It was nearing New Year's that same year, and James was still a guest at Malfoy Manor. He was upstairs with Alexi at the moment, the smaller boy leaving a tray of dinner plus dessert in front of an ancient looking writing desk. "For the family boggart," he had told James as if the thing was a beloved pet rather than a nuisance.
James watched with a fond smile and roll of his eyes as the blonde knocked on the drawer, his ear pressed to it, encouraging the creature to come out and eat. "We won't hurt you or try to change you into something silly," Alexi promised it quite sweetly. But despite the seemingly light mood, James' mind was swimming with how to approach the issue of bringing his lover home to meet the family, the issue Alexi had thought he cleverly terminated Christmas Eve.
"I don't think a boggart's diet usually consists of roasted chicken, potatoes, and biscuits, dearest," James informed the other gently.
Alexi stuck his lower lip out in a most pitiful pout and backed up against his taller lover, this being his cue to cuddle. James happily obliged, though with another amused roll of his eyes, and wrapped his arms about the Malfoy.
"I'm going to tell my parents about you," he murmured after a moment.
Scorpius drew his cloak tighter around himself as he stalked through Diagon Alley, his seemingly perpetual scowl unrelenting. The damn cat had knocked over his inkwell. How was he supposed to finish his potions essay without a bloody inkwell? He ducked into Scribbulus Writing Implements and was reaching for what he needed, but suddenly paused, hand hovering half way to the shelf. Was that…? Why yes, judging from the crowd of children gawking at him it had to be… Harry Potter. A nasty grin spread across his angular face, and he sauntered from the shop, forgetting what he had come for. What better way to relieve his bad mood than to make life a bit harder for his perfect sibling?
"Mr. Potter! What a pleasure it is indeed!" Scorpius boomed in his interpretation of a friendly tone, coming up next to Harry and extending his hand. He got an odd look and hesitant handshake in return. "We haven't met yet, but I've heard all about you, of course."
Harry sighed, assuming this was just another idiot wanting a look at "the boy who lived". He didn't pay enough attention to connect the blonde hair and smirk to his old enemy.
"It was so kind of you to let James spend Christmas with my family despite your differences with my father back in the day. I know it meant a lot to my brother," he paused for a moment, attempting to twist his features into a smile as he watched Harry finally figure out who he was. "Aren't they the most darling couple? Truly a match made a heaven. I've never seen anyone quite so in love!" It was sickening. But at least now he had the pleasure of seeing Harry's look transform from one of confusion to fury. And then carefully collected calm.
"Right. It was my pleasure. Now if you'll excuse me…" Harry collected his wife from Florean Fortescue's, waiting until they arrived back in their fireplace to begin his yelling.
"James? Dating a fucking Malfoy?" He roared, pacing the length of their living room.
"I'm sure she is a nice girl…" Ginny offered a little uncertainly.
"HE! The Malfoys don't have a daughter! James is with their son! As in another boy, Ginny! Our son is gay and sleeping with a Malfoy." He let out an almost maniacal laugh.
"Just calm down. Maybe that isn't even what is happening. They could just be friends. Wait until James gets home from work, and we can get to the bottom of this," Ginny replied optimistically.