Fire and Water

Will they? Won\'t they? Read and see. Review, I beg of you!!!



We find out a little more about Krystal and her gifts this chapter. Dumbledore has some things to tell her that make her gifts sound more like a curse.





Chapter Twelve



Lily put her hand on Remus’ shoulder, and smiled at him when he turned. They were in the common room on Sunday morning. Remus had slept on and off on the couch through the night, staring into the fire whenever he woke, praying that Krystal would see he was trying to protect her and give him another chance.

“Is Krys alright?’ he asked, as Lily moved around the couch to sit next to him.



She frowned slightly as she said, “Krystal and I talked last night, Remus. I’ve never seen her like she has been the last few weeks. She was so self destructive, and cold. This thing between the two of you turned her into someone that she didn’t recognise; someone she didn’t like. It’s going to take her a little while to get her head around everything. She’ll forgive you, you know,’ she added, when she saw his face fall.

“She really cares about you, Remus, she would forgive you just about anything. But I think you need to understand: this has really shaken her. It’s not just that you hurt her, and didn’t have faith in her; this is about her whole identity. She saw a side to herself that she didn’t know existed; and it scared her.”



He nodded, knowing how hard it was to accept the darkness in yourself. “Lily, I need to see her. Please?’ he pleaded, when she started to refuse.

“I’m sorry, Remus, but no. Don’t push her. She’ll come and find you when she’s ready. Until then, I think it’s best if you gave her some space.”

Lily reached out to the tormented teenager, taking his hand. “Sirius told me you finally told her how you feel about her,’ she said quietly.

She leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “You were an idiot, but she’s lucky to have you and she knows it. Krys isn’t good at talking about her feelings, Remus. Especially when she’s been hurt. Just give her a little time, ok”



Krystal waited until everyone was at breakfast, then slipped out of the common room, making her way to the Headmaster’s office. Albus made sure he gave her the new password each time he changed it, so she walked up the stairs, knocking lightly on his study door. She heard his voice call out, “Enter,’ and she walked in.

“Krystal,’ he said, not seeming all that surprised to see her. “I’ve been wondering if you would be coming to see me soon. Sit down. Let’s talk.”



She told him all about the last few weeks, about the cold, hard, dead feeling that took over her. “I didn’t feel like myself, Albus,’ she said. “I was mean, and bitter and I was so cold. I didn’t know I was capable of feeling that way.” Dumbledore had watched her closely as she spoke, his fingers steepled under his chin.

“We all have both a dark and light side, Krystal. It is in time of intense stress that we find out what we are really capable of.”

Krystal stared at him, then said carefully, “Is this who I really am?”



Albus didn’t smile; didn’t rush to reassure her. Instead he leaned forward, saying, “Krystal, you perform stronger than usual magic when you are feeling emotional, don‘t you? Even unintentionally?”

She nodded, frowning as he rose and walked around his desk to sit in the chair next to her. ‘You dislike to show people you are hurting? That you are in pain?’

Her frown deepened, but he continued. ‘Never mind. I have seen that side of you myself,’ he said. ‘Even as a child, you hid your tears; your emotions. You’ve always had this fear of seeming weak.’

Leaning forward in his chair, he spoke in an intense tone. “Krystal, you have immense power. More than I think any of us realised at first. It is this gift that makes your feelings stronger than others; they can consume you; alter you. This can enhance your feelings of joy and happiness, but also your anger and hurt. It can be a wonderful gift.’

He paused and looked at her with concerned eyes.



‘But with this power comes great responsibility to use it wisely,‘ he said, urgently. “I know you have wondered why your parents and I do not want you to reveal your powers to anyone. There are those who would seek to use you, to meet their own purposes. You must be careful, Krystal. You must be prepared to defend yourself against those who wish you harm because of their jealousy or fear.”



She felt confused and scared. ’I don’t understand,’ she said, panic in her voice. ’Who would want to hurt me? Why….’ but he stopped her.

’Krystal,’ he began, then paused, looking at her with worried eyes. He seemed to struggle with himself for a moment, before making a decision.

