Chapter Fourteen: A Downward Spiral
For a moment there was only silence. No one seemed to be able to speak; they simply stared at Dumbledore in amazement, in shock, in horror.
"I have little time to explain," said Dumbledore. "Suffice it to say that Dolores Umbridge became aware of Harry's defense meetings with other students. She laid a trap for him with the help of several Slytherins, including Draco Malfoy."
"Who ratted them out?" Sirius asked darkly.
"That is of no concern now," said Dumbledore firmly. "What is important is that I was able to head off the situation."
"Head it off?" Sirius barked angrily. "You'll forgive me if I don't see how you no longer being at the school to protect Harry suggests you headed anything off."
"Would you prefer it had I allowed Harry to accept the blame for what happened? Allowed Umbridge to expel him from school? Allowed Fudge to arrest him?" Dumbledore demanded, fire in his eyes, his voice booming about the kitchen. Lupin shrank back--it was rare to see Dumbledore display any sort of temper; his kindly face and eyes belied the power within. But when Dumbledore's ire was up, it was fearful to behold.
"I'd prefer you back at the school looking after him!" Sirius retorted, not backing down. "Without you there he's--"
"There was no choice, Sirius, but for me to leave," Dumbledore said. "In so doing I may have saved Harry's life AND the cause for which we are all fighting."
Sirius started to say something, then stopped, then opened his mouth again.
"What do you mean?" he asked warily.
"Voldemort is invading Harry's mind now," said Dumbledore. "When Harry looks at me I can see Voldemort in his eyes. Why do you think I have been avoiding Harry all this year? Why do you think I asked Severus Snape to teach him Occlumency?"
Lupin swallowed. "If Voldemort gets inside Harry's head and sees you getting close--"
"He'll come for me," said Dumbledore calmly. "But that is not the real danger. Voldemort knows I do not fear him. No, the danger is him seeing through what I am trying to protect. Not only Harry, but the Order itself."
"Yes, but--" Sirius began.
"Sirius, had I stayed, I would have been arrested, taken to Azkaban," said Dumbledore. "Not that it would have held me for long, but time is of the essence. I had no other alternative."
"Kingsley was there," said Tonks nervously. "What happened--"
"Kingsley is the other reason why Harry is not now sitting in a cell in Azkaban," said Dumbledore. "He was able to perform a Memory Charm on the informant who told Umbridge of Harry's defense club meetings. Unfortunately I had to Stun him along with nearly everyone else in the room, but I'm certain he understands why."
"Dear god," said Lupin. "How--how did it come to this?"
"Fudge is mad," said Sirius.
"Fudge is afraid," said Dumbledore. "Afraid of what the return of Voldemort will mean for his well-ordered world. Afraid of what would become of his career if it becomes known that the worst Dark Wizard in centuries has returned on his watch."
"Dammit!" Sirius slammed a fist onto the kitchen table.
"I am far more concerned about Umbridge," said Dumbledore. "She'll be appointed as Headmistress, make no mistake. She will be given the authority to abuse the students however she sees fit. And I am confident she will do so, if it means keeping them under her thumb."
"You don't mean that," said Tonks fearfully. "Abuse the students?"
"I saw her manhandle the very student who informed upon Harry to her," said Dumbledore. "If she will attack a student who is helping her, there is no doubt in my mind she will do far worse to those who oppose her."
"What about Harry?" said Sirius. "What happens to him?"
"He must become proficient at Occlumency," said Dumbledore. "There is nothing so important as this, do you understand. I know it is difficult for him, for you, Sirius, to accept that Harry is under Snape's tutelage, but it is for Harry's own safety, for the safety of the Order itself, that Harry learn Occlumency. I cannot emphasize this enough. If Voldemort continues to invade Harry's mind, he will learn of what we are trying to hide, and the danger to Harry, to all of us, will be far greater than any of us can begin to imagine."
"What about you?" said Tonks hesitantly.
"I was not here tonight," said Dumbledore firmly. "As far as you know I vanished after the melee in my office and have not been seen since. You must relay this to Kingsley, though I have no doubt he'll keep silent. The fewer people who know of my whereabouts, the better. Fudge will be monitoring every communication from now on.
"I am going somewhere safe; I will contact you in a few days. Do not contact me unless there is an emergency. If you need me, simply say Fawkes's name, and he will appear to you. I must go."
