Look at the chapter title. 'Nuff said. I know it's a bit overused, but I just wanted to try it.
And no reviews last chapter! (except for Kaori, thanks) I'm-I'm disgraced! So now I'm going to challenge you. If you can review every chapter I have, and make the review nice, you can get your own OC in the story that pops up occasionally. Okay? I promise, the OC can be male or female, Gryffindor or Slytherin, redhead or brunette. I really don't care. Just review! And make the reviews nice, 'kay? Thanks. ^.^
Disclaimer: *raises eyebrow* Surely you've been paying attention?
I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.
"Cute baby you have, Prongs."
"Thanks, Sirius."
Sirius and James were lounging in the Potters' common room, watching as a newly one-year old Harry flew around the room, playing with his broomstick. James lay on his back on the couch, while Sirius sat on the floor. The two men sat in silence for a moment before James broke it.
"You know, Padfoot, I'm still mad at you."
"What?" Sirius sounded indignant. "Why?"
"You gave him his first broomstick. That was my job."
Sirius grinned, giving James a smirk. "Exactly, Prongs, exactly. Was your job-before I became godfather, that is," Sirius beamed as Harry flew close to his side. "That's right, Harry," Sirius called. "Enjoy the gift Godfather Paddy gave you."
James eyed Sirius. "You're a prat, you know that?"
Sirius grinned, puffing his chest out. "That's me, Sirius Black, best godfather," Sirius paused for dramatic effect. Then, leaning closer to James he whispered, "ever."
James rolled his eyes.
"And," Sirius continued, "Since I am the best, I must do the best things. Such as taking him to Diagon Alley. You and Lily can just stay here while little Harry and I go wand-hunting. Then, I'll be there to send him off to Hogwarts-think for about it-and then-"
Once again, James rolled his eyes, annoyed but amused by Sirius' bantering.
"Harry can even be a Gryffindor-real ladies' man he's be, just like Padfoot. And-"
Raising his wand, James gave a small flick. Suddenly he began to smirk.
"What is it, Prongs?"
James shook his head, remaining calm, while on the inside, he was shaking with laughter. Even baby Harry, as he flew by, gave one look at Sirius and began to giggle. Sirius remained oblivious. "What, Prongs? What is it?"
James shook his head. "Nothing, Padfoot."
Sirius eyed James for a moment, but then gave up and turned away. The two continued watching Harry, while James shook with silent giggles.
"Sirius!" Lily had just entered the room, and was looking at the dog Animagus with surprise. "What did you do to your hair?"
"My hair?" Sirius yelped, leaping up. James burst out laughing, causing Sirius to turn on him. "James! What did you do to my hair?"
"Yes, James," Lily looked at him, trying to give a stern look, but failing ever so slightly. "Why did you make Sirius' hair all short and messy like that?"
"What?" Sirius stared at James, who began to choke on his giggles. "Here, Sirius," James replied, handing him a mirror. "Look at yourself. I cast a jinx on you-of my own design, might I add-and now-now your hair is just like mine!"
"No!" Sirius wailed. "James! What did you do? Am I going to get the Potter Curse now?"
Lily laughed slightly, sitting down on the couch next to James' feet. "The Potter Curse?"
"Yes! The Potter Curse! Don't tell me James here has never told you about it."
Lily glanced curiously at James, who had since stopped laughing and was now glaring at Sirius, making gestures telling him to be quiet. When James failed to give an answer, Lily turned back to Sirius. "What's the Potter Curse?"
Sirius grinned evilly. This was just the way to get back at James for switching his hair. At his side, James gave a groan, which Sirius ignored. "Well you see, Lily dear, James-as all the males in his family-possesses the Potter Curse. Did I mention every male in the Potter family, which includes little Prongslet, too?"
Lily raised her eyebrow. "Are you saying there's a curse on my son?"
"And your husband," Sirius agreed, "which you have unconsciously become a part of."
"Sirius, Padfoot," James moaned, "I take it all back. Please, just shut up."
Lily blinked down at him. "What is it James? Something bothering you?"
Sirius laughed. "Anyway," he continued, just as Harry zoomed in between his legs, "The Potter curse consists of three things. One-that ridiculous hair-"
"Which you just so happen to have," James couldn't help but add.
"-Two, bad eyesight-you might want to get Harry checked, by the way-"
James scowled, while Lily just watched Sirius curiously.
"Three-"
"You can shut up now, Sirius," James said, quickly sitting up. "I just remembered-Lily and I were going to…do something without you. Right, Lily?"
"No, James, I think you're mistaken," Lily waved away his attempt at a distraction. "That was yesterday."
"What?" Sirius asked, incredulous. "So there wasn't a family reunion?"
"Just continue with the story, Padfoot," Lily said briskly. "It's almost time for dinner."
"Oh!" Sirius' eyes lit up. "Okay, so, Three-all Potter men have a thing for-"
"Sirius," James said warningly.
"For-"
"Sirius."
"For-"
"Sirius! Sirius Black,-"
"No, James," Lily cut across him. "Sirius Orion Black, if you do not finish this then-"
"Okay," Sirius said quickly, "I was just about to say it anyway. Three-" James opened his mouth to interrupt, but Lily flashed him a look and he quickly shut it. Everyone was afraid of an angry Lily Potter. "Three," Sirius continued, "All Potter men have a thing for redheads. It's inevitable, really. You've met Jamsie's parents, right?" Lily nodded. "You've met his Mum? Well, she's a redhead, too."
"Sirius," James said through gritted teeth.
"And Harry James Potter here-I'm still upset you didn't make his middle name Sirius, by the way-is a Potter male. So he, as you know, has that famous Potter hair-" Sirius smiled down at Harry, who had by now stopped flying. "-is probably going to need glasses-" Harry blinked. "-and fall in love and marry a redhead."
James stayed silent while Lily nodded slowly, taking all of this in. "Okay," Lily drawled. "So what you're saying is, James wouldn't have loved me if I didn't have red hair?"
"No, Lily," James rushed, "not at all. Actually-" James flicked his wand, Sirius' hair turning to normal- "It's your eyes I was drawn to, really. And your personality. You could dye your hair green and I wouldn't care."
Lily raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"
"Okay, maybe a little," James admitted, "but only because of Harry."
Lily eyed him for a moment. James held his breath. Sirius just laughed at the situation, sitting down across from James and picking up baby Harry. Finally Lily spoke. "Alright, James."
"Yes!"
"But," Lily added, "is this true? The Potter Curse?"
James shrugged. "I married you, didn't I? Fell in love with a redhead? And look at me!"
"Yeah," Sirius laughed, "You're a right ugly bloke, aren't you?"
James glared at his old school friend, crossing his arms. He looked like a petulant teenager. "Whatever, Sirius."
Sirius let out his barking laugh, and then once more a comfortable silence reined the household. Everyone was content, even Harry.
"Hey," Sirius coughed, breaking the moment, "Did you hear? The Weasleys-they're redheads too-have just had a newborn. Ginerva Molly Weasley, was it?"
Mischief managed.
Oh, Sirius, you old dog. :P
~D
