Chapter 10

Kristin arrived at 12 Grimmauld Place in a joyful mood; Harry had arrived the night before. After her reunion with Elysia, she was optimistic for this one. She wanted to see how he had grown up. Everyone said he looked like James, but she wanted to see in person. And though it was morbid, she wanted to see the famous scar as well.

Opening the door, Remus greeted her. He wrung his hands as his eyes scanned her face. "How is she? And is she really upset? Does she want to see me?"

She held up her hands, silencing him. "She is fine. And yes, she is really upset so…No, she doesn't want to see you." His face fell and Kristin sighed as she placed her hand on his arm. "She doesn't want to see you right now. Give her time and she may want to get to know you."

His eyes looked lost, tugging on Kristin's heart. She pulled him into a tight hug, allowing her to whisper her into his ear. "Look, all's not lost. Amity came around, right? I'm sure Elysia will too."

Pulling away, Remus looked doubtful but nodded. Kristin decided to change the subject. "So, is Harry here?"

"Yes, he is. Arrived last night. I went to fetch him with the others."

"How is he?"

Her friend finally smiled. "He is happy to be away from the Dursleys and back amongst friends. Sirius is glad to have him here as well. Haven't seen him so happy for a long time."

Kristin laughed. "I'm glad to hear that." She then grew serious. "Does Harry know about me or will it be a 'Surprise! I'm your mother's friend who you never heard about before' type deal?"

"Don't worry. Sirius spent the morning explaining who you and Amity are."

"How did he take it?" Remus was silent and panic rose in Kristin. "Not well? He doesn't want to meet me, does he?"

Remus grabbed her arms, giving her a shake to calm her down. "I haven't talked to Harry yet. Relax." He led her through breathing exercises until she relaxed. Letting her go, he apologized.

She waved him off. "No, it's my fault. I overreacted. Guess I understand how you feel with Elysia back in the country."

"Indeed. But you can see Harry." The bitterness returned to Remus' voice. "Come, let's go see if he's ready."

He led her down the hallway toward Sirius' bedroom. Knocking, the two waited for a response. The door opened a crack and familiar grey eyes peered out through it. Sirius opened the door wide, smiling welcomingly. "Kiki! We were just talking about you! Come in."

Stepping into the room, her gaze fell on the figure that stood from Sirius' bed. He was tall and gangly with messy black hair sticking in every direction. Black rimmed glasses covered his bright green eyes. Kristin recognized everything about him.

"Oh, look at you! All grown up and looking like your father!" Kristin smiled as she shook her head. "Sorry, you probably hear that all the time."

Harry shrugged. "It's okay."

"Well, it's nice to see you again. I know this is forward of me, but can I hug you?"

This startled Harry but he nodded. Kristin gathered the boy—young man—into her arms and squeezed. She released him, stepping back. "Sorry. You must now think I'm the crazy one."

"Not really. You're probably the sanest person I've met." He shot a look at Remus. "With the exception of Professor Lupin."

The man chuckled in response. "I told you, Harry, you can call me Remus now."

"Sorry, force of habit." He shrugged while smiling.

Sirius smiled as well. "Well, Kiki has you fooled. She's no saner than I. Isn't that right, Moony?"

Remus held up his hands. "I am not getting involved, Padfoot. This is between you and Kristin. Harry, I'd step out of the way."

Kristin shook her head. "No need, Harry. I am going to be an adult, even if Sirius won't." She stared down her friend.

In return, Sirius crossed his arms. "So you're going to play that game, Wright? Well, so can I!"

He lunged, hand reaching for Kristin's side. Fingers connected with a spot just above her hip he knew was extra sensitive. She crumbled down to the floor, laughter ringing through the room.

And through it all, Harry watched with a smile.

Later, when he went downstairs with Kristin, Harry was silent but she didn't mind. She knew he would speak when he was ready and hoped she had the answers to whatever questions he asked. When they reached the landing, he stopped and turned to her. "What house?"

It was a neutral question, a good starting point. "Gryffindor."

"What do you do?"

"Well, I was an Auror. But now I help run my family's bookstore."

Harry's mouth fell open. "You were an Auror? Why did you stop?"

Kristin guided him into the kitchen. "Can I get you anything? Water? Tea? Food? Molly's made enough to feed a small army."

"No, thank you. Molly's fed me plenty already." Harry sat down at the kitchen table. She felt his eyes upon her, waiting for her answer.

Kristin focused on the kettle, waiting for the water to boil. It gave her time to gather her thoughts. Tea prepared, she sat down, ready to answer his question. "Sirius and Remus told me about your interest in becoming an Auror. Given your history, I'm not surprised. And I won't lie; I did enjoy being an Auror. But there comes a time when the death gets to you and you need to stop. The technical term is burnout."

