The Great Hall was decked out in heart-shaped decorations, floating cherubs, and pink streamers that practically screamed Valentine's Day. It was over the top and utterly unnecessary, in Hermione's opinion, though Sirius seemed to be thriving in the obnoxiously saccharine atmosphere. Breakfast was in full swing, with couples exchanging gifts and blushes. Sirius, however, had his own mischievous plans.

Hermione was just sitting down with a plate of toast when an enchanted note flitted through the air and landed neatly beside Lily's goblet of pumpkin juice. Its delicate pink glow caught the attention of everyone nearby. Lily blinked at it, then picked it up cautiously, her brow furrowed as she read.

Her face quickly turned crimson.

"Oh no," Hermione muttered, already dreading whatever chaos was about to unfold.

"What's this, then?" Lily asked sharply, her eyes darting to James, who was sitting just across the table with a forkful of eggs halfway to his mouth.

James blinked, confused. "What's what?"

"This." Lily waved the note at him, her voice dangerously calm. "Do you think this is funny?"

James's confusion deepened as he set his fork down. "I don't know what you're talking about. What does it say?"

Lily unfolded the parchment and began to read aloud, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"To my dearest Lilyflower, your radiant emerald eyes outshine the finest of jewels, and your wit is as sharp as a goblin-made blade. Every moment I'm near you, I feel unworthy of your luminous presence. Yours forever, your secret admirer."

Sirius, who had been leaning back in his seat with a self-satisfied grin, promptly choked on his tea at the overly sentimental words.

"Oh, that's priceless," he said, laughing loudly and thumping his chest to recover.

James, on the other hand, had gone an alarming shade of red. "I… wait, I didn't send that!"

"Really? Because this," Lily said, arching a brow and holding up the parchment, "looks suspiciously like your handwriting, Potter."

Hermione, biting back her own laughter, leaned over and snatched the note. As her fingers brushed the parchment, the message shimmered and changed before her eyes, morphing into something new:

"To the brilliant and feisty Kitten, your intellect leaves even the wisest of witches in awe, and your compassion is a beacon of warmth in the coldest of winters. You are a treasure beyond measure. Yours always, your secret admirer."

She blinked, then turned to Sirius with a flat expression. "Alright, what is this?"

Sirius, looking far too pleased with himself, sat up straighter. "Oh, just a little something I whipped up for Valentine's Day. Similar charm to the one we used on the… you know, except instead of insults, it gives personalised compliments based on who's touching it."

"Why is it in James's handwriting?" Hermione asked, holding the parchment up accusingly.

Sirius's grin widened. "Well, obviously, it can't exactly be a secret admirer if it's in my handwriting. Half the school would recognize it. But luckily for us, James has only ever been obsessed with two girls—Lily and you—so besides the teachers, and us, no one really knows what his handwriting looks like."

James groaned, burying his face in his hands. "This is why I don't let you near parchment and quills."

Hermione smirked, waving the parchment in front of him. "Oh, come on, James. It's kind of sweet. And besides, the compliments are clearly tailored to the person. Sirius must have put some thought into this."

Lily wasn't as amused. She narrowed her eyes at Sirius, her lips twitching like she was deciding between laughing and hexing him. "So let me get this straight. You charmed a piece of parchment to flirt with everyone in James's handwriting."

"Exactly," Sirius replied, shameless. "It's foolproof."

"Foolproof?" Lily repeated, her tone dangerously calm. "You didn't think I might not enjoy receiving overly romantic drivel signed as if it's from James?"

Sirius shrugged. "You can't blame me for trying to spice up the holiday spirit. And wasn't aiming for you actually."

James shot him a glare. "Holiday spirit? Pads, you've just made both of us look like complete idiots."

"Speak for yourself," Sirius retorted, leaning back in his chair with an air of smug satisfaction. "Hermione doesn't seem too upset. Do you, love?"

Hermione shook her head, her lips twitching in amusement. "No, but only because I find it hilarious that Lily's probably imagining all the terrible poetry James has ever written her."

Lily snorted despite herself. "To be fair, this is at least more coherent than the time he tried rhyming 'emerald' with 'enamelled.'"

"I was thirteen!" James yelped, now thoroughly mortified.

"Well," Sirius said, clapping his hands together. "This has been an excellent experiment. Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. Try not to let my genius go unappreciated."

Lily shook her head, exasperated but smiling. "You're insufferable, Black."

"And you love me for it," Sirius shot back with a wink.

"What about Remus?" Lily said, raising an eyebrow at Sirius. "Aren't you the least bit ashamed to be flirting with half the school right in front of your boyfriend?"

