Green and Scarlet Ice {Book 1 of the Klins series}

Chapter 23

*Reese*

Jay had been relieved when she woke up in the hospital wing and I was there, unharmed and with the news that I never transformed. I smiled back at her but I almost felt disappointed. I chided myself for wanting such a burden as I knew Jay would say the same thing.

After the full moon so much stress was lifted off of us. Jay seemed happier, at least after a day of resting, and me, well at least I didn't have to worry about telling my parents what I was. We still weren't sure why I had the same moodiness and haywire emotions as Jay did the day of transformation.

Now Jay and I spent more time together. I think she was becoming more open with me knowing now that she hadn't "ruined my life" as she put it.

"You need to talk to him." She muttered as we sat in the library studying between classes.

Cedric. I didn't know what to say. I'd snapped at him, I'd never done that. If I mentioned the werewolf thing, he'd know what Jay is. I couldn't and wouldn't do that to her. She insisted I talk to him and fix it, I'd avoided him all day yesterday. "What would I say?" I asked.

"You're his sister. You can say anything. Stop acting like he won't forgive you. This is Cedric the Hufflepuff and you are his little sister." She chided.

I knew she was right. If I saw him today, I should try. He's my brother after all.

After lunch I tried to sneak off to my dorm room for a quick nap before charms. My plans changed because Jay stood outside the Great Hall, arms crossed. "Don't tell me you were still looking to avoid him." She said. I sighed knowing she saw right through me. "Come on." She grabbed my arm and pulled me towards an empty classroom. I had no idea what she was doing. Did she want to chide me in private? When she opened the door, Cedric turned around. So this was her plan. "Cedric asked me to help get you alone so you two could talk." She whispered. "So talk it out." She added before disappearing.

"Hey." Ced said, his eyes showing his concern.

How could I explain this? I hadn't formally thought over what to tell him. What could I say without giving Jay away? Maybe now was the time to mention Draco. After all we were talking again and things were looking up. Seeing his look of concern sent a wave of emotions over me.

"Ced- I'm so sorry." I ran to hug him. I was no longer scared of him being too close because it didn't matter, I wasn't a werewolf. He was my brother and I'd missed him so much. How stupid of me to even try pushing him away.

"I already forgave you." He said and I looked up to see a smile cross his face.

"I- we've never fought. I don't know what came over me- I'm so sorry." Tears began streaming down my face. He hugged me tighter. "Look I just- I was-"

"I don't need an explanation." He said pulling away and putting his hands on my shoulders. "If you had a reason, I'm sure it was a good one."

Sometimes I couldn't stand how kind he was. He was always so considerate. "But you deserve an explanation." I said even though this explanation was more or less a lie. This made me feel terrible, I was acting like a Slytherin. Lying to my own brother. It was to protect Jay, I told myself. And what I was about to tell him was true just not the cause of my attitude. It was something I'd been lying to him about all year so if anything I was finally being honest.

"I- I have a confession." I muttered. Should I ask him to sit down? His silence meant I should continue. "It's about... a boy." His eyes lit up and the shock was clear on his face.

"Does my little sis have a crush? Or a boyfriend?" He teased. "I'll need a name and address." He winked.

"Well... it's a bit complicated but maybe." I bit my lip. Was I really about to do this? "It's Draco Malfoy." I let that sink in, a range of emotions passing over my brothers face. "It started on the train. I sat with him in a compartment and he seemed nicer than I expected. We sorta dated but had a falling out before Christmas. Then, after the accident, we made up and are at least on friendly terms." Cedric seemed to doubt it. "He's not as bad as you think."