Chapter Text
“There is no God!”
Harry Potter didn’t even twitch in the slightest as a familiar voice rang out in anguish.
“There’ll also be no coffee and pastries too if you don’t stop the unnecessary theatrics, Ronald!” Hermione Granger added coolly, wholly unimpressed.
From his position behind the counter, Harry looked towards the door leading outside of the cozy café to see a gangly redhead youth pout—it came out as more of a grimace—at his utterly unsympathetic girlfriend of five years. Hermione simply gestured with her free hand towards a chair beside her.
“A little more empathy here, ‘Mione,” Ron whinged, attempting to look pathetic so as to garner some comfort.
Hermione remained impervious.
Smiling to himself at the antics of his two regulars, Harry moved over to the coffee machine, setting about his task and began to make the usual coffee the redhead ordered. Idly, he listened as the couple began to bicker.
“I’ll give sympathy if it’s merited,” Hermione informed Ron primly. “So, what academic horror were you subjected to this time to have you complaining this early in the day. You’ve only had one class so far!”
“One class too many! Besides, that one class was a major course.” Ron was quick to counter. “It was The Evolution of Film and Its Industry.”
“Ah.” Hermione’s hum was decidedly amused.
“You’re enjoying my suffering, aren’t you?!” Ron accused, looking betrayed.
“Really, Ronald,” Hermione intoned blandly. “You’re taking Film, not Acting. I thought you aimed to be a Film Producer, not an Actor. From all of your theatrics, I wonder if you’re actually planning to branch out.”
Ron crossed his arms over his chest and scowled. “Exactly, I’m going to be a Film Producer. So why do I have to make a report about an Actor?!”
Hermione cocked her head to the side and hummed thoughtfully. “Was this Actor influential in any way to Film and it’s Industry? Who do you have to make a report about exactly?”
There were several beats of silence, then Ron huffed. “I got assigned Marvolo Gaunt.”
There was a loud, delighted gasp from Hermione. “You got assigned to do a report on ‘The Master’? Why are you complaining?!”
“Because from what little I know and have found out about him so far from my research—there’s just so much about him and his achievements! This isn’t going to be a short or easy report!!”
Harry snorted. Typical, lazy Ron.
The coffee had already finished brewing and he transferred this to a huge mug then he steamed some milk and poured a generous serving into the cup. He took out a tray and a small plate, filling this with many of Ron’s favorite pastries from the display case, still tuned in on the energetic conversation.
“…I mean, seriously, ‘Mione, I thought you were an overachiever? This guy is like ten times worse than you! I’m also not even over the fact I somehow managed to find someone who can outdo you! I thought you were the dictionary definition of “Overachieving Workaholic”! It’s a real shock for me to discover there’s an entirely different, worse species of that kind! Also, from what I’ve read, he’s… like perfect! There is truly no God if someone like Marvolo Gaunt exists in our world!”
“Well…” said Hermoine dryly, half-amused and half-exasperated. “He’s certainly managed to awaken your melodramatic side. Perhaps you should take up a minor in Acting after all.”
“Arrgh!” Ron dropped his head onto the tabletop, rubbing a hand furiously over his face and through his messy red hair “and I have only today and tomorrow left to write up the report for my presentation this Mon—”
“What.”
Sauntering towards them slowly with a tray holding the mug and a small plate of pastries, Harry grinned wickedly in spite of the shudder that wracked his body at the chill tone that coated Hermione’s voice.
“Ronald Weasley, did you procrastinate again?! I have told you that is such a poor habit! It will drag your grades do—”
Harry easily ignored her quiet but furious lecture—he’d heard enough of them in the last two years. The redhead really needed to heed her words.
Nearing the pair, Harry watched as Ron shot upright instantly, squeaking, and arms raised defensively as his girlfriend ranted. By the middle of her scolding, he ducked his head and he hunched down in shame.