’Do not dwell on this; not yet. But there is something I need you to think about. I’m concerned that you allow your anger and fear to take you over; that you use it to call upon the darkness within you; to shield you from feeling pain as you have done over these last weeks. You are not controlling it like this, Krystal. It controls you. You must try to fight this.’



“I did!’ she said, emphatically, standing up. “I did try….”

“Did you really?’ he said, his blue eyes, identical to her own, searching her face. “Did you try to talk to Remus or any of your other friends? Did you acknowledge your hurt; your anger? Or did you allow the cold to envelop you, to protect you, take away your pain?”

He could see the answer on her face, as she sank back into the chair.



“Krystal, you are capable of great things, but, if you allow the darkness that exists inside you take over, you could also do terrible things. I know it‘s hard, but you must allow yourself to feel that pain, and learn how to accept it; work through it, not act out to avoid it. Feeling hurt or sad is not a sign of weakness, Krystal. Being able to feel is what makes you human. Do not let the shadows take hold of your heart; to make you less of a human.” He saw the fear in her eyes and the trembling lip.



“You know, the flip side of all of this, Krystal, is that you are also capable of deep love, incredible passion and joy, extraordinary empathy….’ He paused, recalling why she‘d come to his office. “And the ability to forgive the mistakes of those you love and who love you.”

He reached out and lifted her chin with a finger, smiling at her. “And the person that is capable of feeling that, of making others feel that way about her: that, my love, is who you really are.”



After leaving Dumbledore’s office, Krystal walked down to the lake. She needed to think. She sat, leaning against a tree, breathing deeply. She could feel the rough bark on her back, and listened to the sounds of the water lapping against the bank, the leaves rustling overhead, the call of birds nesting in the trees.



‘What do I do?’ she asked herself, picking at the grass under her. She missed Remus so much. The way he would laugh, and the sound of his voice, the way he touched her. But he’d hurt her - more than she’d ever been hurt before. It wasn’t a pain she ever wanted to feel again. How could Albus ask her to open herself to that kind of hurt?

She felt tears stinging her eyes and closed them tightly.

‘Help me,’ she whispered out loud, for the first time in her life wanting someone to tell her what to do.



The sound of footsteps broke into her solitude. Opening her eyes, she saw Remus looking down at her.

“Tell me to go, and I will,’ he said quietly, crouching down beside her.

Krystal looked at his weary face and felt something other than despair for the first time in what felt like ages. Life had sent her what it knew she needed.

“Stay,’ she said, reaching out for his hand. He let her take it, closing his fingers over hers. She saw him bite his lip, looking down at the ground.

“Krys, I’m sorry...” he began, but she shook her head.

“Not now, ok?’ she said, as he looked up at her. “Just sit with me?”

His mouth turned up, and he nodded, sitting down next to her, her hand still in his.



They sat there, the rest of the world fading away. The silence between them was comfortable, as it is with true friends. There was no need for words - they could come later. They were both content for the moment; just to be together. It was nearly an hour later that Krystal spoke.

‘I’m hungry,’ she said, and watched as Remus laughed. He stood up, and held out his hand to her.

‘So am I,’ he replied with a smile, and he pulled her to her feet. He didn’t release her hand as they made their way back to the castle for lunch, not wanting to let her go.



It was now that Krystal finally spoke about the problem that lay between them. “We need to be friends again.”

Remus halted, his hand slipping out of hers as she kept moving. He looked at her, and she stopped.

“Before anything else, you’re my best friend, Remus,’ she said, turning to him. “I want to get that back the way it was before. I need to have my friend back before anything else can happen between us.”

She smiled at him, and he felt his heart leap in his chest.



“Then, you do want to try? You still want to be with me?’ he asked, feeling weak with relief. She looked at him and her eyes clouded for a moment.

“I don’t know who I turned into these last few weeks, Remus, but I didn’t like her. She was cold; soulless,’ she said darkly, then looked up at him, her face breaking into a smile.