At this the great phoenix flapped his scarlet wings and gave a soft, eerie chirp.
"Remember what I said about Harry and Occlumency," said Dumbledore, his eyes moving from Sirius to Lupin and back.
With another blinding flash, Dumbledore and Fawkes were gone.
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Two hours later Lupin returned to his bedroom, exhausted. Tonks had gone back to the Ministry to meet with Kingsley and pass along Dumbledore's message. Sirius and Lupin had stayed in the kitchen, Sirius opening a fresh bottle of firewhisky.
Lupin had not imbibed in the liquor, nor had he commented on Sirius drinking three large glasses of it in quick succession. But Lupin could not deny he was worried for Sirius. Worried over the way his best friend had more and more been turning to drink to deal with all the troubles plaguing him. With no messages coming from Harry anymore, with Harry now directly under the tyranny of the Umbridge woman, Sirius's only outlets had become drink and Emmeline Vance.
Now, however, standing alone in his room, Lupin wished he had taken a glass of whisky, if nothing to dull the mounting fear radiating in his chest. Things had gone from bad to worse, as he had always expected, but the difference this time was that the Ministry itself was more than directly responsible. Once again hot anger coursed through his veins as he thought of Cornelius Fudge. Like so many men Lupin had known, Fudge had become consumed with a lust for power, and like so many politicians, Fudge believed his own corruption, his own quest for ever more control, was ultimately in the cause of good. Lupin wasn't sure who, at that moment was worse: Voldemort or Fudge. At least Voldemort was openly evil. One knew where one stood with Voldemort.
"Bath," he muttered to himself. It was the only thing that would relieve some of the pain in his head, the ache in his shoulders. He stepped into his bathroom and turned on the taps in the bath, allowing the water that filled the tub to be as hot as he could stand it. He suddenly felt filthy and wanted nothing more than to scrub the vestiges of the day away from his tired, aching body.
His pocketwatch chimed, and he went into his bedroom to fetch a flask of potion. He opened the chest drawer and extracted a flask. He uncorked it, downed the contents, put the empty flask in the other drawer.
He returned to the bathroom, where it was now filled with steam; the bath full of pine-scented bubbles. He stripped off his clothes and sank into the steaming water, wincing slightly at the temperature but welcoming the sting of it on his skin. He let his head rest against the smooth porcelain and instantly felt the muscles in his shoulders begin to loosen, his mind begin to drift, his eyes begin to close...
"Remus?"
He blinked and opened his eyes.
"Tonks?" he called. "I'm in here."
She came tentatively into the bathroom. She was wearing beat up jeans and a jumper, but no robes and no shoes. Her hair was in its natural state, dark, loosely curling around her face. Beautiful. She looked almost like a china doll.
"Hi," she said, looking shy. "I...I'm sorry, I must be disturbing you."
He smiled at her; she got like this sometimes, timid and hesitant. He knew that by now she had become keenly attuned to his moods and was as a result very respectful of his need for distance on occasion, his desire for solitude. Clearly, she thought now was one of those times.
She was wrong.
"You're not disturbing me," he said. "I'm glad you're here. I've missed you."
She smiled at him, a glowing, youthful kind of smile that only young women seemed to possess.
"I've missed you, too," she said softly, coming into the bathroom, kneeling by the tub. "I don't suppose we've had much time...for each other. Not these days."
He reached up and caressed her cheek. "War does tend to get in the way of things," he said softly.
She laughed gently, and then was serious again. "I just...I came back because I didn't want to be alone tonight. I just...wanted to be near you."
He could find nothing to say to this, so he kissed her instead, softly, slowly, his wet hands tangling in her dark hair, pulling her close, tasting her mouth with his.
She broke the kiss and smiled. "Is that your way of saying you want me around?"
"For lack of anything better," said Lupin. She kissed him slowly again; Lupin was tingling everywhere. They hadn't been together in two weeks. It felt like two years.
He kissed her harder, sitting up in the bath and pulling her to him, soaking her t-shirt. His hands moved to her breasts, caressed them over the shirt.
"Missed you," she murmured.
"Want you," he whispered back, kissing her harder. She was leaning over the tub now; he was pulling at her waist, her shirt, when suddenly she slipped and fell into the tub, fully clothed.
She gave a little shriek; Lupin couldn't help laughing as water sloshed all over the floor. Tonks tried to turn round but that only caused her to fall in completely, soaking her from head to foot.
