'Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Warning: None for this chapter

Chapter 49 – Sunny With a Tiny Glimpse of Overcast

The first week of their summer holiday passed almost before the group realized it. Days were spent lolling on the beach – English skin slathered in protective sun block, running – Sirius had gotten James to try it and had gained a running partner as a result - and generally relaxing by themselves and with James' parents.

They all settled into a rather pleasant routine of late breakfasts, after which the four young people would head off on one adventure or another while the Potters pursued their own interests. Everyone would come back together for a light lunch and shared stories from their respective morning pursuits. Generally, the entire group traipsed off on a preplanned excursion that lasted past teatime; dinners and evenings had no planned pattern. The four teenagers had sampled Brighton Beach's nightlife once or twice, finding the Muggle side of things much more enjoyable than the wizard. Lily, of course, was well versed in the Muggle way of life, her friends far less so, although Kate ran a moderate second in that regard. Her father had felt very strongly that discrimination against any group or class was the result of ignorance and Roderick stood firm in his determination that Kate would not be so hampered. He exposed her to Muggle cinema, theater and holidays while the family lived in America; in fact, Kate had briefly taken ballet classes from a former principal dancer with the famed Boston Ballet Company. James and Sirius, however, were far less familiar but proved to be very enthusiastic students.

On their first evening 'on the town', as James called it, they wandered into a beachfront club, lured by the pulsing bass line of dance music. They had been inside less than five minutes when a young man in tight leather trousers and kohl black pencil lining his brown eyes approached the group. Immediately focusing on Sirius, 'David' introduced himself then asked him if he liked to dance.

Sirius barely looked at the boy as he smiled and nodded; he was too enthralled with the lights, the music and the sight of all the people dancing wildly on the small dance floor. "Looks like fun, doesn't it? I've never had much of a chance to try it."

"Come on, then; I'll teach you!" Sirius ignored Lily's shoulder tapping attempts and, with a grin, followed the teenager out onto the floor. Halfway there, however, he turned around and motioned to Kate to join them.

"This should be rich," Lily chuckled as Kate shrugged her shoulders and made her way through the crowd to where Sirius and David were standing.

"Hi," Kate said to David as she drew level with them.

The young man looked at her curiously and smiled then turned to Sirius. "What's up, mate?" He inclined his head in Kate's direction.

Sirius leaned down and kissed Kate's cheek. "I reckon if you're going to teach me to dance, it's just as easy to teach Kate, too." He smiled at the young man, thinking that his point was rather obvious.

David looked at Kate. "She's your …"

"Girlfriend." Sirius turned to Kate, smiling and giving her a wink before looking back at the young man in front of him.

David looked Sirius up and down appreciatively before shaking his head. "Not quite what I had in mind," he confessed regretfully.

Sirius just stared at him for a moment – and then the penny dropped. "Oh, blimey – you thought I was …?"

"Well, this is a gay dance club," David said.

"But dancing is dancing, right?" Sirius reasoned. "I mean, look – I like birds, ok? But you know how to dance and I … don't – at least not like that," Sirius paused and looked around at the dancers clustered together on the floor. "Are you saying that just because you like blokes you can't teach me? Us?"

It was David's turn to look surprised. Finally, he smiled, shrugged and shook his head. "No; no, I'm not saying that." He lifted his chin in the direction of James and Lily. "You might as well bring them over, too. If I'm going to teach, I might as well hold a class!"

Kate smiled, excused herself and walked back to where their friends stood. She stopped in front of them and smiled. "You won't believe this, but we have a dance class to go to!" She took Lily's hand. "Grab James, Lils; time to boogie!"

Three hours later, as the club closed for the night, four old friends – and several new ones - danced their way down the steps and stood on the narrow sidewalk, making their good-byes. Hands were shaken all 'round and, with promises to look for each other one evening before everyone left town, the group broke up and went their separate ways.

James, Lily, Kate and Sirius abandoned the street in favor of walking along the bike path and putting themselves that much closer to the ocean. While three of them walked along at a leisurely pace, Sirius propelled himself forward on the path with bursts of dance steps and turns. Still immersed in the feeling of how much better his life had recently become, Sirius suffered the laughter of his friends with good humor.

"Admit it, Evans; I've got a foot for dancing," he grinned cheekily at the redhead as he finally fell in step with the others.

