Stranger: ((5th year Christmas)) Why do you hate me so?? -SM What have I done to deserve such a punishment from you??? -SM
You: What have I done other than get sick this year?-AP
Stranger: The Christmas present you gave my dad.... -SM Why would you give him a pun book! -SM What have I done to you to deserve this torture?? -SM
You: Oh, ha. Thought he could use some humour in his life. Does he like it?-AP
Stranger: ...he loves it -SM
Stranger: I never thought I'd ever want to blow a book up ever so much in my life -SM
Stranger: I told you to buy him an actual book! -SM Like Jane Austin or something -SM
Stranger: He doesn't even understand half the jokes cause it's talking about muggle stuff! -SM
You: It was the only book they had at the joke shop and my Christmas shopping time was very limited-AP And he's read everything at the bookshops in the wizarding world, so I thought this would be interesting-AP Besides, your family doesn't really know a lot about muggles. Not that mine is /much/ better, but we've got two raised muggle in the immediate family so...-AP
Stranger: This is not the way to teach him about muggles, Al... -SM
You: How did I teach you?-AP
Stranger: It's awful -SM He's laughing to himself and then asking to explain jokes and then laughing again -SM
Stranger: Teddy. Teddy taught me. -SM You just made fun of me for saying Rad. -DM
Stranger: How was I supposed to know rad was outdated, Al?? -SM
You: Because you learned it from Teddy? He's a total hipster-AP And he didn't teach you /everything/-AP
Stranger: ...True -SM But Al, at least like an encyclopedia would've been nice -SM
You: I wish I could see this-AP
Stranger: You wish, huh? Why don't you come over and see the chaos you've made -SM Maybe you could apologize to the house elves too -SM The house elves, Al! They have done nothing but feed you and care for you! -SM
You: [....] Would they make me that tea and some soup if I did come over?-AP
Stranger: ...Yes -SM
You: Maybe-AP
Stranger: You know you could actually come over though -SM I'm sure you wouldn't mind slipping away from your family for a bit? -SM
You: Ha, yeah. I'm so congested and drugged up I can barely get through a conversation without my head spinning, but Christmas is at nan's so just slipping out to find a place to sleep is /hard/-AP
Stranger: Awee, sorry to hear that Al -SM
Stranger: Ask if you can sleep here though -SM And like, go in the morning maybe? -SM
You: Or I'll just pop over now and fall asleep-AP
Stranger: Yeah! -SM
Stranger: Wait. I'm supposed to be mad at you -SM
Stranger: Come here and apologize to me -SM
Stranger: Then we can have cocoa -SM
You: Hmm, okay. On my way-AP
Stranger: Great! -SM
Stranger: I'll be expecting a formal apology, Mr Potter -SM
You: I'm wearing like, three jumpers and my /glasses/. There's no formal here-AP
Stranger: Lol I cannot wait to see this -SM
You: Scorp.....-AP
You: I mean, you've seen it before, I think-AP
Stranger: I have -SM
Stranger: But I love seeing it -SM
Stranger: It makes you look so cute! -SM
Stranger: Like a big marshmallow -SM
You: Merlin, I'm going to regret this-AP
Stranger: Yup. -SM
Stranger: And I'm going to love it -SM
You: Your dad still has the pun book though-AP
Stranger: Unfortunately -SM
Stranger: But maybe he'll torture you with it now! -SM
You: He won't torture me, I'm sick-AP
Stranger: It will be the kindest torture you'll endure -SM And my dad probably has some potions stocked up to help you -SM
You: Merlin, I hope so. Nan made her famous cure, but it hasn't cured this yet-AP
Stranger: Really? Your Nan's recipe didn't work? Awe, must be a really bad bug then -SM I'll ask my dad if he's got anything at home -SM
You: Okay. I'm on my way now-AP
Stranger: Dad says he might have something -SM
Stranger: See you soon, Al -SM
You: ((paras?))
Stranger: ((Yup. Do you mind starting?))
You: ((not at all! Just give me a moment))
You: Albus had managed to let his mum and Teddy know offhand that he was going to Scorpius's to take a nap. At least, he tried. He was so congested that he didn't really know when what he said made sense or not. He was mumbling quite a lot. Sneaking off to the fireplace, Albus stole a pinch of floo powder and quickly sent himself away to the Malfoy Manor. The trip left him a little dizzy and disoriented, but he recovered a few moments after stepping out of the hearth. Sighing, he rubbed his eyes, groaning at the pressure behind them before stumbling off to find someone who actually lived here. "Scorpius?" He asked, walking from the living room and down the hall. "You still here?"
