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

vii
from the floor, looking up

* * *

It was late morning when Sirius finally roused himself, feeling completely rested. He stretched the best he could in dog form and looked over to the bed. Delilah was still asleep; his keen animal senses could pick the sound of her soft breathing out of the roar of rain coming down outside the window. He turned his gaze to the steady stream of water washing down the pane, the sky beyond appeared a pale grey and the clouds darker, nearly black. He padded over, took a spot beside it, and watched. There was nothing else to do until Delilah awoke.

Which might be a while. Sirius thought with amusement, eyes lighting for a moment. He had believed the feeling of peace that had crept up into him would be gone when he woke up, but it was still there coursing strongly through his very soul. Maybe it was the dog side of him. He could try to attribute the emotions to that, but knew better. It was Delilah. It was like he had been living in the dark his entire life and suddenly someone turned on a lightbulb. And like the scenario it was utterly shocking.

His own emotions confused him. He should be apprehensive to caring for a stranger so deeply, but wasn't. Through the near-week he had been with her he felt he knew a great deal about her life. He admired her, was in awe of her sometimes. He had to admit he found her odd style attractive, endearing. She was her own person and no one would take that away from her. It read in her eyes. Her deep blue eyes, another thing that entranced him. You could fall in love with eyes like that.

A hot bolt rushed through him, curled his insides. He was suddenly afraid. He was getting too attached to this girl. Too late, Padfoot, you're desperately attached to her. He was foolish. He should have guarded himself better. If he had been paying attention to his growing feelings he would have caught himself before it happened. He might not be falling in love with her... but he sure as hell felt something other than friendship, or even mere attraction. He whined. What have you done to yourself?

"You okay?" Delilah's melodic voice came suddenly from behind. He jumped as her hand slid gently down his back before finally resting atop his head to play with his ears. His heart beat faster before threatening to stop. He didn't know how to respond, how to feel now that he was aware of the change within himself. "Rain got you down?" She questioned, lips quirking into a soft smile. His stomach turned again.

Dammit, Sirius! Get a grip. Stop doing this. Stop, now. That, however, was like telling the relenting rain outside to freeze in motion. It was like trying to part the red sea if you weren't moses. Okay, so you think she's pretty. That has to be it. You just think she's really pretty. He looked into her eyes, so brilliant and sanguine even in the gloom of the morning. He moaned to himself. You think she's more than pretty..... He forced himself to look back out the window.

Something caught his eyes down below on the street. A figure in the rain, made almost imperceptible by the rain and murkiness, but there was no doubt someone was out there. He concentrated on the deathly still form. The rain didn't seem to be reaching them, but bouncing away before impact, leaving the person dry. A simple spell. A deep growl rumbled from his chest. He knew exactly who this person was, even if the reason for him being there eluded him. He could make out Chris Jameson's cold, cruel, blue eyes even from this distance. They seemed to glow with hatred, mockery.

Delilah gasped above. She saw him, too. Sirius could tell she was afraid. He wanted to rip Jameson apart for frightening her, for hurting her. She turned, throwing on a robe. Sirius followed her from her bedroom, down the stairs, and to the front door. She wrenched it open and stalked outside, stealing herself against her fear. She stopped just outside the door, calling to Jameson, "what are you doing here?"

*

Delilah dreamt of dark mesmerizing eyes. They were haunting, filled with sorrow and longing. They said no words but spoke to her soul, crying out tragedy and mistakes. Guilt. Self-blame. Anyone with eyes so beautiful, so expressive should not be allowed to suffer so. As the shadows covered her she felt like she was falling forward into their black voids swirling with so much emotion. It mattered not and she allowed herself to become lost in their shade, so familiar, yet where she had seen them eluded her. They were so exquisite she would never be able to look away.

She woke, her breath catching as if she had been suffocating. The intensity of those eyes had frightened her, enthralled her. She felt a mix of wariness and giddyness. She almost laughed at herself for being so childish. She ran a hand through her hair and glanced over to the window. Sirius. So strange, the dog was watching the rain. Something about the scene made her think him sad, made her sad. So she rose and went to him. "You okay? Rain got you down?"

