Wednesday October 5th 2022:

How did Scorpius Malfoy's skin endure to be so soft? Sixteen-years-old, and his complexion was just as beautiful; fair-skinned with a rosy hue to his soft and lean cheeks.

Albus was in a trance, one that felt like somebody actually casted a spell on him, or perhaps being under the influence of a strong love potion. The spectacle of Scorpius' face filled Albus with a great desire to tenderly brush his fingers along his feathery skin. To trace his ears and cheekbones and then kiss him.

The Malfoy's lips were on a whole other level. Alike of his face, they were thin, delicate, and rosy, but unlike his face, Scorpius could use those lips. He will never forget that day they kissed; he remembered it so clearly. It was a cool, rather mundane Valentine's Day, with no snowflakes in sight or any form of sunlight. If Albus was being fully honest with himself, he in no way recalled what happened the entire day, until he joined Scorpius atop a tree in the middle courtyard. Scorpius requested for him to have a practice kissing session, and Albus was nutters enough to agree to the proposition. Their lips unified, and the moment Albus felt the texture and movements of his friend's lips against his, his heart raced and he melted into the kiss. That was the first day he ever felt doubtlessly aroused, and he would never forget it. Paying attention to Scorpius' lips that moment at the Astronomy Tower, he craved nothing more but to kiss those passionate, delicate lips once more.

The shimmering moon and stars' natural light casted an extraordinary glow to Scorpius' already beautiful face, which did not remedy Albus' yearning.

Ever since that short-lived discussion with Louis and Cora, Al was more at a loss than ever and decided it was best to not reveal his feelings to Scorpius. However, he caught on to the fact that there was a way to find out: being subtle. If Scorp went along with it, Albus would be in the clear. After all, he gave this very same guidance to the love-struck Dominique, so why not go along with his very own advice?

He did need to cease with these thoughts, because if he daydreamed any longer, he would need to excuse himself so he could have some quality time alone. At the moment he was inevitably excited, but not to the point of it being distracting or unbearable.

Though not effortless, Albus strayed from his thoughts and finally took the plunge. "Hey, Scorp. Do you know what my favourite constellation is?"

"What?" Scorpius asked eagerly.

"Scorpius of course," Albus said with a wink and nudge. He was aware of how embarrassingly atrocious he was at flirting, but it was the best he got.

The blond spent some time comprehending that Albus was not just referring to him by his name, and then he chuckled. How could he forget when Ginny Potter made that special Christmas sweater for him?

"Thanks! I would say the same for you, but y'know, Albus isn't a constellation...is it?"

"No."

Just then, rain started pouring. Albus missed the starry spectacle of the sky, but he also relished the sound and glimpse of rain elegantly falling.

"Alright. Off you go, you two," the Astronomy teacher (Dusk Moschkowitz) said.

"Can I stay for a little longer, professor?" Albus pleaded.

"You mean we," Scorpius said, nudging the brunet.

"Seriously?"

"I'm already here when I no longer have this class, so, why not?"

"Hmm, I suppose you two can stay a little while longer. You are one of my best students after all," Professor Moschkowitz said to Albus, smiling. "I will give you both ten minutes the most."

Albus cheered and leaned forward against the railing to embrace the view, which Scorpius found adorable. So far Albus didn't become aware of any flirting done by his friend – except for the Albus constellation thing, but that could be grasping for straws – nevertheless, he was glad to have him by his side.

"Care for some Fizzing Whizbees?" Scorpius asked, taking a pouch out of his pocket.

"Sure."

Albus picked the treat from Scorpius' soft hand and floated a few inches off the ground. Primitively the height intimidated him, but then he felt like he was flying over the landscapes below, so he loved it.

"I fancy looking at the rain, but actually hate being rained on." Albus had no idea why he brought that up. Was he just taking in the moment? Being casual? Trying to get a reaction out of Scorpius? All of the above?

"I've known you for six years, mate. I'm pretty sure I know that," Scorpius said, smirking.

"Right," Albus said shyly. The effects of the Fizzing Whizbees wore off, setting his feet back to the ground.

"If it's about how you look when being poured on, don't fret about that. You look good," Scorpius said. Albus' cheeks heated up; he was not expecting that.

Aware of the awkward silence, Scorpius was on the verge of correcting himself until Albus finally said, "Same goes for you."

"Well, perhaps a bit," Scorpius bragged, attempting to shield his bashfulness. Out of nowhere, he tickled Albus' neck.

"Stop," Albus giggled. This flirting was more fun than Albus thought, but he wanted to get the main potential threat out of the way, besides, you know, Scorpius rejecting him and potentially ruining their friendship. "So, anybody you fancy?"

Scorpius swallowed a lump in his throat. He was so tempted to confess, but he knew he would be betraying Erika's trust. Albus was not the type to gossip or expose a secret, but Scorpius determined not to risk it. "Perhaps."

Albus was stumped between being satisfied or upset. "Perhaps I do too."

Scorpius' eyes expanded, but then he laughed it off. "You're a funny chap when you want to be. I haven't seen you with one girl or boy beside your family. Unless that's what you're really doing when you say that you're studying." He poked the other Slytherin' arm.

"I said perhaps, not yes. Now, did I?"

Scorpius squinted. "You win this round."

Privately, Scorpius figured that Albus was just getting back to him with his deceptive comment, but he was genuinely curious now. With him being in a secret relationship himself, there was a possibility Albus could be too.

They spent the rest of their time on the tower just enjoying the view, talking, and wondering things about each other.