~What Am I Feeling?~
~Chapter 33- Our Passion~
Scorpius pulled his Beyond Magic t-shirt over his head, admiring his appearance in front of the mirror. He shook his hair around, running his fingers through to get any knots out.
Suddenly, he looked at his t-shirt and decided he would look silly wearing it and would embarrass himself. He didn't want to look obsessive over Beyond Magic! Even though he was obsessive… but they didn't need to witness it.
He removed the shirt and rummaged through his drawers. At the bottom, he found a dark green cotton shirt which Teddy had gifted him, along with a navy cardigan which Teddy had told him to wear with it.
Scorpius quickly buttoned the shirt up, casting a Tempus charm. Five minutes to get to Al's! He sped up and threw the cardigan on uncaring. Running to his bed, Scorpius grabbed his shoulder bag, filled with a few of his CDs to be signed.
Sprinting down the stairs, Scorpius quickly made a detour to his father's office, knocking as he knew he had company. His father's voice came, telling him to come in and Scorpius quickly poked his head around the door.
His father, mother and Blaise Zabini sat around the desk, pausing their conversation to turn around and smile at Scorpius.
"I'm off." Scorpius grinned, his excitement radiating through the room.
"Oh have fun, Scorpius. I'm sure you will." Astoria said sweetly.
"Make sure Albus looks after you." Draco said sternly, a scowl gracing his face.
"He will, of course." Scorpius rolled his eyes, waving goodbye at Mr Zabini too.
They all wished him well and he was off, stepping into the fireplace and floo-ing to the Potter household in a heart beat. The fire was blazing around him and the dark Malfoy house disappeared, only to be greeted by the comforting colours of the living room in Grimmauld Place.
Albus was sitting on the sofa, though wasn't watching the TV which was playing in the background at all. He was the only one in the room and grinned immediately when he saw his boyfriend.
Scorpius ran towards him without hesitation as Albus kneeled up on the sofa. Scorpius threw his arms around the brunette, forcing Albus to fall smack into the sofa.
Albus laughed hoarsely, kissing Scorpius' cheek and neck while he had the chance. Scorpius forced his head up to look into Albus' eyes and leaned down to kiss Albus.
"Beyond Magic! Beyond Magic, Albus!" Scorpius yelled at the top of his voice, definitely alerting everyone in the house of his presence.
Albus chuckled, "Yes Scorpius, Beyond Magic…"
"I'm so excited! I mean, it's going to be brilliant! Just brilliant! It's Beyond Magic for Merlin's sake! And I'm so glad I'm going with you…"
"I'm glad too…" Albus smiled as they sat up, but still remained in each other's arms, "I'm happy that I'm the one to take you…"
The couple had a quick snack with Albus' parents, they bid goodbye and stepped into the floo together.
They arrived in the floo networks outside the Memorial Apollo, the biggest and most famous concert hall in the Wizarding World. The Apollo was built about a year after the war and was opened two years after exactly. On opening day, they had a huge concert dedicated to anyone who fell in the war, fighting for the ultimate good. A range of the most famous musicians of the time performed, including The Crucys, The Weird Sisters and one of Scorpius' favourite solo artists, Michaela Conworth. Ever since, on the date Voldermort was defeated, there is a memorial concert.
Every year Harry, Ron and Hermione would make an appearance and give a speech about all the people who gave their lives to save the Wizarding World. It meant Albus was also able to get tickets to each concert and he had invited Scorpius since they met. Unfortunately, up until fourth year, Draco had not let Scorpius go because he didn't want him to be going to a concert with only Albus until he was old enough. Last year had been the first time Scorpius went and it had been amazing. Though, it had been frustrating because the year before Beyond Magic had played, though Al didn't go to that one either because he didn't want to see Beyond Magic without Scor.
They handed the backstage passes which Etienne had sent to them and were sent straight through, into the empty arena. They had passed around one hundred fans, already lined up so they could get as close as possible to the stage. Albus and Scorpius had been planning on doing the same, but then they got backstage access and it was no longer necessary.
