Fire and Water

Chapter Forty three



“I don’t have time for this.” Severus made a move towards the door, but Krystal slammed it shut with a flick of her finger.

“Sit down, Severus,’ she ordered. “Or so help me, I will hurt you in ways even The Dark Lord couldn’t imagine. And you..,’ she turned her finger around on Lupin. “If you ever want to see me naked again, sit!”

Her tone and eyes brokered no argument. Both men glared at her for a moment, then sat in chairs opposite each other.



“I can’t keep getting pulled in two directions like this. One day, I’ll snap.” Krystal looked from one man to another, her voice softening a little.

“I know you two are never going to sit across from each other at Christmas dinner, but I’ll settle for a little civility when you are in this house. Remus, Sev is my friend, I care about him, but we have never been more than friends; you have no reason to be jealous.”

She looked at Severus, who raised his eyebrow at her. “It’d be like snogging my brother.”



Remus also looked at Severus and was surprised to see the corner of his mouth twitch a little, and that his dark eyes held a flicker of amusement.

“And Sev, you have to show some respect for Remus. I love him. This is his home now. He’s here to stay.”

Remus grinned as Severus grimaced. Krystal leant forward. “I’m not asking you, I’m telling you.“

He looked at her, his dark eyes glittering. “Are you finished?” She stared at him for a second longer.

“Yep!” She sat back. “Now, why are you here?”



“I recovered three dead Death Eaters today, very close to Bill Weasley’s home. I wondered if that was your handiwork.”

Remus frowned and opened his mouth, but Krystal spoke first.

“They attacked us. We fought back. We were stronger.”

Severus glanced at Lupin, then back to her. “I told you that you were taking a chance travelling back to the country. Does this have anything to do with Potter?”

Krystal shook her head. “Do you know where he is?’ Severus asked.

“Why?” cut in Remus. Severus didn’t look at him, but spoke to Krystal.



“The Dark Lord is getting agitated. We haven’t found Potter and he has not yet been fruitful in his own plans. He was very angry when he found out he was down three servants.”

Krystal frowned. “Are you hurt?”

Severus shook his head impatiently, standing up and pacing. “No. But when the Dark Lord is frustrated, people die.“ He looked at Krystal. “Potter’s mission. What do you know about it?”

Krystal looked at him, her eyes narrowing. “You know I can’t tell you; Albus told you what you needed to know.”

Severus spun to face her. “I NEED TO KNOW WHERE POTTER IS !”



Remus stood quickly, moving closer to Krystal, who seemed stunned by the man‘s sudden anger. “Get out!’ he said loudly.

Severus ignored him and kept his eyes on Krystal. “I also have a job to do,’ he said, his voice lower now but still agitated. Krystal stood up slowly, putting a retraining hand on Remus‘ arm.

“And will you tell me what your task is?” she asked softly, knowing he would refuse; that he would not betray Albus‘ trust. He growled as he strode towards the door.



“Sev.” He stopped, turning to her as she held up his wand. He froze, giving her a look that suggested his patience was coming to an end.

Krystal walked over to him, standing close as she spoke. “If it helps you, I’ll find him; find out how far along in his mission he is but Sev, will you be alright until then? How much time can you give him to do what he has to do?”

Severus tried to take his wand from her hand, but she stopped him, placing her hand over his.

“It is vital that I talk to him before he confronts the Dark Lord,” he said.



Krystal looked at him appraisingly. “It’s you isn’t it? The last piece of the puzzle - the thing that Harry can’t know before the end? You are the one that holds that piece?”

He didn’t respond, but she saw the confirmation flick through his eyes before he could hide it.

“You’ll go to Potter?” he asked. Krystal nodded. “Tomorrow?”

Severus had spoken urgently and Krystal frowned. ‘Sev..’ she began, but he bought up his other hand to grasp hers tightly.

‘Tomorrow, Krystal,’ he said, a trace of pleading in his voice. ‘Please?’



“Alright,” she agreed, startled. Severus never pleaded, never begged. She gazed at him, questioningly as, taking his wand, he stepped back. He stared at her for a moment, as though wanting to say something else, but finally turned and opened the door.

He hesitated then turned to look at Lupin. ‘She‘s too good for you.”

Remus stepped forward. “I know,’ he replied, looking at Krystal with a small smile.

Snape stared at him for another second then walked out.



Krystal watched him go, her face troubled. Remus moved to stand with her, putting an arm around her waist. “He’s a good man; he just made bad choices. We are very much alike,” she said, her voice sad.

“I don’t know,’ he said softly, his breath tickling her ear. “You’re a lot sexier than he is.” Krystal felt a slow smile spread across her face.



She turned to Remus, who slipped his arms around her. “Are you feeling better?” he asked, looking at her carefully.

