Fire and Water

Chapter Fifty three



Krystal smelt salt water as the suffocating sensation of apparition lifted. She looked around and saw that they had appeared on the deserted beach that was spread out in front of their cabin. A look at Remus told her he was pleased with her choice of honeymoon location.



“This is beautiful, Krys. Where are we?” he asked as he put his arms around her.

“A little island off the east coast. Very private, very secluded, no one else around for miles.”

He smiled. “Really?’ he asked.

She nodded. “Really,’ she confirmed, letting out a little shriek of surprise as he fell to the sand, pulling her down on top of him.

“In that case,’ he said, running his hands over her back, stopping on her butt, “I think it’s time I got to rip that dress off you.”



She laughed before his lips found hers, his tongue urgently seeking entry to her mouth. A spark of desire caught hold and she joined him in his frantic attempts to remove their clothing. His jacket was discarded hastily and she pulled his shirt straight over his head, not bothering with the buttons. As she worked on his pants, his hands found the zip of her dress and he yanked it down roughly; pulling the bodice away from her body. He raised himself and his mouth latched onto a breast, sucking her nipple into his mouth. Momentarily distracted from getting his pants off, she sucked in a breath as she felt his tongue and teeth tease first one breast, then the other.



As his mouth moved up her body, she renewed her attempts to strip him, finally undoing the belt and fly and she raised herself, pulling his pants down. Remus pushed them the rest of the way, taking his shoes off with them. He grabbed the hem of her dress and dragged it over her head, cursing loudly when he saw that, as she’d told him earlier, she wasn’t wearing any underwear, only stockings and a suspender belt.



‘Fuck!’ he exclaimed in awe, running his hands up the silky stockings. Krystal laughed and leaned over to kiss him hard.

‘That’s the plan,’ she murmured, reaching over to take her heels off, but Remus stopped her, running his hands over them.

“Leave them on,’ he said, his voice like sandpaper as his urgency grew. She gave him a cheeky grin and bit his lip, enjoying his response as he groaned again.



Her fingers found his nipples as she sucked the skin on his neck into her mouth. She felt his hands squeeze her butt, lifting her slightly and then lower her straight onto him. As he slid completely into her, she moaned loudly, shutting her eyes as she was nearly undone by the sensation. Remus too, stopped, fighting for control as he felt her muscles clenching around him.

“Don’t move,’ he ordered, his voice harsh as she wriggled on him.

“Uh uh,’ she whispered, as she began to move. “I’m on top, I make the rules.”



She kissed him, their lips duelling as their movements grew faster, all restraint quickly lost. Her breasts were rubbing against his chest, driving him mad and, knowing he was close to the end, his hand slipped down between them, stroking her once, and sending her crashing into release. Hearing her cry out sent him over the edge, he grasped her hips and pulled her tighter to him as he exploded, his moans joining hers as they lost track of all reality.



Breathing hard, Remus fell back to the sand, Krystal falling with him. They lay in silence for several minutes, listening to the ocean as their breathing became regular. Remus ran his hands up and down her back as the wind picked up, cooling their sweaty bodies and making them shiver.



“We should go in,’ he murmured into her hair.

“Mmm, she agreed reluctantly, moving off him and starting to gather her clothes. “Come on then,’ she called, pulling her shoes off and walking completely naked, apart from the stockings, to the cabin that stood on the edge of the beach. He watched her approvingly as the moonlight hit her, making her skin glow. She turned and saw him still laying on the beach.

“That’s alright. I could just finish this honeymoon on my own,’ she teased, her hand sliding up her thigh slowly.



Jumping to his feet, he grabbed his clothes and raced up to the cabin, seizing her around the waist and lifting her up into his arms.

“I’ve got to carry you over the threshold,’ he said. She smiled and pushed open the door, kissing him gently as he walked through the doorway and slid her body down his.

“I love you, Krys,’ he said backing her onto the bed and lowering her down, his body resting lightly against hers. She smiled as his mouth came down on hers and whispered against his lips, “I love you too.”





Five and a half years later



Harry jumped as he heard the scream from inside the room, knocking the toddler over who had been trying to crawl onto his lap.

“Harry!’ admonished Ginny, as she bent to pick up the two and a half year old who was looking stunned at finding herself on her butt.

“No, I’ve got her,’ insisted Harry, quickly scooping up the child before she could decide whether to laugh or cry. He threw her up in the air, making her giggle, and said “Sorry, Katie Lillian.”



Ginny smiled and sat back into her chair, next to a serious looking five year old, who had her nose stuck in a book. A loud curse came from the room off the hall. Katie slid off Harry’s lap and repeated the word, sending Harry into a fit of laughter.



