I'm back! I know, its been a while, but school really sucks. Also, Blood of Olympus comes out this week! Whose excited? I am!

Anyways, this is my longest chapter yet so I hope it was worth the wait.

I would also like to take this time to thank everyone for the lovely reviews. I'm glad you're enjoying my AU :)

Alec POV

"Jace, it's like -10 degrees outside!" Alec said as they headed down the stairs.

"Alec, I haven't played Quidditch, much less ridden a broom, in six months!" Jace argued. "Do you know what that's like for me? Just this one time, okay? Could you do that for me?"

"Fine," Alec replied.

If he was being honest, Alec also missed flying, just a little. True, he didn't actually play Quidditch, but he would always help Jace practice when they both had nothing to do. He enjoyed the feeling of flying, feeling as though he was weightless, the wind blowing through his hair as he saw the world spread out beneath him. He would also help Izzy practice at home, and sometimes the two would let Max join in and they would teach him the game. It wasn't the sport that intrigued him; it was the feeling of being free. It was one of the only times he felt as if there was nothing to worry about. He could imagine the rest of the world didn't exist for a second when he flew around on his own, as if it was only him and the sky. He wasn't connected to the troubles of his life on Earth, at least for a moment. So, when Alec left Hogwarts, he knew he wouldn't miss the sport since he can still fly around his family's estate and still get that wonderful freeing feeling.

So there he was, walking towards the Quidditch pitch, back to its original state, with his broomstick at his side. It was a Firebolt Supreme, the fastest broom in the world at the time when his parents bought it for him, 3 years ago. They had really wanted Alec to join the Ravenclaw Quidditch team, so they got him a top of the line broomstick as a surprise, early birthday gift, as if that would convince him to try out. Needless to say, it didn't work.

Jace had the same broom, despite the fact that there were countless newer, better models that have been released through the last few years. But he seemed happy with it, and he never lost a game while riding it so it was a pretty good fit.

Jace couldn't practice Quidditch at home, seeing as he lived in the heart of London, amidst all the muggles. Not that he would have anyone to practice with anyways. His parents worked in the Ministry of Magic in the Department of Mysteries, which was why they lived in the heart of the city, and were rarely home. But Jace's parents wouldn't let him visit any of his friends (and girlfriend), or let his friends visit, so most every summer was a lonely one. He was allowed to write to Alec and Izzy and Clary and other friends (he never really wrote to Simon, not that Alec blamed him; Alec didn't really write to him either), but Alec knew it wasn't the same. He knew how Jace would spend most of his time over the summers either in an empty apartment or he would walk to Diagon Alley and just look around at the shops. Most every business owner knew Jace so they would sometimes give him free samples of their food, extending the offer to Alec the few times he and Jace met up there, or help him with his homework. Jace's favorite destination was the joke shop, by far, and Alec always had to keep an eye out for his pranks at the beginning of the year. The owners of the store would also give him discounts or some small free items, sympathizing with him. Apparently they had a friend who, when they were at school, also had to go through summers without friends, even a year where he couldn't send letters to his friends (and he didn't receive letters either, but the owners never wanted to go into that).

Alec and Jace finally reached the pitch. It was a sunny morning, only a couple of clouds to be seen in the sky. The ground was still covered in a light layer of snow, the tips of the grass below starting to peek through. It was silent outside, not another human awake and outside for miles, leaving only the sounds of nature. If Alec listened closely, he could hear the faint clopping of a centaur's hooves or the small splash of the waves of the not-yet-frozen Great Lake. Alec saw a barn owl flying towards the castle, and he also saw a white cat, blending in with the snow, and he spotted a ginger guinea pig.

Not wasting another second, Jace hopped on his broomstick and kicked off the ground and into the air. Alec followed suit and not a moment later he was in the air, the ground getting farther and farther away. The ground shrunk away beneath him as he rose above the stands. The wind was stronger up here, blowing Alec's hair every direction. He shook it out of his face before flying over to Jace. Every time Alec helped Jace practice they would always race each other around the pitch. They were neck in neck as far as speed goes, so neither ever won more than a few times in a row. This time, Jace was rustier than Alec, so Alec easily won. He did a 360 degree aerial turn in the air when he beat Jace, with a cry of victory.

