* * * Starring * * *
Emma Watson
"Hermione Granger"
Evanna Lynch
"Luna Lovegood"
Can't Fight the Moonlight
"Thw New Sextet" Copyright © 2008
Episode Seven
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters created originally by Rupert 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: October 28, 2008 @ 9:00 p.m.
(following an ALL NEW 'Bad Girl')
Story Codes: no sex
Hermione’s promise of help brought a smile of relief to Luna. It was a weak smile, but it was there.
“Thank you, Hermione. I think I will be able to get some sleep now. I haven’t slept for days.”
“Days? You really must take care of yourself.” Hermione admonished.
“I would very much like to sleep in your bed tonight, Hermione.” Luna requested.
“Certainly.” Hermione said and led Luna up the stairs.
It was not really typical of Luna to make such a straight forward request, but Hermione understood very well that Luna needed the closeness right now. Hermione still slept in the double bed she and Ron had shared and it would be plenty of room for Luna. When they reached the bedroom Luna quickly moved in under the covers and looked expectantly at Hermione. As tempting as it was to just lie down next to Luna and be there for her, Hermione had some things to take care of before she went to bed.
“I need to prepare a bit. I need to make some calls so that we can get help with research. I’ll come to bed as soon as I can.”
“Ok” Luna said and closed her eyes.
Hermione went into her home office and dialled. It would have been a little late to call someone in the same time zone, but in California it was still day. Hermione just hoped that her friend would be home. Two signals went by, before Hermione heard a familiar voice in the phone.
“Rosenberg residence, Willow speaking.”
“Hi, Willow, Hermione here I need your help.”
Hermione had met Willow in an online chatroom for witches and they had quickly become friends. Although they had never met, they had a connection. They were both very intelligent and they were both personally involved in the battle against evil. Willow was a self taught muggle-born, but she had developed impressive powers.
“Sure, what can I do for you.”
“I need you to do some hacking for me. There is this company in South Africa, Miller and Post. It is an evil company. They make diamonds out of people.”
“Evil never stops.” Willow answered with a sigh.
“True. Can you help me out?”
“Of course, I’m not to busy over here. What do you need to know?”
“Anything that can help us take them down.”
“I’ll get right on it. I’ll send over the results. I’m curious, how did you stumble upon this?”
“My friend, Luna. I’ve told you about her right?”
“Yeah.”
“Anyway, she was on a trip in Africa and then she discovered this. She came here and was really devastated. I just had to help her.”
“Is it dangerous?”
“I imagine so, yes. But it is the right thing to do. I couldn’t possibly walk away from this. Also, you know I…..I do it for Luna. She has decided to fight this battle and I just got to be there for her.”
“We do have a lot in common. Amazing really. It is pretty dangerous where I live so I didn’t have much of a choice back in High School. But I was given the choice to leave when I got into all these fancy Universities. As you know I decided to stay. I did it to fight evil, sure. But mostly I did it for Buffy. She’s worth it.”
“Yeah. She’s worth it alright.” Hermione answered, thinking of Luna.
“Anyways I’ll get on with the research and we’ll keep in touch.”
“Yeah, thank you for this. I owe you one.”
“Don’t fret about it. It’s for the good cause.”
“Bye.”
“Bye.”
Hermione hung up and walked into the bedroom. Luna had her eyes closed, but she opened them when Hermione came in.
“I called a friend. She’ll help out with the research. She’s very good with computers.”
Luna simply nodded. Hermione dressed down to her underwear and joined Luna in the bed. She was on her side facing Luna who was scrutinizing her closely.
“You are a wonderful person Hermione.” Luna said sincerely.
“So are you.” Hermione answered spontaneously.
Hermione felt almost mesmerized by looking into Luna’s big soulful eyes. There was so much strength and mystery hiding beneath the surface and Hermione felt truly blessed to have such a friend, even if it did mean taking part in a dangerous mission.
“We gotta sleep. Big day tomorrow.” Hermione said, trying to focus.
Mutual good nights were exchanged and they closed their eyes. Luna fell asleep almost immediately, but Hermione was awake thinking. The last few hours had changed so much. She had started out worrying about Luna and then she had been relieved when Luna showed up. Now she was back to worry the mission no doubt would be dangerous. Hermione didn’t worry much about herself. She had lived with danger for so long, she was however worried about Luna. The thought of losing Luna was almost unbearable, especially now that Hermione had fully realized her feelings. She soon pushed all those thoughts away and managed to fall asleep.
Hermione was the first to rise in the morning. Luna was sound asleep and Hermione quietly snuck out of the room and started up her computer. She opened her inbox and sure enough Willow had delivered. She had sent a boatload of useful information. Building plans, personal acts, photos and even some help about the magic involved. Miller, first name George was a South African muggle in his fifties. He attended Yale University and then worked his way up to become a high level boss at a mining company before starting Miller, and Post in 1994. Apparently he had been very cosy with the apartheid regime and had often been seen with several political leaders. Post, first name Gabriel was born in 1970 in England and the only other thing Willow had found out was that he had attended Hogwarts. Since Hogwarts didn’t have any records on computer Hermione had to find out the rest for herself. Hermione took up the phone and made a call.