He jumped, something very un-dog-like. She watched him a moment. Chills ran through her when she realized the human quality to which he was staring at her. Before she could think more of it he returned his attention back outside. She had no time to think. Almost immediately his fur began to ruffle. As Delilah followed his gaze she realized why. Her heart froze. Jameson...

For years they had stood enemies on either side of the line. Delilah had never feared him for he had been nothing but an annoyance. He was scum, and he made her sick. The way he treated fellow human beings was despicable. Yet he had crossed that line and if it wasn't for Sirius then she would very much be dead. He had shown her fear. She hadn't felt true fear for many years. She would hate him for that forever. He couldn't know that, so she had to face him.

*

"I'm just taking a walk." Jameson replied, blue eyes moving over the two. Sirius watched him warily, standing close beside Delilah. He knew Jameson wouldn't dare try anything while he was there. He was a coward, plain and simple. He was suddenly very glad for choosing to stay. He had been right. Jameson wasn't going to leave this alone. Then neither shall I.

"In the rain? I doubt it." Delilah countered, pulling her robe tightly around her shivering form. "I know you're up to something." She glared. "I wonder what would happen if your family found out that you had tried to kill me... and failed. What would they say to you knowing you had put yourself at such a risk to disgrace and not fixed it?" Jameson's eyes sparked. "Yes, thought so. Guess what.... it's not happening. You're not ever going to get me."

"Says you." Jameson said, his eyes now locked on Sirius who growled low. "Speaking of disgrace. What would people say if they knew about this pathetic excuse for a pet here, huh? Pet, my ass."

"What the hell are you talking about?" Delilah's face skewed in confusion and anger. "What are you getting at?"

"Oh... You mean you don't know." Jameson smiled wide, blue orbs brightening greatly. Sirius moved forward in warning, bounding across the rain-soaked yard. He couldn't let Jameson tell her. Not now. Not like this. If she was to know then he would tell her, not this creep with an attitude problem. Jameson pulled out his wand, aimed it at him. Sirius froze. He wasn't a fool. In a low voice that only they two could hear Jameson whispered, "I'd stop now if I were you, sir. It seems I have the advantage at the moment. If you don't want your dirty little secret out then I would advise you step back. I don't know why you are here, and I don't care. Stay out of this." He hissed.

Behind him Delilah was approaching cautiously, calling out. "Sirius! Siri, come!" Jameson shook his head then apparated. Sirius was shaking with anger. How dare he speak like that. He hadn't been so bold at their last meeting. Arms wrapped around his neck. "Foolish dog." Delilah said, but heard nothing but affection lacing her voice. He realized that the rain was still coming down and that they were both completely soaked. He allowed her to usher him back to the house.

*

Once again Delilah's father avoided breakfast. He was probably still upset about her choice of dog names. It mattered not. She ate quickly, gathered her pet and then left for work. It had stopped raining by this time and an even sheen coated the grass and the sidewalks were darkened. She splashed through a few puddles, grinning as she did so. She pretended like the events of the morning hadn't happened. It was easier to place one foot in front of the other that way.

When she got to work Henri was there lounging in the main office. "Allo." She greeted, leaning over his shoulder to grab the copy of the Daily Prophet. "So, what horrid things are afoot this morning?" She inquired, smirking softly.

"Well, for one thing that Sirius Black fellow is still running amok.... God only knows what he's done since he escaped." Henri shook his head.

Delilah frowned as she took a look at the paper. Once more Black had made front page. In the the article were updates and information that the Ministry was allowing the public to know, not to mention the ?nth retelling of his horrible deeds. Beside the article was his picture. She was sure that wasn't the best picture the man had ever taken. She sat down across from Henri and studied it. Something seemed very familiar about the picture, but she couldn't put her finger on it. "You know..." She mused, raising her eyes to Henri momentarily, "cleaned up a bit I'm sure he'd be very handsome."

