A/N: Thank you to all that are following, reading this story and thank you to the following readers who have reviewed this story so far.
Yami-Taichi, DarkAthene, geetac, Kigen Dawn, Queen of Faerie and RapunzelinTheSnow.
THIS CHAPTER IS STILL WITH MY LOVELY BETA FOR CHECKING, BUT I HAVE UPLOADED THE UNCHECKED VERSION FOR NOW.
Last but not least I am very sorry that I am taking ages to update. I am aware that my updates are too far apart, but I am now six months pregnant and have lots of pesky chores etc getting in the way of my writing and updating. I will try my best to update sooner, but I am afraid it won't be as quick as I used to update. Especially when the new baby arrives.
Enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 3
Harry woke the next morning with a hangover, a gut wrenching sadness about R.D and telling the kids, and not to mention the confusion and annoyance over his and Draco's almost kiss. Annoyance because they were interrupted.
He dragged himself out of bed, showered and got dressed. He knew the kids would be home soon and he had to be alert and ready to give the bad news. He drank a hangover potion and forced himself to eat breakfast.
The kids came barrelling in about 9am and Harry was glad his headache had now completely gone. He eventually managed to get them to sit around the table and give him their attention – not their full attention as they were kids after all.
Harry gently and calmly explained that R.D had been involved in an accident. That he is currently recovering at the vets after his operation and should be home soon. Lily had started crying and James in a rare show of affection hugged her.
"I saw R.D myself he is fine, may take some time for him to be back to his previous self but he's a fighter. Please try not to get too upset." Harry reassured them.
Moments later Harry was answering the door to Draco and Scorpius.
"Scorpius heard about R.D and wanted to come over to give his sympathies." Draco explained.
Harry smiled at him, pleased to see him. Harry could admit that he liked Draco, as now looking at him with no alcohol in his system and the memories of last night. Not just the almost kiss, but how Draco supported him upon hearing about R.D conformed to Harry that he wanted Draco.
Al came up behind Harry, "Scorpius!" he called and Scorpius stepped around Harry.
"Sorry about R.D. I hope he has a fast recovery." Scorpius politely announced.
Al grinned, "Cheers. Do you want to help me gather all of R.D's toys and bed so we can make it nice for his return?"
"Okay." Scorpius followed Al into the living room leaving Harry and Draco alone.
Harry was embarrassed about his behaviour yesterday getting overemotional about R.D, not coping well in an emergency and then get slightly drunk and rambling about Draco's symmetrical pointy face. So he felt awkward, but none of his awkwardness was because of what almost happened. He had been thinking about the almost kiss this morning and he had come to the conclusion that the only thing he regretted about it, was the fact it never happened.
Harry was aware that they had been standing in silence for probably too long, he didn't want Draco to think he wished last night didn't happen.
"Did you manage to get a word in with your mother last night?" Harry asked as he led Draco through to the kitchen to make them a drink.
"No. She was on a mission to talk until my ears bled I think. She eventually ended the call, but it was very late. You would think she'd save all the chit-chat for our lunch today." Draco complained light heartedly.
"Sorry I left without saying goodbye, I could see you were going to be a while, so I left a note. Did you get it?" He queried, he hoped Draco didn't think he just upped and walked out.
Draco smiled reassuringly, "Yes I did. I must confess I think I drank too much too quickly also, you weren't the only one feeling a bit intoxicated."
Harry poured Draco a coffee and handed it to him, "The kids were understandability upset when I told them about R.D, but they are coping well enough."
Harry and Draco started up an easy conversation, with no tension. Although neither of them mentioned the almost kiss, but there was this weird new electricity between them. Harry felt uncomfortable, but not in a bad way. More like before he just came naturally, now he knew that Draco may want what he wants, things had changed. This causing Harry to become hyper aware of everything. From Draco's actions and reactions, to what he himself said and did around Draco, and even down to silly things like how he stood or what he wore.
