Chapter 2

**The Interview**

Dean Winchester zoomed in the parking lot of *AHBS*. So , it was the day. His life isn't going to be the same anymore. It will change for the better or worse and he was inclined to believe towards the worse but he was hoping for the better anyway. He took a moment to just let it all sink in. He was busy with the werewolf in Florida , that he didn't got a chance to really think about all of it. So when Bobby sent him the time and details , he just got here without a moment's thought. But since he was here so he might as well get on board with it. Besides , Dean Winchester is never known to backout on his words and he didn't intend to change that.

He got out from his baby , '67 Chevrolet Impala which was now as famous in the hunting community as he was. "Wish me luck , sweetheart." He whispered before giving an affectionate pat on its hood and sauntering inside the *AHBS*. The building was as good as new. It was in a remote location basically in the middle of nowhere. A kind of secret base supported by the American government to keep it anonymous just like the *AHA*. But inside , it was a different deal. It was no different than any normal school from inside. There were various classrooms on both sides of long corridors , lab rooms , music rooms , hell even theatre and art rooms were there. The kids were taught every subject that a normal kid who has no desire of becoming a hunter in the future is taught , in addition to mythology , latin and ancient signs and sigils. Basically , if you ask Dean , kids here don't know H of hunting. Because reading about how to hunt and actually doing it is completely different. They are practically new borns to the hunting world and it is upto the hunter assigned to train their ward to keep up the good fight and survive.

And maybe he could understand that the school cannot keep up the blood thirsty monsters caged up just to train the kids itself on its grounds. So , it was doing the best it could. The kids whose parents were killed by monsters or the dead hunter's kids who have nowhere to go come here for support. They are not forced to become hunters by any means. They are given knowledge about what lurks in the dark and explaination if needed about what killed their loved ones and then they are given the choice. If they choose to get out , they are supported and provided education till they are eighteen before sending them on their merry way. If they choose to stay in then they have to wait for Eligo enim venator diem.

He marched straight to the principal's office. Bobby was sitting behind his large mahagony desk engrossed in some reading. As usual , Dean didn't bother with knocking and just plopped in front of one of the two empty chairs in front of Bobby.

"So , you not even gonna welcome me , properly ?". He asked making his voice as hurt as possible even though Bobby could see right through the act.

"Welcome , my ass. What took ya so long ?" Bobby asked finally looking up to take a long look at Dean. It has been way too long since he has seen his boy in flesh. Just listening to his voice on the phone isn't the same thing. He wouldn't admit it under the threat of death but he misses the smartass hunter dearly.

"Trust me , you don't wanna know." Dean said wiggling his eyebrows suggestively with a cocky grin on his face.

"If it involves women and booze then I really don't." Bobby said shaking his head because it was always one of the two things with Dean. "How're ya really , son ?". He asked more gently.

"I am fine , Bobby. How're ya ?" Dean said smiling softly at his surrogate father before once again adopting his ever existent cocky smirk.

"I will be more good if you stop ignoring my calls." Bobby said glaring at Dean.

"And I already apologised for that." Dean pointed out. "Why is everything so silent around here ? Where all the kids went ?".

"They are all busy preparing in their dorms to impress you."

Dean groaned. "How many are there ?. Did you explain to them like I asked you to that I don't want any slackers ?. If they really want me to train them then they better be prepared for the worst."

"Yes , I told them that you are a heartless , grumpy hardass." Bobby griped before slacking back in his seat.

"Good." Dean nodded satisfied. "So , its only seven and the interview doesn't start till nine , right ?". At Bobby's nod , he continued , "I am gonna go meet my two favorite persons then."

"Okay , just be back here sharp at fifteen minutes before nine." Bobby said and as an afterthought added , "And for godsakes don't traumatize any kid you might run into the corridor." But Dean was already up and outta the office only to pop his head round the door a moment later.

"If your kids can't handle me now then how are they gonna handle me when I am in full hunter mode ?". Dean asked with a sly grin before walking away. And really , Bobby had no answer to that.

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"How's my favourite woman ?" Dean asked before walking towards Ellen. She was in her office working behind her desk but as soon as she saw him , her face split into a wide grin before she stood up and walked towards him. She opened her arms and pulled him to a tight hug and Dean went willingly , and then she pinched his ass.

"Ow." Dean yelped. "What'd ya pinch my ass for ?" Dean asked indignantly , rubbing away the sting.

