Chapter 8: Saving Naboo

The serene beauty of Naboo was marred by the oppressive presence of the Federation's occupation forces. The lush landscapes and elegant cities now echoed with the sounds of patrol droids and the fearful whispers of its inhabitants. Harry, Hermione, and Aayla Secura moved cautiously through the occupied capital, Theed, blending into the shadows.

"This place is beautiful," Hermione whispered, her eyes scanning the architecture. "It's hard to believe it's under such tyranny."

Harry nodded, his senses heightened. "We need to find a way to help these people.

"We should link up with the resistance groups and make a plan." Harry said quickly coming up with the best idea.

Nodding Aayla scouted ahead and soon came back with a location they needed to join the fighters and led the way. They were already expecting their reinforcement to their cause. Therefore, Aayla quickly led the way.

As they approached they spotted a man that introduced himself as Vero Olphes a captain of the resistance. He glanced at the the pair of magicals and padawan learner and nodded at their appearance, "There's no time to lose. The Federation is planning to tighten its grip on Naboo, and we need to strike back now."

Harry stepped forward. "What's your plan?"

"The planetary resistance plan to create a diversion in the city, drawing the Federation forces away from the palace, allowing a smaller team to infiltrate and disable the droid control systems. If the space force manage to disable the corresponding control ship then we will have control of the planet once more." He said a grim look in his eyes. Most could tell how much of a long shot he felt this plan actually was.

Harry could understand the sentiment. A lot of things had to go right before this plan could actually work and if it went bad… They'd be stranded in a enemy controlled zone with little chance to escape.

"You two," He said pointing at Harry and Hermione. "Will be part of the infiltration team. Ms Jedi, can you assist with the diversion?"

Aayla nodded. "Consider it done."

As they prepared for their respective tasks, Hermione pulled Aayla aside. "Be careful. We need you."

Aayla gave a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Hermione. We'll get through this. Together."

The resistance fighters moved out, splitting into their designated groups. The city of Theed, under the twilight sky, became a battleground once more. Harry, Hermione, and a small group of fighters moved swiftly through the winding streets, hearts pounding with a mix of fear and determination.

As they neared the palace's control center, the sounds of the diversion echoed in the distance. Explosions and blaster fire signaled the start of the resistance's attack. Captin Vero Olphes led them through a hidden entrance, bypassing most of the droid patrols.

Inside, the atmosphere was tense. The droid control systems were heavily guarded, but the captain's knowledge of the palace's layout gave them an edge. They moved silently, taking down droids with precision and swiftness.

Finally, they reached the control room. Vero Olphes quickly got to work, slicing into the systems while the others stood guard.

Moments felt like hours as the sounds of the battle outside grew louder.

"Almost there..." He muttered, fingers flying over the controls.

Suddenly, the door burst open, and a squad of battle droids stormed in. Harry and Hermione sprang into action, their magic and the constant blaster fire creating a formidable defense against the invading forces. Blasts of light and energy filled the room, each side fighting desperately.

With a final keystroke, Vero Olphes

shouted, "Ha! The droids are shutting down! Someone must have gotten to the master hive ship in orbit."

As the battle droids began to power down, the room fell into a tense silence. The resistance had won a crucial victory, but the cost was high, and the fight for Naboo was far from over.

In the aftermath of the battle, as the adrenaline began to fade, Harry and Hermione found themselves separated from the others, catching their breath in a secluded alcove within the palace. The noise of the battle outside seemed distant, almost unreal.

Hermione leaned against the wall, her chest heaving as she tried to calm herself. Harry was a few feet away, wand still clutched tightly in his hand. This scene felt so much like the last battle of Hogwarts and for a moment he wasn't here on a completely different planet but he had he was in the moments after he had taken down Voldemort… and he just wanted to make sure his loved ones were still alive. Soon their eyes met for the first time since the battle began, and in that moment, the world around them seemed to disappear.

"Hermione," Harry said softly, taking a step closer.

"Harry," Hermione replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

The tension between them was palpable. Years of friendship, trust, and unspoken feelings seemed to coalesce in that single moment. They had been through so much together, fought side by side against insurmountable odds. Now, in the quiet aftermath of the battle, the barriers they had built around their hearts began to crumble.

