the_debt_of_time

leg broke on the way down. But he could not stop now. He would apologise later once the
rat was dead.
And then maybe buy the poor lad a new pet.
Padfoot moved quickly, biting down harder any time the boy slipped from his grip.
Once he felt secure, Sirius shifted into his human form, releasing the boy only a moment
before grabbing him by the collar of his robes and dragging him into the familiar Shrieking
Shack.
Despite a broken leg, the boy moved quickly to get away, scooting across the floor
and into a corner looking ready to defend himself. He was quickly observing his
surroundings, purposely keeping the wall at his back.
"Professor Lupin has taught you well." Sirius chuckled in genuine amusement. "Not
well enough, I'm afraid." He held up the boy's own wand and aimed it at him.
"Y-You... You're Sirius Black!"
"Very observant," Sirius growled, eyes searching for the skittish rat. "Now hold still.
I'm terribly sorry about the leg."
Noises could be heard coming from the other side of the door, and Sirius snarled
at the interruption. The door burst open, and he jumped back, dodging the large slab of
wood as it just barely missed hitting him.
"Ron, are you all right?" the girl asked, rushing to her friend.
"Where's the dog?" Harry asked.
"Not a dog," the boy—Ron—moaned. "Harry, it's a trap."
"What?"
"He's the dog! He's an Animagus!"
Sirius slammed the door shut behind his godson. The moment he and the girl
turned, Sirius shouted, "Expelliarmus!" capturing both of their wands. He took a step closer,
eyes fixed on Harry.
"I thought you'd come and help your friend," he stated hoarsely, not used to
speaking so much after being silent for so long. "Your father would have done the same
for me. Brave of you, not to run for a teacher. I'm grateful; it will make everything much
easier." The last thing he needed was for Dumbledore to interrupt.