Did Rita see Sirius transform?

[Kate the Great <pup1986@yahoo.com>]

No: HPFGUIDX 52543

Today I noticed something VERY intriguing...
In the fourth book, in the second to last chapter, at the very end of 
the chapter Hermione catches Rita Skeeter in beetle form on the 
windowsill.

BEFORE Hermione caught Rita, Sirius transformed from dog to human and 
back to dog *in the same room.*

Did Rita see? I think she probably did. It's one of those very subtle 
things JKR is so good at adding that come in very important later on. 
I think Rita will probably tell about Sirius being an animagus, and 
what form he takes. This will lead to dangerous consequences for 
Sirius, being on the run. Maybe Lupin can change him into some other 
animal with his wand, but then Sirius will not be able to change back 
at will, not that he has a lot of need for that anyway. I don't know 
if Rita will keep quiet for a year like Hermione wants her to. I 
don't know what the consequences for being an illegal animagus are, 
or if Rita thinks anyone will believe Hermione. Hermione is probably 
pretty believeable, though, a good student and everything. Rita 
probably wouldn't want to be found out, for spying purposes.

I think that maybe when(if) the ministry finds out about Sirius being 
an animagus, it will spark some investigation by a few members who 
make the connection between Pettigrew being an animagus and still 
alive according to Harry, Hermione, and Ron, and Sirius being one. 
Sirius and Peter were friends at Hogwarts, and a few ministry members 
may make the connection that Sirius probably taught Peter how to be 
an animagus, as well. I doubt very many ministry members know, 
though, if any. Mrs. Weasly knows now, so that could be the link.

"Kate"