Scorpius bounced across the standing area of the Apollo, turning around in circles to admire the view. There were Wizards casting spells on the lighting, testing them. Some were discussing the show, others running around preparing things.
A Security Guard led them up onto the stage and Scorpius almost had a fit, seeing all the instruments set up with the Beyond Magic logo written across.
Before they went backstage, Albus grabbed Scorpius by the hand and turned the smaller boy around so he was facing the rest of the hall, looking from the band's point of view.
"Imagine performing for this arena filled with people… it would be… wow…" Albus breathed, shaking his head.
"Bloody scary though Al…" Scorpius chuckled.
"I play piano…" Albus admitted in a small voice, "No one's ever heard me before though… I don't play for anyone, it's like a private thing…"
Scorpius' eyes were wide. He never knew that about Albus and could never have guessed, "Really…? I didn't know at all…"
"I taught myself with the piano at home… I've never had the confidence to perform for anyone before. I don't know why," Albus stared off into the far, "I guess I'm more unsure of myself than I let on…"
"I know Al." Scorpius brokenly said but with a smile.
"I just think it would be amazing to share my music… I've written a few songs, you know?" Albus grinned, holding his lower lip between his teeth, "A-About you…"
"Really?" The blonde said brightly.
"Of course…" Albus enfolded Scorpius in his arms tightly, cradling Scorpius' head to his chest, "I'll play one day for you… when I'm ready."
"Thank you, Al… I love you."
"I want to kiss you so much right now…" Albus whispered.
"I know, so do I…"
They were escorted backstage and to one of the dressing rooms. Scorpius was itching with excitement; he couldn't believe he was going to see Etienne Allard again let alone the rest of Beyond Magic. But his heart was still thundering through his chest because of Albus' confession. It wasn't the fact that it was a shock, it was just the beauty of it all. He felt he could not know Albus any better now.
And it was like he had fallen in love with Albus all over again.
The security guard knocked and opened the door, revealing the four band members lounging about, acoustic guitars in their arms as they strummed and chatted.
Etienne spotted the two familiar faces and a wide grin stretched across his face. He stood up and stepped towards them with open arms.
"Albus, Scorpius!" Etienne hugged both of them together, "How are you both?"
"Fine thanks, you?" Albus spoke for Scorpius who was star struck.
"I'm great, great," Etienne turned to Scorpius, "Would you like me to introduce you to the band, Scorpius?"
But of course, Scorpius didn't really need any introductions.
Sitting on a stool on the left of Etienne, was Etienne's older brother by about three years, the bassist and the one who originally formed the band, Daniel Allard. He used to be the major heart throb of the band, not that he's not now. He has slightly darker hair than Etienne, but the same striking blue eyes. He was broader and taller than his brother who was skinny and lean.
When Etienne hit twenty he suddenly became the most beautiful man on the earth and outshone his brother in the looks department. However it was obvious from interviews and other public appearances, Daniel was pleased to share the spotlight, especially if it meant a few less screaming girls.
Sitting behind Etienne, with her feet rested on a table was Lydia Bell, the only female member of the group and the lead guitarist. She held her signature light blue guitar, covered with her favourite lyrics that they had written, as well as her favourite lyrics from other musicians. Lydia had flowing red hair, dyed of course, but it suited her to the bone. She often wore red lipstick and wore 1950s style Muggle clothes. Lydia was quirky, very quirky. She reminded Scorpius of Teddy, because they were quite alike and because Teddy used to love her, before he realised he was gay, Scorpius guessed.
Last but not least was Luke Rodge, the drummer and the mysterious type of from the band. His hair was long, dreadlocked but tied up and his face was striking in a strange way, especially his dark brown eyes, nearly black. He was loved by all his fans really, despite being quite hostile at times towards them. But it was his mystifying persona that captured everyone so greatly.
