The office of the Director of Magical Law Enforcement was spacious, all dark wood and gleaming brass fixtures. Amelia Bones sat behind her desk with her usual ramrod posture, her monocled eye fixed on the parchment in front of her with visible distaste. Tonks stood at attention near the window, her hair a muted brown that matched her carefully neutral expression. Dolores Umbridge occupied the chair across from Amelia, her hands folded primly in her lap and that sickly sweet smile plastered across her toad-like face.
"I'm afraid the evidence is quite damning," Umbridge said, her voice dripping with false sympathy. "Hem, hem. While I understand your reluctance to take action against one of your own Aurors, Madam Bones, we simply cannot ignore such glaring deficiencies in performance."
Amelia's jaw tightened. "Auror Tonks has an exemplary record. One year of training under Alastor Moody and two years of service with multiple commendations for bravery and effectiveness in the field."
"Yes, yes, quite impressive," Umbridge simpered. "However, recent events have brought certain concerns to light. Concerns that, when examined together, paint a rather troubling picture of competence. Or rather, the lack thereof."
Tonks kept her expression carefully blank, but her fingers curled into fists at her sides. She knew exactly where this was going. They all did.
Umbridge pulled a folder from her bag and laid it on Amelia's desk. "If you would be so kind as to review these incidents, I believe you'll find the Ministry's position quite reasonable."
Amelia opened the folder and began reading. Her expression grew progressively darker with each page. Tonks watched her boss's face, trying to gauge how bad it was. The silence stretched uncomfortably.
"The incident in Little Whinging," Umbridge began, her voice taking on a lecturing tone. "Auror Tonks admitted under oath that she was unable to produce a Patronus Charm when faced with two Dementors. A defensive spell that a competent Auror should be capable of casting even under duress."
"The presence of two Dementors would affect anyone's ability to cast," Amelia said sharply. "That's well documented magical theory."
"Of course, of course," Umbridge agreed readily. "Which is precisely why Aurors are trained extensively in high pressure situations. To perform when ordinary witches and wizards cannot. Yet Auror Tonks failed to do so. A Hogwarts student succeeded where she did not."
Tonks felt her cheeks burn but kept silent. Umbridge wasn't wrong about the facts, only the interpretation. Harry was exceptional. Comparing anyone to him was fundamentally unfair.
"There's also the matter of the unauthorized presence in Little Whinging itself," Umbridge continued. "Auror Tonks was in a Muggle neighborhood without proper authorization or assignment. When questioned, she claimed to be there on personal time, yet failed to provide adequate explanation for why she chose that particular location."
"An Auror's personal time is their own," Amelia said coldly.
"Naturally. However, when that personal time results in involvement in a major incident, questions must be asked. Hem, hem. It appears rather convenient, does it not? Almost as though Auror Tonks knew something was going to happen."
"Are you accusing one of my Aurors of conspiracy?" Amelia's voice could have frozen fire.
"Not at all," Umbridge said quickly, though her smile never wavered. "Merely noting the unusual circumstances. But there are other concerns as well. According to the reports filed by her colleagues, Auror Tonks has been involved in three separate incidents over the past six months where her use of her Metamorphmagus abilities caused confusion during operations."
Amelia flipped through the folder, her expression growing more troubled. Tonks knew what she was reading. The incidents were real, though calling them confusion was an exaggeration. In one case, she'd shifted her appearance during an undercover operation and a fellow Auror hadn't immediately recognized her. In another, she'd changed her features to blend into a crowd and temporarily lost visual contact with her partner. Minor issues. The kind of thing that happened to everyone occasionally.
But when presented together, in writing, with official language and formal complaints attached, they looked worse than they were.
"Additionally," Umbridge pressed on, "there are concerns about Auror Tonks's general clumsiness. Multiple reports of damaged equipment, broken potion vials, and disrupted crime scenes due to, shall we say, lack of coordination."
"I'm clumsy," Tonks said flatly, speaking for the first time. "Always have been. It's never interfered with my ability to do my job."
"Hasn't it?" Umbridge turned to look at her directly, her eyes cold despite the smile. "The broken vials contained crucial evidence in the Jugson case. The disrupted crime scene at Knockturn Alley resulted in a delayed investigation. These may seem like small matters individually, but they form a pattern of unreliability."
"This is ridiculous," Tonks said, her temper flaring. "You're taking normal workplace incidents and twisting them into something they're not."
