It's a game of on sided hide and seek now.

He tells himself Sirius is the only one playing this stupid game.

He misses the safety of his hidden garden and gazing at the picture in the book longingly.

The smell of Sirius; a natural smell of sweat, forest-like soap and new robes hit him like a brick to the face.

He tries to be mad when Sirius approaches him.

But he isn't.

He isn't happy either.

He's just… flustered.

And when the dumb dog invites him to hang out at Hogsmeade, he follows him.

And the worst part is, he likes it.

They don't talk much.

But he likes it, the dog at his side, whispering jokes and tidbits to him.