~What Am I Feeling?~
~Chapter 30- Soft Sands~
Scorpius perched himself on a seat in the Ford Anglia, his legs hanging off the side and swinging them uncontrollably. He laughed as Albus tried to juggle four oranges, Lily shouting abusive instructions at him.
"Not like that you damn idiot!" Lily yelled with bossy intent, "Quicker! You have to be quicker!"
Albus dropped two oranges, scowling at his sister in frustration, "Well maybe I would be a bit quicker if you weren't screaming in my ear the whole time!"
"You should listen to my instructions," Lily said stubbornly and flicked her single ginger plait over her shoulder. She crossed her arms and pouted, "I'm the one who knows how to juggle."
"Fine," Albus snapped, "If you know best," One by one, he threw the oranges at Lily, harshly but lightly so they couldn't hurt her, "Then you juggle."
She gasped in fake shock but both her and Scorpius giggled at Albus teasingly. Albus stomped over to Scorpius, plopping down next to him. He slung an arm over Scorpius' shoulders, leaning his head on Scorpius'. Scorpius tried not to blush, knowing Lily was watching them but he knew it was too late.
"God, you two are going to be unbearable." Lily huffed while rolling her eyes.
Albus gulped and lips wavered before finally saying, "What? Why?"
"Because you're joined at the hip the whole time and this time we have to look at you like that," Lily shrugged, pulling the sunglasses which were resting on her head over eyes, "It's annoying."
"But you'll be the same with Rose." Albus breathed a sigh of relief quietly as he realised she hadn't come to any other conclusions.
Ginny appeared in the doorway, dragging along her heavy suitcase. Her face was flushed red, from carrying the heavy bags but not to mention how hot it was. Mimicking her daughter, she flicked her red hair over her shoulder, huffing and puffing.
Both Albus and Scorpius jumped out and drew the suitcases out of the older woman's hands. She gave them a grateful smile, "Oh thank you dears. See, James would never have done that. Not much of a gentleman, is he?"
"No," Although he and James had made up since he found out how James was bulling Scorpius, there was still a certain extent of awkwardness between Albus and James, especially if they were talking about when James was rude or something along those lines. Whether it was his mother, father or sister, they did not know the degree of James' flaws, "He really isn't."
"But you two are proper gentlemen. And will have lovely partners. James will learn eventually." Ginny rolled her eyes when the scanned over the boot of the car, a familiar Firebolt sticking out the back, "Oh no, you're not bringing that Lily."
"Oh come on!" Lily stomped her foot, "Let me bring it! Rose and Hugo are bringing there's!"
"No, it's supposed to be a Muggle holiday, remember?" Every year, every holiday the Potters and Weasleys went on, they had a strict no magic policy. They say it's because holidays are supposed to be a break and they should get away from magic as well, away from their normal life. It also helped them to appreciate things without magic. The children normally hated it, except for a few. Albus was like Teddy and found Muggle things fascinating, which is why he is upset he cannot take Muggle Studies next year. Some of the older ones like Dominique and Lucy liked it as well. Victoire, despite being the oldest, couldn't stand being without all the magical privileges, for example instant hair straightening on demand.
"But Rose and Hugo-!"
"Aunt Hermione will not let them fly, and I'm not letting you fly."
At that moment, Harry casually walked out, a broom in his hand, grinning at the rest of them, "Got your brooms?"
Ginny gave him a stern look, "No. No brooms. Muggle holiday, remember?"
"Aw, but last time we were saying how great it would be to fly over the sea." Harry batted his eyelashes.
"Muggles would see us sweety." Ginny said patronisingly, snatching the broom out of his hands.
~X~
After a bit more arguing, they finally got on the road in the Ford Anglia. They were going to meet the rest of the family at a service station so they could all stick by on the roof together.
"So Scorpius, it didn't work out with that Chris guy?" Ginny smiled softly, almost in a sympathetic way.
Scorpius blushed. He had never spoken with Albus' parents about his sexuality so it was new, never mind the fact he was secretly dating their son, "U-Uh yeah… it just didn't happen."