"Hmm,' she replied. "I will say, Mr. Black, that you were one very cool customer back there."

Sirius reached over and grasped Kate's hand as they continued to walk along the path. "What do you mean?"

"I guess I never thought you'd be quite as calm and collected as you were, having another guy hit on you," Lily explained, smiling at him.

Sirius shrugged. "He was nice enough about it when I told him I was with Kate. It wasn't a big deal."

"Most traditional Purebloods, Mr. Black, aren't very accepting of homosexuality, is all," James put in, rolling his eyes.

Sirius turned around, walking backward and grinning evilly. "I know," he said. "Me mum 'ates 'em," he drawled, affecting an exaggerated Cockney accent as he grabbed Kate and twirled her around before resuming his manic dance steps down the bike path.

"And that, ladies and gentlemen, is another opportunity for rebellion realized," James murmured, watching Sirius' progress.

"Oh, I think he's already gotten the ultimate rebellion, don't you?" Kate asked softly. "He's walked away from them all with no intention of returning. How do you top something like that?"

"Oi! Are you three going to stand there all night or are we going to have that bombfire Lily talked about?" Sirius stood several lengths ahead of them, hands on hips.

"It's bonfire, you lunatic," James hollered back, laughing affectionately. "Come on, ladies before the big git sets himself on fire!"

XXXXXXXX

On the second Saturday of their holiday, Hal came back to the house with a flyer he'd come across while purchasing supplies in town. It seemed that the town was hosting a small outdoor band concert that evening, complete with fireworks, and the group decided it might be fun to stroll down to that section of the beach and enjoy the music.

Dinner was a merry affair with cold chicken, pasta and green salads, fresh fruit – and much laughter. The women had gone shopping in a small town a few miles inland and had come back with several small 'treasures' unearthed in some of the antique shops there. Kate had found a bracelet made of hand-blown glass beads in various shades of blue and coral. Lily had found an old cookbook with various recipes for cakes and breads. Although the tome appealed conceptually to the boys, there was much elbowing and chuckling behind hands over her potential abilities to actually bake anything. To her credit, Lily pointedly ignored them.

"And what about you, my dear? What treasure did you find?" Hal asked Margaret.

"Oh, nothing nearly as exciting as the girls' purchases," the older witch smiled. "I just found an old wooden bowl that would be useful for salads and such."

"And anything edible that Lily managed to turn out from that cookbook of hers," James chuckled, earning himself a sharp kick to his shins from the would-be baker.

"Pay no attention to him, Lily," Hal advised, reaching for another piece of chicken.

"That used to work for me, Mr. Potter, but now…" Lily shrugged smiling ruefully.

"…now, however, she realizes the error of her previous ways and she can't get enough of me," James put in, grinning stupidly at the young witch, who rolled her eyes at him and applied herself to her salad.

"Have you three ever seen fireworks?" Hal inquired.

Both Kate and Lily nodded, but Sirius shook his head. "It would appear that I'm behind the times with most things," he said smiling. "What are they?"

"Difficult to explain, actually; it involves Muggle science and I'm afraid that I'm no expert in that subject," Hal confessed. "I can tell you, however, that it involves some type of explosive powder charge that's ignited and sent into the sky where it detonates and bursts into color and patterns that are very beautiful, indeed."

"And quite romantic," Margaret added, squeezing her husband's arm fondly. "I'm sure you young people will thoroughly enjoy yourselves." She blushed as Hal lifted her hand to his lips. "And perhaps the not-so-young people will do so, as well," he added.

XXXXXXXX

As it turned out, the concert location was a bit of a hike down the dimly lit beach walk and so the group decided to take the car the Potters had hired for their vacation. Magically enlarged in the same manner as the Evans', everyone was seated quite comfortably for the ten-minute drive to the band concert.

As they pulled into the town proper, the main street was fairly congested and available parking appeared to be at a premium. Just as they were about to try their luck on the outskirts of the central area of the town, a large vehicle pulled out of an end space and Hal swiftly maneuvered his car into the spot.

The group quickly unloaded the car of blankets, large throw pillows, low-lawn chairs and sweatshirts in case the sea air turned chilly for the fireworks' display. Laughing and talking amongst themselves, the little band of friends made their way toward the little gazebo where the local musicians were already tuning up their instruments. It didn't take them long to find a spot, spread out their blankets and chairs and make themselves comfortable.

