Lupin's head was still spinning with the kiss and the lingering effect of the wine when he heard Severus growl his name. "Can I help you, Severus?" he asked.
"I would like to speak with you privately. I believe your classroom is closest," said Severus shortly.
"Lead the way," said Remus as he made a flourish with his arm and rather unsteadily followed his colleague. "Now, what's so im-im-im…" He just couldn't find the word so settled for something simpler. "What can't wait 'til morning?"
A furious Snape spun on a rather disadvantaged Lupin. "Are you going to tell her?"
"Am I going to tell who what?" asked Remus.
"Don't play games with me," growled Severus.
"I'm not playing games with you. I've rather quite a bit to drink tonight and I'm afraid my mind's not very clear. You'll have to go more slowly if you want me to play along." He enunciated each word carefully, trying to sound less drunk than he was.
This sign of weakness only infuriated Severus more. "I know you spent the evening with Athena…"
"It was a marvelous evening," regaled Remus as he leaned back on a desk for support.
Severus was growing impatient. "Stop interrupting. I saw the two of you together. When are you going to tell her what you are?"
"Why is it important to you? It doesn't change who I am." Remus finally connected two ideas and moved closer to Severus wagging his finger at the Potions Master. "And why do you even care? I don't think you've said four words to her since she got here. Are you jealous? Do you secretly desire her?"
Severus ignored the last comment. "Irrelevant. Your kind is dangerous and I won't see you do anything that would hurt her." And I want you to be miserable to pay for all the misery you inflicted on me, he added silently.
"Well, thanks to you, old chap, I won't be hurting anyone. Do you really hate me that much that you can't stand the sight of me happy?" They stared at each other in silence for several long seconds. "If you will forgive me, I think I should get to bed. The room just won't stand still."
"If you don't tell her, I will," Severus called out to Remus' retreating back.
Remus turned around and nearly fell over one of the desks before he could catch his balance. "But that would mean you would have to talk to her. This has no hope of being a serious relationship and we both know that. If you tell her, I will have had at least one pleasant night. Good night, Severus." Remus caromed off the furniture as he made his way to the door.
Severus crossed his arms and scowled. Why was he trying to protect her? Why should he care if she dated a werewolf? It wasn't any of his business. And he most certainly was not jealous, as Lupin had suggested. No, he just wanted Remus to continue his miserable existence. Didn't he?
Over the course of the next week, it seemed that the scowl would become permanently etched on Severus' face. He found he could no longer spend time in the staff room. Whenever Athena and Remus were there, the two of them would sit together and act worse than any of the students at Madam Puddifoot's. It was truly revolting. The rest of the staff acted as though it was the most wonderful thing they had seen. Every time he saw them, he wanted to stand up and shout that Lupin was a werewolf. Somehow he refrained. At least she was no longer trying to engage him in frivolous small talk about potions. He didn't have time to waste with novices. It was bad enough that most of his students were incompetent.
Well, she would get a surprise soon enough. Oh, yes, her dear Remus would transform with the next full moon in a little over a week. An evil smirk crossed his face at the idea of her finding out that Remus was one of the most reviled of humans. That would put a damper in their happiness.
Athena stopped by Remus' classroom after he finished his last class on Friday. "Are you ready for this evening?" she asked.
"Yes, six o'clock, right?" he asked as he packed up his notes.
She pulled out her wand and waved the door closed. She then wrapped her arms around his shoulders and whispered, "I can't wait to see you then."
"Neither can I." He kissed her softly and wrapped his arms around her waist.
She ran her finger slowly down his nose, lips and finally his chin. "I have selected an excellent wine for this evening. I hope you don't think it too presumptuous that I've ordered the meal ahead of time. I even got Madam Rosmerta to agree to give us a private dining room, somewhere away from the dementors," she said playfully as she continued to trail her finger along his neck and chest.
"You didn't need to go through so much trouble for me, though it will be nice not to have the dementors disturbing dinner," he replied.