"I'm simply presenting the facts," Umbridge replied primly. "The Ministry has a duty to ensure that all Aurors meet the highest standards of competence and professionalism. When an Auror demonstrates repeated deficiencies, action must be taken."
Amelia closed the folder with more force than necessary. "These incidents are being deliberately misrepresented. Any Auror could have similar minor issues in their file if someone went looking for them."
"Perhaps," Umbridge conceded. "But we're not discussing any Auror. We're discussing Auror Tonks. And given her recent high profile involvement in a case that embarrassed the Ministry, well, hem, hem. We must be certain that our trust in her capabilities is not misplaced."
There it was. The real reason laid bare for everyone to see. This wasn't about competence or performance. This was revenge. Pure and simple.
"You're firing her for testifying truthfully," Amelia said bluntly.
Umbridge's expression hardened for just a moment before the simpering smile returned. "Not at all. We're simply acting on documented performance issues that have been brought to the Minister's attention. The timing is unfortunate, but coincidental."
"Bollocks," Tonks spat.
"Language, Auror Tonks," Umbridge chided. "Though I suppose such outbursts only reinforce our concerns about your professionalism."
Amelia stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. "This is a ministerial order, isn't it? You're not here to discuss or negotiate. You're here to enforce Fudge's decision."
"The Minister has reviewed the evidence and agrees that Auror Tonks should be relieved of her duties, effective immediately," Umbridge confirmed. "I'm here as a courtesy, to ensure the transition is handled properly."
"A courtesy," Amelia repeated, her voice dripping with contempt. "How thoughtful."
"We do try to maintain proper decorum," Umbridge said, rising from her chair. She smoothed her robes gently. "I'm sure you'll handle the necessary paperwork with your usual efficiency, Madam Bones. Have a good day."
She turned to leave, pausing at the door to give Tonks a look of pure vindictive satisfaction. Her smile widened fractionally, as though savoring the moment. Tonks glared back with undisguised hatred, her hands trembling with the effort of not hexing the toad-like bitch on the spot.
The door clicked shut behind Umbridge that seemed to echo in the suddenly silent office.
Tonks stared at the closed door for a long moment, her breathing carefully controlled. Then she turned to face Amelia, who had sunk back into her chair with a heavy sigh.
"Well," Tonks said, her voice remarkably steady. "That was about as fun as a Dementor's kiss."
Amelia removed her monocle and rubbed her eyes tiredly. "I'm sorry, Tonks. I fought this as hard as I could, but a direct ministerial order leaves me with very little room to maneuver."
"I know." Tonks walked over and dropped into the chair Umbridge had vacated. "You don't need to apologize. This isn't your fault."
"I know how much this job means to you," Amelia said quietly, replacing her monocle and fixing Tonks with a sympathetic look. "You've told me more than once that becoming an Auror was your lifelong dream."
"It was." Tonks leaned back in the chair, staring up at the ceiling. "Since I was a kid, watching my mum tell stories about the Aurors she'd known. I wanted to be like them. Wanted to make a difference, catch the bad guys, protect people who couldn't protect themselves."
"You've done all of that," Amelia said firmly. "You're a damn good Auror, Tonks. Don't let this farce make you doubt that."
"I don't." Tonks lowered her gaze to meet Amelia's eyes. "I know what this really is. Fudge and his toad getting revenge because I told the truth. Because I didn't play along with their little game to destroy Harry."
Amelia nodded slowly. "I agree. But knowing the truth doesn't change the reality of the situation. The Minister holds the power, and while it's deeply unfair, this isn't something we can take to the Wizengamot to argue against."
"Why not?" Tonks demanded, sitting forward. "The Minister and his Undersecretary can't just do whatever they please. There have to be checks and balances."
"In theory, yes," Amelia said. "In practice, the dismissal of an Auror, while unfortunate, doesn't rise to the level of importance needed to challenge a ministerial order before the Wizengamot. There are much bigger matters pending. Issues of actual policy and law that affect the entire wizarding world."
"So I'm collateral damage," Tonks said bitterly.
"I wish it weren't true," Amelia said, her voice genuinely regretful. "I wish I had the political capital to fight this properly. But with everything else happening, with You-Know-Who's return and Fudge's denial of it, with the Ministry actively working against those of us trying to prepare for what's coming, I have to pick my battles carefully."
