Chapter 6
For the rest of the trip, Tessa sat cross-legged on the floor of her compartment meditating, clearing her mind of all the thoughts that were racing through her head. Thoughts about Remus and the overwhelming hole she felt in her soul when she considered being away from him; thoughts about facing hundreds of teenagers or worse, pre-teens everyday as she tried to impart some knowledge inside their brains. Soon she felt the train begin to slow. She opened her eyes and the sky previously bright and sunny was now tinged with the pink of sunset. Her mind now calm and clear, Tessa rose, grabbed her pack and waited by the exit door as the train came into Hogsmeade station.
She was the first off the train when it stopped. She heard a booming voice calling, "First Years, this way." She smiled at the imposing figure attached to the voice who must be Hagrid, the Care of Magical Creatures teacher and Ground's Keeper at Hogwart's. She had heard many stories about this man and looked forward to getting to know him.
She made her way over and introduced herself to him. He enveloped her hand in both of his when he greeted her. "Professor Phalen, Good ter meet yeh. Yer welcome ter ride in the carriages over yonder, if yeh'd care teh." Tessa's gaze followed his gesture and was amazed to see the assembled carriages all pulled by Thestrals.
"Oh, my," she exclaimed seeing the magnificent beasts. Hagrid was pleased at her reaction, noting the smile that played about her expression.
"Only trained herd of Thestrals ever recorded. Worked with 'em m'self since I was a lad," Hagrid beamed.
"They're magnificent Hagrid. I've never actually seen one before. You must be very proud."
She thought she caught a hint of a blush behind his massive beard as he mumbled his thanks. He bustled the first years to the lake while Tessa made her way to a carriage, pausing at the door to get a closer look at the beautiful black scaled animal. She stepped up into the carriage and as soon as she was seated it began moving bringing her through the gates and up to the front doors of Hogwart's well ahead of the other carriages. Tessa gaped at the grandeur of the castle that was to be her home for the next 10 months. She stepped out of the carriage as the doors of the castle opened to reveal her friend, Albus Dumbledore.
He moved down to grasp her hand in a warm greeting and drew her up the steps into the castle. "Welcome, Tessa. I am so glad to finally welcome you to Hogwart's. He strode through the Entrance hall and placed her backpack on the steps as they passed.
"One moment Albus, I need to fetch my robe for the feast."
He looked at her over the top of his spectacles, "If you wish. I think you look fetching already."
She smiled and rolled her eyes at his mocking gallantry. "You know perfectly well, that I would be a spectacle dressed this way. Let's give everyone a little time to adjust to me before we shock them beyond all recognition." She took a moment to put the robe over her shoulders and buttoned a few of the buttons.
He smiled at her indulgently, "Well, if you insist," and proffered his arm. She took it and smiled as he led her into the Great Hall. He paused inside the door allowing her a moment to admire the enchanted ceiling and candles magically suspended above the tables. She felt insignificant and unworthy as she was brought to the head table.
Most of the staff were already seated and she was introduced to each of them in turn. She took her seat next to Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher who was delighted to have a new companion to indulge in conversation. There was an empty chair to her right and next to that Professor Dumbledore sat at the middle of the table.
"So, professor, what happens now?" she inquired of cheery Professor Flitwick.
"Well, generally we need to sit here being as imposing as possible until the first year students are all sorted. Not an easy feat for me," he chuckled. "I believe the hardest part is being patient until the food arrives."
Tessa laughed. "I am quite interested in the sorting. My school didn't have that custom. Our placement in residences was totally random in our first year. After that you could petition to be placed in a residence which interested you."
"Probably a less divisive system, but ours is a long standing tradition and it does put like minded students together from the start."
Tessa nodded. She understood the logic but questioned the wisdom. Despite her conviction she couldn't help wondering where she would have been placed had she come to Hogwart's. She had been a solid student so perhaps Ravenclaw, though for some reason she leaned toward Gryffindor. Probably because almost everyone she knew and considered friends in England had been placed in Gryffindor. She hoped that she could remain unbiased in her classes.
