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In the lull between Christmas and New Year’s, London is quiet as Scorpius holds Albus’s hand while they walk through the cold winter air to the supermarket on the corner. Scorpius is currently on break like the rest of his fellow healing students. Albus’s apprenticeship won’t resume until the fourth of January, so in a rare event, the two have their first break together since the summer. One that has included lie-ins, cuddling on the sofa, watching movies, having a cup of tea in silence with only the two of them, and plenty of time for them to be naked, mostly. But alas, they had run out of Earl Gray Scorpius's favorite, so they had bundled up and braved the journey to the supermarket on the corner.
"Do we need anything other than tea, Albus?" Scorpius asked as he followed Albus through the tea aisle.
"Unless you think of something. I, for one, want to get back to the flat as quickly as possible. I am freezing."
"I said I would come here alone, but you insisted on coming along."
Albus sighed, "Only because I intend on spending our whole break alone, I refuse to leave your side." He gripped Scorpius's arm tightly.
"Let's get the tea and leave so we can go back to our planned activities."
"Eating the leftover cheese from the charcuterie board, we took my grandparents and the bottle of wine your aunt and uncle gave us."
"That and I thought we could take a bath and then cuddle up on the couch and watch The Lord of The Rings."
"Well, we could do all that, but we might need more wine."
"Good thing we received plenty from our extended families." Scorpius boops the end of Albus's nose and kisses his hand. They pay quickly and trudge back to their flat. Albus goes to the fridge and pulls out the leftover Christmas food their grandmothers and parents insisted they take with them. His Granny Molly swore they both looked like they could use some good home-cooked foods. She claimed he was thinner than the last time she saw him. He resisted an eye roll for the sake of his soul. While Scorpius politely thanked her as he accepted the food.
Later, Scorpius would ask Albus, "How can she make dinner for 25 people and still have things to send with them?
Albus told him, "She cooks for 100 starved bears; that's how. Plus, she thinks that none of us grandkids have cooking skills. So she can send home food."
Scorpius opens the wine while Albus grabs the cheese, meat, and crackers. They sit down at their small kitchen table. Albus reaches for his wand, casting a small spell on the candle that sits between the two.
"How romantic," Scorpius coos, "look at us first holiday season living out on our own together."
"Yep, I can't believe I get to be with you all the time. God, I am so in love with you." Albus grasps Scorpius's free hand and holds it tightly.
"I love you too, but really, I think I fall more in love every single day. Call me sappy, I know, but really, you're the best thing that has ever happened."
"I agree now. I believe there was a bath on the table for this evening. So if you clean up, I'll take the wine and run us a bath."
"Fine, only if you use the lavender bubble bath."
"Noted. After this, we can cuddle and watch a movie but I get to pick it." Albus disappears into their bedroom and then to the ensuite.
Scorpius clears the table in record time, and if he uses a cleaning charm, nobody has to know. He always liked doing things like; cleaning, folding and sorting their washing, and tidying the flat before someone dropped by the old muggle way (his mum insisted it felt more homely when a room is tidied by hand.) Though when presented with the task of putting away the cheese and such. Doing the dishes seemed like a waste of precious time when he could be lounging with his love. Needless to say, a quick scroogify was used. Before Scorpius went to the ensuite to join Albus.
Albus had already started the bath and had gone on to be in a state of undress when Scorpius walked in.
"I think I may be overdressed, love." Scorpius whispered into Albus’s ear.
"Hmm, I think you are also. Maybe we should start with getting rid of your shirt." Scorpius followed the request. While Albus started on his jeans. They worked with a practiced technique one perfected after their nearly three years together. Albus drew his focus back up to his lover's lips. The kiss was warm and familiar. Comfortable with each other after nearly a decade of knowing one another. Scorpius runs his hand up Albus’s back, combing through the hair at the nape of his neck. While Albus places a firm grip on Scorpius’s hips. They stay there for a while until Albus breaks away.
"Baby, I… our water will go cold if we don't get in."
"Fine, but we will resume that later." Scorpius says as he steps into the tub. The lush scent of lavender suddenly filled his senses. Albus follows, letting the water engulf him in warmth as he leans back onto Scorpius. Scorpius wraps his arms around Albus's waist, pulling him closer. He kisses into the soft hair on Albus's head.
"I know how much you dislike the holidays. With your family and all the over-stimulating things." Scorpius runs his hand over Albus’s.
"I don't dislike them. Just get overwhelmed. Your family isn't half bad, though. There's like a third as many people, and everyone gets on a bit better than at the Weasleys. No one comments on our relationship. No one decides that the night is all about them. Nobody tries to question why I am getting my potioneer license."
"I know, and we can always do my family if it's easier for you in the future. Only go to your grandparents for dinner, then to mine for the rest of the night."
