Fic: A Rose By Any Other Name

[phys_nut]

Recipient: deathjunke
Title: A Rose By Any Other Name
Author/Artist: phys_nut
Pairing(s): Albus/Scorpius, James/Teddy, Harry/Teddy, Albus/James, Albus/Severus Snape
Rating: NC17
Warnings: polyjuice sex, angst, male/male sex, cross-dressing(nothing heavy, just mentioned in passing), spanking, homophobia, age disparity (harry/teddy - 44/26, albus/snape - 37(??)/20), incest.
Summary: It all began when James came out of the closet: Albus and Scorpius go down a path much darker than they initially planned.
Word Count: 9,594
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters herein are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No copyright infringement is intended.
Author’s/Artist's notes: first of all, I’d like to give a HUGE MASSIVE THANK YOU to my two betas, frellen_rocks  and dwarfandelf !! frellen_rocks  was an absolute star who put up with my ranting about how this story was killing me and I’d never get it done, and who stayed up till 4am with me while I finished writing it and then read over it as I started typing. And dwarfandelf , even though I threw this at her last minute, pulled through and did her usual FABULOUS betaing for me! YOU GUYS ARE ABSOLUTE STARS!! :D
SO. okay, I have to admit, when I first got your prompts deathjunke, I was REALLY stuck, because I’ve never written half the characters you asked for, nor do I really like cross-gen…at first I was just going to write an absolute weird crack fic…and then a more serious idea spawned from that and got lodged in my brain and allowed me to include pretty much every prompt you gave! So I REALLY hope you enjoy the story, and I’m very sorry if it’s not what you were looking for!

It all began when James came out in the summer just before his seventh year.
Albus could remember the tight line of Harry’s mouth, the anger in his eyes, and the disgust in his voice as he said, “Get out, and never come back.”
“But dad-” James had started to protest, but Harry’s wand had whipped up in his face, its tip sparking dangerously.
“Don’t speak to me,” Harry had said viciously, “You no longer have a father as far as I’m concerned.”
James’ eyes had watered up, before they suddenly hardened and he turned away. Wordlessly, he summoned his trunk, and with a sad look at Albus, he had turned sharply and apparated away.
Harry had stood frozen, eyes locked on the spot where James had been, before he abruptly walked out of the room, leaving Albus alone, gaping at the scene that had just unfolded before him. He and James had discussed coming out to their father, and neither had ever thought he would take it that badly. Albus at that point had felt torn; part of him that felt loyalty to his brother wanted to come tearing out of the closet and follow his brother wherever he had gone, but the more dominant part of him had been terrified at the thought of living without his father’s love.
The rest of the holiday had been spent in awkward silences - Ginny alternating between screaming furiously at Harry and treating him to teary, stony silences, while Albus kept to himself in his room, owling Scorpius with all his news, and trying desperately to find James, but to no avail. It wasn’t until Albus was heading back to Hogwarts that he saw James again.
He had just boarded the train after saying goodbye to Ginny who had hugged him fiercely and then pressed a package into his hand.
“Give this to your brother,” she had sniffed, “and tell him he can owl me or floo call whenever he wants, and that I love him very much, no matter who he loves.”
“I will mum,” Albus had nodded.
“And Albus,” she had whispered, “I’ll always love you no matter who you love as well.”
Albus’ eyes had widened and he had stared in utter panic at her, before he managed to relax and gave her a small smile in reply. He had hugged her tightly and whispered, “Thanks mum, I love you.”
“Love you too,” she had smiled, and then gave him a little push towards the train, adding, “Now go on, don’t want to miss the train.”
Albus had smiled and had gotten on the Express, when he was suddenly side-tackled by a large mass of messy black hair and Gryffindor robes. Albus yelled and tried to roll over, but his attacker had him pinned firmly in place.
“You’re as squirmy as a snake,” the person on top of him chuckled.
“And you’re as bullying as a lion,” Albus spat back, struggling to reach for his wand.
He immediately froze then, as it registered just who was the owner of that voice.
“James?” he asked tentatively.
The other boy chuckled and replied warmly, “Hello little brother.”
“James!” Albus cried out happily, turning around as his brother sat back.
Quick as a flash, he had jumped up and grabbed James in a fierce hug, clutching at his back as he babbled.
“Oh my god James, I never thought I’d see you again! What happened after you left? What did you do? Where did you stay?”
“Whoa whoa, one question at a time,” James laughed, hugging Albus back just as tightly, “First of all, it’s good to see you too, I missed you loads. I ended up apparating to London and staying in the Leaky Cauldron for a couple of days, and managed to empty my account at Gringotts before da-…Harry got to it. I was trying to decide what to do about coming back to Hogwarts, when I bumped into Teddy. I told him what happened and he told me I was staying with him and he wouldn’t tell anyone.”
“Oh that’s good, I’m glad he found you,” Albus sighed in relief.
Teddy and James had been very close growing up, despite the seven-year difference, and they considered each other their best friend. Teddy had known about James being gay for years, and had confessed his own bisexuality in return. If there were anyone Albus could have chosen to help James through this bar himself, it would be Teddy.
“How come though, when I sent Mercury out to find you he couldn’t?” Albus asked, as they stood and brushed themselves off.
“Teddy set up wards to that no one could get to me bar him,” James replied quietly, “You know, in case Harry decided to come looking.”
Albus swallowed thickly and nodded.
“James, I - … I’m sorry I didn’t tell dad as well,” he said apologetically, throat tight, “I should have stuck by you and said something, I shouldn’t have abandon-”
“Albus, Albus don’t,” James interrupted, shaking his head, “Thank Merlin you didn’t say anything. I’m in my last year, but you have two years to go, and aren’t of age yet. I’d hate to think of you being away from the family for the holidays.”
“Like you’ll be?” Albus stated softly.
“I’ve got Teddy,” James said reassuringly.
“I’m sure at least some of the rest of the family will be accepting,” Albus said encouragingly, “Uncle Charlie has to be gay with those piercings and leather trousers, and Aunt Hermione fights for every right and cause there is! And there’s always mum as well,” Albus continued, picking the package Ginny had given him off the ground. “She told me to give you this, and said she loved you no matter what…said the same went for me too…”
James slowly reached out and took the package, staring at it, before he slowly smiled and said, “I’m glad she’s on our side.”
