All the students who took the N.E.W.T.s this year were gathered in the Great Hall and received their results. Albus Potter was not too happy that this event was held in public. In fact, he was terrified of the N.E.W.T.s since his fifth year. He knew he was among the worst students and assumed his results would prove it, even though he had spent the last year trying to repair his reputation. Most of his classmates were surprised that he even decided to take such demanding exams. Sitting beside him was Scorpius, who had already received his results - almost all subjects Outstanding, just for Defense Against the Dark Arts Exceeds expectations.
Finally, Minerva McGonagall called out Albus's name, and the boy stumbled over to the headmistress with downcast eyes.
"Albus's results are the biggest surprise of this year's exams. Outstanding in all subjects. Congratulations, Mr. Potter. Your parents will be happy for you."
Albus was somewhat taken aback.
"Are you sure that... that you didn't mistake my report card for someone else's?" he asked in a shaky voice.
"What do you think? I checked your report card at least three times.''
Albus almost cried tears of joy. As if in a dream, he walked back to his seat and sat down abruptly. Scorpius took him by the shoulders. His face was glowing.
"Al, I'm so proud of you. You are incredible."
There was a buzz around the two boys. Some students wished Albus success, and others had stupid remarks.
"Merlin knows how it was. He probably had his grades adjusted since he's Potter's son. He was always the biggest Squib at school," one of the less successful graduates hissed.
"Shut up!" Scorpius roared, ready to take down the bully with a cruel curse.
"Leave him alone," Albus pleaded. "We'll be out of here soon."
"You're right," said Scorpius. "Hogwarts will soon be a thing of the past for us. And your plans for the future?"
"I'd like to go to the healers academy like you."
"Seriously? Would you go there with me? You would really have to study a lot, do you really want that?"
"Of course, why do you think I worked so hard for the exams? I want to be with you, Scorp, and if you want to go to the healers academy, I'll go with you."
"I thought about giving up my dream to be a healer. I prefer to be with you. But it's much better this way."
Scorpius looked lovingly at his friend, who was still shaken and insecure.
"No one has ever done as much for me as you, Albus. But how did you manage to learn Defence Against Dark Arts? I didn't help you much with that."
"Dad helped me."
"Harry? Are you getting along better now?"
"Yes. Maybe I didn't always treat him the best, either. I think we understand each other pretty well now. I told him about the two of us."
Scorpius looked surprised. "You are brave. And how did he react?"
"He said he was wrong. You are not a bad influence on me. It's just the opposite. And if you want, he'll be happy to welcome you to our home at any time."