"I'd like that. My gran won't, but mum'll wear her down so she won't be pestering us about it." Molly Weasley ran a tight ship during the holidays. Meaning her children and grandchildren were not only expected but actively passive-aggressively questioned for the reason they wouldn't be attending. Sure she meant well but often her attempts with Albus fell flat. Just two days ago at Christmas, Granny Molly thought he should do something more sensible than start a business since it's a big financial risk when he finished getting his license. Which led to him stating. 'Scorpius will be a healer so I could be a doting house spouse on his salary if the plan fails and we both have quite the family fortunes so I don't think financials will be an issue.' He then had to deal with Rose's insistence that Albus was being rude. Then he and Scorpius left as soon as dinner was over.
"Then that's Christmas sorted forever then," Scorpius remarked.
"At least until we have kids."
"Exactly we'll figure that out when we need to. So are you feeling up to New Year’s or do you want to stay in since Christmas took it out of you? And it is our anniversary."
"No, I think we can go to your grandparents' party."
"If you need to we could make a quick exit. Just lie and say I don't feel good, come home and cuddle and celebrate our relationship."
"Sounds perfect baby."
"We should get out before we turn to prunes."
"Fine. But we should resume said activities." Albus leads Scorpius back to their bed.
-
New Year’s Eve became a combination of sorts. A quick appearance at the Greengrass family party and then a quiet late night with one last kiss at midnight.
"Which tie should I wear, the gold or black one?" Albus examines both in the mirror as Scorpius holds them up to his shirt.
"Whichever one is easier to get off later." Scorpius giggles.
"Albus," Scorpius groans sarcastically. "Fine, the gold one is silk so it'll slide better."
"Good. Because you are gorgeous we wouldn't want that to go to waste on our anniversary no less."
Scorpius hums in agreement. "Maybe you should send Rose a thank you card for that horrid party that led to your drunken confession."
"Absolutely not. Especially after Christmas. Not worth the annoying comments about you and 'I can't believe you are still obsessed with him'. She can shove off cause you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you."
"I love you more. I know you always say it's not possible but believe me it is for us. Let's go be disgustingly adorable for an hour or two then come straight home."
"Then I get to take that tie off." Albus kisses Scorpius. Once they break apart they go take the floo to the Greengrass Estate.
"Scorpius Albus, happy New Year boys." Scorpius's grandmother Eloise says as the couple stumbles out of the fireplace.
"Hi, grandma, happy new year to you too." Scorpius embraces her tightly.
"And Albus, how are you, honey?" She pulls Albus in for a hug.
"Lovely, sorry we won't be staying long tonight." Albus apologizes on behalf of the couple.
"Oh, it's no problem. I know it's your anniversary. Besides, you're the first ones here. Antony is still getting ready. His musicians' routine is still in effect even now." The trio walks down the hall to the parlor.
"Ellie, I'll have you know I heard that." A booming voice comes from the hall. "Ah Scorpius and Albus. You're early, but I guess if you're leaving early I'll let it slide."
"Gramps you love us." Scorpius retorts. "Besides, I am the favorite grandchild anyway."
"Um no, Albus is my favorite. Just because you inherited my and your mother's piano skills does not mean shit." Antony pulls the two into a hug. "But then you and your cousins are all tied for second."
"Ha." Albus laughs. "At least I am the favorite somewhere."
"Who's the favorite? Cause it sure as hell isn't me dad." Scorpius's Aunt Daphne walks in.
"Albus is my new favorite. Took over Adrian's role Daph so he better fight to get his spot back. Especially if he has to work tonight."
"Sorry, your new favorite's dad took the Christmas night shift so Adrian gets tonight."
"Well, that is not my favorite's fault. He is not in charge of the whole Auror department, but your husband is."
Daphne gasps. "Now he is just my husband."
As the rest of Scorpius's extended family arrive and the glasses of champagne are poured. After a short reunion and recap of the last six days since they all had last seen each other the non-family guests started to arrive.
This was Albus’s third time attending the event. The first time he was invited was nerve-inducing he hadn’t met Scorpius's family other than Draco and Scorpius's cousins. Grandparents are frankly terrifying when they are your significant other's grandparents. Especially if they happen to be world-renowned musicians. Albus had been more interested in the family dynamic; it was much more formal than his family but somehow they all felt closer. He attributed that to the smaller number of people who needed to interact. With the Weasley family, it was hard to ensure you would have a complete conversation before someone would interrupt. But the Greengrass family could all sit around one table and keep a group conversation. In contrast, his family could hardly fit in one room. The only time the whole group had any semblance of all togetherness was when they would take turns opening their Christmas jumpers from Granny Molly. Albus also just tended to get overwhelmed by them all; they were all too loud and too touchy, insisting on hugging him at any moment. He used to cling to his mum when he was little, once he got older though he quickly learned to hide in one of the many bedrooms in the Burrow when he needed a break.
"Enjoying the party, Albus?" Draco asked.
"Yes, actually I enjoy watching Scorpius play the piano for an audience rather than just me." Albus sips his champagne.
"I have to say I agree. He is always good but seeing him in front of an audience is when he shines. How was your family's Christmas?"