"When was the last time you visited ?. Its almost eight months." Ellen said still keeping him in her arms. And then just because she was the only one who can she pinched his ass , again.

"Ow , woman. Now what did I do ?" Dean rubbed his poor behind yet again. Ellen likes to pinch his ass a lot and that never failes to make him feel like a little kid.

"You were ignoring Bobby's calls. You know you have to check in with one of us after every hunt so that we know you are alright. Now I am forgiving you but only this time. You try to pull this type of stunt again I will take out my wooden spoon. It ain't far away. Understand ?". Ellen asked sternly and Dean nodded hurriedly with a quick but respectful , "Yes ma'am" thrown in for good measure. Ellen released him after giving him one more tight squeeze.

"Now , if you allow me Miss. I am gonna go shower your daughter with my charms." Dean threw a mock salute at Ellen and she waved her hand dismissively towards the door , laughing softly to herself.

Dean took his time to walk leisurely across the corridors. Jo teaches Latin and her classroom was on second floor if the school map at the front gate was anything to go by. The school was completely silent as if there weren't currently eighty students studying here. Well , they were preparing for him in their respective dorms and honest to god that right there terrified the hell out of him. He chose not to think anymore about it. Not even two hours later , he will get to know how well the kids have prepared for him eventually.

Sam was nervous. He was bouncing his knees and chewing on his nails. And was just a moment away to tear at his hair. Interviews sucks , he decided. The anticipation of what would happen was a torture. Larry's comments the day before were swimming in his head too. He had prepared well. He had stood in front of the bathroom mirror before locking the door this morning and had prepared a good introduction to give if he were asked to introduce himself. Which was along the lines , My name is Sam Smith. I am eighteen years old. I am awesome at doing research. I never shy away from hardwork. I am willing to train and learn as hard as it takes. Short and simple.

And now the time has come. He along with seventy nine other students were now sitting outside Mr. Singer's office. The school didn't want to waste any time by making them sit in the auditorium hall or their dorms and then wait for them to come from all the way there to here as the auditorium , the only place capable to seat all the students at once was at the other side of the building. And apparantly , the school didn't have that many chairs either so they were told to sit indian style on the floor while they waited for their turn. There was a big hall on the other side of their principal's office where they were now seated in neat rows of eight. Each row had ten students. A gap was left between fourth and fifth row to allow people to pass through. It was only eight thirty and the interview doesn't start until nine but they were ordered to come here early , anyway.

Sam looked around him to engage himself in little people watching to calm his nerves. Also there wasn't much to do anyways. They were each given kind of like token numbers and no surprise there , his was the last , 80 , because god loves him so much. He would be interviewed at the end when Dean would undoubtedly be tired , maybe cranky or worse had already found his student from the seventy nine that went before him and now was just interviewing him because he had to not because he wanted to. Sam hoped that that won't be the case.

Larry was still looking way too smug. He had somehow managed to bring pie of all things to impress Dean because according to him , Pie is Dean's most favourite dessert. And according to him a student who doesn't know his teacher's likes and dislikes even if its just related to food was just useless. Also , he was carrying a letter of recommendation from Mr. Litt and Sam may dislike the man but Mr. Litt was not only a teacher at *AHBS* but a junior hunter at *AHA*. The letter was filled with glorified compliments about Larry and how Sam knew it , you ask ?. Well , Larry had read it to him this morning before pining him to the wall that's how. So while Sam doubted the pie would be of much help but the letter certainly would. There were murmurings and whispers all around. But suddenly it all came to a halt.

Sam looked up and sure enough , Dean Winchester was walking down the hall with Ms. Jo besides him. The man was wearing brown leather jacket over plaid shirt and a black tshirt. His biker boots making thump thump sound with each passing step. He was exerting an all around air of confidence around him just by walking down the hall if that was even possible. Sam stood up along with every other student in the hall to greet the man.

Dean walked without a moment's pause until he was at the corner of the hall just outside the doors of Bobby's office and then took a moment , eyeing every kid. He was standing at ease with his hands crossed loosely behind him. He adopted a stern expression immediately , the last thing he needed the kids was to believe that there was any thing even remotely soft about him. They were still looking way too eager to be here. One kid was practically bouncing on his feet. The other kid in the left corner just threw him a wave and a wide smile which quickly fell away when Dean focused on him with a particularly sharp glare. While others were looking way too nervous almost fidgeting in their position.

