When they arrived at the Institute Church meowed at them until they followed him to the library.
"Jeez Church, what's the matter with you?" Jonathan asked the cat before going into the library. Clary laughed lightly and reached down to pet the cat before following him. Both their parents were there, as was their tutor, Hodge. Clary frowned. If all of them were there it had to be some pretty big news. Clary looked between the three adults, who had stood when they entered.
"Alright, what's the news? Don't keep us waiting." She asked impatiently. Jocelyn sighed, "Have some patience Clary. Why don't you two sit down. We're not sure how you're going to take this news." Clary sat hurriedly, wanting to hear the news already. Jonathan hesitated, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. Clary grabbed his arm and pulled him onto the couch so he was sitting next to her. He glared but didn't say anything. Jocelyn sat in a chair across from the couch, facing them. Hodge sat in the chair next to her and Valentine stood behind Jocelyn, his hands on her shoulders.
"Go on Jocelyn, they'll find out eventually anyway." Valentine encouraged. Jocelyn smiled, looking between Clary and Jonathan.
"Someone new is coming to live here at the Institute." Jocelyn said, holding her breath as she waited for their reactions. Clary's face fell.
"Mom! That's it? At least tell us who it is then." She whined. Jonathan on the other hand, still frowned.
"Who? Why here?" He asked. They were both cut off by Valentine's voice, "Children! Calm down. His name is Jace Herondale, at least that's what he claims. No one's heard from the Herondale family for a long time, so as you can see there is some suspicion. He's coming here because it was agreed that we would be best able to handle him, if he were in fact a traitor." Clary and Jonathan both spoke up at the same time.
"Dad! Come on! We don't want anyone else here. Much less a supposed traitor-"
"This is crazy! What if he actually is a traitor? What do we do then-"
"Silence!" Valentine boomed. They both stopped talking, Jonathan clenching his teeth and Clary crossing her arms.
"Listen you two," Jocelyn said firmly. "I expect you both to have good manners and to be nice to this boy. I don't care if he might be a traitor to the Clave, you act like he's the most normal
Shadowhunter you've ever met. Understand me?"
Clary rolled her eyes and Jonathan bit back a scowl.
"Alright, fine." Clary replied.
"Yeah, whatever." Jonathan said.
"Good. Hodge will let you guys know everything we know about Jace. Your father and I have some business to take care of. You guys can order takeout for dinner." Jocelyn instructed as she stood up. Her and Valentine left as Hodge pulled out a folder with "Jace Herondale" written on the front. Clary sighed and Jonathan leaned back, looking bored already.
