Exchange Student – Chapter 2
Al knew it would take a few days for both he and Scorpius to become accustomed to one another's habits and routines. Scorpius woke early and even though he tried to be quiet he woke Al. Al didn't want to go back to sleep, leaving Scorpius awake, alone and bored. So he sat up in bed and greeted him.
"Good morning. Hope you slept okay." He politely stated.
Scorpius smiled at him, "Well enough. It's always strange staying in a new bed. But I'm sure I'll get used to it."
Al nodded, stretched his arms above his head and yawned widely. Not bothering to cover his mouth with his hand.
"What do you want to do today? We can go to Diagon Alley or into Muggle London if you want?" He asked as he pulled the covers off and swung his legs over his bed.
Scorpius copied Al's actions, minus the yawning. "Muggle London sounds fun. We can do all the typical cheesy tourist stuff."
Al grinned, "Cool. I've never bothered with the tourist stuff, you take for granted what is on your own doorstep. Sounds fun. Do you want to shower now or later? I usually eat first then shower, as... well I need food before I do anything. I can go get breakfast ready whilst you shower?"
Scorpius nodded, "Sure. I'll shower now and come down to the kitchen once I'm done."
Scorpius collected his toiletries and towel, then Al showed him to the bathroom. Although Scorpius remembered where it was.
Downstairs the only other occupant awake was his dad. He was surprised to see Al up and about so early.
"Scorpius." Al mumbled and yawned again, plonking into a chair at the kitchen table.
"Right. Your mother has left early to help grandma with something. So you're stuck with me today, so it is cereal or toast for breakfast – sorry." Harry guiltily informed Al. Ginny usually sorted breakfast, she would do a vast array of goodies to eat.
Al shrugged. "I'll wait to see what Scor wants. We will probably be going into Muggle London today, can I have my pocket money in muggle money please."
Harry nodded, "That's fine. Remind me before you leave and I'll go to my study and get some for you."
Al barely moved, only grunted in response to his dad's talking or questions. Eventually Scorpius came down, washed, dressed and looking gorgeous. Al thought he looked a right state in comparison.
"Do you want dad to do a hair drying spell on you?" Al asked, as they were too young to do magic outside of school and Al doubted he knew how to use a hair-dryer.
"No, thanks for offering. I prefer to let it dry naturally, better for my hair." He sat down and smiled at Harry.
Al looked at his dad, "What? Dad it's rude to stare!" Al reminded him.
Harry shook his head, "Sorry. I'm sure you're fed up with hearing it – but Christ you don't half look like your dad. It's..." Harry paused and then settled on "...strange."
Al snorted, "I get that all the time too. It is annoying being compared to dad all the time."
Scorpius waved Al off, "Oh it's fine. I'm used to it. I really do look like my father. I'll show you some pictures later Al, then you'll understand why your dad said it. I'm not complaining I could have turned out unfortunate looking, I could think of far worse people to take after looks wise."
Harry asked Scorpius some questions about his father, what he was doing work wise, why they decided to live in France and how Scorpius liked his French school.
Scorpius answered honestly, and admitted, "I'd like the family to return to England. I doubt father would, but I've told him either way once I graduate I will be moving here myself if I can, with or without my family."
Continuing with, "The Malfoy family still own Malfoy Manor, I wouldn't want to live there really. But if it means coming to live in England I would."
Al sorted them breakfast and wolfed his down, announcing, "I'm going to freshen up. Be back as quick as I can. You'll be alright with dad won't you?" He stood and was halfway out the door not waiting for an answer.
Scorpius replied, "Of course."
When Al returned he found his dad and Scorpius engaged in easy going conversation. His dad spotted him and smiled, "There you are. I was worried you went back to sleep. I'll go get you some money." Standing and leaving for his study.
"I like your dad. He's friendly and well... normal." Scorpius said surprised.
Al shook his head, "Of course he's normal. Well not to me – he can be embarrassing and do some cringe worthy stuff but I think that's the effect parents have on their kids. I'm sure to you it isn't cringe worthy but to me I just want the ground to swallow me up." Al remained standing as he waited for his dads return.
