[Hogsmeade] It’s Complicated (Vic)

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

It was how to get the right balance that was the key. He had told Dia he was off for a meting with some people down in the Ministry, the exact department he had been rather vague on, but his trips to the ministry had been becoming such a common occurrence that he was sure Dia did not really care anymore! So acting rather reluctant to be leaving the warmth of their bed chamber and into the cold December weather Dan slipped on a pair of his most comfortable work shoes and picked up his suit jacket off the bed. “I will try not to be too long love. Just depends on how long they rattle on for.” With a small smile he planted a light kiss on the top of Dia’s head before heading towards the door and the outside world.

Of course Dan was not really going to the Ministry, he was not even going to London for that matter, and the meeting had been his cover story for his absence, an absence that would result in his spending a bit of quality time with Miss Victoria Potter. It has been something they hastily discussed in a brief encounter they had in the corridor, he had been rather secretive over where they were going and what they would be doing although in Dan’s mind he did not have anything as passionate as a few nights ago planned. He truly just wanted to spend some time with Vicky and get to know her more; they may have already slept together but now was the time for the first date.

Swiftly moving through the castle Dan made sure he was not intercepted by any student or fellow Professor and as he broke threw the Entrance Hall doors and the cold rush of Scottish December air hit him in the face he knew that the first stage of his journey was over, but it would still be risky. Thankfully there was no one out near the lake, nor any students trying to sneak into Hogsmeade, everything was going perfectly and as he glanced down at his watch he realised that he was actually going to be early as well! They had agreed to meet up just outside of Hogsmeade, down a small track that truly led to nowhere and was out of sight from the rest of the world. The perfect place for two secret lovers to met up!

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

There was no doubt in her mind that Dan would not make good on his promise to see her again. After they returned to their own lives he would see the error of his ways and the fact that he would be back in the arms of his loving wife. So try as she might Vicky tried not to expect it of course all this meant that Vicky spent her nights pining and pining always led to being depressed and that led to the drinking. Again her face became frequent at the Hogshead and the Three Broomsticks. She was not proud of it but it made things easier for her.

One day while walking to class battling a hangover from the night before Vicky had been shocked to see Dan walking toward her. Her eyes glanced left and right trying to see if there was anyone else in the corridor because she didn't think he would be coming to talk to her. He was and he wanted to see her again. They were talking in whispers so none of the passersby could hear. The whole thing was a little elicit, intriguing and not one to turn down a man like Dan she agreed.

The night of their date Vicky felt like she was back in school and they boy she was fancying admitted he fancied her too. They were going somewhere she wasn't sure where. So she wanted to look nice but she wanted to dress appropriately. Searching her wardrobe she hated everything within. Nothing looked like it was worthy of a date with him. She got frustrated after an hour of looking and thought about calling the whole thing off. Being rather emotional Vicky felt like she wanted to cry, of course she stopped herself there was no need for that. Instead she got up off her arse and went looking through the clothes again.

Finding a cerulean blue v-neck cashmere sweater, a pair of boot cut long black slacks, calf high high-heeled black boots Vicky felt almost ready to go. Applying a thin layer of makeup and leaving her long hair down Vicky put on her long white cashmere trench coat, hat, gloves, and scarf and left the castle. Happily no one spotted her going, not that it mattered people would just assume she was off to get drunk again. They chose a meeting spot away from prying eyes. Good idea not wanting anyone to see them so word gets back to Dia.

He was already there when she arrived. Vicky didn't hesitate a moment walking over she kissed him on the cheek. "I hoped you wouldn't back out on me."

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

As a bitter wind blew through the air a shiver ran down Dan’s spine, or was it the fact that Vicky had just appeared. She looked as beautiful as ever as she walked towards him, all wrapped up warm looking like she was ready for an adventure into the Antarctic, she was very sensible woman. As she kissed him on the cheek Dan removed his hands from the warmth of his pockets and embraced her in a hug, trying to steal some of her warmth, that was the problem with sneaking out as saying he was going somewhere he was not…it would look a big suspicious if he left to go to the ministry with a picnic basket and duffle coat!