“…Besides, Marvolo Gaunt’s entire life story is incredible! I would have loved to do a report and presentation about him if I ever had to! His life can teach you so much! Especially for someone in your profession!” Hermione finished with surprising passion. Especially since her Major was Law and had nothing to do with Film. Harry hadn’t known she was even a fan. And, from the sounds of it, a big one too.
“Yeah? Reading about him has really done wonders for my self-esteem…” Ron mumbled. He averted his eyes and grimaced at the tabletop. “He’s done so much and what have I been able to do?”
Hermione scoffed but her hand fell to squeeze his shoulder in comfort. “Comparing yourself to Marvolo Gaunt is unrealistic, you need to lose that attitude because it will only make it harder for you to achieve your ambitions.” She offered a slight but sincere smile. “You have your own abilities, Ron. Work at your own pace and you’ll get to where you want to be. I’m sure of it.”
“She’s right,” Harry piped in warmly and startled the couple.
“Hey, Harry.” Ron sent him a toothy grin, especially when he spotted what the black-haired barista was carrying. “Oooh, coffee! And pastries! Awesome, I’m starving!”
Setting down the tray filled with goodies in front of the young man, Harry took a seat across from him. It was a lucky thing the café was normally empty at this hour so he could join his friends and provide some help of his own.
Ron barely let the plate settle before digging in. Hermione huffed but threw Harry a grateful look. The best way to handle a depressed Ron was to feed him well.
“I know quite a bit about Marvolo Gaunt and can tell you what I know, also where and what my sources are for your references,” Harry offered. “It should help you get the report done before the deadline.”
“Oh, trust me. It will be done. Even if we have to spend all of Sunday completing it,” Hermione chimed in grimly.
“What?! But it’s Valentine’s Day tomorrow! I had a date, and everything all planned out!” Ron cried. “We even have reservations at the Providence for dinner at 7! I’ve been dying to take you there for years! I even put myself in debt with the twins so I could borrow one of their cars!”
“Well, if it took years, I can wait another year to go eat at the Providence,” Hermione declared. She fixed the redhead with an unrelenting look. “Your education comes first, Ronald. I am assuming this will be a large percentile of your final grade?”
Ron slumped and nodded in defeat. “Yeah… Professor McKinley dislikes exams so he assigns reports and presentations instead.” He paused and took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders and meeting her gaze. “Plus, you’re right. This is my fault; I really should stop being lazy and waiting until the last minute and if this is the price, maybe I’ll finally learn. Besides I can’t go into the Film Industry with this kind of work ethic. I’ll get nowhere fast.”
Hermione’s features softened, and she beamed. “Exactly!” she reached over and clasped his hand in hers. “But, thank you; I do really appreciate your efforts to make Valentine’s Day special for me. If we don’t get to celebrate it this year, just make it up to me next year.”
Harry had quietly slipped off earlier to head to the back of the shop and now returned to the couple. “Here’s my donation to your efforts.” He set down a closed laptop, along with its charge, on the table.
Immediately, Harry noticed that the plate of pastries was empty. Where did he learn to eat so fast? He thought in wonder, taking up the tray and cleared plate to make space on the square table. Shaking his head in amused disbelief, he explained. “You can borrow my laptop and just give it back to me after your presentation. If I remember correctly, while McKinley would like PowerPoint presentations, you could get a high mark, if you made a mini video. Like a small documentary. You still have enough time, and my laptop has all the programs you’ll need for video editing. I give you permission to download any program you may need too. You want to be a film producer and making small videos is both great practice and gets you extra points from your teacher.”
Ron nodded eagerly. “Oh, that’s an awesome idea, Harry! And you’ll really lend me your laptop? Thanks, you’re a real lifesaver!”
“Yes, thank you, Harry.” Hermione added, smiling brightly. “My laptop isn’t built for intensive video editing.”
“Exactly why I’m lending it.” Harry confirmed with an easy grin. “I’m kind of glad I have it now. I wouldn’t have bought this model, but it was a Christmas gift.”
