Fire and Water

Chapter Thirty Nine



Remus stood with the remaining wedding guests in the centre of the tent. Krystal had disapparated with only moments to spare before the Death Eaters stormed in and rounded them up.

“We are looking for Harry Potter!” came the voice of Dolohov who was standing at the front of the crowd, while the others wandered through the crowd of guests. A groan or a gasp of pain could be heard occasionally as the intruders made their way from one side of the tent to the other.

He looked over at Bill, who was standing with his arm around a crying, but defiant Fleur. Bill returned his gaze. They were both wondering the same thing; had the Ministry fallen? He looked back at Dolohov who was watching the crowd.



“Come on!” he shouted. “Harry Potter is wanted for questioning in regards to the death of Albus Dumbledore! Turn him over, and you can go home - in one piece.” He grinned unpleasantly at Fleur’s cousins, who began to cry.

“We don’t know where he is!” One of them yelled at Dolohov. “He’s gone!” The tent exploded as everyone began shouting.



Remus felt rather than saw a Death Eater come up behind him.

“Is she safe?” he heard the masked man whisper.

He frowned and it took all his control not to turn and punch Snape.

“Yes,” he replied curtly, not needing to ask who he was talking about. He felt Snape brush up against him.

He turned and looked at him, his lip curling in disgust when he saw the silver mask. They both started at the sound of the loud bang from Dolohov’s wand. The tent was silent as everyone looked to the front.



Dolohov turned to where Snape was standing next to Remus. “He’s not here,” said Snape.

Dolohov turned to Remus, who clenched his fists in an effort to control himself. This man had attempted to rape Krystal in her Fourth Year, and he desperately wanted to strike out now, as he couldn’t back then.



“What about you, werewolf?” His eyes glowed with malice behind his mask, as he raised his wand. “How long could you hold out before the Cruciatis curse loosened your tongue?”

Remus said nothing, staring at Dolohov with ill disguised rage. The other man moved and stuck his face into Remus’.

“Where is Potter?” he said through gritted teeth.



“Potter? Who’s Potter?” replied Remus, glaring into Dolohov’s face. He was hit across the face by the man and, losing his temper, he hit him back hard, punching him with everything he had in the stomach.

Dolohov went down hard, his mask falling off. Snape hit Lupin over the head, and Remus struck him back in the torso, hearing a crack and seeing the brief look of pain in Snape’s eyes.





Dolohov raised his wand from the ground and yelled “Crucio” sending Remus to the ground next to him, writhing in pain. Snape grabbed Dolohov’s arm, as several Order members stepped forward, only to have wands raised at them by the remaining Death Eaters.



“That’s enough!” he growled. “We are wasting our time; we need to find Potter.”

Dolohov nodded, and stood, looking down at Remus, who was struggling into a sitting position.

’She wanted it, Lupin,’ he said tauntingly. He knew why Lupin hit him, having recovered the memory several years earlier. ‘The little slag was begging for it.’



Remus saw red, and grabbed the man around the knees, pulling him to the ground. He heard Bill call out to him to stop. Dodging a spell from Dolohov’s wand, Remus threw a punch at him hitting him in the mouth, and felt one of the man’s fists connect with the side of his face before he was thrown off him by a charm. He looked over to see Snape with his wand out, eyes furious as he glared at Dolohov.

The dark man blinked rapidly and the look was gone, replaced by a cold stare. ‘We are leaving. Now,’ he said to the other man, and the two of them disapparated; quickly followed by the other Death Eaters.



There was silence in the tent for a few moments then chaos broke out. Guests were disapparating; some were screaming and crying; other’s trying to find loved one’s. Remus saw Arthur speak to Bill. Bill nodded and disapparated with Fleur.

Arthur made his way through the crowd to Remus as the man got to his feet. “What the hell did you think you were doing?‘ he demanded, turning as his name was called across the tent.

‘You’ll stay?” he asked, turning back to him briefly, seeing Remus’ nod before walking to help an elderly relative. “Let’s get everyone out!’ he called.



He, Arthur and Charlie spent the next couple of hours comforting distraught guests and assuring everyone that Harry was in no way responsible for Dumbledore’s death. After the last guest had disapparated, Remus and Arthur sank into chairs, alone in the tent as Charlie and the twins had taken Ginny and a sobbing Molly into the house an hour ago.



Remus grabbed a bottle of Firewhiskey that had been left on the table and pulled two glasses towards him. Arthur gratefully took the glass he offered as Remus downed his own drink.

“The Ministry has fallen,” Arthur said. “The Patronus from Kingsley confirmed it.”



