Harry Potter and the Search for the Elementum Guardians

Chapter 1

Introductions and confessions

The aged Malfoy Manor had survived Muggle, and Wizarding wars alike, and always came out intact. It was four storeys tall with a number of windows, and the solid Mahogany doors were adorned with a solid golden doorknocker in the shape of a serpent. The house itself was painted black with accents in silver trim around the windows and green trim around the front doors. The five acres that the manor rested on were immaculately kept by a number of gardeners. However, when you entered the manor a feeling of despair and uneasiness would settle over you, and if you didn't belong there, it was a place that could and would turn deadly.

It was here that the greatest Dark Lord in a century took up residence. He was now occupying a room, at the very back of the sprawling manor. This room contained the only access door to the lower dungeons. On many occasions, he would use these dungeons as torture chambers. At present however, he was in the study of Malfoy Manor, pouring over scrolls, and texts of histories long past. He was searching for clues to the one thing he wanted most.

Lord Voldemort's plans to acquire the prophecy, which would have foretold how he could destroy the one who was destined to destroy him, had failed. Therefore, he was now pouring over ancient texts, scrolls, and even mythologies of ancient cultures, to find some reference to the power he himself had once encountered. Voldemort was looking over one scroll from ancient Celtic lore, when a knock sounded.

Impatient, and vexed with the person who had knocked, Voldemort called out in his high voice, "Enter!"

"Master, I am sorry to disturb you! But I have brought you the scrolls you requested from Egypt." The man who entered was the Dark Lord's servant, Peter Pettigrew, whom everyone called 'Wormtail'.

"Good! Bring them to me, Wormtail." Voldemort said, motioning for him to enter. Then he said, "Have you managed to find any information about the matter we spoke of last night?"

"No Master! I have not been very lucky in finding any information. No one seems to know anything."

"Haven't you tried torture? I always find that it works especially well when one seeks secret information," Voldemort said, turning his slit-like, crimson eyes to his servant.

"Yes, I have tried torture. But even under the Cruciatus Curse and the Imperius Curse no one talks. It is as if this information we seek has entirely disappeared."

"Then you must try harder, Wormtail. There is bound to be someone in England that has heard of them! Who knows where they are hiding!"

"Yes master! I shall continue my searching."

"Good! Now, leave me for I need to concentrate on this."

Bowing low, Wormtail left the room, as Voldemort went back to his studies.

Muttering to himself, he said, "There has to be some evidence somewhere. Powers like these do not just simply vanish."

..............................

The summer started out mild for the people of Privet Drive. To everyone who ventured out, the weather was just right - comfortable and relaxing, although this summer turned out to be much different from the last, for the people of Privet Drive. The sweltering heat hadn't made an appearance as yet. It was a glorious Saturday afternoon, bright and sunny, and to many people, the perfect day to go for a swim, or just hang around, outside. Many people were working hard over their cars trying to clean off the week's grime they had accumulated. One young man, in particular was bent over the front bonnet of a car scrubbing until the dirt vanished. With soapy hands, he tried to push his black-framed, round glasses back up the bridge of his nose. His untidy black hair was stuck to his forehead, almost covering his eyes. His grey sleeveless shirt, which was at least six sizes too big for his lean frame, stuck to his torso because of the sweat that poured off him.

Harry Potter looked up at the pale blue sky, noticing that there were no clouds in sight for miles around. Sighing, he went back to the work at hand, knowing that if he didn't get this job done his Uncle would probably spend the next few days screaming bloody murder at him. However, his thoughts strayed to what had happened just over a week ago, when he came home from school for the holidays. His friends, Moody, Lupin, Mr. Weasley, and Tonks had talked with his aunt and uncle. That memory brought a fleeting smile to his face, but then he remembered what his Uncle had said as they walked to the car.

"Hurry up BOY we don't have all day to hang around here, looking like ruddy fools," Uncle Vernon said as he glanced back at Harry.

"Yes sir," Harry answered, and turned back to take one last look at the people who he cared for above all others.

Sadly, the group lacked two of the most important people: Albus Dumbledore, and his late godfather, Sirius Black. A sigh had escaped him as his thoughts turned to the events of a few days before, and it hurt his heart to do so. While he had been lost in his own thoughts, Vernon had been talking to him. When Vernon realised that Harry hadn't been paying attention, he turned to grab, Harry's arm, and jerked him to attention.

"Did you hear me BOY?" Uncle Vernon asked a red tinge coloured his cheeks, making him look like a pit bull dog.

"No sir, I didn't."