Scorpius laughed, "My father is the same. But we tend to try and wind one another up as much as possible. Most the time he is being annoying or does something that he knows will embarrass me in front of my friends – just for a laugh or to wind me up."
Al chuckled, "Like what?" He was intrigued.
"Gosh where to start. Once he grabbed my hand to help me cross the street – like I was some baby. I was thirteen! He does it to embarrass me I swear he thinks it's hilarious." He sounded outraged.
Al sat down, "I think my mum is worse than my dad, and our grandma is the worst of all. I think it is some family right or something. But I have James who's mission in life seems to be making my life hell."
Scorpius smirked, "Oh I give as good as I get. I'm forever winding father up. Mother worries that one of us will go too far with our pranks and teasing but it is all fun. Once I returned home from school to find father had transformed my room, changed it to pink! With dancing unicorns and a princess canopy bed. I can't do magic outside of school and it was at least a week before I convinced him to change it back." Scorpius laughed. It wasn't funny at the time, but looking back on it – he could see the funny side.
Al looked mortified, "Shit that sucks. Wonder what awaits you when you return home this time?"
Scorpius shuddered, "Don't," He warned, "I think father will be put out that I knew I was staying with you guys and didn't inform him, so he will be out to get me."
Harry returned and gave Al some spending money in Muggle currency, turning and asking Scorpius if he need his wizarding money exchanged.
"No. I always carry both. You never know when you might need to use it." He politely answered.
Once everything was gathered, Al spent ages looking for his second trainer – Harry ended up summoning it.
"Have fun boys. Be sure to be back for dinner, as your mother has been helping your gran all morning preparing a meal in honour of the French exchange student." Harry grimaced, "Sorry Scorpius I think it will be very cheesy, French flags and such like."
Scorpius grinned, "Cool, I'm sure it will be memorable."
Al snorted, "That it will. You a Malfoy amongst a gazillion Weasleys and Potters – Memorable is a good word."
Scorpius grin grew, "Excellent. I hate to have a boring existence."
Al smiled at Scorpius and they bid Harry farewell, heading off to catch a bus to take them into Muggle London.
Within a few hours Al and Scorpius had relaxed in each others company. Once the initial awkwardness of practically being strangers wore off, and they talked more – they became more like friends. Friends that had known one another for years. It helped that they had been penpals previously, getting to know all about one another through correspondence.
Al loved going into Muggle London. No one stared at him and whispered about 'Harry Potter' or pointed out how much he looked like his dad. It was refreshing and he could be a normal teenager – however being in Muggle London with Scorpius seemed to generate as many stares as being in Wizarding London with his dad. Al supposed it was due to the way Scorpius looked – he just had an air about him that attracted peoples attention.
"You know you get a lot of people stare at you." Al pointed out to Scorpius as they queued for the London Eye.
Scorpius shrugged, "Can't say I noticed really. In France we live in the middle of nowhere and rarely come in contact with many people. At school most people are used to me by now – even considering the fact I'm a Malfoy. I'd like to think I'm popular due to my personality and not because people are scared of my father and grandfather, or because of the way I look."
Al didn't know what to say to that, "Did you know that the London Eye is currently Europe tallest Ferris wheel."
Scorpius nodded, "I did – Scared Potter?" he teased.
Al stepped closer and dropped his voice so only Scorpius would hear, "As if Malfoy. I've flown higher on my broom – being in a metal Ferris wheel high above London is child's play."
Scorpius didn't move away from Al as he stepped closer and Al stayed close to Scorpius longer than necessary. Eventually stepping back to move up the queue.
As they had an early start to the day, they managed to get a lot of fun filled sight seeing in. They decided to skip Madame Tussauds as neither Al or Scorpius would have a clue who most of the wax work celebrities were meant to be – both being clueless on muggle pop culture.
Al was astonished by how much Scorpius purchased in Oxford Street, luckily Scorpius didn't try every single item on and wouldn't spend ages trying to decide. He saw something he liked, picked it up and paid for it – no messing about.