“Katie, you shouldn’t say that word,’ Ginny began, trying to hide her own smile as the child immediately swore again, giggling at herself.

“Harry, help,’ Ginny ordered as Katie started to chant the word, laughing as she twirled in the hallway.



Suddenly, there was a flash a white light and Katie fell on her bottom again, shocked into silence.

“Mummy said you shouldn’t use those words,’ said the now standing older child.

“Mummy say no magic, Will,’ said Katie turning to look at Harry with indignation. “She use magic, Uncle Harry.”

“No underage magic, Willow; and no swearing, Katie,’ said a stricter Aunt Ginny, frowning at Harry, who was still chuckling. Willow glared at her sister then sat down, picking up the book she’d dropped and resumed her reading.



“What are you reading?’ Harry asked Willow, who lowered the book with a put upon sigh.

“Beetle Bailey stories,” she replied, handing the book to Harry. He flicked through the pages, reading the inscription inside the front cover: ‘To Willow Jaimee Lupin, Happy 5th Birthday, Love from Hermione and Ron’.

Willow enjoyed spending time with Hermione, and Harry’s friend was happy to have someone to mentor.

“Hermione used to always give me books for my birthday as well,’ he said with a smile, handing the book back. Willow smiled at him, and sat back in her chair.



As Willow opened the book again he watched her, struck again by how much she resembled Remus: both in looks and personality; with the exception of her eyes, which were not her father’s deep blue, but a bright, piercing blue.



Willow was quiet and clever, spending most of her time reading, particularly enjoying learning about defensive magic, and could already beat both Harry and her father at wizard chess. Even Ron, dedicated chess player, confessed to Harry that she almost had him beaten a couple of times. She had a mischievous streak though, and had masterminded pranks that made her father secretly boast to Harry about her ingenuity.

‘Must be the Marauder in her,’ Harry thought with a grin.



He remembered how pleased he was when Remus told him Willow’s middle name was in memory of Harry’s father - one of Remus‘ best friends and fellow mischief maker; her first for Willow’s godfather, Bill Weasley, who had helped save both Krystal and Remus‘ lives some years ago.



The young girl already proved to have her mother’s gift of wandless magic, and, as Willow looked up and grinned at him, he suspected she also shared her mother’s ability to read minds. A loud giggle from the end of the hallway distracted him, as he turned to smile at Remus and Krystal’s younger child.



Katherine Lillian, named in honour of two women: Krystal’s mother Katherine, and her friend, Harry’s mum, Lily Potter. Bright and bubbly, always bouncing and always laughing; Harry could see so much of Krystal’s personality in the girl. She was, in looks, a combination of her parents: Krystal’s features, with Remus’ eyes and colouring. The little girl already showed both parent’s Gryffindor character traits as well: fiercely loyal like her father and as protective as a lioness, just like her mother. And, like her mother, Katie had everyone who met her wrapped quickly around her little finger.



Harry heard another muffled cry from the birthing rooms and looked at Ginny. He smiled at her, receiving one in return. He loved spending time with his friend’s children. It was difficult sometimes: Krystal and Remus having decided to raise their children in Australia. It had been easier for Remus to get work in the foreign country - teaching defence with Krystal at a local wizarding school. But they visited often, and had just spent the Easter break with the Weasleys. Harry had enjoyed watching his father’s oldest friend playing with the children he never thought he’d have, and he hoped that one day soon, he could be as good a father as Remus was.



He felt a little stab as he wondered who Remus and Krystal would choose as godparents for this new baby. He felt slightly petty, but he was a little sad he hadn’t been asked to perform that role for either of his friends girls. He quickly shook off the thought: Krystal and Remus both included him in their lives; he had come to think of them as a combination of friends and parental figures, and their girls both called him ‘uncle’.



He moved to sit next to his wife, saying quietly, “It’s taking longer than the others, isn’t it?’

Ginny checked her watch and laughed. “Harry, she’s only been in the labour room an hour, give her a chance.”

Willow put down her book, looking at them.



“Do you think it will be a boy? I’d quite like a brother,’ she said. Harry and Ginny smiled, amused by how much she sounded like Hermione sometimes.

“No!’ came the cry from down the hall where Katie was hiding under a chair. “Boys are yucky and smelly. I want a girl baby!”



Harry let out a roar. “What! Are you saying I’m yucky and smelly? I might just have to tickle you now!”

He jumped up and ran to where Katie was trying frantically to get out from her hiding spot, squealing with delight as Harry caught her, tickling her until she begged for mercy. Ginny laughed and Willow shook her head, rolling her eyes at the display.

