Chapter 3
Tessa hurried down the stairs. She was late for dinner but did not want to miss it altogether. This was her last night at Number 12 Grimmauld Place and she wanted to share the festivities with her friends. She reached the kitchen door and heard voices raised in conversation and laughter behind it. She walked through the doorway and made her way down the steps. Smiling faces greeted her as she entered.
Arthur and Molly Weaslely were busy loading the table with platters of food. Bill Weasley sat next to his siblings engaging them in some wicked tale or other. A few of the Order had come to join the party as well. Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and "Mad-eye" Moody were the faces who Tessa recognized best though others crowded around the table too. Of course, Harry and Hermione were sitting with Ron and Ginny. Remus, who had made his way down a few minutes ahead of her, left his place next to Harry to meet her at the bottom of the steps. He then delighted all present, save perhaps Ron, by kissing her briefly and escorting her to the empty seat next to him at the table.
It was as pleasant an evening and enjoyable a meal as Tessa had ever experienced. Conversation flowed light and easy. Molly's delicious food was consumed in great quantities while many bottles of Elderberry wine, butterbeer and a few glasses of rum were emptied as toasts were offered around the table, wishing a good school year to each of the children and Tessa, Good Health's, and most of all a safe year to all.
After the meal, everyone stayed to talk long into the evening. Tessa helped Molly clear the dishes as always while the merriment continued around them. The extra guests and crowded conditions made the effort more difficult than usual. Through many a pointed stare and cocked eyebrow, Molly enlisted the help of her family as well, never uttering a word. Harry and Hermione, not the objects of Molly's intense regard, offered their help of their own accord and Molly praised them long for their good manners. The Weasley children looked at each other rolling their eyes.
Fred made sure to comment on Harry's helpfulness, "Sooo good of you to help us, Harry. Can I offer you an apron, perhaps?" George held out one of Molly's most flowery and frilly aprons and together the twins wrestled Harry into it. Tessa laughed along with the rest at the picture that Harry made. Tessa noticed that he blushed a shade of red that rivaled the deepest of Ron's
Tessa surveyed the domestic scene with the Weasley's laughing and bustling around the kitchen; Hermione helping Harry out of his frilly trapping. She smiled enjoying the feeling of belonging among these friends. Then her gaze fell naturally to Remus who was speaking jovially with Tonks and Kingsley. He sensed her eyes on him and looked over to her and smiled. She felt a warm flush creep up her face. She had never been this happy in her life.
As the evening grew later Kingsley Shacklebolt, Mad-eye Moody and the other members of the Order made their good-byes. Kingsley gave Tessa a warm handshake and drew her close so he could whisper a soft, "All the best to you," into her ear. When he straightened he winked at her and caught Lupin's eye and waved a farewell to him.
She was confused by the encounter and tried to make her way to speak to Remus but was intercepted by another member of the Order as they left. Tessa felt as if she were in a receiving line as each of the members either hugged her briefly or shook her hand on their way out offering warm wishes. Mad-eye Moody was the last to leave. He approached her in his gruff sort of way and looked as though he was going to give her a hug but couldn't bring himself to do it. At the last moment he patted her shoulder and stammered out, "Good luck, good luck," and started up the steps. He stopped and turned to look at her once more with both his normal and magical eyes and said, "Be wary." And finally, he too was gone.
Tessa looked at Remus but he was having another talk with Harry. She made her way over to Molly who had finally finished cleaning up to her own satisfaction and was getting a cup of coffee for herself.
"Molly, what was all that about?" Tessa asked.
"What was what, dear?"
"All the 'Best Wishes' and 'Good lucks' I just got. Heavens, Moody nearly hugged me."
"Oh, they were just giving you a nice send off before you went to Hogwart's," Molly said dismissively, not meeting Tessa's eyes.
Tessa was unconvinced. Molly was being too evasive about the whole thing. "Molly," Tessa said searchingly and stared at the side of Molly's face intensely.
Molly finally looked at Tessa, "Well, of course they know about you and Remus..." then trailed off.
"And?" Tessa asked bewildered.
"Most of them have known Remus for quite a long time, dear. They are just happy for him, for both of you."
