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Scorpius could hear the sound of suppressed sobs coming from inside the bathroom. He wasn’t sure what to do.
I should know what to do, I’m his best mate after all, never mind the man of honor, he thought.
This wasn’t the first time this had happened. Ever since Albus had met his soulmate, Paul, there had been an instant connection accompanied by an instant fire. Not the type of fire that sparks your passion, but the fire that sparks anger. Scorpius had met Albus on the Hogwarts Express all those years ago and he had never stopped being fun, mischievous, and furociously loving; but once Albus met Paul a year ago, his energy and child like wonder turned into a need to settle down and small smiles. Don’t get him wrong, Albus and Paul were clearly in love, they were soulmates after all, but something about their love reminded Scorpius of early morning headaches and blood shot eyes.
And it reminded him of fighting.
Lots of fighting.
Scorpius thought that since it was their wedding day, Albus would be saved from another fight with his fiance, but Paul’s mind and temper didn’t seem to rest even on what was supposed to be the happiest day of their lives. There was nothing that Scor hated more than hearing his best mate cry; well maybe one thing, and that was hearing the excuses that Albus made for Paul and his behavior. Albus wasn’t perfect, but he didn’t deserve to be hopelessly in love with someone who didn’t treat him like he was perfect.
Scorpius didn’t hate Paul… that’s what he told himself.
Just before his own anger could consume him, he heard the bathroom door open and out came Albus and his flushed face.
“Sorry about that,” Al coughed away his scratchy voice, “I’m ready.”
“Are you?” Scorpius had never felt so unsure about his best friend’s relationship.
“Yes, of course, Paul’s just nervous this morning, that’s why he said what he said, it’s ok. We’re both ready to get married.”
There was that small smile again that only made Scor think of the bright one that it used to be.
“Look, Al, I’m not gonna tell you what to do, but frankly I’m worried about you-”
“Scor. There’s no need to worry. Have we had some bumps? Yeah, but y’know that’s just part of being in love, getting through bumps-”
“But that shouldn’t be all love is. Every time I see you you look like you were just crying-”
“Scorpius!” Albus barked. The sound shocked both of them. It was rare for Al to get angry, irritated sure, but not angry. Much less at Scorpius. Obviously ashamed and in shock of himself, Albus lowered his voice, “Paul is my soulmate. I love him. We’re in love. We’re meant to be.”
Scorpius stared into the eyes of the one person on this earth that he would do absolutely anything for. He pursed his lips and nodded, soon after following the groom to be out the door.
Scor had never once doubted the ancient magic that dictated soulmate inscriptions. The stories and books about the words that magically appear on the skin below your collar bone when you turn 18 were passed down to him from generations of the Malfoy family. It’s no guarantee that you’ll meet your soulmate soon after the words appear, in fact it’s highly unlikely, but just as Albus Potter has broken so many standards in the past, he broke this one. He and Paul had met at a coffee shop, initially finding each other attractive, but connected instantly once they each spoke the words of their soulmate:
“Something about you looks familiar” Paul had said
“Do you think it will snow tomorrow?” Al had said in response
This is a prime example of soulmate magic not giving a damn if your phrase makes sense. Scor supposed that was fair, considering that your soulmate can come at you so unexpectedly.
Scorpius was still waiting for his, he had a much more common experience, though the clock was ticking. All soulmates are supposed to be destined to find each other in four years. He had heard of people meeting their soulmate on their 22nd birthday in the nick of time, but he had never heard of anyone being late. As he watched his best mate exchange vows with his soulmate, instinctively Scorpius began rubbing his collarbone.
“Have you ever been to a circus?”
He had memorized the otherwise trivial question and was hoping that the words would come from Albus’ lips, but sadly they never had.
And now it was too late.
He broke out of his daze when he heard clapping around him. Scor automatically started copying them, plastering on a smile as Albus and Paul kissed each other.
