The Angel and the Animal [Open to ALL!]

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

As always things never went to how Dan had imagined and a quiet night for him and Dia was never possible. Dia happily summoned over their friends and Dan could not complain, a happy atmosphere is what they needed!

As per usual Ashton opened with a witty comment that a lesser man may take as an insult, however after years of it Dan was used to the old Ravenclaw’s gibes. “Oh shush Emo boy.” He quipped back, the wide grin on his face showed he did not mean it in a malicious manner. It turned into a double attack when Girty turned up and the older Hubbles could not help but grin at his little sisters fighting talk. “Here, here! I could do with another drink.” The headmaster drained his glass and slammed it down on the table in front of him but when Ashton refused to budge Dan new what he had to do.

“First round on me then.” He chuckled as he stood up and started to make his way over to the bar. As he looked over he saw Grace too was buying drinks but it would never hurt buying a few more, especially when there were 2 alcohol guzzling Hubbles at the table! That was when he saw her, standing there in a little green dress talking in hushed tones to Harrison Greg. He could feel his whole body tense up as the situation around him became apparent. The girl he recently slept with was on a date in the same pub that he was having a drink with his wide. How mucked up can you get?!

“Mr Greg, Miss Rook.” He nodded his head towards them in acknowledgement. The formality of his address to them felt strange…it was strange; he didn’t want to give the game away. ‘loosen up Hubbles’ he thought to himself as he forced himself to act normal. “Can I get you two a drink?”

Not waiting for an answer Dan put in the drinks order to the bar man and when they appeared he slid the two butterbeers (they were students after all) over to the couple while piling the rest onto a tray. “Feel free to join us.” He chirped as he walked away, the sound of the glasses shaking seemed to ring in his ears. He was scared!

[Girty Hubbles]

Girty was like a child in a sweet shop, there were so many people and so many conversations that she did not know where to look. She had come down the pub to talk to Dan and Dia about a dream she had, but now there were so many amazing people present (mainly Grace) Girty truly did not know what to do. However the person she had not seen in the longest was Grace and that was were her attention lay. Giving her a hug Girty could not help but smile at her old friend as she downed her drink.

“That good huh?” Girty chuckled as she sat down on the chair next to Grace. “I am alright. Life is passing me by far too quickly.” Girty shot Grace a small smile and gave a little sigh. “My life seems controlled by the moon cycles. Oh well, can’t moan too much.” Girty could not help it but her eyes flicked down to Grace’s leg. She knew how Grace didn’t like the focus being upon her, especially with the injury and Girty shifted nervously in her seat when Grace for up and wondered over to the bar.

Looking over towards the bar Girty saw Ellie and Harrison still in deep conversation and Grace was now talking to another old student, Ginny Weasley. Dan however was her savour and was brining over a tray of drinks and with a wide grin she pulled a random glass off the tray and took a long swig. “Perfect!”

[Harrison Greg]

Harri had been on many dates over the years but never before had he been greeted in the way Ellie just did. She flung herself upon him, wrapping her arms tightly around him and Harrison could not help but hug her back. He wished he could have just held her for longer but Ellie pulled away sooner then he would have liked.

“No need to apologise.” Harrison muttered, feeling his heart rate increase slightly reminding himself how he felt about Ellie. He truly liked everything about her, her smile, her personality…her smoking body. He was hooked. However Harri was felt a little lost, he always imagined that Ellie would jump at the chance to hang around with the professors, especially Hubbles…maybe he didn’t know how as well as he thought he did.

“I know I did Ellie.” Harrison’s gaze dropped to the dusty floor as he could not longer bring himself to look at the Hufflepuff. He wanted to make her happy, he wanted to spend time with her but his own personal want and future prospects drew him in…who better then to make friends with then the Professor of Hogwarts?

This rollercoaster ride of emotion was not helped when Professor Daniel Hubbles came and stood next to them at the bar and brought them all a around of drinks. “Thanks sir.” Harrison grinned as he watched the pint of butter beer slide towards him. “Lets just have a drink with them and then we can spend some time alone when all the old people go to bed.” Reaching out Harrison gave Ellie’s hand a small squeeze in reassurance and also a promise that he would stay true to his word. “Just one drink.”

