Chapter 10

Sunlight gleamed off the polished gates of Hogwarts as they opened to allow her passage down the road to the tiny hamlet of Hogsmeade. Tessa could hardly contain her happiness at the prospect of seeing Remus. Her heart beat faster at the thought of merely holding his hand. She forced herself to take deep breaths as she walked, to slow her pace and to focus on the scenery she past. There were still several hours of waiting until they would meet at the Three Broomsticks. Plus, part of their agreement was to make this appear a chance meeting. They knew that it was in the best interest of the Order to keep associations between members secret. Even though Dumbledore did not forbid this meeting she knew better than to be obvious.

As she ambled down the path she got her first glimpse of Hogsmeade. Small gingerbread-like cottages with smoke curling out of the chimneys, crooked buildings with extra stories attached at strange angles, owls flying into and out of town intermittently, it was a place sizzling with magic in every crevice and Tessa loved it. She took her time walking through the town, getting the feel of it before she began investigating the shops.

The first shop she visited was Scrivenshaft's to peruse quills, parchment, journals and other writing supplies. She noted that they did not carry any pens, standard or magical, of any variety, not even fountain pens. Not wanting to draw attention to herself today she decided not to inquire about this. Instead, she purchased a new quill. Not a very fancy one, just a solid, feather-won't-get-in-my-way kind of quill. She also got a new set of stationary and her own Owl post tube which had a seal enchantment feature.

Next, she browsed in Gladrags for a bit. She passed a deep rust-colored robe with green and bronze trim several times. She ran her hand over the rich material and enjoyed the feel of it under her fingers. Even though she didn't need a dress robe since she had already purchased one less than 2 months ago, she decided it wouldn't hurt to try it on. It lay lightly on her shoulders which was a pleasant surprise and the fabric moved about her like water. Reluctantly she handed it back to the shopkeeper.

She chose instead a simpler robe of similar design and color that would do for everyday. She put it on and modeled it in the mirror. The material of the robe was also light and moved freely when she turned. This robe was sleeveless, allowing for more freedom of movement. She considered her reflection for a moment and decided that she liked this robe even better as it gave the impression of a medieval cote instead of a wizard's robe. Her purchase made, she left the store looking forward to the next shop and the next.

When four o'clock finally chimed on the village clock, Tessa laden with packages, stood at the door of the Three Broomsticks. She calmed her breathing as she reached for the doorknob trying to remember that this was supposed to be a chance meeting. She found it hard to put on her stoic 'Auror' face when an excited smile wanted to spread across her lips.

She opened the door and walked into the hallway outside the bar. It took a few moments for her eyes to adjust to the dim light inside. She saw a set of steps that led up to the rooms above and a doorway that led to the bar. Shifting her parcels Tessa walked through the door. She looked around and saw a few people scattered at the tables and booths. She turned to the bar and saw an attractive older woman behind it and two men seated with several seats between them.

Her heart leaped. Remus sat at the bar towards the far end. Though he had turned to see who had entered, he now sat with his back turned to her but regarding her in the mirror that hung behind the bar.

Tessa stopped at the bar and leaned against it, glancing at the woman, then the other man at the bar and then to Remus. He didn't return her gaze.

"Welcome to the Three Broomsticks. What can I get for you?" said the woman behind the bar.

With difficulty Tessa removed her eyes from Remus and looked at Madame Rosmerta. "Um, I'll have a butterbeer and," Tessa looked around and saw that others were eating as well, "a menu, if that's all right."

"Of course. Are you going to have a seat at the bar or at a table?"

Tessa's eyes darted over to Remus for a second then back to Rosmerta, "I'll find a table." With that Tessa turned and carried her packages to a corner booth away from the other patrons. From this vantage point she could see Remus very well as he sat at the bar, not drinking his drink.