"It wasn't any trouble. How many romantic dinners do I get around here? Besides, I needed to order the wine ahead of time so it could breathe. It's a very, very good wine," she said seductively. Her hands had trailed down his body and had now taken tight hold of his buttocks.
He wasn't used to a relationship moving this quickly, or in such a public place. "Athena, we are still at school…" He wished they were somewhere private rather than his classroom.
She kissed him again, more passionately this time, and shoved him against the desk. "I know. It's exhilarating, isn't it?" she purred. She pulled away and smoothed his robes. "I'll see you at six and I'll try not to be late this time."
Before she could get away, Remus pulled her tight for another kiss. "I'll wait for you if you are," he said after breaking away.
Remus had cleaned his plate and was swirling the wine in his glass, admiring the color. He felt guilty that he had so little to offer Athena. He knew that this wine had cost significantly more than the dinner. "This really is an excellent wine."
"I thought you would like it. It's one of my personal favorites. Californian, so I had to send home for it." She had kicked off her shoes and was gently rubbing the inside of his leg.
He tried to maintain his composure. "Ah…yes. They have nice wines in California?" He shifted in his seat. He most definitely was not used to a woman being this forward.
"Very nice." She watched him continue to squirm slightly as she admired him over the rim of her glass. "Something bothering you?" she asked mischievously.
He gripped the edge of the table as her foot brushed his thigh. "Do you have to do that?" he asked through gritted teeth.
"It looks like you are enjoying it." She smiled playfully.
"Believe me, I am." He was trying hard to breathe steadily. It had been a long time since he had felt this way, but it was all moving so fast. He closed his eyes and inhaled sharply as he felt her toes brush his balls.
Athena stopped as she looked at the rain that was sheeting across the window. "Oh, darn, look at the weather. It will make for a miserable walk back."
He used this time to try to regain his composure and got up and looked out the window. The sky was completely dark. "It doesn't look like it will end anytime soon."
She moved behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "We could get a room here and wait out the storm. Tomorrow's Saturday so there are no classes. No one expects us back until the Halloween Feast on Sunday. I imagine we could find something to entertain ourselves until then." She let her hand drift under his waistband.
That idea sounded very appealing. She was willing and he was having a hard time ignoring the fire in his groin, especially with her hand in his trousers. He pulled away as his sense of reason took control. It wouldn't be fair until she knew what he was. "That sounds nice, but perhaps we should wait."
"Wait for what? I can feel the electricity when we kiss. Why not act on it?" She reached up and kissed him deeply.
He returned the kiss momentarily and then pulled away. She was befuddling his mind. "This is all moving so fast. What if it doesn't work out?" I'm a werewolf, I have nothing to offer you except a lifetime of prejudice, he thought.
"Are you looking for a wife?" She waited for him to shake his head. "And I'm not looking for a husband. All I'm looking for is a good shag. Let me be your lover. It would make the school year much more enjoyable." She rubbed up against him.
He most definitely was not used to a woman reacting this way to him. "No. I can't." He turned his back on her. It wouldn't be fair for him to be with her until she knew what he was, and he wasn't sure he was ready to tell her yet. Of course, at that point she would no longer be interested in him.
Rejection was the last thing she expected. She reached out, but hesitated just shy of his shoulder. She suddenly had a very embarrassing thought, one she hadn't considered. "You…aren't a virgin, are you?" she asked tentatively.
"No, it's not that." He still kept his back to her, but bowed his head.
She longed to touch him, but felt that it wouldn't be appropriate. "Remus, I'm sorry if I came on too strong. It's just that when I feel this way, I feel I have to act on it. I thought you felt the same way. These last few weeks we've really connected."
"I know. I just want it to be special." He turned to face her and gently cupped her cheek in his hand.
She covered his hand with hers. "It will be. Haven't you ever given in to your animalistic passions before?"
