Must Have Done Something Right / Scorbus

Chapter 42 / Heads in the Clouds

Fifteen minutes later, on their way back to the dormitory to offload their Potions books, James came running up to them.
"Al! Malfoy!" the Gryffindor called mid-run. He skidded to a stop right in front of them, breathing heavily. Clearly had been running for a while.
"What's up?" Albus asked expectantly. It was unusual for James to stop him in the middle of a corridor for a chat unless he had an ulterior motive.
"My mates and I are starting up a Quidditch match outside. Nothing serious, just some fun. Interested?" he said.
Albus' curiosity was piqued. "Isn't it a Gryffindor thing?"
James shrugged. "It's an 'everyone' thing. We're rounding up people from all Houses. It's bloody cold, but the sun's out, so we figured we may as well enjoy the blue skies while we can."
Albus' ears perked up, like a dog attuned to the promise of a chase. It had felt like ages since he'd been on his broom, and enjoyed a good game of Quidditch. The idea would be brilliant, if not for the fact that Scorpius had no particular liking to the sport. He looked at the blond to see what he would think of it.
"You should go," Scorpius encouraged, with a grin. "I'll probably get some more work done without you anyway."
"Wicked!" James declared. "Be on the Pitch in ten minutes. I've got to go and round up a few more lads to get even teams."
He spun around and within seconds, had disappeared around the bend that led back to the library.
"I bet that brightened your afternoon," Scorpius said. "Quidditch and sun: it's like the recipe for Albus' perfect day."
It was true, Albus had to agree, but for one fact. Albus' perfect day would now have to include Scorpius in it somewhere, and he didn't like the idea of bailing on him, not even for Quidditch.
"Come with me," he said suddenly.
Scorpius paused. "What? To the Pitch?"
"Yeah." Albus nodded.
He received a sceptical look in return. "I don't play Quidditch," he said, almost pointlessly. It wasn't as if Albus didn't know this.
"I know, but it doesn't mean you should be cooped up in the castle. Come watch us play and kick some arse. I bet there'll be a few other people going along just to watch."
Albus could tell Scorpius was teetering on the verge of agreeing as he started to bite his lip, causing Albus' eyes to zero in on his mouth.
"I'd feel better knowing you were there. I ... I really want you there," Albus said genuinely.
The beginnings of a smile were threatening to bend his distracting mouth upwards. "I suppose it won't be completely horrible if I go..."
"Yes!" Albus cried out joyfully, letting a grin split his face. "Come on, let's go dump our stuff. I need to pick up my boom and Quidditch pads as well."

On his way to the Pitch, now dressed in a much thicker coat with his Slytherin scarf wrapped elegantly around his neck, Scorpius caught sight of a few figures already flying lazily around the pitch, preparing for the game. Casting his gaze to the tall spectator towers, he realised Albus was right in saying there would be a few people along simply to watch them, mostly sixth and seventh years.
Beside him, Albus had also changed his attire into that of his Quidditch uniform, sans the cape. His entire frame looked bulkier as it bulged under strategically placed pads, while his green Slytherin jersey was stretched to cover all of him. In Scorpius' opinion, he looked bloody amazing.
Grinning like a fool, Albus sighed happily. "I've missed Quidditch."
Scorpius snorted. "Don't you have practice twice a week?"
"Well, yes, but they're not the same," Albus answered. "Matt's still a total bastard and pretty much hasn't spoken to me since Halloween, and practice just feels like a drill lesson, rather than enjoyable. This, on the other hand," he continued with a wide smile, "This is just going to be fun."
Scorpius suddenly remembered something. "Speaking of Quidditch, whatever happened to that talent scout from Puddlemere? Did you contact him again?"
Albus dropped his smile and sobered up a little. "Er ... I haven't thought about that at all actually ..."
Scorpius looked astounded. "What? Why not?" Wasn't it everything Albus had wanted?
Albus raked his fingers through his hair. "To be honest, I've had other things on my mind. I mean ... the day I met the scout was the day we ..." he trailed his voice off; obviously realising he was treading in dangerous waters.
Scorpius remembered as well. That night had been the night they kissed; right before all hell broke loose. He dug his heels in the ground to stop their walk. Albus stopped too. "But ... Albus, this is important. You need to give it priority. It could be your future!" he objected.
Albus seemed to mull over his words in silence for a moment, before looking up and giving Scorpius a meaningful look that spoke directly to his soul. Scorpius lost himself in his green eyes. "There are more important things than Quidditch," he said in a contemplative voice. "I just think I need to figure those things out before I can move onto things like my career."
Scorpius was willing to bet an arm Albus was talking about him, and it sent shivers dancing all over his skin. He couldn't pinpoint exactly what Albus felt for him—in fact, we was sure Albus didn't either—but during their time together in Hogsmeade yesterday, Scorpius had noticed a shift in Albus' demeanour towards him. He was bolder, daring to do things he never would before. There was also a strange newfound lightness in Albus' eyes and smile whenever he would look at Scorpius, as if realising something new about him. Whatever it was, Scorpius couldn't deny he was enjoying it.
"You coming, little brother?" James called from behind them. A group of five other seventh-years, from assorted Houses, followed him: the newest victim's of James' hunt for team players.
Albus looked away from Scorpius' face and shot his brother a smile. "Count on it!"
They hurried their pace a little until they all reached the Pitch, where the students who were flying earlier had landed, awaiting instruction on team formation. Scorpius bid farewell to Albus and made for the nearest tower, but did a quick double take back at the pitch.
Eamon was there too. He had a frown on his face.
He had seen Scorpius arrive with Albus and he wasn't looking happy about it at all. They hadn't spoken since yesterday in the Three Broomsticks and Scorpius was certain his anger at Albus and frustration at Scorpius hadn't abated.
Oh dear, Scorpius thought stakes of the game just got higher.
And Scorpius found himself wanting Albus to win.

