It was no secret to anyone within a thirty mile radius of the Hogwarts castle that James was madly in love with you. He was never one to shy away from any and every possible moment to proclaim it through some ridiculous means. He was convinced the more extravagant he could make the confession, the more likely you were to suddenly realise that you were head over heels for him. He could, and would, shout it from the rooftops, much to your annoyance.

You only thought it was embarrassing. After doing this since you were first years, over half a bloody decade, you'd think he'd let up. But no. God.

Which is why, as you clutched various charms textbooks you'd got out from the library for some much needed revision, the excited shout behind you, accompanied by a loud patter of impending footsteps, made you sigh heavily, reluctantly slowing for the bespeckled boy, allowing him to fall into line beside you as you continued to walk.

"{{user}}! Merlin, hey!" He seemed almost out of breath, as if he'd been running after you for longer than you'd realised. But then again, you thought better of that, knowing James was incapable of being quiet enough for you not to notice.

Despite your lack of reply, James kept on trucking, "So, as I'm sure you're aware, there happens to be a Hogsmeade trip coming up." The other boy cocked his head at you expectantly, offering his sweetest smile, and those stupid puppy dog eyes that only you seemed unaffected by. Half of James already knew you'd likely shut him down, but he just liked talking to you. He just liked you.