Draco Malfoy was home. Finally. He was currently standing in the entryway of Malfoy Manor, a little surprised the wards had let him in. Then again his mother would never bar him from his home. No matter what he did. Draco smiled. The house-elf next to him shifted nervously. She had been a gift from a French witch who said no one so pretty as him should be without their own house-elf, and Draco liked her - the house-elf, not the French witch. She'd grown on him. She was definitely his house-elf. She rarely even listened to anyone else. And he'd taught her to swear. Yes, Draco liked Tindy. Sophie, the French witch, was another story entirely.

"Hello? Mother?"

Draco waited. Nothing. Well, it wasn't as if she knew he was coming home today. This was sort of a surprise.

"MOTHER!"

"You always were an impatient child, Draco," Narcissa said as she walked down the stairs. "You were also terribly vague. Let me say right now how I just loved the many owls filled with many details of where you have been."

When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she narrowed her eyes at him and crossed her arms, showing that she had her wand in her hand.

"What, no hello kiss for Mummy?"

Draco smiled, knowing he would likely not leave the entryway without some sort of hexing. He'd missed her, really missed her. She had this habit of grounding him. Even he could admit he'd been too wild at some of the places he'd stayed, done things she would not have approved of. All in the name of hedonism, in forgetting. It was time to sit at the grown-up table though.

He leaned over and pecked her cheek like a dutiful son, "I didn't think you'd like the details, Mother."

She pushed her wand under his chin and smirked.

"You're right, I probably wouldn't. A little 'Hello, Mother, I'm alive' would have been nice a few times, though. I was almost ready to send Aurors after you through the years."

She put her wand back up her sleeve and motioned to the sitting room.

Draco rubbed his chin as he followed her. Tindy shuffled after him nervously.

"Calm down," Draco hissed at the house-elf.

He waited until his mother was seated before taking and seat himself. He still had manners after all. Tindy curled up on the floor by Draco's feet like she usually did. He could see that finally had his mother's attention. Before now, Draco suspected she had not even noticed Tindy there.

"Picked up a traveling friend, have you? Where on earth did you get a house-elf?"

"This French witch I met gave her to me. Sophie. Helped her out of a bit of a spot. She was very appreciative in the beginning. Tindy's mostly well-mannered, Mother, and she's been with me for the last two years. I won't be rid of her."

Tindy sniffed and huge grateful tears welled up in her eyes.

"Stop that," Draco said.

She immediately stopped sniffling.

"Did I say I wanted you to be rid of her? No, so don't paint me to be a monster, Draco," Narcissa snapped. She leaned back against the chair she was sitting in and looked Draco over from head to toe. "You look well, if a bit underfed. Your skin isn't as pale as it used to be, which is nice. You don't look so sickly now."

Draco scowled. He felt the need to jab back at her sickly comment, but this was his mother and he had not seen her in a very long time.

"I know how particular you can be at times, Mother. I just wanted you to know that Tindy was not up for negotiation. She's mine and mine she stays." Draco leaned back in his own chair, crossing his arms across his chest. There were so many things he wanted to ask, but he did not even know where to begin. "I hope you are... well. I hope things have not been too difficult... in my absence."

Narcissa smiled. "You always were so possessive, too. I see that has not left you." She snapped her fingers and a house-elf appeared at her side. "Tea, please. And bring some of those chocolate biscuits that were made this morning." Her gaze switched from the elf to Draco. "You do still like chocolate, don't you? And baked things altogether?"

Draco smiled. No one knew him like his mother. No one. It was good to be on such familiar ground. "Yes. Thank you."

He still felt a bit awkward. It almost felt wrong to be here without his father here. Not that Draco missed Lucius as he should. The two of them had quite had a falling out over his inability to kill Dumbledore. Still, the man had been his father - no matter what his beliefs.

"Spoken to anyone of note lately, Mother?" Now he was just fishing, trying to see what he had missed while away. News abroad was not as detailed as he would have liked.

She grinned as he shifted in his seat. "What do you take me for, Draco, a gossip? If you want news check the Prophet. I'm afraid nothing important has really happened. I've made some new friends, but that's ladies' talk."