“You’re so immature,’ she called to her sister and honorary uncle, eyes widening as Harry put Katie down and turned on her.



“Immature? Are you calling me immature, Willow James?’ he said, calling her by the hated masculine version of her middle name.

“Don’t call me that, Uncle Harry…No!’ she cried as Harry lunged at her.

“Don’t tickle me!’ she pleaded, as Harry picked her up and flung her over his shoulder, spinning until a giggling Willow threatened to throw up on him.

“Harry!’ Ginny scolded him, as the noise level grew. “This is a hospital, be quiet.”



As she spoke they heard a loud guttural scream and then silence, before a baby’s cry rang out. All four people in the waiting room stood in shock for a moment, before breaking out into huge smiles.

“Yay!” Willow abandoned her mature attitude and jumped up and down with her sister in excitement. Ginny tried to settle them down, as Harry approached the door of the birthing rooms, waiting for word on mother and baby. Over the past five years, Krystal had become a mother figure to him; Harry jokingly calling her ‘mum’ when she scolded him. He was impatient to make sure everything had gone well.



The door opened and Remus stepped out, his face tired, but his joy unmistakable. He grinned broadly when he saw Harry.

“It’s a boy!’ he exclaimed, a trace of disbelief in his voice.

Although he and Krystal had always said they didn’t care what sex their children were as long as they arrived safely; deep down, after their girls, they had hoped for a boy to complete their family.



Harry cheered and hugged the older man.

“Congratulations, Remus!’ he said, happily. He pulled away, slightly. “Everyone alright?’ he asked seriously.

Remus smiled again. “Perfect,’ he confirmed.

Ginny joined them, also hugging Remus, before his children ran at him, wrapping their small arms around him and chattering excitedly about their new baby brother.



“Is mummy ok? She was yelling a lot,’ asked Willow, seriously.

“Yes she was, Will. Your mum’s not one to keep her feelings to herself anymore. But she’s fine, honey. Uncle Matt’s just helping her clean up.”

He lifted his oldest daughter and kissed her cheek; his own ‘mini me’ smiling back at him.



“Me too!’ called Katie, hating to be left out. Remus laughed and picked up the two year old.

“Mummy said a naughty word,’ she told him as he kissed her forehead.

“Mummy nearly broke Daddy’s hand,’ Remus muttered as he put down both girls. “And threatened to tear me a new one if I ever got her pregnant again.’

He smiled a little as he straightened. “I was thinking maybe a year between babies next time - what do you reckon? We’re not getting any younger,’ he said to Harry, who grinned.

“A new one what?’ said Willow, curiously as Matt came out of the room behind them.



“You can go in now, but keep the noise down,’ he said, smiling at the group, his face lighting up as his goddaughter Katie ran at him. He picked her up and clapped Remus on the shoulder; giving him a quick hug.

Matt had become a good friend and had delivered all of Remus and Krystal’s children, including his goddaughter, and their first daughter, Ally, who had not survived the war in which her parents had fought. Krystal insisted on Matt for her births, and he got permission to practice at the nearest wizarding hospital, who were trying to convince him to stay.



“Who wants an ice cream?’ he said to the two overexcited girls.

As they yelled excitedly, Matt turned to Remus, “I’ll take them and settle them down a little before they see Krys.”

Remus smiled his thanks and he, Harry and Ginny entered the room.



Harry saw Krystal laying against the white pillows, her hair looking very dark against her pale face. She turned at the sound of the door opening, and smiled a tired but happy smile at the trio.

“Hi!’ she whispered, looking down at the bundle in her arms. “Come and meet the latest addition.”

Remus stood back a little as Harry and Ginny moved to stand next to the bed, both of them giving Krystal a quick hug.



“Oh Krys, he’s gorgeous!’ Ginny sighed, moving her hand to the baby’s head and stroking gently.

“Just like his mum,’ said Remus, unable to resist boasting and moved around to the other side of the bed. He kissed Krystal on the top of the head, his pride obvious.

“How big, what’s his name? Come on - we want all the details,’ Harry said, staring down at the little boy, slightly nervous as Krystal told him to hold out his arms.



Krystal handed Harry the baby and lay back against the pillows with a grimace.

“Molly was right; boys are bigger,’ she said, wriggling to try and get comfortable. “He was 9 pounds - the biggest baby yet, and the last,’ she added, looking over at Remus who had been grinning cheekily, but quickly rearranged his face and nodded.



“He looks just like you, Krys,’ Harry broke in, amazed by the newborn’s resemblance to his mother.

“He really does,’ agreed Ginny. ‘It’s uncanny.’

“He’s got his father’s eyes,’ said Krystal, who laughed softly as Remus smiled, leaning over to check if the baby was awake.