Tonks knew Amelia was right. It didn't make it hurt any less, but she understood the logic. One Auror's career, no matter how unfair the circumstances, wasn't worth the political cost of challenging the Minister when there were lives at stake.
She sat in silence for a moment, letting the reality of it all sink in. She wasn't an Auror anymore. The job she'd worked so hard for, trained for, dreamed about, was gone. Just like that. Just because she'd told the truth.
"I hate this," she said finally.
"So do I." Amelia said softly as she studied her for a long moment, then seemed to come to some sort of decision. "But you know, Tonks, you might no longer be an Auror, but that doesn't mean you can't still contribute meaningfully to this war we're facing."
Tonks looked up, furrowing her brows in confusion. "What do you mean?"
Amelia leaned forward, her elbows resting on her desk. "We need to talk."
Tonks shifted in the chair, straightening up and giving Amelia her full attention.
XXXXX
The environment in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place was tense, with none of its usual cheerful chaos, all conversation subdued. Dinner sat half-eaten on plates as the assembled Order members processed the news Kingsley had just delivered.
Harry sat at the end of the table, his jaw clenched so tightly it ached. His untouched plate of roast beef and vegetables sat in front of him, rapidly cooling. The anger simmering in his chest made eating impossible.
"It's completely unfair," Hermione said, her voice tight with indignation. "They can't just fire someone for telling the truth."
"They can and they did," Kingsley said grimly. He stood near the counter, his arms crossed and his expression darker than Harry had ever seen it. "Fudge signed off on it personally. Used some trumped up performance issues as justification, but we all know what this really is."
"Revenge," Sirius spat. "That pompous git and his toad of an Undersecretary getting back at Tonks for supporting Harry at the trial."
"How can they get away with this?" Ginny asked, her hands gripping the edge of the table. "There has to be something someone can do."
"Not without starting a war within the Ministry itself," Remus said quietly. He sat across from Ron, his face drawn and tired. "Amelia Bones has to pick her battles carefully. Challenging a ministerial dismissal over manufactured performance issues would cost her political capital she can't afford to spend right now."
"So Tonks just gets screwed," Ron said angrily. "That's brilliant, that is."
"Being an Auror was her dream," Kingsley sighed. "She used to talk about it all the time. How she wanted to make a real difference."
The comment made Harry's anger flare hotter. Tonks had told him the same thing, late at night when they'd talked about their pasts and their hopes for the future. She'd spoken with such passion about being an Auror, about catching dark wizards and protecting innocent people. And now that had been taken from her because she'd stood up for him.
His fault. This was his fault.
"I should've kept my mouth shut," Harry said, his voice rough. "Should've just sat there and taken whatever they threw at me instead of dragging Tonks into it."
"Don't be stupid," Sirius said sharply. "You needed a witness. Tonks chose to testify. This is on Fudge and Umbridge, not you."
"Sirius is right," Kingsley agreed. "Tonks knew what she was doing when she testified. She chose to stand up for what was right, consequences be damned. That's who she is."
The kitchen door opened before Harry could respond. Tonks walked in, her hair a subdued brown and her posture carefully controlled. The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at her.
"Well," she said, her voice falsely bright. "Don't everyone talk at once."
Mrs. Weasley was the first to move, crossing the kitchen to pull Tonks into a fierce hug. "Oh dear, we heard. I'm so sorry."
"It's alright, Mrs. Weasley," Tonks said, patting the older woman's back awkwardly. "Really."
Remus stood and gripped her shoulder firmly. "This is a travesty. You were one of the best Aurors in the department."
"Thanks, Remus." Tonks gently extracted herself from Mrs. Weasley's embrace and moved further into the kitchen. She caught sight of Harry and something flickered across her face. Then she took the seat directly across from him, her eyes meeting his steadily.
"It's a bummer," she said, her tone surprisingly casual. "But I can't keep thinking about it. What's done is done."
Several people exchanged glances. Harry studied her face, looking for signs of the devastation she must be feeling, but her expression remained calm and composed.
"That's a remarkably mature outlook," Kingsley said, genuine surprise in his voice. "I know how much that job meant to you."
"It did," Tonks agreed. "But wallowing won't change anything, will it? Got to move forward."
"Still," Mr. Weasley said gently. "It's alright to be upset about it. You don't have to put on a brave face for us."
Tonks's lips quirked in a small smile. "Who says I'm putting on a brave face? I meant what I said. Besides, I've already got my next job lined up."
