[T.Broomsticks] Little Doubt Goes a Long Way

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

February was the shortest month in the year and yet for Dan it has seemed to drag on and on. Of course hitting the big 3 0 was never a good start although he had such a good week. Actually on his birthday Will had arranged a big old blow out in the Hogshead with Warren where it felt like half the wizarding world had showed up…and they most likely had drunk half the liquor in the wizarding world too. Then the next day with a slight hangover him and Dia had escaped the pressures of castle life and spent the weekend in an ice hotel in Sweden getting their marriage back on track.

But it was the closing days of the month and Dan Hubbles was back to his normal routine, working late and instead of going back to the office to Dia, or finding Vicky he was sat at his table in the middle of the Three Broomsticks slowly sipping on a pint of beer. People were walking past all the time; some saying hello while others ignored him altogether. It was only then that he felt a draft around his legs as once more the tinkle of the bell above the door sounded out over the laughter. Dan did not turn his head, he had no reason too or at least he did not until he heard the distinct sound of a French accent sound out, belonging to a person he knew far to well.

Kicking the chair out opposite him the wooden chair legs screeched on the stone floor and landed right in front of one of them, the lad who was strutting his stuff into the pub. Glancing up from his pint glass Dan’s cool blue eyes set upon the ‘Emo Boy’ as he so often fondly called him.

“Ashton my lad. SIT!” His voice was surprisingly demanding considering he meant it in such a playful manor.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash and a friend of his walked into the Three Broomsticks, talking in French. Well, it was mostly gossip. As they were walking past the bar, Ash suddenly heard a loud, familiar voice.

"Ashton my lad. SIT!"

The booming command startled the ex Ravenclaw causing him to jump and whirl around. "Professor Hubbbles!" he exclaimed, greeting his old Charms teacher. "How are you?" he asked, sitting down next to the older man. He turned to his companion. "I'll see you later." he said, effectively dismissing her. She nodded and walked away.

Ash turned his attention back to Professor Hubbles. "So, how have things been going? Having a good new year so far?"

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

At first being called Professor did not phase Dan but then when he realised that it was an old student calling him that it brought back a rather peculiar memory, one that a married man should not think about, although that night with Theodora was amazing. “Ashton, mate never call me Professor Hubbles anymore. Just Dan. It is plain, simple and only three letters”

With a cheeky grin he watched as the ex-Ravenclaw sat down opposite him, saying goodbye to his friend before turning his attention back to him. Dan was not normally one to try to interact with his previous students, normally in the fear that they would leech him for giving them a poor grade, but it was different with Ash.

“A good year?” Dan stroked the side of his jaw at this question, feeling the roughness of his stubble beneath on his skin. This kind of question amused him greatly. He had never really thought about it seeing as his year so far has been rather turbulent. “On a rating of 1 to 10?” Dan asked sceptically as his hand dropt and reassuringly wrapped itself around his pint glass. “I would say 7.” The man gave a small chuckle as he did think about a year so far and how so much had changed…not even thinking about how much was still to come.

“What about you?” He asked possibly a little bit too eagerly as he tried to pass the buck onto someone else, not wanting to think about how he would have more then likely given this year so far a 3 with only Vicky and his birthday party and vacation making up for the hell of everything else. “What are you doing to keep yourself occupied now?”

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

"A seven?" Ash said with a laugh. "Seven? Come on Dan, you've gotta do better than that! I would've expected an eight at least!" He shrugged, "My year? Eh.... it's been about an eight I guess. Maybe a nine. Would've been a ten, but... you know, recent events made that pretty much impossible. And...there's still the 'Fay and Bray Issue' but hey, the past is the past. No sense in whining about it." He took a sip of firewhiskey and continued. "The way I see it, if they don't want to accept my aplogies, fine. No skin off my back."

He stopped and looked around the pub, remembering all the times he'd been in here with his friends and all the trouble they'd gotten into. "It's been a little weird getting along with my dad. I mean...it's not that I don't enjoy it, I do. It's just that... sometimes it seems like it's too good to be true, and he's just waiting for the right moment to strike. To start using me as his punching bag again. I know that's not the case, I just can't help feeling that way sometimes." He smiled. "It's good to have Laney back though."

"So, anyway. I decided to spend my few months in France, getting my life back on track. And thinking about things. About my relationships with people, and it made me realise, I really don't care what people think about me anymore. I know who my real friends are, and I know that they'll always be there for me, and they're not going to judge me. So, why worry about what others think? I am who I am, and if people can't deal with that, then that's their problem."

