Title: The Summer Trials Part IX

Author: phys_nut

Beta: unbeta'd for the mo, so any mistakes are mine!

Summary: Albus and Scorpius near the end of the trials…

Word Count: 4.825

Pairings: AS/S

Warnings: some violence/abuse, teasing, tortured thoughts.

Disclaimer: none of this is mine; it all belongs to the fabulous JK and her minions.

A/N: oh my god, i'm REALLY sorry guys, last weekend was just soooo busy for me it was beyond ridiculous!! but here we go with chapter nine, where we follow Albus and Scorpius as they start to make their way to the end of the trial!! :D

i also want to give a bit shout out and thank you to novembercate and Dashkin13 for their reviews, it really means a lot to me!!! *glomps*

Chapter Nine: Getting To The Heart of The Matter…

Convinced that what had happened with the nightingale and moon-fay was some sort of hallucination, Albus moved to stand up, only to howl and collapse back face down on the ground, as blunt, searing pain rippled up through his thighs.

"Albus? What's going on?!" Charlie cried out shrilly.

"Legs," Albus groaned, fists clenched tight, "stabbed them."

He clenched his jaw, took a deep breath and rolled over onto his back. A pained cry escaped his pressed lips, and as he was already in agony, he pushed himself to the limit and sat up. Continuous shots of fire were running up and down his legs, and he panted harshly, fighting the urge to scream. The clue-holding hand numbly wiped his perspiration-dotted brow, while the other fumbled for his wand. He managed to pull it out of his pocket and pointed it at his legs. His hand was shaking badly, so he took a few deep breaths, staring at it until it relaxed and was still. He and Scorpius had managed to teach themselves a few healing charms and so he performed what he could, chanting under his breath and concentrating solely on his task. Eventually they were healed, though would be scarred, permanently more than likely, as he'd completely forgotten to pack any dittany when he left home for the trials.

There was still some pain left, but it was a dull, throbbing he could bear, and he managed to stand this time, gingerly shook and stretched his legs out, and sighed in relief when they remained healed; he'd never performed so many stitching and staunching charms on himself before, and had been a bit worried they'd tear or fade under pressure. Able to relax somewhat, his awareness of his surroundings returned, and Charlie's worried voice filtered back into his head.

"Albus? Albus what's going on? Do you need to go to St. Mungos? Are you hurt? Of course you're hurt, you were screaming! How are you feeling?"

"Shh, shh," Albus said soothingly, staggering back to the bike, "I'm fine, I just completed the trial. I don't need to go to St. Mungos. I was hurt but I healed myself. I feel like shit and I'm totally exhausted, but I'm okay."

"Oh good! I was so worried! You were just standing there, frozen for AGES, and then you started screaming and screaming and then you fell over, but you're okay now I'm so glad!"

Albus managed a ghost of a smile and patted Charlie's tank fondly.

"Me too," he sighed, "me too. I'm going to sleep now, see you in the morning."

"Night," Charlie said softly, lights turning off, as Albus crawled into his tent and collapsed into bed.

The next morning, though his legs were stiff and sore, Albus was feeling more clear-headed and less emotionally frazzled than the night before, though the fire of determination and ache of loneliness still played in his gut. After a quick breakfast, he pulled out the note and read, what he hoped would be his final clue.

Desperate for kids, the wolf donned a false appearance. Starved though he was, and pulled by the waxing moon, his acting prevailed. However, should you cut this wolf open, you shall not find stones, but a man.

Albus pulled the clue apart and thought it over piece by piece: there were many fairytales with wolves in them, but what one involved children and the moon? And inside it was a man…There was one possibility that was tugging at Albus' mind, and for that he would need Teddy.

"Hello, Werewolf Equality Officer Theodore Lupin speaking."

"I cannot believe you answer your phone like that," Albus snickered down the line.

"Just wait until you've got a job and most of your calls are work-related, especially when your relatives only call when they're looking for a favour," Teddy drawled back.

"Or a shag,"Albus smirked, referring non-too-subtly to his brother and cousin.

"Like I said, a favour. So, what'll it be?"

"Well I was thinking I'd like to try doggy-style this time…"

"Har har Albus," Teddy deadpanned, "Are you sure you didn't mean to ring Scorpius instead?"

"Um, actually, Scorp's kinda the reason I'm calling…"

"Have you decided to finally shag him, or do you want to just moan about him some more?"

