Becoming Familiar with a Man of Misery

Chapter 81 ~ Oh, Waiter!

Isadora looked in her wardrobe, trying to decide what to wear tonight. Most of her clothing was black, white or shades of gray, though she did have some colored outfits. She decided on a simple black dress that flattered her figure. It fell to just above her knees. She chose a pair of lacy black knickers and a black bra. Naked, she walked into the bathroom, tucked her hair into a shower cap and took a nice, hot shower. As Isadora stood under the steaming stream, her thoughts turned to Remus.

She had no idea what she was going to say to the werewolf. But she needed to convince him to come back and work, and to not stop trying to achieve a better life for himself because he was afraid of something happening between them. Isadora wanted the wizard to understand that she didn’t perceive him as someone to be shunned. He was intelligent, kind, compassionate and gentle, and she found that compelling. She wanted him to believe he was worthy of whatever opportunity that fell within his reach. Isadora knew what it was to feel alone and without recourse. She knew what it was like to feel so beaten down you didn’t want to draw another breath. She also knew that life could get better.

Isadora had cried for a month when she arrived in Naples. She was estranged from her son, didn’t know the language and had no friends. But when she decided to stop feeling sorry for herself and to do the best she could with what she had, the darkness that covered her life slowly began to clear. The witch sincerely believed if Remus would just apply himself the quality of his life would improve, despite his malady. Even if no cure were found, he could live a better life.

Isadora knew that the werewolf was more than capable of becoming a success. He was learning much faster than she did. The only thing holding him back was his outlook.

How would she convince him? Should she try to approach him like she would her own son? No. That wouldn’t work. Despite their age difference, it was impossible for her to look upon the wizard as a son. After all those dreams, she felt far from motherly towards him. And from what he had revealed to her before he left her flat, he certainly didn’t look upon her as a mother figure.

Then Isadora went over what Hermione had told her about the wizard and one witch’s experience with him. If it weren’t for her dreams, she would find it hard to believe that Remus could be so demanding sexually because of his gentle demeanor. He seemed more like the kind of man who would be submissive in the bedroom, sweet and willing to please. The kind that would require instruction. The truth about the werewolf only proved how deceptive outward appearances could be.

Hermione said the unfortunate witch had pursued him, and he had turned her away numerous times. Obviously he had known what would happen. He must have gone through it before with other witches. Isadora didn’t wonder that Remus wanted to distance himself from her. His malady, combined with his sexual ferocity made him feel that he couldn’t pursue a relationship with anyone. So his dreams and attraction for her were torturing him. It was like dangling something he wanted badly but couldn’t have in his face every time she was near him. Working alongside her just added more fuel to his fire

And herself. Gods. She was under no illusions as to why her dreams about him aroused her. Night after night her soaked knickers proved she still had that same darkness inside her that Darius used to draw out and sate before he turned into such an abusive man. Remus Lupin being an animal in bed didn’t repel her. It attracted her.

Isadora and her daughter-in-law had something else in common other than Severus. They both had masochistic natures. Neither witch was truly submissive, but they loved sexually dominating men. Men who would fuck them till they ached and could barely walk. Hermione had the wizard she desired, in all his snarky glory. But Isadora had yet to find her wizard. Her needs were somewhat different than her daughter-in-law’s. Severus was sexually aggressive, and Hermione loved him that way.

Isadora was turned off by sexually aggressive men, most likely because Darius had been one. She had dealt with quite a few of them in Naples, though the one wizard she had indulged herself with was much like Remus in that he was a quiet, unobtrusive and gentle man. If he could have satisfied her in the bedroom, most likely she would have had an ongoing relationship with him. But his gentle nature carried over and he was unable to give Isadora what her body craved.

Isadora had a bit of a Queen Bee complex now. She was used to running her life and she would be happiest running her mate’s life as well. Like her son, Isadora was controlling, though that aspect of her never really had a chance to shine when she was with Darius. It was only after she had re-established her life, that her true nature revealed itself. Isadora was a Slytherin after all, but female…so she was much more subtle in her manipulations.