Henri gave her a warning look. "If your planning on searching him out for a date I'd advise against it." He said, and then as an afterthought added, "and yes, I heard he was very keen with the ladies back when he was younger."

Delilah reached down and patted her Sirius on the head. "I believe it." She said. "It's the eyes I bet." She took a closer look, her own eyes widening. The eyes from her dream... But it can't be. I've never seen Sirius Black in my life... Maybe I saw his picture before and remembered them. Yes, that's it. She placed the paper down on the table again and pried her eyes away from the picture. She hated the way she was drawn to it, like it reminded her of something.

"You aren't going to look for him?" Henri asked, worry tinting his voice. Delilah had to laugh. Henri was so serious.

"Of course not." She giggled. "I'm not suicidal." She joked, but found her gaze returning again to the picture. Were those sad, dejected eyes trully those of a killer?

*

Sirius really didn't want to part from Delilah, but he didn't want to look too eager to follow her around. Despite the rain the air was humid and hot. He spent most of his time lazing about in the office, occasionaly snatching glances outside to see if Delilah was still all right. He didn't mind admitting Jameson had frightened him this morning. He was sure that he had come to exact revenge. However, he was more angry than frightened. If Jameson ever dared lay another hand on Delilah Sirius would rip him apart, piece by piece, and make sure he suffered while he did it.

The door swung open around a quater til five. "Come, Sirius." Delilah said. "We're getting off early. Let's go." He got to his feet and placidly followed her. He was still trying to sort out his feelings for her. He had been protective of her before, but now it was an overwhelming need to keep her safe. He was beggining to think her beautiful, was completely drawn to her eyes. He hated to be alone and prefered to be in her company. I think this might be how Prongs felt... He thought. That scared him.

*

"Home," Delilah sighed, closing the door behind her. "I'm going to go change. You mill around down here." With that she bounded up the stairs, leaving Sirius to fend for himself. No one else was home so he took the liberty to explore a room usually off limits. Delilah's father's study. The door was ajar and he slipped through. He listened for a moment to make sure Delilah was still upstairs before changing back. On the desk was a copy of the Daily Prophet. Today's. It was the same one Delilah had been looking at.

He remembered the way she had commented about him. "You know, cleaned up a bit I'm sure he'd be very handsome..." and "It's the eyes I bet." He wondered how she would feel if she were to know he loved her eyes just as well. He smiled, the action softening his features considerably. Then he frowned as he picked up the paper. Oh, yes, ruddy picture. They couldn't have found a better one? He sighed. What else had he expected from the Ministry?

*

Delilah pulled on a pair of shorts and stared at a couple shirts before deciding on a hunter green sleeveless t-shirt. She couldn't get that dream out of her head. Those eyes haunted her even in waking. She thought desperately, trying to remember where she had seen those eyes. She hadn't yet convinced herself of the scenario that she had thought of at work; that she had seen Black's picture somewhere else and her subconcious decided to have a little fun.

Sirius.

Delilah almost froze. She knew exactly where she had seen those eyes before. Her dog. Her saviour. "Holy shit..." She whined, and immediately took off for downstairs. She had to know she wasn't crazy. She reached the first floor and looked around. No Sirius, but the door to her father's study was open a little more than usual. She rolled her eyes. Bad Dog. That's a way to get on my father's good side... sneak into his office. She went and pushed open the door and marched into the room.

"I swear, do you have any idea what my father would do to you if - -" Delilah became a human popsicle. Ice raced through her body. Standing before her was not dog, but man, and not just any man. The real Sirius Black. He was very tall and thin. Too thin. His face was gaunt. Long masses of tangled ebony hair fell past his shoulders. She stumbled backward, toppling over a misplaced chair. She made a vague squeak sound as she hit the floor.

