Chapter 4
Chapter 4 of 21
MHaydnChapter 4
Biff thought about the story being pieced together. It was like a jumble of jagged rocks refusing to fit together and ready to collapse upon them when their weak creative mortar failed to hold.
“We should have met with you earlier.”
“That’s okay,” Cissy told Filius and Adolf. “My son told us what he and that girl plan to do.”
“Luna Lovegood,” said Andy. “Maybe Draco will introduce us some day.”
“Isn’t this dangerous?” asked Cissy.
Adolf was thinking that, from what he had heard, Cissy was a fine one to talk about putting her son in danger, but he said, “It shouldn’t be. We’ll make the observation of the Black mansion as remotely as possible.”
“Remote?” asked Cissy. “How?”
Adolf continued. “A basic principle of observing wildlife is that the wildlife knows it’s being observed and this changes its behavior.”
“Doesn’t that make the exercise worthless?” asked Andy.
“We’ll try to minimize the influence,” said Filius. “We were thinking of automatic cameras.”
Cissy was beginning to understand why her son was working with these two instead of the Magical Creatures professor who would encourage his students to make a pet out of whatever had invaded the mansion. “We want to hear more, we really do,” she said, “but we’re due for tea at the Parkinsons, and we’d insult them if we didn’t show.”
“Would it help minimize the influence if the observations were for an extended period of time and the wildlife got used to our presence?” asked Andy as she was leaving.
“Very good,” said Adolf.
“We need to do a more thorough inspection of the premises,” blurted out Andy, “the sooner the better.”
Everyone agreed: tomorrow morning.
As they arrived at the Parkinsons, Cissy was prepared to make an extra social effort to take up the gap left by her usually melancholy and taciturn sister, but when Mrs. Parkinson expressed her doubts about her daughter spending another year at school, Andy chimed in with the opinion that Mrs. Parkinson had done the right thing to let Pansy return. The professors currently staffing the place were an active and intelligent lot, and Andy was certain that Pansy would have a good year. This optimism proved contagious, and everyone began to relate how well their sons, daughters, and relatives were doing these days despite the terrible times.
The editor assumed the mantra position. After yesterday’s embarrassment of Biff writing her short sentences for her, she was willing to try anything.
It may have worked. After a short period of trying to clear her mind, it occurred to her to depict as mindlessly as possible her own inner thoughts.
What a sleepyhead.
“Are you decent?” she asked, standing outside the door.
“What?” came the reply.
He was still in bed. She swept in and placed the cup of black coffee on his night table. She told him it was eight-thirty in the morning. They had to arrive at the breakfast table before all the muffins were gone.
“It’s Saturday,” protested Theo to no avail.
“I’ll wait for you in the dining hall,” said Padma.
“Save a muffin for me,” he said.
Fifteen minutes later, he was munching his muffin. She mentioned that Draco and Luna were going on a field trip over the Holidays. He nodded yes. She asked how he knew. He replied that Draco had told him.
That floating feeling which sounds so fine in literary descriptions of romance is not an unalloyed delight as depicted by the more giddy writers, but a close cousin of being unanchored and tossed about by whatever slight happenstance should arise, and thusly, our heroine, normally of a solid disposition, fell into a pit of despair over the disappointment that someone she considered a companion had not arranged that they, too, could participate in an outing that grew ever more exciting and promising as she turned it over in her mind, even though her more rational self was reminding her that her distress was unwarranted and even inappropriate since he probably believed she was eagerly looking forward to joining her family for the festivities, but her emotional self so overrode her rational good sense that she was still melancholy as they took a mid-morning stroll down to the lake although it happened that her stoical reaction to the pain of rejection came through in her countenance, and he, observing her nobility, told her that she looked lovely this morning, and she so brightened at this that he was emboldened to add they were doing preliminary research in the library and she was welcome to join them whereupon her unanchored self floated through the remainder of the morning on a cloud of hope and expectations.
If he had to be up, Theo would walk down to the lake, up to the small hill on the other side of the castle, and back to the school, clearing his mind of the week’s stresses. He would stretch, soak in the tub, and have lunch with Padma, all the while trying not to go crazy thinking about the way she jiggled when she danced, about how she looked when she was flushed and her damp hair clung to her forehead. He wanted to get her damp and make her jiggle.