"Attention." Dean's deep voice rang throughout the hall and immediately the boys stood at attention. Once he was satisfied with their position , he began ,

"I am Dean Winchester as y'all already well aware of." The boys nodded and after a pause he continued , "Whatever Mr. Singer has told y'all about me is true. If you want to train from me then you better be goddamn ready to follow my orders to a T. I don't like slackers , never have and never will. People call me a hardass and they ain't wrong. So now is your chance to back out because if I am willing to give you my 100% then I will expect nothing less from you."

When nobody moved even an inch , Dean groaned inwardly. He was hoping some might. It would have saved him a great deal of trouble. Interviewing eighty eighteen year olds and then picking one out of them who will not only accompany him everywhere but will also depend on him completely was a fucking headache.

"At Ease , boys." He waited for the boys to take position before speaking again. "Take your seats. I will see you inside." With that he made his way inside.

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"So you're a hardass huh ?" Jo asked once the door was closed behind them.

"Oh , I am. You wanna find out how exactly hard I can be ?" Dean asked allowing his voice to slip into a flirtatious tone. It was like that with them. There was always innocent flirting between but nothing too serious. Dean didn't want a relationship anyways. He was always on the road so it was a moot point to even consider it. And what people say , 'they were married to their work' well , Dean was too.

"Nah. Not interested." Jo said before walking ahead of him and taking her seat besides her mother or well her boss at work , Ellen. Dean smirked softly at her before walking up and taking his seat at the head of the table. Bobby was seated to his right and Ellen to his left with Jo seated besides her at the far end. But there was one more chair that was empty besides Bobby which made Dean frown.

"I thought only you guys will be accompanying me ?"

"Mr. Litt will also be attending this." Bobby explained.

"And why is that ?" Dean asked and couldn't keep the frustration out of his voice. He didn't wanna be here but he is still here anyways. The least Bobby could do was agree to his wishes to not let anyone other than them accompany him in the interview.

"He knows each kid personally. It will help." Bobby answered shortly.

"So does Jo. He isn't required here." Dean said and no he wasn't whining.

"Yeah , the more help you get in selecting the right student the better." Before Dean could say more , the door opened and a rat faced bald man entered. Dean hated him on sight and not just because of his looks but the man gave him the creeps.

"Mr. Winchester , it is a great pleasure to meet you , sir. Don't you worry I will help you find the right kid. Infact I have one in mind his name's-"

"Mr. Litt , let me meet the kids myself. I like to make my own opinion. If I want your opinion you will be notified." Dean said smirking in satisfaction when the smile fell away from Litt's face but he quickly recovered and managed to morphe his face into somewhat neutral.

"Its time to begin the interview. Ms. Rachel please call the first student in." Bobby said because it was really nine and also he didn't want Dean to start a fight with Mr. Litt. He couldn't stand the man himself on the best of days but Mr. Litt knows his subject well. He maybe partial towards some students but he was really good at teaching the kids about signs and sigils and that is all Bobby needed.

Sam looked up when Ms. Rachel came out and took the student having token number 1 with her in the room. Okay. It is starting. He squared his shoulders and took a deep breath.

"I don't understand why you are here , Sam ?. Didn't I gave you enough reasons yesterday to change your mind ?. I mean no hunter would want to train you and here you have the nerve to try and convince the Dean Winchester. Man , it will be hilarious to watch you walk away with nothing but shame with you." Larry spat out getting in his personal space and Sam scooted away as far away from him as possible which wasn't much since his back was almost touching the wall. He wasn't afraid of Larry not by a long shot its just he didn't want to waste his time fighting with the moron especially when he had way more important things to worry about. Like his impending interview. Larry smirked thinking he had scared him before checking on his pie. Sam didn't break his illusion.

Dean looked up when the door opened and Ms. Rachel , Bobby's secretary walked in. Behind her stood a boy who was about 5'9 , lanky with blond hair and pale skin. The kid was studying his shoes as if they were something out of this world , he was not moving even an inch until Rachel nudged him ahead. He looked up and locked eyes with Dean and then was again back to studying his shoes but atleast he was moving ahead this time so that was progress if it could be called that.

"Your name ?" Dean asked making his voice more hard than normal. The kids would have to get used to it and it was just one of the many things if they wanted to get trained by him. He wasn't the one who likes to speak softly unless he was speaking with toddlers or someone's grandparents.

"Mathew Pattinson , sir."

"Mr. Winchester , here are Matthew's files." Litt said handing him the files which contained the kid's whole school record.