Students began to file into the Great Hall taking their places at the House tables. The noise grew until the doors were closed and Professor MacGonagall came forward with a stool and placed a tattered and patched old wizard's hat on it. Silence filled the hall as the first year students filed in and the Sorting Hat began its song.
It spoke of the founder's of the school; Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor and Slytherin and the virtues of each house they started. It also admonished the students and faculty alike to foster cooperation between the houses. Unity was of more importance in these dark days than divisiveness.
Tessa glanced at Professor Flitwick who raised his eyebrows at her then she turned her attention back to Professor MacGonagall as she stepped forward to read the first name from the list of new students. She watched with interest, her head perched on her hands, as each student was called up to sit on the stool and the hat placed on their head. She tried to hide her amusement at the look of terror on nearly every face as they moved from the safety of the group to the isolation of the stool.
Each time a student was placed in Ravenclaw, Professor Flitwick jumped excitedly in his seat. Finally the last student was placed and Professor MacGonagall removed the Sorting Hat and the stool from the room. When the applause subsided, Professor Dumbledore rose to address the students.
"There are times for speeches. Thankfully, this is not one of them. Tuck in."
Immediately every table was laden with platters full of delicious food. At her side Professor Flitwick clapped his hands merrily and nearly danced in his seat as he surveyed the feast before him. He helped himself liberally to each dish that was set before them. Professor MacGonagall came back into the hall and sat in the empty seat at Tessa's right, taking her place at Professor Dumbledore's side. She greeted Tessa.
"Welcome Professor Phalen. We are glad to have you with us."
"Thank you, Professor. It is truly an honor to be here."
She smiled, "Well, enough of these formalities. Shall we start eating, professor?"
"Of course, and please call me Tessa. I am not used to the title quite yet." She chuckled and handed a basket full of rolls to Professor MacGonagall. The meal progressed as everyone indulged liberally. Tessa felt stuffed before the table was once more filled, this time with desserts. She was going to pass on this course but Professor Flitwick intervened.
"Oh, Tessa, you must try the Treacle Tart. It is exceptional."
"Thank you, but I think I've eaten far too much already."
"Now, now, my dear, we don't get a feast like this every meal. We must take advantage of our opportunities when they are presented, you know."
She laughed and accepted the proffered treat.
When the plates had been cleared and the chatter in the hall resumed, Dumbledore once again rose to address the students and teachers. "Welcome all new and returning students to another year at Hogwart's. We have just a few announcements. The Forbidden Forest is off limits, as always, to all students. Mr. Filch has informed me that he has updated his list of items that are not allowed bringing the total to 537. A complete list of these can be found hanging outside of his office if anyone is interested in viewing them."
He paused as a short burst of snickers traveled the hall. Tessa saw a twinkle in his eye at the sound. He continued, "I am pleased now to introduce you to a new staff member who has joined us this year. Professor Phalen will be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
Tessa looked out at the students and nodded her head. A smile crept across her face as a small bit of applause began at this announcement. She looked over at the Gryffindor table to find Hermione, Ginny, Harry and Ron all clapping enthusiastically. She chanced a glance at the Slytherin table and found Malfoy and his two cronies scowling at her and at the Gryffindor table as well.
When the brief applause subsided, Dumbledore dismissed the students. "With that, I wish you a good evening and a pleasant sleep."
The students began filtering out of the Great Hall to their various houses. Several of the teachers shook her hand in welcome before they bid her good night and went off to their separate quarters. Dumbledore had been speaking with Professor Snape before he turned to Tessa and bid her a good night.
"Tessa, I have left a copy of your schedule on the desk in your office for you. I have asked Professor Snape to show you to your quarters. I would do so myself but I find that there is an issue I must attend to." He grasped both of Tessa's hands, a smile twinkling in his eyes, "Goodnight, my dear, I will see you in the morning." And with that he left the hall.
Tessa looked over to Snape who was clearly not pleased with the duty set before him. He stood stolidly before her and said, "If you will follow me, Professor." The last word said with an unconcealed sneer.
She followed Snape out of the hall and up the marble staircase. She took care to note the stair to hop over on the way up and tried to make a mental map of the castle but found it increasingly difficult as staircases moved around her. Snape led her up past the first floor where her classroom was located to the second floor directly above where her office and quarters were at the end of the hallway.