Madame Rosmerta had been a proprietor of a bar for many years. She knew Remus Lupin very well. She noticed his constant regard of this woman who had just entered. She had never seen him take any interest in women at the bar when he came to visit, which was very infrequent these days. He kept to himself or met with acquaintances, that's all.

She reached below the bar for a menu, grabbed a butterbeer and a glass, then took them to the booth where the woman had seated herself. She noticed that the woman was also watching Remus. When Rosmerta got closer she saw that the woman lowered her gaze to hide the fact that she had been staring.

"Here you are. Take your time." She said. Playing the part of jovial barkeeper expertly, she continued as she poured the drink, "I haven't seen you in here before. I'm Madame Rosmerta. I own the place."

"It's a pleasure to meet you. Professor Flitwick told me to stop in and say 'Hello'. My name is Tessa. Tessa Phalen. I'm a new teacher at Hogwart's." Tessa offered her hand and Rosmerta took it.

"Oh, you're the new teacher. He had mentioned that there was a new one. Nice to meet you. That's interesting." She said and turned to look at Remus. Tessa looked at him as well. Rosmerta turned back to Tessa and Tessa to her.

"I'm sorry? What's interesting?" Tessa asked, a study of innocent inquiry.

"There's a former teacher from Hogwart's here. And I believe you and he taught the same subject."

Tessa smiled, "Really? Who is he?"

Rosmerta noticed the sparkle in her eyes as Tessa looked over at Remus. She hesitated for a moment, wondering what reaction this stranger was going to have since his secret was no longer a secret. "That's Remus Lupin."

Tessa looked up at her questioningly and then a look of recognition crossed Tessa's face and she turned toward Remus again. Tessa smiled and said, "It's funny, no one mentioned that he was attractive when they told me about him."

Rosmerta smiled. Tessa thought that she must have passed whatever test Madam Rosmerta was giving her. "He seems a bit, um, shy." She looked down at her hands, "Could you, ah, get him another drink on me," she looked up at Rosmerta, "You know, one teacher to another?"

"Of course," she said and went to the bar.

She poured another glass of Ogdin's Best for Remus and placed it in front of him. He looked up quizzically at her. Tessa saw Rosmerta lean in to Remus and say something then gestured to where Tessa was sitting. Remus turned around and looked at her directly for the first time. She lifted her bottle of butterbeer to him and smiled. He nodded his head in thanks, his face still looking a bit confused.

He turned away from her but didn't move. Rosmerta looked perturbed and spoke to him again. He appeared to acquiesce to her urgings and got up from the bar and made his way over to Tessa, it seemed, reluctantly.

"Ah, thanks for the drink," he said and turned slightly to look at Rosmerta who nodded her encouragement.

"My pleasure," Tessa said and offered her hand. "I'm Tessa Phalen. I'm the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwart's."

"Remus Lupin," he said and took her hand tentatively. The warmth of his hand in hers made the color rise in her cheeks. She removed her hand quickly. The jolt when their hands touched almost caused her to drop the whole charade they were engaged in.

He stood looking at her and only she could see the fire in his eyes. She forced herself to speak casually, "I'd be pleased if you would join me."

Remus turned to Rosmerta who again nodded to him. He slid into the booth opposite Tessa and said, "Thanks." Madam Rosmerta smiled and busied herself at the bar leaving them to converse mostly unobserved.

Tessa smiled at Remus and said in a lowered tone of voice, "Who knew you were such a good actor. I almost thought you really didn't want to sit with me."

He looked at her with the same fire in his eyes as before, "Did you really? I thought I might have acquiesced too easily myself." He smiled then for the first time and the dim room seemed to brighten. He teased, "I see you've been shopping. And I thought you made this trip just to see me."

"I did. I was bouncing off the walls at Hogwart's and needed an activity to keep me occupied until we met. And if you are not nice, I won't give you the present I bought for you."

"Well, we can't have that, can we? I promise to be nice to you. When can I start," he said and leered at her then laughed as she looked around to see if anyone heard.