With a little grin Harrison walked over to the table full of people, standing nervously by the old Ravenclaw who sat at the table, waiting patiently for Ellie to come over and join him.

[Professor Dia Hubbles]

Dia liked how the evening was playing out, how they were slowly being surrounded by friends and family, in short Dia was very content with life at the moment. The crowd of people around the table seemed to grow larger as more and more familiar faces started to turn up, she honestly could not have planned it any better. She listened closely as Grace talked to her about the injury, Dia nodded her head sympathetically but she did not know what to say, it was heartbreaking that at such a young age this amazingly talented girl had lost everything she had built up. It’s why her and Dan had been so keen to give Grace a position at the castle, to give her something to do and so they could keep an eye on her.

The conversations began to move on, the levels of drink in glasses grew lower and Dia could not help but smile. In fact it was only when Ash asked the question about how her and Dan where that her grin grew even bigger. “Well…” She looked down at her drink and then over towards the bar to try and find her husband, her hand idly stroked her stomach once again. “We sort of have a little announcement to make.”

Dia waited for her husband to finish carrying the drinks over from the bar and place them on the table in front. Their eyes met in the process and Dia noticed something, a little hint of worry that clung to his face like a bad smell sticks to clothes. She did not ask, not now, but she would ask him back home later, she didn’t like to see Dan frown. Finally after watching him faff around and playfully ruffling up Ash’s hair Dan sat down next to Dia, wrapping his arm protectively around her.

“Shall I tell them Dan?” Dia asked her husband and he simply grinned at her and nodded his head.

“Well…I am pregnant.”

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

Had Ash been facing Grace and seen her slight grimace of pain, he would've immediately jumped up to help; all the while apologizing and feeling bad for not getting her a drink. But, unfortunately, he had not been facing her, and therefore, had not seen the hidden look of pain on her face. Nor did he see her limping as she walked towards the bar.

Then again, Grace hadn't bothered to tell him she was in pain in the first place. He loved the girl, but did she honestly expect him to read her mind? Especially when they hadn't really spoken in... Merlin knows how long.

Giving a long-suffering sigh, he let his head drop onto the table; letting out a flat exclamation of "Ow" as the wood made contact with his head.

Raising his head up, and impatiently brushing his hair out of his eyes, he gave a small glare with really no heat at all, to Dan Hubbles. "Dan, I respect you, and I love you; you're like a big brother to me, and you know that. But I swear to Merlin, those kids are driving me insane. Why did I let you talk me back into the Muggle Studies position?" Of course, Ash wasn't really griping. He did enjoy teaching and he especially enjoyed teaching young wizards about muggles. But hey, he needed something to talk about!

Then, he realized that Dia had spoken, and it sank in what she said. "You're... oh my god, that's awesome!" he cried happily as he leaned over to give her a hug, not even noticing or caring that Dan was messing with his hair.

[Prof Grace Marks]

Grace had always enjoyed her brief moments spent with Ginny. True, they were usually tempered with a certain Jac Shaw, but even without this ex-Hufflepuff and the ex-Gryffindor standing before her got along well every time. Grace had always thought that Ginny was lovely and wished that they could spend more time together, get to know each other better. Now that Grace was back at Hogsmeade and soon to be teaching at Hogwarts she supposed that there would be more opportunity that she would definitely take advantage of.

As Ginny spoke about her brothers, Grace smiled broadly at her. She had always wanted siblings, especially a brother. In a way Girty and Jac's families had become her own with their older brothers becoming her older brothers too. In a small way, however, it was not quite the same. "I'm all alone in my apartment above The Bird," Grace said as casually as she could muster, "so should you need a place to escape to, it's always open to you."

Ginny asked Grace about herself, something of a sore topic of late. Grace was not comfortable yet talking about her accident or that she was no longer able to continue playing Quidditch. The hurt was still too near. Evasion of the truth was not lying though, Grace reminded herself before she responded. "Well, as I said, I'm back above The Bird. Going to start teaching at Hogwarts next week. Should be fun. And how about you?"