“Hi, Hermione.” Harry answered in a happy tone.
“Hi, Harry. I hope I didn’t disturb you. I mean it is Sunday.”
“No, I’m awake. I’m doing some special coaching for the Gryffindor quidditch team in an hour. They have a lot of inexperienced players, but I think I can help them. It’ll be hard to beat Ravenclaw this year though. Their team has a lot of talent and…”
“Sorry but I gotta interrupt you there Harry, I need some help and it is rather urgent.”
“What is it?” Harry asked in a worried tone.
Hermione had a very quick inner debate. On the one hand she could give Harry the full story. No doubt, he’d help out. The problem was that he would mostly likely insist on going to South Africa with them. He would be an incredible asset no doubt, but after all these years he seemed very much tired of fighting. He did deserve a normal life. Besides he was in a relationship with Ginny and she would be devastated if anything were to happen to Harry. In the end Hermione decided to keep him out of it.
“I just needed some information on a former student, but if you’re busy I can talk to someone else.”
“Are you sure. I look it up later tonight if you want to?”
“No, that won’t be needed. Thank you anyway. Good luck with the quidditch.”
“Ok, then, bye.”
“Bye.”
Hermione put the phone down and considered her options. Did she make the right decision in leaving Harry out of this? She decided that it was indeed the right decision. As much as she hated to admit, Hermione was just twinge jealous about Harry being the Hero all the time. It wasn’t that she didn’t think he deserved his status as a hero. It was more that maybe she did too. Hermione tried to be as humble as she could, but she had very good confidence and she knew that she could be a Hero without the help of Harry. And now she was going to prove it. She took up the phone and dialled again. Five signals went by before someone picked up.
“McGonagall here.”
“Hello, this is Hermione Granger.”
“Hello, Hermione. Why are you communicating on this device?” I don’t think this phone has rung in months.”
“I’m trying to stay in touch with the muggle way of life.”
“Well, I suppose that is a good thing. You’d do great in that world as well.”
“Thank you, that is very kind of you.”
“No, not kind. Merely truthful. What can I do for you?”
“I need some information on a former student. Gabriel Post, he was at Hogwarts in the 80’s.”
“I remember him. Muggleborn without any prior signs of magic. He came to school in 81. Was in Ravenclaw. Kept to himself a lot. He didn’t have any problems talking to people when he needed to, but mostly he preferred to be alone. I got the feeling that he looked down on other people and he said some pretty disparaging things about the other houses. He was something of an intellectual snob and was really intelligent. He didn’t care much about grades, but they were still above average.”
“What kind of magic was he good at?”
“Pretty much everything, but he only really put in an effort in charms. He excelled in that subject. Managed to jump ahead and pass NEWTS in charms at the end of year six. After that he never came back. He had filed for permission to do charms at home during the summer. He thought that he should be allowed to with his skill. Dumbledore said no, however. He said to me later that he didn’t trust Gabriel. And that was the last thing I ever heard of him.”
“So he didn’t join Voldemort or anything?”
“Not that I know of. He theoretically could have joined in the second war, but I highly doubt it. He wasn’t a yes-man. He was too full of himself to follow anyone like that. Also, as I said he was a muggleborn.”
“You have been very helpful. Thank you.”
“No problem, is he a problem somehow?”
“I don’t know, just a name I’m looking into. I’m afraid I have to move on with the research now.” Hermione said.
“Good bye.”
“Good bye.”
Hermione didn’t know if or when that information would prove useful, but she did prefer to come well prepared, especially to a mission like this. She knew very well that she and Luna wouldn’t be able to do this on their own and she started to seriously consider who could help them. The first and most obvious thought was of course to bring in the ministry. Still Hermione didn’t want to do that without first confirming with Luna. Hermione walked back to the bedroom and saw Luna in what appeared to be peaceful sleep until she suddenly opened her eyes.
“God Morning.” Luna said and stifled a yawn.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”
“It is perfectly alright. Sleep is not of importance at the moment.”
“Ehhh.. well.” Hermione started, ashamed that she had disturbed Luna.
“I can see that you have something you need to say.”
“Yes, well. I know a little about what we are up against now and I feel it is time to bring in the ministry.”
Luna sighed deeply before she began to speak, slowly and deliberately.
“Hermione. I am aware that you don’t trust me.”
“I’d trust you with my life Luna, you know that.” Hermione quickly interjected. “It is just that I don’t believe some of your stories.”
A barely visible half smile graced Luna’s lips and then she went on.
“Your system of logic is an interesting one. You refuse to believe in anything unless you have solid proof. Is that an accurate description?”
“I believe so yes.”
“Then, can you present to me proof that the ministry is a completely good and trustworthy organisation?”
Hermione was completely baffled. Of course she didn’t have any such proof. She couldn’t even imagine what that proof could even be.
“But, Kingsley, surely we can trust Kingsley…”
“True. Mr Shacklebolt is a wise man with good intentions. He is however not the ministry. He is merely a part of it, like you are.”
“But, he is the minister of magic. He’s the one in charge.”
