Twisted

Remus Lupin chuckled at the dog sitting at his feet, putting his hands up when he growled. "You're the one that picked a dog for your Animagi form. Don't put the blame on me." Padfoot snarled again, snorting as he pawed at the collar around his neck. 'Damn domesticated animals,' he rumbled to himself, giving his head a shake. Remus ignored him, stifling a yawn as he sifted through papers to prepare for classes tomorrow. A knock on the door drew his attention from the task, though, and Padfoot barked once, sniffing the air.

"Come in," Remus called, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Dumbledore poked his head in, glancing into be sure Sirius was presentable. "Good morning, Headmaster. May I be of service?"

"Actually, I have a visitor for you, Remus. The new History of Magic teacher." Dumbledore opened the door wider and the ebony haired woman hesitantly stepped in. Padfoot's ears pricked almost instantaneously, nose twitching. Remus gaped at her for a moment, then practically flew over to her, crushing her in a bear hug as Dumbledore smiled, disappearing from the room unnoticed. Cassie gasped for breath, clutching the front of his robes and squealing as he hauled her off her feet and swung her in a circle.

"Remus, put me down, you prat!" she wheezed, putting a hand over her heart as he finally complied. He didn't release her completely, though, still grasping her shoulders and looking as if he would never let go.

"Merlin, it's been a long time." Remus frowned, brushing the hair back from her face. Cassie rolled her eyes, swatting at his hands.

"Don't start with that, Remus," she demanded quietly, eyes locking on his.

Padfoot watched the reunion silently, teeth baring the slightest bit at the close proximity of the two. Cassie /was/ his little sister, after all. And he hadn't seen her since before... Well, it had been quite a while. After the two stopped talking, he let out a sharp bark, flicking his tail once as Cassie looked over. Her jaw dropped as she stared at the canine, tears flooding her eyes. Remus released her shoulders as she started shaking, falling to her knees. Padfoot hesitantly stood, stepping forward until he nearly touched her. Unable to wait for him to close the distance, she flung her arms around his neck, burying her face into his fur. The dog stiffened slightly, but let out a comforting whine, trying to twist around to lick her cheek.

Remus inched towards the door, catching Padfoot's eye. He gave him a look that plainly said he would guard the door and slipped into the hall. Sirius quickly morphed into the dog's place, wrapping his arms tightly around Cassie. He could tell she was crying, her shoulders heaving with every breath.

"Don't cry, Cass. I'm here. I'm right here." He gently stroked her hair, flipping right into big brother mode. It didn't help, though, her sobbing just getting worse. She clutched his robes as tightly as she could, pressing against him. Sirius just rocked her gently, sloppily kissing the top of her head. The sobs finally subsided and she slumped tiredly against her brother, still barely believing that he was there and alive.

"I thought you were dead," she whispered, voice cracking. Sirius shook his head, giving her a gentle squeeze.

"Don't. Don't talk like that. I'm here now, and there's no way I'm leaving. Not without you." Cassie closed her eyes, running her hands softly through Sirius's hair.

"You're changed," she stated quietly, pulling back to look at him. He regarded her seriously (A/N: Ha. Siriusly.), trying to make light of the situation.

"Spending twelve years in Azkaban can change a person." He gave a dry laugh, shaking his head. Cassie made an objective noise, placing a hand on his cheek. He pushed her away after a moment, forcing himself back and onto his feet. His sister watched him helplessly, stumbling to her feet.

Sirius dragged his fingers through his hair, sighing loudly. His eyes locked with Cassie's, forcing a sad smile. "Don't fuss about, Cassie. You just worry about getting your class ready for tomorrow and the feast tonight." At the mention of the feast, his eyes glossed over slightly, a /real/ grin tugging at his lips. "Harry will be arriving tonight. I can't wait for you to see him, Cass. You won't believe he's not James." Cassie smiled softly, nodding. She opened her mouth to answer, but a knock on the door dragged them both to reality. Sirius morphed into Padfoot just as Remus slipped into the room, offering them an apologetic smile.

"Cassie, McGonagall's come to show you to your classroom." Cassie nodded wordlessly, patting Padfoot lightly as she stood.

"..I'll see you both at lunch, then?" She turned hopeful eyes to Remus, smiling the slightest bit as he inclined his head. A final glance was sent towards the dog in the center of the room before she slipped into the hall, Remus shutting the door behind her.

Padfoot dragged himself to his friend's side, flopping at his feet as he stat at his desk. He heaved a sigh, tail giving a single, half-hearted wag when Remus gave his ear a tug.

"She'll be fine, Padfoot." The dog cast a questioning glance at the man, ears twitching. "I know what you're thinking, and she'll be fine, even if she is back here. Don't worry. She's a grown woman now, not some bumbling first year." Padfoot obviously agreed, lowing his head to rest on his front paws. He seemed more relaxed, and Remus returned to his lesson plans with a renewed energy.