Fire and Water

Chapter Twenty Eight



Harry spun through the darkness, his chest burning as he fought for breath.

‘If I never apparate again, that’s fine with me’, he thought as his feet hit the ground.

The spinning stopped and he felt himself bump hard against someone as he tried to regained his balance. Harry opened his eyes to see Krystal bounce off Remus and fall to the ground.

“Sorry, Krystal,‘ he said as Remus bent and took Krystal‘s elbow, hauling her to her feet.



Looking around, Harry thought he recognised the area they had apparated to.

“Quickly!‘ Remus whispered as, wand out, he looked around.

The older man let his hand slide from Krystal’s elbow to her hand as he pulled her forward: Harry following closely. She gasped and Harry grinned as, after several paces, a lopsided house appeared before them.



“Where are we?” Krystal asked, alarmed at the sight of the strange house.

“The Burrow,” answered both Harry and Remus.

Krystal looked at them apprehensively, her eyes widening. “The what?” she said, now with a slightly panicked look on her face.

Harry had no time to answer her as Remus knocked at the front door, glancing back at Krystal, dropping her hand quickly once he realised he was still holding it.



A crack of light appeared as the door opened and a female voice demanded, “Identify yourself.”

“It is I, Remus Lupin returning with a surprise guest,” Lupin said, smiling for the first time as he looked at Harry. The door was opened cautiously at first, then flung wide open when Harry came into sight.

“Harry!” Molly Weasley screamed, pulling him inside the house and hugging him hard. “We didn’t expect you for weeks yet!“



He was half dragged into a room full of what seemed like a dozen red haired Weasleys, who clapped his shoulders, and a bushy haired girl, who threw herself at Harry with a squeal. Everyone was talking at once, throwing question after question at Harry, who was looking pleased but a little overwhelmed. Krystal was reluctant to intrude but Remus pushed at her back, herding her into the house. The excited voices faded as they saw the stranger in their midst, and Remus looked at Harry.

‘Care to make the introductions, Harry?’ he said, his voice mild, but his face was strained.



Harry looked at Krystal, who was looking decidedly uncomfortable.

’This is Krystal. Krystal O’Connor,’ he said, not seeing Bill Weasleys’ look of stunned comprehension as he looked over at Remus, who nodded grimly at him. ’She’s a member of the Order. I‘ve been staying with her.’



There was a flurry of greetings and hand shaking, and Harry introduced each person. There were really only five Weasley’s, but Krystal forgot most of their names straight away. She recognised the boy, Ron, and the brown haired girl was Hermione; Harry’s friends. Hermione fixed a curious, questioning gaze on the other woman as they were introduced, her eyes sliding to Remus, taking in his tense face. Harry’s own face tensed a little as he introduced Ginny, his ex girlfriend.



Mrs Weasley, hearing they hadn’t yet eaten, overrode Krystal’s objections that she was fine, and insisted that they sit down while she fixed them something to eat. She ordered Ron and Ginny to make up some beds for the two unexpected guests, again refusing to listen to Krystal’s assertions that she would make other arrangements for herself. Krystal wasn’t used to being around so many people, and felt a heightening sense of alarm about staying. She automatically looked at Remus for support, but he shrugged unhelpfully, saying in a flat tone, “It’s getting late. You should stay.”



Harry looked as anxious as Krystal as Molly led her into the kitchen. He wanted some answers about tonight, she knew. And not just about the Death Eater attack.

“Tomorrow,“ she mouthed, shrugging as she disappeared through the door.

Harry turned to Hermione, who had watched their exchange, and frowned, trying not to show his impatience.

“Well,’ said Hermione, as Mr Weasley followed the adults into the kitchen. “Tell me everything.”



Molly seated Krystal in the kitchen, where they were soon joined by Remus, Arthur and Bill, who’d pulled Remus aside in the hall.

‘Are you sure it’s her?’ he said urgently, looking into the kitchen at Krystal.