‘I like who I am with you, Remus. I’m calmer, more settled. I feel peaceful when you’re with me. I’m a better person when you‘re with me.’



They stared at each other for a few moments, Remus wanting to take her in his arms and kiss her.

“Friends again?’ she asked, as if she had read his mind, which she may very well have.

“Friends,’ he agreed, holding out his hand.

She grinned and took it, letting out a little gasp when he pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her off the ground, spinning around.



She laughed, and as he put her down, she felt her body slide against his, lighting a fire inside her. He was smiling down at her, and put his hand to her face, stroking across her cheek with his thumb.

“How am I supposed to think of you as just a friend now? No other friend has ever had this effect on me?’ he said, holding her tight against him. She could feel the effect he was alluding to against her hip, and smiled.

“Just pretend I’m James,’ she suggested cheekily. Remus smiled and lowered his head towards her face, leaning his forehead against hers.

“And have I ever told you just how attractive I find James?’ he said, looking at her lips. “Hmmm. Better make that Peter then,’ she retorted, seeing him laugh as he lifted his head.



Her smile disappeared as he stared at her. ‘I’ve never felt like this before, Krys,’ he said softly. Krystal bit her lip, her eyes drifting down to his mouth.

‘Neither have I,’ she said.

He looked at her for a few moments, seeming to struggle with himself.

‘I really want to kiss you, Krys,’ he whispered.

She shivered, and felt a wave of desire rush through her. ‘I really want you to kiss me,’ she admitted, breathlessly.

They stayed like that for a second, then Remus’ stomach growled. Krystal laughed, and Remus moved his head to look at her apologetically.

‘I guess that’s a sign that we should go inside, huh?’ he said with a grin. She nodded and he took her hand, leading her up to the castle.



They talked the rest of the day and into the night, stretched out on the couch in the common room, moving only to have dinner. Their friends looked happy to see them together, and stayed pretty much out of their way. Remus waited until they were alone in the room, before asking the question that had been burning at him.



‘’You and Mark…..did you….?’ He had trouble getting the words out; an image of Krystal and Mark entwined streaked through his mind.

“No,’ she said firmly, sitting up and putting her hand on his leg. “Nothing happened - nothing you didn’t see anyway,’ she corrected, feeling a blush as she thought about how that must have looked. At least she hadn’t had to see him kissing April. As she thought of the Hufflepuff girl, she felt like a knife had twisted in her heart.



“You know I went on a date with April Jarman?’ he said, his voice low. She nodded, thinking that he had read her mind.

“She kissed me, and I guess I kissed her back,’ he confessed, wishing now that it had never happened.

“I know,’ Krystal said, one corner of her mouth turning up at the surprise on his face.

“I overheard her telling her friends in the bathroom,’ she said, shrugging. “I guess that’s why I agreed to go out with Mark…you’d moved on and I thought I should try to as well. You would have been happy - everything she said was complimentary. Apparently, you’re a good kisser - nice lips, I think she said.”

He looked horrified, and she couldn’t help giggling, amused by his growing resemblance to a tomato.



He appeared to think for a second, before asking, “She said I was a good kisser?”

Krystal frowned, and threw a cushion at him. “If you want confirmation, why don’t you go and ask her,’ she said, falling back against the arm of the chair, crossing her arms and pouting a little. Remus grinned and threw the cushion back, following it so he was leaning over her, straddling her legs, his arms either side of her.

“Are you sulking?’ he asked, with a mischievous smile.

“No,’ she said grumpily, refusing to look at him.

“Krys, are you jealous?’ he said in a sing song voice, and she smacked him in the chest, smiling at him.



“Yes. But as much as I want to be, I can’t be pissed about you kissing her, not when I kissed Mark,’ she said in a resigned voice, looking down.

His hand touched her face, turning it back to look at him. “Do you know what I thought when she kissed me?’ he said softly. “I thought how wrong it felt; because I had wanted to have my first proper kiss with you.”

She stared at him, her eyes wide. “Really?’ she asked in a whisper.