"Do you think you'll ever return?"

She shrugged. "Maybe. A year ago, I thought I'd never return to the wizarding world and here I am. Can't rule anything out. But I am content with the store." Kristin took a sip of her tea. "Any other questions?"

"Just one for now." Harry leaned forward, smiling slyly. "Are you dating my godfather?"

Kristin nearly choked on her tea. Coughing, she tried to glare at Harry. She knew it failed when his smile morphed into a smirk. Once she regained her breath, she denied it. "We're only friends."

"Really?" Harry's voice was incredulous.

"You may not believe me, but it's the truth."

The conversation hit a lull as Kristin remembered what was in her pocket. She pulled out the package wrapped in bright paper. "Anyway, happy birthday, Harry."

He took the present with wide eyes. "You didn't have to get me anything."

"Of course I did. I owe you a few years' worth of presents, I daresay."

"Thank you," Harry replied. He opened the gift and a book fell out. Picking it up, he read the title. "The Golden Snitch, Stories of the Game's Best Seekers."

"I hope you like it. Honestly, your godfather and Remus were no help when it came to choosing a gift."

Harry laughed. "I like it."

"Good. I can offer you stories as well."

"Stories?"

"Of your mother. I know those two didn't tell you much, am I right?"

"Yeah. Lots of stories about my dad, though."

"I imagine," Kristin said, trying not to roll her eyes. "Ask me anything and I'll tell you."

Thanking her, Harry stood up. He began to leave the kitchen, but his path was blocked by Snape, who stood in the doorway. Kristin bit back a groan as she watched the two stared each other down. Like father, like son.

After several seconds, Snape stood to one side and allowed Harry to pass. Harry glared at him before leaving the kitchen. Snape turned, focused on making himself tea.

Kristin leaned back, sipping her own. "Hello, Severus."

"Wright."

She nearly spat out her tea. It had been years since he had addressed her by her last name. Why had he started again? No, she knew why he had started again. It was because he thought she was dating Sirius. There was no other explanation. Her mouth twisted into an annoyed expression. "Didn't know we went back to a last name basis. Must have missed the memo."

"I don't appreciate the attitude."

"Neither do I."

The two stared at each other, waiting to see who blinked first. Kristin kicked out the other stool, hoping he sat down. It was time to have a serious discussion, for better or for worse.

His tea ready, Snape sat down. "What?"

"I'm not dating Sirius."

Snape sneered. "I do not care. Your love life is no concern of mine; do not feel the need to lie to me."

Kristin sighed. "It's not a lie. We're just friends."

"I saw the kiss."

"You missed the slap."

An eyebrow raised, Snape lowered his mug. "You slapped him?"

"I did."

"Why? Isn't that what you always wanted?"

Another sigh. "Not anymore." Snape was probably the one person who should hear about her change of heart. But he was also the only person who wouldn't listen. Not until he was ready.

What could she say now? He was going to want to know more. It looked like she would have to rely on half-truths once again. "I've changed, Severus. Fifteen years is a long time. I've grown up and with that, so have my dreams. My wants. And I want nothing more than friendship with Sirius."

Snape was silent again. He studied her, dark eyes searching for any trace of a lie. After his examination was complete, he closed his eyes. "Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I hate the fact you're not talking to me. And that you're hurting from something that isn't even real."

"It is amazing how you can be selfish and altruistic at the same time."

Kristin's mouth dropped open. "I don't know if you insulted me or not."

"Well, I am afraid it is something for you to determine on your own."

She blew out in exasperation. "Why do I still bother with you?" Kristin stood. "You can't keep pushing people away, Severus."

Without waiting for a response, she stormed out of the kitchen. Back up the stairs and down the hall. She prayed Amity was in her room. Her friend had returned to Grimmauld Place the other day though Elysia remained behind with the Wrights. It made sense as the girl still had no wish to see her father. Not that Philomena minded; she enjoyed playing pseudo-grandmother to the teen.

Kristin stopped before Amity's door, knocking. She waited a few moments before it swung open. Amity stood there, confused. "What's wrong?"

"Can I come in?"

Nodding, Amity stepped aside to allow her friend to enter. Once inside, Kristin took a seat on the bed and her friend sat down next to her. "Now will you tell me what's wrong?" Amity asked.

"Severus. He's being a Grade-A prat. As usual." Kristin fell back on the bed with a groan. "Why do I bother?"

