Fire and Water

Now they\'re getting older, the UST is getting thicker and we start to think sex. It\'s coming...I promise. Just like the reviews I crave!!!!



Warning: Threat of harm in this chapter.



Chapter Six



The embarrassment and awkwardness of the ‘sex talk’ as it was dubbed by the Fourth Years, took a few days to dissipate; Sirius and James not helping matters by describing in great detail the particulars of what they had learnt, as well as trying to get the girls to expand on what Alice had told them about their talk.



Remus felt incredibly embarrassed around Krystal, trying desperately not to think about the last few nights. He’d given in to his fantasies, imagining all kinds of scenario’s involving a partially clothed Krystal touching him in ways that made his breathing become laboured. He finally got over it when Krystal noticed his preoccupation, threatening to use her Occlumency skills to find out what was wrong with him. He knew she wouldn’t really - she’d promised she wouldn’t, but the threat was enough to make him behave as normally as he could.



Easter break finally arrived, much to the everyone’s relief, and Krystal went off to Lily’s house to spend most of the holidays, Severus meeting them each day in the park. Krystal spoke to him again about revealing his crush on Lily, but Sev refused, telling her he didn’t want to talk about it. She didn’t push him: afraid he’d stop her potion tutoring if she did.



Remus’ fifteenth birthday came around when they were back at Hogwarts; just before the panicked studying for exams started. Krystal spent the day in the hospital wing with him, sympathising with him about the unfairness of having a transformation the night before his birthday. She’d bought his presents up to him; Madame Pomfrey preferring that the other boys didn’t visit as they were too noisy.



‘Box of chocolate frogs, box of Bertie Botts Beans, box of Sugar Quills. Gee, they put a lot of thought into those presents, didn’t they?’ she scoffed, taking a bean and popping it into her mouth. She chewed hesitantly, then quicker when she tasted the bubblegum flavour.

Remus smiled at her. ‘Where’s yours then, Miss Originality?’ he asked, glancing at the collectors card that came with the Chocolate Frogs before putting the whole sweet in his mouth.



Krystal grinned, and pulled a small wrapped present out of her bag. ‘Don’t say I don’t do anything for you,’ she teased, handing it over to him. He laughed and unwrapped it, his mouth falling open when he saw the wristwatch inside.

‘Wow, Krys!’ he said, taking it out.



‘I asked your mum and dad last time I was over your house and they said they weren’t getting you one until your seventeenth - sorry if I ruined the surprise - but you’re always asking the time. It’s not a really expensive one, but it’ll do you until your parents get you a good one.’

She stopped talking and looked at him. He was staring at her strangely.

‘If you don’t like it, you can take it back and swap it,’ she said uncertainly, but he blinked then shook his head, grinning at her.

‘No, I love it,’ he said, putting it on his wrist. ‘Thanks, Krys.’





He leaned over and hugged her, feeling goosebumps break out on his skin when her arms went around him.

‘No problem,’ she said, her mouth near his ear. Their embrace lingered a little longer than usual, and Remus felt quite warm when she pulled away.

‘So,’ she said, looking a little pink herself as she held up two textbooks. ‘DADA or Charms?’

Remus pointed to the DADA book and Krystal smiled.

‘Chicken,’ she murmured, knowing he had more difficulty with Charms theory than DADA.



Remus smiled as well, then looked down at the watch again while she was rummaging through her bag for quills and parchment. He was always checking the time, hating to be late, and Krystal knew how much it irritated him to keep asking. She’d gone to his parents to talk to them about what they were getting him and had obviously put a lot of thought into the gift. Remus closed his eyes, feeling his hopes rise

‘It means she’s a really good friend,’ he told himself. ‘Don’t read anything else into it.’

‘Are you alright?’ Krystal asked, seeing him close his eyes. ‘We don’t have to do this now if you’re not up for it.’

Remus opened his eyes again and saw her concerned face. ‘I’m fine,’ he said with a smile, shaking off the feelings. ‘Alright, you win, smarty pants. Hit me with Charms.’



