Elaborate Lives: Kristin's Tale

MackenzieW

Disclaimer: I do not own the characters, places, items, or plots from the Harry Potter series. They belong to J.K. Rowling, her respective publishing companies and Warner Brothers. For purposes of fandom, I own the original characters that appear in this work.

Author's Note: This is a rewrite of my earlier trilogy. I had started writing the original Elaborate Lives while still in high school. And when I was looking it over, I realized I could improve it. So here is the new version. I've expanded my original characters' back stories and tweaked a few relationships. With the exception of Harmony, who is now named Amity, most names have stayed the same. I hope you enjoy this version. I'd also like to thank madhermit, who gave me an invaluable criticism on the original story and let me bounce ideas off her for this one.

Chapter One: Kristin

Kristin Wright lay in bed, waiting for her alarm clock to ring. She had her hands behind her head, brown eyes fixated on the ceiling. The room was warm, so she only had a sheet covering her body, clad in light pajamas. She had left the windows open in her bedroom in hopes that a cool night breeze would be blowing. As a bead of sweat trickled down her cheek, she realized that was only a dream. She prayed that the winds would change soon and bring some relief to the city to the more comfortable temperatures.

She gave up trying to reclaim sleep and climbed out of bed while glanced at her alarm clock. 4:15 AM, two hours since she last looked. With a sigh, Kristin decided trying a cool shower. The water splashed down, hitting her heated skin. It was refreshing and soothing. Kristin let her mind go blank as her shower continued.

Sufficiently cooled, Kristin stepped from her shower stall. She wrapped herself in a fluffy towel before shrugging on her cotton bathrobe. She stood before her bathroom sink, staring at the mirror. Being on the petite side, she had to stand on her tiptoes to see into it properly. Her skin held a nice golden hue from years in the Brazilian sun. Her eyes were a light brown, which had annoyed her when she was younger. She had been drawing a self-portrait with the new crayons her father had bought for her. The brown crayon in the box wasn't light enough for her eyes though it was perfect for her hair. One of her boyfriends here in Rio had once told her that her hair reminded him of coffee beans. In many ways, Kristin looked more Brazilian than she did English.

Now, though, she looked tired more than anything else. The harsh bathroom lights enhanced the dark bluish-black bags under her eyes. She rubbed her eyes, sighing. "You need a vacation," she told her reflection.

She exited the bathroom, careful not to hit one of the many boxes scattered around her apartment. Kristin sunk to the floor, sitting with her legs crossed. "This doesn't count as a vacation." She patted a box as if it were a friend.

Kristin wasn't excited to leave Rio de Janeiro. The city had been her home now for fifteen years. Fifteen years since she last stepped foot on British soil. She spun on the floor, opening a box. Inside were mementoes of her life in the United Kingdom, the life she had desperately tried to forget. Photographs. Letters. And a bag made of red velvet.

She took it out gingerly. Opening it, she pulled the object from inside. The few friends she had here in Rio always wanted her to get into various fantasy stories, yet she vehemently resisted. If they saw this, they would be very surprised and very curious. It was made of elm, eleven inches long. Inside was a single hair from a unicorn.

A wand.

Her wand.

She remembered walking into Ollivander's as a wide-eyed eleven years-old. It wasn't her first trip; she had been there two times prior for her brothers' wands. She knew what would happen. Yet she still feared she would never find her wand. It had only taken three tries. Ollivander had slipped this into her hands and it had glowed instantly, as did Kristin's eyes. She cherished this wand.

Setting it aside, Kristin pulled out a yellowed newspaper. VOLDEMORT DEFEATED the headline trumpeted. Potters' son sole survivor of massacre was printed underneath. A picture of Lily and James Potter smiled back up at her, James pulling his wife closer. Kristin ran a finger over the two. They had been two of her dearest friends. It was still hard to imagine the two dead.

And what of their little boy? she wondered. She hadn't seen Harry since his parents went into hiding. He was only a month old at the time. They had gathered at Remus Lupin's family cottage in Essex. He and his fiancée Amity Anderson were celebrating their daughter Elysia's first birthday. It was the last joyful time they were all together.

