A Tale of Two Houses

[Krysta Hedwig]

Part One

The predator kneaded the wooden surface with its claws; her eyes narrow slits of gold. Her long black tail twitched as her prey stopped and sniffed the air.
Did it know she was there?
Muscular fur-clad legs frozen impatiently in a hunter’s crouch, waiting for that moment; that perfect moment to pounce.
She lowered her shoulders and raised her hind legs. The moment approached. The small creature had no idea of the terrible fate that was about to befall it.

“Bad kitty!”

Freyja was rudely swept up by two human hands around the belly and gold eyes found blues eyes. She struggled and yowled in annoyance as the tiny little bard owl hopped away with fright. With a remorseful look in her eyes, she watched her prey fly out of the window and back to the owlry.
She grumbled as her human scowled at her and tried to batter Krysta’s nose with her paw.
The young human dodged the attack and quickly let the cat drop to the floor where she immediately made a beeline for behind a bookcase. She hid there glaring daggers at Krysta who shook her head and went back to the sofa.

“There’s no point getting annoyed with me. I’ve told you before about chasing Orion.” She scaled the cat who ignored her and started preening her left shoulder.
“And stop pretending you don’t understand me because you do.” Added the young witch. Freyja stopped preening momentarily to throw Krysta another sour look and began work on her other shoulder and leg.

“She must be the cleanest cat I’ve ever seen.” Commented a small, skinny boy on the sofa opposite Krysta. Krysta looked at him, regarding his sickly pale skin and lank black hair. If he hadn’t been so dishevelled he may have been a member of her own family.
She too had long black hair and pale skin, though on her it looked sultry and pretty. He looked like he’d been pulled backwards through a rhododendron bush.

“She’s bored.” Commented Krysta. “She always grooms when she’s bored.”

“Oh” commented the boy. He fidgeted a little and tried to look interested in the tapestry hanging over the fireplace. She rolled her eyes and picked up the book she’d been reading.
For several seconds the room remained quiet. They were the only two people in the Slytherin common room as it was the holidays and most people had gone home to their families.

“What’s your cat’s name?” the boy suddenly asked and Krysta looked up, startled.
“Freyja.” She replied and looked back down at the book.
“Oh.” He replied.

More seconds passed.

“I used to have a cat.” He spoke again and this time when she looked up a flash of annoyance touched her eyes. He must have noticed because he slouched slightly in his chair.
“Really?” she asked, not really interested.
“Yeah. She was called sooty.”
Krysta nodded, thinking what a stupid, unoriginal name “sooty” was for a cat. She went to pick her book up again when the boy once more interrupted.
“My Dad drowned her.”
Krysta put her book down and closed it. He had her attention now.
“What?!” she asked her mouth staying open in shock.
The boy shrugged and looked at the floor.
“She was going to have kittens and he said we couldn’t afford to feed them all.” He explained and Krysta’s mouth stayed wide open in horror.
She eventually closed it and studied the boy closely for a little while. Eventually she held out her hand him in friendship.
“My name’s Krysta; Krysta Hedwig.”
The boy looked at her hand uncertainly for a second and then took it gently and shook it.
“Severus.” He replied. “Severus Snape.”


Part Two

The two Slytherins took seats next to each other in the Great Hall and immediately continued chatting.
“…so when my Dad died we went to Romania. My brother lives out there and I think Mum needed to be with him. He always took after my Dad more. But then I turned eleven and she sent me home.”
Severus nodded, genuinely interested.
“My Dad left a few years ago.” He explained and Krysta bit her lip.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t be…I’m glad he’s gone.” Severus growled and Krysta watched him closely as he played with the food on his plate.
“So anyway, because my Mum had been teaching me so much at home she wrote to Dumbledore and explained that I was already beyond first year Hogwarts level.” She continued.
“Is that why you’re in the third year with me now?” he asked and she nodded through a mouthful of sweet potatoes.
“Is it a bit weird for you, though? Everyone else in the year is a year older than you.”
She shrugged a “so what” and Severus grinned. She’d already proven herself to be a dab hand at jinxes when she’d given Sirius Black a donkey’s nose after he’d teased her about being a know-it-all in the corridor the other day. Severus had found that particularly entertaining.
He smiled at Krysta who was reaching for some more pumpkin juice. It was good to have a friend.

A flash of red hair caught his attention and he looked up to see a girl waving at him from across the room.
“Who’s that?” asked Krysta when she saw Severus waving back.
“My friend. Lily Evans.” He replied. Krysta’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“She’s a Gryffindor?” she asked incredulously, looking at Severus as though he were exhibiting signs of dementia.
“Yeah, unfortunately.” He replied, looking glum. “I wish she’d been put in Slytherin. All her friends think she’s mad for being friends with me. I don’t get to hang out with her as much as I’d like.”
Krysta looked over at Lily and studied her for a little while. She was chatting happily with a small group of girls at her table and laughing every now and then.
All of a sudden a large ball of paper landed in Lily’s soup and splashed her. The angry redhead looked up to find a group of four boys laughing furiously.
Krysta scowled. She couldn’t stand the so-called “Marauders”.
“Well she seems to hate Potter and his band.” She commented matter-of-factly, then turned to Severus and smiled.
“And if you like her then she can’t be all that bad.”
Severus smiled back then looked over at Lily who seemed to be threatening James Potter with her wand.
“Something tells me Lily and I would get on just fine.” Krysta added.



“I’m telling you, one day that boy’s going to wake up in a coma!” yelled Lily angrily as she threw all her freshly laundered clothes into her trunk.
“Lily, how does one wake up in a coma exactly?” asked Diane, a bemused expression upon her dark face.
She was small, but very pretty with short, straight black hair framing a pretty brown face. Lily looked at Diane for a second before realising that what she’d said didn’t make much sense.
“I don’t know!” she cried. “But I’ll happily experiment on Potter!” she added and dropped onto her bed in exasperation.
“Just ignore him” suggested Charlie, sounding bored.
“Ignore him?” asked Lily, sarcastically. “How do I ignore him when he hounds me every day? Look at my clothes!” she cried again, her tone getting higher and higher.
Charlie glanced at Lily’s soup-stained clothes and rolled her eyes. She flicked her long ash-blonde hair over her shoulder and fixed her fiery friend with a look that reminded Lily of stern old Professor McGonagall
“He only keeps doing it because he always gets a reaction out of you. If you act like nothing’s happened he’ll get bored and stop doing it.”
Lily scowled.
“You sound like my Mum.” She grumbled.

“She’s got a point, Lily.” Diane said calmly. Lily pursed her lips and looked at her friend.
“He’s just so….argh!” Lily’s exasperated exclamation brought another smile to Diane’s lips.
“Are you sure you don’t enjoy the attention just a little bit?” she asked playfully and laughed when Lily threw her a murderous expression.
“Enjoy it? How can I enjoy having soup poured all over me, or have slugs appear in my hair, or find live frogs in my bag?” she asked, counting off James’s most recent pranks on her fingers.
“You have to admit he seems to single you out a lot. I think he likes you.” Suggested Charlie.
“I don’t care! He’s a pig! I hate him! I’ll always hate him, for all eternity and beyond!”
Lily exclaimed waving her arms around for effect. Diane and Charlie chuckled, but Lily folded her arms across her chest defiantly.
“I’m serious! How can I possibly like someone like him? He’s so mean and vain and proud and…and…” she trailed off trying to think of another appropriate word to describe James. “…just plain nasty!” she finished looking at her friends for confirmation. Instead the two girls just grinned back at her.
“Oh shut up.” She added, miserably. Both her friends laughed out loud.

[Krysta Hedwig]

Part 3

Sirius Black had been waiting for this moment for days. He’d teach the little pip-squeak a thing or two, that’s for sure. No one cursed Sirius Black and got away with it. He’d watched her go out into the grounds not long before and had followed her as far as the Quidditch changing rooms.
The problem was she was rarely alone these days. She was always with Snivellus of all people. Yeuch. Someone who had such bad taste in company deserved all that they got in Sirius’s book.
Who did she think she was anyway? She was only thirteen. What on earth was Dumbledore thinking; putting her up a year? Well Sirius was about to teach her what her place in the world was.

Krysta had slipped into the changing rooms as she had done on so many occasions over the past few months. She’d checked the place was completely empty and that she was entirely alone before changing.
Her Mother had warned her to be discreet and secretive. She had been quite specific about it.
“Krys, dear, the others may not understand. It’s best if you just keep it between yourself and Professor Dumbledore. You promise?”
She missed her mother so badly.
Happy that she was indeed alone she took a deep breath and centred all her energies, focusing them into that point in her belly that always tingled when the moment of change came.

Sirius tiptoed up to the changing rooms and grinned to himself. The kid was in for a real punishment. He had to suppress a snigger. He listened with an ear to the door. It was silent. The girl was entirely alone. He pulled his wand out of his back pocket and gently pushed open the changing room door…and screamed louder than he had ever screamed in his life!
He stumbled backwards landing on his backside. He scuffled backwards on his hands, bottom and feet, desperately trying to get away from the changing rooms. The deep growling sound coming from inside told him he wasn’t moving fast enough.
As the black beast leapt forth from the changing room door he screamed again and scrabbled to his feet.
He ran as fast as his fourteen-year-old legs could carry him. He didn’t know what direction he was running in, he was just running, desperately trying to get away from the creature that he was certain must be right on his heels.

He was still running when he burst into the Great foyer of the castle, his wand still held tightly in his fist. He panted hard as he sank to his knees.
“Mr Black is there a problem?”
He opened his eyes to see Professor McGonagall looking down sternly at him.
“Professor (gasp)…big, bloody cat!” that was all her could manage to say. Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow sceptically at him.
“Please watch your language Mr Black. Now what on earth is going on? If this is another of your little jokes…”
“No!” Interrupted Sirius shaking his head drastically. “There was a leopard! A big black leopard! Chasing me! On the Quidditch pitch!”
By now his outburst had gained much attention. Many students were gathered around giggling and laughing, assuming this all to be yet another Marauder’s trick.

“Mr Black I am really not in the mood for this right now. Where’s Mr Potter. Is he involved in this too?” asked McGonagall crossly. Sirius could see she clearly didn’t believe him. She continued to shake his head desperately.
“I swear, Professor!” he cried but she obviously was having none of it.
“Enough! I suggest you and Mr Potter work on your material. This really wasn’t one of your better pranks.” She swept away with an air of disgust and Sirius was left kneeling on the floor of the foyer. For once he was completely speechless.








Part 4

Krysta was hiding under a tree by the lake. She was shaking, devastated by what she’d just done. What a great big mess this was. What was she going to do now? How was she going to explain everything? And although she detested the boy she felt terrible about scaring Sirius like that. She hadn’t even known he was there. When he’d burst into the changing rooms she’d only just transmogrified and the shock of seeing him and made her lash out. She just wanted him to run away. But now he’d seen her. Now he would know what she could do, and knowing him, the entire school would know by dinnertime.
She sobbed harder at the prospect of it. Her Mother would be so ashamed. She drew her knees up to her chin and buried her face in them. When a hand gently touched her shoulder she nearly jumped out of her skin.
In an instant she had her wand at the ready expecting to see Black or Potter or one of the other Marauders.
“Whoa, steady there sweetheart.”
Krysta blinked away tears and discovered that the newcomer was the redheaded girl that Severus was friends with. There were two other girls standing behind her watching Krysta curiously.
“Are you alright?” asked one of them; a short but pretty black girl who smiled at Krysta with concern. Krysta tried to wipe her grubby tears from her white cheeks and sniffed. The other girl was tall with long pale blonde hair, which she was currently twisted around her fingers and looking at Krysta with much interest.

“I’m fine.” She replied, knowing instantly that she didn’t sound at all convincing.
“You’re Krysta, right?” asked Lily. Krysta nodded.
“You’re Lily.”
Lily smiled and nodded.
“And this is Diane and Charlie.” Lily introduced her friends. Diane smiled kindly and Charlie waved casually. “Seriously are you ok? What happened?” Lily asked gently.
Krysta shook her head, not really knowing what to tell them.
“Nothing…I did something bad.” She decided she might as well just be honest. “And I feel terrible about it. I think I could be in a lot of trouble.” She explained vaguely.
Diane and Charlie exchanged uncertain glances but Lily dropped down onto the grass next to the young Slytherin girl.
“What can you have done that’s so terrible?” asked Lily, sounding confused. Krysta thought about her answer carefully.
“I…it’s hard to explain. I scared someone really badly, and although I didn’t mean it to happen, it was a horrible thing to do.” That was all she could think of to tell them. Although it didn’t matter, they would soon find out her little secret anyway.

Lily frowned and still looked confused.
“Who did you frighten?” she asked, wondering what this thirteen year old could do to scare anyone. Krysta bit her lip and paused before answering.
“Sirius Black.” She replied.
For a moment the three Gryffindor girls just stared at Krysta in astonishment. Then slowly smiles began to spread across their faces and one by one they all began laughing.



“She’s dead! I swear to God, she better start planning her funeral!” hissed Sirius. James regarded his friend over the top his glasses.
“And of whom are we speaking?” he asked, putting his homework down.
Sirius has just burst into the boy’s dormitory, his hair wild, mud and scuff marks all over his clothes and a murderous expression his face.
“Hedwig.” Sirius growled, furiously. James looked blankly at Sirius. His friend really wasn’t making any sense at all.
“Hedwig!” cried Sirius in frustration, waving his hands in the air dramatically. “You know, grubby little Slytherin, hangs around with Snivellus of all people.”
James still looked slightly clueless.
“Is she the one that was moved up a year?” asked Remus from across the room. “Pretty little thing. Black hair down to here...” he added marking a point just below his shoulder in demonstration.
“Pretty?! Pretty? Remus, man, you’re delusional. She’s vile. She’s a nasty, disgusting, foul little Slytherin brat and I’m gonna give her what for!” stormed Sirius. Remus just stared at him in surprise.

James looked thoughtful and he finally nodded.
“Oh yeah I know who you mean. Why, what’s she done to you? Besides being in Slytherin and hanging around with Snape, of course.”
Sirius seemed to become calmer and the expression of fury was replaced with bewilderment. He held his hands out towards his friends and shrugged.
“I don’t know!” he wailed and dropped onto his bed.
James and Remus exchanged a disconcerted look and then looked at Sirius who was shaking his head.
“I don’t know what she did.” He began. He looked at each of his friends as he spoke. “You know the other day when I came in with that donkey’s nose?” he asked looked annoyed again. James suppressed a grin and nodded.
“Well that was her.” Sirius told them.
“Why did she give you a donkey’s nose?” asked Remus, suspecting he already knew the answer.
“I don’t know!” cried Sirius angrily. “I guess the little runt can’t take a joke.” He added. Remus shook his head and rolled his eyes.
“You mean you were teasing her and she retaliated?” he prompted.
“That’s not the point!” Sirius retorted. “The point is; I wasn’t about to let that nose thing go, so I followed her. I was going to get my own back on her, naturally.”
James nodded in agreement as if to acknowledge that he would have done exactly the same thing.
“So what happened? Did you get her good?” asked James, eager to find out what his friend had done to get his own back.
“No!” cried Sirius and James looked disappointed. “I didn’t get the chance. I followed her to the Quidditch changing rooms and I was about to burst in and hex her when…ROARGH!”
He made a loud roaring sound, which made Remus jump and James look positively astonished.

