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Moramortia: Chapter 19

There's sunshine spreading through Scorpius's veins. He's cured, but there's still plenty of healing to do, and there's so much that needs to be said.

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XIX Healing

There's sunshine spreading through Scorpius's veins. He feels so warm, so comfortable. He hasn't felt this good in months, not since last summer. There's no pain, no numbness, no sharp, cold poison coursing through him. Just this glorious feeling of sunshine and brightness and contentment.

He exhales and finds that his lungs work perfectly. He immediately breathes back in, just enjoying the fact that he can, drawing in a great lungful of air. Unable to restrain a smile, he gives a contented sigh and opens his eyes.

He finds that he's staring up at a red and gold Gryffindor banner that's been draped from the ceiling overhead and tacked to the wall behind him. He's definitely not in hospital then, and he's not at home either. The only people he knows who are Gryffindors are the Potters and the Granger-Weasleys, but he has no recollection of how he would have got to either house.

The ceiling beyond the banner is a clean white, with nothing else to mark who it might belong to. It's difficult to see anything else in detail because the whole room is full of shadows. He can see that the curtains have been drawn, and although there are still wintry rays creeping through, they're not enough to see much by.

He lifts a hand to rub his eyes, and discovers that his arms feel very heavy and weak still. The second he moves he feels exhausted, so he stops doing that and just smooths his hands over the bed clothes instead. He can deal with the bit of sleep still clinging to the corners of his eyes. He's going to have to. Since he can't move much he tilts his head to the side to see if he's alone, and to work out where he is.

The first person he sees is Albus. He's curled up in a chair a little bit away from the bed, and he looks to be fast asleep, the Pygmy Puff that had followed them from Weasley's Wizard Wheezes also asleep on his lap. There's a blanket wrapped round him, and he has the hood up on the jumper he's wearing. Nothing but a little tuft of hair is sticking out from underneath, and Scorpius grins. He looks adorable. He always looks adorable. When he's sleeping he usually looks so peaceful, but today the awkward angle of his head where it's nodding against his chest is making his expression all grumpy and scrunched up. Scorpius has the urge to get up and kiss him awake and tell him how cute he looks, but if he couldn't even raise his arm then the distance between the bed and Albus's chair is unassailable.

He sighs and keeps looking around, rolling his head to the other side. The second person he spots, the only other person who seems to be in the room right now, is Ginny. Not who he'd have expected at all. Maybe he is in the Potters' house... She's sitting in an armchair, reading a book by wandlight, and she definitely isn't asleep.

Scorpius clears his throat cautiously, unsure if he can still speak or not. "Mrs Potter?" His voice comes out a little hoarse, but stronger than he'd expected.

She jumps in surprise. Apparently she wasn't expecting him to be awake. She almost drops the book, losing her page as she fumbles with it and throws it onto the chair behind her. She rushes to her feet, and hurries across to the bed.

"You're awake!" She says. "We were expecting you to be asleep for hours yet. If we'd known-" She gestures towards the door. "Harry persuaded your father to go downstairs and get some food. He should be back in a minute." She hovers a hand over Scorpius's head, like she wants to stroke his hair but isn't sure if she's allowed, and the look of concern on her face is so intense that he briefly worries if he should be more concerned about his own condition. "How do you feel?"

Scorpius thinks. He wiggles his fingers and his toes. His toes seem a lot more sluggish, like they're taking a lot of convincing, but they do work. He's definitely not in any pain. His chest feels clear and relaxed. He just feels good all over. Tired and slow and heavy, but honestly so wonderful that he feels like he might cry with relief.

He looks up at her and grins. "I feel... phenomenal."

Her concerned expression melts into a warm smile, and now she brushes her fingers through his hair like she can no longer help herself. "That's very good news."

"It is," he says, nodding enthusiastically. His head swims when he does that, so he stops and closes his eyes.

The bed sinks next to him, and he peeks out to see that Ginny's perched beside him.

"Your dad wanted you to go to hospital once you were awake," she tells him.

"Oh," Scorpius says, a tiny hint of worry beginning to niggle at him. "Am I not cured properly? I'm quite comfortable here..."

"No," she says, shaking her head. "As far as we know the potion worked. I think he just wants you checked over. He wants you somewhere safe while you recover."

Scorpius thinks about the idea of going back to hospital, and somehow it doesn't feel so bad anymore. The knowledge that he'll be able to leave again relatively soon is a big positive. And he has to admit that the thought of just being able to lie in bed and sleep for hours on end is appealing, although he hopes the food has improved considerably since last time he was there.

He glances in Albus's direction. "Has he already been?" He asks. "For his shoulder?"

Ginny smiles and shakes her head. "He refused to leave your side. The plan was to take you both together. Sooner rather than later if possible."

So they would both be in the same building. Maybe even on the same floor. They could visit each other. "Okay!" Scorpius chirps, with far more energy than he feels.

Ginny takes a breath, and he turns away from Albus and looks at her expectantly.

"Do you remember anything that happened?" She asks.

"No, not much. Just waking up and seeing Dad,” Scorpius says, his enthusiasm fading. He feels curious about it, but he's not too keen to hear about whatever Albus went through to get him here. And the image of his dad's face, stained with tears, doesn’t make him any more excited. His dad never cries. There can't be anything good that happened while he was unconscious.

"Albus," she says. "He tried to heal you, with the potion. He made it perfectly.” she glances in his direction, a soft, proud expression on her face. "But it didn't work. So he brought you here to us, because he thought you should be with your dad. And when your dad gave you the potion it did work. It seemed for a second like it might not, but we got there in the end." She gives Scorpius a gentle smile. "And now you're better. Because those two-" she gestures to Albus, and out of the door towards where Draco must be "-love you."

Scorpius looks across at Albus and wonders, a little thought niggling in his brain. He knows he's supposed to be healed but he hasn't tested it yet. He hasn't pushed the boundaries. And he knows what he desperately wants to tell Ginny now, and he knows that it would be pushing the boundaries. It would be the perfect test. And he wants to be sure.

Throwing all caution to the wind, he turns to Albus's mum and takes a breath. "Ginny- Um, Mrs Potter...” he says. "I'm in love with your son."

Ginny's expression splits into a small, sparkling smile and she nods. "I know."