After a few more minutes, Ginny excused herself, saying she would find Matt and help him with the children. Harry was still holding the baby, tickling his cheek, while Remus curled up next to Krystal on the bed. He stroked her hair, murmuring softly into her ear, making her smile.



“You never said what you were going to call him. Did you decide eventually?’ asked Harry, who found it hard tearing his eyes away from the little boy. Krystal and Remus had always been particularly evasive about boys names, telling everyone who asked that they hadn’t made a decision.

There was a moment of silence, and Harry looked up to see Krystal and Remus exchange a glance.

“What?’ said Harry. “Don’t tell me you still haven’t made up your minds!”



Remus shook his head as Krystal said softly, “No. We decided years ago what we wanted to call our son when he arrived.”

She looked at Remus, giving him her silent blessing to share the name they’d chosen. “We hoped you wouldn’t mind; I mean, maybe you and Ginny may want to use the names for your child when you decide…..”

Krystal broke in. “Remus, just tell him,’ she said impatiently, looking closely at Harry’s face.

“We decided we’d like to call him Sirius,’ said Remus quietly. “Sirius Harry Lupin.”



Harry stared at the two of them for a minute, unable to find any suitable words.

“You hate it,’ said Krystal, her eyes worried.

“If you wanted to use those names, Harry….” began Remus. But Harry quickly shook his head.

“No,’ he said, his voice a little scratchy. “I……I like it.” He smiled at them, a lump forming in his throat as he looked down at the tiny, dark haired boy. He was touched that they wanted to name their long awaited son after him and his godfather.

Remus cleared his throat and continued.



“And we wanted to ask you…….it seems fitting if you….” Krystal’s patience ended, and she interrupted her husband.

“Would you be his godfather, Harry? Would you and Ginny be Sirius’ godparents?”

Harry smiled again. “I would be honoured to be his godfather,’ he said quietly.



“We were waiting to ask you. We thought we’d have to have a boy eventually, and we knew we wanted to name him after you and Sirius and we thought it was fitting that you were his godfather. I’m sorry it took so long - I know you must have wondered why we hadn’t asked you yet,’ explained Remus, answering a question Harry had asked himself.



“Thank God it was a boy this time, though,’ Krystal added, obviously relieved. “I love our children but I think three is more than enough, so if this one had been a girl…..well, let’s just say that I’m glad I didn’t have to ruin her life by calling her Sirius Harriet.”



Harry and Remus laughed, and Sirius fidgeted. Ginny walked back through the door, with Willow, closely followed by Matt carrying a squirming Katie.

“Mommy!’ they called, earning themselves a hurried “Shhh!” from all the adults.



They gave Krystal a cuddle, Willow wasting no time in dobbing on Katie for swearing earlier. Katie retaliated by mentioning that Willow had used magic, causing a fierce, but quick squabble, broken up by an ever patient Remus.

Harry drew their attention to the bundle in his arms, and their disagreement was soon forgotten as the sisters clamoured to see Sirius. The girls had a quick hold of their new baby brother and gave their approval to his name.



“Sirius is the name of a star,’ Willow told them, surprising them yet again with her knowledge.

“Yes it is,’ said Remus, crouching down beside his oldest daughter, who was sitting on a chair, holding her brother. “But it was also the name of one of my best friends when I was a little boy.”

Krystal smiled at him as he stroked his son’s head gently.



“The one who could turn into a dog!’ said Katie, excitedly, bouncing up and down on her mother’s lap, causing Krystal to wince in pain.

Harry quickly picked her up and gave her a cuddle, saying, “That’s right, and he was my godfather.”

Willow looked up at Harry and smiled. “And now you’re Sirius’ godfather,’ she said.

Harry smiled at her. “Yes I am.”



Harry and Ginny had left soon after. They were looking after Willow and Katie while Krystal was in hospital. Matt checked Krystal was recovering, and supervised Sirius’ first feed as Remus contacted everyone to let them know mother and child were doing well. Matt took a sleeping Sirius to the nursery, promising to return him later if Krystal ‘would just get some rest‘. She swore she’d try, and Matt left, after threatening to throw Remus out if he didn’t let her get at least a day‘s rest before starting on the next baby.



Krystal moved over on the bed, as Remus slid in next to her, rolling on his side and wrapping his arms around her.

“You did good, Mrs Lupin,’ he mumbled into her hair, his lips brushing her temple. “He is just perfect.”

Krystal smiled and murmured her agreement, her eyes closing as a day of labour took it’s toll. Remus, too, felt sleep creeping up quickly.

He kissed his wife’s head, whispering, “I love you.”

Krystal smiled. “I love you too.”