Al's feet were starting to ache and he knew they were in for a long evening at the family party tonight, so he suggested they returned home.
"I bet Uncle George tries to get you to eat frog legs or something. Or he will be dressed as a stereotypical French person – which is nothing like an actual French person. I apologise in advance for his behaviour. In fact for ALL of my family I apologise for." He confessed as they got ready for the evening party.
Scorpius merely laughed, "Trust me your family cannot be any worse than my family. Besides I think it is nice they are throwing me a party."
Al grimaced, "Any excuse to gather all the family together, eat grandma Molly's food and torment each other." He added, "Also they are very nosy and are probably itching to get a look at Draco Malfoys son and all that rubbish."
Scorpius shrugged, "Should be fun."
Al knew his mum and gran had spent ages preparing for the party, but it didn't stop Al from being embarrassed. As predicted The Burrow and the garden was decorated with so many French flags and there was blue, white and red everywhere.
Al looked at Scorpius apologetically, he really wanted to look cool in front of Scorpius. However Al soon lightened up, Scorpius looked amused and seemed to be enjoying himself.
He was greeting his gran and granddad and Al knew he was already making a good impression on everyone. He politely thanked them for the effort they went to for him, and complimenting their skills at party planning.
Al heard Fleur complain to Bill that she never got a French themed party and what makes Scorpius so special. She was family after all and Scorpius was only here for two weeks.
Al didn't hear Bill's reply but Fleur seemed appeased. Al searched for Rose and soon located her, he joined her.
She grinned at him and said, "Whoa he's hot!"
Al hadn't told anyone he was gay, but he suspected Rose knew and was just waiting for Al to confirm it. Rose had the ability to just know everything – it was rather infuriating.
"Can't say I have noticed." He coolly replied.
Rose snorted, "Al please pull the other one. Besides even a straight man can appreciate a good looking male when the see one." She emphasised the word straight.
Al made a point of looking over at Scorpius, as if taking in his appearance for the first time. He turned back to Rose, "I guess I can admit he's attractive."
Rose huffed, "Stubborn git. He's gorgeous and you know it. Now go introduce me!" She ordered, taking hold of Al's elbow and steering them towards Scorpius.
Scorpius turned to face Al when he heard someone approaching, he smiled at him and then looked over at Rose.
"Hi, I'm Scorpius and you are?" He politely inquired.
She let go of Al's elbow and replied, "Hello Scorpius, it's great that you're here. I think it is wonderful what Hogwarts is doing with this exchange..."
Al rolled his eyes and cut in, "This is Rose Weasley and she goes on and on, and on, and on and on..."
Al only stopped as Rose stamped on his foot.
"I do not I was merely telling Scorpius...well never mind. Do you think you will remember all our names by the end of the week?" It always amused her when someone new met the whole clan.
Scorpius shrugged, "I have a pretty good memory. I can read or hear something and remember it. Father used play this game with me when I was kid, he would get me to look at a room and then ask me to leave for a few moments. Upon returning I was to tell him what had changed. It could be a case of he changed the colour of the curtains, or removed an ordainment. I got really good at the game." He rambled.
Rose smiled warmly, "I like the sound of your father."
Scorpius believed her too, she wasn't being polite she was being honest.
Al added, "From what I have been told he has a wicked sense of humour too. Goes to show, never judge a book by its cover or whatever."
Scorpius diplomatically replied, "Yes father is completely different to how many people believe he is. Grandfather on the other hand... well his reputation is pretty spot on. Although he loves me very much and what more could I ask for."
Al admired how Scorpius was being open and honest.
"Indeed. Come, lets go introduce you to my other cousins."
The evening was rather uneventful and Al could admit to himself that he was a little disappointed. He was pleased that Scorpius had been accepted, he just thought this evening would be a little more entertaining. But apparently there was some family gossip regarding Teddy and Vic that kept the older family members occupied.
Scorpius had excused himself to the bathroom, so Rose had taken the opportunity to come torment him.
"Al you would be an idiot if you didn't take advantage of having Scorpius here for two weeks." She stated matter of factly.
Al frowned, "What do you mean by 'take advantage?'"