"I don't really care what he does," Remus interjected, his voice perfectly deadpan, as he turned a page in his book without looking up. "As long as it's me he comes to snog at night."

The table fell silent for a beat, and then Sirius, grinning like a cat who'd just caught a canary, dramatically clutched his chest. "Moony, love, you wound me with your indifference! Is that all I am to you? Just a convenient late-night snogging partner?"

Remus didn't even glance up, his tone still flat. "No, sometimes you're also a source of endless embarrassment."

The others burst into laughter, and Sirius pouted theatrically. "I'm being utterly slandered. You don't appreciate the effort I put into keeping our lives interesting."

"You mean chaotic?" Hermione quipped, smirking at Sirius before giving Remus an approving look. "Honestly, I don't know how you put up with him."

"It's a challenge," Remus replied, finally looking up, his lips twitching into a small smile. "But I'm nothing if not patient."

"Patient enough to tolerate this parchment nonsense?" Lily asked, waving the enchanted love note with a pointed look.

"Oh, this?" Remus said, finally closing his book and giving Sirius a pointed glance. "He's already promised to spend an hour cleaning glitter out of the dorm as penance. Haven't you, Pads?"

Sirius groaned, throwing his head back dramatically. "You're lucky I love you, Moony."

"And you're lucky I love glitter-free living spaces," Remus replied, his tone so dry it sent the rest of them into another fit of laughter.

As they walked down the corridor toward their Arithmancy classroom, the quiet buzz of students around them, Lily turned to Hermione with a curious expression. "I absolutely don't get it. How were you not at least a bit suspicious of James about that note?"

Hermione glanced at her, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Well, for starters, it began with 'Lilyflower.' Sirius has a knack for nicknaming everyone whether they like it or not, not James. That alone was a dead giveaway."

Lily frowned, clearly unconvinced. "And the handwriting? It looked exactly like his."

"That's forgeable with the right charm," Hermione replied casually, shrugging as she adjusted her bag on her shoulder.

Lily stopped walking, grabbing Hermione's arm to halt her too. Her green eyes were wide with incredulity. "You are either the most well-adjusted person in the world, or… I don't even know what."

Hermione hesitated for a moment, then smiled softly, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Let's just say I trust him, Lily." She started walking again, leaving Lily to fall into step beside her.

"You didn't even seem fazed," Lily pressed, still puzzled.

Hermione bit her lip, looking ahead as if searching for the right words. The truth, one she didn't dare voice aloud, hung in the back of her mind like a shadow. Despite all of James's reassurances and the way he made her feel cherished, part of her still carried the quiet, nagging belief that their time together might only be temporary. That someday, the natural order of things might pull him toward the girl who was supposed to be his future—Lily. Especially now that she was hanging around with them more. She just always kept her heart open to the possibility to protect it if—when—it came.

But she didn't say that. Instead, she plastered on a brighter smile and said lightly, "Sirius is predictable. He lives for chaos, and James lives for me. That's all there is to it."

Lily gave her a long, searching look before shaking her head with a small laugh. "You're something else, Hermione."

Hermione just smiled, holding her books closer to her chest as they entered the classroom. Lily didn't push the subject again, but Hermione could still feel her friend's gaze lingering, thoughtful and slightly concerned.

For the Hogsmeade weekend after Valentine's Day, James was determined to make up for the chaos of Sirius's enchanted love notes. He wanted to ask Hermione out properly this time as well, with a plan so brilliant and charming she wouldn't be able to resist—even if they were already a couple.

It began with the Marauders in the boys' dormitory. James was pacing, twirling his wand between his fingers, his hazel eyes alight with mischief.

"So, you're telling me you want to ask your girlfriend out?" Sirius asked, lounging on his bed with an amused smirk. "You know you're already dating, right?"

James waved him off, his expression serious. "It's not just asking her out. It's about doing something special. Something memorable."

"Something dramatic, then," Sirius supplied, stretching lazily. "You do have a flair for that, Prongs."

Remus chuckled from behind his book. "Dramatic is one word for it. Reckless is another."

James ignored the commentary. "I need an idea. Something romantic. Something clever. Something that—"

"Doesn't blow up in your face?" Peter piped up, earning a bark of laughter from Sirius.

By the time Saturday rolled around, James had enlisted Sirius's help. They commandeered an entire section of the Three Broomsticks, much to Madam Rosmerta's bemusement, and set up an elaborate charm display. Enchanted candles floated in the air, glowing softly, and tiny, charmed birds fluttered around carrying small parchment scrolls.

