* * * Starring * * *
Emma Watson
"Hermione Granger"
Evanna Lynch
"Luna Lovegood"
Can't Fight the Moonlight
"A Day to Remember" Copyright © 2008
Episode Nine
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: November 18, 2008 @ 9:00 p.m.
(following an ALL NEW 'Bad Girl')
Story Codes: no sex
Every last detail had been gone through over and over again. Everyone had brushed up on their spells and mentally prepared themselves. It was time to go.
“Ok, let’s do this.” Hermione said.
She then left the room with Viktor, Luna and Padma in tow. As decided Viktor now looked like Padma had done before and Luna and Padma were huddled under Harry’s invisibility cloak. Hermione felt the heavy burden of responsibility as she led her little group through the hotel, but she also felt a sense of purpose that had been missing from her life ever since that last battle. Her work at the department was meaningful and important, but it could not be compared to something like this. They crossed the street and entered the store.
“Welcome back. Mr Post awaits you in his office.” The clerk from before greeted them as they reached the door.
“I’m looking forward to meeting him.” Hermione answered with feigned enthusiasm.
They were let into the now closed store and the door was locked behind them. Hermione felt something brushing up against her leg; this was the signal she and Luna had agreed upon to signal that Padma and Luna had managed to enter as well.
The clerk led them through the store and they passed a room where two mean looking guards were looking at surveillance screens. This was where it was agreed upon that Padma and Luna would stay. Hermione and Viktor were led down into the basement. It wasn’t some dark and scary dungeon. It was squeaky clean and painted in bright and inviting colours. Finally they were lead into an empty office and were told to sit down and wait. The room was tastefully and expensively decorated. There was an oak desk, red curtains and a bookshelf that covered an entire wall. Hermione couldn’t help but look at the titles. What she found wasn’t too interesting however. It was merely classical muggle literature, exactly what you could expect to find in a bookshelf like this.
“Ahh, I see you have found my books. I do love to read when I relax.” Gabriel post said as he entered the room.
He was a truly elegant man with a boyish smile and sparkling eyes. He was casually dressed in brown jeans and a black polo sweater. He walked over to Hermione and pulled out the book she had been looking at.
“Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. An interesting choice indeed.” Gabriel went on.
“Yes, very much so. I must say you have quite a refined taste in literature Mr Post.” Hermione said.
“I feel it is a responsibility for those of us with knowledge and education to remember the classics of our civilizations.”
“True, but if one is to believe Joseph Conrad here civilization is nothing but a thin exterior, covering man’s true nature which is barbaric and evil.”
For a moment Hermione thought that she could see Gabriel’s true nature. She was certain that she saw the smile of a mad man flash by on his face. It quickly changed however to thoughtfulness as he pondered what Hermione had just said.
“That is a very interesting observation, Ms Adams. I have to agree that this is the conclusion one must draw from reading Conrad’s book. Would it also be your conclusion that I am an evil barbarian underneath my civilized surface?”
He’s actually enjoying this, Hermione thought to herself. He really is proud of who he is. He wants to talk about his true nature, but in hypothetical terms in order to not reveal himself. I can play his game as long as is needed.
“I couldn’t possibly believe that you were evil, Mr Post. After all how could a man with even a little evil in him create such beautiful jewellery as you have done?”
“I am most flattered by your praise Ms Adams. I have received plentiful attention for my work, but never from such and exquisite woman as you.”
“I am merely stating the truth, Mr Post. Your jewellery is truly excellent.”
“And if I can create such beauty, then how could I possibly be evil? Maybe if beauty was destroyed when it was captured in jewellery? If that was true then I would be guilty of taking so much beauty from the world, wouldn’t you say? It’s like that saying about capturing a star.”
Hermione couldn’t believe it. He was practically admitting everything to her. Of course he really wasn’t. He was merely having a hypothetical discussion with what he thought was a regular muggle woman. All he wanted to do was to secretly gloat in his own geniality and evilness. It did make Hermione sick to stand face to face with such an individual, but it certainly would make it easier to do what she had to do.