“Me too,” Albus smiled in reply, “You should’ve heard her screaming at dad, I’m surprised hexes didn’t start flying across the dinner table.”
“Trust mum to try having a normal family dinner and forgetting about it half-way through,” James chuckled.
Albus nodded, and the brothers settled into a slightly awkward silence.
“Sooo, what’s it like living with Teddy?”
“It’s good,” James replied nonchalantly, his cheeks pinking slightly.
“Is Victoire around all the time?” Albus grinned teasingly, “do they make out a lot, is it gross?”
“No, uh, they broke up a while ago,” James replied, blushing more.
Albus paused, examining James, whose eyes were darting about evasively, and whose blush was deepening by the second.
“James…are you and Teddy-”
“ALBUS! JAMES!”
A red-haired blur flew down the carriageway, and James and Albus suddenly found themselves with an armful of Lily each.
“Oh my god guys it’s so good to see you! It was soooo horrible being stuck in the Burrow all summer, Grandma Molly kept trying to teach me domestic charms, Roxanne and Molly run off together all the time and hide, they’re right weird the pair of them, Freddy and Lucy had a terribly childish prank war that even Grandpa Arthur got involved in, and Hugo did nothing but smoke gillyweed and star gaze while listening to Christina Warlock!”
Albus laughed and tickled her knee before setting her feet down on the ground, while James let go of her arms.
“Only two more years of that and then you’ll be able to get a job or go off to camp,” James told her reassuringly, patting her on the shoulder.
“I was only supposed to be there for three weeks and then you guys were supposed to come get me, what the hell happened?” Lilly demanded, hands on her hips.
James and Albus shared an uneasy look, before looking back at their sister with identical serious expressions.
Lily paled and sagged slightly as she pressed, “What, what is it?”
“Lily-” Albus began gently.
“THE POTTER FAMILY, MAGNIFIQUE!!” came a shriek from down the carriage, and the three siblings looked up to see Louis skipping down towards them.
“Quelle surprise to see you here!” he gushed, grabbing each of them and kissing both their cheeks.
“Oh I’m sure it is,” Albus replied wryly, grinning.
Out of all his cousins, Louis was Albus’ favourite. He was a genius, and outrageously camp. As a child, he had been constantly dragging Albus off to have tea parties, and once puberty set in, he started flirting with EVERYONE around him, and managed to convince plenty of boys to kiss him, telling them it would be good practise, “so when you kiss a girl you will know what you are doing and it will not be so bad non?” Nothing was too risqué; even right now, he was wearing black culottes, a tiny pink t-shirt, eyeliner and his hair was up in pigtails. It was only his air of confidence that kept him from seeming as ridiculous as he looked.
“Ooo Albuuus, I love it when you are so very witty,” Louis replied with a sly wink, leaning on Albus’ shoulder, “Did you miss me-EEEE!” he shrieked, as Lily grabbed him and dragged him away from her brothers, “Lily! My, my, such strength is not proper for a young lady to show!”
“Shut it Louis!” Lily snarled, eyes never leaving her brother’s. “James, Albus, what happened?”
Albus licked his lips, while James glanced around.
“We should go find a compartment to sit and talk,” James decided.
“Rose is in the usual,” Lily barked, already turning away and marching down the train.
“What’s wrong?” Louis asked in confusion, as James and Albus levitated their trunks and set off after their sister.
“Come on and we’ll tell you,” Albus replied in a grim tone.
They spotted Rose, or rather, a mass of bushy red hair, in the very last compartment, with her nose buried in a quidditch magazine.
“Wotcher Rosey,” Albus greeted teasingly.
Rose simply gave him the finger, eyes never leaving the page in front of her.
“How was quidditch camp?” James asked, as he stored his trunk away.
“Amazing,” Rose replied, instantly becoming animated, “We discussed new training techniques and defence formations and met the Holyhead Harpies and the Appleby Arrows, and-”
“That’s fascinating and all Rose, but please shut up,” Lily snapped.
Ignoring her cousin’s indignant squawk, she shoved James and Albus down onto the seats, crossed her arms and ordered, “Tell me what happened.”
***
“THIS IS AN OUTRAGE!!!” Louis bellowed, storming about in a huff.
Rose and Lily nodded along emphatically, while James and Albus leaned against each other after having retold their story for the third time, and the rest of the Weasley clan gaped at them and Louis in shock. In keeping with tradition (which Teddy had started when Victoire had joined him in Hogwarts), the entire family had gathered in the Room of Requirement the evening of their first proper day of school. Immediately, Rose and Lily had ushered everyone into a circle, and Louis had dragged James and Albus in front of them to tell their story. Once that had been done, Louis had leapt up and began passionately ranting, much the same as when he had first heard what had happened.
“To think that in this day and age, our relative the saviour of the wizarding world, my…my uncle is a homophobe?! Merde! I think I would rather kill myself than be associated with that…that…COUCHON!!”
“Louis, do you not think you are being a bit dramatic?” Dominique drawled, flipping her hair back.
“A bit dramatic?!” Louis shrieked, “Dominique, you may or may not realise it, but I am le homosexual!”
“Louis, you’re wearing skin-tight leather trousers and a pink waistcoat,” Freddy snorted, “I’m twelve and I don’t even need to realise anything.”
“I could be metro sexual,” Louis argued.
“Look, everyone knows you’re gay, so let’s not get into that,” Molly said practically, standing up, “The point of this whole thing is that Uncle Harry is famous, and if his dislike of homosexuals goes public it’s going to be awkward and difficult for those of us related to him who are homosexual. Louis is gay, so are James and Albus. Even though he’s never said it, everyone knows Teddy’s bisexual and obsessed with James (at this, Albus grinned and nudged a blushing James subtly, having managed to get it out of his brother that yes, he and Teddy had hooked up during the summer), and I myself am bisexual. Anyone else?”
“I’m pansexual,” Hugo supplied in his vague, lazy voice.
“Hugo, you’re more attracted to gillyweed than anything or anyone else,” Lily snorted.
“That is only because everyone looks the same to me,” Hugo explained, “But when I find someone who stands out to me, then I’ll know they’re the one for me, regardless of whether they’re a man or woman.”
“Exactly. So, out of the eleven of us here, five of us don’t identify as straight. Does anyone have a problem with that?” Molly asked, looking around.
As everyone shook their heads, she continued, “And is it fair that we become persecuted simply because of the views of a relative?”