Memories transported her from her apartment in Rio de Janeiro back to that English cottage. Sitting on the floor as her goddaughter toddled about carrying a balloon Lily had gotten for her. It was pink and tied with a silver string. She liked to tug the string, watching the balloon bounce in the air. Her blondish brown curls followed its rhythm as she laughed. The little girl didn't say actual words yet, but loved to chatter away in her own made-up language. The adults surrounding her smiled to hear it, trying their best to answer her.

Sirius Black played with her the most. He was an overgrown kid. It was one of the aspects that had drawn her to him, one of the reasons she had fancied him since their fifth year at Hogwarts. If only she had the courage to tell him. Some Gryffindor, she admonished herself constantly. I should be able to say those words.

It wasn't surprising she was drawn to the man. On a superficial level, he was handsome. Striking gray eyes that one could get lost in. He had thick black hair that he kept well-trimmed, though he left a few long pieces to fall over into his eyes. He thought it made him look mysterious. James thought it made him look stupid. Aloud, Kristin agreed with him. Secretly, she agreed with Sirius.

The Black family was a long and noble lineage. Sirius carried himself with an air of grace and aristocracy. It only added to his charm, driving several girls to him during their school years. Kristin understood. It was like he had stepped from one of the romances she pretended she didn't read, the ones always stashed under her bed or away in her trunk. Or the worn copy of Pride and Prejudice she kept under her pillow. He was her Mr. Darcy, she was certain.

Sirius' birthright was also a dark one. He was one of the few members who didn't turn to the dark arts, along with a cousin or two. His parents had disowned him a few years prior due to his "blood betrayal." Sirius pretended otherwise, but his friends knew how painful it had been. His cousin Andromeda had offered to take him in, herself disowned for marrying the Muggle-born Ted Tonks. Sirius had refused; Andromeda's daughter Nymphadora was three years-old and quite the handful. He didn't want to be an extra burden. Finally, James' mother had issued an ultimatum: Sirius either had to accept Andromeda's offer or move in with the Potters. Sirius chose the latter.

James and Sirius were more like brothers than best friends. One was never seen without the other. It was understandable that many of the first years often addressed them with wrong last name—James Black or Sirius Potter. Like Sirius, James also had wild black hair that he used to tousle when he was younger. He was tall like Sirius, though he was best described as "lanky." Hazel eyes hid behind his glasses, which Lily had professed a fondness for. He had more of an everyman feel to him though the Potters were an affluent family. He was athletic and popular, well paired with Lily.

Kristin had been drawn to Lily Evans from the moment the two boarded the Hogwarts Express as first year students. She had collided with the red-headed girl with the brilliant green eyes trying to find a car. Lily had a friendly manner about her, putting Kristin at ease. The two had found a car with only one other person inside, a first year like them. She wore a nice gray dress with a black sweater embroidered with pink roses. Mary Jane-clad feet tapped anxiously against the floor. Her blonde hair was long, falling past her shoulders as blue eyes watched the passing landscape. While Kristin and Lily were both brimming with excitement, it was clear this girl was filled with homesickness. They decided to join her, determined to cheer her up.

That was how they met Amity. Lily and Kristin cheered the girl up, distracting her from how she missed her parents. Unlike them, Amity was an only child and used to her parents' attention. But Amity was the child of a wizard and a witch like Kristin. The two regaled Lily with stories of Hogwarts that their parents had told them. "My mother warned me about the staircases. They move," Amity said, wide-eyed.

"I'm not worried about the staircases. I'm worried about Filch," Kristin replied.

Lily leaned forward, eager to absorb any information the two girls may have. "Who?" She looked at Amity, who only shook her head.

"He's the nasty old caretaker. My brothers say that he likes to catch students and punish them cruelly. My brother Justin says he hangs them by their feet in the dungeons but my other brother Michael says that's nonsense. He says the worst one might get is to clean the kitchens. With a toothbrush," Kristin said.

Lily and Amity gasped before the three girls began laughing hysterically. Their friendship began on that train ride and was solidified when the Sorting Hat placed them all in Gryffindor. When they arrived in Gryffindor tower, they managed to claim three beds next to each other. The next seven years were filled with late night gossip, study sessions, boy talk and chocolate.