"Here you are. I trust you will no longer need my assistance." He turned to leave but Tessa stopped him.
"Thank you, Severus," she hesitated. "Look, I realize that we have not gotten along very well before, but since we are going to be working at Hogwart's together, I would like to try to have a civil working relationship even if we can't manage friendly."
He regarded her coldly for a moment. She knew he was trying to measure her sincerity and she decided to just wait him out. Finally he said, "Professor Phalen, I believe I have been as civil towards you as I can be. As for working together, I shall endeavor to keep those times when we must have contact with one another to an absolute minimum." He turned abruptly and stalked off down the staircase once more.
Tessa stood outside her chamber for a moment watching him go then shook her head and rolled her eyes. She wondered if he was always that dramatic. "Well, I tried," she thought. She turned to her door and opened it to find a bright fire lit in the fireplace on the east wall. She surveyed her room and found her things already hung in the wardrobe in the far corner or placed neatly in the chest of drawers between the windows opposite her.
She smiled and walked over to look out the windows. She could see the Lake dimly lit in the waning moonlight. She removed her dress robe and hung it with her other things in the corner wardrobe and moved to one of the west windows where she could see the dark Forbidden Forest. A hut near its edge showed a cheery light coming from inside. Her room was lit by a few candles which cast interesting shadows on her bed. The bed itself was a nicely carved four-poster piled high with quilts. She thought it a bit warm for so many covers but trusted the elves would know better about the drafts that the castle might have in the cold of the night.
Too nervous to sleep, Tessa moved to the door next to the fireplace and opened it to find her office. A fire was burning on this side of the wall as well. Her belongings here were also placed neatly around the room. She noticed that the bookshelves contained not only her books but other, highly useful spell books and Defense texts that she had heard of and some she had never seen before. She smiled and ran her hand along the volumes, excited to have new reference books at her disposal.
Her desk on the north wall seemed very imposing, dark and roughly carved. Perhaps it was a trick of the candlelight but some of the reliefs seemed to be of faces watching her. She would take a closer look in the daylight and decide then if she wanted to exchange it. On the desk were her class notes and the schedule Albus mentioned. On top of these was a box wrapped in brightly colored paper and tied with a ribbon.
Tessa carefully opened the wrapping and then the box to reveal a framed photograph. She smiled as she saw a teenage version of herself standing next to her Grandmother, Grandfather and their friend, Albus Dumbledore. The adults were all facing the camera and smiling while she, a thirteen- year old, was busy looking around, not paying much attention. She recognized that the place the picture was taken; outside Florence Fortesque's Ice Cream Parlor in Diagon Alley. As she placed the picture on her desk she noticed that the slightly younger Dumbledore was winking at her. She smiled and thought it a wonderful welcome present.
She sat down at her desk, feeling a bit dwarfed by it and took up the schedule to see what she needed to prepare for tomorrow. "Yipes!" she exclaimed as she looked at her schedule. She hadn't thought about the number of classes she would actually be teaching. But now looking at it inked in, she wondered if she would be up to it. Two sections of each class twice a week and some of those sections were double length. She suddenly wished she had a teacher's assistant. "At least I have at least 2 breaks scheduled into my day," she thought.
She began to get her things together for her morning classes. She looked at the schedule again to double check. "Third years first thing, then a break and then first years and the other section of third years," she muttered to herself. "Ok, that's not too bad for a start. After lunch double period of 5th years, break then second years. A bit tougher, but still, they are the ones going to be doing the work, aren't they?"
Finished with her preparations she rose and realized that it had gotten very late. She waved a hand and the candles blew themselves out as she went into her chamber. She grabbed a nightshirt from a drawer, folded down the covers and climbed into her bed.
As she laid there deprived of preoccupations for the first time tonight she felt conspicuously alone. She wondered how she would sleep here in this new, strange place, missing Remus, wanting his comforting presence beside her. She turned on her side and faced the fire still burning in the fireplace watching the flames dance. She imagined Remus holding her. She closed her eyes and soon she was bathed in white light and she felt him beside her. She nestled in his arms and rested her head against his chest. A smile played across her lips as sleep overtook her.
