"It wouldn't," Sirius replies instantly his voice firm but calm.

He hesitates then, remembering a conversation he'd had only weeks ago atop that hill in the park. He's told Kieren a good deal about his past, but not everything. Some things he's kept very carefully hidden indeed.

"My friend Remus," he says, his voice quieter as he dips the cloth into the water rinsing out the black sludge before dragging it over Kieren's shoulder next, up the side of his neck. "I know I've mentioned him before, but I haven't told you everything. The reason I'm an Animagus is because of him. Because, when me and mates were about twelve or thirteen, we figured out why Remus disappeared for a few days every single month. More specifically, why he disappeared right around the full moon, every month like clockwork."