Just One Reason (Scorpius Malfoy Fanfic)

Chapter Nine - The Astronomy Tower

Hi! And the tale of Albus' birthday continues. How will it end? What will happen? Are we going to get some Scorbus? Scorose? Jorpius? Read and you'll know! Muahahahaha!

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Scorpius needed to keep Albus away from the Slytherin common room while the boys set up, so he dragged Albus all the way up to the Astronomy tower. It was a long walk, and it involved lots of stairs but they eventually found themselves at the top. It was quite open, and had a large metal structure in the centre. There were bars enclosing the whole thing so that nobody could fall off. 

Scorpius brought Albus to the edge and sat down against one of the pillars, patting the space in front of him for Albus. The ebony haired boy sat down, resting one arm on his knee and letting other leg dangle off the side of the building. Scorpius sighed, Albus would never learn to sit down like a normal person. Scorpius took out his bag and shuffled through his things until he found a small box and handed it to Albus.

Albus looked at the silver wrapping paper in question.

"What's this?" He asked, slowly taking it from Scorpius.

"Well it's your birthday is it not?" Scorpius asked this as a rhetorical question.

Albus rolled his eyes, "Nobody says 'is it not' anymore grandpa."

"I say it," Scorpius crossed his arms defensively. "Just because I have a more articulate vocabulary, doesn't mean you can mock me for it."

"Articulate," Albus replied, "I'll have to add that to my personal dictionary."

Scorpius scoffed, "Just open your gift you prat!"

"Alright, alright," Albus chuckled before ripping the paper off of the gift. He raised an eyebrow at the small box before opening it. Scorpius watched as Albus' eyes widened. The blonde was struck with immediate fear. Did Albus hate it? Was it too much? Scorpius reprimanded himself. He should've known! Of course Albus would hate it! 

"I can return it," Scorpius blurted out before he could stop himself. "I'm sorry. Merlin, I feel so stupid! It's silly, I know. I've got the receipt —"

"Scorpius stop," Albus was laughing. "You worry way too much about this kind of thing. It's lovely, and I plan on keeping it."

Scorpius smiled, face going beet red, "Sorry. Is my worrying annoying?"

"No, I think it's sweet that you care so much," Albus took the trinket from its case and examined it. It was a small silver stag with small ruby's forming the eyes and detailing the antlers. Scorpius knew that the Potter's had a history with the creature and that it was on their family crest, so when he saw it he figured it was something Albus might like. Although, he couldn't tell if Albus genuinely liked it or if he was just saying he did.

"Do you like it?" Scorpius bit the inside of his cheek, anticipating the convoluted reply Albus would come up with as to not upset him. 

Albus put the trinket back into the box and pulled Scorpius into a hug, "I think it's amazing."

Scorpius had his back against Albus' chest, but he very much doubted that that would protect Albus from feeling the hammering of Scorpius' heart. Albus rested his chin against the top of Scorpius' head and he felt his face heat up. Scorpius had his arms resting in his lap, he couldn't move with Albus holding him. He was trapped. It was too close and too sudden. 

Usually when they hugged Scorpius had time to mentally prepare himself for being in such close proximity to someone. Scorpius tried to stop his hands from shaking, he couldn't ruin this day for Albus. He squeezed his eyes shut and tried to take deep breaths so that he wouldn't panic. This was supposed to be a nice day for Albus. Scorpius wouldn't make it about himself. He would have to suppress this one.