But Scorpius almost doesn't care about her reaction. He's glad that she knows, that she doesn't have a problem with it, but right now he has other even bigger priorities. What he cares about is his heart. Because instead of aching and constricting and sending pain tearing through his body, it sings and soars and keeps beating just the way it should, full of love and free of agony. And even though he's completely exhausted, even though there's not an ounce of energy left in him, he gives a delighted little wiggle and beams.

He's completely cured.

---

Scorpius tries with everything he's got to stay awake until his dad comes back, but he can't do it. He chats to Ginny a bit longer, but eventually starts yawning, and without even realising it's happening, he drifts asleep with his face turned toward Albus. He sinks into a deep, dreamless, refreshing sleep. It's so much easier to rest now he isn't in constant pain, and now he can actually breathe. It also helps not having to worry about being found, and having a comfortable bed in a warm house. He hasn't slept this well in a very long time.

When he wakes again he drifts lazily towards consciousness, becoming aware of the softness of the bed, and the heaviness of his limbs. Then he recognises whispering voices. Ginny again, and that's his dad!

He sits bolt upright, so desperate to see his dad that he doesn’t take a second to think. Immediately he regrets it. The whole world starts spinning and he squeezes his eyes shut, feeling more than a little bit sick. A pair of strong, solid arms wrap round him, holding him steady, and lowering him back against the pillows.

"Are you alright?" His dad asks.

Scorpius nods and draws in a deep breath. "Sorry. Sat up too fast." He opens his eyes and looks at the amazing sight of his dad's face, currently creased with worry, but so familiar, so welcome. He feels like he's finally home.

Relief washes through him. He hadn't realised how much he's missed his dad, but now it comes crashing down on him. He's been so tired and so sick and he's had to cope on his own, but now his dad is here to take care of him. He's not on his own anymore. And he hasn't broken his dad's heart.

The tears seem to come from nowhere. He's not expecting them. Suddenly they're just there, flooding his vision and pouring down his cheeks. He closes his eyes and tries to wipe them away before his dad sees, but he's not fast enough.

"What's wrong?" His dad asks, voice urgent and concerned. "Does something hurt? Scorpius, are you still in pain?"

Scorpius shakes his head and wipes his eyes on the back of his trembling hand. "No. I-I'm okay." He looks up at the blurry shape of his dad and sniffs. "I just missed you. I-I love you, Dad." He buries his face in his hands, whole body shaking as he sobs. Then he feels the bed sink, and his dad's arms go round him again, this time drawing him in as close as they can, and wrapping him up in a warm, comforting hug.

"I missed you too," his dad says, and his voice breaks. Scorpius feels his dad's fingers stroking his hair, and he buries his face in his dad's chest and clings to him as hard as he can. He can feel hot tears plopping down on his head, and he knows his dad is crying too. But that's not bad. At least they're crying together, because they're glad to be reunited. Scorpius isn't sure whether he's ever been more glad of anything before in his life.

For a long time they keep holding on to each other. Scorpius doesn't think he ever wants to let go. He could just stay here, being hugged by his dad, safe and warm, for the rest of his life. This would be enough, after everything. But eventually his tears dry up, and his head starts to ache from crying so hard, and he releases his grip so he can sink back onto his pillows. His dad lets him lie down, but stays perched beside him on the bed, hands clenched in his lap.

They're alone now, Scorpius realises. Ginny must have slipped away at some point. And when he looks around he sees that Albus is no longer in his chair, although the blanket is draped haphazardly over it, like he's only left temporarily, and the Pygmy Puff is still curled up there.

"Where's Albus?" He asks.

Draco glances at the chair. "I think he went to talk to his father. They didn't want to disturb you."

Scorpius sighs. "At this rate I'll never manage to talk to him..."

"I can go and tell him you're awake?" His dad offers.

Scorpius shakes his head. "No. No. I wanted to see you too. I don't think I can handle both of you at once. I don't even know if you can handle each other..." It suddenly occurs to him that he has no idea if his dad is angry at Albus or not. What if they hate each other now? What if his dad blames Albus for taking him away or something?

His dad seems to realise what he's thinking, because he looks at him intently. "Albus created the potion that saved your life. He brought you here to me at the right moment... Running off with you may not have been advisable, and I wish he'd asked for help earlier, but I can't blame him entirely for that. I'm sure you had a hand in it too. And it all ended up..." He gives a very small smile. "I think it ended up quite well, don't you?"

"I wanted to go," Scorpius says. "We decided to do it together, me and him. There wasn't another option." He looks at his dad. "I don't know how much you know, about the disease, and the potion, and everything..."

His dad's expression turns grave. "I know enough."

Scorpius nods. "Then you understand that this was the only option. And there wasn't time to wait for everyone to discuss it. I would have died. I think..." He twists his hands together on top of the blankets and looks down at them. "I think I nearly did."

"I'm not upset with either of you," Draco says. "Given the circumstances."

"Are you really not mad? Not even at Albus?" Scorpius stares at him, a little incredulous.

"He's Harry Potter's son," Draco says with a wave of his hand. "He can't help it."

Scorpius grins, and he meets his dad's eyes, the two of them exchanging a mischievous, glinting smile.

"You know," Scorpius says. "Aside from the fact that I'm alive, I'm really glad I went on the adventure. We visited all sorts of really cool places. We saw dragons, Dad! Baby dragons. And we met Fawkes, you know Dumbledore's Phoenix?"

"Is this what you wrote about in all those letters?" Draco asks, and Scorpius frowns.

"How do you know about the letters? I'm alive. You were only supposed to hear about those if-"

Draco nods and looks down at his hands. "I know. Your friend Rose thought the worst had happened. A misunderstanding."

Scorpius stares at him in horror. "And did you believe her? Did you read them?"

His dad looks sharply up at him. "No. No I didn't. Believe her or read them. I didn't want it to be true, and I didn't want to read the letters until I knew for sure."

Scorpius relaxes. "Okay," he says. "Good. I wanted to tell you those stories myself."

"No doubt you'll talk my ear off for hours about them." An amused little smile twists across Draco's lips. "I'm looking forward to it."

Scorpius grins. "My favourite part was being turned into a Pygmy Puff," he says. "That was fun. I never realised how fluffy they are."

"A Pygmy Puff..." his dad says sceptically.

Scorpius nods. "A pink one. Albus was purple. It was one of the traps in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes."

Draco eyes him. "Is that why your hair is pink? Weasley's shoddy Transfiguration work?"

Scorpius gasps in sheer delight, and tugs on a strand of his hair, trying to examine it. "My hair is pink?" It still looks its usual pale blond colour to him, but there might be a slight tinge... it's difficult to tell.