She tried to climb back to her feet, but found herself ensarned by the chair. She turned her gaze back to the man above her. He had retreated a couple steps. It occured to her he was just as shocked as she was. Then she saw hurt and defeat in his eyes. Those same mesmerizing, sorrowful eyes she had dreamt about, somehow adored. In an instant everything fell into place. Looking into those eyes she knew. He was no killer, nor was he a threat.

She was surprised not to feel any fear, but only warmth. Things sure were in a different perspective from the floor, looking up. She gave up trying to free herself and said. "So, are you just going to stand there, or are you going to be a gentleman and help me up?"

*

The moment the door swung open Sirius knew it was over. Delilah was going to turn him in, and he was to let her. She was going to pull a wand on him, and she was probably talented with it considering all those books on Auror Training he had seen in her room. He couldn't hurt her. He only felt defeat. She, like everyone else, was going to her back on him. That feeling of failure and hurt wrenched his heart like nothing else could. It had been nice while it lasted.

Then she had smiled, "So, you just going to stand there, or are you going to be a gentleman and help me up?" He snapped his full attention to her. What did she say? He was completely shocked. Where was the wand? The hurried warning to stay away? Indeed, she was asking him to come closer. "Well?" She demanded. That same easy tone in her voice.

"I- I'm sorry." He said, and moved forward to pull her to her feet. As soon as she was up he retreated again. She put the chair upright and turned to him, that same playful grin quirking her lips.

"So. This is the notorious Sirius Black." She said, "Well, Mr. Black, you're very shy for a man who was supposed to have murdered thirteen people." His eyes widened even furthur. This wasn't the way it was supposed to go - - not like he was complaining. He was just confused. He didn't know how to react to this. He had expected screaming, curses. Not this.

"Yes." He replied. "I am Sirius Black. No, I am not a murderer. I was framed. I know you probably will not believe me and I understand. I suppose that you are going to turn me into the Ministry now."

"No." She informed. "I do believe you."

"Why?" He asked. "What if I am a killer? Was that any way to speak to me?"

"As I said, I do not believe you killed anyone. The reasons are clear. I'm sorry you don't see them. Firstly you saved my life. You could have killed me at anytime, me and my entire family, so you could escape. You didn't. If you really did kill those people then what would I be to you? Nothing. The other reasons are my own and I wish to keep them to myself."

He nodded respectfully, noting the warning tone in the last sentence. He felt a heavy weight lift from him. She wasn't going to turn him in. She didn't hate him. The best of all: She believed him innocent. She gazed at him solemnly, then almost in amusement said, "I'm sure you're hungry, I am. What do you want for dinner?" He raised an eyebrow.

*

Delilah busied herself in the kitchen. Sirius was upstairs. She had offered him her shower, and had given him a toothbrush as a sign of invitation to stay, to let him know he was welcome here. One did not offer such things if they planned to kick their guest out. She thought of his gentle, thankful, but sad smile. He had caught the invitation. She smiled, also. She stirred the contents of the pot, day-dreaming wistfully of him. He was very handsome and expected to find him even more so. His dark, piercing eyes seemed to look into her very soul and instead of being scared she was excited. His deep voice was gruff at times, but she found it very sexy. Not to mention the way he moved. His whole aura seemed to ripple with power and poignant grace.

She shook her head. She had only known him for a week at most and now she hopelessly adored him. She giggled to herself, realizing just how childish she was being. She didn't care. Of course she knew she would never have a chance with him. He was at least ten years older than she was. He most likely wouldn't even think of spending that kind of time with a silly little twenty-six year old. However, she could still find him attractive.

She went upstairs when she finished fixing dinner. "Sirius. It's finished." She said, closing the door behind her. She turned and lost her breath and all concious thought. He was standing in her bathroom door, wearing only a towel tied low around his slim hips. His damp obsidian hair clung to features, dripping water around his frame. She caught herself watching one trek down his chest and shook her head gently. He didn't seem to notice, for he was preoccupied.

