They were studying in the library together; well Scorpius was studying in the library as Albus went on about something irrelevant. Albus was taking about how he was dreading going home fro Christmas break. Scorpius was carelessly listening as he read.
“I’m going to miss you so much Scorpius, I don’t want to go.” Albus said as he reached to grab Scorpius’s hand and flopped his head down on the table. Scorpius pulled his hand away and wiped it on his sweater, taken aback by the sudden contact.
“Sorry” Albus said realizing what he had done. “What does your family do for Christmas?” He was trying to change the conversation.
“Not much, really. Most of my extended family can’t ever come for- well, you know. So it’s just us 3.” Scorpius explained.
“That sounds amazing.”
“We’ll it’s very quiet. It’s nice though, catching up with mum and all.”
“That sounds so fun, I wish I could come.” Albus complained.
“You should! I’m sure dad would love to meet you, we always have a super big dinner on Boxing day. Just us 3 and then you! That’d be amazing” Scorpius squeaked excitedly. He wanted Albus to meet his mum sooner rather than later.
“I’ll be there, one hundred percent. Well, if my parents let me” Albus responded matching his energy.
Had he done that? Did he really just invited his best friend to his house to meet his parents? Who is this confident Scorpius Malfoy. He was lying awake in bed. He glanced over at Albus in the bed across the room. He was surprised to see his friend staring back at him.
“Are you awake?” Albus asked quietly.
“Ya, can’t sleep.” Scorpius responded in a whisper.
“Me neither.” They settled into an odd silence. They wanted the same thing but neither knew how to voice it. So they just laid there waiting for sleep. Scorpius thought if the smile that was left over on his face, if that was love?
“SCORPIUS!” His father’s voice boomed across the platform. Albus turned to say goodbye as he spotted his parents on the platform.
“I’ll see you soon.” He said smiling waiting for a response.
“Ya, soon,” Scorpius smiled. They parted ways and Scorpius couldn’t seem to stop smiling at the thought of Albus coming to the manor.
“Scorpius, how have you been? How has third year been?” His father asked him as he took his suitcase and placed a comforting hand on his back.
“Good.” Scorpius smiled as he turned around to catch one last look at Albus, who looked back at him waving. Scorpius have a small wave back. His father followed his sons motions and looked towards Harry Potter. Draco gave a respectful smile as they left.
“Is mum alright?” Scorpius asked noticing her absentee.
“Splendid, waiting for you at home.” He looked at his father smiling. He might not have been able to read people all too well but by the smile on his dad’s face he knew his mother wasn’t well.
Scorpius laid with his mother as they sat together quietly. Draco sat at the end of the bed simply observing his family.
“Can Albus come over for boxing day dinner?” Scorpius asked, interrupting the silence.
“Albus? Albus Potter?” Draco responded quickly.
“Of course he can, I would love to meet the Albus I hear so much about.” His mother responded giving a nod to Draco.
“Yes, Albus can come. But only Albus Potter.” His father said sternly. Scorpius thanked them and sped out the room to owl Albus.
“He really likes this Albus boy, hm?” Astoria asked after Scorpius had cleared the room.
“They’re practically inseparable.” Draco smiled. “Reminds me of us, when we met.”
“Do you think? They might be-“ Astoria speculated.
“From what I’ve seen I do think Scorpius is scared. Scared that if he tells us we won’t accept him. I want to talk to him, I just don’t know.” Draco said. It was an idea he’d given a heavy amount of thought after seeing his son with the boy on the train. He knew there was something there and he wanted his son to know that they’d support him.
“Don’t worry, Draco. I’ll talk to him.” Astoria smiled softly as she took his hand.
“What time is it? He’s supposed to come at 3?” Scorpius has been waiting anxiously for the arrival of Albus.
“It’s only just 3, give him some time.” Draco comforted him. He watched as his son paced back and forth shaking his hands and biting his nails. “Scorpius, calm down, please.”
