Now and Then
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Harry Potter › General
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
4
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Category:
Harry Potter › General
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
4
Views:
3,681
Reviews:
7
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Bad News, Good News
Chapter Two --
Remus and Sirius fight. Sirius decides to make things right between Remus and Corinthia. Regulus makes and appearance. James makes an announcement.
I apologize for the delay, but the holidays and illness have kept me from writing.
--
Scanning the Daily Prophet, Sirius sipped his coffee. He scoffed when he saw an article mentioning his mother and the generous donation she had made to the Ministry of Magic.
"I wonder who she's trying to buy off now?" He continued to read the article and felt bitter bile rise in his throat. "I should have known. It looks like Regulas got caught again."
Before he could dwell on his family's escapades he heard a familiar pop. Sirius set the paper on the table and went into the bedroom where he found Remus pacing and cursing under his breath.
Upon seeing Sirius, Remus stopped and glared him.
"You!" Remus pointed his finger at his Animagus friend. "You've gone too far this time, Sirius. It's my choice whom I mark and whom I don't mark!"
Sirius smirked. He was in real trouble now. Remus was using proper grammar.
"How could you think I would mark her"¦scar her for life?" Remus continued his rant. "I've already ruined one life. How many others would you have me ruin?"
Sirius' smirk turned into a frown and he could feel his anger rise. He hated it when Moony's guilt overshadowed the compassionate wizard who stood in front of him. "Who did you ruin?" Sirius barked. "Me? Because if you're talking about me, you can just get off the damn guilt trolley, Remus!"
Remus started to pace again. "I can't believe you told her that I would mark her!"
"I didn't tell her that," Sirius spat. "She asked me if you had marked me. Do give her some credit. She has read everything she could get her hands on regarding werewolves "“ especially mating rituals. She asked if it was painful. That's it. I swear it!"
"Fuck!" Remus growled.
Sirius winced. "What happened?"
Remus pulled his robe over his head. "I didn't mark her, if that's what you're wondering."
"I know that, you prat," Sirius retorted, irritated by the werewolf's tone.
Taking his shirt off, Remus glared at him. "Sex! That's what happened. Then she woke up and realized what a huge mistake she had made."
Sirius sighed, unable to believe Moony's version of events. "What did she say that made you believe that?"
"She told me to get out."
Sirius watched as Remus jerked his pants off. Remus wouldn't look him in the eyes. That and his body language told him that there was more to his and Corrie's disagreement than this. And he knew that the rest of the truth lie with the young witch who had become their lover.
--
Unable to focus on what she was reading, Corinthia folded the paper and placed it on the table. She'd embraced the numbness that had settled over her since Remus had run away. His lack of faith in her had stung her pride.
She had read everything there was on werewolf mating habits. A werewolf was insatiable and possessive "“ so possessive that they would mark what was theirs. From her understanding, it was not a pleasant process. But it was something she would gladly suffer to be his. She loved that bloody arse.
A knock on the door shattered her reverie. Her stomach lurched. Was it Remus? Had the bloody idiot finally realized what an arse he was being?
"Miss Mistress." Lattie entered the dining room, wringing her hands nervously. "Mister Black is wanting to sees you. Shall Lattie tell him to lose his self?"
Disappointment settled in her stomach and she pinched the bridge of her nose. Regulas was a pompous arse. She didn't want to deal with the Slytherin git who thought he was Merlin's gift to women.
"Please tell Regulas that I died," Corinthia suggested.
The house elf hesitated and grew agitated. "Lattie is bad, stupid elf!" the shivering creature cried. "Mister Black is Mister Black. Worried for you, he is."
"Lattie, please calm down and stop tying your hair in a knot," Corinthia instructed. Her house elf normally took pleasure in telling Regulas off. Taking a deep breath, she calmed her nerves. "Don't worry, Lattie. I'll see Mister Black out."
Pushing open the door to the drawing room, Corinthia entered the room and stopped in her tracks. "Sirius!"
"Corrie." His smile was devastating. His short dark hair was neatly combed and his robes brought out the color in his eyes.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, feeling the blush creep into her cheeks.
Sirius stared at her. "What happened?"
Tears of frustration choked her and she looked away. "I'm sorry," she murmured softly. "Things just didn't work out."
--
Bloody hell! She's even more tightlipped than Remus. Sirius ran his hand over his face. "You've never lied to me before, Corrie. Why start now?"
He wasn't prepared for the crying, hiccuping witch that flew into his embrace.
"Remus"¦mark"¦thinks"¦arse"¦love him," she blubbered against Sirius' chest.
Stroking her hair, Sirius patted her back. "Calm down, love," he said soothingly. "And start over."
Corinthia sniffled against his shoulder as she tried to compose herself.
"Start from the beginning and tell me what happened." Sirius pried her fingers from his arms and stared into her eyes. His rakish side railed against the lure of her wide dark eyes. Hers were the only eyes other than Remus' that he could lose himself in.
"W-we met at the Leaky Cauldron for drinks."
"After that," Sirius prompted hurriedly. The longer he let Remus stew the more entrenched his friend would become.
"We made love."
The blush was assuredly covering her whole body. Remus must have loved that. Sirius tried to keep a straight face. "What happened this morning?" he asked, guessing that was when things went wrong.
Corinthia's face contorted and she started to cry again.
Sirius wrapped his arms around her and rocked her gently.
"He wouldn't listen," she cried. "I tried telling him that it doesn't matter, but he just wouldn't listen. Then he started talking about what the Ministry would do to me -- how they would force me to take a birth control potion and how they would never allow us to marry. Then he "“"
"He said what?" Sirius shouted, startling the witch in his arms. He threw his head back and laughed. Remus had it bad. There was no way his lycan lover would be able to stay away from this woman for long. He'd gone from "just sex" to children to matrimony in one night.