Remus nodded. ‘I checked. It’s her,’ he confirmed, his voice pained.

‘Are you alright?‘ Bill asked, seeing the ill disguised distress on Remus’ face.

The older man shook his head and said, ’I don’t know yet,’ as they entered the room, sitting down at the kitchen table.



“We didn’t know what to think when we received your message,“ Arthur said looking at Krystal. “We thought we knew everyone in the Order. Luckily Remus was here and recognised your Patronus - a wolf was it?“

This last question was asked with a casual tone that sounded forced. The Weasley‘s were curious about her.

“The message was sent to Remus - not The Burrow; she would have found him no matter where he was,‘ she said quietly.

“Yes, she‘s a wolf,“ she added, looking at Arthur, colouring as she felt Remus fidget a little in the seat next to her.



“What happened?” Molly said, as Arthur looked shrewdly from Krystal to Remus. “No one in the Order knew Harry was being moved this soon. Remus, you said you were checking on him…”

“Albus‘ orders,” interrupted Remus. “He let me know before he died that Harry would be spending some time with a member of the Order before coming here. It wasn‘t meant to be public knowledge, Molly.’

‘And what if something had happened to you?’ the woman demanded, crossly. ’None of us would have known…..’

’Then Krystal would have looked after him,’ he said, his voice rising a little. ’She had instructions to ensure Harry apparated them here before Bill’s wedding.’

’She didn’t do a very good job of looking after him though, did she?’ Molly retorted. Krystal felt her temper rising, but Remus beat her to it.



’Molly!’ Remus said sharply. ‘She fought off four Death Eaters by herself tonight trying to protect Harry…..’

‘And what would have happened to Harry if she had been killed?’ Molly demanded, stopping in surprise when Remus stood abruptly, pain evident on his face.

‘Harry’s fine, Molly,’ he snapped, unable to stop the anger he’d been trying to suppress showing in his voice. ‘Stop treating him like a child.’



The two of them glared at each other for a moment, then Remus closed his eyes and sank back into his chair.

‘I’m sorry, Molly,’ he said, running a hand over his eyes. ‘It’s been a long day.’ He looked at Krystal who quickly looked away from him.

‘I knew he was safe, it didn‘t matter where,” he explained, seeing the still annoyed look on Molly‘s face.

‘But he wasn’t safe, was he?’ retorted the woman, glaring at him, then turning on Krystal, who was watching her thumb as it tapped nervously on the table, steadfastly avoiding looking at Remus.

‘What happened out there?’ she demanded crossly, and Krystal’s fingers stilled as she looked up.



“We were attacked just outside my house,” said Krystal. “We went to get food and the Death Eaters tracked us. Harry had his Cloak on; they didn’t see him, and I managed to fight them off, but the house isn’t safe now. Did you know they are using You Know Who’s name as a trace to track down Order members?” She directed the question to the room at large.

“No!’ said Bill, with a frown, looking at a startled Remus. “We wondered how they always seem to know where we are.”

Alarmed, Arthur stood up. “I’ll send a message out to let everyone know.”



He left the room as Molly placed a bowl of stew in front of Krystal.

“You fought off four Death Eater‘s by yourself?” she asked, looking closely at her. Remus breathed deeply, trying not to think about what could have happened tonight to her and Harry.

Krystal looked up at her, not knowing what to say so she nodded. Molly hesitated for a moment then smiled, and gestured towards the bowl.



“Eat up,” she said, a little more kindly now. “You look peaky.” She patted Krystal’s back and before taking another bowl through to Harry.

Bill had been watching Remus. He stood now, and stretched. ’Well, I’m off to bed. Night, Remus, Krystal.’

As Krystal murmured, ’Goodnight’, he gave Remus a smile and left the room, putting his hand briefly on his friends’ shoulder.



Krystal stared at her food as she felt Remus’ eyes move to look at her. The aftermath of the fight at her house and the conflicting emotions she felt about seeing him again, seemed to hit her all at once and her hand shook as she tried to pick up her fork. She put it down again, closing her eyes, trying to centre herself. Remus saw her distress.



