let the fun 'immense' *demelza*

[REMINGTON XAVIER REDFORD]

This was insane. What was this teacher even thinking? It was worse enough that the Professor constantly had Remington work with a partner. Which meant he had to communicate with others. Yet, now here the Professor was demanding that a select few Seventh Year Students come to an extra class every Friday afternoon to help him inside the classroom. He called it part of the 'final grade' for Seventh Years before they graduate and move on with their lives. He called it mentoring the fifth years...

This was pure torture for a man of Remington's nature. For Remington was not at all a people's person. He avoided speaking like the black plague. He was the type of guy that felt he could get on with the world perfectly not even speaking one word. Yes and No's they could simply be filled with a nod or a shake of the head. He was not a verbal being at all. His caretaker at the orphanage was the only person in this world who ever got him to speak the most. She often scolded him for his not so 'friendly' nature. She said she feared he would end up very lonely with no friends and claimed for a future job he would need to speak to others. He never acted as if he loved how worried she was about him... but he did. It was nice to have someone that cared about him as much as this elderly woman had. He was not used to people caring about him since his mother's death back when he was just five years old.

Of course, sometimes because of Professors or certain students he was forced to speak up. His potions teacher often would make him speak and it seemed like now Remington was going to need to dig deep inside his throat for his speaking skills this year. Not to talk to the Professor but to talk to whomever he was placed with. He was really mentally hating the Potion's Professor at this moment...

Nevertheless, he hoped that he would get lucky and he would not have to explain much of anything to whom he mentored. He was hoping the student would be smart enough to figure out whatever needed to be figured out. In addition, by goodness sake, he hoped the student was not a very talkative person that would be a bother to him. Sometimes he ran into those occasional people that would just not leave him alone! And, then, eventually Remington was forced to speak... bloody, annoying, talkative, people....

He stepped into the potions class and looked around the room at all the curious faces looking at the Seventh Years. They were all lined up as the teacher started to explain how this year every Friday the fifth years would have a Seventh Year help them in anything that needed assistance with. Which included experiments, book work, essays, and even friendly... what did the professor call them... ice-breakers? He supposed the Professor was just eager to get everyone to broaden his or her horizons. To help younger students gain knowledge and older students share knowledge from previous years.

Remington found it stupid. This was the first year this has ever happened. Remington nearly wished he would have just given up and never came back to school. However, he might just be on the streets now with no Wizarding Job in mind at this particular moment... and he was of age so the Orphanage would have kicked him out. However... he assumed his caretaker would have allowed him to stay some place with her. She was after all like his grandmother.

the class has already picked out numbers now we just need the members to draw out a number from this magic hat and find their paired number, and let the fun immense! the professor chirped way to cheerily in Remington's opinion.

Remington was the first up and he reached his hand in the NON-magical hat as the professor grinned from ear to ear at him as Remington pulled out a number, the Professor expressed loudly,

read it aloud, my boy! Read it! Go on! he expressed, pushing him forward in front of the class.


Remington looked down at the paper in disdain, and muttered out a "Ten," his eyes scanning the room to look for the person who also had the same number as him.

Oh joy, let the 'fun' begin, he thought sarcastically, trying his best not to signal how miserable he looked standing in front of the entire class, holding onto the slip of paper.

[DEMELZA GRACE ROBINS]

Demelza wasn't really sure why Slughorn had decided to pair them all up with older students. She was actually kind of insulted. Did he really think they were that unintelligent? She was fine at Potions, she didn't need a mentor. But still, the idea of meeting a seventh year was exciting. She loved meeting new people, so as much as she didn't want to have to be 'mentored' in potions, she was looking forward to getting to know someone new.

The seventh years were marched in in a line, and Demelza let out a small laugh. The entire lot of them looked completely miserable. The class had all picked out numbers before they'd gotten there and she'd been wondering what they were for, but now she knew. She examined the line, wondering which of these people would get her number. None of them looked particularly excited, but there was one boy that stood out as looking particularly miserable. He was the very first person in line and Demelza watched with a smirk on her face as Slughorn made him get up in front of the class, pick out a number. Slughorn seemed to be trying so hard just to get the boy to look a little bit excited. It was a little sad, really. Poor Slughorn.

Still, the boy stood up in front of the class and begrudgingly muttered out a ten and Demelza snorted out a laugh before grinning goofily.

