Dude. I work on Halloween night. Haha. Bring it on! xP Thank you to Jennifer Trieu, who wished me luck at KFC! That made my day :)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling does.

Chapter 12

(Albus POV)

It was Thanksgiving morning. Rose was across from me, Lily at my right and Roxanne on my left. I didn't really talk to any of them as both Lily and Roxanne were talking to their friends, who sat on the other side of them and Rose was reading a book-what else was new? I just ate my eggs and bacon in contentment, looking about the room, which was mostly full.

Today, though a Thursday, we were permitted freedom from all classes, only told to be back for dinner where a magnificent feast would await us. As a "present", James-who woke up on November 1st with a raging hangover and no memory of the night before-had even canceled quidditch practice, which we'd resume the next day, just as we were expected in classes tomorrow, as well. This cleared my entire day and I was happy for it.

Looking up, I happened to notice Scorpius and his troop walk through the door and toward the Slytherin table. I smiled slightly to myself, looking down at my breakfast bashfully, knowing anyone who saw the blush on my cheeks would expect an explanation. The two of us hadn't really spoken in almost a month-since the Halloween Ball-but we had a sort of understanding, it seemed. We weren't necessarily friends, but we were cool with each other. If we passed in the hallway, we'd acknowledge each other with a smile and a nod. If we happened to see each other during dinner, we'd wave in greeting. Most people either didn't notice or didn't care.

But I did.

It made my day everytime it happened: the rush of excitement and nerves that would settle in my stomach at seeing him, his friendliness spreading a warmth in me even in the colder winter. I was almost positive that I blushed everytime I saw him, but no one said anything, so I figured I was safe.

Just before Scorpius sat down, he glanced up and spotted me. I shot him a goofy grin, which he smiled amusedly at and we waved, before he finished taking his seat. When I took my focus off of the handsome blond, I realized Rose was staring at me, a knowing look on her face. I cleared my throat and looked back down at my food. Luckily, probably due to Lily, Roxanne and their friend's presence, she let it go and went back to reading.

When I was done, I got up from my spot and nodded a goodbye to all the girls. I noticed one of Lily's friends giggle and bat her eyelashes at me. I gave a soft smile, feeling bad the girl didn't know I was gay and would never in any way feel the intensity and longing for her that I did for Scorpius. And poor me; Scorpius would never feel towards me as I did for him. That thought made me frown as I exited the great hall.

As I started to head for the staircase, intent on heading to the Gryffindor commonroom, a voice gave me pause on the first step.

"Albus!" Came a somewhat familiar male voice from behind me. I turned and watched as Scorpius-dressed in black jeans and a bright blue shirt that made his eyes pop-jogged up with a smile. He looked intriguing and sexy with his confidence. He had good looks, and he knew it, but he wasn't pompous about it, simply charming and comfortable with himself. It turned me on immensely.

"Hey." I said in a breathy whisper, just barely being able to breath again after the shock of his approach and attraction knocked the air out of me.

"Hey." He answered, his smile somehow managing to get even warmer. He stared at me for a moment, seeming to forget his train of thought. I barely supressed a smirk. "So, uh...do you have any plans today?" He asked, leaning against the banister, the height of the first step levelling us eye to eye.

"No. Nothing in particular." I admitted, then quirked an eyebrow. "Why?" I wondered, feigning ignorance, propping myself against the railing, trying to look innocent. When I could see the detail of color in his iris, I realized just how close we were standing-less than a foot. He either didn't care or didn't notice. Most likely the latter. He shrugged at my question.

"Just making small talk." Was his easy reply, before he smiled and slapped me on the arm. "Later." He said and pivoted, beginning to walk away. My jaw dropped as I stared after his retreating form. I jumped down from the step I was on.

"Scorpius!" I called in outrage. He winced and turned, looking at me in surprise, a picture of perfect innocence. But I wasn't falling for it, seeing the slightest curve at the corner of his mouth. I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms, staring at him expectantly.

"What?" He asked, barely able to keep from smiling.

"'What?'" I ask. "You're telling me you ran to catch up with me just to make a few seconds of small talk?" I pointed out. I watched as he looked at the ground, having to bite his lip to keep from smiling. "I don't think so." I shook my head.

"Yeah? What do you think?" He challenged, staring into my eyes. My arms flopped to my sides as my brain began to splutter for an answer. Do I be honest-and rather forward-by admitting he wanted to spend the day with me, or back down by coming up with an excuse. I made a split second decision.

"I think you wanted to spend some time with me." I said boldly. When he continued to stare, his mouth opening slightly, I quickly added, "And your friends, too, of course. And James." I felt myself blush slightly, but hoped he didn't catch it. He stuffed his hands into his pockets and rocked back and forth on his feet, looking away.

"Maybe." He muttered quietly, staring at nothing at all, before meeting my eyes and smirking. "I was going to go to Hogsmeade with Georgeous and thought maybe you might want to go, too-if you didn't have any plans." He explained. Ah, yes. Georgeous Tay, sixth year Slytherin who I shared most of my classes with, but hadn't really met until Halloween-when Scorpius defended her quite thoroughly to James. There was a small part of me that thought he had feelings for her...and that part deep inside cringed when he had said her name. She was beautiful and smart, flirty and confident, and oh yeah!...female. She would work for him in every way that I couldn't and it scared me to think that someday soon my world would shake around me due to having to see them walk the halls hand-in-hand or snogging unabashedly ever which way I turned.

"Oh. I wouldn't want to intrude." I told him honestly. The only thing worse than watching them as a couple from afar would have been being subject to witnessing it unfold before my very eyes. Surprise flickered in hsi eyes and he took a step toward me.

"Oh, no! Not at all!" He surprised me by exclaiming, waving his hands. "If I didn't want you there, I wouldn't have bothered to ask." He said simply, shrugging. This gave me pause in my answer. If he really wanted me there and I wasn't just meant to be a third wheel, would there really be any harm in accepting? He smiled softly and walked toward me slowly. "So?" He whispered. "What do you say?" His eyes were like melting ice, reflecting a sweetness that he was comfortable enough to share with me. My heart sped up in my chest, my brain begging my mouth not to stutter or make a fool of me.

"Yeah. Okay." I said, giving in, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. He smiled an dnodded.

"Alright. We'll meet you in the courtyard in twenty minutes." He told me, backing up toward the great hall. I nodded and watched as he turned and entered the large room. I stared at the doorway for a few moments. Crap.

I currently wore a baggy white tee and jeans. I was in no way dressed attractively. Even if I couldn't have Scorpius and look as good as Georgeous would naturally, I still wanted to look good. I mean, I was going to be spending the day with Scorpius Malfoy.

Looking anything less than my best was simply not an option. Glancing up, I realized Lily was exiting the great hall, waving goodbye to her friends.

She was gonna have a field day with this.

"Hey, Lily..." I started, rubbing the back of my neck in reluctance. She looked up and saw me, walking over quickly.

"Yes?" She asked, smiling sweetly. I sighed.

"Would you help me pick out a decent outfitt?" I asked. I covered my ears in anticipation.

Lily squealed loudly and hopped up and down excitedly, clapping her hands.

There ya go. Hope you liked it and are looking forward to the next chapter. I am ;D Please review :)

~I'mBelleGoose