* * * Starring * * *
Emma Watson
"Hermione Granger"
Evanna Lynch
"Luna Lovegood"
Can't Fight the Moonlight
"Luna in the Sunshine with Luggage" Copyright © 2008
Episode Five
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters created originally by TVM and are copyrighted to him, any reposting or archiving without written permission is an infringement on the copyright of this series. So in other words You damn well better ask before you steal it.
Feedback: Every author in his or her own way makes it a point to ask for feedback when posting a story, well me I don't usually. But there are several reasons as to why a reader should consider taking the time to give it. The simple fact is that giving some form of feedback is truly the most important thing a reader can do after reading and enjoying a story. Hopefully in the process providing that author with at least one viable reason as to what you liked about the story. This small amount of time spent will no doubt inspire the author to write more and possibly at a quicker pace, knowing that they have a fan base who are waiting on their next works. So thanks for the feedback and please keep it comin.
Summary: None
Original Airdate: July 21, 2008 @ 9:30 p.m.
(following an ALL NEW 'Scent of a Girl')
Story Codes: no sex
Three days later Hermione was up early. She was sitting alone in the kitchen, nursing a cup of tea. She had mixed emotions about the upcoming day. Today was the day Luna would leave for Africa. One the one hand Luna was very excited about the whole thing. She had told Hermione on numerous occasions just how much she was looking forward to this. Hermione was happy for Luna of course, but she was still very much worried. She kept imaginaing all kinds of horrible things that could happen. Luna could of course take good care of herself, but that didn’t stop Hermione from worrying.
In addition to this, Hermione also knew that she would miss Luna a lot. They had spent a lot of time together these last few days and Hermione had really enjoyed it. Despite their intentions Ron and Hermione hadn't spent much time together at all. Ron did things with his brothers and Hermione had resolved to see as much of Luna as possible before she left.
“Good morning Hermione. You’re up early.” Arthur greeted as he entered the kitchen.
“Yeah, I haven’t slept well. I had a nightmare. Don’t remember the details, but it was something happening to Luna.” Hermione confided.
“There, there. It was just a dream.”
“I made you some sandwiches.” Hermione said and pointed to the counter.
“That’s very sweet of you.” Arthur said as he sat down to eat.
It had been arranged that Arthur was going to give Luna a ride to Heathrow, where she would catch her flight for Nairobi. There were of course better, magical ways to get to Africa than flying, but Luna had wanted to experience this Muggle way of transportation. In this, she had been very much encouraged by Arthur who was very curious about seeing one of the world’s busiest airports. Upon hearing this Hermione had insisted on coming along for the ride. She had a strong feeling that Luna and Arthur alone in Heathrow was a recipe for disaster. Also, she wanted to be able to say a proper goodbye to her friend. Just then a small knock on the door was heard. Hermione opened the door was met by Luna who was beaming form excitement and Xeno who had a very worried expression on his face.
“I’m finally going!” Luna exclaimed from excitement and gave Hermione a hug.
Arthur had just finished his sandwich and lead the small group out to the Ford Anglia. Luna had packed lightly and put her one bag into the trunk.
“I assume that you will follow as well.” Arthur said to Xeno.
“Yes, Luna insisted.” Xeno answered.
“There’s no hurry, but we might just as well get going, shall we?” Arthur said.
The others nodded and got in the car, Xeno in the front and the two girls in the back.
“So you still haven’t planned anything after touching down in Nairobi?” Hermione asked her friend.
“No, I want to be free to explore as I see fit.” Luna answered with a smile, even dreamier than usual.
“How will you even find anyone to teach you about African magic?”
“I have this spell that I found in one of grandfather’s books. You simply enchant your eyes and that way you can see a kind of glow around everyone who has magic capabilities. In fact we are all glowing here in the car. It is a very pleasant glow. I tried it at Hogwaths once, but everyone and everything was glowing so stroungly that I couldn’t see anything.”
“Please teach it to me.” Hermione said, always eager to learn new spells.