Remus frowned,
“What does…’roargh’ mean exactly?” he asked, imitating Sirius.
‘I mean I was attacked!”
“Attacked? By Hedwig?!” asked James sitting up straight on the edge of his bed, looking rather angry himself now. At this point Sirius fell quiet again.
“I…I’m not sure!” he spoke in a gasping voice. Both James and Remus were watching Sirius carefully.
“What exactly happened?” asked James, sounding more serious by the second.
“It was a great big black leopard. Burst out of the door and tried to attack me!”
James coughed and spluttered in surprise whilst Remus started at Sirius in horror with his mouth wide open.
“She set a great cat on you? How did she do that?” asked James, looking completely baffled, horrified and rather furious.
“I really don’t know. I’m not even sure it was real now because I managed to out-run it all the way back to the castle and there was no sign of it afterwards.”
“You out-ran a leopard?” asked Remus sceptically.
“I know it doesn’t make sense does it?”
“Maybe she called it back.” suggested James.
“Maybe it wasn’t real. Maybe it was an illusion.”
“Yeah maybe.” Nodded Sirius, agreeing with Remus. “But McGonagall was in the foyer and I told her everything.”
“What did she say?” cried James.
“She didn’t believe me! She thought it was a joke. Thought it was something you and me had cooked up.”
“She didn’t even go and look for it or anything?” asked James sounding angrier by the second. Sirius shook his head and James scowled.

“But how would a thirteen year old know how to conjure an illusion like that?” asked Remus, looking completely bewildered himself.
“I don’t know, but the little freak is going to pay.” Hissed Sirius.
“Darn straight she is. Little Miss Hedwig just made an enemy of The Marauders. She’s in a whole world of trouble.”

[Krysta Hedwig]

Part 5

The two girls were taking inconspicuous glances sideways into his cauldron. He ignored them. They were watching his every move, hoping to pick up the technique he was developing. He stirred the concoction three times clockwise, threw in the myrrh and the arrowroot then began to blow gently on the flames, fanning them higher to give his potion that little extra heat that would force the reaction he required. He smiled to himself in satisfaction as the brew turned a stunning shade of purple.
Lily copied his method and hers too turned a similar colour. She beamed at him and he grinned back.
“Well done!” he exclaimed. “You’re really getting the hang of this.” He added poking his nose into Lily’s cauldron and enjoying the sweet scents it was giving off.
An exasperated grunt made them both look over at Krysta’s desk.
“Oh dear.” Said Lily quietly and Severus shook his head. Krysta’s potion was thick, lumpy and distinctly resembled coal tar in both colour and smell. The scent reminded Lily of tarmac.

“What did I do wrong this time?” asked Krysta looking perplexed and frustrated. Severus smiled kindly but also looked frustrated.
“You stirred it anti-clockwise AND you blew too hard on the flames. I think it got too hot.” He explained, poking it with her ladle. Krysta blew air out hard through pursed lips making a noise that sounded like a balloon being released.
“I give up.” She said grumpily. “I’m dung at Potions.”
“No, you’re just too impatient.” Severus told her, as Krysta knocked over her bottle of rose oil. “And you’re a bit heavy handed!” he exclaimed, siphoning the expensive oil off Krysta’s desk and back into the bottle.

“How are we getting on over here, then? Oh yes, marvellous, Severus, marvellous.” Exclaimed Professor Slughorn gazing appreciatively into Severus’s cauldron. “10 points for Slytherin, I think!” he added before moving over to Lily’s effort. “Oh lovely, Miss Evans, most excellent. I must say you’re coming on extremely well. Mr Snape a good influence on you, I think, yes?” he asked knowingly and winked at her cheekily. Lily blushed and looked startled.
“He’s a good teacher, sir.” She added shyly. She was trying to ignore the sniggering and jeering coming from her fellow Gryffindor students and she completely missed the disgusted expression on James Potter’s face.
“Now, then, Krysta dear what have we…oh dear.” Professor Slughorn looked briefly into Krysta’s cauldron and wrinkled up his nose.
“Sorry, sir.” Said Krysta meekly.
“Well, umm…” Slughorn was clearly trying to find something positive to say but was struggling.
“I’ll try harder, sir, I promise.” Krysta said pleadingly. Professor Slughorn smiled sympathetically.
“I suppose some people just aren’t natural brewers, dear. Your written work is very good, it’s just your practical work.” Her cauldron gurgled and a thick bubble of gas exploded sending a disgusting smell into the room. Krysta grimaced.
“Yes, well…I’m sure your Mother’s natural ability is in there somewhere.” began Slughorn uncertainly through the handkerchief he’d placed over his nose. “She was an excellent student, you know.”
“Yes sir, you said before.”
“Very talented, very talented indeed.”
“Yes sir.”
The cauldron began to shake and shoot globules of sticky black potion into the air.
“Maybe you should spend some time practising.”




Lily and Severus climbed into a seat in the study hall and started getting their homework out.
“Thanks for your help, Sev, I’m getting so much better at Potions.” Lily said with a thankful smile. Severus shrugged.
“You seem to be really good at it. I think you’re a natural.” He told her. She beamed.
“Really?” she asked delightfully. He nodded. “Not like you, though. You’re amazing.” She complimented him and he shrugged again. She noticed the tinge of pink appear in his cheeks, though. His blush reminded her of what Slughorn said about the two of them and she quickly buried her nose in her Transfiguration homework. She bit her lip and looked sideways at him. She took a deep breath.
“That was funny what Slughorn said, wasn’t it?” she suddenly blurted out, trying to sound amused.
“What?” asked Severus, not looking up from his book.
“You know…about you being a good influence on me.” She replied watching him closely for a reaction. There was none except his body seemed to stiffen slightly. There was a long pause before he answered.
“Yeah. Funny.” He agreed, showing no emotion at all. Lily watched him puzzled. “Your friends certainly thought it was funny.” Severus added.
“What friends?” she asked.
“Potter, Black…that lot.” He added. Lily immediately snorted loudly.
“They’re not my friends! I can’t stand them. Who cares what they think?” she said, sounding disgusted by the notion. For the first time Severus looked us.
“So you don’\t care what they think, then?” he asked. Something in his voice sounded hopeful. She smiled at him and shook her head.
“No of course not. I’ll be friends with who I like, thank you very much!” she retorted.
The hopeful look in Sev’s eyes faded and he looked back down at his book.
“Yeah. Friends.” He agreed, his voice monotone. She looked at him curiously.
“That’s what we are isn’t it, Sev? We ARE friends?” she asked, sounding concerned.
“Yeah of course we are.” He confirmed.
“Best friends.” Lily added. Sev nodded but didn’t look up.
“Good!” she said brightly, giving him a quick hug. He looked surprised, but pleased.

Lily started on her Transfiguration essay, humming happily to herself. Sev continued to read his book, occasionally shooting her sideways glances. God, she was so pretty. And she liked him! She said they were best friends. And she was the one that had brought up the comment Slughorn had made. Maybe she was hinting that she wanted him to ask her out. Or maybe that was just wishful thinking.
He kept gazing at her gorgeous hair. She occasionally looked up and grinned at him. He smiled back, warmly.
That’s it. He was going to do it. He was just going to bite the bullet and ask her. What was the worst that could happen?
“Lily?” he began gently.
“Hmm?”
He opened his mouth to say the words he’d been longing to say for so long when…SMACK!
Both Lily and Severus found themselves covered in thick, sticky black goo that reeked of coal tar.
“Oh my god!” yelled Lily angrily looking around to see who’d done it. Three boys stood laughing several feet away. Peter was holding the cauldron that Krysta had been using in Potions. How they’re snuck it out of the classroom, she didn’t know and neither did she care.
“Why you nasty, filthy, rotten little toe-rags!” she screamed at them. The smell of the potion was making her want to throw up. It was everywhere. All over their clothes, their faces, their hair. It was disgusting.
“What’s the matter Snape? That look’s an improvement on you!” laughed Sirius. James roared with laughter.
“Good one, Sirius” he chuckled.
“You’re the nasty, filthy, rotten ones! God, don’t you people ever take baths?”| Sirius added. Lily scowled back at him and Severus snapped out his wand. Unfortunately it was covered in the potion and he could tell it wasn’t working.

“Yeah, Evans. I think Slughorn got it wrong. Snape is a BAD influence on you. I mean you’re even starting to smell like him! And you could try washing your hair every now and then!” James spoke nastily and harshly. Even Lily looked gob-smacked by the malevolence in his voice.
Peter was laughing so hard he was in danger of dropping the cauldron.
“Come on, guys. Let’s leave these two filthy little lovebirds alone. I can’t stand the smell any longer.” James announced. He began to leave the room and the rest of them followed laughing loudly.





Part 6

“Scourgefy” commanded Diane. The black, disgusting mess all over Lily’s face and hair began to siphon off. The furious expression on her face, however, remained intact.
“What gets me, is there was absolutely no provocation for it.” Commented Charlie.
They were sitting in Myrtle’s bathroom, trying desperately to clean Lily up. She was really beginning to stink now. She’d already spent half an hour in the shower and still Krysta’s potion would not come off.
“Like Potter needs a reason!” hissed Lily. Her friends had never seen her this angry before.
“Do you think it was aimed at you or Snape?” asked Charlie.
“His name’s Severus.” Corrected Lily. Charlie shrugged. She didn’t understand Lily’s friendship with the greasy little Slytherin boy and never would.
“I suspect it was aimed at both of them.” Suggested Diane gravely.
“Yeah, two birds with one stone!” yelled Lily. Diane shook her head.
“That’s not what I meant. I don’t think James took very kindly to Professor Slughorn’s comment in potions this morning.”
“What’s that got to do with Potter?” asked Lily indignantly.
“Lily! It’s like we’ve said. He likes you!” cried Charlie in exasperation. Lily looked nonplussed.
“Then why did he throw that potion on me?” she asked, challenging the theory.
“That’s why he did it! He’s jealous of you and Snape.” Explained Charlie.
“Severus. And we’re just friends.”
“Whatever”
Lily looked thoughtful for a few seconds.
“Boys are stupid.” She commented.



“Did you see the look on their faces? That was pure gold!” laughed Sirius, pushing a first year boy off the sofa and dropping onto it himself. James didn’t sit down he just stood in front of the fireplace glaring at his friends with a dark twinkle in his eye.
“That was really funny!” agreed Peter with glee. “That was an improvement to Snape don’t you think. He looks better with horrible potion all over him!” he exclaimed pointlessly. Sirius rolled his eyes.
“I already said that, Peter. Only when I said it, it was funnier.”
“Oh…yeah. I was just agreeing with you.” Peter added, then looked at the floor.
“You alright, James?” asked Sirius looking up at his friend with concern. He couldn’t work out why he wasn’t as jovial as he and Peter were.
“Yeah…” began James. He stuffed his hands in his pockets and suddenly turned from the fire, angrily.
“I just don’t get it!” he exclaimed loudly, drawing a few startled glances from nearby first years.
“Get what?” asked Peter.
“Evans! What does she see in that horrible little slug, anyway? She could hang out with anyone she wants and she’s…whatever it is she’s doing with him!”
“You don’t actually know they’re going out together.” Said Sirius, trying to calm James down.
“Slughorn thinks they are.” Retorted James.
“Slughorn’s an idiot.”
James calmed down a bit. Sirius was right. But even if Lily and Snape weren’t an ‘item’ it didn’t excuse her fraternising with him. He really didn’t understand it. What did she honestly see in the foul little worm?

His attention was broken when Remus came down from the dormitory looking battered, bruised and exhibiting ugly purple rings under his eyes. Of course it was a full moon last night.
“Wow, Remus, you like you had a rough one last night.” Whispered Sirius to his friend with concern. Remus barely looked up at them.
“You missed potions!” said Peter a little too loudly. They all glared angrily at him and he shrank down into the sofa.
“Keep your voice down, you idiot.” Hissed Sirius. Peter bit his lip and muttered a ‘sorry’ to Remus. Remus smiled half-heartedly at Peter.
“Don’t worry, I don’t think anyone heard you.” Remus’s voice sounded rough and sore.
“Blimey, what happened last night?” whispered James, finally sitting down next to the dishevelled boy. Remus shook his head.
“I don’t honestly remember. I just know I felt really sore when I woke up. McGonagall said I broke my bonds again. The Shrieking Shack is in a right state!” Remus explained.
“It wasn’t exactly a luxury hotel before, mate.” Whispered Sirius. Remus smiled.
“I just wish there was a way to somehow keep me occupied during the change. I don’t think the building will stay up much longer after a couple more months of me tearing it apart. And then where will they hide me?” he asked sounding frustrated and concerned.
James smiled sadly at his friend.
“Don’t worry, mate. I just wish there was something we could do to help.” He said sounding frustrated himself. Remus smiled, grateful for these wonderful friends.
“Well maybe if you could track down that black leopard, I could go a few rounds with it. It may keep me out of trouble.” He joked. The others laughed.
James’s smile faded somewhat more quickly than the others’ did. He was thinking about what Remus had just said, and the more he thought about it, the better the idea seemed.

[Krysta Hedwig]

Part 7

Krysta had been spending a lot of time alone recently. She thought it was for the best. Professor Dumbledore had been quite severe with her about her carelessness over the ‘Black incident’ and in all honesty she had scared herself a bit.
She had shown great restraint when the Marauders had attacked Sev and Lily. Her first instinct was to retaliate immediately and it had taken all her self-control to calmly tell Sev that she couldn’t get involved. He’d been quite disappointed, but she’d told him that Dumbledore had threatened to suspend her if she caused any more trouble and Sev had accepted her explanation. She couldn’t help feeling guilty, though. If Potter and his friends had done that to her she would have expected Sev to back her up too.

Lily and Sev had been most curious about what actually happened out on the Quidditch pitch that day and not a day went by without one of them trying to get her to teach them what she’d done. Thankfully the entire school seemed to be under the impression that Krys had conjured an illusionary leopard that day and it hadn’t even occurred to any of the other students that the beast had actually been Krysta herself. She was thankful for that at least.
Right now she was studying for the end-of-year tests out on the lawn. Easter wasn’t far away and she knew she’d have little time to study during the holidays. Her Mother wanted her to go back to Romania and that could mean only one thing: training. She sighed, watching some third year girls playing around by the edge of the lake and felt terribly envious. Sometimes she wished she was normal.

Her silent thoughts were interrupted when the shadow of a boy fell over her.
“What’s up Sev?” she asked without looking up. She was shocked when the newcomer spoke.
“It’s not Snape, it’s me.” She looked up in horror, snatching her wand up. James Potter loomed over her looking thoroughly disgusted at being mistaken for Severus Snape.
“You don’t need that, I’m not here to cause trouble.” He told her gesturing to her wand. She held onto it, staring at him suspiciously. She had yet to receive any kind of payback for the “Black incident” and she didn’t trust this boy in the slightest. For two weeks she’d been waiting for Black to get his revenge and when nothing happened it had made me highly uneasy.

