Zelie’s fingers were entwined with Jace’s as they ran up the staircase, laughing. “You’re so slow!” Jace teased, poking Zelie’s cheek.

She swatted his finger away, giggling. “I’m gonna blame that on my being a literal dwarf.”

Jace laughed and they reached the top of the staircase, both pausing to catch their breath. Jace’s mind kept wandering back to a month ago, when the pair had gone into Hogsmeade with Cali. He had taken Zel to a small clearing near the edge of the village, where they had made snow forts and had a very intense snowball fight. It had been the best day he’d had since arriving at Hogwarts. 

“Jace?” Zelie poked his ribs. “Earth to Jace?” 

He shook his head, retreating from his thoughts. “Huh?”

Zelie laughed. “You were off in space again.”

Jace chuckled. “I was just thinking about that day in Hogsmeade.”

Zelie arched a brow. “Why? That was a while ago.”

Jace shrugged. “I don’t know.” Zelie chuckled, her bright eyes almost glowing amidst the darkness of the corridor. Jace gripped her hand tighter and led her toward a large statue of Godric Gryffindor. The statue turned it’s head toward them and after spotting Jace, moved aside to reveal a dark corridor. 

Zelie’s mouth curved upward into a confused smile. “What’s this?” she asked, looking up at Jace.

Jace grinned. “You’ll see.” He led Zel through the corridor until they reached a small wooden door. He pushed it open and Zelie gasped, clasping a hand over her mouth. There were floating candles all around the room and in the center of the floor was a pile of blankets and pillows. On top of the pile was a basket that Jace opened up to reveal goods inside; all of Zelie’s favorite foods and candies. 

“Jace!” Zelie threw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his cheek. “This is amazing!” She jumped up, falling face-down onto the pile of pillows and blankets. She laughed when Jace flopped down next to her. He opened up the basket and handed her a handful of Fizzing Whizbees; her favorite candy. “Did you set this all up for me?” Zelie asked as she finished off her handful candy. 

Jace shrugged sheepishly. “Maybe?”

Zelie laughed, propping her chin up on her hands. “Why? I’m not saying I don’t absolutely love it,” she added quickly, much to Jace’s amusement. “But why? Why me, of all people?” Zelie sat up, looking over at him. “I mean, any girl in this school would kill to be me right now,” she chuckled. “So why’d you pick me when you could have anyone else?” 

Jace sighed, running a hand through his hair. He was no good at this. Zel arched a brow at his pause. Jace sat up, frowning. “I don’t know how to say this. I guess… I just wanted to do something special for a special person.” He shrugged sheepishly. “Because you are special, Zel. To me,” Jace ran a hand through his hair once again. “And I thought, maybe, if you-” jeez, I suck at this, “if you, I don’t know, if-”

Before he could finish, a pair of lips was being pressed against his. Zelie wrapped her hands around his neck. Jace took a moment to register what was going on before he leaned into the kiss, wrapping his arms around Zel’s waist. She pulled away, her eyes twinkling. “I like you a lot, Jace. Well,” she smiled sheepishly, “I think I’ve liked you for a while, now.” 

Jace chuckled. “Well, the feeling is mutual.” Zelie laughed, her eyes seeming to glow just a little brighter. Jace grinned, grabbing a bag of peach rings from the picnic basket and opening them up. He grabbed one and held it out to Zelie. “Zelie Shacklevolt, the love of my life,” she giggled, “will you do me the great honor of being my girlfriend?”

Zelie gasped dramatically, pressing a hand against her mouth. “Yes! A thousand times, yes!” She laughed as he slid the ring onto her slim finger. 

Jace grinned, briefly pressing his lips to Zel’s again. 

Zelie smiled up at him as they laid down on the blankets, hands entwined like star-crossed lovers.