Strawberries at a Random Corner in the Castle

Merlin, that smile. It was all Kate could do not to stumble in her her tracks, really, but she managed to pick up their pace and sneak him a smile of her own in return. "Then let's run."

The Hufflepuff Prefect that was meant to be patrolling the Floor had an unfortunate accident wherein she started turning green and had a newfound liking for catching insects with her tongue. The task of doing the rounds therefore came to Cole Mars - it was only an additional floor to her usual protrolling assignment and the Headboy didn't think it would matter too much. He was right of course - it wasn't so bad until Cole realised who the Hufflepuff Prefect had for a protrolling partner. Jason Lanister also of the Hufflepuff house was talking Cole's ear off. Somewhere between his explanation of why Slytherin had beat Ravenclaw in the last Quidditch match and his thoughts on his father's fabulous shoe lace empire Cole had decidedly blocked him out, only offering the occasional nod and obligatory monosyllabic replies that neither agreed nor disagreed to his rather radical comments. It seemed enough for him though and took it as consent to carry on.

Ergo, she was secretly grateful to hear noise. "What was that?" Jason turned.

"I don't know." Cole said looking ahead. "Students probably. We should check on it. Let's split up - you go that way and I'll go this way." Before he could argue Cole had already left. He had no choice but to go in the direction that she had allocated.

They were nearly to the kitchens now, Jacen's hand in Kate's slipping a little as they ran with little attempt at being quiet. She readjusted her grip on his hand, refusing to let go despite the fact that it'd free them both up to go faster.

"Almost there!" she cried out breathlessly as they turned the corner. The familiar painting of a bowl of fruit was just coming into view, and she began to slow down as they neared it, wondering if there would still be any strawberries left in Jacen's bowl when they finally got there. No matter -- there'd be plenty in the kitchens.