"Showoff," Jace said, yet with a grin.

Alec flew to the goal posts closest to him while Jace went down to the ground to retrieve the Quaffle. They fell into a familiar routine; Jace would shoot the fly around the pitch a little bit before heading towards Alec, aiming at one of the posts, and he would shoot. Alec was a pretty good Keeper, and he knew all of Jace's tricks, so he always provided a challenge. Jace would have to think up new strategies, new ways or tricks, or how to increase the speed and strength of the Quaffle throw or learn how to curve the throw, anything to score.

Alec was so focused in the game that his mind almost didn't register the figure that had sat down in the stands. Almost.

He felt eyes on him and risked a quick glance at the stands, to see Magnus watching him intently. However, this distraction allowed Jace to easily score. Jace shouted a "Yes!" and Magnus smiled to himself as Alec shot him a quick glare before rolling his eyes and returning his focus to Jace.

"The next one won't be as easy!" Alec shouted to Jace.

"Try not to stare at Magnus too much then," Jace called back with a smirk.

Alec felt his face turn red, and it wasn't from the cold.

Alec tried to ignore Magnus's presence while he defended, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. His eye's never left Alec, and Alec could constantly feel them on him, tempting him to turn his head. He managed as best that he could, but he didn't perform as well as usual. Jace scored more frequently as Alec's mind continued to wander towards the stands.

About 30 minutes later, Jace and Alec flew to the ground and dismounted from their brooms. Jace started heading back to the castle for breakfast while Alec stayed, waiting for Magnus.

It wasn't too long before Alec felt arms wrap around his waist from behind and soft lips press against his cheek. "Good morning, darling," Magnus whispered in his ear.

Alec turned around and placed his lips on Magnus's lips, before pulling out of Magnus's grasp and grabbing his hand, intertwining their fingers.

"What are you doing here?" Alec asked.

"Just wanted to see you," Magnus replied with a grin. They started walking back to the castle, hand in hand.

"How could you have known I would be here?" Alec questioned.

"I didn't," Magnus admitted. "I was just walking the grounds and saw you and Goldilocks heading towards the Quidditch pitch and decided, 'why not?'"

"Goldilocks? You're still calling Jace that?"

"Of course. I couldn't refer to him by his name. People would assume we were friends," Magnus said, still smiling at Alec.

Alec rolled his eyes, right when the Durmstrang champion, Viria, came into view, heading their way. Alec quickly let go of Magnus's and Magnus's smile dropped a little, and Alec immediately felt bad. He didn't want to hurt Magnus, but he still wasn't comfortable letting the whole world know of his sexuality. It was fine that his friends knew, and even though he knew most Hogwarts students didn't mind it, he didn't know how the other schools would take it.

It wasn't long till Viria passed them and was out of earshot. Alec let out a breath he didn't know he was holding and Magnus looked over at him. "You're not yet fully comfortable with people knowing, are you?" he asked Alec.

"Well no. I mean – it's just-"

"-its fine," Magnus reassured him. "Take your time. Being with you secretly is better than not at all."

Hearing that, Alec couldn't help but lean up to Magnus and kiss him. Alec wrapped his arms around Magnus, while Magnus's hands lifted to gently tug at Alec's hair, causing Alec to sigh softly.

Alec didn't let the kiss last long, since they were so close to the castle now, but with another smile from Magnus he knew it was fine. He understood.

They walked into the building and headed towards the Great Hall, both content with being next to each other.

How did I end up with such a great boyfriend? Alec asked himself happily.

There were robes of dark royal blue with thin silver strings threaded throughout the fabric, barely noticeable yet adding a nice touch, lying on Alec's bed. It was December 25th, Christmas, the night of the Yule ball. There was a note that just said, "Hope Tessa gets this to you. Go get him tiger ;-) –Izzy" lying on top of the robes.

"Izzy," Alec groaned after putting the note down.