The Marauders hadn't been a welcome addition to their life, not at first. They were pranksters, troublemakers. The girls had agreed it was in their best intentions to avoid the four to the best of their abilities. But James Potter had other ideas. He had developed a crush on Lily the moment he laid eyes on her in the Great Hall. Kristin had lost count of all the times he had "accidentally" run into Lily somewhere on the grounds. Initially, she resisted James' charms. "He's too cocky, if you ask me. And those pranks! I know Sirius Black is behind most of them, but James does little to stop them," Lily complained. "I cannot stand them."

"Come on, even poor Peter Pettigrew?" Kristin asked, thinking of the shy little fellow that followed James and Sirius around like a puppy.

"Remus Lupin isn't such a bad fellow," Amity chimed in, cheeks growing red. Her friends didn't miss it, both sharing wide smiles.

Lily nodded. "Lupin is alright, when he's not with Sirius and James. Same with Peter. But when they're together…" She sighed. "But enough of that. I think Kristin and I want to know what you think of Lupin, Amity."

Her cheeks grew redder under her friends' stare. "He's…nice. And smart."

"Come on. Anything else?" Kristin scooted closer on the bed.

"Like what?"

"Like…cute?" Kristin suggested.

"Handsome?" Lily added.

"Drop dead gorgeous?"

"Stop it!" Amity covered her ears. "Yes, he's cute. Happy?"

"Very." Kristin leaned back with a wide smile.

That had been their third year, Kristin recalled. Amity began dating Remus the following year after he asked her to accompany him on a trip into Hogsmeade. They were an adorable couple, equally shy yet intelligent. It was now a permanent connection, though, to the Marauders. During their fifth year, Lily finally agreed to go on one date with James. And then a second. And then a third. Soon, they were holding hands in the hallways and snuggling in the common room. It meant Kristin spent more time with Sirius, fostering her crush on him.

For the longest time, she believed they would all have their happy endings. Lily married James and had Harry. Remus and Amity had Elysia. One day, Sirius would stop being so thick and ask her out. They would all be together forever.

But the war with Voldemort got in the way, spreading its poison through their friendships. Lily and James were in danger, Dumbledore warned them. That's why they disappeared with Harry. It spooked Remus, who convinced Amity to go into hiding with Elysia. They were always vague with what he did for the Order, but Kristin understood it was dangerous. This only served to drive the fact home. Amity sent her only one letter in the intervening months, assuring Kristin that she and her daughter were well. She didn't say where she was, only confirmed she was no longer in the United Kingdom.

Those left behind were torn apart by suspicion. It was known that there was a traitor in their midst, someone feeding Voldemort information. She knew Sirius and Remus suspected her. At the time, she had been an ideal target. Her lifestyle at the time would've made anyone suspicious, compounded when her own mentor at the Auror corps arrested her brother Justin as a Death eater. But if she had to put her faith in anything, it was in her family's reputation as good wizards. Also, she put it in Sirius' innocence. After her, he was the best suspect. His family was full of Death eaters and he was close to the Potters. But Kristin knew he despised his family as much as he loved the Potters; he wouldn't hurt them.

She was often pressed in those days to name a suspect, especially from Mad-eye Moody, her boss. She refused each and every time. She wasn't going to name a friend. But with each refusal, the more and more she grew suspicious of Remus. He was the only one she couldn't honestly vouch for aside from being too nice to betray them. He was a werewolf, a creature she was taught prone to darkness. With each passing disappearance, he became more secretive. Everything was pointing to him.

Then came Halloween 1981. She had been with Remus Lupin in his house, trying to prove her fears unfounded. Their dinner was interrupted by the arrival of Mad-Eye. "Wanted to tell you myself," he said to Kristin. "Voldemort is dead."

Kristin felt her spirit soar. She turned to Remus, smiling and ready to order him to fetch Amity out of hiding. But he remained serious, eyes fixed on Mad-Eye. "What else did you want to tell her?" he asked.

"It's for the both of you. But it's about the Potters. I'm sorry to tell you this, but Lily and James are dead."

Kristin gasped. She might've collapsed to the floor if Remus hadn't reached out a steadying hand. "And Harry?" he asked flatly.

"Survived. Curse rebounded off him. Dumbledore's arranging for his care," Moody explained, magical eye roving about the house.

"Sirius. James and Lily wanted him to take care of Harry." Kristin looked at Remus. "You know that."

Remus didn't respond; neither did Moody. She looked between the two men, a horrifying realization creeping upon her. "No! No, you're wrong!" she yelled.