Remus stiffened, pulled away from her and stormed out of the room, almost ripping the hook off the wall as he grabbed his cloak.
Athena had no idea what she had said to set him off, but she wouldn't let him get away without an explanation. She grabbed her cloak and ran after him, momentarily forgetting she was in her stocking feet until she stepped in the mud. If she went back for her shoes, he would get away. He was walking very quickly towards the castle. She ran to catch up to him and grabbed his arm to stop him. "Remus? What's wrong? What did I say?"
When he turned to look at her, she tried to identify the look on his face. If she didn't know better, she would say it was fear more than anger. "Remus, what's wrong?" she asked gently.
"I…just…Athena." He kissed her tenderly trying to think of what to say next. "You are a very special woman and I don't want to hurt you."
"How could you hurt me? We both admitted we aren't looking for a long-term relationship." She looked into his eyes and could see the torment.
"It's complicated. Very complicated. Perhaps it would be best to end this now."
"You don't mean that, do you?" she asked quietly.
He leaned his forehead down onto hers. "No. Not really. It's been a very long time since I have been with someone that makes me feel the way I do now." I never told her how I felt, and now she's gone.
"Then tell me what makes it so complicated. I want to understand you." She placed her hand on his cheek.
He suddenly realized they were standing in the pouring rain. Looking down, he saw that she wasn't wearing any shoes. "You're soaked and will catch your death of cold."
"Poppy's Pepper-Up Potion will fix me right up if I get sick." She was more interested in finding out why he was refusing her. All the signs had been there. She had thought he would be all over her by now.
"I wouldn't be a gentleman if I didn't take care of you. Besides, I think the dementors are becoming too interested in us. Come." He placed his arm around her shoulder and led her back towards the Three Broomsticks. "Madam Rosmerta, could we have the private dining room back?"
"I have a better idea," she said with a knowing smile on her lips. "I have an empty room where the two of you can dry off. I saw you coming back and there's a roaring fire going." She dangled a key off her index finger.
"Thank you," he said as he took the key and led Athena up the stairs. Once they were in the room, he took her cloak and hung it up. Looking around the room, he got the distinct impression the two women had been planned this. It was a very romantic setting and there were fresh flowers scenting the room. He led her over by the fire and they sat on the yeti rug in front of the warm flames. He felt an overwhelming desire to wrap his arms around her and she didn't resist. She wasn't speaking, giving him time to think. He brushed her hair gently, trying to arrange the wet strands neatly. "I want to tell you, but I don't want to burden you with it."
"Remus, I'm here for you. You need a friend, let me be that friend."
Even soaking wet he thought she was beautiful. "I'd like you to be that friend. I just can't tell you quite yet. I want to, but I'm not ready." He kissed her forehead, moving to her cheek and finally her lips. "I'm sorry I ran out on you earlier. Will you forgive me?" He continued showering her with kisses.
She nuzzled into him. "If you promise not to stop that," she whispered back to him.
"Did you plan this?" he waved his hand indicating the room.
"Would I do a thing like that?" she asked with mock innocence as she started undoing the buttons on the front of his robe.
"We should get you out of those wet clothes," he said softly as he began unbuttoning her robes. The frenzy of lust took over and they tore into each other's clothes and tripped over them on the way to the bed.
He kissed her passionately and caressed her smooth skin. He was finding it harder and harder to ignore his needs. "Athena, it's been a very long time. I'm afraid it will be over rather quickly," he whispered.
She touched him gently. "Then we'll have to do this more than once," she whispered back. "Take me, Remus," she demanded.
He started off gently, not wanting it to end too soon, but she grabbed onto his hips and encouraged him to be rougher. He acquiesced to her wishes, unable to control his own desires. As he had feared, it was over quickly. He knew that she had been left unsatisfied. He kissed her tenderly, hoping he would soon be able to please her. Thankfully, she was very sympathetic and waited in his arms until he was ready again.
