(G.Hall) Asleep at the breakfast table

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

The first week back was almost over and Dan was still finding it hard to get back into the routine of working life. He now actually had to get up in morning, act responsible and be social able with the other teachers.
Yawning rather loudly as he slowly stepped into the Great Hall he was surprised to see that the staff table was empty. With blurry eyes he looked down at his watch and saw that Breakfast had only just started to be served, which also explained for the thinly spread students, the older ones looking like they were about to drop asleep into their cornflakes while the younger were buzzing with energy.

Slowly Dan wondered over to his chair and quickly poured himself a cup of tea in hope it would wake him up. As he took a large gulp he felt his sense slowly wake up as the familiar tasting Hogwarts tea ran down his throat. Letting out a long sigh he slid down in his chair holding onto his mug as if his life depended on it.
With droopy eyes Dan looked around at the students making sure that non of them were trying anything funny, however he guessed the hyped up first years were actully too scared to do anything like that and older students who had the bravery to do so would still be in bed. Placing his head back on the high backed chairs Dan closed his eyes and drifted off into a peaceful doze.

[Prof. Jack Fagin]

Bla bla bla, that's all Fagin heard as he strode forcefully past the students, he often swore they spoke a foreign language sometimes, the gibberish they came out with was extraordinary, and nearly impossible to understand. They may even have been trying to speak to him, so unwise, his fury was simply simmering at the moment but it could easily surface upon any hapless student silly or brave enough to speak to him when he was hungry. When pangs of hunger threatened it was pure folly to keep Fagin from his food, he became instantly more crouchy than usual and simply insufferable.

Roughly sweeping aside a kissing couple, he enjoyed pushing and seperating the pair of lovebirds rather than going around, Fagin entered the place where his hunger could be satisfied. His eyes greedily lit up at the glorious food surrounding him, hurtling towards the staff table he accidentily knocked the table in his haste to pile up his plate and begin demolishing his food.

After the first few mouthfuls had sustained him long enough he slowed his pace and surveyed the hall, noticing Hubbles' drowsily awakening from deep sleep, "this ain't the place to sleep Hubbles," he stated as if such words were pure wisdom as he clapped him roughly but affectionately on the back, this man could take his drink and he was proud of that.

"Anything cruel planned for today Hubbles?" He asked the sleepy man with a grin; he'd heard only sterling reports of Hubbles' pretty evil ways, again something Fagin took great pride in.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Catching himself before he fell forward into the table Dan opened his eyes, blinded momentary by the light only to find he was not longer alone at the staff table. He was unsure how long he had been in the world of sleep for, but one thing was that his tea was now cold and it seemed that the new arrival had the same idea.
Looking around rather bemused at Fagin Dan narrowed his vision for a second or two trying to get a clear view of the guy and try to comprehend what he was saying but before anything could sink in Dan was send lunging forward by a rather forceful thumb into his back.

One thing for certain was it most defiantly woke him up. There was a small buzzing sensation on his shoulder blade where the Head of Slytherin had hit him and chest had slammed into the table in front of him. That was one thing for sure that Fagin could pack a punch. With a small grin at his fellow professor Dan sat back straight and straightened his robe on his shoulder while listening to what Fagin had to say.

“Not today Jack. No one has yet got on the wrong side of me properly, although there were a few Slytherin’s I would like to throw off the roof. That is if I have your permission?”

Dan gave Fagin a wide grin and reached out and poured himself another cup of tea aiming to drink this one while it was still warm. Although he concentrated on the drink he had a nagging feeling in the back of his mind that Fagin and him were very much alike. The only difference was that Dan looked better, smelt better and had some form of an agreeable nature.

[Prof. Jack Fagin]

Joyously ripping into his bacon, tearing apart the lightly crisped meat and dipping it expertly into his egg yokes for added flavour Fagin merrily tucked in, taking a slice of toast and buttering it up before adding a further few rashers to make a gorgeous bacon sandwich, and it was with this in his hand that he gesticulated wildly at his fellow professor and drinker.