"I knew it!" Sirius picked Corinthia up by the waist and swung her around. "He loves you!"
Corinthia wore a puzzled look on her face as she pulled away from him. "He hates me."
"Wanna bet?"
"I kicked him out," she mumbled.
"So?" Sirius laughed.
"I-I'm not sure what to say," she said.
Holding his hand out to her, he smiled and started to plot Remus' romance. "Just leave the talking to me."
--
Propping himself up in bed, Remus scowled at Sirius. His lover was whistling that annoying little tune he whistled whenever he was going out with the intent of screwing the first woman who caught his fancy.
"Oh, do stop pouting, Remus." Sirius grinned devilishly. "I'm going out with Corinthia. We're having dinner, going dancing, and shagging each other rotten afterwards."
"You really should leave her alone, Sirius," he said, his inflection one of warning.
"Why should I?" Sirius challenged. "I like her. Just because you blew it doesn't mean I can't date her."
The urge to pin the smirking wizard against the wall and sink his teeth into his shoulder passed over Remus. The prat was trying to get a rise out of him. Remus got out of bed and stretched nonchalantly. "Have fun."
Sirius' disbelieving gaze caught his in the mirror and Remus returned a self-confident smirk.
"So you wouldn't mind if I brought her back here," Sirius stated, tugging on the sleeves of his robe.
"As long as you're willing to accept the consequences of your actions," Remus replied over his shoulder as he walked out of the room.
--
"It's been two weeks, Sirius," Corinthia said with an edge of desperation in her voice.
Sirius leaned forward, reaching across the table and clasping her hand. "Patience, love," he murmured softly as he started to rub random patterns into her palm. "He's just being stubborn. "We'll wear him down, Corrie."
Sighing, she bowed her head. "I miss him."
"And he misses you," Sirius assured the young witch, squeezing her hand and getting as much of her scent on him as he dared.
Corinthia scoffed. "You could have fooled me."
"He definitely won't approach you now," Sirius said softly. "The full moon is coming and his control is slipping."
"What do you mean?"
"Well," he hedged, "every month is a cycle for him. There's the full moon. After that, he spends a few days recuperating. Then he gets randy and stays that way for a good two weeks."
She smiled, her dark eyes dancing with laughter.
Sirius sobered. "About a week before the transformation, he's a tad on the aggressive side."
"Well, well, well," a snide voice sneered from behind him. "Isn't this a revolting scene?"
Sirius dropped Corinthia's hand and reached for his wand as his younger brother approached the table.
"I cannot believe you would associate with this blood traitor, Corinthia," Regulas hissed with an air of superiority. "What would your brother say?"
Sirius stood up, his wand discreetly by his side.
"Oh, Sirius," Regulas taunted, "do put your wand away. Public displays of affection are unwarranted and unwelcome."
"What do you want, Regulas?" Sirius' tone was low and dangerous.
"At least you're courting a pureblood," the younger Black stated contemptuously. "At least your children will be acceptable in proper society"¦should anything unfortunate befall their parents. Toujours pur."
"Don't you ever get tired of the rhetoric, little brother?" Sirius snapped.
Regulas' features turned from teasingly cruel to murderously contemptible, contorting his handsome features. "It isn't rhetoric," he hissed. "It's the truth! If you care to find out, you can meet me outside."
"Why?" Sirius questioned, disgust etched in his features. "So your Death Eater chums can jump me? That isn't very sporting "“ even for you."
"You needn't worry about your witch and children, big brother." Regulas smiled. "I'll take them as mine once the Dark Lord perseveres."
Fake laughter overshadowed the harsh words. "Do move on, Regulas," Corinthia demanded, her tone laced with saccharin sweetness. "Before I give in to this raging desire to hex your love spuds off."
"Impudent witch!" Regulas moved toward her, but stopped short once he felt the push of her wand against his dangly bits.
Sirius choked back his laughter.
Backing away, Regulas glared at Corinthia. "I look forward to having you, Corrie." With a loud pop, he was gone.
Sirius' smile fell as his brother's words echoed in his mind.
Corinthia laughed, slipping her wand up her sleeve. "Did you see the look on his face? What a tosser!"
Observing her as she chattered, Sirius felt his cavalier attitude dissolve under the onslaught of worry. Her face was flushed and her eyes were bright. Dark curls framed her round face. She was laughing breathlessly, a sound he had come to embrace in these dangerous times.
What had he been thinking? What was he doing here?
"I should have used a Shrinking Curse!" The witch clapped her hands gleefully, drowning out his thoughts.
"Corinthia "“"
"Did you see the look on that gits' face?" She laughed. "No offense, Sirius, but I've always hated your brother. He's such an arse. In school "“"
Grabbing her hands and yanking her to her feet, he pulled her against his chest. "Hold on."
--
Sidelong Apparitions were always disconcerting. There was always something about not knowing where you were going that made Corinthia sick to her stomach. She stumbled when she and Sirius appeared in an unfamiliar drawing room.
"Are you okay?" he asked, holding on until she was steady.
"Yes." Her smile wavered.
"Have you any idea what you've done?" Sirius hissed, running his hand over his face.
Corinthia's smile diminished. For someone who was always laughing and cheerful, Sirius looked severe.
"Regulas is a Death Eater!" he shouted. "And you threatened to hex his bollix off! Bloody fucking hell! This is all I need."