Alec knew she was picking his dress robes, but he had stupidly hoped that she would have at least picked out something simple. True, Alec knew that this was simpler than his sister would have preferred, but he really hoped that Izzy would have listened to him. He had asked, even begged, her to get him regular black dress robes. He should have known she wouldn't have listened. At least the buttoned-down shirt to wear under was the regular white.

Alec sighed to himself. Too late to change it now, he thought sadly. He grudgingly grabbed the robes off the bed and started to change, making a promise to himself to get Izzy back for this.

He took a look at himself in the mirror when he finally put the robes on. If possible, his eyes stood out even more, contrasting with the dark blue brilliantly. He had to admit, it actually wasn't the worst option for his features. He just wished he could get rid of the silver strands, which, although unnoticeable to most, stood out way too much for his liking. And he still would have preferred plain black ones. But there was nothing he could do.

It'll be fine, he told himself. It's just one night.

He turned around and headed out the door.

As Alec neared the Great Hall, he spotted Jace and Clary immediately. Jace was in black dress robes that were scarlet on the inside, with a black buttoned-down shirt. Clary was in a simple yet elegant golden gown, her red hair ribboned up in a twisted updo. They looked like the staple Gryffindor couple, all red and gold. Jace had his arm around Clary and the two were smiling. They would be opening the dance, along with the other champions and their dates. Alec couldn't see any of the other champions, but as he searched, he spotted Izzy and Simon, making their way towards Clary and Jace. Simon was in simple black dress robes, much like what Alec had wanted to wear, and a white buttoned-down shirt. He was barely noticeable next to Alec's sister, who, as always, caught his attention, but not the same way as usual. She would usually some very revealing piece of clothing, but today it was different. She was in a white dress that, while it was tight fitting, showing off her curvy figure, was floor length, a little fanned out at the bottom, with hanging sleeves and a high neck line, and there was a silver, twisted band around the her waist. Her dark hair was in up in a bun made from a twisted braid, with a few strands of hair framing her face in curls. She had on a pair of black, high heeled boots and silver hoop earrings. Alec was surprised at the simplicity of the outfit, but Simon was looking at her like she was the most beautiful person he had ever seen.

Alec neared them just as they reached Clary and Jace, just in time to hear Clary exclaim, "Oh my god, Izzy! You look like a modern-day Princess Leia!"

"Who?" Alec and Jace asked simultaneously.

Simon rolled his eyes and muttered, "Purebloods. And they say muggle-borns are oblivious," before explaining, "Ok. In the muggle world, we have this thing called 'movies'." His voice took on the tone of someone explaining something to a 5-year old. "These 'movies' are basically moving pictures that tell a story, lasting usually 1 and a half to 3 hours. One of these movies that is really popular is Star Wars, a movie that takes place 'a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away'. It is basically one of the most epic movies ever, featuring Luke Skywalker who-"

"Yeah, whatever. Enough with the nerd-talk," Jace said, cutting him off. He turned to Izzy and Clary. "But that doesn't explain how you guys know it."

"Simon showed the movies me a couple of years ago," Clary explained.

"And I saw them over the summer when I went over his house," Izzy added. "You know, their actually not that bad."

"Not that bad?" Simon questioned. "You couldn't take your eyes off the screen during the movie, and then demanded that we have a marathon."

Izzy shoved him playfully, and the two were smiling, and Alec understood why Izzy had chosen that dress.

"My, my, Alexander," a voice said suddenly to Alec's right. "You look absolutely stunning."

Alec blushed and turned to see Magnus smiling at him. Alec gasped. Magnus was in emerald green shiny dress robes with a glittery silver stripe down the sides and he had a purple buttoned-down shirt with golden buttons that had the first two buttons opened. He had purple eye shadow that made his yellow-green eyes pop, and glittery golden eyeliner. Alec didn't think it was possible, but he looked even more breathtaking than usual.

Alec, stunned into silence, shook himself out of his shock just enough to stutter out, "Th-thanks, you t-too."

Magnus's smile broadened. "You're so adorable when your speechless, even more so than normal." He turned to the rest of the group and his eyes landed on Izzy. "Let me guess… Princess Leia?" he guessed.

Izzy nodded and Alec turned to him, surprised, and asked, "Wait, how did you know that?"

