Fire and Water

Chapter Forty nine



As soon as Krystal had calmed down, Remus contacted other members of the Order to let them know to prepare for the final battle in the coming days. Krystal used the Trace to find Harry, and was relieved to find he and his companions miles away from Hogwarts.

“They’ll move under the cover of darkness, I’m sure, so they won’t go anywhere until tomorrow evening. It‘s too late now,’ Krystal said, realising it was now after one o’clock as she closed her mind again.



Remus was looking pale, but strangely calm. As she began to pace again, he stood in front of her and put his arms around her.

“The Order is ready to move when we give the word. Harry and the others are safe for tonight. There is nothing else we can do to help him now.”

At his words, Krystal felt a wave of helplessness flow over her. She knew he was right, but it didn’t make her feel any better.



“C’mon.” Remus led her out into the hall and up the stairs to their room. “If you and I are going to be of any use to Harry tomorrow, we need some rest.”

His words seemed to startle Krystal out of her thoughts. She looked at him and frowned.

“Would you do something for me?’ she asked him.

Remus looked at her, a smile on his face as he said, “Hmm, that depends on what it is - nothing too kinky……”

She interrupted him. “I don‘t want you to go tomorrow,’ she said, her voice firm.



Remus’ smile disappeared and he raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Excuse me?’ he replied, his voice a little dangerous.

“Remus, you were tortured by these animals. You escaped from them. They are going to make you a target to get revenge. You can‘t go.” She folded her arms across her chest and looked at him, her face stubborn.

“And what do you think will happen when Bellatrix gets a good look at you?’ he retorted. “There is no way I am staying here while you go and fight - what kind of man do you think I am?”



His voice had risen angrily, but she shook her head. “I refuse to allow this. If I have to hex you, I will,’ her eyes glistening, not just with frustration at his inability to do as she asked.

“You refuse…..Jesus, Krystal! You can’t think I would do this - stay behind and let everyone else fight for me? What are you thinking?”

He was yelling now and she yelled back. “I’m thinking that I can’t lose you again. It nearly killed me when they took you and I can’t..…..”

She stopped when she realised she was almost screaming, tears streaming down her face. Remus was looking at her with a stricken expression.

“They’ve taken you from me twice already,’ she said softly; pleadingly. “I’m not strong enough to lose you again.”



Remus moved quickly, pulling her to him and kissing her. “You won’t lose me,’ he said, against her lips.

“You can’t promise me that.” She dropped her head as spoke quietly into his chest. He made her look up at him.



“ No. No more than you can promise it to me,’ he replied, his own eyes betraying his fear. “I dreamed about this, remember. I dreamed about the final battle and I saw you killed. I couldn’t breathe. It was just a dream, but I felt it, Krys; I felt it and I know I won’t survive it if you’re taken from me again.”



His tears mingled with hers as he put his cheek to hers. “But I know I can’t ask you to stay behind. I have to fight too, Krys. I have to fight for James’ son.”

She knew he was right; knew that he would never have stayed behind. He was too brave a man to allow others to fight for him.



He moved his head and his mouth met hers. Their kiss became fierce as they funnelled their fear and anxiety into passion. Krystal pushed Remus until his back hit the wall, still kissing him frantically. Remus pulled away as he grabbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it quickly over her head, bending to resume the kiss, running his hands over her shoulders and back. Her hands scrabbled at his buttons, and in frustration she yanked the sides hard, tearing the remaining buttons off.



He helped her pull his shirt off and hissed as her lips and teeth found his nipples. He held her head and moaned as she rained kissed all over his chest and shoulders. She bent and ran her tongue across his stomach, her hands brushing over the front of his pants as she fumbled with his fly. He let out a strangled groan at the touch and when she pulled his pants down and cupped him, he lost control.



With a growl, he seized her shoulders and spun her until her back was to the wall. He took her mouth roughly and pressed himself against her, kicking his legs to rid himself of his pants. He bent his head to her breasts, impatiently pushing her bra down so he could take her nipple in his mouth. He heard her loud moan and felt her hands twist in his hair as he bit her nipple then soothed it with his tongue.



As he found the sweet spot on her neck, she let out a cry and clutched at him, moving her hips against him.