When she was sure his comments were not overheard and that hers wouldn't be as well. She chuckled, "Remus, I can think of many ways you can be nice to me, but let's not give ourselves away too soon, shall we."

He looked distinctly hurt. "I would never jeopardize our little clandestine meeting. But notice that I am facing away from any casual observers and you are not." She heard the playful threat in his words.

She narrowed her eyes at him, "You wouldn't." It was half question, half plea.

He sipped his drink looking at her over it's lip taking a few moments to reply. "No, I suppose I wouldn't. At least, not yet." He relaxed back into his seat, his hand hovering over his glass.

She noticed it for the first time. "Firewhiskey?" she asked. "That's a bit strong for this time of day, isn't it?"

"Probably." He changed the subject, "You look wonderful." Tessa smiled and he continued, "I've never seen anyone look so beautiful in my life."

"Oh, Remus," Tessa leaned forward and started to reach her hand across the table but stopped herself. She sat back and took a sip of her Butterbeer. "This is going to be more difficult than I thought," she said as she looked around the bar. She noticed Madam Rosmerta stealing surreptitious glances at the two of them. She saw Tessa looking in her direction and thought it meant that they were ready to order.

"Oh, shoot. She's coming over to take my order." She opened the menu that lay untouched next to her. "What's good here?"

"I'd suggest the Fried Special or the Shepherd's Pie," he said.

Madam Rosmerta came up along side them. "Are you ready to order then?"

"I'll think I'll have the Fried Special," Tessa said, "And a pot of tea, please." She looked at Remus and said, "I'd be very pleased if you'd join me."

"Oh," he said and looked down at the table, "That would be fine." Rather than looking at her face, Remus stared at Rosmerta's hands as if embarrassed and said, "I'll have the Shepherd's Pie."

She looked at his glass and said pointedly, "Would you be wanting tea as well?" Remus nodded and she left the table and went into the kitchen.

"Well, that should get her out of the way for a few minutes anyway," he said.

Tessa smiled and looked passed him to see that the few patrons who were still in the bar were otherwise occupied. She reached across the table and took his hand in hers. He lifted her fingers to his lips and kissed them gently causing a shiver to race its way up her spine. He squeezed her hand and then released it.

She sat in silence for a few moments considering what they were going to do next. She wondered if this meeting wasn't a little ill conceived after all. She was about to speak when Remus did instead.

"So, how are we going to sneak you up to my room later?"

Tessa opened and closed her mouth a few times, confused and finally asked, "What?"

He looked at her, a wry smile playing across his lips, "I have a room upstairs for the night. How are we going to sneak you up there?"

Tessa's face broke into a wide smile contemplating spending an evening alone with Remus. She glanced at the ceiling, thinking of the rooms above then looked at Remus' amused face.

"I can see that you are pleased with my foresight in this matter," he said.

She couldn't answer him because Madam Rosmerta was approaching their table followed by a tray of food. She served them each their dinners then went to station herself behind the bar.

Tessa spoke seriously to him as they enjoyed their meals. "Do you think we'll really be able to…" she began but stopped quickly when someone walked near their table. When the person was gone she looked at him then up at the ceiling.

"What?" he asked. He looked at the ceiling with an exaggerated innocence pretending to look for what was so interesting on the ceiling.

She narrowed her eyes and gave him a look that would have made Molly proud. "Sorry, sorry," he said with an almost sincere look of contrition.

"Remember Tessa, where there's a will, there's a way."

She look at him askance, "You've already figured out a way, haven't you?"

"Of course. Stealth and secrecy were my best subjects at school, didn't you know? I'm sure I must have told you a little bit about my school days."

"No, not really," she said and noted that his eyes were at once happy and sad remembering days at Hogwart's. "You were at school with Sirius and Harry's father weren't you?"

He nodded but didn't answer further. "Well," she said brightly, "What plan have you come up with then?"

