Chapter Five: Venus and Mars

All day, both Remus and Harry avoided each other. Every time they got a chance, they would stare each other down, trying to override the opponents' opinion and perspective. But it wasn't working, and so they avoided each other, and other than the glares being sent across the room, neither said a word.

They sat in the Living room, Harry on one end, Remus on the other, and Maria, unfortunately stuck in the middle. A plate of peanuts and two empty glasses sat on the glass table in front. They watched the television in silence, as the sun began lowering, beginning to set in the distance.

"Um…" Maria began. But she stopped herself. She opened her mouth several times in attempt to say something, but no sound came out, as she suddenly became incapable of speaking.

Remus looked up, his face still neutral and responded in a monotone voice.

"What is it? Go ahead."

"Well, I was wondering if Harry and I, well you know, we don't have to, I was just thinking, I mean we could spend some time together, leave you alone for a while, make sure no one kills anyone else, and, well, it's all up to you, Mr. Lupin, sir, but It was just a suggestion, and," She paused, before she laughed quietly.

"I'm not making any sense, am I?" Maria asked, smiling lightly, towards Harry.

Harry didn't know why, but a blush crept to his cheeks.

"No, Maria, I didn't catch anything. You were rambling." Harry answered, lowering his head, so his stubborn hair covered his eyes.

"Well, I wanted to know if Harry and I could go for a ride in my convertible. It's a magical one, but I swear I know all the safety rules, and it's up to you, Mr. Lupin." Maria said, her face relaxing slightly, as she spotted the slight nod from Remus.

"Go ahead, I trust you. I could use the house to myself." Remus answered. There was some emotion, but it was an awkward response. It was as if Remus was a robot, answering with such odd statements.

"Thank You!" She said, smiling, before grabbing her wand, only to falter as she realized the barrier had been let down, and Remus didn't know about it yet.

"Oh…Yeah…I'm not seventeen yet. Almost…" She said with an embarrassed smile, covering her mistake nicely.

"That's okay; I'll take care of the mess. You can go have fun." Remus answered, getting up, and heading to the main hall, to get his wand from his room.

Harry rose an eyebrow mysteriously at Maria, before shrugging, and heading to the door.

Maria skipped behind, glowing with excitement, as her hair bounced after her.

When they arrived in front of Maria's House, Harry's jaw dropped.

Maria gave him a weak smile, obviously affected by her memories.

Harry drew back, realizing she needed time to sort her thoughts quickly.

"Do you want a tour?" She asked quietly.

"What!" Harry blurted, obviously surprised.

"A tour. Come one." She said, her voice strained.

Harry didn't know what to do, but after the sideways glance from Maria, He decided it was best to follow her into the house.

It had a very different entrance from Harry's House. Right in the entrance was a tall climbing Staircase that was completely straight up, towards the second floor. Then, to the side, was the main office. It held an ordinary muggle computer, and some books and things. It was painted a very light cream colour. Then, beside it, was a small room, which turned out to be a Library, with many books and such. In front of those two rooms was an open dining room. It was huge, and held an enormous table with twelve seats, and a beautiful flower centerpiece. There was also a tall showcase, which contained many beautiful pieces of China, and crystal cut Glasses, and Fancy Wine Bottles. There was a Chandelier hanging down in the center, right above the center of the table. It towered down, with the light multiplying itself into billions because of the crystal prisms. They kept walking forward.

Next was the Kitchen. It was also big, but practical. It had many cabinets, almost bordering the room entirely. It held all the necessities, such as the fridge, and a dishwasher. They moved on.

Beside the Kitchen was an ordinary Living Room. It held a beautiful piece of furniture. It wasn't shelves, or cabinets, or a T.V. Stand. It was all that in one. A Fairly Original Plasma Screen Television rested in its place. There was a glass coffee table, and three sofa's, along with many beautiful paintings, but they carried on very quickly.

Next was the Laundry room, which looked ordinary. Washing Machine, Dryer, Cabinets, and it was painted white. They walked back towards the entrance.

"Now Upstairs." Maria whispered. It was the first thing since they had entered the house.

They climbed the stairs, and immediately turned to the left, and headed down the hall, right to the end, before entering in the first bedroom. It was fairly cozy. It was painted a soft yellow, and had a medium sized desk, three towering windows, a mattress, and a small bedside table, matching the desk, in the colour maple. The Covers on the bed were dark navy blue, with many bright golden yellow flowers plastered on top, and she had five pillows in an organized fashion. Maria, without a word, left the room through a door to their right, and Harry followed silently behind her.

