At the top of the staircase, there is a dim landing with rows of deep wooden doors that skirt along the wall on both sides. A tiny shiver creeps up my back when I see the light from hanging lamps reflect off brassy doorknobs shaped like snakes. It reminds me how menacing this whole house is again.

My hearing picks up a soft thud coming from a room on the right, but Sirius doesn't seem to notice it, and leads me to the left.

"'Mione!"

I glance back suspiciously. This place calls for some serious Scooby-searchin'. Second note to self: Scope out everyone who lives in this place, and try to remember first note to self.

Sirius stops in front of a door, and I quickly look back, trying to remember which of the doors my room is. Satisfied with what I can remember, I turn back to find Sirius' shadowy figure looking curiously at me.

"You can see that well in this darkness?" he asks in his low voice.

"Comes from patrolling cemeteries every night," I shrug, "Oh, and it's part of the Slayer package too. Y'know, super-sight, and all that."

He gives a small nod of understanding, even with the thrown-in slang, and twists a serpent-headed doorknob, pushing the door open for me.

Ah, the gentleman.

Score one, Sirius, I gleefully think in my mind. But my thoughts are cut short when I glimpse the expanse of my room.

Despite the duskiness made by ceiling-high, heavy drapes that line equally large windows, I can still see the enormity of the room, and don't bother holding back a gasp as I enter. There is a large double poster-bed at the side, with a grand, rich-looking wooden desk near the curtains. There is also an upright wardrobe in the corner, next to another wooden door.

A small chandelier hangs in the middle of the room, and the ceiling is very high, making the room seem even larger, I think.

I rush in and immediately draw back the curtains, allowing some beautiful rays of pink and orange sunset light to stream into the room. Unfortunately it highlights layers of dust that coat the furniture, but I turn a blind eye as I scan the room in the new light. I notice that my battered suitcase has somehow found its way here.

"I hope that you like it," Sirius says, and I can see that he trying hard not to squint, even in the meager shades of light.

"It's wonderful," I reply, taking in the still portraits that hang from the wall.

"How come these paintings don't move?" I ask him.

Sirius looks almost out of place, now, in the brighter room. He stands in a corner, where only the faintest hint of colourful sunlight touches the plush carpet near his feet. Even more so now, he reminds me of Angel. Shying away from sunlight. Unexpectedly, an overwhelming feeling floods through me.

"These weren't done with wizard-paint. It was for privacy in the bedroom," he replies, and seems slightly uncomfortable.

I try to ease the tension a bit.

"Where does that door lead to?" I gesture to the wooden door next to the wardrobe.

"This room's an ensuite, so that's your bathroom," Sirius answers.

I shoot him a grin. Smart men always give women their own bathrooms. He looks perturbed at my sudden smile, but I head towards the door and pull it open. It leads to a small bathroom with pale blue tiles; a sink is in the corner, with a small vanity table as well. On the other side is a shower and toilet.

"I hope it's big enough. If it's not, you can move to the room down..." Sirius says, standing awkwardly in the doorway.

I cut him off by laying a hand gently on his arm. His want to please almost makes me giggle, "It's perfect, Sirius."

He gives me a small, relieved smile and heads out.

"Oh, Dumbledore said to inform you that there is a training room for you at the back of the kitchen. He said you were free to use it at any time."

I frown slightly. I didn't bring any of my training gear, except a couple of stakes, holy water and a few other weapons I managed to squash inside my suitcase. I might just have to improvise.

"Sirius," I ask before he turns to leave, "would you mind accompanying me in my first training session? I might need a hand."

He hesitates before giving a small nod.

"Great. Could you meet me here about an hour after dinner tonight?"

He nods again before leaving.

I sigh as I turn around slowly, stopping for a moment just to gather my thoughts. The day has passed in a whirl and I leisurely recap what happened since this morning as I unpack my suitcase in the last few remaining rays of twilight.