“What do you want?” she asked sharply, half expecting the rest of the Marauders to leap out at any second.
“I’m by myself.” he added, as though reading her thoughts. She didn’t trust him, though. Why should she? She let go of he wand, but figured she didn’t really need it anyway should there suddenly be an attack.
“May I sit down?” he asked politely. She was surprised by his courtesy but motioned for him to sit. He dropped to the floor and crossed his legs.
“I need to ask you something.” He spoke carefully. She squinted at him suspiciously.
“Go on.”
“I need to ask you…about the black leopard.” He asked gently. Her eyes widened and a look of fury crossed her face.
“I knew it! I knew this was a trick. Get away from me Potter!” she yelled angrily. She grabbed her things off the grass and leapt to her feet.
“NO wait! He cried leaping after her as she began marching away from him.
“Go away!” she shouted, walking faster. He easily kept pace with her. He was a Quidditch player after all.
“Listen, Hedwig, I don’t want to be talking to you anymore than you want to be talking to me!” he retorted.
“No one’s forcing you!” she bit back and started jogging away. He scowled after her for a few seconds then ran after her.
“Look!” he said firmly, grabbing her shoulder and making her stop.
“Get your hands off me, Potter, or you’ll regret it.” She warned him perfectly seriously. Something in her tone made James let go of her. He fixed her with an equally serious look and spoke firmly.
“Look…Krysta…” he seemed to speak her name with much difficulty and his dislike for her was evidently clear. This made her stop. If he disliked her so much why was he so insistent on speaking to her?
“Krysta, I need your help.”

She hadn’t expected that. She dropped back to the floor and he joined her. She watched him closely, as thought he might suddenly sprout horns.
“Come again?” she asked, her eyes wide and uncertain. James looked uncomfortable all of a sudden as though now he had actually got her attention he wasn’t sure where to start.
“A friend of ours…” he began and then stopped. Krys just watched him patiently. He was clearly struggling with this.
“The thing is, to explain all of this to you, I’m going to have to tell you something absolutely top secret and you can’t say a word to anyone, even the person it involves.” He said quickly looking at her pleadingly.
She frowned.
“I don’t understand.” She said. James sighed deeply.
“The others don’t know I’m talking to you.”
“Ok.” She nodded. She could see this was quite serious, whatever it was.
“But you HAVE to promise not to say a word to anyone. Not even Snape or Lily.” He told her firmly. She looked at him suspiciously.
“Lily?” she asked, squinting at him.
“What about her?” asked James, looking startled.
“You called her Lily. Not ‘Evans’. I’ve never heard you do that before.” She explained looking at him with a bemused smile.
“What does that...what are you looking at me like that for?” She just grinned back. James Potter had gone bright red.
“Never mind that. Do you promise not to talk about this with anyone?” he asked seriously. She looked at him for a moment, scrutinizing his face. He looked serious.
“Yes.” She finally replied. “You have my word.” She added.
He scrutinized her face too and finally seemed happy that she meant what she said. He took a deep breath.
“Ok. You know Remus?” he asked. She nodded.
“Lupin. Your mate.” She prompted.
“Well…he’s a er…he’s a Werewolf.”


James paused to gauge her reaction. She just stared at him. She didn’t respond at all. He decided to carry on.
“The reason I’m talking to you is…if we knew how you managed to conjure that leopard maybe we could do the same thing. It would really help Remus.” He looked up at her again. She was just staring at him, her expression not wavering at all. He wished she’d say something.
“You see the other day after the full moon, he was in such a state. He keeps breaking his bonds…McGonagall and Slughorn have been taking him to the Shrieking Shack every full moon and leaving him there so he doesn’t do any damage and to keep him away from the other students. But he keeps breaking free. He’s terrified he’s either going to hurt someone, or else destroy the shack and he won’t have anywhere to go anymore.” He paused to get his breath. She was still just staring at him. He frowned but continued his story.
“But I had this thought. What if there was a way to keep him occupied? What if there was a way to give him company, something to run about with?” he said, revealing his plan out-loud for the first time.
“I see.” Krysta finally spoke. She sounded monotone and deadpan.
“So…you figured that if I showed you how to produce the leopard, you’d be able to help your friend.” She continued. James watched her.
“Tell me Mr Potter. Just how stupid do you think I am?” she asked, blankly.
“I…this isn’t a joke, Krysta.” He protested, holding his hands out.
“Sure it isn’t.” she said sarcastically. She began gathering her belongings again, getting ready to leave.
“Please!” cried James grabbing her forearm. She looked at him with daggers, but the pleading expression on his face made her stop.
“Please, Krysta I am not trying to trick you. This isn’t a joke, I swear.”
He sounded sincere. He looked sincere. Krys wanted to believe him, but her suspicious nature just couldn’t help itself.
“I was wondering what Black and his pals would do to get back at me. But this is really pathetic.” She hissed.
With that she rose to her feet and ran away from Potter as fast as she could, leaving him to stare after her in dismay.
“Oh god.” He whispered to himself. “What have I done?”





Part 8

Severus was concentrating very hard. He was in the Slytherin Common Room at one of the study tables practising a new hex he’d been working on. He frowned with concentration as he twirled and flicked his wand. The frog he’d been practising on was currently hanging upside down by its long webbed foot, croaking in fear. He ignored its squeals and quickly scribbled some notes in his potions book.
“Not bad.”
The deep voice made him jump in surprise and the frog dropped to the floor where it quickly hopped away. Severus looked up into cold blue eyes. It was Lucius Malfoy, a sixth year with long blond hair tied back in a slick ponytail. Severus fixed him with a startled glare. The older boy had never spoken to him before.
“You created that curse yourself, didn’t you?” asked Lucius looking at Severus appraisingly. He was looking the younger boy over thoughtfully. Severus nodded.
“It’s not quite right, though. And I haven’t created a counter-curse yet.” Lucius laughed, startling Severus. Malfoy was pretty intimidating in a superior, snotty kind of way.
“Why would you need a counter-curse? I say just leave the blighters hanging there.” He said jokingly, taking a seat at Sev’s table. Sev managed a weak smile.
“I’m Lucius Malfoy.” He announced proudly, holding out his hand. Sev looked at for a second before taking it.
“I know. I’m Severus…”
“Snape, yes.” Interrupted Malfoy with a smirk. “We’ve been watching you.”

Sev looked at Malfoy in astonishment.
“Watching me? Why? And who’s ‘we’?” he asked, thoroughly confused. Why would anyone be interested in him? He wasn’t anyone.
“We think you’d fit it rather well in a little club of ours.” Lucius explained kindly. Sev frowned in thought.
“Club? What club?”
“Oh just…a social thing, really. I few like-minded individuals who share a common interest.” Lucius explained breezily, waving his arm in the air passively.
“Social thing?” Asked Sev, still frowning.
“Yes, you know we meet up every now and then and have discussions about…issues that concern us.”
“Like what?” asked Sev. Lucius’s eyes seemed to become strained as though he were a little impatient with all the questions.
“Well you know, we discuss new hexes and potions…” Sev’s eyes widened with interest “…and we discuss politics, careers, the dark arts…that kind of thing.” Despite Malfoy’s vagueness Sev’s interest had definitely been invoked. He still looked puzzled, however.
“Why do you want me to join?” he asked. Lucius smiled.
“We’ve noticed your distinct talent for hexes. And your potions skills are highly superior. You should hear Horace talk about you in the Slug Club. He’s quite fond of you.” Explained Lucius in a tone that he clearly thought was kindly, but actually sounded patronising. Sev didn’t seem too bothered by it though. His mind was working overtime.
Finally someone had noticed his talents and creativity. The types of people that would be in this club would the top of Hogwarts social and academic standing. Being a part of that could lead him to places that would otherwise be out of reach. The Snapes weren’t exactly top of the social tree. This could out him in touch with families like the Blacks, Malfoys and Zabinis.
He chewed his bottom lip.
“Ok.” He said confidently. “I’m in.”

“But why can’t I come with you?” whined Lily, pouting.
“Because you haven’t been invited.” Sev told her firmly. She scowled. She was beautiful when she was angry. She was beautiful full-stop. He hated having to deny her anything, but he knew that taking Lily along to the meeting would not go down well with Malfoy and the others. Especially considering her heritage.
“Take me as your guest.” She suggested stubbornly. He sighed.
“Lily this is a members only club, not a dinner party.” She scowled again. Sev’s heart melted.

“What about a dinner party?” asked Krys appearing at their table in the study hall.
“Sev’s been invited to a club and he won’t take me.” Announced Lily sulkily before Sev could get a word in. He rolled her eyes at her and grinned at Krys.
“Lucius Malfoy invited me to join their club. But its members only and little Miss Evans won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.” He explained. Krys grinned at Lily who was still sulking.
“Tell him it isn’t fair, Krys. He’s being mean.”
“I’m not being mean!”
“And I’m not getting involved!” exclaimed Krys, holding up her hands palm outwards to demonstrate. “Lily, why would you want to hang around with Malfoy anyway? He’s a snake.” Asked Krys, speaking as though she had a bitter taste in her mouth.
“I thought you Slytherins liked Snakes.” Remarked Lily slyly.
“Hah_Hah.” Responded Krys sarcastically. Lily grinned and stuck her tongue at Krys who returned the gesture.
“I’m astounded by the level of maturity in my presence.” Announced Sev dryly and the girls both laughed, but continued pulling faces at each other.

Just then Charlie appeared at the table and dropped down next to Lily. She looked extremely serious.
“Lils, have you seen this?” she asked pushing a Daily Prophet into Lily’s hands. Lily skimmed the headline.
“Oh my god, that’s horrible!” she cried as she read through the article.
“What is it?” asked Sev, his voice full of concern. Charlie regarded him with slight distaste.
“A load of people were killed last night.”
“What?!” cried Krys and Sev simultaneously. Sev started reading over Lily’s shoulder whilst Krys watched them both, dying to know what had happened.
“They were found in their houses. Entire families dead. Looks like the killing curse!”
Krys’s jaw dropped. Lily was frowning hard, her lips pursed so firmly they were turning white.
“What is it?” Krys asked. Lily continued to stare at the paper for a few seconds then pushed it away from her as though she couldn’t bear to read anymore. Krys picked up the paper but didn’t take her eyes of Lily.
“All the people that were killed…they were Muggle-borns.”
Krys’s eyes widened and Sev looked at her as though he didn’t know what to say.
“There was a Dark Mark over the houses.” Added Charlie. The atmosphere thickened.
“He’s started killing.” She added, her tone deep and more serious than Lily had ever heard it.
The mood broke when Krys snorted in disgust. They all looked at her in surprise.
“Something bothering you?” asked Charlie crossly. She hated Slytherins.
“He hasn’t started killing. He’s just starting killing publicly.” The small girl growled; her eyes blazing as she stared at the paper.
“He’s getting bolder.” She added thoughtfully.
“What would you know?” snarled Charlie. Krysta ignored her and continued to stare at the Daily Prophet.

[Krysta Hedwig]

Part 9

James had been incredibly edgy the past few days. Ever since he spoke to Krysta he’d been prettified that she would reveal Remus’s secret and every time he walked into a room full of people he half expected them all to be discussing his friend.
He hadn’t had the guts to tell the others about what had happened, although part of him wanted to warn Remus that he may have been compromised.
But so far everything was quiet. On several occasions he had tried to talk to the girl, but she seemed to be very skilled at eluding him. In fact one time whilst he’d followed her up onto the 7th floor she’d vanished altogether. He’d noticed that she had a habit of doing that: vanishing.
This didn’t deter him of course. He was determined to corner her. At the very least he wanted to beg her to keep quiet about their conversation. He had resigned himself to the fact that there was no way of convincing her that he was telling the truth. She was so darn stubborn. He hated Slytherins.

Krys had been very troubled over the recent days. Voldemort’s sudden decision to start killing openly was a bold and frightening move. It meant he was ready to make a point, to display his power and show the world that he was not a force to be reckoned with. The message was simple: “fear me”. She spent so much time scowling to herself that many people avoided her. Even Sev was quieter around her than usual.
She wasn’t particularly bothered about this, however. Her head was swarming with thoughts. She so desperately wished to hear from her Mother. Where was she? Was she planning an attack on Voldemort? Was she even going to get involved, or was she planning on leaving it to the Ministry?
She couldn’t imagine her Mother choosing the latter. But why hadn’t she contacted her daughter? She always told her everything that was happening and never kept Krys in the dark, especially about Coven business. It was her birthright too, after all.

Something about Voldemort made Krys nervous, though. Her Mother had previously compared the dark wizard to Grindlewald, which Krys had thought quite extreme at the time. But now Krys could see where her Mother was coming from. Voldemort was building quite a vast following and his power was unquestionable. He was aiming most of his wrath at the Muggles and Muggle-borns, but Krys wondered how long before he started on the rest of the Wizarding Community. The pureblood snobbery was one thing that made her slightly ashamed of being a Slytherin. Everyone assumed that she agreed with their way of thinking. On the contrary, Krysta had the greatest respect for Muggle-borns. She supposed that was why some of her fellow housemates couldn’t understand her friendship with Lily.

Krys was worried about Sev too. She didn’t like some of the company he’d been keeping of late, specifically Lucius Malfoy. She had definitely noticed a difference in Sev since he had been attending the “Club” meetings. He had become very opinionated and slightly snobby. His aggression towards the other houses, particularly Gryffindor was quite apparent and had even led to some small arguments between him and Lily.
He had also joined the Slytherin duelling club and she was seeing less and less of him as he spent more and more time amongst Malfoy and his crew.

Right now she was in the middle of plotting a star chart for Astronomy when she noticed something on her lunar calendar. Tonight was a full moon.
She frowned, chewing the end of her quill thoughtfully. It was a Friday night. There were no classes tomorrow. She checked her watch and saw that it was nearly dinnertime.
“Freyja.” She called gently. The cat looked up from the hearth and blinked in response.
“I want to ask your opinion on something.” Krys told her faithful familiar. The black feline got up from her place in front of the fire and leapt onto the table where Krys was working. Krys lowered her voice and leant close to Freyja so that no one else in the Common Room would hear.
“Do you think it’s possible that a boy at this school is a Werewolf?” she whispered. Freyja blinked and Krysta studied her as though waiting for an answer. Finally Krys nodded thoughtfully.
“It’s just that the person who told me isn’t exactly trust worthy.” Freyja blinked again and sniffed at the lunar calendar, placing one silky black paw on the current day exhibiting the full moon. Krys nodded.
“Yes…that’s what I thought too.”