The music provided by Professor Galland would start at one o’clock which he considered a more reasonable hour to begin Saturday.
She put her pen down. With her editor’s eagle eye, she was able to detect when the god of short sentences had dashed off to help another struggling author, probably someone writing heroic adventure stories for young boys.
Meanwhile, at his desk, Biff hewed out another jagged, ill-fitting stone.
“We’re doing fine.”
“It’s only a short field trip.”
“We’re only going to observe and record.”
“Professor Galland pointed out that we can’t count on wildlife to cooperate and produce a noteworthy discovery.”
“Hence, it’s a procedural exercise.”
“It’ll have academic value no matter what happens.”
“We’ll conduct it from a safe distance.”
Hermione looked at the quartet of smiling faces, wished them good luck, and moved to another table. She was puzzled. She had made an attempt to be friendly and offer a helping hand, but she felt rebuffed. She wondered if she were being overly sensitive.
She didn’t understand it. Padma, Luna, Theo, and Draco were obviously scouring the library for information, and she knew she could do that better than anyone. Besides, that foursome didn’t make sense. Theo and Draco had never shown any love for or even any interest in plants and animals, and what were Padma and Luna doing with two ex-Slytherins? She didn’t want to be prejudiced, but could they be trusted?
Pansy, too, was pondering the intent of the group. Was this a cover operation for zeroing in on a Black family resource? She told herself that the group was acting innocent and not being the least secretive, that she doubted their capacity for clandestine operations, and that their reliance on Professor Galland instead of the Magical Creatures professor could be explained by their depending on a more organized individual. She told herself that her suspicions of Herr Professor being a double agent, a creature of dark allies and darker deals, a creature of strange and forbidden desires, were unfounded. But then why, when she covertly glanced at him, did a frisson travel down her spine? Why did she think a girl would not be safe in his company?
Finally, Pansy was disappointed in Professor Adolf Galland’s judgment. Whatever secret project he was up to, he could have made a more intelligent choice than that mismatched quad. A single operative – smart, seductive, and intensely loyal – would have been more suitable.
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Latest 25 Reviews for Root Cause
36 Reviews | 10.0/10 Average
Loved all of the resolutions--Alain to escape back to Germany, him to harbour Theo and guide him. Seems that Padma will have her affluent family to fall back on. King Friedrich Wilhelm II was the monarch while Haydn composed, right? along with Nicholas II, Prince Esterházy being a major patron... what the students don't know or care about is still good for them to be exposed to--never know when it'll come in handy--thus sayeth another geek girl--lol! Cissy and Andy are survivors; I don't feel either will have regrets about their past liasons with Alain. It appears that the editor has accepted and values Biff for who and what he is and writes... Which is beautiful in and of itself on top of everything else in the story's arch. Lovely ending to Adolf and Hermione's storyline, so happy that Crookshanks gives his approval!
Thank you for an intriguing, dynamic adventure and tale! Looking forward to more!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks for all the reviews.
It would have been more appropriate for Adolf to ask about the monarch of Austria although there were several of them since Haydn had a long life. Adolf knows about Esterhazy. He remembers what’s important.
At its heart, the story is a celebration of geek girls.
At the risk of ruining the story, it can be given an open ended and more upbeat conclusion by adding a third paragraph to the scene with Andy, Cissy, and Adolf
Adolf saw the sisters exchange glances. Two fleet-footed deer were after the wolf. With a name like Alain Roeder, they would begin their search in Alsace-Lorraine, and they knew Alain’s ego would not let him decline high profile assignments with their attendant publicity. Padma might be equally tenacious. Andy and Cissy would greet Alain with a triumphant smirk. Padma might grab Theo by the lapels, shake him until his teeth rattled, and then cry on his shoulder.
The reader can choose.
Just as good the second time around.
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
That's good to hear. The question was what kind of naughty girl would Pansy like to be.