"Well that's a shame," Ginny turned fully to face him, "I hope you know, we fully accept who you are. There's nothing wrong with being gay at all, of course not. And you're still an amazing boy and a brilliant friend to Albus and we love you all the same."
Scorpius' cheeks reddened even further, glancing hesitantly at Albus who wanted to grab Scorpius' hand at that point but just smiled happily, "Thank you Mrs Potter… it does mean a lot when you have support behind you."
"I can't imagine it's been easy, but I hope it's better now." Harry added, though he kept his eyes firmly on the road.
"No, it hasn't, but it is better now."
"You didn't get anyone being… rude about it?"
Scorpius paled. The only person who had actually been confrontational about his sexuality was James, "Uh… Just a few rude comments here and there but it was okay. They've stopped now."
With Harry and Ginny both facing the road and Lily engaged with a book, Albus discreetly slipped his fingers between Scorpius, their joined hands hidden. Albus gave a supportive grin and Scorpius couldn't help but return it.
They soon arrived at the Service station and there was already red heads bobbing from every corner.
Bill and Fleur were leaning against their car, fanning themselves with a piece of paper while Martino and Louis sat in the car, chatting and taking the opportunity when Louis' parents backs were turned to steal kisses. Scorpius was glad they were coming. Him and Louis had become even better friends since Easter and it was often Albus and Scorpius would hang out with Louis, especially at meals.
Victoire was sitting on the nearby grass with Dominique, Lucy and Molly, her sunglasses covering her eyes as she leaned back, trying to catch as much sun as possible. She kept glancing over at Teddy who was filling up his Scooter with petrol, while George purposely tried to shake it the bike to annoy Teddy. Scorpius had only actually talked to Victoire about three times and that was when she was in Hogwarts. Whenever he went to the Potters, she was never there, unlike her siblings and cousins. Not that Scorpius was bothered. And she was still obsessed with Teddy, had been for years. They didn't speak anymore, as far as Scorpius knew but that didn't stop her 'love' for him.
Dominique was probably the nearest to 'normal' out of the three Weasley-Delacour children. She had just left Hogwarts and was a Medi-witch in South London. Like Victoire and Louis, was stunning and had men drooling over her. But she didn't ever use this to her benefit really. She had a steady boyfriend, a Healer she worked with who was a really nice guy.
Angelina was talking to Percy's wife, Audrey, not even noticing the havoc her children, not to mention her husband were causing. Percy seemed to be inside the shop, buying food most likely. The twins were natural trouble makers like their dad but they were still young so very hyper. They were both sitting on Teddy's bike, rocking it side to side so Teddy was struggling to hold the petrol hose in place. He was cursing, trying hard not to swear. He yelled at George, but George only gave a loud belly laugh.
Audrey and Percy were a smart couple. Percy was high up in the ranks of the Ministry and Audrey was a governor of Hogwarts and Bauxbatons. Scorpius almost found them intimidating; they were definitely very arrogant and Molly and Lucy had inherited those qualities unfortunately. Although they were Gryffindors, their studies were the most important thing to them and they were encouraged to exceed in anything they did. Although, Lucy was a very talented musician and had expressed her desire to go into music one day. She was in all the choirs at school. Though Scorpius doubted her parents would ever let her go into music.
Molly and Arthur were sitting down on two chairs under a shelter, looking quite frail and worn out already. They were the best grandparents anyone could have in Scorpius' opinion. He didn't know his grandparents, they were both in Azkaban, however he could only imagine they were the complete opposite to Molly and Arthur.
Molly was a typical grandmotherly type. She was cuddly, often being affectionate to her grandchildren and even Scorpius. She was a whiz in the kitchen and Albus called her food "heaven on a plate." Arthur was one of the most interesting granddads. He had many stories of the olden days which some could consider dull, but Scorpius thought they were fascinating. He would love to have grandparents so loving.
He wasn't that lucky.
The only people they were awaiting now were the Weasley-Granger family. In the meantime, Scorpius and Albus greeted the family, hugging and kissing most of them. Albus removed the twins from Teddy's scooter as the Metamorphmagus looked as if he was about to explode. George was still laughing.