Remus nodded as he poured himself another drink and leaned over to refill Arthur’s now empty glass as well before saying, “We’ll be tailed everywhere we go from now on. They’ll be hoping one of us will lead them to Harry.”

He put the cup to his cheek where Dolohov had hit him, feeling the cool glass soothe his hot skin.

Arthur took a sip of his fresh drink. “They’ll be wasting their time then, won’t they?” he said the words lightly, but his eyes were serious. “I mean I don’t know where he is. And you don’t, do you?”



Remus understood that Arthur wanted to know if he knew where his son was heading. “No. No one knows where he is. I’m sure he is safe though.” Arthur looked grim and drank the half of his drink quickly.

“And our guest…..She seems to have disappeared,’ he said, mildly. Remus looked at him, knowing that Arthur was concerned about Krystal’s absence. “She had to leave early, she sends her apologies though,’ he said, trying not to give away anything useful in case they were being listened to.

Arthur nodded, saying, “And will you be seeing her again soon?” Remus sighed and shook his head, a feeling of misery washing over him.

“I hope so, Arthur. But I have to find her first.”



The red haired man nodded, his eyes sympathetic. ”Well, be sure to let her know how much we enjoyed her visit, and that we appreciate all her help,’ he said. He downed the rest of his drink.

“I’m going to check on Molly,” he said, standing. “Good night, Remus.”

The older man laid a hand of Remus’ shoulder briefly, before he strode across the demolished tent and disappeared into the house.



Remus didn’t know what time it was when he finally finished the bottle of Firewhiskey. He had no idea where Krystal was, or even if she was safe. He was also thinking about Snape. When he’d asked about Krystal, there was no mistaking the concern in his voice, or the anger in his eyes when Dolohov had goaded him about attacking her. Remus wondered again what the connection was between the dark haired man and Krystal. She was determined to believe the best of the Death Eater; and Snape had taken many chances with his life to ensure Krystal remained safe.



He felt a surge of jealousy. Were there other feelings there? Krystal had spent a lot of time with Snape at one point, could they have become …..

He closed his eyes and rubbed his hands across his face roughly, not wanting to give that painful thought a chance to take hold. Krystal had told him that there had been no one else, but he wondered about the dark man’s motivation. He wished he could see Krystal; hold her and kiss her. He had told her earlier tonight that she was part of him and now, sitting in the yard, looking at the stars; he felt like a large piece of him was missing.



He stood to go back to the house, putting his hands into the pocket of his robe. His fingers touched a small piece of paper which he pulled out. Remus looked at the paper; squinting at the words. He blinked, trying to clear his vision. He had drunk over half a bottle of Firewhiskey on his own and was having trouble standing, let alone reading. He slipped the scrap of paper back into his robe. Whatever it was, it would have to wait until morning.



***



As the new day dawned halfway across the world, Krystal tried to take her mind off Remus by attacking her house. She’d apparated to the nearest town, bought food and supplies, and then went to work. Doing it the Muggle way, she washed, wiped and mopped every inch of the small dusty house until it sparkled and she was drenched in sweat.



Once she had finished, she fixed herself a sandwich and ate it slowly, sitting on her small veranda. It was so damn hot; and she was sweaty and dirty from cleaning. As she pulled at the neck of her t shirt, she wondered how she could have forgotten how hot it got in Australia; even the winter heat could be stifling compared to the UK. She eyed the hose that lay on the lawn. ‘The garden really did need a water,’ she thought.



Half an hour later, she was wet and muddy.

‘At least I feel a lot cooler‘, she thought to herself. She gave the stubborn weed she’d been pulling at a final yank, falling on her butt as it came loose. She swiped at her face, leaving a streak of dirt. She stood up and looked down at her clothes. Her shirt was a disaster, with a thick layer of mud across the front. The closest neighbour lived ten minutes drive away, so she stripped her top off and threw it on the ground.



She held the hose up in the air, letting the water splash down on her, sending the mud and dirt running in rivulets off her. She smiled a little as she put her finger over the end of the hose, sending the water high into the air, hitting her like rain as it came back to earth. She’d loved to do that as a child: enjoying seeing the rainbows made by the sun hitting the water droplets.



She sighed as she turned the hose off. She needed to do something to stop her wallowing in her own self pity. She turned to pick up her shirt from a puddle of water. As she did, she saw a movement in the nearby trees. She spun around to face the trees, ready to cast a hex if needed. Krystal felt the tension in her body rise as the bushes moved again. She held up her hand and was about to strike when a kangaroo suddenly hopped out of the brush, looked at her and hopped away, oblivious to the fact that it had very nearly been Stunned.



