Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Cave Canem	By : Ricocheted-Rowdon Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Sirius Views: 44277 -:- Recommendations : 2 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling owns all the rights, I don't profit from this nor get any money of it. I'm just borrowing them for a bit of fun for my warped entertainment.

Chapter List
- 1-Prelude
- 2-One
- 1
- 2
Full Summary: When Sirius’ attempts of aiding Harry with Animagus training goes awry a number of things spiral out of control for both man and teenager - animal instinct, spilled secretes, hidden fantasies and awkward situations, feelings are revealed

Disclaimer: Belongs to JKR, I'm just borrowing them for a bit of fun for my warped mind.

Warnings: Sex. Slash. Bestiality and whatnot.

Cave Canem: Beware of the Dog

Prelude

For Sirius Black there was something calming about monotonous task of painting the spindles of a staircase.

Although it was mind-numbingly boring and messy by it was doing it the Muggle-way, he preferred it. The occasional dab into the white paint bucket and frequent up-down stroke of his hand wielding the paintbrush was far better as opposed to a quick flick of his wand. Doing such a task this way ate up the majority of his day, leaving him to feel less lonely in the modest cottage he had purchased in rural West Sussex. Painting, wallpapering and other menial jobs of basic handiwork ate through the time in his usual, uneventful days while managing to keep his body busy while leaving his mind enough room to think.

It is what the Black needed, really. He needed to keep himself physically busy while leaving enough room in his brain to focus on something positive. Like right now, as he sat on a step midway up the stairs and smeared his paintbrush across the spiral-designed wood, Sirius looked forward to the upcoming date of Friday. Because, come Friday 5th of February, his godson would be home – here, with him, together and unlonely – to the cleaned-up cottage, forever.

Sirius couldn't help but feel giddy at that.

Come three days his godson, Harry Potter, would be leaving Hogwarts – not for a holiday, not for a term-break, but for the long run. And that meant Sirius would have the young man to himself, at least until Harry wanted to slip into the world of employment, spread his wings and leave him. But he wouldn't think of that, not now, not when he hadn't seen Harry since Christmas break. They might've spoke daily via the two-way mirrors, which happened to be the highlight of Sirius' evenings, but it wasn't the same without having the Potter's physical presence within the modest cottage. Luckily, though, it hadn't been a whole year since lacking Harry …and Sirius smiled as he re-coated the paintbrush and moved on the next spindle.

After all, Harry – along with other returning students – had been invited back to Hogwarts for a sixth-month stint of seventh year lessons to be recapped over and exams to take due to the war interrupting their previous studies. The esteemed Wizarding School had been re-opened in under three months since the end of the Second War, the need for normalcy and the then-upcoming school year of September 1998 being the main driving force to get the school up and running. Although, even with McGonagall as Headmistress and Snivellus as deputy Headmaster, the tightly run schedule and rush of mending Hogwarts back to its former glory hadn't happened. In fact, Harry had told him about the many destroyed sections of the school had being off-limits as a selection of hand-picked workers continued the construction around students and staff. It was only now, however, in February of 1999, was Hogwarts officially finished with rebuilding…

Regardless, with past events and educational offers aside, Harry's sixth month cram-session was creeping to an end in a matter of days and lessons had rounded to an end. The remaining days before the official school finish-date had been exam-less for his godson, though, and Sirius had smartly encouraged his bored godson to spend his remaining days with reading up on becoming an Animagus. The Marauder had even owled his old books and notes last week to the boy along with a vial of Animagus Draught he had found along with his old school items.

Grinning, the childish adult allowed his imagination to run away with him at the thought of that draught. He let his mind conjure up over what form Harry would take – a Red Stag, just like Prongs? Or maybe something rare yet uniquely Harry, like a Phoenix? Merlin knew how often that boy had risen from the ashes… – when the roar of the Floo-connected fireplace came to life.

Jerking at the unexpected noise and obviously unexpected visitor, Sirius ceased mid-stroke of painting and dropped his paintbrush into the paint can. He remained still for a moment, his ears catching the sound of someone patting down their robes of ash as his mind whirled. It couldn't be Remus, the wolf had already stopped by this morning and he knew for a fact his friend would be busy with his post-war job of as a Ministry archivist since the start of Kingsley Shacklebolt's rein as Minister of Magic. Yet, whatever the case, Sirius was curious as to who was stopping by, so he stood up and cautiously descended the remainder of the crimson-carpeted stairs, uncaring of his paint-flecked appearance and worn attire of black jeans and sweat-dampened cotton vest.