“That is an interesting way to put it Mr. Post. As interesting as this is, I am very much interested in what kind of beauty you can create for me. If you were to make a ring for me, what would it look like?”
“When I see you I see silver. While gold would certainly work I think that silver is what would really go with your complexion. As for the stone I think something green is in order.”
Hermione knew of course what the colours of silver and green represented. Somehow he had made the connection to Slytherin. It was true of course that the person Hermione looked like had been in Slytherin, even though it had been a long time ago. While she had not expected this, at least he hadn’t uncovered what was beneath the Slytherin surface.
“What would you say if I wanted to incorporate a snake in there somewhere?” Hermione casually asked.
“That my friend was exactly what I was thinking. There is only one little problem however….”
Then suddenly he pulled out his wand and pointed it at Hermione and Viktor.
“Don’t even think about.” He said as he saw Viktor reach for his wand. “Now did you really think you could fool me with polyjuice potion?” If it is one thing I know it is that you are no Slytherin. I know people, and I certainly know the Black family. Now let’s see who you really are.”
A flip with the wand and an incantation quickly stripped Viktor and Hermione of their disguises.
“Look at that, Hermione Granger and Viktor Krum. Real heroes. It is going to be a true honour to work with you. Imagine what souls like yours would look like captured in stone. You would be truly exquisite. You know it wouldn’t just be about the money I would make. Don’t think I’m that crass. No, it is all about me as an artist working with the very best material. ”
Gabriel pushed a button and two armed guards entered the room.
“This really wasn’t a good a plan. I really had been expecting more from those who helped defeating Voldemort.” Gabriel gloated.
Just then the lights went out. Hermione and Viktor had been the only ones expecting this and they both ducked down on the floor. Ernie had obviously done his job and destroyed the muggle technology. Three almost simultaneous Lumos incantations filled the room with light. The guards had just taken aim when Viktor incapacitated them by using the Sectumsempra. They didn’t die, but were seriously wounded.
“Adava Kadavra.” Gabriel shouted as he directed is wand towards Hermione.
Hermione threw herself in behind one of the guards who was hit in the chest by the spell and fell dead to the floor. Just as Gabriel was about to try again he was simultaneously hit by an Expelliarmus from Hermione and another Sectumsempra from Viktor. He fell to the floor with bleeding wounds all over his body. While Viktor pointed his wand at Gabriel, Hermione fetched Gabriel’s wand.
“Kind of violent way to do it for heroes.” Gabriel said with a snicker.
“Well, Viktor here is from Durmstrang and they have a rather liberal attitude to violence. As for me I do what it takes to save all these innocent souls you have captured. And I do know what it takes.”
For the first time fear could be seen in Gabriel’s face.
“You wouldn’t do that. You’re not that kind of person. Not once have you killed anyone Hermione Granger.”
“That is true, but to reverse your spells I have too.” Hermione explained.
Hermione was shaking and she was obviously very distraught.
“You don’t have to do it, Hermione. I can do it.”
“No Viktor. It is I who should do this. I am the one in charge of this mission.” Hermione answered with determination in her voice. ”Avada Kedavra”
The spell went straight into Gabriel. Instead of dying right away he started to scream in pain. What first looked like smoke started to pour out of his mouth. Just like had happened with the ring before, the smoke started to form into the shape of a human. It was young girl, she couldn’t have been more than ten and she had a relieved smile on her face. She dissipated in thin air, but was replaced by another, this time and elderly black man. It went on like that as ghost after ghost appeared.
“What is that?” Viktor asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“That is every soul he captured being freed.” Hermione explained.
Hermione and Viktor sat in silence watching what seemed like and endless parade of ghosts. Gabriel was still screaming, but Hermione didn’t really notice. All that she could focus on was all those faces and how relieved they looked. A wave of pride and sense of accomplishment washed over Hermione. She had been horrified about having to use an unforgivable curse, but she now knew that she had done the right thing. After what seemed like an eternity it all stopped.
“Patch up his wounds and obliviate him. I’m going to find the others.” Hermione said and pointed to the still living guard.
