Douglas rolled his eyes.
He had almost forgotten that this wolf had once been part of that foursome too. He was hardly the honest, guileless sort-he had quite a sharp tongue.
He studied the two of them carefully again, then asked in puzzlement:
"You two didn't go running to Snape because the students wouldn't agree, did you?"
Sirius curled his lip, wearing an expression that said, how could you think that of me?
"Of course not. I'm the director of the Academic Affairs Office now. I can't very well get into a fight with a Head of House, can I? That would undermine Hogwarts' harmonious atmosphere."
At this point, Sirius looked positively indignant.
"Personally, I wholeheartedly endorse Professor Holmes's advanced approach to potion brewing. As director of the Academic Affairs Office, I have a duty to consider the quality of the school's teaching. In the spirit of doing everything for Hogwarts..."
Douglas took a sip of water and watched his performance with interest.
"So?"
Sirius winked, a faintly sheepish smile on his face.
"So... I went through the Academic Affairs Office's procedures fair and square and sent Victoria-you know, my little assistant in the office who was in Slytherin.
"To have a friendly discussion with Professor Snape and see whether we could borrow a few outstanding sixth- and seventh-year students... in your name!"
Douglas set down his glass and tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"In my name? I thought you'd gone yourself. I was wondering why the venerable gentleman was in such a good mood that he'd actually let you come back in one piece."
Sirius slapped his thigh excitedly.
"Nonsense! Even if we did fight, two of that slug wouldn't be a match for me."
Seeing Douglas's expression, he immediately