You should have tried harder to convince him to wait. Even if they’re destined for each other they could have waited.
His thoughts were useless now as he followed the happy couple back down the aisle.
At least Al was happy.
He could only hope that lasted.
***
Six months into the marriage and Albus seemed surprisingly well. He had insisted to start a tradition of Scorpius coming over to their flat every Saturday night for dinner, and to Scor’s shock, Paul had embraced this. His guard still up, Scorpius had mingled with Paul to please Albus but had slowly grown to enjoy his presence. The only squabbles he saw when he was over was about cooking techniques and who would do the dishes. Otherwise, the couple looked like they’d never come out of their honeymoon phase; maybe they really would live happily ever after.
Of course, the side affect of this tradition was Scorpius’ pining over his best friend became even more agonizing. He’d held it in for six years, he could hold it in for the rest of his life, or so he hoped. Every Saturday night proved to be more and more difficult as Al always greeted him with a hug, would grab his hand under the table sometimes during dinner, and always made sure Scorpius’ perfectly done hair was ruined by his hand.
At least somethings never changed, but Scor wished his heart would.
What he needed to do was find his soulmate, but he was only 19, it could take three more years at most.
He was so deep in his own self pity, he decided to go out for a drink.
His favorite pub was a local joint just down the street from his flat, it was dingy but did the job and Scor thought the smell reminded him of Hogwarts house parties with Albus; on second thought maybe he should stop coming here.
Once he had a pint in front of him he noticed a new addition to the bar wall. A bulletin board stacked with flyers for missing pets and babysitting gigs took up most of the back wall. Scorpius walked back for a closer look to see if there was anything of interest. Next to an advertisement for a massage parlor was a neon poster covered in big balloons and a huge tent. He was just beginning to register the exotic animals on the poster when-
“Have you ever been to a circus?”
For a moment, all Scorpius heard was his heartbeat.
He slowly turned around, feeling like he was about to vomit.
Then he saw her.
She was beautiful. Her long blonde hair framed her caramel eyes. Her features were soft, not at all like Albus’, and her lips were curled in a cute asymmetrical smile.
He swallowed the lump in his throat. He could only assume that the next words that would come out his mouth would be her soulmate words.
He didn’t even think-
“There’s an art to pottery making.”
He didn’t have a chance to register his own words before her eyes grew to the size of saucers and she gave him a massive hug.
Scorpius’ arms finally caught up with what was happening and hugged her back, inhaling the sweet smell of lavender and the future. His heart melted with relief.
Here she is! My soulmate! She’s perfect!
The woman pulled back and offered him an even bigger asymmetrical grin,
“I should probably introduce myself to my soulmate, shouldn’t I?” She chuckled shyly and Scorpius thought he could get used to that sound, “I’m Charlotte.”
“I’m Scorpius, it really is such a pleasure.”
She chuckled again and kissed his cheek with her soft lips, “I suppose we should get to knowing each other.”
Scorpius took her hands in his,
“Tell me everything.”
***
It had been three months since he had met Charlotte, and Scorpius thought he was the luckiest wizard in the world. They were so similar, they had the same quiet and thoughtful temperament, they both enjoyed long walks and staying up late, and they both were complete nerds.
She was basically the female version of Scorpius, nothing like Albus who was the complete opposite of him.
There was no exact protocol for what was supposed to happen after two soulmates met, but in all of Scorpius’ life he had never seen a pair not settle down, and he thought Charlotte and him were happily on the way to that.
She had started accompanying him to Albus and Paul’s Saturday night dinners at Al’s delight. He and Charlotte got along quite well and Scorpius was thrilled even if he was also a little jealous. The under the table hand grabs had stopped, being replaced with Charlotte’s hand instead, and while Scorpius missed the closeness of his best mate he couldn’t help but think that they both had found what was meant for them and he smiled at the thought.