“What if his dad didn’t let him come? Or something happens is last minute? What if Albus is -“ Scorpius spiraled thinking of all the reasons Albus might be late.
“Or maybe the Potter’s are not very punctual people.” Draco said. Just as he did there was a small knock on the door. Scorpius turned on his heel and ran to the door. Draco helped Astoria to stand and walked together towards the door. The door opened to reveal Albus standing on the other side with a small tin.
“Hi.” Albus said looking towards Scorpius.
“Hi. Erm, Albus this is my mum and dad; Astoria and Draco.” He said awkwardly introducing his family.
“Um, hi. My mum wanted me to bring these for housewarming gifts. They’re just some cookies we made. Dad wanted me to tell you that they’re safe to eat, in case you didn’t trust it, Mr. Malfoy.” Albus said holding out the box.
“Please, call me Draco. And forward my thanks to your family.” He smiled.
The 2 young boys excused themselves as Scorpius have Albus a tour of the manor. The adults smiled at each other.
As the night died, the group fell tired. Astoria had grown tired and made her way to bed earlier. Albus was already asleep leaning into Scorpius, who sat up uncomfortably straight.
“Scorpius, I think it’s time Albus goes home.” Draco whispered in attempt to not disrupt the peace. Scorpius looked over pitifully.
“Albus.” He whispered. “Albus you need wake up.” He sat up slowly rubbing his eyes. “You need to go home.
“Noo, don’t want to.” He mumbled as he looked around then assumed the same position.
“Dad, can Albus spend the night? I think he’s too tired to floo.” Scorpius said. Draco sighed and agreed.
“You can set up the quest room across the hall, I’ll owl his father.” Draco answered and turned to leave
“Can he just sleep in my bed?” Scorpius asked. Draco stopped dead in his steps and turned to face his sons. His eyes glimmered with regret.
“Yes, alright. Go on get ready for bed. Don’t forget to say good night to your mother.” Draco told him. Scorpius smiled widely and went back to waking up Albus again. Through the night Draco had spent his time trying to understand the relationship between the 2 boys. His guess was that they both liked each other very much, but feared losing their friendship. Classic.
“Mum?” Scorpius peaked his head into his parents room. He had laid Albus gently into his bed and was off to finish his night time routine.
“Yes? Scorpius? Come here.” His mum answered weakly. Scorpius walked across the room and slide into the bed next to his mother.
“It was very nice meeting Albus today.” She said. Scorpius smiled.
“Do you like him?” Scorpius asked. He felt so hopefully.
“Of course, your father and I like him very much. We want you to know that we love you, and we love anyone that you love, Scorpius. You have a good heart and we trust you to make good decisions.” She smiled at him and wiped tears from his eyes. “Why the tears, Love?”
“I can’t tell him that I love him.” Scorpius cried. “What if he isn’t like me, what if he doesn’t love me?”
“After tonight, I think it’s clear that you both love each other so much. All you need to do is simply tell him. Honestly is incredibly honorable and valuable these days.“ Scorpius listened to his mothers soft voice. “And Scorpius, your father and I want you to know that whomever you choose to love and whomever you choose to be, we love you. Unconditionally. Forever.”
“Thank you, mum and I love you too.” Scorpius said. He hugged his mother tightly.
Scorpius wanted to tell Albus that night- that he loved him. He did try to tell him but it was only barely a whisper and Albus was already fast asleep. That day was the only time Albus was to be with Scorpius’s mum. She would die that a couple months later in early February, just before Valentine’s day. And on that Valentine’s day, Scorpius would tell Albus that he loved him. It took a lot of time afterwards, for Scorpius to feel comfortable in their relationship. It felt awkward to him. In the past, people had often ridiculed them, accusing them of being gay. But now it’s true and everyone knows. But Albus would always repeat what Scorpius’s mother always told him: “whomever you choose to love and whomever you choose to be, I love you. Unconditionally. Forever.” and that was always enough for him.