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Some couples got lucky, their anniversary would fall on a Hogsmeade weekend. Others were less lucky. James and Remus fell into the latter category. Unfortunately their luck didn't extend past getting away with pranks, and slipping detentions. Still, there was plenty James could do to make it romantic. And determination went a long way.
To James, the many empty classrooms and little hidden nooks were the perfect playground for a rather enjoyable date. Unfortunately for them, because luck really wasn't on their side, it was also a school day. So their date would have to be either early morning, or late evening. Remus wasn't much of a morning person, so late evening was their best bet.
He had a few ideas, and he was sure Remus would like them all. There wasn't time for all of them though, so he'd have to pick one. The best way to do things was talk things through with some of their friends.
Peter was good at baking, James himself knew a few good recipes. Mary liked flower arranging, Lily did a lot of photography. With all of that, he was sure he could come up with something.
James and Remus didn't have the same last class together. And with a bit of bribing to two teachers, James had managed to get out of class just a little early, and Remus' whole class was going just a little over. Hopefully that'd be enough time for James to get there.
He'd asked Mary to make him a bouquet using Remus' favourite flowers, and a few of his own too. She'd been happy to help. She'd even tucked it away in a nearby broom closet for him to pick up on the rush over to Remus' last class.
Remus knew James had something planed. He'd told him plenty, and James had kept insisting it was a surprise and he'd like it. Remus could only hope he would, James could go a bit over the top sometimes. He wouldn't mind too much if he did go over the top with cheesy romance stuff, not really. It just wasn't his favourite.
Finally the professor dismissed them, and Remus was one of the last ones out of the classroom.
James was waiting for him outside, leant back against the wall trying to look cool. He even had one leg bent up so his foot was also resting against the wall. One hand was in his pocket, and the other was holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
"James," Remus said, approaching him. He pushed off the wall and grinned at him.
"For you my love," he said, offering him the flowers. Remus smiled at him slightly, and accepted the flowers. "Our first stop is the dorms, and I could have met you there, but I thought this would be nicer," he added. Remus rolled his eyes at him slightly and gently tugged on his tie so he could kiss him. When they pulled apart James smiled at him dumbly.
"So, dorm then?" Remus asked. James nodded slightly.
They didn't stop in the dorm long, just quick enough to change. Then James was leading them through secret tunnels and into an empty classroom. It had been decorated slightly, with a few candles and a picnic blanket in the middle. All the desks had been pushed to the sides, and the chairs were missing. There was still a chalkboard though, and James had written 'Happy Anniversary Moons' on it.
"This is sweet," Remus said, looking around. James grinned at him and settled on the blanket, beside a picnic basket.
"I know you don't like me spending me money on you," James started as Remus sat down with him. "And I know you don't like big public displays, so I thought all this could be nice."
"It is," Remus said, smiling at him. James smiled back.
"I got Pete to help a little with the picnic food, and obviously it was Mary that helped with the bouquet," James told him. Remus could tell there was more though. "I also got Lily's help to make you something, it's a little cheesy."
"The picnic can wait," Remus said, curious as to what James had made him.
"No it's like really cheesy," James corrected. Remus grabbed his hand, he'd started to pull slightly at the blanket, picking at slightly loose threads.
"James, I'm sure I'll like it," he said. James nodded slightly, and reached into the picnic basket. Remus peeked in, resting on top of neatly packed food was a wrapped gift. He suddenly felt a little bad.
"I haven't gotten you anything," Remus said, as James handed the gift.
"I've got you, here, that's enough of a gift for me. I don't expect anything," James said. Remus hummed but nodded slightly. James handed him the gift, and Remus carefully unwrapped it. Under the paper was a box. He looked up at James and he carefully took it from him. He rested the box on the picnic blanket between them and grinned.
Carefully, Remus lifted the cardboard lid. The side fell down. In the center was a diagonal square box, but Remus was more interested in the photos stuck to the box's sides.
"Lily helped me with those," James said as Remus looked over the memories. Lily had a habit of taking pictures of her friends, and the ones James had gotten where of sweet moments between them. Some of which he hadn't even been aware of Lily being around.
"This is amazing," Remus said. James grinned, and blushed slightly.
"I'm glad you like it," he said. Remus carefully lifted the next lid and the sides fell down. More photos of them stuck to the sides. This time, with letters and notes James had written. Either about the photos, or just cute little notes. Some seemed a little older. There was a heart shaped box in the middle.
He lifted the lid but the sides didn't fall away that time. He peered into the box, and found a stash of his favourite sweets and chocolates.
"James," Remus said softly.
"Cheesy, I know," he said. Remus shook his head.
"I love you," he said instead. James grinned at him and Remus smiled back.
"I love you too," James said.