"This scooter is awesome, Teddy!" Albus caressed the side of the light blue, retro looking bike. Teddy had a matching helmet and he just looked ever more quirky than ever.
"It's called a Vespa. It was… a present." Teddy smirked, but a slight tinge tinted his cheeks.
"Ooooh, from who?" Albus punched his arm playfully, "A special someone?"
"N-No!" Teddy yelled defensively, "George got it for me!"
"A graduation type present." George said like it was obvious.
Just then, a green car pulled up which Scorpius recognised as Ron's. Ron was driving and next to him was Hermione who looked like she was yelling at him. In the back was Rose and Hugo, ignoring their parents but in the middle was…
No…
It couldn't be…
Scorpius thought he was imagining things. He rubbed his eyes, but he was still there.
They parked and Hermione charged out of the car, "I'm so sorry we're late! Ron forgot the camera of course and we had to turn back."
"At least you made it, unlike last time." Harry said sarcastically, kissing Hermione on the cheek.
Ron slammed the car door shut and insisted, "That was not my fault! The bludger just burst out the bag! I didn't know that was going to happen and I didn't know it was going to knock my wife out!"
Scorpius was hardly listening to the banter of the Golden Trio but he was standing there, still, staring in awe as Etienne Allard, the Etienne Allard stepped out of the car.
More greetings were made, Scorpius mumbling a hi to Ron and Hermione but he was still in shock. His heart was pounding in his chest and he still thought this was a dream. Etienne Allard! He was standing right before him! His music hero! The creator of his favourite music ever, the person he considered to be an absolute musical genius. He had admired him so long… it was good enough that he was going to his concert soon, but to meet him! It was absolutely unbelievable!
Then Etienne was approaching him, walking straight to him. His breath caught in his chest, the singer was only a step away from him. Touching distance.
This isn't happening, this isn't happening, this isn't happening!
"Albus!" Etienne exclaimed, laughing. He clapped Albus on the back then held the brunette's shoulder, "How are you?"
"I'm great, thanks! Love the new album by the way!" Albus said pleasantly and Scorpius wondered how he was so calm, while Scorpius was freaking out inside, "It's awesome. And I'm looking forward to the concert."
"So am I actually, it feels like so long since we were on tour." Etienne smiled blissfully. Suddenly both their attention turned to Scorpius and he knew his face was a tomato red by now, "And this fellow blondie must be Scorpius. I've heard a lot about you, it's great to meet you."
Etienne's hand was extended for him and Scorpius paused before shakily grabbing it. He didn't know what to say, so just squeaked and that provoked laughter from Etienne, Albus and Teddy.
"I didn't tell him you were coming so it was a surprise for him." Albus admitted.
"Well a good surprise I hope." The singer chuckled.
"Merlin yes!" Scorpius managed to get out, "I-I mean… It's so nice to meet you! An honour! Oh…"
"Haha, heard you're a big fan Scorpius," Etienne attempted to calm the Malfoy down, "Stuck with us from the beginning."
"Y-yeah… I heard your music when I was little, when you released your first song, 'Performance'," Scorpius rambled, "I loved it! Straight away! All the raw emotion! I don't find a lot of music when it really makes me… oh it's just an indescribable feeling. It's when you just want t-"
"To get up and move to the music, in any way, no matter where you are or what you're doing," Etienne closed his head, lolling his head back, "Dance or even just tapping your foot."
"Yes!" Scorpius felt more relaxed and closed his eyes in the same way.
"It means a lot that someone feels that way about the music I make. That's why I wanted to start making music so thank you Scorpius. And thanks for sticking by us from the start." Etienne ruffled Scorpius' hair and his heart filled with joy.
"Thank you for making the best music ever." Scorpius nibbled on his lower lip.
"You know what, I can't wait to spend the next few days with you. It's nice to speak to a hardcore fan. I'm not staying the whole time but I'm sure we'll have a good time Scorpius."
Scorpius practically melted on the spot as Etienne Allard walked away to speak to Harry. He watched after him, lips parted.
"My life is literally complete now…"
~X~
It seemed a little game of musical cars were played when everyone left the service station. The girls in the Potter car were swapped and Ron now replaced his sister, sitting at the front and Hugo was next to Scorpius.