She then got up and walked out of the room. Her heart was beating in a frantic pace and she was flushed with sweat, but that didn’t matter. All that remained now was to make sure that the others were alright. Hermione walked up the stairs from the basement and immediately she met the rest of the group. They were all smiling proudly, but that stopped when they saw Hermione.
“What happened down there? You look horrible.” Padma exclaimed.
“Where’s Viktor, did something happen to him?” Neville asked worriedly .
“He’s alright, he’s just cleaning up.” Hermione answered and managed a weak smile.
“I can help.” Ernie offered and started to leave.
“No, he can take care of it. Really. We’re done here.”
“I can see that something happened.” Padma said.
“Nothing, just an intense confrontation that’s all.” Hermione lied.
“They are free now.” Luna said in a dreamy voice.
She was holding the ring she had brought to Hermione, but now the stone was gone.
Luna then looked up from the ring and looked straight at Hermione.
‘She knows, she knows that I am a killer.’ Hermione thought
Hermione didn’t know exactly how Luna knew and neither did she know exactly how she knew that Luna knew. It was all very confusing and Hermione really couldn’t deal with it right now.
“Listen, I want you all to immediately apparate to Hogsmeade and from there you can go by floo to your homes. Me and Viktor will come right after.”
“Are you sure? There must be more that we can do?” Padma asked in a worried tone.
“Yes, I’m sure. Your help is greatly appreciated, but now you must leave.”
“Ok, then. Let’s go.” Padma said.
One by one they all disappeared, leaving Hermione alone. Just then Viktor came up the stairs.
“I have done as you said. That guard is obliviated and he will be unconscious for several hours.”
“We have a few more things to do before we can go home. We have to find all employees who were not here and obliviate them as well. They are part of the company as well and they have to be punished. Like before we need to obliviate their whole lives so that they do not remember any of this. It is both a punishment and a way to ensure that they don’t go back to their evil ways.”
“Where are the others?”
“I sent them home. Going to these people’s homes can be a rather disturbing thing. I don’t think any of them is ready for that.”
“I understand, they are weak.”
“No, they are not weak. I just don’t think they can carry a burden like this. This is a good cause, but our methods aren’t really the nicest you know.”
“Ok, let’s get going.”
“We just need to get some more polyjuice potion. We better be careful hiding who we are. We are up against powerful and well connected people.”
“Ok, let’s do this.” Viktor said with enthusiasm.
It was early morning when Hermione stumbled out of her own fireplace. It had been a long night of obliviating all the employees on the list Willow had given her. Hermione had made sure to that they had left nothing behind. It would be a very strange mystery with all the employees of a company losing their memories and two of them dead, but the important thing was that it could not be traced back to anyone of those involved. The whole experience had been very exhausting and Hermione stumbled up the stairs to get some well deserved sleep. She sent a quick message that she would need to take a sick day to the ministry and then she went to her bedroom.
“Luna!? What are you doing here?” Hermione asked in surprise as she found the Ravenclaw sleeping in her bed.
“Ohh, hi Hermione. I was waiting for you.” Luna said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Hermione was stunned into silence. She had not expected to find Luna here, but in retrospect she really should have. Of course Luna was going to want to talk about all that had happened. Hermione knew that they had a difficult discussion ahead of them and she thought it was just as well that they got through it right away.
“You do know that I killed Gabriel Post, don’t you?” Hermione asked.
“Yes.” Luna answered in a soft voice.
“Do you know why?”
“Ohhh, yes. He had to be killed to save all those souls.”
“Did you know from the beginning that I would have to kill him?”
“No, but I did suspect it. I saw the grim look on your face in the hotel room. Then after I saw you in the building I knew what had happened” Luna explained in a very serious tone.
“How did you know? Magic?”
“Maybe, but nothing I did on purpose. I can’t read your mind, but I did feel it.”
“Why didn’t you stop? You let me become a killer. I’m not angry. I’m just trying to understand.”
“Honestly, Hermione I don’t think I could have stopped you. I saw the determination on your face.”
“Would you have stopped me if you could?”
