Flashback in Italic

November 1995

Dean POV

Falling on the bed, Dean crosses his arms behind his head and looks at the ceiling above him. His entire body aches from the training from before. Every muscle in his body hurts. He takes a deep breath and hisses at the sting in his chest. What was Benjamin thinking? Torturing him or what? Honestly, he cannot call it anything else. It was just too much.

Focusing on the bright white ceiling once more, he watches as slowly all kinds of shadowy shapes take shape. He watches the shapes until his eyes drop closed and his mind moves back to his family. He has been here for a while now. Sammy and dad must be so worried. He has to send them something to let them know where he is. Or at least that he's alive. But how? He's got no idea.

Shaking his head, he hisses as the muscles in his neck ache and ignores it. He focuses back on the matter on hand. He's got to figure something out. And soon. He can do this before anyone notices he isn't studying. So what options are there? He could send a letter, call or leave some trace behind once he's allowed to leave this fucking place. Dammit. He knows he accepted the training but it doesn't mean he's giving up on finding Sammy and dad.

Thinking about the options, he knows simply calling them won't be an option. He hasn't seen any sign of a cell phone is here. Or any phone for the matter. Everyone seems to be using some kind of letter here. Like those, he's received from the school. But he can't use those to contact them. Dad'll burn it before anyone even remotely has gotten the chance to read them. Too suspicious it's something dangerous. So it means he's down to one option.

He shakes his head and his eyes turn towards the closet. He doesn't have two options, he's got only one. Leaving any trace behind isn't possible. He doesn't know where he is. So he doesn't know if there's a chance dad'll find it or anyone else for the matter. Not as if he knows where Sammy and dad are right now.

So this means, all he can do is send a letter but only once he is out of this fucking city. There's no post office here. Nothing to send a letter from. He clenches his fists. They can't make it easy for him, can they? So, he'll have to play along for a while longer. At least until they leave him alone for longer than now. Long enough for him to send the letter.

He clenches his eyes shut. He wants to send this letter and fast but can't. He knows, he can't. Thinking about it, a smile grows on his face. No one's stopping him from writing this letter. He can write it even if he can't send it. Yes, yes, he'll write it now. Springing up from the bed, he stumbles and has to steady himself on the bed before he crashes into the ground.

Once he has steadied himself, he sprints to his desk. Rummaging around it for a moment, he looks for a pen and paper. The pen is found faster than the paper. He spends precious minutes looking for paper only to finally find it hidden deep in a drawer under a lot of junk. He scratches his head unaware he was collecting so much junk. Or that he stored it in his drawer.

Taking a stack of papers out, he places one in front of him and starts to write the letter. As time passes, he scratches things out only to throw the letter away at a later time. Then he sighs before starting all over with the letter. This process repeats itself for a long time before he's finally able to finish an acceptable letter.

"What are you doing, Dean?"

"Just writing something."

He refuses to turn around and stares at the boring wall in front of him. Only when he hears a scraping throat does he finally turn around. He immediately regrets it. Imogen stands in his room with raised eyebrows and an amused smile on her face. Her arms are crossed in front of her chest while her hands hold a crumbled piece of paper. He feels dread building in his stomach and moves around in his chair trying to read what's on the paper. Unfortunately, after a few moments, he finds he's unable to do so.

"I don't think so. You've been writing to your family, haven't you?"

"I haven't."

"Oh, but you have."

Imogen waves the paper in front of his face. He glares at her unwilling to acknowledge she's right. He doesn't want to give her the pleasure she'll get from it. She stares back at him. Neither willing to give in nor talk about the large issue before them. After some time, she sighs.

"Dean, I can understand why you want to write to your family. It's normal to want to stay in contact with them and let them know you're alright. I'm not denying that but you've got to let it go for now. Once you're a full member, you'll have more freedom and a chance to keep an eye on them even if you can't talk to them about your new life. And as for now, you've got to focus on your training."

