~What Am I Feeling?~
~Chapter 36- Couples Night~
Albus knocked on the door to Malfoy manor, a grin on his face. He was much happier than he had been the past few weeks. One reason being he was seeing Scorpius of course. But also because there had been a development with his parents. Though they didn't want to admit it, Albus' argument in favour of George and Teddy had swayed them quite a bit. It had made everything much more peaceful and less awkward. Then again, it might have also been because they didn't speak of Teddy and George again for the past few days.
Scorpius was the one to open the door and joined Albus in grinning.
"Oi oi." Albus smirked before leaning forward to steal a quick kiss from his boyfriend.
"You're happy." Scorpius wrapped his arms around Albus' neck, checking behind him to make sure no one was watching them.
"I am actually. It seems that I am actually a very persuasive orator when I want to be." Albus tilted his head up proudly.
"I have no idea what you're talking about Al." Scorpius shook his head, chuckling.
"I'll explain on the way," Albus slung an arm over Scorpius' shoulder, "We'll go to the cinema later, but now, we're going to see George and Teddy."
"You know where they are?" Scorpius said loudly but with relief.
"They sent me a letter. They said they trusted me," Albus said sweetly, "Can we use your floo?"
"Of course."
They made their way inside the house, heading straight for the fireplace. Albus explained quickly about how he had almost convinced his parents that George and Teddy were innocent. However their conversation was brought to an abrupt stop because, unfortunately, they had to pass Mr Malfoy's office on the way there.
Draco was leant up against the doorframe of his office, watching the two boys carefully. Scorpius smiled hesitantly at his father, turning to Albus who was standing there awkwardly.
"Hello Mr Potter." Draco said dully.
"Hello Mr Malfoy." Albus replied with a sheepish smile.
"How are you?"
"I'm good thanks Mr Malfoy, how about you?"
Draco winced at the boy's cheeriness, "Fine. Where are you off to, Scorpius?"
"We're going to visit Teddy and George…" Scorpius said quietly, "But you can't tell anyone because it sounds like they don't want anyone to know where they were at the moment…"
"Okay… give Teddy my regards. What time will you be home?"
"Um, we're going to the cinema with Louis and Martino after, what time does it finish Al?"
"I think about 7:30?" Albus shrugged.
"Alright, well stay safe. I'll see you later."
Stepping into the fireplace, Albus pulled out the address. He read it out loudly and clearly, while clutching onto Scorpius' arm.
The fire blazed around them until they ended up in a small dining room, very obviously designed by Teddy. The walls were painted a stylish red and a canvas with a red mouth and a tongue coming out: the Rolling Stones logo Scorpius recognised, one of the Muggle cult bands Teddy was crazy about. In the middle of the room was a modern glass table with a strange shaped vase in the middle, a bunch of flowers glowing different neon colours.
Obviously not noticing Albus and Scorpius had arrived, Teddy and George were in the doorway, Teddy pressed up against the wall as they giggled against the other's lips. George kissed Teddy softly, whispering as he did so.
They looked absolutely over the moon. So so happy. Albus and Scorpius had never seen the couple so happy before. Especially George. Teddy had always been a bubbly, enthusiastic person, despite what he had been missing in life, but with George there had always been a certain sadness and loss in his life; his brother of course. But anyone could see that Teddy completed him again. Teddy made him happier than he had been in a long time and that was what made their relationship so beautiful. And Albus and Scorpius were able to appreciate the beauty in their relationship.
As Teddy kissed George back playfully, he finally noticed Albus and Scorpius standing there, watching the two of them. His arms shot out as he pushed George away, giving his boyfriend a weak smile and a nod towards the fireplace. He rubbed his neck as they both looked guiltily at the other couple.
"Didn't see you guys there." Teddy approached them, hugging them both at the same time.
"Way to welcome guests into your home." Albus said sarcastically with a cheeky grin.
"Neither of us have ever been great with the hospitality." George shook both the younger boys' hair.
"We didn't exactly have high expectations." Scorpius shrugged, smirking.
"Ouch, Scorpius," Teddy faked a wounded look, "Let's start again; would either of you like a drink?"
"Just water please." Scorpius said politely.
"Pumpkin juice, if you have it." Albus asked.
Teddy started preparing the drinks while Albus, Scorpius and George all sat down at the table. Teddy joined them, handing the drinks over, earning small thank yous, "So, how has it been?" Albus questioned, sipping on his drink.
"Well it's not been the easiest month, that's for sure." George nodded.
"Yeah, I mean some of the family has not reacted well, as you know, and it hurts a bit." Teddy said solemnly.
