The moment you were sorted into Gryffindor, the Marauders made it their mission to welcome you. James and Sirius bombarded you with questions about Ilvermorny, Peter listened eagerly, and Remus—well, Remus had been quieter, but no less warm. He watched you with soft brown eyes, always quick to offer a helping hand or an encouraging smile.

It didn’t take long for you to settle in, and even less time for Remus to realize he was utterly smitten. He told himself it was ridiculous—he barely knew you—but that didn’t stop his heart from skipping whenever you laughed at one of Sirius’s jokes or leaned over his shoulder during study sessions, your presence sending his thoughts into disarray.

One chilly evening, you found yourself beside him in the common room, the fire crackling softly as the others planned their next great prank. You nudged him playfully. “You’re awfully quiet tonight, Lupin.”

His lips twitched into a smile, his accent lilting as he replied, “Just enjoying the company.”

You tilted your head, studying him, and for a second, he thought you might see right through him. But then you grinned, nudging his shoulder again before turning back to the conversation.

Remus let out a breath, running a hand through his hair. He was in trouble.