One night after dinner, as Paul was washing the dishes and chatting with Charlotte about and Albus and his honeymoon, the two best friends slipped out onto the balcony. They hadn’t had much alone time since Albus got married and Scorpius found his match, so the tiny enclosed balcony and nipping wind were a welcome to them.
“I know I’ve said this before, but Charlotte is great. I’m so happy for you, Scor.” Al wrapped his arm around Scorpius’ shoulders, reminding him of their old relationship and of a feeling he had missed.
“Thanks, mate, she is quite wonderful… in fact,” Scor braced himself for what he was about to say, “I was thinking that I would propose to her soon.”
Albus’ grip slacked over his shoulders before he removed his arm entirely and faced Scorpius head on.
“Really? That seems so soon for you.”
“I mean you said it yourself, she’s great and she’s my soulmate, we’re going to settle down at some point and I thought now is as good a time as any.”
“This is coming from the man that thought I rushed into my marriage,” Albus laughed hollowly.
“Well, Charlotte and I are different-” Scor stopped himself before he could say anything else insensitive. Al’s shoulders slumped and he looked away from Scorpius.
How could I have said that?
“I’m sorry, Al, I didn’t mean that in a bad way-”
“Y’know, Paul and I are good, great actually, and whatever you think you know about us isn’t true, we’ve really only fallen more in love since we got married.” Albus’ voice was curt and laced with hurt.
“I know, Albus, I’ve seen you two, you’re so happy,” Scorpius tried to coax his friend into turning back to face him, “I’m sorry for what I insinuated, it wasn’t fair. We’re both the same- two people in love who have wanted to settle down.”
At that Al turned around slowly, with some expression that Scor could only read as pain.
“You’re in love in her?”
Was Scorpius not supposed to be?
“Yes I am, she’s my soulmate.”
Something about the word “soulmate” caused Albus to snap out of whatever he was thinking about and offer Scorpius what had come to be the only smile he knew- a soft reserved one.
“Of course she is, and of course you’re in love. I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you. It uh, it means a lot,” Scor didn’t normally stumble on his words but he was feeling something that he hadn’t felt since Albus’ wedding, “And I’m happy for you two of course, always have been.”
Al gave a courteous nod, “yes well, we still have our bumps but otherwise we’re very happy.”
Bumps? Scorpius hadn’t heard that understatement since Al had stepped out of the bathroom all those months ago.
“What bumps, Albus?”
“Oh nothing big, nothing worth discussing anyway…” Albus drifted off and looked at the floor.
“You can always talk to me, ok? I won’t judge, I swear.” Scor was stiff thinking that Albus was being hurt again.
“Thank you, Scorpius, really, but I’ll be fine.”
Before Scorpius could respond, each of their partners appeared at the door to the balcony to beckon them inside for one last drink.
As Scor entered back into the flat behind his best mate, he suddenly felt that maybe everything really wasn’t as it should be.
***
It had been two weeks since his concerning conversation with Al, but today Scorpius had to put all of those concerning thoughts aside.
Because today he was proposing to Charlotte.
He had purchased the ring yesterday and was now standing outside the pub where they had met waiting for her. Of course, he wasn’t goint to propose in the beaten down pub, but he figured a little trip around London that told the story of their love would be a nice proposal. Even though he had the perfect ring, the perfect plan and, of course, the perfect soulmate, something still was making his stomach turn that wasn’t his nerves.
“You’re in love in her?”
The question that Albus has asked two weeks ago could not escape his brain. Why wouldn’t he love her? She was everything he hoped for in a soulmate.
He loved her.
But did Albus not want him to?
Scor jumped when he felt his phone buzz in his pocket, when he saw it was Al he immediately answered.
“Hey Al what’s-”
Sobbing on the other end.
“Albus? Albus what’s wrong?”
Gasping for air-
“Paul he- he hit me-”
“Where are you?”
“I’m home, Scor he- he was so angry-”
“I’m coming. Don’t move.”
