Dog Star *

by: Raven Mirage

"No animal should ever jump up on the dining room furniture unless absolutely certain that he can hold his own in the conversation." Fran Lebowitz

vi
anything but ordinary

* * *

A fingernai moon hung low in the sky. It had recently turned dark and above millions upon millions of bright stars twinkled and beckoned. Delilah lay with her hands clasped behind her head on the ground. Beside her, her new companion. Like Delilah, he was gazing up into the sky. She stole a glance and grinned at the animal. He acted so human, then again he acted just like a dog. You act immature, she thought with affection, so immature in fact I'd think you a child if you were human. Well, either that, or a very, very stubborn adult.

She removed one hand from behind her head and placed it on top of her pet's. She scratched behind his ears, letting her long-nailed, slender fingers massage with a gentle motion. "I'm glad that Jinx is going to be ok."

As soon as Steven pointed out that Jinx had also gotten his nose into the cupcakes Delilah had made a rushed call to their vet. Instructions were followed, a cat was saved, and now he lay moping up in Delilah's room on a pillow. After a very long lecture from Delilah, Jinx had figured staying up in her room was in his best interest. "Well I guess that's what I get for naming him Jinx. I was going to name him 'Hex' to piss my father off, but both he and mom said no. Can't argue with that."

*

Sirius finally realized how much Delilah hated her father. It wasn't what she said - - because a lot of children tried to anger their parents by doing things like that - - but the way she said it. It was the fire in her eyes and the deepest in flection of her voice. He could disappear off the face of the planet and she probably wouldn't care. He thought back to his own family and could empathize with her completely. However he did like Delilah's brother. Steven seemed to care a lot about Delilah despite his incessent teasing (which most of it would have left Sirius, if human, rolling around the ground). Steven was a much better man than Sirius' own brother. He also liked Delilah's mother - - even if she had kicked both of them out earlier, but that was just a mother's job.

"Speaking of names," Delilah added, fingers gently yanking on one of his ears. Sirius' eyes fluttered at the strange sensation of tingles. "I can't go around calling you 'dog' for the rest of your days, now can I?" He looked at her suddenly. He knew this was coming. She would have to name him sometime.

Well, this is it. She's going to name me "Rover", or "Fritz", or worse.... "Fluffy." I'd have to bite her for that one. He thought with amuesment. He was quite curious to see what kind of names she would pull out of that brain of hers.

Delilah scrunched up her nose, appearing to think very, very hard. Then she grinned widely. "Blacky."

He let out a very audible, and uncontrolled whine. My GOD, how unoriginal can you be! Please tell me you're joking!!!! That's not funny!

Delilah looked exceptionally hurt, then smiled again. "Calm down. I was kidding. Do you really think I'd curse you with a name like that?" Then she begin to think again, this time seriously. "Mercutio?"

Mercutio? Isn't that the man who bit the dust in Romeo and Juliet? I don't think so... He barked dissent. She nodded in agreeance, "yes. I like the name, but completely inappropriate... Hamlet? He's a tragic figure, and I see you as sort of tragic."

You have no idea. Hamlet is interesting. Good play, but the man had problems. No. Bark. She frowned. "Not Hamlet then? All righty. Verona?" She asked hopefully. "I like that."

You just want to name me something out of Shakespeare, don't you? He thought. It's not going to happen, Delilah. Sorry. "Ptolemy?" Now we're going back way ancient. I'm not into the whole classical period thing. Ptolemy? Do I look like a Ptolemy, really... He shook his head, ears flopping around his head. One landed over an eye and Delilah laughed. Well, I'm glad you thought that was funny... "Ares?" (A/N: pronounced Air-eez.)

Still going for the classical aren't we? Ares... isn't that the bloodthirsty god of war? He wrinkled his nose and gave a startled glance at her. I'm not that bad am I? "Never mind." Delilah said quickly. "That's a very bad name for a hero. Isn't it?" He raised his head and gazed at her in surprise. Hero? She smiled softly and stroked him affectionately. "I haven't had time to thank you for saving me from Jameson. I know it was you. I hope you bit him real good for me..." She giggled. "I wish I could have seen his face."

Sirius was amused, but at the same time he felt his insides turn. Oh yeah. I got him good. Although I don't know whether you would have wanted to see that look on his face... He lowered his head again, eyes filled with sadness. Jameson was a jerk, but it still hurt that people thought him so horrible, so ... guilty. Oh, Delilah. What would you think of me if you knew?

