Fire and Water

We are finally getting to it! Sorry it\'s taken so long. Thanks if you\'re sticking with it





Chapter Ten



Krystal and Remus were laying on the back lawn at her house on the last day of the school holidays. They were on their stomachs face to face, as they played wizard chess. Krystal had given Remus a board for his last birthday, telling him he had to teach her to play. They’d gotten caught up with exams though and he’d never played a game with her. She still wanted to learn, and it was too hot inside, so they killed two birds with one stone, laying in the shade of a large tree, her father’s chess board between them.



Remus was losing; his attention straying often. Not surprising considering Krystal had a thin strapped, low cut shirt on and a pair of shorts that clung to her rear in a way that had his heart pumping hard. The neckline of the shirt kept slipping lower and lower as she wriggled around, seemingly unable to keep still.

“Don’t you ever stop moving?’ asked Remus, irritably, uncomfortably aroused by this time.

“Nope!’ she responded, moving her chess piece and taking one of his, her legs waving in the air. “Drives mum and dad crazy.”

“Me too,’ he muttered, seeing she had him beaten. He made a pointless move, that allowed her to cry ‘Check mate!’ He smiled at her enthusiasm, and watched as her chess piece smashed his.



Krystal rolled over onto her back, stretching as she looked up into the branches of the tree. Remus almost groaned out loud as her shirt rode up revealing the skin on her stomach.

“You let me win,’ she said, looking over at him. He laughed and moved the chess board out of the way, laying down next to her.

“I’ll never tell,’ he said, resting his hands on his stomach, feeling her arm brushing his.



Their flirting had picked up over the last couple of days, their sexual tension increasing. Krystal woke up at night after dreaming about Remus, shaking and hot, sliding her hand into her underwear to rid herself of the ache.

Remus had been using his time in the shower to relieve himself, feeling a bit like a pervert - masturbating in the house of the girl he was fantasising about, praying to God her father never found out what he was doing.

He’d caught the man watching he and Krys last night as they sat on the couch talking, frowning every time they touched each other - which, given Krystal’s penchant for physical contact, was quite often. He’d checked on them several times when they were listening to music and going through their new textbooks in Krystal’s room the day before, leaving the door wide open each time.



Now, as they lay under the tree, they talked about their expectations for Sixth Year, the conversation soon turning to their friends. Remus told her how James really did like Lily, and Krystal shared her theory that Lily deep down was attracted to James, but ‘he can be a real prat sometimes.’ They spoke briefly about Severus, Remus still not understanding the friendship, but Krystal refused to elaborate on why she trusted the Slytherin. Sirius was next, and Remus marvelled at their friends success with the girls at school.



“He’s pretty good looking,’ said Krystal, trying to explain the attraction. “And he can be damn charming when he wants to be.”

Remus looked over at her with a frown on his face.

“I didn’t think you particularly enjoyed your date with him in third year. Do you like him now?’ he asked, feeling his stomach turn at the thought of her having feelings for their friend.



She looked over at him, seeing his frown. “No, not like that,’ she said. He closed his eyes briefly, letting out the breath he hadn‘t realised he‘d been holding.

Looking away from him, she continued. “It’s not about looks, you know. There’s got to be something else: a connection; a chemistry. I like him, he’s a great guy, but Sirius isn‘t boyfriend material.“

Her words sent a wave of relief crashing over him as she let out a short laugh.

“You should hear the stories the girls tell about him though. Him and his incredible tongue.”



Remus looked at her. “His incredible tongue?’ he asked, unsure if he really wanted to know what that was about. She smiled and rolled over onto her stomach, looking down at him as she propped herself up on her elbows.

“He’s a very good kisser, if you listen to the gossip, and Mary said when they were going out he, you know…went down on her and made her scream,“ She pointed down towards her crotch. ‘Apparently he’s very talented in many ways, if you get my drift.“



He did, and was having very vivid images of his tongue doing things that made Krystal scream. He felt himself become instantly hard, and quickly rolled over onto his stomach to try and cover it. He didn’t think he was successful though, as Krystal seemed to flush and looked down at the grass. They’d never talked about sex before - not seriously, and not since they‘d realised their attraction to each other. Krystal wasn’t particularly shy about it, but to talk about it with Remus, who she’d spent night after night fantasising about….



‘He does get a lot of girlfriends,’ said Remus, trying to clear his throat surreptitiously. ‘I guess he’s had a lot of experience. Do girls really talk about that kind of thing?’

