The graduates let out a cheer and were about to file inside.
"Tonks."
Douglas's voice rang out calmly. He looked at no one, merely picking up a glass of water as he addressed the pink-haired witch who was preparing to slip away quietly.
"Come along."
Tonks stopped in her tracks. She turned back, a little at a loss, a flicker of surprise and anticipation in her eyes.
The smile froze on Lupin's face.
Douglas's casual words suddenly filled him with an inexplicable panic.
Something seemed to churn in his stomach, and a faint headache began throbbing at his temples.
That base... that secret passage... she was an Auror from the Ministry of Magic.
He grabbed Douglas's arm and pulled him aside, his voice lowered to a near whisper, full of agitation.
"Douglas, no. She... she works for the Ministry of Magic, after all."
His throat felt dry.
"That base, and this passage... if she finds out, what if she has to report it? That would put her in a very difficult position!"
"Relax, Moony," Sirius said, coming over and giving Lupin a careless nudge with his elbow. "Douglas will take care of everything."
He winked in Tonks's direction, wearing a smug, knowing grin.
"She always takes Douglas's side... and Douglas wouldn't let her suffer-"
He never finished.
Douglas's foot shot out without warning.
There was a dull thud.
The toe of his shoe struck Sirius squarely in the shin.
Sirius sucked in a breath of pain and hopped on one foot, clutching his shin. His smug expression instantly twisted into incredulous anger.
"You mangy dog. If you can't say anything sensible, shut up."
Douglas withdrew his foot without so much as looking at him.
Then he put an arm around Lupin's shoulders and said:
"Don't worry, it's fine. We have