“I am a man of my word Miss Potter.” The confidence that filled his voice wavered ever so slightly as the memory of a certain promise he made less then a year ago, a promise he had already broken and by standing here this very evening was on the verge of breaking it again. With a weary smile he looked down at Vicky and tried to make a joke out of the fact. “Well most of the time.”

It had bemused Dan greatly the passed week how he was, in his own way, putting thought and effort into this mini date. He would sit at his desk and instead of going through the stacks of paperwork he would be coming up with wild ideas of what he and Vicky could do when they met up. He was putting more effort and thought into his affair then he was into his marriage with the woman he claimed to love. Maybe if he did put the effort in he would not be standing here right now, if he whisked Dia away to tropical locations and acted like a normal couple. At the moment the height of their activities got to sitting at the same desk with a pot of Earl Gray getting on with their work. But he loved her, he always would and yet it would always confuse him, even years in the future, why this love was not enough to stop from cheating.

Those thoughts were far to morbid for this moment in time, he could not be thinking about ruining his relationship with Dia right now, that was slightly mean on Vicky. In fact Dan made a silent agreement with himself that he would try to even use his wife’s name for the rest of the evening. Tonight was going to be a time for Vicky and Dan to have a laugh, to have a good time and spend time together and maybe for Vicky’s shake no alcohol would be involved (he truly did worry about her!)

“So are you ready for an evening of magic and mystery.” Dan said with a lopsided grin as he held out his hand ready for Vicky to take hold.

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Even after spending an entire night with him Vicky's desire for Dan didn't ebb much in the weeks following. Her attraction if anything grew even stronger and she wasn't sure how this was going to screw her up in the long run. She tried not to think about it too much because it would only depress her but then when she least expected it the thought would pop into her mind. Why it did now she didn't know because ruining this night was the last thing she wanted to do.

Shaking the thoughts she was ready to give him all her attention. It was sort of hard not to when he was hugging her tightly as he was of course she wasn't complaining having his arms around her simply felt right.

Standing there with him didn't feel wrong or she wouldn't allow it to feel wrong. He might not be thinking along the same lines. After he told her that he was a man of his word there was a moment of awkwardness she could only guess what that was about. He was probably thinking of the missus at home. Vicky wanted to sigh and tell him that maybe they shouldn't be doing this but tonight was a night for being selfish and as he seemed to let the feelings pass she ignored them completely.


All she wanted to worry about now was their date, where they would be going and what they would be doing. She thought of all of this often the last few days finding herself shocked when she realized she was in class and had to focus on the students. Staring into those beautiful blue eyes of his Vicky kissed his cheek again "I'm ready for anything you have planned Dan" now the excitement was building she couldn't wait now.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

It was fun being able to forget all those responsibilities, to be his old self, his carefree self, the part of him that had sadly been missing for a while. He found it hard to believe that it took him to having an affair to do so but ever now and then you had to be selfish and Dan was the master of being selfish when push came to shove!

“Oh you’re ready are you?” Dan teased as wrapped his left arm around Vicky’s waist and pulled her closer to him. He could the feel the warmth of her breath on his face and it suddenly made him aware of how cold he was, thank Merlin he had through ahead and made sure he had a coat and some gloves waiting for him when they reached their destination. With a playful little smile Dan leaned in and planet a small, tender kiss on Vicky’s lips. “Hmm, now I think you are.”

With a small chuckle he moved a strand of hair out of her eyes and looked into the perfect violet orbs. They were so different and striking, that was what he needed, something different. His right arm now made its way around Vicky so that his embrace was sturdy and protective creating a perfect cocoon for her so that she would not get lost along the way.

“Close your eyes.” He whispered into her ear as suddenly their feet where no longer on the ground, the coldness spread over them and the sound of wind whistled past their ears. This feeling did not last long, and soon enough the soul’s of their feet touched the ground but it was not the hard land that they were originally on in Scotland, this was soft, cold and wet. Slowly Dan un-wrapped his arms from around Vicky and stepped backwards giving her room to breath.

“Welcome Miss Potter to Switzerland!” Dan opened his arms wide and gave a bow to the perfect backdrop of snow covered mountains, frozen lakes and lush green pine trees. Raising from his small bow he shot Vicky a small wink before walking over towards a small cluster of pine trees where a blanket had been spread out and a picnic basket and camp fire lay waiting and more importantly for Dan a nice warm coat.

