He Fell, We Fell

Chapter 3

'Dad!' Scorpius exclaimed when he saw his father walk in. Albus turned around and stood up from the bedside stool he was perched on.

'Hello, Mr Malfoy.' he spoke in what he hoped was a confident voice.

'Hello, Albus, Scorpius. How on earth did you manage to hurt yourself this bad?' he said sighing and examining Scorpius in his bandages.

'Dad. Um-- I fell.'

'I know. And Albus you ought to know we really are grateful for you. Ms Pomfrey told me you haven't left his side since it happened. Thank you.' Draco addressed Albus, who was trying his best to hide his flushed face.

'It's really no big deal, Mr Malfoy. Scor is- Scorpius is like a brother.' he spoke, words rushed.

Scorpius' scowl had never been more noticeable. Albus chose to ignore it. Later, he decided.

'Hm?' Draco looked a bit confused.

'Yeah well I call him 'Scor', it's a habit, actua-' Albus was cut off mid-sentence by an amused Draco.

'I don't mean that.' he chuckled, 'Never mind.'

'Oh. I should leave you guys now. Good night, Mr. Malfoy, Scorpius.' he said and made off towards the door.

'You can stay with us Albus, it's no problem.' Draco spoke, a hint of warmth in his voice.

'No, sir, actually I need to meet my brother. I've promised him.' This statement was spoken pointedly at Scorpius, who remembering James had sworn to visit them, nodded his head in realization.

'If that's the case, good night, son.'

Albus left the infirmary hurriedly.

*

It turned out James did not forget his plans on visiting the infirmary, unlike many things he did forget. When Albus was spiraling down the stairs, he bumped into his brother.

'You wanna end up in bed next to your boyfriend, eh?'

'What?' Albus hoped the blush on his cheeks wasn't too prominent.

'Watch your step, brother. Ow.' he whimpered rubbing his arm where Albus' elbow collided with it.

'Sorry.' he muttered. Why did he have such a dramatic older sibling?

'Anyway, what are you doing running like this? You knew I was gonna visit you tonight, didn't you? Why are you returning back?'

'Scor's dad is upstairs. They're talking right now.'

'What, when did he get here?'

'Just now.'

'Oooh, are you discussing wedding plans already? I'm the best man, I tell you.' James smiled like this was the most casual conversation ever.

The worst thing was that Albus couldn't even tell James they weren't dating. Because they were. For approximately 24 hours.

'Can we... talk later? I want to tell you something but tomorrow. Please?' Albus hadn't used 'please' very often with his brother but he was very tired. Desperate times really did call for desperate measures.

'Kay sure. Though, what is it?'

Albus sighed internally.

'If I tell you now, that would defeat the purpose of us meeting tomorrow.'