***



A couple of weeks later, the students were preparing for their end of year exams, Krystal hoping all her time stuck in the damp dungeons with Sev were going to pay off.

“Um, a Shrinking Potion?’ she said, looking at Severus with hopeful eyes as she gave him the answer she prayed was correct.

“Finally!’ he exclaimed, slamming the book shut. “My work here is done.”

Krystal giggled, and tried to kick him playfully with her foot. “It’s been sooo hard on you, hasn’t it?’ she teased, grabbing her textbook off him and shoving it into her bag.



“You are not a natural potion maker, Krystal, but you should be able to pass your exams next week,’ he said, with a smile, picking up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder.

She smiled at him, copying his movement.

“Thanks for your help, Sev,‘ she said gratefully.

He shrugged as they left the dark, dank potions room. They walked up the stairs, talking about their plans for the upcoming holidays. When they came out into the Entrance Hall, Krystal saw two older Slytherin’s move away from the shadow’s where they had been standing, and approach them, their eyes glinting.



“Who’s this then, Snape?’ said the tall blonde seventh year, looking at Krystal in a way that left her feeling like she needed a shower.

Severus looked at her, concern in his dark eyes. “This is Krystal. I’m tutoring her. She was just leaving, Lucius,’ he said, with a trace of anxiety in his voice, his eyes held a warning that Krystal caught.



“See you, Severus,’ she said, backing up a little to move to the stairs behind them. The other boy moved quickly, blocking her way and putting his face right up to hers.

“What’s your hurry, gorgeous?’ he said, with an unpleasant smile. Krystal looked at Severus, who now couldn’t hide his worry.

“I’ve got a detention,’ she invented wildly, ‘with Professor McGonagall. She’s expecting me.”

It was late - she didn’t know if they’d buy her excuse.



They didn’t. The boy called Lucius laughed. “Ooh! So you’re a naughty girl, are you? I like naughty girls.”

He reached out to touch her hair, looking at her dangerously when she tried to pull away. She bumped up against the other boy, feeling his hand on her butt, shocked when he tried to move it between her legs. Lucius grabbed her arm and pulled her against him hard, rubbing himself on her even as the boy behind her pressed into her as well. She felt something hard against her bottom and was suddenly very scared.



“Lucius,’ Severus said, trying to distract the older boy, but the dark haired student pointed his wand at him, casting a Petrification spell sending Severus crashing to the floor.

The older boys laughed, and Krystal felt the dark haired boy’s hands run up from her hips to her breasts, trapping her arms against her sides.

She gasped and tried to pull away, the boy holding her breasts laughing and leaning down, saying, “Go ahead and fight me,’ he whispered. “I love it when they struggle.”



The blonde reached around her, grabbing her ass and squeezing. “You should feel privileged we chose you. Don’t you know who I am?’ Lucius said, moving a hand and seizing her hair again and tugging on it sharply.

“An asshole,’ she retorted before she could stop herself, her eyes flashing silver in anger.

Lucius’ blue eyes widened and he glared at her furiously, as he slapped her hard across the face, making her vision go blurry for a moment.

“You little bitch!’ he growled, pulling his wand from his pocket.



Krystal, terrified now, felt a pulse of heat rush through her, making the boy behind her loosen his grasp.

‘What the hell?’ he said, moving his body away from hers.

Taking advantage of his distraction, she got her arms free and raised her hand, casting a hex. She watched as a white light flashed and Lucius’ face began to swell alarmingly. He roared, and the other boy moved forward, gripping her arm tightly again. Krystal waved her other hand at him, and felt his fingernails scrape her skin as he flew backwards, falling hard onto the stairs.



Krystal ran for it, racing up the stairs and along the hall towards her common room, looking over her shoulder to see if they were following her. She was nearly there when she ran into something, and would have fallen if hands hadn’t grabbed her shoulders. Screaming, she lashed out, trying to get the hands off her, when she heard a familiar voice. “Krys, stop. It’s me!”



