Hey, Remus!

The moment Harry, Ron, and Hermione finally stepped into Grimmauld Place, Maria felt a wave of relief wash over her. She had told Remus that they would be safe, that they would make it, but knowing it and seeing them standing there, alive and unharmed, were two different things. She exchanged a glance with Remus, who gave her a small, knowing smile. He hadn't completely believed her before, but now he had to admit she was right.
The next morning, the five of them sat at the long wooden table in the kitchen, the air heavy with the scent of Kreacher's carefully prepared breakfast. Maria sipped her tea, watching Harry pick at his toast absentmindedly. She was about to say something when Kreacher shuffled in, holding a copy of the Daily Prophet in his gnarled hands. He stopped at the head of the table and, with a solemn look, presented it to Harry. Maria's stomach twisted before she even saw the headline. She knew what was coming.
Harry unfolded the paper, and there it was: WANTED FOR QUESTIONING ABOUT THE DEATH OF ALBUS DUMBLEDORE, a large picture of Harry staring back at them.
Ron and Hermione erupted in outrage, their voices echoing off the kitchen walls. Maria watched as Harry merely pushed the newspaper away, his jaw tightening. He didn't need to read any more. He already knew the lies it would spin.
"I'm sorry, Harry," Remus said, his voice heavy.
Maria felt a pang of sadness at the look on his face. Remus had always believed in the truth, in standing up for what was right, and seeing propaganda warp reality like this must have been infuriating. He clenched his fist beside his teacup, but his voice remained calm as he explained how the Death Eaters had taken control of The Daily Prophet and the Ministry itself.
Maria listened, her hands folded tightly in her lap, but her mind was spinning. She knew what was coming. The words of the book echoed in her memory, like a warning she couldn't ignore. This moment, this conversation, was only a prelude to something much worse. And knowing Remus, she was sure that in just a few days he would insist they leave Grimmauld Place, that it was too dangerous, that they had no choice. She could already see the worry settling into his features as he spoke to Harry, the gears turning in his mind. It was happening. And she couldn't stop it.
Her fingers curled around the edge of her chair. She had altered so much already by simply existing in this world. If she said something, if she tried to change even one decision, what else would change? Would it be for the better? Or would she unravel everything? The butterfly effect terrified her, paralyzing her in place.
She forced herself to stay quiet, even as every fiber of her being screamed to reach out, to tell him he didn't have to go, that they could find another way. Instead, she swallowed hard, fixed her gaze on the table, and let the conversation play out exactly as it had before. Because she couldn't risk it. Not when the outcome of the war and the fate of the Wizarding World were at stake.