"You ungrateful little swine, after everything we have done for you, and this is how you repay us. By not even paying attention to what we have to say! If it wasn't for the fact that I know it would attract attention, I'd smack you until you did pay some attention."

"You forget one thing, Uncle Vernon! My friends! You, know the ones you just spoke with! Well, they will be wondering who gave me the bruises, if you do. Besides, do you really want to make a scene?" Harry asked, in so calm a voice that Aunt Petunia and Dudley were scared.

"He's right, Vernon, dear, you're going to make a scene if you don't calm yourself," Petunia said, putting a bony hand on her husband's shoulder, while glaring at Harry.

"You listen, and you listen good BOY, you will write to those... those... abominations, and you tell them you're fine. 'Cause, so help me, if they show up on my doorstep, there'll be hell to pay after they're gone," Vernon growled.

"Yes sir," answered Harry, though he really didn't mean it.

He wondered what would happen if he were to write to Mr. Weasley, and tell him that the Dursleys were mistreating him. Of course the idea was only short lived, as Uncle Vernon pulled Harry along, wanting to get out of the train station as soon as possible.

Once at the car, Harry put his trunk in the back with some difficulty, while the Dursleys proceeded to get inside. Harry, then squashed himself in with a foul smelling Dudley on one side, and Hedwig - in her cage - on the other side, praying that the drive wouldn't be to long.

Uncle Vernon turned to Harry with a mad gleam in his eye, saying, "There are some new rules for this holiday. First, you will not leave the house grounds under any circumstances, only if we say that you can. If you do, you will not eat for a week. Secondly, that ruddy owl of yours will not fly during the day, only at night and same with the rest of the bloody birds. If I see one owl, you will not be keeping that creature any more. Understand BOY?"

Vernon was still quite angry with Harry and his so called friends, for the way they had made a fool of him. He would make the boy pay dearly for their little scene. Jjust how he would punish the boy, he wasn't sure yet, but he would think of something.

Harry just nodded, thinking that he would be in for a miserable summer.

Steering his thoughts far away from his Godfather and the rest of his friends, Harry went back to washing the car. Minutes later he sensed a presence behind him. So when he turned around he was only mildly shocked to see Remus Lupin standing on the pavement watching him. His light brown hair gleamed in the bright sunlight. Harry just stood there for a few minutes, trying to think of a reason why Professor Lupin should be in Privet Drive, of all places. A small smile creased the corners of Remus's mouth as he walked slowly over to the drenched Harry.

"Well, it's good to see you too, Harry," Remus said, as he watched the young man in front of him.

Surprise! I suppose he didn't expect to see me so soon. I wonder how things have been going since his return. Remus wondered, glancing around him.

As he looked Harry over, Remus noticed that his eyes looked dead, and emotionless. This had him worried. If Harry had closed himself off to all emotion he would be in danger of becoming numb to pain and loss.

"Professor Lupin! What... what... are you doing here? I thought Professor Dumbledore wanted me to spend a month here?"

Am I seeing things, or is Remus Lupin really standing there? It must be the sun's effects making me see the people I miss the most, Harry thought.

"It's me, Harry. However, I haven't come to take you away. Just to watch over you this summer. Dumbledore thought it would be a better idea if someone besides Mrs. Figg were here. Therefore, Krystal and I have been selected."

"Who's Krystal?"

That was a simple enough question really. However, Remus didn't know a simple answer for it. Though, Harry needed to know. Thankfully, Krystal spared him from having to answer the question by strolling up a long side him. Harry looked at her noticing that she was wearing comfortable summer Muggle clothes.

"Who are you talking to, Remus?" Krystal asked, glancing briefly over at Harry.

I never thought he would look so much like James. I've heard so many people say he does, but to be standing here looking at him, now. It's as if I'm looking at James again. However, he has Lily's eyes! Though they seem so dull and closed-off to everyone, Krystal thought, as she glanced from Harry to Remus, and back.

"Krystal, I would like you to meet Harry. Harry, this is Krystal Lyntal! She's an old friend from school, who's been assigned to help me over the summer," Remus explained.

"It's nice to meet you Harry! I've heard so much about you from Remus over the last few weeks. It is good to finally put a face to a name," Krystal said, putting her right hand out for Harry to shake.

Harry took the hand wearily; he didn't know what to make of this lady. However, he seemed to feel that there was no reason not to trust her. She had scanned his face, yet she hadn't stopped to gawk at his scar, as so many others had done in the past, and that reassured him somewhat.

"So, if you know Professor Lupin, did you go to Hogwarts?" The question was out of his mouth before he could stop it. He only hoped that his aunt or uncle weren't around to hear him say it.

"Yes, I certainly did, I was in the same year as Remus."