"Long and exhausting. I love them, I really do but they can be a lot. But I did enjoy seeing some of the cousins. Victoire and Ted were sad they couldn't be here tonight. Pip and Clem weren't feeling well and their usual babysitters are here. Ted insisted we were here for more important reasons. And James is in France with the Puddlemere team for the holiday"
"Although I am sure Scorpius wouldn't have minded missing out to spend time with the twins," Draco suggests.
"True but Ted already told us not to even think about it since it's our anniversary."
"So nothing planned for tonight then?"
"No, I am going to take him to that Italian place he likes tomorrow night. We are leaving early tonight. Although, that is mostly for my sake rather than our anniversary" Albus watches as Scorpius rises from the stool at the piano and his cousin Adeline takes over.
"Yes I know how overwhelming this can be for you sometimes and I know that Scorpius would do anything to make sure you can do what you need to do in order to be safe."
"I am very lucky to have him."
"I am pretty lucky to have you too, I think." Scorpius plants a kiss on Albus's cheek. "Merlin only knows what I would do without you, my love."
"I love you too baby."
"Dad, we're going to go home soon. Love you. We will see you and Addy at brunch tomorrow, I'll call you."
"Yes, Scorpius, that would be lovely. I love you too." Draco pulls Scorpius into a hug. "Alright, Albus goodbye son."
"See you Draco. I'll make sure Scorpius calls tomorrow. Enjoy the rest of your night." Albus and Draco share a quick embrace. "Scorpius, are you ready?"
"Yes," Scorpius says, "We should go, it's 10." The two quickly say their goodbyes to the rest of the family.
Once they stumble out of their fireplace. Albus leads Scorpius back to their bedroom. "I believe I made a promise to rip this tie off." Albus slowly slides the golden knot down and pulls it over Scorpius's head. Scorpius grabs Albus's waist and pulls him in. Albus counters by raising a hand to the back of Scorpius's head and firmly kissing him.
They're cuddled up together naked when Scorpius rolls onto his side and gently kisses Albus.
"Three years together. It's just gone past midnight love." Scorpius whispers.
"What an amazing three years it has been; We finished our O.W.L'S and N.E.W.T'S. We Graduated, went on holiday with our friends, and moved in together. You started at SMASH, I started my apprenticeship, and we've survived the first holiday season without parents telling us where to be." Albus says back.
"You know what though I think we are doing pretty good at this whole on-our-own thing. I mean sure our parents have helped, but we have done a good portion of it by ourselves." Scorpius cuddles closer to Albus.
"I agree. Plus we get to do whatever we want to. Like have sex without having to put up a silencing charm, or dancing in just our pants in the living room." Albus smiles.
"Of course, you pick the two that involve the least amount of clothing."
"It's not just that. I love getting to cook while you play the keyboard. It makes me excited that one day we might have a nice grand piano in a house with the space for it. Like the one at your dad's or the one you were playing tonight." Albus looks toward the white ceiling.
"I want that too. A home with plenty of garden space for our friends to sit in while we indulge in cocktails. I would like it if we were just outside London. I love it here, but …"
"We want to settle more permanently somewhere we could have a family." Albus finishes the sentence.
"I know we've joked about having kids, but I do really want to be a dad with you. And you'll be the best ever. You are nothing short of wonderful with the twins. I know this is a ‘plenty of years later discussion’ too." Scorpius rambles.
"I want to do the whole kids thing with you too," Albus says. "Ted helped me realize that. I do think I want to be a dad. Obviously not now but someday. He always says it's the greatest title ever, being a dad. I mean It's not like we'd be on our own when we do decide to go through with the process."
Scorpius smiles back at Albus. "Yeah, I mean not as if we could accidentally make a baby."
Albus chuckles. "We should get married first too."
Scorpius looks at him. "Are you proposing?
"Kind of, I think not officially but I want you to know I have at least thought about marrying you."
“Let's get married someday." Scorpius kisses Albus. "We should probably go to bed or something."
"Wait, I already took you to bed once tonight." Albus smirks. Pulling Scorpius closer than before.
"Not like that weirdo. I'm tired and you're getting delirious, my love."
"Ok." Albus rolls over to shut his lamp off and Scorpius does the same. "Happy New Year baby."
"Happy New Year love." Scorpius lies in the dark room only illuminated by the lights of the city that peek through the slim spaces the curtains don't cover. Albus clings to him tightly as he scans the room. Their bedroom is covered in things collected from their childhoods. Scorpius's favorite books mixed with Albus’s. Albus’s record player, records in a compartment in the TV stand. The next one over holds piano and guitar sheet music for both of their respective instruments. A jar of guitar picks also sits on that shelf. A collage of Polaroids covers the wall above the TV. A mix of the last three years. Scorpius can hear Albus’s even breathing. Slowly Scorpius begins to drift off. He cuddles closer to Albus and soon falls asleep. They'll wake up tomorrow and drink tea in bed, a Potter family New Year's Day tradition. Then join Scorpius's dad and cousin Adeline for brunch. Before returning to their flat. But for right now they only have to think about themselves. Just the two of them. Albus and Scorpius. Scorpius and Albus. Forever.