She stopped flailing around, recognising Sirius’ voice. Breathing heavily, she looked at him, seeing his troubled face.

“What’s wrong?’ he asked. “What happened?” But her voice failed her. She could only shake her head, feeling a sense of panic quickly taking over her. He could see how upset she was, and he hugged her to him for a moment.

“It’s ok, Krys,’ he said softly, pulling away to look at her face again. “Are you hurt?”

She shook her head, her breath coming too quickly, she felt like none of it was reaching her lungs.



“What’s going on? Who screamed?’ She heard a second voice now, and saw Remus and James stepping out of the portrait hole, their faces creased in concern. Remus saw Sirius holding Krystal and moved quickly to them, putting his hand on Krystal’s shoulder.

“What’s wrong?’ he asked urgently. By now, her breath was coming in gasps, and her eyes were wide with fear.

“I think she’s hyperventilating,’ said Sirius in a low voice.



Remus took her by the shoulders, and made her sit down in the middle of the corridor. He knelt in front of her and held her face in his hands, making her look at him.

“Krys, you need to slow your breathing. Come on, watch me, alright? In and out, slowly,’ he said calmly, demonstrating what he wanted her to do. Sirius crouched down next to them, a frown on his face.

“Come on, sweetheart. Just try, alright,’ he asked, as she shook her head. “That’s it, slowly. Sirius,’ he said quietly. “You’d better go and get McGonagall.”

Sirius took off, running down the hall, James stepping closer.

‘Should I get Lily?’ he asked and Remus shook his head, still looking at Krystal.



He breathed with her, not letting his eyes drop away from hers once. Her respiration finally slowed, until she was drawing regular, shaky breaths.

“Better?’ he asked, his eyes clouded with fear and concern. Krystal nodded, feeling the tears coming and fighting against them.

Remus saw her eyes welling up, and his heart hurt for her. He reached over and pulled her to him, holding her to his chest as she struggled to control herself.

“It’s alright, Krys,’ he whispered, stroking her hair. “I’ve got you now. It’s ok.”

He looked up as he heard footsteps and saw Sirius returning with Professor McGonagall.



The teacher crouched beside them. “Miss O’Connor, what’s wrong? Are you ill?’ she asked. Krystal shook her head.

“No,’ she said, her voice hoarse. She lifted her head off Remus’ chest and looked at the teacher.

“They t…touched m….me….,’ she choked out, still shaking as her hand moved to her breast, seeing the look of understanding on McGonagall‘s face. “D…downstairs. They grabbed m…me, and L…l…Lucius hit m…me.”

Remus looked at her, his face shocked. “He hit you?’ he said, indignantly. She nodded, and he felt anger flood through him.

He stood up rapidly, saying, ‘Where is he, Krys?” in a stony voice; James and Sirius coming up next to him, their own faces furious.

Professor McGonagall stood as well. “No, Mr Lupin,’ she said firmly. “Leave this to me, thank you. I need you to take Miss O’Connor to the infirmary. She needs a potion for shock. Off you go!”

She waved her hands, then turned and strode down the hall.



Remus, breathing heavily, fell to his knees again in front of Krystal, taking her hands.

‘Where did he hit you?,‘ he asked, anger making his voice shake as he looked at her. Seeing the red mark on her face, he gently touched her chin with a hand, applying pressure until she turned.

‘God!’ he hissed, the hand print obvious on her pale face. He squeezed her hand tightly, rage like he’d never experienced bursting inside of him.

Sirius also knelt, holding Krystal’s arm, looking at Remus in concern. He could see the absolute fury in his normally gentle friends’ eyes and was startled by it.

‘Remus…’ he said softly, trying to bring his friend‘s attention back to the task at hand. “I’ll help you. Come on, Krys.’

James returned to the common room, his eyes stormy, as Remus and Sirius helped Krystal up, each putting an arm around her, walking her to the nurse.



Madame Pomfrey got her changed into a gown and into bed, giving her a potion to counteract shock as the boys watched on worriedly. Krystal’s shaking subsided after a few minutes, and she was able to tell Remus and Sirius exactly what had happened. As she went through it, she saw their faces go hard, Remus squeezing her hand tight when she got to the part where they touched her breast, then Lucius hitting her.