"We don't know how you both feel on the situation, to be honest. But we sent you the letter, Albus, because we thought out of everyone you would probably be one of the people most likely to be supportive and understanding," George told him, "We trust you. And wanted to see both you and Scorpius. It's been a bit lonely lately…"
Teddy threaded their fingers together and nudged their shoulders together, "At least we have each other." Teddy said comfortingly.
A bright smile crossed George's face, "Yeah…"
"We're absolutely fine with it, just so you know…" Albus smiled, "We want you to know, that if you really are in love and are happier together, than of course we support you. Ecstatic, actually. You deserve it."
"Well we do have a confession…" Scorpius bit his lip, "We knew about you two… before it came out and everything."
Confusion struck their faces and they frowned, "How?" George asked sharply.
"Well, you know about Scor's power…?" Albus said and realisation overcame Teddy and George. They had spoken very openly about the power to Teddy and George in the past and they never told a soul, similar to how Al and Scor didn't tell a soul about the other men being together.
"Oh Merlin, you felt that we were in love?" Teddy said with a hand over his forehead, "Since when did you know?"
"Since the trip to Cornwall…" Scorpius mumbled.
"Damn, you kept that quiet!" George laughed.
"Thank you though… thank you for keeping it quiet for us…" Teddy said breathlessly, with a true thankfulness in his eyes, "But we're sorry that you had to be keeping our secrets…"
"They were pretty good at it; they kept our secret, a secret from us." George rolled his eyes.
"What's going to happen now though?" Scorpius asked with true concern.
George sighed loudly, "We don't really know. I guess me and Angelina will get divorced… Well, yeah, we definitely will. The family will come round eventually… It's my kids I'm most worried about…" George ran his fingers through his hair and said with a broken voice, "I can't lose them. They're everything to me. B-but so is Teddy… which is why I have to do this."
"Georgie…" Teddy leant his head on George's shoulder, hugging onto the older man's shoulder, "It will all get better soon. And it will be worth it. You see," Teddy grinned at Albus and Scorpius, "It turns out when you fall in love with someone, you really would do anything for them."
Albus and Scorpius looked at each other, smiling bashfully. They had a silent conversation, before Scorpius nodded and blushed, "I kinda know what that's like." Albus smiled, hinting as he bit on the inside of his mouth.
Teddy caught the drift immediately and his mouth gaped wide. He exchanged looks between the sixth years, eyes wide but a general understanding washed over him. How did he not realise it before? The boys were always so close and so touchy feely… they had always complimented each other and it almost made sense that they were together, "Oh Merlin... really?"
George looked utterly confused and frowned, "What's going on?"
"They're together! Look, they're a couple too!"
George looked over at them and then saw it, saw the way Albus and Scorpius were looking at each other. He gasped and for a moment had a blank expression, before bursting into fits of laughter, holding his stomach, "How the hell did we not see that? It's so obvious when you point it out! Oh Merlin!"
Scorpius flushed even more but Albus joined in with George, "I can't believe more people haven't realised either!"
"B-but how long?" Teddy exclaimed.
"Nearly a year now actually…" Scorpius muttered, slipping his hand into Albus'.
"Wow, just wow… And you love each other…? You're in love and stuff?" Teddy asked, smiling in disbelief, "I mean… when you think about it, you're so perfect together! And… wow… who else knows?"
"Yeah, we're in love," Albus nodded, "And only Louis and Martino know, they found out."
"It seems like there's almost a little gay community among the Weasley family now." George chuckled.
"It's almost cringe worthy…" Teddy scoffed, kissing George on the cheek, "We're happy for you two… I can guess that you're a brilliant couple… but why are you keeping it quiet?"
"My father mainly…"
"Ah, yes. I can't imagine Uncle Draco would take it very well." Teddy commented with raised eyebrows.
"When we leave Hogwarts… that's when we will tell people…"
"Goodness, we will have to go on a double date soon." George joked.
~X~
They spent the whole afternoon at George and Teddy's, chatting and feeling completely comfortable with the other couple. They were able to hold hands and kiss in front of other people, almost flaunting their relationship, though George and Teddy didn't hesitate in flaunting their relationship either…
Even more than before, they were happy for George and Teddy. They knew it wouldn't be easy for the older couple and they were going to face a lot of hardships. But it would be all okay in the end, eventually. They were an absolutely brilliant couple, no doubt about it and they had a bright future. They saw that more than ever today.
They waited outside the cinema for Louis and Martino, not surprised that the other two were late. They didn't mind though; the film was not starting for another half hour and they would get some time without Louis' non-stop nattering in his ear.
"I wish I was still taking Muggle Studies," Albus said, pouting his lip out as he looked at the film guide. They sat on a bench in the lobby of the cinema, Scorpius leaning his head on Albus' shoulder, as he rested his eyes, "They had a whole unit about the film and music industry."