Scorpius had a little fit in the car as they drove away, reciting all the things that Etienne had said to him, only to have the response, 'Yes Scorpius, I was there' each time.
They had the music playing at full volume, the wind blowing in their hair as they all sang along. Albus thought this was paradise. With some of the most important people to him, listening to feel good music. With Scorpius… going on holiday…
It couldn't get better.
Albus' eyes fluttered open and he felt almost disorientated for a second. He lifted his chin only a bit and was surprised to see an evening sky. Funny, he must have fallen asleep; last he remembered the sun was shining brightly and he was talking to Hugo.
Then he noticed Scorpius who was fast asleep, nuzzling his face into Albus' neck. He smiled and after looking to see that his father and Ron were in conversation and Hugo was also sleeping, he planted a soft kiss on his boyfriend's forehead.
Looking up, he noticed that they were in the small village of St Ives and were pulling up at the cottage. Albus smiled to himself. This was a place a felt was home. The sea, he loved. The sweet village, he loved. The people, he loved. It comforted him being somewhere so tranquil with his loved ones.
The small street they were staying on was lined with cottages and at the foot of the road was a large green hill. As you walked up the hill you would eventually reach the edge of a cliff above the rough sea. On the left of the cliff, was a beautiful beach with white sand and the bluest water in all of England, in Albus' opinion. Also, on the top of the hill there was a little, secluded chapel.
Harry turned to the three children in the back, "Ready to go? Oh, wake them up Albus."
Harry and Ron got out the car and went to greet the others. Everyone was renting a cottage along this street, one for each family. Molly and Arthur had their own as well. Teddy was going to stay with Percy and Audrey, as they were one of the only families who didn't have someone extra staying with them. Come to think of it, Albus wondered why Teddy didn't just stay with George… he was much closer to George after all.
Albus reached over to punch Hugo's shoulder while he merely shook Scorpius'. Hugo shot up, releasing a high-pitched 'ow' and whipping his head from side to side in confusion. Scorpius woke much more gracefully, with a gentle moan but stretching his shoulders.
"Where are we…?" Scorpius muttered sleepily, grasping onto Albus' t-shirt.
"We're here… that's the cottage." Albus grinned, pointing at the house.
Scorpius smiled, peeping up at Albus through his lashes. The very image of Scorpius looking so beautiful and cute in that moment made Albus' heart beat out of his chest. Sometimes he found it hard to believe he had someone so perfect and innocent. Scorpius was absolute perfection to him, "It's lovely…"
"Are you tired?" Albus asked.
"Yeah…" Scorpius rubbed his eyes, nibbling on his lower lip, "What are we going to do tonight?"
"We'll probably go out for dinner that's about it." Albus shifted his weight, opening the car door.
"Do you think we can get some pizza?" Hugo drowsily added with a yawn.
"I dunno, we're not in Italy really, are we?" Albus rolled his eyes, throwing the car door open and dragging out Scorpius with him.
"We don't need to be in Italy to eat pizza!" Hugo stuck his tongue out, jumping out of the car as well.
After talking a bit more to relatives outside the house and Scorpius nearly having another heart attack at the sight of Etienne, they made their way into the cottages to get settled down.
The cottage was one of the warmest places Scorpius had ever been. It was designed to have a sweet shabby chic affect, with polka dot table covers and potted plants on every surface. Scorpius loved it. It was everything he could have imagined in a place you call home. He could see his whole future in this home. Snuggling with Albus in front of the fire, having their first Christmas alone together, putting up the tree and decorating the house. And one day having little children running around the place, jumping on the sofa, playing with Albus and himself.
Scorpius unintentionally nuzzled into Albus' side just at the dream.
Harry handed Albus and Scorpius their suitcases, "You can have the other double bedroom. Albus, you remember which one's ours." Harry said sternly.
"Yeah, yeah!" Albus quickly grabbed Scorpius' wrist, pulling him out the room and up the stairs, Harry and Ginny left chuckling.
They ran down the corridor giggling when Albus found the room they would be staying with.
The door shut firmly behind them, they were now in their own world, their sanctuary. They fell into each other's arms almost immediately, their foreheads pressed together lovingly.
