Scorpius could still hardly believe his good fortune. It felt like a dream. Holding hands under the table at meals and in the hallways at Hogwarts. Trading secretive smiles during lessons. Sneaking between one another's bed curtains for a few sweet, stolen kisses after lights out.
On the castle steps, in the cold February light, Albus hesitated.
"It's all right," Scorpius said in a low voice as the other students pushed past them. "No one's going to say anything."
Albus bit his lip. "No. If we're going to do this, I don't want to hide it, or pretend like it's nothing. I'm not ashamed to be going out with you."
Scorpius smiled at him fondly. "I'm not ashamed to be with you, either. In fact, it's the happiest I've ever been."
"I know," said Albus, returning Scorpius' smile bravely. "I can do this."
He took Scorpius' gloved hand in his.
A few nearby people cast curious glances in their direction, and one girl whispered something to her friend, but most did not seem to notice.
Scorpius squeezed Albus' fingers and grinned. "C'mon. Let's go to Hogsmeade."
Their linked hands drew more attention on the busy high street of the village. A few local residents raised their eyebrows at the pair, and several people performed a double take. Whispers floated to Albus's ears like misted breath in the cold air. He was prepared for this. Raising his chin and squaring his shoulders, he fixed his eyes forward and walked on, gripping Scorpius's hand even tighter.
The dim light of the Three Broomsticks felt like safety. Albus dared a sideways glance at his boyfriend. Scorpius's jaw was clenched, eyes wide, face pale behind cold-reddened cheeks. Albus pulled him into a corner booth.
"Are you OK?"
Scorpius nodded. "I just didn't think - why do people care so much?"
"I don't know," said Albus. "Because it's different, I guess. And I'm well known all over school and the wizarding world. If anyone says anything to you, let me know and I'll straighten things out alright?"
Scorpius snorted at the irony in his words, but responded: "Alright."
YOU ARE READING
Metamorphosis / Scorbus
أدب الهواةSequel to "Must Have Done Something Right" ☺️ I'm not sure if I'm going to end my story the way it is, or if I'll continue writing more chapters. Hmm, I'll see if I can come up with more ideas. But until then, I hope everyone enjoys what I've writte...
