Chapter 12: Full Moon Chapter Text
Later that evening, Maria found Remus sitting in the library, the soft glow of candlelight casting shadows on his face. He was lost in thought, fingers absently tracing the edge of a book he wasn't reading.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Maria asked, stepping into the room.
Remus glanced up, offering a small smile. "I'm not sure they're worth even that."
She sat beside him on the worn leather couch, curling her legs beneath her.
"You've been quiet since the meeting. Is it… Snape?"
Remus sighed.
"Partly. But mostly… he was right."
Maria blinked.
"Right? About what?"
He hesitated for a moment, then met her gaze.
"There's a full moon tomorrow."
Her heart skipped a beat. Of course. She'd known it would come eventually, but hearing it out loud made it real.
"The last time there was a full moon," she said carefully, "you disappeared."
Remus nodded, rubbing the back of his neck.
"I stayed at a safe house. I thought it best. But now…" His voice trailed off, his expression conflicted.
"Now we're together," Maria finished for him.
"Yes." His voice was quiet, but his eyes locked on hers with intensity. "And that complicates things."
Maria straightened.
"Well, you're not disappearing this time."
Remus blinked.
"Mary—"
"Nope." She crossed her arms, determination written all over her face. "You're not just going to vanish into thin air without a word. If you're going to transform, fine. But I'm staying."
His brow furrowed, concern etched deeply into his features.
"It's dangerous."
Maria leaned in with a mischievous grin.
"So am I." She winked, but when Remus didn't relax, she rolled her eyes and added, "Come on, Remus. I'm a woman. You think I don't know what it's like to deal with dangerous monthly transformations?"
Remus blinked, caught off guard.
"I… what?"
"You heard me." Maria crossed her arms, her grin widening. "Mood swings, cramps, random tears over kitten videos—"
"What's a kitten video?" he asked, brow arching.
She waved it off.
"Muggle thing. Focus, Professor."
Remus tried to maintain his serious expression, but a laugh escaped before he could stop it.
"Are you seriously comparing lycanthropy to your—"
"I'm just saying," she interrupted, "I'm no stranger to hormonal chaos. Every month, like clockwork, I turn into a bit of a monster myself. Granted, I don't grow fur or howl at the moon—although don't catch me in a bad mood."
Remus chuckled, shaking his head.
"I don't think that's quite the same."
"Close enough." She poked his arm. "Besides, we women have been surviving our 'monthly curses' since the dawn of time. And let me tell you, some of us still manage to teach classes, go on missions, and even bake cookies after. So really…" She leaned back with a smug expression. "I'm overqualified to handle this."
Remus gave her a long look, lips twitching with amusement.
"Cookies?"
She smirked. "I'm full of surprises."
"That you are," he agreed softly, his eyes warm with affection. "But Mary—"
"No buts." Her tone was firm but kind. "If I can survive that, I can survive this."
He let out a slow breath, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I don't know whether to laugh or apologize on behalf of my entire gender."
"Oh, you should definitely apologize," Maria teased. "But I'll accept payment in chocolate."
Remus finally gave in, laughing fully. "You are impossible."
"And you love it," she shot back with a grin.
"I do," he admitted quietly, his eyes softening again. "Far more than I should."
Maria reached out, placing a hand on his.
"Good. Because I'm staying. Monthly curses and all."
Remus chuckled despite himself, shaking his head.
"You don't understand. It's not just the transformation — it's the morning after. I don't want you to see me like that."
"Like what? Sleep-deprived and grumpy? Please. I've seen you before coffee."
He laughed softly, but the seriousness in his eyes remained.
"Mary, I'm not joking."
"Neither am I." She shifted closer, her tone gentle now. "Remus, I've already seen the worst of what this world can throw at us. I've been on missions. I've faced Death Eaters. And I'm still here."
"That's different."
"How?" she challenged. "Because you think you're some kind of monster?"
Remus looked away, shame flickering across his face.
"Look at me," Maria said softly.
When he did, her heart ached at the vulnerability she saw there.
"You're not a monster. You're Remus. The man who reads to me when I can't sleep. The man who makes me laugh when I feel out of place. The man who makes me believe I'm stronger than I am."
His lips quirked into a small, hesitant smile. "You give me too much credit."
"I don't give you enough," she countered. "And besides, you've seen me at my worst, too."
Remus's smile widened.
"You mean when Sirius tried to teach you to duel and you hexed yourself instead?"
Maria groaned, covering her face with her hands.
"Why must you bring that up?"
"Because it's one of my favorite memories." His voice was warm now, teasing.
She peeked at him through her fingers.
"You're impossible."