Before he would just slouch against the kitchen counter, now he wanted to look his best, meaning he wanted to stand straighter show his body at a better advantage point. He knew he was being ridiculous and over analysing everything but he couldn't help it, or stop doing it.
Harry's heart was thumping and he felt hot, all because Draco was stood a few feet away talking casually with him and sending him that smile Harry had become addicted to.
Harry must have zoned out because Draco's face was suddenly closer, sporting a slight frown, concerned eyes looking at Harry.
"Harry. Are you sure you are okay? Did you sleep at all?" Draco sounded worried.
Now that Harry had acknowledged that he had a crush on Draco he just couldn't function like a grown up. Draco was standing so close, Harry could sense his presence, he tried to answer Draco but he couldn't get anything out right.
Eventually he managed, "I'm fine, maybe a little tired." Stuttering like an idiot. Harry was mortified, he'd been using words and forming complete sentences for years, but suddenly he was incapable. Repeating things, stumbling over and slurring his words – am I having a stroke? He thought.
Draco's eyes searched Harry's face for a moment, then he gave Harry a half smile – one side of his mouth quirking upwards.
"Right, if you say so." He stepped back and called for Scorpius.
Scorpius and Al hurried in, and Scorpius looked at Draco and Draco knew he wanted something. He had that 'please father' face – all innocent and angelic, Draco wasn't buying it.
"Father?" His voice the perfect pitch, with equal amounts of pleading and confidence.
"Yes Scorpius..." Draco prompted.
"Can Al come with us for lunch? I get so bored at Grandfathers and Grandmothers house. Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease." He begged.
Draco was conflicted, he suspected Harry probably wouldn't want any of his children in the same room as Lucius Malfoy ever. However Scorpius and Al were irrepressible and both Potter's and Malfoy's of all generations have to get used to it sooner or later. The boys would likely be friends for years.
Scorpius added, "I will practice extra hard for my violin exam. I promise." He bartered.
Draco rolled his eyes, "It isn't just my decision to make. Harry may have plans, and your grandparents may not appreciate having an extra guest at short notice." He reasoned.
Harry shrugged, "Al can go if it's okay with you and your parents of course."
Draco stared at Harry, blinked and stared some more. Harry chuckled, "I'm sure you will rescue Al if your father decides to feed him to a tank full of piranhas or something." He joked.
Draco smiled, "I would. In fact father has loosened up a bit in his old age, I'm sure he would be entertained by Al. Besides mother is the one in control and she is much nicer than father."
Harry laughed, "You don't want to know the mental images I am having about how your mother keeps Lucius in check. Probably not appropriate talk in front of the kids." He grinned when Draco grimaced.
"Thanks for that." He sarcastically replied.
"No problem, any time." He retorted.
Draco sighed, "Can I use your floo? I'll call mother and check if they are happy to receive an extra guest."
Harry nodded that he could and watched Draco leave.
"Thanks dad. I think Mr Malfoy was going to say no then, but when you agreed he was backed into a corner." Al excitedly said.
Harry was sure Al wouldn't be so excited if he realised where he was begging to go. Malfoy Manor was creepy and museum like. Al would feel uncomfortable because he would be worried about damaging or breaking something.
Draco returned and confirmed that his parents, or his mother had agreed saying she'd be delighted to meet one of Scorpius' friends. Draco knew his mother meant this, as they were all aware that Scorpius was being bullied at his last school and had no friends. His mother didn't care that Scorpius new best friend was a Potter, she was just happy that Scorpius had a friend and that Scorpius was finally settled.
Scorpius high fived Al, "Yes! I can show you this cool room..." He stopped mid sentence glanced at his dad, and then turned back to Al finishing with, "Um...I'll tell you later."
Draco arched an eyebrow, he didn't want to know. Merlin knew what Scorpius had discovered in his wondering around the manor. Any dangerous and dark artefacts had been removed by the Ministry and the ones that they missed his father had locked away, so Draco wasn't too concerned.