"Shut up Teddy," Albus snapped, face flushing, "We're taking part in the Fairytale Trials and I think my next clue is about werewolves."

Teddy sucked in a sharp breath. "The full moon's in the next day or so, isn't that a little dangerous?"

"I know, which is why I hope I'm wrong."

"Well read the clue out to me and I'll let you know what I think."

Albus read out the clue. There was a thoughtful pause, and Albus could imagine Teddy, leaning back on the back two legs of his chair, tapping his lips, while his hair continuously changed colour – which it always did when he was thinking. Whatever colour it was when he'd made a decision would let one know what he felt about it.

"Hmm."

"What colour is your hair?"

"Um…blue," Teddy admitted.

Albus winced – blue meant 'I have bad news.'

"Damn," he muttered.

"Indeed," Teddy sighed, "I suppose you'd better apparate over so I can go over it properly with you. I'll text the apparition coordinates to you now."

"Kay, thanks Teddy."

"Stop propositioning me and you're welcome."

"Sure, I'll leave that to James and Victoire," Albus chuckled.

Teddy sighed an exasperated, "Bye," and Albus hung up.

He got packed and ready to go, and when the coordinates came through, he apparated himself and Charlie away, appearing high up on a snowy mountain. A nasty wind was howling around and in front of them was a giant stone fortress.

"Bloody hell, where are we?"

Albus gaped, shivering violently.

"Siberia," a voice said, and Albus turned to see Teddy walking out from the fortress towards them.

Teddy spread his arms out in a showy gesture and announced, "Welcome to The Zoo."

****

Scorpius popped into his next dream, feeling cheated, aroused and confused – he didn't know whether to be angry he had been snatched away from a wonderful moment, or relieved he'd been prevented from doing something stupid that could potentially ruin everything with his real Albus. He decided to feel glad he'd moved on, as a new dream meant a new trial, and surely that meant he was nearing the end.

I hope to Merlin it is; every bit more I spend with Dream-Albus is every bit more I can't control myself, and it's utterly ridiculous that this is my dream and my head and yet I can't escape it!

He was suddenly pulled from his thoughts by a wild animal shriek and the sounds of shouting, and only then did he notice he was in a forest, full of trees and exotic plants and animals – wild and untamed, just how he liked it. There was another shriek, and Scorpius ran off, following the sounds, until he found the source. He stumbled to a halt, eyes wide. What he saw froze him to the core and shattered his heart.

There were four men surrounding a winged horse. Two were pulling on it with ropes around its neck and legs, one was trying to shove a bit in its mouth, and the last was viciously pushing and pulling a regular horse saddle onto its back, despite the fact that he was twisting its wings at an unnatural angle.

Of all the magical and non-magical creatures, Scorpius had always had a rather large soft spot for horses, from the thestrals he had been able to see since second year, to unicorns he'd unfortunately not been able to touch since sixth year, to his favourite; winged horses. To see this level of violence, degradation and abuse brought tears to Scorpius' eye, and when the horse reared and let out a pained cry, he snapped. Pulling out his wand, he sprang forward, and hurled multiple hexes at the men until they either fled, or were thrown from the clearing.

Both Scorpius and the horse were shaking and breathing hard. The horse made a pained noise, and a tear rolled down Scorpius' cheek as he raised his wand and quickly banished the rope, bit and saddle. The horse whinnied in relief and walked slowly forward to nuzzle Scorpius affectionately. Scorpius petted it gently, and then wrapped his arms around its neck, burying his face in its mane.

"You poor thing," he choked out, "You poor, poor thing. Those men were wicked, so so wrong."

He continued to murmur comforting words to the horse, to sooth both it and himself.

"That should never, ever have happened to you," he sniffed, "You deserve kindness, not abuse."

"Love does not delight in evil," a voice murmured in his ear, and Scorpius suddenly realised that his arms were resting on skinny shoulders and his face was buried in a mass of hair.

He pulled quickly back and gaped at the boy in front of him.

"Al! What- How-" he managed to stutter out.

He felt totally shocked and unprepared – where had the horse gone? What had happened?

"Well, seeing as you're determined to remind us that this is a dream, I figured we should make it more magical. After all," Dream-Albus chuckled, as he began to morph, "isn't this what your dreams are made of?"

The winged horse stood before him once again, proud and beautiful. Scorpius gasped and took a step forward, but it bounded away into the forest.

****

"What is this place?" Albus asked, once he had stored Charlie in a bunker outside the fortress, warming charm wrapped safely around him.