"And you're stubborn."
They both laughed, the tension easing between them. Then Maria's expression softened.
"I want to be there for you. All of you. Even the messy, complicated parts."
Remus's gaze searched hers for a long moment.
"You really mean that?"
"Of course I do." She grinned. "Besides, you know I'm a bit of a control freak. I'd never forgive myself if I didn't make sure you were okay."
He chuckled, shaking his head.
"You're relentless."
"Yep." She leaned closer, her voice a whisper. "And I'm not going anywhere just yet."
Remus sighed, a mix of resignation and affection.
"Alright. But we'll need to take precautions."
"Obviously." She grinned triumphantly. "But I'll be there."
As their laughter faded, a comfortable silence settled between them. Remus reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
"You amaze me," he murmured.
Maria's cheeks flushed.
"I have that effect on grumpy werewolves."
Remus laughed, pulling her close.
"Thank you."
"For what?"
"For reminding me that I'm not alone."
She rested her head on his shoulder, a smile playing at her lips.
"You'll never be alone as long as I'm in your world."
And as the moonlight filtered through the window, they sat together, two souls finding light in the darkest of nights.
The room Remus had chosen was on the far end of the upper floor of Number 12, Grimmauld Place, one of the quieter spaces in the house. The heavy drapes were drawn shut, casting shadows across the worn furniture. It was a practical room—modest, like its occupant—but there were little touches of warmth: a stack of well-read books on the nightstand, a patched but soft-looking quilt folded neatly at the foot of the bed.
Maria sat cross-legged on that very bed, her back against the headboard, watching Remus pace the length of the room. He moved like a man on the edge of a cliff, every glance at the old clock on the wall making his steps more restless.
Outside the door, the house was as quiet as it ever got. They'd cast a Muffliato charm to keep any curious ears—especially Kreacher's—from hearing what was going on. Not that anyone really wanted to intrude; Grimmauld Place carried its own heavy silences, steeped in secrets and memories best left buried.
Remus stopped by the fireplace, where only embers remained from an earlier flame. His hands flexed and unflexed at his sides.
"There's still time for you to change your mind."
Maria tilted her head, calm and resolute.
"I'm not going anywhere."
"You should." His voice was steady, but she could hear the tension beneath it. "It's not safe."
"Neither is the world outside." She shrugged, her expression unwavering. "I'll take my chances."
His lips pressed into a thin line.
"This isn't like dodging spells or hiding in the shadows. This is… me. I can't control it. I won't be able to stop myself if—"
"Remus." Her voice was firm but kind. "We've been over this. I trust you."
He looked away, his fingers brushing the back of one of the old chairs, as though grounding himself to the room.
"Trust only goes so far."
Maria leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees.
"Doyoutrustme?"
That made him pause. He turned back toward her, his tired eyes meeting hers.
"Of course I do."
"Then trust that I know what I'm doing."
He crossed the room slowly, standing at the foot of the bed.
"You're not afraid?"
"Of you? Never." She offered a small smile. "Of this?" She gestured toward the window, where the sky outside was darkening to deep indigo. "A little. But I'm staying."
He let out a long, slow breath, dropping into the chair beside the bed.
"You're impossible."
The clock chimed softly, marking the hour. Dusk had fallen. The transformation would begin soon.
Remus glanced at the window, the tension in his shoulders returning.
"It's time."
Maria slid off the bed and knelt in front of him, taking his hands in hers.
"Then we do this. Together."
He looked at her for a long moment, something softening in his gaze.
"You're stubborn."
"Thank you."
"That wasn't a compliment."
She grinned.
"I'll take it anyway."
The room seemed to grow colder as the clock struck another hour. The soft chime echoed, and Maria felt the shift in the air—the magic of the night creeping in, heavier with each passing second. Remus stood, his back to her, shoulders tense. He gripped the windowsill, gazing out at the sliver of moon that had begun to rise. His breathing had changed—slightly quicker, more shallow. Maria knew the transformation was near.
"Remus," she called softly.
He didn't turn around.
"You don't have to watch."
"I'm not going anywhere."
Still, he didn't look at her.
"It's not… pleasant."
Maria stood and approached him slowly.
"Neither are reunions at the end of term, but I manage."
He chuckled quietly, but there was no hiding the strain in his voice.
"This is different."
"I know." She placed her hand gently on his back. "But you're not alone."
For a long moment, he stayed still, as though bracing himself against the inevitable. Then he turned to her, his eyes filled with gratitude—and fear.
"Sit down," he urged, his voice gentler now. "Keep your wand ready."
Maria picked it up, turning it over in her hands.