“Then I thank whoever gave it to you!” Ron gushed. He had already started the machine and was typing away furiously. From where he could see the screen, Harry noted that Ron already had the Video editing program running and several browser tabs open. He was rapidly switching between them. “This laptop’s specs are epic, and I always wished I could get one for my schoolwork. But a brand-new unit is like $8,000.00 on the market!”
“Oh?” Harry shrugged a little helplessly. “I’m not really into computers. As long as it can send and receive emails, has good Video-chat capacity, surfs without issues and has a good word processing program, I’m pretty satisfied. The only spec I’m interested in is the quality of sound but, an excellent pair of external speakers covers that.”
“This laptop is definitely overkill” Ron agreed absentmindedly. Hermione had pulled out her own device and was already doing her own research. “So, what do you know about Marvolo Gaunt, Harry?” she asked.
Harry leaned back in his chair then began to recite. “Marvolo Gaunt is a prodigy. He started his acting career at the age of 7 when he auditioned for the role of Peter Pan and was chosen. The play was shown in the West End Theatre for six months with tickets always sold out and only stopped because he wanted to take on another role. He was then cast in the role of Oliver! the Musical which was shown in the Royal Opera Theatre for another six months. He then took on the role of Pinocchio, another Musical, for three months. He switched to acting in a play again when he took on the new role of Little Lord Fauntleroy. It was his longest role as he was in the role for nine months. Afterwards, he was in mostly musicals. He sang as Winthrop Paroo from Musical Man, Kurt von Trapp in Sound of Music, Bugsy Malone in the Musical of the same name and Michael Banks from Mary Poppins.”
“He actually started out as a Theatre Actor? Wicked! Also, whoa! He can sing?!” Ron gaped. “I mean, actually sing? Not lip-sync or Autotune?”
“Like an Angel,” Hermione confirmed fervently. She flushed when Harry and Ron stared at her in surprise. Clearing her throat, she drew herself up and explained quickly, “I watched all of his performances at the West End Theatre and the Royal Opera House when I was a kid. My parents were huge fans and had gone to several of his plays. When he stopped and became a movie actor, they bought a complete collection of his shows on VHS…” she trailed off and giggled, her blush darkening. “They were beyond happy when I pretty much ruined our tapes from watching the shows so often. I think they were hoping I would take an interest in the Arts so it would take me away from my books. It would also be a great way for me to socialize if I decided to try acting or singing.”
Harry leaned forward with a warm smile. “Did it work?”
The young woman laughed, a little self-deprecatingly even as she grinned. “Kind of. I tried to learn how to play an instrument…” Hermione waved her hands vaguely. “I never got the hang of it and I lost the drive to learn after two dozen lessons. I tried singing classes.” She hummed as she reminisced and the grin morphed into a lopsided smile, a finger tugging at a long curly brown lock and twirling it. “It wasn’t bad but I definitely couldn’t go professional. As for Acting, I did take a summer workshop when I was 11.” Hermione’s crooked smile turned bright. “I had loads of fun and I was more than decent, but it was during this workshop I realized that I preferred watching over participating—but I did make good friends. We actually do keep in touch and I go to see some of their performances—several of them are based here in LA. I actually prefer watching Marvolo Gaunt on the stage. Even when his acting in the movies is as good as his real-life performances.”
Ron whistled. “That’s a fantastic story, ‘Mione. Thanks for telling me about it. That right there can actually go into my report. I mean it shows his influences in the Film Industry. I remember that Kids Theatre Workshops became really popular back when we lived in Britain, I just didn’t know it was thanks to him… Oh, I just remembered! Ginny went to several of those Workshops and watching him on stage inspired her to become a Theatre Actress then a Movie Actress! Mom won’t stop gushing about it.”
The redhead pulled out a notebook from his bag and was making messy notes.