His dad smiles. "Just a little bit. I didn't know pink hair was something you wanted."

Scorpius shrugs, now picking at a different strand to try and see if it's any more pink than the other bit. "It's not really. But it is a bit different. Pink suits me."

"You need to get your hair cut," Draco says, reaching out and brushing one of Scorpius's long curls behind his ear. "It'll be as long as mine soon."

Scorpius pulls a face. "It's not nearly that bad. Look." He tries to pull it back into a ponytail and is left with just a few curly tufts sticking out the back of his head. "Yours is worse. I'll never have hair like yours."

Draco smirks. "That was what I used to say to my father."

Scorpius shudders and flops dramatically back against his pillows. "I wouldn't be seen dead with hair like grandfather's."

His dad laughs. "I'm glad I've raised you with so much sense."

"I think I got that from Mum, actually."

"Touché," Draco says with a smile.

Scorpius smiles too, but then he looks down at the blankets and his smile fades as a thought occurs to him, a sad thought that bubbles up inside him and makes his heart ache. He picks at a crease in the red and gold material of James's Gryffindor bedspread and bites his lip. His dad's eyes are on him, he can feel them, and he knows that his dad knows something is bothering him.

"Dad," he murmurs, without looking up. "I wish..." He swallows. "I wish Mum could have felt like this. You know. Better. I-I wish she could have felt like...” It's impossible to put into words how he feels, so he just shakes his head. "Like I feel now." He glances up at his dad. "It's really good."

And then there are tears in his eyes again. Because he misses her. Because what if there was some secret unknown way of curing what was wrong with her but they never found the right place to look? Because she'll never get to feel the relief and happiness of being cured, of having all the pain melt away as quickly as it came, of getting to have a life after the illness.

He sniffs and wipes his eyes on the sleeve of his pyjamas. "I'm sorry."

"No," his dad says, and his eyes are ablaze all of a sudden, like clear, bright, silvery winter sunshine. "Don't you dare apologise." He pauses and thinks very hard for a minute, fists clenched, something in his face twitching as he searches for exactly the right words. Scorpius doesn't try to say anything else. He doesn't think he can. He just keeps wiping his eyes on his sleeve.

Finally his dad twists to face him. "We searched for years to find a way to cure your mother. We looked everywhere. But there was nothing. And she always knew she was going to die young. She was... at peace with the idea. I think your circumstances are entirely different, and I will not let you feel guilty for surviving. Do you understand me?"

Scorpius gives a quiet sniff and nods. "Yes, sir." He doesn't know why it comes out so formally. There's just something sharp and authoritative in his dad's voice. It reminds him a little of the intimidating authority of that Draco he'd met in the other world.

Draco blinks at him, apparently taken aback by the words, but then he gives a small nod and sits back. "Good." There's a brief moment of silence in which Scorpius inspects the tear sodden cuff of his pyjama top, then he senses his dad's eyes on him again and looks up.

This time when Draco speaks his voice is lower, and very serious. "I wish every day that we could have saved her, and I am very very glad that I still have you. Losing you both would have been..." He trails off, but leans forward once more and points across at Scorpius. "Your mother would have wanted to see you this way. She would have been overjoyed. All she ever wanted was your happiness."

Scorpius stares at him, tears still blurring his vision. "Do you- d'you think?"

Draco shakes his head. "No. I know it... She loved you, Scorpius. She would-" He pauses and runs his fingers round the outside of his wedding ring. "She would sometimes talk about all the things she could imagine you doing with your life, and how sad she was to be missing them, but I know that she wanted you to have every opportunity and lead a good, long, healthy life. She would have wanted this for you. She would have wanted you to get better, and have the chance to fulfil your potential. So I want you to never apologise, and never feel guilty, for being alive."

"Okay," Scorpius whispers. He twists his fingers together on top of his blankets and closes his eyes. He feels overwhelmed and exhausted. He isn't sure if he wants to lie here and keep crying, or if he wants to curl up and sleep for as long as he can. Whatever he does, he knows it's not going to be easy to stop being sorry. The idea of his mum existing, happy and healthy and with a future, is too compelling not to feel sad for its loss. And right now he wishes desperately that she were here to give him a hug. He hasn't wanted it more in years.

He feels the touch of a hand on his arm, and he opens his eyes to see his dad frowning down at him.

"Are you alright?"

Scorpius sniffs and shakes his head, and his dad suddenly looks deeply sad. He bows his head, and the blazing light in his eyes turning to shadow.

"I'm sorry, Scorpius."

There's something in his tone that makes Scorpius sure that he's apologising for so many things. Not protecting him well enough, not saving Astoria, not being able to replace her. And now Scorpius perfectly understands why his dad wouldn't let him apologise for anything, because of course there's nothing to be sorry for. It‘s not his fault. If Scorpius could choose, of course he'd rather have both his parents, but he loves his dad with everything in his heart and soul, and he doesn't know where he would be without him.

"Dad..." he murmurs. "You know the potion? The one that healed me."

His dad nods and looks up. "Of course," he says.

"Well... one of the ingredients I had to put in was a memory. A good memory, of love... And I, um- I used one with us."

"Did you?" His dad asks, in a tight, restrained voice.

Scorpius nods. "After we got back from Godric's Hollow. When we sat and talked about everything, and we had hot chocolate. That was when I knew you loved me. I haven't forgotten. It's one of my favourite memories..." He looks down at his hands because he doesn't think he can handle seeing his dad's reaction, so all he hears is a quiet, shaky breath.

"Yes," his dad says. "I remember it too." And then Scorpius finds himself swept up in another very tight, very warm hug, the sort he wishes would go on forever. He closes his eyes and holds onto his dad as tight as he can, determined to express as much love and appreciation as he can without saying a word.

When they finally part, he lies on his side facing his dad, refusing to let go of his hand, and closes his eyes. He wants to stay awake, wants to keep talking about the potion, wants to wait for Albus to come back, but he can't manage to stay conscious any longer. The last thing he does before he falls asleep is grip his dad's hand as tight as he can.

"I thought I was supposed to go to hospital..." he murmurs, barely able to summon the energy to make a sound.

"Next time you wake up," his dad says, and Scorpius feels fingers stroking his hair

"Okay," he whispers, aware as he drifts away that he might not see Albus at all for days if they both end up in hospital, but too tired and weak to try and do anything about it.