He looks at the ground, fidgetting with the hem of his shirt. He's been told this multiple times in many ways. He just doesn't want to accept it. He's got to get back to his family. One way or the other. He's got to. Tears spring in his eyes and he quickly wipes them away. Even if he becomes a full member, then he won't hide anything from them. Just as he thinks this, Imogen speaks up once more.

"What is it?"

"I just don't want to be abandoned again."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing. Forget about it."

He crosses his arms in front of his chest and turns to the side berating himself. He shouldn't have said it. He should have kept quiet. Now, she'll be asking questions which he doesn't want to answer. It'll be a battle to stay quiet. Especially, as she'll be pushing for answers. He presses his lips together. He'll hold firm. He won't bend.

"I don't believe it. Why do you even think your father would abandon you? No parent would ever abandon their child."

"You know nothing. Dad doesn't abandon me, he's just strict and makes sure you pay for your mistakes. You've got to learn from them."

"Oh, but you certainly gave the impression of it. And, Dean, you think you recently made a mistake?"

"What do you think?"

"That we brought you to us - even if against your will - isn't any mistake of yours."

He turns away from her. He knows she's lying. It's his mistake; he shouldn't have gotten caught. He should have escaped already. There are so many mistakes he made already. He closes his eyes, feeling tears prickle in the corners. Why does it affect him so much? He should be stronger. It's another mistake of him.

How many more will he make? He knows what will happen once dad finds him. He'll have to make sure he's no monster in disguise. He shudders certain he'll fail the tests considering everything which has happened to him recently. He'll know what this will mean for him. He's got to find something to convince his dad with. He sighs. If he fails then at least he's seen dad once more. It's one small mercy.

"Dean, are you listening to me?"

He turns back and sees Imogen's hands on his knees. Her face's right in front of him. He jumps back in surprise and clenches his fists. He can't understand why he didn't notice her coming so close. He should have heard her walking or anything like it but he didn't. He closes his eyes and presses his lips together.

"Dean?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm listening."

"I sincerely doubt that. Can you answer my question?"

He frowns. What question? He never heard her state one he has not already answered. His eyes widen when Imogen's eyes narrow towards him. He must have failed to hear one. He must have. It is the only explanation. He knows she would not have made something like this up.

"I asked: can you tell me how strict your dad is then?"

"Well, stricter than most parents but then it comes with the job. He's got to make sure Sammy and I can take care of ourselves."

"Shouldn't that be your father's job?"

"He can't always be with us so…yeah."

"And what job are you talking about? The job of a hunter?"

"What else?"

Imogen nods while a contemplative look crosses her face. He frowns, wondering what she's thinking about. And why's she even asking about all these things. They're none of her concern.

"Tell me more about your brother. Sammy's his name, right."

"He's a bright kid with big dreams. Dad won't accept them and I don't like them but then he won't let it stop himself. So I've accepted he will most likely try to accomplish them. And I won't stop him."

"What kind of dreams?"

"None of your concern."

"Mhh, what'll you do once he follows his dreams?"

"As I said I won't stop him. So of course, I'll be keeping an eye on him. That's my job."

"So, he doesn't know you know about his dreams? And why's looking after him your job?"

"Oh, he surely knows it. He's not stupid. And it's my job because I'm responsible for him. He's mine to protect."

"A job which belongs to parents, not a young boy like you. Who will protect you if your father does not do that?"

"Oh, no one. I can look after myself."

"Dean, you're still a kid. It's not something you should ever need to do for at least a few other years. Know that now you're here, I'm always there for you. Come to me with anything you need. And also, you should give up on contacting your family. At least for now. As I said, you can contact them later if you so sorely need to."

He crosses his arms, glares at her but refuses to answer. She won't like it because he doesn't agree with her. He absolutely refuses to give up on contacting dad and Sammy. He'll get in contact with them soon. No matter what they'll do to him. He won't ever give up. He accepts his training but not this. He knows he's got to be much more careful if he wants to succeed. And succeed, he will.

Walking back to his new residence, Dean flexes his shoulders to try and relax them a bit. Benjamin's been pushing him harder than ever with each passing day. Today they were using blades once more. He grimaces at the memory.