“For Gods sake Remus,‘ she cried, her need making her voice harsh. “I want you in me. Now! Please!“

All restraint gone now, he yanked her skirt up and pushed her underwear aside as she lifted her leg. He moved closer, lifted her higher and thrust up into her, closing his eyes as he felt her heat envelop him.



“Fuck!” he swore, as he thrust again and she cried out, wrapping her leg around him. He needed to be closer. He reached around her to grab her ass and lift her, using the wall to support them. She swore now, just as loudly and obscenely as him, and she locked her other leg around his waist, hanging on to his shoulders as he thrust into her at a new angle, hitting every spot inside her that was crying out for contact. It took just seconds for Krystal to start to convulse around him, her teeth sinking hard into his shoulder as she cried out her pleasure. One more thrust sent Remus over the edge, his voice joining hers as he rode out his own release.



His legs shaking, Remus leaned against Krystal for a moment, trying to even out his breathing. He felt her legs slipping down to the ground, but he lifted her again, staggering backwards until he felt the edge of the bed against the back of his legs. Remus fell back, collapsing onto the bed, with Krystal on top of him. She giggled as he groaned.



“You Know Who be damned! You’re going to kill me before he has the chance,’ he gasped, hearing her laugh at his gallows humour. They lay there for a few minutes, their breathing finally slowing.

“Christ, you’re heavy!’ he grumbled, shifting so he was more comfortable. She frowned and poked him.

“You’re never supposed to say that to a woman. Not if you ever want to see her naked again anyway.”



She tried to move off him but he held her where she was.

“Hold on,’ he said, looking up at her. He had only been half serious when he complained about her weight on him, but now looking at her, he thought she did look curvier. “Remus, what are you looking at?” She laughed but he noticed she looked a little nervous.

“Did you cast a charm on your breasts - they look bigger. Not that I’m complaining,’ he added hastily.



She frowned and bit her lip. Remus frowned too.

“What is it?’ he asked. “You know I don’t care if you’ve put on weight; you got too damn skinny as it was, and I think I just showed you how hot I think you are.”

He grinned and moved his hips lasciviously. Krystal sighed and slipped off him. She moved to sit up against the headboard and clutched a pillow to her chest. Remus rolled over and sat up, staring at her.



“You’re starting to worry me now,’ he said. “If I said the wrong thing…..” Krystal shook her head.

“I have put on weight,’ she said, looking at him warily. “And I’m going to be putting on a lot more.” She shook her head again. “This is not how I wanted to tell you.”

When he looked at her, still obviously confused, she sighed again.

“I‘m pregnant, Remus.”



He looked at her blankly for a moment.

“What?’ he said finally.

“I. Am. Pregnant,’ she said slowly, concerned about his reaction. He turned and sat on the edge of the bed, looking at the ground.

“Are you sure?” His voice was calm, his words careful.

Krystal nodded. “I went to see Matt after I visited Harry today. He confirmed it.”

Remus stood up and walked across the room. He grabbed his pants off the ground and pulled them on. Krystal watched him, her heart falling. He came back and sat on the end of the bed, looking at her for the first time.



‘Remus, I…’ she began, but he interrupted.

“How….?” He seemed to be unable to find the words he needed.

“How?‘ she said, sarcastically. “Well, when a man and a woman love each other very much…” He shook his head.

“I mean, how pregnant are you? I thought you were doing the spells…”

She frowned at him. “I’m about four or five months along, I think. I guess that means it happened around Christmas, maybe just before Christmas. Matt didn’t have time to check exact dates. And I was doing the spells… Matt said sometimes they just… don‘t work.”

She watched him sit there, staring at the floor. “I didn‘t plan this, Remus.”



She saw him frown and she clenched her jaw and stood up, still holding the pillow against her.

“It is yours,’ she said stiffly, her eyes glowing silver for a moment. He looked up, startled.

“I never doubted that,’ he said.

Krystal glared at him, and stalked over to her clothes, quickly pulling her shirt back on.



“Look,’ she said suddenly. “I know that this is unexpected and that the timing is incredibly bad, but whether we like it or not, I am having a baby; your baby, and you can choose to be a part of that…… or you can piss off.”