I wonder if she knew my Mum and Dad, or even Sirius? No - don't think about that - it only brings more pain. Harry thought, pushing those thoughts away.

"Boy, what in bloody hell are you doing? Just standing there, letting the soap dry on the car, and with the water running. If you don't hurry up and finish washing that car, you won't be eating tonight," Uncle Vernon yelled at Harry, before seeing Krystal and Remus standing there.

Vernon Dursley was a very large man, with a very short neck, slightly greying hair, beady eyes, and a brushy moustache that would twitch when he became angry. The sight of Remus and Krystal made Vernon turn pale. Not because of Remus, whom he should have remembered, but because he had spoken so harshly in front of strangers.

Ruddy hell! Now what am I supposed to do? They heard me yell at the boy. They must think I'm some kind of nutter, Vernon thought wringing his hands.

Harry paled as well. His thoughts clouded over. He wondered if Uncle Vernon recognized Professor Lupin. If he did recognise him, what would he do to him?

"Nice day isn't it?" Uncle Vernon asked, hoping that it would soothe things over.

Remus glared at Uncle Vernon. Then he schooled his features so that Vernon wouldn't remember who he really was, and blow their cover. However, it was hard to stop himself from throttling the man in front of him for the way he had just yelled at Harry. It made his blood boil, and Remus Lupin rarely got angry. Krystal sensed Remus's tension, and put a reassuring arm around his shoulder.

Now is really not the time to lose your cool Remus! Krystal thought grimly.

She watched as the large man walked towards them. Krystal's gaze went to Harry, who looked pale. She watched as his eyes went back and forth between Remus and Uncle Vernon. Thankfully, she had remembered to cast the spell, which would conceal what he really looked like, letting only those who knew him well see the real Remus. She tried to catch Harry's eye to convey this. However, he looked everywhere but at her.

"Yes I would say so. Not too hot!" Remus answered, taking Krystal's hand in his own.

"What can I do for you?" Uncle Vernon asked, fidgeting under their gazes.

"Nothing really! My girlfriend, Krystal Lyntal, and I are staying with my Aunt. We thought it would be a good idea to take a short stroll through the neighbourhood. By the way, the name's Remus Lupin," he answered, being as courteous as he could.

Krystal was a bit shocked by what Remus had said. However, she figured that it was a good cover story and would pacify Vernon curiosity for now.

"Very well, my name's Vernon Dursley. I live in the house behind me. What house are you staying at?"

"We're staying with his Aunt, Arabella Figg," Krystal answered sweetly.

"Oh! I didn't know she had any sister's or brothers," Vernon said, looking over at Harry who was just standing there.

However, at Uncle Vernon's glance, Harry immediately took the point, and started to wash the car again.

"Yes well, Aunt Arabella likes to keep family to herself mostly. However, she's mentioned both you, and Harry, in her letters to us. Saying how helpful Harry is," Krystal said glancing at Harry and smiling.

Uncle Vernon snorted at that, and then averted his eyes. Harry stopped for the briefest of seconds, to study Remus, and Krystal as well. He noticed that Remus looked tense. Especially while looking at Uncle Vernon; his glaze would soften when he looked at Krystal.

"Well I think it's time we moved on, Remus. We still have to unpack, and get our things put away. It was nice talking with you, Mr. Dursley. Harry, any time you want to come over, you're more than welcome," Krystal said, before walking off pulling Remus behind her.

Uncle Vernon didn't say anything until the couple walked out of voice range. Then he rounded on Harry who acted as if he wasn't concentrating on anything, apart from washing the car.

"And you!" Vernon said rounding on Harry, his chubby face turning a bright shade of red. "I expect this car to be finished in an hour. Your Aunt will need your help with dinner. If you don't finish you won't be getting any supper. Understand, boy?"

"Yes, sir," Harry answered gloomily.

What do I have to worry about? Dudley will eat most of it, and leave very little for the rest of us, Harry thought, as he went back to cleaning the car.

Half an hour passed, then as he was cleaning the front tyre, a large shadow stood above him. He turned his head, to find his cousin Dudley standing behind him. Dudley hadn't changed much over the time Harry had been away at school. He was still overweight, though a lot of the fat had turned to muscle now, because of his boxing. His blond hair lay, flat over his forehead, and his eyes were boring into Harry's.

"What do you want, Dudley? I don't have time for you," Harry said darkly, not bothering to pay his cousin much attention.

However, Dudley didn't answer. He simply picked up a clump of mud, and threw it at the car, hitting the newly polished bonnet. Harry groaned, and then stood up from his squatting position, and turned to glare at Dudley.