"You should be more than prepared to deal with anyone any day, that way you've fewer surprises, I just expect the unexpected and every runs pretty smoothly, and I know you're thinking I've had a long life so a wealth of life experience to back it up aren't you?" He grinned good naturedly at Hubbles as he added, "well I was young once and I chased the girls just like I hear you do. Don't try to deny it man or be modest, you should be proud, never get tied down by marriage, it'll only break your bleeding heart." Growing suddenly vacant Fagin's expression rapidly changed to one of the utmost sadness that would touch the heart of any present.


Remembering Dan had said something about Slytherins he added smartly to cover up his sadness, "if they're a pain in the posterior then gladly, you'd be doing me a favour, and you know I'd do the same with your lot, even though you're obsessed with 'em."
Chuckling as he sipped his usual morning coffee Fagin warned, "you'll scorch your tongue right off laddy, how would you chat up the girls then eh? Or get at the youngsters?"

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dan listened, thoroughly lost at to how he had come to getting life advice off the notorious Professor Fagin. During there many drinking sessions Dan had heard many a tale about his life but with that much alcohol in his system Dan was not sure weather what he was hearing was the truth or more to the point if he could remember anything. However due to Dan’s bemusement the conversation strayed onto an even stranger path, Fagin was giving him, Dan Hubbles love advice.

Chocking on his tea Dan quickly placed the mug back on the table and tried to clear his air ways. Tapping himself on the chest, eyes watering Dan turned to face his fellow professor with a sardonic look, trying to act as if he was actually paying any attention to what he was saying. But even through his sarcastic gaze Dan could tell that Fagin was actually telling him this for a reason, that the glazed look that now covered his weathered face was reminiscing something from the past.

“Never get married…reading you loud and clear there mate. Although I do not think I am the marrying kind, I enjoy my freedom to much.”

With a small smile at the older man Dan returned to his tea, making dam sure that he did not choke on it this time. Even when Fagin threatened to throw his Hufflepuff’s off the roof, Dan did not really stutter as he knew that Fagin would not dream to do anything like that as he had seen Dan get angry before and although he would do it on purpose for a laugh he knew that it would be the last thing he ever did. With a small side ways glance at Fagin almost warning him not to even try anything as outrageous although it turned into a relatively playful grin.

“So please tell me? What was it like to see your house come last in the House Cup last year? You best put up a better fight this year!”

[Professor Dia Hubbles]

Dia walked into the Great Hall for breakfast with a Ravenclaw fourth year, text books in both their arms and both turning pages and talking. Dia had been ambushed by this student earlier that morning and she liked the girls enthusiasm for Astronomy. They had decided that food would be a good idea before the day began and made their way down, still talking heatedly about Dia's beloved subject. Now that they walked along the Ravenclaw table, they reached a consensus.

"Thank you, Professor," the fourth year said, smiling, and closed her book, joining her friends at the Ravenclaw table.

"My pleasure," Dia said and closed her own book. She watched how the girl's friends all greeted her excitedly and looked at Dia with peculiar curiosity in their eyes, speaking in hushed tones. Dia frowned and moved on towards the Staff Table, thinking about what the group of fourth years had been talking about. She walked her normal route to the table, not needing to look up to see where she was going and soon she reached the table, rounded it and headed for a chair on the end.

She looked up and saw Dan. Her heart began to beat faster, her face lit up and she smiled brightly. She abandoned the lonely chair and headed for the one next to Dan. She set her text book on the table and leaned towards him. "Good morning," she said and gave him a kiss on the top of the head, before taking the seat next to him. She turned her head and looked at Dan, seeing how he would react to that show of affection. Then she spotted Fagin and smiled at him. "Good morning to you too, Jack," she said.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dan had returned his attention back to his tea and while he was sipping on the warm liquid thinking he might treat himself to a slice of toast with marmalade when he saw her enter the hall. All thoughts of bread and preserved oranges went out of his mind as he watched Dia elegantly walk up between the tables, head kept low in the world of her own. If Dan had been paying attention to the students at the table he would have seen their eager eyes passing from Dia to him and then giggling as they created stories, but nothing could clean the smile off his face.