“It is not!” Louis declared passionately, “It is tragic, and despicable! We must unite! We must be strong! Vive la revolution! Vive le homosexuals!”
“Hellyes!” Dominique yelled, getting caught up in the moment, “We shall show that man what for!”
“And how do we plan to do this?” Roxanne said sceptically, “Yell at him? Call him names and rant about how unfair he is? That would just make things worse.”
Everyone was silent as they contemplated this.
“What we need, is to show him that we’re standing together for this, one hundred percent behind James, and any other gay members of our family,” Lily said firmly, “I’ve already sent him a howler, but I doubt it will make an impact, especially as mum can’t even get through to him.”
“Perhaps a demonstration, something during a quidditch match?” Rose suggested, “Uncle Harry never misses a Canons match…”
“Non non no, sacre bleu!” Louis sighed exasperatedly, “You are all thinking of this the wrong way! Harry is but one man, he cannot harm us. It is the people who follow and listen to him that we should worry about, and it is them we should reach before he does.”
“And how do you propose to do that?” James asked curiously.
“How else are all clever things achieved,” Louis grinned smarmily, “but through politics?”
“Politics?” Roxanne asked in a disbelieving voice.
“Oh yes. It has entered my head, that a group, with enough powerful and influential members, can rally behind a cause and bring other people around to their way of thinking. Thus, I have decided to start a group, called Okay To Be Gay, with us as its founding members. Think - James is Head Boy, Albus and Dominique are prefects, Rose is the coach of the Ravenclaw quidditch team, and Freddy and Lucy are already pranking legends, not to mention that all of us are known in some capacity. If we band together, we can rally, hold meetings and encourage people to join and support us. Who’s with me?” Louis finished emphatically, throwing his arms out.
“You know I’m always your wing man,” Hugo smiled, walking over and putting his hand on Louis’ shoulder.
“We’re behind you completely too,” Lily said, as she and Rose walked over.
All the rest of the cousins stood up and gathered around Louis. Slowly, James pulled away from the wall and walked over to his extended family, leaving Albus on his own.
“Thanks guys, for sticking by me, and by each other. I’m sure this group will be very successful,” he smiled at everyone, then paused, and turned around to face his brother.
“Albus?” he asked softly.
Albus shifted uncomfortably, and stared at the ground as he mumbled, “I do agree with you, and I want to help…but if dad hears…”
“Albus Severus Potter, how can you be so cowardly?!” Lily admonished.
“Shut it Lily, you weren’t there,” James said quietly, his eyes soft as he stared at Albus, “you didn’t see what he was like. Albus, if you don’t want to join then it’s okay.”
Albus stared back at his brother, feeling more ashamed and torn than ever before.
“Albus, maybe if you attended some of the meetings, but participated in nothing public that would be acceptable?” Louis suggested in a soft voice.
Albus bit his lip, and then slowly nodded as he replied, “Yes, I could do that.”
“Excellent!” Louis beamed, clapping excitedly, “So, Hugo and I shall retire to our dorm and draw up plans for the year, Rose and Lily, could you please organise production of flyers and posters, and everyone else spread the word - we have our first meeting on Monday!”
***
“There you are,” Scorpius commented as Albus crept into the room, “you disappeared straight after dinner, where did you go?”
“Family gathering,” Albus replied, shrugging his bag off his shoulder and flopping back on his bed.
“Ah, was it because of the whole James fiasco?”
“We do it every year, but yeah, this time it was all about James getting kicked out,” Albus explained, his stomach churning unpleasantly.
“That’s totally shit by the way,” Scorpius tutted, “you know, what your dad did.”
“Yeah, he’s an asshole,” Albus sighed venomously, then added, “Louis is starting up some gay rights group, to show support for James and rally people onto his side.”
“Really?” Scorpius asked, “Are you gonna join?”
“Uh, maybe,” Albus shrugged, then added hastily, “You know, to support James and all.”
Scorpius hmm’d and nodded, before returning to his book, leaving Albus to stare up at the ceiling and mull his thoughts over. As much as he wanted to tell Scorpius everything - his being gay, his fear and hope for the future - he didn’t feel comfortable enough yet. The two boys had shared a dorm room for five years before they talked for the first time, near the end of fifth year when they noticed they were studying all the same things at the same time, and had decided to work together. Things had clicked into place, and they had formed a tentative, yet nurturing friendship that had grown as they spent time together while in school, and talked nearly every day during the summer. Before the James fiasco though, the most personal discussion they had ever had had revolved around them discussing the possibility of travelling around together after Hogwarts, and the sort of jobs they’d like. Albus had no idea what Scorpius’ views were on gay people, or what his family life was like. He couldn’t help but wish that Scorpius was into boys like him, and the blonde’s comments about what had happened to James were encouraging, but Albus had never been great at communication even at the best of times, and his nerves were impeding him in sussing out where Scorpius’ proclivities lay.
Albus sighed and rolled over onto his stomach, needing a distraction. He reached under his pillow and pulled out a well-worn book, which fell naturally open on the photograph section. It was this section that Albus looked through the most, at least once a day, gazing in fascination at the sallow skin and long black hair of Severus Snape. Albus couldn’t even tell himself what it was that drew him to his namesake, only that the man had an air of mystery about him, and brooding good looks to boot. What Albus wouldn’t give to meet him just once…
“Are you reading his biography again?” Scorpius asked in an amused tone, “You really are obsessed.”
“Well I was named after him,” Albus replied defensively, “I’ve a right to be curious about him.”
“My dad said he was a bitter, twisted man,” Scorpius shrugged.
“My dad said he was one of the bravest men he knew,” Albus retorted softly, staring at a still-life muggle picture of Severus, while he touched it gently.
“Suppose you never can tell how different people see you,” Scorpius commented diplomatically, putting his book away and stretching.
Albus’ gaze skittered between Severus’ face and the pale strip of skin of Scorpius’ stomach that was now showing, and he made a noise of agreement, face flushing.
“So…when’s Louis’ meeting on?” Scorpius asked nonchalantly, turning towards Albus.
“Oh, um, Monday,” Albus chocked out, eyes fixed firmly on the book in front of him, “Why do you ask?”
“Oh, just want to know when you’ll be out, so I can invite my harem over,” Scorpius joked, flashing Albus a teasing grin.