She was giggling almost uncontrollably now. "I am so bloody CLUMSY!" she gasped.
"It's very alluring," said Lupin, grinning. "Shall I help you out of these wet clothes?"
"You naughty boy," she whispered, and kissed him hungrily. His hands moved to her soaked t-shirt, but she grabbed his wrists and broke the kiss.
"Don't tear this one, it's my favorite," she warned. He chuckled and pulled the wet shirt up, over her head, tossed it onto the floor. He kissed her again, his hands roaming over her wet skin, finding the clasp of her bra. He unhooked it and tossed it aside.
His mouth explored her face, her neck, her shoulders, her chest, her breasts. Her fingers were tangled in his hair, then her hands moved beneath the water to stroke him. He gasped and moaned; her mouth was on his neck, her teeth nibbling at his ear. He fumbled with the buttons on her jeans. Somehow he got them off her--more water splashed onto the floor as she struggled out of them--and tossed them onto the floor. He pulled at her knickers and peeled them off, then pulled her close so that she straddled him. His hand found her sex; his fingers caressed her slowly.
"God, Remus," she muttered against his mouth as his fingers slid into her. She moved closer to him, found him with her hands again, guided him inside her.
He bit back a loud groan as she sank onto him. Slowly she began to move, up and down, caressing the length of him, kissing his mouth. His hands moved to her bottom and he gripped her there, pulling her close, driving into her as deep as he could go. She gasped and for a moment they didn't move. Lupin closed his eyes as she began to move again, slowly, his hands guiding her hips. The water swirled round them, steam rising from the surface, as they moved faster, faster. Lupin moved his hand from her hip and found that delicate place between her legs and stroked her there; she whimpered and held onto him even tighter, burying her face into his shoulder.
The climax took her first, and she cried out with the release. The muscles of her sex contracted and sent Lupin over the edge; he shuddered and buried his face in her wet hair.
They stayed there for a while, holding each other, then climbed from the cooling water, dried off. Lupin swept her up in his arms as though she weighed nothing and carried her to the bed, her laughter like music in the air. They ignored the mess of water on the bathroom floor. It could keep until morning.
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Two weeks later Lupin sat in the kitchen, alone. He was tired. Last night had been the full moon. As always he felt used up and spit out the day following a transformation. Once again he had put Tonks off at being there. He knew he was pushing his luck now; he had to accept her presence there sooner or later. He told himself he would let her in next time. Next time, he thought. He felt the knot in his stomach loosen slightly.
But then his mind drifted to the events of almost a fortnight ago, and he felt the painful knot come back. He took an uneasy sip of his tea as Sirius walked into the kitchen. He looked disgruntled.
"What is it?" Lupin asked.
"Bloody Kreacher," said Sirius darkly. "That crazy bat's always disappearing these days. I can't keep track of him. And it doesn't help that this ruddy house is the size of a small country."
"Leave it for now," said Lupin. "There are more pressing issues--"
"Don't start with Harry," Sirius warned.
"I most certainly will," said Lupin sharply, setting down his mug of tea. "What was he thinking, showing up in the fireplace like that? And using Umbridge's office? Is he TRYING to get himself expelled?"
"He wanted to talk, remember?" said Sirius. "You were there. Poor kid was all...mixed up about James."
"I sympathize," said Lupin firmly. "Believe me, I do. It's never any fun when the pedestal a son creates for his father comes crashing down round him. But my god, Sirius, he can't be taking risks like that. Not now. Not with Umbridge searching for the smallest reason to throw him out of school, or worse."
"I know!" Sirius snapped. "Don't you think I know that? Spare me the lectures, Remus. In case you haven't noticed I spend every waking and sleeping hour in this goddamned house, which gives me ample time to brood over what my godson is doing."
Lupin paused, then spoke carefully. "Sirius, I know how you feel for Harry. I care about him, too, don't forget. But he's behaving recklessly. He needs to hear from you that--"
"And how can he hear from me?" said Sirius bitterly. "Damn kid hasn't used that mirror once. Not bloody once. I have no idea what's going on in that school, what's happening to him. Why won't he just use the damn mirror?"
Lupin had no answer for that. Part of him supposed it was because Harry was afraid Sirius might get caught if he, Harry, used it. But that hadn't stopped Harry from sneaking into a venomous Headmistress's office and illegally using her fireplace to Floo into the kitchen of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. Lupin shook his head. It seemed that Sirius and Harry were determined to engage in behaviour that was extremely risky for themselves, provided they believed the other was not at risk. A foolish gamble.