"Kristin," Remus tried to soothe her.

"No! Remus, he's your friend! He was their friend! You can't believe it!"

"He was their Secret-Keeper, Kristin. He was the only one who knew where they lived." Remus placed his hands on her shoulders. "I know it's difficult to accept, but he is the only answer."

Cornered, Kristin apparated. She arrived in her mother's living room where she collapsed to the floor, crying. She woke in bed; her brother Michael carried her there when he discovered her asleep on the floor. The news had already broken and her family graciously gave her a wide berth. Michael had even tried to hide the news that broke a day or two later. But Kristin had entered the kitchen before he could get rid of the newspaper. Black kills Pettigrew, 12 Muggles. She was unable to deny it anymore: She had fancied a killer.

Kristin pulled herself together to attend the funeral. She sat next to Remus, feeling nothing. Nothing as she saw her two friends in their coffin. Nothing as people offered their condolences. Nothing as old school stories were told. Nothing as Moody told her to take a few weeks off. Nothing as she returned to her London flat for the first time in over a week.

The weather was growing colder as the shopkeepers began hanging up Christmas decorations. Kristin didn't feel merry; she doubted it would change come the 25th of December. What she needed was something to take her mind off recent events. She spied a "Help Wanted" sign in the window of one of the shops. On a whim, she walked inside.

"Can I help you?" an older woman asked. She wore a red business skirt suit and had gray hair piled into a bun. In many ways, she reminded Kristin of Minerva McGonagall, her old head of house.

"Yes. I saw the sign in the window." Kristin pointed behind her.

"Oh!" The woman's eyes lit up. "Follow me."

The woman led her to a small office in the back of the store. She motioned to a cushioned chair, which Kristin took willingly. The lady sat down behind a cluttered desk. "Pardon the mess. I'm not the most organized person," she apologized.

"That's fine. I'm used to it." Kristin thought back to the mess that always spilled out from under Amity's bed at Hogwarts with a fond smile.

"I'm Diane." The woman held out her hand. Kristin shook it. "I'll be straight with you. The position is only for the holiday season to help with the influx of customers I'm expecting."

"Perfect. I'm not looking for anything long-term. I…I just lost some people close to me and I need the distraction while I reevaluate my life." Kristin was surprised she was opening up to this stranger, but it felt right.

It was apparently the right answer as well as Kristin was filling out paperwork and getting her first schedule.

The world of retail was new, exciting and tiring. She arrived on time, worked several hours, and helped customers of varying tempers. Diane was impressed with how she handled them. Kristin knew she couldn't tell her employer that it was easy after chasing Death eaters. Muggles seemed more civilized compared to what she had witnessed.

That was when she decided to leave the Wizarding world.

Kristin didn't tell anyone, not until she had her new Muggle life in order. Diane had already told her she wouldn't be able to keep her on after the New Year. The shop had two fulltime shop girls that handled the workload the rest of the year. "If they hadn't been with me for so long, I would hire you in a heartbeat," Diane confided.

It was a fellow worker who helped her. Kristin entered the break room, ready to sit for the first time in hours. Mary was already there, finishing up her lunch. "What are you going to do after the season ends?" she asked Kristin.

"No, I haven't. You?"

"Yes. I'm going to teach English in China."

"How?"

"There's an agency that arranges everything. I have their information if you're interested." Mary dug through her bag, pulling out a crinkled flyer.

Kristin took it gratefully, noting the address. The next time she had a free day, she paid them a visit. When she left, plans were in motion for her to go to Brazil. She left the agency with a bounce to her step and the first true smile since Halloween on her face. Kristin returned to her flat and owled her resignation from the Auror corps.

She was surprised a week later to discover Albus Dumbledore standing in her flat when she returned home. He wore long red velvet robes which, when paired with his long white beard, gave him the appearance of Santa Claus. His blue eyes studied her over his half-moon glasses. "It is good to see, Miss Wright," he greeted.

"Headmaster. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I had a rather distressing visit from Mad-eye the other day. He is quite upset that you are leaving the Aurors."

"I hope he doesn't think you can convince me otherwise. My mind is made up, Headmaster."

"Of course." Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "What are you doing instead?"

"I'm going to teach."

"Oh! I do remember you had once wished to be a Potions Mistress. Are you going to pursue that?"