Hermoine nodded eagerly. “Oh, yes that’s a wonderful point right there, Ron!” She tapped her cheek with her forefinger speculatively. “Did you ever watch any of his plays or musicals when you were a kid?”
Ron grinned. “Nah! Ginny tried to get me interested but plays and stage acting just put me to sleep. No matter how good the actors were… but I can vaguely recall telling her he was really good, though. I think I liked listening to him sing… even if it didn’t register to me that was Marvolo Gaunt. I actually only started liking him when he became a movie actor. I’ve watched all of his kid movies, they were awesome!”
“Which of his first movies did you guys like best?” Harry asked, intrigued. “The All Alone Movies or the Chosen One Movies…?”
Both Ron and Hermione beamed. “All of them!” they stated in unison before exchanging wide-eyed looks then laughing.
“We should make a marathon of his movies one of these days!” Ron suggested enthusiastically. “I’d love to watch those films again. Nearly all of us Weasley kids grew up on them and we all loved them!”
“I’d love to do that!” Hermione was quick to agree, her own eyes shining.
“That is going to take weeks to finish,” Harry pointed out wryly. “He’s made 177 movies, has appeared in 67 Film productions and performed in 17 different Theatre shows, primarily Plays and Musicals. His most lauded performance was ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and it was the one he performed for the longest time. Two years, if I recall correctly.”
“What?! He’s only been in the business for about 30 years and he’s done all of that?! How did he manage? A time machine?!” Ron stopped writing in his shock. “Say, how long was he in Theatre? He obviously went back from the sounds of it.”
Hermione was already back on her laptop. “Seven of the shows were when he was a kid, ages 7 to 9. Then he was scouted for the All Alone Movies and left Stage Acting Behind. While he was still filming his last All Alone Movie, he started working on The Chosen One’s first Movie. There is a long string of movies here, Ron. I’ll email you the links to the websites. From the information I’ve garnered from four different sites, he decided to ‘refine’ his acting even more when he was 19 and returned to the stage for four years. Although, according to this, he made five movies during this time too.”
“Like he needed more refinement! He doesn’t just take on a character’s role; he becomes the character. Not just his appearance, his body language, voice… all the nuances that make a person unique…” Ron shook his head with a loud sigh. “It’s just incredible to see. I’ve watched him play every gender out there and it’s always so distinct and flawless!” He broke into an excited grin. “Remember when he even played the ‘younger’ version of the Chosen One’s Villain? That was beyond sick! I mean, it really was like he was two entirely different people. If they didn’t show that Behind The Scenes Episode during the Promotional Tour, I’d have believed they had another actor entirely.”
Hermione bobbed her head vigorously. “Oh yes, that had been phenomenal! I found out that Mr. Gaunt had read the entire series and spoke extensively with the author before he started acting. That’s how it was kept so true to the books and the author’s vision! That the Chosen One and the Villain were ‘reflections’ of each other. In fact, in the fifth to seventh movies, Mr. Gaunt coached the actor for the villain on how to portray him. It came out incredible. I actually had a nightmare or two after seeing that movie.” The young woman laughed ruefully.
“Yeah, me too!” Ron confessed with a lopsided grin. “I actually even asked my mom if I could sleep with them for a couple of nights. Anyway! The Film elements of the Mirror scene in the fifth movie when the Chosen One and the younger version of the villain confronted each other was so wicked! Now that is how you make a movie!!”
Harry cradled his cheek in the palm of his hand, silently watching the couple as they gushed. His mouth had curved into a faint, nostalgic smile.
Hermione and Ron kept exchanging bits and pieces of Marvolo Gaunt’s life story as Ron steadily built his report. Harry had left them to attend to some customers but returned as soon as he was free in case the redhead had a question for him. Coming up to the table, Harry noticed the puzzled look on Ron’s face.
“Huh.”
“Something up, Ron?” Harry arched an eyebrow inquiringly.