However as she drew closer he to tried act like he had not seen her, pretend that it did not bother him, that nothing extraordinary had entered the room and most of all try and stop Fagin from saying something. However this was made particular hard when Dia walked over straight for him, just as he had suspected, however he did not guess what she would do next.

When Dia planted the kiss on top of his head Dan was almost lost for words. It was not that he had specifically told her not to show affection towards him, he wanted more then anything to shout about himself and Dia louder then all the students in the hall but they had to keep things professional. Turing slightly red in the cheeks Dan turned to look at Dia, a smile half crossed with the look of absolute surprise playing across his face.
It was the first time he had seen Dia properly since they got back off holiday together and after everything that had happened on that trip he could not but help himself. Sparing a quick glance to the house tables Dan noted a few students who has sent him valentines cards last year but without much of a second thought he knew that a few childish crushes were doing to be shattered.

“Good morning dear.”

Leaning forwards Dan’s first thought was a light kiss on the cheeks, something small and civil but showed his affection, but then he thought to himself that Dia had already started the showing of affection off already , so he should carry it, only Dan Hubbles did not do much by half. Changing course Dan leaned in as close as he could and kissed Dia gently on the lips.
The sensation in his stomach started again, and his heart fluttered slightly and as he gently moved away, Dan offered her a small smile.

“You’ve changed toothpaste.” He teased Dia as he accompanied the statement with one of his trademark winks. Reaching out for his tea Dan suddenly remembered his own manors and quickly poured one for Dia, just how she liked it sweet and black. He gently put the cup down in front of her finding himself grinning once more, there was something about Dia that just made him feel so content.

[Professor Dia Hubbles]

Dia was looking up and down the Staff Table for a cup and saucer for her morning tea but found only … surprisingly, Dan’s lips on hers. She was shocked, at first, but then gave into the feeling she had come to adore and crave, his lips on hers. When he pulled away, Dia kept her eyes closed for a moment, licking her lips. She opened then and smiled at Dan as he mentioned her toothpaste. “I was hoping you’d notice,” she said teasingly. It was fun to have someone who she could joke with, flirt with, have serious in-depth conversations with and who could make her feel like she could do anything. She truly loved him for that.

Dan poured her tea for her and Dia couldn’t stop herself from grinning. She locked her fingers together and leaned on the back of her hand, watching Dan closely, observing the way the lines on his face changed, eased, as he concentrated on the pouring. When he was finished, Dia lightly brushed her hand against his and picked up her cup of tea. She took a small sip and closed her eyes again. “It’s delicious, thank you, Dan,” she said, opening her blue eyes and smiling at him. She could not believe that everything they had shared over the holidays had not confused matters. It was so easily done but it had not happened to them, it was as though the holiday hadn’t ended at all but merely moved location.

Dia looked at Dan, breathed him in. It had been a while since she had seen him as she had become busy with becoming HoH for Ravenclaw. She enjoyed the post but it cut into her time with Dan. Work first though, they had decided that together, that their work and future came first. She had thought about dropping everything, everything she had worked so hard to achieve but she knew that Dan would not want that for her and that she would not be able to live with herself if she did. For that reason too, she could not ask the same of Dan. It had not crossed her mind till she thought it just then but she knew she was being foolish for thinking it. They were both busy people, she would have to accept it and move on.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dia Owen, a women that over the past few week had gained a hold over Dan that was more then he could ever comprehend. He never thought that after years of flings and one night stand he would ever feel like this, ever be in a situation where he was willing to leave everything from his previous life behind just to spent those few precious moments when he just stare in to her stunning blue eyes, feel the softness of her skin upon his and hear her laugh that brightened the darkest of skies.

When she reached for her tea and their hands brushed past one another it was almost like a static shock running through his whole body. The rush of adrenaline that it gave him was immense and all he wanted to do was wrap his arms around Dia and not let her go, to feel her warmth, to have her scent upon him was such a temptation that Dan had to look away to stop himself from acting irrationally and in a way that would be embarrassing for both him and Dia.

