The common room was warm when you pushed the door open, firelight flickering across worn armchairs and scattered textbooks. Remus was exactly where you expected him to be. Curled into the corner of the sofa with a book balanced on his knees, James and Sirius flanking him like two smug, overly dramatic bookends.

You took a step toward them, and that’s when you heard Sirius’ not-so-subtle stage whisper.

“Mate, you might wanna hide the page with her name all over it.”

James gasped like he’d just uncovered a scandal. “Oh yes, the little hearts are a dead giveaway—”

Remus froze. His quill nearly dropped. “I— it’s not— that’s not— would you two—”

You stopped in your tracks.

Your name. Scribbled in his notes. Hearts?

Sirius looked right at you and grinned wickedly. “Oops.”

James elbowed Remus, stood, and clapped him on the shoulder. “Good luck, Moony.” And with matching smirks, they slipped out, leaving your best friend staring at them like he wished for sudden combustion.

You walked the last few steps toward Remus, heart skipping a little. He stared firmly at his notes, ears turning bright pink.

“So…” you said softly. “What was that about?”

Remus sputtered. “I— it’s— they’re idiots. I was just— it wasn’t… You know how Sirius is— and James— they think they’re funny”

You raised an eyebrow, fighting a smile.

He swallowed, then exhaled, giving up entirely.

“Okay,” he murmured, voice small but warm. “So… do you wanna— I don’t know.”

You stepped a bit closer. “Do what?”

He looked up at you, shy eyes flicking between yours and the floor. “I don’t know,” he said again, softer. “We could go to Hogsmeade. Or we could, um…”

You broke into a smile before he could finish. “Yes.”

His head snapped up. “Really?”

“Sure.”

A breath of disbelief left him, and a smile tugged at his mouth. “Sounds good,” he murmured.

Silence settled between you, awkward but sweet. He kept glancing at you, then away, cheeks still warm.

“I can’t right now though” he admitted quietly.

“Me neither” you chuckled softly.

He huffed a tiny laugh. “Maybe some other—”

“Some other time” you finished for him.

He chuckled under his breath. “Alright.”

You stepped backward, giving him space to breathe again. He watched you the whole time—eyes soft, shoulders loose, gaze filled with absolute fondness. Smitten, really. Like he couldn’t believe that this was finally happening, that all those years of friendship were gently shifting into something more.