dinner parties | scorbus

CH4: star charts

CH4: star charts (3,167 Words)

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Albus didn't get a reply to his letter for a few days. He wondered to himself if Scorpius had been nervous to send one, as he had, and had therefore stalled the process with procrastination. The time waiting had grown on his skin like algae, coating him with the sensation of dirt and muck on his skin. For much time, he regretted sending the letter in the first place.

But, sure enough, the postman handed him a letter on Friday morning. Unlike his siblings, Albus never received letters; primarily because he would have to send letters to receive them in return, but people tended not to talk to him. Of course, he received the occasional letter from Rose, but they were rare. He often talked to her on the telephone if he had something to say.

At first, Albus couldn't make out the writing on the front of the envelope. His heart raced and a sediment of dread settled in his chest; what if he couldn't read Scorpius' handwriting?

"Ooh, Albus has mail for once. Who's it from?" Lily asked, leaning over the porridge bowls in attempt to snatch it from the tabletop.

Albus gripped the parchment quickly, shoving the yellowed envelope into the pocket of his jeans. "None of your business!"

"Albus, do not speak to your sister that way," Harry growled, his shoulders squared.

The brunet boy faltered, fiddling with the tablecloth. "My apologies, Lily. I won't speak to you that way again."

After receiving an accepting nod from his father, Albus excused himself to head to his lessons. The letter burned in his pocket, causing him to have troubled focus during his time with the various tutors. Thankfully, his classes only extended until the early afternoon, in which he bid his tutor goodbye and slipped down to his bedroom.

He placed his school books upon his desk and gripped the letter in his hands. Albus took great care peeling off the flap, noticing the lack of return sender. He stopped to wonder if the letter even came from Scorpius — but who else would send him messages?

He pulled the yellowed paper out of the envelope, a small smile tugging on his lips as he unfolded the blackened, thick, double-page letter that had resided inside. The joy melted slightly as he struggled to comprehend the letters, barely making out the 'good afternoon' at the top. Potter dropped the back page and leaned down to pick it up.

A large grin cracked over his face as he realised that Scorpius had taken the time to write out a handwriting chart; aiding Albus in reading the curly, old-fashioned handwriting.

He placed the pages side by side upon his bed, climbing upon it himself, and leaned down to compare the letters. Slowly but steadily, he began to make them out.

'Dear Albus,

I was glad to receive your letter, part of me questioned whether you planned to send one at all. It was a brilliant surprise at breakfast, as I wonder if mine is for you. I've been told countless times that my handwriting proves difficult to read, I hope you appreciate the guide I've composed for you.'

A large smile played upon Albus' face; causing him to become rather giddy and pink in the cheeks. He wondered why the message proved so exciting, or embarrassing, but didn't bother to dwell on it and continued to read.