Of Dogs and Discoveries.

Harry yawned, bringing his small hand to his mouth, the pale skin darkened with dirt. Harry usually wore the pair of tiny gloves in the grass next to him to prune the rose bushes but magical flowers grew better if tended to barehanded. Though he did always manage to dirty himself up quite a bit, much to the irritation of Grandmother.

The sun was setting, casting a long shadow into the high walled garden. The Dandylion flower he'd received on his birthday the day before needed to be planted in the last rays of the setting sun. Harry picked up the shimmering pot containing the half grown orange blossom, gently placing it into the new hole he had dug into the earth. He tapped the pot and with a crack it vanished away. Harry scooped the earth together, gently smoothing new soil from the pile next to him, pressing it gently around the base of flower. The green stalk trembled, the curled in orange blossoms turning into the bright rays.

Slowly with a small purring noise, the flower unfurled itself. Harry bent down, gazing at the plant. When the small orange petals uncurled to fan out around the flower it revealed a small black nose, white whiskers and two black eyes that blinked sleepily up at Harry. The tiny kitten-like plant shook its petal mane and rawred. The boy giggled at the high pitched effort, bringing his hand forward slowly, extending his fingers to the flower. The flower arched its stem neck to sniff at the pale but dirty skin, then purred nuzzling its face into Harry's palm. Harry beamed, ecstatic, now all he had to do was plant the Toady Flower in the tiny mirror pond located in the middle of the garden at twilight. Kreacher had offered to plant it for him but Harry was adamant that his flowers should be planted by himself; he wanted them to know his touch.

And if Harry had any idea that he used magic while doing this, it was a very faint one. He only knew that the dirt and flowers tingled when he touched them and he felt like he couldn't love them enough.

He continued to pet the Dandylion, stroking its tiny orange petals as it purred contently eyes closed. Harry suddenly remembered that he should give the new dirt a little extra water so he jumped up and trotted over to the wall, picking up a blue magical watering can, he came back over and tilted the little spout to sprinkle fresh water on his new flower.

The Dandylion meowed happily, and shook itself; Harry let off and smiled again.

"That better?" He chirped, the flower stared up at Harry purring, then it's tiny black eyes flicked to watch something over Harry's shoulder, it's petals began to rustle and puff up, scrunching it's face threateningly and hissed. Harry whirled around and barely saw that something big and black had actually CLIMBED on top of the wall before that something had landed with a heavy and furry 'WHUMPH' a few feet in front of him. Crouched and growling, a huge black dog inched closer to the boy, white teeth bared and looking very sharp. Harry could only stand stock still as the great black canine pushed its face close into his dirty one, his fear mixed with his urge to run causing him freeze in place. He felt the dog run its snout over him, sniffing at him in large warm breaths.

Sirius didn't understand what he smelled; he'd driven here like a madman on the motorcycle, using magic to propel the bike forward when the gasoline had run out. He'd come back to this hole to get the second wand he'd owned as a seventh year student. He'd always regretted leaving it behind when he'd left; it was excellent for defensive magic. But, as fate would have it, it was safer to have forgotten it. With the second wand, food, and rest Sirius could begin the hunt for Pettigrew, but when he'd climbed the back wall behind the house he'd made a strange and startling discovery, in the garden and now in front of him was this random, dirty child. With black hair, that looked so familiar, and these bright green eyes that he'd seen before. But it wasn't, it just wasn't possible..Dumbledore had sent him a letter in prison, he'd told him, that Harry was dead, killed by the cursed scar that fucking murderer had carved into his little godson's skin...

But, this scent, Sirius circled the boy, he smelled of mostly dirt and pollen but underneath. The boy smelled like the baby Sirius had so briefly known and held. If only he were cleaner...

Harry held his breath, watching the circling dog, maybe...if the dog didn't like how he smelled, he wouldn't eat him? He scrunched his eyes shut hoping and praying that the dog wasn't starving and decide that a tiny bony human was good enough. The dog just continued to sniff at him then with a high whine he suddenly placed one black paw larger than both Harry's hands on the small chest and pushed him to the ground, (thankfully not on top of his dandylion) and started to lick Harry's face and neck free of dirt, Green eyes opened wide in shock as the dog cleaned him, he began to squeal in laughter and wriggle at the unexpected bath as the dog's tail began to wag faster and faster, Washing the dirt away to reveal Harry's face.