Krystal laughed. ‘I don’t know if I’d call Sirius’ conquests ‘girlfriends’. Most of them don’t last longer than a couple of days. And, yes; of course girls talk about sex. Don’t tell me Sirius hasn’t told you lot all about his adventures?’



Remus blushed. As a matter of fact, since he’d lost his virginity before his fifteenth birthday, Sirius had been regularly enthralling all of the boys in their year with tales of his abnormally active sex life. But that wasn’t something he wanted to talk about with Krystal, the one girl he wanted to get his hands on more than anything.

‘I suppose he probably mentioned something,’ he muttered, turning redder when Krystal grinned.

‘This is Sirius we’re talking about, Remus,’ she said. ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if you told me he pulled out photos and video tapes.”

Remus laughed and Krystal joined in. She looked over at him and asked the question on the tip of her tongue before her brain could censure her.



“Remus. Have you ever had….” she stopped, chewing her cheek. He blushed, and pulled at the grass in front of him, pretty sure what she was about to ask him.

“What? Had sex?‘’ he mumbled quietly, not able to look at her.

‘Mmm,’ she said in a low voice, and sneaked a look at him.

“No,’ he said, his voice rough. ‘Guess I’m a slow starter.” He looked at her, seeing the small smile on her lips. She knew he hadn’t been with anyone from school, but she was curious about whether maybe he had lost his virginity over the holidays one year. She didn’t think that was something he’d share with her.

“Plenty of girls think you’re cute, Remus. You could have any of them,’ she told him, glancing over to see his reaction.

He frowned. ‘What girls?’ he said, a little curious about these girls, but also hoping she’d say she was one of them.



“Interested? Well, there’s Alice, she’d have you in a minute. Then there’s whatshername from Ravenclaw. Um, Jane or Janet. And April and Susie from Hufflepuff both like you. And they’re just the ones who‘ve asked me if you‘re available,’ she said, pulling blades of grass out of the ground, remembering the feeling of jealousy that had come over her every time a girl approached her about Remus.

She knew he’d been asked out by girls, but he hadn’t gone out with any of them, telling her when she asked about it that he just wasn’t interested in them.

‘When a girl I like asks me out, I’ll go on a date,’ he’d told her before quickly changing the subject.

‘Even Lily thinks you’re cute,’ she said now, turning pink as she gathered her courage. ‘And of course I think you’re gorgeous - but I guess, since I’m your best friend, I don’t really count as a girl.’



Remus felt his breathing speed up. She thought he was ‘gorgeous’? But she’d said she didn’t count as a girl? As far as he was concerned, she was the only girl who mattered. He was a bit startled by what she’d told him though, and took a minute to absorb the new information. He’d never noticed other girls; none of them had ever made him feel like Krystal did. He shook his head.

“Sirius is the playboy - I couldn’t go about it the way he does, and just do it with anyone. It’s a big deal, you know - the first time. I’d have to really care about whoever I slept with.”

He chanced a glance at her, and was surprised to see her staring at him, a strange look in her eyes. She quickly looked away, tugging at the grass again.



“Have you ever?’ he mumbled, thinking he couldn’t stand the thought of someone else’s hands on her.

She shook her head. “Nope - slow starter too,’ she said, and he couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face.

He felt a clenching in his abdomen, and a feeling of jubilation flooded him, even though he‘d been pretty sure she hadn‘t slept with anyone. He knew other guys had asked her out - many guys, many times. But she usually refused them; going on a date occasionally but she confessed to him that she didn’t like them enough to even let them kiss her.

‘I can’t stand the thought of someone I don’t even like sticking his tongue in my mouth,’ she’d told him last year.



“You know everyone thinks you’re hot?’ he said, his voice shaking a little. She looked a little startled.

“No. I mean, Sirius always carries on, but I thought that was just him being Sirius,’ she said, looking over at him. ’Who else thinks that?”

“Interested?’ he said, turning her question around on her. ‘Hmm. Well, there’s pretty much every boy in our year in every house. Then there’s the Seventh Years, some of whom I overheard talking about your legs in the bathroom last year…’



She interrupted him, with a laugh. ‘Very funny, Remus. You’re making that up.’

He shook his head and mumbled, ‘I wish I was.’

Krystal glanced over at him again, seeing his frown. ‘Every boy in our year, huh?’ she said, not sure if she wanted to know if he thought that as well.

‘And most of the others,’ he grumbled.

‘What? Even you?’ she said, trying to keep her voice light.