The room went utterly silent. Harry blinked, certain he'd misheard.
"What?" Hermione asked, voicing what everyone was thinking.
"You heard me," Tonks said, and now her smile widened into something decidedly smug. "Already employed. Didn't even have to look very hard."
"What job?" Sirius demanded.
Tonks leaned back in her chair, clearly enjoying the moment. "Well, you're looking at Hogwarts's new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
The silence that followed was absolute. Everyone stared at her smug visage with varying degrees of shock, and then everyone started talking at once, voices overlapping in a cacophony of surprise and confusion and questions.
"How is that possible?" Hermione asked loudly over the noise.
"When did this happen?" Ron added.
Tonks held up her hands, laughing. "One at a time, please. I'll explain everything."
The room settled somewhat, though excitement still crackled in the air. Tonks waited until she had everyone's full attention again before continuing.
"It happened this afternoon," she said. "After Umbridge left and I was alone with Madam Bones in her office."
"Here," Amelia said, pulling open a drawer and retrieving a bottle of Firewhisky and two glasses. She poured generous measures into both and slid one across the desk to Tonks. "You look like you need this."
Tonks took the glass gratefully and downed half of it in one swallow. The burn felt good. "Thanks."
Amelia sipped her own drink more slowly, studying Tonks over the rim of her glass. "I meant what I said earlier. You can still contribute to what's happening, even if you're not an Auror anymore."
"Yeah?" Tonks set her glass down and met Amelia's gaze. "How exactly? I'm not exactly qualified for much else."
"You're qualified for more than you think." Amelia pulled out the thin folder she'd retrieved earlier and opened it. "Tell me, what do you know about Educational Decree Number Twenty Two?"
Tonks frowned. "It's about the Ministry appointing Hogwarts professors if Dumbledore can't find suitable candidates."
"Exactly. It's set to pass within the next few days, and Fudge intends to use it to place someone loyal to him inside Hogwarts. Someone who will spy on Dumbledore and the students, report back anything that could be used against them."
"Umbridge," Tonks said with a sneer, agreeing with Harry's hypothesis. "They're going to appoint her as the Defense professor."
"That's the plan." Amelia's expression was grim. "Which is precisely why we need to prevent it from happening."
Tonks leaned forward, her interest sparking despite her misery. "How?"
"By appointing someone else first." Amelia pulled a parchment from the folder and tapped her wand against it before she slid it across the desk. "Someone qualified, someone Dumbledore would actually want teaching his students, and someone who can keep an eye on things from the inside."
Tonks picked up the parchment and scanned it quickly. Her eyes widened as she realized what she was reading. "This is a teaching qualification form."
"You're a fully trained Auror," Amelia said. "That means you're more than qualified to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. You've got practical experience with dark wizards, extensive knowledge of defensive and offensive magic, and the teaching certification you completed as part of your Auror training."
"I never actually used that certification," Tonks protested weakly.
"Doesn't matter. You have it. And Dumbledore desperately needs a Defense professor before the decree passes and Fudge forces Umbridge on him." Amelia leaned forward, her expression intense. "Think about it, Tonks. You'd be in a position to actually make a difference. You could prepare the students for what's coming, teach them real defensive magic instead of the watered down Ministry approved curriculum Fudge would mandate. And you'd be there to counter whatever moves Umbridge or her allies try to make inside the school."
Tonks stared at the parchment, her mind racing. "You really think Dumbledore would hire me? Just like that?"
"I think Dumbledore would be thrilled to have you," Amelia said firmly. "You're exactly the kind of person he wants teaching. Someone competent, someone who understands the real threats they're facing, someone who won't bow to Ministry pressure."
"I sat there staring at that form for what felt like forever," Tonks said, her narration pulling everyone back to the present. "Trying to process what Madam Bones was suggesting."
"There are other advantages," Amelia continued, warming to her subject. "Being inside Hogwarts means you're protected from further Ministry harassment. Fudge can't touch you there. You'd be under Dumbledore's authority, not his. And you'd have access to information and resources that could help the Order."
"You've really thought this through," Tonks said slowly.
"I've had the idea doing rounds in my mind since I heard about the decree," Amelia admitted. "I knew Fudge would try to use it to plant a spy. We need our own people in position to counter that. When I realized what was about to happen to you, well, it seemed like fate, honestly."