“Uhm, I tried looking for what Marvolo Gaunt really looks like but there are no videos of Marvolo Gaunt without make-up…” Ron typed swiftly. “Even all the photographs or videos I’ve found online from his Theatre shows and his Movies are him in costume! That’s odd.”
“Didn’t you know?” Hermione interjected. “It’s quirk of his. He always appears as one of his characters in public and doesn’t allow pictures or media of himself otherwise. It’s why he’s also called the ‘Master of Masks’.”
“Eh, why would he do that? Doesn’t he want people to recognize him even when he’s not on the set?”
Hermoine only shrugged. “As I said, it’s a quirk of his. There are a lot of speculations online for the reason and in the many articles featuring him, but Mr. Gaunt never outright stated why he likes to appear as his characters in public.”
“…weird,” Ron muttered. A few moments later, he snorted loudly and began chortling. Once he stopped, he shot a bemused Hermione a grin. “Wow, you weren’t kidding about a lot of speculations.” He paused. “I like the one where he’s actually an Alien the best.”
“Oh, I remember reading about that theory,” Harry sniggered.
Hermione laughed shortly before stating firmly. “You are not adding that to the report. Let’s keep it serious, Ron.”
Ron pouted. “But this would be a great ice breaker!”
“It might break your grade too if Professor McKinley doesn’t share your sense of humor.”
“Oh, fine. Yeah, he’s a stick in the mud being so old.”
“Hey, that’s uncalled for. There are plenty of old people who have wonderful senses of humor!” Harry protested.
“Professor McKinley isn’t one of them, trust me,” Ron countered.
“Just because you’re an old man at heart, Harry, doesn’t mean you’re actually old!” Hermione teased. “You’re only thirty-four but in the right clothes you could pass off as eighteen!”
Harry scowled. “If you say I have a baby face—”
“You do!” Ron and Hermione chorused.
“…I hate you both!” Harry harrumphed.
“That, and your hei—”
“Say anything about my height, Ron,” Harry interrupted in a sweet, deadly voice, “and I am revoking your pastry discount.”
Ron shut his mouth with an audible clack of meeting teeth and dutifully focused on his research.
Hermione hid a giggle in a cough.
Smirking, Harry left them again to handle a wave of customers. Fortunately, this batch didn’t stay so the small café remained practically deserted. Harry brought a pot of freshly brewed coffee with him when he returned; he had noticed Hermione and Ron’s cups were empty.
When he reached the table and began refilling the mugs, Ron piped up scornfully, “There’s a fan theory here that Marvolo Gaunt is really ugly. Nope, don’t buy it. And, I’m not the only one, it’s got a lot of arguments.”
Harry felt his eyes glint with mirth. “What makes you sure it’s wrong?” He reseated himself beside the redhead.
“The videos of him as a kid,” Ron explained briskly after he had taken a big swallow of his coffee, sighing in pleasure at the taste. “Sure, he had make-up on and was in costume but you can clearly see he was a really good looking kid. Too good-looking to grow up ugly. If he was unlucky, he could have turned out looking plain… but, somehow, I don’t think that’s the case.”
Harry made a noise of agreement. “Good point.”
Hermione sipped from her own mug but had nothing to say. She was clearly collecting information for Ron to use in his report while the redhead was gathering images and videos on interviews or related subjects. A comfortable lull fell over the trio as the couple worked and Harry merely watched.
“Aha, I see why my professor included him!” Ron crowed triumphantly. “He produced, directed and acted in “Good Cop, Bad Cop”, and “Unconditional”!”
“Oh!” Hermione exclaimed before nodding exuberantly. “You’re absolutely right. I totally forgot about that and you definitely need to make them a primary topic in your report! Those films were revolutionary not only because of content but in how the films were delivered. Incidentally, I loved them both too! They’re in my top five best Movies.”