"Dean, take one of the blades in the red chest. We've spent enough time on physical training as is. It's time for you to actually train with swords."

"Why?"

"Just take one."

"Yeah, and have it blow up in my hands once more. Not very likely."

Despite saying this, he walks towards the chest with lead in his shoes. Upon reaching the chest, he looks at the blades inside. The handles are just like the ones he used before with one notable exception. Their cords are not of rope but some sort of golden thread. Or maybe painted cords but nevertheless it is different from all the blades he's seen before. He frowns, wondering what's with these cords.

"Oh, trust me. They won't blow up in your face."

"Yeah, right. Trust you."

Since when should he trust these people? He might have accepted this training but it doesn't mean he's agreed to trust them. In fact, he doesn't trust them. All their blades exploded in his hands. So why wouldn't these blades do it also? There's nothing changing with these blades. They'll explode, he's certain of it.

"You can. These blades were created by the Iron Sisters for someone like you. They're much stronger than the ones you've used so far. In fact, these blades haven't been used since ancient times."

"Oh, why not?"

"Because there hasn't been anyone capable of using them."

"Why not?"

"Well, I'm not sure. The Silent Brothers say these blades were used by some of our most powerful. Some of the first-generation shadowhunters who ever existed. And even then, they've read that they were unable to use them properly due to not being strong enough. It is our belief you can use them like those Shadowhunters if not better."

"Oh, so you think I'm strong enough?"

"Not me alone. Everyone thinks so."

"If you say so."

So, the blades will potentially not explode in his face. It's somewhat reassuring if he's got to be honest with himself. But if it does explode then he'll hold them responsible. Carefully as if handling a hot pipe, he takes one of the blades out of the chest. His heart beats fast in his chest. Despite the assurances he's got, he's not looking forward to this. He knows what'll happen.

To his great surprise, the blade didn't explode during the training. It didn't even heat up. He's still not sure why. It can't be because of what Benjamin said. There are no blades of such old age who are still in such good condition. They can't be. It must have been a fluke of some kind. Maybe Benjamin's been lied to. It's the only thing which makes sense. But still, he can't figure out why there would be such a fluke.

Reaching the front door, he opens it and carefully slips into the building heading towards the kitchen. Once there, he quickly collects some snacks and something to drink before looking at the clock. It's still early enough that it isn't almost time for lunch. So, he'll have time enough to study a bit. He knows she'll be interrogating him afterward. Best to be prepared so he won't raise any more attention to himself than he has to.

As he thinks this he starts to wonder why he had his training with Benjamin this morning. It's always after lunch but now not? It makes no sense. Especially as no one gave any explanation whatsoever. And she hasn't changed his obnoxious schedule before. So why now? He shakes his head. He'll ask at lunch and hope he'll get the answers he's looking for. If not then he'll use other means to get an answer.

Reaching his room, he opens the door and kicks it closed behind him. He can't do it any other way as his hands are full with his snacks and drinks. Putting his snacks and drink on the desk, he looks at the books before him. He sighs. He's got to do some work on boring subjects now. It'll give him more time on the interesting ones in the afternoon.

Smiling to himself, he quickly selects a book and the corresponding exercise folder. Rummaging through the folder, he looks for the next assignment he's got to do when a bright light comes from his desk. He jumps back. The chair clatters on the ground behind him with a loud bang. His legs hit the underside of the chair causing him to hiss in pain. He massages his legs for a bit to ease the pain. Despite all this, his eyes are trained on the desk where a small package quickly becomes visible.

Frowning, he waits for a few seconds after which the light - more like a flame - disappears. He slowly reaches for it, afraid it will harm him. When nothing happens, he unwraps the ties. Inside the package's an envelope addressed to him. Most likely a letter of some kind. He slowly opens the envelope dreading what's inside. As he reads the letter, a bright smile grows on his face. He's gotten the exercises good enough that he won't be stuck with those exercises any longer. He can now really progress through the subject. But then his words fall on the last sentence:

Your results are sufficient that it's our belief you'll be finished with the remedial lessons for these subjects within the next two weeks. Keep up the good work.