Albus snorted with laughter, and replied, “You can invite your imaginary harem over whenever you want.”
Scorpius flipped him the finger, then grinned and climbed into bed.
“Night Albus.”
“Night Scorpius,” Albus replied, putting his book away.
He got changed into his pyjamas, climbed into bed and stared unseeingly into the dark, most definitely NOT thinking about Scorpius naked and involved with a harem.
***
“Bonjour everyone, and bienvennue to Okay To Be Gay!” Louis announced cheerfully from his position atop a bright pink chair at the top of the disused classroom they had taken for themselves.
Hugo lounged on a beanbag at his side, smoke from his joint winding gracefully around his head, while James, Lily, Rose and the rest of the family were scattered about the room. Along with them were about twenty other students, mostly Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, then Slytherin and finally Hufflepuff. Albus skulked at the back of the classroom, keeping an eye on everyone, while trying to press into the shadows as much as possible.
“We have gathered here in support of the non-heteronormative slice of pie,” Louis explained, “and because we want an equal life for people of all sexualities.”
A murmur of approval and agreement rose up from the crowd, several students nodding vigorously.
“Right, I think we should begin by introducing ourselves, telling everyone our sexuality, and a little bit of information about ourselves. I’ll begin. My name is Louis Delacour-Weasley, I’m in fourth year and I’m gay. I am interested in fashion and enjoy wearing both men and women’s clothes,” he finished, gesturing at the pleated skirt and heavy shirt, tie and blazer he was wearing.
“My name is Lily Potter,” Lily piped up, “I’m a fourth year and I’m straight. Two years ago I convinced my grandfather to take me skydiving, which is a secret from my grandmother and parents I will take to my grave.”
As more people stood up and introduced themselves, Albus noticed the door to the room open, and he suddenly straightened, eyes widening in shock as Scorpius entered the room, glancing about himself furtively.
Just as his eyes met Albus’, Louis’ voice called out, “Aha! A new member come to join our ranks, oui? Come come, introduce yourself s’il vous plait!”
“My name is Scorpius Malfoy,” Scorpius began, voice smooth, but eyes showing a trace of panic and nerves, “I’m a sixth year…and I’m gay.”
Albus could feel his jaw dropping at his friend’s frank admission; he and Scorpius had never discussed their sexuality with each other, and Scorpius had never made any comments to indicate which way he swung, but it was always just…assumed that he liked girls.
“Excellent! And now you must tell us something about yourself,” Louis said encouragingly.
Scorpius floundered, and Lily called out, with a calculated look in Albus’ direction, “Why did you come here today?”
“I, um, there’s something I’m curious about,” Scorpius replied, his cheeks turning a light pink.
“Well I hope your curiosity will be satisfied. Welcome to the group Scorpius,” Louis said warmly.
Scorpius smiled and nodded, and then walked over to Albus, to whom he offered a small smile, before he leaned against the wall beside him. His arm rested very lightly against Albus, who swallowed hard and remained perfectly still while his mind raced. He didn’t hear another word that was spoken at the meeting.
As soon as the meeting was over, he was out of the room like a shot, somehow just knowing Scorpius would follow. True to form, just as he turned off for the dungeons, Scorpius stepped in line with him. They walked in silence, before Scorpius sighed and then suddenly grabbed Albus and hauled him down a passageway behind a tapestry.
“All right, spill the beans,” the blonde ordered.
“What are you talking about?” Albus replied, crossing his arms as he leaned away against the wall behind him.
“Don’t play dumb with me Albus, you’ve been weird all evening.”
Albus tried to keep a blank look on his face as he stared at Scorpius, but it soon fell and he had to look away.
His arms fell by his sides and he muttered, “I was just shocked to see you there…”
“Well yes,” Scorpius grinned ruefully, “I’d wanted to tell you about being gay for a while now, but the right moment never seemed to come up, until you mentioned the meetings.”
“I suppose it’s the easiest and most straightforward way…” Albus said wryly.
“As straightforward as one can get at a GLB meeting,” Scorpius agreed.
The two friends shared amused grins, and stood in silence, Albus working up the courage to speak, and Scorpius patiently waiting for him.
“So, uh…what were you curious about?” Albus finally managed to ask, his eyes fixed on the ground.
“Huh? Ohh, well…I wanted to know…is supporting James the only reason you went to that meeting?”
“Albus’ eyes snapped up to meet Scorpius’ and he gulped loudly as he slowly shook his head.
“Why else did you go?” Scorpius asked, moving towards Albus.
This was it, now or never. Albus took a deep breath and quickly blurted, “I’m gay.”
Scorpius paused, then smiled and said, “I’d hoped that.”
“You did?” Albus asked in surprise, “Why?”
“Because I like you,” Scorpius admitted, blushing.
He was halfway across the passageway from Albus, and suddenly looked so vulnerable and unsure that Albus couldn’t leave him like that.
“Good, because I like you too,” Albus replied, smiling widely at the look of relief and joy on his friend’s face, “and I’d like to go on a date with you.”
“I’d like to that,” Scorpius beamed, reaching out and taking Albus’ hand in his.
The two teens took to their dating and subsequent relationship much the same way as they did their friendship: enthusiastic, albeit a little awkward and fumbling, but all with the best of intentions. They were addicted to snogging, until hormones and curiosity prompted them to go further, and then, WELL. Nerves kept them contented with hands and mouths, and it wasn’t until they were together a year that they had sex. They argued for nearly an hour over who would top, and made the decision with the flip of a galleon. Scorpius lost, and enjoyed bottoming so much that Albus demanded to have a turn, and things turned out hunky-dory from there. Once sex was discovered, kinks quickly followed - Scorpius found a proclivity for role-play, while Albus had a marked preference for spanking.
Two years after their first date found Albus out of the closet, estranged from his father, but happier than ever living with Scorpius, and attending his grandfather’s eightieth birthday with said boyfriend.
Thanks to Louis’ group, which had grown immensely in strength and numbers since its beginning, Albus had a firm network of support, both in school and within his extended family, after his grandparents, mother, Uncle Charlie, Uncle Bill, Aunt Fleur and Aunt Hermione joined as well, and most of his other relatives had expressed support too. Unfortunately, all this support had done nothing to sway Harry, who still refused to acknowledge either one of his sons. In fact, he was currently staring daggers at James and Teddy, who were across the room from him, arms around each other as they chatted with Bill and Charlie.
