The sun dipped low over Hogwarts, casting warm golden light across the Great Lake. James Potter lounged on the grassy bank, his broomstick propped against a tree. He could hear the distant laughter of his friends, but his mind was elsewhere.
It started innocently enough. A casual compliment during Quidditch practice, a playful wink after a well-timed goal. But over time, James found himself craving those moments more and more. The way Sirius’s eyes lit up when he acknowledged James’s efforts was like nothing else. James wanted more of that.
“Oi, Prongs!” Sirius called, snapping James from his thoughts. “Stop daydreaming and come over here!”
James’s heart fluttered. “Yeah, I’m coming!” He made his way over, trying to suppress the goofy grin creeping onto his face.
“What’s got you so distracted?” Sirius asked, a teasing smile on his lips.
“Oh, you know, just thinking about how I can impress you today,” James replied, leaning casually against a tree, his heart racing.
Sirius raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Impress me, huh? What do you have in mind?”
With a cheeky smirk, James decided to put on a little show. “I could show you my latest trick on the broom. I’ve been practicing a new move.”
“Yeah? Let’s see it then,” Sirius challenged, leaning back, arms crossed over his chest.
James’s heart raced at the thought. He loved the thrill of flying, but he loved even more the idea of impressing Sirius. “All right, hold on tight!” He winked and dashed out to the Quidditch pitch.
Once airborne, he executed the trick flawlessly—a dizzying spin followed by a sharp dive, ending with a smooth landing just in front of Sirius. He looked up, breathless, to see Sirius’s mouth hanging open in astonishment.
“Blimey, Prongs! That was brilliant!” Sirius exclaimed, eyes shining with admiration. “You’re amazing!”
James beamed, warmth flooding through him at the praise. “You think so?”
“Absolutely. You’re such a good boy when you put your mind to it!” Sirius teased, his grin widening.
The term sent a jolt of excitement through James. He had done it. He had earned the praise he craved. “Just for you, Sirius,” he said, feeling bold. “I’ll do anything to hear you call me that again.”
Sirius’s expression softened, and he stepped closer. “Anything, huh? How about you help me with my homework later? I need all the help I can get.”
“Deal,” James said eagerly, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. Helping Sirius meant more time together—and more chances to impress him.
As the evening wore on, they settled at a table in the common room, books scattered around them. James felt the familiar thrill every time Sirius smiled at him, every time he caught his eye. He found himself slipping little compliments into their conversation, just to see that approving look on Sirius’s face.
When they finally finished, Sirius leaned closer, his voice low and teasing. “You know, I could get used to this, you being my little helper.”
“Whatever you want, Sirius,” James replied earnestly, his heart racing at the thought. “I’m here for it.”
“Good boy,” Sirius said softly, and that simple phrase sent a thrill through James.
James had always admired Sirius’s carefree attitude and magnetic charm, but lately, he found himself completely smitten. It wasn’t just admiration anymore; he craved Sirius’s attention and, more than anything, his praise. Each time Sirius called him “good boy,” it sent a thrill through him that he couldn’t shake.
The next day, during Quidditch practice, James was determined to impress. He zoomed around the pitch, his heart racing as he showed off his skills. Every time he caught Sirius’s eye, he felt butterflies in his stomach. When practice ended, he skidded to a halt in front of Sirius, panting and grinning.
“Did you see that?” James asked, chest swelling with pride. “I think I might have set a new record!”
Sirius raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. “You’re not too shabby, Potter. Good job.”
James felt his cheeks flush, warmth flooding through him. “Thanks, Pads! I mean, I just want to make sure you’re impressed.”
The way Sirius’s eyes sparkled made James feel giddy. All he wanted was to keep that smile on Sirius’s face.
---
Over the following weeks, James became a whirlwind of activity. He volunteered for every project in Herbology, keen to showcase his knowledge and flair. In Potions, he studied obsessively, ensuring he aced every assignment. Each time Sirius leaned over his desk to check his work, James’s heart raced.
