Coming Home
Dinner went without conflict, for the most part. Albus had gotten to sit between Scorpius and his sister Lily. Nobody's father made a scene and the evening was actually quite pleasant. There was just one James Potter who kept trying to dig his gaze into Albus' skull. Albus did his best to ignore him.
Earlier, James had tried to apologize and Albus cut him off saying it was fine. Really he didn't want to make a scene in front of their friends and family.
Ignoring James, he and Scorpius talked to Lily about school. Scorpius gave her tips about which professors are the best. Albus rants about the workload handed out over break. Scorpius admitted he'd already completed because of course he did.
It feels good and natural and nobody brings up romance or feelings. Albus could almost forget, almost.
…
When the Potter’s got home that evening Albus was furious all over again.
“Why would you do that?!” He shouts pushing James’ door open before it gets a chance to close behind its owner.
“I said I was sorry Albus,” James says, turning around confused, his eyes portraying either fear or sadness.
“Sure you did, while we were around our family and friends, because you knew you were wrong and you knew I was mad,” Albus says, stepping closer confronting James.
“I know, I fucked up. Just please blame me over Teddy. He tried to talk me out of it.”
“Oh please!” Albus rolls his eyes,” If you care about Teddy so much why are you bringing him up?!” He takes another step towards James who isn’t about to back down either. He doesn't want this to turn physical, even if his fits are balled and he wants to strike the other boy.
“I just want you to know that it was all my fault. We didn’t know. If I had known that you had no idea about-”
“JUST SHUT UP! That doesn’t make it any better!” Albus says shaking his head in frustration as he speaks afraid to start crying out of rage, “Just leave me the fuck ALONE!” Albus shouts before quickly leaving James’ room slamming the door behind him on the way out.
“Boys! There will be no fighting or slamming doors in this house!” Ginny calls up to them from the stairs, “Flying and friend communications will be suspended if it happens again.”
Muffled groans of “mom” could be heard from upstairs.
Albus heads to his own room to get ready for bed. Although, before heading to bed, he decides to send an owl to Scorpius to complain about his idiot brother getting him in trouble.
…
Dear Scorpius,
James got me in trouble thanks to his stupid idea. Maybe I could’ve handled it better though because now mom is threatening our friend time.
I really hate the idea of not seeing you. If you don’t hear from me please know who’s fault it is. Hint, it’s not mine.
Please come visit soon, or let me visit you.
Your friend,
ASP
…
The next morning it’s hard for Albus to get himself out of bed. It feels weird to want to skip breakfast just to avoid James. It's as if there's weights in his pockets that anchor him to his bed.
Pulling himself out of bed anyway, he drags himself downstairs. Albus keeps his head down to avoid eye contact with James as he sits down with the rest of his family for breakfast. He'd rather not have his day start off with any confrontations that could put him in a fowl mood.
“Good morning Albus,” his father greets setting down a plate in front of his youngest son.
“Morning,” Albus says back, he’s trying to sound somewhat grateful that he woke up at all this morning. He doesn't say anything else unless spoken to.
When he’s finished he clears his plate, puts it away (with magic of course), and ducks out of the way of James who’s right behind him. Of course James would be around to cause more trouble and make his life more difficult.
“Listen Albie, I know I was wrong but you could win him over, I could be your wingman. We could be a team,” James says as if he’d rehearsed these lines all night.
“Thanks but no. You’ve done enough meddling,” Albus says pushing past him.
Upset and eager to get away from James, Albus walks swiftly back towards the stairs past his father’s study. He doesn’t get very far before he's called for.
“Albus?” His father calls, causing him to turn around three steps into ascending the staircase. Albus starts back down the stairs.
“Yes?” He answers standing in the doorway of Harry’s study.
“Close the door behind you please?” His dad asks,Albus does before stepping towards his dad who's resting against his desk.
“You wanted to talk to me?” Albus asks, glancing around like he’d rather be literally anywhere else.
“I just want to know what’s been going on since yesterday. Is everything okay?” Harry asks, sitting in one of the chairs near his desk as an attempt to make Albus feel more comfortable with talking.
“I…yeah, you how James can be sometimes, I’m fine,” Albus says nervously.
“Sure, but you two had been doing alright before,” Albus shoots his father a look, “or at least getting on each other’s nerves less,” Harry shrugs.
“ He pulled another prank yesterday,” Albus starts fidgeting with the cuff of his sleep shirt, “he roped Teddy into it,” Albus says glancing up to how his dad seems unimpressed with his godson's involvement, “he morphed into Scorpius, I’m sorry dad, I’m sorry your sons can’t get along,” Albus says close to tears.
“Oh Albus, it’s not your fault,” Harry says, standing up to kneel in front of Albus. It's an attempt at affection to get his son to face him as he grips his shoulder in comfort.
Albus hugs him at full force, almost knocking his dad to the floor. Harry hugs him back.
"You won't punish him, will you?"
"I was thinking about it, why?"
"I kinda think he has already learned his lesson."
"Albus, for messing up as a father so many times with you, you've grown into such an amazing person." Albus' heart warms at his father's words.