He nodded, head dropping low. ‘I’d been imagining kissing you for years. But I’ve got no one to blame but myself for it not happening the way I’d hoped.’

“When Mark was kissing me,’ she whispered, so softly he almost couldn’t hear her, ‘I was imagining it was you.”



Remus felt heat sweep through his body, and he looked down at her. He could feel her heart racing against his chest, her breathing as rapid as his was. Her eyes flicked to his lips, and he lowered his head, forgetting their friendship pact; forgetting everything except how very much he wanted to kiss her. So it seems, did she; her face rising to meet his, their mouths almost joined when there was a loud POP next to them.



They jumped, turning to see a house elf staring at them. It backed away, bowing and apologising. Remus shook his head, looking back down at Krystal with a frustrated smile.

“Shit! We are always getting interrupted,’ he said, running his finger along her jaw. She grabbed his hand and stopped him.

“That was perfect timing, I think,’ she reminded him gently.

He sighed loudly. “I know, I know,’ he said crankily. He bought her hand to his mouth and kissed it.

“Exactly how long do you think it will be until our friendship is back on track?’ he asked, desire obvious in his eyes. “Because I am going to try really hard to stick to our agreement, Krys, but I want you so much it hurts and now I know you feel the same, I’m having trouble controlling myself.”



Feeling warmth between her thighs at his words, she knew she was having some trouble herself. “You’re not the only one, Remus. But I want to do this; just for a little while. I promise, it won‘t be long; I don’t know how much longer I can hold out either.”



He stared at her for a second then closed his eyes tight. “God, Krys. Do you know what you do to me?’ he ground out, allowing his body to lean into hers as he lay his head on her shoulder, breathing hard.

“Knowing that you’re just as turned on as I am, really does not help my problem,’ he groaned into the crook of her neck, sending a shiver down her spine as did the hardness she felt against her thigh.



She took a deep breath and pushed at him until he slid off of her, knowing if he stayed this close to her for one more second she would give in and she didn‘t want to rush into this.

‘Bedtime,‘ she said firmly. He grinned and she smacked him on the arm. ‘Separate beds, Remus. Jeez.‘

She stood up and put out her hands, helping him up and leading him over to the staircases leading to their rooms. Kissing him quickly on the cheek, they said goodnight, and made their separate ways to their rooms, both of them wasting no time once there in relieving their throbbing bodies.



“I don’t know how much longer I can do this,’ Remus growled, throwing himself on his bed a couple of days later. Sirius grinned, swinging his legs off his own bed and moving to sit opposite his friend.

“Still sticking to the friendship only thing?’ Sirius said, sympathetically. Remus nodded, looking at his friend.



“I never thought I’d say this,’ he said, his voice low. “But I’m getting sick of jerking off.” Sirius laughed, saying, “Well, I hate to tell you this mate, but if you think you’re frustrated now, wait until you get a little taste of what’s waiting for you. You’ll be so fucking hot, you’ll look back on these days with fondness.”

Remus looked at him sharply. Was he talking about Krystal, or about girls in general? He opened his mouth to ask him, but was interrupted as he heard James and Peter snigger from across the room.



They joined him and Sirius on Remus’ bed. “Frustrated, Moony?’ laughed James, stretching out across Remus’ bed.

“Just a bit,’ he said, smiling now. “And we haven’t even kissed yet.”

“Better make sure you’ve got some tissues handy when you do, Moony,’ said Peter, grinning. “Sounds like a kiss might be a little too much for you to stand.”

The others laughed, and Peter caught the pillow Remus threw before it hit him in his face.



“How much longer is this friends only deal going to last?’ asked James.

Remus smiled broadly. “Hopefully not too much longer. It’s getting as hard for her as it is for me,’ he said, smacking Sirius when he snorted with laughter over his use of the word ‘hard’.

“I hope it’s worth the RSI you’re getting in your wrist,’ said Peter, laughing along with Sirius.

“She’s worth it,’ said Remus, his face softening as he thought of Krystal.