Next was the Washroom. It looked like…well, a washroom. It had everything a washroom had, with blue and white-checkered shower curtains, with yellow daphodiles bordering the top. On the counter, beside the sink, were four candles, in yellow and blue. Two were yellow, one smaller than the other, and the other two were blue. She quickly dismissed the sight with her hand, and walked into the next room.

A sad smile sprouted on her lips. It was a boy's room. It was painted a violet-blue color. It had a bed with matching colored covers. There was a large desk, with Papers still stacked on one end, which, surprisingly, were notes on Transfiguration. There was an electrical Guitar standing in the corner beside the bedside table. Maria walked over to it, picking it up, and strumming a cord. She smiled down at it, but her eyes began to fill with tears. With one swift movement she wiped her eyes, and placed the guitar back where it was.

They exited that room, and, instead of going to the next, they crossed the entire hallway, to the other side. They entered, what Harry suspected, was a guest room. It was painted brownish beige. It had matching covers on its bed, and a drawer with a mirror on the other side of the room. There was also a beige couch placed right where there were three towering windows. But what surprised Harry the most was a large beautiful Black Piano. But before Harry had time to ask, Maria walked out and faced the last room.

With a trembling hand, she opened the door.

They entered a large room. It was painted very light violet beige. There were two windows; one right in front of the doorway, and one to the far end. A large beautiful bed, with golden beige covers lay in between the windows. There were two bedside tables, in a very dark wooden finish, matching the dark floors, and a large Chest of Drawers stood opposite to the bed. On the left wall, stood a glass table, with many picture frames and photo albums on display. Above the bed, though, was the most beautiful picture. There stood two people, a man, with brown hair and pale gray eyes, and a woman with light brown hair, and hazel eyes. They were kissing, and holding hands. The woman wore a wedding dress, and the man wore a tux.

Harry's eyes darted back to Maria, as a soft whimper was heard. Harry watched as she slowly walked forward. She extended a hand slowly, and brushed her fingertips against the wall. She stood there, for a long while, her fingers tracing an invisible image, until finally, her shoulders began shaking, and she collapsed onto her knees.

Harry's heart soared out for her, as he immediately walked forward, embracing her in a warm hug. She accepted willingly, and began sobbing silently on his shoulder. He rubbed her back soothingly, cooing at her softly. He didn't know what took over him, but it felt so, right to be holding her like this. He smiled sadly, as he continued rubbing her back, his thoughts wandering back to his own parents.

He was surprised when he felt his own cheeks wet with tears. He was crying too. He just simply felt like crying for the world. For everything bad. For anyone who had lost a loved one, and they both lay there, their hearts pouring out for each other.


"I'm sorry." Maria whispered, as they both left the house, twenty minutes later. She sighed softly, as Harry smiled sadly as her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder.

"It's okay. I understand." Harry said, giving her a re-assuring pat.

She smiled her first true smile ever since they had left, before she pulled out a set of keys, and opened the door to a Cadillac Convertible he had only noticed now.

"I know this car isn't much, but I like it, and it's great to feel the wind through you hair." Maria said, as she nodded her head towards the seat, indicating for Harry to sit.

"Are you still up to it?" Harry asked.

"Yeah! Of course. Let's just pretend that never happened." She said, as she pointed behind her to the house.

"Okay." Harry agreed.

She started the engine, before slowly pulling out of the driveway, and beginning to speed up through the streets.

Harry had to admit, it was very soothing and relaxing to sit, and let the wind blow through your hair. He grinned sheepishly, as they sped through the streets.

"So when did you learn how to drive?" Harry asked, his voice rose slightly, as he tried to make conversation.

"When I was 12." Maria said, as she glanced towards him, her hair whipping in the wind.

Harry laughed whole-heartedly enjoying himself immensely.

The ride lasted about 25 minutes, ending off with a note from Harry.

"It's cold. Would you like me to get you a jacket? My house is just right there," Harry said pointing ahead. "I can get myself a jacket also.

"Yeah, okay. It is cold. Are you up to a long night in this car, because I don't feel like leaving. It feels like we're in heaven." Maria said, smiling peacefully.

"Yeah." Harry agreed.

He opened the car door, getting out, and running up to the house door.

He opened it, and walked in, heading to the coat rack, and grabbing his leather jacket, and a thin blue, white and gray jacket beside. He was just about to leave, when he heard a moan.

Harry's eyebrows rose, as he turned to face the steps, ears perked, as he heard the moan get louder and more stressed.

With a panicked expression, he began jogging up the steps, only to stumble, as something began replacing his vision.

It was a very quick flash, but with only that glimpse, he froze. He saw Remus screaming, as he transformed into a full fledged werewolf. But the vision died seconds later, and Harry caught his guard, and began up the steps again, frantically, swerving towards Remus' room.