Grace flagged down Warren, got herself and Girty drinks and turned back to her conversation. The red head then asked about the assembly that had gathered. The blonde barked a short laugh. "No, no, not at all," she said, looking over to the friends and family sitting together. "It seems to just be one of those days where we're all in the right place at the right time. Let's join them." Grace added this last as her and Girty's drinks arrived.

Picking up the two drinks, Grace led the way and took a seat next to Girty, putting the two drinks on the table before them. "There ya go," Grace said. She lent backwards and stole a chair from the table behind them. "Sit here, Gin," Grace said, tapping the seat. "Everyone, you all remember Ginny."

Just then Dia looked at Dan, some announcement on her lips, and Grace knew something was coming, she could feel it throbbing in her aching leg. Pregnant! Grace repeated in her head. "Merlin's cotton socks, honest!?" Grace said, jumping to her feet and hugging Dia as well. "That's brilliant, Illy. I'm so happy for you." Grace moved to Dan and hugged him too. "Congrats, big brother," Grace said, smiling up at him, before taking her seat again. As she picked up her firewhiskey, Grace realised her smile was still plastered on her face. This was fantastic news and she could not be happier for the couple. It did make her think about her own life though, what she was doing: twenty-two and retired from professional Quidditch due to some stupid injury, perfect boyfriend left her for some dumb bimbo. Where was her life headed?

[Ellie Rook]

"No, I didn't mean it like that." Ellie said, seeing as she might have hurt Harrison's feelings. It was the last thing she had aimed to do. "I'm glad you did. Truly." Ellie smiled at him, hoping he would look up and return it. But Ellie's smile faded as she heard a familiar voice say her name. She turned, face blanched white toward Dan. She couldn't utter a word. Thankfully, Harrison spoke for them. Ellie looked up into his eyes as he asked if they could have one drink. She had said it was ok. The look in his eye made her melt. For some reason she couldn't say no, but at the same time she couldn't say anything, her throat was still closed with fright. Instead, Ellie nodded her head and managed a smile.

Ellie took her steps toward the party slow, but before she knew it, she couldn't go any further. She took her seat next to Harrison, and scooted even closer to him so their legs were touching. She wasn't sure why, but she needed the support of his presence close to her. She felt as though he was her only ally in the room. Ellie found her voice, and took the butterbeer bought for her by Dan, and smiled in his direction. "Thank you Headmaster." She said formally, but the fact that said anything at all was a triumph of wills.

The party grew happy once more. Ellie smiled at Harrison, but remained quiet and close to him. It wasn't long before Dia spoke. Ellie looked up toward the voice, but found that she could not look her in the eye. Instead, Ellie listened to her words without seeing the mouth from which they came.

“Well…I am pregnant.”

Ellie stood, her chair flying back as she did. It was the shock. She looked over at Dan. He was beaming, as any person would surrounded by friends and the coming of this type of news. As she looked at the face of her Headmaster, her best friend, her once love, tears sprung to her eyes. They quickly fell to her cheeks, and Ellie made no move to wipe them away. For the first time, Ellie's eye moved to Dia's face. She was glowing with happiness. Ellie saw the two of them together. Suddenly a smile came over her face. She sat back down, the tear still flowing from her eyes. Now starring straight ahead at no one, she laughed. She turned toward Harrison, laughing, smiling, crying. "Did you hear that?" Ellie said, "A little Hubbles." Ellie choked back a sob. "A little Hubbles." Ellie hugged Harrison, crying more as she did.

Suddenly, Ellie felt free. She felt like whatever happened, she wouldn't have to worry about the past. What she had felt guilty about, the truth coming out, the friendship she thought she lost, everything had changed. Ellie knew with all her heart that Dan would not do anything to harm the child Dia was carrying, and therefore would never harm Dia as the person that gave him that child. Ellie knew that it would all go back to normal, to life would go on.

