Hi guys! So so sorry for the late update I've been so busy, hope you like this one x

When Albus and his friends sat in their usual spot in the common room that night, his spirits were significantly higher than they had been since getting on to the quidditch team, despite the fact he was doing homework. Albus was trying to concentrate on doing a potions essay, but kept catching James' eyes that were staring at Albus intently. He knew what James was thinking about, he was waiting for him and Albus to talk about recent events, and for Albus to open up to him. He had to admit he had felt better after opening up to Scorpius, but for some reason he felt embarrassed at the thought of telling James about him getting beaten up by someone. Albus just kept smiling and then pretend to be very interested in his potions essay, staring determinedly down at it. He didn't want to tell James about it, and for Rowell to try and hurt them or Albus, he suspected James would try and confront Rowell being who he was. He had felt better about telling Scorpius because he had guessed and Rowell didn't know they were friends so hopefully he wouldn't find out. Albus wanted to protect himself, and didn't want to be a burden for anyone. He noticed Rose had now joined in on the staring at Abus game James had started, and Albus began to feel irritated by their stares.

After a few moments, Albus looked up from his essay at them. "Do I have something on my face? Why are you both staring at me constantly?" He asked impatiently. Rose looked a little sad, and James sighed. "Albus, you still haven't told us what happened to you, it's killing me, us, that you're hiding something." Said James. Albus swallowed the guilt that rose in him, and looked down. "I don't have to tell you things you know, it was nothing-"

"It didn't bloody look like nothing!" James snapped with force. "James" Rose said with warning, and James recoiled his anger back. Albus was surprised at James' anger with him, "You don't have to snap at me. It's my decision whether I tell you things or not. It's my business" Albus said with defiance. "Yes but this is about your safety Albus! You said you would tell me about it this morning!" James replied.

"Well I changed my mind." Albus said bluntly, and he began to pack his stuff away. "And I am safe, you don't need to protect me." He added despite not believing it. Rose and James pleaded with him to stay, but Albus stormed away up to the dormitory and didn't come back down that evening.

Albus lay awake in bed that evening, facing the ceiling, contemplating the recent events. Thinking about Scorpius still made his heart skip a little, and he couldn't wait to get to know him better. Thinking about James and the others made him angry, them prying into his life. Yet it made him feel guilty for hiding his true feelings, and Albus did feel his safety was breached after Rowell's attack. Albus decided he'd sit with Scorpius in potions the next day, he needed his calming presence, and to talk to him.

*****************time break****************

Albus walked to potions the next morning in a glum mood. He hadn't spoken to anyone that morning as James was still annoyed with him. As he entered the classroom, he saw Scorpius seated near the back of the classroom. He caught his eye and made his way to sit next to him. Scorpius appeared surprised but smiled when Albus sat down, and Albus felt that glow in chest when he saw Scorpius' warm smile. "How are you doing?" asked Scorpius quietly. "Not too bad thanks" replied Albus with a small smile. "We'll go for a walk after this, if you're free?" asked Scorpius.

"Yea I am, sure." Albus felt excitement in his stomach at the prospect of having a good hour with Scorpius, all to himself. Suddenly time felt like it was going at a snail's pace for Albus, and potions dragged. Albus kept stealing glances at Scorpius, he was so distracting to him he barely took any notes the whole lesson.

When the lesson was finally over, Scorpius and Albus looked to each other and left the room side by side. "Come on, I know a good place we can talk." Scorpius said quietly, and touched Albus' shoulder to lead him in the direction of the Astronomy tower. Albus' shoulder tingled pleasantly at Scorpius' touch, calm Albus he only touched you he thought. They climbed the stairs in surprisingly comfortable silence, and the view of the rolling clouds and the glittering lake from the Astronomy tower was very picturesque. They sat side by side, and Scorpius took a deep breath in, as if enjoying the smell of the air. "So Albus, what's up?" he asked. Albus thought for a moment, and said "Well my friends aren't talking to me because I didn't want to tell them who beat me up. I got angry with them and I feel bad. I just can't bring myself to tell them about it, I feel...embarrassed." Scorpius looked at Albus with empathy and understanding eyes. "I can understand, but they just want you to be safe. I really think you should tell them." Albus swallowed, he really didn't know where he'd get the courage to tell them, plus he was scared they'd get hurt. "It's not just that though...they- they threatened my friends if I told them it was them that beat me up." Albus said quietly, he felt his heart speed up with the fear of it. Scorpius raised his brows and thought for a moment. "You should still tell them, and tell Professor McGonagall and she should keep you and your friends safe-"

"No!" Albus said suddenly, then composed himself. "I mean I just don't want the school involved, they'll tell my parents and I don't want them knowing" "Why not? They could help you."

"No, I don't want them to know, they'll ask too many questions, I don't want them to know I'm being bullied." Albus said quickly. Scorpius looked puzzled at Albus, and Albus looked down. "Albus, is there something else you don't want them to know?" Scorpius asked tentatively. Albus felt himself heat up, and he twiddled his hands together. He didn't want his parents to find out about his panic attacks, or the school, he couldn't stand the thought. But Albus stayed silent, and tried to breath calmly whilst not looking at Scorpius. Scorpius didn't pry and just offered a small smile to Albus as if to say 'I understand'. The boys left the Astronomy tower and parted ways in the corridor. "I'll see you soon Al" said Scorpius, "I'm here if you need me."

"See you" replied Albus, realising he'd used his nickname, and Albus smiled to himself. Scorpius was having a big impact on him...