For the rest of the trip, Tessa sat cross-legged on the floor of her compartment meditating, clearing her mind of all the thoughts that were racing through her head. Thoughts about Remus and the overwhelming hole she felt in her soul when she considered being away from him; thoughts about facing hundreds of teenagers or worse, pre-teens everyday as she tried to impart some knowledge inside their brains. Soon she felt the train begin to slow. She opened her eyes and the sky previously bright and sunny was now tinged with the pink of sunset. Her mind now calm and clear, Tessa rose, grabbed her pack and waited by the exit door as the train came into Hogsmeade station.
She was the first off the train when it stopped. She heard a booming voice calling, "First Years, this way." She smiled at the imposing figure attached to the voice who must be Hagrid, the Care of Magical Creatures teacher and Ground's Keeper at Hogwart's. She had heard many stories about this man and looked forward to getting to know him.
She made her way over and introduced herself to him. He enveloped her hand in both of his when he greeted her. "Professor Phalen, Good ter meet yeh. Yer welcome ter ride in the carriages over yonder, if yeh'd care teh." Tessa's gaze followed his gesture and was amazed to see the assembled carriages all pulled by Thestrals.
"Oh, my," she exclaimed seeing the magnificent beasts. Hagrid was pleased at her reaction, noting the smile that played about her expression.
"Only trained herd of Thestrals ever recorded. Worked with 'em m'self since I was a lad," Hagrid beamed.
"They're magnificent Hagrid. I've never actually seen one before. You must be very proud."
She thought she caught a hint of a blush behind his massive beard as he mumbled his thanks. He bustled the first years to the lake while Tessa made her way to a carriage, pausing at the door to get a closer look at the beautiful black scaled animal. She stepped up into the carriage and as soon as she was seated it began moving bringing her through the gates and up to the front doors of Hogwart's well ahead of the other carriages. Tessa gaped at the grandeur of the castle that was to be her home for the next 10 months. She stepped out of the carriage as the doors of the castle opened to reveal her friend, Albus Dumbledore.
He moved down to grasp her hand in a warm greeting and drew her up the steps into the castle. "Welcome, Tessa. I am so glad to finally welcome you to Hogwart's. He strode through the Entrance hall and placed her backpack on the steps as they passed.
"One moment Albus, I need to fetch my robe for the feast."
He looked at her over the top of his spectacles, "If you wish. I think you look fetching already."
She smiled and rolled her eyes at his mocking gallantry. "You know perfectly well, that I would be a spectacle dressed this way. Let's give everyone a little time to adjust to me before we shock them beyond all recognition." She took a moment to put the robe over her shoulders and buttoned a few of the buttons.
He smiled at her indulgently, "Well, if you insist," and proffered his arm. She took it and smiled as he led her into the Great Hall. He paused inside the door allowing her a moment to admire the enchanted ceiling and candles magically suspended above the tables. She felt insignificant and unworthy as she was brought to the head table.
Most of the staff were already seated and she was introduced to each of them in turn. She took her seat next to Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher who was delighted to have a new companion to indulge in conversation. There was an empty chair to her right and next to that Professor Dumbledore sat at the middle of the table.
"So, professor, what happens now?" she inquired of cheery Professor Flitwick.
"Well, generally we need to sit here being as imposing as possible until the first year students are all sorted. Not an easy feat for me," he chuckled. "I believe the hardest part is being patient until the food arrives."
Tessa laughed. "I am quite interested in the sorting. My school didn't have that custom. Our placement in residences was totally random in our first year. After that you could petition to be placed in a residence which interested you."
"Probably a less divisive system, but ours is a long standing tradition and it does put like minded students together from the start."
Tessa nodded. She understood the logic but questioned the wisdom. Despite her conviction she couldn't help wondering where she would have been placed had she come to Hogwart's. She had been a solid student so perhaps Ravenclaw, though for some reason she leaned toward Gryffindor. Probably because almost everyone she knew and considered friends in England had been placed in Gryffindor. She hoped that she could remain unbiased in her classes.
Students began to file into the Great Hall taking their places at the House tables. The noise grew until the doors were closed and Professor MacGonagall came forward with a stool and placed a tattered and patched old wizard's hat on it. Silence filled the hall as the first year students filed in and the Sorting Hat began its song.