"Hm, that would have been productive. Sitting, watching films and listening to music." Scorpius opened his eyes with a mocking glint shining in them.
"And I would have been so good at it!" Albus squeezed Scorpius' sides, earning a small squeal from the younger boy, followed by a chain of giggles.
"A-Al stop!"
Scorpius was curled up into Albus' chest as he laughed from the tickles, Albus resting his chin on the blonde's shoulder, when he saw someone he wasn't expecting. His head shot up and he let go of Scorpius immediately, as he stared into the eyes of Christopher Daley.
Albus and Scorpius had encountered Chris a few times across the year in Hogwarts, exchanging a few words but normally they would avoid the older boy. It was still awkward between them of course, since what had happened between the three. They assumed Chris was over Scorpius, but he obviously still didn't feel comfortable around hid ex-boyfriend and new partner.
Stood with him was a slightly shorter, black haired boy with deep brown eyes. He was noticeably handsome and looked quite happy and bubbly.
"Oh… hi…" Chris mumbled, embarrassed as he hid behind his hair. Scorpius finally looked up and paled immediately, uncurling from Albus' side.
"H-hi…" Scorpius nervously said, gulping.
"Um, how are you?" Chris scratched the back of his neck.
"F-fine thank you, you?"
"Yeah I'm good…" He looked to the black haired boy, smiling softly, "This is Joe. And this is Albus and Scorpius."
The black haired boy, Joe, bounced forward, "It's nice to meet you!"
"You too." Both Albus and Scorpius muttered.
"Um… Me and Scorpius used to go out… so that's how we know each other." Chris said slowly.
Joe's eyes widened and he shifted uncomfortably, "Oh right… well you've just made this awkward Chris."
"Sorry..."
"We're just friends now…" Scorpius tried to save the conversation.
"Oh okay… I'm going to go to the toilet, I'll see you in a minute." Joe kissed Chris' cheek, earning a small smile from the Hufflepuff before he scuttled off to the toilet.
"He seems really nice." Scorpius smiled encouragingly.
"Yeah he is…" Chris said as he watched Joe walk away, "He's a Muggle though so it hasn't been easy keeping secrets and everything from him…"
"How long have you been together then?"
"Since Christmas. We met over the holidays and I had to tell him I go to a boarding school in Scotland which is partly true. But… it's been hard. I even had to get a mobile phone thing to keep in contact the Muggle way!" Chris laughed, "But it's worth it."
"I'm really happy for you, Chris." Scorpius said honestly, nodding.
"Thanks… How have you two been?"
Scorpius looked at Albus, tangling their fingers, "Great. I mean we still have to keep it a secret and everything but we're really happy for you."
"I'm still sorry for everything that happened… you're a great couple though. You make sense. I'm happy for you both too."
"My fellow blondie! Where have you and my cousin been all day? Not in bed I hope!"
Albus and Scorpius cringed as they heard and saw Louis bounding towards them with his boyfriend dragging along behind him.
Chris chuckled and put a hand on Scorpius' shoulder, "I'll see you later."
As Chris watched off, a new sort of comfort washed over Scorpius. It was a type of relief, like he had resolved a situation, which he had. It didn't feel as awkward with his ex-boyfriend anymore and that was good. Now they could properly move on and maybe one day they would be friends.
~X~
A/N: Sooo, I've had this chapter done for a few days, forgot to post it, you know the drift... Buuut I've finished the next one which I'll post either tomorrow or the day after, depending on when I have time and remember!
I really enjoy writing the interaction between Teddy and George so I might write an extra chapter about them, if I get time.
Thank you to lordsteinman, Japanese Sinister, saelysia0721, angleswillfall, Curly Wurly Me and BlackDawn Rose for reviewing the last chapter and AppalachianDaisy, Spaidel and angleswillfall for reviewing Snapshots!
Next chapter:: There is an unexpected visit to the Potter household by Teddy and... Victoire?
~X~
George Weasley
lost his twin brother in the war, affected his life greatly. Left him depressed etc for a long time.
Most of similar character aspects to the canon character, though slightly more understated due to the loss of his brother.
Grew close to Teddy throughout the boy's teenage years, eventually found an attraction there.
Close to his children. Says them and Teddy are the most important people in his life.
Not close to his wife, Angelina. Married out of obligation. She is unaware of his affair with Teddy.
"They passed Weasley Wizard Wheezes on their way to the parlour and George Weasley was standing outside, greeting his customers as he often liked to do.
Scorpius liked George Weasley. He was probably one of the most friendly out of the Weasleys, despite all he had been through during the war. Albus told him that his parents said that George hadn't been himself for years after his twin died. He and Fred had hardly left each other's sides for the first half of his life and without his brother, he didn't feel complete."