“D’ya know what?” Albus commented in a musing tone, “I reckon he’s gay.”
“Who?” Scorpius asked curiously, craning his neck.
They had encamped on a loveseat in the back corner of the large kitchen, a plate of nibbles hovering beside them, where they could snuggle close and people watch.
“Harry,” Albus replied, jerking his head in his father’s direction, “I reckon he’s gay and totally repressed and in denial.”
Scorpius paused thoughtfully and said, “Reckon you could be on to something there. It would explain the resentment and anger.”
“Mmm…you know what’s strange? His anger at me is nowhere near as bad as his anger at James. I always thought it would be the other way around seeing as everyone always says I’m so like Harry and all.”
“Yeah…” Scorpius frowned.
He suddenly smirked and said, “Maybe, he’s jealous of what James has,” with a meaningful glance at James and Teddy.
“What, you mean he…he fancies Teddy?” Albus gasped, scandalized, “That’s sick.”
“Exactly. Could you imagine being stuck in the closet, and fancying your godson who’s your son’s boyfriend?”
“Oh my god, that would be enough to drive anyone mad,” Albus sighed, “I wonder if that’s true…at least if it is, I could feel sympathy for him rather than anger.”
“Yeah…we’ll never know though, it’s all speculation.”
They were silent for a moment, before Albus suddenly groaned, “Oh Merlin, I’m getting mental images now.”
“Haha, are you thinking of Harry luring Teddy outside, and then pinning him up against a wall?” Scorpius murmured.
“Nah, Harry would never make the first move; that would be up to teddy. He’d have to really work it too cause Harry would be very reluctant.”
“Mmm, yeah, he’d have to just climb on top of him and give him no choice,” Scorpius whispered, pressing his face against Albus’ neck.
Albus flushed and replied, “Course Harry would push him off, but Teddy would start slowly stripping and touching himself, and Harry would lose all resolve and just grab him and pin him face down on the bed and fuck him till he screamed.”
“Yeah,” Scorpius panted softly, “God that…that’s pretty hot…D-do you maybe wanna play it out sometime?”
“Um, actually, there was something I was thinking we could try.”
“Mmm? What is it?”
Albus hesitated, then leaned in and whispered into Scorpius’ ear. The blonde’s eyes widened as Albus spoke, and his cock twitched as he considered it.
“Okay yeah, let’s try it.”
“Brilliant, Albus beamed, “You start with the potion and I’ll get the main ingredients.”
***
One month later found Albus and Scorpius sitting in their living room, each holding a vial.
“Bottoms up,” Scorpius said cheerfully.
“Cheers,” Albus enthused.
They gulped the potion down as fast as they could, grimacing at the taste. After a few moments, the potion took effect, and they collapsed to the floor while their bodies convulsed and changed. When it was finished, Albus found himself blinking owlishly from Harry’s weak eyes, while Scorpius’ hair rapidly changed colours as he stared in amazement at both his and Albus’ new bodies. Albus put on a pair of glasses he had nicked from his dad, and stood, Scorpius following suit. They shared a warm, triumphant smile, before seamlessly slipping into their roles.
“Harry, the reason I asked you to come over was so we could talk alone,” Teddy said calmly, taking a seat.
“I’ve nothing to say to you faggot,” Harry snapped, taking a stance by the fireplace, arms crossed.
“Oh really? I’ve seen you watching James and I you know.”
“If by watching you mean staring in disgust at your perversion,” Harry spat out.
“And actually when I say you were watching James and I more specifically I meant just me,” Teddy continued as if Harry hadn’t spoken, stretching his arms over his head.
Harry’s eyes darted down at the skin revealed, and snapped back up.
“I don’t know what you’re trying to pull here -”
“I’m not trying to pull anything” Teddy smirked, standing up.
He walked towards Harry and stated, “You want me.”
“What the fuck?!” Harry yelled, “How dare you say su-MMPH!”
Teddy kissed Harry viciously, and the older man was so taken by surprise he barely realised he was kissing back, a needy moan rising in his throat. He came to his sense quickly, and shoved Teddy away, his chest heaving.
“Wha…what the fuck do you think - ”
“You want me,” Teddy said, eyes blazing.
“NO. No I don-”
“You want me.”
“I…I…”
“You. Want. Me.” Teddy stated firmly, never breaking eye contact.
Harry held firm for only a couple of seconds before he broke, burying his head in his hands.
“I do,” he groaned, “Merlin I want you so much but it’s so so very wrong.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re my godson!” Harry roared, “I practically raised you and now I want you so badly it’s killing me!”
“Harry,” Teddy said softly, “There’s nothing wrong with it, you can’t help who you fall for.”
As he spoke, he slowly unbuttoned his shirt and let it drop to the ground. Harry’s eyes widened, and he couldn’t help but ogle Teddy as he unzipped his jeans and pulled them and his boxers off, so that he was standing there completely naked, cock hard and leaking.
“I want you Harry,” he said, breath hitching as he ran a hand down his chest and stomach to stroke his erection, “p-please Harry, I need you.”
As they stared into each other’s eyes, there was a flash when it was Albus staring out at Scorpius, before Harry made a desperate noise and lunged at Teddy, kissing the younger man passionately. The two men stumbled into the bedroom, where Harry pinned Teddy down on the bed and had his way with him. He bit and licked and sucked and touched every inch of skin he could. He swallowed Teddy’s cock to the root, pinched his nipples, marked his chest and stroked down his sides and legs, turning Teddy into a quivering wreck beneath him. Harry then flipped the other man over, licked down his spine, breathed in his scent, and then fucked him open with his fingers and tongue. When he couldn’t take it anymore, he pulled his trousers and boxers down just enough to free his cock, and plunged into that tantalizing, maddeningly tight hole. His hips worked, furiously thrusting while Teddy moaned loudly and continually beneath him.
“Oh…oh…oh yes, right there, tha- oh - ohgodyessss…”
Teddy jerked himself off while Harry’s thrusts grew erratic, and with yells, they came together, collapsing in a tangle on the bed.
As they rolled apart and looked at each other, it was once more Albus and Scorpius looking at each other from strangers’ bodies.
“That,” Albus panted, “was fucking amazing.”
***
Over the next few months, the polyjuice sex occurred more and more. The boys, especially Albus, couldn’t get enough of taking on the role of someone else, for an hour of losing all inhibitions and getting lost in the illicit thrill of what they were doing.