“It wasn’t your fault. No one knew they could trace us that way.” His voice was gruff but kind.

Krystal didn’t think she could stand Remus being nice to her; she tried to distract herself with the stew again. She managed to pick up some food with her fork, but her hand was now shaking too violently to get the food to her mouth. She made a disgusted noise and threw her fork into the bowl. Rubbing her forehead hard with her hand, she tried to not notice his gaze on her.

“You should eat,’ he said quietly. “Molly will be insulted if you turn down her food.”



He gave her a small smile as she looked up at him, but it soon faded as he saw her face properly in the lamp light. She was pale and dark marks ringed her eyes. Her shaking had increased, and her breath seemed to be coming quicker.

“You need to eat something,” he repeated, his concern now evident in his voice. He recognised the signs of exhaustion and stress. Sometimes, after their practices ran too long at school, she’d become shaky and pale, having pushed her body and mind too far. He knew how proud she could be: she would not try the stew again, not while he was here to see her tremors.



He stood and walked over to the kitchen bench, rummaging through the cupboard. He found a loaf of bread and tore off a chunk. He handed it to her, “Please?”

The plea came softly. She took it, and murmured a quiet ‘Thanks,‘ nibbling at the bread. The simple food tasted wonderful and she took a larger bite. Remus felt some tension leave him and he sat back down. He remembered how much energy she expended using wandless magic, and knew that today’s events combined with the lack of food, would have left her with very little in reserve.



‘She’s still beautiful.’

The thought rose unbidden into his mind as he watched her devour the bread. She looked tired, worn out, and she had an air of sadness about her, but time had been kinder to her than it had to him, he thought, wondering for a second whether she’d noticed how much older he looked.



He shook his head and looked away. He shouldn’t be thinking this way about her; he was engaged now - to be married in just over a week. But he couldn’t ignore the jolt of electricity that had run through him when he’d touched Krystal earlier. He flexed his hand under the table. It still tingled where her hand had touched his.



He closed his eyes against the feeling. Images swam behind his closed lids and he tried to push them away. He tried hard to forget the sight and feel of her bare skin tonight as he revealed her scar as proof of her identity. Clenching his eyes tighter, he forbid his mind to remember how that skin on her hip used to feel under his fingers; how it tasted on his lips. He felt his body stir and, as he sat next to her, breathing in the all too familiar scent of her, his chest ached; flashes of the memories he’d spent years trying to forget forced their way back into his head. The good; and the bad.



Unable to stand being so close to her anymore, he stood abruptly, nearly sending his chair flying. “I should go,” he said, shortly as she looked up from her food, startled by his sudden movement. “You and Harry will be safe here tonight.”

She stood as well and looked at him, swallowing her mouthful of bread.

“Remus…” she began tremulously, but he cut her off.

“No. I can’t talk to you. Not yet. Just…..let me get my head around this, Krystal.”



He looked at her, his eyes filling with pain, the lines in his face deepening. She was standing so close to him, and involuntarily, he reached out a hand and touched her face. His touch was light at first, then firmer as his hand moved around her neck under her ponytail, his thumb running over her jaw.

‘I can’t believe you’re real,’ he whispered as his other hand also touched her, cupping her face. His touch was hot, and her eyes closed for an instant as her pulse quickened. ‘I can’t believe you’re here.’

Her eyes opened and she saw his eyes move to her lips.



Molly hurried back into the room, but stopped in her tracks when she saw them. “Oh, sorry. I was just….”

Remus’ hands dropped and he moved towards the door. “I was just leaving. Thank you for dinner, Molly.”

He gave the woman a quick hug, and Krystal stepped forward.



“Thank you, Remus,” she said. His closed mouth smile was a little forced as he turned to leave the room.

“Remus.” He turned and looked back at her. “Congratulations - on your engagement.” He was startled: how had she known about him and Tonks?