Enclosed you'll find new remedial assignments which will be the last you'll receive from us. Please finish them and the ones you've already received and send them to us. When they are satisfactory then you'll only receive the normal assignments.

A smile breaks over his face. Just what he was hoping for . It means he won't be stuck with remedial lessons for these subjects for too long. Just what he needs. These boring subjects are even more boring when he's faced with the remedial lessons. Almost sleep-inducing. But now, he won't be stuck with it for too long. Soon, he's up to their standards in these subjects and can work easier.

Putting the letter back, he looks at the package. Inside are some textbooks and assignments just as the letter said. He looks them over before putting them to the side. He'll finish those he intended to start on first and then he'll finish these if he's got the time for it. Better not repeat the same mistake as before. Dean works quickly through the assignments and before long a knock sounds on his door.

"Dean, it's lunchtime. Meet me in the dining room."

He doesn't respond, knowing she doesn't expect him to do so. As such, he quickly finishes the assignment he's been working on before placing it on the tiny pile of finished assignments. He'll increase the size of it later. Standing up, he stretches and feels his muscles pulling in his back and his arms. He waits for the pain to arrive but is pleasantly surprised when it doesn't.

Leaving his room, he quickly makes his way to the dining room where Imogen's already sitting and reading some sort of paper. Most likely work-related. He's learned she's always busy with her work if she's not doing something else. And in the middle of the day, she's never done anything which wasn't work-related. Well, except for their customary meals. She'll always insist they eat together. No matter what's going on with her job or with his assignments. No, nothing can ever come between their meals.

Sitting down, he looks at the table for what they'll be eating. It looks like it'll be some soup and bread. Great. Just what he likes. Why couldn't she have arranged for something else? He knows she doesn't make it even though he also doesn't know who does. Sighing, he places a serving of soup in his bowl before grabbing one of the loaves of bread. As he looks up, he catches the eyes of Imogen. She's looking at him attentively. Too attentively for his liking.

"What?"

"Since when do we start eating without greeting each other?"

"Good afternoon."

Imogen laughs and shakes her head. He glares at her wondering what she finds so funny. He barely refrained from calling her bitch once more. It would have fit the rudeness in his voice.

"Good afternoon, Dean. Remember it for next time. Have a nice meal."

He nods at her curt tone and quickly devours the soup and loaf of bread. Despite the look of it, it's a very good soup. And the bread tastes divine. Before long, he has finished one bowl and quickly grabs a second one. It's a bowl, he again quickly devours. He reaches forward for another loaf of bread when Imogen speaks up. It effectively stops his arm in midair.

"Now that you've finished eating, let me test how well you've studied."

And so for the next hour, Imogen asks him all sorts of questions about his schooling. Most of them, he can answer easily enough. They're not difficult but some he struggles with. Only through her following questions does he manage to answer them. Once she stops asking, he heaves a sigh of relief. He'll know soon enough how he's done. He's not convinced she'll be pleased with it. There goes his desire to keep his head done.

"Well, you've certainly improved. You've passed my test despite being unable to answer all questions sufficiently. After dinner, I'll test you on what you've learned in the afternoon."

He groans. Can't she leave him alone? Why all these tests? It makes no sense. She shouldn't be soo invested in this. Well, at least he managed to pass her test now. Hopefully, after dinner, he passes also. And hopefully, it'll get him off her back. He stays in the chair waiting to see what else she wants from him now.

"You can leave if you've finished eating."

He nods and quickly makes his way out of the room. Once outside, he takes a deep breath. He can feel his heart beating fast in his chest and his breath sounding labored. From what? He's got no idea. And why? Why is he so affected by her words? She's not Sonny nor his dad. She shouldn't have any sway over him.

None. None at all.

He growls and quickly walks back to his room where he immediately rests his head on his desk. Nothing makes sense. His mind moves in a million directions. All kinds of thoughts cross his mind. But he cannot grasp any of them. It would be so much better if he were able to grasp them. At least he'll know where his mind moves to. He bangs his head multiple times on the desk

Banging his head one last time, he picks up the next book on his schedule today. If his mind moves like this then he'll use it for his study. Hopefully, he'll be able to focus. And he only does this to get all the people off his back. Reading through the books, he quickly becomes engrossed in the text.

