Imogen POV

Sitting at the table, Imogen watches as Dean pushes the food around on his plate while he stares at his plate with thinly pressed lips and frowning eyes. She tilts her head. What's on his mind? She hasn't gotten to know him as a silent kid. No, he's always been abrasive to her or voicing his thoughts. He's never been this silent kind of brewing.

"Dean, what's on your mind?"

"Nothing. Just leave me alone."

The fork he has in his hand is thrown at the plate with a loud cling. Sauce splashes on the table. Dean pays it no mind for he glares at her with fire in his eyes. She only lifts an eyebrow in response. She doesn't believe him even though this is the boy she's gotten to know. So whatever was bothering him it wasn't anything too severe. Else, he wouldn't have reacted like this.

"I don't believe you."

"Well, you should."

Dean crosses his arms over his chest and looks to the side. No words escape him. She looks at him with a tilted head and nods toward the food. She knows he still looked at her out of the corner of his eyes even though he doesn't react. She would prefer to let him stew but it wouldn't be the right kind of behavior from a guardian. She should offer him support and listen to him. As she always did with Stefan.

Her heart clenches just thinking about her boy. She misses him so much. If only he hadn't followed Valentine then he would have been with her still. He would have gotten to know Dean. He would have treated him like a little brother. She shakes her head at this thought. It's not right to think about it. All she should focus on is getting Dean to open up but how? Maybe through talking about his family? He's been fixated on them for quite a while already. She smiles, confident she made the right choice.

"Dean, what is your family like."

"My family? We are loyal to each other. Why do you want to know about them?"

"How does this loyalty show itself."

"Because we are there for each other when we need each other. We do not abandon or kidnap anyone."

"Mhh, and your mother? Where is she? You have not talked about her yet."

"My mother is dead because of monsters like you."

Dean slams his hand on the table. The plates rattle. She glares at him only to receive a haughty look in return. Placing her elbows on the table, she puts her chin in her hand and frowns. She doesn't understand why he considers them to be monsters. They're not. Not that there are monsters at all. There're demons and downworlders but not monsters. She wants to know about this belief but decides to focus on something else.

"Your mother was human?"

"Yes, what else?"

"Then we are not responsible for her death. But do tell me how she died."

It is as she suspected, Dean's mother was human which means no shadowhunter killed her. But it doesn't mean she wasn't killed by a nonhuman. It's something to figure out. She sees how Dean mulls over her question. She hopes he's not considering denying answering it. He must realize he can get answers from her regarding his mother's death if she wasn't killed by a fellow human.

"I am not sure. It was during a housefire according to the firefighters but dad's convinced it wasn't short-circuiting or anything like it. Dad told me, something killed my mom."

"And what did your dad say killed her?

"I don't know Dad doesn't talk about that though he still looks for it."

"You don't know anything? Really? Is there not something you remember that you can tell me about? We might be able to help you identify what killed your mother."

"And how can you do that?"

"Because we know what's out there. We know of everything even if we're unable to handle everything, especially in towns and villages. We are with too few so our priority lies with the cities where the worst damage can be done."

Dean frowns and turns away. What is he thinking about? Her answer or how he should answer her question? Whatever it is she hopes she'll get some answers herself. Before she's able to consider it, Dean speaks up.

"So that's why we never heard of you."

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing."

She smiles grimly. There's a reason, he never heard about them. And it might explain why she's soo unaware of their presence. Dean notices her smile and glares at her. He must realize she doesn't believe him. Lifting an eyebrow, she hopes to get Dean to explain himself. It doesn't work. Dean simply glares at her without saying a single word. She sighs.

"Yes, of course, nothing. I can't force you if you're unwilling to talk to me. But do tell me more of what you remember from your mother's death."

Dean laughs shallowly. She shakes her head. The use of the Mortal Sword is different than simply questioning someone. He'll learn it soon. But now, she should be listening to his answer. No matter how much she dislikes it, it might tell her about something they've missed in the past. Once Dean stops laughing, he finally talks to her in a normal manner.

"I only know what dad told me. Mom was supposedly on the ceiling with her stomach cut open. Dad swears the fire started behind mom. And he swears something truly evil was in the room before."

"Oh, and how do you know that? Your dad didn't talk about it, remember?"

"No, he doesn't talk about it. But he rages about it at times when he's had too much to drink."

