Miss Granger's Diary

(Bloody Hell?!)

Time:	11:48 am.
Mood:	indescribable.

Sirius awoke the next morning only to find himself sleeping on a dusty floor. He yawned out loud and stretched his arms out in front of him only to find paws instead of hands. He had forgotten that he had changed into his animagus form last night as he wandered the grounds around Hogwarts. He subconsciously found his way to the Shrieking Shack and had spent the night there.

The large dog rose to his feet and shook the dust off his fur before he turned back into his human form. He looked at himself through a cracked mirror, running his fingers through his hair in an attempt to tame his wild locks. He'd have to walk back to Hogwarts as Professor Canis to avoid arousing any suspicion.

He walked slowly through the quaint Wizarding village, reveling in his surroundings. He spied the swinging sign of the Three Broomsticks and something urged him to go inside. He entered the tavern and approached the bar, seating himself on the stool furthest from the door. Madame Rosmerta approached him, her eyes widening as they focused on him.

"You know, you look like someone I remember..." she said slowly as if trying to place a name with the face, "Sirius??"

Sirius smiled at her, happy that the owner of his favorite childhood hangout remembered him somewhat. But he couldn't reveal who he was, not even to her.

"No ma'am... sorry. I guess I just have one of those faces."

Madame Rosmerta chuckled,"If you mean the kind of face that is undeniably handsome, then you're right. You just bear a striking resemblance to one of my favorite customers, though he would be well in his 30's by now."

"I'll take that as a compliment then. Do you think I can get a cup of coffee?"

Madame Rosmerta smiled as she pointed her wand to a cup which magically filled with coffee and levitated itself to Sirius's spot. He sipped it slowly, his mind wandering to the previous night. He didn't even notice the pretty young girl who was approaching him. She carried a circular tray at her side and fidgeted with her hair with her free hand. She was no much older than 18, with long brown hair and startling blue eyes. She had a slightly tanned complexion and a very toned frame.

"Um... excuse me?" she said hesitantly to Sirius, who casually put down his cup to look at her.

"Yes?"

"I don't mean to bother you but..." the girl was obviously nervous, "I've never seen you in here before. Are you new to this area?"

"Oh... I've been in here before, just not in a long while. Besides, you probably just don't remember seeing me." He smiled at her through semi-tired eyes even though it was nearing the middle of the afternoon.

"Oh, I think I would remember you," she said, blushing slightly.

Sirius smirked. Was this girl actually hitting on him? It had been a while since he was in that sort of situation and was at this point, unsure of how to handle it. He chuckled to himself, asking what James would think if he knew that at this moment, Sirius Black was having problems talking to a girl. He shook his head slightly as he turned his eyes to the girl.

"Well... I certainly don't remember you Miss. Did you just start working here?"

"Huh? Oh yes, just last week. I'm Layla, Madame Rosmerta's neice."

Sirius held out a hand, "Maximus Canis. I'm an Assistant Professor at Hogwarts."

"Oh how exciting! What do you teach?"

"Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Oh... that's really wonderful considering that..." her voice turned into a whisper, " You know who is back..."

"Voldemort?"

The girl flinched at the mere mention of the name. Sirius grinned and quickly finished his coffee and rose to his feet.

"Speaking of classes... I must get back to Hogwarts. I've a lot of things to attend to."

"Oh... right... ok..." the girl looked down nervously as she shuffled her feet, "Will I... I mean, will you come back here soon?" Her voice told Sirius she was looking for a glimmer of hope.

"Um... yes I suppose I will be back. This weekend is the student's first Hogsmeade trip. Perhaps I'll see you then."

"That would be wonderful... I mean, I look forward to it... er..." the girl's face had turned a bright shade of red by now. Sirius smiled, he appreciated the flattery but in all honesty, he wasn't sure if he could handle being in a "relationship" at the time. He took the girl's hand and planted a kiss on it softly. He saw her eyes light up and felt her body swoon slightly.

"See you soon then." he turned to Madame Rosmerta, "Lovely neice you've got. See you soon Rosie..."

He walked out of the tavern, a little happier than he was when he first entered. Madame Rosmerta on the other hand smiled as he left... there was only one person who called her Rosie and she doubted that it was a mere coincidence.

Sirius walked back to Hogwarts amongst the crowds of students in the courtyard. Many greeted him as he walked by, shouting hellos and what not. Others came up to him asking for some help on DADA homework or to explain a concept they had covered in class. A few were even bold enough to ask him for help with some other coursework. Sirius smiled as he tutored them and then bid his adieu as he walked back to his room. He needed a shower... and maybe another nap on his bed. He felt lucky to not have had to help Lupin with any classes today, but that still did not excuse him from his duties.

He entered his room and headed straight for the bathroom, taking a quick shower before changing into a pair of loose jeans, a long-sleeved white tee-shirt, and a short-sleeved over that with the Gryffindor symbol on it. He settled onto his couch, parchment and quill in hand and began to scribble furiously.