"Close your eyes." Luna ordered.
Hermione felt how Luna gently touched her eyelids. It might ahve felt uncomfortable with someone else doin it, but with Luna it felt perfectly safe.
"Lanterna Magica." Luna chanted.
As Luna withdrew her fingers Hermione slowly opened her eyes. Just like Luna had said everyone in the car lit up in a pleasant golden glow.
“It’s really working, I can’t believe I didn’t know about it.”
“It is mainly used by travellers. I think that both Bill and Charlie knows it.”
“Yes, that is true.” Arthur confirmed from the front seat.
The trip kept going with fields and buildings flashing by outside the car. Hermione kept raining down words of caution on Luna who kept nodding with a serene smile. Far too soon for Hermione’s taste they started to see airplanes in low altitudes, indicating that they were getting close. Hermione had to stop talking to Luna and instead read a map and guide Arthur to the right terminal. They parked the car and Hermione led the small group to the check in. Luna took her place in the slowly moving line.With Xeno engaging Luna in conversation Hermione was left with her thoughts.
'I don’t like this at all. Why does she have to leave? She wants too of course. Look at how happy and excited she is. I just love how the sun makes her hair almost shine. I don’t have to have a spell on my eyes for her to glow. I don’t want her to leave damn it. Is that selfish of me? No, I just want her here where she is safe. But that’s not quite true, now is it Hermione? You just want her here with you. Ok, I might as well admit it. I like her. I like her a lot. Good, she is beautiful when she smiles.´
Just then Luna turned away from her father and directed her smile to Hermione.
‘Awww. I just feel all ……… damn it I can’t even come up with a word to describe how I feel. How am I expected to keep track of my thoughts when I can’t even come up with the words? No one has done that to me. I love this girl. I really do. I just wish I could give a real good bye kiss to those soft lips…………………………………..I can’t believe it I just wanted to kiss Luna, must look away, must look away. I just slipped up, that’s all. But thoughts don’t slip now do they? They are real. Ok, seriously, do I want to kiss her? I’m just going to look at her one more time and see if I really want to kiss her. She’s still smiling at me. I can’t help myself. I do wanna kiss her, I do. I wanna put my lips to hers and make her stay.´
“Luna I think it’s your turn.” Arthur said.
“Ohh, really? I guess I better step forward then.” Luna said.
Hermione’s mind was a frazzled mess. She had been so lost in her thoughts that she had hardly registered that the line moved forward. Soon Luna was going to leave and Hermione wouldn’t see her again for several months. Hermione knew that she had to say something so she stepped up to Luna. She was incredibly nervous and could hear her heart beating quickly in her chest. She opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. Instead she just stood there with her mouth hanging open, looking at Luna.
“Ohh, no Hermione. I sure hope that you haven’t been attacked by a wrackspurt. You seem very lost.” Luna said in a worried tone.
“Uhhhh… no…no. I just kinda was thinking.”
“About what?” Luna curiously enquired.
“You. I just want you to get back alright. Promise me you’ll come home.”
A small tear had formed in the corner of Hermione’s eye. She was just about to wipe it out when Luna reached out and did it instead. She then let her hand move down, gently caressing Hermione’s cheek. This small, but sweet gesture made Hermione completely. She pulled Luna close and hugged her. She then whispered in Luna's ear.
“Please make the promise. Promise that you’ll come back.”
Luna let out a soft giggle as she answered.
“I promise Hermione. I’m a big girl now.”
Hermione was a rational person; she knew very well that such a promise wouldn’t prevent anything bad from happening to Luna. Yet, she felt a surge of relief as she heard those words. A feeling that everything was going to be alright overcame her and she let go of Luna. They looked at each other one last time, before Luna had to leave. She gave her father a good bye hug and then went through the gate.
