Chapter 5: Strange Encounters Chapter Text
The fire crackled softly in the hearth as Dumbledore reached into his robes, pulling out a long, slender box. The murmurs around the room quieted as he placed it on the table in front of Maria.
"Mary," Dumbledore began, his voice gentle but firm, "I believe it is time you had a wand."
Maria blinked.
"A wand? For me?"
"Yes," he said with a slight smile.
"As you may recall, I once gave a wand to another Muggle who found himself swept into our world. Mr. Kowalski proved most capable with it, and I believe you will too."
Maria's heart raced. Her hands trembled slightly as she lifted the lid of the box, revealing a delicate wand made of pale wood, etched with swirling patterns. It shimmered faintly in the candlelight.
"It's beautiful," she whispered, running her fingers along its smooth surface.
"Go on," Dumbledore encouraged. "Give it a wave."
Maria hesitated.
"I… I don't know how to cast spells."
Tonks, seated nearby, grinned.
"That's never stopped me before. Just point and flick!"
With a deep breath, Maria stood and gave the wand a tentative wave. For a moment, nothing happened—then Molly Weasley's knitting basket burst open, and a pair of half-finished socks sprang to life, dancing merrily across the room.
"Merlin's beard!" Molly cried, chasing after the enchanted socks. "Not again!"
Sirius burst out laughing, his bark-like chuckle echoing through the room.
"Well, that's one way to put your mark on the Order."
Remus, standing beside Maria, couldn't hide his smile.
"Perhaps a bit more finesse next time."
Maria cringed.
"I'm so sorry, Mrs. Weasley! I didn't mean to—"
"Oh, it's quite all right, dear," Molly huffed, wrestling the socks back into her basket. "Though I'd appreciate it if you'd practice your wand work outside the kitchen."
Sirius leaned back in his chair, smirking.
"Dumbledore's new pet project strikes again."
Maria shot him a glare.
"Pet project?"
"Of course," Sirius said with a teasing grin. "You're our resident Muggle-born enigma. One minute you're quiet as a mouse, and the next you've got socks doing a jig across the room."
Tonks clapped Maria on the back.
"Don't mind him. He's just jealous you didn't make his boots dance."
Mad-Eye grunted from his corner.
"At least she didn't blow up the table. First time Tonks here touched a wand, She nearly set the house on fire."
"Not exactly comforting, Moody," Maria muttered.
Despite the teasing, Maria couldn't help but smile. There was something oddly comforting about being part of this strange, chaotic group.
But later, as the laughter faded and the meeting dispersed, doubt crept back in. Maria found herself alone by the window, staring out at the dark, rain-soaked street.
Remus approached quietly.
"You're worried."
She nodded.
"I'm not sure I belong here. I'm not brave. I'm not strong. And I'm certainly not magical." She twirled the wand between her fingers. "I'm just… me."
Remus was about to respond when Dumbledore joined them, his expression serene as ever.
"Even the smallest pebble can change the course of a river," Dumbledore said softly.
Maria frowned.
"I don't know what that means."
"That," Sirius drawled as he passed by, "is because Dumbledore speaks exclusively in riddles."
Snape's voice cut through the room, cold and sharp.
"Pebble seems generous." He sneered as he strode past, his dark robes billowing behind him.
Maria sighed, rubbing her temples.
"Why is he always like that?" She asked, although she knew of his past.
Remus chuckled.
"If he ever says something kind, we'll all assume he's been cursed."
Dumbledore gave Maria a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
"Trust the journey, Mary. You are here for a reason."
As Dumbledore walked away, Maria shook her head.
"Do you ever get used to him being cryptic?"
"No," Remus said, smiling softly. "But you learn to trust him."
Maria looked at the wand in her hand.
"I still don't know if I have any kind of magic in me."
"You have more than you think," Remus said gently. "You're here, aren't you?"
The warmth in his voice made her heart flutter. She glanced at him, catching his gaze for a brief moment before quickly looking away, her cheeks flushed.
"Well," Maria said, straightening her shoulders, "I guess I'd better figure out how to use this thing. Any chance of some lessons?"
Remus nodded.
"Of course. But maybe start with something simpler."
"No more dancing socks?" she teased.
He chuckled.
"No more dancing socks."
Maria couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe she didn't fully understand why she was here. Maybe she wasn't the typical hero.
But for the first time in a long while, she felt like she belonged.
The rain tapped softly against the windows of Grimmauld Place, a rhythmic backdrop to Maria's restless thoughts. She sat at the kitchen table, nervously twirling her wand between her fingers as the Order gathered around her. The buzz of conversation filled the room—strategies, reports, and whispered worries about Voldemort's rising power.
But Maria barely heard it.
Her mind was spinning with questions she couldn't shake.
Why am I here? What use am I?