---

Scorpius doesn't see Albus before he's taken to St Mungo's, but the trip takes so much out of him that he almost can't find it within himself to care. It's the first time he's tried to get out of bed since he took the potion, and although he protests that he's fine, he can't escape the fact that his legs give out after just a couple of steps up to the ward, and he has to be carried the rest of the way. It's humiliating and he hates it, but the second he's in bed he rolls over and goes back to sleep again while a team of Healers examine him.

For a couple of days he drifts in and out of sleep, but no one seems too concerned about that. During one of his stretches of wakefulness he's told he should be resting while his body recovers, and since he doesn't have much energy to resist, that's exactly what he does.

Over the next two days he stays awake for longer and longer each time, until on the second evening he manages to sit up long enough to eat dinner. The more he's awake though, the more he becomes aware of Albus's absence. He hasn't seen him at all since the first time he woke up to find Albus sleeping beside him.

When he asks, his dad tells him that Albus is probably the worse off of the two of them at the moment. He's somewhere having his shoulder repaired, and the grimace as he says it suggests that it isn't a pain-free process. So Scorpius sets about worrying, because there's nothing else to do cooped up in his room, besides sleeping and eating.

On the third day of his stay in hospital he gets a welcome distraction in the form of his first proper visitor (he's decided his dad doesn't count, as he's a permanent fixture of the room).

Rose comes rushing in, robes flying, hair a mess, still carrying her book bag from school, soot smeared on one cheek. She lets out a shriek when she sees Scorpius and comes running at him so fast he barely has time to brace himself before she hugs him ferociously.

"Scorpius!"

He grins and squeezes her in return. "Hi, Rose. What are you doing here?"

She steps back and perches on the edge of the bed. "Visiting you, of course." She dumps her bag on the bed and rummages through it, pulling out two books and a packet of sweets, all of which she hands to Scorpius. "Sustenance," she says, looking very pleased with herself. "Mental and physical."

Scorpius picks up the first book and flicks the pages against his fingers, then he lifts it to his nose and breathes in the musty old book smell. It's almost too good to believe. That smell is one of the best things about being alive.

When he's done inhaling he looks down at the cover and grins. She's brought him his copy of A History of Magic, and he's never been happier to see it in his life. He's missed it terribly. He hugs it tight to his chest while he picks up the other book.

This one he's only seen once before in his life, in Hermione's library when they broke into the Ministry. The Imperius Curse and How to Abuse It. Wide-eyed he stares at Rose who is still looking very smug.

"Did you steal this from your mum?"

Her smirk grows ever wider. "I may have done."

"Rose! Aren't we all in enough trouble?"

She shrugs. "She won't miss it. She's got so many books. And besides, I can just tell her it's to help you catch up with Defence Against the Dark Arts class. We're studying Unforgiveables at the moment. We've read some extracts from this. Some of the safer bits. So I can just tell her we wanted to get some context." Her smug smile fades a bit and she looks cautiously at him. "Is it okay?"

Scorpius looks down at the book in his hands and nods. "Yeah. Yeah! It's perfect." He sets the books aside and picks up the packet of sweets instead, turning it round so she can see. "And you got me Jelly Slugs."

She smiles. "I did!"

He shakes his head and grins down at his gifts. "Thank you."

"I missed you, Scorpion King." She reaches across and hugs him again, wrapping both arms round his shoulders, and he falls comfortably against her side.

For a moment they sit there in silence, then he glances up at her. "I don't suppose you've visited Albus yet?"

She pulls back a bit and looks down at him. "I went to see him before I came to you."

Scorpius sits up very fast. "How is he? Is he okay? Is he alive? Do you know when he's coming to visit me? Does he miss me?"

Rose holds her hands up to slow him down. "Okay! I can only answer one question at a time."

Scorpius takes a breath. "Sorry. How is he?"

"He's alright," she says. "Whatever they're doing to fix his shoulder is hurting him, but he'll live. He's hoping they'll let him out soon. And as for whether he misses you." She grins. "What do you think, Scorpius?"

Scorpius frowns. "He does? Hopefully?"

"I think he's ready to duel everyone in this hospital including his parents if that's what he has to do to be allowed to see you. Even one handed he'd probably win."

"So that's a yes?" Scorpius guesses.

Rose nods. "Apparently he hasn't talked to you since-"

"Since I passed out," Scorpius says softly. "We haven't talked about any of it. I just gave him my memory, and next thing I knew I was awake, and he was sleeping next to me, and after that I haven't even seen him." He looks down at his hands. "We have a lot to talk about."

Rose shifts on the bed, so she's sitting down by his knees, cross-legged. "You two will be fine. Whatever you have to say to one another... You know how to talk."

Scorpius sighs. "I know. I just wish we could be doing it already. I miss him too... He saved my life and I haven't even managed to say thank you yet."

Rose reaches out and pats his knee gently. "He'll be here soon. The second they let him."

Scorpius nods and picks at his blankets. Then he takes a breath and lifts his head, pushing a smile onto his face. "Anyway. Enough about him. You're the one who's here now, and I've missed you too."

Rose gives him a small smile in return. "I know," she says. "I missed you as well, and I'm glad- I'm glad you're alive and well, and-" She swallows. "There was a moment when I thought you might be-" She looks down at her hands and inhales sharply. "Scorpius, I need to say sorry to you."

Scorpius frowns at her. "Do you?"

She nods and sits up very straight, looking him right in the eye. "Yes, I do. I sent your dad those letters. You told me they were for if the worst happened, because you wanted to tell him everything yourself, but I still panicked and sent them." She lifts her chin. "I suppose I gave up on you, which was stupid. If I've learned anything from all this it's to never give up on Scorpius Malfoy. You're unstoppable."

"My dad didn't read those letters," Scorpius says. "He got them but he didn't read them. In fact..." He gestures to her. "Without those letters, without you, he wouldn't have been at Harry and Ginny's house when I got there. So, technically you helped save my life."

Rose considers that for a minute, then a pleased little smile crosses her lips. "I suppose I did, didn't I."

Scorpius grins. "Yes, Rose. You did. So you can stop apologising." He leans across to his bedside table and picks up the open box of Bertie Bott’s Beans that's sitting there. He holds it out to her and gives the box a shake. "Have a bean."

"I've just had dinner, thanks." She folds her arms and eyes the box. "Anyway, those can't be good for you. You should be eating healthy food so you get better!"