"Awww, you're just looking for a friend aren't you?" Harry cooed, reaching up and rubbing the great black head, the dog barked a while, licking Harry relentlessly. Harry couldn't contain his laughter at the ticklish feeling, scratching the dog underneath his chin. The black canine leaned his heavy head into the little palm, closing his eyes then promptly laid down partially on top of Harry his big furry head on the small chest trying to lick his face and fingers. Harry chuckled and scratched the dark fur a while longer, then glanced at the disappearing sun and purpling sky, with a start he remembered his Toady flower needed planting. With one last pat he squirmed from beneath the large canine then jogged to the wall and gathered up the trailing lily in his hands, he held the wet cloth wrapped bottom gently while supporting the pretty purple heads. The dog stayed close behind him seeming interested. Harry trotted over to the tiny pond and unwrapped the viny bulb. He placed it into the water carefully aligning the tendrils to fall to the bottom, the purple flower heads rested in the blue water on little green lily pads.

With a chirping croak, the plant awoke just like the Dandylion, the large blossoms uncurling to reveal white and purple spotted petal toads tethered to the plants by long green shoots, they croaked and hopped about, two of them diving under the water to investigate their new home. Harry crossed his legs and wiped his hands on the grass to try to free them of the wet soil, grinning at his lively garden. The dog hadn't left his side, but instead had laid down beside him, seeming to turn it's head to look at the garden around him.

Harry sat down and petted the dog, running his fingers through the thick black fur.

"Where did you come from?" He murmured, scratching the pointed ears.

The dog let out a breath that sounded like a chuckle, turning his large black head to peer at the large dark house towering behind them.

Harry looked back as well, "That's my home, do you have a home?" he chirped happily, The dog didn't look away from the house for a moment, then flicked his coal black eyes to the little boy, simply licking his face in one long stroke.

Harry laughed in delight, and jumped up; placing his hands on his knees "Are you hungry boy?" he questioned excitedly, the dog jumped up with a bark, tail wagging and tongue lolling.

Harry turned and jogged up the steps, the dog close behind him. He twisted the old handle, attempting to avoid getting it muddy. He managed quite well as he hurried inside and nudged it closed with his foot. The dog looked even bigger in the narrow hallway, it's bulk seeming a tad unfitting for the noble surroundings.

Harry pattered up the steps, walking into the main hallway, as he chattered to the dog.

"I don't think we have any dog food, but Kreacher has some sausage in the cupboard, is that okay?"

The dog licked Harry's face again, letting out another bark.

Harry giggled but brought his finger to his lips.

"Shhh, I think I should try to warn Kreacher first before he sees you. Stay right here okay?"

The dog turned in a circle and plopped down, obeying Harry instantly.

"Good dog." Harry praised, he hurried down the steps to the kitchen; he ran to the counter then looked up at the rune carved wood some feet above him, wondering how he was supposed to reach up there. The little boy pursed his lips in thought, staring up. As he did the chair seated at the table behind him began to shake. Blue sparks ran up and down the brown wood, the legs suddenly bending and walked towards Harry.

The seven year old was startled when he was suddenly scooped up by one of the chairs again like at breakfast. He beamed at the assistance, standing and arching up on tiptoe to open the cupboard door, reaching in to take out the silver platter containing the last of the sausage. Kreacher had been going to cut it up and make it with Harry's breakfast tomorrow, but the little boy didn't mind sacrificing his favorite breakfast food to the dog.

Harry closed the door and jumped down, patting the chair, "You can go back now, thanks!" and proceeded to hurry upstairs. Opening the door he found the dog pacing restlessly where he left him and excitedly yelping at his return.

"Here ya go." Harry said, placing it in front of him, the dog seemed more interested in getting Harry to play with him than the meat. He yipped lowly and ran in a circle, chasing his tail once, then bringing his paws up to wave them at Harry, coming back down to arch his back with his tail wagging.

Harry giggled, "We shouldn't play in the house, Grandmother would be disappointed if we broke something." The dog seemed to huff, letting out a sudden hacking cough and growling quietly, Harry could only smile.

The dog flopped down in front of the plate and sniffed it. Deciding that it actually smelled pretty good and snapped the half sausage link up in one bite, he sighed in contentment when Harry sat down beside him to scratch his back, bringing his large head to rest on Harry's lap.

