Hey guys sorry for the slow update, but this is a long chapter :), thank you so much for your reviews again they mean the world to me! I'll update as soon as I can but uni and college is giving me hell at the moment, love you all! x
Harry and Ginny Potter were waiting for their children on platform 9 and 3/4 , along with Hermione and Ron Weasley. They all smiled fondly when the scarlet red steam train came into view, and they were instantly brought back to being young again. The train came to a halt with a squeal from the brakes, and the students started to depart the train. Harry was looking for one of his own when he saw a tall, willowy looking boy with shiny blonde hair and glasses get off the train. He felt he knew the face, but had never seen him before. Harry watched him walk towards his parents who were...Oh. Of course he's Draco's son. Harry thought. It seemed so obvious now they were next to each other. Draco looked a lot kinder now older, his tense facial features had relaxed into a normal and friendly looking face, and he embraced his son fondly, as did his mother. His son looked intelligent and friendly enough, but Harry had no idea what he was like. Harry suddenly realised Draco was looking at him too, and their eyes met. Harry flushed but offered a smile, and Draco returned one. Draco waved at him and departed the platform with his family. Amazing. Harry thought, how different they all were now, since Voldermort's fall. Harry felt a nudge in his side; Ginny had spotted the children and was smiling to greet them. Harry grinned as he felt the pride in his chest, and went to hug James first.
James, Lily, and Albus were enveloped in a hug by their parents, and James and Albus squirmed to get away (Lily was giggling). "How was your term? I hope you haven't eaten too much today, your grandma is round with the family and she's cooking us a nice tea to welcome you all home." said Ginny. Albus breathed a sigh of relief, he felt safe around his family, plus his Grandma Molly's cooking was jaw dropping. Albus was still feeling anxious, but was glad to be in the safe hands of people he cared about the most. He'd write to Scorpius tonight and tell him how he was doing. Clingy said an involuntary thought in Albus' head. He managed to ignore it. The Potters passed through the barrier at platform 9 and 3/4s with the Weasleys, and they made their way to number 12 Grimmauld Place which was now the Potter family home. When they arrived, Albus and his siblings went to go and unpack, but before Albus could go upstairs, Harry called him. "Albus, can I talk to you for a second?"
Albus swallowed hard, and followed his dad to his study. He stood in front of Albus with a sincere look on his face and asked "Albus, are you ok? Did something happen this term?" Albus thought for a moment, I can't tell him anything, I can't give away anything. "No I'm fine, why?"
"You seem rather distant, and you look thinner to me. Me and your mum worry about you." Harry replied. "Is someone giving you a hard time? Please tell me." Albus suddenly had the horrible notion that his dad already knew everything about Rowell and his panic attacks, but how could he know? James wouldn't tell, surely not? Albus felt hot, and decided he needed to escape this uncomfortable confrontation. "Dad honestly I'm fine. Just a bit stressed over school work that's all." Albus replied with as much conviction as possible, backing away to the door. "Well please come to me if you need anything. You can trust me Al." said Harry with a warm smile. "Oh and Albus, well done on the quidditch match!" Albus quickly muttered a thank you and sped out of the office and up the stairs. That was extremely uncomfortable Albus thought whilst taking deep breaths. He got to his room and closed the door behind him. He leant his head back on the dark ebony door, and took a deep breath. Keeping all these secrets was exhausting for Albus, he could barely keep up with all of them. This will kill me...but I can't let them know everything, that will kill them. Albus began to unpack to take his mind off the bad thoughts, when he came across his quill and parchment. He remembered Scorpius' words about asking him to write to him, and Albus went to his desk.
Dear Scorpius,
I know it's the very beginning of the holidays, but I needed to get some things off my chest. I told James on the train that we made friends, and he was surprised, but he wants to get to know you better and he doesn't hold any grudges, and I'm sure the others will be just as understanding. Also, I told James I'm gay, he was a bit surprised but he was cool about it, and said that he and the others would support me.
I suppose I'm feeling better after getting a few secrets off my chest, but I'm just still so anxious all the time, I don't know what to do. I can't tell them because they'll all be mad at me for keeping it from them for this long, and they'll never leave me alone. I don't want to endanger anyone, I can't believe I even told you as you're in the same house as them, they could easily get to you.
I hope you're enjoying your holidays, write soon, Albus
Albus re read and sealed the letter and gave it to the family owl Caesar; a strong tawny owl with brilliant amber eyes. He flew gracefully out of Albus' window, and Albus watched him fly into a murky, winter sky. Albus felt weak, paranoid, and very vulnerable sitting in his bedroom. He felt a prickling on the back of his neck, and was reminded of Rowell's breath as he whispered horrible things into Albus' ears. He felt he was being watched right now by him, and Albus was a sitting duck. Albus whipped around suddenly, but there was no one there, he was alone. He collapsed onto his bed and put his head in his hands, trying to overcome the inevitable panic attack that was taking over his body. He was unsuccessful. This is ridiculous. There's no one even here. I'm alone. The rational thoughts could not overpower the irrational ones, and it was only when he heard the front door opening downstairs that reality started to return to him. His family were here for the dinner his Grandma Molly was cooking, and Albus would be expected down stairs any second. "Albus, James, Lily! Grandma and Grandpa are here!" Ginny called down the stairs. He heard James and Lily walking across the landing, but Albus' panic wasn't completely gone yet. If people started hugging him it could make it a lot worse, and that would be a very awkward conversation with his mum and dad. He decided to call James before he could get down stairs. James came into the room. "Al we need to - what's up?" James walked quickly to where Albus was sat on his bed. Albus always felt calmer in James' presence, he was his rock, his way back to reality. "Al it's fine, you're safe with us here." said James soothingly. James rubbed Albus lightly on the arm, and Albus' breathing began to return to normal. Albus took a few more deep breaths and said "Thank you James. Sorry about that."