“Ooooh, he’s got it bad!’ screeched Sirius, jumping off the bed and moving quickly to the bathroom. Peter also got up, going back to his homework.



James remained on the bed, saying, “Ignore them Remus. They don’t understand that some things are worth waiting for.” Remus looked over at James, seeing a far away look in his eyes.

“How are things going with Lily?’ Remus asked. James looked at him, his face flushing. “I think she might be coming around,’ he said quietly. “We’ve started spending time together, more now you’re keeping Krystal so occupied. It could happen.” James got up to help Peter, and Remus smiled, happy for his friend.



“So, you’ll all come?’ Sirius said, looking around at his friends a few days later. James looked concerned. “Sirus, if they find out…”

“Who cares?’ Sirius said, shrugging. “Everyone in?” He looked around and was happy to see nods all around. “Great!’ he said, standing up. “See you all tomorrow night.” He jumped up from the breakfast table, and bounced away.

James shook his head. “His parents will kill him if they find out,’ he said, frowning.



Easter holidays were beginning today, and Sirius had just invited his friends to an overnight stay at his house. His parents were going away for a weekend house party. “Sucking up to Ministry types,’ said Sirius, grimacing. “There is no way they’ll miss it. And Regulus is staying with a friend these holidays. I’ve got the house to myself.”



Remus was looking forward to the party. It was a chance to spend some time with Krystal over the holidays without being under the watchful eye of parents. Krystal had told her parents she would be going to the party from Remus’ house, telling him to invite her over.

“Your father and I need to have a chat,’ she said, her jaw tense.

“Krystal, dad isn’t someone you can yell at…” he warned, having seen Krystal’s rage at his father’s interference.

“I won’t yell,’ she said, glaring at him. “But I think we need to do this.”



They did go to Remus’ house, and Krystal did insist on speaking to his father alone. He didn’t know what was said, but when they emerged from his father’s study, they were smiling. Later that afternoon, as Krystal was in the shower, he approached his dad, asking how everything went.



“I owe you an apology, Remus,’ said Mr Lupin, surprising his son. “She’s a damn smart girl, and obviously she knows what she wants. For every argument I came up with, she had an answer all ready to go.”

He smiled and clapped his son on the shoulder. “Gorgeous, intelligent, and ‘crazy about you’ - her words. You’re very lucky, Remus. Not everyone finds someone like that. Make sure you look after her.”



Remus was a little stunned by his father’s turn around. “Um, thanks dad,’ he stammered, pleased by his father’s blessing and amazed by Krystal’s powers of persuasion.

“Oh, and son,’ his father said, coming closer to speak quietly. “You did say you know all the appropriate spells….” Remus blushed and nodded.

“We’re not thinking about that just yet, though,’ he said, backing away.

His father laughed. “You’ll be of age in a month or so, Remus, and Krystal is a very attractive young lady. Don’t tell me you haven’t been thinking about it.”

He walked over to the sink chuckling, leaving Remus to run upstairs to get ready for the party.



Krystal was waiting for him in the living room after he‘d finished showering and changing, talking to his parents. She turned as he entered and he felt a squeezing sensation in his chest as he looked at her. Her dark hair was loose, hanging softly around her face. Her lips were shiny, as if she had gloss on them, and she was smiling at him. He managed to tear his eyes away from them to look at the rest of her. She was wearing a short dress, cut a little low in the front revealing a bit of cleavage and it came to just above her knee, showing off her legs. He was lost for words; he couldn’t take his eyes off her.



“Remus,’ he heard an amused voice say. He blinked several times and looked over to see his father grinning and his mother staring at him, shaking her head.

“You look nice, Krys,’ he said somewhat pathetically. His father snorted, and his mother elbowed him in the ribs.

“Thanks,’ she said softly, and he noticed her eyes wandering over him as her face flushed. ‘So do you.’

‘Well, you two should get going,’ his father said hastily, throwing some Floo Powder into the fire place. Green flames exploded, and Krystal waved to his parents as she stepped into them and disappeared. Remus followed, seeing his father’s grinning face as he travelled to Sirius’ house.