"Why did you do that?" Harry asked, eyes flashing with fire.

"Because it was funny," Dudley answered, laughing at Harry.

Then he took off as fast as his fat legs would carry him. Harry just scowled after his cousin. He knew very well that he could do nothing. Being an underage wizard was sometimes a right pain in the arse. Sighing, Harry turned back to the car, and started to clean the mud off. Before long, he managed to finish, even with having to redo the bonnet. Shortly after putting the hosepipes away, Aunt Petunia called for him to come in.

"Boy, hurry up, dinner needs to be started. There's no time to dally, now move."

Harry looked down at his body. Luckily, there was no mud, on him, only sweat. As he walked to the house, he wondered what Remus was doing at this time. Coming to the back door, Harry saw Dudley standing there, a smug look on his pudgy face.

"Out of my way, Dudleykins I don't have time for more of your cheek." Harry said, as he tried to get by his large cousin.

"Ask nicely, or I won't let you through," Dudley countered. He remained rooted where he stood.

"I'm not going to ask you twice Dudley. Now move out of my way," Harry spat, his temper rising within him.

"Or what? You can't do anything - you're not allowed," Dudley sneered.

"Dudley, move out of my way, or you'll make me lose what's left of the control I have. 'Cause if I do, well let's just say it won't be pretty. Remember what happened last year?" Harry said, in a low dangerous whisper.

Dudley, paled, and moved out of Harry's way. He didn't want a repeat of last year for anything. However, he took note that this was the first time since his return that Harry had mentioned last year. Dudley had noticed a change in Harry, ever since he returned from his school. He would stay closed away in his room, and wouldn't come down unless he had to. He seemed distant. He barely spoke unless spoken to, and he kept too himself mostly. Of course, Dudley knew better than to voice any of his thoughts. It would anger his father and mother too much, and in the process, it would get him into trouble.

"Do hurry up! We don't have all night," sneered Aunt Petunia, coming around the corner and into the kitchen.

Harry just shrugged his shoulders, and walked over to Aunt Petunia. He stood there letting what she said wash over him. Harry didn't care what they did to him anymore. With Sirius gone, his will to live was starting to disappear. Dudley watched this display. He shrugged his shoulders, knowing that he couldn't change his cousin, and he wasn't so sure he wanted to change him.

After all, if it hadn't been for him, what happened last year would have never happened, Dudley thought, as he walked out of the room.

Petunia Dursley was very different from her son and husband. She was bony and horse faced, with short blond hair, and dull blue eyes. Petunia herself noticed the disinterest in Harry. This was the first time since his return home that Petunia really looked at her nephew. She saw that he looked depressed and tired, as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. When they first took Harry in, Petunia disliked the boy. He looked like his father, far too much for her liking. However, when he looked at her with those eyes, so much like Lily's, she knew that she had to keep him, and that she had to try and protect him. Even when she didn't want to, Petunia started to worry about Harry. She worried that he would end up just like his mother, like her parents.

Would I miss him if he never comes back? Would I care if he died? Petunia asked, herself, as she watched, Harry.

Pushing these thoughts aside, Petunia started to make dinner. Her husband and son needed their food, and there was no time to waste on thoughts like these. However, at times Petunia found herself watching Harry, seeing that he looked paler than normal. Time after time, she tried to push away the feeling of dread. However, the feeling wouldn't leave. She started to feel that times were changing in the Dursley house.

Shortly after their conversation with Harry and Vernon, Remus and Krystal arrived at Mrs. Figg's house, neither talking. For the past few weeks, things had been awkward, to say the least. So much had changed over the last fourteen years while they had been apart. Neither was sure how to regain the friendship that had once been between them. Unlocking the door, Krystal preceded Remus in, and dropping her bag on the coffee table, started for the kitchen.

"Would you like some tea, Remus?" Krystal asked, without looking at him,

"Yes! That would be nice," Remus replied, taking a seat on the couch.

The house still smelled of cabbage and cats. However, Remus was slowly getting used to the smell. Though he wasn't very comfortable around Krystal - not yet anyway - and he suspected that she knew this. Spotting a piece of parchment on the coffee table next to Krystal's bag, Remus reached out picked it up and began to read. He immediately recognized Arabella Figg's handwriting.

Dear Remus and Krystal:

As you undoubtedly know, I'm not around. I've gone to stay with some friends from school. Dumbledore thought it might be a good idea if I took some time off. Since the two of you are there to watch over young Potter, everything works out. I should return around the time Harry has to leave for the Burrow. Until then, have a good time. And, Remus if you're the one reading this, inform Krystal that I did as she asked. Thank you both for watching over Harry so I could have this holiday. Until, I see you again. Merlin, be with you.