Tessa nearly laughed, but couldn't, seeing the sincere look in Molly's eyes. She wondered if this was as close to a public acknowledgement of their relationship as she was likely to get. She suddenly wondered about the Anti-Werewolf legislation and the Registry and all the prejudices that Lupin had to deal with everyday. She hadn't considered the possibility that they wouldn't be able to make their relationship public in a conventional way.
Molly saw Tessa becoming thoughtful. She attempted to divert Tessa's attention from the worrisome thoughts that appeared on her face. "Come on. Let's join the others before we all have to turn in."
"Molly," Tessa said quietly. "Is this the only Wedding Reception I am going to be able to have?"
Tessa saw a twinkle in Molly's eye and heard a challenge in her voice when she replied, "I don't know dear. Is it?"
Tessa smiled. She knew exactly what was on Molly's mind. Who said that she had to follow the rules or for that matter, couldn't change them? She linked her arm through Molly's and they made their way to the table.
Molly and Tessa sat on either side of Arthur. Molly placed a cup of coffee in front of him and said, "Here you are dear."
"Thank you, love" said Arthur and took a small sip before turning to Tessa. She braced herself for another round of questions about Muggle this or electronic that. Instead he talked to her about Hogwart's and the children.
"Tessa, I don't want you to think you have to go easy on Ron or Ginny in classes. And don't you let them take any advantage of you, just because they know you."
Ron and Ginny joined the conversation, hearing their names mentioned. "Dad, we wouldn't do anything. Honestly," Ginny protested.
"Course not," Ron agreed.
Bill Weasley and Tonks were staying over since they were accompanying the children to the train in the morning. Bill decided to add his opinion on the subject as well. He winked, "Don't worry Dad. Ron will pay attention in class. If I had a teacher who looked like Tessa when I was at school, I certainly would have." Ron cuffed Bill on the arm and blushed profusely. The Twins roared with laughter.
Standing up to get behind the twins Tessa said, "I'm just glad I don't have you two to worry about. I would hate to have to give you sweethearts detention." She grabbed an ear on each of them, and gave them a gentle tug. It was Ron's turn to laugh at his brothers for a change. Each of them turned a pretty shade of pink but laughed as well.
Arthur wiped a tear from his eye and said, "Seriously, all of you, when you get to Hogwart's you will have to pretend that you don't know Tessa. This is on Dumbledore's order, now. It would be a bit strange for you four to know the new teacher from America now wouldn't it?"
Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Harry all nodded their heads looking a bit disappointed. "Don't worry," Tessa assured them, "I will have an equally hard time of it, you know. But it won't be for too long."
"All right, you lot," Molly began. There were groans of dissent before she finished with, "time for bed."
The children said their goodnights and started up the steps. Molly looked at George and Fred, "What are you two waiting for? Off you go."
"Mum, we're of age, you can't be packing us off to bed," said Fred. Molly just stared at them, arms akimbo. "All right, all right, we know when we're not wanted," George muttered and the two of them went up after the others.
Molly, Arthur, Bill, Tonks, Tessa and Remus sat together talking over their coffees for a short time, discussing Order business. Rumors had been surfacing about sightings of known Death Eaters. Dumbledore had been sending people out in groups of two or more checking for possible evidence. So far, nothing had materialized. Tessa knew that this was going to be the last details she heard of about what was happening in the Order unless Dumbledore himself told her.
After the conversation turned to more congenial topics, Tessa excused herself for the night. She said her goodnights and made her way up to her room. She wanted to clean-up now so she wouldn't be rushed in the morning. She put on her robe, went into the bath, took a leisurely shower and made her way back to her room.
She opened her door to find the room bathed in candlelight. Candles covered every flat surface in the room except the bed. Lying there wearing what looked to be red silk pajama bottoms was Remus. He rose and sat on the edge of the bed as she entered. She smiled at him as he opened his arms indicating the candles.
"What do you think?" he asked.
"It's very nice. I feel a little underdressed for the occasion," she said as she looked at her worn terry robe and the towel in her hand with which she had been until a moment ago drying her hair.
"Personally, I think you are overdressed, but if you would like there is something hanging over the back of the chair for you."
She looked at the chair and saw the matching top to Remus' silk pajamas. She walked to the bed where Lupin was sitting, dropping the towel carelessly on the floor. He stood as she moved towards him. Opening the ties on her robe she said, "I think I'll worry about that later."
