Double Dog Dare! -- Episode 3
Juliane, 17 December 2001

Fred and George watched the Muggle boys try window after window and, finally finding one open, try to haul themselves through. The blond one clambered to the sill, lost his balance and landed with a crash that the twins could hear from their tree, while the redhead lept nimbly through.

"At least one of them has some brains – must be the hair," Fred commented.

"So now what?" George asked Fred. "Do you have those see-through-stone binoculars we developed?

"Right here," Fred replied. He added mournfully, "I was hoping to break them in by using them on the Ravenclaw girls' bathroom."

"Oh, give them here. We'll have plenty of chances – " He peered into the small brass binoculars, and emitted a displeased grunt. "Damn." He handed them back to Fred who held them up to his eyes and sighed regretfully.

"Er, I guess that See-Through Spell didn't take to the lenses, did it?"

"I should say not. Let's get out of this tree and follow them through that window. They may need saving before they get to the top of the tower."

The two climbed back down the large ash, and crept towards the same window the Muggle boys had snuck through.

"Got another dungbomb, just in case," whispered Fred as they paused beneath the window. "Keep an eye out for that curate."

~*~*~

Padfoot trotted cheerfully up the street, looking for a chance at some food and perhaps a good scratching around the ears. Fidelis' grip on his fur didn't hurt, but the small tuggings on it made his skin itch. "Remember, keep you eyes open. Dumbledore wants a full report when we get back," Padfoot told Fidelis.

"MMMMmmmmmrRRRmmmmm," mumbled the spaniel through a mouthful of fur.

"It should be no problem – you're much easier to work with than my last partner," Padfoot answered.

Turning down a small lane, he noticed a wooden fence that was short enough for his massive form to peer over if he was on his hind legs. A naked woman was lying on a chaise lounge, reading a massive novel and eating a meat pie. Padfoot sniffed the air, and could feel Fidelis drooling down his neck. He returned to all fours and, finding the gate, nudged it open. "You first. Just be yourself. Small, cute and nonthreatening."

As he lowered his head Fidelis jumped off of his neck, slipped through the opening, and scrambled up to the woman, yipping excitedly.

"Oh, what a darling little pup you are!" she exclaimed, and bent down to fondle his silky ears.

Padfoot crouched behind the fence and with a quiet "pop,' turned back into Sirius. The wizard dusted himself off, smoothed out his shirt, and ran a quick hand through his hair. He gave his neck a good scratching and twisting around, admired the fit of his black Muggle jeans. Assuming his most charming demeanor, he walked hurriedly through the gate and into the woman's yard.

"Oh, there you are, Fidelis. I'm so sorry if he disturbed you – he got away from me and I saw him run behind this fence."

The woman stared up at the gorgeous man in her yard, and forgot she was nakedly consuming a meat pie.

"Hel- hello. I – your dog is adorable," she said. Fidelis licked her leg, which brought her back to reality and to the realization she really should clothe herself. She blushed and hurridly wrapped herself in her dressing gown. "Excuse me, I was sunbathing and didn't think-"

Sirius gave her a smile that made her sit weakly back down on the lounge. "I'm so glad you found Fidelis. He's such a small creature that I'm always afraid I'll lose him, and it is nice to see he's fallen into such lovely hands. May I ask your name?"

"Janet. Janet Tewksberry. And may I ask yours?