Hal, Kate, Lily and Margaret took the low-lawn chairs while Sirius and James preferred to sprawl on the blanket, resting their upper bodies against the legs of their respective girlfriends. They passed the time watching the crowd, the girls giggling at the cheeky running commentary provided by the younger wizards. James was particularly amused by a woman in quite a large straw hat with an assortment of silk flowers strewn around its brim. She was dressed in cotton trousers and matching jacket and was juggling two toddlers and a rather large beach bag. The children were, apparently, driving her to distraction – and had been doing so since they left their cottage, if her comments were anything to go by. As she commanded her "troops", leading each by the hand, her flowers wiggled and swayed dangerously with every toss of her head. The younger wizard had just launched into a deliciously wicked – and accurate – impression of the young woman when a familiar voice sounded behind them.

"Doesn't seem like this will be our kind of dance music, does it, mates?"

The four young people turned to see David standing with some of the crowd they'd met at the dance club. They laughed and rose to greet them, introducing James' parents to the newcomers. Hal and Margaret laughed heartily when David launched into the story of how they had all met and agreed that this band concert probably wouldn't lend itself to much dancing. After a few more minutes spent visiting, the group regretfully said they needed to rejoin the rest of their friends. Before leaving, David paused to remind James and Sirius of their promise to try to get together for another "dance night" before the holiday ended. The boys happily agreed and a tentative date was set for the following Wednesday evening. They had not yet retaken their seats when another, far less welcome visitor made his presence known.

"I must say that you've chosen some … interesting friends since leaving home, Black," a familiar voice spoke out.

Sirius and James both turned to see Lucius Malfoy and Vincent Crabbe standing at the edge of the Potters' spot. Sirius noted that while Lucius had addressed him, the blonde wizard's focus was clearly on the departing group.

Mindful of the Potters' presence, Sirius merely nodded once. "Malfoy."

Lucius scanned the group on the blanket before turning his cool gaze back to Sirius. "Your family may not be as accepting of diversity as you appear to be," he spoke loudly enough for everyone in Sirius' group to overhear. Sirius returned the favor.

"This is my family, Malfoy; theirs is the only opinion that matters to me."

Malfoy smirked back at him. "May I quote you on that?"

Sirius' eyes narrowed. "You may do whatever you'd like, but I can't imagine you'll get much of a reaction at Grimmauld Place any longer. I've been disowned, Malfoy; blown right off the Black family tapestry, as it were. I would have thought you'd know that."

Malfoy raised one elegant eyebrow. "Narcissa was told only that you'd left home."

Sirius took two steps forward, closing most of the distance between them. "A couple rounds of the Cruciatus at the wand of a parent will help to make up your mind. Narcissa didn't know about that, eh?"

Malfoy was unable to hide his astonishment at Sirius' revelation but recovered quickly. "We'll miss you at family gatherings, then," he managed.

Sirius stepped back, a wry grin on his face. "I doubt it." His gaze shifted to the hulking figure of Crabbe, standing just behind Malfoy's left shoulder. Sirius lifted his chin in the direction of the silent wizard. "You'd better move along, Lucius; Crabbe is starting to look anxious. We wouldn't want him stomping on the locals in his haste to find the refreshment booth, would we? Leaves such a bad impression on the children."

Malfoy's eyes narrowed. "Careful, Black … or is it Potter, now? You'll still have to deal with all of us when the new term begins."

Sirius smiled at the other wizard. "Oh, it's still Black, although I'd be proud if it was Potter. And I'm not afraid of you, Malfoy – or your little group of Dark wizards. I never have been. As I was saying, you'd better move along; the show's about to start." With that, Sirius turned on his heel and reclaimed his seat at Kate's feet. He never gave the two Slytherin wizards another glance and, a moment or two later, the two turned and left.

Kate leaned forward and kissed the top of Sirius' head. "Good for you," she said quietly. "Sanctimonious, self-important idiot and his marginally trained troll had it coming to them!"

Sirius turned and stared at Kate for a moment, a slow smile forming on his face. "You know, Katie-girl, you should really learn to say what's on your mind. It's not healthy to bottle things up!"