"It's a werewolf sanctuary and research centre," Teddy replied, leading him into the building, "Werewolves come in around the week of the full moon, and get food, shelter and wolfsbane, and in return they let themselves be tested on, blood, D.N.A tests, that sort of thing. Oh and anyone who wants to, can try out any new potions and versions of wolfsbane we come up with."

"Wow, and they don't mind?"

"They're grateful they're prevented from being a danger," Teddy shrugged, then laughed. "It was the patients which actually first called this place The Zoo, seeing as they got fed, watered and gawked at for a couple of hours."

"That's crazy," Albus shook his head, "I couldn't imagine being able to joke about being in a situation like this."

"Better to be in a situation like this, than out there, branded a killer and being hunted down."

"True," Albus nodded, smiling slightly at Teddy's nonchalance, but then again, that was Teddy through-and-through: chilled to the core.

Which did and didn't make sense as to how he ended up attracting psychos like Victoire, and hyperactive hep-cats like James. Just one of them weird things, Albus decided, shrugging it off. After all, he had more pressing matters to deal with.

"So how's the work going anyway?" Albus asked, as they entered a large hall, where wizards and witches in medical robes, and others in grey pyjamas were milling about, talking.

"It's going well; we've finally come up with a way of preserving wolfsbane in food, so a person can carry a supply with them in case they get stuck anywhere during the full moon."

"Wow, that's really good," Albus said, impressed, "What kind of food is it in?"

"So far we've only managed one thing," Teddy replied, then suddenly changed direction, walking to the middle of the hall, "There's some over here."

He led Albus over to where a table was laid out with bowls of food and goblets of potions.

"Hey Teddy," a wizard in robes greeted him as they approached, "Who's your friend?"

"Hey Jerry, this is my god brother."

"Oh, the one that keeps floo-calling?" Jerry replied with a knowing leer.

Albus smirked at Teddy, and waggled his eyebrows, mouthing, "Teddy and James, sitting in a tree…"

The tips of Teddy's hair turned slightly pink and he elbowed Albus and replied, "No, that's James. This is his brother Albus, he just graduated from Hogwarts."

"Nice to meet you," Jerry smiled at Albus, sticking his hand out.

"You too," Albus replied, taking his hand and giving it a firm shake.

"So what brings you here?"

"Research," Albus replied.

"Then Teddy's your man," Jerry chuckled, nudging Teddy in the ribs.

Teddy shot him a look and then turned to Albus, a bowl in his hands.

"Here you go," he said, showing Albus the food.

Albus snorted and said, "You put it into animal crackers?"

"Not my idea," Teddy sighed, "I wanted to put it in chocolate, but these last longer, and apparently are more ironic."

"Is it a werewolf thing? Cause everything has to be ironic with them," Jerry sighed, rolling his eyes.

"Just another way of coping. Anyway, there's research to be done, so we'll be off," Teddy nodded, turning and walking away.

Albus waved bye and strode after him. Once they were out of the hall, they spent another few minutes navigating a maze of corridors before finding Teddy's office. It was slightly chilly and dark, but the carpet on the floor and pictures on the wall gave it a homey feel. Albus wandered around the room, looking at the different photographs: Teddy and his grandmother, Teddy and the Potter/Weasley clan, Teddy and James dozing on the sofa together, Teddy's parents and a giggly baby-Teddy, and then photos of the Marauders and of Remus and Sirius Teddy had found in his father's trunk.

"Tea?" Teddy asked, pulling a kettle from a cupboard.

"Shouldn't we be doing research?" Albus asked a little antsily; he needed to find the next clue.

"We will. However, there's no point in rushing things, appropriate measures must be taken."

"Such as tea?" Albus said sardonically.

"Oh most definitely," Teddy grinned, filling the kettle and putting it under a heating charm.

Albus snorted and flopped down on a nearby chair, idly messing up some papers on the desk. Not that it could look any worse. Teddy had what he called an "unorganised messy type of tidy," which basically meant that EVERYTHING was on the desk, and he knew where it all was, but woe betide anyone who went looking for anything, as they might end up lost.

The kettle soon boiled and Teddy plonked two tea bags in two cups and then filled them with boiling water.

"So where's Scorpius anyway? I haven't seen my favourite cuz in ages."

"He's your only cousin," Albus pointed out.

"Still a privilege."

Albus chuckled, and then quickly sobered up as he told Teddy about Scorpius and the trials so far. Teddy listened very seriously, and when Albus had finished, promptly burst out laughing.