Stranger: Scorpius smiled at his enchanted notebook and hurried to tuck it away and rushed down from his room to the kitchens in the basement. He was so pleased that Albus was coming. It had been awfully lonely, especially since the Pureblood families hosted their yearly ball yesterday and Scorpius was once again left to socialize with a group of people who hated him. So, yes, he was happy Albus was coming. Scorpius had just finished the making the cocoa and carried the tray using his magic before hearing the crash of the fireplace. He jumped and bit and hurried up the stairs and towards the familiar steps. "Albus! Hi," he called out and hurried over, careful not to lose the balance of the tray. He hugged him tightly before pulling back, frowning a bit. "Oh, look at you. You're so pale," he said and hurried him into the cozy parlour. "I have cocoa here and a bunch of blankets. Don't you worry."
You: The Malfoys were bad with illness. They were never entirely certain when to react, and Albus felt bad that he figured it had to be because of Scorpius's mom, but he didn't ever ask. In truth, he loved the coddling. If Scorpius was bad, Draco was worse. Once, Albus came over with a fever so high Draco actually forced him to bed and brought a private doctor to him, then contacted his family and calmly explained that he'd be staying over until his fever subsided. He then poured over every one of Albus's requests. Albus had cried at how loved he felt. All he could do was smile as Scorpius ushered him into the parlour, sitting down on his favourite sofa and grabbing the cocoa, humming as he brought the hot liquid to his lips. "You're the sweetest" he murmured, patting the spot next to him for Scorpius to join him. "Merry Christmas, Scor"
Stranger: Scorpius pouted as Albus sat down on the plush sofa, making sure he had a nice hot mug of cocoa before getting to work. He grabbed the blankets and started to wrap Albus up. First tucking one around his legs, then a separate one on his feet. He added one more to cover his back and around his shoulders before a final one all over, leaving enough room for himself. Scorpius waved his wand to slowly bring over his own cocoa and cuddled up next to Albus' blanket barrier, smiling at him. "Merry Christmas, Al," he said and leaned over to give him a simple peck on the cheek. "Dad'll be here soon. He's just looking to see what he's got."
You: If his cheeks weren't already flushed with fever, then they would have grown red as Scorpius kissed his cheek. Grinning, Albus closed his eyes and rested his head on top of Scorpius. That was, of course, until that change of movement made it hard to breathe, so he had to move again. Merlin, this was miserable. Everything hurt and he just sort of wanted to die, but being in the warm quiet of Scorpius's house made things so much better than at at his Nan's. Humming, Albus closed his eyes and tried to rest until he heard footsteps approaching the parlour. He forced himself to look up then, smiling lightly as he looked up blearily at Scorpius's father.
Stranger: Scorpius pursed his lips at the disgruntled sounds Albus made. He adjusted a pillow against the armrest and leaned against it, pulling Albus and his blanket suit against him, hooking his leg around him to keep him secure in place, knowing that Albus wouldn't stay still unless forced to. He even pulled him back down when he noticed Albus was going to sit up for his dad. "Al, don't. You rest. Dad won't mind," he said softly. Draco knocked and opened the door, holding a silver tray with a couple bottles of potions. "Hello, Albus," he said calmly. Draco would never minded admitting that he adored Albus. The two Slytherins clicking instantly when they first met, their first conversation being of Scorpius of course. Now, Draco treated him like his own son. Especially in times of need. Just like this. "How are you feeling?" he asked and set the tray down on the coffee table, kneeling down beside the couch and placed the back of his hand against his forehead.
You: Albus wanted to fight the embrace that Scorpius forced him in, but he couldn't. It was so sweet, and in a moment he knew Scorpius would start playing with his hair, and maybe if he was lucky he'd be able to fall asleep because he hadn't done that in centuries. Still, he felt bad for cuddling up against Scorpius with Draco coming in. Even though they were so close, Albus still felt the need to be formal with him. The man always presented so nicely, it seemed a shame to be seen like this. Huffing as Draco placed a cold hand on his forehead, Albus pouted and still tried to sit up a bit. "Your son is slowly trying to roast me alive, but other than that?" He asked, just as his voice caught and sent him into a small coughing fit. "Miserable"
Stranger: Scorpius laughed softly and leaned down to press his lips against his head before scrunching up his nose slightly. Albus had been sweating a lot. Scorpius and Draco looked down at Albus as he coughed, staring an equally concerned look before Draco turned back to Albus. "I can see that," he hummed before turning to the potions on the tray, mixing two or three into a small cup. "Scorpius. I want you to get Albus in the bath. Freshen him up and give him a new set of clothes and let him lay in bed," he said and watched the small amount of potion boil together. Scorpius nodded seriously before looking down at Albus. "Al, you think you can do that? I think you'll actually feel much better if you wash the sweat off you," he said and pressed his hand against his cheek, hoping his warm hands may help him. God, how he hated seeing his best friend like this.