''Sirius Black, –'' an angry, scotch-lilted tone rang about the cottage, '' – Get in here!''

With his bare feet meeting the chilled hardwood flooring that dominated the house and hallway, Sirius felt his eyes widen at such a furious tone. It was a tone he hadn't been addressed in since…well, since he had been the owner of the voice's student. And he cringed, unable to help himself as he realized it was McGonagall in his house as he made his way across the modest hallway and towards the large archway that led into the sitting room.

''Hey…'' he found himself calling back softly, his tone just as cautious as his expression.

Out of all the people he expected – Andromeda or Nymphadora Tonks – to be visiting him on the spur of the moment; he would have never expected Minerva McGonagall. The woman had been so busy with her position as Headmistress and Sirius hadn't really spoken to the woman save for their passing meetings or post-war funerals. Yet, here she was, her tightly pulled back bun-style of hair looking a tad greyer than when he had seen last as she stood rigidly in the center of his sitting room, directly in front of the fireplace.

And, by Merlin, she looked exceedingly pissed off at him.

That in itself was certainly strange, though, and Sirius gulped. He suddenly felt like he was a student again, especially with the way McGonagall was glaring at him now. She looked almost as angry as she had all those years ago, back when he had unintentionally led Snivellus to the Shrieking Shack and towards a rabid Moony. But, in spite of McGonagall's sour expression, the dog Animagus caught the tell-tale signs of distress woven into her aged features and a cold, heavy realization dropped uncomfortably into Sirius' stomach and dissolved his brief revert into naughty school boy mentality.

There was, after all, only one person he loved and cared about that still remained under McGonagall's watchful eye.

''Harry!'' Sirius found the name leaving him in a shout. ''It's Harry, isn't it? What's wrong? I was wondering why he didn't use the mirror to call me last night –! ''

''Mr Potter is fine,'' the old woman interjected, her stern expression intensifying.

Sirius let out a relieved breath at the news – thank Merlin – and began to crack a grin. The eighteen-year-old must've finally taken his advice by loosening up a little and pulling a few pranks since nearing the end of his small stint at Hogwarts. Gods knew how much the young man needed it, the kid lacked in a decent childhood thanks to those despicable Muggles and Voldemort's presence; it was about time Harry lived a little, even if it was an itsy-bitsy prank. Although, taking note how McGonagall was stopping by personally it must've been a good prank, and the Marauder barely contained a snigger as his chest warmed with pride.

''Well,'' the Headmistress added dryly, ''That is to say as he is fine as someone can be after taking an Animagus Draught.''

Smile faltering at the tone, the Black pulled a face. ''So?'' he shot back sulkily. Harry must've got caught taking the vial without supervision. ''It's not illegal. James and I used it to find out our forms before doing the training, it just makes the transition easier when training your body to switch.''

''Unless said potion is out of date!'' McGonagall snapped whilst stepping forward, closer to Sirius and closer to prodding his eye out with her accusing, pointed finger. ''You stupid, foolish, idiotic boy, '' she spat harshly, her cheeks reddening. ''Why did you give Harry such a thing? And don't deny it, Mr Black. Miss Granger and Mr Weasley filled me in on your encouragement with talking Harry through the training and owling him the potion!''

''Potions can't go out of date – ''

'' – Yes, yes they can,'' she cut-in, clearly insisting as her tirade was obviously just beginning. ''And, they can most certainly go out of date when one doesn't cast a preserving charm on them in the first place. Miss Granger even went so far to inform me that you had found the potion when clearing out your old school trunk.''

''But you said Harry's fine!'' the man barked, his patience frayed and worry brewing. ''If it was out of date it shouldn't have worked,'' he continued, more to reassure himself as he barely resisted the urge to push the Headmistress aside and Floo to Hogwarts.

''He is fine…''

Calming slightly at those words, Sirius licked his dry lips and stared at the woman's softening features. Her anger was obviously spent but that worrisome glint in her eye remained as she let out a heavy sigh. Sirius, too, let out a gusty exhale in a brief attempt to loosen his rigid posture and anger-induced adrenaline. He wanted to fire some questions, though, find out exactly what happened to warrant this lecture – a lecture he fully deserved, for he'd never purposely meant to harm Harry, – when McGonagall shot him a weary smile before speaking up.