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Just being with Dan made Vicky feel like a totally different person. Right now at this very moment she wasn't Professor Victoria Potter she was simply a woman going out on a date with an incredibly sexy and handsome man. She didn't have to worry about grading papers, breaking up fights, staff meetings, head of house duties, or even having to fail someone. No she was simply a girl with no worries or cares.

He grabbed hold of her waist and put himself that much closer to her, despite the cold outside all she felt now was heat. His gentle kiss on the lips innocent but it made her crazy. He followed it by making one of his usual cheeky comments. The man was very sure of himself. Part of his charm a quality that was very sexy. In response to him she moved her head to the side and nibbled on his ear.

Moving her head back a strand of hair slipped from its place and landed somewhere near her eye. As she prepared to move it Dan beat her to it. In that instant their eyes locked. Breathing had just gone out the widow as violet locked onto blue. Another hand wrapped around her waist suddenly securing her to his side.

She was asked to close her eyes the lids lowered waiting for this surprise. The two of them were transported somewhere else. Dan moved back and Vicky opened her eyes. Looking around she had no idea where they were.

Of all the places he could have taken her he went for the one place she always wanted to go but had never had time to visit. "You wonderful man, I can't believe you brought me here of all places it's just amazing." He made her a picnic she could see the blanket on the floor and the basket. He had gone out of his way for which was certainly appreciated as well as impressive. "You know you might spoil a girl being so damned romantic. Really Dan a picnic it's just right." Kissing his cheek she walked over with him. Now she truly felt like this was a real true date.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Surprising or not Dan was cold and no matter how much he wanted to make this trip as perfect as possible for Vicky he also had enough sense to know that frostbite was not an attractive feature on anyone, so before anymore romantic words could be spoken or words of true love said in vain, Dan put his coat on. With a small grin over at Vicky the Headmaster flopped down onto the blanket before little tapping the empty space next to him as the professor and fellow work colleague walked towards him.

“Come on; let me hear it just one last time.” He teased. “Let me hear it just how amazing I am.” That was something that Dan never lacked, his ego and self confidence seemed to always be at a constant high and when he was trying to work his little bit of magic with the opposite sex (sometimes even the same…but that is a different story for another time) he needed all the confidence, even arrogance he could get. Still chuckling away to himself about his previous fishing for complements Dan turned around to the picnic basket, lifting the lid and pulling out the very important bottle of wine.

“Can I offer my lady liquid refreshment? If white wine does not tickle your fancy I buried a few bottles of Champaign in that snow mound over there.” He titled his head in the direction of a small pile of snow that has some ominous bottle shapes sticking out of it in all directions. “I have no preference so I guess it is ladies choice.”
Was it wrong that Dan was having so much fun already? That he just wanted to see that smile on Vick’s face? That he wanted to make this afternoon perfect even if it was for the wrong person?

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

When she got into this she assumed it would simply be well just physical. If they chose to go out again she thought it would be to some sleazy motel where they could have a repeat of a few weeks ago. Not that she minded because she did dream of it every night. But this, well this was just beyond words Dan seemed to have gone all out and Vicky appreciated it more then she was probably willing to admit. This was making it hard to differentiate whether this was just some fling or if it could be more. She was trying not to over think things but she couldn't help it that was the way she was her mind was always working though it didn't always work well.

Trying her best to put all that off to the side for the time being she focused on the sexy man she was sitting next to, the one that enjoyed hearing her tell him how great he was. Of course she didn't mind since she thought he set the sun at the moment. Getting to her knees she moved closer and wrapped her arms about his neck. Moving in her lips mere inches from his ear she said in her most seductive voice, "You Dan Hubbles are the most amazing man I've ever known and when I say amazing I mean in every way. Winking at him she moved away reclaiming her seat.