"I am not interested in knowing what he learnt here. I will teach him everything myself , anyway." Dean said not even glancing at the files that Litt was holding out to him. His sole attention was focused on the kid who wasn't even looking at him. He could also practically feel Litt drill holes in the side of his face with the power of his glare that the man was directing at him. He didn't liked to be dismissed like that. Well tough. Dean didn't care. There was something unsettling about Mr. Litt or Mr. Peter Litt here. But time to focus on his interviewee.

"If you can't look at me in the eyes when I'm talking to you then how am I supposed train you ?". Dean demanding gruffly.

"Sorry sir." Matthew looked at him , finally and took a seat when Dean offered him one.

"Give me your introduction."

"Umm… My name is Matthew Pattinson. I am eighteen. I study ..no.. used to in *AHBS*. I.."

"Enough. There's nothing you have told me that I already didn't know." He shook his head. This kid was a definite no. "If you are hiding in a barn hunting a rogue werewolf and just then a vampire also comes in what will you do ?"

Matthew looked confused and then thoughtful. "I will run."

"Yeah , thank you. You may leave." Dean said indicating at the door and leaning back in his chair. Matthew got up and left.

"That was a definite no." Dean said shaking his head.

"What exactly are you looking in a kid , Mr. Winchester ?". Mr. Litt asked with forced politeness.

"Someone who thinks quick on his feet. Rest , I will teach him." Dean replied shortly. Because really that is all he needs.

Matthew exited the principal's office with a broken expression on his face. And Sam should have felt bad for the kid but all he felt was relieved because Matthew being rejected means he still has a chance.

The interview went just like that. Dean would ask his werewolf and vampire question and some kids wouldn't know what to answer while some would just say ridiculous things. His personal favourite was 'Sir , I will pray to god.' Yeah , you do that kid and see where it takes you. Maybe you aren't meant to be a hunter afterall , well I heard that McDonald's hiring.' Dean wanted to say just that in response to the ridiculous answer to his question which he did. And maybe that was the reason the kid was close to tears when he left the room. Ellen and Jo glared at him , Bobby rubbed his beard wearily when he sent kid (seventy eight ?) away. But what was most disconcerting was the fact that Litt was looking way too happy. Like he almost wanted those kids to be rejected by him. It baffled Dean.

"Alright , Ms. Rachel call seventy nine." Bobby called out tiredly.

Now , it was just two kids left in the hall. Sam and Larry. Larry picked up his pie and his letter and moved towards the office but not before throwing a smug smile back at Sam. Sam rolled his eyes hard. About thirty kids have left the room not exactly crying but definitely close to tears. And others were just looking shocked like they weren't expecting whatever had happened in Mr. Singer's office had actually happened. Larry would definitely be selected and now since Mr. Litt was also a part of the interview there was no chance for Sam. He would vouch for his golden boy even if the said boy was number one school bully and a douche. He thought about going back but then quickly changed his mind. He had come this far so he won't leave without trying.

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"Sir , may I come in ?". Dean looked up at kid , seventy nine. To tell the truth , he was damn tired. No kid has managed to even remotely impress him but still he had two more to go. He didn't know how different they could be.

"You are already inside the room." He said and watched the smile faltering from the kid's face before lighting up again in full force. It wasn't a genuine smile. It was the one the salesmen use while seeing off the customers who leave their shops without buying anything. Meaning , it was a fake smile.

"Yes sir. Sorry sir." The kid walked to him and placed a parcel on the table and Dean raised an eyebrow in question.

"I know you love pies , sir. So I brought you one."

"Tell me your name." Dean demanded. This kid was different than others but he looked way too smart for his own good. And seeing Litt's face light up the moment the boy entered was ringing warning bells in his head.

"Larry Holt , sir. Its pleasure to meet you. I guarantee you that you will not regret taking me as your student , afterall I am the best , here." The kid extended his hand for him to shake which he deliberately ignored. He wasn't here to make niceties afterall and certainly not with some arrogant know it all.

"Are you trying to bribe me with pie , Mr. Holt ?". Dean asked not even looking at the box in front of him.

"No sir."

"Good because it won't work. Take a seat."

"Larry show Mr. Winchester the letter." Mr. Litt jumped in with way more enthusiasm that he has shown to any other kid before.

"I want to talk to the boy. I don't want to read any letter." Dean said sternly and completely ignoring the letter which was now placed on top of the parcel containing pie.

"But Mr. Winchester , Larry is the best we have here. You have already met all the other kids. This letter states his every accomplishment."