"Heyo!" she said with a laugh before holding up her hand, the little sliver of white paper with the number 10 written on it clasped in her hand. Slughorn practically lit up with excitement and Demelza almost lost it again.

"Alright Remington, you're paired up with Demelza! Have fun!" the man said in a much too excited voice. Demelza smirked slightly before she waved the guy over. This was certainly going to be interesting. She got the brooding, handsome guy. He certainly didn't seem like he wanted to be there, but that was fine with Demelza. She'd crack him eventually.

ooc; sorry it's so short :X

[REMINGTON XAVIER REDFORD]

He heard what sounded like a snort? Then laughter coming from the center of the room and his eyes quickly cornered in at the younger girl that said something that sounded like 'heyo'? Who in their right minds even used such a word? Remington had been rather certain that heyo was not even a bloody word! Another laugh escaped the young girls lips and it was taking everything in Remington's power not to beg for another student. Not to walk out. Not to give the girl a menacing glare.

She seemed way to chipper about this little 'situation' the two of them were being put in together. The Professor then started to shove Remington toward the table the young girl was sitting at. What was her name again? He knew the Professor had said it but it slipped his mind. Oh, what had it bloody mattered anyways? He didn't need to learn the girls name. He could get by just perfectly fine without knowing her name. Besides, if he asked her for her name it would make her assume he actually wanted to get to know her. That was the last thing he wanted to do. He could not care less about who this girl was. He was just here to do what he needed for class and leave. With the least amount of talking that, he could get away with.

The girl was now waving him over? What did she think he was stupid? He did not need a bloody wave of the hand to direct him to her table. He was pretty certain he knew how to find her. She was the girl laughing like a little first year over nothing too interesting at all. Over something juvenile...

He approached the table eyeing the girl up and down for a moment, before slowly taking a seat next to her. Then out of the better half of him, he gave the girl a weak smile. He was not exactly sure why he did it or where it came from it just rather happened. He quickly covered it up before looking at Slughorn waiting for him to continue but Slughorn just kept staring at Remington as he gave him a look as if he was expecting Remington to do more when he reached the table.

Remington glanced between Slughorn and the girl and looked mighty uncomfortable. Before eyeing Demelza reaching over and attempting to shake the girls hand, not sure if this was what Slughorn was looking for or not, but he was willing to try anything so the attention of everyone was off of him.

"I'm Remington..." he breathed out, rather stupid thing to have to say wasn’t it? Slughorn volunteered his name earlier rather loudly.

Then glanced at Slughorn who finally moved on with the drawings and placing students with mentors. A look of relief was very noticeable in Remington's face as the Professor finally moved on however it was very obvious he was still not totally comfortable in this environment.

[DEMELZA GRACE ROBINS]

Demelza watched as Slughorn ushered Remington toward the table, the grin never falling from her face. Merlin’s pants this guy looked miserable. How did he expect to get anything done with an attitude like that? It was like his face got even angrier and angrier by the second. Naturally when he reached the table Slughorn remained staring at the pair of them. For what reason Demelza hadn’t a clue; what was he expecting them to do? Still, just when Demelza had all but thought this guy refused to be happy he flashed her a minute smile, and Demelza’s grin grew the slightest bit as she took his hand to shake.

”Demelza. You can call me Dem, or Demi, or Melza, or, ya know, Demelza, whatever you prefer,” she said with a grin as he seated himself next to her and Slughorn seemed to move on to pairing up other students and make them her victims. It was odd, getting paired up with someone who was older, and already went through the class once. Demelza didn’t mind so much, but Remington certainly seemed to. She turned her head to face him once more, and looked him up and down as he’d done to her earlier. He was definitely handsome, without a doubt. But… his personality certainly didn’t seem to match his looks. Still, she wanted to at least try to get to know the man sitting beside her before she discounted him completely. He was a Gryffindor. He was a seventh year. His name was Remington. That was all she knew about this man, but there were so many questions she had for him. What was he like? What did he like? What didn’t he like? Potions was an obvious answer for that last one. Or maybe it was just her…

Slughorn continued to pair people up before Demelza looked at Remington with a grin.