You: Sitting back up again after the coughing fit had made Albus dizzy. He hadn't actually listened to Draco or Scorpius too much, but then Scorpius was next to him and all Albus wanted to do was burrow into his side and hide. So he did, curling up as Draco mixed a potion for him, hiding in Scorpius's shoulder. He grunted when Scorpius asked him if he'd be up for it, but he didn't fully hear what he'd be up for. "Yeah, sure" he agreed regardless, because being less sweaty sounded really nice, but then again so did a nap. "Will it make breathing any easier?"
Stranger: Draco turned around and nodded. "It will. The steam with help," he said. Scorpius smiled and took off the layers of blankets from him and stood up, helping Albus to his feet. "We can add lavender scents in it too to help you ease up more," he reassured before turning to his dad, placing one arm around Albus' waist to support him. "How long will the potion take, dad?" Draco looked up at them, unaffected by the obvious affection Scorpius was showing Albus, already used to it. "Around twenty minutes. Plenty of time for him to bathe and get dressed."
You: While the blankets might have been roasting him alive only moments ago, the absence of them made Albus shiver as if he'd never get warm again. Cursing Scorpius quietly, Albus stood up with help and regained some of his balance. He still didn't feel great though, and he happily leaned against Scorpius once the other had an arm around him. He hummed at their short conversation before being brought up to Scorpius's bathroom and sat down on the toilet as he watched the other draw a beautiful looking bath. "Make it warm" Albus murmured as he watched, his arms wrapped around him to try and stay warm now that he was suddenly chilled. "You took my heat away, Scorpius"
Stranger: Scorpius nodded and hurried Albus upstairs and into his bathroom. He waved his wand to warm up the room before rolling his sleeves up as he filled the bath, laughing softly at his orders. "Yes, master," he said, teasingly before he made sure the water was hot enough for Al, pinching a few drops of lavender into the water. He then turned to Al and walked over to him, kissing his head. He knew it was weird for friends to do things like that. But since when did Albus and Scorpius ever listen to the rules. "Do you need help in the bath or are you good? I can keep my back to you if you want? Don't want to leave you alone just in case you pass out."
You: In all honesty, Albus loved the affection Scorpius gave him. It made him feel good, it made him feel loved. He giggled when Scorpius kissed his forehead and then slowly started to peel his clothes off. "You think I'm gonna....pass out?" He asked, pulling off his jumper and throwing it on the floor. He was slowly slipping into uninhibited territory the more his fever climbed, which only made him want to be closer to Scorpius. "You could join if you want....I wouldn't mind"
Stranger: Scorpius nervously bit his lip, wondering if he should get his dad if Albus was going to pass out. But when he stepped closer, he blushed, holding him upright in his arms. He chuckled nervously and helped him take off the last of his layers, looking away when Albus was fully exposed, helping him into the bath. "Why don't I stay outside and help you," he whispered and made sure Albus was comfortable in the tub before cupping some water in his hands and pouring it over his hair, trying to rinse out the sweat.
You: While he was blushing and giggling the whole time, Albus did enjoy the help Scorpius was giving him in undressing. And while he pouted about not getting Scorpius to join, this wasn't so bad. He leaned back towards the other once he was settled in the bath and sighed, trying to keep himself together, even though all Scorpius wanted to do was clean him it seemed. "You're so good to me" Albus hummed, closing his eyes as he tried to relax. "You and your dad and....you're all so good"
Stranger: Scorpius smiled down at Albus, making sure to clean his hair thoroughly, reminding himself to change his own sweater as it got slowly wetter and wetter. "That's because we both like you, Al," he said softly and sighed happily when Albus seemed to be relaxing. "You're like family to us, Al. Us Slytherins gotta stick together you know," he said, teasing softly as he chuckled. Once Albus' hair seemed clean enough, he grabbed the soap and leaned over to clean Albus' chest, not being too thorough as he tried to force his mind into a safer place. He couldn't be thinking thoughts like that in a time like this. Albus was his best mate! And he was sick too! Scorpius bit his lip as he concentrated on washing him up and nothing else.
