Remus J. Lupin

In light of recent events at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I shall be returning to the school to serve as an extra layer of security. I understand some students may have reasonable objections against my presence here, but the Ministry of Magic has decided that my expertise in Dark Arts defense is more an asset to the school than my presence is a threat. I solemnly swear to do my best to demonstrate that their trust is well-earned.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

Oh, absolutely. But that may just be a life thing, moreso than simply a Hogwarts exclusive. I’ve always found that people, no matter how kind-hearted, will almost always do their best to solve their own problems as opposed to the issues others, when given the option. When I was younger, I thought being self-serving was a Slytherin-only trait, but I don’t think that’s necessarily the case, I’m afraid. Not to say that all Slytherins are self-serving, or vice versa… just a general statement.

Yes, but the few who do listen to you have typically sought our your help. It’ll make no difference what I say if they feel it’s being shoved down their throats.

[representative-lupin-blog]

Oh no, it isn't Hogwarts exclusive by a long way, but Hogwarts was certainly founded on the tenants of separation, wasn't it? Not much for togetherness, whatever story the ol' Sorting Hat wants to spin.

Very defeatist, that attitude. You certainly won't help anyone if you set out thinking you won't. Better to try and fail then never to try at all, isn't it? You may end up helping one or two people here and there, you never know. And I'm sure it will make all the difference to whoever is clever enough to listen to what you have to say.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

Doesn’t have to be a massive club. I don’t think I could handle too many members. Frankly, all the whining would likely end up getting on my nerves… even if I’m still partially stuck in my own wallowing phase.

Well, if they aren’t going to listen to you, they’re certainly not going to listen to me. I’m not quite sure I’ve ever had a casual conversation with a student, but if the opportunity presents itself, I’ll be sure to keep that in mind. Still think you’d be the one better off saying it, though.

[representative-lupin-blog]

Ah, yes. That's very similar to the reason I've never dwelt much on the idea of offering group counseling. Sure, there's the benefit of helping one another to overcome issues, but Hogwarts has never been much for togetherness, has it? Mostly you just have to listen to other people's problems and that's quite terrible when all you want to solve is your own.

I don't know where you get such ideas of my sway over students. As I've said, it's a small group of mostly Gryffindors that take anything I say into account. With you, at least if they don't listen, they certainly hear.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

A matter of circumstance more than anything, I’m sure. I’ve not got many, either… Perhaps we should form a support group - [playfully] a lonely hearts club, of sorts.

Ah, yes, it seems it would be. Although I can’t say that dishing out advice will make them like me anymore… it might even make them like me less, if that’s possible, for attempting to butt into their business. Perhaps you should try it, then; you are here to counsel, after all.

[representative-lupin-blog]

Ah well. I suppose we could, but I'm afraid I wouldn't be much help as I left off on wallowing when I was about eleven. he lies

Oh, believe you me, I do say things like that all the time. The only person that ever listens to me is Harry. But it's at least the sort of thing you could slip into casual conversation, I think. Some of them might even absorb it subconsciously.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

Perhaps it’s my Ravenclaw logic that prefers to stick to the typical. Though I suppose, as one more loyal, you would keep your friends closer than I would. Maybe I should be the one taking your word for it.

Oh, yes, she is absolutely the exception. I remember being nervous when I first learned it, and I teach it now, so I can definitely agree with you on that. We’ve had a couple of minor splinchings already, and it does get a bit tough at times because, while that’s something that tends to happen toward the beginning, it makes the students much more hesitant to keep on working after that. Nothing serious has happened, though, so hopefully we’ll still be able to move things along. Dwelling on the frightening and confronting it are two different things, I think; dwelling on it won’t help one change or get over things, after all. Plus, we can’t live our lives in fear of what we don’t know… or what scares us. Sometimes facing our fears is the best thing for us.

[representative-lupin-blog]

Well, I think I've said, I've not many left, so you should perhaps take what I say with a grain of salt or two.

That sounds like the sort of speech you should be giving your students. Very true and very logical, but not exactly something the average teenager will give much thought to. And I'm sure it'd be especially useful to them now that this clone business is going on.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

I think, if people truly matter, you make it work… but people don’t always matter as much as you think they do, or as they think you do, and sometimes life gets in the way, as well. [furrows his brows a bit] Fair enough. I’m not entirely sure all cliques require a leader, though. I’ve seen some of the groups of children here who seem to share everything equally… which, of course, is why I called it a following; a clique can simply be a group and doesn’t need a definitive front-person.