When Hermione entered the pub with Lily, her brow furrowed at the peculiar sight. The enchanted birds flocked toward her, each dropping a scroll into her hands. She laughed softly, opening the first one.

"For the cleverest witch I know…"

The next bird dropped another scroll: "Who manages to outshine even the brightest stars…"

A third scroll landed in her hand. "Would you allow this humble Marauder the honour of…"

Then a fourth: "Taking you to Honeydukes for a date on this fine day?"

Hermione looked up, her cheeks flushed with colour, and there was James standing in the centre of the room, grinning like the lovestruck fool he was.

Hermione approached him, the birds circling her before vanishing into soft pops of golden light. She was biting back a smile, trying to appear composed but failing miserably.

"You could've just asked, you know," she said, waving the scrolls at him. "No need for a spectacle."

James shoved his hands into his pockets, still grinning. "Where's the fun in that? You deserve a spectacle, Kitten."

"Kitten?" Lily mouthed to Remus from across the room, earning a shrug from the werewolf and a smirk from Sirius.

Hermione shook her head, though her smile widened. "Alright, Potter. You've officially outdone yourself."

"So, is that a yes?" James asked, rocking on his heels.

Hermione rolled her eyes affectionately. "Yes, you ridiculous show-off. But I'm holding you to that promise of chocolate."

As James and Hermione strolled out of the Three Broomsticks, the group left behind settled back into their chairs. Sirius was grinning ear to ear, looking supremely pleased with himself, while Remus quietly sipped his Butterbeer, clearly amused by the whole ordeal. Peter picked at the remnants of a pasty, glancing toward the door where the happy couple had exited.

Lily, who had watched the whole thing unfold with an arched eyebrow, leaned back in her chair, shaking her head in disbelief. "I can't decide if that was the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen or oddly sweet."

"Both," Remus said dryly, setting his mug down. "But that's James Potter for you. Somehow, he manages to pull it off."

"Oh, come on, Lilyflower," Sirius said, nudging her with his elbow. "You can't tell me you weren't just a little impressed. The enchanted birds? The scrolls? Classic Potter theatrics."

Lily smirked. "It was creative, I'll give him that. But do you all really need to encourage this kind of behaviour?"

"Encourage?" Sirius gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. "Evans, I am the architect of this kind of behaviour. I taught him everything he knows about spectacle."

Remus snorted. "You taught him how to blow things up and dodge detentions. Let's not overstate your contributions."

Lily glanced at Sirius, her tone dry. "How do you manage to make every single thing you do into some kind of Marauder achievement?"

"Because it is a Marauder achievement," Sirius replied with a smirk. "We've been training Prongs for this since third year. And now look at him—a master of romance. A gift to witches everywhere."

"Unbelievable," Lily muttered, though there was a small smile tugging at her lips.

Remus leaned forward, grinning. "You know, Sirius, I think you're just jealous. Prongs one-upped all of us. When was the last time you did something romantic for anyone?"

Sirius shrugged, his expression mischievous. "Every moment I spend with you, Moony, is a romantic gesture."

Lily groaned, clearly regretting the direction the conversation was heading. "I think I've heard enough."

"Oh, come on," Sirius teased, winking. "Stick around. You'll learn a thing or two from the experts."

"Experts?" Lily snorted. "That's rich, coming from you."

Peter laughed into his Butterbeer. "Actually, I think Hermione's the one who's been teaching him about romance lately. That looked way too thoughtful to be a classic Sirius scheme."

Sirius ignored him, turning to Lily with a grin. "Admit it, you're just jealous he didn't pull something like that for you back in the day."

Lily rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. If he'd tried that two years ago, I'd have hexed the birds on sight with a big ball of flame then thoroughly drowned them in the Black Lake."

Remus snorted. "Well, it's a good thing Hermione has more patience than you. She actually looked like she enjoyed the whole spectacle."

Lily raised an eyebrow. "Really? She's always seemed so… practical. You'd think she'd find all this showboating annoying."

Sirius waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, she does. But that's what makes it work. James is her chaos; she's his order. Balance, Lilyflower. That's what makes them so nauseatingly perfect."

Lily chuckled despite herself, taking a sip of her drink. "You're insufferable, Black."

"And yet, you're still sitting here," Sirius said with a wink.

She glanced at Remus. "I suppose someone has to make sure this lot doesn't burn the place down while James and Hermione are off playing happy couple."

Remus smirked. "Don't worry, Lily. I'm the responsible one here."

Sirius leaned closer, grinning wickedly. "Sure, Moony. Let's go with that."

Lily shook her head, her laughter joining the others' as the warm hum of the pub carried on.