Krystal threw the pillow at him and left the room, cursing at him under her breath.



Remus sat frozen on the edge of the bed, holding the pillow she’d hit him in the head with. Krystal was furious with him, and he couldn’t really blame her. They had talked about this when they were together all those years ago, both knowing that they would most likely not be able to have children.



It wasn’t as if he didn’t like the idea of being a father. In fact, quite the opposite. It was his deepest desire to have a family one day, and he would love to have one with Krystal, but his lycanthropy was an unknown element - people like him didn’t breed. Would he pass his problems on to an unsuspecting child? He put his head in his hands and pulled on his hair. He knew he’d handled this badly. Remus stood up and went looking for Krystal.



He found her in the living room, laying curled up on the couch, staring into the fire she’d conjured. Remus stood in the doorway for a few moments just watching her. Despite his uncertainty, a little jolt of animalistic pride shot through him at the thought of her pregnant with his child. He moved to the couch, startling her as he crouched in front of her.

“I seem to always be asking you to forgive me,’ he said. Krystal smiled a little.

“I would love to be a father, and I would love for you to be the mother of my child. But I’m not normal, Krys. I wouldn’t wish my problem on anyone, let alone my own child.”



Krystal shook her head, lifting herself up on her elbow.

“If you were to let me get a word in edgewise sometimes, it would save a lot of trouble. It just so happens that when I visited Matt, I spoke to him about this very thing.”

Remus blinked, surprised. “And what did he say?’ he said, warily, not wanting to get his hopes up.

Krystal looked at him as she said, “Things have changed since we last talked about this Remus. Healers know more about lycanthropy now. Matt seems to think that because you were bitten, not a born werewolf, and you weren’t transformed at the time of conception, that there is almost no chance of our baby being a lycanthrope.”

Remus stared at her for a second, his heart beating fast in his chest, as he hardly dared to breathe. “Is he sure?”

She nodded. “He’s sure.”



As she spoke, Remus’ face transformed. His tense, worried expression gave way to a look of pure joy.

“We’re going to have a baby,’ he whispered, a huge smile on his face. Krystal giggled, as he threw himself forward, kissing her excitedly. His enthusiasm knocked her over onto her back and she put her arms around him.



“I love you, I love you,’ he repeated it over and over as he kissed his way down to her belly. He lifted her shirt up and put his hands over her stomach. Now he could see the swell of a baby bump and he kissed her there gently.

“Do you know if it’s a boy or girl?’ he asked, resting his head on her, as he rubbed her stomach.

“No,’ she said, absently running her fingers through his hair. “It’s a fighter, whatever it is. Matt said he was surprised with all that was happening, that the baby seemed healthy.”



Remus’ head shot up. “God, you were pregnant through all that? Me being taken, the ambush.”

He went pale, his face aghast. “You were pregnant all those nights when I….”

Krystal stopped him with a kiss. “I’m fine, baby’s fine. Don’t do this, Remus. Not tonight.”



He smiled at her and kissed her again, this time allowing it to deepen as he kept a protective hand on her abdomen. She broke the kiss with a soft laugh.

“I didn’t break after what we just did upstairs, Remus, and I won’t now. Will you get up here and ravish me?”

He laughed and moved so he was hovering above her. “You’re sure we won’t hurt it?’ he asked.

“Positive,’ she replied, with a cheeky grin. “Now, why don’t you refresh my memory? How exactly did you manage to knock me up?”



Later the next day, Remus was trying to hang on to his patience as he spoke to Krystal. “I really wish you would reconsider this,’ he said for the third time that day. “You are having a baby. You shouldn’t be in the middle of a war.”

Krystal shook her head. “For the last time, Remus. It’s my job to get Harry through this fight. If he doesn’t win, this world won’t be somewhere I want to bring a child into.”

He opened his mouth again. “Just drop it,’ she snapped.

Remus dropped it, a little surprised at her short temper, but he decided to say nothing. He could see that there was no point talking to her while she was in this mood.



Krystal checked the Trace again and found out the teenagers were still in the same area as they had been the night before. Several Order members had contacted Remus already that morning, letting him know that they were ready to move when they got the call. Krystal was edgy and irritable; Remus put in down to a combination of concern for Harry and pregnancy hormones, although he felt it probably wasn’t wise to say this aloud.