“Much better,” she responded, putting her arms around his neck and pressing herself closer to him, feeling his instant physical response.

“Good,‘ he said, ‘Because I had plans for tonight, and they didn’t include you being unconscious.”

He leant down and kissed her: slowly, teasingly; erotically.



Krystal felt heat engulf her, yet she shivered in his arms. Her legs were unsteady and she forgot to breath as his mouth made her feel sensations she’d never felt before. His hands slipped slowly under her bottom and he lifted her, sliding his hands over her thighs, helping her wrap her legs around him. He walked back to the bedroom, still kissing her as she clung to him.



Slowly, Remus lay her on the bed, resting on his elbows above her. His tongue stroked her lips as his hands undid the sheet she was wrapped in and spread it, revealing her bare skin. He ran his hands lightly over her body and she shivered again. He smiled against her lips, aroused by her response to him. He quickly waved his wand, making his clothes Vanish then threw it down. His mouth moved to her neck; her shoulders; her chest - taking his time, moving slowly. By the time he took a nipple in his mouth, Krystal was shaking with need and begging him to put her out of her misery. He nipped her breast, saying “Be patient. We’ve got all night.”



Krystal cursed; telling him loudly and graphically what she wanted, as he licked her other nipple. He smiled again and decided to help her, moving his hand to brush her warm centre. She arched off the bed, mewing noises escaping her throat and she thrust her hips against him. Remus felt a wave of need wash over him as she cried for relief. He had a lot more planned for this night, but if she kept making that noise, he wasn‘t going to make it. He stroked her clit again, firmer this time and then once more, before she let out a long keening cry and pressed herself hard against his hand as she came.



Remus gritted his teeth, in his head listing all the Quidditch teams he could think of, trying desperately to not to listen to the noises she was making. When she stopped moving and lay still in his arms, he raised his head.

“Better?” he asked with a grin. She smiled and shook her head disbelievingly.

“One kiss!” she said, a little stunned and breathing hard. “One kiss did that. Jesus!”

She looked at him as he laughed softly. “Why don’t you come here and see if you can do that again?’ she said, a dare in her voice.

“Oh, I’ll be doing that again,‘ he promised her. ‘That was just the appetiser.”

He ducked his head, chuckling at the look on her face.



“Remus,’ she said, amused. He kissed her stomach and heard her sigh.

“Remus,” she said again, her voice not as strong this time as he continued, kissing her hip; feeling her hand grip his shoulder as his tongue traced the V shaped scar there.

“Remus.”

She breathed his name this time as his mouth found the spot his fingers had teased earlier. Krystal gasped as she felt his tongue enter her, grasping his hair as he used his tongue and mouth to bring her body back to the peak; not letting her go until she was gripping the sheets, twisting them in her hands and calling his name again, over and over.



As she relaxed, Remus kissed his way back up her body, hearing a groan escape when he reached her breast.

“You’re trying to murder me,’ she moaned, breathless.

He smiled and licked the skin on her throat, hearing another groan. He worked his way around her jaw to her ear and encircled her ear lobe with his tongue, feeling her hips begin to lift again as he sucked it into his mouth.



“Now, for dessert,‘ he whispered, hearing her small cry.

He moved between her legs, feeling her heat as he entered her, sliding smoothly until they were completely joined. Krystal sighed as she felt him fill her.

“God!’ he gasped, breathlessly. “You are heaven.”



She laughed a little. “And you’re the devil,’ she replied, her laugh turning into a cry as he moved inside her.

He looked at her, his face amused at her reaction until she wrapped a leg around him and pulled him deeper. He let out a sharp breath and kissed her; their bodies finding a natural rhythm. They lost themselves; melding together as they moved in unison. As the tension increased, Krystal needed more; needed to end the exquisite torture. “Please, Remus,’ she implored him as her hands pulled at his hips.



“What do you want? Tell me,’ he said, his voice rough as he desperately tried to stay in control.

“Harder. Please. I need…” Her voice trailed off as, at her words, he lost his grip on the last threads of his restraint and began to thrust into her hard and fast; just as she’d begged him to.

“I love you,’ he said, leaning in to kiss her. It became a mantra; over and over he told her he loved her until she dragged her fingernails down his back and hissed his name. Her release sent him flying; soaring as he felt her body tighten around him. His whole body shook as he collapsed on top of her, his breath coming in gasps.



“I’m too old for this,” he groaned a few minutes later.

He heard her muffled chuckle. ’You’re not getting any younger,’ she agreed, laughing when he pinched her butt.

’I believe you are only a few months younger than me,’ he retorted, kissing her neck.

’I’m reaching my prime,’ she said, cheekily. ’Everyone knows women reach their sexual peak in their thirties and forties, whereas men are finished by twenty.’

