"We're almost done with the NEWTS!" Scorbus exclaimed, stretching contentedly on the green chair. Albus, who was sitting right beside him, rolled his eyes.
"Don't forget, we still have Potions left," he reminded sternly. Scorpius glared at him.
"Why do you always insist on raining on my parade?' he pouted, poking his friend in the arm. Albus chuckled.
"I just wanted to make sure you actually passed Potions. That's all."
Scorpius sighed exaggeratedly. "Oi! I'm not that bad at it! Not everyone is as perfect a brewer as you, you know!"
"Are you actually, giving me a compliment?" Albus raised an eyebrow, which Scorpius promptly ignored.
"So, you never did tell me, what do you want to do after we leave Hogwarts?" Scorpius asked, for what must be the hundredth time that week.
"I...uhh.." Albus began, and then trailed off. Scorpius shook his head in exasperation.
"Come on! You wouldn't even tell your best friend? You already know mine!" Scorpius waved his arms about excitedly.
"All right. But you can't tell anyone. Not our friends, or your parents, anyone. Not even Rose."
Scorpius frowned. "Why would I be the one telling Rose? She's your cousin, isn't she?'
"I...thought you were...nevermind. Anyway, to answer your question, I want to be an Unspeakable. I've already filled out the forms and everything..."
Scorpius looked shocked and almost disappointed. "But...doesn't that mean you'll rarely see your friends and family again? I've heard about Unspeakables..."
Albus nodded a bit sadly. "It does. But it's an excellent opportunity and I really want to pursue it."
Scorpius gave him a small smile. "Oh," he replied, not knowing what else to say.
An uncomfortable silence settled in the room, and both Slytherins began to pore over their potions textbooks, thought neither was really paying any attention to the words on the page.
"I...was hoping to tell you something, Al," Scorpius said, softly, after a while.
Albus looked up from his book.
"Not that it wold be much use now..." Scorpius continued. "But you deserve to know anyway."
"What is it?" Albus asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I...like you. I mean like...that.." Scorpius mumbled, turning redder by the moment.
Albus sat quietly for a few moments before replying. "Really?"
Scorpius nodded, but did not meet his eyes. Albus let out a long sigh.
"I'm very happy to know that, Scorpius. Happier than you can imagine."
Scorpius looked at him, confused.
"I like you too. Like...that," Albus replied.
Scorpius smiled. Everything would be great, he knew.
Notes: For the Through the Universe Challenge at the Golden Snitch. Prompt: Scorbus
Also for the July 4th event: Prompt: parade.