~What Am I Feeling?~

~Chapter 6- Rumours~

It seemed that when you were with Albus Potter, time flew by far too quickly. When you had a friend as good as Albus Potter by your side, you were happy to the point where you amost didn't notice the world around you. That's what Scorpius thought any way.

Albus felt a similar way. He didn't realise how important it was to have friends before he met Scorpius. He had always just had his family for company. But now it was different. Now he had met Scorpius Malfoy and friendship was one of the most important thing to him, because Scorpius meant the world to him.

Their first year at Hogwarts was over before the two boys even felt like they had started. Before they knew it, they were back at home for Summer holidays, preparing for the next year to come, safe in the knowledge that if they had another year like the last at Hogwarts, it would be perfect.

If the duo were close in their first term, it was nothing compared to their growing relationship after Christmas. The thing with Scorpius Malfoy and Albus Potter was that their personalities clicked. They matched and complimented each other. Albus was constantly bubbly and enthusiastic, saying the sweetest things all the time. He would provoke the perfect reactions out of the younger boy. Scorpius was quieter, but being with Albus gave him more confidence. Albus learnt a lot from Scorpius when it came to more knowledgeable things, especially as, for a Ravenclaw, he struggled more than his housemates with school.

Albus and Scorpius understood and admired one another. They told each other everything about their family life and childhood, to if there were any problems in the past they could discuss it with each other. If there were any problems in their life in the present, the other would be able to give advice.

Albus understood that Scorpius had a secluded childhood and didn't actually blame the Malfoy's parents for the way they protected Scorpius. He understood how hard it was for Scorpius to be able to feel others emotions, and how much it meant to him to now have the Baralime Stone so he didn't need to deal with that. He understood.

Scorpius understood how the Potters had always lived their life in the spotlight with Albus' father being the most famous Wizard on the earth. He listened when Albus complained about the expectations he had to live up to and how it was very hard for him to do so. He didn't want to be outshone, yet he didn't feel he should be someone he's not if it didn't live up to the rest of the world's standards. Scorpius understood.

The arrival of the Baralime Stone had been hugely significant to Scorpius. Since the day he had received the stone from Professor McGonagall, he had been so much more relaxed. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted of his shoulders and it was great. His parents had noticed his more upbeat behaviour, as did Albus, being as close to Scorpius as he was.

The friends smoothly returned to Hogwarts, the first few months going by just as quick as they had the year before. Scorpius was excited about the new studies he would encounter in year two of Hogwarts, whereas Albus was more enthusiastic about the fact it was the current Ravenclaw Seeker's last year and he had already been discussing with the Captain of the team the possibility of getting into the team the following year.

Sometime after Halloween though, Scorpius noticed a slight change in Albus. He seemed more solemn, more distant. He noticed how Albus would get more frustrated easily, often muttering a string of curses to himself if he made a mistake.

He constantly shied away from unneeded and unwanted attention, the only one who he was truly speaking to properly these past few weeks being Scorpius. Scorpius didn't think any one had noticed, except him. Maybe Rose had noticed as she often gave her cousin worried glances when he would dismiss her.

At first, Scorpius worried he had done something wrong himself. He soon realised this couldn't be as soon as he noticed that he was the only one Albus properly paid attention to. He thought maybe Albus was struggling with school, but he didn't seem to be affected at all in class nor outside, his homework always on time and he might ask Scorpius a few questions as he would usually do. The best conclusion Scorpius could come to was that Albus was nearly a teenager and he would start getting a bit grumpier and things like that, as would happen to him eventually.

Scorpius did consider taking his necklace with the stone off so he could feel if Albus was in any sort of emotional pain but Scorpius had decided against it. Scorpius never took his necklace off, unless he was completely alone or sometimes it did give him a head ache so maybe then. And… he didn't want to feel any pain Albus was in. Because he knew… that although he had to endure others pain in the past, it would effect him so much more if it was the sorrow of his dear friend.

So one night, when they were the only two in their dorm and Albus lay on his bed with his head buried in the pillow, Scorpius decided that he would have to find out with words.

He shut his book firmly before crawling from his bed to Albus' and sitting down next his friend. Slowly he lay down next to the brown haired boy, letting his eyes flutter shut.

Albus felt the weight of the smaller boy dip in the bed and sighed. He fidgeted slightly, but no more.

"Al… I think it's time you told me what's wrong?" Scorpius said uncertainly, his eyes still shut.

Albus shifted his weight somewhat, before furrowing his eyebrows and pushing his face even further into the pillow, "It's nothing. Nothing important."

"Albus… it's always important… because we're friends and I-I don't like to see you sad." Scorpius opened his eyes as Albus lifted his head so silver met green.

Albus let a small smile quirk his lips, something which never failed to grace him when Scorpius was around, "Thanks Scor… that means a lot."

"So… what is it?"

Albus took a deep breath and rolled over onto his back, staring at the ceiling along with Scor, "It's my parents. There's rumours going around that they're splitting up."

Scorpius frowned instantaneously, "But your parents seem so close…?"

"Apparently, my mum was seen coming out of a hotel with her ex-boyfriend, Dean Thomas," Albus worried his bottom lip between his teeth, "I've met Dean loads of times. He's a really decent guy… I didn't think he would do that. Him and my father are good friends."