It’s not only how vocal she is, though, it’s her willingness to work - if that makes sense. The others seem quite disinterested, which is a bit disappointing. It’s a hard subject to learn, though, so I understand why they would get frustrated with it at times. I try to accommodate as best as I can, but it’s seemingly not enough for their standards. That’s true, though. They all do end up getting it eventually, it usually just takes some sort of epiphany for everything to click into place. [his lips twitch into a small smile in an effort to push away his discomfort and signal to Remus that it was entirely his own thought process and not anything he’d said in the best way Wilkie knew how; while he understood Remus’ self-deprecating nature, the last thing Wilkie wanted to do was insult him with agreement.]

[representative-lupin-blog]

Perhaps it's the Gryffindor loyalty in me, but I'm not much a fan of the idea of people not mattering as much as you think they might. But I'll take your word for it. 

Well, it's never a wise idea to use Hermione as a standard through which to judge the others unfortunately. But I see what you're saying. And it is a tough subject, and also a rather terrifying one. I suppose you can get hurt one way or another in most subjects, but with apparition the danger's far more likely and more serious if it does occur. I remember when I learned, half of my mates were excited to have it over with and the other half of us was mostly just worried we'd manage to kill ourselves. Made me study more, but I could see where it'd have the opposite effect. People don't much like to dwell on what frightens them.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

I was aware of them, yes, but I never really cared enough to pay much attention. Frankly, I always thought school friendships were fleeting; once you graduate and go your separate ways, things are never truly the same. I suppose adulthood is when you find your true clique - or so I’m told - and, aside from the select few important people from your childhood, those are the people you spend your time with. [frowns slightly] I would consider that more of a cult following than a clique. Calling that a clique makes it sound a lot less menacing than it actually was.

Well, apparently, the only person my teaching style works for is Miss Granger… though I am convinced that she can adapt to any academic situation, regardless of the teacher. You seemed to have done pretty well, though. [nods] I’ve tried not to let it bother me, but it certainly can get frustrating. [lowers his gaze sheepishly, realising that Remus probably knew much more of that than he did and that he shouldn’t have mentioned it at all] Yes, well… I suppose you’re right about that.

[representative-lupin-blog]

I have no idea if that's true or not. Things are never the same, that much is true, but I always imagined people could adapt to it. [shrugs] Oh yeah, doubtlessly more accurate. Same principle though. Exclusivity on the premise of a ringleader and shared values.

Just because she's the most vocal supporter doesn't mean she's the only one. After all, if they learn to apparate, you're teaching style works regardless of how much they yank at you. And I've not heard any of the seventh years complain that they didn't manage it. [senses Wil's discomfort and grimaces a bit, as he'd been a bit too optimistic in hoping he could make subtle references to himself - people didn't like being reminded of what they pretended wasn't true]

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

[finds himself recovering from his momentary lapse of mental clarity, cursing himself for being so ridiculous before continuing on with the conversation as if he hadn’t faltered]

I wouldn’t really know; I was never a part of one growing up. That’s true, but I’ve tried relating to them and it seems I’m simply unable to connect. I’d always heard good things about your teaching from the students I taught as well. I don’t know, perhaps I’m just deflecting. After all, I’m sure anything is better than being called dog-breath… along with other inappropriate words beginning with the letter D. As if disliking me isn’t enough, they’ve got to mock my teaching style, as well.

[representative-lupin-blog]

Ah, but you're clearly a very intelligent chap, in the position that you're in. Even if you were never in one, you must have observed your fair share at Hogwarts. And out, really. Adults join their cliques too, they're just far more subtle about it. The witches that all manage to coordinate their times amazingly well so that they all have a lunch hour at precisely the same minute, that sort of thing. [shifts his weight] Well, I guess not always less subtle. Lot of the fellows rotting away in Azkaban were members of an exclusive bunch, I suppose.

Oh, they don't have any problems with your teaching style, they're just teenagers. You'd have to have a cult of personality to sufficiently teach everyone, I'm convinced. [smiles self-deprecatingly] Ah. I'm sorry to hear the name-calling. Still, though anything might be better, at very least you can take comfort in the fact that there are many names that might be worse. Of all the things associated with dogs, I'd say breath is fairly mild.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

Yes, well, it’s unfortunate that they’re not.

[forgets what he was going to say for a moment, losing himself to a few “ers” and “ums”] I don’t… I mean, I understand the resentment to a certain extent but you’d think they’d relate to me a bit more because I was in their place so recently. That’s fair enough, though. I suppose I just need to earn their respect. They seem to like you well enough, though, aside from the whole office game thing.

[representative-lupin-blog]

[wonders if he'd just said something off - no references to the moon or accidental growling on the r's, had he? so why did the lad look so gobsmacked?]

Well, they're kids. Love having their own cliques, don't they? You're very near similar, of course, but a near similarity is still a difference, unfortunately. Ah. I'm not sure where you got that idea from. Some of the Gryffindors are fond of me and a few of the kindlier Hufflepuffs. I think I had a Ravenclaw once tell me that she'd like me even if I were a cow for how well she thought I'd taught. But the majority give me a rather wide berth.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

I’ve never found that sticking my nose in other people’s business has done me much good, anyway.