"Mary?" Molly Weasley's warm voice broke through her thoughts. "Are you all right, dear?"
Maria blinked and managed a shaky smile.
"Oh, I'm fine. Just… thinking."
Molly gave her a knowing look and sat down beside her, patting her hand.
"You've been quiet all evening. Something's bothering you."
Maria sighed, her fingers tightening around the wand.
"I just don't understand why I'm here. I'm not like the rest of you. I don't have magic—I mean, I barely know how to use this thing." She held up the wand for emphasis. "I'm just a Muggle."
Molly's eyes softened.
"You're not just anything. You're part of this now, and that means you matter."
Maria shook her head.
"But what can I possibly do? I'm not brave like all of you. I'm terrified. I don't even know why Dumbledore recruited me."
From across the room, Snape's cold voice cut through the air.
"A question many of us are asking."
The room fell silent. All eyes turned to Snape, who stood near the fireplace, his dark gaze fixed on Maria with a sneer.
"What possible use could a Muggle be to the Order of the Phoenix?" he drawled. "We're fighting a war, not hosting a social club."
Maria's heart sank. She looked down at her hands, wishing she could disappear.
But before she could say anything, Remus stood. His quiet voice carried a surprising strength as he addressed Snape.
"She has more heart than half the people in this room," he said firmly. "That counts for something."
Snape raised an eyebrow.
"Heart won't defeat the Dark Lord."
"No," Remus agreed. "But it will keep us human."
The weight of his words hung in the air, silencing any further protest. Maria glanced up, her eyes meeting Remus's for a brief, meaningful moment. There was no pity in his gaze—only warmth and quiet belief.
Later, when the meeting ended and the others drifted away, Maria lingered in the kitchen. She still felt out of place, but Remus's words had planted a small seed of hope.
Remus approached her, his expression gentle.
"May I sit?"
"Of course," Maria said, shifting to make room.
He sat beside her, his hands resting on the table. For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the only sound the crackling of the fire.
"You didn't have to stand up for me," Maria said quietly.
"Yes, I did," Remus replied without hesitation. "Because you belong here, whether you see it or not."
Maria shook her head. "I don't feel brave. I'm scared all the time."
Remus gave a soft chuckle. "So am I."
Maria blinked, tilting her head. "No, you're not. But I know you think you could be braver sometimes."
Remus looked surprised.
"You know?"
Maria smiled faintly.
"I've read all about you, remember? I know you better than you think." Her voice softened. "Sometimes, I think I know you better than you know you."
Remus studied her for a moment, something unspoken passing between them.
"I guess you do," he said softly.
Maria laughed quietly, wiping a stray tear from the corner of her eye.
"You're incredibly good at pep talks, though."
"I've had a lot of practice," Remus replied with a small smile. "Believe it or not, I used to be quite unsure of myself."
Maria tilted her head, her smile growing.
"You still are."
Remus chuckled.
"Fair point."
They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments before he stood and offered her a hand.
"Come on," he said, his voice lighter. "Let's see if we can get you to cast a proper spell without making Molly's knitting dance."
Maria took his hand, her heart fluttering unexpectedly at the warmth of his touch. As they walked toward the library, she realized that maybe—just maybe—there was a place for her in this world after all.
And finally, the voice in her head that always whispered you're not enough grew a little quieter.
The meeting had wrapped up, and the remaining members of the Order filtered out of the kitchen. Maria lingered, unsure of where she was supposed to go or what she was supposed to do. She wasn't exactly keen on wandering through a house that practically reeked of dark magic.
Dumbledore approached her, his eyes twinkling with that maddeningly serene expression.
"I believe it's time you settle in properly, Mary," he said gently. "You'll need a place to rest your head." He turned to Sirius, who was lounging by the fireplace, arms crossed, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Sirius, would you be so kind as to show our guest to one of the rooms upstairs?"
Sirius grinned, straightening up.
"Of course, Dumbledore. It's been ages since we've had a proper guest."
Remus, who had been quietly observing from the corner of the room, tensed. His fingers tightened around the back of the chair he was holding, though he said nothing.
"Come on, Mary," Sirius said, motioning for her to follow him. "Let's find you a room that doesn't have any cursed objects—or at least, not too many."
Maria smiled nervously and followed him out of the kitchen, glancing back over her shoulder at Remus. Their eyes met briefly. He gave her a small, reassuring nod, but something about his expression seemed… off.
As they climbed the creaky staircase, Sirius chatted animatedly.
"So, tell me," he began, throwing her a sideways glance, "what's it like being the Order's newest mystery? Dumbledore's pet project, our resident Muggle-born enigma?"
Maria rolled her eyes.
"I'm not a Muggle-born, I'm just a Muggle. There's a difference."
"Ah, but you've got a wand now," Sirius teased. "Makes you one of us, doesn't it?"
Maria snorted.