“I want to go to The Burrow,’ Krystal said suddenly.

Remus looked at her, startled. “Really?’ he questioned. “Why?”

She shook her head. “I just need to be somewhere else. I’d feel closer to everything if I was there, I think.” She didn’t say that she needed distracting from her thoughts, and that Grimmauld Place was too quiet.

Remus stood. “Alright,’ he said, understanding her need to be involved. “Arthur’s the Secret Keeper, but he told me the location so I can apparate us there. When do you want to go?”

Krystal smiled and reached up to kiss him quickly. “Right now! Thank you,’ she said, gratefully. “I’ll get our things.”

She ran up the stairs and Remus sank back into his chair, feeling a little guilty. He was determined that Krystal should not fight in the coming battle. He knew that she respected Molly Weasley, and he hoped the advice of someone who had been in her situation would convince her to stay away from Hogwarts.



Krystal returned quickly; they didn’t have many belongings with them, and she and Remus apparated to The Burrow. They appeared just in front of the strangely lopsided house, startling Molly, who was sweeping the porch.

“Remus, Krystal? What are you doing here?” She hurried forward to greet them, enveloping them both in a hug.



“We’re here to stay until we hear about Harry - if that’s alright, Molly,’ Remus said.

“Of course it is. You’re both always welcome. Come in, come in….Krystal, you’re looking a bit peaky. Let’s get you inside.”

Molly put her arm around the younger woman and drew her inside the house, insisting she sit and have some lunch. Remus looked at Krystal: Molly was right. She did look pale.



Molly set two bowls of soup in front of them, urging them to eat as she stepped into the pantry.

“Are you alright?’ Remus asked Krystal quietly, putting his hand on her stomach protectively.

“I’m fine, just a little tired.”

She smiled at him, and as Molly re-entered the room, Remus dropped his hand and returned to his food, distracted by his concern for Krystal. Perhaps apparition was too much for her in her condition. He wanted to ask Molly, but he didn’t know if Krystal wanted the news public yet. But he hadn’t counted on the other woman’s intuition.



She sat opposite them and smiled. “So, how far along are you?’ she asked.

Both Remus and Krystal looked up at her, soup filled spoons frozen in the air. Krystal recovered first.

“Sorry?’ she said, shooting a warning glance at Remus, who quickly lowered his spoon and tried to look confused.

“I’ve had six pregnancies, Krystal. You’re pale and tired looking; you’re shaky from apparition; you’ve lost weight everywhere except on your stomach and breasts; and Remus can’t keep his hands off your belly. When are you due?”



Remus felt a proud smile creeping across his face, even as Krystal tried to explain away her symptoms. Molly looked at him and her own smile broadened. Krystal saw their faces and realised the secret was out.

“You’re a lot of help,’ she grumbled to Remus, as Molly squealed in delight.



“Congratulations, both of you!” She came around the table to hug Remus, who happily accepted her good wishes. “And Krystal, you must be so excited. A baby!” Krystal gave a weak smile as she received Molly’s hug.

“We aren’t telling anyone yet, Molly,’ she warned. The red haired woman made a movement near her mouth to indicate turning a key in a lock.



“So, from the looks of you, you’re about, what, four or five months along?’ Molly guessed, Krystal nodding confirmation. “That makes you due in July or August?” Again, Krystal nodded. “I’ve still got the loveliest little sunsuits of Ginny’s in the attic, they’ve still got a lot of wear in them: they grow out of clothes so quickly.”



Molly continued in this vein for the next ten minutes, with Remus joining in with questions occasionally. Neither of them noticed how quiet Krystal was as she stared into her soup.

“And you’ll be staying here, won’t you, Krystal? You can’t go to Hogwarts, not in your condition,’ Molly said, turning to the young woman.



“No.” Krystal spoke quietly, but firmly.

There was silence for a moment, then Remus said, “Krys, you have to think of the baby….”

He broke off as Krystal stood abruptly. “And what about Harry?’ she asked, her words clipped.

Remus frowned and said, “Harry has everyone in the Order looking out for him, as well as the Aurors and……”

“I was entrusted with Harry’s care, no one else. It is my job to help him, and I intend on doing that. Thank you for the soup, Molly.”