So that's what they call these monsters. So that's what they'll do with these monsters. All examples of thoughts cross his mind as he reads. It makes the texts so interesting he's losing track of time. Before long, he forces himself to focus on the assignment for this subject.

It proves to be equally as interesting. And it's got him learning something new and highly interesting. He makes the assignment while including his notes on them. Hopefully, he'll get extra marks for this. It's something he'll use once he's back with his family. And it'll make sure he gets good marks from his unknown teachers.

His eyes widen when the thought crosses his mind. He's becoming like Sammy; totally focused on his schooling. He shakes his head. There's no changing it. And it's not totally true. He's not interested in all subjects. Only these new interesting ones. So he's not anything like Sammy.

Having finished the assignment, he looks out of the window. He thinks he's spent over an hour on this subject. Then he moves on to the next subject. It proves to be equally as interesting but he doesn't allow it to distract him from the time. He's got to finish these so he'll also be out of the remedial lessons by the end of the month.

By the time it's dinner time, he looks at the desk and smiles. He's finished nearly everything he planned. What he's got left to do, he'll do later tonight after dinner. She won't keep him if he can give her a good reason. And his lessons have proven to be a good reason. So, he's certain he'll have time to finish them. Nodding to himself, he stands up and walks to the dining room.

Dinner proves to be just like lunch. He gets to eat before she starts to interrogate him on his study. He gives her all the answers she seeks as well as his observations. The same ones he wrote on the assignment papers. It leads to a lengthy discussion about the concerning subject. He's not sure if she's pleased with it but she doesn't berate him. It must mean he's doing something right.

Before he's even aware of it, they've spent around an hour discussing just one matter before they move on to the next. And again, they spend a lot of time on this subject. And again, they lose track of time until he glances outside. The sky outside is completely dark. It's late at night. His eyes widen. There goes his plan.

"Dean, what's wrong?"

"I just didn't know we spend so much time on this."

"Mhh."

Imogen looks outside and her eyes widen. So she also didn't keep track of time. Good to know, he's not the only one. Her eyes don't remain locked on the outside for long. She almost immediately turns back to him and speaks up.

"I can see we spend more time on your test than anticipated. You'll be glad to know you passed this one also. Tomorrow evening, I won't test you because Harvey wants to meet with you then. You'd better ensure you're prepared."

"Meet with me? About what?"

"I don't know, he didn't say."

"Who's this Harvey even?"

"Our Consul. Didn't I tell you this?"

"Can't remember if you did."

"Well, you know now. Get some rest tonight and make sure you're ready before our consul arrives."

"Yes, ma'am."

He stands up and storms out of the room. As if she and Benjamin are not enough now, he's got to deal with this consul also. They've never spoken about him until now. And why didn't she ask why he wanted to meet with him. If she'd care about him then she should have asked. So what should he do? He's got no idea what she means with ensuring he's ready. It's not as if he's supposed to wear some kind of special clothing. And he won't change himself just for this consul.

Reaching his room, he throws the door open and slams it shut. He storms to his bed and drops on it while he groans. He's got to keep the attention of his back. So, he'll make sure he's ready by being on time. However, he won't ever tell him anything of importance. He'll just pretend to be adjusting. Yes, that is a good idea. It'll fool him for certain. And hopefully, none will mention his attempt to contact his family. He doesn't want to be faced with another lecture.

Walking to the living room, Dean looks at the ceiling. He's not looking forward to this meeting. Not at all. Not even a tiny bit. He wants to escape from it but it'll only give him more problems if he even tries. So, he's got to make his way through this somehow. Anyway possible. Taking a deep breath, he walks closer to the living room while his legs feel incredibly heavy as if he is pulling heavy stones behind him with every step. His heart beats in his throat. Wringing his hands, he feels how wet they are from the sweat. A few drops of sweat roll over his face. He wipes them away.

