Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters.

Chapter Twenty-Six

"Bad Dog"

"We'll figure something out, Sirius," Hermione said, trying to reassure him, even though she wasn't very sure herself.

"I appreciate your optimism, Hermione, but I think we all know George's potion didn't quite work completely," Sirius said, "sorry George."

"I know, Sirius, and I'm really sorry. Hermione's right though, we will figure something out. We got you out of the picture, right? Now we just have to refine things," George said hopefully.

Harry jumped in, "in the meantime Sirius, you'll have to just be my dog. I'll tell Dumbledore, of course, but just keep it to ourselves otherwise. No one else will know, we promise."

"How are you going to get him to agree with that, Harry?" Sirius asked.

"I don't know for sure, but I have an idea," he responded enigmatically. With that, Harry took off with Sirius to see Dumbledore. The girls and Ron went to bed, promising to start finding a solution to their problem the next morning.

When the four awoke the next day, Ron, Hermione and George were all anxious to find out what happened with Dumbledore, and were concerned to find that Sirius wasn't with Harry. "Harry, did Dumbledore make you send Sirius away?" Ron asked.

"He wasn't back in the picture," Hermione observed.

"I was anxious to get started on transforming him," George added.

"Hang on, hang on!" Harry said above the other voices.

"Where's Sirius?" they almost all said in unison.

"He's with Hagrid, of course! He IS a magical creature, after all," Harry explained.

"How'd you get Dumbledore to agree to keeping him?" Ron asked.

"Well, I explained how much we would learn if we figured out this magical problem. It's got to be well beyond an ordinary wizarding level. Besides, Dumbledore really likes Sirius. Hagrid's going to keep him at the hut until we figure out how to get Sirius back in human form."

"That's great, Harry, but what are we going to be telling everyone as Hogwarts about you having a dog at Hagrid's?" Hermione asked the obvious question.

"Well, that's the interesting part. We're saying that it's Aunt Marge's dog, and I have to take it instead of detention because I used magic at the Dursley's," Harry told him.

"When did you use magic at the Dursley's," George asked innocently.

"Ah, that's a whole other story. Tell you later, okay?" Harry said smiling- along with Ron and Hermione.

"How's Sirius doing?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, how is he with all of this?" Hermione wanted to know as well.

Harry shared the good and the bad. "Well, he loves being with Hagrid. Hagrid is spoiling him with all sorts of meats and treats. After all those years in Azkaban, Sirius still has to get some weight on him."

"So he's happy?" George asked for confirmation.

"Well, not exactly. Or rather, not totally."

"Why not, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"Because he's got to be in a dog show," Harry lamented.

"A dog show?" they all asked at once.

"A dog show. Dumbledore knew that Aunt Marge shows bulldogs. He figured it would raise less suspicion if we put Sirius in one as well. Needless to say, Sirius isn't too pleased about it."

"Harry, where are you going to find a dog show in Hogsmeade?" Ron asked.

"We're going to London. It's this Saturday. The good news is that Dumbledore is letting all of you to go too," Harry answered.

"But Harry, is Dumbledore going to bring you? That would be very strange seeing Dumbledore in Muggle clothes!" Hermione thought ahead.

"Maybe he's having Hagrid bring us," George suggested.

"Like that wouldn't be strange? A giant at a dog show?" Ron asked, dissing George.

"Ron, lay off George. She's just looking at possibilites," Harry said to Ron, defending his girl's honor.

"Sorry, George. I just got a mental picture of Hagrid, and it was scary!"

"No problem, Ron." Harry continued, "actually, someone you know very well is bringing us. Someone who knows Muggles very well, too."

"My dad? My dad is bringing us to London?" Ron said excitedly.

Harry laughed, "yes. Since it's the weekend, there was no need to clear it with the Ministry."

"This will be great! London, and Mr. Weasley. How fun," Hermione exclaimed. "George, you'll love Mr. Weasley," she said as an aside.

"I'm looking forward to it all. I just hope we have time before then to work on our problem. Let's not forget we still need to get Sirius back in human form," George reminded everyone.

Unfortunately, they didn't have much time to address the problem before Saturday rolled around. Schoolwork and showing Sirius the basics of showing dogs took most of their time. Sirius was especially miffed, and was acting out as often as he could. Harry tried to reason with him. "Please try to behave. We don't want Dumbledore kicking you out of Hogwarts," Harry pleaded with Sirius.

"I could be winning some dog biscuits with my old friends right now. I think I was better off in that picture than running around some ring like a monkey," Sirius groused.

Their argument was cut off when Mr. Weasley arrived with a Ministry car he'd borrowed for the occasion. "Well kids, let's get a move on. Harry, that dog isn't going to have a problem in the car, is he? I have to return it in the same condition I got it," Mr. Weasley asked worriedly.

"I'm sure he'll be fine, sir, I just walked him," Harry said emphatically, giving Sirius a stern warning look.

"Well, then let's be off," Arthur said happily. "I've never been to a Muggle dog show- or any dog show for that matter. I'm taking notes on everything."

Though Mr. Weasley was completely clueless, everything went wrong from the start. Sirius relieved himself in the Ministry car. He refused to get in the crate, and took off running as soon as they got into the meeting center. Hermione and George took off after him, while, Ron, Harry and Arthur got the information on their show time and grooming spot. When the girls finally dragged Sirius back on a leash, his growling and carrying on were bringing lots of unwanted attention from the other participants.

"Harry, are you sure your aunt shows this dog?" Mr. Weasley asked.

Ron and Harry looked at each other sheepishly, "Yes, but I don't believe he's ever won," Harry responded, again staring down the naughty Sirius.

"Well, there's a first time for everything, Harry," Mr. Weasley said encouragingly.

At the grooming station, Harry had a little time alone with Sirius. "I know you're not happy about this, Sirius, but neither are the rest of us. Please work with us. We have to buy time to find a way to transform you, don't you see?" he asked the dog imploringly.

"All right, Harry," Sirius said in a low tone, careful not to be heard by others, "I'll try. I understand. I'm just miserable, that's all."

"I know, I know. Hang in there."

When their time came, Harry put Sirius through the paces and the dog performed beautifully. Sirius seemed to actually enjoy it after the judge nodded approvingly- and Harry gave him extra treats. They won best in the hunting category and best behavior. When the time came for the best in show judging, things were looking good for an all-around win. At the final look-see, a rather unpleasant, fat Muggle woman in a too-tight dress and Coke-bottle glasses pulled Sirius' tail and said disdainfully, "too thin, not enough muscle tone." Sirius was enraged, having gotten this far, and enjoying the adulation of the crowd until then. Without thinking, he lifted his leg and let loose on the crabby lady, squirting her square in the face. The crowd started howling with laughter, and even Harry's posse couldn't help trying to stifle their grins.

The announcers got into the act with their commentary, "seems that Sirius dog didn't appreciate that assessment much."

"I'll say so, Rex. It's almost like he knew what she said," echoed the second announcer.

"Unfortunately, that won't sit well with the judges on final points." Harry knew what was coming. Although he wouldn't lose his hunt wins, Sirius was certainly out of the running for Best in Show!