Hey guys! Im sorry for the delay I've been drowing in coursework and life in general. Thank you so much for your kind reviews it means so much and encourages me to write! Hope you enjoy this one x

November had been and gone without much event. He'd met up with Scorpius a few more times and they'd been getting close, finding out about each other's lives. Scorpius' parents were better people than they were during the war, Albus was told. Scorpius had also said that he lived in Malfoy Manor, with most of his family as the Manor was so big. His favourite subjects were transfiguration and herbology, and he was undecided on what he wanted to do with his life. When the topic of love life came up, Albus got nervous, but did manage to tell Scorpius that he was gay. "I've never told anyone else. This is quite big." Albus had said with a breathy laugh, and Scorpius had smiled gently and said "I'm honoured." Scorpius said he wasn't sure about his sexuality, as he'd never had a partner, and was figuring things out. This naturally delighted Albus, as he really was starting fall for that blonde hair and grey eyes. Albus told Scorpius about the whole snitch incident, and had asked if Scorpius had seen Rowell plotting it, but he hadn't seen anything. After the inspection of the Slytherin Quidditch team, they couldn't find out who it was as everyone on the team was found innocent. Albus had had a spontaneous panic attack in a corridor, but he blamed it on the paranoia he'd been feeling over being watched by Rowell and his mates, and that they were plotting something big against him. Luckily James was on hand to help him, and the panic didn't last too long.

But now it was mid December, and the Christmas holidays were fast approaching. Albus and his family would go home for Christmas, and he'd have to say goodbye to Scorpius until the new year, but they would write to each other. His friends and family didn't know about his friendship with Scorpius, and he was really hoping they'd be cool and accepting and not hold old grudges. Albus was especially looking forward to being out of Rowell's reach, and he hoped that being away from him would keep his anxiety and panic attacks at bay while he was home. He really didn't want his parents finding out about it, he was dealing with it by himself and he wanted it to stay that way. But of course, Rowell wouldn't let Albus leave Hogwarts without saying good bye.

Albus was walking back from the Quidditch pitch after doing some practice on his own. He knew it could be risky walking alone, but he needed the time alone just to gather his thoughts. Unfortunately, he wasn't left alone. Rowell didn't bother announcing his presence, he simply grabbed Albus and shoved him against the stone wall. Albus felt the pain in his back and winced. Rowell and his mates were surrounding him, pointing their wands at him so he couldn't escape. Albus felt extremely claustrophobic, and immediately felt the panic rise in his throat like bile. "Thought you'd seen the last of us? Thought we'd leave without saying good bye?" Rowell began with menace "You thought wrong. We cursed the snitch, and just because it's the holidays and you're going home, doesn't mean you escape us. We'll be keeping in touch, regularly." Rowell grinned an unpleasant grin, and Albus really tried to calm himself and get his breathing normal. He could feel his palms sliding down the wall from sweating. "We'll be seeing a lot more of each other in the new year too. I'll make sure of it." Rowell said. Albus didn't see it coming, but he suddenly felt hot pain in his abdomen. Rowell had brought his knee hard into Albus' stomach, and Albus let out a groan, and had to prevent himself from gagging. "Pathetic." Hissed Rowell, and Rowell grabbed Albus by the hair and pushed him away. Rowell and his mates took off to the Slytherin common room, leaving Albus clutching his chest desperately trying to stop hyperventilating. Albus was scared to death, he felt so weak and vulnerable and he hated how much they could scare him. He really hoped he could still have a few peaceful days at Christmas, but he found that unlikely now. After so many minutes, the panic had passed, and Albus made his way back to the common room, feeling the bruise on his stomach.

****************Time break*****************

Albus and the rest of the common room were packing the last of their things ready to board the Hogwarts express for Christmas. Albus' anxiety had been sky high because of the last encounter with Rowell, and he felt like carrying mirrors so he could always see behind him. He'd told Scorpius about it, and he was understanding of his worry and said "Write to me whenever you want to Albus and keep me updated, I'll do anything to help." and Albus felt his heart swell with gratitude. Scorpius had also reminded him that teachers could also be trusted and he should probably tell one, but Albus just shook his head several times and that was that.

Albus dragged his case down the stairs and met his family at the bottom. Lily, Rose and Hugo all looked excited for their holidays and James was cool and calm. He stretched his limbs and said "This term goes so fast, yet I feel drained." Albus stared at his brother's toned muscles, and felt a sudden pang of jealousy. He'd always known his brother was more attractive than him, but right now it was so obvious that Albus could barely look. Albus looked down at his own arms, which were less tonned and shorter, and to the rest of his body. I am pathetic. Albus inwardly sighed befre Rose brought him back to reality. "Albus, I said have you got everything?" she asked with some concern. Albus nodded with a small smile, and they made their way out of the common room to Hogsmede station.

The train journey was long and wet, and Albus spent most of the time watching the rain splatter the windows like giant tears. I wonder if I've cried this many tears he thought whilst gazing at the rain drops. Probably, I'm such a wimp. Albus jumped when another explosion happened in his compartment; the others were enjoying a game of exploding snap but Albus didn't want to join in. He saw a slim willowy figure with blonde hair walk past the compartment. He thought it could have been Scorpius and his heart perked up, but they had gone past now. James came and shuffled next to Albus, noticing his solemn mood. "Albus what's up? You've been in a world of your own all day." he asked. Albus shrugged. "I'm fine James."

"Please stop lying, I want to help, I'm your brother." James said looking Albus in the eye. "Don't get all cringy." Albus frowned, but James cut him off. "Its not a joke Albus. Please tell me." Albus sighed, he wasn't going to tell him about Rowell, but he wanted to get something off his chest. "Okay okay, so I've made a new friend this term. And it's Scorpius Malfoy." Albus said quickly. James' eye brows lifted, but he smiled slightly. "Well he wouldn't be my first choice, and I certainly don't think he'll be dads, but I'm glad you're making friends. He seems nice anyway." Albus breathed out slightly, and decided to just not think about what he was going to say next. "There's another thing too. I haven't said because no ones ever really asked, but, I'm gay." Albus held his breath and James looked surprisingly calm. "Well there's nothing wrong with that, you don't need to look so nervous Al. So that's why you never really discussed girls with me…" James smiled knowingly. Albus breathed a sigh of relief, but James still hadn't made the connection between Scorpius and him being gay. Wait for it. Albus thought. Suddenly, James' eyes widened. "Oh" he said. "Ah" and he smiled knowingly. "Little Albus has a crush!" and James ruffled Albus' hair. "Okay okay, never call me that again." said Albus looking pink in the cheeks. "Well I'm not sure how Dad will take all this, but me and your family will support you, and I think you'd look so good together." said James with a reassuring smile. Albus felt so grateful for his brother, and it even relieved some of his anxiety. "Thank you James, it means so much." said Albus. "No worries bro." replied James. "Should I keep it a secret or can the others know?" Albus thought for a moment. "You can tell them, but when I'm not there so I don't get embarrassed." he said. "Sure." replied James. The train ride home was a lot easier after that.

Hope you enjoyed! x