“I’m sorry what?” Scorpius said, looking blankly at Albus, who had just stumbled through the Malfoy’s fireplace, startling Scorpius, his father, and the poor house elf who had just been serving them tea. Scorpius had planned to spend a lot of the holidays with Albus, but he hadn’t expected him to show up quite this soon after their return from Hogwarts.
“We are going to see Harry Styles!” Albus repeated, an excited glint in his eyes.
Scorpius raised his eyebrows in question, ignoring his father’s frustrated huff beside him. “Should I know this person? Is this someone who’s at Hogwarts with us?”
Albus snickered. “Oh Merlin, I wish. No, he’s a singer! I told you about him! Watermelon Sugar? Cherry? Grapejuice?!”
Scorpius nodded. “Right, I—”
“As unintelligibly fascinating as this conversation is,” his father interrupted them drily and gestured vaguely at the tea in front of them, “could you have it after we finish our tea?” Scorpius watched as his father swallowed, jaw muscles clenched tightly as he continued, “Mr. Potter. I would appreciate it if you owled ahead next time. But since you’re here already why don’t you join us.” His voice was strained but polite, and he waved his wand to summon another cup and more scones.
Albus, adorably, flushed bright red and nodded. “Yes, of course, Mr. Malfoy, I apologise.” He stepped towards the seating area, cautiously. “I was just very excited.”
“So I gathered.”
Albus blushed even more. “Yes well…” he trailed off and then seemed to remember his manners. “I would love some tea. Thank you.”
Scorpius rolled his eyes at his father and scooted to the left so Albus could sit next to him. “You can call him Albus, you know. It’s a little weird after we’ve been friends for six—“
“I will do no such thing,” his father said curtly, reaching for the clotted cream.
***
Harry Styles, as it turned out, was a muggle musician who was playing in London that very night. Teddy Lupin had surprised Albus with tickets, and he was brimming with excitement as he told Scorpius about it a half hour later in his room.
Scorpius watched fondly as his friend babbled on about his — their — plans for the night. Albus, like his grandfather Arthur Weasley, loved all things Muggle, especially Muggle music, and there was little else that could bring this amount of joy into his eyes. It was really quite attractive and Scorpius had to resist the urge to reach out and touch him.
“…I cannot wait for you to hear his music.” Albus was saying, suddenly looking unsure. “But… we don’t have to go if you don’t want to, I could just take James…”
Scorpius had no idea what to expect from a Muggle concert, but at that moment he would say anything to wipe the nervous look off of Albus’ face. He smiled widely. “I’d love to go. When do we leave?”
***
Scorpius almost regretted his decision to join Albus when they got to the venue and were quickly surrounded by a crowd of loud, colourfully dressed, overly excited muggles.
As they entered, people were queueing to pay to get their photos taken in front of a background that looked similar to tthe artwork on their tickets. At the top, in large pink capital letters, it said “#HOTHARRYSUMMER” and something about winning a prize for using a hashtag. “What’s a hash—“ he began, but Albus didn’t hear him as he pulled them through the crowd closer to the stage, and Scorpius ignored the tingles the contact sent up his arm. As they came to a stop in a spot that seemed to satisfy Albus, Scorpius surveyed the muggles around them and leaned down to touch Albus’ shoulder to get his attention, lowering his mouth to the other boy’s ear. He felt the familiar warm scent of honey, grass, and sweat from the warm summer sun wash over him and stopped himself from inhaling more deeply. “Why is everyone wearing rainbows?”
“June is pride month for the muggle queer community" Albus said after a short pause, and Scorpius could detect a hint of nervousness in his voice as he felt his own heartbeat speed up. “The rainbow is a symbol of that, of being proud despite the world making life difficult for u- for them a lot of the time. It’s used to celebrate but also to protest for equal rights." He hesitated before continuing, "Aunt Hermione promised to take me to the London Pride celebration at some point, but so far it always happened while we were still at Hogwarts.” Scorpius nodded and before he could open his mouth to say something, anything to alleviate Albus' anxiety, the lights started to dim and the roar of the crowd grew deafening as the music started and they both turned their attention towards the stage.
As I open my eyes
Hold it, focus, hoping
Take me back to the light
I know you were way too bright for me
The crowd’s excitement was electrifying in a way Scorpius had only ever experienced at quidditch matches, but somehow this was different, and Scorpius wondered how something so decidedly muggle could feel so magical. Despite not knowing a single word, he quickly became entranced by the singer’s stage presence.
Spinning out, waiting for ya to pull me in
I can see you're lonely down there
Don't you know that I am right here?
When he glanced over at Albus he felt his breath catch in his throat the the sight of him staring up at the stage with almost childlike excitement in his eyes. He had always loved this about Albus, his ability to be unequivocally enthusiastic about the things and people he loved. Before he could stop himself, he wondered what it would feel like to be the person at whom that enthusiasm and adoration was directed.
I'd walk through fire for you
Just let me adore you
Like it's the only thing I'll ever do
He made a decision then, as he watched the countless rainbow flags in the crowd, and it made his heart begin to pound in his chest as he turned his gaze back to the stage.
***
They walked out of the venue two hours later and it took a good half hour before they found an alley quiet enough that Scorpius was able to side-along Albus back to the Potters — Albus was less than two months away from being able to get his own licence but until then Scorpius was not going to complain about having to pull Albus against him before letting the pull of apparition take them to their destination.
They landed in the Potters’ front yard and Scorpius opened his mouth to say good night, but Albus made no move towards his front door. There was a tension in the air between them suddenly and Scorpius’ mouth went dry as bright green eyes stared up at him.
“I’m sorry about my dad this afternoon,” he said nonsensically, just to have something to say.
Albus huffed a laugh. “It’s fine. I know it isn’t really about me. Our dads…” They shared a knowing look and grinned. “Besides,” he added, “there is only one Malfoy whose opinion of me I really care about.” It almost sounded like an afterthought and Scorpius suddenly saw something insecure in the other boy’s eyes.
“Is that so?” Scorpius asked quietly, his voice sounding more rough than he had intended. He suddenly realised how close they were still standing and he watched as Albus’ eyes roamed over his face and he licked his lips before clearing his throat. “What?” Albus asked breathlessly. “Is what… how?”
Scorpius felt a smile curl around his lips but he didn’t reply, getting lost in Albus’ green eyes that were reflecting his emotions back at it him. “Al,” he whispered before he could stop himself. “May I-?”
“Yes,” Albus breathed, and Scorpius closed the distance between them.
Albus’ lips were soft, and warm, their movement sending a delicious thrill down his spine. His heart thudded against his ribcage and he couldn’t decide if he felt like he was flying or falling or drowning, but he felt an overwhelming sense of rightness settle in his chest as he felt Albus smile against his mouth.
***
Draco Malfoy took the news that his son was dating a boy surprisingly well. It was the fact that said boy was a Potter that made his knees a little weak, and his knuckles turned white as he clutched the edge of the Potters’ dining table for support.
Harry Potter stood next to him with raised eyebrows as they both faced their sons, equally as surprised by what they had just been told as Draco, but somewhat more composed than the blond. “Well, Draco,” he said finally, a smile breaking across his face as he awkwardly patted the other man's shoulder and released a nervous laugh. “It seems we may be seeing some more of each other after all.”