He watched the candlelight dance on her skin as she let the robe slide from her shoulders and drop to the floor. He breathed in a ragged breath as she touched his bare chest, his muscles tremored under her hand. She looked up at him feeling strangely nervous. He held her gaze. In his eyes she saw the same uncertainty she felt.
"Tessa," he began then furrowed his brow, "I don't know why I am so nervous, all of the sudden." He brought his hand to her face and caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Maybe it's..." he faltered.
"Remus." She whispered. "Maybe, it's that there is so much we're feeling and so much we want to say to each other and so little time left."
He smiled. She knew him and he her. Perhaps, tonight, there was no need for words. Except...
"I love you, Tessa." Remus cupped her face in both of his hands and kissed her.
"Remus," she sighed, "I love you." He put his arms around her and she nestled her head under his chin. He moved backwards onto the bed and she followed him. They lay there in each others arms until sleep enveloped them.
Sometime in the middle of the night, Tessa awoke to find herself still held in his arms. Candlelight flickered around the room. She raised herself on one elbow to look at Remus' peacefully sleeping face in the dim light. She wanted to memorize each feature, to etch it in her memory so that when she closed her eyes his face would be vivid and alive before her. As she gazed at him, his eyes opened and he smiled at her.
"I didn't mean to wake you," she said.
"You didn't really. I just knew you were awake and wanted to be as well."
She furrowed her brow, not quite understanding, but said, "O.K."
He reached up and touched her face. She smiled down at him. He pulled her into a slow passionate kiss, all nervousness past. He rolled her backwards so that he was lying on his side. He muttered something, gestured and a small breeze blew through the room extinguishing all but a single candle next to the bed.
"Are you trying to impress me?" she teased.
"Why? Would that help?"
Tessa thought about this for a moment, biting her lip in a fashion that Remus thought quite tantalizing. "It couldn't hurt," she said impishly, laughing softly.
He gave her a wicked look and said, "Well, I suppose I shall have to find some other ways of impressing you then."
Tessa hurried down the stairs. She was late for dinner but did not want to miss it altogether. This was her last night at Number 12 Grimmauld Place and she wanted to share the festivities with her friends. She reached the kitchen door and heard voices raised in conversation and laughter behind it. She walked through the doorway and made her way down the steps. Smiling faces greeted her as she entered.
Arthur and Molly Weaslely were busy loading the table with platters of food. Bill Weasley sat next to his siblings engaging them in some wicked tale or other. A few of the Order had come to join the party as well. Tonks, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and "Mad-eye" Moody were the faces who Tessa recognized best though others crowded around the table too. Of course, Harry and Hermione were sitting with Ron and Ginny. Remus, who had made his way down a few minutes ahead of her, left his place next to Harry to meet her at the bottom of the steps. He then delighted all present, save perhaps Ron, by kissing her briefly and escorting her to the empty seat next to him at the table.
It was as pleasant an evening and enjoyable a meal as Tessa had ever experienced. Conversation flowed light and easy. Molly's delicious food was consumed in great quantities while many bottles of Elderberry wine, butterbeer and a few glasses of rum were emptied as toasts were offered around the table, wishing a good school year to each of the children and Tessa, Good Health's, and most of all a safe year to all.
After the meal, everyone stayed to talk long into the evening. Tessa helped Molly clear the dishes as always while the merriment continued around them. The extra guests and crowded conditions made the effort more difficult than usual. Through many a pointed stare and cocked eyebrow, Molly enlisted the help of her family as well, never uttering a word. Harry and Hermione, not the objects of Molly's intense regard, offered their help of their own accord and Molly praised them long for their good manners. The Weasley children looked at each other rolling their eyes.
Fred made sure to comment on Harry's helpfulness, "Sooo good of you to help us, Harry. Can I offer you an apron, perhaps?" George held out one of Molly's most flowery and frilly aprons and together the twins wrestled Harry into it. Tessa laughed along with the rest at the picture that Harry made. Tessa noticed that he blushed a shade of red that rivaled the deepest of Ron's
Tessa surveyed the domestic scene with the Weasley's laughing and bustling around the kitchen; Hermione helping Harry out of his frilly trapping. She smiled enjoying the feeling of belonging among these friends. Then her gaze fell naturally to Remus who was speaking jovially with Tonks and Kingsley. He sensed her eyes on him and looked over to her and smiled. She felt a warm flush creep up her face. She had never been this happy in her life.