On the way back from the airport Hermione was completely lost in her own thoughts, Arthur made a few attempts to ask questions about Airports, but when Hermione only left very short answers he soo left her alone. The feeling of wanting to kiss Luna still lingered in Hermione's mind. She was starting to realize that it wasn't just the moment. There really was something there. She did feel an attraction to Luna. There was something about the younger girl that was throughly captivating. Those big, silvery eyes were filled with both wisdom and curiosity in a strange micture. That soft half-smile Luna had on her lips was also interesting. It was a confident, yet subdued smile.
To her great horror hermione even found herself thinking about Luna's body. She felt how her cheeeks flushed red and hoped that Arthur wouldn't look in the rear mirror. Luna had a slender and pale body. Most of the time she hid that body under layers of clothes, but Hermioen had caught a glimpse of Luna in just her underwear when she slept at Luna's. Hermione now recalled that memory and couldn't help but feel very excited as she thought about softly caressing Luna's soft skin.
It wasn't the fact that Luna was a girl that made Hermione so horrified. It was the fact that she felt like she was cheating with Ron in her mind if she let her thoughts go any further. She couldn't let that happen. She had decided a long time ago that Ron would be her mate for life and she was not going to let some silly uncontrolled thoughts stop that. Hermione knew that she would have to push her feelings for Luna to the back of her mind and hope that they eventually dissappeared. The only way to stop thinking about Luna right now was to stay busy.
"The history of flying starts with the Wright brothers..." Hermione started to explain to Arthur.
It was a little more than three months since Hermione had said goodbye to Luna at Heathrow. The summer was pretty much over and Hermione had came back to work more than a month ago. She and Ron had tried their best to rekindle their relationship, but with little success. Most of the time they spent time together they ended up fighting. Today they had their worst fight yet. Ron had reluctantly followed Hermione to the museum of natural science. He had spent all his time laughing at the inferior muggle science and complaining about how boring it was. He had pretty much ruined the day. Hermione had kept her feelings under control throughout the day, but when they left the museum she let it all out. She then announced that she would spend the night at Padma Patil’s apartment. Right now she was sitting at Padma’s kitchen table, retelling the events of the day.
“I just wish he could show some interest you know. I don’t blame him for not knowing much about the muggle world, but couldn’t he at least try to be a little curious?” Hermione said with an exasperated sigh.
“I think that…… I don’t know if I should say anything.” Padma said hesitantly.
“What? What do you want to say?”
Padma hesitated, seemingly thinking about what to say. Hermione really wanted to know what Padma had to say. During the last year, the two had become quite close. They had never been that close back at Hogwarths, but now they were both working at the department and they often met for lunch. Padma, like Hermione was an ambitious young woman and it was easy for them to connect.
“Ok, Hermione listen. For the last year or so, we have talked quite a lot. You have been with Ron, for what is it now? A year and a half. You two should still be passionately in love. Yet, most of the times you say something about him it is something negative.”
“But..” Hermione interjected.
“Just hear me out OK? I was honestly quite surprised that the two of you hooked up. I mean I knew how jealous he was of you on the Yule ball, but I never actually thought it would amount to anything. Forgive me for saying this, but the two of you aren’t anything alike. Are you sure that the two of you are meant to be?”
Hermione sat in silence. She felt that she ought to somehow come out to defend her relationship with Ron, but she had no idea what to say. Padma had actually put words to what Hermione had been thinking, thoughts that she had tried her best to suppress.
“I’m sorry if I stepped over the line here, but I just wonder what you see in him?” Padma went on.
“I honestly don’t know. I’ve been set on getting together with him for years now, but now I just don’t know….”
“Have you ever been interested in anyone else? Except for him and Krum that is?”
Immediately the smiling face of Luna popped up in Hermione’s mind. She had never mentioned anything about her recent thoughts about Luna to anyone and she had decided to keep it like that. Padma was a good listener however and Hermione felt a strong need to unburden herself.
“Padma, are you….. you know….tolerant? I mean you don’t judge others do you?”
“Yeah, I like to think, so. Why do you ask? Is it some kind of forbidden love we’re talking about here?” Padma asked, her face lighting up with curiosity.
“Well…. There is this person that I’ve never looked at in a romantic light, but recently I have kinda started to have feelings about this person. Feelings I can’t control.”