Scorpius apparated to Al’s front door and immediately started knocking, “Albus! It’s Scorpius, open the door!”
He was just about to knock again when the door opened just enough for Scorpius to squeeze himself inside.
His breath caught at the sight of a broken dish and clothes trailing from the living room, but most of all from the sight of his best friend trembling with a dark, deep bruise below his right eye.
“Fuck Al,” he immediately encased his best friend in his arms, guiding him to sit in a chair, “everything’s going to be ok, alright? Is Paul here?”
Albus sniffled through his answer, “no, he left he said h-he was never c-coming back.”
As if I’d ever let him if he tried, Scorpius thought as he grabbed a dish towel and ice. Handing it to Al, Scor was trying to suppress his own concern and anger for the sake of remaining calm for his best friend,
“Al, you’re gonna come home with me tonight, ok? You don’t need to be here anymore.”
“B-but I don’t want to intrude-”
“Albus Potter you’re my best friend don’t be an idiot.”
That got a small laugh noise from Al, which allowed Scor to release a breath being held in his tense chest.
“Let me gather some stuff for you.”
Scorpius made his way to the bedroom to get some clothes for Al, realizing that the clothes that were lining the living room must have been Paul’s that he grabbed and subsequently dropped in a hurry on his way out. It occurred to him as he was getting Albus his toothpaste that he needed to tell Charlotte about what was going on.
“I can’t meet anymore, I’m so sorry love there’s been an accident with Albus. Everything is fine, but he needs to stay with me tonight.”
His hands shook as he sent the text to the woman he was supposed to be proposing to tonight. He was eager to begin the next chapter of his life with his soulmate, but he would wait the rest of the four years if it meant Al would be ok.
***
They had apparated back to Scorpius’ flat and Scor had immediately drawn a hot bath for Albus. He awaited his best friend patiently in the bedroom, not bothering to get ready for bed until he knew Al was settled. Albus was going to take the bed while he took the couch, but as Scor sat waiting on his bed his body began to catch up to him. He was exhausted. The fear, the anger, the caregiving, had taken it out of him, but not nearly as much as the worry. Al still hadn’t told him what happened and he was honestly afraid to know. It was obviously the worst it had ever gotten between him and Paul, and if Al was even going to try to defend his husband Scorpius would have to put a stop to it.
Unlike he had the first time.
The bathroom door opened and Albus emerged, hair wet and eyes drooping. He was wearing a ratty old t shirt and plaid pajama pants, an outfit that reminded Scorpius of his best mate’s younger days.
“Hey.” Al said softly.
“Hi.” Scorpius returned, fighting to keep his eye lids open and on Albus.
“Thank you, Scorpius. I-I don’t know-” Al was getting choked up again.
“Hey hey,” Scor sat up more and gestured for his friend to sit, “no need to thank me. I’m always here for you.”
There was a moment of quiet as the two men sat on the bed. They weren’t touching but Scorpius felt something between them he couldn’t describe. Maybe it was because he was tired, or because of the mood lighting provided by his orange lamp shade- either way it was something.
“You’re the best, you know that right?” Al looked into Scor’s eyes for the first time that night, and Scorpius was reminded of all the years he had spent loving Al. Years come and gone.
“I’d have to say you are actually in fact the best.” It was all Scorpius to do to sound light in his tone.
“We’re not having this argument again,” Al snickered, “what we will argue about, however, is why you have so many hair care products.”
“Hey! Don’t question my routine!”
“But why do your hair when you know I’m gonna mess it up anyways?”
“Because wouldn’t you feel so bad if you went to mess up my hair and it was already messy?”
“Hmmm maybe I would, you’re right.”
“Ha!”
They continued joking with each other, poking friendly jabs and exchanging embarrassing stories. Scorpius found energy that could have only come from Al, and he thought back to all the years that this had been their nightly routine at Hogwarts.
Several hours passed at least, and by the time Scorpius realized he was falling asleep in bed next to Albus, it was too late.