Ron bobbed his head in agreement, brown eyes flicking rapidly across the laptop’s screen. “Yeah, I really enjoyed those movies too. And being in my course, I can appreciate all the unique film elements he included. I also never even knew about that stuff until Gaunt put it out there. I especially like how he exposed how Police Abuse is rampant and yet socially ‘tolerated’ in America. Still, I think I liked ‘Unconditional’ more and it had the bigger impact. It really changed how Hollywood and other major Film Studios handled portraying the Non-Binary minorities, specifically Transgenders and Asexuality since the main character was an Asexual Transgender…” He trailed off and made a face. “I’d have no idea how to play an Asexual Transgender in the slightest. I can just understand the concept of a transgender—barely—but I can’t wrap my head around what it means to be asexual.”
“Yes, I can understand on an intellectual level but that really doesn’t even cover what it really means on a psychological level,” Hermione admitted wryly. “That’s the main reason I am taking Law and Behavioral Sciences course as my majors.”
“Wow, listen to this, ‘Mione!” Ron called suddenly. “Apparently, Gaunt donated all the profits from those two movies—it was estimated to be over seven hundred million pounds—and even his own salary as Producer, Director and Main Actor to a ton of charity organizations that help the Non-Binary Minorities and victims of Police Abuse. That is unbelievably awesome; this guy is incredible! Maybe there is a God after all and it’s actually Gaunt in disguise!”
Chuckling, Hermione rolled her eyes. “Really, Ron?”
Across from her, Harry burst out into helpless laughter.
Bewildered, Ron looked up to stare at the pair of them. “What? C’mon, you both have to agree that this guy is something else!”
“We do, we do!” Hermione agreed with a smile before throwing the still guffawing Harry a mildly reproachful look.
Harry noticed and slowly stopped laughing, though sniggers still escaped him. “Sorry…” he managed finally, breathing a little heavily. The broad grin he was sporting further detracted from his weak apology. “It’s just hilarious to see you go from “There is no God!” to “Marvolo Gaunt is God in disguise!”.”
“Ehh… well…” Ron shrugged, flushing, and refocused on the laptop in front of him. “I didn’t know just how much he did and is still doing. Yeah, he’s an Overachieving Workaholic who beats even our own very impressive Hermione here but to find out a good part of that is charity work. Now that’s really something I can get behind 100%!”
“He does have a passion for a lot of social issues,” Hermione added thoughtfully. “He’s pretty vocal about fixing the Foster System and completely demolishing Orphanages.” The young woman hummed. “I agree with that. An Orphanage is just no place to raise a child.”
“I know some websites and magazines that have more detail,” Harry said suddenly. He had been quiet but busy after he had gotten himself under control. He was scribbling on a sheet of his order pad. “These will be great sources for your report, Ron. You might be able to add them to your video. It’s a lot so Hermione should help out with sorting them for you. You should head for the library, too, I know that place will keep the hardcopies.”
Finished, he ripped it off and held out the torn page to the redhead. “You might even be able to salvage some of your Sunday. I’d hate to see you both holed up in the library or in a dorm room scrabbling to finish this report.”
Ron lit up and eagerly snatched the strip of paper from Harry, he read it quickly then handed it to Hermione who tucked it away into the notebook she had taken out to make notes. “Yeah, that looks like the best course of action for us. I’m actually pumped to work on this report! Thanks so much, especially for lending me your laptop!” The redhead gently flipped said device closed and tucked it away securely in its bag along with the charger. He helped Hermione pack away her own things.
“Yes! Thank you so very much for your help, Harry! Especially for loaning Ron your laptop. We’ll see you on Monday!” Hermione pulled out her wallet and handed Harry a $50.00 bill as Ron and she turned to leave. "Just put the change in the tip jar."
"Of course and thank you for the generous tip." Harry inclined his head, smiling brightly.
The pair trotted out of the café, chattering excitedly about their plans.
Once he had lost sight of the couple, Harry turned and began to clean the table.
Humming the tune of the theme song from “Unconditional” as he worked.