Chapter 10: Headcanons Chapter Text
The fire crackled softly, casting a warm glow over the room as Remus and Maria kissed in his bedroom, their movements tentative and exploratory. Remus's hands, which had been resting lightly on her waist, now stilled, his fingers curling slightly as if trying to anchor himself. Maria pulled back slightly, noticing the flicker of apprehension in his eyes.
"Remus?" she asked softly, her brows knitting together in concern. "Is everything okay?"
He gave her a small, strained smile, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Maybe we shouldn't... I mean, maybe it's not the right time."
Maria tilted her head, studying him for a moment before speaking.
"Are you worried about something? You can tell me."
Remus hesitated, his composure faltering for a brief second.
"It's just... there are things to consider. Practical things."
She smiled gently, taking his hand in hers and lacing their fingers together.
"Like magic anticonceptionals?"
He blinked in surprise, a sheepish grin tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Well, yes. That's part of it. I've always... been afraid of passing on..."
"Lycanthropy?" she finished for him, her tone light but understanding. "For the record, I know it's not transmitted from parent to child. I read the books, remember?"
His brow furrowed slightly, curiosity piqued.
"Really?"
"Really," she confirmed, squeezing his hand. "But I don't think either of us is in a hurry to have kids, given the current... situation."
Remus exhaled slowly, a flicker of relief passing over his features. But Maria noticed the hesitation still lingering in his eyes.
"Remus," she began carefully, "are there any... magic anticonceptionals? I mean, something we can use?"
He blinked, slightly taken aback by the directness of her question.
"Yes, there are potions. Contraceptive Draughts. They're fairly common, though..." He trailed off, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Though?" Maria prompted, her brow furrowing.
"They're not always... entirely reliable," he admitted, his voice cautious. "There have been cases of... accidents."
Maria absorbed this information, her mind whirring.
"So, it's like... magical birth control that's not foolproof?"
He nodded, a faint flush creeping up his neck.
"Exactly. It's usually effective, but there's a small chance it might not work."
The room fell into a brief silence, both of them contemplating the implications. Maria bit her lip, her mind racing. She didn't want to pressure him, but she also wanted to be honest about her concerns.
"Look," she said softly, "I know the mere idea of having kids right now terrifies both of us. And it's not just about the potion working or not. It's about... everything else. The fact that we don't even now for how long we can be together."
Remus nodded, his expression somber.
"I've always been afraid of passing on... my condition. Even though I know now, it's not hereditary."
"I know," she whispered, her fingers tracing gentle circles on his hand. "But with everything going on—especially not knowing how long I'll be here—it's not the time for that. What if something happened, and I had to... take care of a child on my own? Back in my world? My parents are getting old; they couldn't help much."
Her voice wavered slightly, the weight of uncertainty pressing down on her. Remus tightened his grip on her hand, his eyes filled with concern.
"We'll hope the potion works," he said gently. "And if it doesn't... we'll figure it out. Together."
Maria offered a tentative smile, touched by his steady reassurance. "Together," she echoed, the word a lifeline between them.
To her surprise, Remus reached into his bedside drawer and pulled out a small, amber-colored bottle. He held it up, the faint light casting a soft glow on the liquid inside.
"You... already have it?" she asked, her eyes wide with surprise.
He nodded, a shy smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"I picked it up a week ago. Just in case."
Maria couldn't help but laugh, a mix of relief and affection bubbling up.
"Always prepared, aren't you?"
"I try," he admitted, a hint of self-consciousness in his voice. "I didn't want to assume, but... I wanted us to be safe."
Her heart swelled with emotion as she leaned in, brushing a kiss against his cheek.
"Thank you, Remus. For thinking ahead. For caring."
Remus's gaze softened, the tension in his shoulders easing.
"I do care about you, Mary. More than I can put into words."
Her smile brightened, the uncertainty between them less daunting now.
"We don't have to figure everything out right now," Maria said, her voice a little shaky. "Honestly, I'm not great at figuring things out anyway."
Remus's lips curved into a small smile.
"You're doing just fine."
She wrinkled her nose, a hint of self-deprecating humor in her eyes.
"That's because you're too nice to tell me when I'm being a mess."
He chuckled, the sound warm and genuine.
"A little mess isn't so bad. Keeps things interesting."
Maria's grin widened.
"Interesting, huh? Well, in that case, I'm doing an excellent job."