”So you don’t look very happy to be here. Don’t like potions? Or is it just me?” she asked with a grin, and she was prepared for the answer whether it was her or not. Some people found Demelza’s unrelenting optimism and happiness annoying. Remington definitely seemed like one of those people, but Demelza wouldn’t change for anyone. If Remington really had a problem with her all he’d have to do was ask Slughorn to switch partners. But then that would cause a major to do with other people who might actually be excited about the idea of partnering up and getting to know a younger or older student. Demelza sighed lightly before turning to the board where Slughorn now stood, talking about something or other that Demelza didn’t really care much about. She wasn’t a fan of lessons or homework. At least Potions was hands on. A lot of the time if it involved her wand it would refuse to work or backfire completely. Stupid wand. Of course it had picked her though. They made a good team, when her wand wasn’t feeling bored. Sometimes it liked to spark for no reason whatsoever. Stupid thing.

She turned her attention back to Remington.

”I’m not going to lie to you, Remy, I’m not really a big fan of lessons, and a lot of the time my wand decides to do what it wants, so… you’re in for an interesting time. At least you’ll never be bored,” she said with a shrug. She was very much a go with the flow type of person, and structure and routine bored her to no end. It was one of the reasons she hated lessons, and one of the reasons she didn't get stellar grades in them. She wasn't stupid. She was just lazy.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[REMINGTON XAVIER REDFORD]

Remington's eyes narrowed over to her as she introduced herself. Well, there went his attempt to just always consider her "the girl" inside his head. Demelza? Rather interesting name he'd never heard used before. Not that his name was any less unique. Remington was a family name that he hadn't ever been too proud of. He always pictured his name to be used more for a last name but he dealt with his name because there was no sense in complaining about something you couldn't change. Or, you could, but his name was also a name his mum had been so proud to name him. It would almost be like a hit in his mum's face to change his namesake even if his mother only named him on behalf of his estranged father. Which was partially why he hated his name… but was so conflicted because his mum was still the one that named him.

"Demelza," he nodded at her.

He had never been one for nicknames. He found them rather pointless, what was the purpose of a name if you just shortened it? That was mere laziness just like when people shortened other words. He was always a firm believer in formal behavior. If he had even thought about calling her something other than Demelza it might have brought out some sort of... well, what she might think as a good sign? Some sort of attachment that could bring out a future friendship but that was not something that Remington did. He stuck to himself.

He got lost in his thoughts for a few moments as Slughorn's voice drowned out. He knew his mum was always one for nicknames. She often called him Remy (among many other assorted nicknames that would turn Remington's face red if ever repeated.) and even had nicknames for his father. Deep down he knew his mum might have grown to be rather disappointed in how Remington's grown up. Not about his grades, house he is in, or any achievements in his life it was more so his lack of interest in getting close to people. She had always been a loving soul and a people person. She always encouraged Remington to make friends but he just lacked the social skills and in all honesty, he feared getting hurt from people so he kept to himself. He played it safe with his heart.

He was snapped out of his thoughts as he heard Demelza next to him speaking again. When he caught on to her asking him something it was everything in his power not to roll his eyes. Great, he was stuck with a bloody fifth year that likes to talk and nag. He knew nag was not the appropriate term to use but as mentioned before Remington was not sociable and questions required him to actually speak... he could ignore her but Remington was also not rude enough to bluntly ever ignore someone.

He narrowed his eyes at her again and shrugged his shoulders, "I just rather be doing something else," he paused thoughtfully, a shrug of his shoulders again "I don't know you, how can I claim to not like you?" he turned the question back around on her, but automatically wished he hadn't, hoping she didn't take this as a chance to continue her what seemed to be talkative nature.

Just when he assumed the speaking was done and he could at least listen to Slughorn talk about a potion they would be assisting the fifth years with today, she started talking utter nonsense again. He nearly tuned her out until he heard the name 'Remy' escape her lips and he turned to her and in a quick, sharp second, "Don't call me Remy!" he muttered underneath his breath, in a very irritated tone.

He realized quickly he came on the offensive a bit too strongly, and let out a sigh, staring down at the table, waiting for Slughorn to just get on with the assignment so he didn't feel so awkward, and could get out of here quickly... but time seemed to drag on,

Before, he even thought about it a light, "Sorry," escaped his lips, as he let out a low groan, racking his right hand through his hair.