"I wish I could help you, mate," said Lupin. "But I'm about as good for Harry right now as you are. I can't get any closer to him than you."
"I know," said Sirius softly, pouring himself some tea. "I just hope he talked to Snape."
"You and me both," said Lupin, sipping his tea.
"I can't believe that prat stopped teaching him lessons," Sirius hissed, his face taking on an ugly expression. "Can you believe it? Snivellus. He KNOWS how important Occlumency is for Harry."
"Severus certainly knows how to hold a grudge," said Lupin dryly.
"That grudge could get Harry killed," said Sirius.
"Perhaps I should find a way to send word to Dumbledore," said Lupin thoughtfully. "Dumbledore seems to be the only one Snape listens to these days."
"Do that," said Sirius. "And while you're at it ask Dumbledore what the hell he's doing to solve the little problem of Umbridge taking over the school."
Lupin gave a rueful chuckle. "Whatever Harry might have done, it's nothing compared to the Weasley twins."
At this Sirius laughed, his first genuine laugh in weeks. "Good god, I can just hear Molly. If she doesn't break the sound barrier screaming at them, I'll be amazed."
He paused and sipped his tea.
"Still, you have to admire them," he went on. "Standing up to Umbridge like that. And I have heard through the grapevine that Umbridge is having a hell of a time controlling the students now, thanks to those twins."
"I must say, anything that makes Madam Umbridge's life more difficult is entirely fine by me," said Lupin.
They went quiet again, sipping their tea companionably. Lupin was grateful that Sirius seemed to have cheered up, even if only a little, even if only temporarily.
Sirius was just about to say something when the sound of loud footsteps echoed into the kitchen. Mrs. Black awoke in her portrait and began to shriek. Sirius rolled his eyes.
"FILTH! MUTANTS! SHAME OF MY FLESH! ABOMINATIONS! HOW DARE YOU BEFOUL--"
"Oh, SHUT UP, you dried up old BITCH!" Tonks screamed, and Lupin and Sirius heard the sound of drapes being yanked forcefully shut. A moment later Tonks burst into the kitchen.
Lupin stood up quickly--the look on her face had become all too familiar.
"Let me guess," said Sirius, eyeing her but not getting up. "More bad news. I'm going to ban you from this house, Tonks, if you keep this up."
"Laugh all you want, Sirius," said Tonks sharply. "But I've just found out Minerva McGonagall's in St. Mungo's."
"What?" Sirius and Lupin both said, and now Sirius stood up.
"What happened?" Lupin asked.
"Umbridge, naturally," said Tonks darkly. "Seems the old bag decided it tonight was the time to sack Hagrid, only she decided to get some of Fudge's most loyal Auror toadies to help her out. When she showed up on Hagrid's doorstep, let's just say things got a bit out of hand."
"Hagrid resisted," said Sirius.
"A bit, yeah," said Tonks sarcastically. "Those stupid gits tried to Stun him, but you know how well Stunners work on a half-giant. Hagrid did manage to get away; he fled to the woods. Don't know where the hell he's going but I'm sure Dumbledore's on top of it."
"What does this have to do with McGonagall?" asked Lupin.
"Seems McGonagall heard the commotion outside and went to investigate," said Tonks, her anger rising with every word. "She sees Umbridge and her goons attacking Hagrid and yells at them and next thing you know she's hit square in the chest with four Stunners."
"Good god," said Lupin.
"Will she be all right?" Sirius asked, looking horrified.
"She'll pull through," said Tonks. "But my god, Remus, d'you see what this means? Hagrid gone, McGonagall gone..."
"Dumbledore gone," finished Sirius. "Umbridge has managed to get rid of the three people most committed to protecting Harry."
"What about Harry?" said Lupin. "Do you know if he's spoken with Snape? About Occlumency?"
"Couldn't tell you that," said Tonks. "I only found out about McGonagall from Kingsley; we went there to check on those Aurors who went with Umbridge to get rid of Hagrid. Seems he roughed them up. Served them bloody right, if you ask me."
Lupin sat down slowly. "Things are spinning out of control. We have to stop this Umbridge woman."
"How?" said Tonks hopelessly.
"We've got to call another meeting," said Sirius grimly. "We need to get in contact with Dumbledore."