Remus took a deep breath and pulled the blanket around his shoulders. His wand was safely in his trunk where no harm could befall it and his belly was as full as he could possibly bear. He thought maybe if he ate loads before the change, his wolf counter-part might not be as aggressive as usual; the need to hunt lessened by a stated appetite. It was a theory worth testing.
James and Sirius were watching him prepare for his nighttime ordeal with expression of deep concern etched on their faces.
“Is there anything we can do?” asked Sirius helplessly. Remus shook his head, throwing his friend a grateful smile.
“I just feel so useless!” James said sounding frustrated. Remus smiled again.
“It’s ok guys, really. There’s nothing you can do, but it means a lot that you want to.” He told them. Sirius jumped to his feet and casually draped an arm across Remus’s shoulder.
“You’re our mate. We hate to see you go through this nightmare every month. We want to help.” He told his friend with a sad grin.
“Tell you what, save me some breakfast. That’d be a great help. By the time I make it back to the castle most of it’s gone.”
“No problem, we can do that! Any requests?” asked James.
“Sausages.” Nodded Remus.
“You got it.” Said Sirius clapping his friend on the back.
“I better go.” Remus announced morosely. The others nodded. He waved to them as he left the dormitory and made his way downstairs to meet Professor McGonagall.

*

Remus yawned and rolled over pulling the blanket tightly around his chin. There was a smile on his sleepy face.
Wait a minute!
He sat up straight, the blanket falling around his waist. Where had the blanket even come from? He felt it in his fingers, wondering if maybe McGonagall had left it for him. But that didn’t explain why he was curled up on this mattress, peacefully snuggled beneath it. Usually when he woke up after a full moon he was sprawled naked on the floor somewhere in the Shrieking Shack, wherever his wolf-side had fallen asleep. This was very strange indeed.
He swung his legs out of bed and gasped when he saw the state of them. There were he usual nasty scratched and bruises on them but there were two very strange things: 1 – there seemed to be more scratches than usual and 2 – his wounds seemed to already be healing. He looked down at his arms and torso and noticed the same thing. He seemed to have more scratches, but they were nearly all healed. He sniffed a disappearing scratch on his arm and the scent of dittany and murtlap met his nostrils. He raised his eyebrows in surprise. Someone had already treated his wounds.

He looked around for his clothes and was further shocked to find them all neatly folded next to the mattress and as if that wasn’t enough, someone had left him a chocolate frog and a bottle of butterbeer. He grabbed for the butterbeer immediately and started gulping down the sweet, warming liquid thirstily.
He put down the bottle and began peeling the wrapper of the chocolate frog, looking around the room cautiously, as though expecting some other surprise. Everything else looked normal.
Wait! Normal? That wasn’t right.
The room did look normal: completely normal. There was no broken furniture, no new holes in the wall. There was absolutely no sign that there had been a Werewolf in there last night. Remus frowned, chewing on the chocolate.
Just then his thoughts were cut short when a figure climbed through the trapdoor.
“Good morning Professor.” Called Remus brightly. Professor McGonagall looked down at him, slightly surprised.
“Good morning Mr Lupin. How are you feeling?” she asked looking sincerely concerned.
“Not bad, Professor.” He replied, swallowing the last of his frog. She raised her eyebrows cynically.
“Really?” she looked him over thoughtfully. “I must say you look more cheerful than usual.” She commented.
“Yes, thanks to you. Thank you for the butterbeer, it’s really hitting the spot.” He said thankfully, taking another swig of the amber liquid.
“I didn’t bring you any butterbeer. Hmm. I suppose telling Mr Potter to stay away from the Shrieking Shack isn’t having much affect. I shall have to have a word with him. Now come on, you’ll be late for breakfast.” said Professor McGonagall sharply. Remus was surprised, but couldn’t help smiling. His friends were unbelievable. He couldn’t believe they’d risk their safety to come down here just to make him more comfortable.
He quickly pulled on his clothes and followed Professor McGonagall through the tunnel that would lead them back to Hogwarts.







Part 10

Remus slipped into the seat next to Peter and his friends looked up in surprise. Each of them studied him closely trying to ascertain how much damage he had taken the night before.
“Morning, guys.” He greeted them brightly, pouring himself some pumpkin juice.
“Morning, mate, how are you this morning?” asked Sirius quietly, but sincerely. Remus grinned back.
“Not too bad!” he exclaimed, surprising them all. He began helping himself to breakfast.
“I saved you sausages.” Piped up Peter.
“Thanks.” Replied Remus, warmly.
“You seem…bouncier than usual.” Commented Sirius, watching his friend with interest.
“Yeah, I feel it too. Listen, guys, thanks for bringing me food and stuff, but you shouldn’t come to the Shrieking shack. It’s too dangerous. Not that I don’t appreciate it: I do! But McGonagall’s pretty annoyed with you, so expect a confrontation.” He told them with a bemused grin.
James and Sirius were looking at each other in confusion.
“Err, Remus, mate, what are you talking about?” asked James staring at his friend like he was going slightly strange.
“You know: the blanket, the butterbeer, the chocolate frog.” Whispered Remus. James and Sirius looked at each other again and began shaking their heads.
“Remus, we don’t know what you’re talking about. We were no where near The Shack last night.” James whispered.
“We were in Gryffindor Tower all night. We even did some homework.” Added Sirius and James nodded in confirmation. After a few seconds of confused expressions and frowns they all turned to Peter who looked at each of them is surprise.
“Don’t look at me!” he squeaked.
Remus looked at his friends with bewilderment.
“If it wasn’t any of you an it wasn’t McGonagall, then who was it?”
They all looked at each other. No one could offer an explanation. That is; one person could have offered an explanation, but he chose not to. There was someone he needed to speak to first.


Krys stared at her breakfast plate intensely as though keeping her eyes open was taking all of her concentration. She was shattered. She’d only managed about an hour’s sleep and right now she was incredibly grateful it was Saturday. She was just thinking that she might just go back to bed when someone clamped a hand on her shoulder.
“Ouch!” she yelled angrily. She had a fresh wound there.
“Sorry. Are you hurt?” asked a sickly smooth voice. She looked up at Lucius Malfoy and immediately experienced a bad taste in her mouth.
“No. I’m fine. The cat scratched me.” She lied, pulling her robe tighter over her shoulder. He smiled thinly in response.
“May I join you?” he asked motioning to the space next to her. Her stomach tightened, but she shrugged casually.
“It’s a free country.” She muttered.
“Not for long.” He replied. She looked up sharply at him. She knew what he meant and it sickened her.
“Don’t count your chickens.” She replied. He smiled that paper-thin smile again and she wanted to smack it off his face. He chuckled a little.
“You’re awfully young to be so cynical.” He commented, smiling sincerely. She sneered at him. He thought she was one of them.
“I’m not cynical. I was being optimistic.” She replied. His smile disappeared. He regarded her strangely.
Malfoy looked serious all of a sudden and he pointed his chin out firmly.
“Let’s not beat around the bush. Mr Snape speaks very highly of you.”
“Does he?” she asked, deliberately sounding bored.
“Yes he does. And I’ve been watching you.” She snorted as she played disinterestedly with her cornflakes. He ignored her.
“I think you’d make a wonderful asset to our little Club.” He continued, watching her for a response. She gave none and stared into her cereal bowl.
“I don’t think I’d fit in.” she eventually replied in a monotone voice. He was smiling again.
“What makes you say that?” he asked, still sounding friendly.
“We have very different political opinions.” She replied honestly. His gaze grew cold. She ignored it and placed a spoonful of cornflakes into her mouth chewing thoughtfully. For a moment Lucius just watched her. His body language changed. He was taking a different approach.

“I’ve been reading about your family.” He suddenly announced. She looked up at him, slightly startled. The grin of triumph was apparent on his face. He’d got her attention now.
“What do you know about my family?” she asked, trying to keep her cool. He paused again, speaking slowly and clearly.
“Only that you come from one of the oldest and most respected bloodlines in the world.” He replied. Her eyes narrowed. What else had he unearthed about her bloodline?
“Yeah?” she asked, trying to sound disinterested. He smiled, though.
“Oh yes.” He responded. “The women in particular…are interesting.” He added. This time she froze. Every inch of her body froze in slight panic. She couldn’t bring herself to look at him, or else she might give away her fear. How much did he know?
“Really?” she asked, her voice faltering slightly.
“So as I was saying, I think you would be quite an asset to the Club. I also want you to join the Slytherin duelling team.” He told her matter-of-factly like it was an order, not a suggestion.
“What?” she asked incredulously.
“I think you’d have to agree that with you on the team, Slytherin would be quite unbeatable.” She glared at him. She pursed her lips together and straightened her posture. She wasn’t about to be intimidated.
“Sorry, Lucius. I’m really much of a “team” person. And I don’t really want to join your club. I think we have conflicting agendas.” She told him firmly. He stared into her fierce blue eyes for several seconds.
“I see.” He finally replied. “How disappointing.” He added. “There was someone I so wanted you to meet as well. I believe he knows your Mother.” He added. The threat was evident in his tone. She glared at him coldly.
“If he doesn’t, I’m sure he soon will.” She replied, returning the threat. Lucius laughed. She continued to glare at him.
“You’re so cute, look at you!” he mocked her, cupping her chin in his hand. She shook her face free and felt her rage boiling inside. “It’s always such a shame when kids try to grow up so fast. They should enjoy being young!” he cried, with a big smile. “Besides, one day they may have to grow up…a lot more quickly than they had anticipated.” He sneered.
With that he swept away down the Slytherin table and left the Great Hall. She stared after him in horror. What had he meant by that? Whatever it was, she was sure it wasn’t good.

[Krysta Hedwig]

Part 11

James watched her discreet exit from the Great Hall and got up to follow her.
“Where are you going? There’s still food left.” Asked Sirius, pointing out the plates of sausages, bacon and eggs that were still available on the table. James shrugged.
“Oh, I’ve had enough.” James replied quickly.
“So? What’s that got to do with the price of valerian root?” Sirius prodded, looking at his friend suspiciously.
“I’m not hungry.” Insisted James.
“Ok, fine, that leaves more for us.” Resigned Sirius, loading his plate with more bacon. James took the opportunity to quickly dart from the table.
“Oi!” yelled Sirius through a mouth of food.
“What’s up with him?” asked Peter. Sirius shrugged as he watched James disappear from the Hall. Frowning, he swallowed his food. It wasn’t like James to keep anything from him.
“Guys, I’ll see you on the Quidditch pitch.” He announced, getting up from the table.
“Ok. Can I have your sausages?” asked Peter hopefully. Sirius waved his hand dismissively and Peter pounced on Sirius’s plate as his friend left the Hall after James.

Once in the entrance hall Sirius looked around to see where James had disappeared to so abruptly. To begin with he could see no sign of him, but Sirius suddenly caught sight of him disappearing down into the dungeons.
“What’s he doing?” Sirius asked no one in particular. He ran his hand over his chin thoughtfully. He waited for James to go out of sight and then followed him.

James followed her right down past the Potions corridor and deeper into the dungeons. Even he hadn’t been this far down. The walls seemed to have an ominous green glow, or was it just his imagination? The light seemed to flicker hypnotically and he suddenly realised that they were actually down beneath the Lake. That green glow must be algae reflecting through the water. He shuddered. The Slytherin Common Room must be down here. He quickened his pace. He didn’t want her to disappear into the Common Room before he could catch up with her. He rounded a corner and gasped as he saw she was barely ten feet away talking to Snape. He whipped back around the corner, standing with his back to the wall, hoping they hadn’t seen him. He’d never be able to talk to her whilst grease-boy was there. He scowled.

“C’mon Snivellus, say what you gotta, then disappear, already.” He whispered to himself. He risked a sneak view around the corner. The pair seemed to be arguing. Krysta was waving her hands about angrily and Snape was standing defiantly with his hands firmly on his hips whilst she seemed to be ranting about something. She stopped and Snape immediately began ranting back at her, jabbing his finger at her angrily. He couldn’t hear what they were saying. They were both keeping their voices low but the animosity of the discussion was clear.
Suddenly Snape turned in James’s direction and began marching away from Krysta. James panicked and quickly looked for something to hide behind. Why didn’t he have the invisibility cloak when he needed it?
“Sev, wait!” Krysta suddenly shouted sounding panicked. James hardly dared breathe. Snape was about 2 feet away around the corner.
“I’ve nothing more to say. If you can’t support me, then this conversation is over.” Snarled Snape. James heard him turn again and shut his eyes as though that may somehow make him invisible. Suddenly strong hands grabbed him and he found himself being dragged swiftly into an empty classroom. Snape’s footfalls could be heard marching quickly away and he let out a sigh of relief.

“What are you doing?” An angry voice jilted James back to the world of the living and he turned around and yelped in surprise when he saw Sirius standing behind him glaring at him angrily.
“Sirius, what are you doing here?” he hissed quietly.
“I could ask you the same question!” yelled Sirius.
“Shh.” Hissed James putting a finger to his lips.
“I will not ‘shh’, James. What are you doing down here?” Sirius demanded again. They both jumped when they heard someone turning the door handle and turned towards it waiting for some angry Slytherin to discover them.
“James?” a soft voice called and Krysta poked her head around the door. She caught sight of James and smiled with relief.
“Thank Yana. I swear I thought Severus was going to…” she trailed off when she caught the crossly-faced Sirius standing behind James.
“What’s he doing here?” Krysta demanded angrily, pointing at Sirius.
“He followed me!” cried James defensively. Why was everyone yelling at him?
“Oh great, that’s all I need.” She wailed, closing her eyes in disbelief.
“Oi! Will someone please explain to me what’s going on? James, what on earth are you doing coming down here to see her?” asked Sirius, getting angrier by the second.
James and Krysta stared at each other for a second before simultaneously shouting out.
“He’s helping me practise potions!”
“She’s helping me with Charms!”

Sirius stared at James, then at Krysta, then back to James. Krysta and James glared at each other.
“Wait a minute. You two aren’t…you know…aren’t…” he trailed off, not wanting to entertain the idea.
“Oh god no!” cried Krysta, looking sick.
“Yuck, no, Sirius give me some credit.” Snorted James.
“Well then what!?” wailed Sirius, sinking into a chair. He looked so confused that it seemed to be draining him of his energy.
Krysta and James exchanged uncomfortable expressions before Krysta rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. She leant against a wall, giving the floor to James.

“It’s not as bad as you think.” Began James, looking at his friend pleadingly. Sirius just stared at him.
“I was coming down here to thank her for helping Remus.” He continued. Sirius’s eyes opened wide.
“What?” he asked.
“Potter, what do you think you’re doing?” hissed Krysta angrily, rounding on James aggressively.
“Krysta, I know it was you. Who else could it have been?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She growled, turning away from the both of them.
“James, what are you talking about? Are you saying she was the one who left Remus all that stuff this morning?” asked Sirius, clearly not convinced by James’s theory.
“No!”
“Yes.” Insisted James, ignoring Krysta’s indignant denial. He turned to her.
“Krysta, there’s no way we’re going to explain our way out of this. We may as well just tell Sirius everything.” He pleaded. She shook her head, staring back at him, looking desperate.
“You don’t understand…I can’t…I don’t trust him!” she hissed.
“Like I care what you think of me!” retorted Sirius. “James will tell me everything, anyway.” He added, triumphantly. James looked at him and then at Krysta.
“Krysta, please” he asked pleadingly. “This is for Remus.” He added. Krysta frowned.
“What makes you think I care about Lupin?” she asked. James smiled gently and looked at her for a few seconds.
“Your actions last night prove that you do.” He said. Krysta stared at him for a few seconds. She was clearly struggling. Finally her posture relaxed and her eyes softened. She dropped into a chair several spaces away from Sirius and covered her face in her hands. James sighed. He took a seat opposite Sirius and took a deep breath.