She gave him a small smile, but was unable to hide the sadness in her eyes as she said, “She’s a lucky woman.”

Remus looked at her and found himself unable to respond; he was suddenly awash with a feeling of loss. He nodded to her and left the room, not seeing Krystal sink back into her chair, and put her head in her hands.



Molly watched Remus leave, then her gaze moved to Krystal, who was trying desperately not to allow the older woman to see her cry.

‘Krystal?’ she said gently, guessing the nature of her and Remus’ previous relationship. Krystal swallowed hard, blinking fast as she raised her head.

‘This looks great, Molly,’ she said, forcing herself to talk in a bright tone. She picked up the fork and forced some stew into her mouth. ‘Thank you.’



Remus shut the front door behind him and breathed in the cool, fresh air. Merlin! After all these years; after everything that had happened; she was still capable of taking his breath away; of making him weak at the knees. Shaking his head, he cursed under his breath; at her for still making him feel like no one else ever could, and at himself for letting her do it. He strode angrily through the barriers that protected the house, and disapparated.



Harry awoke the next day to a loud bang and bright sunlight. “What…..?” he grunted as he sat up and fumbled for his glasses. He opened his eyes and, as they adjusted to the light, he saw Krystal standing next to his bed.

“Breakfast,” she said. “Then you and your friends have work to do.”

She grasped his sheets and ripped them off him. He squawked a little, trying to cover his boxer clad body as laughing, Krystal turned and left the room. Harry groaned and threw himself back down into his pillows.

He turned his head to look at Ron, who was sitting up in the bed next to his, scratching his head as he blurted out, “What the bloody hell was that?”



Krystal yawned as she walked back downstairs. She had slept fitfully on the couch (despite Molly‘s insistence that she take her twins’ old room), rising frequently to check the enchantments surrounding the house were secure. She had eaten early, before any of the others were awake, having made a decision.



She couldn’t go back to her house, so they would have to accept Molly’s invitation to stay at The Burrow, and continue Harry’s lessons here. His friends could join in - it would be useful for them to know all of this as well. Krystal frowned as she thought about how crowded the house was already; she planned on making herself scarce as much as possible. She wasn’t used to being around people; she‘d spent too many years alone. Krystal shook her head as she remembered making uncomfortable small talk with Arthur and Molly Weasley last night after Remus had left.



She sighed. It hadn’t been just her concern about their safety keeping her awake last night. Seeing Remus again yesterday…… She had known from the moment the Death Eaters appeared that it was going to have to happen, and she had thought she was prepared; that enough time had passed for the old feelings to have diluted. Krystal shivered as she recalled the rush of emotions she had felt at the sight of him; not to mention the physical effect he’d had on her. She rubbed her hands together, unconsciously creating a fine white mist.



She’d been so shaken that she’d been unable to hold her shield charm when she saw him last night, and when he’d touched her, she’d felt the shock of electricity run through her. He looked older than she knew he was, but he was still just…perfect, still more than capable of making her pulse race. She still felt the burn of his eyes on her as she had proven her identity last night; she had seen the familiar glint of desire as he looked at her scar before he extinguished it. His deep blue eyes made her feel weak when he looked at her, just as they always had.



She shook her head and rubbed her hand over her face roughly, trying to force herself to forget her feelings. As she closed her eyes, she saw again the expression on his face when he’d seen her last night. He’d looked so distraught, so angry with her. Not that she could blame him, but it hurt her to see what she had done to him. Both emotionally and physically. She knew that she had given him one of those scars she’d seen across his face.



“Stop it!” she told herself as she entered the kitchen.

“Sorry, dear?” said Molly looking up as Krystal came into the room.

“Oh, nothing. Just talking to myself,” Krystal stammered, embarrassed at being caught. “Can I help you with breakfast, Molly?” she said quickly, wanting a change of subject.



Molly shook her head as Ginny and Hermione walked into the room.

