St Mungos Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injurys

I open my eyes gently and look at crouch. 'dont change what?'

Oh... I thought you were asleep...

'not really...i was just resting my eyes.'

-quietly- Right...

'Are you going to answer? what dont you want me to change?'

.......................................... anything.........

I frown, confused. 'crouch, your making no sense.'

I understand that... -cast muffliato around the two of us- Just yourself. Don't change a damn thing about yourself...

'Why...i mean, why not?' i look at the floor. 'all we seem to do at the moment is argue...it would be so much...easier if i just changed...' I barely even whisper it, wondering if he would hear it.'

Easier? Maybe. But I don't want you changing. You're perfect as is...

I smile sadly, shaking my head. 'no im not. if i was perfect, i wouldnt be here, we wouldnt argue and...and nothing like this woulld happen. thats perfect. im just a...failure as a sister. if i was perfect i would listen to you. And i dont.'

-Shouts- Stop it Riv, STOP IT! Listen to me...

-calms down- When we met for the first time... that's about the only time in my life I felt like I had meaning. And then when I lost... -throws arms up- Well look at me!

You're a truly good person. There's no way you can fail as a sister.

Want me to be REALLY honest with you?

i nod, not trusting myself to speak.

-Sighs, finally revealing the truth I've kept buried since Dark Lord knows when- There are many days when I am jealous of you...

'Why?'

-Smiles- "Why?"

-laughs as though she made the funniest joke in the world-

-Gets serious- River... your life is much more free than mine. You can BE normal. That option never existed for me.

'Yeah, but im not exactly normal, am i?'

Only because of me... your freak brother.

I've ruined your life for all the good you've done me. Who REALLY has failed in their sibling duties? Who REALLY did?!

I laugh quietly. 'You cant say you failed wither. all you have ever tryed to do is protect me. im pretty sure that isnt failing. Me? ive just got in the way, arguing with you over things, trying to forse you into seeing things my way...'

-I shake my head- Though I can't change, I don't want you trying to change. Don't you get it? Riv, I don't care if you argue with me, or not agree with me.

You are you. That's all you need to be for me to be happy with you.

I look up and smile at him. 'Really?'

-I nod my head-

i get out of the bed and hug him, still smiling. 'I love you, Bartemius Crouch Junior. Youve never failed as a brother either...'

-I'm surprised by the hug but then hug her back- I love you too River Crouch... and I'm sorry...

'For what?'