"Mhh, Did your father ever explain what he meant with something truly evil?"

"Not really. You know something that shouldn't be here. Something really bad."

"But did your father ever explain anything more? Any features?"

"All he said was a yellow-eyed bastard was responsible and a really evil presence came from it."

"Mhh."

This just proves Dean doesn't want to talk about it. She'll be pulling the answers out of him until he's finally willing to share them on his won. But his explanation? Could it refer to a demon? Maybe. In that case, she suspects it was one of the greater demons. But it doesn't explain the yellow eyes. She's never heard about it outside of medical conditions. And as far as she knows, the greater demons don't have yellow eyes. If they do, then none have ever seen it before.

Dean tabs his fingers on the table. She shakes her head. It might be worth checking out. It might also explain how some humans were able to see something a Nephilim hasn't. Right now, she's got to settle Dean's nerves. Nerves, she suspects he won't admit to having.

"Well, I'll have someone look into it to see if we can find out what's responsible for your mother's death."

"And you'll keep that information for yourself, right?"

"No, I'll be sharing it with you. It's something you'll be needing to know. Maybe it can be hunted if it shows its face ever again. You'll then be the best one for the job. But tell me, what you meant with never having heard of us."

"Oh, just no one speaks about you among the people we interact with."

"And who are those people? I don't think you're referring to normal mundanes."

"I am, they're just friends."

"Alright, just friends. What's your father's job?"

"You know, protecting people? What else?"

"And what does he protect people against? I don't think you're referring to the police or something like that."

"No, I am not. We're are like the police. We just don't go after humans but beings like you; monsters."

"We are no monsters, Dean."

"Oh, then what are monsters in your opinion."

"I'm not sure what you deem a monster. There are demons and downworlders. And both can be considered monsters by the uninformed."

"Downworlders?"

Dean frowns, his eyes turning bland. She smiles, confident he's remembering the lesson she made sure he followed recently. Demons were discussed there but not downworlders. She suspects he would deem them monsters or maybe he already does. And also, she's getting the feeling he's never heard this word before. Wanting clarification, she decides to ask.

"Do you know what downworlders are, Dean?"

"I've got no idea what you're talking about? Maybe people who leave beneath the cities. I don't know."

"Downworlders is a term used to describe vampires, werewolves, warlocks, and fairies."

"Vampires and werewolves are monsters who only prey on people."

"They are not so long as they follow the accords and belong to either a clan or a pack. Only then do they have protection otherwise, they are considered rogue."

"And if they are rogue?"

"Then they are hunted. It's a law we strongly enforce as do they."

"So those can be killed?"

"Yes, but only after receiving orders from an institute to hunt them. Have you encountered some?"

"Yes, when they were hunting people and killing them. But we don't differentiate between those belonging to a group or not. Most of the time, the group's also involved in hurting people."

She frowns. So some packs and clans don't follow the accords. It's something else for her to look into. Maybe … having those people - he's interacting with - affiliated with the Nephilim would ensure the law's better enforced. And also give them a chance to survey the towns and villages. Looking to Dean, she sees how he's studying her. She smiles at him.

"So their actions affected the mundane world. Thank you for informing me. I'll make sure we keep a closer eye on such actions so we can intervene. It's our job to ensure justice is served when their actions affect other parts of the Downworld or the mundane world."

"You stay out of it, it's the job of us hunters."

"Hunters? What do you mean? Is that your dad's job?"

She grins, confident she just got the answers she was prying for the entire time. Now she's got a name to call them by. And hopefully, she'll soon know more about them. Dean doesn't seem to notice her reaction for he immediately responds to her question.

"Yes, you know people who hunt monsters when they're targetting people or when spirits are causing trouble and have to be dealt with."

"So I imagine there are more like your dad, right?"

"Yes, of course. What'd you think? There's no way we can handle everything by ourselves."

"Do tell me more about them? Where can I find them?"

"Everywhere and nowhere. We don't exactly stay in one place or keep in contact. We might not see each other for an eternity only to bump into each other by coincidence. And there's nothing more to tell about them, they're all normal people doing things so no one has to know what's out there."

"Mhh, and how can I come in contact with them?"

"You won't."