Isadora needed a wizard who had no problem being supportive and letting her run things. A wizard who was easy-going and willing to be her drone. A man who was gentle in the hive, but an animal in the Queen’s private chambers. Unfortunately for Isadora, the wizard who fit that description was Remus, and Remus was a runner.

Well, she had him cornered for the night at least.

Isadora sighed, turned off the hot water and after a moment or two stood shivering under the frigid spray. When she went to the Three Broomsticks tonight, she would have to be cool, calm and in control or she wouldn’t be able to begin to handle this situation.

Isadora stepped out of the shower and toweled off. She looked at the bottles of scent on the shelves and decided against wearing any at all. Clean was just as sexy smelling as any perfume after all, though she did apply a deodorizing spell. She brushed her teeth, then slipped on her lacy black knickers, brassiere, little black dress and heels. Isadora then brushed out her hair until it fell down her back in a cascade of black silken waves. She applied a bit of lipstick and looked at herself in the mirror. Yes, understated but attractive. She wore no jewelry. Not even earrings. Except for the lipstick, she was going before the werewolf au natural.

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“I’m doing what, Rosmerta?” Remus asked the innkeeper, his eyebrows raised in surprise and dismay.

“You are going to be the waiter for a private reservation for the night. You will stay in the room, take orders, bring food, wine, be attentive and do whatever the patron asks until the dining experience is over. I believe you will get an excellent tip for your service,” Rosmerta said as she shuffled through the wardrobe for a white shirt and vest for the werewolf.

“But Rosmerta, I have no experience in this kind of thing,” Remus protested.

“It’s busing a table for one, Remus. You’ve done all of this before. All you have to do is be polite and attentive. I don’t expect to see you in the inn proper unless you are bringing our guest dishes or removing them. I want to keep this patron coming back and I have a feeling whether she does or not will depend on how you treat her,” Rosmerta said, holding a white shirt up against him speculatively then tossing it over her forearm. She retrieved a black vest and a pair of black trousers. She handed them to the werewolf.

“Go put those on,” Rosmerta ordered.

Remus opened his mouth to say something, then decided against it. Obediently he walked into the bathroom and changed his clothes. There was a little bowtie with elastic around it. He slipped it over his head and the band under his collar. The wizard looked at himself in the mirror. Dressed in the crisp white shirt, vest and bowtie, he didn’t look too bad at all. He made the snooty face of a high-end maitre d’, imagining himself in a posh restaurant, turning patrons away at the door, then smirked.

Remus wondered about the patron. Rosmerta had said ‘she’ so he knew it was a woman he’d be attending tonight. Most likely she wouldn’t be dining alone. The werewolf straightened his bowtie. He really did look quite presentable. He bowed to himself in the mirror.

“Remus Lupin at your service, Madam,” he said, giving a cheesy, house elf-like smile.

That ought to work.

Remus washed his hands and left the bathroom to report to Rosmerta. If he had to be a private waiter tonight, he’d do his best to be accommodating.

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Isadora apparated into Hogsmeade. She wore a cute little hooded cloak, the hood drawn up. She quickly walked to the Three Broomsticks and entered. Although she was hooded, Rosmerta recognized her by her walk and her slender pale legs.

“Remus!” she called.

The werewolf had been in the servicing niche in front of the kitchen. He straightened his bowtie once more, then exited the area, walking toward Rosmerta and a hooded witch. Before he got within twenty feet of the witch, he slowed, catching her scent.

That was Isadora’s scent. Oh gods. She was the patron.

Remus fought back a scowl and managed to put the cheesy smile he had practiced back on. Rosmerta was watching him.

The wizard strode up to the innkeeper and the witch.

“Good evening,” he said, straining to sound relaxed and attentive. My name is Remus Lupin and I will be your private waiter during your dining experience tonight,” he said, speaking the lines Rosmerta gave him. “Please, let me take your cloak.”

Isadora lowered her hood and looked at him, her eyes full of mirth at his formality. Remus kept a straight face. He found nothing funny about this. He walked behind the witch and gently slipped the cloak off her shoulders, folding it over his arm. Merlin, she looked amazing in that black dress.