Nearing the living room, voices sound from inside the room. One of them is Imogen - he recognizes her voice easily enough - and the other's a male. This is most likely this stupid Consul he'll be meeting. Well, he's the last one to arrive. Good. The less time, he's got to spend with him the better. And even better he's got his excuse ready. He's been working hard on some assignments which had him struggling for a bit. Not so much as it to be late but it's a good excuse to use by making his struggling sound even worse.

Taking a deep breath, he steps into the room and looks around. A middle-aged man with red hair and a crooked nose stands next to Imogen. He's dressed in red robes. Those robes almost look ceremonial. Looking the man over once more, he raises an eyebrow. So this is their Consul; Harvey who's also looking him over. A smile breaks out over Harvey's face.

"Good evening, Dean. I'm glad you have time to meet with me."

"Yes, of course. I'd nothing better to do anyway."

"Good to know, come sit down. Do you know who I am?"

"You're the Consul. You're name's Harvey."

"Yes, Harvey Cartblossom."

"I'll leave you then. Dean, behave."

"Yes, ma'am."

Imogen smiles at him but her eyes become glaring when they meet Harvey. To make his point, he glares at her in return. Why would she leave him alone? And more importantly, why would she remind him to behave? He's never misbehaved unless he had a good reason, such as contacting Sammy and dad. And more importantly, he knows he's got to behave right now. Well, so long as no buttons are pushed too much. If that happens then he won't stand in for himself. She silently steps out of the room. The silence which grew until now stretches between them.

"Well, now that we're alone. Can you tell me how you've found your life so far, Dean?"

"My life?"

"Yes, your life among us of course."

"Well, what to say …"

He can't give his real opinion, can he? He's been miserable most of the time when he's reminded of his inability to contact family. The training's nice as well as those new subjects. It's something which has a really good use for a hunter. It's not something which will be appreciated if he says it. But then he also can't really lie. So how to voice it?

He frowns. One word keeps coming up in his mind. It's been different. Really different. Could he call it different? Won't he get too many annoying questions in return? He shakes his head. He can't let this doubt stop him. He'll face the potential storm once it presents itself. It's the best option he's got so far.

"It's been different than what I've been used to."

"Oh, in what way has it different. That you have a stable place to live for once in your life?"

"No, not at all. The people are just different."

"Of course, we are different. We are not mundanes but shadowhunters."

"Sure."

He turns his head to the window suddenly wishing he could escape this room. Harvey's got no right to criticize dad's caretaking. It's not dad's fault he hasn't had a 'stable life' as Harvey calls it. He's been with family. Who cares if he hasn't stayed in one place for a long time? No one. It's only a matter of if he's happy. And nothing more.

A hand touches his arm and he whips around. Harvey's holding his arm in a tight grip. He pulls his arm out of his grasp and glares at him. Harvey either doesn't notice or doesn't care because he smiles.

"But Dean, tell me what is so different here?"

"Mhh, well the insistence on schooling, the training - though not by much - and well…the interactions with people."

"What do you mean with interactions?"

"Just that people are interested in knowing how I am doing and always willing to offer aid. In other words, always getting on my fucking nerves."

"Everyone should have an interest in the people in their community. I imagine you did not get to see this often, right? You always moved every few months if it wasn't earlier."

Harvey smiles and Dean glares at him. He opens his mouth to retort when Harvey continues.

"You, Dean, need to get used to it. Once you've been here for a while, you won't find it nerve-wracking anymore. Trust me on that."

"Why should I? Have you ever been abducted and forced into a society you want to have nothing to do with? And who cares if I've never stayed long anywhere. It's our life and I'm happy with it."

"I sincerely doubt you're happy with it. I know you'll be happy here."

"Absolutely not. I'll be miserable having to interact with my abductors and …"

"Watch your tone, boy! Your father hasn't taken good care of you so it's our job to rectify it."

"How dare you. My dad takes good care of us. The best."

He jumps up and lashes out with a fist. Harvey jumps to the side and tackles him. They fight for a bit on the ground before Harvey sits on his chest. He keeps trying to push him from his chest only to find his arms restrained. With nothing else to do, he glares at Harvey once more.

