Chapter 16: Dark Clods Spread with a silver lining
Date: Saturday, 16th October 2010
Time: 1 pm, Burrow
Hermione woke up with a refreshed yawn. They jointly decided to refrain from discussion till all of them got some sleep, after the adventures the night before.
As Hermione got ready to take an early lunch, she looked at the sleeping form of Draco, then thought of Erwina in the other room and Aurey at Hogwarts. Her parents and in laws completed her immediate family, followed by her Order of Phoenix and DA Family. They were now a combined group of 66 wizards and Muggles. They were her strength and inspiration. To protect them, she was ready to die and to kill. Bellatrix had already suffered the consequences. This new power, however dark and strong it was, would not last against her deadly combination of intelligence, kindness and natural leadership.
Hermione and group then held a joint wizard meeting and decided as a group to enhance security cover for Celia and Dudley. Lucas might be honorable but that could not be said about the cartel. They did not want any mischief before the fast approaching Quidditch Final. They considered cancelling the event but then they would have to explain and the Magical World would once again plunge into a fearful gloom that Voldemort preyed on. Ultimately, they decided to take the chance.
On 5th November morning, Hermione and Draco were just getting ready to leave for the day when Malcom urgently sounded a buzz. Hermione asked Draco to wait, just as he was about to floo away.
Malcom bowed at Hermione and Draco and asked him to wait.
"Hermione, a security agent from India wants to meet you immediately. The Magical Auror Department in New Delhi sent us an urgent fax saying that this Agent, Veena Saraswati, has been deployed to England on Code 9 basis (Top Emergency) for the next 15 months. She wants to meet your core group and Luna/Athena."
Ally, the youngest but most brilliant witch of the Z* team, gathered all of them together in just 2 minutes. As soon as they sat down on Hermione's 18th century plush sofa, they noticed a tall lady enter the room. She was on the fairer side of typical Asian Hue with green eyes. She bowed before Hermione before facing all of them in a semi-circle.
"I am here in the midst of your working day for a very important reason. Last week Harry's team made a serious blunder and it has seriously compromised Hermione's security network. We came to know about this and monitored the situation closely. The ripple effects of Hogwarts stage attack were felt even in India. All of us know that we can't slip up with a powerful unseen enemy lurking so close by and given that situation, this slip up by Harry is even more alarming. We waited to see a response from England and when none came, we correctly assumed your team know nothing about this. After all his heroics, I expected better from Harry."
Hermione threw her an irritated glare, "Look, we don't even know who you are, so you can't just rush in and throw cannon balls at my best friend."
"I am sorry, Hermione. I was speaking like a professional agent. I forgot the emotional connection you have with Harry. That however does not change the situation. Harry's team made a serious blunder and Harry does not have a clue. His portfolio is a critical component in your security chain. If his team makes a blunder, he ought to take the ultimate responsibility. You expect his muggle brother to know about death spells and defend against them and Luna is severe when he fails to do so. Ignorance is not an excuse when you choose to be in the war to protect your loved ones. The standards are same both for Wizards and Muggles. That means I, as your biggest well-wisher and a secret fan, have every right to have a go at Harry when his team fails, even though he is not personally responsible. My introduction is only that I am a platinum level special agent Auror with New Delhi magical ultra-security department. I work with Muggles on Particle Physics and Nuclear Weapons and also work with animals, preventing them from being used as bio-weapons. It is on this final aspect that I want to privately consult with Luna and Athena. "
Harry nodded, "You are absolutely right, Veena. If my team's blunder has compromised Hermione's security, I am the deserving recipient of your tirade. More worrying for me however is the fact that I allowed this to happen. How bad are things now?"
"My very presence here indicates that things are pretty bad. Your team of 6 Aurors slipped up in Bangalore and then they hid out in Shimla to cover their embarrassment. I confronted them this morning and we realized that their cover-up was seriously bad for Hermione. I am here to work with the Atomic Weapons Establishment near Reading, posing as a Muggle. Harry, it is your responsibility to get me employed there over the next 15 months and get my son an admission to Hogwarts. Hermione, all I request you is a comfortable and safe place for 2 people in the English Country. England is quite cold now and I can't afford my son falling ill."
Hermione gave a kind smile, "I am sorry for snapping at you, earlier. I am very protective of my friends. I know you are here for my welfare. It is my responsibility to show you the finest English hospitality. You are our revered guest. Don't worry about accommodation. My parents have a farm house near Guernsey. 17 Y Level personnel would be around you and your son 24-7. We would have given you Z-Level people but unfortunately, they are fully occupied. They are directly supervised each moment by Z-Level personnel. They will take good care of you both."
A strand of tears flashed out of Veena. "I am sorry, guys. As a special agent, I am trained to handling the worst of situations. Kindness makes me vulnerable. I can never thank you enough, Hermione. You are my Hero because I kept track of you throughout the years, reading about your intelligence, bravery and kindness. To get to see it first hand, is my greatest gift. Suffice it to say, this mission is the most important one in my life. I have many enemies and if this mission does prove to be my last, you must know Hermione that you have inspired an entire generation of girls all across the world. As per agreed protocol, my official hours contact henceforth will be exclusively dealing with Luna and Athena. I can't and won't share any of my official activities with anyone else, including you, Hermione. It is best because the Cartel may try to torture you guys to spill out details of your interaction with me. I am also the flag bearer of my own country's honor. I request you guys to let me work independently and without seeking any answers. I am duty bound to silence and only Luna and Athena get to interact with me. All I request you is this: should I not make it alive or Y team reports my disappearance for more than 8 weeks, please arrange a loving Indian or British family for my son, Ganesh. He says his mother is the bravest person in this generation and he knows what I do but all children feel that way about their parents. I want him to complete his studies at Hogwarts and be enrolled in Muggle education at Harrow during weekends. I know this sounds complex but he is officially allowed to use time turners. He ought to get the best of both Muggle and Wizard knowledge. I leave the finer complexities to Harry. He will know how to get it done (Harry nodded)."