Al grinned, a mischievous glint in his eye, "Okay. Shall I go get changed, I think I should try and make a good impression." It wasn't really said as a question and he left to change without waiting for an answer.
Al returned in a simple pair of black trousers and a dark green shirt, unbuttoned at the top but tucked in.
"I tried to tame my hair but I think I made it worse." He apologised.
Scorpius chuckled, "It's gone all fluffy and staticy – if that's even a word."
Draco smiled, "I'm sure it will return to it's previous state in a few minutes. Besides you need to give my father something to moan about, and your hair is the perfect excuse."
Al nodded, "Uncle George tried to invent a range of haircare products, but nothing worked. But then again knowing uncle George it wasn't meant to tame hair but make it untameable or something."
Harry nodded, "Well what would you have preferred, your mother's manageable red hair, or my untameable hair but black like you got?" Harry asked.
Al thought for a moment and wrinkled his nose, "I prefer black hair thanks. Besides I like that my hair is unpredictable, it's...quirky." He finished proudly.
Harry patted his shoulder, "You could always shave it off."
Scorpius frowned, "No don't do that. That would be horrendous and I don't want to look like I am hanging around with someone who has been in juvenile detention or something."
Harry cracked up laughing and Draco joined in.
Watching Draco as he laughed openly, smiling at his son made Harry realise that he was most definitely getting attached to him, his feelings for him were strong.
Draco met Harry's eye and they shared a brief moment before Scorpius reminded Draco of the time and then Draco and the boys left for the manor.
Harry was alone in the kitchen, with his thoughts for company and he was comforted by the fact that he was starting to like Draco in a romantic sense. He wasn't at all worried, freaked out or even scared of what was to come. It felt right, he felt confident and happy about their future. He didn't bother worrying over what everyone else would say, that was their problem not his.
Harry just knew that Draco was exactly right for him. Not because he was perfect, or because he himself was – far from it, but because their combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed them to hinge together. They just fitted well together.
Lily wanted to go to her grandmas to help make a special cake for R.D, one that was okay for dogs to consume, Harry dropped her off and took James to visit R.D at the veterinary centre.
James was doing his best to hold it together and Harry smiled fondly at him. He was already trying to be tough. Whereas Al was in touch with his feeling and had no qualms about crying, or telling people how he felt.
The vet told Harry that R.D would be staying in for another night, but he could come collect him to take home tomorrow. Harry thanked the vet, spent some more time with R.D and then they headed home.
Draco and the boys returned some time late, and the boys ran off to Al's room. Draco filled Harry in on their day, explaining that Al had made quite the impression on his parents. According to Draco his mother had even said that it was impossible not to like the boy. He a delightful child, and should wouldn't have a bad thing to say about the boy who has made her grandson so happy.
Harry was surprised, "Wow they've really mellowed."
Draco chuckled at Harry's way with words, "Yes. Since the end of the war and their trials they realised life was too short to be bitter and angry all the time. In fact they are more like normal parents now, and are the perfect grandparents. As another year passes they become even more laid back and less uptight."
Harry grinned, "That's good to hear. I'm sure Scorpius has a much better relationship with them like that."
Draco agreed, pleased that something decent had come from them being on the wrong side of the war. It made his parents wake up and change their attitude and behaviour, if they didn't they would have lost Draco and Scorpius.
"In fact Al is quite the charmer. He complimented my mother on her superb garden, and variety of flowers. He also had a delightful conversation with my father about wizards chess, and proceeded to compliment him on his outstanding taste in chess sets." Draco informed Harry.
Harry blinked and then shrugged, "Maybe he's been watching too much TV, he hasn't picked that up from me. Although he is good at spotting the best of the best when it comes to chess, as Ron is a collector and has some excellent sets. Oh and Neville may have taught him a thing or two about gardening. Surprising how much they take in. I always though Al was bored senseless."