[DEMELZA GRACE ROBINS]

Remington seemed to look her over and as he decided that Demelza was what he would call her she couldn’t help but be the slightest bit disappointed. Really? Demelza was so.. so… boring! She’d always been the kind of girl who adored nicknames. Maybe she was lazy, or maybe she was fun. She supposed it was all up for interpretation, but she thought she was fun. Of course. Perhaps this guy just wasn’t much of a talker or something. Well that would have been a total drag, too, though. I mean sure it was cool that he was the strong and silent type she supposed, but she didn’t want someone who just wouldn’t talk to her. She liked talking. Sure, but she didn’t want to have to do all of it. Slughorn began lecturing once more and she watched as Remington seemed to zone out. She tried to pay the slightest bit of attention. She’d never been much for lessons, but she wasn’t about to just allow herself to fail, either.

Remington mentioned that he just would have rather been somewhere else, and that he couldn’t hate her because he didn’t know her. She didn’t know if that made much sense. People hated each other for no reason all the time, just because they talked funny or looked different, or because they were a half-blood, perhaps? She was still sometimes bitter about people who thought they were so much better than everyone else, but she tried not to let it get to her too much, so she shrugged it off before deciding to poke and prod some more. Sure, she could do all the talking, but why should she have to? She wanted to get to know him, and so she’d try. ”So where would you rather be?”] she asked with a smirk. It was a simple enough question, but she knew that it was probably a little harder to answer. She would have rather be a hundred places other than potions class, but could she name any of them at that second? No.

Remington turned on her in a second as he was scolding her for calling him Remy. Her eyes grew slightly wide as he turned back and stared at the table. Okay… what was that he said about not hating her even though he didn’t know her? Riiight. She stayed quiet, a little unsure of what to do. Did she apologize? How was she supposed to know he didn’t like nicknames? But then he turned and apologized and she was slightly taken aback. For some reason Demelza thought he didn’t seem like the type to apologize so quickly, but she shrugged lightly.

”No, no, it’s fine. Just Remington from now on,” she said with a grin as she turned back to Slughorn. He still hadn’t quite gotten to the point, so Demelza let out a sigh before turning back to Remington. ”Don’t you just wish he’d shut up and teach sometimes?” she asked with a smirk.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[REMINGTON XAVIER REDFORD]

Where would Remington Redford rather be? Anywhere but here? That was the first notation that crossed his mind. Slughorn was the type of Professor that always favored certain students. He was the type of Professor that just talked the whole class period. Remington already had to put up with Slughorn for an hour a day and now it seemed like Friday's he would have to put up with Slughorn for two hours a day. Was an hour not enough torture?

Remington's face had a thoughtful expression etched out in his eyes, and even his lips. He was always the type of person to usually delicately think out what he said before he said it. Unless, of course, it was a particular subject that just made him have a quick snap. As noticed earlier when she had made him snap quickly with the expression of calling him Remy. Nevertheless, most often, he thought before he spoke even if it was a simple yes, or no, he would reply with. He tried to find ways to answer people in the shortest and quickest way possible. In other words the less painful words that would not include more questions.

"Just not here," was what he decided on answering. He thought about saying anywhere but here but really, what was the point of that? If that was the case, he did not have to return to Hogwarts this year. He could have gone out looking for a job and be living on the streets at this moment. He knew he should be thankful that he had one more year to try to gather up his thoughts for his future. This was why he was back. He wanted to better himself so that he did not need to beg the orphanage to keep him a little longer. So, that he could get away from the people that considered him abnormal. At least here, nobody thought much of him. At least here, he was among people that understood the concept of magic...

But overall, if Remington could be anywhere he would be back at the Common Room working on other assignments, or he would be reading down at the black lake. He would have found something to do which did not include being in this classroom listening to Slughorns voice, and having whatever sort of conversation he was with this Demelza girl. He felt 'just not here' was a much safer answer then the black lake where she would probably find more questions to ask. It could bring up a conversation of water, the weather, liking the outdoors, and he was doing his best to not give information away about himself... and not start some silly, pointless conversation with this girl.

"Thank you," he said politely, when she told him she would only call him Remington. Relieved she did not insist on asking him questions about 'Remy' like she has been so keen to ask on everything else he said. At least she sort of knew her limits on what was safe to ask and what was not.

His eyes that had still been averted to the table finally slowly raised to stare at the teacher in front of them. He was going off about how Harry Potter had perfected this potion in his class two years ago and how proud he had been of the young boy. Remington was rather used to Slughorn mentioning the student's he favored in every single class. It led for lessons to just drag on. Why couldn't the man just shut up and let them start the assignment already. He heard Demelza to the right of him mention wishing Slughorn would just teach sometimes, and a small smile formed on his lips, that he quickly washed away,

"Yeah," he simply agreed, nodding his head.