It was not a special, but a sweet story how the band got together. Daniel, Lydia and Luke were good friends in Hogwarts and didn't wander away from each other much. When they turned eighteen, they decided to start a band, all being interested in music. However, they didn't feel any of their voices were strong enough to hold the role of the lead singer and suit the type of music they were going for.
They started to audition fellow students in Hogwarts, girls and boys, older and younger, but they never seemed to find the right person. Something always seemed to be slightly wrong with their voice or ability to play and instrument.
Meanwhile, Daniel's younger brother, who was in his fourth year at the time, had been begging them to let him audition. Daniel knew Etienne was musically gifted; he played guitar, piano, violin and cello, but the idea of having his little brother in a band with his best friends, was embarrassing really. He would end up having to look after Etienne and it would just be humiliating in the end.
However eventually, Daniel let him audition after Lydia persuading him that it couldn't actually hurt. But when Etienne played the most stunning song, that he had written himself, and his fingers glided over the piano like it was what he was born to do. And his voice was perfect. Perfect for what they wanted.
So Daniel had to comply, and that was how Etienne became part of the band.
The next few years was filled with regular performances in Hogsmeade and during the holidays, all over London. Etienne had to finish school of course, so until he did, he couldn't dedicate everything to the band.
They wrote dozens of songs, together and separately and they always performed everyone's song, which was one of the things Scorpius admired them most for. They released four EPs before Etienne left Hogwarts; Etienne's Songs, Daniel's Songs, Lydia's Songs and of course, Luke's Songs.
They played a gig in Camden, London in the Easter holidays in Etienne's last year of school and that was when they found their big break.
Michaela Conworth, who was now slightly older and not quite as popular, was out looking for new talent to do some collaborations with and maybe help them to promote themselves. And she happened to be at that Camden show. She fell in love with Beyond Magic and bought all four EPs. She went home that night and listened to them all and only fell more in love with them.
It was a little before this time Scorpius discovered Beyond Magic, after his father received a free copy of 'Lydia's Songs' and gave it to Scorpius. He instantly hunted the other three EPs down and was addicted, at about nine years old.
Michaela contacted Beyond Magic and arranged to get them signed, starting when Etienne left school. She soon discovered she loved the people who made up Beyond Magic too.
From there, it only went uphill for Beyond Magic. Scorpius had been there since the beginning, yes. But never got the chance to meet them. But this, here now, it made up for it. For the seven, nearly eight years, he had loved them and not been able to see them, this made it all better.
And Scorpius hardly knew what to say.
"H-Hi…" Was the most that came out.
Etienne simply chuckled and draped an arm over Scorpius' shoulder, "This is Scorpius who I was telling you all about. He's a huge fan. And this is Albus, Harry's son."
"It's great to meet you both. Etienne told us a lot about you and the fun you had in Cornwall." Daniel stood up to shake both their hands.
Scorpius flushed bright red and lowered his head, "I-it's s-so great to meet y-you too."
"He's obsessed with all of you and will probably be unable to form a proper sentence for the first half an hour." Albus shrugged playfully, nudging Scorpius with his elbow.
Scorpius blushed a deeper red and Lydia spoke up, "Aw, he's a cutie this one."
"He is. Though he's as clever as Dumbledore." Etienne grinned dragging both Albus and Scorpius down to sit.
"N-no… definitely not…." Scorpius shook his head.
"What houses are you both in?" Daniel asked.
"Both Ravenclaw. Though, still don't know how I got in." Albus shrugged.
"Yeah, you seem more like a Gryffindor at first impression." Lydia mumbled while strumming a few notes which travelled down Scorpius' spine like a shiver.
"Did you enjoy your holiday in Cornwall then?" Daniel said directly to Scorpius.
"I-it was great… Cornwall is amazing. I-I really want to go back."
