Chapter 21: I solemnly swear that I am up to no good

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," Albus whispered urgently as he tapped the Maurauder's Map in the Entrance Hall. He scanned over the map in one sweep, desperately searching for Scorpius's little dot, but there were too many students, too many dots.

He checked the Slytherin dormitories just in case but as he suspected, no Scorpius dot. Althought it was dark, he looked over the Hogwarts grounds and the Great Lake, but again no dot. Searching the corridors and classrooms surrounding the Great Hall also proved a waste of time. Finally his eyes swept over the Astronomy Tower and his stomach clenched – Scorpius Malfoy read the map clear as day, unmoving on the top floor. Perfect.

Albus let his feet take over and he ran through the Hogwarts corridors, trying not to think about what he was going to do when he reached Scorpius, because otherwise his nerves might get the better of him. Before he knew it he was dashing up the tower stairs, ignoring the pain in his chest. When he reached the top, he looked around confused; Scorpius didn't seem to be up here. Albus walked further into the room and he suddenly saw his best friend. He was laying on the floor at the edge, staring up at the stars. Of course.

Albus stopped and caught his breath, looking down at Scorpius. He wondered how it had taken him until this year to work out how he felt. Scorpius was so incredibly and absolutely beautiful. He really was the nicest and loveliest person Albus had ever known. Merlin, don't stuff this up, Albus thought to himself as he slowly made his way across the room to where Scorpius lay.

Scorpius had not moved. If he heard Albus approaching, he did not show it.

Albus dropped down and lay next to Scorpius, letting their hands brush slightly as he dropped his arms to his sides. He felt Scorpius stiffen beside him. Neither boy looked at each other, both staring straight above at the stars.

"The stars look nice," began Albus awkwardly.

Scorpius would have laughed at this but the tightness in his stomach wouldn't allow it. "Mm-hmm" was all he managed.

"I'm sorry about earlier," Albus said softly.

Scorpius closed his eyes for a second, trying to calm himself. He wanted to get up and run again. He resisted the urge and reopened his eyes, focusing on the stars, mentally tracing every constellation he could remember.

"Scorpius, when you said you had feelings for me…do you mean…do you still have feelings for me now?" Albus tried to ask casually but his voice came out in a choked whisper. Luckily Scorpius wasn't looking at him because his cheeks were bright red.

"It doesn't matter," said Scorpius, forgetting the stars and thinking it might be a good time to run.

"No, no, it does matter-"

"I'm sorry that it makes you uncomfortable. I won't mention it again, I promise," said Scorpius quickly. That was it, he had to get out of here. He made to get up, but Albus' arm swung out and gripped his shoulder firmly. He looked over at Albus in surprise, but Albus was staring straight ahead, not meeting his gaze.

"No, no, Scorpius. It matters because…because I like you. I mean, I really like you." Albus dropped his arm from Scorpius and continued to stare straight up at the stars trying to ignore the frantic beating of his own heart. "I've never even thought about anybody else like…well you know…and I didn't understand what that meant until...I guess until I saw you kiss Rose. It made me so angry because I was jealous, Scorpius, so bloody jealous. I'm such an idiot –"

Albus froze as Scorpius's bandaged hand found his and held it tightly.

"Yes, I still like you Albus," Scorpius said quietly, watching mesmerised as Albus expelled a deep breath in relief. Albus turned to Scorpius, catching him staring. Both boys blushed before averting eye contact and refocusing on the stars.

They fell into silence, still holding onto each other's hand tightly.

Scorpius was so nervous he was worried Albus might feel his body shaking. Everything seemed to be working out exactly as he wanted, but now actually living it - laying next to his best friend holding his hand, he was terrified. He didn't know how to act now. Everything seemed different and new. Before a silence like this would have been comfortable for them, now it felt tense.

"I lied about kissing Rose at the end of fourth year," Scorpius said suddenly, filling the silence.

Albus smiled. "Yeah, I figured."

"Even before you knew about-"

"Yes. I mean she hated your guts." Albus thought for a moment. "I think I quite like that she hated you, actually. A bit selfish..."

"I don't mind," said Scorpius smiling.

Albus finally turned his head back to look at Scorpius, his breathing hitched as he took in Scorpius smiling face so close to his.

Feeling Albus' gaze, Scorpius followed suit and turned his head. They stared at each other in silence.

Scorpius tried to control his nerves as he noticed Albus glance at his lips. Albus suddenly shifted his weight - he's going to kiss me, Scorpius thought excitedly - but instead of leaning in towards Scorpius, Albus sat up abruptly and swore.

"What's wrong?" asked Scorpius urgently, sitting up, their hands falling apart. He's changed his mind, Scorpius thought, he doesn't want me.

"I've got detention" said Albus scrambling to his feet, "I've got to go." He ran to the door and then paused, turning back to Scorpius. "Scorpius?"

"Yes?"

Albus hesitated. "Er...I'll see you later."

"Right," replied Scorpius disappointed, "see you later, Albus."

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