The house elf appeared with the tea and biscuits. Narcissa picked up her tea and took a slow, small drink. "So, did you make me a grandmother while you were away?"

Thank Merlin he wasn't drinking.

"What?" Draco all but shouted. "No. Of course not." Did she think he was an idiot? He could barely take care of himself, let alone another person. No, Draco was careful about that sort of thing.

Draco made a face at her. Oh hell, she didn't want grandbabies, did she? Because he was so not in a place to acquiesce to that request just yet.

Narcissa threw her head back and laughed.

"Oh, if you could see your face, darling. It is nice to have you home, because I have missed being able to startle someone with my humor. You always were far too easy to rile, Draco. I like ruffling feathers, and the closest I've ever been is with Blaise."

Draco bristled. His mother had been hanging about one his best mates? Why did that sound like the worst idea ever? "You've been seeing Blaise?"

She smirked. "You make it sound so scandalous, Draco. Have you already forgotten that his mother is one of my closest friends? She's been in Italy for a year and has asked me to check up on him from time to time. He also makes potions for me whenever I need them. He runs a small business from his manor." She put her tea cup on the tea service and sat back in her chair, folding her hands in her lap. "He's also a successful muggle businessman. He's done quite well for himself."

The unspoken unlike you rang quite loudly in Draco's ears. Draco nodded. He'd been looking forward to seeing Blaise until now. He would need to start doing something besides chasing witches' skirts and drinking like a fish. His problem was that he got bored so easily. That's how he got into trouble half the time.

"Well, you sound quite proud of him," Draco said with a bit of ice to his tone as he took a sip of his tea.

"And you sound like a little child whose favorite toy was just taken away and given to someone else," Narcissa snapped. "Of course I'm proud of him. He's grown into a fine young man, just like you have. For Merlin's sake, you make it sound like I want him as my son and not you!"

He didn't want to fight with her after being back so sort a time, but they had like temperaments. She ruffled about things just as often as he did and with little provoking on the part of the other.

"I'm sure it could be arranged," Draco snapped, feeling indeed like a child who'd had his favorite toy taken from him. "Since he's such an upstanding wizard, and I'm a bad son who doesn't write enough."

"Stop acting like a caged kneazle, Draco," she said, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're like your father--you even hint at something that is nowhere near the truth and his defenses would rise quicker than you could say 'potions'."

She sighed and looked at Draco, who was slouched in his chair with his arms crossed. "And stop pouting. You're a grown man."

But he FELT like pouting. It was one of the things he did best. He was jealous of his mother's relationship with his best mate. How fucked up was that? He couldn't help it though. He'd never been very good at sharing.

She was wrong though. He wasn't like his father. He'd never quite been able to measure up, but a part of him was glad about that. There were things his father had done that Draco couldn't even stomach thinking about. "I'm not like him."

Narcissa leaned back in her chair and stared at him a few moments.

"No, I suppose you're not. And I'm glad you aren't like him." He looked at her in surprise. "I never got to tell you this before you ran off, but I'm very proud of you Draco. I'm so glad you're home."

He could not move for a moment. You could have knocked him back with a feather just now. Draco was glad he was sitting down. She was ... WHAT? For the first time since arriving, he was honestly glad he was home as well. Things would be all right. They would. She wasn't angry about what he had done. Draco didn't realize until now how worried he'd been about that. How could she possibly be proud of him though? There was nothing to him. Not yet. He had no substance at all.

But he could.

Why had he always wanted his father's approval when his mother's seemed so much easier to achieve and more satisfying? Unless she was just saying all of this to placate him. Which was quite possible. His mother did not like whining, pouting, or self pity.

"I am glad to be home as well, Mother," he said smoothly, watching her closely.

"Ah, so you can speak. You were doing the most wonderful impression of a fish. Where did you pick that particular talent up?" she asked casually, as she banished the tea service. The plate of biscuits was left behind.

"Brazil," Draco quipped just as conversationally before picking up a biscuit and taking a bite. "Who's been managing the estate affairs, Mother?"

"Goodness, you have been all over, haven't you?" Narcissa smiled. "And don't you worry about estate affairs. They are being well taken of."