When Madame Pomfrey shooed them away from the bed, Krystal saw Remus saying something to Sirius, who nodded, leaving the room quickly. The woman fussed around Krystal for a while, taking her temperature, checking blood pressure, poking and prodding at her; ignoring Krystal assertions that she wasn’t sick, she was fine.

Remus saw her still shaking hands and pale face and said in a low voice, ‘Krys, stop being so damn stubborn and let her make sure you’re alright. Please?’

Krystal heard the worry in his voice and stopped fighting the nurse.



Remus stood near the end of the bed, watching, and when Madame Pomfrey found the bruises and scratches on her arm where the second Slytherin grabbed her, his eyes closed for a moment, his jaw clenching. When he opened his eyes, Krystal could see the anger there. The nurse gave Krystal a second potion.

“This will help you sleep, love,’ said the woman. “Drink it all.”

Krystal took the vial, but didn’t drink it, seeing Professor Dumbledore arrive in the hospital wing.



The Headmaster was frowning and he approached Krystal quickly, sitting on the edge of her bed.

“Are you alright?’ he asked, obviously concerned. Krystal nodded, and felt tears sting her eyes again, blinking furiously to try and keep them at bay.

“Professor McGonagall alerted me, and I have spoken to Mr Black, who found me and told me what happened.”

Krystal glanced over at Remus, who was watching her closely from the end of the bed. So, that’s where Sirius had gone so quickly: Remus had known she needed to see someone from her family. She felt a strange, tight feeling in her chest as she looked at him, and put her hand to it with a frown.



Dumbledore didn’t see her movement, he was now telling her that he had spoken to the Slytherins.

“Sev tried to help me, Albus, but they hexed him…” She stopped, hoping he wouldn’t be angry with her. “I know I shouldn‘t have used my magic, but…”

He shook his head, clasping her hand. “No. You should never have been put in that position. You must have been terrified. Everything you did was fine.“ He paused. “But I’m afraid tonight’s events have raised a problem.”

He glanced at Remus, saying, “Perhaps Krystal and I could talk in private for a moment, Mr Lupin.”

But she interrupted, “No, I want him to stay. He knows everything, Albus.” Dumbledore looked at her, a frown creasing his face as his eyes searched hers.

“Very well. The problem is that Mr Malfoy knows you did not have a wand when you cast those quite clever hexes. He comes from a family that….,’ he paused. “Lets just say, his family is not one I want knowing about your abilities.”

He looked over at Remus again, then back at Krystal. “What I am about to ask you is completely unfair and I will understand if you wish to yell at me, but I would like your permission to Obliviate all those involved in the argument tonight. Including yourself, if you wish.’



Krystal frowned, and Remus said “No way!” loudly.

“I know it is unthinkable of me to suggest it and under normal circumstances, those boys would be on their way to a Ministry hearing now, but you know I cannot let them leave knowing about your abilities.”

She nodded, beginning to feel a little numb from the events of the night.

Remus looked angry as he started to speak, but was interrupted by Krystal.



“Do it - it’s fine,’ she said shakily. Dumbledore looked at her piercingly.

“You understand I can not then punish them for something they don’t remember doing?’ he said. ‘I will let the teachers all know what has happened and for the rest of their time here, we will ensure they have no opportunity to attempt this again, but they will receive no formal punishment for what they did to you tonight. ”



Remus frowned. “So, they just get away with it? They attack her and Malfoy hit her, but they get away with it? Did you see the bruises on her? God knows what would have happened if she hadn‘t gotten away from them.”

His voice had risen with his temper. Dumbledore stood, and faced Remus.

“Her parents and I believe it is important that Krystal’s abilities are protected. I know this doesn’t seem fair, and I do not like it anymore than you, Mr Lupin, but I believe this is the only course of action.” He turned to look at Krystal.