Mrs Lupin looked at her still grinning husband. ‘You have talked to him about using Contraceptive spells, haven’t you?’ she said with a frown.

‘I have been assured he knows them, and that they aren’t thinking about sex just yet,’ he replied.

Mrs Lupin raised an eyebrow. ‘Mmm,’ she said, looking back at the fireplace. ‘I recognise that look he gave her. It’s the same one you used to give me when we first started dating. We weren’t thinking about sex either, but it seemed to happen anyway.’

‘They are both sensible young adults; Remus is almost of age,’ he said, putting an arm around her. ‘He knows he has more reasons than others to be very careful. We have to trust them.’

He grinned. ‘Now, how did that look go again?’



Remus shot out onto the floor, almost losing his balance. He saw Krystal and Sirus laughing at him, Sirus helping Krystal to brush the soot off her clothes. Remus brushed himself off, glaring at Sirius as his hand snuck down to Krystal’s butt. He heard talking from another room and they followed the noise, seeing James, Peter, Lily, Alice, Mary and Frank, amongst the crowd of about twenty students, all lounging around on the chairs, drinking Butterbeer. Music was playing and Sirius turned it up, the party well and truly starting.



By midnight, the Firewhiskey was out in the middle of the circle, shot glasses in front of all of them.

“What’s a body shot?’ asked Mary, giggling. Sirius shook his head in disbelief.

“You people haven’t lived!’ he declared, showing them exactly what a body shot was, using Mary’s hand as a prop. He salted her hand, and asked her to hold the lemon between her teeth.

“You lick off the salt,’ he said, demonstrating, and making Mary giggle. “Then the shot.” He downed it quickly, then leaned forward and took the lemon out of Mary’s mouth, using his own mouth; his lips lingering a moment longer than necessary. ‘And that’s a body shot,’ he said, sucking the lemon and throwing the rind in the middle of the circle.



The other’s were enthusiastic, and there was a flurry as several couples reached for the lemon slices. Remus grabbed Krystal and led her to a nearby chair, sitting down and pulling her onto his lap. She giggled and put her arm around him, leaning into his chest. Remus kissed the inside of her wrist, running his tongue over her skin. He heard her moan softly and looked up at her.



‘The salt won‘t stick if I don‘t wet your skin,’ he explained with a grin.

She narrowed her eyes at him. ‘Just remember it’s my turn next,‘ she said, slightly threateningly.

He grinned and salted her inside wrist, feeling her pulse race through the delicate skin there. He watched her face as he licked it off, hearing her soft curse when his tongue flicked her skin again. He nearly forgot the shot in his eagerness to suck the lemon that she held between her teeth. Their lips touched as he bit down on the lemon, and sucked it into his mouth. Licking his lips, he threw the rind into the bowl in the middle of the room. As he turned, he saw Sirius, lemon forgotten, kissing Mary, pushing her back on to the couch, his hand straying up to her breast. Feeling a little breathless, he turned back to see Krystal staring at him, mischievously.



“My turn?’ said Krystal, putting a slice of lemon between his lips. She grinned as she told him to tip his head so she could take her shot off his neck.

‘I’ve been fantasising about this spot on your neck…‘ she said, her words drifting off as she put a little whiskey on his hot skin and poured salt on it. He watched her as she lowered her head, then took the lemon out of his mouth.



“Krys?” She looked at him. “I really think I might explode if we keep this friends only thing up. Promise me you’ll tell me the second you‘re ready to move…..”

She smiled, and interrupted him, saying, ’I’m ready.”

He shuddered when he felt her tongue run over his skin, then after her shot, she leaned forwards to suck on the lemon he‘d put back in his mouth, her lips brushing over his again. He moaned at the touch, feeling his pants getting tighter.



‘Remus,’ Sirius called, now sitting up with a dazed looking Mary sitting next to him. ‘We’re playing Truth and Dare, come on!”