‘Finished, huh?’ he growled, raising his head and glaring at her. ‘I believe this has-been just made you scream three times.’



‘That is true,’ she conceded with a grin. ‘Maybe I’ll stick with you for a bit longer. But the minute I fall below two orgasms per day, I’m outta here.’

Remus smiled. ‘I don’t think that’s going to be an issue,’ he teased, with a mischievous look in his eye. ‘You’re like a goddamn firecracker. You always have been.’

He kissed her hard. ‘Give me a couple of minutes and I’ll be able to work on number four for the night. What was the record? Five, wasn‘t it?.’

As he spoke, he pushed against her slightly, feeling his already hardening cock slide deeper inside her.



“Fuck, are you sure you haven’t done a spell or something?’ she groaned as he hit sensitive skin. ‘Maybe some pills or potion to keep it up?’

He chuckled against her neck, leaning on her. ’All I need is you, baby,’ he said.

He heard her breathless laugh and tried to lift himself.

‘I’m squashing you,’ he protested as she held him where he was.

“I like it,’ she replied softly.

There was a minute of silence then she laughed quietly. “You know, at Bill and Fleur’s tonight, I was worried that you regretted leaving Tonks.”

Remus lifted his head and shoulders, his startled face looking down at her.

“I know. It was my turn to feel a little jealous, I guess,’ she said shrugging.



He laughed, a little harder than necessary. “What’s so funny?” she asked, wondering if she should be offended.

“You thought I wanted to get back with Tonks?’ he asked, grinning like a maniac.

She nodded, confused as to why that was so funny. “You seemed so distant, like there was something on your mind and I thought….”

“You idiot,’ he said affectionately, his laughter fading but his smile remaining. “You…you are all I ever wanted; you are…everything.”



His smile was lost as he struggled to explain to her how he felt. He shook his head.

“This isn’t exactly how I wanted to do this, but…” Remus took a deep breath.

‘I should never have let you make me wait, Krys. I should have listened to my heart.’

Krystal was slightly taken aback by his intensity. “Remus, what….?”

He put his fingers over her mouth and she was silent.

“Marry me.”



He looked into her shocked eyes.

“What?” he heard her say, the word muffled by his hand.

He moved his hand away. “Marry me, Krystal O‘Connor. Be my wife.”

She stared at him in silence for a moment, and Remus started to feel a little anxious. Then, she smiled: a beautiful, radiant smile, that he had only ever seen once before on her face - the night they‘d first kissed.

“Yes. Yes, Remus. I’ll marry you.”



Morning came quickly, and soon Remus was whining.

“Why can’t I come too? I’ll be good, I promise. No ravishing in front of the children. Put up a Silencing Charm when you talk to them so I can’t hear you.”

Krystal laughed and swatted Remus across the back of the head as he mumbled into her neck. She was trying to dress, but it was difficult with his arms around her; his mouth moving against her skin, not to mention that he kept pulling her clothes off as quickly as she could put them on.



“C’mon Remus!” She turned and put her arms around his neck. “It’s only for a few hours, the day at the most. You can survive without me for that long. You‘ve got the rest of your life to be with me.”

She saw the look on his face. “I’ll be fine,’ she said reassuringly as she realised how concerned he was.

She broke out of his grip and quickly pulled some clothes on. Remus threw himself back onto the bed, watching her with a frown.



Krystal smiled when she saw the pout on his lips. “Don’t be such a baby!’ she scolded crawling up the bed until she held herself over him.

He reached up and pulled her down onto him. “Be careful. Don’t take any chances for that….for Snape,’ he finished hastily, seeing her expression. She nodded and kissed him.



It was a simple kiss, but it bought unexpected tears to Krystal‘s eyes. She suddenly felt uneasy; their kiss had felt final, like a kiss goodbye. She’d felt this sensation once before - the evening he had left for his transformation eighteen years ago . The night before everything changed.



She tried not to let Remus see her disturbed expression as she pulled away and stood up. She picked up a bag of food she was taking to the kids, just in case they weren’t getting enough to eat. He followed her out of the house to the edge of the enchantments and, as she made to move out of their protection, he grabbed her arm and spun her around, kissing her hard. After several moments, he lifted his lips but stayed close, his forehead against her temple.



“Stay.”

The request was whispered, but Krystal heard the undercurrent of uncertainty in his voice. He’d felt it as well; the feeling that this was goodbye.

“I can’t.” She pulled away and stepped back past the barrier, mouthing “I love you” as he disappeared. She concentrated on Harry, feeling her mind rushing as the Trace located him and she disapparated.



Her head was pounding when she felt her feet sink into something cold. The crunching noise told her that it was snow, and she began to shiver as a freezing wind hit her. Krystal looked around her. There was no sign of them.