Hearing him refer to her as his lady put a smile on her face. Why it should she had no clue but she couldn't deny she liked hearing it. "White wine is fine with me I enjoy wine of all kinds" it was a joke but maybe one she should keep to herself since her drinking habits were well known around school. "So um what else do we have here," she went on trying to change the topic. "It all just looks so nice you didn't have to go through this much trouble you know." It was hard to imagine him doing any of this for her. Not that she minded no not in the least it was just hard to grasp.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Now that was something he liked to hear and Vicky knew how to do it just how he liked it. Her seductive movements and tone sent a shiver down his spine and all he wanted to do was wrap his arms around her neck, kiss her passionately and remind her what it was like it to be loved by Daniel Hubbles. However he knew that now was neither the time, nor the place and so reluctantly he let Vicky sit down and focused on the picnic basket he had at his side.

“Oh no, it was no trouble at all. The house elves made it.” He grinned over a Vicky, Dan was not really one to go ahead and lie about making a picnic up, he could cook the basics but when you have lived in Hogwarts for six years you do not have the need to cook your own dinner. “However,” He said, his voice wavering ever so slightly with concern. “those elves have been playing up recently so I am half worried what they have put on the sandwiches.”

The problem was that Dan was not joking; the house elves had been playing up for quiet sometime. They had not been doing the washing, the cooking and when you actually dared enter the kitchen you would often find the un-cleaned dishes stacked up on the side board, left over food littering the tables and a few drunken house elves sipping on butter beer by the fire place. This was a slightly worrying thought for Dan seeing as technically it was all his responsibility being Headmaster and all, but then just as he promised he would not think of you know who he would not think about his responsibilities back at the castle.

Pulling the bottle of white wine out of the picnic basket Dan reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a handy little corkscrew and uncorked the bottle. The sweet smell of the white wine seeped into the air and with every breath he took the smell of the wine made his taste buds tingle and mouth water. Swiftly two wine glasses had appeared and the sweet nectar was trickling over the crystal rims, pooling at the bottom of the glass. With a small, toothy grin Dan handed the glass over to Vicky and before he even had a sip of his own drink he raised the glass into the air to signal a toast.

“To Miss Potter, the greatest Mistress a man could have.” Although he was grinning and he meant it to be a compliment there was a slight moment when even in his own little world where he was the king and everyone loved him Dan worried that maybe it could have been taken slightly wrong. It was with this moment of hesitation that Dan raised his glass to his lips and let the liquid flow over them and down his throat, only shooting a few nervous glances over at Vicky. Nervous tension was a strange thing, well he was sure it was nervous tension more then the other kind they had a few nights previous. Lowering the wine he clasped the glass in his hands, slowly licked his lips and set his cool blues eyes onto the elegant figure of Vicky.

“So…what do you want to do today then Vicky my dear?”

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

So far Dan had been on his best behavior. She was trying hard to do the same but sometimes just looking at him made it very hard. He had this kind of appeal that one just couldn't put their finger on. Maybe it was his confidence, maybe it was his looks, maybe his intelligence, or maybe it was just simply a combination of things. Whatever it was he seemed to keep her captured. Something that she tried hard to fight but a battle she seemed to be loosing everyday.

Even when he told her he had the elves make the lunch she found the honesty refreshing, even as her remarked that she should be careful about what she ate. The elves he said were off their game, not behaving as they normally do. Something about his words rang true. The castle seemed to be a lot messier than normal. Even her classroom that was usually spotless when she entered in the morning was looking shabby and in need of some TLC. Wondering if she should be careful she looked suspiciously into the basket wondering if she should reconsider eating.

The wine was her reprieve she didn't really need to eat if she had some wine in her. Most of the time alcohol was the only thing she had for the day. Not being able to lie to herself she knew that she was a bit hungry. Perhaps since it was the headmaster that asked they would have at least tried to make a decent meal.

Her poured them both a glass the wine was very fragrant a sweet aroma and her nose sniffed eagerly. She was prepared to take a sip but Dan seemed to want to make a toast. Following in his footsteps her glass went up and she was all ears until her said what he said. Granted, she was a mistress but to have it pointed out so callously. Vicky's eyes shone with anger as he sipped his own wine. Things had been going so well, she had been happy here with him and he just had to say that.

He tried to make things right with his next question but she still couldn't get the words out of her head. Turning away from him, she got up wine in hand and moved a few feet away finding the nearest tree she leaned against it, fighting herself saying she wouldn't cry.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Clearly the wine was little comfort for Vicky, his words has stung her and as her violet eyes glistened over Dan could almost sense what was going to happen next. He did not waver, nor retract his gaze, he just sat and watched with rage building up inside of him, this is not what he needed.