“Ministers come and go, but the ministry remains. You have to remember how quickly the ministry became a useful tool for Voldemort.”
“But, we got rid of his supporters. Many were put on trial and others were just fired. We have cleaned it up now so…”
“All evil does not emanate from Voldemort. If only it had been that easy.”
“Actually, you might have a point there. Mr. Post was a muggleborn. Do you think that he might have some connections within the ministry?” Hermione worriedly asked.
“I certainly can’t present any such proof, but it is very much possible.”
“I have to give it to you, it cannot be ruled out.”
“Miller and Post is a powerful organisation, both in the world of muggles and in our world. Any powerful organisation is bound to have many connections. We can’t know exactly what those are.”
“Again, I cannot disprove you. What you say does seem plausible.”
“It is in the nature of power. While I don’t expect you to believe me in everything I say, I hope you can understand me when I say that fundamental distrust is a good approach to power.”
The discussion had been draining for Hermione and she had to sit down. She walked over to the bed and sat down next to Luna.
“But, if we cannot trust the ministry, then who are we going to turn to?” Hermione asked with an exasperated sigh.
“Those who we trust and who are willing to help.” Luna explained.
Hermione felt a bit silly for asking, seeing as the answer was so simple. Luna was right of course. This whole thing would have to be done with the people she trusted.
“I called Harry before, just asking some questions. We could bring him in on this, but I don’t know, I mean he’s been through so much.” Hermione said.
“Yes, that is true. But so have you Hermione.”
“True, but I’m on this. I won’t let you do this alone. I couldn’t bear to just sit home and wait while you are in danger. I did that for months and I won’t do it again.”
“I really don’t want to put you in harms way Hermione, but it is obvious that you mean what you say.”
There was a moment of intense silence between the girls as they contemplated the situation before Hermione went on.
“We need the best for this. Experienced in battle and soon to become Aurors. I’m calling Ernie and Padma.”
“No, I’m calling them. It is I who started this and it should be me who ask. Padma has always been very nice to me. As for Ernie, we fought side by side at Hogwarts so we do have that in common.”
“Since when did you become so decisive?”
“When one is faced with true evil, decisiveness is the way to go.”
Luna spoke in a serene voice, but Hermione could sense the anger and determination seething below the surface. To say that Luna felt strongly about this would be an understatement. Hermione was impressed, but also a little bit scared seeing this side of Luna. She dialled the number to Padma and handed the phone to Luna.
“Hello, Padma this is Luna Lovegood.”
Hermione could not hear what Padma said, so she only got Luna’s part of the conversation.
“Yes, it was very nice for the most part. I need to ask you a favour. Are you ready to risk your life fighting an evil that thrives on innocent souls?”
“It is very much serious. Hermione has agreed to help me and now I’m asking if you are prepared to do the same. It is not an easy thing to do, but making the world a better place has never been easy.”
“Good, than can you please come over to Hermione and it will all be explained. Is that Ernie that is with you? If so ask him to come over as well.”
“Simple, I observed the two of you and after a while it was rather obvious.”
“Ok, see you later.”
With that Luna hung up and turned to Hermione.
“Do you mean that Padma and Ernie are together?” Hermione asked in disbelief.
“Yes, but it is against the regulations for two aurors to romantically involved, so it must be kept a secret.”
“I had no idea. How did you know?”
“As I said, I saw the way they looked at each other back at the celebration.”
Hermione hadn’t noticed a thing, but on the other hand she hadn’t really been looking. She was going to have to talk with Padma about this, but that would have to wait.
“I know someone else that can help, someone I trust and someone who is very skilled. Viktor Krum. If I call, he will come.” Hermione suggested.
“I trust your judgement, Hermione. He certainly was impressive in the Four-Wizard Tournament.”
“Tri… Hermione started to correct before realising that Luna was indeed correct. It had in fact been a four-wizard tournament.
“There is one more person I’d like to call, Neville.” Luna went on.
“Neville?” Hermione asked.
“Yes, he did prove himself at the ministry and at Hogwarts. He will come if I call.”
Hermione could certainly see that Neville would be a useful addition, but there was something else gnawing in the back of her mind. Luna was going to call the one person that had previously showed romantic interest in her. While Luna had rejected him, Hermione couldn’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Still, she herself had decided to call Viktor, so maybe it didn’t mean anything. This was a game with high stakes and Hermione knew perfectly well that she couldn’t allow her personal feelings to interfere.
“Ok, call Neville and bring him here.”
Both girls made there calls. They didn’t go into details, but they did explain the dangerous nature of the mission. Like planned both Neville and Viktor were willing to participate.
“And with that the new sextet is formed.” Luna summarized.
“Let’s just hope that things work out.” Hermione said.
Luna put her hand on Hermione’s and looked into her eyes.
“I know it will.”
There was of course no way Luna could know that, but the words did have a reassuring effect on Hermione.
Written by
Rupert
Tuesday Night on...
(Fall 2008)
* * 8:00 * *
My First Time
* * 8:30 * *
Bad Girl
* * 9:00 * *
Can't Fight the Moonlight
* * 9:30 * *
When Cyber Meets
Real Life