He looked at her incredulously for a moment, then looked away. ‘I’m male, and under ninety, Krys,’ he answered quietly. ‘Of course I think you’re hot.’

He tried to sound as blasé as she had as he admitted he found her attractive.



Krystal tried to ignore the heat that streaked through her body, and felt herself trembling as she spoke. ‘I guess I’m like you - I can’t imagine sleeping with just anyone. I want it to be with someone I really trust; really care about. You‘re right - the first time should be special.”

Remus closed his eyes. The thought of Krystal with anyone else made his chest hurt - a lot.



They were both pulling at the grass, not able to look at each other. This was as close as they had come to admitting their feelings, and they were both still too scared of the other’s reaction to be the one to actually say it.

“I’m really glad you came to stay, Remus,’ she said softly, nudging the back of his hand gently with hers.

“So am I, Krys,’ he replied, his voice low. He moved his hand to lay against hers. She let her fingers slip into his hand, smiling when he closed his around them.



“Krystal, Remus! Would you both come in and pack your trunks please?’ Krystal’s mother called. They hesitated just a second, then Remus stood, holding out his hands for Krystal. She allowed him to help her up, and for a moment they stood there, holding hands and looking at each other. Krystal smiled, and backed away, dropping his hands. He smiled back at her, and they moved towards the house.



Her mother and father were sitting at the kitchen table when they walked in and Mrs O’Connor looked up at them with a smile.

‘Remus, your mother called a little while ago,’ she said. ‘She said to call her back tonight.’

Remus nodded and smiled. ‘Thanks, Mrs O’Connor, and thanks again for letting me stay. I’ve had a good time.’

He smiled at Krystal and she smiled back, flushing a little before they both walked up the stairs and into their separate rooms.



Mr O’Connor watched them go with a frown, then looked at his wife.

‘I told you this was a bad idea,’ he said irritably.

‘Michael, it was going to happen whether we let him stay or not,’ she replied. ‘It’s been coming for a while. At least we know for sure now.’

‘I know all right,’ he mumbled, standing up and tossing his cup into the sink. ‘I was sixteen once, Kathy. I know exactly what he’s thinking.’

‘I don’t think this is a one sided attraction, honey,’ she said gently. ‘She’s not your baby anymore.’

‘She’s too young,’ he frowned, but his wife said, ‘I was Krys’ age when I lost my virginity. How old were you again?’

He glared down at her, then said in a defeated tone, ‘You’d better talk to her.’



Krystal was packing her trunk when her mother came into the room. She dropped to the bed, watching Krystal as she threw clothes in haphazardly.

“You really should fold those,’ she commented disapprovingly. Krystal responded by throwing her robes in from across the room.

‘You never did have very good listening skills,’ she said, with a sigh. She looked up at her daughter. “I’d hoped it would be a little longer until I had to have this talk with you: you’re growing up too quickly.”



Krystal stopped packing and frowned, saying, “Mum, if this is what I think it is, we’ve already had this talk at school, and it was embarrassing enough there.” Her mother smiled, and nodded.

“Yes, I remember that talk too, but this is slightly different. This is more about how you are feeling - about Remus.”



Krystal frowned again, blinking a couple of times.

‘What do you mean? We’re friends..’, she said, trying to stall. But her mother smiled. “Come on Krystal, I’ve got eyes. I’ve see how you are with him. That’s one reason I asked him to stay. I wasn’t sure if I was imagining things - now I know I’m not.

Krystal bit her lip. “Mum, I really don’t want to talk about this…’

“I know,’ said her mother. “But I think we need to. It’s obvious you’re attracted to him, and I want to make sure that, if you should decide to take the next step with him, with anyone, you are prepared.”



“God, mum!’ Krystal exclaimed, turning red and sitting at her chair at the desk.

“Krys, I want you to be sure…”

“Mum, I can’t even tell him I like him that way, ok,’ she said, crossing her arms across her chest. She shook her head. “I just can’t do it. I want to, but I’m scared he doesn’t feel the same. What if he decides he doesn’t want to be my friend anymore?”

Krystal rubbed her eyes with her fists, trying to keep the tears at bay. “Why couldn’t things just stay like they were?”

Her mother came over to her and hugged her. “You keep such a firm reign over your emotions, Krys,‘ she said. ‘But not even you can control who you‘re attracted to.’

But Krystal shook her head. ‘It’s not just that, mum. I really care about him; I feel… safe around him. I‘m happy when I‘m with him.’