"They played those movies at the orphanage from time to time," he explained.

Before Alec could say anything, the doors opened to the Great Hall. Students started flooding through the doors. Alec, Izzy, Magnus, Simon, Clary, and Jace followed the crowd.

The Great Hall looked like the inside of a fairy ice palace. All the tables were crystal white and the floor was a light pale blue, and there was fake snow falling from the ceilings. There were Christmas trees coated in light snow in the corners of the room. There were fairies flying around the room, above the heads of the students.

Clary and Jace went to sit at the head table with the rest of the champions and their dates. Alec, Magnus, Izzy, and Simon found a table off to the side and sat down as students trickled into the hall. Magnus grabbed Alec's hand under the table. Alec smiled up at him, briefly, before turning away.

He felt Magnus squeeze his hand. "Don't worry, no one was watching," he said quietly.

Alec wanted to lean against him and to kiss him right then and there, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. For the time being, he was content with being next to him, and it was great to know that Magnus wouldn't pressure him into anything. But he still felt a little bad about it.

The first part of the night flew by in a blur of small talk, laughter, delicious food, and the constant winks and compliments from Magnus. Before long, the food disappeared off the tables and the students stood up, before the tables and chairs disappeared as well. The champions and their partners walked to the center of the dance floor and turned to face each other. Jean André's date was, of course, Camille, who was in a strapless red dress that faded to black at the bottom. She had on black and silver heels and her hair feel in loose curls around her head. Jean André himself was in white dress robes and a white buttoned-down shirt with silver buttons. They looked like an angel and a demon, and you can guess who Alec pictured as the demon. Meanwhile, Viria had on a simple light blue dress, her hair falling around her carelessly. Her date was a Beauxbaton student with blonde hair and brown eyes in dark gray robes, like that of storm clouds, and his buttoned down shirt was black, with black buttons. The two were the least noticeable of the pairings, but they still looked great in their own way. Alec turned his attention to Clary and Jace, who were smiling and looking at each other as if the rest of the world didn't exist. Alec couldn't help but feel happy for his best friend. Before Clary, Jace had never been this happy, and even though she had annoyed Alec at first, she was a good influence on Jace, which was something he had needed.

The girls place one hand on their partner's shoulder, while their other hand grasped their partner's and their partner placed a hand on their hip. A soft waltz began to flow through the hall, and champions and their partners began to dance. Alec and Magnus stood off to the side with Simon and Izzy, watching the dancers and swaying slightly to the music. Other students started to move onto the dance floor. Izzy and Simon left while Alec and Magnus stayed where they were, next to each other but not to close.

As Alec watched all those couples dancing, he noticed Aline Penhallow dancing with Helen Blackthorn. Everyone knew the two were dating, but as Alec watched them, comfortable with who they were, Alec felt a surge of confidence. He grabbed Magnus's hand and pulled him to the dance floor. They got lost in the crowd before Alec stopped and turned to face him.

"Are you sure?" Magnus asked him.

Alec nodded and wrapped his arms around Magnus's neck as an answer. What am I doing? Alec thought to himself, but just then Magnus smiled and placed his hands on Alec's waist, and they started to dance to the music.

Alec looked around nervously, worried of what people might think, but no one seemed to be paying attention, everyone too focused on their dance partners. Even the people on the sides didn't seem to mind, as their gazes passed over him and Magnus, not even lingering on them for a split second.

Alec turned back to look at Magnus, whose eyes were full of worry and concern. "We don't have to do this if you're not comfortable," he said to Alec.

"I'm fine. I want this," Alec said. Magnus smiled and Alec let himself get lost in his beautiful eyes, in the feeling of his arms around his waist. Really, it didn't matter what anyone thought. If someone wasn't okay with this, Alec didn't care anymore. This made him happy. Magnus made him happy. And that was what mattered to him.

Magnus was looking at him like he was the only person in the world, and Alec felt himself smile. God, he was beautiful. Magnus beamed at him, and Alec felt light on his feet. Lost in the moment, he couldn't help himself. Alec leaned up and, just as the song was ending, he kissed him. Magnus was momentarily frozen in shock, but quickly snapped out of it and lean into the kiss. Alec felt his embrace tighten as he was pulled closer to Magnus. His heart stuttered in his chest.