Tonks picked up her Firewhisky and finished it. The warmth spread through her chest, loosening some of the tightness that had been there since Umbridge walked in. "You don't like what they're doing either. Fudge and Umbridge."
"I despise it." Amelia's voice was hard, her expression fierce. "And it's not just them. Lucius Malfoy is pulling strings from the shadows, using his wealth and influence to push through policies that serve his interests. I like that even less than I like Fudge's cowardice and Umbridge's vindictiveness."
"So this is about fighting back," Tonks said.
"This is about doing everything we fairly can to ensure their schemes either fail or their effects are minimized as much as possible." Amelia refilled both glasses. "I can't fight them openly without risking my position, and I'm more useful to the cause here than I would be unemployed. But I can help position people where they need to be. I can work behind the scenes. And I can make damn sure that when they try to tighten their grip, they find resistance where they least expect it."
Tonks looked down at the teaching qualification form again. Her whole life she'd wanted to be an Auror. She'd achieved that dream and now it was being ripped away. But maybe, just maybe, there was something else she could do. Something equally important.
"You're sure Dumbledore will go for this?" she asked.
"Write to him and find out," Amelia challenged. "My office owl is available if you want to send it immediately."
Tonks met her eyes and saw absolute confidence there. Amelia believed this would work. More than that, she believed Tonks was the right person for the job.
"Alright," Tonks said, decision made. "Let's do it."
"So I wrote to Dumbledore right there from Amelia's office," Tonks said, grinning at the assembled group. "Laid out my qualifications, explained the situation, asked if he'd consider me for the position."
"And?" Ginny asked eagerly.
"The reply came five minutes later," Tonks said triumphantly. "Official appointment letter and everything. I'm the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Term starts in two weeks."
The kitchen erupted in cheers and congratulations. Fred and George actually stood up and applauded. Sirius was grinning so widely his face looked like it might split. Even Remus was smiling, genuine pleasure lighting his usually somber features.
"That's brilliant," Ron said enthusiastically. "Absolutely brilliant."
"Take that, Fudge," Ginny crowed. "They tried to screw you over and you landed an even better position."
"I wouldn't say better," Tonks said, though she was clearly pleased by the reaction. "But definitely not worse. And the look on Umbridge's face when she finds out is going to be priceless."
"To Tonks," Sirius said, raising his glass. "For showing those Ministry bastards they can't keep a good witch down."
"To Tonks," everyone echoed, raising their own glasses.
Harry found himself smiling for the first time since he'd heard the news about her dismissal. The anger was still there, burning hot and fierce against Fudge and Umbridge, but it was tempered now by satisfaction. They'd tried to punish Tonks and instead she'd found a way to continue fighting, to make an even bigger difference than she could have as just another Auror.
The celebration continued, with Fred and George launching into an impromptu song mocking Fudge's incompetence that had everyone laughing. Ginny joined in, her voice clear and mocking as she added verses about Umbridge's toad-like appearance. Even Mrs. Weasley cracked a smile, though she made a token protest about the language.
Then Remus cleared his throat, his expression more serious. The laughter died down as people turned to look at him.
"I hate to be the voice of pessimism," he said carefully. "But there's a realistic possibility that this setback will be countered somehow. If they truly want their spy at Hogwarts, Fudge and Umbridge can cook up something else with ease."
The mood dampened slightly. Harry saw the truth in Remus's words, much as he didn't want to admit it. The Ministry had power and resources. If they wanted to place someone inside Hogwarts badly enough, they'd find another way.
"Let them try," Sirius said firmly. "We'll deal with whatever comes next when it comes. For now, we've won this round."
"Exactly," Tonks agreed. "I'm not going to spend my time worrying about what they might do. I'm going to focus on preparing to be the best damn Defense professor Hogwarts has ever had."
"Here, here," several voices chorused.
The celebration resumed, though slightly more subdued. They all knew the fight wasn't over. But for tonight, they could enjoy the victory and the knowledge that Fudge and Umbridge's plan had been thoroughly derailed.
Harry caught Tonks's eye across the table. She winked at him, quick and subtle enough that no one else noticed. Heat flooded through him at that simple gesture, at the promise it contained. He smiled back, and saw her lips curve in response.
Later, he promised himself. Later they would talk properly, celebrate properly, away from everyone else. For now, he'd enjoy this moment of triumph with his friends.