Kate shook her head and smiled back at him.

"Cyril Malfoy is well represented in that boy; perfect example of the phrase, 'like father, like son'," Hal commented. "You handled yourself well, son; I'm proud of you."

Only Kate noticed Sirius' rather emotional reaction to the warm praise as the band loudly struck up the first notes of a rather up-tempo tune. She gently pushed against his back and he obligingly leaned forward so she could slide from her chair. Grabbing a throw pillow, Kate lay back on the blanket, propping up her head and shoulders on the large, firm cushion. She smiled at Sirius and patted her stomach and, with a crooked grin, he made himself comfortable with Kate as his pillow. Once he was settled, Kate began stroking her fingers through his dark waves and Sirius exhaled happily. He turned toward her. "Thank you," he murmured, giving her a small wink.

There was a rustling noise next to them and both glanced over to find their mirror image in James and Lily.

"Alright, there, Jamie?" Sirius called over the music.

"Never better," came the smiling response. "Oi, Lily, that's my hair you're yanking on."

"She can't help it, Jamie," Sirius chimed in, laughing. "There's no such thing as 'running fingers through' that hair!"

"Gentlemen," Margaret admonished, leaning toward them and endeavoring to sound stern. "Some of us came here to enjoy the music."

Suitably chastened and unable to see Margaret's smile in the gathering darkness, the young men settled down.

Sirius reached up and caught Kate's hand where it rested against his hair. Entwining their fingers, he brought their hands to rest on his chest, rubbing his thumb over her knuckles in time with the now gentle music. He felt himself begin to nod off as the combination of the lazy summer evening, the slow music and Kate's presence served to relax him.

"Hey, you," Kate's voice caught his attention and Sirius opened his eyes to see her smiling down at him. "Awake, are you?"

"Of course," Sirius said, struggling to sit up. He yawned widely then grinned at her. "Now I am." He looked around to find them alone on the blanket. "Where did everyone go?"

"It's intermission," Kate explained. "They've gone off in search of flavored ices. Care to explore?"

Sirius nodded, rose and then extended his hand to help her up. Once Kate reached an upright position, Sirius pulled her in close and kissed her lips gently. "I love you," he whispered. "Reckoned it was time I reminded you."

Kate smiled against his mouth then returned the soft kiss. "I love you back," she said. "And even though I don't need the reminder, it's really nice to hear."

They walked hand-in-hand in the direction the others had gone and soon came upon a vendor selling Italian ices. Sirius bought them each a lemon ice and the two slowly made their way back to their spot. As they walked, Sirius saw Malfoy seated under a very posh-looking canopy with several other Slytherins he recognized from their year – his cousins Narcissa and Bellatrix amongst them. True to form, the group had placed themselves quite far away – and above – any of the others gathered for the event. Sirius found himself wondering why they had even bothered to come.

When they reached the blanket, the others had also returned and James leaned over to speak with Sirius. "Did you see Malfoy and company up on that little hill?"

Sirius nodded, digging into the frozen concoction to free some of the ice before saying more. "I don't think they're here for the culture, do you?"

James shook his head and chuckled. "Dad said much the same thing. Maybe you really are a Potter by blood."

Sirius smiled. "Nope, just by choice, Jamie; just by choice."

James nodded. "Just as good – maybe better." He dug away at his own ice for a moment. "Still, I wonder what made them come. It's like they're on some kind of surveillance or something."

"I know. Same thing occurred to me when I saw them. They're like a bunch of vultures, sitting up there waiting for their chance to swoop down on us. It's odd," Sirius agreed.

"Bears watching," James glanced in the direction of the Slytherin gathering.

"What are you two muttering about?" Lily asked.

"Malfoy and company are sitting under a ritzy looking canopy halfway up that little hill beside where we bought the ices," James answered. "We think they're up to something. Really, why would they come to a place predominantly filled with Muggles unless they were?"

Lily leaned back until she could see the hill. "The LeStranges have a summer house here. It's on the other side of the town, up high on some cliffs. I'm sure they're all here on holiday – just as we are."

James blinked several times, staring at her. "Merlin's beard, how do you know that?"

Lily shrugged. "Severus told me last year. Malfoy had invited him along last summer but his father wouldn't let him go. Tobias Snape can be a selfish, cruel man."