***
It was the sun that woke Scorpius up from the most restful sleep he had had in months. He quickly registered that he was still in his white button down and black slacks. He looked to the bedside table and saw the ring box.
Would he propose today?
He’d better check on Albus first.
Scor turned to his side but didn’t see his best friend laying there.
Had it all been a dream? Was Al really ok and back at home sleeping happily with his husband?
Then he heard the sounds of rummaging in the kitchen.
By the time Scor had gotten to the kitchen, there was breakfast layed out and coffee in his cup. Al was just sitting down when he shot his best friend a smile. If the black eye wasn’t a dead give away, Scorpius would never have guessed Albus had had the night he had. Maybe he was just that good at pretending.
“Good morning, Scor, hope you like your eggs overeasy.”
“I like my eggs already made for me so I don’t have to do it, they’re perfect.”
The pair ate to save their eggs from getting cold, but it didn’t take long for Scorpius to break the silence,
“How are you feeling?”
Al swallowed extra loudly, “oh you know…”
“I actually don’t, that’s why I asked.”
“Don’t be a smart arse.”
“Al.” Scor forced Albus’ eye contact.
“I’m… I’m processing.”
In what felt like a reflex that he didn’t bother questioning, Scorpius reached across the table and took Al’s hand, “Tell me what happened.”
Albus explained the fight they had had about where they would be spending the holidays. Scor knew his perspective was bias, but based off of what Al said he sounded like the only one willing to compromise. Meanwhile, Paul was so stubborn about spending it with his family that he threw a plate and hit Al over it. Throughout the story Albus was calm, never once trying to defend either side, just stating the facts; Scor wasn’t sure if this was a good or bad sign.
“Albus, you can’t go back to him.”
The brown haired boy across from him took a deep breath.
“I know.”
Scorpius’ whole body relaxed besides his hand that gave Albus’ a loving squeeze.
“I love him, he’s my soulmate, but…” Al’s gaze dropped to his runny egg.
“Being your soulmate isn’t an excuse.”
Scorpius had never heard of a soulmate pair uncoupling, it meant Al would likely be alone the rest of his life. He just wished his best mate could have the life he deserved with his soulmate, but he was proud of Albus for realizing what was best for him.
“What about Charlotte?”
“What?” The question caught Scor off guard.
“You said you were going to propose soon-”
“Oh yes well… right now my attention is on making sure you’re ok and safe.” Scorpius felt his face flush, his emotions had been in a bundle since last night and thinking about the ring on his bedside table gave him a weight in his chest.
“She’s really lucky.” Al’s voice was small, just as his smile was.
Scor suddenly felt it was his life mission to give Albus all the happiness he deserved.
“Albus, I-”
Scorpius’ phone rang.
Thank Merlin because honestly Scor was not sure which emotion was about to come out of his mouth.
“It’s Charlotte, I should-” Scorpius rose from his chair.
“Yes, please she’s probably worried, I’ll clean up in here.”
Al’s hair was caught by the light as he stood and some of the Weasley red shone bright.
“Alright, yeah, thank you.”
Scor stepped out of the room, breathing heavily. He wasn’t sure what was happening to him, he only hoped his soulmate could help.
“Hey Charlotte”
“Is everything ok, Scor?”
“Yes, love, Albus is here, he and Paul… well, they’re separating”
“Oh no! I’m so sorry, they always seemed so happy”
“Yeah well-”
“Soulmates too…I’ve never known of a couple separating”
“Albus is full of firsts”
“Can I help in any way?”
Scorpius thought about this. In any other situation he would want Charlotte around to act as a second him, but for some reason he couldn’t think of anything she could do.
“Um, no love but thank you”
“Let me know if that changes, dinner tonight?”
Scor’s heart began to pound anxiously.
If we have dinner, I would have to propose, right?
“I’m going to keep an eye on Al the rest of the day, but uh… maybe yeah.”
