Must Have Done Something Right / Scorbus

Chapter 55 / The Quidditch Pitch

Matt's expulsion changed Albus' life in more ways than the obvious. With his number one adversary gone, Albus was finding that the number of students that detested him was actually far less than what he had thought. Before Matt left, Albus felt like every second person despised him for befriending Scorpius and abandoning his original friends. Now, the truth of the matter was that when Matt left, so did the prejudice against Albus.
Over time, his reputation was being restored, and—Albus was pleased to know—so was Scorpius'. Their story was slowly spreading throughout the school and rather than being hated, they were being admired. Rumours of their dating circulated the stone corridors of Hogwarts, but it wasn't as damning as Albus had anticipated it would be. It sparked a certain sort of curiosity in most. People were wondering if it was true. More importantly, they were wondering whether Albus Potter was actually gay, especially after dumping Melissa Gordon.
Mel, for her part, was one of the few who already knew. Not that Albus had told her explicitly, but last week, she and Albus had made eye contact across the Great Hall.
There had been a question in her eyes. Is it true?
Albus, deciding she probably deserved to know the truth, had nodded subtly. Yes.
Her eyes had frozen on his as the news sunk in. Eventually, she had slowly nodded her acceptance. Okay.
Albus had sent her an apologetic look; sorry that he had broken up with her so abruptly and without warning. I'm sorry, Mel.
The tiniest hint of a smile crossed her face. It's fine.
Chances were, they would never speak voluntarily to each other again, but even with that small and almost non-existent conversation, some sort of mutual understanding had settled between them. She knew and was okay with it. Albus felt a small sense of relief.
That Mel hadn't spread the gossip about he and Scorp in the week since their silent exchange made Albus respect her a little bit more. There was every possibility that she would have. But she had chosen not to. As it stood, very few people knew.
But to keep people on their toes, Albus had taken to occasionally holding Scorp's hand in public, or standing rather close to him so that others would see. Scorpius would chastise him, but always with a small smile on his face. Albus knew that deep down, Scorpius wanted news of their relationship spread.
It made Albus laugh—that his sexuality sparked so many questions. But he was happy to note that it wasn't ruining his reputation. It seemed that boat had sailed. Apparently, Matt had held more power over the student body than he knew.
Being Puddlemere's newest recruit certainly didn't hurt his name either. When Merrick and Raymond, his two fellow Quidditch players, found out about his training, they took it upon themselves to let everyone know. Albus had asked them not to, but he was secretly pleased when they ignored him and spread the word. Soon, everyone knew. Students from first to seventh year had approached him and asked him what it was like to play professionally. Albus lapped it up, while Scorpius rolled his eyes.
"Oi, Potter," Merrick said, grabbing his attention. Albus looked up at him on the other side of the Quidditch change rooms. "Daydreaming about Malfoy, are you?"
Albus grinned. "You wish. I'm thinking of ways I can kick your arse on the pitch today," he replied, strapping on his shoulder pads.
"I can assure you, it ain't my arse you were thinking about!" he called back, before putting his thumb and index finger in his mouth and wolf whistling. Raymond shook his head and slapped Merrick on the back of the head.
Albus laughed. "Shut your trap, and get on the pitch, Sims. We've got some students to try-out."
"Yes, O Puddlemere Seeker," Merrick replied solemnly, bowing theatrically.
The process of finding a new Keeper and Chaser was gruelling and lasted for hours. There were at least a dozen students trying out for each position and more than half of them hardly knew how to control a broom, let alone play Quidditch. He supposed they were in it simply for the popularity. Albus dismissed them quickly, weeding down the numbers to only a select few.
Inevitably, the try-outs attracted a small crowd and Albus was extremely pleased to see Scorpius among them. Although he was too proud to admit it, Albus made sure to fly extra well and extra fast with Scorpius watching, wanting to impress him.
After two hours, he had chosen his new Chaser—a third year by the name of Clementine Chilcott—while the Keeper position was a battle between two candidates. He called for a much needed break, and flew up to meet Scorpius.
"Hey," he greeted, jumping off his broom.
Scorpius smiled at him and Albus saw his eyes darting up and down his body for a brief moment. He felt a boost of confidence. "It's going well," Scorpius opined.
"You think?"
"Well, I don't claim to know anything worthwhile about Quidditch try-outs, but from up here it looks like you've got it all under control."
"Thanks," Albus said. "I just hope I make the right decision."
"You will," Scorpius said confidently.
Albus looked down at the books in Scorpius' lap and saw the top one opened to a page depicting the recipe for the Draught of Living Death. "Studying?" he asked, amused. The question was almost useless.
"Of course. We've got a test next week," Scorpius reminded him.
Albus cringed and tried to remember when they had been told this. He turned to Scorpius. "Can I propose a study session this weekend?"
Scorpius sent him a playfully exasperated look.
To Albus' relief, Scorpius cracked a smile. "You idiot," he said warmly.
"Is that a yes?"
"It's a yes."
Albus beamed at him and on a whim, planted a quick chaste kiss on his lips. "Thanks, Scorp."
After a long moment, Merrick, who was back on his broom and circling the pitch, called out to him. "Potter!"
"What?" Albus yelled back, sitting back from Scorpius.
"Now who's arse are you dreaming about?"
Albus burst out laughing, while Scorpius looked on in confusion. "Yours, of course!"
Merrick threw his head back and joined in the merriment. "Yeah, yeah! Hey, Malfoy!" he called, grabbing Scorp's attention. "You sure you know what you're getting into with this one?" He jerked his chin towards Albus.
Albus could tell Scorpius was surprised that Merrick seemed to know, but he hid it well and replied, "Probably not, but I'm willing to risk it!"
Merrick smiled. "Albus, he's a keeper!"
"I know, mate!" He could feel Scorpius blush next to him.
Merrick nodded happily. "When are we starting again, Captain?"
"Two minutes, yeah?"
Another nod, and Merrick flew away. Immediately, Scorpius turned to Albus and asked, "You told him?"
"Actually, no. He's just assuming."
"And we are making it somewhat obvious," Scorpius remarked.
Albus shrugged. "He's always joking around on me. Did you want me to tell him for real?"
"It's up to you. They're your friends."
"But it's our secret."
Scorpius looked thoughtful for a moment. "I wouldn't mind if people started to know. I mean ... I don't think people will mind as much as before."
Albus nodded in agreement and smiled encouragingly at him. "Alright then."
"Alright."
Albus decided, what the heck!, and placed a soft hand against Scorpius' jaw, leading him into a gentle kiss that lasted for a few seconds. They were on plain display, and Albus felt a pleasant nudge in his stomach that if anyone were to look, they would know that Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy were dating.

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They broke apart. Scorpius looked like he had something on his mind, and to be honest, a bit nervous.
"What's wrong?", Albus asked.
"It's just... how would you feel about telling our families about us?", Scorpius asked.
"Our families?", Albus repeated, eyes slightly wide.
Scorpius was afraid that he probably pushed his boundaries a bit too far this time, and was nervous for Albus' response.

Albus took a deep a breath in. "I mean my family is pretty accepting... it's your family I'm mostly worried about. Specifically your parents."

Scorpius looked at him with soft eyes. "It'll be alright. I'll be there with you through the whole thing. We'll get through this together."

Albus gave him a tentative smile. "Alright... let's tell our families."