Harry didn't want Draco to go home, and he knew Al would be happy if Scorpius stayed a bit longer. So he suggested that they all go out somewhere and then stay out for dinner. They rounded the children up and headed for a nearby zoo, they toured the zoo. Fed the animals and then stopped off for dinner. They had a great evening and Harry was very relaxed, seeing as it was a muggle zoo meaning he wasn't hounded by the press or well wishers.
Scorpius ended up sleeping over, and Draco stayed over late claiming he didn't want to return to his house seeing as it would be empty. Harry didn't want to risk making a move on Draco with all the kids home. But he made sure to smile loads, even flirting.
They remaining school holidays went by too quickly and Harry was now walking his three children to the school around the corner from his house. He had arranged to meet Draco so Scorpius had a friendly face on his first day at his new school.
He was surprised to see Astoria and Narcissa with Draco. Scorpius was attempting to get his grandmother to stop fussing over his hair, and his mother to stop trying to hold his hand. Draco smiled at Harry.
"Sorry they insisted on seeing Scorpius off on his first day at the new school." Draco apologised.
Harry confirmed it wasn't a problem, and fell in step with Draco. James was walking ahead, already scuffing his new school shoes on the ground. Al was trying to squeeze himself between Astoria and Scorpius so he could walk with him. Lily was holding Harry's hand, she was still young and hadn't been at school long.
"James pick your feet up. If you ruin those shoes I will make you walk to school in your socks." Harry warned.
James huffed and then started to lift his feet and stamp dramatically, making sure he didn't scuff his shoes.
Harry rolled his eyes, "James ruins his shoes and school uniform faster than Hermione used to ruin Fred and Georges fun."
Al had managed to squeeze in next to Scorpius and was talking a mile a minute about the school, the schedule and what they usually severe for lunch.
Eventually the four children and four adults arrived and saw the kids inside. They got a few looks, but Harry ignored them. They walked back towards their homes and Draco invited Harry inside for some tea.
"You must come in Harry dear." Narcissa added.
Harry wondered if she was being sarcastic, but maybe she had really just mellowed and was now more like her sister – the good sister.
"Um I can't stay long as I start work soon, but I'm sure I could manage one cup of tea." He politely answered.
It was strange being sat at Draco's kitchen table, with Draco, his mother and his ex wife, but Harry actually found the conversation interesting and the company pleasant. He was pleased that Astoria seemed to be civil and nice with Draco and his mother considering the divorce.
Eventually Harry excused himself as he really needed to get to work, his first day back after the school holidays. Just before he reached the front door his name was called by a soft female voice, turning around he saw Astoria.
Harry looked at her expectantly, "Mr Potter you dropped this." She handed him a folded piece of paper.
Glancing at it he noticed it was a shopping list and clearly not in his handwriting, Astoria must of known it wasn't his as the list was clearly in Draco's handwriting and she would recognise it. He assumed she just used that as an excuse to stop him and talk to him one-on-one.
"Not mine. I have no idea what goji berries are and I don't use moisturiser." He remarked, fighting the smile, clearly this was Draco's list.
"My mistake." She took the list back and added, "Are you going to ask Draco out? Because you're better off doing it sooner rather than later." She got straight to the point.
Harry stared at her, "Excuse me."
"Oh don't worry I don't mind. I have accepted the fact that Draco and I were never meant to be. He is much happier now he is free to be who he has been all along. It is painfully obvious that the two of you have eyes for one another, and my stubborn ex-husband isn't going to make the first move." She kindly remarked.
Harry thought back to their almost kiss but didn't point out that Draco was making the first move in that instance. Astoria was referring to dates and couple things, not kisses and random one off hot, very hot sex.
"I...maybe I will. I'm running late for work. I'll think on it. Bye Mrs Malfoy." He said.