"Let's continue this conversation in a normal tone, Dean. If you'll calm down then I'll let you go and forget about it. No one has to know about this."

He pouts, knowing it's useless to say anything else. Who's Harvey even to tell him to calm down? He's not the one who started this fight. Harvey insulted his dad by claiming he didn't take care of Sammy and him. Harvey doesn't know a thing. He's got a right to defend his dad. No one can say anything against it.

He takes a deep breath and nods. Harvey smiles with a glitter in his eyes and moves off his chest. He doesn't like it but doesn't say anything about it. Harvey already proved he won't accept backtalk. So why try. He should do as he intended; play along just to get out of this conversation the fastest. He dusts his hands over his trousers after standing up and sits back on the couch.

"You don't realize your father hasn't taken good care of you. Please let me explain why I say that. He doesn't provide a stable life for a child by continuously moving around. He needs to place your needs above his own. You'll learn what that means now that you're with your people and we'll look after you."

"My family are my people."

"You should forget about your birth family, Dean. We are your family; you belong to the Nephilim now."

Dean crosses his arms over his chest and narrows his eyes. He won't accept it. He'll never give up on his family. He belongs with them and no one else. These people aren't his family and will never be. Harvey looks at him with narrowed eyes. He glares at Harvey and refuses to back down. After a staring match lasting minutes, Harvey sighs. He smiles, pleased with this small victory. The smile disappears once Harvey speaks up.

"Tell me about your schooling. How's that been going?"

"Well, I spend most of my time in my room studying. It's been going alright."

"Don't you miss interacting with other children your age?"

"Not really."

"Really? You don't enjoy hanging out with children your age?"

"No, there are better things to do."

"If you say so. I know that you've done a lot of good things here while learning, Dean. This is your rightful place now. I hope you remember it for I won't remind you again."

He turns his head back to Harvey who's looking at him with a concerned look. He narrows his eyes biting back a growl. He doesn't believe this concern's real nor does he need any concern from him. Imogen, he accepts but barely. Harvey, he won't accept. This nasty man should stay out of his life.

"What do you even want?"

"Why do you ask, Dean?"

"Well, you wouldn't have asked to meet me if there wasn't anything you wanted. So what is it?"

"Can't I just be interested in knowing how you've adapted to your new life?"

"You can but that's not all you're here for."

Dean narrows his eyes. He wants answers. It'll tell him how to handle Harvey. How to keep him out of his life. Harvey's entire attitude seems to change the longer he glares at him. He's not sure whether he likes it or not. He holds his breath waiting for Harvey to speak up which he does a while later.

"Well, I've heard about your attempt to contact your family and …"

"And what?"

"You've got to stop it. Your family's not worthy of your loyalty."

"Who're you to say that? You've got no right. You don't even know them."

"I know enough. They don't deserve you. Your father does not take care of you as he should as I've said before."

"Take that back! Dad does his best. It's not his fault."

"Really?"

Harvey looks at him with an unconvinced expression. He glares at him. Who does he think he is to insult his family? He doesn't know them. He doesn't know what they've been through. He struggles to bite back a growl. It's so reminiscent of those well-meaning teachers he's had. Those who stuck their nose in matters they shouldn't.

"Yes! I'm done with this conversation."

"You're done when I tell you. Now. Sit. Down."

Reluctantly, Dean sits down on the couch but maintains as much distance between them as he can. He crosses his arms. Whatever this jackass got to say, he's not interested in hearing it. He's been so condensing it's a wonder he hasn't lashed out more. It's just he knows it wouldn't do him any good. He wants to go back to his family so he'll have to give them a sense of security before he makes his escape.

He turns towards Harvey who looks at him with steel eyes. He clenches his fists and waits for whatever's to come. He's certain he won't like it at all. It takes a while before the steel in Harvey's eyes disappears only to be replaced by a pitying look. A stone drops in his stomach just as Harvey speaks up.

"Dean, I don't mean you any harm. None here do. We just want to get to know our newest member and ensure he'll have a bright future ahead of him. So what do you say? Shall we start over?"