Her mother looked closely at her, realising that her daughter’s feelings ran deeper than she’d expected.

“All the more reason to be cautious. Your first time is special, Krys. Just make sure the boy you choose is worthy of you, and respects you. I can see how much Remus cares for you. He’s a nice boy. Just be sure he‘s the right boy.”

Krystal smiled, and looked at her mother. “Don’t most parents try to talk their children out of having sex?‘ she asked.



Her mother laughed and shook her head. “If I thought that I could stop you, I would. But you’ve never been very good at taking instruction, so if I can’t stop you - at least I can help you be safe. Speaking of which, if you do decide to have…..“

Krystal quickly interrupted, not wanting to hear her mother say the S word.

“Mum, I know all the spells, and I don’t think you have to worry: I’m still not sure he even wants anything like that with me.“



Her mother laughed again, standing up. “Oh Krys, he’s crazy about you, he has been for years.“

Krystal looked unsure and her mother laid a hand on her shoulder. “Be careful with your heart, honey, but don’t be so scared of getting hurt, that you miss out on something special.”

Krystal nodded. ‘Thanks mum,” she said.



The trip back to Hogwarts went quickly. OWL results were discussed, almost everyone doing as well as they’d hoped. Remus found himself looking at Sirius in a different way after his conversation with Krystal. He made a mental note to have a talk with him soon, wanting to know exactly what he’d done to make Mary scream.



He looked over at Krystal, who was laughing at a joke James had told. Things had changed between them; they both felt it. He was starting to believe that there may be a chance that there could be something more for them. He was inexperienced at this kind of thing, but he could sense the rising tension between them, and knew he wasn’t going to be able to stay silent about the way he felt for much longer.



The first weeks at school passed quickly as the Sixth years got used to NEWT classes, the work becoming much more difficult. The good thing was that they got free periods, although with the amount of homework they were getting, they would need every spare minute to study. Remus was on a free period with Sirius when he decided to ask him about the gossip Krystal had heard.



“She did scream,’ Sirius remembered fondly, when Remus told him what he’d heard. “How do you know all this? How do you know what to do?’ Remus asked, a little in awe of his friends successful sex life.

“I had a good teacher - an older girl,’ he said at Remus’ puzzled look.

“Oh,’ he said, a little disappointed. He’d been hoping there was some kind of book that told you what to do.



Sirius looked at him closely. “Are you thinking you might be needing some tips someday soon?’ he said, staring at his friend, a strange look flittering across his face.

“No. I just…..I want to know what I’m doing if it happens, that’s all,’ he replied, a little embarrassed.

“You and Krys - have you…..” he began, but Remus shook his head.

“Nothing’s happened, but…I have to tell her soon, Sirius. Either tell her or try and forget her. I’m going to go insane if I don’t do something.”

Sirius nodded. “I think you’re doing the right thing, Moony. Listen, I’ve seen you and Krystal together. I’d be really surprised if she said she wasn’t into you,’ he said.



Remus was grateful for his friend’s support, and hopeful that Sirius was right.

“And if you do need some advice, come and see me.” Sirius grinned for a moment, before his face turned serious.

“She’s pretty special, Moony. Make sure if it happens, you look after her. Don’t hurt her, or you’ll answer to me.”

Remus could see he wasn’t joking. He was a little startled by the intensity in Sirius’ voice, but nodded and watched as his friend left the room.



But he didn’t say anything, still unsure about how to approach the subject, and nervous about what she might say. Christmas came and went, Remus becoming more frustrated by the day, unaware of Krystal’s similar discomfort.



The sixth years had been learning new skills in all their classes, including DADA class. Non verbal spells were expected now, and Remus was practicing with Krystal, who was already proficient at silent spell work. Their exams weren’t far away, a few months, and Remus was still having some trouble with silent summoning spells.



“You have to concentrate really hard, Remus,’ she said, as she handed him back the wand she’d just summoned from his hand. “Visualise what you want and think of the incantation.”

“I am trying,’ he said, crankily. She smiled a little at his tone, and backed away. He held up his wand again, trying to concentrate on summoning hers. His mind kept wandering though, allowing his eyes to slip away from her wand. He closed his eyes in frustration as her wand stayed firmly in her hand.

‘Come on,‘ he thought in frustration. ‘I have no trouble visualising something I really want, like Krystal.’

