Written for The Houses Competition!

House Hufflepuff writing for the Themed Category!

Prompt used: Hogsmeade

Word count: 763

My amazing beta(s): DinoDina, Aya Diefair, Puffers aren't Duffers.

Title: Siriusly a pet?

Sirius padded along on all fours, slipping past the calm streets of Hogsmeade. They were very different during the summer; he'd only been here during the optional trips at Hogwarts. As he turned a corner, he paused and contemplated changing back into his human form to buy something from one of the stores, but changed his mind. If he had any chance of getting to Hogwarts, he best remain in his Animagus form.

"Look at that poor doggy," a child's voice said as a hand abruptly touched him.

Sirius quickly turned but froze when he saw the child was only a couple of years old - four if he had to guess. At the alarmed look on the parent's face, he laid down to appear less threatening. He almost regretted it as the young girl dropped to her knees and hugged him tightly.

"Can we keep him?"

The male bent down, running a smooth hand over Sirius' back with a soft smile before it went up to his neck. "I'm not sure your mother would like us taking in a stray, Barbie."

Sirius knew he should walk away as the chances of being thrown into a pound would not be his idea of fun - however, he had run away from home and didn't have anywhere to live; at least he'd get something to eat.

"B-but Daddy! He's all alone! Please! I'll take care of him, and walk him, and clean him, and-"

The dad's chuckle seemed to stop the girl. "How about we take him home," he paused as Barbie squealed with joy, "and see if we can find him a good home?"

A good home sounded nice, but they didn't know that Sirius wasn't really a dog - he couldn't be anybody's pet. However, he allowed himself to be picked up and carried for a few minutes until they went into the Floo.

This family had known him - well, Padfoot - for less than an hour and had been more of a family to him than his own. He was warm, fed, and loved. The amount of cuddles little Barbie - who he found out was five - had given him would last him a lifetime.

He snuggled up to Barbie, enjoying the soft giggles that ignited from her. "Daddy's going to convince Mummy to let me have you as a pet. Would you like that?"

Sirius didn't know how to respond to that; he wouldn't be able to stay here longer than the summer.

"What's your name? I think Scruffy would be the best name for you. Do you like it?" she questioned, tilting her head before smiling and continuing. "Daddy said I could have an owl when I go to Hogwarts… or a cat, or a toad. I wish I could take a dog, then you could go with me! But don't worry, I see the students visiting Hogsmeade a lot! So, I promise I'll visit you loads!"

"Barbara," her mother called, stepping into the room. "You need to get ready for bed."

Barbie nodded as she stood. "Come on, Scruffy."

"Scruffy will sleep down here, Barbs."

The sad look on the five-year-old's face was so sweet that Sirius would have given in. Her mother, however, didn't.

Sirius watched the two walk from the room before he laid down on the couch, his head dangling off, finally not fearing the homelessness. He realised that he shouldn't have tried to go to Hogwarts. Yes, it was his home, but it was the people that made it his home. Nor should he have let this family take him in for it would only cause sadness. The longer he remained here, the more heartbreaking it would be for Barbie when he left.

He should have gone to James, Remus, or Peter. He was always slightly closer with James, them both having a lot more in common, so it made sense that he should have been the first option. Remus and Peter both lived in the Muggle world; that wasn't something he'd be comfortable doing. He could just Floo to James'.

Waiting for the room to empty, leaving him alone, Sirius closed his eyes before transforming back into his usual self and Flooing back to Hogsmeade - not wanting the kind family to follow him - before instantly Flooing to James' house. He didn't even think that it was the middle of the night; he knew the Potters wouldn't mind.

The one thing on his mind as Charlus Potter entered the room, his wand lowering instantly, was that one day he'd repay the family who had willingly taken him in.