THE LOST DOG ' s. black

[3] the ways of a marauder

"CHESHIRE, have you ever done pranks?"

  With his tone, I already knew what he was trying to imply.

  "I think you're forgetting you're just a temporary anomaly in my time, Black, I'm sure you've got lots of time for pranks when you return to your time. And no, I do not want nor will I allow you to do pranks. You'll follow my orders, remember?" I spoke, placing my hands on my hips to exude authority.

  "I haven't said anything yet.." Sirius retorted, shrugging innocently. "I just thought.. maybe we could pull a visit to that Umbridge lady."

  "Ah, ah, ah. Not we, only you." I waved my pointing finger in front of his face. "Just because I'm willing to help you around with your situation, it's not a reason for me to risk my very clean record."

  "You're joking."

  "I'm quite serious."

  "But I'm Sirius."

  "Oh, shut up." I scoffed, walking with him inside some secret passage Sirius knew about next to a portrait. "I'm keeping my records clean.. I plan to work in the Department of Mysteries after graduation. You know how high their standards are."

  "Actually, I don't." Sirius snorted. "I'm graduating in a few months yet I still haven't got any idea what job I should choose."

  "You're rich." I looked at him in disbelief.

  "No, thank you. I'd drop dead before I even get to spend my family's blood money.. all from what they've done. Trust me, you don't wanna know." Sirius gagged, pulling my arm with one hand while his other hand held his lit-up wand.

  "Maybe.. you could work as some businessman.. you're great at persuading people." I mumbled.

  "Did I persuade you? With my good looks and charming personality?" Sirius teased, his back turned yet I could sense him grinning.

  "No, I felt pity for you.. and I just want to get rid of you." I deadpanned. "It's not every day someone interrupts your last good sleep before the start of the school year."

  "You're welcome."

  "You're aggravating, Black. I hope you're aware of that." I commented, tying my long hair with my wand.

  "I hear that a lot, thank you!" Sirius turned to me, flashing an award-winning smile.

  "I don't even know why Professor Lupin's friends with you."

  "Oi, everybody wants to be friends with me. It's not my fault you only have one."

  "Del and I have been friends since the first year.. and I have other friends!" I retorted.

  "Namely?"

  "Well, I've got Neville.. Dean.. Lavender-why am I even bothering to name these people you don't have to know?" I glared at the laughing boy in front of me. "You have sweaty hands, by the way."

  Sirius quickly let go of my arm and wiped his hands on his sweater.

  "Oh, I don't sweat that much.. only in bed, though." Sirius winked at me, making me roll my eyes. "Maybe the time-travelling is affecting my body."

  "Or you just haven't taken a bath since the hour you got here." I added. "Why do you have so much callouses?"

  "Quidditch." Sirius shrugged proudly.

  "You're a Quidditch player?" I raised an eyebrow at him, squinting my eyes. "I have never heard of your name in Madame Hooch's class.. surely with your reputation you would've been an honourable mention."