Arabella Figg

P.S.: Watch and feed my cats for me. Thank you again.

Well it looks like it's just her and me now. Good God, what am I going to do, Remus thought, and then he slumped back onto the couch.

"Is something wrong, Remus? You look very worried about something. Is it that letter?" Krystal asked, scanning Remus's face.

"No it has nothing to do with the letter; Arabella says she's gone to spend some time with friends."

"Oh! For how long?"

"Until Harry leaves for the Borrow," Remus answered, looking at Krystal for the first time.

She was carrying a serving tray, on top of it stood a kettle of hot water, two mugs with tea bags in each cup, milk, and sugar. She bent down to place the tray on the coffee table, and settled herself next to Remus.

"Can I see the letter, please?" Krystal asked, putting out her hand for the piece of parchment.

Nodding, Remus handed it over to her, and watched as she scanned it. Then she put it down, and began serving the tea as if nothing could possibly be wrong. This puzzled Remus, he thought she would at least be perturbed. Even through she didn't show it, Krystal was very unsettled about the news and wondered what the next few weeks would herald.

To think I'm going to have to send the next three weeks with him, and to top it off the full moon's at the end of the month. Oh God, what have I got my self into? Krystal thought, a bit unsure of herself.

"Well, it seems that we have the house to ourselves! Unless you object to that idea?"

"No... no... its fine. I mean it would give us time to get reacquainted with each other," Remus answered, hoping that his uncertainty wasn't showing.

Nodding, Krystal didn't have the heart to look at Remus. She knew it would be a tough couple of weeks.

"So what have you been doing the last fourteen years?" Remus asked, taking a sip of his tea, and trying to change the subject.

"Nothing really! I've been keeping busy mostly! You?"

Remus noticed that she evaded the question, and he wanted to know why.

"You know, Krystal that really doesn't answer my question."

Krystal turned to Remus, fire blazing in her eyes, saying, "Yes! Well I don't know if you deserve a proper answer. Since it was you, who left fourteen years ago, without even saying good-bye leaving me to worry as to where you had gone. Hell you couldn't even let me know when you came back, and started to work at Hogwarts. I had to hear from Dumbledore that you had returned, and that didn't happen until the end of term. I thought we were friends, Remus. I thought I meant more to you than just quick shag. I guess I was wrong."

He was stunned by Krystal's outburst - normally Kristina was the one with the short temper. He just sat there staring at her, amazed.

You stupid arse! Of course, she's angry with you. You shag her and then just take off. She has every right to punch you in the eye, like Kristina punched Sirius, Remus thought gloomily.

"You have every right to be angry with me, Krystal. What I did was rotten, and I'm sorry. However, you have to understand that there were reasons for my departure that I couldn't tell you at the time. I know none of this is much consolation. But I hope you can forgive me for the pain I've caused you," Remus said, hoping that his explanation would ease her pain.

Of course, what he accepted and what he received were two totally different things.

"Damn you Remus Lupin! Damn you for even walking into my life, and damn me for falling in love with you!" Krystal raged, her anger and pain getting the better of her. She turned away from Remus when she felt the first sting of tears in the corners of her eyes. She wiped them away and continued in a strained voice. "However, I can't deny that I would like an explanation. I need to know why you said you loved me, and then walked out on me."

Sighing, Remus rose from his seat, and stated to pace the living room.

He spoke in a hoarse voice saying, "I left because even though I loved you, I couldn't face you. I had all ready lost Lily and James. Both my parents had passed on. I couldn't stay because I didn't want to watch you die, too. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself if that happened. Hell I still wouldn't be able to live with myself if that happened."

"Is... is... it because you're a werewolf?" The question was out of her mouth before she could stop herself. She looked at Remus, who just stared at her.

"How... how... did you know that? Did you find out because of the Daily Prophet?" Remus asked, stuttering slightly.

I can't lie to him. He needs to know the truth. It's the least I owe him, Krystal thought, before starting to speak.

"No, I didn't find out though the Daily Prophet. I've known since we started Hogwarts."

"But how... I, we were so careful. No one should have known," Remus said, sitting heavily on the couch.

"Because, Remus, everyone has secrets. You're not the only one who has them," Krystal answered, not sure how to explain.

"I don't understand? What secrets?"

"I happen to be a telepath." Krystal answered, and then to herself, she thought. Among other things that you can't know about just yet!

"A telepath? But, that's supposed to be a legend! Some kind of myth that Muggles created," Remus said, a puzzled look in his eyes.