"Good question. Why do you bother?" Amity crossed her arms and waited for an answer.

Kristin stared at the ceiling. The answers, though, weren't written there. She didn't expect them to be, but it would've been nice. "I love him. I guess that's the simple answer."

"Is it?"

Lifting up her head, Kristin stared at her friend. "What are you? My therapist?" At Amity's confused look, she shook her head. "Never mind. Do you have any suggestions?"

Amity was silent as she lay down next to Kristin. "You're probably not going to like my suggestion."

Kristin groaned. "Probably not. But tell me anyway."

"Suit yourself. Don't say I didn't warn you."

"Just tell me."

"I think you need to stay away from Severus for some time."

"You're right. I don't like it." Kristin took a deep breath. "But I guess it's for the best."

She rested her head on Amity's shoulder. In response, her friend laid hers on top. "It is for the best. Some time part will make you both realize if you are meant to be or not."

"True."

"There's another part."

"Of course there is." Another sigh. "What is it?"

"You should date other people."

"I'm not dating Sirius."

Amity sat up. "That's not what I said. I said other people."

"Who? We are at war, don't forget. And my social circle is a bit…small."

"Then we need to expand it."

It was Kristin's turn to sit up. "I'll do it if you are by my side."

"What?" The color drained from Amity's face. "I don't think I'm ready to date."

Kristin took her friend's hands in hers. "I'm not asking you to date. I just need a friend with me as I dive back into the dating pool. You know, the buddy system."

"Buddy system?" Amity laughed. "I like that. Then you have a deal."

The two shook on it. "Well, I should probably head home. You coming?"

"No, I think I'll stay here. Tell Elysia I love her."

"I don't blame my mother for staying there. She has her own bed and room." Elysia helped her godmother set the table for dinner. "And I get the couch tonight."

"You could always have my bed," Kristin offered.

Elysia shook her head. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me."

"I'll try not to. But I think I'm starting to feel like your mother. I'm getting old!"

Philomena walked in and hit her daughter upside the head. "Stop being so dramatic! You are not old."

She then turned to Elysia. "You are welcome to stay for as long as you need."

"Thank you, Mrs. Wright." Elysia flashed the woman a bright smile. "I really appreciate the hospitality."

"But I think you should go visit Grimmauld Place. Meet everyone there," Kristin suggested.

Elysia had a sour expression. "Are you trying to get me to meet my father too?"

Kristin shook her head. "I'd keep him away, even if I have to tie him up somewhere. But I meant for you to meet everyone else—Sirius, Harry, the Weasleys."

Chewing on a strand of hair, Elysia thought about it. "I would like to meet them. But must I go to Grimmauld Place? Can't they come here?"

"I'm afraid not. Harry is always in danger and Sirius is still presumed guilty. There are only a few safe places for them and this isn't one of them."

"Oh." Deep in thought, Elysia resembled her father. Kristin bit back that comment though, knowing it would not be appreciated.

Instead, she reached out to grasp the girl's shoulder. "You don't have to decide now. Think about it."

Elysia nodded and continued setting the table.

The next day, there was a knock on Kristin's door. She hopped over her bed to answer it, surprised to find Elysia on the other side. "Is something wrong?"

"No." The girl's eyes widened. "I'm sorry if I scared you."

Kristin shook her head. "No, just surprised. What brings you to my room?"

Elysia sat down on the bed. "I was thinking about what you said yesterday. And I would like to meet everyone. Can you make it happen?"

"Of course," Kristin replied. "I'll tell your mother and she'll make the introductions."

"What about you? You'll be there, right?"

The woman shook her head. "Someone has to keep your father busy, right?"

"Thanks for meeting me for lunch." Kristin smiled as Remus arrived. "I need someone to talk to."

"And you asked me so you could get me out of the house while my daughter visits, right?" Remus crossed his arms.

Kristin grew sheepish. "Sirius told you, didn't he?"

"Yes, he did. I wish you had been honest with me. I would've understood."

"I'm sorry, you're right. But it wasn't a complete lie. I do need a man's opinion."

Remus sighed. "Is this still about Snape? You need to move on, then."

"Funny. Your jilted bride said the same thing." Kristin crossed her arms.

"Can we not call her my 'jilted bride' please? I didn't jilt her."

"Let's continue this discussion inside, shall we?" She motioned to the door, which Remus held open for her.

Once inside, the two were seated quickly. "So, what shall we talk about first? My relationship with Snape? Or yours with Amity?"

"What is there to discuss? They are both non-existent, right? Snape is a prick for not realizing he won. That you want him.

"As for me," he said with a sigh. "Well, I blew it, didn't I? I let her go. It was for their own good."

