Albus didn't know how he came to be here.

He was so sure he said no to Mrs Scamander's request to have him visit for Christmas (Theseus having probably told her all about him)

And yet, here he was…. sipping tea and forcing a smile on his face as Theseus told his parents all about Hogwarts, the teachers and how he desperately wanted to join the Quidditch team, but he wasn't allowed yet.

He could barely tear his eyes away the red-head sitting in the back of the room, a small hand gently smoothing out the feathers of Theseus's owl. He hadn't looked up since Albus got here.

As Theseus and his Father started to talk eagerly about Quidditch and the new broom that had been brought out, Mrs Scamander caught Albus's eye and gave him an encouraging smile, nodding over towards Newt.

Slowly, Albus pushed himself to his feet and made his way nervously over.

"Would you like a lemon sherbet?" He quietly asked, holding out the small bag of Muggle treats. He'd found out about them quite recently and was very fond of them.

Newt jumped, clearly having not noticed that he was there, lifting up his head. It took all of Albus's self-control not to take a step back at the sight of those odd eyes.

"I'm sorry…" he whispered, "… I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay." Newt shrugged, before frowning at the small bag Albus was hanging out, "What are those?"

"Lemon Sherbet…. Sweets. Why don't you try one?"

Newt nodded slowly, leaning forwards and taking one from the bag, wincing when he had to pry one loose from the other, before sticking them in his mouth, eyes lighting up at the sharp flavour.

"Mmmmm!"

Albus couldn't help but chuckle fondly at the pleased hum.

…..

From there, the visit went a lot better than the last one.

After getting over his nervousness, Newt practically clung to him, even going so far as to sit on Albus's lap as he babbled about the Niffler he found in the back yard.

Mrs Scamander felt her chest heat up as she glanced over at the pair of them.

How could Albus say he'd be a bad parent?

….

"… so, when I grow up, I want to save them all." Newt babbled eagerly, pointing at the front cover of his book, "Everyone think they're dangerous, but they're dangerous because people are trying to kill them! If people stopped doing that, then everything will be better!"

"They certainly will, but you'll have to try hard at school." Albus reminded him, "not that I think you've got anything to worry about."

Newt was silent for a moment, before he glanced up at Albus, "Were you and… my Father good at school?"

Albus felt blind-sided by the question for a moment, before sighing, "Your Father was incredibly smart, and I like to think I was as well."

"… Did you get on with people?"

"Yes, as far as I'm aware?" Albus frowned, "Why do you ask?"

New shrugged, "I'm not good at making friends… I annoy people I think."

"Ah." Albus sighed, before giving him a reassuring smile, "Well, you are very young."

"Theseus had loads of friends." Newt frowned, "Maybe I should be more like him."

"No." Albus made sure he was looking his son in the eyes, "If someone doesn't like who you truly are, then they don't deserve to be your friend."

"… Really?"

"Really, really."

"Newt sweetie?" Mrs Scamander called out, "It's nearly time for Professor Dumbledore to get going back to Hogwarts. Time to be saying your goodbyes."

Newt turned to Albus, "You have to go?" His voice was a little shaky, "Am I ever going to see you again?"

"Of course, you are." Albus promised, giving his son another hug, "Maybe… maybe we can write to one another?"

"Really? And you'll write back?"

"Every time."