"Do you have another towel?" He pointed to his hair. She nodded dumbly and quickly moved past him and dug through a lower cabinet of the sink. "Ah. Didn't think of looking there. Didn't want to nose around." He said. She smiled nervously, a tinge of rose creeping onto her cheeks. Good God, he's gorgeous.

*

Sirius inwardly grinned at Delilah. He saw the red that suddenly coloured her face. It was good to know he still had that effect on women, especially this one. Still, he had no chance with her. He was a fugitive. She didn't seem to mind that, but it wouldn't make for a healthy relationship. Also, he had to be at least ten years older. Why would she want someone so ... old. God, he felt old. He wasn't ancient, but he wasn't the strapping young man he had been before being thrown into prison. "Brush?" He inquired, after momentarily towel-drying his hair.

Delilah nodded and reached past him and pulled one out of another drawer. She handed it to him. "I fixed some spagetti for dinner. I hope that's ok. The meatballs are a little mishapen," she grinned, "but I don't think that matters much. I'm not a chef, but I'm sure it's not poisonous."

"Trust me, it can't be any worse than the food at Azkaban.... or dog food." He shot her an amsued look. She looked sheepish and apologized. "It's ok." He said, trying to pull the brush through his hair. He cursed as it caught more than a few tangles. Delilah sighed and took it from him.

Grabbing the towel from the counter she said, "follow me." He did so. She pointed to the edge of her bed and bade him to sit down. Reluctantly he did so. She took a position behind him. She dried his hair a little more, then picked up the brush again. "Tangles are the worse. I found it's easier to let someone else get them out when they're this bad." She began at the bottom. "Tell me if I yank too hard." He nodded once. "Keep still." She scolded.

"Sorry, all right." He answered, but had to smile. Minutes passed in silence, but he found it comfortable. She worked diligently, muttering to herself every once in a while. Sometimes they were just random curses, sometimes, to his surprise, they were disapprovals of the ministry. She placed the brush to the side and ran her hands through it to make sure she didn't miss one.

"All done." She said, "If you want me to I'll trim it later." She offered.

He turned to look at her. "Would you? These split ends are annoying me." She laughed and shook her head. "Thank you, Delilah." He added seriously. "You don't need to do any of this for me." He placed a hand over hers, which lay on his shoulder.

"Yes I do." She replied. Her hand turned and her fingers curled around his. "And I want to. Now, how about the food?"

"Yes. How about that food."

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

*does a dance* This is my favorite chapter! I didn't know whether I should have gone ahead with the developing feelings, but I knew that I would have to do it sooner or later. I think they fit kinda well into this chapter. What do you think?

Again. Thank you all for such wonderful reviews.

Roses - - Yay! I'm glad to hear from you. I hope all is going well at your new place of residence. You still haven't sent me a letter! *sniff* Please do so soon. And did anyone ever tell you that you were insane. *wink* LYLAS

Lady Cinnibar - - don't worry. "evil events" are not taking place in my story.

Abraxis - - thanks for not thinking the naming idea was stupid. (same for Mockingbirdflyaway)

Ally - Sup? Glad ur still liking my story... and I'm still in anticipation of Chapter 5 of yours. ^_^

L`etoile - - Hope you had fun in Jamaica. Sounds like a cool place. Thanks for the compliment on the relationship compatibility. I was unsure if it really was believable. I'm always afraid of putting two people together that wouldn't find each other in real life.

Sunkyssed, NervHQ, Annoriel, and all else who were excited about this chapter - - I was excited writing this, too. Delilah finally meeting Siri, yay!

Sam - - lol Sorry again for the lateness, but thank you for the understanding. It really is heck when I lose the internet. *sniffles*

Lady Matsu - - You like my story obsessively so? *feels proud also* I never really expected any of my stories to be liked at all.

xxSilmarilBladexx - - My story's cute! Glad you liked last chapter.

To anyone else I couldn't fit - - You're all cool, too! * bow *

Next chapter: More Delilah and Sirius fun. And reasons why you should never eat a whole bag of sweets in one sitting... ^_^