For as long as she'd known Sirius, she'd never seen him so angry. "I "“"
"You didn't think, Corrie. That's what happened!" Sirius gave her a little shake. "My brother doesn't make idle threats. He's dangerous. The only thing more dangerous than You-Know-Who's pureblood philosophy is You-Know-Who himself and my brother's belief in that philosophy."
Corinthia shuddered.
Pulling her into his arms, Sirius stroked her hair. "I've seen too many Dark Marks over homes. I've lost too many friends."
She could hear the fear in his voice and wrapped her arms around him. "It will be okay, Sirius. You'll see," she murmured the words of comfort, trying to make herself believe.
--
"Get some rest, Lupin." Moody tapped him on the shoulder, relieving him from his post outside the gates of Malfoy Manor.
"You'll get no argument from me," Remus replied, welcoming the exhaustion as it seeped into his bones. "Other than Regulas visiting, there hasn't been much of activity."
Moody's magical eye spun around in his head. "Lucius is hardly going to play host to a Dark Revel. He's a crafty bastard, that one."
Remus nodded in agreement and Apparated home. As soon as he arrived, he scented something out of place. It was a familiar scent, one Moony was very interested in.
Exhaustion turned to lust as Corinthia's scent addled human reason. It was everywhere, mixed with his traitorous lover's aroma. Blindly, he searched for the nearest source of the alluring fragrance.
He walked toward the kitchen, pulling his robe over his head and dropping it on the floor. He toed his boots off in two steps. He could see the scent, his wolfish senses sharpening to a fine point. Sirius had gone too far this time, bringing her here. The smell of man and woman merged as he neared the kitchen, the woman's fertile scent overpowering the man's natural musk.
Opening the swing-door of the kitchen, Moony growled as the welcome sight of Corinthia's backside greeted him.
Mine!growled the animal as he stalked his mate.
--
"Couldn't sleep either, Sirius? Where do you keep the "“?" Her question faded as she turned and saw him. "Remus!"
He looked wild. His eyes flashed and his nostrils flared. His shirt was tucked half-way into his trousers, lending to the werewolf's sex appeal. He made no reply, obviously displeased with her presence in his domain.
Remus took a threatening step toward her and bared his teeth, waging an internal battle with his basic instincts. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice husky and shaky.
Corinthia took slow calculated steps toward him. "We ran into Regulas. I threatened to hex him and he threatened me. Sirius wouldn't let me go home. We fell asleep. I was thirsty and wanted some tea"¦" Her voice trailed off.
"Run away, Corinthia," he begged, closing the distance and grasping her upper arms.
"I want you," she whispered, her eyes wide with lust. She would deal with the consequences tomorrow.
Remus claimed her lips, brutally forcing her mouth open and growling as he tore at her robe and bared her breasts.
Gasping, she arched her back and offered the wolf greater liberties. "Yes," she whimpered in encouragement. When his mouth closed over her breast and laved at the puckered flesh of her nipple, she cried out.
His feral growl signaled his intent and he picked her up and carried her a few steps to the kitchen table. Once she was lying on the table, Remus stepped back and shredded the remnants of her robe and undergarments. Opening her legs invitingly, she stared at him hungrily as he whipped his shirt over his head and pushed his pants down.
Feeling the bulbous tip of his cock probe her quivering crevice, Corinthia tensed. She was unprepared for the swift intrusion of his flesh and cried out. But he did not hear her distress as he pounded mercilessly into her. Sinking her fingers into his forearms, she held on, waiting for him to finish. Sirius had warned her. She should have listened.
She watched the play of sinew and muscles as he moved over her. His eyes were closed, the expression on his face one of blissful agony. Each penetrating stroke carried an anguished grunt, his words unintelligible.
Watching him tremble above her, Corinthia felt his seed coat her inner depths. He collapsed on top of her, emotionally replete and shivering. His breath was hot against her ear as he continued mumbling.
"Remus," she whispered.
--
His name on her lips overpowered Moony's visceral needs. His carefully constructed control had shattered once he had detected her scent. Morality dictated he withdraw, but the temptation was too great.
"Corinthia," he sighed against her cheek, stumbling over each syllable of her name. Lifting himself onto his elbows, he took some of his weight off her slight frame.
"I love you," she declared softly, reaching up and gently brushing some hair out of his eyes.
"I hope so," Remus murmured as he started to pull away from her.
Hooking a leg behind his, Corinthia deepened their union with a sultry groan. Her heat flexed around him as she adjusted to his intrusion.
"Stay still, or I'll have you again," he warned.
The minx arched into him, offering herself freely. Turning her head, she licked his wrist and nipped at the sensitive flesh, renewing Moony's interest in the witch. Stunned and afraid of hurting her, Remus broke their intimate connection and stumbled backwards.
Dark, smoldering eyes gazed into his. Now free of his weight, she hopped off the table and removed her tattered clothes. Kicking his trousers away from his ankles, Remus watched Corinthia turn around, bend over the table, and shake her bum enticingly.
"Take me, Remus," she purred seductively as she looked over her shoulder. She pulled her long dark mane to one side of her slender neck, exposing the milky skin of her shoulder. "I'm yours."
The carnal nature of the wolf garnered strength, hindering Remus' ability to rationalize. She was offering herself to him, asking him to mark her again. Anger surging through him, he clutched the female's fleshy hips and positioned himself. With calculated precision, he entered her and leaned against her back.
"I will never mark you like that," he hissed, trying to restrain the natural urge to seek his release. Reaching in front of his lover, he pulled her against him. "You're mine for as long as I live. I'll never get enough of this."