''Harry his alive and healthy save for being stuck in his new form,'' she informed. ''According to Severus, it appears the stagnant use of that potion merely increased the potency by extending the time in which Harry is in his Animagus form. Like you have experienced, the draught usually lasts for a few minutes before wearing off. However, the state of the potion you handed Harry has made things…difficult.''

As the information washed over him and sunk into his pores, Sirius subconsciously backed up and flopped down upon the brown-leather chesterfield sofa. His legs felt weak and his body was jittery right now, and he really didn't like the way McGonagall had summed Harry's situation as 'difficult'. Honestly, the Marauder wondered when, if ever, would something become not difficult for that beautiful, green-eyed boy. But, alas, it was his fault, and with clenched fists, guilt wormed into his gut for handing the surviving Potter that potion without even consulting Remus or anyone of valued opinion.

He thought he had been helping Harry when owling those tomes, notes and vial of leftover potion...

''Poppy even tried the Homorphus charm on the boy, only to fail,'' Minerva explained softly. ''However,'' she added with purposeful confidence, ''Severus has assured me that the potion will leave Potter's system from in a matter of weeks to a month. He is also planning on brewing a neutraliser to try and speed up the process, though.''

'Praise Snivellus,' Sirius inwardly crowed, shocked to find that he was only slightly sarcastic and extremely pleased. But still, regardless of the greasy git's words, he needed a more trustworthy opinion.

''So Harry is going to be back to normal?'' he asked, his throat feeling tight and voice sounding constricted.

A genuinely relaxed smile, no matter how small, did appear on the Headmistress' face. ''That is what I've just said, Mr Black.''

''And Harry, I want to see Harry now –'' the feline Animagus' raised hand halted the male's demands.

''I was actually hoping to talk about that,'' she said. ''You see, the eighth-years leave date from their six month study period and exams finish, and its only three days away. Considering Harry's already finished his exams, perhaps, it would be best for him to return home now? I can't really contain an animal in the infirmary and -''

Grey eyes visibly brightening; Sirius slapped his hands upon his thighs and interjected. ''Yeah, yeah, bring him here early!''

Only then, after a sharp look at his burst of boisterousness, did McGonagall utter, ''one moment then,''before crouching down by the fireplace and placing a Fire-call to her office. Sirius only half-listened to her exchange with whoever was on the other side, his guilt subsided at the fact Harry would be fine and back to normal naturally or via Snape's soon-to-be-brewed neutraliser. Whatever the case, he didn't have to wait long, not when Minerva stood up and side-stepped away from the fireplace. She managed to shoot him a look that Sirius could decipher as 'behave' before the fireplace came to life with a burst of green flame as a tall, dour-looking Severus Snape stepped through. Sirius would've shot a snarl at his school rival had it not been for the mass of fur quivering in the man's arms and showing an obviously negative reaction to Flooing.

''Here,'' Snape spat as he, rather gently, lowered the medium-sized dog upon the floor. ''I believe this is yours?'' he added before straightening and picking off a selection of hairs that had stuck into his robes. '' A Border Collie, I believe. Let us just hope that you won't kill the boy with any further negligence, Bla –''

''Severus, that is all,'' McGonagall chimed in, clearly diffusing Snape's need to make Sirius feel worse. ''Off you go,'' she urged with a wave of her hand. ''You're overseeing detention tonight, are you not?''

Getting to hint to stop seeking an argument, the Hogwarts Deputy gave a disdainful sniff and stepped back towards the Floo, his dark eyes narrowing briefly at the other man in the room who obviously didn't hear his insult. In fact, as Snape grabbed some glittery green powder, he realized that Black looked numb upon seeing the scruffy Boy-Who-Lived-Turned-Dog. Maybe it was a good thing the usually volatile Black hadn't heard him, for Severus was in no mood to exchange insults with neglectfully stupid man who had almost permanently harmed Lily's son. Nonetheless, the Potion Master's glower towards black softened before he stepped through the Floo.

''Are you going to be okay?''