"You gave me a second chance, dog," Delilah continued somberly. "I guess I thought that I should give you the same. You gave me my life, the least I could do was try to give you one..... that's it. Chance. How about Chance."

Oh don't go getting all mushy on me now. Chance? It'll sound like I'm a piece from monopoly... He snorted. She mock-glared. "Well, sorry you think that's funny. I won't get fluffy on you again. That's it for me telling my feelings. Hn... I should just name you that, Fluffy, and get it over with...." He gave her a warning stare and snorted again. "Snuffles." She laughed. "I like snuffles." He whined. "Hey. shutup. It fits. You're always doing it. Don't you dare disagree because I know its true." He moped.

"Well, if you're going to be all depressed about it..." She huffed. "Fine. Just lemme think some more. You're so bloody picky. You're a dog... I don't even know why I'm bothering to listen to you..." She began to study the sky again and Sirius followed suit. What would she think of this time? "You know, I've always loved the constellations, the stars. I imagine each one is an angel and that everyone of us has his or her own angel to protect and guide them from above. I'd like to think my uncle is up there." Her voice caught a hitch.

"He was killed some years ago. I was twelve. It was two years before you-know-who was defeated.... it was his men." She sniffled. "He... he um... married a muggle. They didn't like muggles and well, I suppose he should have picked his friends better..." She sighed. Sirius gazed at her thoughtfully. He knew exactly how she felt. He also knew about such betrayal amoungst supposed friends. He waited for her to cry, to shed a tear, but not one came. She kept the hurt in well. "I'll never forget that symbol above their house..."

She suddenly perked up, as if pushing the memories away were as easy as breathing. "Well, back to the names. I'm stupid you know. I never thought of it, but I've been sitting here staring at possible names for a while. You see that constellation there..." She pointed. "That's canis major... and that one there... canis minor. You're a dog. I should chose something from there." She looked thoughtful. "Procyon?" She inquired.

Procy-wha.... I can't even pronouce that, much less answer to it.

"Yeah, that is a little over the top, isn't it." She conceded. He wuffed. "Gomeisa? I could call you Gome?"

Gome? I wish I'd have taken Hamlet.

"Adhara... no wait that sounds like a girl's name. MIrzam... same thing. Erm. Wezen?"

Wezen? Sounds like some weird type of lever.

"I have it! Brilliant. Sirius!"

I shouldn't. I really shouldn't. Don't take the name, Padfoot. Don't let her call you Sirius. You're in enough trouble as it is. Do not draw attention to yourself.... No matter how much he knew he should just let her go on he found himself wagging his tail and barking happily. It would be nice to have someone say his name without hatred lacing their tone.

"Siri it is then." Delilah laughed. "I should have thought of that right off. It means 'Dog Star' you know."

*

"You named him WHAT?" Lenny cried. Delilah was laying across her bed, one hand hanging off the side so she could pat on her newly-named pet. Lenny had called her soon after she had come in from stargazing to see how she was. He had meant to call earlier but his family went to church then went off visiting for the day.

"Sirius." Delilah answered finally, grinning despite herself. Even though Lenny was a muggle he was well aware of who Sirius Black was and what he had supposedly done. His family of course just thought he was a normal fugitive, but Lenny, due to his friendship with the three magically inclined, had inside information.

"Your dad doesn't know yet does he?"

"No, but I can't wait until he does. I mean what more could I ask for to really set him off. I mean it's not my fault Sirius was the most perfect name for him. Right, Siri?" She asked, looking down. He woofed in agreeance. Jinx shot them both glares as if to say 'I'm trying to sleep here!' "Don't worry about it, Len. You worry way too much." She frowned. Lenny was always trying to hold the world on his shoulders.

"Fine. I won't worry about it. Just tell me when you're going to break the news to him because I want to put some muffs on my ears." He replied. Delilah could see him pushing his glasses up with one finger, that look of complete disapproval written all over his stern face.

"Ok then. Anyway. I don't think he's going to care as long as he's my dog. He's not even been home since I brought Sirius in. I hope he keeps it up..."

*

"So. I see you really are keeping that mongrel." Delilah's father said, cold eyes sweeping over the big black dog with disapproval. That's the last thing his daughter needed, a mangy dog sharing her living space. It was dinner time at the Tanner house and he had decided to come home. He had hoped she had gotten over this absurd nonsense of bringing another animal into the house.