"I always wanted a dog." Harry said softly, "I mean I love Nagini but she's not a pet."

The dog suddenly perked up at that, bringing its large head around to stare at Harry. Then suddenly launched itself from the boy and started sniffing around the room and stairwell.

Harry stood "What's wrong?" coming towards the dog.

"Poor little lost doggy." A female voice suddenly hissed out around Harry's ears, he stopped and looked around. "Did you drag it in Harry, is it for me?"

The dog began to snarl and growl its lips pulling back; it backed up to crowd Harry against the wall beneath the stairwell, pressing him into it with the canine's warmer body.

Harry placed his palm on the dog, "It's okay." The dog snapped its head around to look at him, eyes wide and confused, Harry stared back, just as puzzled. Suddenly in a second a long green tail wrapped itself around Harry's waist to yank him up and away from the dog.

The dog barked and snarled, trying to bite the snake's skin but unable to do so without hurting Harry. Nagini was stretched on the stairwell rail above, lifting the child up to her eye level.

"You really shouldn't let strays inside Harry." She hissed disapprovingly

"But if I didn't, I never would have met you!" Harry grinned, unabashed. Nagini sighed flipping the boy onto her strong back. The dog came around to stalk up the stairs to the first landing, growling low, looking vicious and frightening.

"I suppose I could go for a snack. It's so skinny though..…ah well. Run upstairs Harry, Tom has a new study sheet for you." Nagini hissed lowly looking down at the angered canine nearing her. She bared her fangs and hissed threateningly. The dog barked loudly and began to charge at the snake, Nagini reared up with poison dripping from her fangs, preparing to strike.

"NO!" With a blast of white magic a barrier erected between Nagini and the dog. The dog whined and barked from the other side, pawing at the shield.

"NOBODY IS GOING TO HURT EACH OTHER!" Harry yelled, getting down from Nagini and stomping his foot, the entire stairwell rattled and shook, the old wood creaking. His eyes seemed like two circles of bright green light, illuminating his angry expression.

"Harry?! Young Master what is going on up there?!" Harry could hear Kreacher calling up from where he was finishing the laundry. Before Harry could say anything he heard a loud crack and suddenly Kreacher was beside him on the landing. When the presence of the large dog, and twice as large snake near his charge was revealed, the already ashen skin of the house elf paled even more. With a gasp the house elf jerked Harry behind him. Pushing him toward the next flight of stairs

"Run upstairs to Master Phineas young master! Lock the door behind you!" The house elf yelled, standing as if to fight off the dog. The dog began to act strangely, it let out huffing breaths as if it were laughing, then gave a loud sound shattering bark in the direction of the elf. Kreacher flinched violently at the noise but stood his ground.

"I SAID NO!" Harry yelled again running in front of Kreacher, "I won't let it happen! NOBODY is going to hurt each other!" Harry repeated, his little chest heaving, "He's my friend Kreacher, and so is she. Let me introduce you, please" Harry looked up at Nagini, the snake had been staring at the boy, her yellow eyes fixed on his still glowing green ones. Kreacher looked at Nagini then looked away.

"I already know her young master. The Mistress of Terror, PoisonFang….Lady Deathbite." Kreacher murmured. Harry cocked his head, the glow fading as well as the barrier. The dog immediately came over to Harry, sniffing him and circling the boy before coming to a stop between him and the snake, pointedly staring at the snake but not growling.

Harry was confused, "What do you mean? Her name's Nagini."

Nagini arched herself over the dog and slithered onto Harry's shoulders, shrinking herself to settle around Harry's small frame comfortably. "I have many names Hatchling, this house elf is quite respectful, I like him,. maybe I won't eat him.".

"Please don't. I love him." Nagini flicked her gaze up to the child, seeming to pout.

"Hmph, very well."

The dog once more began circling Harry, clearly upset that the snake was now coiled around the boy's collar and shoulders.

"I suppose this one is also off the menu?" Nagini said, her eyes nonetheless following the dog when he passed her gaze.

"YES" Harry said firmly "He's my friend too, his name's…..well, actually I don't know his name…" Harry looked at the dog, placing his hands on his knees.

"I guess I should give you a name huh?"

Nagini laughed "He can't understand you small one, you're still speaking the snake tongue. He can only understand the human language."