Kristin shook her head. "No, sir. I'm going to teach English far away from here," she explained. "I'm going to be a Muggle."

"For how long?"

"Forever."

The twinkle in Dumbledore's eyes died. "That is a long time, Miss Wright. Are you sure of your decision?" he asked, solemnly.

"Yes, sir. I am going to tell my family at Christmas."

"I see." Dumbledore stepped forward, taking her hand in his. "Then I wish you luck. I know I am no longer your professor, but can I get one more promise from you?"

"What is it?"

"Do not break your wand. Keep it as a reminder that you still have friends in the Wizarding world. Promise?"

Kristin looked him in the eyes. The thought of breaking her wand hadn't even crossed her mind. "I promise," she vowed.

"Good," Dumbledore replied before taking his leave.

Kristin's mother took her daughter's decision remarkably well. "If this is what you need to do, I wish you well. Please just keep in touch," her mother said. Kristin promised to do so.

Now, Kristin put the newspaper articles back in their box. She wandered into her kitchen and made herself some coffee. Carrying a steaming mug, Kristin sat out on her balcony. She recalled landing in Rio de Janeiro. She loved the city instantly, finding a place where she lost her old self and let her new self be born. She spent the first weeks exploring the city, finding the best restaurants and cafes. Kristin also signed up to take Portuguese lessons at a local university. She found herself quite capable at languages and imagined learning all those spells in Hogwarts helped.

She hated teaching instantly. She felt nervous standing in front of the people and dumber than she ever felt. Kristin had a newfound respect for her professors at Hogwarts, at the hard work they put into their lessons. When her time was finished, she knew two things: she wasn't going back to England but she wasn't going to teach either.

Kristin's Portuguese professor was one of her first friends in the city. She confided in him and he offered to take her out to dinner. They discussed her dilemma over Brazilian cuisine and wine. He suggested that she apply to the university to get a degree in something she liked, which would then let her get a visa to stay in the country. She took his advice, spending the night considering what she would study. By the following morning, Kristin had decided on business. Her professor helped her get accepted into the university and she secured a student visa.

She was able to get another job in retail after Diane was able to send in a glowing recommendation. The paycheck helped her pay for school and her flat. Her graduation day was the first time she saw her mother and brother Michael since leaving England. They arrived via portkey, to Kristin's surprise. She cried upon seeing them. After her ceremony, Kristin took them around the city.

Before the two prepared to leave a few days later, her mother pulled her aside. "I am so glad to see you so happy. I wish you nothing but the best here."

"But you wish I could be happy back in England," Kristin supplied.

"No. Oh no, my dear." Her mother pushed a stray piece of hair away from Kristin's face. "I see you are happy here. Happier than you had been in England. That's all that matters, no matter what lies between us. It is only a portkey away. Remember that."

"I will, Mama. I promise." Kristin hugged her mother.

Kristin sighed. That had been ten years ago. She had started a new job a few weeks later and remained at the company until a few weeks ago. And had risen through the ranks to reach a high position within it. She enjoyed her work and her coworkers until business took a turn for the worse. Massive layoffs were determined to be needed. When Kristin received a letter from her mother, she volunteered for a severance package.

Finished with her coffee, Kristin returned inside as the sun slowly emerged from the horizon. She placed her mug in the kitchen sink. Sitting next to it was the letter from her mother. Enclosed had been a two Daily Prophet articles. Albus Dumbledore Claims Student Death Work of Voldemort and Dumbledore Vindicated After Death Eater Raid on Ministry!

Her mother's note had been brief:

Dear Kristin,

I know you gave up the Wizarding world, so you may not have heard about this. I debated sending this to you—it may drive you further away—but in the end, I decided you ought to know. Voldemort is back and gaining in power. I blame Fudge for denying his return for so long. The Wizarding world is on the brink of war.

Your brother has been a casualty. He's still alive, but he was attacked. The healers at St. Mungo's were able to fix him up, but he suffered a head injury. They have advised him to rest for two weeks. I was hoping you would be able to take some time off and come help with the family shop? Please?

Love,

Mama

Kristin knew after reading the letter that she was needed at home. Even with the threat of Voldemort, she felt the excitement she had when she had started out all those years ago. The family business, the one started by her late father. She was going to work there and build it up, she vowed.

She was going to miss Rio, but she was ready for her next adventure.