Making Peace
A/N: Hey guys Thanks for still sticking with this story and continuing to support and read it!:) Haha and a big THANKSSSS to all those who favourited/followed/reviewed! Oh and someone brought up that I don't thank my followers/favouriters/reviewers… I DO! HAHA GO LOOK AT YOUR PM BOX LOLZZ Haha anyway, I thought this chapter was quite apt since I'm going to be collecting my O Level results in a few hours:/ Part of the reason why I didn't update for so long was because I was fretting over this matter:/ Wish me all the best guys! Please continue supporting my story and sorry if this chapter's flow is weird, I haven't had a chance to edit it yet because I'm like rushing off to school now:/ And I really wanted to post this chapter before I got my results or it would be delayed even more:/ Thanks for supporting me all the way!
-Chapter Eleven-
The start of the New Year brought about new responsibilities and resolutions. For one Albus Engel, this year was a chance for second chances and new opportunities.
Albus Engel walked down the stairs with Al Potter, both eagerly awaiting the first breakfast at Hogwarts for the New Year. As they walked on, they bantered back and forth about their Christmas celebrations and their resolutions for the New Year. For Al, his resolution was to be more understanding towards others and to give everyone a chance regardless of their background. For Albus, his resolution was to give second chances and to be more open-minded. This was the way their conversation flowed, all the way down the stairs.
As they neared the Hall, Albus' eyes widened in surprise when he caught sight of a figure-Gellert-standing by the doors of the Great Hall, obviously waiting for someone. Waiting for Albus, if Gellert catching sight of him and walking toward him was any indication.
"Hey Albus," Gellert paused as a smirk grew on his face. "How was your New Year, my friend?" As Al looked on in shock, Albus smiled back at Gellert and responded amicably. " It was great, thank-you for asking. Yours?"
"Mine went on fine as well." In an abrupt change of topic, Gellert immediately shot out his next question. " Our examinations are approaching, aren't they?"
Albus' smile grew even bigger when he realized the implications of Gellert's words. "Yes, yes they are. Good luck for them then." With that, the two parted ways: Albus and Al to the Gryffindor table and Gellert to the Slytherin table.
As soon as they sat down, Al rounded on and starting questioning him on his new relationship with Gellert. "I thought you detested Gellert! Why the sudden change?"
"I believe in second chances, Al. During the break, he managed to convince me of his good intentions and we became friends." Bending his head down, Albus hid a smile.
After all, what was a little friendly competition between friends?
-Page Break-
For the next few weeks leading up to their exams, Gellert could be found huddled in a corner of the school library, fervently flipping pages and going through his notes. Although he was well aware of his intellect, Gellert knew that complacency would be his downfall. Besides, his opponent this time was Albus. Albus, who never stopped working on improving himself. One moment of complacency for Gellert would bring Albus five steps forward.
Summoning his resolve, Gellert bent over his books once again to continue studying and quickly fell into a steady rhythm. He was so engrossed in his notes that he failed to notice a presence before him. It wasn't until a shadow fell over his books that he finally looked up to see Albus standing before him with a large stack of books on his arm and a bright smile on his face.
"Hey Gellert, may I join you?" Albus gestured to the empty seat across from Gellert and upon seeing Gellert's nod of consent, grinned and sat down.
The two sat in an awkward silence for sometime before Gellert sighed and decided to take the first step. He cleared his throat and upon catching Albus' eye, smirked and said, "So, are you confidant in beating me in the upcoming examinations?"
-Page Break-
Albus felt a slight tinge of irritation at Gellert's words, but it should have been expected. It was still the same old Gellert, after all. Albus smiled at his old friend and felt a sense of inexplicable joy. It was the joy of finally having found a friendly rival-one that could challenge his intellect and one that he could finally go all out against.
As Albus smiled back at Gellert, his reply on the tip of his tongue, only one thought passed through their minds.
'He had no chance of winning.'
-Page Break-
The fight between the two competitive spirits was a long and tiring one. As soon as an examination was over, their confidence would grow in leaps and bounds, each confidant that they would beat the other.
On the day their results were released, Gellert received his results with a façade of confidence, his inner self in turmoil. He quickly retreated back to his seat and was about to open his results when a milky-white hand stopped him.
"Let's open our results together," was Albus' suggestion as he sat himself down beside him. Nodding his consent, the two boys quickly opened their enveopes and compared their results.
Gellert topped the level in Potions.
Albus was first for Herbology.
Gellert was first in History of Magic.
Albus topped the level in Transfiguration.
The list went on and on, with one coming first in a subject and the other coming first in another subject. This pattern went on until they reached the bottom of the page. The final verdict of who had topped the level overall.
Gellert was the first in level that year.
As Gellert resisted the urge to jump around the room screaming, he realized the Albus was sitting beside him silently, with a serene smile on his face. Upon realizing Gellert's confusion, Albus smiled up at Gellert.
"It's just nice to finally have a rival after so many years." Albus paused with a smirk on his face. "Anyway, I still have Second Year to beat you!"
Gellert looked startled for a while before a smile slowly grew on his face.
"I'm looking forward to it, friend."
-End of Chapter Eleven-
