A Chance for Atonement

After some persuasion, Amelia finally convinced the hotel security staff that the animal at her side was a gentle-tempered big dog, not a black bear that had escaped from the zoo. Still, a dog of such enormous size did nothing to fully reassure the delicate-looking waiter.

"If you insist on taking it upstairs, ma'am, I must accompany you. It's for your safety and the safety of the other guests."

The delicate-looking waiter spoke firmly.

Amelia shot Sirius a resentful look. Sirius, who had confidently promised outside the hotel that nothing could possibly go wrong, was no longer so sure of himself. He lowered his head and stared awkwardly at the bright red down carpet.

"Fine—"

Amelia pursed her lips, unable to argue with the Muggle waiter's reasonable request.

The elevator laboriously carried two people and an overweight large dog up to the higher floors. With a crisp chime, the elevator doors opened, and Sirius immediately tried to rush out in his eagerness. Taking this as a dangerous sign, the Muggle waiter hurriedly grabbed Sirius by the tail, only to be dragged off balance and fall flat on the floor!

"Hey!"

Amelia immediately called out to stop the somewhat overexcited black dog, then nodded apologetically to the Muggle waiter.

"Sorry. He, um... he's been shut in for too long. He may be a little excited."

The good-natured waiter did not take offense. He got up from the floor and straightened his crooked hat.

"Oh, you needn't apologize, ma'am. You only need to make sure your dog won't bite anyone. This way, please."

As if knowing he should not cause anyone any more trouble, Sirius forcefully suppressed the urge to sprint off and obediently stayed beside Amelia.

Late at night, the empty corridor held only the heavy footsteps of Amelia, the Muggle