep the disappointment out of his voice. Ginny looked up in surprise.

"I didn't say yes. I told them I would check with you. I usually sent him home with someone after these…I was always a little…"

"It's fine," Draco interrupted. He didn't want to hear about how she had gone home with Harry after each ball. "I'd like him to come home with me. It's our first holiday together. Letting him go off with Luna after Halloween was one thing, but tomorrow's going to be a big day. He doesn't need to be playing tricks on them when he should be sleeping."

Ginny frowned at his tone before setting her face in a cold mask.

"That's fine. I'll let Hermione know. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have assumed you'd want to pawn him off."

"Doesn't matter," Draco replied as the song ended. He swept backwards into a bow and couldn't help but place a kiss on her hand. "It was lovely to dance with you Ginerva. I'll see you in the morning."

Tracie had gathered their cloaks as Draco collected Scorpius and they bid goodbye to their mother. It was just before eleven at that point and the ball was still in full swing for the couples not departing with children. Pansy and Theo joined Tracie as Draco was making his way over. He was pulling on his cloak when he heard yelling down one of the corridors just outside the door. He frowned, recognizing the voice.

"Draco," Pansy warned, pulling the ballroom doors closed to that it wouldn't carry.

"I'll bring Scorpius back to the Manor and wait for you," Tracie offered. Draco looked down at his son, who was frowning. He squatted down.

"I'm really sorry Scorp. I promise I'll be home really soon."

"Fine," Scorpius replied with a scowl. "But I could've just gone and stayed with Fred."

Draco just shook his head as Tracie led Scorpius to the apparation point, then made his way down the hall to where the shouting was still going on. He wasn't surprised to find Zabini with his date near the bathroom. Blaise was scowling.

"You're making a scene," Draco stated bluntly. Sylvia gave his a withering glare and stepped into the bathroom slamming the door. Draco leaned against the wall.

"You deal with her then mate," Blaise said clapping him on the shoulder. Draco frowned.

"You brought her," Draco stated, grabbing Blaise as he went to walk off.

"Yeah, under the agreement that she wouldn't go shooting that muggle drug into her veins. Which she did. There's a delightful unattached Frenchwoman in there I'd love to talk business with. Just make sure she gets home."

"You can't be serious."

"Oh I'm dead serious mate. It was a mistake trying to bring her out. She's great at sealing deals – but not in this condition. I won't stand by and be made a fool of."

"Then perhaps you should have left her in detox!"

"Oh, is that where Tracie said she brought her? Well she lasted ten minutes. Just long enough for Tracie to leave. Sylvia doesn't do detox Draco, you should know how that goes. I don't have the stomach for this. Come by the pub tomorrow and tell me how it goes."

Blaise was gone before Draco could react, having skillfully wormed his way out from under Draco's grasp and disappeared down the hall. Draco pulled his wand out to unlock the door and found Sylvia slumped on the floor, her breathing shallow. He sighed heavily and scooped her up. Unfortunately, he ran into his mother on his way out.

"Draco, you can't do this," Narcissa hissed as she reached them. She threw her own cloak over Sylvia's body and accepted Counselor Roundtree's cloak for herself.

"I wasn't exactly given a choice, Mother," Draco replied with a frown. He could see through the ballroom doors that Blaise was indeed chatting with a pretty blonde.

"Get Zabini to bring her home," Narcissa replied.

"I'm sure he already tried that Cissy," Roundtree replied. Narcissa scowled at the other man.

"This isn't good for Scorpius."

"I'm hoping that he doesn't have to know. I'll just sober her up and bring her home before we go to Ginerva's in the morning. No one will be the wiser."

"She's your bad habit," Narcissa hissed. She turned then, effectively dismissing Draco. He frowned and sighed, going to find a floo point. He couldn't apparate with her in this condition.

Ginny watched Narcissa leave as she was gathering her cloak. She saw Draco with the petite auburn haired girl in his arms and frowned. He appeared to be fighting with his mother. Harry was at her elbow a moment later, already shrugging on his cloak. He gathered hers and held it open for her to put on.

"Who's that girl in Draco's arms," he asked, catching a glimpse of Draco stalking off. Ginny shrugged.

"I'm not sure. Probably some Slytherin…I think she came with Blaise."

"Thought they had some code of etiquette when it came to these things."

"They're not all the same, can we just go home," Ginny asked trying to hide her hurt. Harry nodded and took her arm to escort her to the apparation point.

"Ginerva darling I brought the pies you requested," Narcissa called as she stepped into the foyer of Ginerva's house. Generally the Weasley Christmas dinner was held at the Burrow. But as it was an election year, and there were constantly reporters camped outside of both the Burrow and the Minister's Mansion, which Arthur adamantly refused to use for anything other than balls and business, Ginny had insisted they hold it at her house – the only place big enough to get them all under one rough.

