"It's alright, you're nearly there." Remus moved between the groups practicing in his classroom. They were working on dueling—improving their disarming charms, stunning spells, jinxes. "Take a breath. Regroup. Repeat. Just try again. Keep trying, you'll get it," he encouraged. His class of Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were so determined, so intent on getting better. It was inspiring him; it was refreshing. Hannah Abbott lowered her wand slightly, nodding at Professor Lupin before turning back to Susan Bones.

"We'll give it a few more minutes, everyone," Remus called, wandering over to the group of Ravenclaws in the front corner of the room. He corrected Michael Corner's form, both overall was very impressed with them. "Perhaps try a spell you haven't used yet today. Class is over in about five minutes, make good use of that time!"

He let them continue on until about a minute before the bell was due to ring. "Alright! Let's call it a day. I've got your Boggart essays to hand back to you." Lupin waved his wand, sending the rolls of parchment back to their owners. "Keep practicing these spells when you can. We'll have another dueling practice day next week. That's all."

Remus walked back to the front of the room, clearing up his desk. The class filed out with a considerable amount of excited chatter. They loved having practical classes like this, and Remus was sure they were also discussing their essays.

"Professor," came a voice. Remus looked up, seeing Anthony Goldstein standing in front of his desk, his essay unrolled and held in his hand, face slightly red. He took a deep breath, waiting for a response.

"What can I do for you, Anthony?" Lupin closed the clasps on his case, turning up to meet Anthony's eyes. He looked nervous, uncertain, but as though he was determined to ask his question.

"I was wondering…When we faced the Boggarts, sir, I wasn't able to—to do it right. This essay helped me understand the principles better, I think, but I was wondering if I would be able to give it another go?"

Lupin gave him a small smile at this—Anthony truly was someone who emulated Ravenclaw's best traits. He was intelligent, of course, but he was also intent on fully comprehending the topics that his class covered. Remus had a great deal of respect for this temperament.

"I'll see what I can do," he promised. Remus picked up his grey cardigan which was draped over the back of his seat and pulled it on. Picking up his case and regarding Anthony again, he said, "I've still got a Boggart in a trunk up in my office. We can work out a time for you to come by. Give you a chance to tackle the Boggart on your own, without having the rest of your class watching."

Anthony beamed up at Lupin as the bell finally rang to signal the end of the class period. "Thanks, sir!"

"Of course. Now you should get off to your next class. You wouldn't want to be late." Remus gestured for Anthony to lead the way out of the classroom. He followed the boy out, closing the door behind him and tapping the doorknob with his wand, locking the room. "Would you like to try for this weekend?"

"That would be perfect."

"Wonderful. I'll send you a note with a more specific time." Remus waited at his classroom door, watching as Anthony Goldstein put his essay back into his schoolbag and set off for his next class. It was students like this, those who were interested and motivated to do better, that made teaching so worth it. Remus vaguely wondered how any of his professors had handled him and his friends back when they were at school.

.

A/N: Written for Advent Calendar Day 10: "Regroup. Repeat. Just try again.";

Writing Club - Character Appreciation 15: (occupation) Professor; Book Club – Miss Lupescu: (character) Remus Lupin, (color) grey, (action) teaching; Showtime 34: (color) Red; Em's Emporium 1: (character) Anthony Goldstein (Bonus);

Seasonal – Days of the Year Oct 5: Write about a canon Professor; Elemental: Write about someone intelligent; Ravenclaw Challenge: (character) Anthony Goldstein;

Writing Month and Dragons: wc 630