[This tree, that tree... Really, Sirius reflects, pensively, all trees look more or less the same. Perhaps there are some distinctive knotholes to a few, but mostly they are the same. At least the Gardens is more cheerful than the Forest. Being somewhat lost in here is nearly a holiday, as opposed to the hunted feeling of wandering around the Forbidden Forest in the dark.]

You don't choose an animal, actually, it just sort of--happens. I mean, it's determined by who you are, not by what you want to be. And yeah, I'm a dog--but I'm also myself at the same time. It's all just less complex.

[He snorts when she starts in on school, and shoves aside a branch in their path.]

I dunno--school is school, innit. We have classes--transfiguration, charms, potions, history of magic, herbology, defence against the Dark Arts--those are the ones you start with, and then you add to 'em as you go on, depending on what you want to do. And there's exams and all as well--but we don't have to learn anything like maths. Disgusting. No wonder you're a horrible student, you haven't got anything fun to do.

[He glances back at her, with a little grin.]

Besides, y'know. Pretend to be everyone you meet. When did you work out that you could be anyone you wanted, anyway?