What am I doing? Why can’t I just act and talk normally?
“Oh ok, well love I’ll see you whenever you’re ready.”
“Bye, Char.”
“Bye bye.”
Hearing the dead static on the end of the other line had a strange calming affect for Scorpius.
“Scor?”
He whipped around to see Al standing in the doorway looking concerned, “Everything alright?”
“Yes! Yes everything is fine, what uh- what’s up?”
“I just spoke to my mum and I’m going to go home and stay there until things are sorted.”
“Oh, you’re leaving?” Scorpius let a bit too much sadness come out in his words.
“Did you want me to stay?” There was something in Al’s voice that he couldn’t quite identify, but it sounded like hope.
No
No it couldn’t be.
“I want you to be wherever you’re comfortable.”
Al’s face dropped and Scorpius felt like an idiot, “Right, well I’ll be quite alright at home.”
“I’m sure you will be.”
Albus began to turn away, but stopped himself, “You were going to say something earlier.”
“What?”
“You were going to say something earlier, but Charlotte called.”
“Oh, was I?”
“Yeah, it seemed… important.”
Tension was building between them and Scor had no idea how to proceed.
What was he going to say to Albus?
That he wanted all the best for him?
That he cared deeply for him?
That he wanted him?
Do I want him?
In the midst of all of Scorpius’ inner thoughts, Albus had moved closer to him. Scorpius forced himself to meet the eyes of his best friend. They were liquid emerald and pleading.
“Whatever you were going to say,” Al whispered, “I hope you remember.”
Their breath was just beginning to mix-
Then Albus stepped away.
He walked away and out of the room.
Scorpius heard the sound of apparating and collapsed on his bed in tears.
***
The next week, Scor didn’t hear from Albus and he was afraid to contact him. The moment they had shared was so intimate, but nothing even happened.
But it could have.
Scorpius heard from his father that Al was safely with the Potters and Harry was working on his son’s legal action for the separation. He was glad to have these updates, but every time he heard Al’s name he felt his heart ache.
He’d barely gotten out of bed every day, much less eaten or showered. Charlotte had come over a couple times worried about his health, but whenever she arrived Scorpius just wanted to be alone again. He felt so guilty because he knew he should be yearning for his soulmate’s presence, and Charlotte had done nothing wrong, but he still could not shake the emotions around Albus and continued to put her through confusion and sadness.
He was a horrible person.
He pulled the sheet over his head and wished it were an invisibility cloke so he could dissapear from the face of the earth. But even if he did that he would still be stuck in his own body with his own feelings. Scorpius logically knew that his six years of having a crush on Albus would not go away instantly the moment he met his soulmate, but for months he had been under the delusion that it had. Charlotte made him feel seen and understood, never mind the fact that she was beautiful and loved by all who met her. Scor could easily see a home with a garden and two blonde headed children running around while their mother and father cooked dinner inside.
But.
Albus was… Albus.
He couldn’t put it any other way. And for the nearly two years of seeing Al and Paul together he felt happy for them, but jealous. Not because Al had found his match, but because his match wasn’t him. He thought back to their wedding when he faked happiness while his yearning for Albus burned inside him. When he was with Charlotte he was happy and content, it was all the makings of love. And that love between them existed, he had no doubt.
But.
The love he had for Al…
It was more than happy and content. It was passionate and it was full of life. It was the kind of love that lasted years, and might even last forever.
Scorpius pulled the sheet down to reveal his face. He reached over to the bedside table and pulled out the drawer. Inside was the ring box that he had hidden safely away from Charlotte when she visited.
He stared at it.
And he called Charlotte.
***
Scorpius anxiously tapped his foot below the coffee table he was sitting at. His coffee had burned his tongue, which, thankfully, prevented him from consuming the caffeine that would make him even more nervous. The shop was drenched in Christmas decorations; Scor had completely forgotten that holiday was days away and was shocked to see the lights, snow, and decorations when he finally emerged from his flat. None of the festivities would lift his spirit, however.
