jamesstruttingpotter:

Harry just stares at Sirius for a long minute, clearly trying to digest what the latter has just said. “So let me get this straight,” he finally says. “You want me to constantly annoy her in the hopes that she’ll start to fancy me?”

“Worked well enough for your git of a father,” Sirius replies, smirking as he leans back in his chair. James chucks a Chocolate Frog at him.

“Oi, I didn’t constantly annoy Lils. I only really started to fancy her in fifth year.”

“Yeah, wouldn’t let up about it after that point, though,” Sirius snorts, catching the sweet and taking a bite. “’Go out with me, Evans,’ or ’Don’t lay a hand on her, Mulciber,’ the like.”

Harry looks thoughtful. “Did Mum really let you fight on her behalf, Dad?”

James’s chest puffs out. He is just about to speak when Lily’s voice suddenly comes from the next room over: “Try the other way around, love.”

James deflates in record time.

After Harry and Sirius are able to maintain a straight face long enough to continue talking, both Sirius and James shuffle their chairs closer to Harry.

"Listen,” James starts, “I’m sure Ginny knows you fancy her. Girls always know, somehow." His son’s panic-stricken face is not quite the result he was going for, but he forges on anyway. "If she hasn’t been keeping her distance by now, she most likely fancies you as well.”

“Just go for it,” Sirius adds, looking very much like a fifteen year old again as he watches his godson’s brow furrow. “You’re a good looking chap, with a good looking godfather to boot. What isn’t to love?”

“You’ve taken on old Voldy, what’s a girl here or there?”

“James.”

“Sorry, love. Harry, stick with one girl. Don’t hurt her feelings. Treat her nicely. Especially if she’s a redhead.”

Harry sighs and rests his forehead against the table. “Merlin.”