10 years later, SH flavored

[toocoolforthis]

[It's 10 years later- Everyone is ten years older, and hopefully ten years wiser, too. Or at least five years wiser! Even one year's worth of wisdom is good, really. Things have changed, okay.

Things have changed a lot, and it only becomes more obvious with everyone back at Hogwarts for a visit. It's a time to reminisce, to remember, and to reconnect.

Or, you know, to go about life as usual. ]

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[toocoolforthis]

[Dirk hasn't gone back to Hogwarts very often since he graduated. He visited a few times in the year after, to check in on Dave and to see him graduate, but since then, his research has taken him far away from his former school. Hogwarts, after all, is not an institute for research, and creating the kind of spells Dirk has latched onto needs a lot more materials than can be found in the Restricted Section of the library.

But he's been drawn back, for whatever reason, and he's wandering the halls at the moment, hands tucked casually into his pockets, just looking everything over. He's had plenty of time to grow up, and he definitely has- between his clothes, his hair, and the shades, he's practically a carbon copy of his father.]

casually sets this somewhere specific because I misread

[wwistful]

[Murdoc is always happy to see the younger Striders. They've grown up to be fine men and Murdoc can't help but be a little proud of them, even if he can't take much of the credit for them. He's stuck with Bro this long, he may as well take a more solid part in his life. Of course, that makes it sounds like he's suffered. He really hasn't. He's still heaad over heels for the other man and he's as attractive as he ever was, he's kept his youth so well it's actually hard to tell he and his oldest son apart at times.

Which isn't to say Murdoc has become senile in any sense! He's sure anyone would make the same mistakes he does! Maybe not this particular one, though.

He's still a teacher at the school, so he's still got plenty of reason to peruse the library for lesson plans and personal interest, particularly the restricted section. However, he doesn't expect to see Bro there. Generally Bro is only in this section if he wants to hook up. Which Murdoc is perfectly okay with.]

You sly dog. [He mumbles, reaching over to grab a handful of that plush Strider ass.]

fine with me!

[toocoolforthis]

[Dirk's gotten used to being mistaken for his Bro. Usually he encourages the mistakes, and occasionally he'll even see how long it takes for people to realize that they're talking to the wrong Strider.

There are a couple cases where he doesn't- Dave, for one, is always able to tell them apart. And he doesn't usually try to do it with 'family,' even if they can't tell him apart from Bro.

The problem is, Dirk isn't expecting this at all. He was absorbed in one of the books, to the point where he didn't notice Murdoc approaching. He flinches and actually squeaks in surprise at the hand on his ass. When he glances over at Murdoc, there's a blush creeping across his face. He's tongue-tied, to say the least.]

Oh. Uh, hi.

[Surely that's enough of a reaction for Murdoc to realize who it is, right?]

[wwistful]

[See, with all your fooling around you're just trying to confuse the poor old guy. Ain't nobody got time to check which is which.

Generally he CAN tell them apart, but he's stupid in that he likes to squeeze before he thinks carefully. Why would Dirk be at school anyway, gosh!

The squeak gets a smirk and another squeeze out of Murdoc but it sounds a little....off. The apprehension creeps over him slowly as Dirk glances over at him and he rips his hand away like he just squeezed a hot stove top.]

Dirk-! [Fuuuuuck ho do you even explain...] I didn't.. [He's going bright red right now.] I didn't...think it was you. [The weakest of smiles.] Didn't think you were back at all.

[toocoolforthis]

[Ain't nobody, meaning Murdoc. Dirk isn't going to put much energy into thinking about why Murdoc mistook him for Bro, in that fashion, in the middle of a library. There are lots of things he doesn't want to know about what goes on between his father and Murdoc, and that is one of them.

Instead, he just steps away as soon as Murdoc's hand is off him. Murdoc is not the only one who's bright red.]

I just got here today. It's an... understandable mistake. [Oh god can they put this behind them, this has got to be the most awkward interaction they've ever had. It would probably even rank above walking in on Murdoc and Bro.] I suppose that means Bro's around here somewhere?

[wwistful]

[If Dirk wants to attempt to bring logic into this, he should at least consider that Murdoc probably hadn't expected him to be at school! Bro is normally here! And really, maybe you should consider dressing differently! Gosh.

Murdoc is now going to wring his hands, as if punishing them for getting all up on his boyfriend's son's rump.]

Glad you agree. [He gives an awkward sort of shrug.] Yes. He's quite often around. [Here in particular...]

[toocoolforthis]

[If Dirk knew that Bro was usually here for hookups, he would be unsurprised but mortified to learn that he was here all the time. And he does so dress differently! Sometimes. On days not today.

... He is going to be taking the longest shower tonight. And for now, he'll just clear his throat awkwardly, and heft the tome he was looking through.]

Somehow, I don't think he was researching the things I'm here for.

[strideallknight]

[If there's one thing Dave has been able to perfect over the years, it's how to tell Dirk and Bro apart with just a glance. They were distinct in their own ways, even when standing completely still.

He never left Hogwarts after graduation. He thought long and hard about what he really wanted to do. Eventually, teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts outweighed being an Auror. Dave wants to protect people, yes, but he feels that perhaps the best way to do that is by giving youngsters the tools and knowledge needed to defend themselves in an admittedly cruel world.

Dave's...also gotten admittedly lax over the years, which comes with being around the Crockers/Egberts for so damn long. It doesn't help that he hasn't physically seen Dirk in what feels like forever, so maybe he'll forgive the sudden tackle-hug.]

[toocoolforthis]

[One would think that Bro being around would balance out the presence of Crockberts, but then again, Bro's had the influence of the Amporas. So Dirk is the single bastion of solemn Striderness left. solemn Striderness is doomed.