The conversation started a bit awkwardly, but they soon fell into a comfortable exchange while eating lunch, especially when they got onto the topic of music. Scorpius had similar interest in music to the band and when he started to relax, they had a brilliant conversations about musicians who they had met and seen.
Soon enough, they were back in the arena where Beyond Magic were getting ready to set up their instruments.
Scorpius and Albus were sitting down in the rows down the side, their legs crossed on the seat and discreetly holding hands which rested in Scorpius' lap.
"Are you happy?" Albus smiled, gazing at Scorpius' face.
Scorpius' eyes snapped up and he grinned, "Of course."
"Happy late birthday." Albus whispered into the blonde's ear.
Scorpius giggled, "Thanks, Al."
Time only flew by from there. They watched the band in rehearsals, Scorpius almost jumping out his chair as they played some of his favourite songs. He was in absolute heaven today. Seeing the people he admired, listening to the most out of the world music live and being with the person he loved more than anything. It was absolutely perfect.
And by the time it reached the start concert, Scorpius was already at an all time high. But the explosive atmosphere sent him into absolute bliss. They were right at the front, as they were let in first of course.
Excitement jittered through the crowd with mumbles of anticipation exchanged. Some of the crowd, that the couple had only watched build up, were already singing before there was actually any sound from the stage, imagining what it would be like live. Everyone around Scorpius and Albus were the same, they shared the same interest, the same belonging and were there for the same reason.
Screams throughout the hall echoed as the lights were dimmed down and the silhouettes of the four most admired people in the room appeared. Scorpius yelled himself, bouncing up and down as Albus clapped.
The music pumped through the room, and bodies blended together in a mutual passion. They started with one of their newest songs, one which Scorpius considered one of their best. A group of screaming girls were trying desperately to get Etienne's attention, but like Scorpius had heard, when Beyond Magic started performing, they were in their own world.
When one of Scorpius' all time favourite songs was played, called Bliss, and the most romantic as well. He was curled up in Albus' arms as they swayed softly the whole time. Albus sang the words into his ear and Scorpius was absorbed by Albus and Albus alone. Even with the music overcoming him, he could hear only Albus' beautiful voice. He knew Albus was a naturally gifted singer, but since he had found out Albus' passion for music it just changed the dynamic.
The end of the concert came far too quickly and Scorpius felt almost lost afterwards. Albus led him backstage to say goodbye to the band.
Beyond Magic were hyped after a remarkable gig in one of the best venues ever. They had a thin coat of sweat lying over their skin. They were grinning and clapping each other on the back to congratulate one another.
Scorpius saw the band and ran towards them, throwing his arms around Etienne's neck.
"That was amazing! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" Scorpius yelled, muffled, his face buried in Etienne's shoulder.
Etienne chuckled, startled, "Thank you for what?"
"For putting on the best gig ever!"
Scorpius hugged the others, blushing after he did so and realised what he had done. Albus also thanked them all and thanked Etienne specifically for the tickets.
They walked back to the Floo Network, their ears ringing as an after effect. They held hands, their bodies pressed together to keep each other warm. Suddenly Scorpius stopped Albus and hugged him too, flush to his chest.
Albus gasped, but only smiled and embraced Scorpius back.
"Thank you so much, Al." Scorpius breathed, "This has been the best day ever… and there's no one I would have preferred to spend it with but you."
The brunette took his boyfriend's face in his hand and kissed him firmly, "I had a brilliant day too. And it was a pleasure," He said cheekily, "I would do anything for you, Scor. And I'm glad that I've given that to you."
~X~
A/N: Aaaaw, that was a nice chapter to write :3
So I don't have much time to say anything other than next chapter we'll be doing another time skip, so the boys will be nearly at the end of their sixth year in the next chapter, just before their last term. Um, really there's just going to be problems with others, not so much with the couple themselves. I won't say much more!
Thank you to Pasdoll, lordsteinman and Japanese Sinister for reviewing the last chapter! More reviews pretty please everyone!