"Yes well, they're real, and I happen to be one, same as the rest of my family, and friends. Our gift showed itself when we were eight. My mother never let us around other children, or adults, except Celeste - who's like us, Lily and Petunia. She thought we'd go mad before we reached the age of ten if we didn't get our gift under control," Krystal answered, looking away from Remus.

"Then how did you find out that I'm a werewolf?"

"Do you remember when we first met?"

"Of course I do! During the sorting ceremony! We sat next to each other, after being sorted into Gryffindor."

"Yes! But that wasn't the first time I saw you. You see I had been waiting with my parents, Alex, Kristina, Celeste and Lily at Platform nine and three quarters. When you walked by with your father, I sensed your thoughts at the time. You were excited about travelling to Hogwarts, and being able to attend. Professor Dumbledore had managed to get you in. However, your father's thoughts were troubled. He was worried that your secret would be found out, that the other parents would shun you, and then make you leave Hogwarts. Nevertheless, he saw what joy it gave you; so much so that against his better judgement he let you attend. From that point on, I kept your secret safe. However, it wasn't a secret from the rest of my family and friends, since they all had, at one time or another, over the course of first year, sensed your trouble and guessed the secret you had to keep."

Remus sat there, perplexed by this new revelation. She knew all this time, and she didn't shun me. She never looked at me like a monster. Never was anything but kind to me, and I go and put her through hell.

"Krystal I'm..." Remus didn't really know what to say.

"There's no need for you to say anything, Remus. I understand completely. Don't worry, I'll be out of here by morning," Krystal said, rising from her seat.

She mistook his stuttering, for disgust and anger. She mistook his silence for hatred and loathing, instead of nerves and misunderstanding.

Well I'm really glad I didn't have to drop the bigger bombshell. Otherwise he would never talk to me again. I always thought he would be different. God, how wrong I was. Krystal thought as tears started to form in her eyes.

Remus sat there trying to think of what to do next. Then it registered in his mind what Krystal had said, and he leapt up off the couch and up the steps, as if he had been struck by a bolt of lighting. He stopped at the top of the landing. There were three bedrooms, one of which he was using. He knew the last one belonged to Arabella. Taking a deep breath, Remus walked purposefully to the door of the other room. On approaching the door, his werewolf hearing picked up the sound of crying - Krystal crying. He paused at the closed door for all of two seconds before opening it; to see Krystal, standing in front of her suitcase packing the few clothes she had brought with her, tears steaming down her cheeks.

Look what you've done to her, you stupid git. She's crying her eyes out because you're too shy to explain the real reason you left. You don't deserve her, and you never will. Remus thought, as he looked at her.

Getting his courage up Remus finally spoke, "Don't leave, Krystal, please! I cannot bear the thought of you walking out of my life like this. Not when you don't even know the real reason I left."

Krystal looked up; eyes rimmed with red, and tears still coursing down her cheeks. She said, "Then it must be my turn to not understand."

"You could say that! Merlin, Krystal, what have I done? There were so many things I wanted to tell you that night, there had been so many emotions in my head. The one emotion that scared me the most was...love. At that time, I loved you, more than anything in the world, more than my own life. I'm just so scared of what will happen to you. Of what I'll do to you! So I did the only thing that I could think of... I ran."

Tell the truth, Remus, you still love her now, he thought as he watched Krystal for any sign or emotion to pass over her face.

"You could've told me, you know. I would have understood." Krystal said, and then thought, Well at least he used to love me. Maybe there's a chance he still does.

"I know that now. Back then I was just too afraid to say anything. I thought if I left, you would maybe forget all about me, and get on with your life. I had planned to stay away longer than thirteen years. However, Dumbledore called me back, because of Sirius and Harry. When I returned I couldn't bring myself to contact you. My insecurities were too strong, and I didn't want to disturb anything you had going with another man. That morning at Grimmauld Place, I was so shocked to see you, I couldn't think of what to say, and it seemed - to me anyway - that you avoided me whenever I was around. So, I left things the way they were."

"What a pair we make! We are both too stubborn to make amends with the past. It takes tragedy, to bring us together. You see I knew where you were. Professor Dumbledore had told me, when he explained what had happened with Sirius and Harry. I could have come to you, but I choose not to. I was too afraid that you hated me, and that the reason you left was because, I had, in some way, made you hate me," Krystal said, dropping the clothing she was holding.

"I could never hate you, Krystal. You have always been a close friend, one that I care for very much."

"I don't know were we can go from here, Remus. So much has happened since last we were together. Hell, I don't even know were to start."

"From the beginning, it's always the best place to start."

