Chapter 2: Talk and Snuffles

Harry went for the usual run and workout in the morning. He decided to go to Diagon Alley a bit early, so he left at 11o'clock on the Knight Bus. When he got some money for the day he started to walk down to the twins shop. While he was walking he looked into Magical Menagerie he saw the cutest little puppy. He was black with white paws. When Harry looked into his eyes they were bright gold. Harry went into the shop to take a closer look at the pup.

When Harry came in, the puppy jumped out of the display case, he'd been in and ran over to Harry. Harry was a bit surprised but picked him up anyway. When he did the puppy started licking his face, this made Harry laugh.

When the clerk saw what was happening, she came over and was shocked when she saw the puppy was enjoying himself.

"He seems to like you," she said startling Harry. "He hasn't liked anyone that's come in."

"I'll take him," he said as he got out his money pouch. "What does he eat?"

"Mainly meat and some biscuits," the clerk answered as she counted his money. "Though he doesn't grow because he's magical and he can make anyone fall in love with him by his eyes. If that does happen, just whistle."

"Thank you." After Harry had gotten the dog a cage, food and leash, he left to go meet Ginny. When he got there, Ginny was just coming out of the twins' shop. She looked his way, when she saw him she smiled and waved him over. When Harry got there she noticed the cage he was holding.

"What's in the cage Harry?" she asked while letting Tonks and Lupin out of the shop.

"It's my new pup. Hey Tonks, Professor Lupin," Harry said as they walked to Florean Fortescues Ice cream parlour.

"Call me Remus, Harry. I haven't been your professor for 2 years," Lupin said. Harry noticed Remus looked even older than the last time he'd seen him. He guessed he hadn't been sleeping.

"Wotcher Harry," Tonks tried to sound cheerful but failed miserably.

"Harry can I see your puppy?" Ginny asked and Harry could see she was also tired. 'Everyone at HQ must be sleeping much' Harry thought.

"Sure." Harry got the pup out his cage. When he did the puppy jumped into Ginny's lap where it barked and started licking her face. She laughed and tried to get him to stop, when he did she grabbed a napkin to wipe her face.

"He's adorable Harry. What's his name?" she asked as Remus and Tonks started to whisper in each other's ears.

"I haven't thought of one yet, but what about Snuffles. That's what Sirius told Ron, 'Mione and me to call him when around other people." Ginny, Remus and Tonks gasped when Harry said Sirius.

"What, I might as well face it. He's gone and not coming back and there's nothing I can do about it," Harry watched their reactions. Ginny just smiled sadly, Tonks sniffed a bit, and Remus looked between amazement and sadness.

"That's very brave Harry and I think that name is perfect," Ginny said while watching Snuffles play with Harry's shoes. "I'm really happy that you aren't putting yourself down like Ron and 'Mione said you would be."

"Yeah, we're all glad to know your not hurting yourself over what happened," Lupin said. "But it is still upsetting and it hurts so much."

"I know, I really miss Sirius to but I don't think he'd want us to all be miserable about something like this. He went down a hero like he wanted." Harry placed a hand on Remus' shoulder and looked him in the eye while saying this. When he was finished something happened that was unexpected.

Images that weren't his but Remus' flashed in his mind of the Marauders' childhood. Harry could see how happy they were just being together. Next thing Harry knew, he was leaning forward into the table.

When he looked up, Remus' eyes were wide in shock.

"Harry, did you just read my thoughts?" Lupin asked quietly so no one but the other three could hear him. When Harry nodded Lupin and Tonks stood up.

"We have to go back to HQ. We'll see you next week. Come on Ginny." Ginny got up but didn't go without giving Harry a hug and kiss on the cheek. She blushed but whispered in his ear, "I'll talk to you through Pig and Hedwig while you're at the Dursley's." With that they left.

Harry decided to go back to Privet Drive for a little rest and to find a place to put Snuffles.

When Harry got back to his Aunt and Uncle's it was almost 4 in the evening. He found his Aunt in the kitchen cooking dinner. Harry approached her cautiously.

"Um, Aunt Petunia," his aunt turned to look at him with a look of annoyance on her face.

"What?" she asked.

"I was wondering if I could let my new pet stay in the backyard since I don't think he'll like my room."

"What is it?" Petunia asked curiously.

"It's a puppy." Harry held Snuffles up so his aunt could see his eyes. Petunia went stiff for a second and then she started to pet Snuffles.

"Of course dear. Here's some food for him," Petunia handed him some of the meat she'd been chopping up for dinner. "I tell Vernon, when he comes home, that this cutey is staying in the yard as long as he wants."

"Thanks Aunt Petunia," Harry grinned. This was a lot better then just having Hedwig to talk to. And now he had some company on his runs.

Harry took Snuffles out to the yard. He made sure all the gates were locked and that there were no clothes on the line. When he was done he told Snuffles to stay in the yard. Snuffles did as he was told and went off to explore the gardens.

When Harry went to his room he found a strange owl on the window sill with an official looking letter. And beside this owl was Pig hovering in the air outside. As soon as Harry opened the window, the strange owl swooped in, dropped the letter on his bed and flew straight back out the window. Pig flew in and landed with a soft 'thump' on Harry's desk.

Harry looked at the letter on his bed. It had the Ministry of Magic seal on it. "This must be my OWL results" he thought out loud. "Maybe I should read Ron and 'Mione's letters first."

Harry detached the letters from Pig, who was drinking some of Hedwig's water. Harry opened Ron's first. It read;

Harry,

We just got our OWL results over here and 'Mione won't stop badgering

me about what I got. I really don't want to tell her till you get here.

Could you please ask her to drop it? Thanks mate.

Ron

Harry then went on to Hermione's letter. This is what she wrote;

Dear Harry,

How are you? Have you read your OWL result yet? If you have, what did

you get? Ron's not letting me know what he got, so I think his embarrassed

about them. Hope you're doing okay with the muggles.

See you Friday.

Love Hermione.

"Well, that must mean I can open mine" Harry thought as he went to get the envelope off his bed. He ripped the top off and found three pieces of parchment in it. The first one was a letter from Griselda Marchbanks, Head of the Wizarding Examination Office.

Dear Mr.Potter,

I would like to remind you if you get lower than an acceptable (A) you will

not be able to continue that subject. You will of course have to redo the

'History of Magic' OWL, because of what happened in the exam block last

year. You will have to talk to your Headmaster about when you will take it.

Good luck with your next two years at Hogwarts. And I will see you in NEWTS.

Sincerely,

Madame Griselda Marchbanks

Head of the Wizarding Examination Office.

'Great, another exam,' Harry thought. He took out his results.

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL!" Harry yelled in surprise.