“No, thank you,” she said, moving closer to Krystal. “I think you are needed on the porch.”

She gestured to the kitchen door. “The girls can help with breakfast.”

Krystal heard Ginny groan and complain as she walked through the front door and straight into the chest of Remus Lupin.



He grabbed her arms to steady her as her hands found his shoulders.

“Sorry,” she gasped, feeling her knees threaten to give way at his touch.

“It’s fine,‘ he replied, a little breathlessly as his knuckles brushed the side of her breasts, feeling the soft flesh through her jacket.

For a moment, they remained that way, staring at each other. Then, as though they’d choreographed it, she removed her hands, crossing her arms over her chest quickly; and he let go of her arms as though he had been burnt, his now flushed face giving away his unease.



She stepped back and stood on Harry’s foot. He had come up behind her without her noticing.

“Oh, sorry Harry,” she said, turning and looking at him. He was looking from her to Remus with a slight frown on his face, and she could see he’d noticed the tension between them.

‘That alright,’ he said. ‘Morning, Remus.’ The older man smiled at him, a little distractedly.

“Good morning, Harry. Listen, I need a private word with Krystal. Why don’t you go on and have your breakfast,” Remus said.

Harry looked at Krystal, who shrugged and said, “Go on, you’ll need your energy today.” He turned and walked back into the kitchen.

She was slightly surprised he’d given in without question. He really was taking his promise to obey her seriously. Krystal watched him go, half wanting to call him back so she didn’t have to be alone with Remus.



“The cottage was broken in to after we left last night.”

The shock of these words spun her around. She looked into his face to confirm what she thought she’d heard him say.

“Damn!” she swore softly, sinking down onto the wooden bench next to the door.

“I’m sorry, Krys,” Remus said gently, unthinkingly using her nickname as he sat down next to her. “I checked early this morning. There isn’t much left.’



She nodded, letting him know she understood. They sat there silently for a few minutes. She felt the sting behind her eyelids and passed a hand across her eyes, trying to stop the tears she didn’t want Remus to see. There had been nothing expensive in the house, but many small things had belonged to her parents, and some she and Remus had bought together, and for that reason were irreplaceable. There were a lot of memories in that house as well, and she hated the thought that Death Eaters had been in there. She heard Remus clear his throat awkwardly.

“It’s fine,‘ she said, her voice low. ‘It’s all just stuff, I suppose.’



Remus stood up and moved over to the edge of the porch, looking out over the Weasley’s garden. It was taking all his self control to not reach out and hold her as she struggled to hide her reaction to losing her possessions. He’d recognised some of the things in the house as her parent’s; some as things they‘d bought together.

He sighed. It had been difficult to return to that house this morning - it held a lot of memories for him and they’d come flooding back when he’d walked through the door.



He didn’t look at her as he spoke. “The enchantments had not been broken; they were lowered,” he said carefully. “Whoever got in had to know…”

“Severus,” she mumbled, closing her eyes as she imagined her meagre belongings being smashed and broken by the Death Eaters. Then, realising Remus had not said anything, she opened her eyes to find him staring at her, disbelievingly.



“Snape? You told him where you were? Krystal, why would you do that? You know what he is.”

She interrupted him. “He has been a Secret Keeper ever since I came back….”

She stopped when Remus‘ face changed from disbelieving to angry.

“He knew you weren’t dead? Did he know where you were all this time? You told him?’ he said, incredulously.

‘Severus helped me leave…’ she began, but he interrupted.

‘And you took Harry to the cottage knowing a Death Eater could just walk in?’ he said, his voice rising. Krystal frowned.

“I wouldn’t put Harry in danger, Remus. Sev has never given me away,” she said defiantly, standing as her voice also gained volume. “He wouldn’t have last night either; not unless he had no choice.”



Remus made a frustrated noise in his throat, as he felt a sudden rush of fury. “You’re defending him? Still? He killed Dumbledore, but you…” He threw up his hands as he turned and strode down the porch stairs.