Harry looked at her "I just thought he was real smart, you mean he can actually understand me?"

Nagini stared at the dog, then sniffed, "That is a matter of his intelligence, which is debatable given his form is a dog."

"Form?" Harry questioned, petting the restless canine to calm him.

"Yes young one, this friend of yours has a name already, a human one and a form to match it. He's not really a dog at all, just changed. It's called an Animagus" Harry stared at the dog, it was really a person?!

Huh, first a locket turns out to be a person and now a dog…what's next? The teapot and candlestick come to life and start singing? Harry began to giggle suddenly, still petting the dog.

"So…Nagini says you aren't really a dog." Harry remarked, trying to make sure he spoke in English. The dog's eyes widened, staring at Harry in shock.

The he whined, ears drooping, lowering his head and butted Harry's chest with his forehead.

"It's okay. I think that if you'd wanted to hurt me, you would have done it outside." Harry said "But, Nagini would feel better about you if you didn't hide yourself."

"Will you show me please, who you are?" Harry scratched the big black ears, the dog seemed to glare at Nagini, who merely glared back, then sighed.

Backing up, the dog closed his eyes. With a shifting of fur and paws into hair, hands and feet Sirius Black once more stood in his ancestral home. Looking so much worse for wear in grey faded robes (they'd transfigured back after a while), skinny with scraggly, unkempt black hair and unshaven face Sirius looked exactly like what he was…an escapee.

"Who are you?" Harry asked

Sirius opened his mouth but was interrupted by a high pitched screech.

"BLOOD TRAITOR FILTH! YOU DARE TO DEFILE MY MISTRESSES HOUSE!" Kreacher's face was screwed up in fury as stepped forward to yell in a loud voice..

Sirius snapped his head around to glare at the hooked nose elf "You shut the fuck up, future wall ornament." The man snarled. Then flinched and peered guiltily at Harry, realizing that maybe he should refrain from cursing. Harry placed himself in between the other quarrel now, Nagini still resting on him and still peering at Sirius.

"Okay, no more fighting. Kreacher please, I'm the heir right? So visitors are my responsibility." Harry straightened up slightly, "What's your name?" Harry asked peering up at Sirius.

"My name is Sirius Black." Harry's eyes widened and a grin split his face, with a happy yell the boy launched himself, snake and all, at the man. Wrapping his little arms around the bigger man's waist

"You're a Black too?! That makes us family!" Sirius could only stand there for a moment breathing heavily as reality sunk in, for so long he'd thought Harry Potter was dead, it had been so long that Sirius had managed to bury the grief and self hatred under rage and a plan of vengeance.

But Harry was here...asking him to be his family, and not to fight. With Nagini the fucking serpentine horror of VOLDEMORT wrapped around his goddamn shoulders like some twisted circus trick but he was here. Sirius encircled Harry in a hug, confusion, anger, but mostly a great well of relief running through him. Kneeling down to scoop the boy fully into his arms, Sirius pressed his black head on the thin shoulder.

"Yeah, Harry. It does, don't worry...everything…' Sirius tried to contain his emotions as he gasped, tears of happiness running down his cheeks. James' and Lily's son was alive…Harry was alive. 'Everything is going to be fine. I'm here…I'm here." Sirius clutched Harry closer to his chest. Uncaring of the snake slowly growing more irritated, then with a sniff Sirius stood up and patted Harry's shoulders,

"How about I get a fire going in the library and you tell me all about what's been going on around here? Huh, little heir?" Sirius said, grinning at Harry. Harry became instantly excited then paused, remembering that Tom had wanted to see him about his studies.

Well…he could always go a little later, he was sure Tom wouldn't be too mad, maybe he'd just add more to Harry's study sheet.

Harry nodded enthusiastically, taking Sirius's hand.

"Let's go, I have so much to tell you!" Harry pulled the man along up the stairs, tugging insistently. Sirius let out a sudden laugh, the mirth and happiness of this sudden discovery smoothing the lines on Sirius's forehead, making him feel like these past seven years hadn't happened. Like he had been in some kind of horrible nightmare, until he woke up and Harry was there. Smiling, happy and alive, and Sirius couldn't give him up again. The last time he had he'd lost everything. He wouldn't leave Harry again, not for Wormtail, not for anything.

Dont worry about Crookshanks cutie pies He just off doing his thing, we'll see him next chapter ^_^