XXXXX
A few hours had passed since dinner had concluded, and Tonks stood at the window of her room, staring out at the darkened street below. The sheer nightdress she wore clung to her curves, the thin fabric leaving little to imagination. Moonlight filtered through the grimy glass, painting her skin in silver and shadow. Her hair hung loose down her back, deep violet waves that shifted slightly in color as her thoughts wandered.
The sheer nightdress shifted as she moved, the fabric caressing her skin. The neckline dipped low between her breasts, held up by thin straps that looked almost fragile. The hem barely reached mid-thigh, and the material was so transparent that her dusky nipples were visible through it, along with the shadow between her legs.
The day's events replayed in her mind. The confrontation with Umbridge, the conversation with Amelia, the surprise and celebration downstairs. It had been a roller coaster of emotions, and she felt wrung out and energized all at once.
She'd meant what she'd said downstairs. She wouldn't waste time mourning what she'd lost. Being an Auror had been her dream, yes, but dreams changed. Circumstances changed. And maybe, just maybe, teaching at Hogwarts would give her opportunities she never would have had in the Auror department.
A soft knock at the door made her turn. She grabbed her nightgown from where it lay across the chair and shrugged into it, tying the sash loosely. The thick fabric covered the sheer nightdress but did little to hide the shape of her body beneath.
She crossed to the door and opened it, peering out into the hallway. Empty. Tonks smirked and stepped aside, feeling rather than seeing someone brush past her. The invisible presence moved knowingly, their body pressing against hers as they entered the room.
Tonks shut the door quietly and locked it with a flick of her wand. The moment the lock clicked into place, strong hands grabbed her waist and spun her around. Her back hit the door with a soft thud as a hard body pressed against her front. Then familiar lips crashed into hers with heated urgency.
She moaned into the kiss, her hands coming up to grip broad shoulders as Harry's mouth moved against hers with hunger that made her knees weak. His tongue slid between her lips, tasting and claiming, and she responded eagerly. Her fingers found the fabric of his invisibility cloak and pushed it off his shoulders, letting it pool on the floor.
Harry's hands roamed her body possessively, sliding over the thick nightgown to grip her hips and pull her harder against him. She could feel his arousal already pressing into her belly, hot and insistent through his clothes. The sensation made her core clench with want.
"Missed you," Harry breathed against her mouth, barely pulling back enough to speak. His hands moved up her sides, thumbs brushing the undersides of her breasts through the layers of fabric.
"Missed you too," Tonks gasped as his mouth moved to her neck, sucking and biting at the sensitive skin there. Her head fell back against the door, giving him better access.
"Yeah?" Harry's voice was rough, darker than usual. His hands found the sash of her nightgown and tugged it loose. The garment fell open, revealing the sheer nightdress beneath. "Fuck, Nym."
He pulled back just enough to look at her properly. His eyes raked over her body with want, taking in every detail of the practically transparent fabric and what it revealed. His pupils were blown wide with desire, the green of his irises reduced to thin rings.
"Like what you see?" Tonks asked, her voice low and teasing.
"You know I do," Harry growled. He pushed the nightgown off her shoulders and it fell to the floor behind her. Then his hands were on her again, sliding over the sheer fabric of her nightdress, kneading her breasts through the thin material. His thumbs found her nipples and circled them, drawing them into hard peaks.
Tonks whimpered, arching into his touch. Her own hands worked at his shirt, pulling it up and over his head with growing urgency. She needed to feel his skin against hers, needed the heat and hardness of his body.
Harry's mouth found hers again as his hands continued their exploration. He palmed her breasts, squeezing and releasing in a rhythm that made her hips roll against him involuntarily. Then one hand slid down her stomach, over her hip, and around to grip her arse firmly. He pulled her closer, grinding his erection against her core.
"Harry," she moaned, her fingers digging into the muscles of his back. "Please."
"Please what?" he asked against her lips, his voice rough with desire and amusement. His hand on her arse squeezed harder, his fingers digging into the soft flesh. "Tell me what you want."
"You," Tonks gasped. "I want you. Now."
Harry grinned, wicked and hot. "How bad?"
"I was about to come to your room," she said hotly. "Beat me to it."
She reached down to palm his erection through his jeans. He hissed at the contact, his hips jerking forward.
"I can sneak better than you," Harry teased, though his voice was strained. His hand left her arse to cup her face, tilting it up so he could kiss her again. "Way better."