"I have been many places in seen many things, yes," Draco replied vaguely. Like he'd said before, he did not suspect she would like the details. "Taken care of by whom, Mother?" Because believe it or not, I actually have a head for business, he almost added. Italian businessmen liked to talk and Draco paid attention. He knew more than he let on at times. He could probably make a decent go and taking care of the estate and his mother if needed.

"It's a joint effort, darling." She looked at him and sighed. "Oh honestly, if I tell you, you'll just pout again."

Draco raised a brow. He'd always been good at puzzles. He quickly went over their previous conversation in his head. Blaise. Blaise was managing the Malfoy Estate. Well wasn't that just fan-bloody-tastic. He sat back in his chair. Why had he ever thought he might need to come home? He wasn't needed here. His best mate had everything well in hand. Draco let out a little huff of air and shook his head. He was having a dumb smart person day. Here he thought his help might be wanted, even needed. He should have known better.

"Oh, I knew it," she said after a moment. "I knew you'd pout. It's not like he has control over everything here! I told you he worked in muggle business. He's doing investing with some of the Malfoy money, mostly your father's private share that was released to me after the war. Everything else, everything here at the Manor I do myself with the help of some security advisers. It's not like he controls every knut and is making me his slave!"

Narcissa folded her arms across her chest and glared at Draco.

"Have you even been in contact with Blaise? Does he even know you're alive? I let him read the letters you sent me mostly because he had no idea what had happened to you!"

Draco looked away, arms folded. He hated when she had a point. "I didn't know what to say."

Then he rolled his eyes. He sounded feeble and like he was making excuses. Which he was. It was just that nothing seemed to be what he thought it was going to be. Draco didn't know what he had expected, but it wasn't this. He was uncertain of himself and how he fit here now. He didn't like the feeling.

"Go and talk to him. You'll find that you feel better after you do. You two were close as brothers; I know he must miss you."

Draco frowned, that crazy possessive and jealous part of him talking the loudest currently. What if he didn't miss him? What if Blaise didn't want Draco coming back and messing with whatever was going on between him and Draco's mother? What if there was no place for him here any longer? Perhaps he should have stayed away, but he was so damned tired of never having a permanent address. He was sick of hiding and looking over his shoulder every few seconds.

"Perhaps," he replied, wondering if he could excuse himself to his room without offending her. Provided he still had a room here. He had things to think about and did not want to do it with his mother sitting here looking at him and reading every emotion that crossed his face.

Narcissa pulled the wand from her sleeve and pointed it at Draco.

"Go and talk to him. Now."

He'd like to think his mother wouldn't hex him, but he knew better.

"Fine," Draco snapped. "He still at their Manor?"

"Yes."

Draco snatched a biscuit for the road and stomped to the entryway before apparating to Blaise's place.

The wards alerted Blaise that there was someone in the Manor. It was obviously a friendly person, because the wards had let him in, but he had no idea who it would be. Heading out of his room, he walked to the edge of the second floor and leaned over the banister. His eyes widened.

"Draco? Where the hell did you come from, you ruddy bastard?"

"Malfoy Manor," Draco answered, hands on hips. "Mother threatened to hex me if I did not make haste here to announce my return."

Draco was grinning, but his insides were swirling nervously as Blaise came down the staircase towards him.

Blaise was grinning as well.

"Never before have I been grateful for your mother's tendency to hex people who irritate her, because it's usually me getting the hexing."

He stopped about two feet from Draco.

"Shit, this is almost awkward."

Draco let out a nervous bark of laughter. "It is, isn't it?"

He could be jealous of Blaise all he liked, but that didn't change how he felt about him. And here they were, standing in the same space after so long. Draco didn't care if it was unmanly. He stepped forward and hugged his best friend.

Blaise returned the hug.

"Where the hell have you been? Off having a grand adventure without me?"

"I would hardly call it an adventure. Though I did learn a lot and ended up with a house-elf of my very own." Draco gave his friend a shrewd look. "So... what have you been up to?"

"A house-elf?" Blaise laughed. "Some people bring back little trinkets they got on their trips. You bring back servants."

He motioned to go up the stairs, and both he and Draco began walking to the second floor.