Alec barely registered the end of the song, but he did notice the applause of the other students for the band. He broke off the kiss, and Magnus was still smiling down at him, just before he heard a familiar voice say, "Well, it's about time."

Tessa came into view, smiling at the two of them. She had on a purple dress and her hair was in a messy bun.

"I was wondering when you two would finally let at least me know. I didn't expect it to be when you told the whole school, but at least it's now clarified," she finished.

"How did you know?" Alec asked, shocked.

"Well, I wasn't a hundred percent sure, but I had a fairly certain guess," she said. "As to how, well it really wasn't hard. What with Magnus's constant stares and flirtatious comments, and you, Alec, turning red as a tomato whenever he was around, it wasn't exactly difficult to piece together, at least not for me."

Alec mentally slapped himself. How was it that most everyone knew before he said anything? Was he really that obvious? He had really thought he had done a good job of hiding it. Apparently not.

"Well, you too have fun," she said before disappearing in the crowd. The music switched to a faster tempo as a new, yet widely popular band that Alec still had yet to learn the name of, took the stage. The crowd cheered when the lead singer came in.

Magnus steered Alec from the crowds before leaning in to place a quick kiss on his lips. "How about I get you a drink and you wait for me outside in the courtyard," Magnus suggested.

Alec nodded and Magnus gave him one last smile before turning away and making his way to the drinks. Alec smiled to himself before steering himself through the crowd, towards the exit to the courtyard.

As Alec fought his way through the mass of people, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He spun around to see Raphael Santiago, one of the last people he expected to encounter tonight, or ever. He made a jester to follow him to the side of the room and Alec followed, curious as to what the fourth year would want.

When they reached a spot where they could easily hear each other, Alec asked, "What do you want?"

"To warn you," he replied simply.

That was a surprise. Why would Raphael want to do that? Alec wondered. They had never spoken to each other before today. And what could Alec need a warning from?

"What? What do you mean 'warn me'?" Alec asked.

"You're dating Magnus, right?"

Alec's mind immediately went to defense mode. "Yeah, so? What's it to you?"

"To me, nothing. But it's not me you should be worried about. It's Camille," Raphael answered.

Alec's blood turned cold. "And why should I worry about her?" he asked, trying to seem confident although he felt extremely worried.

"Look. You know she and Magnus dated…" he began.

"Yeah, but they broke up. She's with Jean now, right?" Alec interrupted.

"Don't let that fool you. She still sees Magnus as hers. And now, she sees you dating him as taking him from her."

"But that's ridiculous! They're not even dating! And she has been fine with every other person Magnus dated," Alec argued.

"But Magnus has never been as serious about someone before you, not even Camille. Before, they were all just fazes to her, and Magnus always returned to her. The amount of times they have broken up and gotten back together is too many to count. Even when they are not together, she thinks Magnus as her's."

"Why are you telling me this?" Alec questioned.

"Because, you need to watch your back. Camille doesn't like you, and she doesn't like Magnus's and your relationship. She thinks you stool him, and, no matter what not-caring image she projects, she will do anything to get him back. She will do anything to get rid of you."

"I still don't get why you are telling me this. Isn't she your friend?"

"Ever heard the saying 'keep your friends close, but your enemies closer'? And, while I don't see her as an enemy, I do know her true nature, and I get close to prevent myself from being in your situation. You don't want to be on the opposite end of her anger. It's quite a nasty result. I do, however, consider myself to be somewhat friends with Magnus, and you seem to be a good influence on him. So I am warning you for him. Remember, Lightwood; watch your back. She'll strike when you least expect it."

Without another word, he turned and vanished into the crowd, leaving Alec frozen in a state of shock. What Raphael said couldn't be true, could it? But Alec knew better than to put it past Camille.

Great. Just when everything seemed to be going well, Camille had to ruin it for him. But what could she do? There was no way she could ruin their relationship, could she?

Alec shook his head and walked outside. He sat down on the edge of a fountain that was currently off and he tried to push down his troubled thoughts as he waited for Magnus.