Extra Mentoring -- Throughout the Years at Hogwarts

My first year of Hogwarts.  I was already not enjoying the way people were looking at me due to my father.  Another reason for me to loath being a Black.  I knew  I should not let it bother me... but I had issues with my dad in the first place.  our relationship was rocky at best.  I got along better wtih the Lupins than my own family all because I had doubt.  Doubt wasn't always a bad thing... it just meant tht I didn't believe everything I heard.  Which meant that I was a skeptic... not gullible.  DADA class just ended and I was excited for this class -- not just because Uncle REmus was teaching it -- I just coulnd't wait to learn some of the spells.  I had some break time before Transfiguration, so I figured I'd hang here if Uncle Remus had some time.  I let the rest of the class leave and I hung back.

I was getting things set up for the third years where I would show off some creatures for them.  Give them a preview of what was coming.  I didn't realize at first that someone stayed behind.  I looked over and saw that it was Dean.  I smiled at him.  "You can get my attention next time," I informed him.  "What's on your mind?" I  figured that was why he was lingering.  I knew what kids were saying about Dean and his father.  I had to deal with those whispers plus those about myself and Will even.  I knew it could wear on a person.

I shrugged.  I didn't mind just watching him.  "Nothing in particular," I answered, watching him set up.  "Need help?" I offered.  Anything to keep from having to listen to other students.  It was getting old... fast.

I utilized my helper and did not believe him.  I knew I could get it out of him if I just continued talking, though.  Dean trusted me.  "You don't want to hang out with any classmates?" I inquired.  Dean was a social butterfly like his father.  I knew he could easily make friends that woulnd't judge him so much.  I knew he and Harry got along wiht each other.

I shrugged again.  I wasn't sure if Uncle Remus would totally understand.  He never judged me about anything before.  But only after a week or so of school?  He might not be so understanding.  I sighed when he kept giving me a look.  "I don't nkow what to believe about my dad -- as you know.  But I am so tired of everyone talking crap about him.  None of them have the right to do so.  I'm already close to doing something," I admitted, expecting Uncle Remus to scold me or somethhing.  I felt ashamed admitting something so early in my school career.

I felt bad for Dean.  I would love to see him kick ass -- because he could.  But I couldn't due to being a professor.  I couldn't promote that type of behavior.  I sighed.  "Why don't you try to focus your energy on something else?  Good grades..." I suggested to him.

I laughed.  "OK, I could do some mischief..." I added, as only a slight joke.  I saw teh smirk on Uncle Remus's face.

"I can't condone that," I warned.  Him saying that didn't surprise me due to the influences around him - me being one of them.  "Maybe get ahead on school work."  I needed to try to influence him in a correct manner of speaking.

I had a brilliant idea.  "Yeah!  You can tutor me!  Teach me all the good spells that you wouldn' tteach until later," I said, getting excited.  I could flaunt it to everyoen and they'd leave m ealone, that was for sure.

I wasn't really wanting to give myself more work though.  I tried to tutor other students who were struggling in general.  But I could give him something weekly or something.  I sighed.  "I suppose that could work.  I'd have to figure out a regiment.  I'd expect you to do all the extra work on time.  I won't take it easy on you," I informed him.  I could hvae a lot of fun with this actually.

Would I regret this?  He was getting a little nervous now.  "Okay... but if there's a lot of regular work, maybe a little slack or more time?" I suggested.  I did want to make sure regular work got completed.  At least well enough anyways.  I preferred DADA more than anything else.

I was glad to see him wanting to do more.  I just hoped it would work and I wasn't giving him more ammunition to want to go after the people bothering him.  "Make sure you don't use any of this against anyone," I added quickly.  I could see the wheels turning in his head.

He sure knew how to take out any of the fun.  I sighed and shrugged.  "I guess that's fair," I told him.  I figured I'd have to agree no matter what I felt was fair or not.  I got excited again, despite the rules.  "What will you start with, do you think?" I questioned.  I was really intrigued by this.

I sighed and subtly checked the time.  I knew McGonagall would not appreciate Dean being late on the first day of class.  "How about you get off to Transfiguration?  Every Monday night after dinner we'll do a lesson.  I'll teach you something new and then in coming eeks I'll do a quick check of the previous weeks lesson.  And we'll adjust as necessary."  I was glad that I could at least help Dean out.  I wondered what all I could teach him without him having more knowledge.  I was also happy that I could think of some sort of lesson plan on a whim.

I checked the time and realized he was right.  I sighed and set down what I was holding.  "Sounds good.. see you after dinner, Uncle Remus," I said, giving him a hug and ran off to get to class on time.