What is going on with Hermione? Curious to see where she is heading and the path(s) she might be choosing... Interesting bonding between the witches, survival and strategies--how to do so are vital. Enjoyed Cissy's acceptance of Luna, Draco & Luna being *together* and her reflection about Lucius 'He better say nice things, or she would bitch-hex him back to France.'--HA! Regardless of the Malfoy's innate coldness and cruelty, it seems Luna can not but help to protect all magical creatures, Draco being a very special one to her. Love the metaphors, details and tempestuous dynamics and elements of the Andy and Alain vignette, along with Biff and the editor's banter back and forth in between things. Great chapter!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks for the insightful comments. Hermione is on a dark path, unbalanced because her efforts to join wizard society have backfired. The older witches may be the first to offer acceptable advice to Hermione. Luna may bring needed warmth to the family. As Draco said earlier, "I think mum needs a daughter." Andy, who thought no one would ever want her, explodes.
Great chapter, looking forward to more.
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thank you.
The visit to the zoo was very interesting,is Cissy in for a surprise ? we will have to wait and see. Poor Biff, Draco and Luna seem to have their own ideas of where the story is going.
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks for the review. Responding to the zoo scene requires some empathy with animals. Draco and Luna appear to be an amazingly resilient pair.
The writing and scenario is as powerful as the first time I read it as a one-shot and as evocative then as now within this multi-chaptered work. Powerful, effective, a very striking development between them. Wondering about Pansy and Adolf's possible, continued discoveries of one another, and looking forward to more!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Glad to hear the chapter survived repetition: the first time as PWP, the second as character and plot development.
Enjoyed the contrast of the editor's reflections and depiction in the first vignette with the second one, both very powerful in each one's content. Luna's and Padma's family's 'gifts' for protection-HA!Enjoyed as well Biff's contribution--his style, cadence, rhythm, technique and dynamics between the two characters and atmosphere, description and pace. 
Love the different impressions each section makes, as always!
Looking forward to more!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks. For the editor, the second effort is an elaboration of the first. More hyperbole about everyone's opinion of the Malfoys. You have a point: cadence and rhythm in erotica is difficult.
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks. For the editor, the second effort is an elaboration of the first. More hyperbole about everyone's opinion of the Malfoys. You have a point: cadence and rhythm in erotica is difficult.
So glad that the ladies at The Pole and the Feather helped inspire Biff's Muse
Enjoyed his inspired development of Theo and Padma's relationship set against a beautiful sunset, Pansy's assertiveness and Adolph's receptance, the boys getting into samurai lore and the inclusive possibility of the girls and any contribution they may have to offer to their game. Love the contrast of the editor's contribution to the Alain and Cissy underplot with Biff's addition; I love the supernatural elements layered on within the innate wizarding world: the beast, the entity, the possible connection or universality of either/them--it allows the reader's imagination to interpret the layers in so many ways: symbolism/metaphorical, allegorical, etc.--all intertwined, jolting and all encompassing at the same time--an exceptionally satisfying reading experience. Thank you again for such a multifaceted tale!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks for the kind words. I think the review reflects your imagination and ability to make connections. There is a dark current running through the story, and the separate vignettes each create their own impression. The Bayesian samurai scene is outrageous, but it shows Ravenclaws at play.
Enjoyed Biff's exploration further of insight into Luna, in her scene with Padma. Discovering that Luna and Draco have indeed connected was, for me, a viable happening. Perhaps it is because that Biff has written Luna potentially led into a romance, a quite 'acceptable' one for those who are sensitive to canon Luna involved and portrayed in a non-pedophilic way, as Draco (he, Harry & Neville are the youngest of their year/peers by a year) is her age, so their interaction is rather novel, innocent, and yet due to both's keen maturity by necessity beyond their years due to each one's unique background, it is very intense and 'adult'. It is interesting to see her expressing herself with Draco, as we only get a thin (perhaps one-sided) slice of her in canon, and all that we are given by JKR is that she goes on to get married to Rolf Scamander and have twins, etc.Sorry to carry on so much, it's just that I'm intrigued by Luna, adore the little of her that I've been exposed to, and enjoy when an author portrays her richly and with sensitive complexity as you have done.Enjoyed the editor's exploration and development of Alain and Cissay, and Adolf and Hermione's developing interaction. Looking forward to more!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks for the review. Musing about Luna is appropriate since I did mention what a problem she was to write. I'm a poor Potter scholar, but Luna appears to be someone wise about other's dilemmas. The basis for this characterization is her comment, 'It's like being with a friend,' and her picture in her bedroom of fellow students intertwined with the word 'friends.'