At his words, a smile tugged at her lips. She had to be truthful with herself, she had missed this, and she had missed him.

"Why don't we go downstairs? I'm sure the couch would be a bit more comfortable," Remus said, smiling at Krystal. This worked to break the tension in the room.

"Really, Remus aren't you being a bit forward?" Krystal asked, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

Remus groaned, then said, "I forgot how dirty minded you could be. I only meant to talk! Really, Krystal must you be so perverted?"

"I was only trying to be funny, Remy. I knew what you meant," Krystal replied, as she walked by.

Remus followed, smiling at the old nickname Krystal had given him when they were younger. They got comfortable on the couch, Krystal sat, with her legs under her, and Remus sat down with one arm over the back of the couch, facing her.

"So the question begs to be answered! What have you been doing the last fourteen years?" Remus asked, smiling at Krystal.

"Work for the most part! As you know I finished my Auror training the year of Voldemort's downfall. Then I went to study medicine, and became a healer at St. Mungo's. That is where I've stayed mostly. Unless, a mission comes up, and they need my help."

"What made you decide to go into medicine? I would have thought that you would've stayed on as an Auror."

"Being an Auror is more Kristina and Alex's dream. They just pulled me along. Of course, I could see why they wanted to at the time, with Voldemort on the rise. However, I've always loved working with people, helping them. I just thought my talents would be of better use elsewhere," Krystal answered, glancing at Remus.

"So what have you been doing with yourself?" Krystal asked.

"Not much really! After I left, I travelled mostly, learning about this, and that. Not really staying anywhere for very long, not much else for a werewolf to do. I remember hearing, in Italy, that someone had created a potion that allowed a werewolf to retain his or her mind after transforming. That was the first time I returned to England, to see if the potion would live up to all the talk. It did, of course. I stayed around for a bit, and then left again. Only coming back when Professor Dumbledore owled me, saying that Sirius had broken out of Azkaban."

"Have there been any other women in your life?" Krystal asked, apprehensively. Knowing that in reality she had no right to ask, but she wanted to know if there was competition.

"No! I mostly kept to myself on my travels. I didn't want to get to close to anyone. Besides, there was already someone I loved. What about you?"

"Same! I've been too busy with work, and trying to keep Kristina and Alex in line."

"Oh, and what have they been up to?"

"Both still work for the Ministry, as Auror's. Alex and Beth got married about eight years ago. Kristina was married, but her husband was killed five years after the wedding."

For the rest of the night, and into the early morning, Remus, and Krystal sat there on the couch talking about everything. Remus asked her how the rest of her friends were, and what they were doing. She in turn, asked about his journey, and if it had helped him.

After dinner, Harry made his way upstairs, his stomach still hungering for food. He was thankful for the package of sweets and meat pies Mrs. Weasley had sent him. He had gotten a bit of a shock when just three days after returning to his relatives, Mrs. Weasley had sent the family owl, Errol, with a bundle of all sorts of meat pies, sweet pies, and biscuits. All with a permanent warming charm on them. She had also sent a letter along, saying that she hoped he was all right, and that she hoped his relations were treating him well. Ron had sent a letter too, explaining how the twins were driving his Mum crazy, with all their pranks.

He had also got a bit of a shock when he saw that Ginny had written to him as well. She asked how he was doing; if everything was all right - normal things, which made Harry feel somewhat better. He knew that over the past year, he and Ginny had grown closer than in the past, and he gained some comfort from her friendship.

On entering his room, Harry saw Hedwig perched at his windowsill, her snowy white feathers gleaming in the dying sunlight. Quickly, he let her in, not wanting to anger Uncle Vernon by letting him know Hedwig had been out. He spotted the parchment attached to her leg, and started to untie the knot. Letting her fly to her cage to drink water and have a few owl treats, Harry sat down on his bed, and unrolled the parchment. He recognized Hermione's neat writing - he would have known it anywhere.

Dear Harry:

How are you? I hope those Muggle relatives of yours are treating you better than last year. Mum and Dad decided not to go on holiday this year. With Voldemort on the rise, they don't want to take any chances. So I'm mostly getting ready for the new school year.

I do hope you're well. Ron owled me yesterday, as you can see he sent Hedwig to deliver his message. That's how I was able to send you this letter. He said everything's fine at the Burrow. Of course, the twins were wreaking havoc. Do you still get the Prophet? If so, then you must know about Lucius Malfoy getting out of Azkaban. I think he just bought his way out. However, the article said that he said, he was under the influence of the Imperius Curse. I don't believe him of course.

That's about it from my end. Write back soon. If you need anything just let me know.