"I was informed there were eighty students. So that means I have one more kid to meet. And like I said while I respect the school but getting an A or F here doesn't matter to me. Also , Mr. Singer I was under the impression that I will be allowed to interview the kids without any interruption." Dean looked at Bobby his gaze somewhere between sharp and pleading.

"Mr. Litt let Mr. Winchester interview the boy as he pleases." Bobby ordered and gestured for Dean to continue.

"Mr. Holt give your introduction."

"My name is Larry Jonathan Holt. I am eighteen. I have scored excellent marks in all the subjects taught at *AHBS*. I know everything about you. I want to be just like you. You became a senior partner at such a young age. Even though you're –"

"That wasn't an introduction. Next question , if you are hiding in a barn hunting a rogue werewolf and just then a vampire also comes in what will you do ?". Dean waited for the kid to reply , steepling his fingers together on the table top and looking at the kid intently.

"I will throw a knife at the werewolf and then I will go after the vampire since the werewolf will be still recovering from the hit." Larry answered though uncertainty could be heard loud and clear in his voice.

"You are dismissed." Dean waved his hand towards the door but the kid didn't budge and he raised his eyebrows in question.

"You want me to goddamn write it down for you ?".

"No sir." Larry replied and made a hastened exit.

"Just call the last damn kid , already." Dean muttered rubbing a hand across his face.

Sam looked up when the door opened and a furious Larry came out. He wondered what had happened inside. Whatever it was , it wasn't good if the look on Larry's face was anything to go by. Larry looked at him and muttered some curses under his breath before marching away. Sam took a deep breath to calm himself before walking towards Ms. Rachel as confidently as he could.

"If Larry didn't impressed you then no way that last kid , Samuel could." Mr. Litt muttered but it was loud enough for him to heard.

"We'll see about that , Mr. Litt. Won't we ?" Jo said with fake sweetness dripping from her voice. And Dean was shocked to see her take a kid's side for the first time. He trust Jo so maybe this Sam kid won't be that bad.

"Sir , permission to come in ?". Dean looked up at a tall , lanky kid standing almost shyly just outside the door. The kid was tall about 6'1 and it looked like he hasn't finished growing yet. He looked like he still hasn't lost his baby face yet either. He had a dark brown mop of hair covering his large forehead and a lanky frame.

"Come in." Dean called out. See , permission to come inside a room is asked when you aren't already inside. He wanted to say that to that Larry kid.

"You can sit." Dean waved his hand at the chair for the kid to sit. The boy had no trouble keeping eye contact. And most importantly , he didn't seem the one to carry an air of overconfidence around him. Nor he seemed extremely shy. It was balanced which was good.

"Tell me your name." Dean started the kid's interview and he noticed the kid take a deep breath before answering.

"Sam Smith , sir."

"Give me your introduction , Sam. Keep it short and simple."

"Yes sir." A pause , "I am eighteen years old. I am awesome at doing research. I never shy away from hardwork. I am willing to train and learn as hard as it takes."

Short and simple introduction. Another brownie point for the kid.

"If you are hiding in a barn hunting a rogue werewolf and just then a vampire also comes in what will you do ?"

Sam thought for a moment before just deciding to go with the first thing that came in his mind. "I will remain hidden. The vampires and werewolves have been mortal enemies of eachother's for like centuries. If they came face to face I will be the least of their worries. They will first try to finish eachother off. So I will just wait it out and see who will come out on top and then I will kill whatever it is."

Dean held back his smile. That's what he was looking for. Someone who can think quick on their feets because as much as he would try , hunts don't always go as planned. He wanted someone with the sharp thinking not just bookish knowledge and muscle strength. And that kid has it. Muscle strength and weapon knowledge that Dean would provide him with.

"You sure about your answer ?". He asked that just to check the kid's confidence.

"Yes sir. It's the first thing that came to me. And I read that you say the biggest strength of a hunter is following his instincts and the biggest weakness is ignoring them."

"Last question. What if I told you I am not taking you as my trainee ?" Dean was impressed and he would definitely take this Sam kid. But he wanted to be just a bit more sure.

"I would say everyone makes mistakes and you made one too. And then I would move on."

Okay. Finally , Dean has found the kid to train. Sam Smith was gonna be the one that he will take in and make the best goddamn hunter well second best , because he would always be the best.

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Do you like the interview ?. Should I continue with it ?. As much as I would like , I am not a pyschic so you would have to let me know. How are you liking the story so far ?. Drop the reviews. Okay ?. :)