She sighed, "Fine waiting for you to tell me is driving me crazy. I know okay...just admit it."
Al kept his face neutral. "Whatever do you mean? You know what?"
She glared at him, "Are you really going to make me say it?"
Scorpius returned and interrupted the conversation with, "Say what?"
Rose jumped, "Oh nothing. Don't worry." She glared at Al and stalked off to go speak to her mum.
Al laughed, "I love winding her up. She makes it so easy."
Scorpius shook his head slightly, "What were you doing to annoy her?"
Al ran a few possibilities through his head before settling on, "Oh he hates a certain swear word and I was trying to make her say it."
Scorpius didn't look convinced, "That's surprising from what I have heard so far she has a potty mouth on her." He joked.
Al shrugged, "Yeah that's a family thing. No it's just this one word, best not tell you. She'd have my balls if I did."
Scorpius let it go, "Fair enough. Hey I was wondering does your grandma have a wizarding camera?"
Al frowned at the unexpected question, "Yeah I think she does. Why?"
"I wanted to take a few pictures, and maybe one of me with all the Potters. You know send home to father and cheer him up." He said gleefully.
Al chuckled and they went in search of the camera. Al's gran said he could borrow the camera for the whole two weeks that Scorpius was here. She suggested that Al makes a scrap book or photo album and present it to Scorpius at the end of his stay.
Al thought Scorpius was a natural in front the camera. He didn't look awkward, or nervous. He was relaxed, happy and he just uplifted everyone around him. Al wondered if he would ever meet anyone other than Scorpius he was this attracted to. Initially it was his humour that he liked, coming through in his letters. Then obviously upon meeting him it was his looks as well. Finally after spending all day and evening with him, Al realised he also had a great personality.
Grumbling to himself, he wondered if Scorpius had any faults at all – he must do he was only human after all. Logically Al knew he only knew a small part of Scorpius and had no idea what he was really like. But some people you just clicked with and you didn't need to know everything about them.
Scorpius was currently explaining to Al's granddad all about the London Eye and how it worked.
Al was too busy staring at Scorpius he hadn't noticed that Rose had snuck up next to him.
"You are so smitten – go careful remember he has to go back to France shortly." She warned, she was worried. Al seemed to have a big crush on Scorpius, and she knew Al will be gutted when Scorpius leaves.
Al sighed in defeat, "Fine I'm crushing on Scorpius. I admit it..." He lowered his voice, "...I'm gay. Now please stop tormenting me and leave me be."
Rose flung her arms around him, "I'm so proud of you for finally telling me. I promise I won't tell anyone." She pecked him on the cheek and left.
Al's family monopolised most of Scorpius' time and Al barely spoke to him all evening. He did manage to take a few pictures without Scorpius being aware.
Back in Al's room Scorpius was finishing off a letter to his parents, enclosing some pictures of tonight's party to annoy his father.
"I like your family." He announced as he tied his letter to the Potter's family owl.
Al looked up from his magazine, "Uh thanks I guess. They drive me crazy but I wouldn't have it any other way. Do you miss your family, what with being away at school and now here?"
Scorpius looked sombre, "Well like I said this morning I want to return to England after school. If father staying in France I'll have to get used to being without them."
Al put his magazine on the bed and gave Scorpius all of his attention, "So you're serious about moving back here?" He knew it was stupid as there were so many factors to take into account, but he felt elated that Scorpius would be moving to England permanently soon.
Scorpius joined Al on his bed and picked up the magazine, he was looking at the page Al was on when he replied, "Yep. I will try and get a job over here as soon as possible and hope that father helps me get settled before I can pay him back." He turned the page, adding, "Father doesn't want to come back to England for his own reasons, and he will miss me terribly if I go, but he wouldn't do anything to hinder my move if he knew it was what I truly wanted."
Al really did like the sound of Malfoy Senior, "Well I for one would be happy if you moved here permanently."
Scorpius smiled at him, "I never realised how attractive English Quidditch players were. I like to play and I watch a few games, but the players are normally covered in so much kit – this magazine seems to favour the less is more approach."