With those words, Krystal turned and left the room, walking out onto the porch.



Remus let out a deep sigh. “I’m sorry, Molly. She’s tired, and worried about Harry. Plus we fought: I’m afraid I handled the news about the baby badly at first,’ he admitted. Molly frowned. “And what about Krystal?“

Remus looked at her in confusion. “I assume that this was unplanned?’ she said.

Remus nodded, still not getting her point. “How does she feel about it?, Molly asked. He stared at her.

“Well, she’s …….”



He stopped. He didn’t know how Krystal really felt about the pregnancy. He’d assumed she was happy about it.

“Maybe someone should ask her how she’s feeling,’ Molly suggested gently, looking pointedly at Remus. “No time like the present.”



Krystal was not on the porch or in the yard. Remus wandered over past the chicken coop and suddenly, he knew where he would find her. He pushed through a hedge and disapparated into the trees ringing the property. A few seconds later, he appeared on the pebbled bank of a small lake. Looking around, he saw her laying on the ground under a tree, looking up into the sky, her hands over her stomach.



He approached and lay down next to her.

“I’m an incredible idiot sometimes,’ he began, glancing over at her, relieved when he saw the corner of her mouth twitch.

“I hope you‘re not waiting for me to disagree,’ she said. He shook his head.

“I was so caught up in my own feelings, I never bothered to ask you how you felt about all this.” Remus watched her carefully and saw her sigh.

“It’s not that I’m not happy about it, Remus. I know we agreed that we wouldn’t have children, but I guess I never realised how much I still hoped it was possible. It’s like a dream come true.” He reached over and took her hand, feeling a small squeeze as she grasped his.



“It’s just……really bad timing. I have to help Harry. I have to try and make up for what I did to James and Lily, and protecting their son is the only way I can see to do that.”

She sighed again, turning to look at him.

“I really care for Harry. I need to concentrate on him right now, and I can’t. I’m tired and cranky and distracted.” She was starting to get upset now.

“And I’m scared. Because I know what I’m going to be facing, and I know that if one good Stunner hits me ……’



A sob escaped her lips, and he rolled onto his side, his arm sliding across her to offer comfort.

“Harry would understand. James and Lily would understand,’ he said.

She shook her head. “I could never forgive myself if I hide and Harry fails. And I couldn’t stand it if I fight and something happens to our baby.”



Remus pulled her towards him and held her while she cried. After several minutes, she lifted her head away from his chest and wiped her face with her hands.

“God, I can’t believe I’ve got months of this kind of crap ahead of me,’ she sniffed, disgusted by her emotional breakdown.

Remus laughed and used the hem of his shirt to wipe the moisture off her face, leaning over to kiss her when he was done.



“I can’t tell you what to do, Krys. For very selfish reasons, I want you to stay out of harms way, but I understand why you need to fight.” He ran his hands up her arms as he spoke. “I can’t make this choice for you. You have to do what your heart tells you.”



They lay there for a long time, listening to the birds in the branches above them, and the wind rustling the leaves. Finally, with a kiss on her head, Remus broke the silence.

“Molly will be getting worried, we should go back.” Krystal groaned in protest, but let Remus pull her to her feet. He held her hands for a moment.



“You’re going to fight, aren’t you?’ he asked quietly.

Krystal gazed at him then nodded. “Are you angry?’ she said, her voice low. He smiled ruefully and stroked her cheek.

“No,’ he answered, his hand moving around to the back of her neck. “You wouldn’t be the woman I love if you made any other choice.”



He could see his dread echoed in her eyes as he drew her to him and kissed her softly. Remus rested his forehead against hers. “I love you, Krys. I’ve loved you all my life.”



Krystal kissed him back and whispered against his lips, “I love you, Remus. I can’t wait to have your baby.”

At her words, Remus’ control over his fear broke. He pulled her close and held her tight, struggling to reign in his panic, his terror: both for them and for their baby.



They made their way back to the house, walking hand in hand in silence. There was nothing else to say. As they reached the porch, Arthur Weasley met them.

“We’ve just heard from Aberforth Dumbledore. Harry is heading for Hogwarts.”