Scorpius shook his head and grabbed Albus' hand, "Al… you know it's not true don't you? It was probably an innocent situation which was just turned around by the press."

Albus nodded, closing his eyes as he did so, "I know that. I'm just… so annoyed!"

Albus rolled back over and hugged the pillow to his face again. He let out a groan and gripped the pillow tighter.

Scorpius felt a tug to his heart as he watched him friend in this manner. He felt the need to comfort him straight away, so always turned on his belly and draped an arm over Albus' back, snuggling into the Potter's side.

Albus did feel a wave of comfort as his friend embraced him. He couldn't resist reaching out to Scorpius and holding the blonde in his arms.

"Scor…" Albus whispered, "What am I feeling?"

Scorpius was taken back by the sudden question. He knew what Albus meant and what that meant he would do. But… Scorpius didn't like to… yet he knew his friend needed comfort in that moment and some sort of closure in his own way. And Albus obviously didn't understand quite how he felt about the situation with his parents.

Reaching between them, slowly Scorpius removed his necklace, for what was definitely the first time this month. Thankfully, only one other's emotions hit him, although they weren't particularly good.

What Scorpius could feel from Albus was just complete and utter frustration. Albus was obviously frustrated with the situation on hand and the way in which the press always twisted things and exposed their family so much to the entire Wizarding world. There was a slight comfort radiating off the other boy, due to consoling Scorpius was offering but mostly just frustration.

"You're frustrated," Scorpius stated simply, "Because of the newspapers. You don't want your family to be treated in this way."

"Yeah… that's what it is," Albus sighed into Scorpius' shoulder, "I've hated the way they've treated my family for years but this is just too much. I can't stand it. I'm not the type who likes to be in the spotlight anyway but then they do this…" Albus gritted his teeth and scrunched his eyelids together, "I know my mum didn't cheat. At least… I hope…"

"Your mum hasn't cheated," Scorpius said firmly, "She hasn't because I know she loves your dad. Don't make them doubt your mum. She's a good person. As are you and all your family. Don't let them turn your mind. Your safe in the knowledge that that's not true. Your birthday is coming up soon... That's what you should focus on."

~X~

A week went by where Albus started to seem more like himself again. He became slightly louder and more playful, back to his old self again but Scorpius knew there was still doubts in his mind about his parents.

Scorpius constantly tried to reassure Albus. He would tell him to ignore the rumours because they weren't true but Albus would always say an exasperated 'I know' and 'Don't worry'.

One morning, they were eating breakfast while chatting about a potions essay they had to write and then make the potion in class. As usual, they were partners so were discussing the order in which to add the ingredients etc.

Post soon started to arrive and owls flooded the Great Hall, swooping down and dropping parcels and letters to students.

Scorpius received a letter from his parents which he tucked into his robes to read later. He noticed immediately when Albus got one from his own parents.

Albus gulped but ripped open the letter, ignoring Scorpius' glances of worry. He opened up the letter straight away and almost instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

Dear Albus,

I'm sure you're doing just fine at school, as always. How are you? And how's Scorpius? Have you heard anything more from the Quidditch Captain?

I hate to think that you have heard the rumours before we got to explain but I assume you have. I don't want you to worry, so thought I would explain. The rumours about your mum are not true in any way and we both know that. In fact, I was even there at the hotel with Dean and your mum when those pictures were taken! We had met Dean for dinner in the hotel while Lily was staying with Fleur and Bill, and I stayed to pay while Dean and your mum waited outside. The pictures were obviously taken then so it looked as if they were leaving the hotel alone. Really, the papers will do anything for a story these days.

We've tried to ignore the press as much as possible and you should too. I really hope you haven't been worrying about the situation and I'm sorry I haven't written sooner. Been busy down at work with a current case, which has only made the situation worse because I haven't been around to give any statements to the press myself.

I truly wish the press would leave us alone but I guess that's the price I pay for saving the Wizarding world.

I'll write again soon to fill you in,

Your dad.

Albus allowed Scorpius to read through the letter soon after him. He couldn't help but smile widely and give Albus one of those I've told you so expressions.

"Scorpius… thanks so much for being so supportive," Albus said, slightly embarrassed but hugged his friend any way, "You're amazing and the best friend a person could have. Really, thank you."

~X~

A/N: I hope you all had a great Christmas and an amazing start to the new year!

This chapter is quite short, but really it was just a filler chapter. I plan to go straight to their 5th year next to start the real story, but thought it might be too much of a skip. This way you can see a bit how much their friendship had developed and how comfortable they were together.

So as I said, next chapter will be going to their 5th year together where the true drama will start and more sweet moments between the boy will occur.

Over the holidays I did a lot of planning for this story and trust me, it's going to be long. I wasn't originally going to do it, but I've decided to add another pairing in with canon characters and it will be VERY dramatic. It won't be very focused on their story but I might even do a story on the side for them? If it comes to that. I've planned up to the 38th chapter and they haven't even left school yet... Eeek.

Okay, I hope you all enjoyed that chapter everyone, even if it was short! Thanks to drumline, EKdark and Lizzy0308 for reviewing last chapter! Always appreciated and please continue to review!