Chapter Text
Chapter 12: Several Months Later…
“Mail’s here!” Ginny announced cheerfully, popping the pile of letters down on the kitchen table. They were empty nesters now that Lily had started her first year at Hogwarts, and they had just gotten back from a trip to the countryside in the first weekend of November, a trip filled with laughter, Quidditch, and plenty of alone time.
Harry shifted through the letters curiously. There was one from Lily, which he and Ginny read together. It talked about her new experiences at Hogwarts– how much she loved her classes and the many friends she made. There was one from Professor McGonagall, James was in detention again… And then there was one from Malfoy.
Harry opened it, setting the envelope aside. He and Draco hadn’t spoken much since the school year had started. They’d exchanged a few letters to coordinate summer plans between the boys, but other than that there had been nothing. Now, when he unfolded the parchment, he found the following message inside:
Potter,
Scorpius is insisting that he and Albus spend the holiday break together again. Apparently, it was ‘so much fun that the memories of it got them through finals’. Is Albus feeling the same?
If so, I suggest we start planning now. When will Albus and Scorpius be at who’s house? Furthermore, Astoria would like us we would like to host you to a Christmas Party at Malfoy Manor this year, not on actual December 24th to 25th, as we know you have plans, but sometime earlier in the season. Scorpius told me to tell you that There will be games and hot cocoa and other festive things.
If agreeable, please send your reply.
Best,
Draco Malfoy
“What do you think?” Harry asked, looking at Ginny after he had finished reading the note aloud.
Ginny grinned and shrugged. “As long as it doesn’t interfere with the Weasley Christmas, I’d love to. I’ve always wanted to see what a manor is like, and Astoria and I have been sending each other letters throughout the year. It would be good to catch up.”
Harry nodded. He still wasn’t sure how he felt about this. The trauma that he, Ron, and Hermione had endured at Malfoy Manor during his seventh year was something he wouldn’t soon forget. But it was a different place now, and Malfoy was a different person. If nothing else, the person his son was had proven that.
He dipped his quill into the inkwell and scribbled his reply.
Malfoy,
Great idea. Al will love it! He’s been talking about visiting your family since last Christmas. Scorpius is welcome here at any point in the season, of course.
As far as the party, we’ll go, provided there’s Quidditch.
Best,
Harry Potter
The following week, a reply came.
Potter,
Good to hear. There will be Quidditch, and you will lose.
Best,
Draco Malfoy
Malfoy,
Funny. Well, I suppose there’s a first time for everything.
Best,
Harry Potter
As he drifted off to sleep the night after sending his most recent reply, Harry found himself unexpectedly thankful for Scorpius Malfoy. Not only had the boy been a great friend to Albus, but he had also brought together two former enemies, all through the power of friendship and the Christmas spirit.