No stranger to awkward situations, Ivy had to admit that this morning was probably one of the more weird things she'd gotten herself into since being married. The night before had been the full moon, and due to an emergency on Thomas' side of the family, Ivy had been away from Remus in order to care for Jenna and Kirsten. The twins had been a dream, sleeping mostly through the night for their aunt, who herself was too anxious for her husband to sleep- and as it had turned out, she'd had every right to worry.

Remus, or rather Moony, had ripped himself to shreds, and there was nothing Padfoot could do to stop him, so Sirius, or rather his animagus form, was only able to watch in horror as the werewolf clawed and chewed at the locked doors. The beast obviously wanted out, and tore at the walls and doorway until he gave up, and turned on his own flesh. So of course, when she returned to Grimmauld Place in the morning, she found her husband in less that perfect shape, to say the least. This prompted a huge fit being thrown on Sirius- a few hexes fired, no real harm down. But now, she was still fuming, but had a job to do scrubbing the dried blood of Remus' marred back.

"You missed a spot." Sirius commented from his place on the toilet seat. Ivy, who was perched on the edge of the very large tub, sponge in hand.

"Why is he in here at all?" Ivy growled under her breath, and after a sharp wince, Remus sighed.

"Because he's my best friend, Love. He's just... Overseeing. He's seen it all before, it's not a big deal." He replied in a weak, quiet voice. "Please, don't." Ivy sighed, glared over at the other wizard, and continued to gently attempt to remove the blood from his shoulders without causing too much pain.

"I told you that April said she could hire a sitter!" She scolded. "You knew this would happen, don't deny that." Remus said nothing at first, but when Ivy turned his face to wipe his jaw clean, she could see in his eyes how upset he was, even if his face was too exhausted to show it.

"And the healers say that the more time you can spend with the girls, the better you'll be." He replied quietly. Ivy stiffened only slightly. The healer that she and April had been to talked for a very long time with Ivy, starting with family history- going through the laws in place for halfbreeds and her marriage, the accident (conveniently leaving Sirius out) and her depression from the fact. The healer team, which it turned out to be a group of three, were able to make a potion specially blended just for Ivy. It was adjusted to her specific set of problems and species. So far, it had really helped, but it had only been three weeks. Molly and since made up with Ivy, and was making potions along side Ivy's tea for her as was instructed by the healers. The healers had also suggested that Ivy spend as much time around her nieces as she could. This was no problem for her. She could even take them to work.

"I think you needed me more." She replied and gently kissed the bridge of his nose. Remus attempted to smile but it fell. Ivy smiled in return. "Let's finish getting you cleaned up and these big ones closed. You need to rest." She and Sirius jointly lifted him from the water and wrapped a large, fluffy towel around his waist. Ivy closed the wounds while Sirius dressed his best friend and the helped him to bed.

Ivy was still a little anxious as she tufted her hair into place in the hallway mirror outside the room she and Remus shared. Sirius was leaned against the wall, mocking Ivy's speech as she instructed him on taking care of Remus. When she was finished, Sirius couldn't help but snort. "You know I've taken care of him longer than you've even known him, right?" He prodded. Ivy nodded, biting her tongue. It meant a lot to Remus that they try to get along. And avoiding confrontation was something else her healers had suggested.

"Just- call me if he needs something, Sirius." She snapped. "I won't be more than an hour." Sirius threw his hands up.

"Right, fine." He agreed, backing away. "I've got to go get the place ready for Harry anyhow!" And off he adventured down the hall. Ivy was a bit thankful that Sirius wouldn't be bothering Remus much and he could sleep. Trusting he was safe for now, she gave one last look and the cracked bedroom door before she headed off down the stairs to check in at both stores with Alice and Nicholas. She did not notice that Remus had company heading up the stairs as she closed the door behind her.

Nymphadora Tonks barely knew the man, but there was something about Remus that fascinated her. It wasn't so much his looks, though he was very handsome indeed, but there was more too it than that. It was his stoic silence and the air of mystery to him- she'd been sent on two Order recons with him already in her short time with the organization. Both outings he'd been kind, but professional. Alert, so much so that Tonks figured her mentor, Alastor Moody would be proud. After all, that wizard was always on about being vigilant.

Tonks also knew that he was a werewolf, something everyone in the Order is told not to bring up unless invited by Remus himself, which she was sure he would never do. But it was his place, not hers, so she said nothing. She knew, due to the law, he was married. But Sirius had said that she was a miserable young thing, and made Sirius miserable. He didn't have much to say on her other than this, so Tonks wondered if they could really be happy in a situation like theirs, or if it was a marriage in name. Tonks herself had worked many cases in her short time as an auror involving couples at odds whom had been forced to marry due to the law for halfbreeds. These few things were all she knew about him, other than that he had suffered the full moon through the night previous.

