While he had done all that he could to forget the numerous lessons that had been drilled into his head by his loving mother, for he detested the political games that were played by the more traditional Pure-Blooded families, Sirius could not deny that his bitch of a mum's teachings were actually proving to be quite useful for his current situation.

For while he would have loved to drop his 'political mask' to show a certain spider just how much he appreciated his rather obvious attempts to get him into the sack, he knew that doing so would cause his current employer to lose face.

And since the pink-skinned pop star had only hired him because Vortex had put in a good word for the newly arrived sinner, Sirius knew that screwing up would reflect rather poorly on his fellow canine's reputation.

Luckily, as much as she had been reluctant to hire a guard dog that could only be used in the Pride Ring, Verosika appeared to have no problems in calling out Angel's behavior despite her need to bring this meeting to an end.

"Can you please stop trying to flirt with my security team Angel? This may come as a surprise to you, but I have other things to do with my time than watching you try and get into my new guard dog's pants."

Technically that was a lie since this was her last scheduled event for the day. But since he was the lowest-ranked member of her 'entourage', he couldn't really say that.

Though he had to admit that he didn't really mind the Spider Demon's rebuttal.

"Really? You don't really seem to mind when Cherri does it? Which is kinda weird since her fucking skills are far less developed than what I got."

Which was probably the only reason why he had yet to get anywhere with the one-eyed bombshell.

He of course knew it was only a matter of time before she succumbed to his charms, or at the very least give him a chance to show off his ability to piss off authority figures. But since he had yet to reach the point where she was willing to have more than half a dozen shots with him, at least without making some joke about wanting to have a hunting dog that could take out a steampunk obsessed snake, Sirius knew that he would have to bide his time.

Especially since his employer was not the type to mix business and pleasure.

At least when it came to meetings of this sort.

"That's because she appears to have standards when it comes to her partners. Of course if she was a member of my crew, she and my new puppy would have been going at it by now, but that's not really important. What IS important is that we finally finish these negotiations so that this place can start making some real money."

Not sure if he wanted to whimper or growl at that puppy comment, Sirius had to admit that Angel actually had some cause for dragging the negotiations out as long as he did.

"And I told you that I am not signing anything unless my needs are met!"

"You're getting the protection that comes from anyone who works with one of the Seven Deadly Sins. You get to keep 40 percent of the club's profits, which you know will skyrocket once this place becomes officially affiliated with Asmodeus. And perhaps the most important of all, you no longer have to worry about this place being destroyed during the annual Cleanse. Far as I'm concerned, your needs are rather pathetic compared to what you'll be getting out of this deal."

Wincing a little at that last remark, something which earned him a brief glare from both his employer and fellow hotel guest, Sirius wisely kept his mouth shut as Angel refuted Verosika's argument.

"And yet good ol Ozzie is still showing interest in adding my little club to his already impressive empire. So you gotta ask yourself slut, if the Embodiment of Lust is the guy I gotta please, why the hell should I give two shits about what you think?"

Tensing just a little as the tension between the two sex symbols went from strained to almost murderous, the former Gryffindor wasn't sure if he should feel relieved or worried as another familiar voice entered the conversation.

"Probably because if you don't, the next business meeting you have might just end in tears, blood, and massive amounts of property damage."

Shooting a nervous smile at the smirking cyclops, who as always was wearing an outfit that revealed her highly attractive frame, Sirius was happy to receive a nod of acknowledgment before Cherri's attention was stolen by her somewhat pouting business partner.

"And here I thought you liked all those things babe."

"Only when I'm the cause of it Angie. Only when I'm the cause."

Her words causing the white-furred spider to chuckle in agreement, Angel quickly regained his business face.

Though only after he pointed out something that Sirius really didn't want pointed out.

"True enough babe. Anyways since Fido seems to be having difficult in keeping his eyes off of my gal pal's cleavage, why don't we wrap this up so we can see just how much of a light weight he is? As far as I'm concerned, apart from the name change, I agree to all of Ozzie's demands. More than happy to run the place for him, especially since he's largely given me free reign to do what I want, but considering I turned The Studio into a place that impressed the ruler of Lust, I think that I'm entitled in asking to keep the name as it is."