“For Merlin’s shake Vicky.” Dan could not help but groan as the woman stood up and walked over towards the nearest pine tree. Her back was turned to him and she seemed to be leaning against the tree for support, Dan had annoyed enough women over his years to be able to read her body language and knew just what was going through her mind. The problem was that even after being in this sort of situation on a fair few occasions Dan only ever responded in the same way and it rarely ever worked and for some reason he doubted it would today either.

Gently placing his glass of wine down on the ground Dan pushed himself up from the blanket and started to walk towards Vicky. In his minds eye he could see the perfect action to take that would be worthy of a muggle movie. He should walk up behind her, wrap his secure arms around Vicky’s waist and whisper words of love and reassurance into her ear…but we were on about Dan Hubbles here and his mouth was open and words were spilling out before he could give it a seconds thought.

“Do you know why I picked Dia above you and always will? She has fire in her and I love that about her. If she had a problem she would slap me and tell it to me straight, not go and hide by a bloody tree and cry.”

The ‘oh so romantic’ atmosphere that had filled the snow covered world around them had shattered, everything that a few seconds ago has seemed too beautiful was now a bother. The snow was cold and wet, the wind was bitter and the distant calling of birds was an annoying sound that he wanted to silence. Dan had broken the promise to himself about not mentioning Dia but he did not care, it was not the first promise he had broken that day, this whole ‘relationship’ of theirs was a lie.

With a small huff Dan looked away from the back of Vicky and stood with a heaving chest looking out over at the snow covered mountains. He wanted to apologise for what he had said, he wanted to take it all back so they could get back to their pleasant conversation and seductive glances but how could he avoid the truth? It was Vicky’s time to act and if it was not the right thing Dan would be leaving much sooner then he thought.

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Of course he just couldn't stop there let her have her little hissy fit and be done with it. No he had to be an arse and stick the knife in deeper. His comment about Dia stung ten times worse then anything he could have ever said to her. Anger rose, it was an anger that she never felt before and she threw the glass against the tree shards flying in every direction. One even came and made contact with her cheek supplying her with a small fine cut before dropping into the snow ridden floor. So angered she didn't even feel it or feel the blood as it began to ooze out in a thin layer.

"You know what take me back" she demanded not caring anymore. Apparently she didn't rate high enough against Dia so there was really no need for her to be here with him at all. As far as she was concerned the date was over. Walking around past him she went to the blanket to make sure she left nothing. Her gloves were laying there and she grabbed them up quickly.

Her heart raced, and her blood was boiling. She could hear the beating of her heart loud and clear. It did nothing but make her angry that he caused her to feel this way now. For once a man made her feel like she was less then she was.

Again her eyes flashed in anger as she looked over at him. "Just take me back and from this moment on you can have your wife. Just leave me the hell alone." She unfortunately needed him to apparate back, her mind too befuddled to do it properly last thing she needed was to leave half her body here while the rest showed up in Hogsmeade. Crossing one arm over the other she simply waited. Hating him at this moment hating herself for even letting things get this far.

Of course she tried to fool herself into thinking that he might actually care but how stupid was that. Vicky was nothing more and would never be anything more then a lay, and he had made that very clear in his words to her. Shaking her head and wishing she had thought to say no to this in the first place she started to pace wishing he would just come on already. The faster they were out of there the faster she could do what she really wanted to, end up at some damn pub and drink away this annoying pain.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

As the wine glass made contact with the trunk of the pine tree Dan was given the tiniest bit of hope, a small smile creped across his face and he half braced himself from being slapped around the face…but it never happened. Clearly Vicky had taken things a little bit more personally then he had intended, she was even giving the impression that she actually thought that she had a chance with him. That was almost laughable, or was it the fact that she was demanding to be taken home like a scorned teenager.

“I am sorry Vicky, I can not do that.” Dan’s voice was surprisingly calm although his frown and folded arms would have suggested otherwise. His disapproving eyes looked the Professor up and down, watching as she had her mini temper tantrum. Dan knew what she wanted to do as soon as she got back to the castle, had he been in her position he too would run the nearest pub, drink as much as possible till he became emotionally numb and end up in bed with some random. And that was the reason he was not letting her go, Dan cared enough to not want Vicky to destroy herself.