Special Agent Veena bowed before the group before going into the next room with Athena and Luna but not before receiving a warm embrace from Hermione. Once again Hermione's kindness stunned Veena just as it stunned Lucas weeks earlier. She left with tears in her eyes and nearly every other person in the room was lost for words.
This was not the end of tears, however. 10 minutes later, Luna ran out of the Malfoy Manor with tears clouding her eyes. Ron was concerned but Hermione asked him to leave her alone.
"Core Team, meet me at Lunch (1pm) in my office. We need to get a few things clear. I have an important engagement someplace else and depending on results there, I will refine my meeting with you guys. Malcom, you know where I am going. I will wait for your all clear."
Malcom gave her a smart salute and exit the room.
Magical R & D Specialized Facility, Brixham, Devon, England: 11am
Hermione walked across sparkling black marble as she walked to her specialized access area. This institute was set up under her supervision by Arthur in 2005, giving brilliant witches and wizards such as herself, a venue to come and perform research without any administrative hassles. The location of this facility was known only to the scientists who were members here. The equipment was latest and had the latest lab gizmos of the Muggle world for easy comparison. The concentration was on Magical aspects on Biology, chemistry, physics, Geology, Atmosphere and Astronomy.
Hermione knocked on the Animal Weaponry door. Luna opened and gasped when she saw Hermione.
Before saying anything, Hermione engulfed Luna in a warm and kind embrace. Luna totally lost her composure and cried hard on the shoulders of Hermione. Taking a bit more than 7 minutes to calm down, she asked Hermione her first query.
"How did you know that I was here, Hermione?"
"It is all about logic and deduction. I saw you upset and there could be only 3 factors. First was a news about a loved one, second about yourself and lastly, something about Magical Fauna. It was easy to eliminate the first because we have placed charms on all our loved ones, across the world. You father and others whom you love, are all safe and sound. Anything wrong with them and I would have known. For this reason, back in May I took down a list of all your loved ones including family, friends and relatives. The second notion was about yourself-a career setback or research issue. I guessed you would seek out us or Ron. When that was not the case, the third option was the only one that remained. You love Animals and Veena had news about Animals because she mentioned working in that area. She must have said something somber that deeply upset you. Knowing your logical frame of mind, you wanted to immediately come here to scientifically test out whatever Veena said and in turn enhance Animal Welfare."
"You are 100% accurate, Mione (Like Ron, she used this term as an endearment). Veena is a joint expert in force fields and animal weaponry. She said that the Cartel would turn our dragons against by torturing them with infrasound vibrations. We will be forced to kill these grand species in self-defense and we will lose a lot. I am trying to research the effect on infrasound on Biology of predators and devising ways that would shut down conscious brain and induce an artificial coma, rendering them useless as possible weapons. Their physical location will be guarded by specialized Animal Police. Do you think I am selfish, caring about animals, when humans need me?"
"You are in no manner selfish, Luna. You are a visionary. You are trying to save humans as well as animals. Loving nature's creatures comes naturally to girls. I loved my cat and owls. I also calmed down the 3rd year Hippogriff and Gringotts Dragon, enabling me to fly them. I love all of Nature's creations, humans or otherwise. Athena also loves Nature and her current job reflects her commitment. Penelope, Ginny and Pansy also have similar love for their pets. We as a gender, bond on this issue. You're coming in here is perfectly natural. Speaking of Natural, I have heard that Dudley is almost a pro now. This week, you graduated to sending him death spells and he is OK. That is the ultimate test because even in training, a death spell may kill him."
Luna nodded, "It was hard doing that but that is the ultimate battle preparation. Enemies will not hesitate in killing Dudley for fun. He has reached the final stage in training and this was the final series of testing. I briefed Celia that this was the most risky phase and advised her to go inside, because she is in her final trimester and any stress can adversely affect her baby and herself."
Hermione once again embraced Luna "You are a great person, Luna and wonderful person to have as a friend. People like me get the limelight because of my position but heroes like you remain hidden from public eye. That in no way changes the fact that you are one of the greatest Heroes in our team and we always would strive to see you well rewarded in terms of love, respect, accolades and financial bonus. Your unique work with Muggles deserves another level of rewards set-I will ensure that you get that in all respects- financially, socially and other perspectives."
Luna barely bit back her tears, "This is why I get the energy to face all my adversities, because I have Athena and you to inspire me. I should proceed with my research. I will periodically update you in codes that you will find in the parchment in your palms right now. Please allow me to be a part of your core team meeting today. There is a reason for that, which I can't reveal just yet."
"That is done, Luna. See you at my office during Lunch at 1 pm."
As they parted, Hermione took a glance at the sky from her dedicated lab space. Dark clouds were looming but their borders had a golden hue. Hermione smiled at the optimism of nature and proceeded to the Ministry. Human mind found ways to be happy despite darkest despair, taking inspiration from Nature.