"It's not funny," Albus scowled, "stop being such a wanker."

"I'm not," Teddy gasped between laughter, "it's just – oh – oh Albus – it's perfect for you really."

"What does that mean?"

"Just that you have to go through all these trials for Scorpius, to show how much you want him…I couldn't have picked it better actually," Teddy finished musingly, taking a sip of his tea.

"What are you talking about?" Albus sighed, "You're being utterly confusing Teddy."

"Thanks, it's one of my specialities," Teddy shot back with a grin, then added with a shrug, "I think this is a great way for you to figure out how you feel about Scorpius."

"He's my best mate!"

Teddy fixed him with a piercing gaze, just seconds before his lips curled into a wicked smirk.

"Do you still want to kiss him?"

Albus flushed and scowled. Teddy was the only person who knew that: Albus had blurted it out on his sixteenth birthday when Teddy had dragged him off at the crack of dawn to smoke gillyweed. ("Birthday tradition!" Teddy had boomed, "Ron and Harry did it to me on my sixteenth, and I'm passing it on!"). True to his word, Teddy had never breathed a word about it to anyone else, but he did bring it up now and then when it was just the two of them hanging out.

"So what if I do, it doesn't mean anything!"

"You're telling me that you've been climbing mountains, battling polar bears, faeries and grindylows, and stabbing yourself all so you can find a boy you've wanted to kiss for the past six years, and it doesn't mean anything other than you're best friends."

"Exactly."

"You are so oblivious…"

"Pot, kettle, black," Albus threw back.

"Yes, well, I – uh – I've been - - making some, uh, progress in that whole…thing…" Teddy murmured, his hair changing rapidly through a multitude of flustered colours.

"Actually, speaking of which, where's Victoire?"

"I sent her home; she was trying too hard to be P.C. and ended up offending most of the patients," Teddy sighed, "Anyway, at least I realise I have an issue."

Albus tried to hold his challenging stare, but had to look down. He fidgeted, messing with his cup, while Teddy sat back and drank his tea.

"He doesn't date," Albus suddenly whispered, saying out loud, and probably to himself, what the heart of his issue was for the first time, "he just…just has - - gets off with blokes in the astronomy tower. I can't do that – I – I need to be in a relationship. And he doesn't."

"Maybe he hasn't found the right person."

"What if that person's not me?" Albus asked desperately, leaning across the table.

"You won't know until you try," Teddy replied gently, "Would he be worth it?"

"Merlin yes!" Albus blurted out, blushed and stuttered, "Well, I don't – I'm not-"

"Chill Albus," Teddy said soothingly, "One step at a time."

Albus took a deep breath and nodded.

"I just…I still don't know why I want to kiss him…it seems so complicated."

"It's really very simple," Teddy chuckled, "You'll figure it out sooner or later."

"I hope so…So, the research?"

"Ah yes. Can I see the clue?" Teddy asked, already starting to pull out different folders.

Albus handed it to him, and after a moment's examination, Teddy gave a short nod and started digging through the folders.

"Do you know something?" Albus asked excitedly, "I've never heard of wolves disguising themselves to get children."

"Children? Oh, no, a kid is a baby goat," Teddy explained quickly, still pulling out papers, "There's a fairytale about that sort of thing, and there is…AHA! Here you go – there was a mountain range near here where werewolves pretended to be goatherds so they could be in an isolated place and have a steady food supply during the full moon. It's been stopped and there aren't any more werewolves there, but I dare say that's the place you're looking for."

"Great, cheers Teddy," Albus sighed in relief.

"No problem," Teddy smiled, "There's no apparition point near it, but if you fly south-west for about an hour you should find it. I'll write the coordinates down for you. I take it you'll be going straight away?"

"Yeah, sorry I can't say longer, but, well-"

"I understand," Teddy smiled, "I'd be the same if I were in your position."

"Who would you be rescuing?" Albus asked oh-so-innocently.

"Wouldn't you like to know," Teddy shot back impishly, "Pull out your wand."

"Teddy, I hardly think this is the time. Besides, I'm only seventeen!"

"Twat," Teddy snorted, "I meant your actual wand."

Albus smirked, and pulled his wand out of his pocket. Teddy tapped it with his own and it glowed a faint blue.

"There. When you reach the right place it will give off a signal," Teddy told him.

"Cool, cheers Teddy," Albus smiled, "Well I'd better be off."