*

After the "Golden Trio" (Harry, Ron, and Hermione) had departed on their perilous Horcrux hunt, Grimmauld Place fell into a quiet, uneasy silence. The familiar, creaking corridors that once echoed with whispered memories and laughter now seemed to murmur warnings in every shadow.
In the dim light of an early morning, Remus sat by the window, his gaze fixed on the darkening sky, the worry in his eyes unmistakable. Maria, still wrapped in the bittersweet comfort of the home that had witnessed their first shared smiles and secret promises, lingered near the old, scarred fireplace. She traced her fingers over the worn stone, as if trying to imprint its memories onto her heart one last time.
"Remus," she began softly, "this has been our home for so long. Harry gave us our room. This is where we fell in love, where we built a life together in this strange world. How can you even consider leaving?" Her voice trembled between defiance and sorrow.
Remus sighed, turning to her with a heavy expression. "Mary, I know what this place means to you. It was our haven, our safe space when everything else was falling apart. But things are changing. I can feel it, the danger is growing." His tone was gentle yet urgent, as though each word was laced with the weight of inevitability.
Maria's eyes narrowed slightly. "I know, but... Remus, we've weathered storms before. I know the Ministry is in turmoil, and the Death Eaters are stirring, but Grimmauld Place has always protected us. I've read the books, I even told you, they all end well here."
Remus reached out, taking her hand with a firm, steady grip, his eyes searching hers. "That was before the world turned upside down, Mary. Now, with the Ministry hunting Muggle-borns and our enemies tightening their grip, staying here isn't just sentimental, it's downright risky. You know what they say about Muggle-borns, and although very few know your true origins, it's a risk we cannot ignore. Your presence here has already altered some events, remember? What if this is another one of them?"
Maria pulled her hand away slightly, her expression torn between hope and dread. "I don't want to leave. This is the only real home I've ever known in this world. I've lived at the Burrow, I've worked at Hogwarts... but nothing compares to the feeling of belonging here."
Remus's gaze softened as he regarded her, the internal conflict evident in his tired eyes. "I understand, Mary. But think about it, I'm a werewolf, and now, with your mysterious past, we are even more vulnerable. Every day, I feel the danger creeping closer. I can't stand by and watch you risk your life because of sentiment." He paused, his voice dropping to a cautious murmur. "And Snape... he must know we're still here. It's a miracle they haven't come after us yet."
At those words, Maria's heart clenched. Deep down, she knew Snape would never betray them. He was as secretive as he was protective, but she couldn't tell Remus that. The secret of her origins and the trust placed in such clandestine assurances was too delicate a matter. So she lowered her gaze, silently holding onto the unspoken truth that, somehow, even Snape might be watching over them in his own enigmatic way.
Before Maria could protest further, a soft knock echoed through the hall. Her heart jumped. Remus frowned and stepped toward the door, his hand tightening around his wand.
"Who is it?" he demanded in a low, wary tone.
A deep, calm voice answered from the other side, "It's Kingsley Shacklebolt. Auror. Member of the Order of The Phoenix."
Remus paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Kingsley? Prove it. Say something only a true Order member would know."
There was a brief silence before the voice replied, warm yet imbued with urgency: "Very well. Remus, you remember the secret that binds us? The one about the portal? The very same moment when you and Mary began reading about one another in your respective worlds, bridging the gap between them? I know of that. I know Mary isn't like the rest. And I know what it means for all of us now."
At these words, Remus's expression shifted from suspicion to grave understanding. He slowly opened the door to reveal Kingsley Shacklebolt, his features set in a grim yet resolute expression. The confirmation that this was indeed Kingsley sent a shiver down Remus's spine.
"Thank you, Kingsley," Remus said quietly, his tone now accepting and laced with concern. "Do come in, please."
Kingsley stepped inside, nodding slightly.
"I come bearing urgent news. The Death Eaters are closing in, and Grimmauld Place is no longer safe. There's a safe house I've secured for you both. A place you must leave for immediately."
"Remus, Mary," Kingsley said in his measured tone, "I'm afraid the situation has worsened. Reports confirm that Death Eaters are closing in on Grimmauld Place. There's no time to lose. I've secured a safe house. It's not far from here. You need to leave immediately."
Maria's heart sank. For a long moment, silence reigned as she stared at the familiar walls, the place that had been her sanctuary. The weight of the decision pressed down on her, mixing grief with a deep sense of foreboding. Yet, in Remus's eyes, she saw not only fear but also unwavering determination to protect her.
Remus stepped closer, his voice firm yet tender.
"Mary, please. I can't bear the thought of you being hurt. Our lives are too precious right now. This isn't just about sentiment, it's about survival." He paused, taking her hands in his again. "I need you to trust me. For our sake, we must leave."
Tears glistened in Maria's eyes as she fought the urge to speak, knowing that any word might alter what little she had left of the past.
"I... I understand," she whispered finally, her voice breaking. "But this place... it will always be part of me for the past two years."
With a bittersweet smile, Remus pulled her into a gentle embrace.
"Then carry it with you, always. Maybe we'll come back someday. But for now, we must go." He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, lingering as if to commit the memory to his heart as well.
As they gathered a few essential belongings and stepped out into the uncertain morning light, Maria took one last, lingering look at Grimmauld Place, their haven of love and memories. In that final moment, she silently said goodbye, knowing that while the home might be left behind, the love and the memories would forever guide her steps. Together, with Kingsley waiting and a safe house ahead, Remus and Maria left behind the only home they had ever truly known in the Wizarding World, venturing into an uncertain future where every heartbeat was a promise of survival, and every farewell a seed of hope for tomorrow.