He felt hot as he remembered his fantasy of the night before - Krystal lying under him, their arms around each other as they made out, clothes quickly getting stripped away. He shivered as he recalled the vision of his mouth making it’s way over her breast, then he heard a yelp, and opened his eyes, seeing the object of his dreams stumble towards him, before stopping.



Remus let out a disbelieving breath. Had he done that? Krystal looked puzzled, as she lowered her wand. Remus kept his aloft, narrowing his eyes slightly as he again concentrated on her. Three seconds later, he caught her as she fell against him.

“What did you do?’ she asked, with a laugh.

“I just visualised what I wanted,’ he said, looking down at her.

Krystal felt a shiver run down her spine. He didn’t mean that the way it sounded, did he?

A smile crept across his face, and she pushed at his chest, thinking he’d been teasing her.

“You’re supposed to be summoning my wand,’ she said, her face turning pink as she backed away from him again. He smiled broadly at her.

“Try again,’ she said, shaking her head, as she grinned back at him.



Later they were laying on the grass, potion books open. It was an unseasonably warm day, and they’d decided to make the most of it, bringing their books outside to study. Remus was picking blades of grass out of the ground, as Krystal tried to memorise the ingredients for the Draught of the Living Death potion for their next lesson.

He had almost no interest in Potions at the moment; he was far more committed to breathing in whatever perfume it was that she was wearing. He rolled over onto his side, propping his head up on his hand and looked down at her.

’God,’ he thought, watching her mouth. ’She even makes potions sound sexy.’

Feeling like playing, he reached over, and tickled her cheek with a long piece of grass.



She brushed it away and looked over at him briefly, saying, “Stop that.”

He did, then, as she described how to make the potion, he ran the grass along her arm, surprised by the shiver he saw shake her.

“Cut it out, Remus,’ she said, sounding a little breathless as she continued with her revision. His own breath coming quicker, he didn’t touch her for a minute, then moved the grass across her jaw and down her throat.

She drew in a sharp breath, then jumped up, glaring at him. “You‘re driving me crazy!” she burst out. He stared at her in shock.

‘God!‘ she ground out, frustrated, before spinning around and stalking back to the castle, leaving him lying there stunned.



“Lily, come on. Just tell me the spell for the stairs, and I can go up and see her.”

Lily shook her head. “Sorry, Remus. No can do. She refuses to come down, and you can’t go up. Just give her some space, alright,’ she said, secretly delighted that it seemed her two friends might finally get together. Krystal hated change, and had fought her feelings for so long, but it looked as though she may be giving in.



He frowned and threw himself onto the couch, determined to find a way to talk to Krystal today. She’d said he was making her crazy: did she mean the same way she was driving him crazy? She’d been flirting with him during the holidays, and he’d allowed himself to believe that maybe, just maybe, there could be something more there. Could she really want him like he wanted her? He almost asked Lily, but he knew she wouldn’t tell him anything Krystal might have told her. It was the full moon that night, if he didn’t see her soon, he wouldn’t see her again until tomorrow night.

“Can’t you just….” he began, but she cut him off with curt shake of her head and a snapped, “No, Remus!”



At breakfast on Monday, James, Sirius and Peter all looked upset about something. The full moon had been the night before, and Krystal was planning on sneaking up to the infirmary at lunchtime to see Remus. She didn’t know how she was going to explain her behaviour the day before, but she needed to see that he was alright.



“What’s wrong with you lot?’ she asked, her mouth full of toast.

“Nothing,’ all three said quickly.

Krystal looked at them, her jaws ceasing their chewing.

She swallowed, and said sarcastically, “Gee, that reassures me.”

They couldn’t meet her eye. She watched them carefully for the rest of breakfast, then forgot about their behaviour as their first class began.



She bolted down a quick lunch, then ran up to the infirmary. She convinced Madame Pomfrey to let her just see Remus for a few minutes, promising on her life she would leave when told. He had his face turned into his pillow as she slipped around the curtain.



“Remus,’ she said, softly, touching his arm as she sat on the edge of the bed. He jumped a little, but kept his head turned.

“Hi!’ he said, his voice hoarse. Krystal noticed his tension, and became concerned. “What’s wrong?’ she said, trying to see his face. ’How bad is it?’

He shook his head, saying, “It’s nothing,’ in a forced cheerful tone. He finally turned his head, and she saw his slightly swollen face and red eyes.



“Strange,’ she said, now worried. “That’s exactly what the other three said this morning, and I didn’t believe them either. Something happened last night, didn‘t it?”

Remus shook his head again, but she cut him off before he could say anything.