“Do you trust me? Do you understand that I believe it is important to keep your abilities secret?’ he said.

She nodded. “Have you explained this to Mr Lupin?’ he asked, turning back to Remus.

“I would never tell anyone. Krystal knows she can trust me,’ he said, defiantly.



Dumbledore looked at him for a moment, his eyes, so much like Krystal’s, seemed to be looking for something. Then he smiled, and nodded.

“Yes, I believe she can,’ he said softly. He walked over to Krystal and kissed her on the top of her head.

“Take your potion now,’ he said. “I’ll let Madame Pomfrey know that Mr Lupin has permission stay as long as he likes.” He smiled at Krystal.

“Thanks, Albus,’ she said, leaning back on the pillows as he left the room.



Remus came closer, sitting on the spot the Headmaster had just vacated. “Are you alright with this?’ he asked, angry that Dumbledore wasn’t going to punish the Slytherins.

“I just want to forget about it,’ she mumbled, rubbing at her aching face.

Remus gritted his teeth: he could still see a handprint on her face, and it was beginning to bruise. He forced his anger down. Krystal didn’t need him ranting and raving right now, she needed comfort and support.



‘Are you going to let Dumbledore Obliviate you?’ he asked, more gently now.

She shook her head. ‘No,’ she said, with a frown. ‘I hate the thought of there being a….gap in my memory. That things have happened to me that I can’t remember.’

‘It’s not something you want to remember though, Krys,’ he said, his eyes concerned.

‘I don’t want him to Obliviate me,’ she insisted, and he decided to drop it. She could be stubborn when she wanted.



‘Does it hurt still?’ he asked, touching her face carefully. Krystal shook her head, feeling her chest tighten again when his fingers brushed over her skin.

‘No,’ she said softly. ‘It just feels kind of hot now.’

Remus frowned then laid his cool hand over her still red skin. It did feel hot. Krystal felt a little shiver run through her.

‘It’s alright, Remus,’ she told him, trying to smile. His lips tightened a bit, and his frown deepened.

‘No,’ he said firmly. ‘No, it’s not alright, Krys. None of this is alright.’



Krystal swallowed hard. ‘Don’t do anything,’ she warned, knowing how hot headed Sirius and James could be, and seeing how angry Remus still was. ‘You can’t do anything to them. They won’t remember.’

Remus’ jaw clenched, and he moved his hand to her shoulder. ‘You should get some sleep now, Krys,’ he said, ignoring her request, knowing that there was no way he was letting them get away with this.

“You don’t have to stay, Remus,’ she said, not wanting him to go, but wanting to give him the choice.

“I’m not going anywhere,’ he said, taking her hand before handing her the potion from the side table. “Drink,’ he ordered.



She smiled, relieved, and took it off him, but held it in her hand. “Thank you,’ she said, her eyes finding his. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

He swallowed hard, and smiled at her. “I’m sure you would have got along alright,’ he answered, his face colouring a little.

“I don’t know about that,’ she said softly.

She looked so vulnerable that he wanted to hold her and promise her nothing would ever hurt her again. He settled for hugging her, feeling her body relax a little as her head rested on his shoulder. Remus’ hand made it’s own way to her head, running over her hair. He felt his heart rate rise, and that wasn’t the only physical reaction he had to her nearness. Quickly, he kissed the top of her head and pulled away.



‘Come on, now,’ he said when they broke their embrace. ‘Drink - get some sleep. I’ll be here when you wake up, I promise.’

Her lip shook a little before she put the vial up to her mouth and drank all of the potion, it’s effects instantaneous. Remus caught the vial as it dropped from her hand, then slipped off the bed, making her more comfortable before he sank into a nearby chair to watch over her, sleeping fitfully until the sky lightened.



“So, what are we going to do to them?’ James asked the next day, looking over at the other Marauders.

Remus shook his head, saying, “She doesn’t want us to do anything. If we attack them, we’ll get in trouble - they don’t remember anything.”