"You know I'm still figuring this thing out, right?"
"I know," he said softly, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. His voice was gentler now. "But you've surprised me before."
Remus's hands trembled as he unbuttoned his shirt, tossing it aside before slipping off his shoes and socks. He winced as his joints began to crack, his body preparing for the change.
She glanced at him, a flicker of doubt crossing her face.
"I still don't know how I did that Muffliato charm earlier."
Remus smiled faintly.
"Because you've always had magic here. You just needed a reason to use it."
Maria took a deep breath, pointing her wand toward the door.
"Well… let's see if I can do it again." She closed her eyes for a moment, focusing. "Muffliato."
The spell shimmered through the air, a faint hum of magic settling over the room.
When she opened her eyes, she found Remus watching her with quiet pride.
"You did it."
Her expression brightened.
"I did, didn't I?"
"You've got a knack for surprising me," he murmured.
"Good," Maria said, grinning. "Keeps things interesting."
But the lightness of the moment didn't last. The moon was rising, casting slivers of silver light through the cracks in the heavy curtains. Remus's body tensed, his breath hitching as the first pang of the transformation hit. Maria's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern.
"It's starting."
Remus nodded, his jaw clenched. He doubled over slightly, gripping the bedpost for support as his bones began to shift beneath his skin.
"You… know what happens next."
"I do." Her voice was steady, though her heart ached for him. She'd read all about how painful the transformation was, how it tore through him every month like a storm he couldn't escape. "I'm not leaving."
His gaze softened, even as his body began to shake.
"You're too good, you know that?"
"I know." She smiled through the heaviness in her chest. "And modest, too."
Remus managed a weak laugh before a shudder wracked his body. He staggered, catching himself on the bedpost. Maria was on her feet in an instant.
"Stay back," he warned, his voice rougher now, laced with a growl.
"I'm not afraid."
"You should be."
Another crack of bones, and Remus fell to his knees. His hands clawed at the floor as his fingers elongated, nails darkening into sharp points. His breathing turned ragged, his ribs shifting visibly under his skin. Remus's transformation was almost complete. His clothes were torn, his face elongated into a snout, and thick fur spread across his body. When he finally lifted his head, the wolf stood where the man had been. His amber eyes locked onto her. For a moment, neither moved. Maria held her breath, her wand still at her side.
"Hey, Remus," she said softly.
The wolf growled low, pacing the room, sniffing the air. His movements were cautious, tense. But he didn't lunge. He didn't attack. He circled her once, then twice, as though trying to make sense of her presence.
"You know it's me," she whispered. "Don't you?"
The wolf paused, his gaze meeting hers again. His ears twitched.
"That's right," Maria said gently, taking a careful step forward. "It's me. No need to growl."
The wolf huffed, almost like a sigh.
Maria lowered herself back onto the floor, crossing her legs and resting her wand beside her.
"I'm staying right here."
The wolf tilted his head, curious.
"You're not getting rid of me that easily." She smiled, though her heart was racing. "Besides, you should be used to stubborn women by now."
The wolf made a sound—a cross between a huff and a grunt. If she didn't know better, she'd say he was amused.
"Was that a laugh?" Maria teased. "Are you actually laughing at me right now?"
The wolf paced to the window, sitting down by the sill. He stared at the moon outside, his posture more relaxed now.
Maria settled in, leaning against the bed.
"See? Not so bad."
For the next hour, they stayed like that—Maria talking softly, telling stories about her world, her students, even a few embarrassing moments from her childhood. The wolf listened, occasionally flicking his ears or tilting his head in response.
When dawn finally broke, the first rays of sunlight slipped through the cracks in the curtains, casting soft golden beams across the room. The wolf began to change again.
Maria watched with a mixture of awe and sadness as the fur receded, the claws retracted, and Remus's human form returned. His body twisted and shifted back to itself, each movement slow and agonizing. When the transformation was complete, he collapsed onto the floor, shivering and pale.
"Remus!" Maria was at his side in an instant. She grabbed the quilt from the bed and draped it over his trembling shoulders. "You're okay. I've got you."
He groaned, his voice hoarse and raw.
"You… stayed."
"Of course I did." She gently brushed a lock of damp hair from his forehead. His skin was cold to the touch, clammy and pale. "You're not getting rid of me that easily."
Remus let out a weak chuckle, his lips curling into a faint smile.
"You're mad."
"Probably." She smiled softly, her heart aching as she took in his exhausted expression. "But you already knew that."
He managed to sit up slowly, leaning heavily against the bed for support. Every movement seemed to sap his strength, and Maria instinctively reached out to steady him.