She corrected him, "Ms Greengrass, we are divorced and I am using my maiden name again. Besides it's Astoria, no need for silly formality." She smiled and turned back and walked into the kitchen.
Draco came in search of Astoria and found Harry looking puzzled at his front door, "Harry, really are you that useless in the mornings. This is a door. See this here, this is a handle, use that to open the door and exit." He sarcastically said.
Harry rolled his eyes, "Sorry I was contemplating what the hell a goji berry is. Have a good day Draco, see you later." With that he left smirking, leaving a confused Draco to stare after him.
Harry knew his first day back at work would be hectic, it always was. Trying to adjust to being back in the office having worked from home for weeks. He usually asked Molly or some other friend or relative to collect the children from school, as the school finished around 3pm and he usually finished work between 5-6pm. Draco had offered to collect the Potter kids, claiming he was going there anyway to get Scorpius and they lived next door so it wasn't technically a favour.
Casting a spell to check the time Harry was surprised it was 6:30pm. "Shit." Last time he checked it was just after 4pm.
He put his quill down and left the office, noticing he was the only person left in the office. He rushed to Draco's and headed in without knocking, as Draco had instructed him to do this morning.
He followed the sound of talking and walked in the kitchen to see Draco, Scorpius and all his children sitting down eating dinner, talking calmly and smiling.
Draco looked up and smiled warmly at him, "You have bird faeces on your shoulder. Meant to be lucky that."
Harry frowned and turned his head to see a big dollop of poo on his left shoulder. "Yuck, I was too busy rushing I didn't even notice that."
Al and Scorpius were giggling, and Al sang, "Dad has poo on his shoulder, dad has poo on his shoulder." Scorpius sniggered.
Harry used his wand to rid himself of shite and removed the robes, "Sorry I lost track of time. Thanks for getting them from school and fixing them dinner." He sat down next to James and took the offered plate of food from Draco.
"No problem." He replied before returning to his own dinner.
Harry asked about the children's first day, and even included Scorpius. Who replied he had a wonderful day, with a nice teacher and the fact he was in Al's class was the best part.
James looked at his mashed potato, "Um dad I need new trainers for P.E."
Harry frowned, "You have new trainers, what happened to those ones?"
James stabbed his food, "Nothing. I lost them."
Harry pierced him with a look, "James..." He firmly said.
"I did lose them, in a bet. So I was telling the truth I need new ones." He admitted looking up at his dad.
Harry groaned, "Why are you even betting in the first place? And why would you bet your new expensive trainers." Harry complained.
James looked stubborn, "I didn't think I was going to lose did I! I was sure I was going to win...stupid Zabini is a smart ass."
Harry felt like pulling at his hair, but he didn't, "I told you last term to leave Zara alone, when you two are together something bad always happens. Why would she even want boys trainers? And do I even want to know what the bet was?"
James grinned, "Best not ask about the bet, anyway Miss Lewis is sending a letter home to tell you all about it. Zara said she didn't want the trainers, just knew that I liked them, so that was reason enough to take them. She's awful dad."
Harry suspected Zara and James would spend the rest of their school years arguing, daring each other and winding the other up, until they reached teenage years and exploded in a fit of hormones and kissed. Harry felt for James' long time suffering teacher Miss Lewis.
"Is there any point in me saying to stay away from her. You can have new trainers, but you will be doing chores around the house to pay for them." He informed James, he needed to know he can't just expect to have expensive new trainers without any consequences.
James grumbled, "Okay dad."
Draco was grinning, "Is that Zara Zabini, Blaise's daughter?" He asked, even though he knew, he occasionally spoke to Blaise between their busy schedules.
Harry nodded, "Yep. From the first day of school James and Zara were drawn to each other like magnets and have made my blood pressure double."
Draco had a knowing look in his eyes, "Yes Blaise has told me all about her mischievous ways. I'm sure as they get older it will only get worse." Harry could tell Draco was referring to his earlier thoughts, when James starts crushing on her when he's old enough to notice she is a girl.