"Tell that to Snape."
Sirius laughed, a deep, genuine sound that echoed down the hall.
"Oh, don't mind him. He's just bitter because Dumbledore didn't put him in charge of the guest list."
Suddenly yhey heard a loud, ear-piercing shriek.
"FILTH! BLOOD TRAITOR! MUDBLOOD SCUM!"
Maria jumped, clutching her wand as a large, tattered portrait sprang to life. The painted woman's eyes blazed with fury, her mouth twisted into a snarl.
"How dare you step foot in my house?" the woman screeched. "Who are you, you wretched little Muggle?"
Maria gaped at the portrait.
"I—uh—sorry? I'm Maria. I mean, Mary—"
"MARY?" The woman's voice rose to a deafening pitch. "A disgraceful name for a disgraceful creature!"
Maria frowned.
"Well, that's just rude."
Walburga Black, for it was undoubtedly Sirius's mother, continued her rant.
"Dumbledore brings filth into my ancestral home! A Muggle, no less! How low we've fallen!"
"Oh, for Merlin's sake, Mother, shut up!" Said Sirius impatiently.
With a quick flick of his wand, he yanked the curtains shut over the portrait. The screeching died down, leaving an awkward silence.
Sirius glanced at Maria, who was still standing frozen in place.
"Don't worry about her," he said with a grin. "She's a nightmare, but she can't do much more than yell."
Maria let out a shaky laugh.
"Well, that's comforting."
Sirius chuckled.
"Welcome to Grimmauld Place. Home sweet home."
Maria shook her head.
"I think I preferred it when it was just a creepy old house."
Sirius gave her a playful nudge.
"You'll get used to it. And hey—if you ever need a break from all the madness, you know where to find me."
Maria smiled.
"Thanks, Sirius. But I think I'll manage."
They stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. Sirius pushed it open, revealing a cozy, if slightly dusty, room. A four-poster bed with faded curtains stood in the corner, and a wardrobe leaned precariously against the wall.
"It's not exactly those five stars room hotels Muggles have," Sirius said with a shrug, "but it's yours for now."
Maria stepped inside, running her hand along the worn wood of the bedframe. Despite its gloom, the room felt oddly welcoming.
"Thank you," she said softly, turning back to Sirius. "Really."
He waved her off.
"Don't mention it. You're one of us now." His grin turned sly. "And if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask. Especially if it involves annoying Snape."
Maria chuckled.
"I'll keep that in mind."
He gave her a wink and disappeared down the hall, leaving Maria standing in the room, her heart suddenly pounding in her chest.
She sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the wand Dumbledore had given her. It still felt strange in her hand, like holding a piece of someone else's life. She sighed, leaning back against the pillows.
This was insane. She was in Grimmauld Place. She'd just had a conversation with Sirius Black. And Remus Lupin—her Remus Lupin—had defended her, stood up for her, and looked at her like she mattered.
A small smile tugged at her lips. Maybe she did belong here, after all. As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts lingered on Remus's words.
"You belong here, whether you see it or not."
And for the first time in a long while, she believed it.
The room was quiet, save for the soft rustle of old curtains as a breeze drifted through the cracked window. Maria was still inspecting her new space, feeling a mix of exhaustion and disbelief. A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she called.
The door creaked open, revealing Sirius again, leaning casually against the frame. His roguish smile was in place, his dark hair falling into his eyes.
"Well?" he asked. "What do you think? Fit for a mysterious guest from another world?"
Maria chuckled.
"It's… cozy. Needs a bit of a dusting, though."
Sirius stepped inside, hands in his pockets.
"I could give it a charm to clean itself, but where's the fun in that?" His smile turned playful. "Besides, I thought maybe you'd like a bit of company while you settle in."
Maria raised an eyebrow.
"Company?"
Sirius shrugged, his grin widening.
"It's been a while since we've had someone new around here. And it's not every day you meet someone who claims to know all about us from a book."
Maria laughed nervously, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve.
"I wouldn't say all about you…"
"Oh, don't be modest," Sirius said, stepping closer. "You know my tragic backstory, my rebellious streak, my devilish charm…"
Maria gave him a skeptical look.
"Devilish charm?"
Sirius smirked.
"Come on, Mary. I've been told I'm quite the heartthrob."
Maria snorted.
"Oh, I know. Believe me, in my world, you have plenty of fans."
Sirius's eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Do I, now? And are you one of them?"
Maria hesitated.
"Well… not exactly."
Sirius blinked.
"Really? Most women swoon over me."
Maria blushed, feeling suddenly awkward.
"Don't get me wrong—you're… nice."
"Nice?" Sirius echoed, pretending to look wounded. "That's worse than being ignored altogether."
Maria couldn't help but laugh.
"Look, Sirius… You're handsome, yes. But in my world, I've always been more of a… Remus fan."