*

Days later, as the tension of recent events began to settle into an uneasy calm, Maria stretched her legs across the worn rug, leaning back against the couch as she tossed a piece of parchment onto the table in the safe house Kingsley had arranged for them.
"Alright, hear me out," she said, tapping a quill against her chin. "What if we joined Potterwatch?"
Remus, seated across from her with a book in his lap, lifted an eyebrow.
"Potterwatch?"
"Yeah. Think about it. You heard the last broadcast, they need more voices. People who can report what's really going on." She shrugged. "We could help."
Remus considered her for a long moment, his fingers absently running along the spine of his book.
"It's dangerous."
Maria rolled her eyes.
"Everything's dangerous these days, Remus. That's not a reason not to do it."
He sighed, rubbing his jaw.
"True. And I suppose we do have a unique perspective."
Maria narrowed her eyes slightly.
"You suppose?" She tilted her head. "Remus, you were a part of Potterwatch in the books. Why didn't you bring this up yourself?"
Remus hesitated, then let out a soft chuckle.
"I wondered if you'd notice that. I suppose I assumed you'd object. The last thing I want is to drag you into more risk."
Maria snorted.
"Please. Like I'm not already in the middle of a war. Besides, if you're doing it, I'm doing it."
A small smile tugged at his lips.
"I should've known."
"Exactly! We're well-informed, we have sources in the Order... I used to make money out of my voice back in my world, I'm desperate to use it again. And let's be honest, you do have a fantastic radio voice."
That earned a quiet chuckle.
"That's debatable."
"Nope. Not up for debate. Your voice is made for radio. Deep, soothing, very professorial..."
Remus shook his head, amused.
"If we do this, we'll need codenames. We can't risk our real identities being exposed."
Maria grinned.
"Any ideas?"
He hesitated only a moment before saying,
"Romulus."
Maria blinked, then let out a delighted laugh.
"I knew it! That's what you chose in the books." She let out a playful smile. "Remus... you do know who Romulus and Remus were in Greek mythology, right?"
Remus huffed.
"Of course I do. My mother used to tell me the story as a child. It's rather ironic, isn't it? Romulus was raised by a she-wolf, and then he..."
"Murdered his twin brother. Remus." Maria finished, shaking her head. "And that's your name. Not to mention that Lupin literally means 'wolf-like' in Latin. And your father's name, Lyall, means 'wolf.' And your mother's maiden name was Howell, which, if you say it fast enough..."
"Sounds like 'howl,' yes, yes, I'm well aware," Remus finished, an amused glint in his eyes. "I always thought it was an amusing bit of irony."
Maria beamed.
"I just love that you can joke about this."
"Well, I do have my moments." He tilted his head. "It's either that or dive into a pool of self-pity. Now, what about you? You'll need a codename, too."
Maria hummed, considering.
"Hmm. It has to start with an 'R,' doesn't it? To match the others."
"That does seem to be the trend."
She tapped her fingers against the couch.
"Rogue? No, too dramatic. Raven? No, too obvious." She glanced at him and smirked. "How about... Rascal?"
Remus chuckled.
"Fitting, considering you decided to work for the Weasley twins."
"Exactly. Rascal it is."
He shook his head fondly.
"I suppose we're really doing this, then."
Maria grinned, nudging his foot with hers.
"We absolutely are, Wolfie."
Remus groaned, dropping his head into his hands.
"Not that again."
"Oh, definitely that again." Maria leaned closer, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Face it, you secretly love it."
He sighed, but there was no real exasperation behind it.
"Merlin, help me. No." He tried to glare, but the twitch of his lips betrayed him. "Call me Romulus. Call me a miserable old man, even."
"But Wolfie..."
"Mary."
"Yes, Wolfie?"
He groaned, running a hand down his face, but there was no hiding the laughter beneath it.
"I should never have let you near Fred and George."
Maria laughed, squeezing his hand.
"You love me, Wolfie."
He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.
"Yes," he murmured. "I do."
Maria grinned triumphantly and settled back against his shoulder as the wireless crackled on, announcing their arrival to the wizarding world. Rascal and Romulus, voices in the darkness, shining whatever light they could. And somewhere, in the middle of it all, there was still laughter. There was still love.