Teddy walked Albus out of the shelter and into the bunker. Albus got everything ready, hugged Teddy goodbye and hopped on Charlie to take off.

"Albus?" Teddy asked suddenly.

He hesitated, while Albus cocked his head questioningly, then blurted out, "Do you know James's apparition coordinates? I need to, um, talk to him…about…something…" he trailed off, blushing brightly, his hair turning a violent pinky-red.

Albus grinned wickedly, and considered teasing his god brother mercilessly, but decided to help him, seeing as he'd finally figured things out.

"Sure, I'll text them to you," he replied, taking his phone out.

He sent the coordinates and then added casually, "So I should avoid Victoire for the next while then eh?"

"Hopefully," Teddy grinned ruefully, still blushing, "depends on how it goes with Jamie."

"Oh I'm sure it'll go brilliantly," Albus said, "You two are good together already, it can only get better from here."

"Thanks Albus, I'll let you know how it goes."

"Oh I'm sure James' shouts of joy will be audible to all and sundry," Albus replied dryly.

Teddy winced and said, "That bad?"

"Duh," Albus snorted, and then his eyes widened and he added hurriedly, "That doesn't turn you off or anything does it?"

"No no," Teddy replied, just as quickly, "It's just…I didn't notice…I'm a total idiot aren't I?"

"Don't worry about it," Albus laughed, "We all have our moments. Good luck Teddy."

"Cheers, you too Albus," Teddy called, waving him off.

As Albus flew off, the new theme song played up, its lyrics speeding through him and lighting up his nerves and determination.

"I, I'm driving black on black
Just got my license back
I got this feeling in my veins this train is coming off the track
I'll ask polite if the devil needs a ride
Because the angel on my right ain't hanging out with me
tonight."

****

Scorpius watched the winged horse/Dream-Albus gallop out of sight, a mixture of confusion and sadness curling in his stomach. What was going on? What kind of trial was going on? Why was Dream-Albus a horse? Sure he liked horses, but he liked Albus a lot more!

"This is not what I want," he muttered to himself.

"Then maybe we should try something different," a voice purred in his ear, and a pair of mesh-encased arms wrapped around his waist.

Scorpius jumped as a mouth nuzzled sensually at his neck, and spun around, backing away when he spotted Albus. Only it was Albus as he'd never seen him before, wearing tight leather trousers, boots that hugged his calves, a shimmery mesh shirt and a…a...(Scorpius swallowed thickly) a collar, the leash dangling over his shoulder. He looked like every guy Scorpius had gotten off with, the reason being that none of them looked like Albus because the only person like Albus Scorpius wanted was Albus!

"You - - What are you-" Scorpius gaped, unable to tear his eyes away.

"I've thought about dressing like this before you know," Dream-Albus said casually, "Just to see what you'd do."

"But, this…you've never…"

"You can see the dark side of me, so what," Albus shrugged, "Don't you like it?"

"Well yes, but…no, I mean…you look very nice," Scorpius finished lamely, feeling an odd mixture of arousal, confusion and disgust.

Kohl-rimmed eyes darkened, and Dream-Albus stalked forward in a predatory manner.

"Nice? Is that all?" he said softly.

Scorpius backed away until he was up against a tree, his eyes wide and his brain screaming at him to do SOMETHING, but he was frozen, trapped in Albus' gaze. Dream-Albus crowded into his space, placing a hand either side of his head.

"It's just a dream Scorp," Dream-Albus whispered, his breath washing over Scorpius' face, "you can have anything you want. Just take it."

Scorpius closed his eyes and minutely shook his head. This was not what he wanted, it was wrong, all wrong-

Dream-Albus captured his lips in a demanding kiss and Scorpius gasped, then quickly brought his hands up and pushed the boy away.

"No," he panted, "This, this isn't what I want. Merlin…"

He massaged the bridge of his nose and sighed, wanting it all to end.

Somebody get me through this nightmare…

"Then what do you want?" Dream-Albus demanded.

"You Albus!" Scorpius snapped, then added softly as he cupped the boys face, "You. Even in my dreams it's the real you that I want, not some made-up fantasy."

The gothic Albus dissolved in his hands and a voice said, "Love rejoices with truth," and there was the real Dream-Albus, his Dream-Albus, stepping out from the shadowy depths of the forest.

"I guess it does," Scorpius smiled, holding his hand out.

Dream-Albus took it and Scorpius pulled him into a hug, breathing in his scent deeply.