Her own temper flaring, she followed him. “Don’t walk away from me!” she said angrily. He spun around on his heel and stormed quickly back towards her.

“No, that’s your specialty, isn’t it? Running away. No explanations. No good bye. Not even a backward glance!” he spat the words at her, bitterness and resentment evident in his tone.



She took a step back: she’d never heard him speak like that to anyone - let alone her. The venom in his words caused her physical pain; all the worse for knowing she had caused this. She took a deep breath. She couldn’t worry about his feelings or hers right now; she needed to make him understand.

“Sev had the chance to kill us yesterday,” she said urgently. “But he didn’t. He warned…..” She felt her tongue roll up, almost choking her as a Tongue Tie Hex came into effect.

Remus, alarmed by her involuntary choking noise seized her arms. “What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I…I’m alright,” she choked out as the spell released her. “Tongue Tie H..hex.“



Remus slowly let go of his hold on her arms. She looked into his eyes, needing him to know she was sincere. “There’s so much I wish I could tell you about Severus, but I can’t. All I can say is that I know he wouldn’t hurt me, not if there was any way to avoid it.“

She saw the sceptical look that he gave her was tinged with frustration. She knew how he felt, how he’d always felt.

“I’ve tried to tell you before, Remus, he’s not the man you think he is.”



Remus shook his head. “Let’s just drop it, alright?’ he said, putting his hands up in a gesture of surrender. “I don’t want to get into this argument again.”

Krystal nodded, and after a moment’s silence spoke. “Albus arranged for me to collect Harry because he needs me to teach him to fight; nothing else is as important as that.“ She shoved her hands deep into her jeans pockets, resisting the urge to reach out for him. She couldn‘t look him in the eye.

“I have no right to ask you to help me or to trust anything I say, but…I have to do this for Harry, and I need to be somewhere safe to do it. I can‘t go back to the cottage…”



He raised his hand to stop her talking. He stared at her for a moment then said, ‘Albus knew where you were then? He’s kept in contact since you left?’

She nodded and he felt a rush of resentment for the deceased man.

Looking away from her again, he tried to control his anger. ‘How long have you been staying at the cottage?’ he asked.

‘Nearly two years,’ she answered, seeing his eyes close as he shook his head.

‘You were there all that time? All I had to do was visit the house…..’ She heard the despair in his voice and swallowed hard against her own sorrow.



“I should take Harry and go, Remus,’ she said softly. ‘This isn’t going to work.”

He shook his head.

“No. Harry will be happier here with his friends, and you…you need to help him. Albus was right about that - you’re the best person to teach him what he needs to know. It’s fine. I’m fine.“



She shook her head, and stared at him in disbelief. ‘You can’t be serious, Remus. How can you possibly be fine with this?’ she asked, frustrated by his insistence to see the best in everyone - even when they didn’t deserve it.

“I can’t believe that after all I‘ve done, you can still try to get along with me, to be civil to me. How can you do this, Remus? You must hate me. Why the hell aren’t you yelling at me and telling everyone what a despicable person I am?”



“I don’t know!” he exclaimed, shouting over her. “I don’t know,’ he repeated in a quieter voice. His face contorted as he tried to explain his mixed emotions.

“You just appeared, Krys, out of nowhere. I don’t know whether to be happy you’re alive, or furious that you‘ve come back just when I‘ve started to get on with my life; when I‘ve finally…..‘

He stopped, his eyes despairing. “I don’t hate you; I’ve never hated you. God knows, my life might have been easier if I did. I don’t know how I feel, and until I get my head on straight, I can‘t do this with you.”



He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head. He bit his lip as he stared at her, finally saying in a near whisper, “We never really ended, did we?”

Her jaw clenched, and she looked at him through eyes that couldn‘t hide their sorrow. “Yes we did,’ she said quietly, as she backed away from him. “I made sure of that.”

He watched as she turned and walked away.