The door was ajar, and immediately, Harry yanked it open, only to stumble back in surprise as he saw Remus, on all four, panting and moaning in pain.

Harry slowly forwarded, taking cautious steps.

"Remus?" He whispered.

Remus' head jerked up, and the eyes of a wolf looked up at him. But those eyes were full of panic and worry.

"H-har-ry….leav-ve…it-t-t's not s-safe…" Remus muttered, struggling to wisp the words out.

Harry crouched down beside Remus.

"No." He said firmly. If only he had finished his werewolf potion.

"H-har-ry!" Remus gasped softly, his eyes growing wide, before he collapsed onto his chest.

A low growl began to erupt from Remus, as he finger nails grew, slowly turning into paws, and his hair began growing, while his nose stretched into a snout, but the transformation was never completed, as very suddenly, it halted, and all that lay before him now was half man, half beast.

It lifted its head, and Hazelnut eyes looked into his own green eyes, in alarm. It grunted, and began nudging Harry out of the room with its snout.

"No, Remus. You need help. You're not okay. I knew you lied to me earlier. We'll just wait for it to wear of; it's probably just the aftermath of the last full moon." It sounded as if he was trying to convince himself more then Remus.

Harry closed his eyes, sighing as if in fear, and accepting his decision, he planted his feet to the floor, watching Remus attentively.

The Half man half creature, whined, as it watched Harry firmly state his decision, before a panicked look took over its eyes and it yelped.

Harry's stomach disappeared, as he watched Remus turn into a full-fledged werewolf. The vision he had had just moments before, flashed before him. It was the exact same image. Harry began backing away, as the werewolf collapsed, whining.

Harry tried stealing a glance of the werewolf's eyes, but it was the wrong thing to do. It caught Harry, and slowly stood on its four legs. It rounded on Harry, barring its teeth, and growling, saliva dripping from its bottom lip.

Harry's fear began consuming him like a smoke cloud, suffocating his senses, as he stumbled back. Finally, Harry saw the werewolf rear, before lunging at Harry.

Lights down the street flickered at the bloodcurdling scream that erupted from Harry, as the werewolf clawed at him. Pain like Harry had never felt before, erupted, spreading like wildfire, and his vision blurred. He could not hear anything. He could only taste his blood, smell his blood, and feel his pain. He tried, in vain, to crawl away, but the werewolf was quicker, knocking its body against his own, shoving him into the center of the room.

It began circling Harry, licking its lips in hunger. But Harry could vaguely see the panicked expression in its eyes.

It was a small ray of hope. A sign that the werewolf wasn't 100 werewolf. Remus was there, fighting.

"R-remus." Harry said weakly, a smile sprouting on his lips, as he opened his left eyes, the one that had not been injured yet. He tried lifting himself, but he flinched harshly in pain, and decided it was best to lay still.

"I know gasp Your-r in t-ther-re." He whispered.

The werewolf tilted its head in curiosity, but the hungry expression never left him.

"Com-me on…" Harry whispered in plead. But realization and reality hit him, as he saw the werewolf rear, ready to pounce.

"Nooooo." Harry moaned, throwing his hands in front of his face. He screamed again as he felt the beast tearing at him. He heard his flesh as the horribly sharp claws, and teeth created new wounds.

"Impedo Facies." Someone whispered from within the room. Harry's mind immediately recognized the words and Harry remembered it had been the spell Maria had used to prevent her magic from being detected.

Maria! Harry thought wildly. No she can't be here, she'll get hurt. She can't get hurt… But Harry's mind went blank as the werewolf clawed at his abdomen.

He inhaled very forcefully in pain, his now red eyes growing, shocked at the pain. Slowly his vision began dimming around the edges, as he began slipping slowly from consciousness. But he gripped onto reality, trying his very best to stay conscious.

"PROTEGO!" Maria roared from beside him. He hadn't realized she was right beside him.

She screamed, and Harry heard the gush of blood. Was it his own? He was completely oblivious to any sensation. He heard the stomping of feet draw near to him, before someone dropped to their knees beside him.

"Harry?" Maria whispered. He felt it begin to rain. Rain? He thought. How odd. That's when he tasted a salty substance. It wasn't rain. It was Maria. She was crying.

He clenched his teeth and made his hands into fist, pushing back all of the pain and agony, and slowly he opened his eyes, his breath quick and irregular.

"Don't cry, I'll be okay." Harry said very forcefully. He tried lifting himself, but it was too much, and he flinched, letting his body drop limp.

Silence. Only Harry's breathing could be heard. Finally there was a loud yelping sound that interrupted the silence. Harry had completely forgotten the werewolf was still there.