It spoke of the founder's of the school; Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, Gryffindor and Slytherin and the virtues of each house they started. It also admonished the students and faculty alike to foster cooperation between the houses. Unity was of more importance in these dark days than divisiveness.
Tessa glanced at Professor Flitwick who raised his eyebrows at her then she turned her attention back to Professor MacGonagall as she stepped forward to read the first name from the list of new students. She watched with interest, her head perched on her hands, as each student was called up to sit on the stool and the hat placed on their head. She tried to hide her amusement at the look of terror on nearly every face as they moved from the safety of the group to the isolation of the stool.
Each time a student was placed in Ravenclaw, Professor Flitwick jumped excitedly in his seat. Finally the last student was placed and Professor MacGonagall removed the Sorting Hat and the stool from the room. When the applause subsided, Professor Dumbledore rose to address the students.
"There are times for speeches. Thankfully, this is not one of them. Tuck in."
Immediately every table was laden with platters full of delicious food. At her side Professor Flitwick clapped his hands merrily and nearly danced in his seat as he surveyed the feast before him. He helped himself liberally to each dish that was set before them. Professor MacGonagall came back into the hall and sat in the empty seat at Tessa's right, taking her place at Professor Dumbledore's side. She greeted Tessa.
"Welcome Professor Phalen. We are glad to have you with us."
"Thank you, Professor. It is truly an honor to be here."
She smiled, "Well, enough of these formalities. Shall we start eating, professor?"
"Of course, and please call me Tessa. I am not used to the title quite yet." She chuckled and handed a basket full of rolls to Professor MacGonagall. The meal progressed as everyone indulged liberally. Tessa felt stuffed before the table was once more filled, this time with desserts. She was going to pass on this course but Professor Flitwick intervened.
"Oh, Tessa, you must try the Treacle Tart. It is exceptional."
"Thank you, but I think I've eaten far too much already."
"Now, now, my dear, we don't get a feast like this every meal. We must take advantage of our opportunities when they are presented, you know."
She laughed and accepted the proffered treat.
When the plates had been cleared and the chatter in the hall resumed, Dumbledore once again rose to address the students and teachers. "Welcome all new and returning students to another year at Hogwart's. We have just a few announcements. The Forbidden Forest is off limits, as always, to all students. Mr. Filch has informed me that he has updated his list of items that are not allowed bringing the total to 537. A complete list of these can be found hanging outside of his office if anyone is interested in viewing them."
He paused as a short burst of snickers traveled the hall. Tessa saw a twinkle in his eye at the sound. He continued, "I am pleased now to introduce you to a new staff member who has joined us this year. Professor Phalen will be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
Tessa looked out at the students and nodded her head. A smile crept across her face as a small bit of applause began at this announcement. She looked over at the Gryffindor table to find Hermione, Ginny, Harry and Ron all clapping enthusiastically. She chanced a glance at the Slytherin table and found Malfoy and his two cronies scowling at her and at the Gryffindor table as well.
When the brief applause subsided, Dumbledore dismissed the students. "With that, I wish you a good evening and a pleasant sleep."
The students began filtering out of the Great Hall to their various houses. Several of the teachers shook her hand in welcome before they bid her good night and went off to their separate quarters. Dumbledore had been speaking with Professor Snape before he turned to Tessa and bid her a good night.
"Tessa, I have left a copy of your schedule on the desk in your office for you. I have asked Professor Snape to show you to your quarters. I would do so myself but I find that there is an issue I must attend to." He grasped both of Tessa's hands, a smile twinkling in his eyes, "Goodnight, my dear, I will see you in the morning." And with that he left the hall.
Tessa looked over to Snape who was clearly not pleased with the duty set before him. He stood stolidly before her and said, "If you will follow me, Professor." The last word said with an unconcealed sneer.
She followed Snape out of the hall and up the marble staircase. She took care to note the stair to hop over on the way up and tried to make a mental map of the castle but found it increasingly difficult as staircases moved around her. Snape led her up past the first floor where her classroom was located to the second floor directly above where her office and quarters were at the end of the hallway.
