A/N: Sigh. I know, I know. it's about time. You wouldn't beleive the trouble I had with this. I hate it, but hope you'll like it.
Remus could hear Tonks breathing hard behind him as they ran up the Grand Staircase. He wanted to tell her to go back, go downstairs and find a nice closet and hide until it was all over, because he could smell danger, could smell death, and he wanted her safe. He knew if he dared say it, she was likely to hex him into next week.
He glanced back, then reached out and took her hand, pulling her behind him.
Bill led the way, charging up the stairs fearlessly. Third floor, Fourth floor, Fifth floor. He paused on the landing at the Sixth floor, gazing up the next flight of stairs.
There were shouts coming from the Seventh floor.
"Come on!" Bill urged, lunging forward, taking the remaining steps two at a time.
The three of them reached the landing just as three bodies emerged from an unnaturally dark corridor.
Ron, Ginny and Neville nearly collided with Bill, then they all started talking at once.
"Death Eaters…"
"Room of Requirement…"
"Malfoy."
Remus released Tonks' hand and stepped forward. "One at a time, please."
He was remarkably calm, Tonks noticed. Cool and in control, as always.
His no nonsense approach got the necessary information out of the three teens, and then all six headed after the group of Death Eaters that Malfoy had let in through the room of requirement.
They began fighting in a corridor leading to the astronomy tower. There was a lot of confusion, spells and curses flying every which way.
Dodging a stray hex, Tonks caught a glimpse of Remus dueling with a Death Eater that she recognized, named Gibbon.
She froze for a moment, distracted by what she saw. Her normally mild mannered professor had become a warrior, his lips pulled back in a silent snarl, his eyes alight with glittering ferocity.
He deftly blocked a nasty curse and flung one back with a shout.
Gibbon dodged, then turned and ran, heading up the tower stairs. Remus started to follow, but was blocked by another Death Eater.
A spell whizzed by Tonks' shoulder, and she tore her attention from Remus to focus on the fight. She and Ginny downed one death eater and then split up once more to fight.
She'd just turned toward the stairs when she heard harsh breath behind her. She turned around slowly.
"Fenrir." She breathed.
"Lupin's bitch." He licked his lips, baring his yellow teeth. "Don't you look tasty." The grizzled werewolf growled. "I could just eat you up."
Tonks fought back a wave of panic. She lifted her wand.
He advanced on her, stopping when the tip of her wand pressed into his chest. He leaned close and inhaled deeply.
"Sweet."
"I'll show you sweet." Tonks ground out. She drew back her wand, a curse on her lips. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Bill approaching.
Fenrir lunged, reaching for her. She sucked in a breath, then let it out in a rush when Bill tackled the werewolf.
She had no time to catch her breath. Another Death Eater began firing spells, and Tonks ducked, rolling to one side.
"They've blocked the stairway!" Remus shouted. Even as he yelled it, Neville tried charging through and was thrown back violently. Then Remus tried, with the same result.
Then she heard a savage shout of triumph and looked over to see Fenrir toss Bill away. Bill hit the floor and lay unmoving.
They were losing.
She started after Fenrir, but then Remus was in front of her. "No! Tonks, he'll kill you."
Fenrir ran through the barrier and out of sight.
Chunks of stone and mortar started falling around them as spells flew wild. Time seemed to have no meaning as they continued to fight. Dust and magic choked the air, making it hard to breath, hard to see.
Suddenly, Snape was running past, dragging Draco Malfoy behind him. He shouted something and disappeared down the corridor. The Death Eaters started to disperse, chasing after him.
And then Harry was coming through, pale and angry; running after Snape.
The spells ceased.
Tonks looked around, noting that several Death Eaters lay on the ground. Neville was down too, but he was being tended to by Luna Lovegood. Ginny and Ron were kneeling next to Bill.
Remus was nearby, his face drawn. His eyes met hers and he looked away.
"Bill?" Tonks moved closer. When she looked down, she gasped. He was covered in blood, his face a mass of wounds.
Ginny was trying to do healing charms on him to no effect. "We have to get him to the hospital wing." She said desperately.