"Wonderful, thank you Narcissa," Ginny said. She stepped away from the stove long enough to give the woman a kiss on the cheek. Her brothers were already in the living room messing around with the television with her father. The women were spread throughout the kitchen. Fleur was sitting at the table, she wasn't much of a cook and they usually let her carry on the conversation. Narcissa joined her with a cup of tea.

Hermione was dicing vegetables at the counter next to Molly who was preparing the bird and the ham to go into the oven. Angelina was easily whipping cream to go on top the pies for dessert and smiled at Narcissa in greeting. The family was used to seeing her at this point, Ginny had made it a point that Narcissa would be welcome at all holiday gatherings. Molly had acquiesced, slightly peeved at first, in the interst in seeing her daughter. However, Narcissa had never been anything but pleasant in her dealings with the Weasley family and they'd all eventually come to at least tolerate her company.

"Did Draco come with you?" Molly asked as she finished what she was working on and sat down next to Narcissa with a cup of tea.

"No, he should be over shortly I expect."

"Charlie is bringing a girl with him," Angelina said from her spot on the counter. Ginny chuckled; Narcissa had the sense to look appropriately scandalized.

"Is he going to finally settle down then?"

"We can only hope," Molly replied taking a sip of her tea.

"She's from Romania, she trains dragons too," Hermione piped in as she scraped the rest of the vegetables into the stuffing and began stuffing it into the bird.

"Sounds like she's just his type," Narcissa replied. Narcissa glanced at the clock and frowned, sincerely hoping that Draco showed up soon.

"She hasn't woken up yet," Tracie said as she stepped into Draco's room wrapped in his bathrobe. It was mid-morning at that point. Draco was frowning as he pushed his hair into place. He was in an emerald shirt with charcoal slacks. Tracie had showered and styled her hair into an easy ponytail.

"The house elves will look after her when she wakes up. Did you want to come?"

"Draco, where exactly is this going," Tracie asked.

"Where is what going," Draco asked, turning around. He was rolling his sleeves down now that his hair was done and buttoning his cufflinks. Tracie sighed.

"This, us…I just don't want you to get any false pretenses. I'm not about to fall in love with you."

"That's fine with me," Draco replied with a smirk. "I don't need anyone falling in love with me. Plus I know you're hell-bent on waiting for Pucey. You've been carrying a torch for him since school. Isn't that why you haven't left that partying group?"

"You know far too much," Tracie replied. "I don't have anything to wear. Wouldn't you rather I wait for Sylvia to wake up."

"She got herself into this mess. The elves won't let her leave…And I called my guy to tail her for a while. I can handle this situation for now," Draco replied. He was scowling again as he dug around in his closet for a heavier cloak.

"I'll get you something to wear, just wait here."

Draco returned with a modest red sweater dress and a pair of black stiletto pumps.

"Festive," Tracie said with a frown. She shed the bathroom and pulled the dress on. It fit like a glove, and she was happy that she'd kept in shape. She new the shoes were Astoria's, never worn, as she'd been here when the other woman had picked them out. She had the same pair at home, in red.

"Let me get the tag," Draco said. She turned and he pulled the tag from the dress easily. "I knew it would look good on you…Here's the belt."

Tracie took the wide belt and fitted it around her waist, accentuating her nice curves. She was stepping into her shoes when there was a knock on the door. Scorpius opened it before he was bid to enter and barely kept the scowl off his face.

"We're going to be late. Grandmother hates it when we're late."

"Tracie was just putting her shoes on, then we were going to come collect you," Draco said with a frown. "Go collect your cloak and we'll be off."

"I'm just going to collect you a cloak to go with that dress," Draco said, turning to Tracie as he pulled his own cloak on. "I'll meet you in the foyer."

"Why are you coming," Scorpius demanded when Tracie joined him in the foyer. He was scowling openly now. Tracie offered him a small smile.

"Your father invited me. I think because I don't have any family left," Tracie replied. Scorpius looked mildly chastised.

"Why did you stay?"

"Our friend was sick, I stayed to make sure she was okay, I slept in her room," Tracie stated as a peace offering. Scorpius' face brightened at this. He didn't like the thought of someone trying to steal his father away, again. But it was okay if she was around, she seemed to make his father happy.

"I suppose that's alright then. I'm happy you could come," Scorpius replied, his own peace offering. Tracie didn't reply, recognizing it as such. Draco descended the stairs with a handsome cloak that he helped her into. Then offered her a box.

"I thought you might want a bit of jewelry," he said softly. Tracie opened the box and gasped. There was a matching set inside. Inside was a ruby pendant set in a white gold necklace and hoop earring set; the earrings were inlaid with rubies around the entire circumference.

"Draco I can't accept these," Tracie replied. Draco was already slipping the necklace out of the box to play it around the neck. The earrings really were just her style. She stepped in front of the mirror to put them on, even as she was denying that she could accept them.

"My Christmas present. I bought them when you agreed to go to the Yule Ball with me, a thank you gift as well."

"The dress was enough," Tracie replied. Before she could say more Scorpius was clearing his throat.