With a soft laugh, Maria leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was tentative at first, then growing with gentle confidence. The shared nervousness melted into something lighter, a quiet promise that they didn't have to have it all figured out—they just had to be together.
When they finally broke apart, Maria rested her forehead against his, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"And just for the record," she whispered, "I think you're doing pretty well for someone who's always so composed."
Remus chuckled, wrapping his arms around her.
"Well, you do have a way of making me lose my composure."
"Good," she murmured, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "I like seeing you a little unraveled."
He smiled, holding her close.
"Just a little?"
"Maybe a lot," she teased, her laughter mingling with his as they sank into each other, the weight of the world momentarily forgotten. "You look like you're preparing for a duel," she teased gently.
Remus chuckled, though it was a little strained.
"I suppose it feels that way."
"Remus," she said softly, placing a hand over his. "You don't have to be nervous."
He glanced at her, his gaze earnest.
"I've never... done this before. With anyone."
Maria squeezed his hand, her heart aching at the vulnerability in his voice.
"I know."
"You know?" Remus blinked, his brow furrowing in surprise. "How could you possibly know? Is that… in the books?"
Maria bit her lip to stifle a grin.
"No, but… well... I kind of had a theory."
"A theory?" He raised an eyebrow, both curious and wary. "About me?"
Maria's eyes twinkled mischievously.
"Yeah. We call it a 'headcanon.'"
Remus tilted his head.
"Head... what?"
"A headcanon," Maria explained with a grin. "It's when you have your own personal theory or idea about a character in a story — something that isn't confirmed, but you really think it's true."
Remus frowned thoughtfully.
"And you had a headcanon about me?"
"Oh, absolutely," Maria said, her grin widening. "I figured you were someone who wouldn't let himself get close to people. Not because you didn't want to, but because you were too afraid of hurting them or ruin their lives. So, it made sense that you'd never... you know."
Remus groaned, covering his face with his hands.
"You had theories about my love life?"
Maria laughed, pulling his hands away gently.
"Hey, I wasn't wrong, was I?"
He gave her a look of exasperated fondness.
"You're impossible."
"And you love it."
"I do." He softened, brushing his thumb across her knuckles. "You know... I never let myself believe I could have something like this. Not even in my own headcanon."
Maria's teasing smile faded into something more tender.
"But you do. We do. And it's real."
Remus's gaze softened further, his lips curving into a gentle smile.
"You make everything feel... less frightening."
"Well, I'm glad, because I'm not that much of an expert at this either," Maria admitted with a shy laugh. "But we'll figure it out. Together."
They leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was slow, tentative, and full of unspoken promises. When they finally pulled apart, Remus rested his forehead against hers.
"Mary," he whispered, his voice trembling slightly. "Are you sure? About this? About... me?"
She smiled, brushing a strand of hair from his face.
"I've never been more sure of anything."
And with that, the last of Remus's hesitation melted away.
Much later, as they lay tangled together under the covers, the world beyond the room seemed to melt away. The soft glow of candlelight danced on the walls, casting gentle shadows over their entwined forms. Maria traced lazy circles on Remus's scarred chest, her fingers moving in time with the steady rise and fall of his breath.
Remus was the first to break the peaceful silence.
"Well," he murmured, his voice drowsy but filled with a quiet wonder. "That was..."
Maria grinned, tilting her head up to look at him.
"Amazing?"
A slow, contented smile spread across his face.
"Definitely amazing." He shifted slightly, his arm tightening around her waist. "Though I may have... made a sound."
Maria's grin widened mischievously.
"Oh, you mean the howling?"
Remus groaned, his cheeks flushing a deep pink.
"Don't."
"I'm just saying," Maria teased, poking his side lightly. "It was very... fitting. Perfectly on brand."
"Merlin's beard," he muttered, dragging a hand over his face. "I'll never live this down, will I?"
"Absolutely not," she said, propping herself up on one elbow, her hair falling in messy golden waves around her face. Her eyes sparkled with affection as she smirked down at him. "It was actually my favorite headcanon."
Remus peeked out from behind his hand, raising an eyebrow.
"Favorite, huh?"
"Oh, definitely," Maria confirmed with a playful nod. "Though now it's less of a headcanon and more of a confirmed fact. What we call canon."
Remus laughed—a rich, warm sound that filled the room and made Maria's heart ache in the best way.
"You're terrible."
"And you love it."
"I do." His expression softened, his eyes lingering on hers. "More than I ever thought possible."
