I can't escape myself -- September 1996

I stopped and turned, looking at Dean.  "If you don't want help, fine.  But don't destroy yourself, Dean," I said, snapping at him slightly.

I was surprised by Uncle Remus's tone.  I would do this for him -- just for today.  Get sober.  For now.  That sounded liek a plan. "I'm sorry," I said to him, feeling like scum.  I did not deserve his help, but here he was... giving it no matter what.  It was just how he was and I was grateful for him.

I had to give Dean another look to make sure he was not lying to me.  "Just... come have some tea," I said to him, wanting to let him sober up a little bit before he left my sight.

I nodded and let him usher me towards his office.  I hated the way I was treating my family... but I just needed to get away from it all.  And I was doing that the only way I knew how.  "That sounds great," I lied, but at least I was trying.

I made us each a cup of tea -- almost wishing mine had something stronger in it.  I looked at Dean.  "How are classes going?" I asked, wanting to not speak about his addiction problems.  And that was the first thing I could think of.

I shook my head.  "Not the best," I admitted to him honestly.  "Snape is the worst one, too."  It was part of the reason why I lost it today.

I chuckled and nodded.  "I can understand that.  He definitely has it in for you and everyone really," I said, trying to stay on Dean's good side.

I chuckled slightly.  "That's an understatement, Uncle Remus," I pointed out to him, taking a sip of the tea.  It really did taste rather good.

Dean definitely had a point there.  I laughed and added some sugar to my tea.  "Yes, you are right about that," I said to him lightly.  "I am glad to see you have a bit of humor back," I added.

I flashed a half smile at my uncle.  "Just for you," I said to him honestly.  I hardly ever cracked jokes anymore.

I sighed.  "I wish you'd do it for yourself, too," I said to him.  "But I won't pressure you to do anything more for now.  I'm grateful you're doing this."  And that was the truth.  At least I would help make sure he did nto torture himself too much.

At least Uncle Moony was being honest.  I sighed and looked away from him and around the office.  He had a few different things in there to contain dark magical creatures.  I noticed that he had acquired a hinkypunk.  "Second or third years?" I asked, wanting to get the topic off of me.

I chuckled and said, "They are for the third years.  That group of kids, though... driving me mental.  Though, not as badly as what you, will, and Harry did," I added.

I grinned at Uncle Remus and knew that it was probably living hell when we were that young -- hell, we were still a lot of trouble.  "I'm sure we still drive you mental, though, don't we?" I asked, knowing that talking like this was something I missed... but somthing I was not entirely sure I was able to do anymore.

I merely smirked at Dean and then take a sip of tea.  "You guys aren't that bad," I said to him.  I did not want to give him what he would consider a compliment.