The zoo sequence is more revealing than Cissy realizes.
Earlier,I had an inadequate response to your comment about Draco and Theo coming into their own with the Crystal demo. It was a public display of what Padma and Luna had observed previously with Theo's essay writing and Draco's flight of imagination. It was left to the reader to imagine what this means to two Ravenclaw witches. Similarly for Hermione and 'Dunkle Weg.' I can't conceive of Ronald or Severus concocting such a thing for her entertainment.
Response from nagandsev (Reviewer)
Probably shouldn't be commenting further at this point as dental pain is still affecting me--just wanted to reiterate that I enjoy the musings about Luna, and also, the basis for this characterisation 'It's like being with a friend' as well as the mural she had painted always struck me profoundly & poignantly (when reading the books) about her and what I perceived as her loneliness and wish for interaction & what she imagined true friendship was with others/her peers, etc. So it's wonderful to see her and Draco interacting. Also her raging against how she is labelled by others who can't seem to see her true inner core. My comment about how her adult life ended up I only thought of because, against how others perceived her (and how so many write her in the fanfic world), she was able to get on with her life and capable of having a relationship, etc. Okay, best stop here. Just I'm enjoying this tale and am looking forward to more!
Yes, I think Alain must tread very carefully with the Black sisters; they might be unchartered territory even for someone such as he. The tension between the editor and Biff is building up--something is about to explode, and not just metaphorically! 'Write what you know, she thought. She knew selfish, cold-hearted bastards.'--HA! Hmmn, Draco's belief's about Luna's perception of him are one thing, but might he be surprised to find out if he's wrong? Or not... can't wait to read more!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Okay, you discerned two mature women, wondering if anyone could care for them, warily approaching and teasing a newcomer. Draco was hurt, and he is protecting himself.
Uff! The entity has seeped through and is quite aggressive--or perhaps, protecting its own interests? Andy and Cissy's predicament will need more aid or understanding, both--not all is resolved yet. Pansy is very attuned, seemingly beyond her own awareness and control... although it can be recognised by another. Enjoying the addition of Prof Alain... What other secrets will he disclose about our Prof Adolf? 
Hmmn, Draco is coming into his own... but at what cost to him? How will this affect Luna's perception of him further? Great chapter!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks for the review. The entity has revealed how dangerous it is. The story tracks six witches who are outsiders reconnecting, and to date, it has slighted both Andy and Cissy. Glad you are enjoying Alain since some fans intensely dislike original characters. A future revelation by Alain about Adolf will seem mild to readers, but it will have a significant effect on his relationships. Draco has not recovered from his loss.
Draco and Luna have come to a halt... Their impasse seems irreconcilable and previously unforeseen by both.:-(Enjoyed the different interactions between Prof Galland and Hermione, and then his interaction with Pansy; each sheds light on further dimensions of each one's character--yum!Enjoyed the editor writing her dialogue, and regardless of not expanding his horizons, Biff's depiction of Hermione and Flitwick--what will it cost Hermione? Some grave loss of friendship? Identity? Reading on!!!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Enjoyed your comments on this section.It is a chapter of betrayals: professional transgression by Adolf, shattering by Draco, deep by Pansy, self-deception by the editor, lack of accommodation by the Wizard World, cynical by Filius, and life-changing by Hermione.
I disagree with Biff. The most difficult person to write into a romance is Luna since I am sympathetic to the point of view that says a relationship with canon Luna is nigh on pedophilia. This chapter sees her in full, feminine rage - betraying her old persona.
The editor's contribution on the 'complicated human interaction' is poignant, lovely... but very poignant... even more is her wish to delete it... Draco's miniscule but growing observations and concern about what Luna would think & feel about him and his actions are intriguing. As are Padma & Theo's developing relationship, with a very observant Cissy around.;-)'Biff raged.' HA! I agree with his observation about Pansy and Hermione. His frustration is causing him to convey the differing opinions of Horace and Adolf in a very enlightening way--great chapter! (Hope this is coming across coherently, recovering from dental surgery, but determined to catch up on some reading!)