For a moment there was only silence. No one seemed to be able to speak; they simply stared at Dumbledore in amazement, in shock, in horror.
"I have little time to explain," said Dumbledore. "Suffice it to say that Dolores Umbridge became aware of Harry's defense meetings with other students. She laid a trap for him with the help of several Slytherins, including Draco Malfoy."
"Who ratted them out?" Sirius asked darkly.
"That is of no concern now," said Dumbledore firmly. "What is important is that I was able to head off the situation."
"Head it off?" Sirius barked angrily. "You'll forgive me if I don't see how you no longer being at the school to protect Harry suggests you headed anything off."
"Would you prefer it had I allowed Harry to accept the blame for what happened? Allowed Umbridge to expel him from school? Allowed Fudge to arrest him?" Dumbledore demanded, fire in his eyes, his voice booming about the kitchen. Lupin shrank back--it was rare to see Dumbledore display any sort of temper; his kindly face and eyes belied the power within. But when Dumbledore's ire was up, it was fearful to behold.
"I'd prefer you back at the school looking after him!" Sirius retorted, not backing down. "Without you there he's--"
"There was no choice, Sirius, but for me to leave," Dumbledore said. "In so doing I may have saved Harry's life AND the cause for which we are all fighting."
Sirius started to say something, then stopped, then opened his mouth again.
"What do you mean?" he asked warily.
"Voldemort is invading Harry's mind now," said Dumbledore. "When Harry looks at me I can see Voldemort in his eyes. Why do you think I have been avoiding Harry all this year? Why do you think I asked Severus Snape to teach him Occlumency?"
Lupin swallowed. "If Voldemort gets inside Harry's head and sees you getting close--"
"He'll come for me," said Dumbledore calmly. "But that is not the real danger. Voldemort knows I do not fear him. No, the danger is him seeing through what I am trying to protect. Not only Harry, but the Order itself."
"Yes, but--" Sirius began.
"Sirius, had I stayed, I would have been arrested, taken to Azkaban," said Dumbledore. "Not that it would have held me for long, but time is of the essence. I had no other alternative."
"Kingsley was there," said Tonks nervously. "What happened--"
"Kingsley is the other reason why Harry is not now sitting in a cell in Azkaban," said Dumbledore. "He was able to perform a Memory Charm on the informant who told Umbridge of Harry's defense club meetings. Unfortunately I had to Stun him along with nearly everyone else in the room, but I'm certain he understands why."
"Dear god," said Lupin. "How--how did it come to this?"
"Fudge is mad," said Sirius.
"Fudge is afraid," said Dumbledore. "Afraid of what the return of Voldemort will mean for his well-ordered world. Afraid of what would become of his career if it becomes known that the worst Dark Wizard in centuries has returned on his watch."
"Dammit!" Sirius slammed a fist onto the kitchen table.
"I am far more concerned about Umbridge," said Dumbledore. "She'll be appointed as Headmistress, make no mistake. She will be given the authority to abuse the students however she sees fit. And I am confident she will do so, if it means keeping them under her thumb."
"You don't mean that," said Tonks fearfully. "Abuse the students?"
"I saw her manhandle the very student who informed upon Harry to her," said Dumbledore. "If she will attack a student who is helping her, there is no doubt in my mind she will do far worse to those who oppose her."
"What about Harry?" said Sirius. "What happens to him?"
"He must become proficient at Occlumency," said Dumbledore. "There is nothing so important as this, do you understand. I know it is difficult for him, for you, Sirius, to accept that Harry is under Snape's tutelage, but it is for Harry's own safety, for the safety of the Order itself, that Harry learn Occlumency. I cannot emphasize this enough. If Voldemort continues to invade Harry's mind, he will learn of what we are trying to hide, and the danger to Harry, to all of us, will be far greater than any of us can begin to imagine."
"What about you?" said Tonks hesitantly.
"I was not here tonight," said Dumbledore firmly. "As far as you know I vanished after the melee in my office and have not been seen since. You must relay this to Kingsley, though I have no doubt he'll keep silent. The fewer people who know of my whereabouts, the better. Fudge will be monitoring every communication from now on.
"I am going somewhere safe; I will contact you in a few days. Do not contact me unless there is an emergency. If you need me, simply say Fawkes's name, and he will appear to you. I must go."
At this the great phoenix flapped his scarlet wings and gave a soft, eerie chirp.