“You are an incredibly bad liar, Remus, so don’t bother trying,’ she said, irritably.

She saw him swallow hard, and her voice softened. “You’re upset, Remus. You’re scaring me. Please tell me what’s wrong,’ she said, reaching out to take his shaking hand.



He told her, and watched as her blue eyes turned the same shade of silver he had seen once before. “They didn‘t!” she said, her voice low, but furious.

“Krys..’ he began, but Madame Pomfrey interrupted, telling Krystal her that her allotted five minutes were up. Jaw clenched tight, Krystal backed away from the bed, staring for a moment at Remus, before turning and running back down the stairs.



She found the three boys in their room in Gryffindor Tower. She flung open the door, and it hit the wall with a loud crash, startling the boys who were sitting on James’ bed. Krystal stalked over to Sirius, drew her hand back and, with all the strength she could muster, slapped him across the face.



Sirius was knocked off the bed, landing hard on the floor. “Krys…’ James yelled, jumping up and grabbing her arm, which she had lifted again with every intention of hitting Sirius a second time.

“How could you?’ she spat at the boy, who was now sitting up and holding his cheek. “How could you do that to them?”



Sirius looked every bit as distressed as Krystal as he unsteadily got back onto his feet. He shook his head. “It was a prank, that’s all. I didn’t think…..” Krystal wrenched her arm away from James, glaring at him as well before turning back to Sirius.

“No. You lot never think, do you? You could have gotten Severus killed!” Sirius’ eye’s showed his misery and she took a breath, looking over at James, who’s expression reflected Sirius’. “And what about Remus? He’s meant to be your friend!”



James grabbed her arms, saying in an urgent tone, “I know, I know. We are complete idiots, and we feel awful. We’re so sorry, we never meant for anyone to get really hurt….”

Krystal stared at him, and then pointed at Sirius. “He told Sev to follow Remus down the tunnel; on the full moon; after he‘d transformed! What did you expect would happen? That Remus would just give Sev a pat on the head for being so clever and send him on his way?’

She was so frustrated and angry she stomped her foot like a child.

‘You know he‘s not Remus when he changes, he would have killed Severus! God, James! He’s terrified that he‘ll hurt someone one day, how could you do this to him?”



“Are you worried about Snivellus or Remus?’ said an angry Sirius, standing behind her, a red handprint on his pale face. She spun around to face him, and he involuntarily stepped back, the ferociousness in her face startling him.

“They are both my friends, I don’t want to see either of them hurt. I know you don’t like Severus, but you went too far, and you‘ve hurt Remus this time as well!”

She was shouting now, so angry that she did not see Professor Dumbledore appear in the doorway.



“Krystal,’ he said firmly, walking into the room. “Although I am inclined to agree with you, I would ask you to keep your voice down, please.” He looked past Krystal’s startled face, to the three boys.

“I have spoken to Mr Snape, and you will be pleased to know that he has promised not to reveal Mr Lupin’s secret.” Krystal felt some of her tension leave her, and heard loud breaths of relief behind her.

“However, it was a thoughtless, dangerous prank, for which you will be receiving a month’s worth of detention’s, Mr Black. To begin tonight.”



Sirius nodded, but James spoke, saying, “We all knew about it, Professor. Peter and I should get detention as well.”

Dumbledore nodded, “Very well then,’ he said. Krystal saw Peter throw James an annoyed look, as the Headmaster’s eyes turned to Sirius.

“What has happened to your face, Mr Black?’ he asked, staring at his red, rapidly bruising cheek.

Sirius looked at the teacher’s face, and said,” I fell off the bed and hit the nightstand.”



Krystal turned to look at him, her anger at him fading as he protected her.

“Hmmm,’ said Professor Dumbledore, looking at Krystal. “Miss O’Connor, would you take Mr Black to the nurse, please. I think she should look at that cheek.” She could see he knew exactly what had happened, but was choosing to ignore it unless Sirius complained.

“Yes, sir,’ she said, walking towards the door, waiting there for Sirius to follow.

“You both have free periods this afternoon. Perhaps Mr Lupin would enjoy a visit,’ said the Headmaster with a small smile. Sirius and Krystal nodded and left the room.



They walked in silence for a minute, and then Krystal spoke. “I shouldn’t have hit you. I’m sorry.’

Sirius shook his head. “No. You were sticking up for Remus. I deserved it.” He stopped and looked at her, taking her hand ‘I am sorry, Krys. I didn’t think about how Remus would feel, and I should have. Please don‘t be angry at me. I hate that I‘ve let you down.”