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Glad you enjoy the editor's spiels. they are difficult to write since it is not my natural style.
Luna is taking over Draco's thoughts, Theo is becoming bolder, and Cissy is a lonely, middle-aged lady.
Horace's opinion is anti-romantic enough and counter-fandom enough that it's a bit of a shock.
[I wish you a complete, speedy, and pain-free recovery.]
Luna sees the world as no other, I wonder what is wrong with the bunnys.
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks. The unique view that Luna has of the world is one of the things the story tries to preserve although it is muted as Luna, along with the others, is going through a transition.
Herr Professor Galland's reception and interactions are intriguing--how everyone is responding to him and what each character projects onto him--looking forward to the continued revelations of his responses to them; Draco and Luna's development does have me wondering what their research will lead them to discover either about the bunnies, themselves, both. And of course, Biff and the editor's contributions, observations and inspirations are a delight and issue for intrigue and wonderment how and where their development will lead. Looking forward to more!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
You may have discovered a central theme of the story (unknown to the author, as these things go). Herr Professor Galland is an unknown quantity in a time of disillusionment. The two who appear to be the least adrift, Padma and Theo, have the least to do with him.Luna's discovery becomes important.
Oooooh, things are moving onto a new level with all! Padma and Theo have bravely committed to *something*; Luna and Draco are drawn to each other, and the editor and Biff have arrived on the threshhold of *something*--must read on quickly!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Things are finally happening. The premise is that in this uncertain new world, everyone is acting cautiously.
Love the array of interactions going on, revelations of perceptions of one another, and the editor and biff taking risks and pushing themselves onwards and into each other's territories!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Biff and the editor are pushing themselves - and showing signs of stress.
Love the contrasts of the editor's and Biff's inspirations, along with all of the dialogues and pairings, their observations and speculations; the nuances and interactions reveal so much, so concisely--reading on!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks. Andy and Cissy are plotting. Luna and Padma are revealing themselves as Ravenclaw witches.
Don't worry Biff, chicken soup can cure anything.
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
We hope so. He's in need of serious rejuvenation.
Everyone seems to be dancing around eachother, including The Editor and Biff.
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
The six women in the story are going through a transition period, and they are attracted to men who may or may not be treacherous. The editor wants to write a psychodrama, and Biff wants to write the sequel to 'My Wand Is Quick.'
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
The six women in the story are going through a transition period, and they are attracted to men who may or may not be treacherous. The editor wants to write a psychodrama, and Biff wants to write the sequel to 'My Wand Is Quick.'
Mmmm, both The Editor and Biff seem to be letting quite a bit of plot creep in.
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Readers are being treated to an epic fail, which they may or may not find amusing.
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Readers are being treated to an epic fail, which they may or may not find amusing.
Mmmm... can't wait for the next chapter, as the revelations of Biff's Muse coinciding along with the editor's is evolving in its captivating way: will Herr Professor Galland be safe from anyone's whims--Filius', Horace's, Draco's--Biffs?:-)Looking forward to more of the Lovegood's, Draco's and Adolf's collaborations!
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks. We'll have to see if just Biff and the editor can provide enough variety and entertainment. Herr Professor does appear to be dragged into things. Their collaboration is the central plot.
Mmmm... can't wait for the next chapter, as the revelations of Biff's Muse coinciding along with the editor's is evolving in its captivating way: will Herr Professor Galland be safe from anyone's whims--Filius', Horace's, Draco's--Biffs?:-)
Looking forward to more of the Lovegood's, Draco's and Adolf's collaborations!
I hope we will see more of Luna and Draco , and I don't blame Hermione taking exception to Pansy's knee placement 
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
There will be more Luna and Draco as the two adapt to the new world. Is Hermione jealous because Pansy is a better flirt?
Yea!!! Biff is back 
, can the rest of the staff be far behind ? eagerly awaiting more. 
Response from MHaydn (Author of Root Cause)
Thanks. I didn't know Biff was popular. This is a milder meta-story than usual with only Biff and the editor struggling to produce something for the fan girls.