Sirius listened silently as James explained the conversation he’d had with Krysta regarding Remus’s “furry little problem”. Krysta sat facing away from them the whole time, offering no comment or interruption. Finally James came to his conclusion that Krysta had clearly discovered that James had indeed been telling the truth. At this point he stopped speaking and looked at his friend for some kind of a reaction.
For a few moments Sirius said nothing. James swallowed hard, unsure as to what the boy’s reaction would be. Finally Sirius looked up at his best friend with a cold, hard stare.
“You didn’t say a word.” He said, simply. James just stared back at him. “All this time, a whole month, and you never said a word to any of us.” He added, slightly accusingly. James crisscrossed his fingers in a single fist.
“I was hoping I wouldn’t have to.”
Sirius sighed deeply and reshuffled in the chair so that he was sitting more upright. He looked over at Krysta who still hadn’t moved.
“What about you?” he asked. She remained unmoving and didn’t answer.
“You know the truth now.” He continued to stare at her. “So what’s it worth? This knowledge?” he asked matter-of-factly. She whipped her head around to fix him with a harsh glare.
“What does that mean?” she asked, sounding insulted.
“You know what I mean. What’s it going to take to make you keep your mouth shut?” he asked. She just stared at him her eyes slightly squinted. She shook her head slightly and looked away.
“Sirius…”
“No, James, I think you’ve done enough damage. I think you better leave the damage control to me.” Interrupted Sirius angrily.
“There is no damage control.” Said Krysta dryly, turning away from Sirius again as though she just didn’t want to look at him any longer.
“Sure there isn’t.” retorted Sirius sarcastically. “Are you trying to tell me that you’re not going to spread this little piece of juicy gossip around at the first opportunity?” he snarled.
“You know you really shouldn’t judge people by your own behaviour.” She bit back.
“Sirius she’s not going to tell anyone.” Butted in James sounded completely serious. Sirius laughed in disgust.
“Yeah, sure. Give me one good reason why this little runt is going to keep her mouth shut about Remus.” Sirius demanded. James remained quiet for a few seconds looking over at Krysta, a soft expression in his eyes. Finally he spoke.
“Because she likes him.”

Sirius stared at James incredulously for a moment then back to Krysta, whose only reaction was to close her eyes and turn her face even further away from them.
“She likes him.” Repeated Sirius, his tone full of disbelief.
“Yes. She obviously went out last night to see if I was telling the truth. She realised I was. She sent the Panther in to keep him busy. That’s why he was well rested this morning. It tired him out and he slept more than usual. She treated his wounds once he fell asleep and made him comfortable. She even left him a drink and something to eat for when he woke up.” James explained gently, not once taking his eyes of Krysta who was refusing to look anyone in the eye.
Sirius was staring at Krysta like she was an enigmatic puzzle.
“But why?” he asked, still not understanding why this horrid little Slytherin girl would display such an act of kindness. She suddenly rounded on Sirius angrily and opened her mouth as though about to begin berating him. But she closed it again and shook her head.
“I wouldn’t expect you to understand.” She murmured.
“The explain it.” He ordered. She glared at him, but her expression softened. She turned properly to address Sirius, leaning forward with her forearms on her knees.
“I know what it’s like…to have a secret. The kind of secret that were it to get out…it wouldn’t bear thinking about.” She said calmly, looking him directly in the eye. He regarded her with a new curiosity.
“Remus has never done anything to me. He may be part of your little gang but it’s always been you two that have behaved like jerks. I decided it wouldn’t be fair to judge Remus by the company he keeps. He seems like a nice guy.”
“He is.” Agreed James. She nodded and gave him a gentle smile, which he returned.

Sirius studied her for a while. Her sincerity was clear.
“So what now? James came to you for help. Does this mean you’re going to help us?” he asked. Her smile faltered a little and she suddenly looked uncomfortable.
“It’s not that easy.” She said awkwardly.
“What?!” cried Sirius, suddenly full of anger again.
“You mean you won’t help?” asked James, full of surprise.
“No, no I want to help you.”
“Then why won’t you?” demanded Sirius. She sighed very deeply and stared down at the ground.
“Because I’m not sure I can!” she cried, sounding frustrated. Sirius fumed for a few seconds.
“Look we may not be the junior whiz-kid you are, but we’re pretty good wizards. Whatever that spell is you use to make the panther, I know we can learn it. Just show us.” He exclaimed, insulted by her lack of faith in their abilities. She shook her head drastically.
“Look this is far more complicated than you realise.”
At least let us try!” cried Jams, sharing in Sirius’s frustration.
She sighed again and hung her head between her knees. She stayed like that for several seconds. Finally she looked up.

“Ok. You shared a huge secret with me. You put a lot of trust in me, James. But if I am going to help you it means I am going to have to share a secret with you too.” She explained carefully.
“Ok, fine.” Said Sirius quickly. She shook her head.
“I have to know I can trust you.” She told them looking at each of them extremely seriously.
“You know you can. You know about Remus. We wouldn’t dare betray your trust, would we?” said James looking at Sirius for confirmation. Sirius looked slightly suspicious, but eventually nodded.
Krysta took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
“The Panther isn’t an illusion.” She began and both boys opened their mouths in shock horror.
“What?!”
“It’s real?” they chorused. She nodded.
“There’s a bloody great panther running around out there?” asked Sirius looking nervously at the door as though he expected the beast to burst in any second. Krysta looked awkward again.
“Not exactly.” She said in the kind of tone a teenager adopts when explaining to their parents why the car has a huge dent in it.
“What do you mean ‘Not exactly’?” asked Sirius fixing her with a highly suspicious look.
She looked at each boy in turn and resigned herself to the fact that there was only one way to explain this.
She slowly got to her feet, the boys watching her every move. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She felt that fluttering in her belly and forced the energy to flow in that spot. With graceful ease she felt the moment of change come upon her.

Both boys stared at the black leopard in front of them. They were both completely silent. Their eyes were wide and their mouths were hung open. Neither of them moved. Neither of them dared.

She let the energy dissipate back into her body and she reversed the transmogrification, returning to her natural state. She sat down again and clasped her hands in her lap. She looked up at the two Gryffindor boys waiting for a reaction. They were both still staring at her with their mouths wide open, neither of them moving a muscle. Finally it was James that spoke.
“So…” he began shakily, looking at Sirius. “Like she said…it’s not that simple.”

[Krysta Hedwig]

I have loads more, so if anyone is reading this, let me know and I'll keep posting.

xx
Nik

[JadieLou]

I'm reading I wuv this story!

mwah mwah

Jade

[Krysta Hedwig]

Part 12[/u]

Lucius watched silently as the three third-year students crept out of the classroom and his eyes narrowed as Hedwig acted as lookout so that the two Gryffindor wretches could sneak out of the dungeon. No wonder she harboured such naïve opinions if she was keeping such poor company. This was going to be harder than he thought.
He tapped his forefinger against his chin thoughtfully, trying to decide on a new tactic. He was never one to walk away from a challenge, especially when failure would result in distinct unpleasantness. The Dark Lord did not like failure.
He walked back to the Common Room slowly. Narcissa was lying on the sofa waiting for him. She looked up and smiled provocatively when she saw him. He looked around the room and frowned when he saw it was empty.
“Where are the others?” he asked abruptly. Her smile broadened.
“I got rid of them. She replied, turning over onto her stomach. He ignored the cleavage she was trying to display for him. He really wasn’t in the mood.
“Why? I need to talk to Nott and Avery.” Her smile instantly slipped into a frown.
“What for?” she asked, knowing what his answer would be. His answer was always the same.
“You know I can’t discuss that.” He told her, sounding bored. She sighed deeply and tossed her mane of golden hair over her shoulder. She raised herself to a sitting position and folded her arms across her chest, fixing him with a serious expression.
“Maybe I can help.” She said, sounding cross. He always dismissed her over ‘Club’ business and it infuriated her. His only response was to snort in bemused disgust as though the notion that this girl could help was ridiculous. She scowled.
“You tell Bella stuff. If you can tell her, why can’t you tell me?” she asked stubbornly. He didn’t even reply. He just sat on the sofa opposite her looking thoughtful, like he hadn’t even heard her.
“I know why.” She answered her own question. “The reason why is tattooed on your arms.” She hissed. He looked at her sharply. In a flash he had darted across to her and slapped her hard across the face.
She gasped in shock, but refused to cry out. She glared up at him, a red mark already apparent on her cheek. He just looked down at her, his eyes blazing.
Her eyes were red and she furiously fought back the tears. She knew she’d gone too far. She had deserved that smack.
“You need to learn some discretion, girl.” He told her, his voice suddenly soft. He sat beside her and took her hand, his fury suddenly dissipated. She didn’t meet his eyes, stubbornly staring at the floor.

He reached out and caught her chin between his thumb and forefinger, pulling her face around to face him. She begrudgingly looked at him. His eyes found hers and she could see compassion in them.
“I’m sorry.” She whispered. He smiled softly.
“Cissy, the work we’re doing is so very important.” He told her gently, almost in a whisper. She nodded.
“I know. I understand. I’m sorry, Lucius.” She burbled quickly. He stopped her by placing a finger over her lips softly. She fell silent and looked into his eyes. She so desperately sought his approval and affection.
“I want to join you.” She whispered and he smiled sadly.
“I know. But you must wait to be called by The Dark Lord.” He explained. Her shoulders slumped in frustration and he smiled to himself. He knew just how much she longed to please him. He found it intoxicating.
His smile became predatory as he slipped a hand over her waist and pulled her tight against him. He kissed her fiercely, pressing his lips hard against hers.
She responded almost immediately, her arms instantly sliding around his body returning the embrace. Her kiss was desperate and full of longing.
He dropped his kiss to her neck and she gasped. He grinned to himself. All she wanted was to please him, and he knew it.
She reached up and pulled his hair free from the ponytail, running her fingers through it. She yelped as he gently bit her. He chuckled.


“Kid on the floor!”
Lucius and Narcissa broke their embrace and looked around to see Krysta Hedwig climbing through the portrait door. She was dramatically covering her eyes, comically shielding the two of them from view.
“Can’t you two get a room? People have to sit on that sofa.” She commented dryly. Narcissa scowled.
“Get lost you little brat.” She snarled.
“This Common Room belongs to everyone y’know!” called Krysta gaily as she headed over towards the girls dormitories. She loved being a pain in the backside.
“Wait, one moment, kid. I want a word with you.” Ordered Lucius. Krysta stopped immediately and turned towards the Slytherin prefect, an innocent expression on her face.
“Yes, sir?” she asked, sweetly, mocking him.
“What were you doing with Potter and Sirius Black?” he asked abruptly. Although the smile didn’t leave her face, Krysta’s body stiffened. Narcissa sat up straight and looked at Lucius in surprise.
“Sirius?” she asked, sounding surprised and disgusted She glared at Krysta. “What are you doing hanging around with my horrid little cousin?” she demanded.
“Oh I wasn’t hanging around with them. They were just showing me some neat new hexes.” She said brightly. “Here, I’ll show you.” She added, casually pointing her wand at Narcissa.
“No!”
Lucius was on his feet in a flash, standing between the two girls like a shield.
“Lower your wand, kid.” He ordered, gripping his own wand tightly, not taking his eyes off the younger girl. He eyed her wand, a little nervously.
“Oh, but don’t you want to see? You can use them in your little duelling club.” Krysta added with mock disappointment.
“Lower_your_wand.” Lucius growled, speaking each word slowly and clearly. Krysta complied, chuckling slightly.
“What are you doing, Luc, she’s just a kid.” Asked Narcissa looking at Krysta like she was a rather unpleasant grub. Krysta gave her a winning smile and turned to leave again. Lucius’s voice stopped her again.
“Have you thought anymore about my offer?” he asked. Narcissa looked questioningly at his but he ignored her.
Krysta touched her forefinger to her chin and looked up at the ceiling thoughtfully.
“Yes, Lucius, I have. And On second thought…” she began and he narrowed his eyes, waiting for her response.
“…you can tell your boss, I’d rather go on a date with The Giant Squid than join his little prep-school. Bye now!” she added with a sweet smile before skipping away to the dormitories.
Lucius watched her black mane disappear from sight and a deep scowl swept across his face.
“What was that about?” asked Narcissa, staring at the spot where Krysta had disappeared. Lucius’s hands squeezed into tight, furious fists. That girl was really starting to annoy him.

[Willow Knotwood]

Part 13

Sirius ran across the lawn, darting between people in the crowd as he went. He finally reached the bleachers and climbed into the seat Remus and Peter had saved for him.
“Where’ve you been?” asked Peter, looking at his friend suspiciously.
“Nowhere.” He replied, tying his Gryffindor scarf around his neck and unravelling the big banner he’d made for the game. Remus grinned and took one end of it so they could hold it up. In huge red and gold lettering it said: GO, GO GRYFFINDOR!!! And had a little picture of James flying around it tossing a Quaffle about.
“Hey, nice one.” Commented Remus, admiring Sirius’s handiwork.
“You must have been somewhere.” Insisted Peter.
“What?” asked Sirius, deliberately not looking at Peter.
“You said you were nowhere. You must have been somewhere.”
“I was with James, ok?” Sirius said, a little harassed by Peter’s curiosity.
“What were you doing?”
Sirius rolled his eyes.
“Nothing! I mean…just…Quidditch stuff.” Sirius stammered, desperate to get Peter to drop the subject.
“Like what?” Peter asked. Sirius whipped around to face him and was about to give Peter an earful, when to his relief the crowd burst out into cheers and applause. Sirius was grateful for the distraction and he joined his housemates in welcoming the Gryffindor team onto the pitch.