Krystal was a little startled by the look in his eyes, but could see he was sincerely regretful about what had happened. She smiled grimly at him and began to walk up the stairs, pulling him after her by the hand.

“Tell it to Remus, not me,’ she said.



Sirius did just that, as did James and Peter. And Remus, being a kind and forgiving person, told them not to worry about it; that it was fine. Krystal marvelled at his ability to forgive and forget, until she realised just how much the incident had affected him.



‘They’re my friends, Krys,’ he said, not meeting her eye. ‘I am grateful for everything they’ve done for me.’

Krystal looked at him with a frown. She’d often thought he let his friends get away with too much. He was so appreciative of their help and acceptance that he overlooked their many faults.

‘It was an incredibly stupid thing for them to do,’ she said softly. ‘It is alright if you’re angry with them about it.’



It was dinner time the next evening, and they were in his room; Remus laying on his bed, Krystal sitting on the edge next to him. Krystal was concerned: he hadn’t come down for meals today, claiming to be tired, but he was withdrawing, pulling away from her and his friends. When he hadn’t turned up for dinner either, Krystal left, finding him in bed.



He had his head turned away from her slightly, trying to hide his expression. More upset than he wanted to let on, he felt on the verge of tears; he was exhausted from the transformation, and all the frustration and helplessness he felt about his condition was coming to the surface. He had been terrified when he’d found out what had happened; thinking about what could have happened.



‘Remus, please,’ she pleaded, her hand touching his chin and applying pressure, trying to get him to turn his head. ‘Look at me.’

He closed his eyes, and gritted his teeth, not wanting to give in to the misery he felt, before he turned to face her.

Krystal saw the fear and sorrow on his face and felt a rush of anger at the three boys who had done this to him.

‘I’m so sorry, Remus,’ she whispered, reaching out to take his hand. He swallowed hard, the sound of her voice making him want to bawl like a baby, and suddenly, he felt as though he couldn’t go another minute without holding her.



He sat up and pulled her to him, hugging her tight against him and feeling her arms wrap around him. He was struggling to control himself, feeling his eyes stinging, his chest burning as he tried to contain his feelings.

Her voice was soft next to his ear, her hands stroking his hair as she whispered, “It’s alright, honey, Just let it go now.”

He felt the kiss she pressed against his hair, and the tears he’d been fighting began to spill over, falling onto her shirt as he buried his face in her shoulder.



They remained like that for several minutes, Krystal stroking his hair and his back as she held him to her. Her heart was breaking for him, wanting so desperately to help him, but knowing there was nothing she could do. His tears stopped, but it took another minute or two before he gathered the courage to lift his head.

‘You must think I’m such a wimp,’ he mumbled eventually, pulling away from her, embarrassed about his breakdown. She smiled, and grabbed his arm, stopping him from moving away.

‘I don’t think any such thing, Remus,’ she said, grasping his face in her hands. She ran her thumbs over his cheeks, wiping the remains of his tears away before dropping them back to her lap.



His voice shook a little again and he cleared his throat. “Thank you, Krys,’ he said, his voice breaking. “I really needed you tonight.”

She suddenly wanted to kiss him so badly she had to bite her lip hard to stop herself.

“Well,’ she said lightly. “I had nothing else to do.”

He smiled at her, unthinkingly raising one of his hands to tuck her hair, which was hanging down, behind her ear, the other hand still resting on her leg. She took the hand in hers as he moved to drop it, and kissed the top of it. The look in his eyes changed, and he let his hand move to her face, still holding hers.



He stroked a finger gently across her cheek, slowly making it’s way across to trace the edge of her bottom lip, noticing that it started shaking when he touched it. They stared at each other, breath quickening. There was no doubt in either of their minds how the other felt now - they could see their own longing reflected in each others face.

Remus stroked his hand over her hair gently and whispered, “You are so beautiful, Krys. I’ve always wanted to tell you that.”

Krystal felt an ache begin in her chest and she bit her lip to stop it trembling. His hand stopped on the back of her head and he leaned forward, kissing her softly on the cheek at the corner of her mouth, his lips just brushing hers. He pulled back a little to see her reaction and saw her opening her eyes. Her blue eyes met his and he moved back towards her, his lips lightly skimming over hers but before their mouths met properly, they heard a noise.



A throat cleared in the doorway of the room, and they turned to see Sirius, James and Peter walking into the room.