Remus suckled hard at the juncture of her neck and shoulder, sinking his teeth into her flesh and letting her feel the painful pressure of the act itself. A werewolf marking a mate was not for the weak hearted. He hated the taste of blood, but werewolves used the coppery taste and bitter smell to imprint on their mate.
Corinthia whimpered in pain. He could feel her tighten around his sensitive member.
He moaned, somehow keeping himself from clamping down further and breaking the skin. "If I break the skin and mark you, it will never heal properly. It will be a magical wound, throbbing in pain with every full moon."
Remus grabbed one of her hands and guided her fingers to her clit. "I can smell you"¦your arousal and your fear. This scent is forever ingrained in my memory. Your virginity was the catalyst toward my continued path into insanity."
He manipulated her fingers with his, showing her the rhythm and the pressure she needed to apply to her nub. "I can smell your pent-up frustration. You didn't come when I rutted on you last."
Corinthia gasped as he started to move and she danced her fingers over the bundle of nerves.
"You'll be in danger every month," growled Remus as he set an agonizingly slow pace. "As a werewolf, I'll search for you, longing to sink my teeth into your flesh and damning you into this cycle of hell."
"P-please," she whimpered, trying to move backwards for a deeper penetration.
With a frustrated growl, he released her, pushing her down and angling her for his pleasure. He ran his hand down the line of her spine, molding the flesh of her waist and hips next. His mate pushed backwards, claiming more of his erect flesh for her pleasure. The tightness of her channel threw him over the edge and he drove in and out of her at a maddening pace.
The coupling was brutal, one of fierce fundamental elements. He could smell her release before he felt it as it coated her body in a fine sheen of perspiration. That was the trigger that carried the remnants of logic away. His pleasure was taken swiftly at her expense, his mindless actions unable to discern what was real and what was a dream.
A guttural cry heralded his release.
--
"Don't give me that look," Remus murmured, setting his coffee down and glaring at Sirius.
Sirius kept grinning as he piled food onto his plate. "Imagine my shock, waking up in the wee hours of the morning and panicking over Corinthia's whereabouts. As I make my way down the hall, I hear sounds of bed springs and a very familiar groan." Pausing for dramatic effect, Sirius coughed.
Throwing a muffin at his friend, Remus grinned. Corinthia hadn't let him rest last night. She had been riding him when Sirius had stumbled upon them. Remus could smell Sirius' excitement build as his male mate had watched them.
"Really, Moony!" Sirius exclaimed as he buttered the muffin that Remus had thrown at him. "They have Locking Charms for a reason."
Coughing in his coffee, Remus laughed. "And just how long did you stand there, watching, you bloody wanker?"
Sirius' grin grew wider. "Long enough to see the graceful arch of her back and the soft slope of her breasts."
Remus shook his head disapprovingly. "I trust you to be discreet. No teasing, okay?"
"Me?" Sirius retorted playfully. "I'll never tease Corrie again. I learned my lesson when she hexed me with boils."
Chuckling, Remus set his cup down. "How did you ever convince her to"¦" His voice trailed off.
"Shag both of you?" a sleepy voice asked from the kitchen doorway.
Feeling the blush crawl up his neck, Remus glanced at Sirius nervously. Their relationship was unconventional, but not uncommon. Several witches took multiple lovers. In fact, the practice was encouraged by the Ministry due to the increasing number of Squibs "“ a non-magical person born of wizarding parents.
Corinthia walked into the kitchen, dressed in one of his shirts. It looked much better on her than it did on him. Her hair, a tangled mess, framed her oval face. His scent was all over her, mingled with hers. Remus bit the inside of his cheek to keep from bending her over the kitchen table and giving Sirius a close-up view of their frenzied union.
There was sensual laughter in her dark eyes "“ laughter that told him she was remembering what they had done on the kitchen table last night.
"Morning, Corrie!" Sirius greeted her cheerily. "Did you sleep well last night?"
A mischievous grin spread across her lips as she walked up to Sirius and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "I hardly slept at all. Thank you for asking," she purred next to his ear, then leaned closer and whispered something.
Remus watched as Sirius' eyes widened and fell to the table. A lascivious smile curled the edge of the younger wizard's mouth.
"Oh my," Sirius gasped. "You old dog."
Corinthia chuckled, pulling away from Sirius and sitting between them. She leaned toward Remus and offered him her lips.
Wrapping one of his hands around the nape of her neck, he savaged her lips.
A muffled voice called out from the fireplace in the next room, ruining the playful moment. "Hello?"
"Oh please continue," Sirius huffed jokingly. "I'll answer the Floo. Feel free to shag on the kitchen table."
Remus pulled Corinthia onto his lap. "Very well, then."
His female lover shrieked in mock protest.
He leered at her and nuzzled her neck, losing himself in their musky scent. Right now, Sirius' suggestion didn't seem to be such a bad idea.
"Did you hear that?" Sirius shouted as he rushed into the kitchen, followed closely by James.
Feeling the witch in his arms stiffen, Remus righted her shirt and helped her sit up.
"Prongs is pregnant!" Sirius announced excitedly.
"Who's Prongs?" Corinthia asked, trying to slide into her own chair, but Remus held her firmly on his lap.
"James "“" Sirius blurted out only to be silenced by James' unfortunate misstep on his foot.
Glaring at his impetuous mate, Remus cleared his throat pointedly. The stupid git had almost revealed James' Animagus form to Corinthia.
"Lily's pregnant!" James grinned from ear to ear.
Congratulating James, Remus splayed his hand over Corinthia's stomach in thoughtful contemplation. Although they had used no Contraceptive Charms or potions, he knew that it was impossible for her to ever carry his child. Once he'd come "of age," the Ministry had seen to his sterility.
