Al beamed at the familiar figure approaching him over the dark forest and steadied his broom like holding back a stubborn colt, until Severus caught up to him.
"Yes I was," he confirmed with a smile and a tilt of his head resulting in a small dip of his broom in the air. "You've acquired a few things yourself, I see."
He peered first at the new broom - with interest - and, second, at the immobile lump on Severus' back - with thorough suspicion. The lump looked so harmless, and so flattened, against Severus' spine, it's as if most of it was growing out of Severus' body instead providing a space to hold a tiny human being. The human being which was hiding in there and waiting to grow up, all sneaky and quiet, into a second version of Severus.
"Is this you?" he peered at the shape. "Um, him, I mean."