For one horrified moment, one night (or day)-terror instant in time, as Albus watches Scorpius get to his feet, it's like his worst night (or day)-mares are coming to life.

Scorpius. Is. Going. To. Just. Leave.

But then he pauses.



See, it matters to Albus what Scorpius does.

It matters to him more than he really thought it would, because he'd never had a great many friends, so he assumed he'd just get used to never speaking to Scorpius again like they'd done for nearly six whole years.

Except that he wouldn't get used to it again.

Not anymore.

Not when they share Milliways in common, and they had a lot of laughs, and Scorpius is really, really cool - and they have a surprising amount of stuff in common.

Albus lets out a breath (of relief) and clears his throat.

Round two, here we go.

Let us try to sound a little more articulate this time, please.

"I - er. I want us to still be friends? But - um. That's only if you want. I don't know ... I don't know exactly about the other stuff yet, how I feel, and I don't want to give you any - um." Ohgod. "Wrong impressions, or anything. Because I never - well. I really think you're cool, and I like being your friend. That's all."

... well, it could have been worse.