Work Text:
Hogwarts, Slytherin Dorm Room
SCORPIUS lies sprawled across his bed, absently flipping through pages of a Potions book. Music and laughter is heard in the background, the sounds of a party, yet SCORPIUS looks uninterested. The door bangs open and ALBUS enters, sporting a cheeky grin. SCORPIUS sits up instantly, looking excited and nervous by his friend’s presence.
ALBUS: There you are! What are you doing up here? You know there’s a victory party happening just downstairs…
SCORPIUS (unconvincing): I’m not feeling well.
ALBUS: Are you ill?
He studies SCORPIUS for a moment, his eyes wandering.
I’d say you’re looking pale, but yet- you’re always pale. You Malfoys are a pasty bunch.
SCORPIUS: Charming as always, Albus.
ALBUS: I try. Seriously though, what’s wrong with you?
ALBUS plops down beside SCORPIUS, and rests his hand on his friend’s shoulder. SCORPIUS sighs, naturally leaning into his touch.
SCORPIUS: Well, if you must know I- I ended things with Rose.
ALBUS (disbelieving): You what?!
SCORPIUS: Don’t worry, it was all very amicable. Rose was surprisingly quite- understanding.
He smiles fondly.
She’s really wonderful, your cousin.
ALBUS (a tad bitterly): If she’s so wonderful, then why did you break up with her?
SCORPIUS glances away shyly, and begins to fumble with his hands.
SCORPIUS: It’s uh- it’s complicated.
ALBUS: Complicated? Scorpius, I’m your best friend. We tell each other everything.
SCORPIUS looks at Albus. His expression is one of guilt, and longing.
SCORPIUS: Not- everything.
ALBUS frowns, confused and hurt by his friend’s words. He punches SCORPIUS in the arm.
ALBUS: Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy, together you and I changed history not twice- but three times- killing my father and nearly resurrecting the Dark Lord. What we’ve been through-
ALBUS pauses to collect himself. SCORPIUS reaches for his hand and gives it a reassuring squeeze.
SCORPIUS: But we fixed all that, didn’t we Al? We saved the world!
ALBUS: We did. Together.
They share a knowing smile. Neither boy let go of each other’s hand.
There’s nothing you could say that would make me stop being your friend. Now tell me, what’s wrong?
SCORPIUS clears his throat and takes a deep breath, gathering his strength.
SCORPIUS: When we used the Turner the second round, and I realized you didn’t even exist, I-I’d never felt so lost. It was almost like…
He trails off, his courage faltering. This time, ALBUS gives his hand a gentle squeeze. He nods at SCORPIUS, urging him to go on.
It was almost like a part of myself was missing. I-I didn’t know who I was.
ALBUS (teasing): Says the Scorpion King!
SCORPIUS gives ALBUS a playful nudge in the ribs, rolling his eyes.
SCORPIUS: I told you before when the dementors nearly had me, Snape said to think of you. I saw your face, Al. The tiny wrinkles you get around your eyes whenever you smile- the warmth in your gaze- I could even hear your stupid laugh!
ALBUS: Scorpius-
SCORPIUS (full of youthful passion): I love you! In more than a friend way...
ALBUS is at a lost for words. SCORPIUS bites his lip, regretting his outburst instantly. Silence lingers, sparking an electricity between them.
Al? Albus, please say something.
ALBUS: I- I love you too. I... think I have for a long time.
They look at each other, marveling, breathing fast.
SCORPIUS: So...what do we do now?
ALBUS: I guess kissing would be the logical thing to do.
SCORPIUS (sputtering): Most- most logical!
ALBUS moves first, scooting closer until their legs and arms touch. He swallows nervously. SCORPIUS looks just as terrified. Their first kiss is soft, almost questioning. When they break apart, ALBUS' hand flutters to his lips.
ALBUS: Woah…
SCORPIUS: Woah, indeed.
ALBUS grins, his eyes shining.
ALBUS: Can we do it again?
SCORPIUS (squeaks): Certainly!
Albus nearly jumps SCORPIUS, kissing him deeply on the mouth. SCORPIUS makes a surprised noise in the back of his throat before losing himself completely in the kiss. They hold each other close, savoring every moment.
Finally, they pull away. Both boys are breathing hard. This is all very new, exciting and frightening all at once.
SCORPIUS: You’re still my best mate, no matter what.
ALBUS interlaces their fingers together, smiling.
ALBUS: And you’re mine. Always.