The coffee shop door opened and a wave of blonde hair blew in with the winter wind. Charlotte spotted him almost instantly and shot him her asymmetrical smile, though perhaps not as broad as it used to be. Scorpius stood and kissed her on the cheek before they both took their seats; Charlotte hadn’t bothered with coffee and this somehow made Scor even more on edge.
“It’s nice to see you out of your bed.” Charlotte quipped.
“Ha, yes well, it’s nice to be out. It’s nice to see you.”
The couple took a moment to look at each other before Charlotte broke her gaze to twiddle her fingers, “Scorpius, something’s wrong, isn’t it?”
Scor immediately turned red, tears welling in his eyes, “Love… I…” he coughed to keep himself from crying. Charlotte, his soulmate, took his hands in hers.
“It’s ok. You can say it.”
Scorpius returned her gaze, seeing secret tears welling in her eyes.
“I’m… I’m afraid… I love A-Albus.”
Tears streamed down his cheeks as one fell slowly down hers.
“I have for a long time now, years before we… but you, you made me think I could love someone else. And I do, Charlotte, I do love you so much, you’re so incredibly wonderful… I want our life together, I want the life I’ve always wanted with my soulmate… but… but I can’t let either of us live a life together when I’m thinking about Albus.”
He didn’t realize he had been clenching her hands until she was unclasping one to bring it up and swipe some of his tears away. Charlotte’s eyes were pink and there were tears around her eyes, but she still had a little asymmetrical smile. Scor felt a wave of guilt,
“You deserve so much-” he choked out.
“So do you, love,” Charlotte brought her hand back to his, “and I can’t thank you enough for being honest with me.”
“But you- we-we’re supposed to be together forever, that’s how soulmates-”
Charlotte shushed him softly, “Albus and Paul separated, but that doesn’t mean their lives are over. Just because we won’t be together doesn’t mean we aren’t bonded together. As much as we’ve both read on soulmate magic, I don’t appreciate how much they leave out about the “what if?”’s. How could anything in the universe be that definite? You and I are soulmates, Scorpius. We love each other. But that doesn’t mean it’s the kind of love partners have.”
“I’ve never heard of that being true though, not with any pair.”
“Albus isn’t the only one full of firsts. Besides, how could no one else in the entire world not have the same experience as us, hm?”
Scor took in her words and he understood why the magic had brought them together and would keep them connected.
“Charlotte,” he shook his head in awe, “I love you,” He caught a tear rolling down her cheek with his own finger, “and you’ll always be my soulmate.”
The two smiled at each other knowing this wasn’t the end of their story.
***
It was Christmas Eve, and Scorpius had spent most of it at his childhood home with his father. He told him about Charlotte and Al, and while at first he was skeptical, Draco supported his son.
“When are you going to tell him then?”
“I don’t know. I don’t want to overwhelm him, he is going through a divorce after all.”
“Yes, but Scorpius you’ve been holding this in for six years, I think Albus can manage to hear it.”
Maybe his dad was right. After the moment Scor and Al had before he had left his flat, Scorpius thought there really was a possibility that Albus loved him back.
And maybe it was the time.
Sensing a shift and sudden spark of energy in his son, Draco gestured to the door, “Go. You know they’ll all be together tonight. Just be back in the morning. And don’t do anything stupid.” He took a long sip of his firewhiskey.
“I love you, Dad.” Scor said on his way out the door.
“Love you too, son.”
Scorpius landed very neatly on the Potters’ porch and congratulated himself on his improved apparating skills. The joy did not last long, however, as he saw the wreath on the front door move back as the door was opened.
“Scorpius!” It was Mrs. Potter, who immediately gave Scor a back breaking hug.
“Hello, Mrs. Potter,” he managed to squeeze out, once he was released he continued, “I’m here to see Albus.”