He yawned widely. He’d not slept much in the chair next to Krystal’s bed, but hadn’t wanted to leave her. Madame Pomfrey had sent Krystal back to her room this morning, with the order to rest. She was in her room with a hovering Lily; the boys talking in their room.



Sirius frowned, pacing the room. “We can’t let them get away with this,’ he said.

He was nearly as furious as Remus, having seen what bad shape Krystal had been in immediately after the attack. There was silence for a few seconds, then Sirius stopped moving, looking up with a smile.

“If we can’t do anything to just those two, we’ll have to do something to all of them.”



Krystal lost weight in the two weeks following the attack, and had large black circles under her eyes, giving away how little sleep she was getting. She wasn’t really herself: now moody and quiet. Her friends had tried to keep her spirits up but she was becoming more withdrawn by the day.



Remus had even gone to Dumbledore, asking him for help. The Headmaster told him that he had contacted Krystal’s parents, who had arranged some counselling for her when she returned home. Krystal had talked them out of coming and getting her immediately, saying she wanted to finish exams and travel back to London with her friends.



She hadn’t participated in any of the end of year celebrations, preferring to sit in the common room on the couch next to the fire, Remus insisting on joining her. They didn’t talk much, just watched the flames, but Remus was determined to be there if she needed him.

‘Krys,’ he said quietly, after most of the other students had disappeared off to bed. ‘You know you can talk to me if you need to, don’t you?’

She turned to look at him, smiling slightly. Curled up in the corner of the couch, she looked small; fragile.

‘I know,’ she said softly, taking his hand. ‘I just can’t. Not yet.’

He frowned, but nodded, saying, ‘Well, I’m here when you want me.’



Krystal looked at him for a second, then sat up and bought his hand to her mouth, kissing it lightly.

‘Thank you,’ she whispered. She put the cushion that had been under her head on his lap, and lay down, her hand resting on his leg.

Remus hesitated a moment, then did what his instinct told him to do; what he desperately wanted to do - touch her. His hands moved: one to her hair to stroke it gently, and the other to her waist, resting it there lightly. He looked down at his hand moving over her head, watching it until he could hear her breathing become regular and knew she had fallen asleep. He then put his own head back against the couch and closed his eyes. He was pretty sure she wouldn’t have felt his reaction to her, but that didn’t ease his frustration with his treacherous body.



“They’re up to something,’ Lily said, looking at the Marauders suspiciously the next morning, school holidays almost upon them. Krystal looked up as well, glancing down the table at the four boys.

“How can you tell?’ she asked, thinking they all looked perfectly innocent to her. “Because they don’t look like they’re up to something - it’s a dead giveaway,’ Lily responded.

Krystal smiled at her, looking back down at her cereal, poking at it. Lily looked at her in concern. ‘You need to eat something,’ she admonished her friend, frowning.



“I’m fine, Lils,’ she said. “I’m just not hungry.”

Lily sighed. “Krys…” she began but was interrupted by a loud screech from the Slytherin table.

“My face,’ screamed a dark haired Seventh year girl. Her words were nearly drowned out though, by several more screams as the Slytherins all began to jump up from their seats, holding their faces.

‘What on earth?’ said Lily, as she and Krystal watched the commotion. The dark haired girl who first yelled, turned around and they got a look at her face.



She was covered in pus filled boils, as was almost every other Slytherin at the table, including Malfoy and Dolohov, the boys who attacked Krystal. The other students gasped, then laughter started to trickle through the Dining Room. The teachers came rushing down to calm the students, starting to shoo the Slytherins to the hospital wing for treatment.



Remus looked over at Krystal, as the other Marauders laughed along with the rest of the school. She had her mouth covered with her hand, but Remus could see the laughter on her face. When Lily turned to her and said something, Krystal took her hand away and Remus saw her grin.



He smiled himself, relieved to finally see a smile back on her face. He looked back towards the Slytherin table, and across from him, saw Sirius looking at him with a half smile on his face. He had a knowing look in his eye, as he turned away to watch as the Slytherin table emptied.



As Krystal stepped off the Hogwarts Express the next evening, her parents rushed over to hug her.