Sincerely, yours

Hermione

Reading the letter over again, Harry then folded the parchment back up, placed it with all the other letters he had received over the years. Then, he pulled out his own piece of parchment, and began to write back to Hermione.

Dear Hermione:

Thanks for the letter. I'm fine as can be expected. The Dursleys are the same! However, they seem to stay out of my way more than ever. Dudley's still a prat, as always. Other than that, everything is much the same. Ron owled me a few days ago, with Errol, who then promptly fell over from exhaustion; I couldn't let Errol go out on his own again, so I sent Hedwig back with him. Oh, by the way, Professor Lupin is here. He's staying with Mrs. Figg. I suppose Dumbledore needed someone to watch over me, who wouldn't leave their post for anything.

He also introduced me to a lady by the name of Krystal Lyntal. She seems very nice, though I've only met to her once. However, I do think that she and Professor Lupin may have been a couple at one time. Well that's it from my end. Will you owl Ron and tell him hello for me, and that I miss you all.

Your, Friend

Harry

Sitting back in his chair, Harry glanced over the letter before rolling it up, and looking back at Hedwig, who was currently perched in her cage. Standing, he walked over to her, and stroked the soft feathers of her head. Hedwig, hooted softly at the affectionate touch, and then nipped lightly at his finger.

"Don't worry girl, I won't send you out just yet. I know you need your rest."

Turning away from Hedwig, Harry went for his bed, and sat down. With nothing much for him to do, he took off his glasses, and laid them on the table beside his bed. He lay back, put his hands behind his head, closed his eyes, and drifted off into a fitful sleep.

He tossed and turned in his bed. Sweat poured off his body, drenching the sheets below. Dreams, which turned into nightmares, plagued his tired mind. What should have been a peaceful night's sleep, quickly turned into one of terror and pain. The dreams came - nightly -never permitting Harry a decent night's sleep. Memories of the things he wished he could forget, plagued him every night. Currently in his dreams, he was reliving the night when Wormtail cursed Cedric Diggory on Voldemort's orders. Then the scene changed. He was still in the graveyard, and Cedric's body was still lying, where he had fallen. However, something was different, something that Harry couldn't put his finger on. However, he knew something was wrong.

He didn't notice that Cedric was no longer lying lifeless, not ten feet away. No, in fact Cedric had risen from the ground, and began to advance on Harry. It wasn't until Cedric, spoke that Harry realized what was wrong.

"It's your fault Potter! If you had just taken the Tri-wizards Cup yourself, I would be alive. Not dead with, my flesh rotten, six feet in the ground."

"No! That's not true! You agreed to take the cup with me, it's not my fault," Harry yelled back, in his dream.

"You don't believe that Potter. You know it was your fault. Everyone always says you have a hero complex. That night proved the point. It proved that you're too noble, and proud, to not do the right thing. Why couldn't you be more selfish, instead of selfless? In the end, all it did was get me killed."

"No! You're wrong. I don't have a hero complex. I'm sorry you're dead, Cedric, I really am. But, it wasn't my fault."

"Yes it was! It was all your fault! You-know-Who wasn't after me - he was after you. Why can't you just die, Potter?"

Cedric's voice and his body faded from view, to be replaced by the Department of Mysteries. Again, Harry was faced with a battle for the prophecy. He started to remember what had happened. Bellatrix Lestrange was torturing Neville Longbottom and Lucius Malfoy was laughing at Neville's pain. The scene then changed. Harry was still in the Death Room, but there was another presence there as well, one that he knew very well.

"Sirius? Is that you?"

"Why couldn't you just listen? Why did you have to go to the Department of Mysteries?"

"I had to help you Sirius! I didn't want you to leave me too."

"Your plan didn't work! Now I'm dead! I'll never get to do any of the things I wanted to do! I'll never be free! It's all your fault Harry."

"I'm sorry Sirius! I just couldn't let you die."

"I was fine until you took it upon yourself, to go to the Department of Mysteries. Why couldn't you have just told someone? Instead of recklessly leading a rescue mission, for someone who didn't even need to be rescued. You could have gotten someone else killed. Didn't you stop to think about that?"

"I tried to get them to stay behind, they wouldn't listen to me. I didn't know that Voldemort had planted the dream in my head. I'm sorry! What more can I say?"

"I don't care that you're sorry Harry! Why couldn't you have listened? At the very least, you could have let Voldemort take you over, after you had killed me. That's right Harry - you killed me. I died, by your hands."

"No I... it wasn't my fault, I'm not listening to you."

Again, Harry's dream shifted. He could hear someone screaming, and he could see shadows. For some reason, he knew that, he was no longer dreaming...

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