Scorpius picks a green bean out of the box, hoping it's apple flavoured, and pops it in his mouth, shooting Rose a defiant look as he does. A second later he chokes and spits the bean back out again. "Wasabi," he coughs, throwing the half-chewed bean in the bin and diving for a glass of water.

"I told you," Rose says loftily.

Scorpius takes a long drink then sets the glass back down on the side and flops against his pillows. "There's not enough jeopardy in my life without Albus around. The beans are the best I can do."

Rose shakes her head. "You two are ridiculous."

"He's the ridiculous one," Scorpius says, leaning over so his head's on her shoulder. "And I just happen to be in love with that ridiculousness. My life wouldn't be nearly so interesting without him."

Rose puts her arm round his shoulder and hugs him tight. "You know, it's nice to hear you finally say that. That you love him. After all those years denying it, and then you being sick..." She ruffles his hair. "I'm happy for you."

Scorpius smiles and closes his eyes. "I'm happy for me too. I can't wait for the chance to finally say it to his face."

"Well," Rose says, withdrawing her arm. "You'll excuse me if I'm not here for that joyous and probably squelchy reunion."

Scorpius opens one eye and looks at her. "What do you think I'm going to do to him?"

"That," she says, "is precisely what I don't want to know."

He grins. "Well I'd rather not have you around for it either, so that arrangement will work perfectly for both of us."

"Good," she says. "Glad we've got that sorted out."

Scorpius exhales and relaxes against her side, letting his eyes drift closed again. He doesn't feel utterly exhausted anymore, he doesn't even feel sleepy, he just feels comfortable. It's nice to have life just a little bit back to normal. He has his friend back. He has books to read. He can start looking forward to going back to school, back to Head Boy duties, back to homework and Quidditch and everything.

"Are you okay?" Rose whispers, giving him a gentle nudge in the ribs.

Scorpius nods. "Very... Just imagining how wonderful it'll be to have homework again."

"You're weird, Malfoy. This N.E.W.T. homework is like hell. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy."

"If I had to pick a sort of hell," Scorpius says, opening his eyes and looking up at the shadowy ceiling above him. "I think I'd take the homework any day."

"Of course," Rose murmurs. She looks across at him. "I still am sorry," she says. "For giving up on you. You were always going to survive. It's what you do. Get thrown into hell and come storming back stronger. I don't think I'll underestimate you again... Which means I'm probably going to have to start working even harder or you'll beat me in all our exams." She pokes him in the arm, and he grins and turns his head to look at her.

"And the Quidditch final. I'll beat you in all our exams and the Quidditch final."

She snorts. "In your dreams, Malfoy."

He shrugs. "You're the one who said you weren't going to underestimate me."

She sits up straight and looks down at him. "There's underestimation and then there's wasting time worrying about things that will never happen in a million years."

He shakes his head and grins. "We'll see."

---

It's too quiet when Rose leaves that night. Scorpius is left alone in the room, just him and his dad, and he misses having someone to chat to. He misses Albus most of all. He curls up on his side with A History of Magic open on his pillows and tries to read, but it's impossible. He can't concentrate on the words. His thoughts are too loud to let him read, and in the end he tosses the book down the bed and rolls onto his back with a growl, dragging Bathilda against his chest and hugging her tight – he will always be grateful to his dad for going to pick her up from the Manor for him.

Draco glances at him. "Are you okay?" He asks, eyeing the book by Scorpius's feet.

Scorpius kicks the book up in the air, so it rolls off his toes and lands splayed open, with the pages all bent. Immediately he feels terrible and leans down to pick it up, stroking the pages back into place as tenderly as he can. "I'm fine," he says.

Draco arches an eyebrow. "You just kicked a book."

Scorpius sighs and puts it down on the bed next to him, giving the cover an apologetic pat. "I didn't mean to."

Draco sets his magazine aside. "What's wrong?"

Scorpius picks Bathilda up again and hugs her to his chest. "It sounds idiotic..."

"You're sick," his dad says. "You're allowed to have idiotic feelings."

Scorpius rests his chin on Bathilda's head and stares down at his feet, two little lumps under the grey blanket. He swallows but doesn't say anything.

His dad surveys him. "Is this about Albus?"

"How did you know that?" Scorpius asks, looking up at him.

Draco sighs. "I'm your father. I know everything."

Scorpius rolls onto his side and looks at his dad. "I miss him," he says. "There are a lot of things I want to say to him, that I've been wanting to say, and the longer it takes to get the chance..."

"You're brave enough."

"I know." He looks down at his hands. "It makes me nervous though. It's too important to mess up. He saved my life."

"He won't mind," Draco says. "There was a long time when I couldn't manage to string a sentence together in front of your mother, and she didn't mock me too much."

Scorpius smiles. "But she did still make fun of you a bit?"

"I'm sure I deserved it." He straightens his cuffs out, then leans toward Scorpius. "I don't think you need to worry about Albus. I think you'll be fine."

"I'm going to tell him that I love him," Scorpius says. "Properly. Without the sickness getting in the way."

"I still think you have very little to worry about," his dad says, with a small smile.

"Thanks," Scorpius murmurs, picking at one of Bathilda's wings. "I just wish I knew when I'm going to see him."

Draco sits back in his seat. "If it helps, Potter came by earlier while you were asleep. Albus should be coming to visit tomorrow."

Scorpius flails his hands in the air so hard that when he accidentally lets go of Bathilda she goes flying over the end of the bed. "He's coming tomorrow? Why didn't you tell me!"

Draco gets up and walks round to retrieve Bathilda, brushing her off and inspecting her carefully. "I apologise." He hands her back to Scorpius. "I forgot to mention it."

Scorpius hugs Bathilda back to his chest and stares incredulously up at his dad. "How can you forget something like that?" He shakes his head. "How am I supposed to sleep now?"

"The longer you sleep, the faster tomorrow will be here," his dad says, in the sort of wise, parental voice Astoria used to use when she spouted bits of wisdom.

"Easier said than done," Scorpius mutters, stroking his fingers along Bathilda's wings.

"Healer Fredericks also sent up your Sleeping Potion, if you need it," his dad says, sinking back into his chair.

Scorpius shakes his head. "I'd rather not. They give you nightmares for days after you take them." He pulls the blankets up to his chin and stares at the clean, white sheets, and in the silence he can hear the soft hum and ping of the monitoring spells, as they watch his heart rate and breathing and whatever else the Healers are interested in.

"I think I'm going to talk to him about our second date," Scorpius says thoughtfully. "It'll be nice to have something to look forward to about going back to school, other than the classes and everything..."