With the feeling of freedom coursing through her veins, Ellie sprang to her feet. "A baby! Congratulations!" She walked forward toward Dia and gave her a giant hug. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear about this." Ellie released her and turned toward Dan. "Dan, Professor, Headmaster...you..." She proceeded to give him a giant hug to. In her happiness Ellie turned toward Girty, who was probably really confused, and pulled her into a hug. "Aunt Girty sounds lovely." Ellie said with a laugh. When she released Girty, she looked around her. She realized that she had made quite a spectacle out of herself. She let out a smile laugh, wiped the half dried tears off her face, and walked back to her seat. "Happy news." She mentioned nonchalantly as she sat back down. She maintained her smiled she turned toward Harrison. "Well, now that everyone thinks I am insane..."

[Jac Shaw]

"Did someone say pregnant?"

Jac had burst into the pub just in time to hear the happy news. She had made plans with Jackson to meet him at the Hogshead for a celebratory drink. She had just come from completing her final test for her auror training and she was confident it went well. She had sent owls out to Girty and Grace too but having gotten no reply she assumed that they had not gotten them.

As she burst into the Hogshead, late as usual, she quickly observed who all was there: three Hubbles, Grace and Ginny, Ashton and a few others. She arrived just in time to hear Dia's announcement and so glad she was. Jac ran over to her favourite Astronomy professor and gave the woman a big hug. As she pulled away her hair became streaked with rainbow colours as she beamed up at the blonde woman. "I can't believe you two are final going to be parents," Jac chuckled, looking at Dan too. Jac punched Dan lightly on the arm. "Took you long enough."

Jac chuckled and turned to the rest of the group. So many familiar faces. She hugged her three G's in turn: Girty, Grace and Ginny, inquiring with each how they were. Clapping a hand on Ashton's shoulder and beamed down at him too, her hair turning back to its (currently) usual red blonde. "Alright, Ash?" Jac asked.

Just then, a drink was called for. She waved at Warren for her usual; he'd know what it was as Jac and Jack often met here for drinks during term. He nodded at her and she turned back to the group. "So, Illy, when you gonna pop?" Jac asked, smiling at the obviously happy couple.

[Girty Hubbles]

The group slowly got bigger and as the alcohol slowly spread around Girty’s body she could feel herself getting happier, a wide grin was plastered on her face and she began to sway slowly from side to side to the music in her head. Girty would never feel unhappy when surrounded by her friends and family and this evening was totally going to be one of those days…a good night lay ahead!

“Thanks Grace.” Girty said gratefully as she accept the drink off her friend, the problem was that the drink, despite making it to her lips never made it down her throat, in fact it ended up all over the wall.

‘I am pregnant’

Drink flew through the air as Girty made a sound resembling that of blowing a raspberry, which was almost instantly followed by her chocking on what was left of her drink in her mouth. All around her congratulations were being passed to the happy couple but all Girty could do was sit in silence, her eyes wide and her mouth hanging limply open. Her reaction was in sharp contrast to that of Ellie’s who Girty instantly thought was far too dramatic and over the top. ‘Stupid girl, she will give the game away’ And this thought was only intensified when Ellie came over to her. Good manners had always taught Girty to be polite and when Ellie hugged her Girty has no choice but to hug her back.

“Thanks” Girty mumbled as she watched the younger the Hufflepuff return to the side of Harrison Greg. The tears in her eyes were a nice touch to all it would seem like ones of joy for her favourite professor but to her she knew the real meaning…or at least she thought she did, it would not be the first time Girty Hubbles was wrong!

It was then she realised she had not said anything and as she looked at Dan Girty could feel him waiting her approval. “Congrats guys!” Reaching to her drink Girty raised it up in the airs. “A toast to Dan, Dia and the new little Hubbles!”

Without waiting for a response Girty quickly downed her drink, feeling the burn of the alcohol. She was going to be an aunty, she was going to have a little nephew or niece, someone she would be able to spoil and treat as her own since she would never be able to have kids. The scar on her shoulder began to tingle, more her imagination then reality…

“I am going to be an aunty.”