It was a blessing in disguise, really. Who would bring a child into a world like this, anyway?
*****
Remus and Sirius fight. Sirius decides to make things right between Remus and Corinthia. Regulus makes and appearance. James makes an announcement.
I apologize for the delay, but the holidays and illness have kept me from writing.
--
Scanning the Daily Prophet, Sirius sipped his coffee. He scoffed when he saw an article mentioning his mother and the generous donation she had made to the Ministry of Magic.
"I wonder who she's trying to buy off now?" He continued to read the article and felt bitter bile rise in his throat. "I should have known. It looks like Regulas got caught again."
Before he could dwell on his family's escapades he heard a familiar pop. Sirius set the paper on the table and went into the bedroom where he found Remus pacing and cursing under his breath.
Upon seeing Sirius, Remus stopped and glared him.
"You!" Remus pointed his finger at his Animagus friend. "You've gone too far this time, Sirius. It's my choice whom I mark and whom I don't mark!"
Sirius smirked. He was in real trouble now. Remus was using proper grammar.
"How could you think I would mark her"¦scar her for life?" Remus continued his rant. "I've already ruined one life. How many others would you have me ruin?"
Sirius' smirk turned into a frown and he could feel his anger rise. He hated it when Moony's guilt overshadowed the compassionate wizard who stood in front of him. "Who did you ruin?" Sirius barked. "Me? Because if you're talking about me, you can just get off the damn guilt trolley, Remus!"
Remus started to pace again. "I can't believe you told her that I would mark her!"
"I didn't tell her that," Sirius spat. "She asked me if you had marked me. Do give her some credit. She has read everything she could get her hands on regarding werewolves "“ especially mating rituals. She asked if it was painful. That's it. I swear it!"
"Fuck!" Remus growled.
Sirius winced. "What happened?"
Remus pulled his robe over his head. "I didn't mark her, if that's what you're wondering."
"I know that, you prat," Sirius retorted, irritated by the werewolf's tone.
Taking his shirt off, Remus glared at him. "Sex! That's what happened. Then she woke up and realized what a huge mistake she had made."
Sirius sighed, unable to believe Moony's version of events. "What did she say that made you believe that?"
"She told me to get out."
Sirius watched as Remus jerked his pants off. Remus wouldn't look him in the eyes. That and his body language told him that there was more to his and Corrie's disagreement than this. And he knew that the rest of the truth lie with the young witch who had become their lover.
--
Unable to focus on what she was reading, Corinthia folded the paper and placed it on the table. She'd embraced the numbness that had settled over her since Remus had run away. His lack of faith in her had stung her pride.
She had read everything there was on werewolf mating habits. A werewolf was insatiable and possessive "“ so possessive that they would mark what was theirs. From her understanding, it was not a pleasant process. But it was something she would gladly suffer to be his. She loved that bloody arse.
A knock on the door shattered her reverie. Her stomach lurched. Was it Remus? Had the bloody idiot finally realized what an arse he was being?
"Miss Mistress." Lattie entered the dining room, wringing her hands nervously. "Mister Black is wanting to sees you. Shall Lattie tell him to lose his self?"
Disappointment settled in her stomach and she pinched the bridge of her nose. Regulas was a pompous arse. She didn't want to deal with the Slytherin git who thought he was Merlin's gift to women.
"Please tell Regulas that I died," Corinthia suggested.
The house elf hesitated and grew agitated. "Lattie is bad, stupid elf!" the shivering creature cried. "Mister Black is Mister Black. Worried for you, he is."
"Lattie, please calm down and stop tying your hair in a knot," Corinthia instructed. Her house elf normally took pleasure in telling Regulas off. Taking a deep breath, she calmed her nerves. "Don't worry, Lattie. I'll see Mister Black out."
Pushing open the door to the drawing room, Corinthia entered the room and stopped in her tracks. "Sirius!"
"Corrie." His smile was devastating. His short dark hair was neatly combed and his robes brought out the color in his eyes.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, feeling the blush creep into her cheeks.
Sirius stared at her. "What happened?"
Tears of frustration choked her and she looked away. "I'm sorry," she murmured softly. "Things just didn't work out."
--
Bloody hell! She's even more tightlipped than Remus. Sirius ran his hand over his face. "You've never lied to me before, Corrie. Why start now?"
He wasn't prepared for the crying, hiccuping witch that flew into his embrace.
"Remus"¦mark"¦thinks"¦arse"¦love him," she blubbered against Sirius' chest.
Stroking her hair, Sirius patted her back. "Calm down, love," he said soothingly. "And start over."
Corinthia sniffled against his shoulder as she tried to compose herself.
"Start from the beginning and tell me what happened." Sirius pried her fingers from his arms and stared into her eyes. His rakish side railed against the lure of her wide dark eyes. Hers were the only eyes other than Remus' that he could lose himself in.
"W-we met at the Leaky Cauldron for drinks."
"After that," Sirius prompted hurriedly. The longer he let Remus stew the more entrenched his friend would become.
"We made love."
The blush was assuredly covering her whole body. Remus must have loved that. Sirius tried to keep a straight face. "What happened this morning?" he asked, guessing that was when things went wrong.
Corinthia's face contorted and she started to cry again.
Sirius wrapped his arms around her and rocked her gently.
"He wouldn't listen," she cried. "I tried telling him that it doesn't matter, but he just wouldn't listen. Then he started talking about what the Ministry would do to me -- how they would force me to take a birth control potion and how they would never allow us to marry. Then he "“"
"He said what?" Sirius shouted, startling the witch in his arms. He threw his head back and laughed. Remus had it bad. There was no way his lycan lover would be able to stay away from this woman for long. He'd gone from "just sex" to children to matrimony in one night.