"What have I told you about apologising about it? You don't need to, it's fine." James replied. He gave Albus a quick squeeze, "You ok to go down now?" he asked.
"Yea thanks." replied Albus. "Please don't tell mum, make up something." James frowned. Like Scorpius, James wanted Albus to talk to his mum and dad, but Albus always refused. James sighed an ok, and they made their way downstairs. Albus felt more exhausted than he did during term time, and hoped his Grandma's cooking would revive his spirits.
The rest of the Weasleys arrived, and the smell of a warm roast dinner soon filled every corner of the house. The extension charm had been set on the dinning table, and everyone was pulling crackers and telling stories. Albus, James, Lily, Rose, and Hugo all sat at one end of the table, with Roxanne, Teddy, and Victorie close by. James had told the others just before that Albus was gay and that he had a crush on Scorpius Malfoy. Albus was ok with them knowing, but he couldn't help feel embarrassed by Rose and Lily's knowing smiles from across the table. Molly announced to everyone that the dinner was ready, and started filling up everyone's plates in front of them. It was a mountain of gravy, potatoes, carrots, sprouts, turkey, parsnips, cabbage, and probably some pigs in blankets that Albus would have to dig out from under the rest of his food. Everyone immediately started tucking in, and there was a mixture of mms and ahs at the delicious flavours. "This is amazing Molly, thank you so much for doing this!" said Harry. Molly was always modest and just nodded and said "For all my children and grandchildren, anything." Ron piped up through a mouthful of potatoes "By the way Albus, James, your dad told me about the quidditch match! Nice one!" and he did a thumbs up, Hermione rolled her eyes. "Thanks Ron! We're well on our way to winning the cup this year." said James with pride. Albus hadn't managed to win the quidditch cup yet, but he was a stronger player now he was older and thought he might have a chance. Plus, he wanted to do it for his dad, as he was seeker once too, and wanted to live up to his father's reputation of being an amazing seeker. That'll never happen. Said another involuntary thought, Albus waved it away in his head, trying to ignore that he believed it. "We need a match together, definitely. Me, Harry, Ginny, George, Teddy, maybe not you Hermione." Ron said whilst patting her hand. Hermione looked annoyed but Albus saw her breathe a sigh of relief, she hated flying. "Then on the other team, Albus, James, Roxanne, Hugo, Rose, Lily." Lily, Hugo and Rose didn't have that much experience in quidditch, but they all nodded their heads excitedly at the prospect of beating their parents at something. Everyone was nodding their heads, but Molly interrupted, "Now it's fine by me, but please don't be injuring each other, I don't fancy a trip to St Mungo's"
"Oh mum we'll be fine! It's not duelling, it's quidditch!"
"Exactly! Harry lost all the bones in his arm once because of a match. Poor thing."
Harry looked embarrassed but all the adults squirmed at the memory. "That was that idiot Lockhart's fault, remember, the one you used to fancy?" said Ron. Molly's cheeks turned to the colour of the beetroot on the table, and she started to clear away empty plates.
Everyone leaned back on their chairs, holding their full bellies, Albus could barely move he was so full. Gentle conversation filled the room, and Lily took this as an opportunity to begin quizzing Albus. "So, when are you going to make a move on Scorpius?" she asked in not the quietest voice. "Lily keep your voice down!" whispered Albus. "And I don't know, he may not like me back. I want to leave it a bit longer and see where it goes, I don't want to ruin the friendship." Lily rolled her eyes, obviously impatient. "Well has he said anything about his sexuality or love life?"
"Well I asked and he said he doesn't really know as he's never had a partner, so I'm guessing he would be willing, but I don't want to get my hopes up to be disappointed." finished Albus.
"Well I think he likes you, and I know you're writing to each other over the holidays so you must be close." said Lily with a smug grin. Albus frowned, how did she know that Albus had already written to him? "I saw Caesar flying out of your window and I can only assume by your face that it is Scorpius." she said casually. Albus would have to watch Lily more closely, he didn't want her spying on him.
"I think you'd look so cute together!" Rose said with a giggle, and Lily nodded with her. Albus rolled his eyes, but he felt so much gratitude towards his family for being so supportive, he felt so much calmer and safer now. Later in the evening, all the family left Grimmauld Place, leaving the Potters to get to bed. Albus felt so much better that evening, and managed to fall into a peacful sleep. I have the best family.