"If you could try not to collapse during this one, that would be wonderful."

Scorpius glares at his dad. "I didn't want to-" He breaks off as he spots the mischievous glint in his eye. "That's not funny."

"Sorry," his dad says, trying to restrain his smile.

"I forgive you," Scorpius replies, punching his pillow into a better shape then flopping down and curling up with his knees to his chest. "I'm going to sleep now."

His dad draws his wand and waves it in the air. Immediately all the lights in the room go out, and all that's left is a faint pinprick of light from Draco's wand.

"Is this alright?" He asks. "I can Nox it if you want."

"It's fine," Scorpius says, closing his eyes. He lies very still on his side, mind racing at a hundred miles an hour, over all the things he needs and wants to remember to say tomorrow. It must be obvious that he's worrying, because he hears a rustle of robes, then feels a hand brush through his hair.

"He loves you too, Scorpius. There's nothing for you to worry about. In fact he's probably also lying somewhere worrying about what to say tomorrow."

Scorpius smiles and looks up at his dad. His eyes glitter like silver stars in the wandlight, and Scorpius feels reassured. His dad knows what it's like to be in love. He understands. And he's probably right.

"Okay," Scorpius murmurs. "I'll try to stop."

"Get some sleep," his dad advises. "Everything will be okay in the morning." He squeezes Scorpius's shoulder, and Scorpius reaches up and grips his hand.

"I love you, Dad."

His dad smiles and leans down to drop a kiss into his hair.

"I love you too," he says. He gives Scorpius's shoulder one final squeeze, and Scorpius holds tight to his hand until the last possible second. Then Draco withdraws to his seat, leaving Scorpius in darkness and taking the tiny glitter of silver wandlight with him. "Goodnight, Scorpius."

---

It's freezing cold out in the hospital garden. The little square of bushes and trees and flowerbeds is surrounded on all sides by the hospital walls, so it's protected from most of the breeze, but that doesn't stop swirling gusts of frigid air biting at Draco's fingers. He digs his hands into his pockets to protect them as he walks down one of the paths past the bare rose bushes, melting grey slush soaking into his shoes.

There's no one else out here. No one else would be stupid enough to be outside under a grey December sky that threatens rain or possibly more sleet. Everyone else is tucked away inside their rooms or the cafe. Nice and warm and comfortable. But Draco likes the fresh air, and he's always found the garden peaceful. He has good memories of being out here. Astoria had always liked to sit out here when she could.

He breathes in a deep lungful of cold air and pulls his hands out of his pockets, rubbing his fingers together and blowing on them for warmth. He glances up at the window of Scorpius's room, then looks away again. Albus should have arrived by now. He's trying not to think much about what the boys might get up to in his absence. It's none of his business. He's trying to focus on the fact that time alone with Albus will make Scorpius happy, and Scorpius's happiness is of paramount importance.

He turns down a path so his back is to the window, and as he does he hears someone call out behind him, and hurried footsteps approach.

"Draco!"

He glances back, recognising the voice instantly, and sees Potter rushing towards him looking dishevelled, cloak falling off one of his shoulders, glasses askew, hair its usual unruly mess. He folds his arms and gives him an unimpressed look.

"Potter. You've left our sons entirely unattended, then?"

"I thought that was what you wanted," Harry says, catching up with him and slowing to a walk.

Draco shrugs. "I did. But at least now if anything goes wrong I can blame you." He glances at him. "Last time they were on their own they vanished."

"You were supposed to be in charge of them then," Harry points out, and Draco glares at him. "But," he says, backtracking quickly. "I'm not blaming you for them running off. When those two set their minds to it they can't be stopped. Unfortunately."

"Or fortunately," Draco corrects. "In the vast majority of cases."

Harry gives a little nod. "True."

Draco puts his hands in his pockets. "Are they really alright up there?"

"There are plenty of Healers around," Harry says, glancing up at the window. "And they're of age. They can take care of themselves. I hope." He looks back at Draco. "Albus had a lot of things he wanted to say. They'll probably just sit and talk."

Draco nods. "Scorpius too. He spent all day yesterday worrying about how to say it all."

"They're a funny pair," Harry says, digging his hands into the pockets of his trousers and looking around at the lifeless garden.

"A Potter and a Malfoy," Draco says, looking down at the grey slush around his feet.

"I'm not sure the concept is such a strange one," Harry replies, in a light tone that Draco could swear is teasing. He looks at Harry, who shoots him a bright grin. A slow smirk crosses Draco's face and he shakes his head.

"I'm glad it's no longer a foreign idea to you."

"I get the feeling I'm going to have to get used to it," Harry says, running a hand through his already-ruffled hair.

"Undoubtedly."

They lapse into silence, listening to the sound of the breeze, and the rush of Muggle traffic somewhere out on the street beyond the hidden hospital. A siren wails and car horns honk. A handful of snowflakes tumble from the grey clouds, and Draco watches them fall.

"Potter," he says, tearing his eyes away from the falling flakes.

"Yes, Draco?"

Draco looks at him. "I don't think I've had chance to say thank you."

Harry frowns at him. "What for? Are you sure you're feeling alright, Draco? Thanking me for something?"

"No," Draco says, adjusting his cuffs. "I suppose I can't be. I must have caught something awful in this godforsaken place. But seriously, Potter." He stops fiddling with his cuffs and turns to look properly at Harry. "I do need to thank you. For your hospitality while Scorpius was missing. I know you were useless in trying to find him, but you and Ginny did at least make the experience slightly less lonely. It would have been more difficult on my own. The Manor can become very big and very empty."

Harry nods, gaze sharp and focused, directed right at Draco. "I can imagine."

"Whereas your house is so small and full of people it's impossible to be lonely. Most of the time you can't even hear yourself think. Sometimes that's more useful than others."

"I think there was a thank you somewhere in all that," Harry says with a small smile. He pushes his glasses up his nose and frowns. "Did I ever thank you for the Time-Turner?"

Draco considers carefully. "You know, I don't think you did." He draws himself up tall, assuming the high ground, now it's been given to him.

"Then thank you," Harry says, very sincere.

"I suppose this makes us even," Draco says. He holds his hand out to Harry, and Harry looks at it for just a moment before shaking it. “You’ve been a reasonable friend, Potter, as friends go. I’m grateful. And I trust that we can continue to take care of our sons together. Although hopefully they won’t get into too much more trouble...”

