For the Alphabet Competition (elephant) and Climb to the Top of Mount Potter Challenge (healthy)

He had always dreamt of running away and joining the circus. Given the tensions at home, a life on the road, surrounded by fire eaters and acrobats seemed like a glamorous life.

Shoveling waste left behind by the elephants, however, is not quite glamorous. Still, Sirius thinks as he sets the shovel aside and admires the grey beasts, it's much better than being home, listening to his parents spread their malicious words.

"So, you're the new one," a voice calls.

Sirius turns, his heart skipping a beat when he sees Remus Lupin, the crowd's favorite. Sirius has found himself watching the handsome man more often than he would like to admit. It isn't just his good looks that draws Sirius in. Known as the Master of Beasts, Remus has a wild air about him.

"Sirius," Sirius says quietly. "I already know who you are. Don't think there's anyone in Europe who doesn't."

Remus chuckles and moves closer, pressing a scarred hand to Mimi the elephant's front legs. She lets out a trumpeting sound before moving her trunk over and patting Remus on the head. "Wild dogs were my first love," Remus says quietly. "Then I moved up. Dad nearly had a heart attack when he found me wrestling with wolves in the back yard. But, really, all animals seem drawn to me."

"Humans, too," Sirius says boldly.

Remus chuckles. "I wish. Humans never seem to want to get close," he says, his tawny eyes sweeping over Sirius' body. "At least, not out there. In here is different."

"I wouldn't mind getting close."

Another chuckle. Remus pulls away from Mimi and steps closer to Sirius. "We'll see if you stick around. Most people grow bored of shoveling dung after a few shows," he says. "Stick around, and we'll see if you really want to get close."

…

"Mimi, you've already eaten yours. Don't eat Pascal's too!" Sirius reprimands.

It's been nearly a month on the road. He's advanced in his duties and is now in charge of anything dealing with the elephants. It's strange, but he feels closer to them now than he ever has to his own family.

"Soon you'll be part of the act," Remus calls, brushing fur from his shirt as he joins Sirius.

Sirius shakes his head. It's a nice thought. He would love to be in the ring among all the action. But it seems impossible.

"She would probably let you on her back," Remus continues. "Elephants are nice and all, but an elephant with a rider would draw a larger crowd."

"I could never-"

Before Sirius can finish his sentence, Remus pulls a ladder from the storage. He positions it near Mimi and gestures. Sirius swallows. It's absolutely mad. He isn't part of an act. He's just someone behind the scenes, content with keeping the elephants happy and healthy.

"I really shouldn't."

"Nonsense. Look at her. She's waiting."

Sirius studies Mimi. As strange as it may seem, Remus is right. The elephant seems to have an expectant, almost impatient look in her eyes.

Hesitantly, Sirius climbs the ladder and slides onto her back. It feels strange, but not terribly uncomfortable.

"Go on, girl," Remus instructs.

Mimi trumpets and stamps her feet before taking a step. Sirius gulps, realizing too late that there is nothing that he can hold onto for support. He takes a deep breath, his heartbeat so fast that it's almost painful.

But Mimi is careful. Each step she takes is slow, almost calculated. "This isn't so bad," Sirius laughs.

"Pascal would probably try to throw you and stomp on you. He's a bit temperament," Remus calls.

"Pleasant."

"That's the circus life."

…

It takes another month, but, with Remus' help, riding atop an elephant almost feels like second nature to Sirius. It makes him want to write home and tell them about his great adventures. He knows that his family would burn the letter without opening it, so he keeps his dream to himself.

…

"What's this?" Sirius asks, surprised to find Albus, the ringmaster in the elephant quarters with Remus.

"Remus has told me that you should be part of the show," Albus answers. "An elephant rider? We had one once, but she felt that psychic readings were more her style."

Sirius looks at Remus, incredulous. It's wonderful, but so insane. "I- It's just something I tried for fun," he says.

"He's a natural," Remus adds. "You should have seen him, Albus. He and Mimi were as in tune as my wolves and me."

"Madam Malkin will have you fitted for a suit," Albus says. "You'll be on tomorrow."

With a bright grin, the ringmaster takes his leave. Sirius stares after him, jaw slack. "Did he say tomorrow?" he asks.

"He did."

For a moment, Sirius feels as though he may faint. He slides to the floor, taking a deep breath. Remus joins him, taking his hand.

"At least you a day's warning. I learned that I would be performing about three hours before I had to enter the ring. You'll be fine."

He takes Sirius by the hand. Sirius stares at him, a sudden flutter in his stomach. He can't help but to smile. "You really think so?"

"Of course. Worst case scenario, you get trampled to death before a live audience."

Sirius snorts. "Thanks for that."

…

Mimi walks gracefully along. Sirius feels as though he might vomit, but he somehow finds a way to keep his stomach contents down as he waves and beams at the crowd.

He's done it. This is the life he had imagined when he'd left home months ago.

…

"Maybe you could do a handstand next time."

Sirius looks up at Remus, rolling his eyes. "You move a bit fast."

Remus chuckles. "Not really. I made you wait, didn't I? Could have had you when you first started, but that wasn't proper."

"Well? Was it worth the wait?"

"Come back to my trailer after you've settled in for the night. We'll figure it out over tea."