"Maybe he's related to my mother," Sirius put in, anxious to move on to another topic.

His wish was granted when the musicians again settled into the gazebo and began to tune up their instruments for the second half of the concert.

Sirius and Kate were sitting quite close together, shoulders touching, so it was relatively easy for them to converse in some degree of privacy.

"Do you really think they're plotting something up there?" Kate nodded toward the hillside.

Sirius looked at her and shrugged. "Dunno." He drained the last of his ice and set down the empty cup before turning back toward Kate. "Look, James overheard his mum and dad talking the other night and Mr. Potter was saying that there are stories going 'round the Ministry about some new dark wizard stirring up the purebloods. You know – doing a lot of barking about half-breeds and Muggles and how they're ruining our world – our race."

"Is it true, do you think?" Kate sounded slightly nervous as she cast another glance over toward where Malfoy and his cronies were situated.

"Mr. Potter seemed to think that there was some truth to it, but he also said that it's not new. Every once in awhile, some pureblood rediscovers a love for Dark magic and starts stomping around, making a big noise and scaring people. The purebloods all get their pride on – not that they don't have it on all the time anyway – and join in. Some half bloods might get roughed up in the bargain, but the MLE sorts it all out in the end and anyone who's hurt anyone else is arrested. Mr. Potter says that no one wants another situation like we had with Grindelwald, so they stay on top of any reports that come in." Sirius leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Don't worry, Katie-girl; the snakes aren't going to do anything here, where they can be seen – especially with the LeStranges owning a house so close by."

Kate listened intently to Sirius and felt better when he'd finished speaking. His comments about the Slytherins avoiding conflict here in the open made sense and when factored in with Mr. Potter's observations, their logic overcame her nerves. She smiled. "Ok; I'll stop worrying."

"Good girl." Sirius said, rising to his knees and maneuvering around on the blanket until he was behind her. Once there, Sirius sat, pulling Kate gently back until she was seated in the "v" of his legs, back against his chest. "There," he murmured, "isn't this comfortable?"

Kate folded her arms over his where they wrapped loosely around her waist. "Very."

Sirius rested his chin lightly on the top of Kate's head and breathed deeply of the light, sweet scent of her shampoo. "You smell so good," he murmured, giving her head a quick kiss. "Like lemons and flowers all smashed together."

Kate giggled at his turn of phrase. "Thank you; although that's quite a disturbing mental image. Poor little lemons and flowers…" She suppressed a small squeal when he tickled her ribs in response.

"Shut it, you," he growled, reminiscent of his alter ego. That reminded him that he had not yet informed James of Kate's introduction to Padfoot. Sirius made a mental note to do so later that night – as well as to reassure his friend that as far as Kate knew, Padfoot and Moony ran alone. He didn't need to have James think he'd spilled another secret so soon on the heels of their reconciliation. Wish they all knew about Padfoot, he thought. Those big teeth would have come in handy a while ago when that git Malfoy had strolled by.

"You've gone quiet, there, Mr. Black," Kate's voice brought him out of his musings.

Sirius tightened his arms around her. "Just wool-gathering, love."

"About what happened earlier? With Malfoy?"

"No, actually; I was thinking more about dogs. Big dogs. Big black dogs," he smiled, leaning his head around until he caught her eye, and winking.

Kate smiled. "Hmm. As it happens, I like big, black dogs." She half turned in his arms, her expression curious. "What made you think of that?"

"I was thinking that without him, I'd missed the opportunity to bite Malfoy's pureblooded arse," he muttered, smiling broadly.

Kate rolled her eyes. "I'm not so sure this whole alter ego thing is a good idea. The thought of the havoc you wreak in your usual form is daunting enough, but factor in the capabilities of your canine self and the opportunity for disaster boggles the mind!"

She was spared his response and instead felt him jump as a huge explosion of color and sound filled the sky. On a beach located a safe distance away from the onlookers, the fireworks display had begun. The band members put down their instruments to become spectators with their audience scattered about the lawn.

