Fae’s hand stroked her bedridden brother’s raven locks, her fingers playing through his hair as she spoke.
“... So there they were, Viridian levitating the bucket of water, waiting for Joshua. The door opens, and he lets the bucket drop…onto Headmistress McGonagall’s head! She jumped three feet in the air! She was so pissed when she realised what had happened”, Fae recounted, chuckling, “Viridian had started running as soon as he saw who the water had dropped on, but she just flicked her wand and summoned him back, by the robes! He got detention for the rest of the year!”
Louis smiled at her, and her heart clenched at the sight.
The smile was thin, his body still weak from his continued treatment, and she couldn't help but see the slight undertone of bitterness and exclusion that bled through
She sobered, her shoulders slumping slightly as she sighed, “I… I’m sorry Louis. I shouldn't have mentioned that.”
Her brother shook his head, his voice frail as he spoke, “No, keep going! I want to hear everything, I really do. It's… its just...”
She wrapped her arms around him as he trailed off, the wistful tone speaking volumes, as tears pooled in his blue eyes, trapping him in a cocoon of her warmth, careful not to hurt him.
He melted into her embrace, sniffling as his arms slowly came up to wrap around her in turn.
They sat there, just an older sister holding her younger brother as he composed himself.
After a while, his arms released his hold, as Fae loosened her grip.
Louis sniffled, hands wiping the last of the unshed tears from his eyes. “Th.. Thanks. I needed that.” She smiled, “Anytime little brother. Anytime.”