He wasn't sure which was worse.

The fact that Cherri was shooting him a smirk that cringingly reminded him of the look he wore when bullying Snivellus.

Or the fact that his employer was giving him a look that would have put dear old Minnie to shame before switching her attention back towards the now smirking spider.

"I….will make that known to him. So long as you toe the line, and ensure that the princess's charity work doesn't compromise your ability to make sinners want to screw, snort, or drink themselves to oblivion, I don't see him complaining too much about the name of this place. Was there any other business to discuss?"

Spacing out as the two sex workers hashed out the final details of the contract that would make this place a bastion of lust in Pride, Sirius put his mind to work as he tried to come up with a new strategy that would hopefully lead to a date with the buxom one-eyed girl.

Chocolate and flowers were definitely a no go. If only because his budget couldn't really afford the good stuff.

Same problem with the liquor. Though he supposed if he was willing to make a deal with Alastor, something that both his land ladies and the hotel bartender strongly urged him against, he could manage to get a really nice bottle of fire whiskey.

Or he coul…

"BLACK! Pay attention. I'm paying you to be a guard dog. Not an eye humping little bitch."

Flashing an apologetic look at his employer, whose reaction to his spacing out greatly resembled the way Lily had snapped at him when she had caught him checking out one of her bridesmaids, Sirius wasn't sure if he should be flattered or freaked out by Angel's attempt to defend him.

"Actually from what I've seen back at the hotel, 'little' is something that I wouldn't be calling him."

Doing his best to ignore the spider's slightly lecherous grin, as well as the interested smirk that was currently being sent his way by the ponytailed bombshell, the black-furred Sinner felt his eyes widen at his employer's response.

"Well since neither I nor my posse has verified this for ourselves, he doesn't get a pass for breaking the golden rule."

Wishing he could just disappear, even if in his past life he would have enjoyed having an attractive woman talk about taking him to bed, for that was in essence what Verosika was saying, Sirius was left wondering when his so called 'probationary' period would end.

Vortex had told him that even if he did have a contract with the pink-skinned succubus, he wasn't really a member of her entourage until he proved he had what it took to handle the rigors of Hell's sex trade.

But since he was still developing his game, plus the fact that he didn't really feel like the Casanova he had been before he joined Dumbledore's fight against Lord Moldyshorts, he suspected that his friendship with the muscular Hellhound would fail to guarantee a renewal of his one-year contract.

He supposed it could have been worse.

Unlike a lot of new arrivals in Hell, he had a warm place to sleep, access to descent food, and a job that actually wasn't that bad if he could just ignore his employer's bitchiness.

He had no idea why she had it out for him, even going so far as to tell her posse that he was off limits until he 'proved' himself.

But since his life had been rather unpleasant, minus of course the years in which he had friends who didn't give a rat's ass about wealth or political connections, minus a certain traitor of course, he shouldn't be surprised that his afterlife was sunshine and roses.

Despite a certain princess's efforts to make it seem otherwise.

…..

Cheerfully humming to herself as she put the finishing touches to her latest romantic surprise, Charlie was completely unaware that she was no longer alone until her business partner decided to snap her out of her happy musings.

"Well doesn't this look like a charming little set up. Nice to see that despite the ups and downs of your relationship, you still enjoy displaying your romantic affections in a manner that is both energetic and…shall we say public."

Instead of jumping with fright, something that she knew only encouraged him, Charlie managed to maintain her cheerful expression as she turned to face her smiling business partner.

"Thanks Al. I know that not everyone does something special for their thirty-fourth month anniversary, but I feel that…"

"That this display will perhaps make your romantic partner more accepting of our current arrangement? I fear that such an endeavor is pointless, but I so suppose it is almost admirable that you continue to fight a clearly losing battle."

Choosing to ignore the double meaning of that last bit, even if it was a far kinder reminder of the Hotel's failings than she was used to, Charlie maintained her beaming expression as she went over the details of her display.