One evening, as they lounged in the common room, James was playing Exploding Snap with Remus, but his focus kept drifting toward Sirius, who was sprawled on the couch, flipping through a Quidditch magazine.
“Hey, Sirius! Check this out!” James called, holding up his winning hand. “I’m on fire today!”
Sirius glanced over, a genuine smile breaking across his face. “Alright, you’re officially the best Snap player in Gryffindor.”
James felt himself beam with pride. “Really? You think so?”
“Absolutely. Good boy, James.”
The words sent a rush through him. He felt electrified, warmth spreading through his cheeks and beyond. “You really mean it?” he breathed, eyes wide.
“Of course,” Sirius said, his expression softening. “You’re doing great.”
James couldn’t help but grin like a lovesick fool. The way Sirius said his name made everything feel electric.
---
That night, as he lay in bed, he replayed Sirius’s praise over and over, longing for more. He needed to take it up a notch. Inspired, he signed up to help Professor McGonagall with the upcoming Gryffindor event. He organized decorations, rehearsed speeches, and made sure everything was perfect—all to win Sirius’s attention.
The evening of the event arrived, and the Great Hall was transformed, glowing with lanterns and festive colors. When Sirius walked in, his eyes widened in awe.
“Wow, James, this looks amazing!” he exclaimed, approaching him with that radiant smile that made James’s heart race.
“Thanks, Pads! I wanted to impress you,” James said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Did I do good?”
Sirius’s gaze softened, and he placed a hand on James’s shoulder. “You did great, such a good boy. I’m proud of you.”
James felt a rush of happiness, a warmth spreading through him. “You mean it?”
“Absolutely. Now let’s enjoy this party,” Sirius said, pulling James along, their fingers brushing together. The simple touch sent a jolt of electricity through James, and he wished they could stay like this forever
---
As the party unfolded, James tried his best to be the center of attention, cracking jokes and dancing with his friends, but his eyes kept wandering back to Sirius. Every time he caught Sirius’s eye, a spark ignited in his chest. He was desperate to hear those words again, to feel that rush of validation. Later in the evening, Sirius dragged James away from the crowd, leading him to a quieter corner of the hall. “You’re really incredible, you know that?” Sirius said, his voice low, sincere. James’s heart skipped a beat. “You think so?” “Of course I do. You put your heart into everything,” Sirius replied, his gaze unwavering. “I’m lucky to have you as a friend.” “Lucky?” James repeated, his pulse quickening. “I’m the lucky one.” Sirius chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. “You know, good boys deserve rewards.” James swallowed hard, heat rising to his cheeks. “What kind of rewards?”
Sirius leaned closer, his voice low and teasing. “You’ll have to find out.”
The teasing tone in Sirius’s voice sent James’s heart racing. The night felt charged with unspoken possibilities, and he was determined to make the most of it. “Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it. Anything for you, Pads.”
Sirius’s smile widened, and he stepped back, taking in James with an amused glint in his eyes. “Alright, show me how well you can dance.”
______
As the music played softly in the background, James tried to keep his movements light and carefree, but he felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. He swayed to the rhythm, glancing at Sirius, who watched with an appreciative grin.
“Look at you, showing off,” Sirius teased. “You’re a natural.”
James laughed, feeling more confident. “I just want to impress you, you know. The good boy you like.”
Sirius chuckled, shaking his head. “You don’t need to try so hard, James. I’m already impressed.” The sincerity in Sirius’s voice sent another thrill through James. “Really? You think so?”
“Definitely. Just be yourself,” Sirius replied, stepping closer again. “That’s all I want.”
The air crackled with unspoken tension, and James couldn’t help but lean in a little. “I just— I want to hear you say it again.”
Sirius’s eyes softened, and he nodded slowly. “Alright. You’re a good boy, James. And I’m proud of you.”
James felt a rush of warmth wash over him, his heart racing. “You don’t know what that means to me.”
Sirius smiled knowingly. “Maybe I do.”