The match was a victory for Gryffindor. Hufflepuff had suffered a terrible defeat at the hands of the Gryffindor team and the crowd was in extremely high spirits as they made their way back through the castle and up towards the 7th floor Common Room. Sirius was clapping James heartily on the back and laughing at Peter’s impression of the Hufflepuff keeper almost falling off her broom when a tall, dark figure appeared seemingly out of nowhere and clamped a strong hand around his upper arm.
“Hey, get off me!” he yelled angrily. His face fell however when he saw who it was. He gulped as his cousin dragged him away from his friends and through a tapestry that hid one of Hogwarts’ many secret passages.
“Get off me, Bellatrix, what do you want? Let go of me!” he shouted, yanking his arm free. She towered over him, glaring down at him in that manner that only Bellatrix Black could.
“I want to talk to you, little cousin.” She bellowed menacingly.
“I didn’t do it. Whatever it is, it wasn’t me!” he protested, rubbing his bruised arm furiously.
“Shut it you little twerp, and listen.” She growled. He just glared at her. “What’s this I hear about you hanging around with Krysta Hedwig?” she demanded. Sirius stared at her in surprise.
“I…I’m not!” he protested.
“Don’t lie to me!” she screeched. “You were seen together. What are you playing at?” she insisted. He gulped again.
“I promise you, I wasn’t hanging out with her. I was talking to her yeah, but…what’s it matter to you anyway?” he yelled, suddenly sick of this interrogation. His cousin had never paid any attention to his friends before, why as she so bothered now?
“That doesn’t matter. You’re not to talk to her anymore, is that clear?” She ordered, dismissing his protests. Sirius just stared at her for a few seconds, not sure what to say.
“Not that it’s got anything to do with you, but I can’t stand the girl anyway!” he shouted back, instantly regretting it when she whipped out her wand and placed its tip against his neck.
“ouch.” He muttered
“I don’t like your tone. You’re a useless little wretch, Sirius, you always were. My Aunt should have drowned you when you were born.” She hissed. Sirius just glared back at her through red eyes.
“Now listen and listen good. I don’t ever want to see or hear of you speaking to that girl again. You got it?”
He nodded meekly, the tip of her wand poking painfully into his throat.
“Good.” She said, removing her wand. He let out a deep breath and began rubbing his neck.
“Now run along and play, cousin.” She said, motioning to the corridor behind them. He stepped back and walked around her, keeping as much distance between them as he could. He ran through the tapestry and up the stairs as fast as he could.



Krysta had fallen asleep on her homework again. Sev watched her, grinning as a tiny amount of drool dripped onto her parchment. He suppressed a snigger and watched as Lily placed another gobstone on her friend’s head. The two friends had been taking turns placing them on Krys’s head, the object being to see who could place the most before either Krys woke up or before they all rolled off.
Krys suddenly lurched out of her sleep, gasping deeply, her eyes wide.
“Run, Harry, Run!” she shouted, sounding terrified. She blinked and caught sight of her two friends who were both staring at her in astonishment and amusement. Lily instantly started laughing as gobstones were sent scattering across the floor.
“Who’s Harry? Asked Sev through his laughter.
“What?” asked Krys, still in confusion from her sudden state of consciousness.
“You were shouting out his name.”
“I don’t know anyone called Harry.” Krys said, shaking her head. She was slowly fumbling with something hidden in her robes.
“It’s like that time she started yelling about someone called Caeleb.” Lily said, a huge grin on her face. Sev shook his face with mock concern and sadness.
“I don’t know, only 13 and dreaming about all these boys. It’s disgusting.” He said. Lily patted him on the back in mock consolation.
“What’s that?” Asked Lily suddenly noticing the object Krysta had been fumbling with. Krys looked down at her chest.
“Oh, nothing.” She said hastily, shoving it back inside her robes.
“Let me see!” insisted Lily, reaching out for it. Krys let her pull out the long necklace she was wearing.
“It’s nothing. Just an…heirloom” Krys stammered.
“It’s lovely.” Exclaimed Lily turning the Dragon pendant over in her fingers. She seemed mesmerised by it.

“Oh, Yana look at my essay!” Krys wailed, examining the drool soaked parchment. “You could have woken me.” She said accusingly to Severus. Sev smiled sweetly at her.
“Yes, we could have. But playing gobstone towers was more entertaining.” He explained, pulling a stray glass sphere out of Krys’s long, black hair.
“Thanks. You’re a true friend.” She said sarcastically. “Lils, can I have that back?” she asked timidly, pulling gently on the chain of her necklace.
“What?” asked Lily, not looking up. She was just staring at the silver and blue dragon with avid interest.
“The pendant, Lils. Can I have it back?” repeated Krys, a little more insistently.
“Huh? Oh. Yeah, sure.” Said Lily letting go of the pendant reluctantly. She watched as Krysta placed it back in her robes, a flash of disappointment on her face as it disappeared from view. Krys watched her curiously, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.
“What is it with girls and jewellery?” asked Sev, sounding bored.
“Yeah.” Agreed Krysta, not taking her eyes off Lily who was still staring at the spot where the pendant had disappeared.
“I’ll get you one just like it for your birthday.” Offered Sev, smiling kindly. Lily looked up at him and returned the smile.
“Really?” she asked, hopefully.
“Sure.” he replied.
Krysta looked from one friend to the other and smiled to herself.

[Willow Knotwood]

Part 14

The members of the ‘Club’ waited anxiously in the meeting room. Some apprehensive; some impatient and others just excited. What news would Lucius and Bellatrix bring them? What new orders, what messages?
Severus sat on a tabletop in the empty classroom, his legs swinging beneath him. He looked at his fellow group members, trying to ascertain their thoughts. Nott looked stony-faced and serious. Avery leant casually against a wall, casting occasional glances at the door. The Carrow twins, ugly and dour-looking sat together whispering.
A click at the door brought all eyes towards it and their wait was over. Lucius and Bellatrix slipped into the room, their wands still in their hands.
“Everything ok? No one saw you?”” asked Avery. Lucius nodded curtly and everyone relaxed slightly.
Lucius took a seat at the teacher’s desk and Bellatrix perched herself on the edge of the table. They both looked stern-faced and a fire danced in their eyes.
“So you’ve seen him? You’ve seen the Dark Lord?” asked Amycus, his voice whispery with excitement and wonder. A smirk spread across Bellatrix’s face and Lucius nodded solemnly.
“What news, then? What did he tell you?” asked Nott, leaning forward in his seat. The others murmured and nodded, anxious to hear of any message.
“The Dark Lord passes on his gratitude to his young followers. He is proud of the allegiance you have shown. He promises there shall be a place for us at his side in the fore-coming battles and that our loyalty shall hold the greatest rewards.”
Bellatrix announced, her voice full of pride. The whispers and murmurs spread around the room once more and her smirk smouldered.
“The Dark Lord promises you this: that the righteous shall once again rule our world, that the unworthy be weeded out and expunged and that those disloyal shall be punished.” Announced Lucius, rising to his feet and clenching his hand into a tight fist, which he held high in the air. The others copied him, punching the air and cheering, Severus included.
“We shall rid ourselves of the filth that plagues our community!” cried Bellatrix and once more the crowd cheered.
“Always pure!” shouted Lucius and the others reciprocated, cries of his family motto echoing around the room.
“Always Pure!”
“Always Pure!”

Bellatrix looked around the room and she could feel her blood bubbling with excitement and adrenalin. As the cheers diminished and all eyes rested on her she felt the burning buzz of power. It was intoxicating.
“The Dark Lord send you this message: that those loyal and dedicated to his cause shall be united. Anyone who dares stand in his way shall be obliterated from existence. And under his sign we shall stand together!” she screamed, raising her arm high above her head. The sleeve of her robes fell down around her shoulder and the crowd suddenly fell silent, as the dark mark was revealed on her forearm. She watched them all, a glint in her eye.
“This is His symbol, a sign of loyalty and honour. And under it we shall unite.” Once more murmurs spread across the room. Her eyes burned into each of them.
“Let all those who oppose him cower beneath it. It shall strike fear into the hearts of all the unworthy filth.” She bellowed, hissing out the last word in disgust.
“The Dark Lord himself has marked me as His. He shall do the same for anyone loyal to him, anyone willing to dedicate themselves to him. We shall all carry his mark. We shall all be united!” she cried and a tumultuous roar swept around the room as everyone rose to their feet and cheered.

Later as the meeting was ending and the small crowd was gradually diminishing, Lucius pulled Severus to one side and sat him down.
“Did you enjoy tonight’s meeting, Severus?” he asked and Severus’s face lit up.
“Oh yes.” He breathed excitedly. Lucius smiled.
“I noticed to cheering very hard.” He commented with a nod. Severus nodded in return.
“It’s an amazing feeling, Lucius. To be part of something so…” he trailed off, unable to find an appropriate word.
“Powerful?” suggested Lucius and Severus nodded with a smirk.
“I’ve never felt so a part of something before.” Severus explained. Lucius beamed.
“That’s wonderful. The Dark Lord will be very pleased.” Lucius told him.
“The Dark Lord?” asked Severus looking astonished and slightly nervous. “Have you told him about me?” he asked. Lucius laughed kindly.
“Of course we have! We are very proud of our newest recruit, and The Dark Lord himself cannot wait to meet you.” Lucius told him proudly. Severus’s mouth fell open in surprise.
“He wants to meet me?” asked Severus in disbelief. He couldn’t believe The Dark Lord had said he wanted to meet him.
“Of course he does. But…” Lucius trailed off looking slightly troubled.
“What?! What is it?” asked Severus anxiously.
“It’s just…something he said.” Lucius continued. By now Bellatrix was listening and she grinned. Lucius was playing this out perfectly.
“What? What did he say? Have I displeased him? I didn’t mean to!” cried Severus sounding panicked. Lucius held out his hands calmly.
“No, no, it’s nothing like that.” Lucius assured him. “It’s just your friend, Krysta.”
Severus frowned.
“Krys? What about her?” he asked.
“Well you see The Dark Lord has the highest respect for her family. He would very much like her to join his cause. He asked me to invite her to the club but she turned me down.” Lucius explained calmly. Severus frowned again.
“She did? Why?” he asked. Now that he thought about it, Krysta had been very unsupportive of Sev joining the club and they had even argued about it.
“I’m not sure. The Dark Lord was wondering if you might have a word with her. Try and talk her into giving it a try.” Said Lucius. Severus looked thoughtful. He wasn’t sure how to go about it. Krys could be very stubborn.
“The Dark Lord would be…very grateful.” interrupted Bellatrix, sliding into a seat next to Severus and draping and arm over his shoulder. He looked at her arm where the dark mark was etched and felt envy. She saw him admiring it.
“You want to please him, don’t you? You want a dark make of your own?” she asked in fake kindness. He nodded, still staring at her dark mark.
“Do this for him. And I’m sure it will earn you your Mark.” She told him and he looked at her with eyes wide. Finally he nodded and she beamed at him.
“Good boy.”




Part 15

“Ha hem. Hi Lily. Will you go out with me?”
“Oh yes. James, you’re so hansom and clever! I’d love to go out with you. Let’s get married.”
“I’m not doing this if you aren’t going to take it seriously!”

Remus and Peter were rolling about on their bunks in laughter. James and Sirius were such a sight they just couldn’t help it.
Sirius was currently dressed in an old dressing gown down which he had stuffed two bunched-up socks (that now rested on his chest) and was wearing a mop on his head, which he had jinxed to look red. James was holding his head in his hands while Sirius strutted around the room doing the best impression of a girl he could. He flicked some red mop threads out of his face and pouted at James with one hand on his hip. Peter howled with laughter.
“This isn’t going to work, mate, you look ridiculous.” James moaned as Sirius looked horrified.
“How dare you speak to me like that, James Potter! I hate you!” Sirius wailed dramatically and pretended to cry uncontrollably into a handkerchief. Even James couldn’t keep a straight face this time and allowed himself to join in the laughter.
“Maybe we should try again without the socks.” He suggested with a big grin. Sirius looked mortified and cupped the two mounds on his chest defensively.
“Socks? Socks? Are you telling me you think these aren’t real? I assure you, James I am all woman.” Sirius announced flamboyantly, thrusting his nose in the air proudly. All three boys wailed with laughter.
“Stop, Sirius, stop. I can’t take any more.” Howled Peter gripping his sides in pain.
“You’re not taking this seriously!” moaned James, his own sides aching a bit.
“To be fair, I’d say Sirius is taking this far too seriously.” Remus said, watching his friend strut up to the mirror and check out his reflection.
“C’mon, guys I need help here. How do I get her to go out with me? And the role-playing doesn’t help!” he said warningly as Sirius danced over and stuck his hip out provocatively. Sirius’s smile slipped and he pouted sulkily. James grinned.

“Well you have to find something you have in common; something you can connect over.” Remus told him as Sirius pulled off his makeshift wig. James frowned thoughtfully.
“We’re both in Gryffindor!” he suggested brightly. Remus looked at him hopelessly.
“I think you need something a little more personal than that.” He told James in a scalding tone. James tapped his lower lip with his forefinger.
“Does she like Quidditch?” he asked hopefully. Remus rolled his eyes.
“She’s good at potions.” Suggested Peter and Remus nodded.
“And she doesn’t like food being thrown all over her.” Added Sirius thoughtfully. Peter giggled.
“Or frogs in her school bag.” He added.
“Or slime in her hair.” Remus concluded. James’s face fell.
“You mean I have to be nice to her?”
“It may help, mate.” Remus told him, attempting a sympathetic look.
“It’s so much easier with the other girls. They already love you.” Sirius mused with a grin. James smiled sheepishly.
“You can talk, Sirius. They’re practically fawning over you.” Muttered James.
“Yes, well it helps to be devilishly handsome.” Sirius drawled lazily. The others took one look at him, still in the well-padded dressing gown and burst out laughing. Sirius posed provocatively for them, which made them laugh even harder.
“What about her friends?” asked Remus, managing to stifle his laughter.
“I don’t fancy her friends!” exclaimed James.
“No, no. Talk to her friends. Find out what she likes.” Remus explained. James looked thoughtful. That wasn’t a bad idea. Diane and Charlie were the best bet. He smiled.
*


Sirius slid onto the sofa between Charlie and Diane and draped his arms casually around their shoulders.
“Ladies.” He crooned in his most charming voice. Diane rolled her eyes with a grin and continued reading her notes. Charlie smiled back at him playfully.
“Good evening Mr Black, what can we do for you?” Sirius’s face lit up and a predatory look entered his eyes.
“Well Mademoiselle, I just wanted to tell you how beautiful you look this evening.” He said, taking her hand and kissing it. She giggled and Diane looked startled at her over the top of Sirius’s head. What on earth was her friend thinking falling for this old routine?
“As much as I would love for that to be true, I suspect Monsieur has an ulterior motive.” Charlie told him a silky voice, moving her face closer to Sirius’s. Sirius chuckled.
“Maybe…but motives can change…” he replied, also moving his face closer to hers.
“Oi, will you two knock it off!” yelled Diane, looking sternly at Charlie. Hey both looked completely startled and pulled apart from each other immediately.
“What do you want Sirius?” asked Diane, matter-of-factly. Sirius straightened his collar and took Diane’s hand.
“My Lady, I assure you…”
“Frogspawn! What do you want?” she interrupted raising one eyebrow and pulling her hand away.
“Lily.” He replied quickly. Diane was a little frightening, and very bossy. Diane looked at him wide-eyed and Charlie looked hurt.
“You want Lily?” Diane asked, sounding uncertain. Charlie looked quite upset.
“What? No! It’s James.” He corrected himself.
“You want James?” asked Diane, deliberately being obtuse. Sirius scowled.
“James fancies Lily.” He told them and they both giggled. “What’s so funny?!” he asked, looking annoyed.
“Nothing, it’s just…well duh!” exclaimed Charlie, covering her mouth in attempt to stop her giggles. Diane laughed harder at the shocked expression Sirius’s face.
“Come on, Sirius. He hasn’t exactly done a good job of hiding it. The way he hounds her the way he does: it’s playground stuff!” Diane explained and Sirius smiled sheepishly.
“The question is: what do you want from us?” asked Charlie.