"I knew it!" Sirius picked Corinthia up by the waist and swung her around. "He loves you!"
Corinthia wore a puzzled look on her face as she pulled away from him. "He hates me."
"Wanna bet?"
"I kicked him out," she mumbled.
"So?" Sirius laughed.
"I-I'm not sure what to say," she said.
Holding his hand out to her, he smiled and started to plot Remus' romance. "Just leave the talking to me."
--
Propping himself up in bed, Remus scowled at Sirius. His lover was whistling that annoying little tune he whistled whenever he was going out with the intent of screwing the first woman who caught his fancy.
"Oh, do stop pouting, Remus." Sirius grinned devilishly. "I'm going out with Corinthia. We're having dinner, going dancing, and shagging each other rotten afterwards."
"You really should leave her alone, Sirius," he said, his inflection one of warning.
"Why should I?" Sirius challenged. "I like her. Just because you blew it doesn't mean I can't date her."
The urge to pin the smirking wizard against the wall and sink his teeth into his shoulder passed over Remus. The prat was trying to get a rise out of him. Remus got out of bed and stretched nonchalantly. "Have fun."
Sirius' disbelieving gaze caught his in the mirror and Remus returned a self-confident smirk.
"So you wouldn't mind if I brought her back here," Sirius stated, tugging on the sleeves of his robe.
"As long as you're willing to accept the consequences of your actions," Remus replied over his shoulder as he walked out of the room.
--
"It's been two weeks, Sirius," Corinthia said with an edge of desperation in her voice.
Sirius leaned forward, reaching across the table and clasping her hand. "Patience, love," he murmured softly as he started to rub random patterns into her palm. "He's just being stubborn. "We'll wear him down, Corrie."
Sighing, she bowed her head. "I miss him."
"And he misses you," Sirius assured the young witch, squeezing her hand and getting as much of her scent on him as he dared.
Corinthia scoffed. "You could have fooled me."
"He definitely won't approach you now," Sirius said softly. "The full moon is coming and his control is slipping."
"What do you mean?"
"Well," he hedged, "every month is a cycle for him. There's the full moon. After that, he spends a few days recuperating. Then he gets randy and stays that way for a good two weeks."
She smiled, her dark eyes dancing with laughter.
Sirius sobered. "About a week before the transformation, he's a tad on the aggressive side."
"Well, well, well," a snide voice sneered from behind him. "Isn't this a revolting scene?"
Sirius dropped Corinthia's hand and reached for his wand as his younger brother approached the table.
"I cannot believe you would associate with this blood traitor, Corinthia," Regulas hissed with an air of superiority. "What would your brother say?"
Sirius stood up, his wand discreetly by his side.
"Oh, Sirius," Regulas taunted, "do put your wand away. Public displays of affection are unwarranted and unwelcome."
"What do you want, Regulas?" Sirius' tone was low and dangerous.
"At least you're courting a pureblood," the younger Black stated contemptuously. "At least your children will be acceptable in proper society"¦should anything unfortunate befall their parents. Toujours pur."
"Don't you ever get tired of the rhetoric, little brother?" Sirius snapped.
Regulas' features turned from teasingly cruel to murderously contemptible, contorting his handsome features. "It isn't rhetoric," he hissed. "It's the truth! If you care to find out, you can meet me outside."
"Why?" Sirius questioned, disgust etched in his features. "So your Death Eater chums can jump me? That isn't very sporting "“ even for you."
"You needn't worry about your witch and children, big brother." Regulas smiled. "I'll take them as mine once the Dark Lord perseveres."
Fake laughter overshadowed the harsh words. "Do move on, Regulas," Corinthia demanded, her tone laced with saccharin sweetness. "Before I give in to this raging desire to hex your love spuds off."
"Impudent witch!" Regulas moved toward her, but stopped short once he felt the push of her wand against his dangly bits.
Sirius choked back his laughter.
Backing away, Regulas glared at Corinthia. "I look forward to having you, Corrie." With a loud pop, he was gone.
Sirius' smile fell as his brother's words echoed in his mind.
Corinthia laughed, slipping her wand up her sleeve. "Did you see the look on his face? What a tosser!"
Observing her as she chattered, Sirius felt his cavalier attitude dissolve under the onslaught of worry. Her face was flushed and her eyes were bright. Dark curls framed her round face. She was laughing breathlessly, a sound he had come to embrace in these dangerous times.
What had he been thinking? What was he doing here?
"I should have used a Shrinking Curse!" The witch clapped her hands gleefully, drowning out his thoughts.
"Corinthia "“"
"Did you see the look on that gits' face?" She laughed. "No offense, Sirius, but I've always hated your brother. He's such an arse. In school "“"
Grabbing her hands and yanking her to her feet, he pulled her against his chest. "Hold on."
--
Sidelong Apparitions were always disconcerting. There was always something about not knowing where you were going that made Corinthia sick to her stomach. She stumbled when she and Sirius appeared in an unfamiliar drawing room.
"Are you okay?" he asked, holding on until she was steady.
"Yes." Her smile wavered.
"Have you any idea what you've done?" Sirius hissed, running his hand over his face.
Corinthia's smile diminished. For someone who was always laughing and cheerful, Sirius looked severe.
"Regulas is a Death Eater!" he shouted. "And you threatened to hex his bollix off! Bloody fucking hell! This is all I need."
For as long as she'd known Sirius, she'd never seen him so angry. "I "“"
"You didn't think, Corrie. That's what happened!" Sirius gave her a little shake. "My brother doesn't make idle threats. He's dangerous. The only thing more dangerous than You-Know-Who's pureblood philosophy is You-Know-Who himself and my brother's belief in that philosophy."