"Well first I got some flowers that are the exact same color as her lovely eye. Then I arranged them all to make a replica of that little café we went to on our first date. Then I not only got her a new case to house her harpoon, but I filled it with a photo collage of all the pictures we have taken together as a couple."

Beaming with pride at what she had accomplished, the blond princess of Hell was happy not a trace of mockery in Alastor's laugh as he complimented her.

"Then it sounds like dear Vagatha is in for a wonderful surprise once she returns from her duties. A pity that she is currently seeking to expand her collection of sharp pointy sticks. Otherwise, she would have had the privilege to be the first to view your romantic display instead of my good self."

Doing her best not to wilt at this realization, for even if Vaggie didn't usually care about such things her reaction to her efforts would be somewhat lessened when she realized just who had seen it first, Charlie felt her good mood return as she heard the somewhat deadpan voice of her favorite moth Demon.

"As long as you don't do anything to ruin Charlie's hard work, I don't really care if I'm first or last."

Beaming at the sight of her girlfriend, the Princess of Hell opened her mouth to welcome the spear-wielding girl home.

Only to have Al beat her to it.

"Ahh good evening dear Vagatha! I trust that your evening has been as productive as my own?"

Charlie had to give her girlfriend credit.

Instead of brandishing her weapon, or angrily telling the Radio Demon to get lost, Vaggie merely responded to Al's question with a frown.

"Not as much as I would like. But considering the stores haven't started their pre-Purge sales, was still lucky to find something."

Her expression morphing into a depressed frown at the reminder of that horrifying day, Charlie managed to push aside her less-than-happy emotions as her amused-looking girlfriend opened her arms for a hug.

Rushing to accept the offer, for she knew that Vaggie still struggled with public displays of affection, especially when their business partner was around to witness it, the Princess of Hell felt her girlfriend stiffen as Alastor bid his mocking farewell.

"Since I have no desire to impose on such a touching reunion, I shall bid aideu to you both. But kindly remember that not everyone shall be as respectful as myself when you engage in romantic gestures during working hours."

Waiting until the cackling Overlord was out of sight, Charlie was largely unsurprised by the next words that fell out of her girlfriend's mouth.

"I don't trust him."

Pouting a little as it was now obvious that Vaggie wasn't in the mood for some cuddle time, Charlie reluctantly withdrew her arms from the gray-skinned moth girl as she quoted one of the more useful lessons her father had taught her.

"This is Hell Vaggie. I don't really like it but, trust between Demons is rare."

Earning a small sad smile from the previously glaring woman, the blond princess found herself frowning as another resident of the Hotel voiced their agreement with her observation.

"You can say that again princess. He doesn't do it anymore, but during the first few years of our…association, Al kept promising to reduce my sentence if I managed to, as he put it, 'perform to his standards'. But not only did the bastard fail to keep his promise, despite all the shit he had me do, he actually used my so-called failures as an excuse to add more years to my sentence."

While having heard Husker complain about Alastor numerous times over the past few years, for Al didn't really seem to mind the grumbling as long as certain lines weren't crossed, Charlie could only hum in consideration as Vaggie surprisingly said something that, while not exactly praising their business partner, nevertheless showed a less than antagonistic attitude towards the Radio Demon.

"Considering his demands are less…demeaning than some of the other Overlords, I suppose that the benefits of being under his protection can somewhat make up for being in his debt."

This of course was the wrong thing to say.

For not only was Husker the type of Demon who took any opportunity to complain about his supervisor, but his current inebriated state meant that he would complain about even the smallest of incidents.

"Oh I wish! During our first extermination together he had me…"

Effortlessly tuning out the ranting feline, for she knew that Husker didn't really care if he had an audience to witness his venting, Charlie felt her expression was again morphing into a smile as Vaggie finally caught sight of her little surprise.

"What…is that?"

Giggling a little as she prepared to gushingly explain what she had prepared for her hardworking girlfriend, the blond Princess of Hell felt her good mood disappear completely as the feline bartender revealed something that had the potential to violently disrupt the ever fragile peace of the Hotel.

"And now he's got some sort of side show going on with the kid that put an end to Angel's former pimp. I mean it's creepy enough that he's peeping on a kid that has another year or two before his balls start dropping. But since the Kid's Black's honorary nephew or somethi…"

"WHAT…did you just say?"