"If you don't insult my family anymore then I'll give you another chance."

What he doesn't say is: not really. All because he just wants him to leave him alone. If this does as he says then he'll accept it. At least for now. No way in hell, he'll make any promises for the future. He waits for Harvey to continue which does not last long.

"How have you enjoyed your time here among your people."

"As well as can be expected."

"Care to elaborate on that."

"Not really."

"It wasn't a request, Dean."

"And I gave you a statement, not an offer. But if you're so interested. I've been treated well enough despite being kidnapped, held prisoner, and prevented from contacting my dad. All in all, there is little to complain about. Not that I'm happy with this situation."

"Yes, your dad. You tried to contact him, am I right?"

His glare intensifies. He's not interested in talking about it. Where did he even hear about this? Didn't she say she wouldn't tell anyone about it or did he hear something wrong? Biting his lips, he clenches his fists. Harvey keeps looking at him expectedly. Eventually, he's unable to stop himself.

"Why do you care?"

"Because I want you to find your place among your people."

"Not. My. People."

Harvey waves his hands as if dismissing his words. His hands clench hard and his nails dig deep into his skin. He's surprised if they don't cut into his hand. His eyes remain locked on Harvey while he waits for his response.

"No matter how much you think so, we're your people now."

"Yeah, yeah, you've said it before. And I told you what I think about that."

"Good, now back to your new life. I've already told you what I think and asked for your opinion. Now, let me elaborate on it a bit further."

"Sure, don't know what else you've got to tell me about it that I don't know already."

"You're antagonistic towards us which is totally unnecessary. We're not your enemies. That said, you've gotten your lessons well under control or so I've heard."

"Who told you that?"

"Who? Imogen of course. Who else did you think of?"

"No one."

He grumbles upset people talk about him behind his back but also secretly glad. His instructors do not report about him to this Consul. But Imogen has tattled about him. She's also most likely the one who told him about his attempt to contact dad.

He won't forgive it. He won't.

"And your lessons are not the only things I heard about you."

"I know. You've been told how I've tried to contact my family."

"That also. Not your brightest action to be honest."

He frowns. What else could Harvey have been told about him? Harvey smiles at him and his eyes turn to glaring. He does not like this look at all. Shivers run over his back in anticipation of what will come. His hands clench moments after they stopped doing so.

"I've been told you're quite powerful and show potential in leading others."

"Is that so? I can't remember ever leading others."

"Oh, you haven't done so yet in the field. However, you did so when we asked you to aid in an excursion for some children. You showed your potential then."

"We? I can clearly remember Imogen asked me to do that. And I did it with great reluctance just so you know."

"Why?"

"Because I want to go home."

"This is your home."

"If you say so. And who even says I'm powerful."

"Oh, no one said it with so many words. It is just that the Iron Sisters brought out some swords which no one's been able to use in recent history. And I've heard you could."

"Yeah, and?"

"And I asked around. Only a powerful shadowhunter could use them, hence why I call you powerful."

"Fine."

The same words Benjamin used when he first used those swords. He turns his head to the side and crosses his arms in front of his chest. So Benjamin's also been talking about him. Just great. Isn't there anyone he can confide in without it being shared? Obviously not. A hand on his shoulder forces him to turn back to Harvey.

"So could you now tell me what you think about this?"

"It's just a fluke."

"I don't think so. And I don't think that that are your real thoughts about it. So what do you think about those blades."

"Well, at least they don't explode in my face or burn my hands, and well…they are pretty nice to work with. I just don't understand the significance behind them."

"The significance is that you're really powerful if you could handle them. We don't know why but also don't care too much about it."

"So I'm just some cannon fodder for your stupid war right?"

"You'd never be cannon fodder. You're one of the most powerful and thus most important people. Yes, you might get sent against the most dangerous demons but never alone. And we'd only do that if we know you're able to handle it. We're just glad there's finally one person able to use those blades so they're not gathering dust."

"Mhh. Can I leave now?"

"Yes, you can. Send Imogen in. There are some things I need to discuss with her."