For a brief moment, Sirius looked genuinely surprised. Then, slowly, a grin spread across his face.
"Remus?"
Maria nodded, her cheeks turning pink.
Maria shifted uncomfortably.
"Yeah. He's always been my favorite."
Sirius blinked in surprise before a slow grin spread across his face. "Remus? Really?"
Maria nodded, her cheeks flushing. "Yeah."
Sirius let out a bark of laughter.
"Well, I'll be damned. That's a first. Usually, it's me. I've never lost out to Moony before."
Maria smirked.
"There's a first time for everything."
Sirius tilted his head, clearly intrigued. "I've got to admit, I didn't see that coming. You really picked him? Quiet, brooding Remus?"
"He's not just brooding," Maria said defensively. "He's kind, thoughtful… and he's been through so much. He deserves someone to see that."
Sirius chuckled. "Well, it's about time someone did. Poor bloke never realizes how much he's worth."
He gave her a teasing grin. "But still, not me? You're sure?"
Maria laughed. "Sorry, Sirius. I'm immune to your charm."
Sirius shook his head in mock defeat. "I'll never understand you Muggles. So, let me get this straight. You've spent years reading about us, and out of everyone, Remus Lupin is your favorite?"
Maria shifted uncomfortably.
"Please don't tell him."
Sirius raised his hands in mock surrender.
"Your secret's safe with me." He grinned mischievously. "Though, you do realize he's right downstairs, brooding over Merlin-knows-what. Maybe you should go talk to him."
Maria gave him a pointed look.
"Sirius…"
"Fine, fine," he said with a laugh. "But I've got to admit, it's refreshing. For once, someone's interested in Remus instead of me."
Maria rolled her eyes.
"You'll survive."
"Barely," Sirius teased. "But if you ever change your mind…"
Maria laughed.
"Don't hold your breath."
Meanwhile, Remus sat by the fire, staring into the flames. His mind kept drifting back to Maria—to the way her eyes had lingered on him as she left the kitchen, to the way Sirius had teased her. He clenched his jaw. It wasn't jealousy. Of course not. Maria was kind, clever, and surprisingly resilient for someone thrown into a world of magic and war. It was natural to worry about her—anyone would. But as he replayed Sirius's words in his mind, he couldn't deny the uncomfortable twist in his chest. He grabbed a book and tried to distract himself.
The door creaked as Sirius sauntered into the kitchen. He smirked as he leaned against the counter, crossing his arms.
"Guess who I just had an interesting little chat with."
Remus glanced up from his book. "Should I be concerned?"
"Depends." Sirius grinned wickedly. "It was with our new resident Muggle. Or should I say… your biggest fan?"
Remus frowned, closing his book with a soft thud.
"What are you on about, Padfoot?"
"Oh, come on, Moony." Sirius walked over, pulled out a chair, and sat down with a dramatic flourish. "Maria. Mary Scamander. Whatever we're calling her now. You can't tell me you haven't noticed."
"Noticed what?"
Sirius rolled his eyes.
"She likes you."
Remus froze, his hand tightening around his teacup.
"Don't be ridiculous."
"Ridiculous?" Sirius chuckled. "Mate, she told me herself. You're her favourite."
Remus's brow furrowed.
"Favourite what?"
"Wizard? Order member? Person in the house? I don't know!" Sirius waved a hand dismissively. "Point is, she's got a soft spot for you."
Remus shook his head.
"She's just being kind."
"Oh, please," Sirius scoffed. "She's not exactly handing out compliments to the rest of us. Trust me, I tried."
Remus's lips twitched into a reluctant smile.
"You tried?"
"Of course I did. And you know what? She shot me down! Me!" Sirius leaned in, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "I'm starting to think she might be the first woman in history to prefer you over me."
Remus couldn't help but laugh at that.
"Must be humbling."
"It's downright baffling," Sirius teased, though there was no malice in his tone. "But I've got to hand it to her. She's got good taste."
Remus sighed, shaking his head.
"Even if she does like me, it doesn't matter. She's from a different world, Sirius. She doesn't belong here."
Sirius gave him a pointed look.
"Neither do you, really. But you're here all the same."
Remus opened his mouth to argue, but Sirius cut him off.
"Look, Moony. I'm not saying you should go profess your undying love or anything." Sirius smirked. "But maybe… don't push her away. You deserve a bit of happiness. Merlin knows you've earned it."
Remus's expression softened, but he said nothing. Sirius stood, clapping Remus on the shoulder as he headed for the door.
"Just think about it. And, for the record—she's immune to my charm. That's how you know she's special."
As Sirius left, Remus sat in silence, staring into his tea. His mind was spinning, but one thought stood out clearly.
Maria really likes me?
Strangely enough, the idea didn't seem impossible. And, more importantly—it didn't seem unwelcome.