The light in the room dimmed, Harry noticed, only to realize it was the large blazing blue shield that had faded. Remus lay unconscious on the floor in front of them. Maria squeaked, only to gasp in realization.

She put her hand over her mouth, her eyes wide in shock. She looked down to Harry's limp form, and she scrambled to her feet. It was then that Harry noticed the triple slash across her upper back.

"Your-r hurt-t. Why? St-tupid Pr-rat." Harry said, his voice hoarse and etching with the pain beginning to slowly creep back.

She hunched her back as those words stung her. She walked out of the room.

What? Had she just abandoned him? His mind was reeling. This was too much. What had happened? He was so confused. He decided to stop thinking all together.

He closed his eyes, pressing them shut against the pain. His mind flashed back to the vicious claws at his flesh, and he shuddered. It wasn't Remus' fault. It wasn't Remus, it was the beast. Harry thought, as colors began swirling in his eyelids.

He flinched when he felt a pair of warm hands, tilt his head back. His eyes snapped open in alarm, only to be greeted by Maria's sweet, but pale, face.

"Shhhh. You helped me, now I help you. That's what friends are for." She whispered. She placed the brim of a goblet he had only just realized she was holding, to his lips.

"Drink this. Trust me, it'll make the bleeding stop, and will rid you of your physical damage, but you'll still feel the pain. That, I have to work on. It's like putting on makeup. You're hiding your wounds, but it will protect you from worsening and that's a start." She explained, tilting the goblet forward, letting the content flow into his mouth.

If Harry hadn't been so pre-occupied and absent-minded, he would have thought it was humorous that the liquid tasted like overcooked cabbage, but nonetheless, he drank it, immediately seeing the results.

"I'm sorry." Harry said after a moment of silence.

Maria faced him, her eyes twinkling madly of passion, concern, fear and helplessness.

"Come on, I'll be okay. It's over." Harry said, smiling lightly at her. The pain had subsided, but it was still harsh.

"Go get me the glass container downstairs on the mantel piece." Harry said, as he heaved himself to sitting position, and crawled weakly to the wall, leaning against it for support, as his head pounded.

Finally, Maria returned, holding the glass container in her hand, flinching slightly as she walked in.

Harry immediately remembered she had been injured also.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked, looking up at her in concern.

"Yeah. Let's just get help, and try to relax, okay?" Maria said, handing him the glass container.

"Okay. Ignite a fire in that fireplace, and sprinkle some of this powder in it. It will allow you to communicate with Dumbledore. Just state "Dumbledore's Office" after you put the powder in, and stick your head through. You know it's working if the flame turned soft yellow." Harry said weakly, pointing to the fireplace a few feet away.

Maria nodded, walking up to the fireplace. She pulled out her wand, and lit a fire, before throwing in the powder and saying the words "Dumbledore's Office" out loud.

The fire turned a soft yellow, and she took a deep breath, before plunging her head into the flames.

"Mr. Dumbledore, Sir?" Maria called out. Her voice was met by silence followed by Dumbledore's voice.

"Ms. Santara, is there something wrong?" Dumbledore asked, his voice muffled.

"Yes. Sir, please, there's been an attack at the Potter Home." Maria said urgently.

"An attack?" Dumbledore's voice came, in shock.

"Well, yes. Not Death Eaters or anything, but Mr. Lupin, he transformed, and attacked Harry. We need medical help." Maria said, pressing the matter onward.

There was the sound of shuffling feet, followed by Dumbledore's response of "Right away. Stay put where you are."

Maria pulled her head out of the flames, quickly, and jogged over to Harry's side.

Harry smiled.

"I really appreciate your help. I'm sorry about all this." Harry said simply, bowing his head in shame.

"Hey! Come on. That's what I get for dating the Famous Harry Potter. Plus, I like adventure in life!" Maria said, unaware of her wording.

Harry smiled, not bothering to correct her. They weren't dating. Not yet.

Dumbledore arrived twenty minutes later, along with Madame Pomfrey. Madame Pomfrey carried a large bag in hand, and when she arrived, the first thing she did was gasp at the sight before her.

Dumbledore looked down at the both of them, a grave expression on his face, before turning to Madame Pomfrey, and nodding his head. She pulled out a small veil, opened it and handed it to Harry.

Harry didn't argue, and drank the content with silence. He began to feel light headed and sleepy, and realized the substance he had drunken was a dreamless sleep potion.

His eyelids drooped closed, and the last thing he saw was Dumbledore eyeing Maria with a curious look, before darkness consumed him, and he drifted off into a sleeping slumber.


A/N: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE LOVELY COMMENTS.

R+R! Please?

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