‘Nope,’ called Krystal, getting to her feet and pulling Remus to his. “Come and dance with me.‘

A slow song was playing, and couples swayed together, Krystal and Remus grinning at the sight of Lily and James dancing together. Remus felt Krystal’s hands come up around his shoulders and he slid his around her waist, holding her tight to him as they began to sway to the music.



Remus could feel Krystal’s breath on his throat, and he felt her shiver when he buried his face into the side of her neck, kissing the skin there.

“I love how your hair smells,’ he said, into her ear, running his hands up her back to feel the texture of it, letting it fall through his fingers like rain. “Is it coconut?”

She nodded, and moved her face to his, kissing his jaw lightly. “Whatever you use after you shave is slowly driving me out of my mind,’ she whispered, pressing her face into his neck near his pulse.

“Alright. That’s it. I can’t stand this anymore, Krys,’ he groaned, moving away from her. “Come on.”

He took her hand and led her away from the party, up the stairs to the room he was supposed to be sharing with James tonight. He’d spoken to James, and he’d agreed to bunk in with Sirius if things went well for Remus.



Entering the room, he began to feel nervous; he’d been waiting for their relationship to change for a long time, but now it was upon them, he was apprehensive. Krystal threw herself down on his bed, kicking her shoes off, and yawning a bit.

“Tired?‘ he asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed, watching her stretch out. “Mmm, maybe a little,‘ she said. “I’m still catching up, I think.“



She looked at him, a crease between her brows. “Are James and Lily together?‘ she asked.

“I don’t think so, not yet,‘ he said, sliding off his shoes and swinging his legs up onto the bed, laying on his back next to her and reaching for her hand. They lay side by side, holding hands, speculating about James and Lily, and giggling about Mary and Sirius. Remus felt his nervousness leaving him as they talked, leaving only his desire to take the step needed to change their relationship.



Remus rolled onto his side, watching her as she talked. She looked over at him when he moved; her chatter fading, as he leant over and kissed her lightly, his lips gently brushing over hers. A shiver shot through him, and as he pulled away, he saw her take a shaky breath. He looked at her, and she smiled at him.

“What took you so long?’ she said softly.



He grinned, leaning back towards her, his lips meeting hers more firmly this time. His hands raised to cup her face, his thumbs stroking across her skin. He could feel her hands run up his chest coming to rest on his shoulders. His mouth opened a little and Krystal copied him, both of them gently exploring each other’s lips, tasting each other, revelling in this moment that they had been wanting for so long.



Soon, their kiss deepened, Krystal hearing a moan in Remus’ chest, as her tongue flicked over his lip, and it was echoed in her, as she felt his enter her mouth. Remus moved, his arms going under her to pull her closer to him, his upper body laying across hers. Krystal’s hands ran through his hair, holding him to her as they kissed.



Their hands began to roam as their kiss became hotter, needier. Krystal felt Remus’ hand brush her breast as it moved down her body, moaning as she arched up into his touch. He moved it back, gently cupping the soft flesh as his mouth left hers, kissing her neck and throat. Her hands moved down, rubbing across his buttocks as she pulled the back of his shirt out of his pants, running her hands under it, along his skin. Heat shot through him at her touch, and he sucked the skin of her neck into his mouth, hearing her soft cry and feeling her press harder against him.



She pushed at him and, when he lifted his chest and shoulders away from her, she tugged his shirt up over his head, dropping it off the side of the bed. He watched as she let her eyes wander down his chest, bringing her hands up to touch him, running her fingers over his scars. She lifted her head off the bed, and kissed a particularly large scar, touching her tongue to it lightly. Remus let out a groan, and let himself drop back against her, kissing her frantically, feeling her hands move around to his back.



He shifted his hand back to her breast and ran his thumb over the hard peak he felt under his palm. Krystal made a small sound into his mouth, and he did it again, feeling her hips rising against him. Frustrated by the clothing between them, he raised his head again.



“Krys,’ he said, his voice rough with need. “How do I get this thing off?”

