Chapter 20
Chapter 20 of 21
MHaydnDark stones and dark places.
Chapter 20
The second week that Adolf and Hermione were cataloguing the treasure at the Black estate, Adolf opened a box and took out a tray. When he removed the cloth cover, he exclaimed, "It's the Five Stones."
Hermione gave him a quizzical look.
"We have to keep these together," he said. "As a set, they'll fetch at least 100,000 Galleons."
Hermione chuckled in disbelief at the price. "Who would a wizard rob and kill to get that amount of money?"
"For these? Any one he had to," answered Adolf.
Hermione gave a start. What was she involved in?
Noticing her dismay, Adolf said, "If the wizards of Great Britain didn't want you involved in this type of work, they could have offered you employment. There are many things you could do for them and do well, better than anyone else."
Hermione was thinking that was a weak argument, but Adolf added, "Effectively, the wizards of Great Britain are expelling you."
Hermione's heart hardened.
A week later, Adolf was worrying that Hermione's heart had hardened too much. She was sorting through the artifacts or researching in a library day and night. He thought the books she was reading were as evil as the objects they described. He arrived one morning to find her looking absolutely haggard. He was upset enough that he failed to be diplomatic.
"Hermione, what have you been doing? Did you stay up all night reading?"
"It was an interesting volume," she said.
"What was it about?" he asked.
She shrugged off the question. Adolf was almost relieved that she knew she shouldn't do such things, but any relief was short lived as he realized the dark side of magic was taking its toll. It might take Hermione.
"You need to take a break," he said. "We could go on a holiday."
She glared at him. "I don't dare. This is my one and only chance. Aren't you the one who reminded me that the British wizards want to expel me?"
I blew it. I'm losing her, he thought. Maybe I never had her.
"Okay," said Biff, "so much for the overachiever who's alienated everyone. Think you can restrain yourself and deliver a simple emotional scene."
"Better than you can emote, you insensitive lump," was the reply.
"Mum, we're sleeping together."
"Okay," said Cissy. "I'll inform the house elves."
She turned to Luna. "They put your things in the guest room, but they can shift them to Draco's room."
Luna was surprised. She was hoping they could stay together and not sneak around to do it, but she expected Draco to gradually work up to the subject. Had Mrs. Malfoy accepted her? Luna hadn't told her father how intimate they had become although she supposed he had guessed.
Cissy was thinking her son and Luna shagging was wholesome compared to her looking into the fathomless eyes of a dark wizard as he possessed her. Even worse, she wished he were dashing into the room, right here, right now, capturing her with those eyes, ripping off her clothes, and taking her on the hearth rug as her feet waved at the ceiling.
Now, now, dearie, she chided herself. Mustn't drop your knickers in front of the children.
She poured more tea for them, and said asked if Luna had accepted any of the employment offers. Luna replied she was waiting. She was hoping the school could come up with the funds to hire her.
"More academic studies," said Cissy. "I recall the Magical Creatures course taught us about individual animals, but not how they behaved in groups."
"No one has ever thought that important," said Luna.
"It's amazing what we overlook," said Cissy.
Cissy offered to show Luna part of the grounds, and a few minutes later, they were standing beside a fish pond filled with rain water.
"We once had fish, but we neglected them when Voldemort was here, and they died," said Cissy.
Cissy was aghast. Why was she confessing a terrible thing to a stranger, a stranger who loved animals?
Luna took the hand of her lover's mum. Cissy recalled that Luna knew loss. And Luna was a fighter for the other side, but a fighter.
"Would you like to see what's left of the greenhouse?" asked Cissy.
"Very much," said Luna.
Supplies for the peafowl were kept in the greenhouse, and Cissy showed Luna the proper ratio of seeds to pellets. Later, they would visit the kitchen for any leftover fruit and vegetables.
"They love celery leaves," said Cissy.