“We’re really sorry, mate,’ said James, awkwardly, looking from Remus to Krystal. Remus nodded.

“I know. Thanks’, he said. ’It’s fine.’ Peter smiled at Remus, then moved off to his bed, and James patted Remus on the shoulder, before turning and going into the bathroom. Sirius sat down on the bed next to Krystal.

“You alright?’ he asked, looking at his friend. Remus nodded again.

“Thanks, Sirius,’ he said. Sirius smiled. “Night, guys,’ he said, standing and closing the curtains around them.



They looked at each other, Krystal feeling Remus’ hand that was on her leg, move to the small of her back. “I should go,’ she said, with a frown. He slid his hand up to her shoulder and the other slipped down as well, Krystal feeling a shiver run along her spine.

“Don’t,’ he whispered, hands on her shoulders. “Stay.”

She bit her lip. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea,’ she admitted.

He smiled, saying, ‘I think it’s a great idea.”



She smiled at him as well, as he spoke again. “I sleep better when you’re with me, Krys,’ he said softly, his smile fading as he repeated his request. “Stay.”

She stood up, taking her jacket off. “You’re going to get me into trouble, you know,’ she said, slipping her shoes off.



He smiled and stood up as well. “Hang on,’ he said, parting the curtains and grabbing some clothes from his side table drawer. He threw her a shirt and a pair of his shorts. “They might be more comfortable than jeans,’ he suggested, taking his own shirt off quickly. She held her breath as her eyes ran down over his chest to his stomach, where she could see a sprinkling of hair disappearing into his pants. He saw her looking and felt himself become aroused.



“Turn around,’ he said, hoarsely. “I’ll turn around too, so you can change.” She shook her head, swallowing hard. God, she felt hot after seeing him with his shirt off.

“Remus, you’ve seen me in a bikini, there’s really not all that much more left to see,’ she said, pulling her own shirt off.

His knees felt weak as he saw her in her bra, and stopped breathing when she unsnapped her jeans and slid them down her legs.

“Shit,’ he muttered, turning away, knowing if he didn’t he wouldn’t be able to control himself any longer.



He slid his own pants off, dressing quickly in his pyjamas. When he turned back, she was pulling on his shirt. The sight of her dressed in his clothes turned him on almost as much as seeing her in her underwear. She smiled at him as she tucked both her arms inside the shirt, twisting around.

’Wandless magic,’ she said, grinning as she pulled her bra out of one of the armholes. He smiled, then felt heat rush to his groin as he saw her nipples hard under the shirt.



‘Maybe this wasn’t such a brilliant idea,’ he said, sitting down to try and hide his reaction to her. She slid into his bed and pulled the covers up to her chin.

“Do you still want me to stay?’ she asked. He nodded, and she lifted the covers. “Look, let‘s just go to sleep, alright? We’re both exhausted, and anything else, everything else, can wait till another time.” He smiled and got into bed next to her.

“You’re a very smart woman you know,’ he said.

“Mmm, I know,’ she said, moving so she was on her side, drawing his arm over her. She wriggled back until her butt was pressed against him, Remus moving back quickly.



“Too late,’ she said with a soft giggle. “I know it’s there now - you might as well move back.” He closed his eyes, feeling his face flush. She rolled over to face him when he didn’t move back.

“It’s alright, Remus. I know it‘s just.…..”

“a massive hard on,’ he finished, looking straight at her. She flushed, and tried unsuccessfully to hide her cheeky smile.



“Hmmm. Would we call it ‘massive’?’ she asked, looking thoughtful as he gave her an embarrassed smile. Her smile slid off her face as she took his face in her hands.

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m having a similar problem. Yours is just a little more obvious.”

It didn‘t make him feel better: he had to grip the sheets to stop himself throwing himself on her.

“But this is not the time to talk about this, ok? We‘re too tired and emotional to be sure about what we‘re saying or doing.”



He stared at her for a moment, taking deep breaths and nodded as she rolled back over.

“Now come over here and let me decide if ‘massive’ really was the correct word.”

He laughed and moved until he was pressed along her back, running his arm around her waist, groaning a little when he felt it graze the bottom of her breasts.



‘Mmm, not too far wrong, but I have very limited experience,‘ she said softly.

He smiled into her hair and closed his eyes, in a few minutes feeling sleep creeping up on him.

“I sleep better with you too, Remus,’ she suddenly said quietly, feeling him pull her tighter against him, as they fell asleep.