"I haven't been doing much. A little potions work off the side. I'm into muggle commercial industry. Still single, sadly," Blaise said with a mock-sigh.

"Through no fault of your own, I'm sure," Draco said dryly, wondering if he should just come out and ask him about the Malfoy estate thing.

"Of course not," he said with a grin before looking over at Draco. "Alright, what's put your knickers in a twist?"

Dammit! That was the problem with being in a snit and being around people who knew you too well.

"I was just wondering when you were going to tell me what's going on with you and my mother, is all," Draco said, trying to keep the jealousy out of his voice.

"Me and your--" Blaise looked confused a moment, before he started laughing. "Oh God, you thought I slept with your mother!" He had to lean against a nearby wall while he laughed. "Oh, how wonderfully ironic!"

Blaise smirked and laughed a little bit more. "Unlike some people, I don't go around sleeping with my best mate's mums."

Draco sighed, rolling his eyes. "That actually was not what I was talking about. But while we're on the subject, how many times to I have to apologize for that? I was young and stupid."

"Keep apologizing. I still like being able to call you a motherfucker and actually be stating a fact."

Blaise turned to face Draco fully and crossed his arms.

"Other than that, what would you be talking about? I rarely see your mother. The contact we have is mostly owls about paperwork, and that's it."

Draco's eyes narrowed. "Then why is she so damned proud of you? How is it that in a few short years, I have been replaced?"

"Replaced," he said in disbelief. "Is that what you think? That I replaced you as her son?"

"I don't know what I think," Draco snapped as he started pacing. "Things aren't how I thought they'd be, and I don't know what to do about it. I'm barely home, and I feel like I should have stayed away, that it was better when I wasn't here. For everyone."

"I was never trying to replace you," Blaise said angrily. "I helped your mother with the estates because I didn't want you to worry! I did it so that when you came home, you would find everything right where it should have been. So you didn't have to second guess whatever some political arse did with your money! I wanted to help you! I didn't do this to get into your mother's good graces; I did it because I care for you!"

He huffed. "Nice to know," he growled, "that it was entirely worth it."

There was this muggle cartoon Draco had seen once where the character did something stupid and a giant donkey head appeared over his face for a moment.

Draco sighed, "I'm sorry. I just... I don't know. Apparently I'm in a mood these days. I don't like having to share either of you. Not even with each other. It seemed like there was this whole thing going on that no one ever told me about, and you know how I don't like having things sprung on me."

"What do you mean no one told you about?" Blaise looked confused. "As soon as I took over we wrangled one of the very few owls you sent and attached a letter from both of us. In mine it told I had taken over the estates so you didn't have to worry. Narcissa has been writing you letters and always attaches them to the owl you send. You never sent a reply, but the letters never came back either, so we just assumed you had received them."

Draco pinned him with a look. Didn't he think he would have had something to say about that? "There's this muggle saying about when you assume things, you ever heard it? No, I bloody well had no idea. Do you think I'd be being this big of an arsehole if I did?"

Blaise smirked and raised his eyebrow. "Do you honestly want me to answer that?"

Draco glared. "I moved around a lot, and Sophie thought you were my girlfriend."

Blaise was glaring back.

"Apparently, Blaise eez a girl's name, no," he said in a bad French accent. "She was terribly jealous. I... I had no idea. You wrote me? Really?"

At Blaise's nod, Draco snorted.

"You big girl."

"Oh shut up," Blaise snapped, taking a swipe at Draco's head. "You thought I was out to take over your life here at home. You were jealous. Of me. Now who's the girl? And who's Sophie?"

"Someone I spent quite a long time with. Unfortunately she turned out to be mentally unstable. Set the bed on fire. Literally. That was when I decided it might be time to go."

"You know," Blaise grinned, "I've heard you use the phrase 'setting knickers on fire' but never the whole bed. Only you, Draco, only you."

They had slowly been inching their way down the hallway and they finally ended up near Blaise's room. He opened the door and motioned Draco through.

"So, we're not awkward anymore, are we? Because I hated that feeling."

"I suppose not. I didn't much like it either."


{SUMMARY} After returning from abroad, Draco is reunited with the two people he cares for the most - his mother and his best friend. Narcissa and Blaise have a few surprises for Draco.