As he looked away from the beautiful specimen of the female species that was next to him Dan scanned the hall, seeing the many eyes upon him, the laughing, the accusing eyes and even one particular Gryffindor running out the hall in tears. He knew what they were thinking, he had thought it to as soon as Dia had got the owl from Headmaster Darrow in Egypt. He was in a relationship with the head of Ravenclaw, the house that on many occasions he had professed to hate and everyone in it, that he would not dream of ever getting intimately close to anyone in that house as they were all know it all busybodies. Of course he was now being forced to eat his words and swallow his pride, which although was an exceedingly difficult thing for Dan to do he knew that deep down inside he would do anything for Dia.

Reaching down Dan picked up his cup of tea and sipped it gently as his gaze soon founds its way back to Dia. He could not help but wonder what was going through her mind, whether she was thinking of him as much as she possessed his every thought. He had often contemplated the idea of simple asking Dia to leave Hogwarts behind, they could travel the world together see the sites and enjoy each others company, but reality would always hit hard. Not only did they not have the finance to do such an extravagate trip but also he could not abandon his Hufflepuff’s. They were his first love, but now it turned out it was not his only love.

“Dia, is it just me or do you think half of the hall are talking about us while the other are just looking on? Or am I being egocentric and paranoid? Cause what ever it is that particular Ravenclaw is starting the freak me out….I think he wants blood. Oh do you think he had a crush on you?”

Dan gave a soft chuckle as he glanced back at the Ravenclaw who was now cutting his bacon up almost as brutally as Fagin was. Which watching that Dan made a mental note not to go anywhere near him in the corridors in fear of his own life.

[Professor Dia Hubbles]

Dia had been thinking of Egypt, getting lost in the memories she had made with Dan, and how it would forever remind her of Dan. This was perhaps not a good thing … say the relationship went south? But such things were not to be born as they had only just begun. So she took a sip of her tea, took pleasure in the thought that it was just the way she liked it, and sighed. It had taken Dan a while to get her tea right but now that he had she wanted to call him every time she wanted tea. It was a peculiar thing that tea was still one of their most centred conversations, though these days it lead to other things in stead of simply dying out.

Another sip. Dia looked over the rim of her tea cup and saw a Gryffindor girl running out of the Great Hall. Dia didn’t understand what would make her do such a thing, perhaps a friend was mean to her or something. Dia was completely oblivious to the way she and Dan were being watched by many of the students. It was only when Dan said her name and pointed it out to her that she even registered the goings-on in the Hall. Dia put down her cup and looked, bewildered, from Dan to the Hall and back. She still didn’t fully understand what was going on.

After a moment, and much studying of the students, looking at the two professors and whispering to one another, that Dia understood. “Oh,” she said, in much surprise. She had not expected such gossip to already be flying. She laughed at herself, at how long it had taken her to understand what Dan was talking about. “I dare say, I think you’re right,” she said, sounding very much like her mother. She, too, watched the Ravenclaw Dan had pointed out with a scrutinise eye. She laughed and shook her head. “No,” she said, trying to convince herself more then Dan, “no! Don’t be ridiculous! It’s just tough meat, is all.” She was satisfied with that knowledge and went back to her tea.

Dia felt her stomach turn with hunger and sniffed in defiance at being ordered around thus. She set her cup down and looked up and down the table, burying her hands in her lap. She couldn’t decided what to have. She looked over at Fagin briefly and saw the way he was gorging himself. She pulled a face of disgust and quickly looked to Dan, her expression instantly softening. With a small sigh, Dia smiled at Dan. “I don’t know what to eat,” she said simply, uncertain of what else to say. She smiled a while longer, silence falling between them, before saying, “can you suggest anything?”

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dan could not help but chuckle at the surprised expression that graced the face of Dia. The look of pure surprise that anyone would be even interested in the goings of their professors life’s. And then thing that got him even more was Dia’s attempt to shake off the fact that somebody other then him may find her attractive. The modesty that she beheld was amazing, if that had been Dan he would have been lapping up the attention, he adored the idea that he was the centre of many girls affections, every year he wanted to beat the amount of valentines day cards he received. The cruel side of him loved seeing their faces when he turned them down or when he toyed with their emotions. It gave him that adrenaline rush that he loved, maybe that is why he had kissed Dia in plan view, why he loved the fact that people where talking about them. Dan simply loved the attention.