It has been a while since he saw Dave face-to-face, and he didn't exactly say much of anything about being at the castle, so he's expecting a reaction when he finally runs into Dave. He just wasn't expecting it to involve literally being run into. He has to stagger a few steps in order to regain his balance, but he returns the hug immediately.]

Glad to see me, little bro?

[strideallknight]

[That solemn Striderness will likely get shaken down the moment Dirk starts dating someone. Dave will be there to tease him about it, too.

He rolls his eyes behind his shades and steps back to hold Dirk at arms length after the initial hug.]

You'd have to do something outrageously moronic for me to not be glad to see you, dude. How's it going? I haven't seen you in forever.

[toocoolforthis]

[He's done some dating! Like once. For a week. With no one special. When he was just out of school. And he just... hasn't bothered since. It is hard finding people who get him, so he hasn't made much of an effort at it.

He moves easily, letting Dave hold his arms and get a good look at him. He's doing the same thing to Dave. It surprises him, whenever he comes back, how much Dave has grown up. It shouldn't, but it does.]

It's going good. [He means his work, of course, but that is basically his entire life.] I'm here for some reference materials, but I've got a few days to spend here.

[strideallknight]

[dirk plz

Dave gives him the Strider equivalent of a critical look.]

You've been keeping up with having three solid meals, right?

[Some things really haven't changed. Dave's worry over his older brothers being one of them.]

[toocoolforthis]

[He just smirks. He isn't offended, it's nice to see that Dave hasn't changed at all.]

Sometimes I even have desert. And before you ask the next question, yes, I'm sleeping enough.

[How much is 'enough' might be debatable.]

[stubbornskeptic]

[Jane hasn't seen Dirk in...well, forever, but she's almost positive that she saw Bro on the opposite side of the castle five minutes ago and, barring some clever work with the hidden passages, it's unlikely he's appeared here quite that quickly. So she approaches with a little more warmth and a little less fear than she might if it were the oldest Strider.]

Dirk? What are you doing back here?

[toocoolforthis]

No it's a ghost. [He keeps the deadpan for a moment longer before he actually cracks a smile.] I'm raiding your library. And I have a few days, so I figured I'd stick around and see what's been going on around here. Drop in and say hi.

How've you been, Jane?

[stubbornskeptic]

Oh, just fantastic! Minus all the extra work I've had lately, I suppose. But even that's been fascinating.

I hope you get some time with Dave. I'm sure he's missed you.

[She bounces on her toes for a moment before launching forward to hug him.]

Aaah, I've missed you too, though! It's been too long!

[toocoolforthis]

He tried to knock me over when he saw me. I think that means he did.

[Speaking of which, Jane's doing the same thing! But she did not get as much momentum as Dave managed, and he had more warning, so he's much more prepared to catch her and hug back.

They've come a long way since the snake egg debacle in fifth year.]

Missed you too. Sorry I can't stop by more often, but the school is kind of in the middle of fucking nowhere.

[stubbornskeptic]

Hoo hoo, that's understandable. We really ought to write more, though. I don't even know what you're up to, lately! Have you got a special man in your life?

[stubbornskeptic]

[Jane has advanced in her career to the point of being an assistant potions master of sorts, although she's aware that in muggle school she'd be slightly higher than that by now. Stupid wizards living for stupid forever.

Whatever, the point is is she's heading up out of the dungeons and towards the greenhouses to fetch some ingredients and, well, get some sun. It's been a little while since she's been out of the dungeons for more than a few minutes and she figures she could use some fresh air.

Because of this, she's a little paler than usual, but other than this she looks much the same. Perhaps a little curvier and more confident, though.]

[strideallknight]

[The moment Dave sees her, he makes a beeline for her. He hasn't seen Jane in a week thanks to that sadistic Potions Professor (he won't name any names).

So what's the first thing he does when he catches up to her?

Grab her by the hips, pick her up for one quick spin, and then kiss her cheek playfully.

No, he hasn't missed her at all.]

[stubbornskeptic]

[Which initially earns a surprised shriek from Jane, but then she recognizes the hands and that exact body temperature and she giggles leaning back into him as soon as she has the leverage to do so.]

Well, hello there. I suppose I deserve that sneak attack after being underground for so long.

[strideallknight]

Hell yes you deserved that.

[Dave nuzzles her cheek and no, he's not letting her go for a while.]

I swear he's keeping you down there to fuck with me.

[stubbornskeptic]

Well, we've got a project going with the professors at Durmstrang, but I won't bore you with that.

[Nor will she acknowledge that, yes, it's likely there's some sort of vendetta against Dave going on.]

I assume you've kept busy enough without me, though?

[strideallknight]

I guess I can forgive that. Hell knows I'm busy enough coming up with the final exam for my students.

[He pauses for a half second before--]

Well, sure, but there's a difference between you and just having my imagination.

[Dave is pretty sure she didn't mean it like that, but~]

[strideallknight]

[Dave is wandering around Hogwarts, which has become a highly familiar place after graduation. At some point in his life, he'd decided to take up being a Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, wanting to teach kids how to defend themselves in the real world. He feels he can protect people better that way.

Of course, for a couple of years, he traveled abroad to gain valuable experience so that he can better teach the students of Hogwarts. Returning to the school afterward had felt very much like coming home.

Well, being Professor does serve another purpose for Dave. It allows him to keep an eye on Bro, for one thing. For another, Murdoc has always been his favorite teacher, and in this way he can repay the man for giving him the opportunity to teach by lessening the workload a little bit.

Goddamn it, he's woolgathering again. Hopefully that doesn't mean he runs smack into somebody. That'd be embarrassing.]