The next few weeks passed by in a blur of essays, late nights, and snippets of conversation. The end of the year was always a busy time for Rose. When she was a student at Hogwarts herself, she used to think that she was overrun with tests. How cruelly naive she was. Back then she only had to worry about taking one test for each class. Now she had to concern herself with N.E.W.Ts, O.W.Ls, and the rest of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 6th years' exams.
She hardly had a moment to herself. She'd only briefly seen Scorpius since that night at the Burrow. They met up at least twice a week for a lunch or quick stroll through Hogsmeade. Their visits never lasted longer than an hour and during that time they'd work on catching up. They weren't back to their old selves. Not even close but they were making progress. She was comfortable around him again. She could laugh and talk about anything and it felt almost normal.
As exam day drew nearer, Rose had to put their growing relationship on pause. She hadn't seen him in nearly two weeks, although they continued to write one another. Her lunches with Albus lasted only minutes. She and Griffon had yet to have a proper conversation since they made up for their fight. Even now Rose sat at home in her office, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes, and making last-minute changes to the third years' exams. She scribbled furiously on the paper, making much-needed revisions and jotting down notes on the side of the parchment. The light of her oil lamp lit up the paper and gave the room a calming aroma, something she desperately needed to settle the arising worries in her. Tomorrow was the start of exams and they needed to be perfect.
"Honey, you need to eat," Griffon said setting a sandwich in front of her.
Rose jumped in surprise. She hadn't heard the door open. She looked at the sandwich, then at him. She swore it had just been 4:00, how was it supper already? "Did I work through dinner again?"
Griffon simply nodded, a tight-lipped smile gracing his face. Things were particularly strained between them, ever since their fight. Rose apologized and told Griffon everything that he should have been told long ago. He promised that he forgave her. Right away she believed him. Now Rose was certain he lied straight to her face. She had a suspicion that he was avoiding her. Yes, she'd been working more often than usual, but that had never been a problem before. They always made time to at least wish each other good morning even when they were extremely busy. He'd taken to getting in later and later every night and leaving first thing in the morning.
Rose closed her eyes and set down her quill. "I'm sorry Griffon." She stood, rounding her little desk to wrap her arms around Griffon's waist. He stiffened for a moment, but ultimately succumbed to her alluring smell and returned the hug.
"It's alright. You've got things to do." He mumbled into her hair. "I understand. I'm like this during quidditch season."
"You at least still find time to join me for dinner."
"That's just because I can't go a few hours without food." Griffon joked.
At that moment Rose knew that he was letting her off the hook for missing dinner, for which she was grateful. She didn't have room to deal with more relationship problems at the moment.
"That's true." Rose giggled, leaning away from his chest.
"Just promise me, Rose, that you won't stay up all night again. I'm sure your exams are fine just the way they are. I don't understand why you continue to fuss over them."
Rose groaned, dropping her head onto his chest. "I need to fit a question in about Lumos on the first years' exam. The sixth years' still need questions on protection charms. And it is all just a mess."
Griffon chuckled, patting her back soothingly. "Rose your tests are perfectly fine. You are overthinking it."
She disagreed but stayed silent. Rose was well aware that she was a perfectionist. When it came to her students they deserved her absolute best. The exams on her desks were not that. Griffon didn't get it. In his opinion, an exam was good enough when there were questions on it. He didn't take into consideration the wording or how each question was crafted with careful thought and consideration. He didn't get it.
YOU ARE READING
Twists of Fate
Fanfiction"You won't forget about me will you?" Scorpius stared down in shock at the gorgeous freckled-faced girl lying next to him. He was slightly offended that she thought he could ever forget her. They'd been best mates since the moment she scared the bul...