"How long are you going to sing that song before you realize you're hitting sour notes?"

"How poetic."

Kristin leaned forward, closing the gap between them. "Poetic or not, it's the truth. Did you even discuss this with Amity? See if she agreed this was for the best? No. You just did what you thought was best."

"I thought I was going to be lecturing you, not the other way around." Remus crossed his arms.

"Too bad."

Remus ran a hand through his hair. "Fine, yes, I thought it was for the best. And I think I've been proven right, haven't I? Amity moved and found a man she loved, who took care of her the way I couldn't. And was able to be a proper father to Elysia."

"Yes, Amity and Elysia had a good life in France. But they had to mourn you when you weren't really dead. And now have to deal with what they could've had. What you could've had."

"Are you done?" Remus was annoyed.

Kristin was annoyed as well. "Why?"

"Because I'm tired of this."

"Of what?"

"You inserting yourself into business that doesn't concern you!"

Her mouth hung open. "I believe this does concern me. You and Amity are my friends. I'm Elysia's godmother! I'm the one who has to see her try to cope with this. You can only imagine her anger, I witness it. So it is my business."

"You can't fix it. Stop trying and focus on your own broken relationships."

Kristin's grip on her glass grew tighter and tighter until she felt she could break it. Instead, she tossed its contents at Remus. Water covered his face, dripping from his chin. His hair and shirt collar were soaked.

Remus stood, overturning the chair. It fell to the ground with a loud bang which reverberated through the restaurant. People turned to stare as Remus left her alone. She wondered if it was possible to sink into the floor and cease to exist as the waitress came up to her. "Lovers' quarrel?"

Kristin shook her head. "Can I have the check, please?"

Unsure what to do next, Kristin spent the afternoon wandering Diagon Alley. It had been years since she last set foot there and nothing had changed. The same shops still operated. Ollivander's. Madam Malkin's. Flourish and Botts. People still hurried to and fro, arms laden with packages. Students huddled by windows to view the latest offerings, especially outside the Quidditch supply shop.

Kristin stopped and studied them. Once upon a time, she was one of them, though not as interested in Quidditch as other students like Sirius or James or Amity. She was happy to be a spectator, sitting in the stands between Remus and Lily as everyone cheered.

"He almost had that!"Kristin jumped up from her seat, knocking over the blanket Lily had spread over their legs. She pointed to the sky where the players continued to pass the quaffle back and forth. "Did you see that?"

"Not really. You blocked my view when you stood up." Lily was annoyed.

Kristin sat back down. "Sorry."

"What were we supposed to see?" Peter asked.

She turned to her friend, who was sitting behind the others as he arrived at the pitch late, and smiled. "Thanks for asking, Peter. Amity's play there was horrible. No offense, Remus."

"None taken?" Remus lifted an eyebrow.

Kristin continued. "Anyway, she should've dived rather than gone up."

"I'm sure she did what was considered for the best. What the captain told her what to do. You know, my boyfriend." Now Lily was really annoyed.

But Kristin didn't heed the warning in her friend's voice, plowing on. "But it was a stupid plan. She could've held on to the quaffle! She could've scored!"

"Hey, Wright, shut up! Some of us want to watch the match!" A sixth year yelled from a few rows over.

Kristin craned her neck, trying to spot the boy. He was a tall with a solid build but she believed she could take him if need be. Remus, though, placed a hand on her shoulder, keeping her in her seat. "Not now. Let's just enjoy the game, okay?"

Lily, though, was still cross. "Kristin won't enjoy the game unless she's running it. She won't enjoy anything unless she can be bossy."

"That's not fair!"

"Could you two argue about this later?" Remus hissed the question.

They ignored him. Kristin scooted closer to the Lily. "You think I'm bossy?"

"No. I know you're bossy."Lily leaned closer. "And it's quite annoying."

"You're just mad because I'm challenging James!"

"Am not!"

Strong arms wrapped around her waist and Kristin was lifted from her seat. Kristin was airborne for a few minutes before she was settled on the other side of Remus. "Time for some peace and quiet. You are not allowed to talk for the rest of the game."

Kristin tried to argue but he gave her a stern look so she sat back with her arms crossed.

Kristin sighed. She was always surprised when Remus grew stern. Beware the nice ones, indeed.

But she and Lily had eventually made up. Amity mediated between the two and got them to forgive each other. Perhaps she would do the same for Kristin and Remus. She might even get him to admit he was also bossy.

She hated the word. Always had. Kristin wasn't bossy. Opinionated, yes. Caring, of course! Was it wrong to want the best for the people in her life? She hoped someone would do the same for her.