"Indeed." Harry turned to Lily, "Hope you had a trouble free day." He could rely on Lily she was an angel, or clever enough not to get caught anyhow.
She beamed, "I did. Although Penelope was mean to me." She frowned, she was liked by everyone, but Penelope Parkinson just had it out for her simply because of her surname.
Harry comforted her and Al spoke up, "No worries Lil I put her in her place. We were in the lunch queue and I pretended she had farted and told everyone. She was really embarrassed and everyone laughed at her."
Harry smiled and choked back his laughter, it was very nice of Al to help his sister, and Penelope probably deserved to be knocked down a peg or two. But she was still a little girl and Al had lied.
Harry tried to explain it to Al without sounding angry, or amused – which he was.
Al shrugged, "I won't do it again."
Harry didn't believe that for a second, but thanked the heavens that his children were still young. He could only imagine the trouble they would get into at Hogwarts. When no doubt Penelope Parkinson would have grown into a horrid girl, and James would be causing more trouble then Harry even dared think about.
Scorpius pipped up, "Mother said ladies don't pass wind."
Everyone at the table laughed, including Draco.
"What? She did." Scorpius called.
"We're not laughing at you son. Your mother was talking rubbish is all." Draco reassured, he could remember Astoria passing wind on more than one occasion.
James backed Scorpius up, "I think she meant it is good manners not to let rip in the presence of others. I real lady would excuse herself to the bathroom and let it all out. Whereas a common person would just do it no matter where they were, or who they were with. I've never heard Aunt Hermione fart, but mum used to fart all the time."
Harry groaned, "This isn't really dinner table talk. Let's talk about..." Harry tried.
Lily cut him off, "Mum only farted when at home with us, she felt comfortable doing it in the privacy of her own home. Besides I don't think dad and mum divorced because she wasn't ladylike. I think her actually being a lady was the problem."
Harry put his head in his hands, his children always had the most bizarre conversations over dinner. He didn't mind when it was just them, but he was sure Draco and Scorpius' dinner talk was much more dignified.
When Harry looked back up Draco was smiling at him, his eyes bright, "Who wants desert?"
That distracted the kids and they all made their requests. Harry finished his dinner in silence, pleased that Draco had distracted them. He had conjured an ice cream bar, the children were currently adding an assortment of unhealthy toppings to a mountain of ice cream in their bowls.
Draco joined Harry at the table, "Are you taking time off tomorrow to collect R.D?"
Harry gaped at him, he had forgotten all about that.
"Fuck...um I can call the vets in the morning and maybe arrange to get him on my lunch break." He compromised.
Draco nodded, "But then what?" He knew Harry would return to work and he didn't like the thought of R.D being alone. He was rather attached to the slobbering mess.
"Erm then R.D is home and I go to work." Harry answered confused.
Draco paused but then just said what he was thinking, "You can drop R.D off at mine. I work from home, I can make sure he has his afternoon medicine, gets an afternoon walk. And if he's up to it I can walk him to the school when I collect the kids tomorrow, I'm sure they would appreciate seeing him."
Harry smiled, Draco had clearly fallen for R.D, this only made Harry like Draco even more.
"If it is no trouble, then thank you, that would be lovely." He confirmed, grinning at him.
"Don't look at me like that. I'm doing it for the sake of the children, has nothing to do with my liking the big lump."
Harry raised his eyebrows, "Sure if you say so."
"I do. Come get ice cream before James eats it all. Al bet him he couldn't eat six bowls." Draco chuckled.
Harry sighed, he had no idea where James got his obsession with betting, or completing dares – even obviously stupid dares. He was so competitive. Al always took advantage of James' obsession, Al probably knew James would make himself ill eating all that ice cream. Al was displaying Slytherin traits and Harry wouldn't take a bet about where Al would be sorted, as he knew it would be Slytherin. James just screamed Gryffindor and Lily – well she was too young to tell and could go in any house.