Corinthia shuddered.
Pulling her into his arms, Sirius stroked her hair. "I've seen too many Dark Marks over homes. I've lost too many friends."
She could hear the fear in his voice and wrapped her arms around him. "It will be okay, Sirius. You'll see," she murmured the words of comfort, trying to make herself believe.
--
"Get some rest, Lupin." Moody tapped him on the shoulder, relieving him from his post outside the gates of Malfoy Manor.
"You'll get no argument from me," Remus replied, welcoming the exhaustion as it seeped into his bones. "Other than Regulas visiting, there hasn't been much of activity."
Moody's magical eye spun around in his head. "Lucius is hardly going to play host to a Dark Revel. He's a crafty bastard, that one."
Remus nodded in agreement and Apparated home. As soon as he arrived, he scented something out of place. It was a familiar scent, one Moony was very interested in.
Exhaustion turned to lust as Corinthia's scent addled human reason. It was everywhere, mixed with his traitorous lover's aroma. Blindly, he searched for the nearest source of the alluring fragrance.
He walked toward the kitchen, pulling his robe over his head and dropping it on the floor. He toed his boots off in two steps. He could see the scent, his wolfish senses sharpening to a fine point. Sirius had gone too far this time, bringing her here. The smell of man and woman merged as he neared the kitchen, the woman's fertile scent overpowering the man's natural musk.
Opening the swing-door of the kitchen, Moony growled as the welcome sight of Corinthia's backside greeted him.
Mine!growled the animal as he stalked his mate.
--
"Couldn't sleep either, Sirius? Where do you keep the "“?" Her question faded as she turned and saw him. "Remus!"
He looked wild. His eyes flashed and his nostrils flared. His shirt was tucked half-way into his trousers, lending to the werewolf's sex appeal. He made no reply, obviously displeased with her presence in his domain.
Remus took a threatening step toward her and bared his teeth, waging an internal battle with his basic instincts. "What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice husky and shaky.
Corinthia took slow calculated steps toward him. "We ran into Regulas. I threatened to hex him and he threatened me. Sirius wouldn't let me go home. We fell asleep. I was thirsty and wanted some tea"¦" Her voice trailed off.
"Run away, Corinthia," he begged, closing the distance and grasping her upper arms.
"I want you," she whispered, her eyes wide with lust. She would deal with the consequences tomorrow.
Remus claimed her lips, brutally forcing her mouth open and growling as he tore at her robe and bared her breasts.
Gasping, she arched her back and offered the wolf greater liberties. "Yes," she whimpered in encouragement. When his mouth closed over her breast and laved at the puckered flesh of her nipple, she cried out.
His feral growl signaled his intent and he picked her up and carried her a few steps to the kitchen table. Once she was lying on the table, Remus stepped back and shredded the remnants of her robe and undergarments. Opening her legs invitingly, she stared at him hungrily as he whipped his shirt over his head and pushed his pants down.
Feeling the bulbous tip of his cock probe her quivering crevice, Corinthia tensed. She was unprepared for the swift intrusion of his flesh and cried out. But he did not hear her distress as he pounded mercilessly into her. Sinking her fingers into his forearms, she held on, waiting for him to finish. Sirius had warned her. She should have listened.
She watched the play of sinew and muscles as he moved over her. His eyes were closed, the expression on his face one of blissful agony. Each penetrating stroke carried an anguished grunt, his words unintelligible.
Watching him tremble above her, Corinthia felt his seed coat her inner depths. He collapsed on top of her, emotionally replete and shivering. His breath was hot against her ear as he continued mumbling.
"Remus," she whispered.
--
His name on her lips overpowered Moony's visceral needs. His carefully constructed control had shattered once he had detected her scent. Morality dictated he withdraw, but the temptation was too great.
"Corinthia," he sighed against her cheek, stumbling over each syllable of her name. Lifting himself onto his elbows, he took some of his weight off her slight frame.
"I love you," she declared softly, reaching up and gently brushing some hair out of his eyes.
"I hope so," Remus murmured as he started to pull away from her.
Hooking a leg behind his, Corinthia deepened their union with a sultry groan. Her heat flexed around him as she adjusted to his intrusion.
"Stay still, or I'll have you again," he warned.
The minx arched into him, offering herself freely. Turning her head, she licked his wrist and nipped at the sensitive flesh, renewing Moony's interest in the witch. Stunned and afraid of hurting her, Remus broke their intimate connection and stumbled backwards.
Dark, smoldering eyes gazed into his. Now free of his weight, she hopped off the table and removed her tattered clothes. Kicking his trousers away from his ankles, Remus watched Corinthia turn around, bend over the table, and shake her bum enticingly.
"Take me, Remus," she purred seductively as she looked over her shoulder. She pulled her long dark mane to one side of her slender neck, exposing the milky skin of her shoulder. "I'm yours."
The carnal nature of the wolf garnered strength, hindering Remus' ability to rationalize. She was offering herself to him, asking him to mark her again. Anger surging through him, he clutched the female's fleshy hips and positioned himself. With calculated precision, he entered her and leaned against her back.
"I will never mark you like that," he hissed, trying to restrain the natural urge to seek his release. Reaching in front of his lover, he pulled her against him. "You're mine for as long as I live. I'll never get enough of this."
Remus suckled hard at the juncture of her neck and shoulder, sinking his teeth into her flesh and letting her feel the painful pressure of the act itself. A werewolf marking a mate was not for the weak hearted. He hated the taste of blood, but werewolves used the coppery taste and bitter smell to imprint on their mate.