"Right we'll be late, hold on tight then," Draco said. He grabbed both their hands and side-along apparated to Ginny's house.

"Finally made it I see," Narcissa said as Draco entered the kitchen to greet them. They were already beginning to pull dishes out of the oven. He presented Ginny with his bottle of Ogden's with a flourish.

"My contribution, per George's suggestion." Molly huffed at this but took the bottle and put it on the counter. Ginny smiled and Draco just looked confused. Ginny leaned a little closer to whisper in his ear.

"Mum doesn't like when the men drink."

At this point Tracie and Scorpius entered the kitchen and Scorpius interrupted their moment to hug Ginny.

"Mum, can I stay the night tonight," Scorpius asked. Ginny looked at Draco who just nodded.

"Tracie, we weren't expecting you," Narcissa said. She stood from the table to embrace the younger woman with a smile.

"I was afraid Draco didn't owl first. He invited me along…I'm sorry to intrude," Tracie said, looking at Ginny apologetically. Ginny offered the other woman a weak smile.

"One more isn't a problem. The Notts were going to join us anyway, so you'll have some company. Draco the men are in the living room – and Scorpius the boys are in the library. Don't make a mess of your clothes please,' Ginny said – effectively dismissing them. Draco wandered to the living room to see what trouble the men were up too and Scorpius almost sprinted to freedom. Tracie lingered at the doorway uncomfortably aware that she wasn't very welcome in this house. Ginny's tone had been dismissive, and Tracie had the distinct feeling that territory was being marked. What the fuck was going on.

"Vill you help me set the table?" Fleur asked, standing from her spot at the table. Tracie nodded, appreciative of the offer and Fleur's welcome smile.

"Of course," Fleur led the way into the dining room and began pulling dishes from the sideboard. Tracie easily laid them out on the table, refraining from using magic to make the task last longer.

"They just don't trust newcomers," Fleur offered. Her English was distinctly better outside the realm of the Weasleys – Tracie wondered at this.

"It doesn't help that I'm a Slytherin," Tracie replied with a frown. Fleur helped her line up the silverware with a soft smile.

"Or a death eater. Though I vould believe that these were perhaps not choices of your own." Tracie looked at her in surprise. It was an astute observation. "The war was very different in France. We saw things differently. But then, we weren't in the thick of it as they say here"

"Thank you," Tracie said sincerely as they finished setting the table.

"For vat?"

"For not pre-judging me," Tracie replied with a smile. Fleur linked her arm through the other woman's as she led her back to the kitchen.

"Just stay near me. Ve are both outsiders here, no? So ve should be friends."

Dinner was a loud affair; Draco was surprised at how easily his mother fit in with the large Weasley group. She was seated by Molly and kept a constant chatter up with both the Weasley elders. Pansy and Theo were seated across from Tracie and him, so he was at least able to enjoy the meal. The children sat at the kitchen table, happily conversing among themselves as they enjoyed their meal in much the same fashion as the adults.

Fleur had seated herself next to Tracie and every so often dragged the other woman into the conversation she was having with Bill and Charlie. Charlie's new girl, Katarina, was conversing easily with Ginny and Hermione about potions. Every so often Theo chimed in, with his usual easy grace and witty remarks – keeping the women giggling. Harry, typically, was conversing almost solely with Ron about Ron's upcoming match. Draco noted that this drew some scowls from Hermione – it seemed there might be some trouble in paradise.

"Oh really Ronald, when are you going to retire," Ginny interrupted the conversation finally. The rest of the family fell silent at this, and Draco shifted uncomfortably, feeling the fight brewing. Ron looked up in surprise, his fork halfway to his mouth.

"You're getting a little old to keep playing," Angelina chimed in.

"And you have a family now," Fleur offered succinctly. The women were all now glaring at Ron. Except for Hermione who was taking a long drink from her glass of water.

"I've been telling him all this for ages," Molly huffed. Arthur frowned, taking a bite of his potatoes.

"I don't think this is the time," Arthur interrupted before Molly could launch into her tirade. Molly looked at him with a scowl and finally nodded, glancing at Narcissa and the rest of their guests.

"Fine," she replied with another huff and took a sip of her wine.

"I do have an announcement," Hermione said softly. "I'm pregnant."

The women all clamored to congratulate her at this, except Draco noted, Ginny, and the men gathered around Ron to slap him on the back.

"I think this calls for a round of firewhiskey," Charlie boomed pushing back from the table. The meal forgotten, and mostly eaten at that point anyway, the men retreated to the living room with tumblers. Draco secured the bottle he had brought and found that most of the men were pulling flasks from their pockets.

"You failed to mention I wasn't supposed to present this to Molly," Draco hissed to George as he uncorked the bottle and gestured for everyone to put their flasks back. He poured out glasses for everyone as George laughed.

"Welcome to the family," he replied in a hushed tone. They all raised their glasses and threw them back easily.