Dean glares at her while crossing his arms. Seconds later, his eyes widen and he looks at her in dread. Imogen smiles and shakes her head. Now is no time for him to be so shocked about the answers. He already gave them and told her quite a bit but it's not enough. But from his answers and recent realization, she suspects he won't be telling her anything of importance anymore.

Not until she's managed to gain his complete trust. It'll take quite some time before she's got it. Nevertheless, what he already told her is highly useful. She can now start to instruct the institutes to keep an eye out on the smaller places for the hunters. Especially in the USA where she knows they're active. And hopefully, then she'll learn how to contact them and how large their group is.

She scratches her chin. Maybe the Silent Brothers will know something. If there's ever been communication between their respective groups - no matter how long ago - then they'll know where to find the records of it. It's something to put an aide on but which? An experienced aide could easily handle them but she needs them for a lot more important matters. The new aides will be taking quite some time with it but then it might be a good thing to do. She nods.

"What!"

"Nothing for you to concern yourself with. I'm only considering a few tasks I'll be assigned to my aids. It's of no importance to you. And Dean, finish your breakfast."

"Yes, yes, I'll finish my stupid breakfast. And then what?"

"Finish your breakfast then we'll talk more."

Dean nods and pouts but does indeed return his attention to his breakfast. She does the same thing. After they finish their breakfast, she'll inform him about his schedule for his training. The structure will do him good. And the faster he's out of her hairs the better.

Dean POV

About thirty minutes later, Dean finally feels confident enough to push his chair back. He's waited long enough. He knows what she just told him but he's unwilling to even consider listening to what she decided for him this time. No, he'll get away from her as quickly as he can. And up until now, he always had a choice which she now took from him. Just as he's about to walk away, her voice breaks through his mind.

"Dean, you're not yet excused. When we're eating together you'll only leave after being excused."

"What! Why?"

"Because it is a polite thing to do. Don't tell me I've got to teach you your manners also."

"Don't worry, I know them. Dad taught me well."

"If you say so. Just make sure you'll keep those lessons in mind."

He nods, sits down, and crosses his arms. If he's got to wait then she'll know he's displeased. He purses his lips and looks at the table. She won't have an easy time with him. Ever. After a while, he can hear a sigh coming from his right side.

"Well, now that you're sitting. Let's talk some more. You're aware you need to finish your schooling right?"

"Not really. It serves no purpose and has no real value, only experience does."

"Schooling and experience go hand-in-hand. You can't ignore one for the other."

"Only in your mind maybe but not mine."

"Anyway, make sure you'll remember those words because I made arrangements for your continued schooling."

"Really, then where's the school? I've not seen one here."

"There is an old school but all children are homeschooled through distance learning."

He groans. So he won't have any time away from her. He's stuck in her presence all the time. And why homeschool? There must be so many that they've got real schools. What's the purpose of homeschooling to them? He shakes his head. It makes no sense to him. But one thing comes to his mind? If it's an old school then it'll be known and maybe he's heard about them before.

"Then it's a school known by people?"

"Yes, it is a highly selective high school for mundanes if they're not sponsored. As for us shadowhunters, it is a school everyone attends."

"So how does that sponsoring exactly work. I don't think I fall in that category, right?"

"No, didn't you listen? You're a shadowhunter and all shadowhunters attend the school. But no more about the school. What we'll be talking about is your new daily schedule."

Dean glares at her. He isn't interested in any schedule she'll give him. She looks at him with a pleased smile and raised eyebrows. He intensifies his glare while a weight drops on his stomach; he's convinced it's to do with school. Why else would she have addressed it before?

He tilts his head. Whatever schedule she'll give him will be made by her and no one else. Most likely to keep a close eye on him or torture him. Maybe even both. Why can't she just leave him alone and let him work on the lessons on his own if she's so insistent on him following them?

"Dean, are you even listening to me?"

He looks up. She's leaning on the table towards him now. A frown is on her face. He crosses his arms. He wasn't listening but won't admit it to her. He tightly grips his arms before speaking up.

"Yes, I'm listening."

She looks at him with suspicion. She knows what remained unsaid; even if he won't follow that schedule. He fights the urge to bite his lips. He hopes she won't pressure him or call him out on his lie. After some time, she sighs and leans back in the chair.

"Well then, in the mornings you'll be focusing on the lessons the school assigns you. Until you've caught up with your age mates you'll focus on the remedial lessons. And that means you'll be getting special lessons which are normally taught to children and younger teenagers."