Maria's teasing grin faded into something gentler, more vulnerable. She leaned down, brushing a tender kiss to his forehead, then his cheek, before resting her head on his shoulder.
For a long moment, they simply lay there, breathing in sync, letting the quiet settle around them like a comforting blanket.
But eventually, reality crept back in—the unspoken truth that hung between them, fragile and bittersweet.
Maria sighed, her fingers continuing their soft tracing along his collarbone.
"I wish..." Her voice faltered, and she closed her eyes for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I wish we had more time."
Remus pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his hand gently stroking her back.
"So do I."
"I hate not knowing," she whispered. "Not knowing how long I'll be here... or when I'll be pulled back." Her voice wavered, and she tightened her grip on him, as if holding on tighter could keep her there.
Remus's heart ached at her words, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he tilted her chin up, his gaze steady and full of quiet determination.
"We'll make the time we have count. No matter how long—or how short—it is."
Maria blinked back the sting of tears, her lips curving into a soft smile.
"That's very Gryffindor of you."
He chuckled, brushing his thumb over her cheek.
"I suppose it is."
They fell into silence again, but it wasn't heavy or sad. It was peaceful. Comforting.
Maria let out a small laugh, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"You know, I was right about the howling."
Remus groaned, pressing his face into the pillow.
"Stop."
"No, seriously! I knew you'd be the type to lose all composure when things got really good."
Remus peeked up at her, a playful glint in his eyes.
"And what else did your headcanons say about me?"
Maria tapped her chin, pretending to think.
"Well... that you'd be a great kisser—"
"Accurate," Remus interjected with a smirk.
"—and that you'd have a secret soft side."
Remus raised an eyebrow.
"Secret?"
"Okay, not that secret." She grinned, leaning in to kiss him again. "And I also figured that once you let yourself fall for someone, you'd fall hard."
Remus's playful expression softened into something more serious, more vulnerable.
"And here I am. Falling."
Maria's breath hitched, her chest tightening with emotion. She reached up to cup his cheek, her thumb brushing along the faint scar that ran just below his eye.
"So am I."
They stayed like that for a moment, their foreheads touching, their breaths mingling in the quiet space between them.
Finally, Maria spoke again, her voice soft but certain.
"I don't know how long I'll be here. But I do know that I'm here now. With you. And I'm not going to waste it."
Remus's eyes glistened, his hand covering hers.
"Nor will I."
As they lay back down, Maria curled into his side, listening to the steady beat of his heart. She traced the lines of his fingers with her own, memorizing the feel of him, grounding herself in the present. For now, they had this. They had each other. And for now, that was enough.
As sleep began to pull her under, Maria murmured, her voice filled with warmth and teasing affection,
"Hey, Remus?"
"Mmm?"
She grinned into his chest.
"Do you think you'll howl every time?"
Remus groaned, burying his face in her hair.
"Go to sleep, Scamander."
She giggled, kissing his shoulder.
"Love you."
"Love you too," he mumbled, his voice soft and warm.
And in the quiet glow of the firelight, the two of them drifted off, perfectly content to take what they could get — and, who knows, maybe a little more than they'd ever expected.
As dawn's light filtered through the heavy curtains, Remus stirred, the warmth of Maria's body nestled against his. He blinked, taking in the unfamiliar but undeniably wonderful sensation of waking up with her in his arms. Her golden hair spilled over his chest, and he marveled at how peaceful she looked in sleep.
His lips quirked in a soft smile. How did I get so lucky?
Maria shifted slightly, her body curling closer into Remus's side as she stirred from sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, hazy with the remnants of her dreams, before focusing on the warm, comforting sight of him. A sleepy grin spread across her face as she took in the rare moment of quiet intimacy.
"Morning," she murmured, her voice soft and melodic, stretching languidly as she relished the feeling of waking up in his arms.
"Morning," Remus replied, his own smile timid but tender. He reached out, gently brushing a stray strand of hair from her face, his touch lingering as though he couldn't quite believe she was real. "I, um... I've never woken up like this before."
Maria's grin widened, a teasing glint in her eyes.
"With a naked woman in your arms?" she teased, the words laced with playful mischief.
Remus's cheeks flushed a soft pink, his shy smile endearing.
"Something like that."
Her giggle was light and infectious, and she leaned up, pressing a kiss to his cheek.
"Well, I'm honored to be your first."