“You’re killing me here. Spill it.”
“Promise you won’t condemn me.”
“I promise.”
Hermione took a deep breath.
“Ok, here we go. I have started to think, that maybe I am interested in …………..Luna.”
Padma sat awestruck for a moment before she broke out in a smile.
“Whew. I was worried that you would say Hagrid or Draco or something like that.”
“So, you don’t have any problem with this.” Hermione asked feeling relieved.
“No, not at all. Luna is a real sweet girl. A bit odd, maybe. But a very sweet girl.”
“Yeah, she is amazing.” Hermione said with a dreamy smile.
“I could ask you about why you like her, but that smile kinda says it all.”
“Is it that obvious? I guess it is. I know I shouldn’t do it, but I just can’t stop thinking about her.”
“I think that you need to seriously consider your options here. First of all, ask yourself if you really want to be with Ron. Then move on and deal with your feelings for Luna.”
“I guess you are right.” Hermione said with a sigh, thinking about her complicated love life.
The next day Hermione had a very hard time concentrating on her job. She hadn’t spoken to Ron since yesterday at the museum and she dreaded having to deal with him once the day was over. She was really starting to believe that she and Ron had very little in common. On the other hand, he had been the love of her life for as long as she could remember. She couldn’t just walk away from that all of a sudden. What she had felt about Luna that day in the airport had been real alright, but it was just a whim after all. Hermione was not into girls. Or at least that was what she kept telling herself. Being with Ron was part of the plan. Luna was most definitely not part of any plan. On the other hand, wasn’t having a plan for life a foolish idea? Luna certainly thought so.
“So, do you think we should act in accordance with the traditional laws or should we try to enact reforms?” Kingsley asked.
“Huh? I…..I’m sorry I don’t know.”
“Are you alright Hermione? I’ve never seen you this lost in thought.”
“It’s personal problems I guess. I’m sorry I’ll try to focus.”
“I think you have done an excellent job for me Hermione, much more that I could have asked for. But you don’t have to work as much as you do. You have to have some time for your personal life as well.” Kingsley said in a concerned voice.
“I just want to do a real good job, that’s all.”
“I know you do, but that’s not the whole truth now is it? I have the feeling that you’re fleeing from your personal life. You know what? I’m giving you the day off. Go deal with whatever is bothering you. And take half of tomorrow off as well.”
“But…”
“No, complaints. It is for your own good. Come back at noon tomorrow.”
Hermione sighed deeply. She knew that Kingsley was right.
“Ok, I’ll do that.”
Hermione left the department and slowly made her way home. It was quite far to walk , but Hermione felt she needed it in order to clear her mind. Making a decision on her future was a hard thing to do of course. Hermione felt she needed all the input she could get. She sat down on park bench and took out her cell. She flipped through her list of numbers until she found Ginny. Hermione had given all her friends cell phones the last Christmas. She thought it was a piece of muggle technology that was very useful.
“Hey Hermione.” Ginny answered.
“Hey. What are you doing?”
“Nothing really. Mondays are slow days at the Broomsticks.
Ginny was referring to the fact that she now had a job as waitress and barmaid at the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade. She and Harry lived together in Harry’s Hogwarts apartment so she had decided to find a job close by.
“So, how is that job by the way? Do you like it alright?” Hermione asked.
“Yeah it is alright. You know I have become quite a favourite among the boys who come to visit. That uniform I’m wearing gives them something to look at.” Ginny giggled.
“You’re not trying to make Harry jealous, now are you?” Hermione asked in an amused tone.
“No, not really. But it is nice to be appreciated you know.”
“So, you’re Ok with staying in Hogsmeade now? I mean you didn’t like it much back when Harry told you?” Hermione asked.
She heard how Ginny sighed in the other end of the line.
“I guess it is OK. For now at least. I mean I definitely want to do some travelling and such, but Harry has promised that we’ll go somewhere nice in the summer.”
“So, how is Harry?”