"Merlin, I love it here, Al." Scorpius breathlessly said, "It's absolutely gorgeous."
"I've forgotten quite how great it was… and it will be even better now I spend it with you too." Albus pecked Scorpius' nose lightly.
~X~
Dinner was spent with family banter mostly. Scorpius was sat opposite Etienne and Teddy, so he could properly talk to his hero. Scorpius spoke of his favourite songs and Etienne was happy to explain the meanings behind them and how he came about writing them.
It was absolute bliss.
In the dead of night, while the rest of the Weasleys slept, Albus and Scorpius crept out of the small cottage in only their pyjamas and shoes. The quietly ran down the street, giggling uncontrollably until they reached the steps which led onto the beach.
Albus hopped from foot to foot as he tugged his shoes off his feet, carelessly throwing them to the floor, "Hurry Scor!"
Scorpius struggled to get his shoes off but as soon as he did, his hand was held in a tight hold and was pulled away. His bare feet hit the cold sand, his soles sank down into the soft powder. Scorpius smiled as he and Albus continued to run.
They skipped through the wavering water on the shore and rolled their pyjamas bottoms up. The moon shone on the surface of the water, glowing down the whole beach.
With one harsh tug, Scorpius tripped over his own feet and fell upon Albus. He landed flush on his boyfriend and all the giggling seized as their legs entwined in a mess their chests pressed together.
It wasn't long before their positions were reversed and Scorpius was between the sand and Albus, kissing the brunette with fervour.
Albus had never felt so aroused as he did in that moment, having Scorpius pressed into the beach, hot against him. He hardly noticed when he bucked his hips downwards and grinded into Scorpius' groin.
Scorpius released a breathy moan against Albus' lips and Albus gasped. They stared into each other's eyes, panting yet smirking.
"Is this alright…?" Albus said carefully.
Scorpius nodded, entranced, "Yes…"
They moved against each other Scorpius' legs wrapped around Albus' as their hands wondered over their clothes bodies. They had never felt this way before… they reached a new height in their relationship, sharing themselves with each other physically. No, they weren't going all the way, they were still a far way off. But it was nice to have this understanding between each other that they were allowed to feel this way and could be more open about it.
Soon, they reached their limit and released their pleasure. Still gasping, they lay on the beach together, entangled with limbs.
How perfect was this night?
Albus moved his lips across Scorpius' jaw line and whispered those three words which never failed to clasp Scorpius' heart, "I love you."
The kissed sweetly and lovingly but little did they know, there were two sets of eyes watching them the whole time.
~X~
A/N: I'll leave you guessing who that was at the end...
So I updated quite quick (yay) and I'll try do the next chapter ASAP but I won't get any writing down tonight cause I'm reading the Hunger Games Trilogy and I'm hooked!
Next chapter will be the first appearance of the new couple! I'm looking forward to it! It also means I will be releasing the chapter about how they got together in Snapshots, rated M though! Anyone guess who it could be? I think it's definitely become more obvious recently... :P
I was worried about the end of chapter. I tried to keep it as 'clean' as possible with not much detail but now I'm worried it's too brief... opinions?
I reached my 100th review which I'm really happy about! So this chapter was dedicated to anyone who has ever reviewed! 200 is my next goal!
Thanks to Words of A Feather, Japanese Sinister, XxKit-ChanxX, NekoAkitsuki and Aldastan for pushing me onto the 100 reviews!
Next chapter:: A day at the beach with an unexpected twist.
~X~
Louis Weasley
1/8 Veela, but still makes him the eye of the school. All the girls fawn over him, even after he came out.
Martino is his first love, the couple are hopelessly devoted to each other, except for Louis sometimes having a wandering eye. Can sometimes make mistakes.
Didn't have much ambition career wise and ended up working in Gringotts, his father got him a job.
Bubbly personality, very extravagant with everything he does. Understands relationships extremely well and Scor always goes to him for advice. Can be quite a diva; bossy, vain and selfish. But does care about Scor and Al incredibly.
VERY comfortable with his sexuality and often makes sexual innuendos of behaves flirty.