This time it was Luna who fell silent. This gave Hermione the chance to think about the situation. She tried her best to understand her own feelings. She had expected to feel bad about it all, but strangely she didn’t. Not even when she recalled the image of Gabriel slowly dying in intense pain. It was an image that should have made her fell horribly guilty about being a killer, but it didn’t. On the contrary she felt proud about it and she knew that she would do it again if needed. Not even the guard she had hid behind in order to avoid Gabriel’s curse made Hermione feel bad. It had all been done to save all those souls and thus it was worth it.
“Would you have stopped me?” Hermione repeated her question.
“No.” Luna answered firmly.
There was harshness in Luna’s voice that would have scared Hermione if it wasn’t for the fact that she felt the same way herself.
“We have changed, haven’t we?” Hermione asked rhetorically.
“Only change is constant.” Luna answered.
Hermione walked over to the window and looked out over the city coming to life. It was just another ordinary autumn morning. Some where hurrying to work, others walking their dogs. The rising sun bathed London in a peaceful light. Hermione just stood there looking, finding the scene of serenity very calming. She felt two arms wrap around her waist and immediately leaned back in Luna’s embrace.
“I just wish we could go back to that day on the beach. It was so wonderful so….I don’t know….innocent?” Hermione said softly and turned around to face Luna.
“One cannot be innocent in an evil world. When one is faced with true evil, one must step and take the fight.”
“I know, I know that.” Hermione answered.
“Hermione, we haven’t lost our souls. We haven’t lost who we are. We haven’t lost our ability to love.”
Hermione couldn’t help but let out a little giggle as she heard those words.
‘Of course I haven’t lost the ability to love. I’m fucking heads over heels in love with you, Luna. I’m just afraid to say it.’ Hermione thought to herself.
Luna looked mighty surprised that Hermione had giggled in such a tense moment and the look on her face caused another wave of giggling from Hermione.
‘Wow, my feelings are completely out of control. I guess that finally seeing the girl you love and then go to Africa and take down an evil company does that.’ Hermione thought.
“Why are you laughing?” Luna asked.
It sure as hell wasn’t meant to slip out, but none the less it did.
“Luna I’m in love with you.” Hermione said.
At first she felt an immense sense of relief for having said those words she had wanted to say for so long. That feeling quickly changed to fear when she saw the tense look on Luna’s face.
“I had not expected such a joke from you. I really don’t care about people having fun at my expense, but I had never thought that you would do something like that. That is very rude and…”
Hermione stopped Luna from finishing by pressing her lips up against Luna’s and initiating a kiss. Luna was completely unresponsive at first, but after a few short seconds she opened her mouth and started to kiss Hermione back. It was a very slow and soft kiss, but Hermione immediately knew that it was her best kiss ever. They kiss just kept going until eventually they had to breathe.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean for it to come out, but it is true. I mean I really am in love with you. I think it happened on the beach even though I didn’t really understand until the airport and then there was Ron who I had to break up with and worrying about you and then you coming back from Africa and then it was all about the mission….”
This time it was Luna who interrupted Hermione with a kiss. This second kiss was more intense than soft, but it had to be cut short because with all the rambling Hermione had done she had actually forgot to breath.
“I do hope you understand that I am in fact in love with you too.” Luna calmly stated.
“I kinda got that from you kissing me back.” Hermione giggled.
By now she had tears in her eyes and her heart was going wild. Her feelings were all over the place, love, relief and joy. Somehow the only way it all could come out was through laughter. Hermione fell down on the bed laughing. Luna just stood there observing, but after a while she too joined in the laughter and threw herself down right on top of Hermione. With their faces only inches a part the laughter eventually stopped. Instead they simply looked into each other’s eyes.
“Where do we go from here?” Hermione asked.
“You need to get some sleep.”
Hermione’s first thought was that sleep was the last thing she wanted right now, but she quickly realized that she did need it.
“Only if you lay next me.” Hermione demanded, only half joking.
“Of course.” Luna answered with a smile.
Hermione quickly undressed down to her underwear and snuggled up next to Luna in the bed. Despite the extremely eventful day, Hermione quickly fell asleep in Luna’s embrace. For the first time what seemed like ages Hermione felt completely relaxed.
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