The next morning, Cissy entered Draco's room. She had something to ask him. She stopped, backed out, and quietly closed the door. The image stayed in her mind as she walked downstairs: Luna sleeping with her head on Draco's shoulder and her arm across him as if she was shielding him from a harsh world. Cissy was thinking that Luna had it backwards. Draco had been raised by his father. He had been raised to be cold and cruel. We're cold and cruel, Luna. What if it worked out? What would Lucius say? He better say nice things, or she would bitch-hex him back to France.
Real bonding occurs during moments of rational self interest, thought Biff.
The three were having tea in a pavilion some distance from the Black country house.
"Have you thought about investing your windfall?" asked Andy.
Hermione was instantly suspicious. "In what, Malfoy Enterprises?"
"We're not that rapacious, my dear," said Cissy. "We were thinking the London Stock Exchange."
"What about the Statue of Secrecy?" asked Hermione.
"That's to protect us from impetuous pranksters," said Cissy.
"Fred Weasley gave his life to protect his family," said Hermione.
"I wasn't thinking of the Weasleys," said Cissy, "but now that you've mentioned them, I should say that Fred Weasley was a brave man who fought for what he believed in."
There was an uncomfortable silence until Andy said, "The war took its toll, but to return to investments, you're right. We do it secretly."
Andy and Cissy outlined the limited opportunities in a stagnant wizard society. Hermione replied that they should use their wealth and talent to improve matters. The two sisters said that, alas, such a thing was beyond their abilities, especially since they were marginal members of society. Hermione experienced a twinge as she recalled that she too was a marginal member, but the recollection made her receptive to the virtues of stocks and bonds, even though she had always viewed the market as a combination of rigged game and mob psychology. The two sisters suggested some reading material and pointed out the potential of compound interest over a witch's long life span.
The editor was shaking her head over the last bit of rationality from Biff. "Emotions, emotions, emotions, you cerebral twit," she raged. And why wasn't he showing the world what a cad that Alain Roeder was.
"My sister has warned me about revealing this treasure. I don't know why I trust you enough to show it to you," said Andy. "You, more easily than anyone I know, could take some valuables and wipe my memory."
"That would be unworthy of an English gentleman, Mrs. Tonks" said Alain.
"There are fewer of those than you might think," said Andy. "Besides, you're not English."
"We Germans also have foolish ideals," said Alain, "although there are differences."
"Like what?" asked Andy.
"English wizards worry about feminine purity; German wizards think it a sin to neglect a lady."
"German gentleman wizards may think that way, but everyone keeps warning me that you're almost a Dark Wizard, and we are next to a cache of jewels radiating evil."
"But they wouldn't affect a pure lady, would they?" he asked.
"Pure like this?" she asked, waving her wand. She was adorned in cream-colored silk that flowed over her curves and, when she twirled, displayed the tantalizing, mature, and knowing woman underneath.
She was dancing, an enticing dance, hands over her head, hips swaying, costume emphasizing her full figure. She was dancing for the devil, tempting his spiky member. A were-beast was motioning for her; his bite would send a fiery liquid through her veins; she would do what he wanted. A wolf was loping toward her; a wolf from the Black Forest was coming for her. He was close, his eyes shining yellow, his hot breath over her, his hands in her hair, his hands on her silk-covered elegance. Wolfie was nuzzling her breasts; she was saying, "Yes, yes;" she was petting her wolfie. Her wolfie was growling, reaching under the flowing skirts, licking sensitive spots. She was getting rid of the last part of her costume, the costume for her enticing dance, a dance costumed by desire. The long, lupine tongue was at her; the long, lupine tongue was slurping; she was yelling, yelling for the beast she had enticed, yelling for the beast turning her into an animal, the rough beast on its way to her promised land.
Then it was her Alain, his black eyes now flecked with yellow. Of course, it was her Alain, her own wolfie gentleman. She was all over him, kissing her wolfie, whispering her deepest secret into his ear. "I have a furry place for you, waiting for you." He was in her secret place, taking, demanding. She was in her secret place; she was a Black family daughter deep in the Forest. She was a wild thing in a place no one knew about, but Adolf was there. Then, there was only her and Adolf and the dark place.
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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.