“Thank you,” Isadora said to him as he walked back around her.

“You are quite welcome. Now, if you would, please follow me to the private dining room, Mrs. Snape,” he said gesturing to a small door and leading the way. Isadora followed him.

Rosmerta’s eyebrows rose. So he did know the witch. But he was acting professionally. As long as he continued to do that, he would be fine.

Remus opened the door for Isadora, who stepped through. He noticed she wore no perfume as she passed, but he found the witch’s natural scent alluring, though he did detect soap.

The room contained a small intimate table set for two with fine china and gold utensils. Several candles in holders served as the centerpiece. Two upholstered chairs were flush to the table, and the entire room was paneled in rich, gleaming wood paneling, with lush deep-pile green carpet and a black marble fireplace. A small, ornate settee rested against the far wall. Soft classical music played. Isadora was unable to locate the source of it. A tall coat rack stood in the corner. Remus hung her cloak and pulled out her chair.

“Thank you,” Isadora said, taking a seat as Remus slid her chair in then stood next to the table attentively.

“Would Madam like to see the wine list before she orders her appetizer?” he asked her rather formally and coldly.

“Remus, don’t call me Madam. Call me Isadora,” she said with a bit of irritation.

“As you wish, Madam,” Remus replied.

Isadora scowled at him. He was being purposely difficult.

“You don’t want me to complain about your service do you?” she asked him darkly. Isadora was not beyond using blackmail. Another similarity to her son.

Remus looked at her.

“No, Isadora I don’t,” he replied.

If she complained he might lose his job. Isadora really had him by the balls. He began to see where Snape got his controlling ways. But Remus didn’t mind relinquishing control. He had done it all his life.

“Good. Continue to call me Isadora,” she said.

“Yes, Isadora,” he replied genteelly.

She frowned at him.

“And don’t be so damned subservient,” she said, looking irritated.

Remus sighed.

“I’m your waiter, Isadora. I’m supposed to be subservient…ready to jump at your every command.”

Isadora purposely gave him a rather hot-eyed look. Her son had nothing on her in that department either.

“Are you really?” she purred, “My every command, Remus? I find that quite interesting.”

The werewolf looked distinctly uncomfortable.

“Every command within reason, Isadora,” he amended, then added, “Rosmerta is going to wonder why I have not gone for the wine list and menu yet. She’s going to think I am being lax in my duties.”

Isadora sighed. Already he was running. But after she ordered her wine and food, he would be forced to stay here and listen to her.

“Very well Remus. Go and get the tools of your trade,” she said rather snarkily.

“Thank you,” he responded, exiting the room and closing the door behind him.

Isadora kicked off her shoes and relaxed, slumping in the plush chair a little. She felt rather wicked. Remus had looked quite nice in his waiter uniform. He would cut a fine figure in a tailored suit. Maybe she would manage to get him in one. First he’d have to make enough money to buy one. He’d never let her purchase one for him.

She remembered meeting the wizard at a coffee shop to show him where her flat was in muggle London for the first time. She was drinking coffee and eating a doughnut when he arrived, and offered to buy him the same. He turned it down, though she could clearly see he needed to eat something. She managed to practically shove a sandwich down his throat at her flat, but if he wouldn’t accept such a trivial thing as coffee and a doughnut from her, there was no way he’d accept a suit.

Isadora sighed.

Remus Lupin was a hard case…in more than one way.

She was going to soften him up.

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A/N: Ok. Isadora is at the Three Broomsticks and has Remus as her personal waiter. Her dark side is certainly starting to show…as is her naughty side. Poor Remus. How is he ever going to resist the witch? Severus certainly got his ways honest. Please review.

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The Burning Pen

Becoming Familiar with a Man of Misery
by Ruth Solomon

The story content is adult in nature and can contain graphic sex and violence. Those under the age of 18 are asked to leave this site immediately. You are not welcome here. The author is not responsible for those under-aged who view these works.

CHAPTER 82

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.
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