The date had been perfect. A quiet walk around the grounds, fingers brushing until Remus finally gathered the courage to hold your hand.

A quiet dinner in the kitchens, courtesy of some very smug house-elves. And then the slow walk back to Gryffindor Tower, Remus looking happier than you’d ever seen him.

You didn’t even think about the time.

Or the fact that the common room might not be empty this late.

Remus pushed open the portrait hole, holding it for you like the absolute gentleman he was. You stepped inside and froze.

Sirius was draped across the couch like a bored dog.

James sat upside down in a chair, feet in the air, glasses askew.

Peter was half-asleep over a stack of Chocolate Frog cards.

All three pairs of eyes snapped up at once. But Remus hadn’t noticed.

Sirius smirked instantly. “Well, well. Look who finally decided to come home—”

Whatever he was about to say died on his tongue.

Because Remus, sweet, careful, overthinking Remus, leaned in and pressed a soft, warm kiss to your lips. Just a gentle goodnight kiss, the kind he’d given you on the last two dates.

Except this time?

The Marauders were right there.

You kissed him back automatically, hands curling into his scarf. He pulled away slowly, smiling in that soft, private way he only used with you.

And then his brain caught up. Catching the scent of his best mates in the room.

He went completely still.

The room did too.

James dropped out of his chair. Literally fell on the floor.

Sirius pointed at the two of you, eyes huge. “EXCUSE M?! What? Hello—WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN?!”

Peter blinked rapidly. “Were we supposed to know about this? I feel like we were supposed to know about this.”

Remus’ face went red. Not pink. Not slightly flushed. Full-on, tomato, someone-save-him red.

He cleared his throat. “I… may have forgotten to mention something.”

Sirius shot to his feet. “YOU THINK?! YOU JUST SNOGGED THEM IN FRONT OF US!”

Remus spluttered, mortified. “It wasn’t a snog!”

“It was definitely a snog,” James said from the floor.

You were trying not to laugh, which made it worse because Remus kept looking at you like you hung the moon.

Sirius threw his arms wide dramatically. “THIS IS BETRAYAL. I AM YOUR BEST FRIEND. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOLD FIRST. NOT POTATO-BOY OVER THERE.” He pointed at Peter.

Peter frowned. “Hey!”

James dusted himself off and grinned at you. “Well, I think it’s brilliant. Remus deserves someone wonderful.”

Remus muttered, “James…”

You squeezed his hand gently, and he relaxed, shoulders loosening.

Sirius plopped back onto the couch, glaring half-heartedly. “Just tell me one thing, Moony.”

“What?” Remus asked warily.

“How many dates have you had?”

Remus hesitated. “...Six.”

Sirius shrieked. Shrieked. “SIX?! YOU’VE BEEN ON SIX DATES AND DIDN’T TELL US?!”

Remus groaned into his hands, embarrassment and amusement coursing through his body. This is not how he wanted to tell his friends.