Ignoring Vaggie's panicking expression as she partially shifted into her Demonic form, the daughter of Lucifer felt her already pointy teeth morph into full-blown fangs as another one of Alastor's 'helpers' answered the question.

"The little cutie is Sirius's honorary nephew or something. Still a bit too young for my tastes, and his attitude could use some work. But it's still very nice to watch him."

In most situations, Charlie would have been able to keep herself calm with one of the many mental exercises her mom had taught her during her early teenage years.

But with the Hotel still failing to achieve positive recognition, the ongoing conflict between Vagatha and Alastor, and her romantic gesture turning into a flop, counting backward from twenty, or softly mumbling the lyrics of her favorite songs was insufficient to quell her rage.

Only one thing could do that.

"ASLASTORRRR! GET YOUR POMPOUS ASS IN HERE RIGHT NOW!"

….

Smirking good naturedly as his shorter companion visibly struggled to match his strides, Vortex decided to throw his fellow canine a metaphorical bone by pausing to look into one of the numerous weapon shops that dotted this area of Hell.

"Can you….heh….can you please slow down Tex? I know you said you'd help me get into shape, but thi…"

"This is the perfect opportunity to do so since you have the chance to catch your breath without worrying about it being your last."

Casting a dismissive frown at the shop window, for it was clear that they carried nothing that he didn't already have, the muscular Hellhound turned his away from the disappointing display back towards the canine Sinner.

"In a few months time, nearly every Demon is Hell is gonna be wishing they had put as much effort into their cardio as I'm making you do now. And while your current residence may be safe from the attentions of those winged pricks, it's becoming more than likely that you'll be elsewhere during the Extermination."

Despite the seriousness of the chosen topic, Tex couldn't prevent an amused smirk from spreading across his features as Sirius muttered something that would have undoubtedly annoyed their employer.

"Fucking Bitch."

Playfully punching his companion's arm, shooting him an apologetic smile as it was clear that he had used too much force, the taller of the two Canines waited until his companion was done rubbing his arm before revealing a piece of information about their employer that had probably never occurred to the black furred Sinner.

"She can be, but don't forget your still going through your 'trial period'. The fact that you've managed to last as long as you have is quite impressive considering the last person who had this job lasted only three weeks despite giving in to the boss's….demands."

Briefly reminiscing about the unfortunate Demon who had believed that he could neglect his duties just because Verosika had taken him to bed, Vortex was quickly dragged back to the here and now as Sirius asked a question that he wasn't quite sure how to answer.

"So your saying that she's always pissed with me because I haven't asked her to bed?"

While slightly nodding his head, the scarred Hellhound quickly moved to explain that this was only part of the answer.

"There's more to it than that I'm afraid. I can't really go into detail since it's not my story to tell, but I think you remind her of another body guard she had. Like you, this one was dedicated to his job, and actually viewed Verosika as more than just a sex object. But since things ended rather badly with that one…lets just say that it might be some time before she's willing to treat you nicely."

Shooting the groaning Sinner a look of sympathy, for he knew that Verosika would continue to treat her newest bodyguard with disdain until he proved his worth either on the street or in the bedroom, Vortex was about to offer some more words of encouragement when the sight of their final destination met their eyes.

While he was used to the sight of widespread destruction, especially during those brief weeks when Overlords fought over territory left vacant by the annual Purge, the hulking Hellhound was momentarily stunned by the sight that greeted him.

However, he quickly got over the shock at seeing the more violent side of Hell's Princess and made a suggestion that would temporarily spare his fellow canine from the chaos that had currently engulfing his home.

"Why don't we go and get a drink?"

Receiving a nod from the black-furred Sinner, Vortex couldn't help but wonder what had caused Lucifer's daughter to go on a rampage.

Whatever it was, his time with Verosika had taught him that when a powerful woman was in a mood, it was best to either be elsewhere, or duck for cover.

And since it was rather difficult for a hound of his size to hide behind a piece of furniture, hiding out at a bar was a much better option.

….

