Unspoken Love

46: PROFESSORS

Sunday, April 15th

"This sucks. This sucks. This s-"

"Albus please, if you're going to keep talking just leave." Rose Weasley snapped exasperatedly, causing her cousin to stop hitting his Herbology textbook against his forehead at once.

"Is that a serious offer? Because I would love to leave." Albus asked, glaring up at her. He was particularly moody on this Sunday morning, mostly because it was a Sunday morning, yet Rose insisted that he and Scorpius join her in the library to begin last minute cramming for their advanced level N.E.W.Ts. Rose had tried to recruit them onto her vigorous N.E.W.T exam study program since last year but had failed to do so, now resorting to trapping them in the library every day until exams, which would be held at the end of the month. 

"Babe-"

"Don't babe him, Scorpius. He's acting like a child." Rose said sternly, addressing Scorpius while still glowering at Albus who was slouching in his chair now, banging his head on the table. Scorpius couldn't help smiling amusedly at his boyfriend, despite the look of disapproval he received from Rose.

"He's just tired," Scorpius defended, "He'll be up for studying tomorrow, won't you Albus?" he tried to be helpful by pushing Albus's coffee closer to his seat. 

"Sure..." Albus mumbled into the table, he picked his head up after a few moments and knocked his Herbology book open, "I'll try to read but no promises." he scowled. 

"Like I care, it's you who will be filled with regret when you don't pass your exams." Rose said with a haughty sigh as she stuck her nose back into her own reading.

"You're mean when you're stressed." Albus grumbled, Rose pointedly ignored him. Scorpius kept smiling between them, certainly entertained. The library that morning was full of upper-level students, some paced the bookshelves, desperate to find last minute research, others crowded tables like them in makeshift study groups. 

     The stained-glass windows of the building shot bright panels of light across the otherwise, dusty room, all shades of blue, green, magenta, and gold. It was Spring, meaning the vegetation around the castle was in full bloom and the sun shone warmly all day, despite the occasional rain showers. Usually, the grounds would be full of students running amok, enjoying the sunshine, but the castle was always a little bit quieter near the end of term. 

"Rose," Albus said a few minutes later, closing his textbook again, "Why are you so worried about these exams? You're already going to work at St.Mungos."

"Well if I ever want a career change, these credentials are important to have." she answered without looking up.

"Right..." Albus sighed, opening his book again for the third time, he was starting to feel a bit nervous.

"Oi, you lot. Why weren't we invited to the study sesh? We've got homework too" came Lily's voice from behind them. She and Julia plopped down in the two empty seats at their table and slammed their books down with them.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Rose said, trying to sound apologetic but still looking rather annoyed at yet another interruption, "We're studying for exams. You may sit, but don't talk please." Julia and Lily exchanged amused looks. 

"Scorpius-" Albus began in a whisper, leaning close to his fiancé.

"Albus," Rose snapped, he was apparently not whispering quietly enough, "If you're going to ask another stupid question can you please just save it for later."

"Merlin," Albus said, eyes wide, "Just read your bloody book and cover your ears or something."

     Rose stubbornly did as he suggested (after shooting him a particularly nasty glance) and pushed her palms against her ears, staring forcefully at her study guide. Albus leant in closer to Scorpius to continue while giving Rose another weary glance.