“Did you just say you trust me?” Harry asks, releasing Draco’s hand and giving him a surprised smile.

Draco folds his arms. “I may have done. I did say I’d consider it if Scorpius came back safely, and-“ He gestures up to the window high above them. “I’m sure I’ll come to my senses soon enough.”

Harry grins and blows on his hands, rubbing them together for warmth. “Anyway, they’re adults now. Leaving school soon. They'll have to sort out their own problems...” Harry grins and bounces on the balls of his feet. “Unless they're anything like James. He comes running back all the time. Mostly whenever something needs fixing or wants his laundry needs doing."

Draco sighs. "So much for freedom. Although I'm not sure I'd be ready for Scorpius to fly the nest just yet."

Harry looks round at the window to Scorpius's room. "No," he agrees. "I hope they keep coming back for a long time. I'm quite attached to them."

Draco thinks of an exhausted Albus sitting by Scorpius's hospital bed until late into the night to keep him company, and he thinks of Scorpius smiling like the sun whenever Albus is around. "Yes," he agrees. "I'm quite attached to both of them."

---

Scorpius sits curled up in the chair by the window, studying The Imperius Curse and How to Abuse It. It's the furthest he's been from his bed since he got to the hospital, and he's quite proud of the achievement. He sleeps less now, his legs are getting a little stronger, he no longer feels exhausted all the time. He's beginning to feel like he's really getting better. There's even talk of him being allowed home in time for the Christmas holidays.

He runs a hand through his hair and throws a shadow across the pages. The shafts of winter sunlight spike crisp and sharp into the room from the window behind him, not warm enough to make any impact beyond lighting Scorpius's pages for him. Every now and then he glances up at the door, but after a while he gives up on checking, and just concentrates on his reading.

This book really is fascinating. Grotesque, but fascinating. He's just finished a chapter about how the curse works, and some of the best techniques for bending it to your will, and now he's on a chapter of case studies. The one he's reading at the moment, about the Ministry officials who were controlled during the war, gloating about the awful things they did, makes him feel a tiny bit sick. It reminds him too much of that other world, and how dark and terrible it had been. Dark enough to cling to him, follow him home. Dark enough to infect him. Dark enough to almost kill him. Reading about this makes him more glad than ever that that world doesn't exist anymore.

He's so immersed in the tale of Pius Thicknesse and his own thoughts about it that he doesn't hear the soft knock on the door. Nor does he hear it creak open. He only becomes aware that anyone is standing there when they clear their throat.

"Scorpius..."

He looks up and freezes, staring at his visitor. Albus is finally here.

He looks... Scorpius isn't sure what the right word would be. He doesn't look perfect. His left arm is in a sling and there are circles under his eyes, like he hasn't been sleeping well. But despite that, he looks even more wonderful than Scorpius remembers.

He's wearing jeans, and a crisp white t-shirt under his favourite green hoodie, which he hasn't bothered to zip up. His hair is ruffled, bits sticking up at the front and the back. And he's staring at Scorpius with an incredible intensity, like he can't entirely believe he's seeing him, like he's desperate to convince himself that Scorpius is real.

"H-hi," he says after a moment. He gives a nervous little wave before dropping his hand and shuffling his feet.

"Hi," Scorpius breathes in reply.

Albus swallows, almost half smiling before it fades away again. "I-" He looks lost. Lost for what he should say or how he should feel. He gestures to Scorpius. "You- I don't know what to say."

Scorpius shakes his head and pushes himself to his feet, using the arm of his chair for support. He sways a bit, but holds himself steady. "Don't say anything."

"But I-" Albus spreads his hands. "You're alive."

Scorpius nods and takes a tentative step forward. He hasn't walked on his own yet. He's always had someone to hold him. But he doesn't immediately collapse, and he needs to get to Albus, so he lets go of the chair and starts stumbling across the room. "Yes, I am."

Albus takes two steps forward and they meet halfway. Scorpius grips hold of Albus's hoodie and looks at him, trying to find the right words, trying to remember what he was planning to say. But nothing is forthcoming, so instead he gives up and drags Albus in, kissing him as hard as he can.

Albus makes a half startled, half delighted noise, and he slides his good arm round Scorpius's back, pulling him closer. Scorpius is only too happy to oblige. He presses himself against Albus and runs his fingers through all that glorious, messy hair.

It's so much – the wonderful intensity of kissing Albus, the softness of his lips, the silky warmth of his hair, the solid press of his body as they try to get as close together as they can – that at first Scorpius doesn't appreciate the lack of pain he's feeling. But then he realises that although his heart is beating wildly, it doesn't hurt. He doesn't feel sick or uncomfortable. He isn't aching. He's free, finally free, to kiss Albus as hard and as long as he likes. And with that glorious revelation he starts to cry.

He stumbles back with a gasp and grabs onto the bed to keep himself upright. His legs have gone to jelly and his head is spinning. There are tears spilling down his face, and he sniffs and wipes them away.

"Scorpius," Albus says, stepping forward and gripping hold of his arm. There's genuine terror and panic in his expression. "Are you okay? Does it hurt? Do you need-"

Scorpius shakes his head. "No. No. I'm okay. I'm just..." He wipes his cheeks with the back of his hand. "Happy." His legs finally give out and he sags against Albus, who just manages to support him.

"Don't fall," Albus says, guiding him closer to the bed. "I won't be able to help you."

"Sorry," Scorpius murmurs. He just manages to fall onto the edge of the bed, head bowed, body shaking with the effort of standing for so long.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Albus asks, sitting beside him and putting an arm round his back. "You don't look good."

Scorpius wipes his eyes again, then gives Albus a bright, tearful smile. "I promise I'm really okay. I promise." He leans against Albus's side. "I just realised it didn't hurt. When I kissed you. Which obviously is a good thing."

Albus looks at him and a slow grin forms on his face, crinkling the corners of his eyes and making him light up. "You really are better, then?"

"I love you," Scorpius says, then he waits a few seconds before spreading his hands in a 'there you go' sort of gesture.

Albus's grin gets so wide it looks like his face is going to split. He bounces a bit, and gives Scorpius a tight squeeze, kissing him on the cheek. "I love you too."

"I know," Scorpius says, resting his head on Albus's shoulder. Albus slides his arm out from behind Scorpius's back and takes his hand instead. Scorpius plays with his fingers, curling them closed and then open again, feeling very warm and very content.

