The Gryffindor common room was buzzing with energy as the Marauders, along with a few close friends, gathered to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Strings of enchanted fairy lights twinkled above, reflecting off the scattered butterbeer bottles and snacks piled on the tables. Sirius was lounging dramatically by the fire, regaling Remus and Peter with tales of his latest exploits, while you sat off to the side, watching the chaos with a small smile.

James, however, was unusually focused. You noticed him near the snack table, fiddling with a bowl of grapes. He glanced at his watch, muttering under his breath as he counted them out—exactly twelve.

When you asked him why he was doing this he turned to you, a grin spreading across his face as he held up the small bunch. “It’s for Lily.”

You raised an eyebrow. “You’re going to woo her with... grapes?”

James laughed, grabbing a chair and plopping down beside you. “Not exactly, but it’s a Muggle thing. You eat twelve grapes at midnight—one for each month of the year. It’s supposed to bring you good luck.” He looked at you, popping one of the grapes into his mouth for practice. “I figure if I’m lucky for twelve whole months, she’ll have to say yes eventually.”