They lay there for a moment, basking in the warmth of each other's presence, the world outside forgotten. But before their playful banter could continue, a sudden and unexpected pop shattered the tranquility. They both turned their heads sharply to see Kreacher, the old and somewhat cantankerous house-elf, standing at the foot of the bed, his eyes wide with shock and disapproval.
"Disgrace!" Kreacher croaked, his voice heavy with scandalized indignation. "What is—"
"Ah, Kreacher!" Remus interrupted hastily, his hand instinctively pulling the blanket up over their bare shoulders. His voice was calm, though tinged with an underlying nervousness. "Good morning. Could you, perhaps, give us a moment?"
Maria, barely suppressing a laugh, added in a softer, more gentle tone:
"Please?"
Kreacher blinked, clearly caught off guard by the civility in their responses. His usual mutterings about the disgraceful behavior of others were momentarily stifled by the unexpected kindness. With a grumble about "naked werewolves and Muggles," he gave a curt bow and disappeared with another pop, leaving behind an awkward silence that quickly dissolved into laughter.
As soon as he was gone, Maria buried her face in Remus's shoulder, her body shaking with laughter.
"Poor Kreacher. He didn't know what hit him."
Remus chuckled, the sound deep and resonant as he pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"I don't think he'll recover anytime soon."
They lay there a little longer, the warmth between them a comforting cocoon against the outside world. But soon, the insistent growling of their stomachs became impossible to ignore, prompting them to reluctantly part and begin dressing. With every shared glance and soft smile, the bond between them felt stronger, a newfound intimacy that neither was eager to let go.
Hand in hand, they made their way to the kitchen, anticipation for the day ahead brightening their steps.
Remus moved about the kitchen with a quiet grace, the morning sunlight streaming in through the windows, casting a warm glow over the scene. With a flick of his wand, eggs whisked themselves in a bowl, and bacon danced in the sizzling pan, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma. Maria sat at the table, her chin resting on her hands, watching with fascination as magic brought breakfast to life.
"I could get used to this," she remarked, a playful smile curling her lips. "A man who can cook... and with magic."
Remus turned, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush, a shy grin playing on his face.
"Well," he said, his voice soft, "it's the least I can do after... last night."
Maria's smile deepened, a shared warmth passing between them, but their tender moment was soon interrupted by the sound of footsteps. They both turned to see Sirius Black saunter into the kitchen, his eyes gleaming with a familiar mischievous glint. He took one look at their slightly disheveled appearances and his grin widened considerably.
"Well, well, well," Sirius drawled, leaning against the doorframe with a casual air, arms crossed. "Morning, lovebirds."
Maria's cheeks flushed a rosy pink, but she couldn't suppress the smile tugging at her lips. Remus, on the other hand, groaned inwardly, already anticipating the onslaught of teasing that was sure to follow.
Sirius's grin only grew more devilish.
"Remus, my dear friend, did you finally—"
"Don't," Remus warned, though the half-hearted tone of his voice made it clear he was resigned to his fate.
"—lose your virginity?" Sirius finished with a flourish, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he shot a triumphant look between them.
Maria burst into laughter, her hand flying to her mouth as she tried to contain it, while Remus sighed, his shoulders slumping. Despite himself, a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
"Congratulations are in order!" Sirius proclaimed, clapping a hand on Remus's back with exaggerated enthusiasm. "I was beginning to think it would never happen."
"You're impossible," Remus muttered, shaking his head, though his smile betrayed the fondness behind the exasperation.
"And you love me for it," Sirius quipped, unfazed. He turned to Maria, his expression conspiratorial. "You've done us all a great service, you know. We were starting to worry about him."
Maria played along, her grin matching Sirius's playful energy.
"Happy to help."
Remus groaned again, dragging a hand down his face, but the twinkle in his eyes revealed his amusement. "Can we just eat breakfast in peace?"
Sirius chuckled, grabbing a piece of bacon from the pan and popping it into his mouth.
"Sure, sure. But seriously, mate, I'm happy for you." His voice softened slightly, genuine affection seeping through the teasing facade.
As the three of them settled around the table, the teasing subsided into a comfortable rhythm of light-hearted conversation. The kitchen filled with the comforting sounds of laughter and the clatter of plates, the savory scent of a hearty breakfast mingling with the warmth of camaraderie. For a brief, precious moment, amidst the chaos of the world beyond, they found solace in each other's company, a reminder of the simple joys and the enduring strength of love and friendship.