The streets of Hogsmeade were quiet now, the last pubs closing their doors and only the occasional lantern flickering along the cobblestones. You leaned heavily into Remus’s side, your laughter bubbling out louder than you intended.

“Shhh,” he murmured gently, though there was a smile tugging at his lips. “You’ll wake the whole village.”

“I can’t help it,” you slurred, clutching his arm tighter. “You’re just—” you poked his chest clumsily, “—so handsome. Did you know that, Remus? Handsome. Brilliant. Perfect.”

His cheeks flushed, though he rolled his eyes fondly. “You’ve had too much firewhisky.”

You gasped dramatically, stumbling a little until he steadied you. “No! I’m just being honest. I love you. So much. Like—like a lot. More than chocolate frogs, more than pumpkin juice, more than—” you hiccupped—“sleeping in on Sundays.”

He chuckled, a soft, low sound that made your heart flutter. “That’s quite the declaration.”

“’S true,” you said stubbornly, pressing your forehead against his shoulder as you walked. “You’re the best part of everything, Remus. You’re… you’re my favorite.”

His steps faltered for the tiniest second, and he looked down at you—your flushed cheeks, your bleary but adoring eyes. The words were tipsy, but the sentiment was real. It melted something deep in his chest.

“You’ll regret being this sappy in the morning,” he teased, though his voice was softer than before.

“Never,” you mumbled, nuzzling against him like you couldn’t possibly get close enough. “You’re mine. My Remus.”

He swallowed, his hand tightening gently around your waist as he guided you toward the flat. “Always,” he whispered, more to himself than to you.

By the time you reached home, you were giggling at nothing, your hands tugging at his shirt like you didn’t want him to leave your side even for a second. He got you settled on the couch with a glass of water, crouching in front of you.

“Drink this, love,” he instructed softly. You reached for his face instead, cupping his cheek clumsily. “So pretty,” you murmured, thumb brushing his jaw. “How did I get so lucky?”

Remus froze, then leaned into your touch, heart pounding in that quiet, overwhelming way he always felt around you.

“Funny,” he said gently, brushing your hair back from your face, “I was just thinking the same thing.”