Tonks grinned against his mouth, her hand still working him through his jeans. "That's cheating. You've got that magnificent cloak."
Harry shrugged, the movement pressing his chest more firmly against her breasts. The friction of fabric and skin made them both gasp. "Not my fault you don't have one."
"Smug bastard," Tonks murmured affectionately. Then she pulled him into another kiss, this one even more heated than before.
Their mouths moved together with familiar hunger, tongues sliding and tasting as hands roamed freely. Harry's fingers found the hem of her nightdress and pulled it up slowly, bunching the fabric around her waist. Then his hands were on her bare skin, sliding over her hips and stomach and ribs with reverent touches.
Tonks worked his belt open and pushed his jeans down his hips along with his boxers. His cock sprang free, hard and flushed, and she wrapped her hand around it properly this time. Harry groaned into her mouth, his hips thrusting into her grip.
"Fuck," he breathed. "Nym."
She stroked him slowly, base to tip, watching his face as pleasure tightened his features. His eyes were half-lidded, his mouth slightly open, his breathing harsh. He looked wrecked already and they'd barely started.
Harry's hands found the straps of her nightdress and pushed them off her shoulders. The garment slithered down her body and pooled at her feet, leaving her completely naked. He stepped back just far enough to look at her properly, his eyes traveling over every inch of exposed skin.
"Beautiful," he murmured. Then he was on her again, his mouth claiming hers as his hands explored her bare body with growing urgency.
They stumbled toward the bed, shedding the last of Harry's clothes along the way. By the time they fell onto the mattress together, both were naked and breathing hard. Tonks pulled Harry on top of her, spreading her legs to cradle his hips between her thighs.
"Need you," she gasped, her hands sliding down his back to grip his arse and pull him closer. "Please, Harry."
Harry kissed her deeply, thoroughly, as one hand moved between their bodies. His fingers found her wet and ready, sliding through her folds with ease. He circled her clit once, twice, making her hips jerk and a whimper escape her throat.
"So wet for me," he murmured against her lips. "Always so ready."
"Always," Tonks agreed breathlessly. "Only for you."
Harry positioned himself at her entrance, the head of his cock pressing against her opening. Then he pushed forward slowly, sinking into her inch by inch. Tonks's mouth fell open as he filled her, her back arching off the bed. The stretch and fullness of him inside her felt perfect, like coming home.
"Fuck," Harry groaned when he was fully sheathed inside her. He stayed still for a moment, letting them both adjust, his forehead pressed against hers. "You feel so good. So tight."
"Move," Tonks commanded, her nails digging into his back. "Please move."
Harry pulled back slowly until just the tip remained inside her, then thrust forward again firmly. Tonks cried out, her legs wrapping around his waist to pull him deeper. He set a steady rhythm, deep strokes that had her gasping and clinging to him.
"Yes," she moaned. "Just like that. Don't stop."
Harry kissed her as he moved, swallowing her sounds of pleasure. His hips rolled in a steady rhythm, hitting that spot inside her that made stars burst behind her eyes with every thrust. One hand gripped her hip hard enough to bruise while the other slid up to cup her breast, his thumb circling her nipple.
Tonks met him thrust for thrust, her hips rising to take him deeper. The sound of skin slapping against skin filled the room along with their harsh breathing and muffled moans. The bed creaked beneath them, the headboard tapping against the wall in time with Harry's movements.
"Harder," Tonks gasped. "I want it harder."
Harry groaned and complied, his thrusts becoming more forceful. He rose up on his knees, pulling her hips up with him so he could drive into her at a different angle. The new position had him hitting even deeper, and Tonks had to bite her lip to keep from screaming.
"Touch yourself," Harry commanded, his voice rough and authoritative. "Want to watch you."
Tonks obeyed immediately, her hand sliding down her body to find her clit. She circled it in time with his thrusts, the dual stimulation making her whole body tighten with approaching climax.
"That's it," Harry encouraged, his eyes fixed on where their bodies joined. "Fuck, you look so good like this. Taking my cock so well."
"Harry," Tonks moaned, her movements becoming more frantic. She was close, so close. "I'm going to..."
"Come for me," Harry said firmly. His thrusts became harder, faster, driving into her with purpose. "Want to feel you come around my cock."
That pushed her over the edge. Tonks's orgasm hit her like a tidal wave, pleasure crashing through her body in overwhelming pulses. Her inner walls clenched rhythmically around Harry's length, her back arching and her mouth falling open in a silent scream.