But his thoughts about himself were soon stopped when eh felt Dia’s eyes upon him again, turning around to look at her he saw her warm smile and he could not help but smile back. Just the mere site of Dia sent all other thoughts out of Dan’s mind, she satisfied him in every possible way and he would do anything to make her happy. He had often thought if this was a turning point in his life, that he was almost mature enough to try and start having meaningful relationships that were not all about one thing and he felt that Dia was the women he wanted to start that new life off with. Although with moments like before, when the old Dan seeps out and started controlling him, moving him forward with thoughts of lust and anger it always made him act carefully.

This meant that the risk was too high to say the few words he had been longing to say to Dia and on many occasions he almost let them slip.
’I love you’
But knowing himself better Dan kept to the small talk and the cheesy grins that he knew all too well.

“You want me to pick your food now?” Dan raised his eyebrow and studied her flawless face with a mock frown. “Well it is clear that the bacon is too tough so I think you should stay away from that. And also with all the vigorous exercise we did in Egypt it would be a shame to put the pounds back on straight away by munching on all the fried bread, but yet fruit is not very exiting either so I think you ignore the fear of it all going straight to your hips and have a bacon roll with stupid amounts of butter on it.”

Dan was not sure himself if he had made any sense, he had said the sentence so fast that he could not even recall if he had said it wads fruit that was bland or the bowl of cereal. With a small smile at Dia Dan gave her the quick once over before back to his own empty plate wondering if he should take his own advice and go for the fat covered sausages.

[Professor Dia Hubbles]

Dia was a little confused by Dan’s chuckle but she knew that he was more observant of people’s behaviour then she was so assumed it was at something else. She frowned at his, slightly bemused, but it soon melted away and became a smile when he smiled at her. She wasn’t sure why but every time Dan smiled at her, her heart melted and she wanted to simply watch him smile at her all day long. It was the sweetest thing she had ever seen and she loved the way it made her feel, the longing she felt and like putty to be moulded however Dan wanted.

And then Dan spoke and Dia was pulled back to their conversation about food. In Egypt they had sampled many strange and wonderful dishes but it didn’t compare with tough bacon, fried bread and unimpressive fruit. Dia laughed long, hard and loud when Dan mentioned their ‘vigorous exercise’ while they were in Egypt. She hope that Fagin didn’t catch that and that no one else did. Dia turned a bright shade of scarlet and put a cool hand to her hot cheeks.

“Daniel!” she chuckled, feigning reprimanding him but she laughed again as she remembered. She could not hid how crimson her face had become. Wanting to quickly change the subject, Dia looked up and down the staff table at the foods on offer. She agreed, the bacon did look rather tough she had not had a normal breakfast of bacon and egg since they returned. She sighed and shook her head. “I think I’ll avoid putting that anywhere on my body, thank you very much. So I’ll have some of that tough bacon and an egg to go with it.”

She reached casually over Dan and took the plate of bacon, adding some strips to her plate with a flirtatious smile. She replaced the plate and took an egg from the plate to her other side and added it to hers. She picked up her knife and fork, switched them from hand to hand, as she always did, and began to eat slowly, savouring each and every mouthful as she did of Dan when she had to opportunity to taste him.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dan always wondered how far he could joke with Dia, she normally laughed along and gave it back to him even more then he did to her. But he saw it as a learning curve that all relationship had. You learnt he boundaries early and you know what not to do as it progresses, let the blindness of the first few months cover up your mistakes, when a smile and a quick wink could solve all problems. Sadly for Dan he never really got past that first part. Although he intended to make the effort with Dia to get past that and have a true, mature and adult relationship.

But this was clearly not the case when Dia turned bright red like a school girl as Dan brought but their antics in Egypt. He was being very cheeky about it all but it was worth it just to see Dia’s face being lit up by her radiant smile and her sweet laughter ringing out. If he could only tell her how he felt, if only he managed to spit the words out that where needed.