*

Sirius marched into the study hall beaming with self-satisfaction. He walked straight over to James and handing him a roll of parchment looking triumphant as he dropped into a seat next to his friend. He folded his arms behind his head and leant back in the chair casually putting his feet up on the edge of the table. He watched his friend as James read through the scroll quickly. He looked up at Sirius questioningly.
“How does knowing she’s allergic to seafood help me?” he asked and Sirius’s triumphant smirk slid a little.
“Well…if you’re on a date you know not to order the Chowder!” suggested Sirius, holding his hands palm upwards in a shrug. James continued to read the scroll that contained increasingly random pieces of information about Lily.
“And this: she hates going to the dentist. Sirius I’m not planning to take her to the dentist!” Sirius shrugged again.
“What’s her favourite colour? What’s her favourite book? What kid of music does she like? What are her favourite flowers?” asked James, frustrated. Sirius shrugged…again.
“You could just ask her.” Suggested Remus who has been listening to the conversation.
“Remus, stop being logical. This is neither the time nor the place.” Sirius told him with a grin.
“I can’t. Every time I try to talk to her she yells at me and storms off.”
“Yes, but James, every time you’ve tried to talk to her in the past you’ve been either teasing her or hexing her.” Said Remus in exasperation.
“Oh yeah.” Muttered James.

“Aww, forget her, mate. Go out with someone else. But not Charlie coz she just agreed to go out with me.” Grinned Sirius, the look of triumph back on his face.
“Another one?” asked Remus incredulously. “You only dumped Christina two days ago.” Remus exclaimed. Sirius waggled his eyebrows at him and Remus laughed.
“Ha, ha, I wish I found it as easy as you do.” Laughed James, a little enviously. Sirius shook his head.
“James, there are loads of girls who would give anything to go out with you. You just never notice them because you’re mooning over Evans. Why don’t you give one of them a chance?” suggested Sirius. James looked painfully thoughtful. He was struggling with the concept.
“Like who?” he asked looking around the room as though noticing all the girls in there for the first time.
“It doesn’t matter, just pick one.” Sirius told him.
“Don’t I have to like them at least?” asked James, uncertainly.
“How do you know if you like them if you don’t go out with them first?” asked Sirius, sounding confused.
“Aren’t you supposed to get to know someone, decide you like them and then ask them out?” asked Remus, frowning at Sirius. Sirius looked blank.
“What’s the fun in that? You get much more kissing if you do it my way.” He explained. Remus rolled his eyes, then grinned.

[Willow Knotwood]

Part 16

Kyla tilted her head to one side and smiled gently as she watched her daughter sleeping soundly. She knelt down beside the girl’s bed and reached out to brush away the strands of black hair from Krysta’s face with pale, slender fingers.
“Rise and shine, beautiful.” She spoke gently, chuckling when Krysta screwed up her face and uncurled her hands, stretching slightly. Her eyes however remained closed.
“Krysta, dear” Kyla murmured again and Krys stirred.
“A few more minutes, Mum.” She mumbled. Then her eyes snapped open in shock.
“Mum?!” she cried looking into the blue eyes of her Mother; eyes that mirrored her own. Krys leapt at Kyla wrapping her small arms tightly around the woman’s neck. Kyla smiled broadly and wrapped her little girl up in a huge hug.
“It is so good to see you sweetheart. My goodness you’ve grown! In more ways than one!” exclaimed Kyle regarding her daughter’s adolescent figure. Krys blushed and giggled.
“Oh Mum, I’ve missed you! What are you doing here?” she suddenly demanded, wondering what her Mother was doing in her dormitory at Hogwarts. Kyla grinned.
“I had to see Albus. I thought I’d drop in and take you to breakfast before I leave.” She explained. Krys’s response was to squeal loudly and bounce on her mattress.
“Where are we going?” she asked excitedly.
“Where would you like to go?” asked Kyla, enjoying her daughter’s exuberance.
“Rome! No…Rouen! The coffee shop in Rouen!” Krys said, still bouncing on the mattress. Kyla laughed at Krys’s excitement.
“Rouen it is. Now get dressed. We have to get going if I’m going to get you back in time for class.” Her Mother ordered and Krys immediately bounced off the bed and ran off to the bathroom. Kyla grinned after her. She’d missed her daughter so much.

Kyla and Krys apparated into a deserted side street in the middle of Rouen. Krys looked around excitedly at the beautiful old buildings, so quaint and rustic in their design.
“Come on, Mum, coffee and croissants are calling!” she exclaimed and Kyla couldn’t help but laugh. Krys was behaving like an excited 5-year-old instead of the extremely levelheaded 13-year-old she knew her daughter to be. They walked happily up the street past the Joan of Arc church and the smell of the fresh coffee hit them before they even saw the shop.
“Ah, it smells gorgeous.” Said Krys, who could practically taste the coffee already. They reached the traditional Café, which was situated neatly on a corner near the main-street archway and Krys pulled her Mother inside by the hand.
Krys picked a table where she could watch the people go by outside and her Mother sat down opposite her.
“Oui Madame?” asked a waiter who smiled. That’s why she liked Rouen. The people were so much more friendly than in Paris.
“Ah. Deux café lait, deux croissant et…”
“Pain au chocolat!” cried Krysta excitedly. The waiter laughed.
“Parfait, Mademoiselle!” he told her with a grin. She giggled back.
“Je pense…un plateau des fruits s’il vous plait.” Added her Mother with a sly grin. Krysta pouted at the prospect of having to have fruit for breakfast, which made the waiter laugh even more.
“Un moment.” He told them and went away to get their order.
“What’s the point of coming to France if you’re going to make me eat fruit?” asked Krysta, pretending to sulk.
“Strong in body, mind and spirit, Krysta.” Her Mother scalded her. Krysta grinned sheepishly.

“So…” he mother began folding her arms comfortably on the table and fixing her daughter with a serious look. “…how’s it going?” she asked.
Krysta shrugged.
“It’s ok.” She replied, non-commitedly.
“Have you made any friends?”
“A couple, yeah.” Krys replied.
“Tell me about them.” Kyla suggested as the waiter brought them their coffee. “Merci.” The waiter nodded and left again.
“Well there’s Severus. He’s in Slytherin with me. He’s really good at potions, which is great because I’m…” she trailed off, unwilling to explain to her Mother about her potions issues. “And there’s Lily. She’s in Gryffindor, but she’s really nice.” She stopped to sip her coffee looking thoughtful.
“What is it?” Kyla asked, catching the look on her face.
“It’s just. You may think this sounds crazy, but the other day Lily saw the Eye of Natherra and she was…I don’t know…” she trailed off again, trying to think how to describe Lily’s reaction. Kyla sat up straight, paying full attention.
“Go on.” She encouraged.
“Well she seemed completely stunned by it! She couldn’t stop staring at it. And I know I’m gonna think this because she’s my friend and everything…” she began looking at her Mother for some kind of input.
The waiter brought their fruit and Pastries and Krys began picking at her croissant. For a few moments Kyla just studied her daughter thoughtfully and with a slight hint of worry.
“You think she may be one of the chosen?” Kyla prompted and Krys looked up at her with a lopsided frown.
“Maybe…I don’t know.” Kyla sipped her coffee and watched her daughter’s face. She set her cup down and clasped her hands together.
“Krys, honey, I can’t tell you whether you are wrong or right. I didn’t find my sisters until I was 16, but that doesn’t mean that you will be the same. Every generation is different. All I know is that destiny will bring you together one way or another. Trust your instincts.”
Krys thought about her Mum’s words and stuffed the rest of her croissant into her mouth, swallowing it with milky coffee. Eventually she nodded.

“What were you talking to Professor Dumbledore about?” Asked Krys, changing the subject. Kyla’s face suddenly turned more serious and she lowered her voice.
“He suspects Voldemort has a group of kids within the school. He thinks he’s pruning them to become Death Eaters.” She murmured. She never kept anything from Krys. Krysta’s eyes widened and although her mouth was full of coffee she nodded profusely.
“He does. I mean he is!” she exclaimed after swallowing her coffee.
“Sssh.” Warned Kyla and Krys bit her lip.
“Sorry.” she whispered. “Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix Black are running a “club” – members only if you know what I mean.” She told her Mother quietly. Kyla’s frown deepened.
“Severus joined them. I tried to talk him out of it, but I think it makes him feel like he’s part of something. He’s been behaving differently ever since. More…snobby.” She added.
“That’s unfortunate.” Kyla commented.
“They asked me to join.”
Kyla’s cup crashed into her saucer and a few customers looked briefly over at them.
“What?!” she hissed quietly. “Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked angrily. Krys shied away from her Mother’s anger.
“I don’t know. I…I…didn’t think it was relevant.” She protested. Kyla leant back in her chair, her composure that of someone extremely frustrated.
“Why did they ask you?” she asked, trying to calm down. Krys looked uncomfortable. She knew her answer would catalyse more anger.
“He knows who I am. Lucius Malfoy. He told me ‘someone’ he knew really wanted to meet me.” She explained. Kyla’s frown turned into a scowl.
“What’s that snake playing at? What does he hope to achieve?” she asked herself out-loud. Krysta shrugged.
“Maybe he’s trying to get to you through me.” Krys suggested. “Malfoy said something about his ‘friend’ knowing you. It was a threat.” Kyla looked thoughtful. Krys might be right.

“Look, Mum. Maybe I should join them. You know, spy on them for you. If Voldemort can have kids inside Hogwarts, then Dumbledore can have kids inside the Death Eaters.” Krys whispered excitedly. She’d been thinking about this for a few days now. It would also mean being able to keep an eye on Sev.
“Not a chance.” Her Mum told her firmly. Krys’s face fell in disappointment.
“But…”
“But nothing! You’re 13 years old, Krys. I’m not going to use my own daughter as a spy…no matter what her future may hold!” she added as Krys looked ready to argue.
“Besides, they wouldn’t trust you enough to tell you anything of use, anyway. You are my daughter after all. All it would do it put you in even more danger than usual. No, Krys, I’m not chancing it. Sorry.” Se explained kindly. Krys nodded and stared into the bottom of her coffee cup.
“Ok.” She smiled. Kyla smiled back.
“Good girl. Now eat your fruit.”
Krys’s smile disappeared.

[Willow Knotwood]

Part 17

The weeks leading up to Easter passed quietly. James had finally bitten the bullet and had stated dating a girl called Maryjane, who was in Hufflepuff and, big surprise, was a huge Quidditch fan. Remus had had to concede that maybe Sirius had been partially right in his hypothesis as James and Maryjane seemed to be quite a sweet couple and the two got along very well. James mentioned Lily less and less and in all honesty seemed quite happy in himself.
Sirius had surprised everyone by breaking his two-week record. He had now been dating Charlie for 3 weeks and had even on one occasion been overheard referring to her as his ‘girlfriend’: something he had never done with any other girl. Remus had come to the conclusion that Charlie was smart enough and baulchy enough to keep Sirius both on his toes and interested.

A week before the holidays Remus was preparing for his monthly “night out” when two figures appeared at the doorway to the dormitory. He turned to face them, still holding his blanket in his hands.
“James, Sirius, what’s up?” he asked with a smile. He turned back to the small pile of items he had gathered on his bed. James and Sirius exchanged an uncertain look.
“Remus, there’s something we need to talk to you about.” James said in a clam, serious tone. Remus looked up in surprise. He rarely heard his friend talk like that.
“What is it?” he asked, dropping onto his bed. His suspicions were extra aroused due to the coming full moon.
James sighed deeply and took a deep breath.
“You have to come with us. We can’t talk about it here.” He explained. Remus frowned and looked at his friend suspiciously.
“Why not? What’s going on?” he asked. James ad Sirius exchanged another ‘look’ and this time Sirius took charge,
“Remus, we’ll explain everything, but first you need to come with us. You trust us, right?” he asked hopefully. Remus regarded each of his friends thoughtfully.
“Sure I do.” He replied with a nod.
“Then follow us.” Sirius instructed. James and Sirius turned to leave, looking back to wait for Remus. He contemplated the situation for a few seconds then followed his friends out of the dormitory.
They led him to a corridor on the seventh floor and stopped about halfway down facing a blank wall. To Remus’s astonishment James walked over to the wall and studied it for a second. He then walked up and down in front of it, his face contorted in concentration. What happened next made Remus almost jump out of his skin. To his amazement a door materialised on the blank wall before him.
“Remus, mate, welcome to the Room of Requirement.” Announced Sirius with a grin.

Remus stepped forward and touched the door, almost expecting it disappear under his fingertips.
“What is it?” he asked breathlessly.
“It’s whatever you need it to be.” Sirius told him, still grinning.
“The room detects what you need and materialises itself to meet your requirements. Bloody brilliant. I wish we’d found it sooner.” Said James thoughtfully. Remus looked at them with a bemused grin.
“How did you find this?” he asked in wonder.
“Ah…now that’s one of the things we need to talk to you about.” Said James, twiddling his fingers nervously. Remus looked at him questioningly.
“The answer’s inside.” Sirius added, nodding at the door. Remus turned back to the door and looked down at the handle. He reached out and wrapped his fingers around the metal ring, took a deep breath and pushed open the door.

Remus stepped into the room. Immediately his eyes went straight to a figure sitting on a stool on the other side of the room. Krys hopped off the stool and fixed Remus with a nervous look.
“Hi.” She said timidly.
“Hi” he replied. He stared at her for a few seconds. He leant backwards slightly towards his friends who were standing right behind him.
“What’s she doing here?” he asked through clenched teeth.
“It’s a long story.” Said James, a slight hint of guilt in his tone.
“Then please start explaining.”
“Listen, I know you’re wondering what’s going on…” began Krysta but Remus held up his hand and silenced her. She bit her lip and sat back on her stool, wringing her fingers together.
“Look, Remus let’s all just go inside and sit down. And we can explain everything.” Suggested James calmly. Remus mulled over his words and eventually nodded. He walked into the room followed closely by his friends. To his surprise three stools materialised by the one Krysta was sitting on and the three boys sat down. Remus was staring at Krysta in confusion.
“My name’s Krysta He…”
“I know who you are.” Interrupted Remus. “Is someone going to explain to me what she is doing here?” Remus asked again.
“James, this was all your idea.” Said Sirius, passing the buck to his best friend. James smiled nervously, but nodded.
“Ok…it’s like this:”

James talked for ten minutes explaining everything that had occurred between himself, Krysta and Sirius. It was the second time he’d told the story now. Throughout, Remus sat completely still staring into space. James had expected an outburst at some point, but Remus remained silent. Finally James finished, explaining that Krysta had agreed to help James and Sirius train to become Animagi and how she’d shown them The Room of Requirement as a suggested training room.
The room was now deathly silent as Remus tried to digest everything he’d just heard. Occasionally he would look up at Krysta, studying her face with a frown. She smiled awkwardly back at him, aware of how overwhelming this must be for him. None of them were sure just how he was going to react.

