Ice and Emeralds (A Scorbus Story)

- Chapter Fourteen -

O.W.L.s. Albus hadn't studied quite as hard as Scorpius had, but he still felt well-prepared. He had reviewed his books and notes relentlessly over the past few weeks. In truth, he'd learned a lot that year. What more could he do?

First was Charms on Monday. The written exam asked about Levitation and Cheering Charms, both of which Albus felt he understood pretty well. For the practical, Albus was asked to turn a rat orange, make a clock do cartwheels, and use a Growth Charm to turn a rosebud into a blossom. Scorpius found the practical part a breeze, but Albus only managed to turn his rat pale yellow.

Transfiguration was on Tuesday. For this, Albus knew he was ready. He easily provided the definition of a Switching Spell on the written exam and made an entire wardrobe vanish in seconds for the practical. Both the elderly bearded examiner and the other fifth years were shocked and impressed at Albus's performance. Only he and Scorpius had gotten their whole wardrobes to disappear. Selel had only managed to get the handle on his to vanish before setting it on fire, which sort of made it disappear.

On Wednesday afternoon, when Albus and Scorpius entered Greenhouse Number Five for their Herbology exam, Neville greeted them with a warm smile. He sat them and the rest of the fifth years down with their examiner, a portly witch in a pointy purple hat.

"For this exam, you will need to demonstrate the proper feeding technique and care of the Fanged Geraniums before you," Neville explained.

For the next hour and a half, Scorpius and Albus tried not to get their fingers bitten off by the vicious plant. It was dangerous and stressful work, but by the time the exam was over, Neville wore a pleased expression on his round face.

"Good work, boys," he said proudly as the class filed out of the greenhouse. "I'm sure I can expect to see you in my Herbology class next year."

"Er, sure thing, professor," Scorpius responded nervously.

The next day was Defense Against the Dark Arts, one of Albus's favourite subjects. Their teacher was named Anthony Goldstein, a man about Albus's father's age, who was once a member of Dumbledore's Army during the Second Wizarding War. He taught them the most important spells: blocking, stunning, patronuses, and counter-jinxes. He even educated them on the three unforgivable curses. Their written exam asked them to identify the characteristics of a werewolf, something Albus could do easily, knowing his godbrother, Teddy Lupin, was the son of a werewolf named Remus, who died in the war. They were asked to perform Defensive Spells, reverse the terrifying power of a bogart using Riddikulus, and produce a Patronus. Albus's patronus was a snake, its large silver body slithering through the air. Scorpius conjured a scorpion, which scuttled about for their Ministry examiner. She was so flushed and impressed that Albus feared she may pass out.

They had a break over Friday and the weekend to continue studying. Albus and Scorpius were grateful for the extra time to prepare for next week's exams. Though the two had little free time to enjoy each other's company, they remained cheerful and optimistic for the upcoming week.

The following Monday was Potions. Professor Miyamoto sat next to the balding examiner, wearing a stern expression. Albus found this exam quite difficult, but was able to answer an essay question on Polyjuice Potion, having some experience with this particular brew. He had to prepare a few different potions, including Draught of Peace and Strengthening Solution. Albus felt he did alright, even if the Draught was a little off-colour.

For Care of Magical Creatures on Tuesday, the fifth years were required to pick out a Knarl from a group of hedgehogs, select food to give a sick Unicorn, feed a Fire Crab without burning themselves, and handle a Bowtruckle correctly. Hagrid appeared to be in a good mood, encouraging the students throughout the exam and offering congratulations when they did something right. Albus actually enjoyed this exam and judging by the examiner's bright smiling face, he must have done well.

On Wednesday, Albus had Astronomy, while Scorpius did not. He instead took Muggle Studies, the exam for which was Friday. Albus had to identify all of Jupiter's moons and fill in a star chart with the exact positions of all the planets and stars.

On Thursday came History of Magic, the subject Albus dreaded the most. The exam was painfully long and asked many questions about wand legislation, goblin riots, the formation of the International Confederation of Wizards, and Statute of Secrecy breaches. Praying he had at least passed, Albus finished his exam and went to the library with Scorpius, who had his Muggle Studies final the following day.

Friday morning, Scorpius completed his Muggle Studies exam.

"It was pretty easy," he said that afternoon. "But I think I answered the question about Muggle fashion trends wrong."

That evening, the student body of Hogwarts gathered for one last feast. The Great Hall was filled with the sounds of laughter, clinking glasses, and lively chatter. James and the rest of the seventh years gathered at the head of the hall to shake Professor McGonagall's hand and have their photograph taken. She called each of them up individually to receive their yellowed parchment diplomas. Albus thought it was strange that he would no longer be attending school with James from then on, but he clapped for his brother nonetheless.

Afterward, the rowdy Slytherins returned to their dorm to pack the remainder of their things before boarding the Hogwarts Express the next morning. Albus crammed the last of his books and his cauldron into his trunk before locking it up. He got ready for bed and sat down at the edge of Scorpius's bed.

"Are you excited to go home?" he said to his weary boyfriend.

Scorpius stretched and yawned. "I guess I am. I'm looking forward to seeing my dad. I really miss him."

"I'm looking forward to seeing the look on my dad's face when we tell him we're dating," Albus said with a chuckle.

Sighing deeply, Scorpius got beneath the cover of his bed. He lifted the blankets, inviting Albus to join him. Albus smiled and curled up next to Scorpius beneath the sheets, settling into his embrace. Within minutes, they were fast asleep.