“Mum, Dad, I’m fine. Jeez,’ she mumbled, a little embarrassed at their over reaction.

“Hi Mr and Mrs O’Connor,’ said Remus, stepping down onto the platform after Krystal. “Hello Remus,’ they said, Krystal’s mother hugging him, to his surprise.

“Thank you, Remus. Albus told us how you’ve looked after her,’ she said.

Remus turned red, and shrugged. ‘I didn’t do anything,’ he mumbled, embarrassed by her gratitude.



Her parents went to collect her trunk, and Krystal turned to her friends, who had come up behind her and Remus.

“I wanted to say thank you to you all,’ she said, turning a little pink as they all looked at her. “I know I’ve been a pain the last week or so, but you’ve all been really kind.”

Lily came to stand next to her, putting an arm around her shoulder.



Krystal looked at the four boys in front of her. “I don’t know who put that Bubotuber pus in the Slytherin’s pumpkin juice, but I’d love to thank them, whoever they are,’ she said, knowing it was them, but she had not being able to get them to admit it on the train. They all grinned, then one by one said their goodbyes as parents arrived.



James gave her a one armed hug, trying unsuccessfully to draw Lily in with the other arm. He left with a wink at Krystal. Peter smiled at her and waved as he left with his mother. Sirius gave her a tight hug as his father watched disapprovingly.

“You’re welcome,’ he said, letting her know who’s idea the prank had been. Krystal grinned and squeezed him hard.

’Thanks, Siri,’ she whispered, and he gave her a quick peck on the cheek. Lily’s dad called to her, and she gave Krystal a hug, promising she’d call the next day before she ran off.



Remus had seen his father collecting his trunk, and talking to Krystal’s parents. He looked at her and smiled.

“I’m glad you’re starting to feel better,’ he said.

She looked at him with a small smile on her face. “Thanks mainly to you,’ she said, as they moved slowly towards their parents. He flushed as she took his hand.



“There is something I was wondering about, though. Almost every Slytherin at that table drank that Bubotuber spiked juice, except for three. One of whom, just happened to be Severus, which is strange because he really likes pumpkin juice.”

He tried to look nonchalant as he said, “Yeah, that was a lucky break for him.”

Krystal stopped, her smile broadening as she nodded. “Mmm, very lucky. You know, it‘s almost as if someone warned him not to drink the juice.”

His attempts to keep a straight face were failing miserably as he shrugged and said, “Can’t think who would have done that.”



Her smile faded and she looked at him, her eyes serious. “I can.”

She put her arms around his neck and hugged him hard. Her voice was shaky as she said, “You are a really good friend, Remus. Better than I probably deserve.”

He put his arms around her waist, saying into her ear, “I’d do anything for you, Krys - even protect Snape.” He heard her soft laugh, and felt her breath on his neck.

“Thank you, Remus,’ she whispered, pulling back slightly and putting her hand to his face. She leaned forward and kissed his cheek, very close to the corner of his mouth.



His mouth trembled when he felt her soft lips near his, and he wanted nothing more than to turn his head and feel her lips on his. It felt different to the kiss she had given him last year, and his eyes closed as he felt his chest squeeze tight. ‘She’s my best friend,’ he told himself, repeating it like a mantra. ‘I can’t feel like this about her. I just can’t.’



Krystal also felt the small kiss shake her. Remus had been her best friend for years now, but was rapidly becoming so much more. She felt safe around him, could relax around him in a way she couldn’t with anyone else. He was her soft place to fall, and the way she was beginning to feel about him scared the hell out of her.



They stared at each other in confusion for a moment, the tiny kiss having released suppressed feelings for each of them. Remus opened his mouth to try and say something, but his father called to him. He looked over at him, then back to Krystal, who had shaken off some of the emotion that had gripped her.

‘See you soon,’ she said softly, taking a step back. He nodded, unable to trust his voice. He moved towards his father, turning half way there to look back at her and wave. She was watching him, and smiled when he waved, lifting her hand to echo the gesture.