Al remained silent digesting what Scorpius just said, okay he said that the half naked men in Al's magazine were attractive but that didn't mean he fancied men.
Al remained calm, "I'm rather fond of this magazines approach too." Wondering if he dropped a few hints, Scorpius may admit what Al hoped was true.
Scorpius looked up at Al and smirked, "Hmm What in particular do you like about it? The way they ask questions that everyone wants to know the answers to, or maybe the layout or the variety of articles?"
Before Al could answer James walked in without knocking, "Al can I..."
"James! Fucking knock next time." Al snapped.
James rolled his eyes, "Language little bro."
James knew Al disliked being called little bro.
"What do you want?" He demanded.
"I was wondering if I could borrow a DVD?" He went to a shelf and selected a DVD and was on his way out, not waiting for an answer. Shouting from the hall, "Thanks little bro."
Al stood and shut the door, James always left his door open after he left, it was another thing he did because he knew it wound Al up.
"Brothers!" He complained as he sat back down. He didn't want to start up their interrupted conversation as the moment was lost, he silently reminded himself that he had almost two weeks to learn about Scorpius.
######======###########
The days seemed to mock Al and were going too fast for his liking. Al had asked Scorpius if he wanted to visit some museums or something so he could say to his teacher that the exchange had been educational or something. Scorpius said he knew all about England and it's history wizarding and muggle history at that. He said he could easily answer any questions his teacher had.
Seeing as Scorpius could also speak, read and write in English Al didn't have much to actually do. Instead they just hung out and had a laugh together.
It was about the fifth evening of Scorpius' stay and he was in the Potter's living room watching TV with Al and his family.
Lily was engrossed with her phone, sat on the floor leaning against the sofa by her dads feet. James was lounged out in a recliner chair, laughing at the film. Scorpius noted James had a hole in his sock and his big toe had started to poke through. Mr and Mrs Potter were on the sofa, Mrs Potter was working on an article for the newspaper she worked for and Mr Potter was trying to read what was on Lily's phone from the angle he was sat. Al and Scorpius were sat on beanbags also watching the film.
Mrs Potter didn't even look up from her parchment, "Harry you're not going to see what Lily has on her phone. Besides she texts so fast that you would be able to read it quick enough anyway."
Lily spun around and stared at her red faced dad, "Dad! It's private."
He looked guilty but pushed his luck by saying, "Who's Conner?"
She narrowed her eyes, stood and flicked her hair behind her back, "None of you business that's who." she left and they heard her bedroom door slam.
"Nice one dad." Al teased.
"If Lily is dating this Conner guy I want to know that's all." He was very protective of his little girl.
Ginny shook her head, "Harry she's been crushing on Conner for ages now."
Harry looked shocked, "It's news to me. Boys tell all you know about him."
James shrugged, "Dude's alright. Me and Al already dealt with it don't worry."
The only time Al and James worked together was when they were doing something for their family.
Harry frowned, "Do I want to know?"
Al and James both answered, "No."
Ginny tutted, "Poor Lily, she isn't going to be able to catch a break with you two breathing down her neck. Although I had plenty of brothers and that never stopped me."
Harry frowned, and Al added, "Besides Lily will get bored and start crushing on someone else soon enough."
Harry wasn't sure if that made him feel better or not.
Just then an owl swooped in through the open window and dropped a letter in Scorpius' lap, leaving immediately.
Scorpius recognised his fathers handwriting and the Malfoy seal. He opened the letter and groaned.
"Told you father was going to do something to get me back." He informed Al.
Al lent in closer and read the letter, laughing as he read each sentence.
"Your dad is brilliant." He exclaimed.
Harry and Ginny were glad the boys couldn't see their shocked faces.
"No he's not." Scorpius complained.
Draco had enclosed a photo, the photo was of an empty garage and the caption written on the back said..."Oh dear I seem to have misplaced your car. Too bad."
Al asked, "But aren't cars a muggle thing and well you're not old enough to drive."
Scorpius turned to look at Al, "Yeah father and I seemed to have acquired a taste for vintage muggle cars and we work on them together. We live on a substantial estate so I can drive around and father taught me. I just need to sit my driving test when I reach the legal age – will be a breeze."