"What! Why?"

"Because you're sorely behind them. You're raised as a mundane so never received some of the courses which are vital to us. And also because I've seen your records and your grades."

"I might not get good grades but that doesn't mean I'm behind."

"Oh, but you are according to us. I don't like repeating myself so I'll explain by using different words. We follow a slightly different schedule than the mundane schools due to our needs."

Dean pouts but doesn't respond. She smiles with a pleasing look on her face. He narrows his eyes not liking where this conversation is going. He doesn't like it all. He looks around trying to see if there's a way for him to escape. He finds none.

"Dean, I'm confident you'll manage to get good grades and will finish the remedial courses in a short time."

"I hope so for your sake."

She lifts an eyebrow. He glares. He knows she doesn't believe his treat but he'll make good on it if her words prove false. Not regarding his grade but regarding the time he'll spend on remedial courses. He's no child and won't be treated like one by her or anyone. Within moments, she speaks up.

"Now then as for your daily schedule, in the mornings from eight, you'll be studying in your room. Around midday, you'll eat your lunch before going to your physical training with Benjamin. This training lasts until two and then you'll return to your room to continue your studies."

"What! And I won't get any free time?"

"Oh, you'll have free time in the evening, Dean. Don't worry about it but for now, your training takes priority as there are some tests for which you need to be ready."

"Tests?"

"Yes, tests so you'll get to contribute to our society. And it includes a small stipend which you can spend however you like so long as it's on nothing illegal. I'm sure you'll like that."

"And what are these tests like?"

"It's so you'll know how to scout out potential threats. Mostly it'll be demons roaming around but sometimes also other beings. And something I haven't mentioned yet and intended to tell you later; you've got to take a test tomorrow. This test will determine what remedial lessons you'll receive."

"Oh, and what else did you forget?"

Dean looks at her with a gleeful smile on his face. She narrows his eyes. Is he enjoying it? She doesn't like it. After all, she didn't forget it because she wanted to tell him this as last. Her eyes do not seem to lessen the look on Dean's face. No, the longer she looks the wider his smile becomes.

"I didn't forget anything else. Don't give me such a look. There's nothing good about it. And think about the test and what you'll get for successfully finishing them?"

"Alright. Those later tests could be useful but how long will this first one take?"

"I imagine the entire morning when you take breaks into account. Your afternoon session with Benjamin won't be canceled. However, tomorrow you'll have the afternoon free."

"That's good to know. And even if those tests are useful, what's got that to do with my studies? It can't be that important."

"Oh, it is. Without your studying, you won't know what to look for."

"You don't need school for that. Experience can teach that also. It can teach you everything you need."

"Oh, but it can't. Some things are better learned in school first before you gain experience with them. But why do you think school is unimportant?"

"Just you know …"

"Did someone tell you this?"

Dean bites his lips. She smiles, feeling her words are confirmed. Someone did tell him but who? She has no real idea but suspects it might be his father. Dean is so fixated on what his father taught him that it would not be such a surprise for his father to have instilled this belief in him. She sighs, aware of how much work she'll have with him. Some of his father's beliefs - if indeed they come from his father - will have to be changed. Something which will take a long time.

She looks up and tilts her head as she watches Dean get lost in his thoughts. A frown is on his face while his head rests in his hand and his elbows on the table. She frowns herself then. Has she managed to convince him to follow her schedule? Or is he giving himself another reason to justify to himself to accept the lessons? Well whatever it is, so long as he accepts it, she won't question it.

"Have you accepted my words?"

"Mhh?"

"Dean!"

"Oh yes, I'll follow your stupid schedule."

She nods hearing the unsaid words 'for now'. He has been focused on returning to his family for a while now. As such, it doesn't surprise her. He won't have given up just yet. She hopes for his sake, he'll give up sooner or later. It won't do him any good if he doesn't give up on what he cannot have.

"You are excused."

Dean nods and practically flees the room. She tilts her head. Did she just see tears in his eyes as he fleed? The sparking near his eyes certainly gave her the impression. She sighs, knowing it's not easy to be away from a family and in a new culture but he has to adapt. And if he hopes to lower her guard by this then he'll be sadly mistaken. She'll be keeping a close eye on him as will Benjamin. And she knows just how to do that.