Stranger: Scorpius smiled down at Albus, making sure to clean his hair thoroughly, reminding himself to change his own sweater as it got slowly wetter and wetter. "That's because we both like you, Al," he said softly and sighed happily when Albus seemed to be relaxing. "You're like family to us, Al. Us Slytherins gotta stick together you know," he said, teasing softly as he chuckled. Once Albus' hair seemed clean enough, he grabbed the soap and leaned over to clean Albus' chest, not being too thorough as he tried to force his mind into a safer place. He couldn't be thinking thoughts like that in a time like this. Albus was his best mate! And he was sick too! Scorpius bit his lip as he concentrated on washing him up and nothing else.
You: This was heaven to Albus. He could fall asleep to this, it was practically a dream at this point. Humming as he let Scorpius clean his chest, Albus moved one of his hands to lay on top of Scorpius's, chuckling lightly. "I love you" He murmured, slumping back against the other. "Thank you for letting me stay here. You're...you're so great"
Stranger: Scorpius froze at Albus' words, watching him with wide eyes for a moment before nervously chuckling, fondly shaking his head. "Oh, Al. The fever's really getting to you," he said and made sure all the soap was washed off before setting it down and picked up a towel. "Anytime, Al. You can come by anytime you wish," he said and wrapped his arm around Albus and helped him up, looking away as he wrapped his lower body in a towel, quickly picking up around one for his shoulder and the third one for his hair. He held his arms and helped him out of the tub. "How're you feeling?"
You: "It's not the fever!" Albus protested, a little offended at how Scorpius took it all. He continued to try and protest as he was getting wrapped in towels, but there wasn't much he could do. Frowning once he was all wrapped up, Albus shrugged off the towel across his shoulders. "They're itchy, even though they're the nice ones" he murmured with a huff. "And I'm not....delusional I'm just....." He was caught off guard then by a fit of sneezes, causing him to double over and nearly loose the other two towels. "I'm sick, okay? shut up"
Stranger: Scorpius blushed when Albus tried to defend himself. How could he mean it though? They were friends. But Scorpius quickly let those thoughts slip away when he rushed forward, to keep him standing, letting Scorpius sneeze over his shoulder. "Alright, alright. No need to get fussy," he hummed. "Let's get you changed," he said softly and led him into his room, making him sit on his bed before walking over to his drawers and pulling out his comfiest pair of pajamas.
You: Albus knew those pajamas. He knew those pajamas like the back of his hand, because they were Scorpius's favourite. He loved those pajamas, and right now he was forefiting those on Christmas so that Albus could wear them. The sentiment was so sweet, that once Albus realized what he was doing, tears sprang to his eyes. "Scorp...." he mumbled, reaching a shaking hand for the set. "These are your favourite pajamas"
Stranger: Scorpius looked at him curiously as he made his way with the pyjamas in his hands. "What's wrong?" he asked, suddenly worried before realizing what those emotions were about. He honestly could feel his heart melt. He loved his friend so goddamn much. To his angstiest fits to the cutest way he acted when he was sick. "It's okay, Al. I want you to wear them," he said and held them out to him. "You need them more than I do," he said, offering him a soft, reassuring smile.
You: These were Scorpius's bad day jammies. They were the "the world is ending and I need comfort" jammies. These were the way that Albus knew he needed to give his best friend more attention, because something was wrong in his life. These were the "I miss my mom" pajamas, and the fact that Albus got to wear them right now, when he was stock full of gross sick germs and snot only made the whole exchange better. Leaning in for a hug before he took the pajamas, Albus wrapped his arms around the other and sniffled a few times. "If it didn't hurt to cry so much, I' be crying so much more" He mumbled. "Are you sure?"
Stranger: Scorpius laughed when the other leaned over to hug him, catching his friend in his arms and hugged him back. "I'm sure, Al. They're just jammies," he said, though he knew they were so much more. Honestly, Scorpius felt Albus needed them. He was sick and weak and super emotional and Scorpius knew Albus hated being all three- thus, comfort jammies. Scorpius pulled back and smiled at him. "Just change into them, Potter. Because I change my mind and give you the itchy ones," he teased, hinting at the other to hurry up. He couldn't have his dad come in while Albus is tearing up and nude.