Kate leaned back against Sirius' shoulder and turned her head to watch his face as he took in his very first fireworks show. While she, herself, loved the color and sparkling patterns decorating the night sky, Kate found that seeing them through his eyes was particularly memorable. As each rocket burst, sending dizzying patterns of light through the air, Sirius' expression would register an almost child-like delight. For the next half hour, Kate alternated between watching the sky and watching him and she found herself very sorry indeed when the show ended. By the time the final BOOM sounded, the crowd was on its feet, cheering and applauding and the Potters and their guests were no different. When it became apparent there was nothing more to come, everyone reluctantly began to pack up their belongings to head home. As Sirius tore his gaze from the sky, he caught Kate looking at him and he fixed her with a bemused expression.

"What?"

Kate simply shook her head, stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "I love you," she said then turned away to help Lily and Margaret fold blankets. Sirius watched her for a few moments before turning to help James and Hal fold their chairs and divide their belongings for the short walk to the car.

A short time later everyone loaded back into the car and before they knew it, they were back at the Potter's beach house. Unloading took little time and the two young couples shoo'd the elder Potters inside while they packed the lawn chairs and beach blankets and pillows into the stone shed at the back of the house.

They entered the house and walked into the kitchen to find Margaret and Hal sitting at the table while a brown owl munched on some shortbread on the counter.

"That's a Hogwarts' owl, isn't it?" Lily asked, immediately thinking of O.W.L. scores which could come at any time.

Margaret nodded, looking at Sirius standing in the doorway with an apprehensive look on his face. "It's for you, darling; from Professor Dumbledore. We're holding the owl here in case you need to reply."

Sirius nodded and took the rolled parchment from Margaret's hand. "Thanks," he murmured, perching on one of the leather stools at the breakfast bar.

"Sirius, the note began, I hope that you are well and enjoying time by the sea with your friends. I am indeed warmed by the thought that you are embraced so affectionately by such a loving family as the Potters. I write with news of your mother who has been released from the treatment facility in France into the care of which your father entrusted her. She is back at Grimmauld Place and, I'm told, has expressed a desire to speak with you. I have assured her that you will decline to do so but I am concerned that she will make every effort to find you to make such a meeting happen. I must reiterate to you that she cannot hurt you, but I feel that you have had enough unpleasantness at her hands and that you would not wish any of that experience on your friends should she take it upon herself to pay a call or two on them.

In short, my boy, I feel that perhaps an early return to Hogwarts may be the best choice for you once your holiday at Brighton has concluded. I suspect that you might have considered returning to London with the Potters and I regret making this alternative recommendation. I will say that I have no objection to any of your friends returning with you, but feel compelled to advise that due to the illness of an elderly aunt in northern France and his parents' need to travel to care for her, you will not be without company if they do not.

Remus is scheduled to arrive shortly after your own return.

Please be so kind as to send Horatio back with your reply, for which I will be eagerly waiting.

My best – Professor A. Dumbledore"

"Sirius?" James came over to stand next to his friend, who handed him the parchment.

"Well," Sirius said to the rest of the group, "it seems that my mother has indirectly made my decision for me about where I will spend the rest of the summer holiday."

"You're returning to Hogwarts, then," Kate guessed.

"I am," Sirius replied, smiling softly at her. "Or risk her paying a call at whichever of your homes I would otherwise be visiting."

"Well, you're not going back alone," James said, looking over at his parents who nodded at their son, correctly guessing what he was about to announce.

"If you go back early, then I'm coming with you," James said, looking directly at Sirius.

"Well, my mum already agreed that if this happened, I could return early as well," Kate reminded him.

Lily smiled. "Perhaps we can get our O.W.L. results directly from the Headmaster and end this ghastly wait!"

Sirius nodded at all of them. "Thanks, you lot; I really appreciate it. There is something else you should know before you start packing your trunks and making plans." He paused, looking directly at James before finishing, "Remus will be returning early as well. I have no idea how things will go between us and you all may decide you need a break from all that tension before term begins again. If you do, I understand."

James put his hand on Sirius' shoulder. "I can't speak for everyone, mate, but I think it's better if you have a bit of support going in. I can take it."

The girls nodded and Hal spoke up. "Seems unanimous to me, son. Why don't you send that owl on its way back to Dumbledore and then let's get some sleep. We can talk about all of this in the morning when we're rested, yes?"

Sirius nodded and took the quill Margaret offered to him. Hastily scribbling a few lines in response – including the head count of the returning students – Sirius patted the owl on its head, affixed the parchment securely to its leg and watched it soar off, over the water and into the night.