Next Gen Era. Seventh Year. Leaky Cauldron.
I waited impatiently, constantly checking my watch as Lily ogled the many owls. I half wished I'd gone with dad and Albus to Quality Quidditch Supplies instead of opting to stay with mum and Lily.
I checked my watch again, not much had changed in the last ten seconds. Lily was still trying to stroke the barn owl, mum was still talking to her and I was still waiting.
How I hated waiting.
I was meant to be meeting someone at the Leaky Cauldron, someone I really wanted to see and I didn't want to be late. Mostly because they always teased me when I was late, stating how they always strived to be on time.
I thought about sneaking out the door, but then mum would notice I was missing and worry about where I was. She was the double of Gran when it came to worrying. So instead I told her I needed to go to Slug and Jiggers Apothecary for Potions Supplies.
Once outside of Eeylops Owl Emporium, I turned and ran towards the Leaky Cauldron, bumping into a few people along the way. I threw the door open, ignoring the looks of the shocked customers as I made my way upstairs.
He was already waiting for me when I arrived. Scorpius Malfoy.
"You're late," he stated simply as I closed the door.
"Please don't start." I leaned back against the door, catching my breath as Scorpius watched me from the bed.
I'd known Scorpius since I was in third year but I hadn't taken proper notice of him until halfway through fourth year during a Slytherin versus Ravenclaw Quidditch match. Scorpius was the Seeker and at one point had flown right past me in his pursuit of the Snitch. It was at that moment that I developed a major crush on the younger boy, although I spent the best part of a year denying it.
And then near the end of fifth year, during one of my midnight trips to the kitchens, Scorpius cornered me. He taunted me, said he knew I fancied him and kissed me. After that I could no longer deny it. I loved Scorpius and wanted to be with him.
Only I was concerned about my family's reaction. It was no secret that his father and my father had been enemies whilst they were at school, and Albus wasn't the biggest Malfoy fan either. It was one thing to be friends with a Malfoy; but it was another thing entirely to find out your son was dating one.
This was probably why I hadn't told them yet. I may be a Gryffindor, but the thought of my parents' reactions to this scared the hell out of me.
"I'm always on time; I've never been late for anything," Scorpius said. "You should try it sometime."
"Yeah, maybe I will." I mumbled. I sat on the bed next to Scorpius. "But I'm here now."
Scorpius smiled. "Yes, you are."
He leaned in and kissed me, his tongue slipping past my lips and into my mouth. I grabbed his shirt and pulled him closer so he was almost on top of me, I shoved my other hand into his hair, messing it up.
Neither of us knew we had an audience until the shout tore us apart.
"What the hell?"
We both looked to the door where Albus stood, shocked and angry.
"Albus, I can explain…" I started, but he cut me off.
"Explain what? How you're snogging another guy? Or how you're a fag?"
His harsh tone threw me. I looked to Scorpius who looked just as shocked by my brother's reaction as I did. I decided that there was no point denying anything since the cat was out of the bag.
"Yeah, I'm snogging another guy, so what?"
"So? It's wrong! Guys shouldn't date other guys. They should date girls."
"Maybe I don't like girls, Albus!" My own temper was rising now.
Scorpius stood. "Just calm down, everyone. Before someone hears."
"Maybe they should hear about this," Albus almost spat. "They should know how disgusting you both are!"
Albus stormed out, no doubt to tell mum and dad about catching Scorpius and me. I ran my hands through my hair in frustration. Scorpius rested his hand on my arm.
"I'm sure it will be fine." His eyes gave away the uncertainty he felt. "Just don't let them make you think you've done something wrong."
"But I haven't. This isn't wrong, this is right." I sighed. "I didn't want them finding out like this. I hope they don't react like Albus did, I don't think I could stand that."
Scorpius slipped his arms around me, resting his head against my chest. I locked my arms around him and savoured this moment. The calm before the storm.
Whatever the reaction, good or bad, I still wouldn't be interested in girls. Albus would just have to learn to live with that.