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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[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.]

[strideallknight]

Yeah, and I'm sure you look like a raccoon without your shades on. Granted, I'm not that much better.

[He lets go of Dirk.]

So, you're staying for a few days? Does Bro know? Or is this a surprise visit?

[toocoolforthis]

Show me yours and I'll show you mine. [He's just joking. Being back here feels kind of like coming home.]

I didn't say anything ahead of time. I, uh, ran into Murdoc [In a manner of speaking] so he knows, but I haven't found Bro yet.