That’s true enough. Perhaps it’s not them, perhaps it’s me and everything they say is true. It may just be because I’m a new teacher here, but I feel that I have very little respect from the few students I have. And I know my presence isn’t necessarily one that demands respect, but it’s astounding how angsty teenagers can be when things don’t go their way. I know they’re not all bad, nor all they bad all the time, but teenagers especially have a way of being more… hard to handle than children or adults. Though I suppose their… lack of practical learning, as you put it, may very well have a bit to do with it.

[representative-lupin-blog]

If only everyone was as courteous.

Oh, I highly doubt that. Students are prone to particular harshness. Lack of consequences paired with the resentment of having to spend eight or nine hours a day working when they never asked to and have things they'd rather do. I'm sure it's nothing to do with you. If anything, you're the most convenient target because the professors that have been here before have had time to wisen up to it. McGonagall was already putting people like me in our place when I went here, I half imagine she only came up with the cat bit as a quick way to silence any dissenters.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

Only the basics. I didn’t make it a point to pry; it wasn’t my business.

I guess I’m still hopeful that there’s more to children than that. Then again, given some of the names I’ve heard them call me, I likely shouldn’t. Teenagers can be nasty little things, though I must admit they were much worse when I actually was one. I can’t be bothered to care too much about the things they say now, however unwarranted they may be.

[representative-lupin-blog]

Well, that's much appreciated.

Oh, children are very complicated and not all nasty. I've known some great ones in my day. And I know some great ones now. They're often just as scattered along the spectrum of good and bad as adults are, however tangible such a spectrum would be. The only thing they have going against them is a bit less in the practical learning. And a bit more gall, perhaps. They can be as unpleasant as they like here and they don't have to worry about getting hexed, since the worst that can happen is detention.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

I suppose that’s true; I’ve never seen any misreads on the Hat’s part, either. I’m sure you would know of her bravery better than I do, as I’ve only just met her this year and, while I’ve heard of her escapades with Mister Potter, you’ve experienced them firsthand.

It’s been a speedy near-decade for me. Perhaps it’s my line of work, or just me getting my early twenties out of the way, but it genuinely does feel like I just left here. I mean, it was only a few years before I was back - even if for a completely different reason - but still. [lowers his gaze for a moment] No, they can’t. But, surely teaching them some kind of apathy toward the situation isn’t entirely out of the question either.

[representative-lupin-blog]

Ah. So that bit of gossip got around when I quit teaching as well, I see.

Teaching apathy? No, I don't suppose that'd be any more useful than trying to teach some of the Slytherin Purebloods to be apathetic about the Muggleborns. And a good deal less practical too. I daresay they're better off learning fear than apathy, however detrimental it may be to my office hours.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

That’s how fate works, so it seems. [a small sigh passes his lips] Oh, no, I’ve encountered enough disinterested students my past three years here to know better than to expect certain things from certain houses. Funny, that; how all the house stereotypes genuinely do ring true. I’ve always found that members of my own house have been the most proactive; aside from Miss Granger, of course… though, from my knowledge of her, it seems that she should have been sorted into Ravenclaw, as well.

I’ve found that time passes much more quickly once you’re no longer in school. It hardly feels that long to me. In some ways, yes, I suppose I did. [his lips twitch into a small smile] I was, yes; that was my first year. Surely they don’t think your… condition, shall we say, decides to inflict itself at random moments, do they? Because, unless that’s the case, I don’t see why they’d make a game out of going to your office.

[representative-lupin-blog]

Well, the Sorting Hat was very good. I haven't seen many, if any, failings on its behalf. And from what I've seen from Hermione, Gryffindor is the better choice for her. Smartest witch of her age, doubtlessly, but very much the bravest one I've come across as well.

I've mixed feelings. Sometimes it feels as if I was just a student here last week. Other times it feels as though I've aged some seventy years since I've been here. [takes a long moment of silence] Most people don't think that way. Most adults, even, students are far less likely to know. Hagrid won't teach the subject in Care of Magical Creatures. And it's an upper level subject in Defense Against the Dark Arts. They can't be blamed.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

Even a short friendship, I would think, is better than no friendship at all. [nods] Oh, no, that’s quite generous of you to say. Thank you very much. I was quite determined to do well for myself once I left school. I’m trying to teach the students the same kind of ethic, as well, but that’s not going as seamlessly as one would hope. Some years have been better than others.

Closer to seven now, actually. I left the year before the students I’m currently teaching arrived. Though some - myself included, really - would argue that I was never much of a child at all… not in the typical sense, anyway, which was probably the reason for my distaste toward most of my fellow students during my school year, and often why I was labeled a “teacher’s pet.” That’s fair, I think. Why come into your office if they’re only going to waste your time?