He knew it was petty.

And would probably result in further headaches down the road.

But despite know this, Harry could only smirk as a certain bushy-haired know it all tried to gain the attention of their turban-wearing professor.

'Excuse me Professor Quirrell but could have a moment of your ti.."

"M…my apologises M…Ms. Granger. But I…I have a pre…previous engagement that I must be ge…getting to."

Knowing that this was probably code for 'I really don't want to be bothered by a teacher's pet', the black-haired Hufflepuff had to regretfully give Granger credit as she persevered with her latest ill conceived scheme to compensate for her limited number of friends who were below the age of eighteen.

"I promise this will only take a second Professor. I just want to know which areas I need to improve in for next semester?"

While Quirrell was not really his favorite, Harry couldn't pass up the chance to mess with the grade-grubbing Gryffindor.

Especially since Tonks had decided to spend her last day before their departure home browsing the various stores that could be found in Hogsmeade.

"Maybe you should stop talking more than the professor does. Considering our tuition is going towards paying his salary, I think it would be nice to get our moneys worth from a recognized professional instead of some over achieving First Year."

As expected, his observation was met with a glare from the buck-toothed bookworm.

"I wasn't asking you Potter! I was asking…"

"The man who saw fit to award me a higher grade than you? Yes I'm well aware."

Enjoying the brief look of rage that crossed her features, Harry felt his good mood increase as Quirrell all but agreed with his assumption.

"You….you earned thos…those marks Pott…Potter. While only a fir…first year, your knowledge of the…the theories we dis…discussed, and your spell…spell work were most…. admirable."

Tilting his head a little as he thought he had detected the undertones of….something in that last word, the disguised dragon Demon couldn't contain his grin as the stuttering Professor proceeded to give a more professional version of what he had been trying to drill into Granger's head ever since Tonks had decided to pity her.

"And Ms…Ms. Granger. While your kno…knowledge is most impressive, I'm afraid that when…when it comes…comes to practical applications of the magical arts, theatrical knowledge must be blended with an equal measure of talent."

Mildly astonished at hearing Quirrel deliver that particular insult without the slightest trace of a stutter, Harry had to quickly jump out of the way as the turban-wearing wizard suddenly started to act as if he was going to crap his pants.

"No…Now excuse me chil…children. I need…need to be elsewhere at the mo…moment."

Doing his best not to chuckle as QURIELL all but ran in the direction of the nearest bathroom, though oddly his movements made it appear that he was more concerned about keeping his turban on instead of the possibility of voiding his bowels, Harry ensured that his smile was almost an exact replica of Blitzo's before asking the fuming girl a question he already knew the answer to.

"So Granger, how'd you do in the rest of your classes? I don't really think I did well in History, but considering we've probably been given material that caters towards current political leanings, not sure if that's a bad thing."

And as he expected, the girl refused to play his little game.

"It doesn't matter. This is only the first semester. I have two more to get my grades up."

Resisting the urge to say that it wouldn't matter, if only because that was probably a line that Tonks wouldn't tolerate him crossing, Harry wasn't sure if he should be annoyed or happy by the addition to their conversation.

For while it meant that he would have to listen to the racist bullshit of a nazi wannabe, hurting the ferret always put him in a good mood.

The trick of course was to time it so that he felt he was doing the world a favor.

"Granger it doesn't matter if you spend two semesters, or two decades trying to better yourself. Even if he is only a filthy half-blood, Potter will always be better than you."

Though slightly nodding his head in agreement, Harry wasted little time in correcting the blond haired twit.

"Malfoy I'm not better than her because my sperm donor happened to come from a purely magical background. I'm better than her, and you come to think of it, because there is one thing that I possess that neither of you have."

Enjoying the scowl that was currently being worn by both Malfoy and Granger, though it had taken Granger a second longer to work through her embarrassment over his brief sex ed lesson, Harry felt his smirk widen into a full out grin as the first-year Slytherin gave him all the excuse he needed to remind him of his place.

"If it's the fact that you were pathetic enough to convince someone to adopt you after the Dark Lord killed your blood traitor father and Mudblood mother, then in my eyes your even worse off than Gra…GRKKK."