One day, Albus was getting dinner ready, and planning out how to get the hair of one of the guys in work, when there was a sharp crack of someone apparating into the apartment.
“Scorp? Is that you? Did you get the wi-” Albus called out, when James walked into the room, eyes regarding him half-lidded.
“Oh, hey James, what’s up?” Albus asked, reaching out to give his brother a hug.
Rather than hug him back, James grabbed Albus and pulled him against him, before kissing him passionately.
Albus made a shocked noise, and struggled briefly before managing to pull away. His breathing was ragged and a lustful tingle ran from his lips down to his groin, but he used shock and anger to ignore this.
“James, what the hell are you - …Scorpius?” he asked incredulously, staring into the other man’s eyes.
“Hey,” Scorpius smiled shyly, “I thought I’d surprise you.”
“But..why James?”
Scorpius blushed and replied sheepishly, “I saw you looking at these hairs for the past few weeks, and got curious. Imagine my surprise when I found I was your brother.”
“And you still came over to me?” Albus said hesitantly, biting his lip.
“Of course,” Scorpius smiled, “If it’s something you want, then I want to do it for you.”
Albus felt two emotions occur simultaneously; one a tender, warm and overpowering love for this wonderful wonderful man who would allow Albus to be himself, and the other a desire for something so forbidden and taboo he had never dared to really think about it. It was disorientating, to feel love and lust for two different things in the one body, so he went with what he had right now.
Leaning in, he placed a soft kiss on James’ lips, then smirked and said, “Well then, I suppose you’ve got a thing or two to teach your little brother.”
“It doesn’t feel like you’re that little anymore,” James smirked, reaching down and squeezing Albus’ length through his trousers.
Albus moaned, and pushed James back against the nearest countertop, hands fumbling with his trouser zipper.
“Clothes. Off. Now,” he gasped in between kisses.

Afterwards, when Scorpius was Scorpius again, Albus kissed him tenderly, hands moving over him gently.
“I love you,” Albus whispered.
“I love you too,” Scorpius beamed.

After that episode, the polyjuice sex occurred as regularly as usual, except now Scorpius noticed that Albus was taking polyjuice less and less. He would give Scorpius a vial and saunter off to the bedroom with a wink, taking off his clothes as he went. Scorpius would take the potion, and when he had changed, he would strip and head to the bedroom where he would find Albus; sometimes changed and sometimes not, either slicking up his cock, or with four fingers buried to the hilt in his ass.
Soon enough, Albus stopped taking polyjuice altogether and then the frequency of their regular sex dropped off. Whatever sex they had was amazing, but Scorpius started to feel more and more unwanted, more like a body to just be changed into another and used. He alternated between springing on Albus unexpectedly, just to get that feeling of passion back and withdrawing from his lover, in the hopes that Albus would chase after him.
They hadn’t had sex in over a month, when one day Albus arrived home, cheeks flushed and eyes sparkling. Scorpius looked up from reading an article on the wizarding world’s newest and biggest independent politician, Louis Weasley, and his heart clenched at how beautiful he looked. Hopefully, he thought, maybe Albus realised how much he missed him and had come home to make up for it. All this crashed though, when the dark-haired man opened his mouth.
“I’m going to train to be an Unspeakable.”
“What? Why? I thought you were happy in the Department for Magical Creatures?”
“I found out that Severus Snape’s body is preserved in the Department of Mysteries,” Albus explained excited. “If I can get in there I can get some of his hair.”
Oh.
Scorpius’ face fell, but he tried to joke, “Still obsessed with him, eh?”
“Of course,” Albus grinned, then looked serious as he asked, “Do you mind?”
“Not at all,” Scorpius smiled, while his stomach churned unpleasantly.
Albus smiled, walked over and sat down on Scorpius’ lap, winding his arms around his boyfriend’s neck.
“You’re so good to me. Let’s do something for you tonight. You wanna role play a little?”
Scorpius felt as though he’d been doing nothing but role-playing for the past few months. He was tired of being everyone else and not getting to do what he wanted.
“No,” he replied, “Tonight I want it to be you and me only.”
Albus paused, looked at him strangely, then smiled, nodded and kissed him happily and hungrily.
***
Once Albus started training for the role as an Unspeakable, the sex pretty much dried up altogether. Although he was miffed at first, Scorpius was shocked to find that he felt a tiny bit of relief - at least now he didn’t have to take anymore polyjuice. He knew that meant he should have talked to Albus a long time ago about his dislike of the potion being used as part of their sex life, but whenever it happened, he just couldn’t deny the man anything. He was stupidly and painfully in love with Albus, and would do anything to keep him happy.
Merlin he was pathetic.
It was just before their fourth year anniversary that Albus finally achieved his goal.
“I’ve got it!” he called out triumphantly as he tumbled through the floo, a pouch in once hand, “I finally got it!”
Scorpius, who had been frowning over whether to order in Chinese or Indian, looked up in surprise.
“What did you get? Did Lucy finally order in those fake wands you wanted?”
“No no,” Albus shook his head, then leaned in to give him a peck on the lips, “I got into the vault where they’re keeping Severus’ body,” and he held up the pouch.
“You got his hair?” Scorpius gasped, “That’s brilliant Al!”
“I know,” Albus beamed, “So do you think you can start brewing the polyjuice now?”
“Sure,” Scorpius replied, feeling an old ache twist his insides.

For the next month, Scorpius tended to the potion and studied everything he could on Severus Snape while Albus practically vibrated with excitement, which did wonders for their sex life. Every night, Albus was all over him, and Scorpius threw himself into the moment, not thinking that it was all possibly because of what was going to happen and not because of a renewed desire for him.
Eventually, the polyjuice was ready, and so were Albus and Scorpius. Scorpius, dressed in volumous black robes, drank it down quickly, while Albus, dressed in his old school uniform, watched on eagerly.
When the change was complete, Severus Snape looked up, black eyes glittering menacingly, and in a smooth, deep voice said, “Mr. Potter, today was the fifth time you were late to my class, within which you subsequently failed to produce an adequate potion. This is your fifth detention, and I must say it is a wonder that you were not placed in Hufflepuff, as you seem not to be able to learn from your mistakes. Or, is it simply that you, like your father, enjoy tormenting me?”
