~What Am I Feeling?~
~Chapter 28- Really Good Friends~
It had only been a few days since the Summer holidays began and already Albus and Scorpius had arranged to see each other. They had been constantly sending letters to each other anyway, with words of how they missed and loved the other.
So the day came where they were to meet in Diagon Alley for their first date outside Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Both had been annoying their family members for the last twenty-four hours on end with their excitement. They had been getting more edgy each day they didn't see each other and all that built up anticipation probably made seeing each other even better.
It was also important to them as it reassured them that their relationship wasn't just a little fantasy. It expanded their love beyond Hogwarts, it wasn't just a school child's imagination of what it was like to be in a relationship, but it made it more real.
When the boys spotted each other, Albus waiting outside Gringotts where they decided to meet, grins stretched uncontrollably across their faces as they sprung towards each other in delight. Just seeing each other's faces again brought a gentle warmth and comfort to their hearts.
Scorpius flung his arms around Albus' neck without restraint, not even considering what people around them might think. They giggled as Albus lifted Scorpius off the floor slightly while hugging the smaller boy so tightly, he didn't ever want to let go again.
"Oh Merlin I've missed you!" Albus groaned, lowering Scorpius to the floor but grabbing his face again.
Scorpius was still giggling like a girl, dropping his forehead onto Al's, "Same here! I needed to see you…"
Finally the two boys released each other in order to avoid any arising suspicion from the Witches and Wizards around them, "It's been so weird! Not waking up next to you everyday and then spending the whole day with you… I don't like it. I don't like it at all."
They started moving towards their destination, the ice cream parlour. Their hands brushed every once in a while and their fingers itched to entwine together, "Me neither."
"What've you been doing?" Albus raised his eyebrows, "Other than send letters to me of course."
Scorpius chuckled, "Not much as usual. Been in the library a lot. My mother forced me to go clothes shopping yesterday… again."
"Sounds fun… Funny how your mum is the exact opposite of mine. My mum hates shopping. Especially for clothes."
"Well they come from two completely different worlds don't they? My mum came from her traditional pureblood family where she was spoilt rotten but your family never had that. Yet look who's the more nobler family?"
"Scor?" Al frowned, "Did something happen with your mum and dad?"
Scorpius sighed, "No. it's just sometimes I'm fed up of being the perfect pureblood son. It really hits me when I go home. But I'm not that perfect son. If I was I wouldn't be gay. Nor would I be dating a 'blood traitor'. A Potter."
"Scor, that doesn't matter, you know," Al slid an arm over Scorpius' shoulders, "In a few years… when we start to tell people… your dad… you-"
"Will probably disappoint my father even more," Scorpius said harshly, "I know. I've promised myself that I won't think about it. I've promised myself not to dwell or worry about it. I've promised myself that I'll just enjoy our time together while we can."
Albus was overwhelmed, "I-I didn't mean it like that. Scor-"
"We'll get through it though? I'll have you by my side and we'll get through it." Scorpius smiled abruptly.
Albus sniggered, shaking his head, "Someone's hormonal it would seem."
Scorpius hit him jokingly as they arrived at the ice cream parlour. They ordered their ice cream at the counter. Scorpius got a rather normal flavour of coconut, topped with chocolate drew balls while Albus got a Bertie Botts special. That one happened to be pickled onion.
As they sat down in a more secluded corner of the parlour, Scorpius turned his nose up at Albus' ice cream which he was already doing a thorough job at munching down, "How on earth can you eat that?"
Albus looked up, grinning at Scorpius, "Well it's actually quite nutritional ."
"Gross."
"Well sorry, you're being all fresh and everything with your coconut." Albus shoved his spoon his mouth as to say 'So there!'.
"You're just strange."
Albus leaned across the table, "Yet you love me." Without hesitation, Albus pressed his lips to Scorpius' for a warm kiss, the first in a few days.
Scorpius wanted so much to sink into the kiss but he had to be the sensible one and pushed Albus away, "Al! We're in public!"
"No one can see us from this angle!" Al laughed, leaning in for another kiss which again Scorpius stopped.
"We can't risk it though, Al."
Albus nodded his defeat, "You're right, sorry. But at least let me hold your hand? Under the table?"
Scorpius blushed but slid his fingers in between Albus' long slender ones. It was hard to think that only a couple of months before they were nothing but friends and didn't even know that they loved each other. And now they were more comfortable like this together than they ever had been, "So what about you? What have you been up to since you got back?"
