James wasn’t exactly subtle. Anyone who knew him knew that. So when you saw him waiting outside the library, surrounded by a ridiculous circle of floating candles that spelled out your name in bright, flickering letters, you shouldn’t have been surprised. But you were.

He caught your eye and gave that signature cocky grin — the one that said he knew exactly how over-the-top this was, but also that he didn’t care.

“Thought I’d stop with the usual teasing for once,” he said, running a hand through his messy hair. “Wanted to make sure you really knew I was asking you on a date. Like, officially.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Officially? This is official?”

“Totally official.” He gestured grandly to the candles. “A Marauder’s grand gesture. I figured if I didn’t do something ridiculous, you’d just say ‘no’ to a normal ask.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “So you went all out because you were scared?”

“Maybe.” He shrugged with a half-smile. “I’m hopeless like that. You’re worth it, though.”

There was that softer look in his eyes — the one he rarely showed — that made your heart skip.

“I want tonight to be just us. No pranks, no distractions,” James said, stepping closer. “Just a proper date. Dinner in Hogsmeade, maybe a walk by the Black Lake. Nothing fancy. Just you and me.”

You smiled, feeling warmth spread in your chest. “Sounds perfect.”

He grinned, that mischievous spark returning. “Of course it is. I planned it.”