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dan had always found Ashton a friendly enough person who was always happy to sit down and chat. Over the years that Dan had been working at Hogwarts they had had many of these types of conversations and as a result as strange bond had formed between the two of them where they knew they could talk to one another in confidence knowing that nobody else would hear what the two of them had discussed. Even now they were able to dive straight into a conversation, laughing and joking with one another but it still having that serious undertone.

It may surprise a few people but Dan was actually a good listener, he knew when the perfect time to groan was, go ‘ooo’ in anticipation or laugh at a funny situation. Now was the perfect example of this situation as Ashton talked away and Dan listened intently soaking in everything the ex-Ravenclaw said like a dry sponge.

“Bloody hell.” Dan finally spoke after Ashton had finished talking. “I can see why you gave your year such a high rating.” He gave a soft chuckle and took a sip of his drink. “But honestly Ashton it is great to hear about that, nice to see you are getting your life sorted and taking a good attitude to it as well.” Dan raised his glass and moved it towards Ashton almost for a mini toast and for them to clink glasses. “Sod them all mate. Sod them all!”

Placing his pint back on the table Dan leaned back on his chair and grinned over at Ashton. “So I heard from Jen you were working back with her again. I take it you are enjoying it there?”

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash grinned and clinked glasses with Dan. "Cheers to that!" he said with a laugh. He took a sip and nodded, "Yeah. It's been pretty good." he said in response to Dan's question. "Of course I Have to be honest here, it was also really good to get away and clear my head a little." His tone darkened a bit, "Even if it wasn't under the best of circumstances." He shrugged, "Oh well. Like I said, the past is the past. No sense in whining about. Just wish I'd figured that out earlier."

"France was great though. Lots to keep me occupied." he said this with a cheeky grin and slightly naughty tone. "I also redecorated my house. And, the big shocker? My dad and I have worked things out...and he lives in my guesthouse now." Ash stared down at the bar in front of him. "He...actually aplogised for everything he's done to me. All the beatings, all the taunts, and telling me I was worthless. It was... hard to believe. Still is really." Ash knew that he would probably never fully trust his dad, but hey this was a start!

He smiled, dragging himself out of the past. "So yeah, working for Jen again. Of course she's a slave driver! And life is pretty damn good."

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Ashton seemed very keen to talk today, he told his stories in such away that Dan could not help but smile and show interest. More often then not when you were in the pub and you took the time to listen to stories that the other locals they would be dull tale about someone’s cat. At least Ash’s held your attention.

“I am glad to hear about you and your Dad.” Dan chipped in. “I know how rough it was for you, lets hope things stay this good huh.” He gave a soft chuckle as he drank some more of his beer. His compassion was not faked, he really was happy to hear about Ash making up with his Dad, the two of them had spent many a day sitting down, helping one another get their troubles off each others chests and that was always a potent topic…more often then not Dan wanted to give Ash’s Dad a good thumping, shame he never got the chance.

“Yeah Jen is great.” Dan agreed, his head nodding slowly and a small lopsided smile filling his face. No one knew about their fling from Paris…or any other moment of passion of theirs but it was clear to anyone and everyone that they had a deep friendship. During the break up with Dia Dan had spent a lot of time in Jen’s shop. She had that bubble personality, that kind face and she made the perfect cup of tea!

“So are you staying with her now? I mean in her flat?” Dan was actually truly interested in this question as he hated the thought of another visit to Jen’s turning out like it had done before and then Ash being their to discover their dirty little secret.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash nodded in agreement. To say that he and his dad had had a rough life together was the understatement of the century!

He grinned, "Yeah, Jen is great. She tends to be a slave-driver though!" he quipped with a cheeky smile.

He nodded again. "Yes, I am. I'm thinking about looking for a place of my own soon though."

He took a sip of whiskey, "Why do you ask?" He wasn't trying to be rude, he just thought it odd that his old teacher would be so interested in where he lived.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dan listened closely to what Ashton had to say about living with Jen, he was extremely interested in this small fact and it had seemed that he had not hide his intrigue well as the ex-Ravenclaw asked about it. Picking up his pint glass Dan’s eyebrows moved higher up into his forehead as his cool blue eyes moved from the Emo looks of Ashton towards the grain patterns on the wooden table. “Oh no reason.” He talked into his pint glass as he raised it to his lips, letting the cool liquid flow into his mouth and down his throat. “I was just wondering where you were staying that’s all.”

Dan placed his pint glass down on the table and he could not help but feel that Ashton would not be satisfied with that kind of answer and so once again Mr Daniel Hubbles was going to have to think on his toes. “I guess…” He began once again, drawing out the last few syllables before pausing for a second, still desperately trying to gather his thoughts. “I was merely wondering if you had shacked up with anyone.”

