Ice Creams and Sunsets
“You alright, Al?”
Albus was jerked out of his daydreaming to see his dad standing next to him with two ice creams in each hand.
“Yeah, I was just thinking of something,” Albus said casually. “I’ve forgotten now.”
Harry gave his fourteen-year-old son a grin.
“Do you want an ice cream?” Harry asked and Albus gave his dad a big grin.
“Yeah!” he exclaimed enthusiastically, taking the ice cream from Harry’s right hand and Harry laughed.
They stood in silence, licking their ice creams for a moment. Harry noticed that they were at the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset. Harry mentioned it to his son.
“Yeah, I like watching the sunset,” Albus said. “It helps me relax.”
“You wouldn’t want some company by any chance?” Harry asked tentatively. He knew that his youngest son liked his space. But to his surprise, Albus smiled up at him and moved in closer, wrapping an arm around his father.
“Thanks, dad,” Albus said quietly. “It’s nice to have some company.”
“It’s nice that you’d want me around at your age,” Harry admitted. “Most sons your age would be embarrassed at the sight of their father.”
“No, it’s great having you around,” Albus said. “You should take the time off work more often.”
“I’ll try,” Harry said, rubbing a hand through his hair. “We’ve been quite busy at the moment, but that doesn’t mean I can’t take more time off.” Albus smiled up at his father again and melted into him.
“Thanks,” the younger Gryffindor said. “For the ice cream and for taking the time off. I miss you at Hogwarts and I appreciate it.”
“I miss you when you’re at Hogwarts too,” Harry said. “Your letters home keeps both me and your mother going.”
For a while, the pair of them were silent as the both watched the sunset.
“Is this a good time for you to let us use magic outside of school?” Albus asked suddenly, looking up at his father with a cheeky grin.
“Don’t hold your breath,” Harry snorted and their laughter filled the air.