But then her bitter tones filled the silent area around them and Dan could not help but let the slightest hint of a smile appear. This was always going to be a dangerous game and maybe picking someone who was clearly infatuated with him had been the wrong move, as if he would leave Dia for her, he only wanted a bit of fun! It must be remembered that from time to time Dan could have his moments of maturity and he would act like the adult he was, but the problem with Dan was if you did not respect him he would not respect you. In his eyes Vicky acting like a teenager was her not respecting him, so there was no chance in hell he was going to do the mature thing and talk this out.

“What were you expecting would come from this Vicky?” Dan asked feeling bemused, his voice and anger building with ever syllable. He started to walk closer to her, his eyes fixed upon hers. “You must have known this was just a bit of fun for me, I care for you but not in the same way I care for Dia.”

Running his hand through his hair in frustration Dan simply shrugged not knowing what Vicky wanted to hear. She must have known, deep down inside the truth about this twisted relationship of theirs, why could she just not enjoy what she had?

[Prof. Victoria Potter]

Her eyes were full of anger. The date as far as she was concerned was simply over. All she wanted to do now was be away from him, in the confines of a nice warm pub with a drink in hand that would knock her on her arse a few minutes after she finished the last drop. Vicky had felt bad before, being infatuated with a man often did that to you, but never had she felt anything akin to this. The feeling was raw like someone had tried to rip her heart right out of her chest but not completely succeeding. She could feel it beating but it didn't beat the same way. She did her best not to cry. That would just make things worse at least for her.

Hoping he was gathering things so they could go she was soon dealt another blow when he said he couldn't do that. Hurting her wasn't enough now he seemed to want to force her to stay here with him. Force her to endure more pain. Shutting her eyes she tried her best to keep the tears back when they so desperately wanted to fall. Now wasn't the time for him to do whatever it was he was trying to do, he should just let her go. They could both get back to their lives then. No one need know of her stupidity and he could keep his precious little wife.

Every decision Vicky had made in regards to this man had been a stupid one. She constantly made a fool out of herself over him and it always seemed to end badly, point in question. Here she was cold as ice standing here feeling hurt about someone who made it so clear what she really was. Not that she didn't already know.

Then as if to pound that point into her head he reminded her that she was simply a bit of fun for him. There was no question she was used to being used, but most of the times it was a two way street. This time around she knew she wasn't using anyone. Gulping still trying to hold back her emotions Vicky didn't bother to look at him anymore.

"You're right I'm not the one you care for so if that's the case there's no reason for us to remain here is there. I don't see why we can't just leave Daniel" her voice calm almost emotionless. Her eyes suddenly the same as she seemed to simply shut down on him.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Had Dan imagined that he would be standing in the snow in Switzerland having a row with Vicky instead of a romantic picnic he would never have come. Why where women so complicated? He had merely took the truth and made it into a joke but clearly Vicky could not handle that, she must have been living in her own little dream world and as she once again got the wrong end of the stick Dan knew he would have to explain himself a bit more.

“Vicky! You just don’t get it do you!” Dan’s voice was starting to get louder and more frustrated. “I do sodding care for you. Merlin’s beard do you think I would do all of this if I did not care, it would have been a quick shag round the back of the Hogshead otherwise!” He slowly walked towards her, heart pounding and his chest heaving as he tried to calm himself down. “Do you think I would risk my marriage for just anyone!”

Slowly Dan moved his hand forwards as if to try to take hold of Vicky, but he soon thought twice about it and with a slight hesitation it was soon shoved back into his coat pocket. He did not know what else to say, he dared not in fact. To much damage had already been done, he had plunged the knife into her heart, he was not dumb nor blind, Dan could see that she was hurting and this just infuriated him even more. With a possibly over dramatic sigh, Dan looked at Vicky and simply shrugged. It was her choice, if she wanted to leave he would let her be and never bother her again but he would not give up on them, he would not give up on her! Dan just wanted to help, he wanted to help her get over the alcohol and him because neither of them were healthy.