Throughout this speech, Albus had gaped in shock and amazement at him, and he now snapped his jaw shut. He blushed, lowered his gaze and said, “I’m sorry sir,” in a bashful tone, “I don’t want to torment you.”
“It seems a detention spent writing lines is wasted on you Mr. Potter. I think other methods may be required. Corporal punishment perhaps?”
“Cor- I don’t understand,” Albus said in a confused tone.
Severus regarded the boy with a sneer and then swept across the room, where he took a seat on a solid wooden chair.
“Take off your trousers and under garments,” he ordered impassively.
“Sir?”
“You heard me boy!” Severus barked.
Albus flinched, and then sprung into action, hastily removing his trousers and boxers - leaving him standing in front of the potions master in only his shirt and tie. Severus nodded approvingly and crooking his finger, he beckoned the boy over. Albus walked over stiffly, his face red but his cock twitching and swelling slightly. Severus smirked and when Albus was standing by him he patted his lap.
“Bend over, face down.”
He merely raised an eyebrow at the boy’s startled, questioning look and then gave him a firm commanding look in return. Albus licked his lips, took a deep breath and then slowly bent over Severus’ lap. Severus arranged the boy to his liking so that his lovely round arse was right at the edge of one leg.
He left his hand resting on it as he spoke, “Now, let’s see if ten strokes will do the trick of disciplining you.”
“Ten?” Albus squawked.
“Very well fifteen. And you will count each one.”
“But sir-”
“Twenty.”
There was silence followed by a sullen “Yes sir.”
“Good boy,” Severus smirked patting his arse before raising his hand.
He remained still for a few moments enjoying the shivers and slight squirms of the boy on his lap and letting the anticipation draw out, before suddenly bringing his hand down with a sharp crack.
“One!” Albus yelped, his breath catching in his throat as he began to become aroused.
He couldn’t help himself; Severus had an incredible aura around him, that voice was enough to make him melt, and the man clearly knew how to create the perfect mix of pleasure and pain with his spanking.
“Two!” Albus cried out as the hand cracked down again.
By the sixth slap, Albus was fully hard, and on the tenth slap, Severus paused and ran his hand over the reddened skin, admiring the contrast of it against the paleness of his hand. Albus moaned loudly, hips unconsciously rutting against Severus’ leg. Severus tutted and moved Albus up so that his erection was hanging between Severus’ spread legs. Albus whined as he pumped his hips futilely, desperate for friction. He was so fucking close it was unreal, he didn’t know if he could survive the next ten strokes before he passed out from lack of blood in his brain, and his cock felt like it was about to explode, it was so hard. Severus used one hand to spread Albus’ cheeks and traced the outline of his entrance with the other, before delivering another sharp slaps over it.
“Ohjesusfuckingchrist Eleven!”
Albus didn’t know how he managed to keep counting through to twenty; by the end his eye were rolled back, he was flushed, sweaty, gasping for breath and practically sobbing from being stuck on the edge of orgasm for so long.
“Have you learned your lesson Mr. Potter?” Severus asked, voice deepened with lust, as his hands continued to rub over his ass and down into his crack.
“Y-yes sir,” Albus gasped.
“Good boy. It seems you enjoyed that a little too much,” Severus smirked, as he slipped a finger just inside Albus’ entrance.
“YES! Oh-oh, p-please sir,” Albus begged.
“Please what?”
“Please sir- need you…ohgodneedyou…fuck, pleasepleaseplease,” Albus babbled.
“I’m afraid I cannot understand what it is you’re asking of me. You will have to be more clear.”
Albus whined in frustration, before he somehow managed to say slowly, “I need you to fuck me sir. Please.”
“If that is what you desire,” Severus said in the silkiest of tones, “Then I shall oblige.”
With one spell, Albus felt stretched and lubricated, and with another Severus was naked. Albus barely had time to think before Severus pulled him up, positioned him so he was straddling his lap, and plunged straight into him. Albus cried out in pleasure, clinging to the older man’s shoulders. He then placed his feet firmly on the ground and started to move, impaling himself over and over again, moaning continuously. Severus’ hands settled on his hips, helping him to move, and he leaned in to kiss and nibble at Albus’ neck. Soon Severus started to move his hips, and the two men rocked together in a primal rhythm that grew faster and harder as they continued. Albus leaned back further and Severus thrust harder so that his cock hit the boy’s prostate with every stroke, and they stared into each other’s eyes.
“Oohhh…Scorp- Severus,” Albus groaned, “I’m so closennnnggg.”
He buried his face against Severus’ neck and the older man reached down and stroked his erection roughly. Back arched and face contorted with passion, Albus screamed his way through his climax, Severus following suit. They stayed tangled up together, breathing heavily, feeling completely sated. Eventually Albus leaned back a bit, and took the other man’s face in his hands, staring into his eyes.
“Thank you,” he said leaning in to kiss him softly, “Thank you Scorpius, that was better than I could have hoped for.”
“My pleasure,” Scorpius rumbled, smiling back.
Maybe now, Albus’ curiosity and obsession will be over. Maybe we can just be us again…
***
“Is it so wrong to want to live in a world where love regardless of the people involved, is seen as a beautiful thing? Is it wrong to want to live in a world of equality for everyone, regardless of his or her gender or sexuality? I do not think so,” Louis Weasley said firmly, “and I think that many of you agree with me. I believe you are ready for a change, and if elected as Minister of Magic, I will do my utmost to bring about that change! Ennui has settled upon our ministry, and with that comes a lack of service for our diverse community. I say, Ennui no more!”
A cheer rose up at his words, and Albus beamed as he watched his cousin’s rally on the television. From the days of ‘Okay To Be Gay,’ Louis had found a firm interest in and appreciation of, politics, becoming an instant independent hit amongst the wizarding community. Known for his eccentric dress-sense and passionate ranting, he nevertheless had a shrewd mind and knew how to appeal to any sort of crowd.
Scorpius stepped out from the fireplace in a flame of floo powder, and walked straight over, eyes trained on the television.
“I caught the start of it before I left work how did he do?”
“Great the crowd loves him” Albus smiled, turning his head to give Scorpius a welcome home kiss.
Scorpius then started to kiss Albus’ cheek and then down his neck, while his hands ran slowly over his arms and stomach.
“No, not tonight,” Albus murmured pushing Scorpius away.