That was the only way Dan could think of getting out of it, he raised the question of Ashton’s love life as for the many years the two had known each other the lad had more ups and downs and broken hearts then Dan had caused in the past few years. The question was had Dan now opened up a door that would not be able to be shut?

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash laughed and shook his head. "No, not shacking up with anyone yet." He paused to take a sip of the water the waiter had just set down. A smirk played across his face. "I did plenty of hooking up though." he stated with a slightly cheeky grin. "In Fance that is."

"I pretty much just stayed around the house all day, and had my... fun at night." He looked at Dan over the rim of his glass. "What about you? How's the social life going? Or is it gone?" he teased with another smirk.

Then, the conversation took a more serious turn. "So, do you have any idea as to why the castle seems to be going haywire or are you just as baffled as the rest of us?" he asked, lowering his voice a little.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

When you really think about it asking Ash if he was making that big step and moving in with someone was a bit of a stupid idea. After all if you had asked the twenty year old Daniel Hubbles that same question he would have most likely laughed in the person face and said something of being a ‘lone wolf’ and that he had too much fun being single to shack up. That was ten years ago however and had he never met a certain Dia Owen he most likely would be singing the same tune as he did then. But the problem, or at least reality, of the situation was that he had met Dia, he had fallen in love and now he was married.

While he was lost in his own thoughts of the high level of commitment that he had offered to the love of his life Dan almost missed Ash’s comment ‘hooking up’. Snapping back into the room and the fact that he was now chocking on his drink Dan’s wide eyes looked over at Ashton in pure surprise of what the boy had said. “Dear God!” Dan proclaimed after he finished chocking. “You are starting to sound like I did. That is a slippery slop, a fun but slippery slop to be on Ash.” He placed his half drunk glass on the table. “Be careful.”

Some might say that a warning such as that coming from Daniel Hubbles would be rich; others would say to learn from his experience. All Dan knew was that he wanted to help look after this young lad in fear of what might happen to him. Then the dreaded question was asked towards him. How was his social life?

“Ashton, I was sitting here by myself before you arrived. I have no social life anymore. Both marriage and my job have crushed into a past memory. This is merely a rare moment I get to myself…or at least it was till I stupidly asked you to sit with me.”

The jest in his voice was clear; yes he was being dramatic but was there ever a moment when he was not melodramatic. It was his thing to blow things out of proportion and act his way to realms of absurdity. But there was some truth in his words and it was something that the growing bags under his eyes and ever appearing frown which spoke louder then words ever could. And then like the smart Ravenclaw he was and maybe without meaning too Ashton had hit the nail right on the head. The reason that gray hairs where appearing on the headmasters head, the reason he looked in the mirror every morning and see nothing but his crow’s feet.

“Out of everyone Ash,” Dan’s voice was low also and he glanced nervously around in fear that someone might over hear. “I think I am the person who is baffled the most. I have no idea why it is happening let alone how to stop it.” The concern that was filling Dan’s words was hard to ignore and even though he tried to push past it was a jovial smile and a laugh it was an act that not even he could out perform. “Do you have any ideas?”

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash shrugged, he knew it was a bit odd, him talking so freely of his..erm... activities. But hey, he was an adult, no point in hiding it, or lying about it. Of course, he also understood Dan's concern for him. It was not everyday that a former student told you that he spent his summer doing...certain...activities. But he was also glad Dan was not making a big deal of it. I mean, for all Ash knew, Dan could've started harping about how he needed to be careful, and that he was putting himself at risk. But he said nothing. Well, except for that comment about Ash being on a slippery slope.

Ash took a final drink and set his glass down, shaking his head no when offered another refill. He did not need to get drunk right now. Not yet anyway. "Well, as you can see, my love life hasn't been so great. But hey, what can I do?"

Ash looked away for a minute, drumming his fingers on the bar. "Well, I guess I was doing something about it. Still am. Maybe it's not the best thing, but... it's something."

He sighed and turned back to Dan. "I honestly don't know what to think about everything that's going on. It's so weird. Everything's changed. Everyone's changed. Laney's got more pressure than usual, even Girty's been acting weird. Even I've changed. It's like everything has gone haywire.

He laughed bitterly. "Ironic isn't it, that I left to get away from the drama, and as soon as I get back, I get caught up in more drama." Another bitter laugh, "Story of my life." he said flatly.

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

“Who needs a good love life as long as you are getting some?” Dan gave a small chuckle as he drained the rest of his pint. After all that was why he was cheating on Dia, simply so he could get his end away and have a bit of fun. He could tell that maybe this conversation was a bit difficult for Ash considering that he was talking about his love life with his old Professor, but then Dan and Ash did not really have a normal teacher student relationship. “But then you’re not a manwhore like me so I guess your waiting for that special someone huh?”