In truth Remus was being bombarded with a thousand thoughts a second. There was so much information to absorb and so many reactions to what he’d just learnt that his head was scrambled. Right now he was feeling a plethora of emotions including anger, shock, guilt, relief, joy, gratitude and fury.
He didn’t know how to feel. Should he be angry that James betrayed his secrets or grateful that his friend would go to such lengths to try and help him. Should he be horrified at the prospect of James and Sirius endangering themselves by training to be Animagi, or should be excited and relived at the prospect of no longer being alone. And as for Krysta. He really didn’t know how to feel. Did he trust her? Should he trust her? Was he angry that she knew his secret and had taken his welfare into her own hands or grateful that a complete stranger would do such a thing?
He just couldn’t process all of this?

“I…I’m sorry.” He stammered, getting to his feet. “I just can’t deal with this right now. I have to go. I have to…get ready. The Moon’s coming.” He stammered, not looking at any of them. Krys got to her feet and went as though to stop him.
“No! Don’t touch me…please. Just stay away from me. And…don’t come tonight. Leave me alone. I need to be alone.” He ordered, not meeting her eyes. She let her hand drop and looked hopelessly at him as he ran out the door.

That night Remus sat on the mattress on the floor of the Shrieking Shack, hugging his knees to his chest. He could feel the change approaching and tears stared to tickle down his cheeks. He wished he wasn’t alone.

[Willow Knotwood]

Part 18

When Remus awoke he sat bolt up-right in shock. He looked around him. Not only was he lying comfortably on the mattress feeling well-rested with his wounds dressed and treated, but there was a flask of hot chocolate, a silky sleeping bag, a gas lantern, a soft pillow and a box containing chocolate sitting right by him. He looked around at the offerings and a smile crept over his face.

That morning in Potions Krysta fell into her seat and yawned. She was absolutely shattered, not to mention in pain. She had fallen into her bed at 6am without managing to dress any of her wounds and she was really paying for it now. She had a nasty gash on her back and several nasty bruises on her arms and legs. Luckily she could cover all of these up with clothing,
She was just getting her potions kit out when a piece of paper landed on her desk. She looked at it in surprise.
“What’s that?” asked Severus, also noticing it. Krys frowned and unfolded the note carefully. The message was short and sweet:

‘Thank you’

Beneath the writing was a scribbled drawing of a paw-print. Krys smiled and looked over at Remus who was watching her intently. She grinned and he grinned back. She scribbled something on the back of the paper and floated it magically back to Remus. He opened it up and smiled at her reply;

‘You’re welcome.
X’


Later at lunch Krys was at the Slytherin table, resting her head on her hand and pushing her food around her plate aimlessly. Her eyes kept drifting shut as she fought the sleep she so desperately needed. She yawned for the millionth time that day and winced as the movement made her sore neck muscles throb with pain.
Severus joined her, jovially clapping her on the back as he sat down.

She screamed.

Severus jumped back in shock and everyone within earshot suddenly stopped their conversations to turn and stare at her. Half the school seemed to have their eyes on her. The room was suddenly quiet. She gulped, looking at all the faces staring at her in surprise, amusement and confusion.
Ignoring the sniggers, muffled whispers and taunting whistles she ran from the Great Hall as fast as he could.
On the other side of the Hall the Marauders were joining their fellow students in staring at her in shock. Remus however muttered an expletive curse under his breath and quickly got up from the table and ran out of the hall after her.
Severus on the other hand watched with his mouth and eyes wide open as his friend tore from the room. It was almost as though when he’d hit her on the back he’d caused her great pain. It was the strangest thing. He was about to follow when he saw Remus Lupin run after her. His eyes narrowed and his lips curled and pursed. He waited for a few seconds then followed.


“Krysta? Krysta? Where are you?” Remus called as he entered the foyer. He heard a door click shut and ran towards one of the doors that led off the foyer. She must have run through there. The corridor he found himself in had several doors leading off it and as he heard one of them slam he ran to it and cautiously opened it again.
“Krysta?” he called softly, poking his head around the door.
“I’m here.” She replied. He let himself into the room and he saw her sitting on a desk. The room appeared to be an old classroom. It didn’t look like it had been used in years and the dragon skull that sat on a nearby bookcase was covered in cobwebs.
“Are you ok?” he asked tentatively. She smiled weakly and nodded. He looked at her incredulously, but with a smile.
“You don’t look ok.” He commented and her smile faltered. She looked as though she was struggling to find an excuse and then a resolve seemed to pass over her and she grinned sheepishly.
“Yeah, you got me pretty good, last night.” She admitted, looking over her shoulder at her back. Remus’s face fell and he suddenly looked incredibly guilty.
“Oh, God, Krysta, I’m so sorry. Did I really hurt you?” he asked, rushing over to her and placing a hand on her shoulder with concern. She smiled in response.
“I’ll live. I just didn’t get chance to treat the wound this morning. I only got an hour of sleep. I’m knackered.” She admitted. Remus sat beside her and sighed.
“I’m really sorry.” He repeated.
“It’s ok. You didn’t mean to…I mean wolf-you did, but you didn’t mean to.” She said and he shook his head at her with a sideways smile.
“I can’t believe you’re so understanding about this.”
“I know what it’s like to be a freak.” She replied with a grin. He laughed.
For a moment they just looked at each other, a gentle smile on their lips.
Krys found herself staring into his face, a feeling of calm spreading through her. Reality hit home like a freight train and she shook herself out of it. She looked away, biting her lip. She couldn’t go falling for someone now. Things were just too complicated. But Remus was so nice. She looked at him again and inside she whimpered. So nice. She looked at her knees, her internal turmoil confusing her.

“Do you want me to have a look?” he suddenly asked, freeing her from her anxiety temporarily. She looked up at him and saw too that look of confusion in his eyes. She looked questioningly at him, not sure what he meant.
“Your wound. Can I have a look? The nurse may have to treat it.” He explained.
“Oh.” She said, startled. “Yeah, sure. It’s on my back.” She told him, turning away. He carefully lifted the back of her shirt, revealing the ugliest wound Remus had ever seen,
“Oh my god!” he cried, staring at it. “Did I do that?” he asked in horror.
“M’yeah.” She replied, almost apologetically.
“Oh god, I’m so sorry!” he gasped. It was her turn to laugh.
“Remus, stop apologising!” she exclaimed with a giggle. She turned to look at him and he looked up into her eyes.

Her eyes dropped to his lips. She swallowed hard and looked into his eyes again.

He couldn’t stop staring into her eyes.

As they leant forwards, their lips touched briefly and softly. A tiny spark seemed to buzz through them and Remus shivered.
“Sorry.” He whispered. Krys smiled.
“Stop apologising.” She whispered back. He smiled gently and leant forward to kiss her again. As Remus slid and arm around her he accidentally caught the wound on her back. All hell let loose.

As she cried out in pain the door to the classroom burst open and Severus rushed in with his wand drawn.
“What are you doing?! Get away from her! Get the hell off her!” Sev screamed furiously pointing his wand at Remus. Remus raised his hands to defend himself but Severus reacted too fast.
A stream of blue magic left Sev’s wand and shot through the air hitting Remus Square in the chest. He was blown backwards off the desk and Krysta screamed again: this time in anger and panic.
“Remus! Sev what are you doing?” she screeched, jumping off the table and dropping to the floor where Remus was lying stunned on the floor. He moaned in pain and disorientation.
“Remus are you alright?” she asked, placing her hand on his shoulder and trying to pull him into a sitting position. She turned to face Sev, a look and pure fury on her face.
“What are you doing?” she repeated vehemently. He just stared at her for a second, complete confusion and shock on his face.
“He was hurting you!” he finally replied.
“He wasn’t hurting me, you idiot.” She hissed back, then turned her attention back to Remus who was steadily getting to his feet.
Severus never got to answer or enquire after her meaning. The door to the classroom opened once more and they all turned to see Professor Slombardo staring at them all in astonishment. For a moment they all just stared at each other before the tiny little old Religious Studies teacher spoke.
“What on earth are you three doing in here?” he demanded, looking at Krysta and raising an eyebrow at her. She gulped and looked decidedly sheepishly at him.
“Causing unrest already are we, Miss Hegwig?” He asked, a hint of bemusement in his voice.
“It wasn’t Krys’s fault.” Remus immediately leapt to her defence.
“I heard Krys scream. I came in and found him.” Sev explained, hissing the word ‘him’ like it left a nasty taste in his mouth.
Professor Slombardo looked questioningly at Remus, who looked extremely awkward. He opened his mouth to speak not entirely sure what he was going to say. Krys saved him the trouble.
“Professor, Remus was just helping me. I hurt myself last night. He was looking at it for me.” She explained quickly. He raised his eyebrow again and looked sceptically at her.
“Hurt yourself, did you? Ran into something that disagreed with you, I suppose?” he asked. Remus was sure he winked at her.
“Yes, sir.” She replied.
“Very well. Mr Lupin, take Mss Hedwig to the hospital wing. Mr Snape, get to your classes. I don’t want to catch you in here again.” He warned then.
“Yes, sir.” Krys replied quickly, grabbing Remus by the arm and pulling him towards the door. She stopped momentarily to glare at Sev and then left the room with Remus close behind her.

[Willow Knotwood]

Part 19

In the hospital wing Remus sat on the edge of a cot and grinned to himself at the sounds coming from behind the white privacy screen he was staring at.
“Ouch.”
“Sit still.”
“Gerrof me!”
“Give that back!”
“I’m fine. I don’t need it.”
“Sit down!”
“I’ve had much worse than this.”
“That doesn’t surprise me!”
“OW!”
“No needles!”
“It’s not a needle.”
“Well I don’t want it.”
“Do as you’re told.”
“Do you know who I am?!”
“No! Now sit down and shut up, or I’ll give you a sleeping draft.”

At that Krys’s protests stopped and Remus suppressed a chuckle. He was just thinking that he didn’t really know what he’d got himself into with her when a very harassed looking nurse appeared from behind the screen with a serious scowl on her face. Her hair was untidy and she was red in the face. He grinned sheepishly at her and the nurse pursed her lips before marching off to her office, muttering grumpily to herself.
“Oh, you’re still here.”
Remus looked back towards the screen to see that Krys was peering around the edge of it at him. He just smiled and nodded. She grinned back.
“Wait while I get dressed.” She told him before disappearing behind the screen again.

A couple of minutes later they were walking back to the main staircase together.
“You gave her a bit of a hard time, didn’t you? She was only trying to help.” Remus said with a grin. Krys giggled.
“I know. I’m a terror aren’t I?” she grinned cheekily and he laughed.
“What have I got myself into?” he asked with another chuckle as he took her hand in his. They walked together hand-in-hand, but Krys had fallen silent and the grin had gone from her face. Remus looked sideways at her and saw a fleeting expression of concern and worry.
“Are you ok?” he asked.
“What? Oh. Yeah. I was just thinking that I’m the one who should be worried. Trust me to fall for a werewolf.” She said; her casual voice slightly forced. He stopped and made her face him. Her eyes didn’t quite meet his.
“I’d understand if you didn’t want to carry on seeing me…I mean assuming that you want to see me at all, it’s just…I don’t normally go around kissing people and…I really like you…I’d understand you know because of the…furry little problem and everything and…if you want to call it all off right now…but I hope you don’t because you’re really cool and sweet and pretty and a bit scary, but I like that…”
Remus’s ramblings were cut hurriedly short by two soft lips pressed firmly against his.

What seemed like hours later the new couple reached the Stairwell and then stopped. It was an awkward moment. Remus looked down at the soft white hand he was still holding, not wanting to let go of it. They looked at each other for a few moments, smiling slightly.
“Now what?” Krys suddenly asked and Remus frowned. He wasn’t sure what she was asking.
“Well your common room’s up there.” She said nodding up the stairs. “And my Common Room is down there.” She added nodding towards the dungeons.
“Ah. Yeah…” he said awkwardly. He didn’t want to part just yet but he knew the other Marauders must have been wondering where he was and why he wasn’t in class this afternoon. He couldn’t even sit with her at dinner or cuddle with her in the Common Room.
“Why do you have to be in Slytherin?” he asked in exasperation and longing. She suddenly looked affronted and pulled her hand away.
“Look if you’re just going to behave like every other Slytherin-hating Gryffindor idiot…” she began but was cut off when Remus hastily grabbed her hand back.
“No, no, that’s not what I meant. It’s just that it makes it more awkward to spend time together.” He said reassuringly. She smiled uncertainly.
“Yeah…especially when our friends hate each other.” She said, rolling her eyes and thinking of Sev’s reaction earlier that day.
“Yeah.” Said Remus uncertainly, also thinking of Snape’s reaction. He didn’t fancy constantly being attacked by Krysta’s friends any time he got near her.
“At least my friends like you.” He offered hopefully. Krys surprised him by snorting.
“Like me? No they don’t. They just want me to help them train, so they can help you.” She said and Remus suddenly came over defensive.
“That’s not true.” He disagreed, dropping her hand.
“Sure it is. Sirius Black hates my guts. And the feeling’s mutual to tell you the truth.”
“What’s wrong with Sirius?” Remus asked raising his voice in the beginnings of anger. Krys snorted again and he was beginning to find it annoying and arrogant.
“He’s a bully! He’s arrogant, he’s mean, and has an opinion of himself that’s way higher than it should be.” She announced, counting off Sirius’s worst qualities on her fingers. Remus stood defiantly with his hands on his hips.
“Well some people say that about you!” he replied frostily. She looked at him gob- smacked. Her mouth just hung open whilst she stared at him. She couldn’t believe he’d just said that to her.
“I don’t say that.” He added hurriedly. :Just…some people do.” He finished, mumbling slightly. Krysta pursed her lips angrily.
“You mean Sirius?” she asked, accusingly. Remus just shrugged; a motion that Krys took to mean ‘yes’.

“Well what about your friends?” Remus suddenly asked, breaking the hostile silence. She looked at him sternly.
“What about them?” she asked him angrily as though she couldn’t see what Remus could possibly find wrong with her friends.
“Severus Snape? C’mon Krysta, they guy’s a slime ball!” Remus replied as thought this point should be obvious. Krysta squared up to him, folding her arms across her chest crossly.
“Sev is a lovely guy, I’ll have you know. He’s smart, he’s generous, he’s funny…” It was Remus’s time to snort now.
“Funny? Are you kidding?” he interrupted. Krys scowled.
“He’s a much better person than Sirius Black will ever be. At least he doesn’t go around terrorizing people just for the fun of it.” She hissed at him.
“No, he just hangs around with Death Eaters.” Remus hissed back.
Krysta stopped and took a step back. Her mouth hung open and then closed. Her arms dropped by her sides. She stared at Remus as though she didn’t know whether to scream at him or start crying. She did neither. Instead she turned away from him and walked away.