“He’s never been happier. To say that he likes the job is an understatement. I mean he has only had a few lessons yet, but he is in a very good mood these days.”
“That is just great to hear.” Hermione said and then fell silent.
As happy as Hermione was for Harry, her own problems clouded her mind. It had seemed like a good idea to call Ginny, but now she started to wonder if she could talk to Ginny about Ron. She had one thing she wanted to know however.
“Ginny, I need to ask you something.” Hermione said in a serious tone.
“What is it? You sound really serious. You’re getting me worried here.”
“Ok, here we go. We are good friends right? And we can get through our problems if we get in a conflict, right?”
“Of, course. That’s what friends do. Have you done something that might make me angry?” Ginny asked.
“Not yet, but I think I might. Or maybe not. I don’t really know.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Things aren’t good with Ron.” Hermione said and fell silent, waiting for a reaction.
“What’s wrong?” Ginny asked wearily.
It was exactly this kind of response Hermione had feared.
“I’m starting to doubt if we are at all compatible.”
“You know what? I can’t talk to you about this.” Ginny stated abruptly and hung up.
Hermione put the phone back in her pocket and leaned back on the bench. She looked up into the grey sky, trying to collect her thoughts. Obviously having Ginny on her side in this had been to ask for too much. Hermione got up and started walking again. Thoughts kept going back and forth in her mind as she tried to sort through her feelings. Suddenly she had reached 12 Grimmauld Place. She entered, finding the house completely empty. Part of Hermione was relieved, but on the other hand she was itching to finally talk to Ron. She sat down in the kitchen and started to read through a newly written book called “Advanced muggle technology and magic: the case for a synthesis” by Maria Pemberton. She was a tech savvy muggleborn who had gone from Hogwarts to Oxford where she had acquired an advanced degree in information technology. Hermione found the subject very engrossing and she managed to completely forget about her problems. At least until a loud crack was heard.
“Ohhhh, Hi sweetie.” Ron said with an insecure smile.
Hermione looked up, slightly startled. She looked at Ron long and hard, making him squirm nervously. What she felt was absolutely nothing. He was a good guy of course. He could be funny at times and he was a hero, still Hermione felt nothing. The anger from the day before had dissipated. Hermione realised that she had been expecting too much of Ron. He was who he was, a good friend, but he was not a person Hermione was in love with. And just liek that hermione made her final decision.
“Ron, we have to break up. We are not right for each other. You know I love you as a friend, but this isn’t right.” Hermione said and made a deep sigh of relief.
Ron just stood there in shock. Hermione hadn’t even greeted him before she spoke. Hermione braced herself for the two things that she thought could happen. Ron would either beg and try to get her to change her mind or he would become furious. He stood completely motionless, apparently processing what Hermione just had said. Hermione fidgeted nervously, waiting for whatever outburst of feeling that would come her way.
“Hermione I think….” Ron began in a strangely normal tone.
“What?” Hermione asked anxiously.
“I think that you are right.” Ron said.
This time it was Hermione who was in shock. This was not what she had expected
“Hermione, I might have the emotional range of a teaspoon, but I’ve seen this coming. This is the right thing to do. You can stay here if you want. I’ll move in with George for a while. I’m going to pack right now.” Ron said before going up the stairs.
Hermione sat at the table, still in shock. She had expected their relationship to end with a big bang, not a fizzle. When the things finally sunk in a wave of relief washed over Hermione. Ron had been quick and came down the stairs after only a few minutes, carrying a bag.
“I’m leaving now. I’ll be back when you’re at work tomorrow and pick up the rest.”
“Is this it? No anger?” Hermione asked.
“No, I’m not angry.” Ron said in a neutral tone and with that he was out the door.
Written by
Rupert
Monday Night on...
(Spring 2008)
* * 8:00 * *
Rhythm & Blues
* * 8:30 * *
Jessie & Katie
* * 9:00 * *
Scent of a Girl
* * 9:30 * *
Can't Fight the Moonlight
* * Guest Stars * *
NONE