Tonks slipped into the room and sat in the chair beside the bed. He was quite handsome, even in spite of the various bandages and bruises marking his face. She didn't want to wake him, but rather just provide warm company- so she simply settled into the chair and watched him sleeping for a moment. A tuft of his sandy blond hair had fallen over his eyes at it dried, and she moved to brush it away.

"Can I help you with something?" Ivy snapped, causing Tonks to jump to her feet in fright. "The exit, perhaps?"

"I- Er, You see, I-" Tonks babble. The other witches face turned bright red. She recognized Ivy from school- they'd been housemates. She tried to compose herself but ended up tripping as she made for the door, startling Remus awake. He coughed a bit as he sat up, Ivy turning his direction and Tonks frozen in her steps.

"What-?" Remus looked from witch to witch, looking for an answer. Ivy turned to Tonks, eyes blazing a furious gold.

"Out." She growled. Tonks swallowed and nodded, tripping over the door frame once more as Ivy swung the door shut behind her.

"Nymphadora Tonks?" Ivy questioned. Remus blinked, obviously groggy from his slumber.

"It appeared to be..." Remus replied. Ivy crossed her arms over her chest. She was all but shaking in anger, knowing that she'd probably jumped the gun, as the saying goes. But Tonks was already who Elya had replaced her with, and the very thought of Remus- it was too much.

"Why was she- No. I don't want to know." Ivy paced a bit and sighed. "Yes I do. What was she doing in our room? Alone? With you?" Remus sat up and rubbed his temples.

"I can't answer that, I'm afraid. I didn't know she was in here." Remus replied honestly. Ivy shook her head and started to stammer. Remus sighed, pushed himself up weakly and motioned for her to come closer. "Baby, seriously?" He questioned, and she moved over to the bed and snuggled in next to him.

"I-" She started to apologize. Remus pulled her head down onto his shoulder and kissed her temple.

"Don't worry about it." He replied calmly. "Rest with me." He laid back down and pulled her close, drifting off to sleep with ease. Ivy however, laid awake- her stomach heavy with worry.

Their nap was riddled with nightmares for Ivy, even though it seemed Remus was sleeping soundly. Each time she drifted off she came into a scene with Remus and Nymphadora Tonks in various states of undress- always neither caring when Ivy happens in to catch them. She'd awaken all but sobbing and snuggled in closer to Remus, but no matter what another dream, more graphic than the last. Four in all, nightmares that would not fade when she opened her eyes. She wanted to scream, to be mad at her husband even though she knew he hadn't really committed any of the acts she dreamed of. It didn't stop them from feeling real or turning her stomach to rot.

There was a small voice inside her head, just loud enough to drown out all logic, speaking to her. 'Why shouldn't he?' it whispered. 'She can give him so can you?' It demanded. Ivy shook her head and buried her face in the pillow right at the nape of his neck. 'Nobody would stop and stare at them in the street. She could make him happier.' Ivy felt like flinging herself from a bridge.

She pulled herself away from his embrace and sat up- bleary eyed. She could clearly smell Tonks'... emotions when she had entered the room. There was a mix of jealousy, mostly being pushed up by the shewolf within, and doubt. If Remus wanted her in return, she didn't want to stand in the way of what would make him happy. After all, in another time, perhaps Ivy would only know him as another handsome Professor Dumbledore had fill the Defense position. Perhaps he'd meet Tonks through Sirius, being his cousin, or the Order, and they'd be happy together. Why would she want to be in the way now?

She didn't want to run away again, exactly. Just be out of the way. She rose quietly from the bed and left the room as silently as she could. It wasn't hard to make it down the stairs and out the door to disapperate for home, their home. It was all she had left, but she had been her happiest there with him, and it was where her piano was, after all. She couldn't exactly hide out in her flat, it was still occupied by Elya- who she had not had the heart to evict or start charging rent, even after her mistreatment of their friendship. So off to their country home she went, leaving no notice or sign, but wondering if he would truly notice or care.

The summer breeze at blowing at the edge of the property reminded her of the day she first came to this place; the warmth and beauty of the crystal clear blue sky as it kissed the rolling hills of bright green spotted with yellow buttercups all but took her breath away. She'd gotten used to this life, rather than London. It was better out here, peaceful, safe. She took a deep breath and lunged forward, landing on all four paws. She had missed this so much, and lunged forward after a small purple butterfly as it fluttered by. Maybe a little time in the country was all she needed to clear her mind. She hoped this could still be her home, and that this was all in her head, but it just remained to be seen. After all, Remus was due to go and help bring Harry Potter back. He'd be busy for a while. He probably wouldn't even notice she'd gone.

Thoughts are always appreciated. We'll meet more of Harry, and Umbridge, next chapter. I'd love your feedback on everything! And I will say this, I hope you paid attention to the details- one will end up being super important. (Wink Wink!) All guesses are welcome!

Hugs!
~Duchess