Jolting out of his stupor, Sirius stopped staring into the intelligent, verdant-green eyes stared up at him. With a painful twist in his stomach, he felt his fingers twitch and cringed at the realization that – regardless of the change of form – the gleam of admiration and trust in those eyes remained the same. He swallowed thickly as he eventually pried his eyes from those green orbs to focus on the other occupant the room, McGonagall, who was looking at him with a piercing look.

''Yes,'' he said slowly, awkwardly. ''Ah,'' eyes drifting he only just caught onto the fact Snape had left. ''We're going to be fine.''

McGonagall stared at him a few more moments before nodding and offering a comforting smile. ''We'll stop by, but do keep us informed,'' she said lightly. ''Remember, Potter is fine, he will back to normal soon. Just keep an eye on him.''

Sirius just nodded, vaguely aware that she was heading towards the Floo as Harry's damp, wet nose snuffled against his bare toes. He gave a shiver, unsure if it was caused by the ticklish sensation of whiskers or the idea that his godson was inhaling his grubby feet. The Floo let out a flash of flame from the Headmistress's departure, leaving Sirius to suffer through several uneasy beats of silence save for the sound of sniffing and claws clicking against wood. However, such silence didn't last long, and Sirius dropped to his knees, his head spinning in a mix of astonishment that Harry wasn't anything exotic, intimidating or Prongs-ish.

Harry was a dog of the Border Collie breed – or, at least, that's what Snivellus had mentioned in passing. Not that Sirius had really listened to the Potions Master, his mind had been far too bogged down with guilt after actually seeing the result and recalling McGonagall's past words him about this…mishap. He worked his jaw at it all, his eyes roving the canine in front of him, taking in every aspect from that shiny wet nose, lolling pink tongue and hair, lots of it. It was all lengthy black hair covered the majority of that medium-sized body save a few minimal white patches in random locations.

''Oh, Harry,'' he sighed softly.

The dog's ears perked up at the name, the untameable flicks of black hair by his ears becoming more prominent by the movement, but the accidental Animagus in question didn't even look at him. In fact, Harry appeared to far be far more interested with sniffing at Sirius' paint smudged clothing while said older male's shoulders slumped. The realization that his godson wasn't acting very human-minded right now brought forth new questions and worries as he bit the inside of his cheek and glanced back towards those familiar green-eyes.

Was…was Harry conscious?

Was Harry behind the dog's eyes like Sirius was when becoming Padfoot?

Or, had the potion's extended state altered that?

Stomach flipping at surge of bubbling questions, Sirius felt hurt and angry. He had been so stupid, so, so stupid…there was a reason why the Animagus Draught only lasted a few minutes, for the sudden strain of animal instinct and human will could warp minds if it lasted any longer. After all, the potion was only meant to be used as a kick-start with the lengthy training of becoming a full Animagus and –

And something warm, wet and agile lapped at his stubble-coated chin, derailing his negative spiral of thoughts.

A snort of tight, nervous laughter left Sirius' mouth at that action, his mind finally catching up with him to realize that Harry had just licked his chin. Human mind or not, the Black mused, the collie had unknowingly committed payback for previous years of Padfoot's face-licking activities. He smiled sadly at it all, his emotions torn between joy at Harry's canine form and guilt for being the one who had provided the dodgy potion which caused this whole predicament.

However, in spite of this clash of feelings, the Black found himself entranced with shock, his slightly jittery hands reaching forward to delve his fingers into the lengthy, silky black hair of the collie's neck and chest while his eyes roved those minimal accents of white upon the animal's fur: white tipped tail, four white paws that stretched up at different heights like odd socks or stockings, and, the most notable feature of all, the white muzzle, complete with an attached sliver of light fur that crept up between those green eyes until stopping around the forehead area…

Sirius found himself removing one hand from the thick black fur in favour of raising one hand to ghost his fingertips across that slightly jagged-looking sliver between Harry's eyes. Hypnotically, the man managed to trail his fingers from the tip of the dog's black nose, past the white muzzle and follow the mild zig-zag leading up to the furry forehead a few times until Harry pulled back and snuffled at his fingers curiosity. Shifting a little in his crouch, he bunched his fingers into the slick, downy hair as warm breath, thorny whiskers and damp nose butted against the side of his face.

He wasted no time with abruptly pulling that hairy, compact body against his chest and pressing his nose against the dark fur, a confession slipping past his lips.

''I hope you're in there somewhere, kiddo.''
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