The Years of Blue [2]

Chapter 45: Sibling Affection

The results of the first task flipped the entire school on its back and sent students of all houses and schools into follies of chatter.

No one had expected Potter to do as well as he did.

No one really took into account the danger the champions had gotten into either.

And everyone loved an underdog, and Harry Potter was just that.

An Underdog.

I was walking alongside Giselle and Jasper after Thursday classes had ended, in search of the library. Giselle wanted a place to study away from the hyper energy the rest of our friends produced following the first task. And Jasper had gone out of his way to look for me after classes.

His reasoning, other than to talk about the first task, was to talk about Sam.

"She really seems to be mellowing out. Ginny said that Sam seemed impressed by how you handled Pansy Parkinson at some point. Care to explain?" He asked with a quipped brow. Gisele, who was listening in polite silence, showed an ever-growing smile to me, prompting me to explain the past two weeks of bashing Parkinson for fun. I was unapologetic about it.

While Jasper was a kinder soul, he didn't seem fazed by the detailed bullying I had implemented on Pansy Parkinson. This fact alone, made me like Jasper that much more.

He ruffled through his shaggy blonde hair and smiled at me when I had finished, before stating that he was not surprised.

"Well, I personally think Sam could care less about what I've done to Parkinson. Tell me, how is she fairing now that my brother isn't around to give her attention?"

I watched Jasper's caramel-colored eyes flatten, before returning to look my way, analyzing me as usual.

"If something is happening on that front, I wouldn't know about it. She doesn't mention him much. Best to ask one of the girls-"

"For some reason, I find it hard to believe Sam would take part in girl gossip," I said as we turned into the library. A group of Slytherins from my year were sitting at a nearby table, gossiping, and glanced up at my arrival. "It's not really her thing..."

"I have to find a book, I'll be right back," Giselle said to my ear before walking off with that same smile of hers plastered on her face. What was she on about?

I didn't pause to think about it, as Jasper had placed his stuff on the table to join me.

"The year is almost half over and you two still haven't made up. I'd say it's best if you pull off all the stops."

"And play kiss ass?" I retorted bluntly, causing Jasper to blink, unfazed.

"If you must."

"Not going to happen. She's the one who needs to apologize. I already have."

Jasper gave me a disastrous look before sighing deeply and turning to his textbook.

"Don't give me that look. I'll still do something," I said slowly, watching Jasper pull at his rope bracelet on his right wrist. "I was thinking about sending a five-pound bag of chocolate frogs to her. What do you think?"

That did it. Jasper broke into a grin as he nodded his head over his book in soft laughter, only further emphasizing his symmetrical dimples and golden hair.

If I hadn't been staring myself, I would have bet money other girls had turned to watch. Jasper was still that beach-boy façade, but with a brain and every girl noticed him.