Dan knew he had a reputation, he was not blind and half the time he was not drunk enough to forget everything (and that sometimes was a very bad thing). But since he had married this reputation was becoming a thing of the past and as he looked on at Ashton who was holding an empty glass in his hand Dan just feared he was going to become a gay version of him. Licking his dry lips a frown pinched his brow as Dan looked concerned over at Ashton although he was not going to state these fears out loud more out of fear of being laughed at then being wrong.

It was then that the conversation took a darker tone as they returned to talk about the strange goings on at the castle. All Dan could do was take a deep breath and listen to the advice and opinions that the ex-Ravenclaw had to say on the matter. Of course Dan’s attention picked up at the mention of his sisters name and he had to agree about the personality shifts that seem to be hitting everyone.

“Story of everyone’s life mate.” Dan stated as he stretched his arms into the air, feeling his muscles strain to keep up and as he lowered them the dull throb that reminded in them was almost thrilling to feel something. “Drama seems to come in spade full’s here at Hogwarts, there is no escaping it even if you run off to Europe it had a habit of catching up with you. That is something I know of personally.”

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Ash laughed nervously at Dan’s ‘At least you’re not a manwhore like me’ statement. “Yeah… um about that…” he said averting his eyes, suddenly finding random scribbles on the bar counter to be very interesting.


“So… what else have you been up to other than wrangling the little miscreants up at the castle?” he asked in a desperate attempt to change the subject. If Daniel only knew how many boys and men the former Ravenclaw had fooled around with. Let’s see, there was Marcus, David, James, Danny, Paul… oh lord the list went on…

It definitely wasn’t something Ash was proud of. Why would he be proud of the fact that he had basically whored himself out? But the truth was, he’d been hurting. He needed that release. Although he had to admit, he could’ve gone about it a better way…

But, as he had learned, the past was the past. You could learn from it, you could ignore it; you could even try to deny it. But you couldn’t run from it, and you couldn’t change it.

Another awkward silence settled between them; awkward enough to make Ash order another fire whiskey. “So, I’ve decided on a name for my new store that I’m planning on opening.” He said after taking a sip. “I’m still not really sure what kinds of clothes I’m going to sell though. I know I’ll definitely be selling some alternative stuff, I thought I should sell some contemporary stuff as well… but that’s just not me you know? It’s not something I would wear… or sell really. So, we’ll see.”

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Oh no, well that was part of Dan’s good opinion of Ash just flushed down the toilet right there and then! After everything Ash had gone through the past and all the times him and Dan had sat down and talked about stuff and now…now he was just turning into a general manwhore. It would have been a lie however to ignore the fact that the old part of Dan Hubbles, the side that still gawped down the tops of women as they bent over, the side that had dictated his affair with Vicky and Jen…that Dan Hubbles wanted to give Ash a high-five for his achievements. They were the official presidents of the manwhore club.

Chuckling slightly into his beer Dan gave a slight shake of his head as he tried to get rid of these thoughts. He really should not be encouraging Ashton in this sort of behaviour and the thing was he could see so many shocking simulators between him and Ash, well of course other then their sexual orientation…although saying that there had been a few mornings when Dan had woken up with a sore head, no memory of the night before and in bed with a member of the same sex. But they had both acted like inconsiderate males simply because they had had their feelings hurt and in some way shape or form needed to feel like they were in power again. A small sigh escaped Dan as he placed his glass on the table and leaned across to Ash, it was time to get a bit serious.

“Look mate; just don’t go down that road. When you have had more lovers then you have figures and toes something is not right. There is other and I must admit more successful ways to med a broken heart. Sleeping with random strangers does not help, it may make you forget for a while but the pain will always return until you can emotional move on.” Dan’s eye contact faltered slightly as he thought about the women he had slept with when trying to get over his break up with both Offley and Dia. “I think you are emotionally and mentally mature enough to take that step.”

With a soft smile Dan returned back to his pint glass that had somehow got refilled all of a sudden, not that he was complaining. But as he sipped slowly on the refreshing and bitter beer the conversation at the small round table died down and the noise of the other wizards and witches in the pub washed over them, or at least it did until Ashton finally broke the silence. And the topic had taken a very dramatic turn.

Raising an eyebrow to indicate his interest the headmaster listened on as the ex-Ravenclaw chopped from one topic to another not really finishing one sentence and then using words that Dan had no idea what they meant. “Whoa back up a few steps Ash.” Dan laughed lightly. “What is the name of this store then and what the hell is alternative and contemporary? Clothes are clothes right…I mean you re not going to go around wearing a lampshade!”