What car is he on about?" Al was intrigued.
Scorpius grimaced, "We've been working on a Corvette Sting Ray together and he said I could have it once it was finished. He's trying to wind me up by saying it's gone. He knows how much I love it."
Harry couldn't believe that Scorpius' father was the same Malfoy he knew from school. He knew that people could change – but talk about a complete change in everything. Not to mention even admitting he like something muggle.
Scorpius huffed, "Father has a garage full of cars – he drives a lot. Mother always complains saying she would prefer him to floo as it's quicker. But he takes his car, he enjoys driving – even if it takes longer."
Al grinned, "Uncle Ron and Dad drove a flying car once."
Scorpius laughed, "Whoa cool."
Harry shook his head, "It wasn't cool we almost died – although that was really more the Whomping Willow and the spiders." He vaguely stated.
Scorpius looked confused, Al chuckled "Long story. Lets go get a drink and go to my room and I'll tell you all about it."
Harry admitted to himself that if he didn't have a history with Malfoy and only met him now, he would probably really like the guy. From what Scorpius had been saying he sounded like a decent father, he did things that surprised Harry – like the prank war with Scorpius and having a muggle car collection. Harry was intrigued – although he would never say that out loud.
By the second week Al was 80% sure that Scorpius was gay, or maybe 70%. He decided to find out once and for all.
They were sat in a local park, eating ice creams, and Al remarked, "I'm sure if your girlfriend knew how many girls have been checking you out she'd be jealous."
Scorpius smirked, "I'm unattached." He answered.
Al was stumped, "Oh. In-between girls at the moment?" He tried again.
Scorpius looked at Al and smiled, "Nope."
Al sighed, "So how many girls are out there that have had their heart broken by you?"
Scorpius laughed, "Oh hard to say – many I've been told. Especially when the girls in my school found out I preferred the opposite sex – that broke a few hearts."
Al was expecting another vague answer, dodging the question – so it took him a moment to register that Scorpius had just confessed that he was gay.
"Oh." Was all he managed to say, turning his attention away from the amused grey eyes and eating his ice cream to give him something to do.
Scorpius hid his smile and casually asked, "That isn't going to be an issue is it?"
Al returned his gaze to Scorpius, "Of course not."
Scorpius grinned, "Good. How about you?"
Al knew what he was asking he'd be stupid not to, "My family don't know – Rose is the only other person who knows." Was all he answered.
Scorpius nodded, "Noted. Worried about the aftermath of such a deceleration?"
"Yeah pretty much – I'm just...well I'm building up the courage to tell my family. I will, but when I'm ready." He admitted.
Scorpius laughed, "I suggest you find a better hiding place for your gay porn mags."
Al was stunned, he didn't notice his ice cream was melting down his hand.
"W-what?" He stuttered.
"You know, those magazines you thought were so well hidden. Don't worry I put them back where I found them. Quite an impressive collection." He remarked.
Al knew he was blushing, he'd never spoken to another gay person before, and someone so unabashed and open as Scorpius – well it took some getting used to.
"I can't hide anything from father – the man just has a canny ability to know everything about me. He knows about my preferences – he isn't too bothered. He understands it is who I am and no amount of Malfoy pressure can change that." Scorpius stated.
Al could only hope his family were as supportive – he had a large family surly the odds would suggest that someone will be unhappy about it.
Scorpius grinned, "Father can't be too bothered he still employs rather attractive French men – our gardener is quite the sight."
Al was suddenly jealous of this mystery gardener, "You don't have elves?"
"No, for as long as I can remember it has been people – just normal people. Although now I think about it father has tended to employ attractive men. Hmm I wonder if that was for mothers benefit or his?" He rhetorically asked.
Al was surprised, "You seem rather chilled out by the fact it could be for either of your parents benefit."
Scorpius had finished his ice cream and looked pointedly at Al's melting one, "Well they have an open marriage, although I'm sure they don't realise I know this. They're happy and so am I. It's not my place to judge, they love me and I couldn't really ask for more." He sensibility responded.
