As soon as the ball was thrown, Sirius sprung from his crouch and bounded after it. It didn’t look as though it was going very far, and as soon as the ball neared the ground, Sirius jumped, turned his head and body slightly to the side, and caught it between his jaws. He landed on his feet, although not very smoothly, and he turned around and ran back towards Remus, wagging his tail.

When he reached Remus, he dropped the (only a little slobbery) ball at his feet. He glanced at Remus for approval, and rolled over onto his back with his legs lolling in the air. He cocked his head at Remus with a big, floppy tongued dog smile, this time saying Please? Sirius’ human mind was dominant in his animagus form, but he had canine instincts, as well. Even though this would have been awkward as a man, neither part of his brain saw anything wrong with a dog asking for a little bellyrub.