As the evening grew later Kingsley Shacklebolt, Mad-eye Moody and the other members of the Order made their good-byes. Kingsley gave Tessa a warm handshake and drew her close so he could whisper a soft, "All the best to you," into her ear. When he straightened he winked at her and caught Lupin's eye and waved a farewell to him.
She was confused by the encounter and tried to make her way to speak to Remus but was intercepted by another member of the Order as they left. Tessa felt as if she were in a receiving line as each of the members either hugged her briefly or shook her hand on their way out offering warm wishes. Mad-eye Moody was the last to leave. He approached her in his gruff sort of way and looked as though he was going to give her a hug but couldn't bring himself to do it. At the last moment he patted her shoulder and stammered out, "Good luck, good luck," and started up the steps. He stopped and turned to look at her once more with both his normal and magical eyes and said, "Be wary." And finally, he too was gone.
Tessa looked at Remus but he was having another talk with Harry. She made her way over to Molly who had finally finished cleaning up to her own satisfaction and was getting a cup of coffee for herself.
"Molly, what was all that about?" Tessa asked.
"What was what, dear?"
"All the 'Best Wishes' and 'Good lucks' I just got. Heavens, Moody nearly hugged me."
"Oh, they were just giving you a nice send off before you went to Hogwart's," Molly said dismissively, not meeting Tessa's eyes.
Tessa was unconvinced. Molly was being too evasive about the whole thing. "Molly," Tessa said searchingly and stared at the side of Molly's face intensely.
Molly finally looked at Tessa, "Well, of course they know about you and Remus..." then trailed off.
"And?" Tessa asked bewildered.
"Most of them have known Remus for quite a long time, dear. They are just happy for him, for both of you."
Tessa nearly laughed, but couldn't, seeing the sincere look in Molly's eyes. She wondered if this was as close to a public acknowledgement of their relationship as she was likely to get. She suddenly wondered about the Anti-Werewolf legislation and the Registry and all the prejudices that Lupin had to deal with everyday. She hadn't considered the possibility that they wouldn't be able to make their relationship public in a conventional way.
Molly saw Tessa becoming thoughtful. She attempted to divert Tessa's attention from the worrisome thoughts that appeared on her face. "Come on. Let's join the others before we all have to turn in."
"Molly," Tessa said quietly. "Is this the only Wedding Reception I am going to be able to have?"
Tessa saw a twinkle in Molly's eye and heard a challenge in her voice when she replied, "I don't know dear. Is it?"
Tessa smiled. She knew exactly what was on Molly's mind. Who said that she had to follow the rules or for that matter, couldn't change them? She linked her arm through Molly's and they made their way to the table.
Molly and Tessa sat on either side of Arthur. Molly placed a cup of coffee in front of him and said, "Here you are dear."
"Thank you, love" said Arthur and took a small sip before turning to Tessa. She braced herself for another round of questions about Muggle this or electronic that. Instead he talked to her about Hogwart's and the children.
"Tessa, I don't want you to think you have to go easy on Ron or Ginny in classes. And don't you let them take any advantage of you, just because they know you."
Ron and Ginny joined the conversation, hearing their names mentioned. "Dad, we wouldn't do anything. Honestly," Ginny protested.
"Course not," Ron agreed.
Bill Weasley and Tonks were staying over since they were accompanying the children to the train in the morning. Bill decided to add his opinion on the subject as well. He winked, "Don't worry Dad. Ron will pay attention in class. If I had a teacher who looked like Tessa when I was at school, I certainly would have." Ron cuffed Bill on the arm and blushed profusely. The Twins roared with laughter.
Standing up to get behind the twins Tessa said, "I'm just glad I don't have you two to worry about. I would hate to have to give you sweethearts detention." She grabbed an ear on each of them, and gave them a gentle tug. It was Ron's turn to laugh at his brothers for a change. Each of them turned a pretty shade of pink but laughed as well.