Scorpius ascended the tower and took a seat in the very front row against the railing. There was a pair of seventh-year girls also seated on the same block, but they ignored him as he took his place. Leaning over the railing, he watched the group of Quidditch players all huddled together around James and another boy, who were assigning teams and positions. Scorpius bit his lip in anticipation. Albus and Eamon would have to be on separate teams; they were both Seekers.
When the huddle dispersed, as Scorpius expected, Albus and Eamon walked apart and joined their respective teams. Albus, Scorpius saw, was teamed with his older brother, James. The two Potters were grinning broadly: they made a formidable team; they were both brilliant players.
"Alright, Brooks! Get them out!" James called out to a Gryffindor who was standing charge over the chest that contained the four balls.
As Brooks knelt to open the box, all fourteen Quidditch players shot up in the air. Scorpius' eyes immediately followed Albus, who was perched on his broom with all the focus and determination that someone with his calibre of skill would have. He was gripping his broom tightly; the outlines of his biceps were visible through his jersey. He looked ready to pounce.
Scorpius swallowed as a flush of desire swept through him.
Suddenly, there was movement as the players sped off.
The game had begun.
"Did we miss much?" came a shriek from his left.
He turned to see Andrea, Claire and Lily file in, one after the other, and meander through the seats to occupy the ones next to him. "Hello to you, too," he greeted with a smirk.
"We heard there was a Quidditch game on and decided it wasn't to be missed," Claire explained, already looking hungrily out at the male specimens on display in front of her, like the unabashed witch she was.
"No, you didn't miss much," he answered. Then with a burst of playful maliciousness, added, "Except, two minutes ago, all the boys decided to shed their gear and do a quick nude lap around the Pitch. Apart from that, nothing exciting happened." He shrugged casually.
Lily threw her head back and laughed. But Andrea and Claire weren't happy.
"Puh-lease," Andrea scoffed, "If that were remotely true, you would be tossing off right now—" (Scorpius blanched) "—Honestly, it just goes to show what's on your mind, Mr Malfoy. Thinking about naked boys, are we?"
Scorpius gaped like a fish out of water, before saying, "I am not—"
"Well, considering two of them are desperate to get into your pants, I'm not shocked at all!" Andrea continued with a gleeful grin.
Lily tried to contain her laughter. "Oh, gross! One of them's my brother!"
"Your very hot brother," Claire opined.
"And the other's the equally hot Mr Eamon Hudson," Andrea added, sighing dreamily.
Lily corrected her. "According to Scorpius, he's not equally hot. Still think my brother's more attractive?" she asked while making a face.
"Of course he does! Every time Eamon makes out with him, he wishes it was Albus!" Andrea answered.
"Merlin," Scorpius muttered from between the girls. "It's like I'm in some ruddy teenage storybook. Is this really all you females talk about?"
"You should know." Claire giggled. "It's all you boys think about."
"Boys don't think about relationships all the time!" Scorpius objected loudly.
"But you seem to," Lily answered.
"Which is what you think about every time you look at Albus." Andrea nodded, shooting Scorpius a bemused smile.
Scorpius looked appalled. "What? That's not true!"
Andrea gave him a knowing glance. "Look me in the eye and tell me truthfully that when you see Albus on a broom, it doesn't get you all hot and bothered."
I can, Scorpius thought. But then I'd be lying.
He decided not to say anything, which was rather unwise on his part, because that was all the answer the girls needed before they erupted in another stream of extremely high pitched giggles.
Sighing loudly, he tried to refocus his attention back to the game.

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Next Chapter: Two Seekers, One Snitch. Who's gonna catch him first?