"Thank you," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You don't have to thank me." She pressed a kiss to his temple, lingering there for a moment. "We're in this together."
Remus closed his eyes and leaned his head against her shoulder, his weariness evident.
"You really are impossible."
Maria reached for the drawer of the bedside table, knowing what she'd find there — a small collection of potions. Her fingers wrapped around a familiar bottle, the contents swirling a deep amber.
"Here," she murmured, pulling out the stopper. "Drink this."
Remus blinked, his eyes heavy with exhaustion.
"What are you doing?"
"Giving you a healing potion. You keep it in your drawer, right next to the wolfsbane." She held the vial to his lips. "I assume you take this after… well, after."
He gave a weak chuckle, his lips quirking into a faint smile.
"You assume correctly."
Maria tipped the potion carefully into his mouth, watching as he swallowed with a grimace.
"Bitter?"
"Always."
She smiled softly.
"Good. Means it's working."
Remus sat up slowly, leaning back against the bed frame. His limbs trembled with the effort, and Maria immediately reached out to steady him.
"Easy," she murmured. "You need to rest."
"I'm fine," he insisted, though his voice was hoarse and his hands shook as he ran them through his hair. "Just… give me a moment."
Maria stood and began pacing the room, her nervous energy bubbling to the surface.
"I was thinking… maybe you could just tell me how to make breakfast. I mean, I'll need to know how to deal with enchanted kitchenware, right?"
Remus opened one eye, raising an amused brow.
"You? In the kitchen?"
"Yes, me in the kitchen," she shot back with a grin. "Don't sound so surprised. I can cook, you know."
"Without magic?"
"…I can make toast," she muttered.
Remus let out a soft laugh, though it quickly turned into a cough. Maria rushed back to his side, placing a hand on his arm.
"See? You're not well," she said firmly. "Stay here. I can handle breakfast."
Remus shook his head, his expression gentle but stubborn.
"You don't know how this house works, Mary. The kitchen is… temperamental."
"I'll figure it out."
"Last time someone figured it out, the teapot tried to start a rebellion."
Maria blinked. "What?"
"The stove refused to cook anything but porridge for a week."
"Are you serious?"
"Deadly." His lips quirked into a smirk. "And the knives… well, they've been enchanted for self-defense."
Maria's eyes widened. "Oh my God."
Remus chuckled again, his amusement evident despite his exhaustion. "Exactly."
"Okay." She nodded, pressing her hands to her cheeks. "I see your point. But you're still not well enough to—"
"I'll go with you."
"Remus—"
He pushed himself up slowly, draping the quilt around his shoulders like a cloak.
"I'll sit at the table and tell you what to do. You can cook, and I'll make sure you don't end up in a duel with the toaster."
Maria opened her mouth to protest again, but the determined look in his eyes stopped her. He was clearly exhausted, but she knew he wouldn't budge.
"Fine," she relented with a sigh. "But if you collapse, I'm hexing you right back to bed."
"Deal."
With a little help from Maria, Remus stood. He wobbled slightly, leaning heavily on her arm, but managed to stay upright.
"Honestly," Maria muttered as they made their way out of the room, "you're as stubborn as your kitchenware."
Remus chuckled, his tired smile never leaving his face.
"Let's just hope you're better behaved."
Once inside the kitchen, Remus sat down heavily at the table, exhaling a long sigh. The room was quiet, save for the gentle creaks of the old house and the occasional clatter of enchanted kitchenware.
Maria glanced around nervously.
"Okay… so, what do I do?"
Remus raised an eyebrow.
"You can't just go waving your wand at things and hoping for the best."
"I wasn't going to do that!"
Remus smirked, resting his chin on his hand.
"Sure you weren't."
Maria huffed, opening a cupboard at random. A collection of enchanted pans rattled ominously inside. She shut it quickly and turned back to Remus.
"Okay. Maybe I do need a bit of help."
Remus laughed softly, the sound warming the room.
"I thought so."
"But you shouldn't be up," she protested. "You're exhausted."
"I'll sit here and guide you," he offered. "You can do the work, but I'll make sure you don't blow up the kitchen."
Maria sighed dramatically.
"Fine. But only because I don't want to get into a duel with your kitchenware."
Remus chuckled again, resting his head on his folded arms. His voice was softer now, a tired murmur.
"Thank you… for staying."
Maria's expression softened.
"You're welcome."
"And for breakfast." His lips quirked into a playful smile, even as his eyes drifted closed. "If we survive it."
Maria couldn't help but laugh.
"We will. Probably."
She glanced at the enchanted stove, which gave a little huff of smoke as if it were sizing her up.
Probably.