Krystal felt her knees go a little wobbly as she laughed. She crouched down and laughed until she was wiping tears off her cheeks. She rested her head in her hands as she tried to regain control. Krystal ran her hands over her head and took a shaky breath. This was ridiculous! She had survived eighteen years without seeing Remus; yet now, after 24 hours without him, she felt like she was going insane. She was even hallucinating! She could swear she saw him appear in front of the bushes from which the kangaroo had just exited.



It took her a few seconds to realise that she wasn’t seeing things, he was really there. He smiled at her and she took a step towards him before stopping and raising her hand. This couldn‘t be Remus. How was that possible?

“I am Remus Lupin, werewolf, Marauder and crazy about you,’ he said, walking towards her and smiling, knowing why she hesitated. ‘We spent the three days after your seventeenth birthday in bed, trying out every position it was physically possible to get ourselves into….,‘



It was proof enough. She threw herself at him, wrapping her arms and legs around his body, kissing him frantically. He caught her and responded appreciatively, his arms gripping her around the waist, holding her tight against him, as his lips moved to her neck. As she gasped and rocked her hips into him, he felt his legs weaken and his body go hard. Remus pulled away and looked at her, his desire tinged with amusement as he took in her appearance.



“Were you expecting someone?” he said, looking at her, wet and filthy in her bra and shorts. She laughed and let her legs slide down until they touched the ground.

“Well, Charlie Weasley said he might call around, but since you’re here, I guess you‘ll do….” she let her voice trail off and then squealed as he grabbed her around the waist and threw her over his shoulder.

He carried her up the stairs and into the house before putting her down, but keeping his arms around her.

“You really are very dirty,’ he commented, looking down at her, getting a little distracted by her chest, exposed in her wet, and now see through, bra.

“Mmmm. I am, aren’t I?” she agreed. “I need a shower.”



She stepped back from him and bent over, pulling off her shorts, letting them fall to the floor. A slow smile crept over Remus’ face. He followed her as she slowly walked backwards through the house, keeping her eyes fixed on his. She reached around to her back.



“A nice, long shower.” She unhooked her bra and took it off. She tossed it to him and he caught it. “You know,” she said, looking him up and down. “I made you all dirty too.” He let her bra drop to the floor as ripped off his robes and his shirt in record time.



Krystal smiled and let her eyes wander over his chest, biting her lip as she longed to kiss him. She had reached the bedroom doorway as she put her thumbs under the sides of her panties and pulled them away from her hips. Remus’ hands were unbuckling his belt, but stilled as he stopped and watched her.



Krystal held his gaze as she removed her last article of clothing, kicking it towards him. Her eyes dropped to his pants and he took the hint, his hands quickly undoing his fly and shoving his pants off. He hopped on one foot, trying to pull his shoes off. By the time he was naked, Krystal had disappeared from the doorway.



He hurried into the bedroom, hearing the sound of a shower off to the side of the room. He approached the bathroom, slowing as he saw Krystal already in the shower, letting the water sluice over her body as the dirt and mud was washed away. Remus stood and watched her. He remembered all those years ago when he had first seen Krystal naked. Back then, he couldn’t believe that someone like her would ever want him. The same feeling hit him now as he watched her turn to him and give a cheeky smile.



“Wash my back?” she asked, the teasing smile fading a little as she couldn’t stop her eyes flicking downwards. He grinned and opened the shower door.

“Back.’ he said taking the soap off her, holding it with one hand as the other went to her hair, pulling the elastic out of her ponytail, her hair falling to her shoulders.

“Front.” He looked down at her breasts as he soaped up his hands. “Top”

He took her hands and pressed against her until she was leaning up against the shower wall.

“Bottom.” He whispered the last word as he leaned in to kiss her.



Krystal thought she was heaven as he caught her lips with his. She felt his tongue flick at her lip and she opened to mouth to deepen the kiss. His soapy hands slid up her arms, rubbing the foam all over her skin.



As Remus pulled back a little and ran his hands over her chest, Krystal’s mouth moved to his neck and shoulders, her tongue licking the beaded water off his hot skin, enjoying the rumble she heard in his chest.



Krystal’s head fell to his shoulder with a sigh as Remus’ hands gently drifted over her breasts, circling them from the outside until he reached her nipples. He flicked them with his fingers, causing her to bite down. He groaned as he felt her teeth sink in.