Ignoring Granger's misplaced cries of protest, if only because he was having more fun watching Malfoy try to recover from the sensation of being kneed in the groin, Harry wasted no time in providing to correct answer to his original question.

"No. The reason is that my parents, grandparents, and other mentors told me that to succeed in life, you have to be quick and tough. Granger of course will go pretty far since she acknowledges that she has to work for success. More so if she can finally accept that there is no shame in not being first in everything. But you? The moron who believes that his so called 'superior breeding' will allow him to triumph over adversity? You're not exactly doing a lot to convince me that having a pure magical background is good thing."

Turning his back on the whimpering blond, who once again failed to realise that the point of having flunkies was to use them as human shields when faced with a threat that he had no chance of resisting, the smirking dragon Demon found his good mood vanishing as Granger decided to accompany him as he left the scene of his latest crime.

"You really should stop doing that. He…"

"He is a racist piece of shit who do the same to both me and you if he knew he could get away with it. The trick is to keep repeating the lesson until a) he finally wises up that he will only get hurt if he continues his current behavior. Or b) I do enough damage to ensure that the world wont have to put up with another generation of Malfoy's should he survive long enough to get a girl into trouble."

Fighting the urge to laugh at Granger's disgusted expression, though he wasn't sure if it was due to the idea of violence or the idea of Malfoy having sex, Harry rolled his eyes as his morally inflexible acquaintance revealed that he had made no progress in breaking her of her more annoying habits.

"And what gives you the right to correct his behavior? I mean, he is…"

"An inbred weasel with an unhealthy fixation on the magical equivalent of the 'N' word?"

Raising an eyebrow to question whether or not his year mate would challenge this basic description of the blond haired Slytherin, Harry was mildly surprised by Granger's answer to his question.

"I mean yes. That IS essentially what he is. But that still doesn't give you the right to physically assault him."

At this Harry could only shrug his shoulders.

"Actually it does since my role in the fall of his daddy's master means that I am temporarily immune to any reprisal he could form against me."

Seeing the bushy haired Muggleborn shoot him a look of confusion, the black-haired Hufflepuff decided to elaborate.

"Malfoy Senior is not only on the school's board of governors, but also has the kind of wealth to make most politicians look the other way when something…. questionable is done. But since I am famous for defeating the wizard that supposedly forced him to wrack up a rather impressive body count, he can't really do anything to me since it would look like he was trying to get revenge for his master."

While his words earned a humm of agreement from Granger, it was rather obvious that she was still skeptical about how immune he was.

"But if he is as dangerous as you say, wouldn't he use underhanded methods to get to your family? I mean, if he is as rich as you say, surely he can find means to avoid getting blamed for whatever happens to them."

Grinning in a manner that would have revealed his more inhuman teeth if he hadn't been wearing a human glamor, Harry spoke with confidence as he waved away Granger's concerns.

"Trust me, my family is perfectly safe from the likes of Malfoy and his fellow KKK members. But the same cannot be said for them."

Tuning out the girl's attempts to clarify what exactly this meant, the disguised dragon Demon allowed his mind to wander as they made their way back to the Great Hall.

For even if it would be a couple of hours before he was able to experience the type of cusine that could only be found in the Deep South, the quality and quantity of the food at Hogwarts was more than enough to satisfy him.

Even if some of the females in his life insisted on stealing from his plate.

…..

ANNND that's another chapter out of the way lol

This was more of a filler chapter that will lead to future plot points down the road, primarily how Sirius will learn about Harry AND potential pairings for the man who spent 12 years in prison. But the last part of the chapter well…..Draco bashing is always fun, and of course bashing the less likable traits of Hermione's character. Still playing around with the idea that she changes it a bit…but reading stories like Apex and Cadmean Victory have ensured Harry's continued dislike for Hermione in this story lol.

Anyways…hope you all enjoyed this chapter…next one I THINK will see the beginning of the 7th episode arc…but if not there is the Christmas chapter (always a fave in the books) to look forward too.

Once again pleased to see people liking this story. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed, not flamed lol.

Til next time.