As they strolled through the cobblestone streets of Hogsmeade towards Honeydukes, James gave Hermione's hand a playful squeeze, a crooked grin spreading across his face.

"Are you sure it was wise leaving Lily and Sirius in the same room? They're like fire and oil," Hermione asked, glancing back toward the Three Broomsticks with a mix of amusement and concern.

James chuckled, tilting his head toward her. "I don't know. I think she actually enjoys the banter."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Enjoys it? You mean in the way one enjoys watching a disaster unfold from a safe distance?"

He shrugged, his grin turning mischievous. "Kind of like you."

"Excuse me?" she said, mock-offended. "I do not enjoy Sirius's antics."

"Oh, come on," James teased, leaning in conspiratorially. "You laugh at at least half of his jokes. Admit it—he grows on you."

Hermione huffed but couldn't suppress the tiny smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe he grows on you like a stubborn fungus."

James threw his head back in a laugh, the sound bright and carefree. "That's the spirit! But really, I think Lily's the same way. She pretends she's annoyed, but deep down, she loves trading barbs with him."

"I suppose…" Hermione mused. "She doesn't walk away when he's being ridiculous, so maybe you're right. Still, it's a volatile mix."

"Maybe." James smirked, giving her a sidelong glance. "But it's entertaining, isn't it?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but chuckle. "You're impossible, James Potter."

"And yet, here you are," he said, leaning over to kiss the top of her head. "Walking hand in hand with me while we leave chaos in our wake."

"Chaos?" Hermione teased. "I thought we were the well-adjusted pair in the group."

James grinned, his eyes warm behind his glasses. "Oh, love, we are. That's what makes the chaos so much fun."

The trek up to the Shrieking Shack after Honeydukes was quieter than the bustling streets of Hogsmeade, the sound of their boots crunching over the frosty ground the only noise breaking the stillness. The Shack loomed ahead, its eerie silhouette stark against the pale sky, but Hermione found it oddly comforting—no students jostling for attention or friends chattering away in their ears. Just the two of them.

James glanced at her as they reached the fence surrounding the abandoned building, his hand tightening slightly around hers. "Not the most romantic spot, I'll admit," he said with a small smile, "but at least we won't be interrupted."

Hermione laughed softly, leaning against the weathered wooden railing. "It's perfect. Besides, who needs romance when you've got quiet?"

"Quiet, huh?" James teased, stepping closer. "You sure you're talking about us? Because I don't think we've ever been quiet a day in our lives."

She gave him a playful nudge, but her smile softened. "It's nice, though. Just us. No pranks, no chaos… no Sirius yelling across the room about your latest plan to 'wow' me."

James chuckled, his hazel eyes warm as they met hers. "Yeah, he does have a way of ruining the moment, doesn't he?"

"You mean 'stealing the moment,'" Hermione corrected, her voice laced with playful sarcasm. "I think he'd take all the credit for us being together if you let him. Thinking back on it, his birthday kiss in fifth might have been to make you jealous and not a political statement."

James leaned back against the weathered fence, his grin wide and shameless. "Well, to be fair, Sirius has been my wingman since third year. Can't really blame him for being proud of his success rate."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth twitching with amusement. "Success rate at getting the girl? Or at the number of attempts? Because it's either 50 or about 0.5 percent if we're counting every single go at Lily."

James let out an exaggerated gasp, clutching his chest as though she'd just delivered a mortal blow. "Ouch, Hermione. Right to the ego. Brutal."

"To yours or Sirius's?" Hermione retorted, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Because you're saying it was all his doing."

James pressed a hand over his heart, still playing up the drama. "Alright, fair point. But let's not wound Sirius's ego too badly, yeah? If you think I'm bad, just wait until you see him start sulking. It's not a pretty sight—he'll throw himself onto the couch like he's in some tragic Shakespearean play. And it's not like I had no hand in it, he was just egging me on."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk tugging at her lips. "Shakespeare, James? I didn't know you even knew who he was."

James raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "What, you think I'm uncultured just because I'm a wizard? I'll have you know, I've skimmed a few of those Muggle classics."

"Skimmed?" Hermione repeated with a mockingly raised brow. "Let me guess: you got the basics of Romeo and Juliet because someone compared you and Lily to them in third year?"

James's cheeks flushed ever so slightly, but his grin didn't waver. "Alright, fair play. That did come up once or twice. But in my defence, I'd never poison myself for a girl who couldn't commit. A feigned death? Come on, that's amateur-level drama. Now, Sirius? He could pull it off beautifully."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh. "I'd say he's more Much Ado About Nothing, but I'll keep that to myself."

