Ice and Emeralds (A Scorbus Story)

- Chapter Twelve -

The days of May seemed to speed by. Albus's sixteenth birthday was spent working through alarmingly tall piles of homework in the common room and revising for exams with Scorpius. There were far too many late nights of writing essays and making notes. When Albus was not revising, he was snuggling up next to Scorpius in an armchair by the fire, kissing him behind a textbook in the common room, or laying in his bed while his boyfriend read aloud from his immersive novel. He liked listening to Scorpius read. He did different voices and accents and used dramatic tones that could pull anybody into the story.

It was nearing midnight, and Albus lay next to Scorpius, watching him intently as he read from the book. Scorpius's eyes were bright and animated as he used hand gestures to accompany his voice. Albus was too drowsy to really listen, but instead stared engrossed as his boyfriend told the story. He watched as his skin glowed in the lamplight that turned his white-blond hair golden.

"You're beautiful, you know?" Albus said before he could think twice. Scorpius stopped reading at once and glowered at him.

"Have you been listening to anything I've been reading?" he said.

"To be honest, no," Albus admitted guiltily. Scorpius frowned and closed the book. "I don't want you to stop, though," he added.

Scorpius smirked. "I'll keep going if you listen."

Albus chuckled. "Fine. I'll try not to get distracted again."

"You're ridiculous." Nonetheless, he kept reading the story and Albus fell more in love with each word.

Albus was making his way to his godfather's office. Professor Longbottom had come up to him during their Herbology class that day. While Albus was trying not to let his Chinese Chomping Cabbage bite his fingers off, his godfather approached him.

"I'd like you to come by my office at eight o'clock tonight. I want to talk to you."

Albus had a feeling he knew what the subject of this meeting was going to be, so he decided not to tell Scorpius about it. Hagrid had warned him that this might happen.

He walked down to the ground floor of the castle and headed towards the greenhouses. Soon, he saw a green door with a brass knocker. Knocking thrice, Albus waited. After a moment, his godfather opened the door.

"Hello, Albus. Thanks for coming." Neville invited him inside.

The Herbology professor's office looked quite a lot like the greenhouses. It was almost like stepping into a jungle. A wide assortment of strange plants and flowers covered every available surface. Tables, shelves, chairs, and countertops had potted plants upon them. Some Albus recognized, like a large Mandrake plant sitting beside a dusty velvet couch and Puffapod by the window. Others Albus had never seen before. A writhing vine with purple thorns and snapping yellow flowers squirmed in the corner. Next to Neville's handsome redwood desk stood a shrub that appeared to be growing horseshoes.

His godfather took a seat at his desk and gestured for Albus to sit across from him on the couch. Albus sat and folded his hands innocently upon his lap.

"So, Albus. How have your classes been going?" Neville began vaguely.

Albus shrugged. "They've been going well, I suppose."

The professor nodded, apparently satisfied with that answer. "I'm glad to hear it. Your Herbology mark stands at Exceeds Expectations. I'm very impressed."

"Now, onto something besides school," Neville continued. "How're your friends?"

"They're great. We're excited for the final Quidditch match: Slytherin versus Gryffindor," Albus said pleasantly, determined to remain casual.

"I'm looking forward to it, too." Neville raised an eyebrow. "Who do you think will win?"

"Slytherin is going to flatten you," he said confidently. The room filled with laughter and the tension lifted. Neville waved a finger in the air.

"You haven't seen my house play, Albus. They are spectacular."

"We'll see," Albus said.

The Herbology professor leaned forward in his chair. "Anyways, I wanted to ask you, Albus. You and Scorpius ... what's going on there?"

In spite of himself, Albus felt himself turn pink. He never thought he'd have to explain this to his godfather and yet, here he was, having to spell it out for him.

"Scorpius is my boyfriend, sir."

If Neville was shocked to hear this, he didn't show it. Nodding slowly, he scratched the stubble growing on his round face. Then, he smiled. A warm rosiness arose in his plump cheeks. "I see. Have you told your parents that you're --"

"Scorpius and I agreed to tell our parents about our relationship when we get back to King's Cross Station, so they can hear it from us in person," Albus interrupted. "And I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell my father before I've had the chance to," he added dangerously.

Neville bowed his head. "I understand. I'm just worried about you, Albus. This is your first relationship and you're with Scorpius Malfoy ... I don't want you getting hurt."

"You're scared Scorpius is going to do what, exactly? Break my heart?" Albus asked, flabbergasted.

"He broke Rose's heart," Neville retorted. "He got together with you right after breaking up with her."

"The situation with Rose was complicated," Albus said slowly. "But Scorpius is with me now."

Neville examined the leaves of a Venus flytrap growing from a hanging flower pot next to his chair. "Forgive me, son. I don't particularly trust the boy."

"He's best in your class. And he's never been anything but kind to me. Are you sure this has nothing to do with the way you felt about Draco? Or that old rumour about Scorpius?"

Neville narrowed his eyes. "Draco bullying me in school has nothing to do with this. And neither does that ridiculous rumour. I don't like that he hurt Rose. I don't want to see the same thing happen to you."

"Sir, Scorpius isn't going to hurt me. He loves me. We're happy together."

Albus stood up, feeling hot in the humidity of the office. His hands trembled with anger. "Can I go now?"

Neville stood too. His expression softened. "I'm sorry, Albus. I didn't mean to upset you --"

"I've got to go, sir. My boyfriend will be wondering where I am." Albus put emphasis on the word and was delighted to see Neville try and hide a grimace. Without another word, he marched to the emerald door and yanked it open.

"Albus, wait!"

But Albus stormed off, slamming the door behind him. He swore not to tell Scorpius about the conversation he'd just had. Scorpius had enough to worry about already.