Unspoken Love

45: FRATERNAL FUED

MARCH 26th - SPRING/EASTER BREAK DEPARTURE

"Relax, Albus. We've got enough material to send out as soon as we get back. And besides, the issue won't be due for another week." Julia Davies was saying as she and Albus were packing up the newsroom. She was his right-hand woman on the school paper and going to be the editor after he graduated. Her writing skills were exceptional, and Albus lamented not noticing her talent before he learned that she was his little sister's girlfriend. 

"You're right." Albus said, letting out a huff as he hoisted the last typewriter into one of the equipment cabinets, he tried to shake his stress away "We should just enjoy the holiday. Are you excited to be joining everybody in Tinworth this year?" he asked with a smile. 

"Lily hasn't been able to talk about anything else for the past few weeks," Julia laughed, "And it'll be so nice to be able to go somewhere other than my parents house for a school break." her smile only faltered slightly when she said this, but Albus felt a sympathetic pang in his chest. Lily had vaguely filled him in on Julia's home life...and well, it sounded rather difficult. He was glad that his family could provide her new and safer experiences, however.

"It's gorgeous there, you'll love it." he said, grinning. They both exited the newsroom, Albus locking it securely after them. They strolled towards the Great Hall where Lily, Scorpius, and Rose were gathered for lunch. "Hey." Albus said, taking his seat beside Scorpius, across from Lily, Rose, and Julia. 

"Hi there, all done?" Scorpius asked, slinging his arm around Albus's shoulders. Julia nodded for the both of them, signifying that they were all packed up and ready to board the Hogwarts Express in just under an hour. 

"Guys," Rose said seriously, "This is our last spring break together." she gripped Lily and Albus's wrists tightly as if they might fly away if she let go. 

"Don't be silly!" Scorpius interjected, "We'll be getting together every single year, the same as we always have. We'll just be adults." Rose didn't stop pouting. 

"It won't be the same." 

"It will be better." Scorpius reassured her, "We'll be older, wiser, sharing our new achievements, milestones, while still being best friends, forever." He turned to Albus who was wearing a large grin. Lily and Julia exchanged looks before leaning their heads on one another. Finally, Rose nodded, staring off while imagining those everlasting days together. It was hard to imagine a life where they didn't see each other everyday. A life where they might all have children one day, new families, new lives...

—✧—

     The sun was glittering on the horizon as the group landed on the sand outside of Bill and Fleurs large house on the cliffside. Teddy and George had retrieved them from Kings Cross and they had all traveled by portkey, now they were assisting in bringing in the girl's bags with Albus and Scorpius straggling behind. 

"Al!" said Albus's mother upon his arrival on the doorstep, she threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek. 

"Hi mum, alright?" he asked as he brought an arm around her, he wasn't used to such a warm greeting. As much as he hated to admit it, he thought his mum had probably missed him extra with James not being around so much anymore. 

"Yes, yes! Just happy to see you, your father is in the kitchen if you'd like to say hello. He and Draco have been talking about quidditch for ages." she said, giving him a gentle push towards Scorpius who followed him into the kitchen. 

"Boys!" Draco said as he caught sight of his tall son in the doorway, he stood up at once to embrace him and Albus. Harry and Scorpius shook hands and Albus earned an enthusiastic slap on the shoulder in greeting.