"They still haven't fixed your shoulder then?" He asks after a moment, glancing up at Albus and gesturing to the sling.

Albus pulls a face. "They're working on it. Apparently it's difficult."

Scorpius grins. "Everything to do with you is difficult."

Albus elbows him in the ribs. "I've been told off by about fifteen different Healers for not getting it looked at right away. Apparently that makes it more complicated. Anyway. It hurts. But I think they're nearly done pulling me apart and putting me back together again."

"What did they have to do?" Scorpius asks curiously, lifting his head to look at Albus properly.

Albus shrugs his good shoulder. "No idea. You'd have to ask one of them. But I assure you it was not pleasant. I haven't slept properly since I got here. It hurts too much."

Scorpius smirks at him. "Poor Albus Potter. Going through so much pain. I can't imagine what that must have been like."

Albus swats at him. "Saying my shoulder hurts is not insensitive! I know what you went through was a thousand times worse. I really do know that. But it doesn't mean my shoulder doesn't hurt."

Scorpius kisses him on the cheek, just because he can. "I know. I was just teasing." He squeezes Albus's hand tight, and they fall silent. He strokes his thumb across the back of Albus's hand and closes his eyes, enjoying the quiet, easy comfort of the moment.

"I couldn't cure you," Albus murmurs eventually. He shifts, and Scorpius opens his eyes to see Albus looking down at him. "I'm sorry I couldn't... I wanted to do it on my own... I thought I could. I thought that if you drank it with me- I thought I loved you enough. And it was stupid, and selfish, and I nearly killed you. Because I didn't think. Because I never think." He pulls his hand from Scorpius's grip and clenches it in his lap, staring down at his knees. His shoulders have gone all tight and tense, and he's frowning. He looks so small and miserable like this, and Scorpius turns to him, reaching out to touch his arm.

"Albus..." He trails his fingers down Albus's arm and shifts closer on the bed. "You can't say sorry to me," he says. "You just-" He shakes his head. "You can't. I won't let you. Because whether you personally saved me or not doesn't matter. You still did it. You still made the potion. And you knew to take me to my dad..." He gestures to himself. "I am here, Albus. I am whole. I am better. All thanks to you. So you can't say sorry."

Albus shakes his head and turns to him, expression desperate. "But I-"

Scorpius puts a finger to Albus's lips to shut him up. "No. I should be thanking you. That's how this conversation is meant to go. I say thank you for doing this with me, for being a master potioneer, and then you say 'you're welcome', and then we hug or kiss or something. That's what's meant to happen. So how about we try that?" He looks at Albus and withdraws his finger. "Thank you."

"I don't think you should-"

Scorpius sighs. "You weren't listening to the instructions, were you?"

Albus looks at him, expression lost, and still unhappy. "No, because-"

Scorpius cups his face in both hands, leans in, and kisses him, soft and deep, eyes squeezed shut, trying to inject the idea that he won't take no for an answer on this one, trying to express all his gratitude and love in that single kiss. And when he pulls back and opens his eyes, Albus is still sitting there, eyes still closed, head slightly tilted, not moving an inch from where Scorpius had kissed him, and Scorpius knows the message has been received.

He brushes his fingers along Albus's jaw and smiles when Albus finally opens his eyes.

"Okay?"

Albus takes an unsteady breath and nods. "Okay."

Scorpius keeps his fingers on Albus's chin, gently holding his face, admiring him. "We saved me together. Just the way I wanted it. I think we did quite well, aside from your shoulder."

Albus smiles. "It could have been less stressful... but it was a good adventure."

"We'd never have met Fawkes without this," Scorpius says. "Or gone into the Chamber."

"Or seen those dragons."

"Or been turned into Pygmy Puffs!"

Albus gives him an incredulous look. "You really enjoyed that, didn't you?"

Scorpius grins. "It was pretty fun. And I was very fluffy. I'm almost sad all the pink's finally gone from my hair..."

"Speaking of your hair," Albus says. "You've had it cut." He reaches out and ruffles his fingers through the now much shorter blond strands.

Scorpius nods. "I have. I don't want it getting in my eyes when I go back to school. And I definitely don't need to look any more like my dad."

"Back to school," Albus says, and a very bright smile creeps onto his face. "You'll be coming back to school. I won't be alone in the dorm any more. I won't have to sleep next to your empty bed. And I won't miss any more lessons because you weren't there to wake me up."

"I can make you do your homework," Scorpius says.

"You can help me with my Transfiguration," Albus says. He catches hold of Scorpius's hand and gives him a desperate look. "Please help with my Transfiguration."

"We can help each other," Scorpius says, squeezing his hand. "We have a lot of catching up to do. Especially if someone wants to be an Auror." He gives Albus a gentle nudge in the ribs, and Albus nudges him back.

"Says the boy who wants to be a Healer."

"Like I say," Scorpius says. "We can help each other." He takes Albus's hand again and brushes his fingers over the lines in Albus's palm. Outside, the clouds break, and a shaft of sunlight comes slanting in through the window. Scorpius glances towards it, and remembers the book he'd left lying on the chair.

"I'm glad," he says softly, looking at Albus, whose face is bathed in silver sunshine. "That you're going to be an Auror."

Albus turns to look at him, face falling into shadow, although his hair shines with a bright halo. "Are you?"

Scorpius nods. "I've been thinking about the other world. The one with Voldemort." He swallows and glances at Albus. "That was where I got this disease. It was awful enough to breed something like that, and to change us all. You know, corrupt us. Me, my dad, everyone. So..." He gives a little shrug and squeezes Albus's hand. "So I'm glad we have people like you stopping that sort of thing from happening. Making sure that..." He brushes a bit of hair behind his ear. "Making sure that we don't have to stop loving each other." He flashes Albus a small smile, and sees Albus gazing at him with a sharp intensity. He meets Albus's eyes, and the rest of the bright, brilliant world they inhabit melts away.

Albus releases his hand and reaches up, stroking his fingers down the back of Scorpius's neck. Scorpius shivers and brushes his hands through Albus's hair, holding him steady.

Inches apart, they look at each other. Then Albus's gaze switches to Scorpius's lips, and Scorpius discovers he has no self-control left. He leans across and kisses Albus with all the love he has to give, holding nothing back. Because now, finally, after all these months and years, there's no reason left to hold back. He loves Albus and Albus knows it; there's no more fear. His disease is gone and it won't come back. He's free of pain and sickness. All that's left inside him is hope and happiness and love.

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