"Visiting hundreds of family members… a bit of Quidditch here and there…" Albus swayed his head back and forth, "Missing you."
"I know… I asked my father if you could come around for a couple of days to stay," Scorpius nibbled on his lip, "But he said no."
"Well, we're going down to Cornwall for a few days, all of the family," Albus told him, "My dad has rented a cottage for us, just next to the beach in a small village. We went there ages ago and I loved it. So… I asked if you could come as well?"
Scorpius gasped slightly at the prospect of actually going on holiday with Albus, "Al… I would love to. I would absolutely love to."
"Will your dad let you do you think?" Albus said with thrill, almost bobbing up and down in his seat.
"He may be a slightly hesitant at first… but I'm sure with a little persuasion he would let me."
Albus hugged Scorpius again, pecking the boy's temple and forehead over again. This time, Scorpius was too happy to even care whether someone saw them at that point.
"I really hope you can come. It would just be so brilliant, so perfect. I know all my family would be there, but in a way that's good. Because you're part of my family. You're the one I love." Albus whispered, his lips sweeping over the blonde's ear.
Scorpius shivered at the feeling of Al's lips caressing his earlobe but tried to hide it as well as he could, "I love you too. And I can't wait to go on holiday with you. Even if my father doesn't let me go this time, whenever we do go on holiday, I really can't wait."
"You're amazing. Everything about you. Amazing. And that's why I love you so much."
"I'm nothing compared to you."
When they finished their ice cream, they decided to head off to Weasley Wizard Wheezes to visit George.
Albus bumped into some family friends on the way down, the Scamanders who Scorpius had heard a lot about. The twins, Lorcan and Lysander were in the same year as Lily. There was a running joke that Lorcan and Lily would marry one day, something which did embarrass Lily as she did have a little crush on the Scamander twin. But it was no secret that the Scamanders… were slightly eccentric. Mr and Mrs Scamander owned the Quibbler which was often publishing very random and odd articles about Unicorns and Nargles.
At last they arrived at Weasley Wizard Wheezes which was buzzing as much as ever. Excitement was shooting from every corner, bubbling children running past and chasing each other. Small fireworks exploded over Scorpius and Albus' heads when they entered, both of them jumping slightly. A child next to them was playing with a Pygmy Puff, rolling it along the shelf.
They spotted George standing on the stairs, looking out and admiring all the money he was making. However to their surprise, Teddy also sat up on the counter next to him, his hair a bright red at that point, grinning. He lanky legs swung carelessly, his lean chest hugged by a Muggle checked t-shirt, buttoned up to the collar and legs covered in skinny jeans. He was staring at George, beaming as George also smiled, chatting to the younger boy.
At the sight of Teddy, Scorpius sprinted over to his cousin and before Teddy even had time to register his presence, Scorpius had flung himself at his relative.
"Scorpius!" Teddy chuckled, jumping off the counter so he could hug the boy properly, "I've missed you blondie!"
"I've missed you too…" They separated, but still held each other's hand, "How's Germany?"
"Well, I wouldn't know anymore. Finished the wandlore course finally and I'm moving back here."
"That's great Teddy…"
Albus made his way through the crowd and also greeted Teddy in a similar, maybe more rough way. They also said hello to George of course.
"So how were OWLs?" George asked as they all sat down at the counter together, munching on some sweets which George had lay out.
"Bad." Albus said instantly.
"No, they were good." Scorpius argued with a frown.
"Yeah for you." Albus rolled his eyes.
"Teddy, what are you gonna do now then?" Scorpius questioned, popping a chocolate cauldron into his mouth.
"Well… you're still planning on going into Wandlore right?" Scorpius nodded and Teddy just grinned, "Well it's a good job because I bought the empty shop opposite here the other day."
"No way, Teddy!" Scorpius gasped out, "You did?"
"Yeah! Until you've finished school and the wandlore course I'll just build up the shop, collect and trade wands, interior and exterior design of the shop. Even start making the wants myself. I'm sure I could run even myself for a while."
"Wow…" Scorpius hugged Teddy again, glancing at Albus who was obviously happy for his boyfriend and god brother, with a wide beam across his face, "That's so great Teddy! Thank you! I promise I'll pay you back for half the-"
"I trust you," Teddy interrupted, "And I don't need you to pay me anything for it. I just know this is going to work, I can feel it."
"Teddy, you're the best. Truly."
"That really is great, Teddy," Albus said, clapping him on the back, "And now we finally have you back on English soil too."
