Chapter 853 - Prickle Ⅲ (2/2)
”Ah, well, I must say that you look rather dashing with that haircut, Aberforth,” Albus innocently remarked. ”And who does your hair? Is it Mr. Wheezy down at the barbers?”
Aberforth blinks rather dumbfounded as if uncertain what to make of the positive comment. Feeling his cheeks flush with a touch of embarrassment, he loudly coughs and sets down his mug. ”Something went down the wrong pipe,” he gruffly lied.
Sending an evil eye towards Albus, Aberforth snorts and pointedly asks, ”Aren't you supposed to be with your apprentices at their big hoo-ha?”
”I apologized in advance and Rowan nor Severus, they did not seem offput by it,” Albus confessed before taking a sip of his eggnog. ”That and I am certain that Professor Prince was rather relived at my lack of presence if her expression was anything to go by.”
”It's not that them I am worried about,” Aberforth drily commented. ”It's the old Prince that concerns me.”
Albus absolutely beams at Aberforth causing him to balance. ”Are you concerned about my wellbeing, Aberforth?!” Albus eagerly asked causing Aberforth to want to keel over in despair.
”No,” Aberforth hastily retorted, before turning a pleading gaze at the portrait of Ariana. The fair, golden-haired figure of Ariana clutches her book with her blue eyes fixed into the distance. She remains still and far away with no sign of appearing soon.
Uncertain of what to do, Aberforth finally says, ”We best start the burning of the Yule log now.”
”Certainly, Aberforth,” Albus beamed causing a scowl to appear on Aberforth's face. Aberforth's face only darkened as the phoenix perched on top of Albus's chair, Fawkes pointedly coos at Aberforth.
The handsome bird with gorgeous red and gold plumage let out a trilling sound in pŀėȧsurė and flaps his wings in further emphasis in agreement. The stupid bird had naturally accompanied Albus rather than staying back at Hogwarts. But worst of all, the foolish phoenix had taken to visiting Aberforth all on its own as of late trying to earn his friendship. The blasted bird instead is painting a very large target on his back!
”The sooner this is done, the sooner this is over,” Aberforth gruffly grumbled under his breath, but it was mostly nonsense. He couldn't very well say that he had been expecting the day all week now could he? He had his pride to consider and well, being civil to Albus was strange. And if he was honest, he might miss their previously antagonistic relationship. Everything still felt so new, odd, and off-balance, but he had to try for Ari's sake.. He had promised and Aberforth took his vows very seriously.