[Ginny Weasley]

Ginny had sorely missed spending time with her old school friends Hogwarts wasn't just a place of learning it was also a place where people made connections find a good friend there and you would have them for life which is how it should be. Her and Grace had gotten along very well even despite being in different houses but to Ginny being in a different house didn't mean much as long as you were a good person. Her and Grace had fun times though as usual when people get older they tend to drift apart life takes them in different directions and that is what happened to them. Ginny was sorry for that perhaps this meeting would give them both a chance to change that.

When Grace mentioned living alone Ginny felt a slight pang of guilt she had been complaining about her brothers when she knew good and well she was lucky to have siblings since so many others did not have the pleasure. Hoping she hadn't upset Grace by anything she said she was ready to change the subject. Being out of the loop Ginny didn't know what had happened to her old friend since they left school so she was eager to try and catch up. From what Grace was saying things were going well seems as if Grace was going to teach at their old school "Oh Grace that's great what subject? I know you'll do we. As for me I actually took over Madam Puddifoots it's all mine now. Followed after my brothers and decided to become an entrepreneur." Ginny laughed at the thought of being like her two brothers though they were amazing and doing quite well for themselves.

Grace suggested her and Ginny join the already gathered group and after getting her drink Ginny agreed walked over with Grace and gave a timid hello to those already gathered there. Grace tapped a seat near her and Ginny took a seat smiling awkwardly as Grace asked if they remembered her.

But soon attention was taken away from Ginny which she didn't mind because Professor Dia Hubbles just announced that she was pregnant and Ginny couldn't help but smile and be happy for her. "That's amazing Dia and Dan I am so happy for you both congrats" Ginny put up her glass in a silent toast before taking herself a sip.

[Professor Dia Hubbles]

Dia could not help but grin at the reactions of everyone around her, it was nice to see that they too shared the same joy and happiness that both her and Dan did when they found out the good news. Gratefully Dia took on all their congratulations and hugged Ash, then Grace, then Ellie and finally Jac who had appeared from somewhere. These select few where the first people to find out, it was still early days and they did not fancy telling everyone yet just in case…but it just felt right there and then.

“Thank you everyone.” Dia said with a soft smile as she saw Ellie with glistening eyes receive a small hug from the Gryffindor. “Oh it will be a while yet Jac, I am only twelve weeks.” With a soft smile at her old student Dia could feel pride swell inside of her, especially as Girty lifted her glass and raised a toast to them. “Thank you Girty, thank you everyone. It means a lot.”

Turning towards her husband Dia leaned in and kissed him lightly on the lips…

[Professor Daniel Hubbles]

Dan was the proudest any man could be, he had the perfect wife, the perfect job, the perfect family and now he was going to be granted the perfect gift of a child. He did not care whether it was a boy or a girl, all he knew was that he was going to love it more then anything in the world and protect it against everything the world could throw at them. He knew now where his responsibilities lay and knew now he could never act on impulse ever again, nothing like what had happened with Ellie could ever happen again!

The congratulations did flood in and Dan grinned at everyone as they past on their best wishes. “Thanks Aunty Grace.” Dan teased as she hugged him but he did not have a chance to say any more to her as Ellie was now coming towards him and pulled him into a large hug. Nervously Dan gently gave Ellie a loose hug, patting her gently on the back before pushing himself away. He did not trust himself around her, the past had shown that clearly he found her attractive and he could not risk Dia having any suspicions about them…not now.

Jac however took another approach to congratulating him and gave him a quick thump in the shoulder. “Thanks Mrs Shaw.” Dan teased as he gingerly rubbed his arm where she had hit him. “Your turn next then huh?” With a small chuckle Dan’s gaze fell on Girty who still had not said anything, she seemed in shock and noticed his eyes where upon her as quickly she shared her congratulations and lifted her glass in toast.

“Cheers!” Dan chuckles and drained his glass before turning around to Dia and kissing her back. “Now who’s buying us a bottle of champagne then?!”