"Here you are. I trust you will no longer need my assistance." He turned to leave but Tessa stopped him.
"Thank you, Severus," she hesitated. "Look, I realize that we have not gotten along very well before, but since we are going to be working at Hogwart's together, I would like to try to have a civil working relationship even if we can't manage friendly."
He regarded her coldly for a moment. She knew he was trying to measure her sincerity and she decided to just wait him out. Finally he said, "Professor Phalen, I believe I have been as civil towards you as I can be. As for working together, I shall endeavor to keep those times when we must have contact with one another to an absolute minimum." He turned abruptly and stalked off down the staircase once more.
Tessa stood outside her chamber for a moment watching him go then shook her head and rolled her eyes. She wondered if he was always that dramatic. "Well, I tried," she thought. She turned to her door and opened it to find a bright fire lit in the fireplace on the east wall. She surveyed her room and found her things already hung in the wardrobe in the far corner or placed neatly in the chest of drawers between the windows opposite her.
She smiled and walked over to look out the windows. She could see the Lake dimly lit in the waning moonlight. She removed her dress robe and hung it with her other things in the corner wardrobe and moved to one of the west windows where she could see the dark Forbidden Forest. A hut near its edge showed a cheery light coming from inside. Her room was lit by a few candles which cast interesting shadows on her bed. The bed itself was a nicely carved four-poster piled high with quilts. She thought it a bit warm for so many covers but trusted the elves would know better about the drafts that the castle might have in the cold of the night.
Too nervous to sleep, Tessa moved to the door next to the fireplace and opened it to find her office. A fire was burning on this side of the wall as well. Her belongings here were also placed neatly around the room. She noticed that the bookshelves contained not only her books but other, highly useful spell books and Defense texts that she had heard of and some she had never seen before. She smiled and ran her hand along the volumes, excited to have new reference books at her disposal.
Her desk on the north wall seemed very imposing, dark and roughly carved. Perhaps it was a trick of the candlelight but some of the reliefs seemed to be of faces watching her. She would take a closer look in the daylight and decide then if she wanted to exchange it. On the desk were her class notes and the schedule Albus mentioned. On top of these was a box wrapped in brightly colored paper and tied with a ribbon.
Tessa carefully opened the wrapping and then the box to reveal a framed photograph. She smiled as she saw a teenage version of herself standing next to her Grandmother, Grandfather and their friend, Albus Dumbledore. The adults were all facing the camera and smiling while she, a thirteen- year old, was busy looking around, not paying much attention. She recognized that the place the picture was taken; outside Florence Fortesque's Ice Cream Parlor in Diagon Alley. As she placed the picture on her desk she noticed that the slightly younger Dumbledore was winking at her. She smiled and thought it a wonderful welcome present.
She sat down at her desk, feeling a bit dwarfed by it and took up the schedule to see what she needed to prepare for tomorrow. "Yipes!" she exclaimed as she looked at her schedule. She hadn't thought about the number of classes she would actually be teaching. But now looking at it inked in, she wondered if she would be up to it. Two sections of each class twice a week and some of those sections were double length. She suddenly wished she had a teacher's assistant. "At least I have at least 2 breaks scheduled into my day," she thought.
She began to get her things together for her morning classes. She looked at the schedule again to double check. "Third years first thing, then a break and then first years and the other section of third years," she muttered to herself. "Ok, that's not too bad for a start. After lunch double period of 5th years, break then second years. A bit tougher, but still, they are the ones going to be doing the work, aren't they?"
Finished with her preparations she rose and realized that it had gotten very late. She waved a hand and the candles blew themselves out as she went into her chamber. She grabbed a nightshirt from a drawer, folded down the covers and climbed into her bed.
As she laid there deprived of preoccupations for the first time tonight she felt conspicuously alone. She wondered how she would sleep here in this new, strange place, missing Remus, wanting his comforting presence beside her. She turned on her side and faced the fire still burning in the fireplace watching the flames dance. She imagined Remus holding her. She closed her eyes and soon she was bathed in white light and she felt him beside her. She nestled in his arms and rested her head against his chest. A smile played across her lips as sleep overtook her.