"Exactly," James agreed with a grin. "But it's a secret weapon, really—he's perfected the art of melodramatic guilt-tripping."

Hermione laughed, shaking her head. "I can picture it now—Sirius, clutching his heart, stumbling into a chaise lounge with an overly dramatic cry."

"And demanding a standing ovation afterward," James added, his grin widening. "He'd probably want Moony to compose a eulogy on the spot."

Hermione snorted, the image too vivid not to be funny. "Poor Remus. I don't think he signed up for the full theatre experience when he started dating Sirius."

"Oh, he absolutely did," James admitted, still chuckling. "You forget Remus had to put up with him as a dorm mate since day one, and knows exactly who he is. He would never say it, but he secretly likes it. Besides, someone's got to keep Sirius grounded."

Hermione's smile softened as she gazed at him. "And what about you? Who keeps you grounded?"

James tilted his head slightly, the teasing fading from his expression as his hazel eyes met hers. "You do," he said simply, his voice dropping to a warm, sincere tone.

Hermione's heart fluttered at the unexpected seriousness, but she quickly masked it with another playful retort. "Well then, I guess I'll have to redirect all my sass to you. Keep you humble, Potter."

James laughed, his grin returning full force. "Oh, please do. I'd hate to get too big-headed. Can't have the most brilliant witch I know thinking I'm anything less than perfect."

"Brave words, Potter," Hermione said, crossing her arms. "But are you sure about that?"

James leaned in, his grin widening. "Absolutely. You keep me on my toes, Hermione. Besides, we both know you're a softie at heart."

Hermione gave him a mock glare, but the warm look in her eyes betrayed her. "I'll let you think that, for now."

"See?" James said, his voice smug. "You're already going easy on me."

Hermione shook her head fondly, leaning back against the weathered railing. "You're impossible."

"And yet," he said, slipping his arms around her waist, "you're still here."

"Can't imagine why," she replied, though her smile softened, her gaze meeting his.

James tilted his head, his grin turning tender. "I can. Maybe it's my charm. Or my dashing good looks."

"Maybe it's because you're so humble," Hermione shot back, her eyes sparkling.

"Definitely that," he agreed with a chuckle, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her temple. "And maybe it's because, deep down, you know I'm completely crazy about you."

Hermione sighed, but the affection in her expression was unmistakable. "Lucky for you, I'm more than a little crazy about you too."

"See? Sirius's plan worked perfectly," James quipped, stepping back just slightly, though he kept her hand in his. "Maybe we should give him an award."

"Or at least a leash," Hermione muttered dryly, though her smile didn't waver.

James laughed, his hazel eyes crinkling with mirth. "You know, he'd probably take that as a compliment."

"Which is exactly why I'm not saying it in front of him," she said with a smirk.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence stretching comfortably between them. The wind rustled through the trees, and Hermione rested her head against his shoulder, savouring the rare solitude.

"I wish we had more of this," Hermione said quietly, her voice almost lost in the crisp winter air. Her gaze drifted to the horizon, where the pale light of the setting sun painted the snowy hills in shades of gold and lavender.

James, standing beside her with his hands stuffed into his jacket pockets, turned to look at her. There was something in her tone that made his chest tighten—a quiet yearning that he understood all too well. "Me too," he admitted, sliding an arm around her shoulders and pulling her closer. "But I'll take whatever I can get."

Hermione leaned into him, resting her head against his chest as a small smile tugged at her lips. "Even if it's just stolen moments in the middle of nowhere?"

"Especially those," James said with a soft chuckle, his hazel eyes glinting with warmth. He tilted his head to catch her gaze, his grin fading into something more earnest. "Because it's you, Hermione. Doesn't matter where we are or how little time we get—just having you makes it enough."

Hermione looked up at him, her heart swelling at the sincerity in his voice. The world around them seemed to still, the silence broken only by the soft whistle of the wind.

James dipped his head, brushing his lips against hers in a kiss that was unhurried and genuine. It wasn't the fiery, playful kind they often shared; it was something deeper, a quiet promise wrapped in warmth. Hermione's hand found its way to his chest, clutching at his coat as she kissed him back with equal earnestness.

When they finally broke apart, James pressed his forehead against hers, his breath visible in the frosty air. "I think I'm going to hold onto this memory forever," he murmured.

Hermione smiled, her cheeks flushed from more than just the cold. "Me too."

They stood there for a while longer, the Shrieking Shack standing watch over them as they shared a moment that was entirely theirs. No noise, no interruptions—just the quiet certainty of being together.