There was no reason to remain in Diagon Alley, so Kristin turned to leave. Her footfalls echoed against the cobblestoned streets as she weaved around the crowds. People gave her strong looks and she understood why. Years ago, she would've wondered about someone who wandered around in Muggle clothing, especially someone without a child. Muggles just didn't enter Diagon Alley. She kept her head down as she hurried to the entrance.

Until she collided with someone. Today is not my day! Could it get any worse? She looked up and groaned. I shouldn't have asked that.

"Kristin." Snape's smooth voice washed over her. "What a surprise."

"Isn't it?" Kristin said through clenched teeth. "Good day, Severus." She turned, walking away until Snape's voice stopped her.

"So now you're running from me?"

She turned slowly to face him. "Excuse me? I thought you wanted me to stay away from you. I'm just doing what you wanted."

"When did I say…?" Snape sighed, shaking his head. "You of all people know my nature. I believe I am 'too stubborn and suspicious' for my own good, was it?"

Kristin squinted as she tried to read Snape's face. "Is this an apology?"

He didn't respond and she sighed, walking away again. But she was stopped as his hand grasped her arm. "Don't walk away. Not yet."

She resisted breaking free. "Why?"

Once again, there was no answer and she yanked her arm from his hold. "As the Muggles say, the ball is now in your court. It's your decision what happens now. But just as I matured over the years, I've also grown less patient. So I may not be there when you make the decision."

With that, she walked away. Snape said nothing and disappointment flooded through her. Kristin had hoped he would call out, stop her, but it never happened. Head held high, she left the area.

She returned home, surprised to see Elysia there. "I thought you would still be at Grimmauld Place."

"I would've been, but Remus came home earlier than expected. He tried to talk to me so I left."

Kristin sighed as she sat down next to her goddaughter. "Sorry. We got into a fight and he left. I thought he'd have more sense than to go straight home."

"So he knew I was there?"

"Yeah, he figured it out. He's a smart man." She paused. "Usually."

Elysia rolled her eyes. "I'll believe it when I see it. Then again, I don't want to see him."

"Ever?"

"Pretty much, if I can help it. He made his choice those years ago when he decided not to come find Mama and me. That's on him."

"I agree. Too bad he won't listen."

"Aunt Kristin, do you think I could have some time to myself? Please?" Elysia's eyes were wide.

Kristin nodded. "Okay. If you want, I find taking a walk usually helps."

"Thanks, Aunt Kristin. That sounds like a good idea." Elysia stood. "I'll be back before dinner."

"Be careful."

Elysia gave her godmother a look. "You sound like my mother."

"I'm your godmother. I can sound like her in her absence."

With another roll of her eyes, Elysia left the room. Kristin slouched down on the couch with a sigh. It was a long day; maybe a bath would make her feel better.

After a relaxing soak amongst the bubbles, Kristin felt rejuvenated as she went to help her mother with dinner. Elysia and Amity were in the kitchen with Philomena as well. Mother and daughter were cutting up ingredients for the salad. Philomena smiled at her daughter. "Good! You can mash the potatoes."

"Okay. Enjoying having slaves to help you in the kitchen?" She stepped away from the towel her mother snapped at her.

Elysia laughed. "I've missed making dinner with a large amount of people. It's been too long." She grew somber as did everyone else in the room.

Her statement sent Kristin's mind churning. She never questioned why Amity had been so willing to pull up roots in France and move back to the United Kingdom. Grief had seemed an acceptable answer even though the woman had never expressed an interest in teaching. Perhaps there was more than her friend was saying. But Kristin was hesitant to ask. Amity hadn't offered it and after the fight with Remus, she was being cautious. No use having two friends mad at her.

Everyone focused on making dinner as the conversation turned to lighter things.

It was late at night but Kristin sat outside on a lawn chair watching the stars. She had grabbed a blanket off her bed and wrapped it around her to ward off the chill. The stars twinkled brightly, something she had missed seeing while living in the urban Rio de Janiero.

As she lay out there, it was the perfect time to think. So much had happened since she moved back from Rio. Re-entering the wizarding world. And its war. Meeting back up with Remus, Amity and Elysia. Reuniting with Severus and Sirius. Her life was crazier than it had been in fifteen years. No doubt it was going to get even more so in the coming weeks.

The funny thing was she was looking forward to it.

A/N: Well, that's it for Kristin's Tale, thus far. Next up is Amity's story, which will fill in a few missing details here or there. And then Year Six will continue where both this story and Amity's leaves off. Hope you enjoy them!