[representative-lupin-blog]

Oh, I wouldn't trade it now that I've lost them. Mostly. But we'd certainly all be in better places now had we not been friends. Never mind, don't listen to my prattling. You're very good for trying to teach them a good work ethic, but I hope you're not too discouraged when they don't all take to it. For Gryffindors, at least, a lot of them don't pull their heads out of their arses until they graduate.

Seven, really? Merlin, I'm getting old. Matured early, then? [shifts uncomfortably] Ah, well. You were here when I had my professorial position, I think, so you probably heard why I quit. I think a lot of the young ones have never encountered anyone like me, so they come to take a gander and see who lasts longest.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

I’d consider that lucky. True friendship is, undoubtedly, far superior to spending the entirety of your teen years in the library. And that’s coming from someone who is speaking from experience. My parents had made it clear to me that they would stop funding my living expenses as soon as I finished school, so I was aware that I had to get a job right away. I was fortunate enough to find an internship at the Ministry straight out of school - I guess that counts as a plus for being as hard-working as I was during school - and now, five years later, I’m here. I’ve been pretty well off ever since, as well, so I suppose things have worked out in my favor.

Children are so strange sometimes. It’s odd to think that we were once in their shoes, but alas. At some point in our lives, we were the same way - unable to listen and all. I’d like to think I was a halfway decent listener at that age, but who knows? I’m sure I had my quirks, as well. At least they come in, though, no?

[representative-lupin-blog]

Ah well, in my case, it is unfortunately somewhat more complicated than a matter of have or have not. I've not got any friends- any of my friends from Hogwarts anymore. [smiles thinly] Yes, you're doing very well for yourself to be teaching at your age. I didn't want to say anything out of the blue, but I am very impressed, I hope you don't mind me saying.

You speak very philosophically for someone who was only their age- was it four or five years ago for you? And, well. To be honest, I'd rather some of them not come in at all if they're going to be too afraid to say anything.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

I never really had much of a chance to be irresponsible while I was here. I suppose I just fit really well into the stereotypical Ravenclaw mold and didn’t really get on with anyone. Monetarily, my family had never been well off, so it wasn’t like I had cash to burn… though, looking back, I probably would have just spent any extra money on books, as it were.

Children only hear things when they’re willing to listen. Fortunately for me, my line of work requires them to, otherwise they’ll end up hurting themselves. Obviously, that isn’t something I want, but it does force a bit of attention to be commanded. I do think they truly only comprehend what they want to hear. If it’s of little importance to them, they won’t bother, so I doubt it’s you. Ah, thank you, Remus. I appreciate that.

[representative-lupin-blog]

There's nothing wrong with the stereotypical Ravenclaw mold. I doubtlessly would have fallen into it as well, house notwithstanding, had not some stereotypical Gryffindors decided they'd force their way into friendship. Might have been better for me in the long run really. Grizzly shock when I realized at 18 that it wasn't practical or fair to be looking for handouts from my parents anymore.

The funny thing about my current occupation is that when I'm in contact with actual students and not just snakes, they're supposed to be finding it important. They're coming to me for counseling, it's voluntary. But they still don't listen. I suspect most of them, especially third and under, are just coming to have a gander or maybe on a dare.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

I suppose you’re right about that. I mean, I was never that way growing up, but perhaps that was just me. They’ll learn as they get older, though; at least, that’s the hope.

That’s fair. I think that’s something to be said about people in general, though - not just children. We’ll just have to see how Thursday turns out, then, won’t we?

[representative-lupin-blog]

Well I know I, for one, was horribly irresponsible when I was at Hogwarts. Thought I knew everything about money until I was out in the real world and had none of it.

Ah, hmm. I suppose you're right. It's good that occasionally some of the things I say are smarter than I think. Most of the time with these kids I feel as if I must be speaking in a separate language or else everything coming out of my mouth is exceptionally stupid, for how little they understand me. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck on Thursday. If any of them come by my office for counseling this week, I'll point them your way.

[wil-twycross]

For those who attended the extra lesson on Thursday,

[wil-twycross]

Oh, it’s not a problem.

I’m entirely aware of that. My thinking was that, considering the nature of the course - and the fact that they had to pay for it - the students would at least try and make it worth their while. Why would they pay for something and not take advantage of what’s being given to them for free, especially if they’re struggling while only practicing once a week? Of course the Saturday sessions are still the main focus, but, as it were, practice does make perfect and I think that a more relaxed, casual session may help the students out a bit… whether they show up or not is not, unfortunately, my prerogative.

[representative-lupin-blog]

Ah, well the problem with that logic is that the students aren't really paying for it, are they? Their parents are. And it's one thing to be spending one's parents' money, but another entirely to be spending the money one had to fight to get.

I'm no expert, of course. But in my experience, children don't have much respect for something they don't have much experience handling.