Corinthia whimpered in pain. He could feel her tighten around his sensitive member.
He moaned, somehow keeping himself from clamping down further and breaking the skin. "If I break the skin and mark you, it will never heal properly. It will be a magical wound, throbbing in pain with every full moon."
Remus grabbed one of her hands and guided her fingers to her clit. "I can smell you"¦your arousal and your fear. This scent is forever ingrained in my memory. Your virginity was the catalyst toward my continued path into insanity."
He manipulated her fingers with his, showing her the rhythm and the pressure she needed to apply to her nub. "I can smell your pent-up frustration. You didn't come when I rutted on you last."
Corinthia gasped as he started to move and she danced her fingers over the bundle of nerves.
"You'll be in danger every month," growled Remus as he set an agonizingly slow pace. "As a werewolf, I'll search for you, longing to sink my teeth into your flesh and damning you into this cycle of hell."
"P-please," she whimpered, trying to move backwards for a deeper penetration.
With a frustrated growl, he released her, pushing her down and angling her for his pleasure. He ran his hand down the line of her spine, molding the flesh of her waist and hips next. His mate pushed backwards, claiming more of his erect flesh for her pleasure. The tightness of her channel threw him over the edge and he drove in and out of her at a maddening pace.
The coupling was brutal, one of fierce fundamental elements. He could smell her release before he felt it as it coated her body in a fine sheen of perspiration. That was the trigger that carried the remnants of logic away. His pleasure was taken swiftly at her expense, his mindless actions unable to discern what was real and what was a dream.
A guttural cry heralded his release.
--
"Don't give me that look," Remus murmured, setting his coffee down and glaring at Sirius.
Sirius kept grinning as he piled food onto his plate. "Imagine my shock, waking up in the wee hours of the morning and panicking over Corinthia's whereabouts. As I make my way down the hall, I hear sounds of bed springs and a very familiar groan." Pausing for dramatic effect, Sirius coughed.
Throwing a muffin at his friend, Remus grinned. Corinthia hadn't let him rest last night. She had been riding him when Sirius had stumbled upon them. Remus could smell Sirius' excitement build as his male mate had watched them.
"Really, Moony!" Sirius exclaimed as he buttered the muffin that Remus had thrown at him. "They have Locking Charms for a reason."
Coughing in his coffee, Remus laughed. "And just how long did you stand there, watching, you bloody wanker?"
Sirius' grin grew wider. "Long enough to see the graceful arch of her back and the soft slope of her breasts."
Remus shook his head disapprovingly. "I trust you to be discreet. No teasing, okay?"
"Me?" Sirius retorted playfully. "I'll never tease Corrie again. I learned my lesson when she hexed me with boils."
Chuckling, Remus set his cup down. "How did you ever convince her to"¦" His voice trailed off.
"Shag both of you?" a sleepy voice asked from the kitchen doorway.
Feeling the blush crawl up his neck, Remus glanced at Sirius nervously. Their relationship was unconventional, but not uncommon. Several witches took multiple lovers. In fact, the practice was encouraged by the Ministry due to the increasing number of Squibs "“ a non-magical person born of wizarding parents.
Corinthia walked into the kitchen, dressed in one of his shirts. It looked much better on her than it did on him. Her hair, a tangled mess, framed her oval face. His scent was all over her, mingled with hers. Remus bit the inside of his cheek to keep from bending her over the kitchen table and giving Sirius a close-up view of their frenzied union.
There was sensual laughter in her dark eyes "“ laughter that told him she was remembering what they had done on the kitchen table last night.
"Morning, Corrie!" Sirius greeted her cheerily. "Did you sleep well last night?"
A mischievous grin spread across her lips as she walked up to Sirius and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "I hardly slept at all. Thank you for asking," she purred next to his ear, then leaned closer and whispered something.
Remus watched as Sirius' eyes widened and fell to the table. A lascivious smile curled the edge of the younger wizard's mouth.
"Oh my," Sirius gasped. "You old dog."
Corinthia chuckled, pulling away from Sirius and sitting between them. She leaned toward Remus and offered him her lips.
Wrapping one of his hands around the nape of her neck, he savaged her lips.
A muffled voice called out from the fireplace in the next room, ruining the playful moment. "Hello?"
"Oh please continue," Sirius huffed jokingly. "I'll answer the Floo. Feel free to shag on the kitchen table."
Remus pulled Corinthia onto his lap. "Very well, then."
His female lover shrieked in mock protest.
He leered at her and nuzzled her neck, losing himself in their musky scent. Right now, Sirius' suggestion didn't seem to be such a bad idea.
"Did you hear that?" Sirius shouted as he rushed into the kitchen, followed closely by James.
Feeling the witch in his arms stiffen, Remus righted her shirt and helped her sit up.
"Prongs is pregnant!" Sirius announced excitedly.
"Who's Prongs?" Corinthia asked, trying to slide into her own chair, but Remus held her firmly on his lap.
"James "“" Sirius blurted out only to be silenced by James' unfortunate misstep on his foot.
Glaring at his impetuous mate, Remus cleared his throat pointedly. The stupid git had almost revealed James' Animagus form to Corinthia.
"Lily's pregnant!" James grinned from ear to ear.
Congratulating James, Remus splayed his hand over Corinthia's stomach in thoughtful contemplation. Although they had used no Contraceptive Charms or potions, he knew that it was impossible for her to ever carry his child. Once he'd come "of age," the Ministry had seen to his sterility.
It was a blessing in disguise, really. Who would bring a child into a world like this, anyway?
*****