Harry reluctantly herded his children home after dessert. They needed to do homework, wash and get ready for bed. They had stayed long enough and he was sure Draco wanted his peaceful house back. What with him being used to just him and Scorpius.
Harry had agreed to a new routine, he would take all the kids, Scorpius included to school, and Draco would collect them. So Harry was happy to see Scorpius waiting for him on his doorstep the next day, "Bye father." He called as he ran to meet Al.
Draco greeted the Potter's, called goodbye to his son and watched the group walk away. Spending far too long watching Harry's bum.
Draco had a few hours before lunch and R.D's arrival, he still hadn't done his shopping. He located his shopping list and frowned, at the bottom was a note that read:
Draco Darling,
Stop thinking and just do. Actions speak louder than words, Harry Potter will not be single forever.
Your meddling, yet caring ex-wife.
X x X
Draco smiled, he was glad that Astoria and he were remaining good friends. She really was a great person, they were far better as friends.
After shopping and doing some paper work Draco made lunch. He knew Harry would rush to the vets, get R.D, drop him off and then return to work without eating.
Harry and R.D arrived and R.D seemed much better. He had a few bald patched, where the vets had to shave his fur for better access during their operation. He looked happy to see Draco and proceeded to coat his trousers in fur as he leaned against his legs.
"Like I said, great lump of fur." Draco grumbled.
"You love him really." Harry teased.
"I am pleased that he is on the mend." He reluctantly admitted.
Draco explained he made them lunch and they enjoyed some time together.
"I'll try not to be too late tonight. Sorry you had to deal with three extra kids and four extra meals for dinner." Harry felt guilty.
"Like I said no problem, I'm happy to feed them. In fact they behave better once fed and watered." He joked.
Harry watched Draco and decided to just blurt it, however they both called one another at the same time.
"Harry..."
"Draco..."
"No you go first."
"No, after you."
"I, never mind." The moment was lost, "I better get back to work. Thanks for watching R.D. the kids will be happy to see him after school. See you later." Harry hurried out after that.
All afternoon Harry was distracted, he had chickened out. He was about to ask Draco out on a date, and he had chickened out like a whimp.
"Knut for your thoughts." A voice he wasn't expecting to hear asked.
Harry looked up into the face of his ex wife.
"Ginny." He called, standing and hugging her.
"Surprised to see you." He added when he stepped back.
"I did send an owl, but I suspect I was quicker than the old thing. Last min change of training schedule. One of our players is badly injured and training has been put on hold until they have recovered enough to re-join the training sessions. So I have a few days off." She explained.
Harry smiled, "Brilliant, I mean not for the injured player but bonus for you. The kids will be pleased to see you."
She grinned, "I know. Lily has been so upset over R.D, I think she needs a mummy hug."
Harry checked the time, "Well it's just after 5pm, think I can call it a day. Let's go get the kids."
"Are they with mum?" Ginny innocently asked.
Harry stopped in his sorting of his paperwork, "Not quite. They are with a neighbour. He collects them from school as his son goes there, and watches them until I get home."
"Oh so Malfoy has them." She conformed, laughing at Harry's face.
"Harry please, I know about Malfoy. Al's letters are full of Scorpius this, and Draco that. Not to mention our delightful family informed me. I have heard nothing but good things about him, I'll give him a chance. Anyway Angelina said he's sexy as hell, so even if he annoys me I'll have something pretty to look at." She teased.
Harry shook his head, "I dare you to call him pretty – go on."
They reached Harry's street and he started to feel a bit nervous. Although he himself had met Astoria and found he got on well with Draco's ex-wife. He couldn't expect the same, Ginny and Draco had history – a bad history.
Harry walked in without knocking, and Ginny followed.
"Mr Malfoy?" Harry could hear Al call down the stairs.
"Yes Al." Draco called back.