“Oh of course you are,” she smiled cheekily, “although I’m afraid Al is out for a walk right now.”
“A walk?” Since when did Albus go for walks?
“Yes, but he only left a few minutes ago, you should be able to catch up to him.”
“Thank you, yeah, I’ll try.” Scorpius backed off the porch, waving to his best friend’s mum before jogging down the sidewalk-
“Other way!” Shouted Mrs. Potter.
“Thank you!” Scor continued jogging the other way.
Scorpius was reminded of his disdain for physical exertion after a mere two minutes of running. Where on Earth was Al? He panted and kept going, determined to not stop until he spotted him.
Then.
A puff of dark hair emerged in the distance.
“Albus!” He called before he could stop himself.
The dark hair turned around to reveal Al’s flushed face. He stood out so prominently against the snow that surrounded him.
“Scorpius?” Albus stopped in his tracks just as Scorpius approached him, “what are you doing here?”
“I came to see you,” he huffed, “your mom said you went for a walk, since when do you go on walks?”
Al looked at the ground, “since I’ve been separated by my soulmate and unable to think straight.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be, I should be saying sorry to you. I’m the one who you had to take care of and I’m the one who made you uncomfortable-”
“Uncomfortable?” Scor was trying to follow, but it was so difficult containing all his emotions.
“That moment… I left in a hurry because I knew I had crossed a line, I’m sorry, Scorpius-”
“Is that why you haven’t talked to me in over a week?”
Albus finally looked up from the ground, his green eyes were bloodshot, and the skin around his eye was a yellowy green, “The last thing I want is to be the reason for problems between you and Charlotte. You deserve each other. Please, Scorpius, go be with her.”
With that, Al began to walk away, leaving Scor dumbfounded. Snow began to fall and it took the flakes hitting him to find his next words.
“I remember what I wanted to say.”
Al stopped dead in his tracks. Scorpius saw his shoulders rise up and down before he turned around, “What is it?” his voice was quieter than the snow.
“That I’m in love with you, Albus Potter. That I’ve been in love with you for six years. You’re the only person in the world that I want by my side in life. I want to give you everything you deserve and more, not as your soulmate, but as your partner. Because Al, ancient magic doesn’t have to keep us apart. I’m not going to let that happen again. I’ve been using the idea of soulmates from keeping me from what I really want: you. I want you, Albus, and I know we belong together, soulmates or not and… and I know you feel it too.” Scorpius wasn’t completely certain about that last part, but he said it because, well, he needed to know if it was certain.
Al was crying, the tears mixing with the melted snowflakes that fell on his cheeks.
But he was also smiling.
Not the soft smile that Scorpius had learned to accept, but the real smile. The grin that made his entire face bright. The grin that Scorpius had fell in love with. He even let out a tiny laugh of joy as he rushed to Scor,
“You’re perfect to me, Scorpius.”
Albus took Scorpius’ face in his hands, bent his face forward and kissed him.
It felt like the first kiss of the rest of their lives. Scor wrapped his arms around Al, hugging him closer as the snow fell around them. Their lips moved as one and Scorpius felt it in every part of his body. There was no doubt that they would want to move fast like they had in their previous relationships, but something so precious as a non-soulmate match shouldn’t be rushed. When Al pulled away to whisper the words Scor had been waiting what felt like his whole life to hear, he knew he was complete.
***
Months later, Charlotte stood on the beach. The waves were crashing against the sand and nearly touching her feet. The wind here was warm, much different than England, and she was still getting used to the new environment. In her hands was a journal of notes collected over the past few months on people that had separated from their soulmates, some even who had never had words appear on their chest. She was researching for a book and Scorpius had already said he wanted to write the forward. As she stood staring into the horizon waiting for the next person to interview, she felt one sting of sorrow that had persisted throughout her travels. But she also felt full of life.
Full of freedom.
And full of hope.
“Hello.”
She turned to see the woman next to her, a new face with a new story.