"Remember what I said about Harry and Occlumency," said Dumbledore, his eyes moving from Sirius to Lupin and back.
With another blinding flash, Dumbledore and Fawkes were gone.
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Two hours later Lupin returned to his bedroom, exhausted. Tonks had gone back to the Ministry to meet with Kingsley and pass along Dumbledore's message. Sirius and Lupin had stayed in the kitchen, Sirius opening a fresh bottle of firewhisky.
Lupin had not imbibed in the liquor, nor had he commented on Sirius drinking three large glasses of it in quick succession. But Lupin could not deny he was worried for Sirius. Worried over the way his best friend had more and more been turning to drink to deal with all the troubles plaguing him. With no messages coming from Harry anymore, with Harry now directly under the tyranny of the Umbridge woman, Sirius's only outlets had become drink and Emmeline Vance.
Now, however, standing alone in his room, Lupin wished he had taken a glass of whisky, if nothing to dull the mounting fear radiating in his chest. Things had gone from bad to worse, as he had always expected, but the difference this time was that the Ministry itself was more than directly responsible. Once again hot anger coursed through his veins as he thought of Cornelius Fudge. Like so many men Lupin had known, Fudge had become consumed with a lust for power, and like so many politicians, Fudge believed his own corruption, his own quest for ever more control, was ultimately in the cause of good. Lupin wasn't sure who, at that moment was worse: Voldemort or Fudge. At least Voldemort was openly evil. One knew where one stood with Voldemort.
"Bath," he muttered to himself. It was the only thing that would relieve some of the pain in his head, the ache in his shoulders. He stepped into his bathroom and turned on the taps in the bath, allowing the water that filled the tub to be as hot as he could stand it. He suddenly felt filthy and wanted nothing more than to scrub the vestiges of the day away from his tired, aching body.
His pocketwatch chimed, and he went into his bedroom to fetch a flask of potion. He opened the chest drawer and extracted a flask. He uncorked it, downed the contents, put the empty flask in the other drawer.
He returned to the bathroom, where it was now filled with steam; the bath full of pine-scented bubbles. He stripped off his clothes and sank into the steaming water, wincing slightly at the temperature but welcoming the sting of it on his skin. He let his head rest against the smooth porcelain and instantly felt the muscles in his shoulders begin to loosen, his mind begin to drift, his eyes begin to close...
"Remus?"
He blinked and opened his eyes.
"Tonks?" he called. "I'm in here."
She came tentatively into the bathroom. She was wearing beat up jeans and a jumper, but no robes and no shoes. Her hair was in its natural state, dark, loosely curling around her face. Beautiful. She looked almost like a china doll.
"Hi," she said, looking shy. "I...I'm sorry, I must be disturbing you."
He smiled at her; she got like this sometimes, timid and hesitant. He knew that by now she had become keenly attuned to his moods and was as a result very respectful of his need for distance on occasion, his desire for solitude. Clearly, she thought now was one of those times.
She was wrong.
"You're not disturbing me," he said. "I'm glad you're here. I've missed you."
She smiled at him, a glowing, youthful kind of smile that only young women seemed to possess.
"I've missed you, too," she said softly, coming into the bathroom, kneeling by the tub. "I don't suppose we've had much time...for each other. Not these days."
He reached up and caressed her cheek. "War does tend to get in the way of things," he said softly.
She laughed gently, and then was serious again. "I just...I came back because I didn't want to be alone tonight. I just...wanted to be near you."
He could find nothing to say to this, so he kissed her instead, softly, slowly, his wet hands tangling in her dark hair, pulling her close, tasting her mouth with his.
She broke the kiss and smiled. "Is that your way of saying you want me around?"
"For lack of anything better," said Lupin. She kissed him slowly again; Lupin was tingling everywhere. They hadn't been together in two weeks. It felt like two years.
He kissed her harder, sitting up in the bath and pulling her to him, soaking her t-shirt. His hands moved to her breasts, caressed them over the shirt.
"Missed you," she murmured.
"Want you," he whispered back, kissing her harder. She was leaning over the tub now; he was pulling at her waist, her shirt, when suddenly she slipped and fell into the tub, fully clothed.
She gave a little shriek; Lupin couldn't help laughing as water sloshed all over the floor. Tonks tried to turn round but that only caused her to fall in completely, soaking her from head to foot.