[Stella Harper]

Stella waited in the darkness of the far corner of the bar. It had been months since she needed to use her animagus abilities to lie in hiding. Her scorpion form was black as night, which made her completely unseen in the shadow. If she could grin, she would be, as she watched the group form. She thought back to her previous meeting with the Dark Lord. Again, Stella had been given the opportunity to show her allegiance. It was Stella dream come true to be trusted with such an important task.

The task to kill Daniel Hubbles.

She had been sitting in her room, polishing her wand, when she was summoned to the presence of the Dark Lord. Knowing better than to keep him waiting, she rushed down the long hallways of the mansion to his study, where she found his standing in front of the giant marble fireplace. He looked ominous with the glow from the fire casting shadows across his face and reflecting off his black hair. He looked up and gestured for her to sit down. Stella would never know this, but Tenebrael had learned how to link magic with the dark magic inside of Hogwarts. For all intensive purposes, he now had eyes and ears within the castle. What he had overheard tonight excited him, and threw his plan into action. He no longer would wait for his moment to strike, for it was upon them.

He sent Stella, with vague information, to Hogsmeade and the Hogshead where she was told she would find Daniel Hubbles, safely away from the castle and his friends. However, on Stella's arrival, she found that his friends had gathered to him. No doubting the plan of the Dark Lord, she figured that this is what he meant to happen. Stella wished she would grin, for she knew that not only would she have the opportunity to kill Hubbles, but all those closest to him as well.

Stella moved from her shadow closer to the group, flying in and out from under tables and chairs. Soon she found a shadowy corner just a table away from the group. She could hear every word they were saying. Their conversation made Stella's heart beat faster. Pregnant? Perfect. Stella had a plan. Not only would she kill Hubbles, but she would break his spirit before she did.

[Professor Ashton Laurent]

As Ash sat with his friends and chatted and enjoyed the carefree atmosphere, he felt at ease. These were people he’d known for years. They had been his classmates and professors, and now they were his colleagues and a few were now his students as well.

He’d come a long way in four years and he didn’t regret the journey one bit. Student, friend, teacher, colleague; no matter what label he was given, he knew that he would be the best he could be. Now for some, his best obviously had not been enough. But the past was the past, there was no sense in dwelling on it.

However, even as carefree as he felt right now, he could not help but feel a sense of foreboding. A “creepy feeling” if you will. Ash was by no means a Seer, he could no more predict the future than Dan Hubbles could sing! Or, maybe Dan could sing. Ash had no clue. But he did know he couldn’t predict the future.

Nonetheless, he had learned from an early age to rely on instinct and his gut-feeling. Right now, that gut-feeling was telling him something was off. It was telling him to be prepared. Something was going to happen. But what? And when?

Looking up, he locked eyes with Dan. “Dan, something’s not right” he said, just low enough for the Headmaster to hear.

[Ellie Rook]

Ellie drank her butterbeer, still cozying up to Harrison, but unlike before, a huge smile replaced the frown. She no longer was worried about the company she had fallen into. Even though Ellie had indeed notice the cold response from Dan, clearly out of fear, and the even colder response from Girty, Ellie didn't even mind. They had it right. She should be cautious, but on the other hand, after all that had happened in the past two years, the dark magic, the craziness in the castle, everyone had seen that it had effected Ellie. Who would have doubted another emotional break?

Ellie was determined to have a good time. First off, she was on a date, and she was going to make the best of it. She really did enjoy Harrison's company, and he gave her the familiar feeling of butterflies. Ellie had ignored them for a very long time in her denial of everything good and happy, but after her little happy break, she had started to feel them again.

Then Ash decided to burst her bubble. She overheard him worrying, a weird feeling or something, who knows. Ellie immediately jumped down his throat, still a little emotional obviously. "No Ash, don't you dare! This is a celebration. Nothing is bad! Everything is good." Ellie's face turned serious. "Got it." She maintained eye contact, her eyes glaring at Ash telling him she meant business. Then she snapped back, and broke into a smile. "After all, Dan is going to worry for the rest of his life, especially if he has a little girl, give him a couple more months worry free."

Ellie turned toward Harrison as the conversations around them continued. His eyes made her smile. "Thank you." She said, "For getting me out of the bloody castle."