Scorpius stiffened, and then spat out, “I bet you wouldn’t be saying that if I had polyjuice.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Albus asked astonished.
“It means exactly what I said. You do realise that in the past year, we haven’t had sex unless I’ve taken polyjuice”
“That’s not true!” Albus retorted hotly, “There was…um…Well you always seemed to like it!”
“I did at first,” Scorpius admitted, “When we were both taking polyjuice and it was just something we tried out every now and then. But we started having sex less and less, and you stopped taking polyjuice, and I felt like nothing more than a body for you to give polyjuice to and fuck.”
“But…you never said no, you always did it.”
“Because I love you!” Scorpius yelled, “Because I want to make you happy! But you became so bloody selfish about the whole thing I can’t take it anymore!”
“You did it because you loved me, even though it made you unhappy?” Albus said incredulously, “You’re a total IDIOT!”
“Well then if I’m a total idiot you don’t even want anymore, then I’ll just go!” Scorpius yelled, jumping up and storming off to the bedroom.
“Scorpius, no wait!” Albus called running after him, “Please don’t go. I’m sorry, I do want you, I just…I just really liked the polyjuice too” he finished feebly.
Scorpius had summoned some clothes and toiletries and packed them in an overnight bag. Once he was done, he whipped around, eyes blazing with anger and unshed tears. He knew that this was probably coming out of nowhere for Albus, but it had been building up for over a year within him, leaving him angry and bitter.
“Well you’d better have a long think about whether it’s me, or the polyjuice you really want in your life.”
With that, he picked up his bag spun on the spot and apparated away, leaving Albus feeling dazed, confused and immensely lonely and upset.
***
“Ready to march in front of the masses?” Rose called down from her position astride a broomstick, out of the back of which a stream of rainbow sparkles sprayed.
“Of course,” Albus called back, just about managing a smile.
It had been three months since Scorpius had left; at first, Albus had been angry and confused, but when he had finally taken a step backwards and thought about the whole affair, he had realised just what he had done to Scorpius. He had then spent several weeks moping and feeling sorry for himself for being such a bastard, before he gave himself a slap told himself to cop on and went in search of Scorpius. Unfortunately, at that point, Scorpius had gone travelling, and Draco had informed him in a cool tone that he didn’t know where his son was or when he’d be back. So Albus had fallen into misery once again, and it was up to Louis, the newly elected Minister of Magic, to intervene and drag him out of it.
To celebrate his election victory, Louis had declared a gay pride day, during which he was having a giant parade through Diagon Alley. Naturally, his family and the founding members of Okay To Be Gay had been roped in to help and so Albus found himself dressed up in a baby blue skin-tight suit with a blue fedora, and carrying a banner, with Molly carrying the other side. Louis was on a float, wearing pink spandex and a giant pink feather boa, his eyelids heavily lined and surrounded by a mass of glitter.
“Okay so we shall march and then there will be some speeches, and then, we shall party the night away!” Louis announced.
The group cheered and stamped their feet ready to go. Music started up, and the parade moved forward, everyone cheering and singing and clapping their hands.
‘It’s okay to be gay, let’s rejoice with the boys in the gay way…’
People lined the streets waving flags and cheering the marchers on. Smiles graced every face, and as the parade passed through, people joined in at the back, following it down to the Ministry of Magic, where it ended at the fountain in the foyer.

“It is a magnificent day that we have here,” Louis spoke seriously, “A day of revolution, of change, of hope for the future, and I thank you all from the bottom of my soul for helping to make this happen. I promise to serve faithfully and to the best of my abilities, and to never lose sight of the values and vision I began this campaign with. Finally, I would like to announce that a new law, allowing gay marriage, has finally been passed, and the first to benefit will by my cousin James Potter, who is engaged to his partner Theodore Lupin.”
The crowd cheered and applauded, and Albus gave a smile and a thumbs up to his brother, who was blushing and beaming, his arm around Teddy’s shoulder.
“I see that Louis’ already doling out family favours,” a voice said teasingly behind him.
Albus jumped and spun around, eyes widening when he saw the speaker.
“Scorpius!” he croaked out, “When did you get back from your trip?”
“A few days ago” Scorpius shrugged, “Louis sent me an invitation for today, and I couldn’t say no.”
“It’s good to see you,” Albus blurted out, “I…I tried to find you, but you were gone…”
“Yes, father told me,” Scorpius said coolly.
Right, obviously I’m going to have to do all the work here…
“Look Scorpius…um…well, the reason I tried to find you was to apologise.”
Scorpius raised an eyebrow, and Albus hastily continued. “It took me a while to realise it, but what I did to you was selfish and wrong and unfair and I feel absolutely horrid when I think about it. It got carried away, but please Scorpius, you have to realise that it is only you I want. Whenever you took the polyjuice, it didn’t matter who you were. I only had to look into your eyes to see you, and that’s what was so good that it was always you, and I always knew that. Scorpius, I love you more than anyone or anything, and I would never touch polyjuice again if it meant having you back in my life again.”
Scorpius, who had been just about managing to keep up a cold and indifferent façade, practically crumbled by the end of Albus’ speech.
“Oh Albus,” he sighed softly, “I just don’t know…you say this now, but what about a month or two down the line? When you get bored of sex with just me and want excitement?”
Albus laughed softly, shaking his head, and replied, “Scorpius, I could never get tired of sex with you. I can’t promise that I’ll be up for it every night, but I’m never not going to want you. I’m not asking you to jump right back into a relationship with me, but maybe…I could take you out on a date? We could take things slowly?”
Scorpius bit his lip, brow furrowed as he mulled it over. Albus watched hopefully, praying and wishing he hadn’t lost his chance.
“I suppose a date wouldn’t cause any harm,” Scorpius eventually said.
Albus released a breath he hadn’t realised he was holding and smiled.
“Okay” he said, “Okay, that’s good. Thank you for giving me this chance; I swear I won’t mess this up.”
“I’ll hold you to that,” Scorpius smirked, eyes travelling down Albus’ body. “Hmm, you look good.”
“Oh,” Albus blushed, suddenly remembering what he was wearing, “You can blame Louis.”
“I think I’ll thank him instead,” Scorpius winked.
And just like that - awkward and fumbling, but enthusiastic with the best of intentions, Albus felt a joy and lightness settle over him as he and Scorpius laughed together, and thought, Yeah, I think we can do this.

The End