Arthur wiped a tear from his eye and said, "Seriously, all of you, when you get to Hogwart's you will have to pretend that you don't know Tessa. This is on Dumbledore's order, now. It would be a bit strange for you four to know the new teacher from America now wouldn't it?"
Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Harry all nodded their heads looking a bit disappointed. "Don't worry," Tessa assured them, "I will have an equally hard time of it, you know. But it won't be for too long."
"All right, you lot," Molly began. There were groans of dissent before she finished with, "time for bed."
The children said their goodnights and started up the steps. Molly looked at George and Fred, "What are you two waiting for? Off you go."
"Mum, we're of age, you can't be packing us off to bed," said Fred. Molly just stared at them, arms akimbo. "All right, all right, we know when we're not wanted," George muttered and the two of them went up after the others.
Molly, Arthur, Bill, Tonks, Tessa and Remus sat together talking over their coffees for a short time, discussing Order business. Rumors had been surfacing about sightings of known Death Eaters. Dumbledore had been sending people out in groups of two or more checking for possible evidence. So far, nothing had materialized. Tessa knew that this was going to be the last details she heard of about what was happening in the Order unless Dumbledore himself told her.
After the conversation turned to more congenial topics, Tessa excused herself for the night. She said her goodnights and made her way up to her room. She wanted to clean-up now so she wouldn't be rushed in the morning. She put on her robe, went into the bath, took a leisurely shower and made her way back to her room.
She opened her door to find the room bathed in candlelight. Candles covered every flat surface in the room except the bed. Lying there wearing what looked to be red silk pajama bottoms was Remus. He rose and sat on the edge of the bed as she entered. She smiled at him as he opened his arms indicating the candles.
"What do you think?" he asked.
"It's very nice. I feel a little underdressed for the occasion," she said as she looked at her worn terry robe and the towel in her hand with which she had been until a moment ago drying her hair.
"Personally, I think you are overdressed, but if you would like there is something hanging over the back of the chair for you."
She looked at the chair and saw the matching top to Remus' silk pajamas. She walked to the bed where Lupin was sitting, dropping the towel carelessly on the floor. He stood as she moved towards him. Opening the ties on her robe she said, "I think I'll worry about that later."
He watched the candlelight dance on her skin as she let the robe slide from her shoulders and drop to the floor. He breathed in a ragged breath as she touched his bare chest, his muscles tremored under her hand. She looked up at him feeling strangely nervous. He held her gaze. In his eyes she saw the same uncertainty she felt.
"Tessa," he began then furrowed his brow, "I don't know why I am so nervous, all of the sudden." He brought his hand to her face and caressed her cheek with his thumb. "Maybe it's..." he faltered.
"Remus." She whispered. "Maybe, it's that there is so much we're feeling and so much we want to say to each other and so little time left."
He smiled. She knew him and he her. Perhaps, tonight, there was no need for words. Except...
"I love you, Tessa." Remus cupped her face in both of his hands and kissed her.
"Remus," she sighed, "I love you." He put his arms around her and she nestled her head under his chin. He moved backwards onto the bed and she followed him. They lay there in each others arms until sleep enveloped them.
Sometime in the middle of the night, Tessa awoke to find herself still held in his arms. Candlelight flickered around the room. She raised herself on one elbow to look at Remus' peacefully sleeping face in the dim light. She wanted to memorize each feature, to etch it in her memory so that when she closed her eyes his face would be vivid and alive before her. As she gazed at him, his eyes opened and he smiled at her.
"I didn't mean to wake you," she said.
"You didn't really. I just knew you were awake and wanted to be as well."
She furrowed her brow, not quite understanding, but said, "O.K."
He reached up and touched her face. She smiled down at him. He pulled her into a slow passionate kiss, all nervousness past. He rolled her backwards so that he was lying on his side. He muttered something, gestured and a small breeze blew through the room extinguishing all but a single candle next to the bed.
"Are you trying to impress me?" she teased.
"Why? Would that help?"
Tessa thought about this for a moment, biting her lip in a fashion that Remus thought quite tantalizing. "It couldn't hurt," she said impishly, laughing softly.
He gave her a wicked look and said, "Well, I suppose I shall have to find some other ways of impressing you then."