Albus spent part of the Christmas holidays at Malfoy Manor with his best friend, Scorpius. He loved it here. The pleasant atmosphere was enhanced by the flames blazing in the fireplace. Albus watched Scorpius's face lit up with fire. At that moment, he loved him so much it hurt. He turned his head away, preferring to stare into the flames again. His eyes will hurt, but the sight of Scorpius will make his heart ache...
"One day, I would also like a fireplace when we finish our studies at Hogwarts and find our own place," he said thoughtfully.
Scorpius looked at him in surprise.
Albus realised what he had just uttered. "I thought we might be living together for a while before you and Rose move in," he stammered to himself.
Scorpius frowned. "I don't want to live with Rose."
"Don't you want?"
"No," Scorpius said firmly. "I want to live with you."
Albus's heart raced. "What do you mean you want to live with me?"
"This." Scorpius moved closer to his friend and gently touched his lips with his own.
"This is exactly how I want to live with you," Albus whispered. "And the fireplace is not a requirement at all."