He reached his hand into his cloak and handed her a folded piece of paper. "Take it but don't read it until you leave. Take your packages to the Owl post and send them on to Hogwart's then read and follow the instructions."

She took the paper and chuckled. "My, how 'James Bond.'" He looked at her quizzically and she said, "Nevermind."

They sat and talked while the hours ticked by. Madam Rosmerta watched them as they ate and talked and laughed together. She noticed the spark that existed between them; saw how they inched closer to one and other the longer they talked. She saw them trying to appear casual when they desperately wanted to touch each other.

At first their act had fooled her but the more she watched them she could see what was truly between them. She had years of experience observing people as the owner of the Three Broomsticks. She had learned to read people's faces; and most people tended to forget that she was around as she went almost invisibly about her duties around them.

She wouldn't let on that she knew, of course; part of being in the bar business was knowing when to be discreet. She wondered briefly why they felt the need to pretend but considered it none of her business. She was just pleased that Remus seemed happy for the first time in years.

Tessa left the bar close to 9:00 o'clock. She shook hands with Remus and bade Madam Rosmerta farewell and thanked her for her hospitality.

Remus sat down at the bar and kept to himself, as was his habit. About half an hour later he disappeared up the stairs to his room leaving a smiling Madam Rosmerta at the bar.

Tessa followed her instructions faithfully having sent her packages on to Hogwart's first. She found a hidden entrance to a tunnel near the train station as Remus directed her. She followed the shallow staircase down into the tunnel which led her under Hogsmeade. The tunnel had many outlets but Remus' directions were very detailed and soon she found a short offshoot that led to a ladder and trapdoor.

She climbed up the ladder and through the trapdoor. It creaked ominously when she opened it and her stomach lurched fearing that it would alert someone to her presence. Then she found that she was alone in what appeared to be a linen closet. She chuckled to herself when she thought of how she would explain herself if found in this situation.

Slowly she opened the door and saw a long empty corridor lit dimly by flickering wall sconces. She stepped into the hallway and looked at her note. Remus' room was number 11. She found the room three doors down. Pausing for a moment outside his door she looked both ways down the hallway then knocked softly.

As if he were standing on the other side waiting for her knock, the door swung immediately open revealing Remus smiling broadly. She didn't have time to register anything about the room or what he was wearing or even to say anything clever because Remus grabbed her roughly around the waist, picked her up and brought her into the room pressing her lips in a passionate kiss.

Desire carried them to his bed, she couldn't remember any conscious thought involved in her actions as passion and desire consumed them both. She felt his soft lips on her warm skin, his strong hands caressing her body eliciting sighs of pleasure and the weight of him above her.

Later, their passion spent, they lay holding each other content and happy. Tessa sighed in Remus' arms and smiled enjoying the afterglow of their lovemaking. Remus gently stroked her hair and she nestled closer to him.

"Tessa, I, er," he faltered and then tried again, "How long, do you think…" again he paused. She reluctantly moved back and propped herself on one arm to look into his face to decipher what he was trying to say. He looked conflicted, torn between wanting to ask her something and not wanting to ask at the same time.

She saw the question in his eyes and inexplicably understood. "I don't have to leave until just before dawn. We have all night, Love. In fact, you may have to toss me out before I'll go."

He chuckled at this. "I don't think you'll have to worry about me chucking you out the door. In fact, you may have to cast a temporary immobility charm on me to escape."

Tessa grinned slyly, "An immobility charm? I'll keep that in mind. It may have, ah, other uses as well."

Remus looked shocked, "My, my, what have I gotten myself into?"

Tessa kissed him gently on his lips then said as she continued to trail kisses down his neck, chest and abdomen, "An amazing…night…filled with intense…passionate…tender…fiery…torrid…gentle… and fervent…lovemaking."

By the time she had traced her way down his body and placed one more butterfly soft kiss just below his bellybutton his breathing was ragged and heavy. He looked down at her sparkling eyes and all he could say in a very soft husky voice was "Oh."