Al had chucked his ice cream and cone in the bin and licked the ice cream off his hands. Scorpius grimaced but he liked Al even with his lack of manners.
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
Finding out that Scorpius was gay hadn't made Al feel better – in fact it made things worse. He knew he had a better chance of – well he wasn't really sure of what not having ever tried it on with a bloke before and just because Scorpius was gay didn't mean he fancied Al.
Scorpius only had four days left before he would return home. Al really wished he was going, but Scorpius was missing his family and had school – Al just clung onto the fact that one day Scorpius would return to England permanently and hopefully their paths would cross.
Once again the Potter family were at The Burrow, they had all enjoyed a delicious lunch and AL and Scorpius decided to take a walk. Rose had actually helped Al and convinced any other cousins that joining Al would be boring.
Al walked in the direction of a small stream, Al often walked alongside the stream. When he was younger he would look for different creature he could spot in the slow flowing water. Lily had once sworn she saw a fairy but Al never believed her.
It really was a beautiful spot, a natural stream with wild flowers grown on the embankment and a some trees on one side. It instantly put you at ease being here and Al could never be stressed when faced with such stunning countryside.
Scorpius sat on a large rock and removed his shoes and sock. Rolling his trousers up, he left his shoes on socks and moved to walk in the stream.
"I'd go careful if I were you, you could stand on a sharp stone or something." Al warned.
Scorpius gave Al a warm smile, "Come join me, it's lovely."
Al didn't even argue, something about this place, and Scorpius just seemed to put him at ease. He copied Scorpius' actions and was soon stood in ankle deep water walking toward the most attractive person he had ever seen.
Scorpius must have seen the look of awe in Al's eyes, "This place is amazing. Really picturesque." Scorpius declared, mistaking what had made Al's face light up with it's beauty.
Al agreed, he was glad it was a warm day, and the cool stream water was actually very pleasant. Al blurted what had been worrying him for some time now, "I can't believe you will be leaving soon." He knew he sounded whiny but damn it he really didn't want him to go.
Scorpius sighed, "I'm in two minds. I really am looking forward to seeing my parents again, but being here and seeing London and other parts of England has only increased my desire to move back here one day. I'm going to miss you too – I've grown quite fond of you." he said around a smile.
Al chuckled, "Can I be completely honest with you?" Al wanted to just tell Scorpius how he felt, he knew Scorpius was leaving and what could really happen, but he didn't want Scorpius to leave without knowing and then having to revert back to letters. Now seemed like an ideal opportunity to tell Scorpius.
Scorpius turned so his body was facing Al fully and met his eye, "Of course you can – what's up?"
Al looked at his feet and wiggled his toes in the water, he responded without looking back up, "I like you."
Scorpius laughed, "I kind of gathered as much, considering you haven't punched me once since being at your house."
Al lifted his head and frowned at Scorpius, "Not like that. I mean...I like – like you..."
Scorpius grinned, and Al uttered, "A lot."
Scorpius moved closer to Al and gently took hold of his right hand, "I like – like you too." Both were grinning like fools at one another.
Al wasn't sure who moved first, later when he thought over the moment he thought it was both at the same time.
They kissed, a gentle tentative kiss. One that warmed Al more than the afternoon sun. There was just something special about a first kiss, something difficult to explain but it caused many emotions to swirl inside Al.
Their second kiss was a little more certain, knowing that the other wasn't teasing that they actually liked each other. To Al it was perfection – it may not have been the most well executed kiss or most skilful – but in this moment, stood ankle deep bare footed in a stream kissing Scorpius Malfoy was simply perfect. It was Scorpius' eyes, his laugh, the way he smiled that had captured AL but in that split second, in that moment Al was lost to his lips.
After some time of kissing Al saw his dads patronus, "Al, Scorpius time to come back. We will be heading home soon."
Al was relieved that there wasn't some emergency, however he was gutted that he was going to be leaving the stream and Scorpius' embrace.
They smiled at one another and walked back to their shoes hand in hand.
OoOoOo
TBC