She was giggling almost uncontrollably now. "I am so bloody CLUMSY!" she gasped.
"It's very alluring," said Lupin, grinning. "Shall I help you out of these wet clothes?"
"You naughty boy," she whispered, and kissed him hungrily. His hands moved to her soaked t-shirt, but she grabbed his wrists and broke the kiss.
"Don't tear this one, it's my favorite," she warned. He chuckled and pulled the wet shirt up, over her head, tossed it onto the floor. He kissed her again, his hands roaming over her wet skin, finding the clasp of her bra. He unhooked it and tossed it aside.
His mouth explored her face, her neck, her shoulders, her chest, her breasts. Her fingers were tangled in his hair, then her hands moved beneath the water to stroke him. He gasped and moaned; her mouth was on his neck, her teeth nibbling at his ear. He fumbled with the buttons on her jeans. Somehow he got them off her--more water splashed onto the floor as she struggled out of them--and tossed them onto the floor. He pulled at her knickers and peeled them off, then pulled her close so that she straddled him. His hand found her sex; his fingers caressed her slowly.
"God, Remus," she muttered against his mouth as his fingers slid into her. She moved closer to him, found him with her hands again, guided him inside her.
He bit back a loud groan as she sank onto him. Slowly she began to move, up and down, caressing the length of him, kissing his mouth. His hands moved to her bottom and he gripped her there, pulling her close, driving into her as deep as he could go. She gasped and for a moment they didn't move. Lupin closed his eyes as she began to move again, slowly, his hands guiding her hips. The water swirled round them, steam rising from the surface, as they moved faster, faster. Lupin moved his hand from her hip and found that delicate place between her legs and stroked her there; she whimpered and held onto him even tighter, burying her face into his shoulder.
The climax took her first, and she cried out with the release. The muscles of her sex contracted and sent Lupin over the edge; he shuddered and buried his face in her wet hair.
They stayed there for a while, holding each other, then climbed from the cooling water, dried off. Lupin swept her up in his arms as though she weighed nothing and carried her to the bed, her laughter like music in the air. They ignored the mess of water on the bathroom floor. It could keep until morning.
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Two weeks later Lupin sat in the kitchen, alone. He was tired. Last night had been the full moon. As always he felt used up and spit out the day following a transformation. Once again he had put Tonks off at being there. He knew he was pushing his luck now; he had to accept her presence there sooner or later. He told himself he would let her in next time. Next time, he thought. He felt the knot in his stomach loosen slightly.
But then his mind drifted to the events of almost a fortnight ago, and he felt the painful knot come back. He took an uneasy sip of his tea as Sirius walked into the kitchen. He looked disgruntled.
"What is it?" Lupin asked.
"Bloody Kreacher," said Sirius darkly. "That crazy bat's always disappearing these days. I can't keep track of him. And it doesn't help that this ruddy house is the size of a small country."
"Leave it for now," said Lupin. "There are more pressing issues--"
"Don't start with Harry," Sirius warned.
"I most certainly will," said Lupin sharply, setting down his mug of tea. "What was he thinking, showing up in the fireplace like that? And using Umbridge's office? Is he TRYING to get himself expelled?"
"He wanted to talk, remember?" said Sirius. "You were there. Poor kid was all...mixed up about James."
"I sympathize," said Lupin firmly. "Believe me, I do. It's never any fun when the pedestal a son creates for his father comes crashing down round him. But my god, Sirius, he can't be taking risks like that. Not now. Not with Umbridge searching for the smallest reason to throw him out of school, or worse."
"I know!" Sirius snapped. "Don't you think I know that? Spare me the lectures, Remus. In case you haven't noticed I spend every waking and sleeping hour in this goddamned house, which gives me ample time to brood over what my godson is doing."
Lupin paused, then spoke carefully. "Sirius, I know how you feel for Harry. I care about him, too, don't forget. But he's behaving recklessly. He needs to hear from you that--"
"And how can he hear from me?" said Sirius bitterly. "Damn kid hasn't used that mirror once. Not bloody once. I have no idea what's going on in that school, what's happening to him. Why won't he just use the damn mirror?"
Lupin had no answer for that. Part of him supposed it was because Harry was afraid Sirius might get caught if he, Harry, used it. But that hadn't stopped Harry from sneaking into a venomous Headmistress's office and illegally using her fireplace to Floo into the kitchen of Number Twelve Grimmauld Place. Lupin shook his head. It seemed that Sirius and Harry were determined to engage in behaviour that was extremely risky for themselves, provided they believed the other was not at risk. A foolish gamble.