She smiled, and said hoarsely, ‘Let me up.” He moved off her, and she stood up, reaching around to her back.

“No,’ Remus said, standing quickly. He turned her around and saw the zip, pulling it down, bending slightly to kiss the area between her shoulder blades, just above her bra. The dress fell to the ground, Krystal turning back to him, dressed only in her underwear now. Her face was flushed, and he could see the desire in her eyes, but something else too. Uncertainty.



“Krys?’ he said, putting his hands on her shoulders. “If you want to stop, just tell me, and I will.” She sighed and leant into him, her head on his chest.

“I don’t know,’ she mumbled against his skin, sending a spark straight to his groin. “I want to, I really want to, Remus. It just…..”

“It feels too fast?’ he said, feeling frustrated, but also a tiny bit relieved. She nodded and he took her head in his hands, raising it so she was looking at him.

“I think so too,’ he said, smiling at her look of surprise. “Our bodies are ready; but maybe our heads aren’t.”



Krystal smiled up at him, and stood on her toes, kissing him, allowing it to linger, and grow until they parted, panting.

“Soon, I swear,’ she said, kissing his chest and neck, drawing a moan from him. Remus took her arms firmly and held her away from him.

“If we are going to stop, we need to stop now,’ he said, feeling his balls tighten and knowing he was not far from the point of no return.

Krystal smiled ruefully, and bent to pick up her dress, giving him a sneak peek of her breasts as she did. He dropped to sit on the bed, closing his eyes, and keeping them closed until he felt her wrap her arms around his neck.



“I’ll go back to my room,’ she said, kissing the top of his head.

“You don’t have to….’ he argued, but she smiled.

“I think that we both need some, um, alone time right now,’ she said, delicately, amused at his blush. “Don’t be shy, Remus,’ she teased, as he lowered his head to rest against her belly. “We may not be ready for sex, but that doesn’t mean we have to be frustrated all night. You have done it before, right? Should I get Sirius to come and show you what to do?“



He laughed softly, but was distracted. His senses were heightened, as the full moon was approaching, and he could smell her desire - it was intoxicating and was making it hard for him to breathe. He raised his face to her, and she lowered hers, her hair falling over their faces as they kissed.

‘Ok, she said loudly, breaking the kiss and moving away quickly. ‘I really do need to leave you now. I just….I think I might pass out if I don’t deal with this.’

He felt his body jerk at the thought of her touching herself. ‘Fuck!’ Remus muttered, hearing her laugh as she left the room.





Remus threw himself back onto the bed. He lay there for a few moments, then grabbed his wand off the side table, locking the door with a swish. Quickly unbuckling his pants, he didn’t bother pulling them off, knowing this wouldn‘t take long. He shoved his hand into his underwear, grasping himself and stroking quickly. He was groaning less than a minute later, and reaching for his wand again to clean himself up.



Krystal also didn’t need long to send her aching body over the edge, her hips rising sharply off the bed as she felt the spasms rip through her. She lay panting there for several minutes, before she heard a soft knock on the door. Unlocking it quickly, she opened it, thinking it was Lily wanting to come to bed.



It was Remus, smiling mischievously at her. “Am I too early? Are you done?’ he asked, getting a laugh and a smack across the chest from Krystal.

“Gee, you must have been fast,’ she retorted, closing the door behind him. “Maybe it’s a good thing we didn’t go all the way tonight. It might have been over a bit too quickly…”



She let out a yelp as he grabbed her around the hips, lifting her up against him, then fell onto the bed with her landing on top of him. Laughing, they kissed, the frustration and intensity of their previous kisses gone, leaving them both thinking just how right this felt.



“Can I stay?’ Remus asked, once they came up for air. “I’m not about to explode anymore.”

She nodded, and their lips met again. Remus’ hands moved to her butt, cupping each cheek.

“Do you know how long I‘ve wanted to get my hands on your ass?’ he asked, tearing his lips away from her.

She laughed and they rolled on the bed, kissing and cuddling until sleep overtook them.