Chapter Text
The Gryffindor common room had never looked so absurd.
Long, white candles bobbed mid air on invisible strings, casting wavering shadows that danced like spectres across the scarlet and gold walls. James had taken command with the sort of manic, chaotic enthusiasm only he could summon, arranging enchanted pumpkins and setting up makeshift games as though he were preparing for dinner with the Minister for Magic himself, rather than a drunken Gryffindor Halloween party. His hair stuck up in wild clumps as he anxiously tugged at it, stepping back to survey his work after placing a large pewter cauldron of punch in the centre of the table.
“All right, men,” he declared, clapping his hands. His voice was full of mischief and his signature Gryffindor bravado. “Tonight will be the greatest Gryffindor Halloween in history!”
Sirius pulled his wand from his jeans pocket and summoned four metal goblets, filling each one with punch. He handed them around, and the boys drank enthusiastically, giddy with the promise of the night ahead.
James paused, a grin spreading across his face as he looked around at them. “Our last Halloween at Hogwarts,” he said, his tone softening for a heartbeat before brightening again. “After this year, no more late nights sneaking past curfew, no more dodging Filch, no more pulling epic pranks together. So we have to make it count. Tonight, we go out in true Marauders style.”
Sirius raised his goblet in approval, eyes glinting. “Hear, hear.”
James laughed, lifting his own drink. “And,” he added, his grin turning almost boyish, “Lily’s coming.”
Peter gave a low whistle, and Remus arched an amused brow.
“Yes, Evans,” James went on theatrically, undeterred by their looks. “And tonight, lads, tonight’s the night. I can feel it. The music, the candles, the whole bloody atmosphere, she will not stand a chance.”
Sirius smirked into his drink. “You’ve said that before, mate.”
“Yeah, well, this time I mean it,” James said, raking a hand through his already disastrous hair. “It’s different now. We’re different. She actually laughs at my jokes, she talks to me like a human being… and she’s coming here, to our party. It’s destiny.”
Remus chuckled. “Or at least excellent planning.”
James grinned wider, utterly unfazed. “Call it what you like, Moony, but by midnight, I’ll have kissed Lily Evans under these excellently atmospheric candles you transfigured, and it will be legendary.”
Sirius leaned back against the arm of the sofa, grin sharp and teasing. “And when Prongs finally kisses Evans, maybe Moony here will find himself a lad to snog too.”
Remus groaned, covering his face with one hand. “Please, not this again.”
Peter laughed so hard he nearly spilled his drink. “Come on, Remus! There are plenty of boys who’d be happy to give you a Halloween kiss.”
After admitting to the boys over the summer that he was gay, Remus had endured at least ten daily reminders that he was, in fact, still tragically unkissed. The truth was, he wasn’t waiting for just anyone. There was only one boy who kept him awake at night, only one whose laughter seemed to hum in his bones long after it had faded. Sirius Black. Reckless, dazzling Sirius, whose grin could undo him faster than the full moon ever could. And yet, that was exactly why Remus kept his secret locked away. He would rather live quietly with the ache of wanting Sirius than risk losing the friendship that held his world together. So he laughed when they teased him, smiled like it was all in good fun, and resigned himself to a night of harmless chaos. Kisses could wait. Friendship could not.
“Leave him be,” James said, still grinning. “We can’t pressure him. Some men are just late bloomers, and that’s okay! Things like this are supposed to happen naturally.”
“Naturally as in we plan an entire Halloween party just so you can kiss Evans?” Peter snorted.
Sirius smirked. “Naturally as in we lock him in a broom cupboard with someone and see what happens?”
Remus gave him a flat look. “Try it, and I’ll hex your hair Slytherin green for a week.”
The room erupted in laughter. James drained the rest of his punch and clapped his hands again. “All right, enough romance talk. Time to get ready, gentlemen. Everyone will be here soon, and our costumes are waiting.”
The boys began to climb the stairs, but Remus lingered behind.
“You okay, Moony?” Sirius asked, concern flickering across his face.
“Yeah, fine. Just got something to sort first. I’ll catch up with you later, okay?” Remus turned quickly toward the door before any of them could press further.
“Weird,” James muttered, before playfully shoving Sirius and darting up the stairs toward the dormitory.