‘Good,’ she thought. They were using the protection. She let her mind open, listening for their voices in her head. She heard them immediately, their thoughts bouncing off the inside of her skull.

She called out softly, “Harry?”



The voices in her head stopped suddenly, then she heard them all think the same thing. “Yes, it’s really me. Everything’s fine except that I’m freezing my butt off out here. Think something and I’ll repeat it back to you to prove it‘s me.”

Three individual thoughts entered her mind at the same time. “No, Remus isn’t with me, Harry. Hermione, I performed the Cruciatis curse on you, and Ron: that’s none of your damn business!”



A tent appeared in front of her, and she saw an untidy dark head emerge. Harry smiled. “It is you!”

Krystal closed her mind again as she came forward. “Let me in, I’m bloody cold,” she complained.

“Tell me what Ron thought,” Harry said with a grin.

She pushed at him. “Get inside,’ she muttered, a little amused by the red headed boys interest in her ass and what covered it.

‘Must run in the family,’ she thought, as Charlie’s creeping hands snuck into her mind.



She looked around in surprise at the roomy interior of the tent. “And here I was thinking you were sleeping in caves and eating from garbage cans,’ she said smiling at the three teenagers in front of her, who grinned back.

She put the bag of food on the table and Harry and Ron lunged at it.

“What are you doing here?’ said Hermione, brushing past Ron abruptly to hug her.

Krystal choked back a laugh when she saw Ron’s pink face over Hermione‘s shoulder. She caught his eye and he turned even redder, looking away quickly.



“Can I borrow a jacket first, please?’ she asked, sitting at the small dining table and warming her hands on a jar of portable fire. “I forgot how cold it would still be here.”

Ron took his jacket off and gave it to her, still not meeting her eye.

“Thanks, Ron!’ she said brightly, enjoying the boy’s discomfort. Cheeky sod.

Hermione glared at him before she fetched Krystal a cup of coffee. Harry sat next to her at the table.

“Everything is alright,’ she repeated, looking at his concerned face. “I just needed to know you were ok and if you were having any luck.”

She said it as casually as she could. If Harry thought she was reporting to Severus, he wouldn’t tell her anything. The others sat and for the next hour they talked, telling her about their journey so far. They had destroyed a Horcrux already. Harry told her about the strange Patronus he had seen in the woods; the Patronus that had helped he and Ron destroy the locket Horcrux.

“Do you know anyone with a doe Patronus?” he asked.



Krystal was torn. She really did want Harry to know Severus as she did, but if she told him that it was probably the Death Eater’s Patronus, he would ask too many questions. Questions that could put Severus’ life in danger. But she had promised Harry she wouldn’t lie to him. She spent too long debating with herself: Harry had caught on.



“You do know who it is,” he said, excitedly.

He and the others sat up straighter. Krystal looked at them, choosing her words carefully.

“Your mum had a doe Patronus, Harry. But obviously, she could not have cast it.”

She wasn’t lying; Harry didn’t have to know Severus and Lily had shared a Patronus. Krystal took a sip of her coffee and then quickly changed the subject.



“Do you know where to go now?” Harry and Hermione exchanged a glance.

“We’ve got some ideas,’ said Hermione. Krystal nodded.

“Good. Well,’ she said, standing. “I’m off.”

She still hadn’t lost that troubled feeling and suddenly wanted to get home. She’d found out enough to keep Severus happy. The trio looked startled at her eagerness to leave.

“Something’s wrong, isn’t it? You’re acting strangely,’ Harry said, his brow furrowing.

“Walk me out, Harry,” she said, moving towards the opening of the tent. She waved at the others. “Keep safe guys ok.”



Hermione and Ron looked a little stunned as she ducked out of the tent, followed by Harry.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

She shook her head, her sense of unease was rapidly turning into panic. “I don’t know. I just can’t shake this feeling. I need to get home.”

She shrugged the Ron’s jacket off, shivering as the wind buffeted her. “Keep going, Harry. You’re doing really well.”

With a quick hug, she moved away from the tent and apparated back home.



As her feet struck the ground, she swayed, taking a moment to acclimatise to the change in temperature. It took her another few seconds to realise that something was amiss. She looked around warily, before it hit her. The enchantments were missing; they’d been breached! She ran towards the house, her heart sinking when she saw the open door. When she got inside, she stopped in her tracks. She felt as though a bucket of ice water had been thrown on her.



The house had been trashed: curtains torn down, cushions ripped open, broken glass and china everywhere.

“Remus!’

She ran to the bedroom as she called his name.

“Remus!”

Her voice rose to a scream as she called him over and over, running through the house, throwing doors open as she checked every inch of their home. Krystal returned to the living room and, unable to stand on her shaking legs, sank to the floor.

He was gone.