"Yes." Delilah replied casually, dropping her hand to pat the dog's head. "He's staying. We've had this discussion, Father." She raised her eyes to look at him. He ruffled a bit, but said nothing. Indeed he remembered the arguement. Delilah smirked at the memory.

"Well, what am I suppose to call him, 'mutt'?" Her father asked, still giving the animal a look of complete hatred and disgust. Delilah watched her father's expression, her own emotions tightly guarded. She didn't know why but she was very angry that he dared to say that the dog was worthless, no better than dirt. This animal had saved her life, and against all known logic she sensed there was something extremely special about the grim-like canine.

Her fingers once again tangled in the long, luxurious fur. The feeling of the silk strands beneath her hand brought calming influence to her. She would not rise to her father's insolence. "No. He has a name." Delilah waited until he raised an eyebrow until she answered, informing him of the name she had picked the night before. "Sirius."

*

Delilah lay in bed, a gentle smile curving her lips. The effect had been perfect. She didn't know anyone could turn that red. Her father had been furious. Her mother had paled so bad she nearly had become transparent. Delilah had felt bad about that, but the look on her father's face was still priceless and out did any other emotions she had been feeling. Steven was the lucky one and managed to slip away whilst she received a very long in-depth ranting about her choice of pet names. It was like she had invoked the dark lord's name or something.

Well, she had done that. "...would you prefer me name him Voldemort?" After that comment she had been sent up to her room. Trying to hide her gladness she collected her pet and marched upstairs.

She now threw a glance over to the animal. Sirius was not sleeping. She grinned wider. "Can't sleep either?" He raised his head, dark eyes and fur gleaming in the moonlight streaming through her window. He looked magical. Maybe you are. She thought bemused. She crooked a finger at him. "C'mere." He whined softly and shook his head. She sighed. "Fine. I was going to give you the offer of sleeping with me in this nice comfy bed, but once again you refuse me." She shrugged, but continued to smile. She just couldn't figure out this dog.

She crawled back under the covers, her mind turning to his eyes. She was almost afraid to meet them due to their depth. They were like two dark voids filled with enchantment and beauty. Animals don't have eyes like that. She thought. He was just too human. She gave much credit to animals. Many were very intelligent. Some were close to being geniuses. Still, the chance that she had somehow come across a wandering animal prodigy was against all possibility. There was something about Sirius she couldn't peg, but she knew that he was anything but ordinary.

*

Sirius deep contentment grew each moment he was with Delilah. There was something about her that reached within and brought to life a dormant yearning. He wished that things were been different, that he wasn't a fugitive framed for murder, that he didn't have to hide. He had been alone for so long. Hated. Cursed. Friendless. Now to hear his name spoken from her gentle lips it was like he was alive again, he was back. Even if she did not trully know who he was. For the first time in twelve years, since the tragic murder of his best friend, he felt happy.

Delilah was such a warm person he could feel nothing other than happiness near her. Happiness and pride. She treated everyone with caring. She had a humour that was both cheesy, witty, and endearing. She was strong. He had sensed that in her right away, but only now was he realizing just how strong she was. Also she had guts, something he admired. Not only had she chosen to name him "Sirius" under the circumstances and challenge her father, but she had said Voldemort's name. Not many had the courage to do that. Delilah was definetely anything but ordinary.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sorry it took me so long to get this chapter out, but the modem on my computer fried. I was internet-less for a whole week. Oh the horror!!! *sniffles* But! I am back. This is a short chapter I know, but I've been throwing all my energy into fixing the stupid modem and preparing for my senior year. I start Thursday (Two days from now). Yay me. Is it just me or when they screw up your schedule do they ever screw up your schedule.

Anyway. I didn't really like this chapter that much. The beg. and end were ok, but the middle Im not too proud of. I also think it was kinda dumb for her to really name him Sirius, but hey, that's what I wanted to do. I gave a lil bit more background on Delilah. Had an appearence from Lenny. Yay!

Thank You's

I dearly thank all that have been with me since the first chapter. As always I owe it all to you. Also I keep seeing new "faces" and I welcome you to my fic. Through your reviews I feel like I'm getting to know you all (and some I've actually become friends with - - Hi, Ally!) and am glad that you have taken some of your precious time to stop and momentarily drop a spotlight on me.

*sniffles & bows*

Sirius: Getting a little emotional now are we?
Rave: Oh be quiet.

R&R as always and I hope to see you in Chapter 7 (From the floor, looking up). Delilah finally meets the real Sirius!!! Who will be more surprised? Delilah or Sirius?