Athena woke the next morning, feeling Remus' warm embrace. She rolled over to face him and snuggled up against him. He rolled onto his back, and she placed her head on his shoulder. It felt good to have his arms around her. "Good morning," she said cheerfully.
"It is indeed a good morning," he responded. The smell of lust was heavy in the room. That had been quite possibly the best night of his life. He kissed the top of her head. "Is this real?" he asked.
"Waking up in bed with a beautiful woman? Of course it's real."
He gave her a reassuring squeeze, just to make sure. "That's good."
She ran her fingers through the hair on his chest. "Thank you for last night."
"I should thank you."
She began kissing his chest. "We should stay here all weekend. Forget about school for a couple of days."
"I'd love to, but I have lessons to prepare for the upcoming week."
"You would rather spend the weekend on schoolwork than with me?" She tried to sound hurt.
"No, I wouldn't. I would much rather stay here with you, but I do have a job to do." He kissed her gently.
"I know." She snuggled against him. "Can you at least stay until dinner?"
"That, I can do. I assume you have arranged for room service?" he asked, having figured out this whole weekend had been planned.
"Of course."
"You are very devious." He leaned over to kiss her and show her how much he appreciated her.
"I'm not really devious. I just know what I want and will get it by whatever means necessary."
"Am I a prize to be won?" he asked playfully.
"The grand prize," she replied as she shoved him onto his back and straddled him. This time she would be in charge.
He groaned as she had his way with him. He had never been with a woman this dominating.
After they were both satisfied and once again lying in each other's arms, he said, "This is a most pleasurable way to spend the day."
"Very. Are you sure you want to go back tonight?"
He laughed softly. "I may not want to, but I think I have to. If I were to spend the entire weekend with you, I daresay I would be in no condition to teach class.
She punched him playfully. "Very funny."
"Besides, I have a grindylow coming tomorrow and I need to be there when it arrives," he added.
She teased, "Oh, I see how it is, some grindylow…"
He kissed her to keep her from saying anything more. "How about we explore that rather magnificent bathtub I saw?"
"Excellent idea," she replied.
After the Halloween Feast, Remus was heading toward the staff room. He was disappointed that he and Athena had not been able to sit together, but he had arrived at dinner quite late. She had left the table about five minutes before him. He was walking by a deserted classroom when someone grabbed his arm and pulled him into the classroom. Before he could react, he found Athena's mouth engulfing his. When she broke away she whispered, "I missed you today. Did you get your grindylow settled?"
"Uh, I did." He was finding it hard to think clearly.
"Perhaps you would like to come to my quarters for dessert?" she asked as she rubbed the front of his trousers.
"Are you always so forward?" he asked.
"Almost always. Does it bother you?"
He smiled back at her. "Not at all. Can you give me ten minutes?"
"I'll be waiting for you," she purred.
As she walked out of the classroom, one of the Gryffindors came running down the hallway looking for the Headmaster. They ran towards Gryffindor Tower, were joined by Severus and Minerva and found Albus surveying the torn painting of the Fat Lady.
After finding out that it was Sirius Black that had torn the painting, he turned to the professors. "Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, lead your houses to the Great Hall. Professor Bainbridge, have the other heads of house escort their students to the Great Hall. Professor Lupin, find the others and begin searching the castle."
As one of the younger professors, Athena took it upon herself to search the towers in the west wing. She hadn't fully appreciated the number of stairs in Hogwarts until this point. After finishing her search she found Albus. "Headmaster, there is no sign of him in the towers. And the only thing I saw moving about the grounds was Hagrid."
"Thank you, Athena. If you could check on the students and continue to patrol the castle, it would be appreciated."
She nodded. "Of course. I'll inform you if I find anything." She headed towards the Great Hall. She had the feeling that he wasn't expecting anyone to find anything.
On her way to the Great Hall, she passed Remus. He wrapped his arms around her, stopping her where she stood. "Have you found anything?"