"I'm glad you're back," he whispered, "I missed you."

"Then why do you keep fighting me and pushing me away?" Dream-Albus asked, a little angrily.

Scorpius sighed heavily and replied, "I could become so addicted to you, and that wouldn't be fair on myself or Albus when the trials are over."

Dream-Albus pulled back, an odd look on his face.

He kissed Scorpius gently, and then said, "Let's go for a walk."

****

Albus and Charlie had been flying for just over an hour, and had reached a grassy mountain range, when Albus' wand shook violently and started chanting loudly, "ALBUS AND SCORPIUS SITTING IN A TREE, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!"

Albus yelled in surprise, and nearly fell of Charlie in his haste to get at his wand.

"Finite Incantatum!" he yelled, "Bloody Teddy!"

The wand was silenced, and Albus huffed as he landed Charlie in the field below.

"What are you looking for?" Charlie asked as Albus pulled off his helmet and gloves.

"I'm not sure, but I guess I'll know when I see it," Albus replied.

He pulled out his hand and walked slowly around the field, scouring it. Half an hour and more than half way through the field and still nothing had cropped up. Albus sighed and paused for a moment to stretch.

"ALBUS!" Charlie screamed, a second before something grasped him from behind and bit savagely at his neck.

Albus yelled and instinctively threw himself on his back, landing on top of whatever creature had attacked him. There was a sickening crunch and Albus rolled away as the creature howled. Jumping up, he saw a feral-looking man staggering to his feet, blood pouring down his face. The man snarled and lunged for him.

"Stupefy!"

The man was thrown backwards, and rolled over, groaning. He got to his feet, and started to growl viciously, when he froze and made a choking noise. His hands scrabbled frantically at his throat and he coughed fiercely, eyes bulging. Albus watched with slight horror as the werewolf fell to his knees, hacking violently, until he coughed up a shrivelled stone Albus immediately recognized.

"Accio bezoar!" he yelled.

The bezoar flew up from the ground and into his hand.

The werewolf blinked out of existence, but instead of Scorpius appearing like Albus had been expecting, a booming voice rang out across the field.

YOU'VE COME SO FAR, AND DONE SO WELL, AND NOW THE END AWAITS. THROUGH YOUR FINAL TRIAL YOU NOW MUST GO, BUT CAN YOU FIND IN YOUR HEART THE STRENGHT TO TAKE ONE MORE BLOW?

What kind of clue is that?" Albus wondered aloud, when the ground started shaking.

"Um, Albus?" Charlie squeaked in a terrified voice, and Albus gaped as a giant creature burst out of a nearby mountain.

****

"Dreams aren't a bad thing Scorp," Dream-Albus said as they walked hand-in-hand through the forest.

"I know," Scorpius replied, "But to dream too much is foolish, they're just delusions."

"But like I said before, what if your dreams want to come true?"

"How do I know if they do?"

"You don't. You have to take a risk."

"I thought I was supposed to be patient," Scorpius muttered defiantly.

"There's a difference between being patient and being too afraid to go for what you want."

"I don't know what I want."

Dream-Albus gave him a hard look and said, "I think you do."

"Well, I'd rather be in denial then, thank you very much," Scorpius replied stubbornly.

"How are you supposed to enjoy life then?"

"I'm not," Scorpius sneered, "all of the animals except for man know that the principle business of life is to enjoy it."

"Then maybe you should become more like an animal," Dream-Albus countered cheekily, "You're more than capable, from what your past flings have said."

Scorpius paled and stuttered, "Oh – oh – no, that's not…that's not the real me. Please Dream-Albus, you know it's not."

"I know," Dream-Albus sighed, hugging him, "You're so full of warmth and affection, I don't know why you keep it inside."

"I don't want to be hurt," Scorpius whispered.

"Then you'll never know what it is to be loved and cherished."

Dream-Albus stepped away, and Scorpius hugged himself, lamenting the loss of warmth. He sniffed and watched Dream-Albus sit down and hold his hands up to him.

"Lie with me?" Dream-Albus asked softly, "Please. It's okay to feel Scorp, I would never hurt you."

Scorpius stared at him, a spark of some unknown emotion flashing in his chest. His arms slowly uncurled from around his torso, and reached out for Dream-Albus'.

"Okay," he whispered.

***

A/N: sooooo there we go!! hope you all enjoyed, please review and let me know what you think!! next chapter: albus faces the ultimate test and scorpius makes his ways backwards!