Harry groaned at the sensation, his rhythm faltering. A few more erratic thrusts and he followed her over, spilling inside her with a low groan. His hips jerked as he emptied himself, his hands gripping her tight enough to leave marks.
They collapsed together onto the bed, both gasping for air. Harry's weight pressed her into the mattress, warm and solid and perfect. Tonks wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as aftershocks of pleasure rippled through her.
"Fuck," Harry breathed against her neck. "That was..."
"Yeah," Tonks agreed, too boneless to form complete sentences.
They lay like that for several minutes, neither willing to move. Eventually Harry shifted to the side, pulling Tonks with him so they were face to face. His hand stroked lazy patterns on her hip as they caught their breath.
"Today was insane," Harry said finally, his expression growing more serious. "I'm sorry about what happened. I know being an Auror meant everything to you."
Tonks cupped his face gently, her thumb brushing over his cheekbone. "It did mean everything. It was my lifelong dream, and losing it hurts."
Harry's expression tightened with guilt. "It's my fault. If I hadn't dragged you into that trial..."
"Stop," Tonks said firmly. "This isn't your fault. This is Fudge and Umbridge being vindictive arseholes because I told the truth. I'd do it again in a heartbeat."
"Still," Harry said quietly. "I hate that you lost something so important because of me."
"I'm sad about it," Tonks admitted. "Not going to lie about that. But given the state the Ministry is in right now, maybe it's not such a bad thing to be away from there." She shifted closer, pressing her body against his. Her hand trailed down his chest, fingers tracing the defined muscles of his abdomen. "Besides, being at Hogwarts has some significant advantages."
"Yeah?" Harry's voice had grown rougher as her hand moved lower.
"Mmm," Tonks hummed, her fingers wrapping around his rapidly hardening length. "We'll get to spend every night together. No sneaking around at Grimmauld Place, no worrying about being caught by Order members. Just you and me, all night, every night."
"That does sound good," Harry agreed, his breath hitching as she stroked him slowly.
Tonks grinned wickedly and shifted, straddling his hips. She positioned herself above him, her hand guiding him to her entrance. "It's a boon in more ways than one."
Harry's hands gripped her hips as she hovered there, not quite taking him in yet. "How so?"
"Well," Tonks said, lowering herself slowly onto him and watching his eyes flutter closed with pleasure. "There's the obvious benefits of proximity and privacy." She sank down completely, taking him to the hilt, and they both groaned. "But there's also the thrill of it."
"The thrill?" Harry managed, his fingers digging into her hips.
Tonks leaned forward, her breasts pressing against his chest as her lips hovered just above his. "It's frowned upon for a teacher to fuck her student," she whispered. Then she rolled her hips, drawing a gasp from both of them. "But it's also damn hot."
She sealed her mouth over his and began to move, riding him with slow rolls of her hips. Harry's hands roamed her body, touching and squeezing and claiming as she took her pleasure from him.
"Can't really argue with that," Harry gasped between kisses.
Tonks laughed breathlessly and increased her pace, chasing the building pleasure. They moved together in familiar rhythm, their bodies knowing exactly what the other needed. The room filled with sounds of sex again, breathy moans and whispers and the slick slide of their bodies joining.
This time they took it slower, drawing out the pleasure until both were trembling with need. When they finally came, it was together, crying out each other's names as climax washed through them in waves.
They collapsed onto the bed afterward, thoroughly spent and satisfied. Tonks curled against Harry's side, her head on his chest and one leg thrown over his. His arm wrapped around her, holding her close.
"I really am going to miss being an Auror," Tonks said quietly into the comfortable silence. "But this, us, being able to be together properly, that makes it easier to bear."
Harry pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "We're going to make those bastards regret what they did. To you, to everyone. They think they're winning, but they're not."
"Damn right we will," Tonks agreed with a yawn, exhaustion finally catching up with her. "But right now, I just want to sleep. Stay with me?"
"Always," Harry promised.
They settled into the bed properly, pulling the covers up and arranging themselves comfortably. Tonks's last thought before sleep claimed her was that maybe, just maybe, things would work out after all. She had Harry, she had a new purpose, and she had the chance to make a real difference.
Tomorrow they'd start planning and preparing for what was to come. But tonight, wrapped in Harry's arms and warm with satisfaction, she let herself simply be happy.
To be continued…
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