"Nothing. And you?"
"Nothing either. I think it's safe to say that he made his escape. Thankfully, no one was hurt." He started nibbling at her neck.
She half-heartedly tried to push him away. "Remus, we're supposed to be protecting the students and Albus told me to check on them."
He pushed her against the wall and pressed himself against her. "I just came from the Great Hall. Everything is secure."
Admittedly, his presence was intoxicating, but she knew that they didn't have time for this. "Is it now?" she asked playfully. "As much as I'd like to continue this, I think we should wait until the search is completed."
"It's been four hours. I doubt he'd turn up now. Besides, it's a big castle, I doubt anyone would find us here."
She could feel his hand warm on her breast. How had he gotten her robes open? "Remus, now isn't the best time for this."
"Now it's you refusing me?" he teased.
She pulled him in for a kiss. "I'm not refusing you. I just think your timing leaves something to be desired." She pulled away and buttoned the front of her robes. "Later," she whispered as she walked away.
Severus heard whispers and his first thought was that Lupin was helping Black escape. He pressed up against the wall and moved silently towards the source of the noise. His black robes helping conceal him in the darkened hallway.
As he peered around the corner, he caught a flash of red hair. He continued watching to see with whom Athena had been talking. After about a minute, he saw Lupin move out of the shadows. So, the two of them thought their hormones were more important than the safety of the students. Or was he recruiting her to help him hide Black? Unfortunately, he couldn't prove that they had been doing anything together. He scowled as he followed Lupin at a discreet distance.
After five minutes, it seemed clear that he was not meeting back up with Athena and if he was helping Black, it had already happened. Severus continued his own patrols of the castle.
Around 3AM, Severus went about looking for the staff to let them know that the search had been completed. There was no sign of Sirius Black or how he had gotten into or out of the castle. Despite what Albus said, Severus still suspected Lupin. Of course, he had found that the Headmaster was once again choosing to ignore any advice he had on the subject.
He had already informed Filius and Pomona when he found Athena in the main corridor on the second floor. "The search has been completed. You are free to return to your quarters."
"So there was no sign of him?"
"None at all. Though I am not entirely surprised. If he could enter the castle undetected it stands to reason he could leave it the same way." A part of him wanted to chastise her for what he had seen earlier, but he was too tired to bring it up now.
The week following Halloween was one filled with secret trysts. Athena delighted in sneaking up on Remus. He began to wonder if she had found secret passages he didn't know existed because she seemed to come from nowhere and pull him into secluded alcoves.
Wednesday she had pulled him behind a statue of Wendelin the Weird while he was walking back toward his classroom and had just finished giving him a most passionate kiss. "Do you really have to go to that conference this weekend?" She rubbed up against him, trying to cloud his mind.
He longed to spend another passionate weekend alone with her, but knew it would not be this weekend. He laced his fingers into her hair. He was glad she wore it down. "I'm afraid I do, but I would much rather spend it with you."
"Is there any way I can come with you? You might have to suffer through boring meetings during the day, but surely I can make your nights more enjoyable." She played with the front of his robe.
He smiled at her. "Surely you would, but then I would be tempted to forget my meetings to be with you and I can't do that. I'll see you on Monday when I return." He hated lying to her, but since it was full moon, he would have to lock himself up for the weekend.
She was disappointed. "Well, I guess I'll find a way to survive."
He rubbed her back. "It's settled. We'll have dinner together on Monday, my quarters?" he asked. Then I think I will finally be ready to tell you my secret.
"Well, if you're going to be nice to me, I suppose I can let you go this weekend. Six o'clock, as usual?" she asked.
"Six o'clock it is. Now, if you don't let me go, I'll be late to class," he said.
"I can't stop education now, can I?" She gave him one last passionate kiss. "Monday, you owe me a nice romantic dinner."
He watched her leave and needed a few moments to compose himself before he headed to class.