Dropping his hand off the table he reached out an founds Dia’s hand, dripping it tightly he gave it a small squeeze reassuring himself more then anything that she was still there. He was not dreaming, this women did exist and she was sitting here with him. This was his small way of telling her that he loved her, the small gestures were the only way he could think of showing it. Though to many it would seem simple and rather lacklustre to Dan it meant the world, it was a sign of his true feelings. But his grip clearly was not enough as she soon pulled away as she reached for her food.

Trying not to be to bothered by the fact Dia let go Dan laughed along with her as she reached out in front of him, he could smell her sweet perfume, feel the warmth of her breath upon him and he was soon drifting off into a wonderful dream, thinking about the times they spent in Egypt, they had been the best 6 weeks of his life.

“Putting stuff on you?? Now why did I not think of that before, it would make meal times much more fun.”

Dan could not help but hang his head slightly at the last comment, if Fagin did not eat so loudly he might be hearing some of the biggest gossip around, and with that simple thought it was Dan’s turn for his cheeks to turn red. This was one moment in both memory and thoughts he would be planning to forget in a hurry, although he new he never would.

[Professor Dia Hubbles]

Dia, chewing on the bacon thoughtfully, trying to assess if it was all that tough, glared at Dan at his remark. She was about to retort something nasty but then noticed the reddish tinge to his cheeks and smiled. She quickly swallowed, before the blush let his cheeks, and put down her cutlery. She put a hand to his warm cheek and leaned close to him. “Why Professor Hubbles,” she said teasingly, “is that embarrassment lighting your cheeks or are you thinking of something and not sharing it with me?” She enjoyed turning the tables, especially when he had had the upper hand for as long as he had this particular morning.

Dia laughed and lightly kissed the tip of Dan’s nose before dropping her hand back to her fork and stabbing the last mouthful she had of the bacon strip she had started on. She looked at Dan and with much emphasis put it in her mouth and wrenched out the fork from between closed lips. She chewed and watched Dan for a moment, all the while the corners of her mouth going higher and higher into a smile.

It was strange to see Dan blush. He was such a calm and collected man, in Dia’s opinion, and was not easily embarrassed, not while his mother was berating Dia and not when … Dia laughed at the memory of Dan and their return from Egypt. He had seemed so smitten it was untrue and for a time Dia didn’t believe it was possible, a man of Dan’s calibre and reputation even looking at her seemed such a foolish idea but the more and more time Dia spent with Dan the more and more she let herself believe it was possible. The more and more time she spent with him the more sure she became she was falling for him.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

What did Dan really expect, it was after all a very rare sight to see him blush and with Dia being who she was, the fiery personality that so rarely was reviled came forward and just as Dan loved it she turned everything upon him. It took all of the proud mans strength not to either blush more or burst into hysterical laughter. But instead he kept his gaze low and focused on the patterns in the wooden table in front of him. Every time Dia go this close to him he always found it hard to focus, his face wanted to burst out into a wide grin and press his lips against hers.

But this time he reframed, he still had the images running through his mind that made him wince even at the mere thought of them. It seemed that after his incident with Loren Hayes the old Dan was the one who got injured, his pride and position in school damaged and this gave chance for the other Dan to come through, albeit with the help of Dia. But it seemed now that the old Dan was catching up, he had a long way to go but he was within shouting distance and if Dan was not careful he would overtake him and ruin everything.

After Dia had turned her attention (although seemingly not fully) back to her food Dan was lost in the whole concept of losing Dia, he needed to reassure her how he felt that he would never purposely hurt her. Finding it hard to resist the temptation to look upon her beauty he turned his head and could not help but laugh as she vigorously pulled the fork out of her mouth. Everything about her was perfect and at the present moment in time he could not think of anyone he would rather spend him days and nights with.

“Dia, what are you doing this weekend? I would like to repay you for inviting me to Egypt, so I would like to treat you.”

His heart gave a small thump as the fear of rejection began to spread over him, it had been a long time since he had felt this when he was sober. When he had alcohol in his system it was easy to push to one side or mistake as the urge to empty the contents of your stomach after mixing drinks. But this was different, he was on the edge of his seat, watching her with a intensive stare not wanting to hear the next words that passed through her lushes lips.