"I found R.D. He um...he's asleep on your bed." Al rushed out.
Scorpius added gravely, "He also chewed your Gommio shoes."
They heard Draco swear, and Al ask, "What are Gommio's?"
"Custom handmade shoes, they cost like a gazillion pounds or something. Father loves them – think R.D is in trouble." Scorpius explained.
The two boys ran down the stairs and Scorpius stopped upon seeing Ginny.
"Hello." Ginny greeted, smiling at Scorpius and Al.
"Mummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm." Al sang, running and hugging her tightly.
James and Lily ran out into the hall when they heard Al. Joining in the family hug.
Scorpius moved to stand next to Harry and Harry smiled at him.
Ginny explained why she was here and chatted to her children about how they'd grown and what had happened since they last wrote to one another.
Draco came down with the remains of a mangled shoe and a stony expression. He hadn't noticed Ginny as she had bent down to be on eye level with Lily, so lily could tell her something.
"That bloody dog...just ate about £4000 worth of shoe Potter!" He moaned.
"How much! Christ Draco...that's a car." Harry shockingly cried.
"Yes well they were worth every penny. You will be paying me back of course." He coolly said.
Harry blinked, "Sod off. Lock your bedroom door next time, keep your fancy shoes somewhere safe, and make sure the dog is downstairs." Harry answered.
"I was stopping your idiot son from putting peas up his nose, because Al said he wouldn't dare do it." Draco said outraged.
James grinned, "Draco said if I even dared put one pea up my nose, he would..."
"Right, so dinners ready." Draco hastily cut James off.
Harry hadn't noticed that Ginny was smiling at the pair of them, smiling as they bantered.
Ginny coughed and stood, "Where the hell did you come from!" Draco was startled by her sudden appearance.
"Nice to see you too Malfoy. So dinner you say. Smells nice what are we having?" She called as she walked towards the smell of the food.
Draco was dumbfounded, he gaped at Harry.
"Please can mummy stay?" Lily asked and Draco nodded.
Ginny was polite to Draco, if anything she teased him and kept giving Harry knowing looks. After dinner Ginny offered to take the kids to Harry's and make sure they do homework and get ready for bed.
She turned to Harry, "You stay here and help Draco with the dishes. I'm sure you have many chores to do to pay for those pompous shoes R.D ruined." With that she winked at Draco and strolled out with the kids in tow.
Ginny popped her head back through the door, "Oh forgot to say Scorpius is coming over too, Al and he have a joint homework project to work on." Then she was gone again.
Draco had no idea what had just happened, but he suspected the Weaselette was actually helping clear the house of kids so Draco and Harry were alone. She didn't seem to mind Draco's company and seemed to know that they liked each other.
Harry started clearing the table of plates, "So £4000 for one pair of shoes huh?"
Draco sighed, "Yes Potter, I couldn't expect you to understand."
Harry chuckled, "I may not like it for my own personal tastes, but I can appreciate it on someone else." He liked the way Draco dressed, even if that meant he was paying through the nose to look that good.
"Where's R.D now?" Harry checked.
"Still on my bed. I couldn't get the lump off. My sheets are covered in hair and slobber." He grumbled, collecting the glasses and sending them over to the sink.
"Oh dear. Well add the sheets to the bill and I'll cover for the damage." Harry tried to appease him.
"It's fine really. I've learned my lesson, I will put a shield over the stairs so R.D cannot access upstairs and I will get him a dog bed for downstairs." Draco reasoned.
Harry smiled, "So you're willing to have R.D again."
"Yes. That poor dog shouldn't be expected to left alone when the kids are at school and you're at work. I'll have him, walk him and keep an eye on him until you return."
Harry put the stack of plates down that he was holding, walked up to Draco and kissed him quickly and squarely on the lips.
"Thank you." Harry said. Draco really cared, for Harry, his kids and even Harry's naughty dog.
- TBC -