He was trying hard to take it slow, but the full moon was that night and his instincts and senses were incredibly heightened at this time. He cupped her breast and moved his mouth in a path from her collar bone until he touched a nipple with his tongue, lapping at it until she yanked his hair in impatience.



He smiled before he took it into his mouth and bit gently. He heard Krystal cry out and felt a sting as she dug her fingernails into his neck and shoulders. The pain caused a surge of lust to race through him and he moved his hands lower, wanting desperately to bury his face in her: the scent of her arousal was making him lose his mind.



Krystal felt Remus sink to his knees in front of her. He ran his soapy hands over her belly and down her legs. She gripped his shoulders as he pressed kisses over her stomach and the scars he found there. His hands had moved up her legs; lifting one over his shoulder as his mouth moved to her inner thigh.



She grasped his head and cried out as his mouth found her; his tongue flicking at her clit; his fingers moving inside her until she felt her control shatter and she pressed herself against him furiously, shudders shaking her body. One hand grasped his head to her, while the other held her up, gripping the top of the shower cubicle as her knees went weak.



As she came back to reality, she felt Remus kissing her stomach again as he made his way back up her body. As he reached her mouth, he ran a finger over her lips before kissing her, letting her taste herself on his tongue.

‘God, I’ve missed that,’ he said against her lips, wondering now how he survived so long without being with her.

‘Me too,’ she admitted with a smile, chuckling at his smug look.



She put her hands on his chest, pushing him into the other wall of the shower.

“My turn.” Her eyes glittering, she rubbed the soap over his chest, spending a lot of time brushing each nipple, causing him to bite his lip and throw his head back. Krystal kissed his neck, along his shoulders and across his back, ensuring she moved her hands slowly over his ass as she soaped his back. She heard his growl as her hand wandered between his legs and she gently nipped the top of his arm.



She moved around so she was pressed up against his chest again, bending her knees slightly so she could take his nipples in her mouth as she brushed her breasts against him. She heard his uneven breathing and felt Remus’ hand tighten on her shoulder as the other moved up to tangle itself in her hair.



Krystal’s mouth and hands followed a similar path that his had on her. As she crouched on the floor of the shower, she ran her tongue over the scars on his belly and legs. He moaned and the other hand moved to her head as her tongue found his hard shaft.

“Christ!” Came the strangled cry as she took him in her mouth. She let her hand drift and caress as she used her mouth, tongue and teeth to send him insane.



Feeling himself reaching the point of no return, Remus grabbed Krystal’s arms, pulling her to her feet and spinning her around so that she facing the wall. He pressed his body into her back, letting her feel his desire.

“Do you know what you do to me? No one else, Krys. No one else has ever made me feel like you do,‘ he gasped in her ear, his voice rough with need.

She turned her face back to him and he kissed her frantically, moving so that he stood between her parted legs. Krystal tilted her ass back towards him to allow him the access he needed and he groaned as he felt her wet heat against him.



He put his hands on her hips and pushed against her, listening to her sharp intake of breath as he slid inside of her. She leaned back into him, hearing him curse and grip her hips tighter as he began to move.

His arms moved to wrap around her, pulling her back to meet him with each thrust. One hand slipped down and stroked her, the sensation ripping a tortured sound from her throat as she felt herself begin to shake uncontrollably. Too soon Remus found himself balancing on the edge. He felt Krystal begin to come undone and he let go; falling with her, calling out each other’s names.



The both of them stood, Krystal leaning against the wall, with Remus breathing hard into her neck, still pressed up against her back, shaking with the intensity of their shared experience. Remus rained kisses over her shoulders, making Krystal laugh softly. She turned around, feeling him slip out of her body and her arms wrapped around his shoulders. He grinned at her, then his head dipped to kiss her.



‘Did you know it was your smile I first fell for?’ she asked him when he finally raised his head again. He smiled down at her.

‘Really?’ he said, feeling himself flush a little. ‘It was your ass that first got my attention,’ he teased, laughing when she pushed him away from her.

‘No,’ he said, taking her back into his arms. ‘It was your eyes. The way you looked at me: you made me feel like I was special - in a good way. You made me feel as though I was the most important person in the world.’

He kissed her gently. ‘You still do.’



Their kiss deepened, Remus pressing her back into the wall. Their breathing was erratic when they parted, Remus moving first, turning off the shower, then pushing himself away from her. He pulled her out of the cubicle and wrapped a towel around her. He tied another around his waist, drying off a little as he led her to the bed.



They dropped the towels on the floor and collapsed on the bed, pulling the sheet over their bodies as they ran their hands over each other; laughing and kissing until their breathing became laboured; their giggles turned into moans and the dance began again.