"I wish I could help you, mate," said Lupin. "But I'm about as good for Harry right now as you are. I can't get any closer to him than you."
"I know," said Sirius softly, pouring himself some tea. "I just hope he talked to Snape."
"You and me both," said Lupin, sipping his tea.
"I can't believe that prat stopped teaching him lessons," Sirius hissed, his face taking on an ugly expression. "Can you believe it? Snivellus. He KNOWS how important Occlumency is for Harry."
"Severus certainly knows how to hold a grudge," said Lupin dryly.
"That grudge could get Harry killed," said Sirius.
"Perhaps I should find a way to send word to Dumbledore," said Lupin thoughtfully. "Dumbledore seems to be the only one Snape listens to these days."
"Do that," said Sirius. "And while you're at it ask Dumbledore what the hell he's doing to solve the little problem of Umbridge taking over the school."
Lupin gave a rueful chuckle. "Whatever Harry might have done, it's nothing compared to the Weasley twins."
At this Sirius laughed, his first genuine laugh in weeks. "Good god, I can just hear Molly. If she doesn't break the sound barrier screaming at them, I'll be amazed."
He paused and sipped his tea.
"Still, you have to admire them," he went on. "Standing up to Umbridge like that. And I have heard through the grapevine that Umbridge is having a hell of a time controlling the students now, thanks to those twins."
"I must say, anything that makes Madam Umbridge's life more difficult is entirely fine by me," said Lupin.
They went quiet again, sipping their tea companionably. Lupin was grateful that Sirius seemed to have cheered up, even if only a little, even if only temporarily.
Sirius was just about to say something when the sound of loud footsteps echoed into the kitchen. Mrs. Black awoke in her portrait and began to shriek. Sirius rolled his eyes.
"FILTH! MUTANTS! SHAME OF MY FLESH! ABOMINATIONS! HOW DARE YOU BEFOUL--"
"Oh, SHUT UP, you dried up old BITCH!" Tonks screamed, and Lupin and Sirius heard the sound of drapes being yanked forcefully shut. A moment later Tonks burst into the kitchen.
Lupin stood up quickly--the look on her face had become all too familiar.
"Let me guess," said Sirius, eyeing her but not getting up. "More bad news. I'm going to ban you from this house, Tonks, if you keep this up."
"Laugh all you want, Sirius," said Tonks sharply. "But I've just found out Minerva McGonagall's in St. Mungo's."
"What?" Sirius and Lupin both said, and now Sirius stood up.
"What happened?" Lupin asked.
"Umbridge, naturally," said Tonks darkly. "Seems the old bag decided it tonight was the time to sack Hagrid, only she decided to get some of Fudge's most loyal Auror toadies to help her out. When she showed up on Hagrid's doorstep, let's just say things got a bit out of hand."
"Hagrid resisted," said Sirius.
"A bit, yeah," said Tonks sarcastically. "Those stupid gits tried to Stun him, but you know how well Stunners work on a half-giant. Hagrid did manage to get away; he fled to the woods. Don't know where the hell he's going but I'm sure Dumbledore's on top of it."
"What does this have to do with McGonagall?" asked Lupin.
"Seems McGonagall heard the commotion outside and went to investigate," said Tonks, her anger rising with every word. "She sees Umbridge and her goons attacking Hagrid and yells at them and next thing you know she's hit square in the chest with four Stunners."
"Good god," said Lupin.
"Will she be all right?" Sirius asked, looking horrified.
"She'll pull through," said Tonks. "But my god, Remus, d'you see what this means? Hagrid gone, McGonagall gone..."
"Dumbledore gone," finished Sirius. "Umbridge has managed to get rid of the three people most committed to protecting Harry."
"What about Harry?" said Lupin. "Do you know if he's spoken with Snape? About Occlumency?"
"Couldn't tell you that," said Tonks. "I only found out about McGonagall from Kingsley; we went there to check on those Aurors who went with Umbridge to get rid of Hagrid. Seems he roughed them up. Served them bloody right, if you ask me."
Lupin sat down slowly. "Things are spinning out of control. We have to stop this Umbridge woman."
"How?" said Tonks hopelessly.
"We've got to call another meeting," said Sirius grimly. "We need to get in contact with Dumbledore."