"It's nice to be back," Teddy groaned blissfully, leaning his head back as an arm draped over Scorpius' shoulder, "I missed the food most I think."
"So not your dear friends and family the most? Tut tut, Teddy. That's low." George joked, crossing his arms.
"Shouldn't you be working?" Teddy spat back with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"No, I'm the boss. Which means I observe what's happening and make sure everything's going smoothly." The red head tilted his head into the sky proudly.
"Uncle George, can't you just say you're too lazy to do anything?" Albus smirked, "I mean, you're always 'observing' but never actually taking action."
George clicked his tongue, turning his head away defeated, "You're way too clever for your own good Albus Severus Potter."
"If you think I'm clever, never get into an argument with Scor then. You can never win, even if he's wrong."
"I just like arguing, is all." Scorpius stuck his tongue out playfully at Albus.
"So is everything between you two alright now?" George asked, "The last time I saw Scorpius, you two were not speaking."
They took a fleeting look at each other, knowing they had to be careful about what they said, "Yeah, we sorted that out as soon as we got back to school," Albus said, "It was just a stupid argument really."
"What was it about?" Teddy knitted his brow in confusion.
"W-well…" Scorpius tried to answer but Albus interrupted him.
"I didn't like his boyfriend," Albus admitted with a shrug, "And I was right about him, was I not?"
"Al… we don't need to start slagging Chris off." Scorpius sighed, resting his head on Teddy's shoulder.
"He was an arsehole."
"What did he do?" Teddy said protectively.
"He tried to force Scorpius to have sex with him." Albus growled. He found it surprising that even seeing Scorpius with his head on Teddy's shoulder and Teddy's arm wrapped around him, made him slightly jealous.
"Are you kidding?" Teddy stared down Scorpius, "What kind of guy were you with?"
"That makes him sound worse than he was." Scorpius insisted.
"Why are you defending him?" Albus chuckled, sliding an arm over Scorpius, "Listen, I know you thought he was a nice guy and stuff, but… you've moved on now, right?"
Scorpius stared into Albus' eyes and understood that defending Chris made Albus worried. It made Al worried that he still liked Chris. But Scorpius knew it was Albus he loved and always would, "Yes of course."
"Then let's forget about him."
"He's forgotten, Al." Scorpius whispered with a smile.
George and Teddy stared at them for a moment before shrugging it off, accepting like everyone else did that they were just really good friends.
~X~
A/N: Feels long since the last chapter. Well, I got a little side tracked to be honest with a story for Snapshots about the new pairing xD I'm not going to reveal much more than that about it? Still no guesses about who it might be? :O
I decided that I'm going to post my brief 'Character Development' notes, a different character nearly every chapter. I thought it would be a nice little touch and also helps you to get to know the characters better and it also includes some of my favourite quotes from the characters. I've taken out any details which have spoilers for future chapters! It's nothing new, but you know, I thought it was good. Don't know what you think. So the first one is at the bottom of this chapter :)
So thank you Lizzy0308, NekoAkitsuki, Pasdoll, Words of A Feather, C8ecat, wheresthewolf and EKdark for reviewing the last chapter! I suddenly got looooads of reviewers! Please keep it up! I really appreciate it!
Next chapter:: Organising a holiday is never easy.
~X~
Scorpius Malfoy
Has the 'Emovere' power. It's made him extremely clever and mature, easily understands others. Also bothered him a lot when he was younger and his parents didn't let him out.
Has most Ravenclaw qualities, clever hardworking etc. but he is very loyal, especially to Albus. He tries to look for the best in everything and everyone, only person he sincerely dislikes is James.
His family is important to him, though he would wish to break free of their ideals. Worries of his father's approval.
Is very shy with people at first, including Albus though he settled well with Al quickly. Often blushes when Al compliments him but very much likes banter with Al. Also loves arguing because he always manages to win.
Wants to study wandlore and open his own shop wit his cousin Teddy (Inspiration is Ollivanders).
Hates getting up in mornings. Favourite band is Beyond Magic and he has a small crush on Etienne Allard. Loves coconut. Fiddles with his school uniform often and bites his lower lip. Doesn't see the appeal in Quidditch, for himself anyway.
""But sometimes you need to find some things boring, so you can appreciate the more interesting things."
"I appreciate each and everything individually," Scorpius shrugged, "I don't need to think anything is lesser than another thing, just because I don't like it as much. They're just as important; even if it is not to me."
"You're different you are." Henrietta chuckled, shaking her head.
"I would rather be different than be like everyone else." Scorpius smiled."