Harry took another step forward, his gaze never leaving hers. Hermione felt her heart race, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She had always cared for Harry, but this... this was different.

Just as Harry reached out his hand to brush a fallen strand of her beautiful chestnut colored hair, a loud cheer rang out among the resistance fighters.

Like a bomb had exploded between them Harry stepped back quickly. The reality of their situation crashed back down on him.

Ginny. His girlfriend, waiting for him back on Earth, worrying about him. Harry pulled his hand back, the weight of his commitment to Ginny settling heavily on his shoulders.

Hermione saw the conflict in his eyes and felt a pang of sorrow. She quickly masked her emotions, reminding herself that Harry was her best friend. She couldn't risk their friendship, not now, not ever.

The moment passed, and Harry took a step back once more. breaking their gaze. "We should get back to the others," he said, his voice steady but laced with regret.

Hermione nodded, forcing a smile. "Yes, we should."

They rejoined Captain.Vero Olphes and the others, the unspoken moment lingering between them but unacknowledged. The bonds forged in the heat of battle and the shared goal of freedom would guide them as they continued their fight against the forces of darkness, even as they buried their deeper feelings to protect what they cherished most—their friendship.

"Thank you for your assistance with this… I.. I'm not sure how likely this mission would have went without out your help." Captain Vero Olphes said sounding extremely tired.

"I've been ordered to bring you to a central location for debriefing and accommodations." The weary captain explained motioning for them both to follow behind him.

Walking a step behind him, Hermione couldn't help but explain, "Sir, we didn't instituly come here to help in the occupation but to seek a long lost family member."

Cpt. Vero Olphes paused mid step. When he spoke his voice was serious. "You had family here during the occupation?"

"No, well not really he stowed away during a transport with the Jedi to the planet. The last we saw him he was in a ship leaving the hanger bay by himself. Do you think you can figure out where he is now?"

Sighing in relief, the captain visibly relaxed. "Sure, poor kid is probably scared senseless but if he is still inside the ship I can find him." He said confidently.

The magnificent structure of the Nabooian palace was now heavily guarded, its grandeur contrasting starkly with the grim presence of the now deactivated battle droids and surrendering Federation officers.

As they made their way through the corridors and many many courtyards of the palace grounds. they could hear a young voice arguing with an authoritative tone. "We can't just wait here while the Federation is on the run. We need to act now!"

Harry, recognizing the urgency in the voice, pushed open the door slightly to peek inside. There stood Anakin Skywalker, surrounded by a few of Queen Amidala's advisors. His face was filled with determination and frustration.

Harry frowned as they stepped into the room. Hermione and Aayla followed closely behind.

Anakin turned as they entered, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of the newcomers. "Who are you?" he demanded, suspicion etched on his young face.

Harry stepped forward, extending a hand in a gesture of peace. "I'm Harry Potter, this is Hermione Granger, and Aayla Secura. We're here to talk to you."

Anakin's gaze flicked to Aayla, recognition dawning. "You're a Jedi."

Aayla nodded. "Yes, Anakin. We've been looking for you. Your mother, Shmi, sent us. She's very worried about you."

Anakin's defiance wavered, replaced by a moment of vulnerability. "My mother... Is she safe?"

Harry stepped closer, his voice gentle. "She's safe, Anakin. But we need to talk to you about something important."

Anakin's eyes hardened with curiosity. "What is it?"

Hermione smiled softly. "It's about your father. We have reason to believe he's still alive."

Anakin's eyes widened in shock. "But... I was told by Qui-Gon Jinn that I was a product of the Force's will. My mother said I just... appeared."

Aayla placed a reassuring hand on Anakin's shoulder. "Anakin, what if we told you that your origins are more complex? That there's more to your story than even you knew?"

Anakin looked confused and intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Harry took a deep breath. "Your father is Sirius Black, a powerful wizard from our world. He fell through a mysterious veil and ended up here, in your universe. Recently, your mother started to remember more about him, including that he came from another world."

Anakin's eyes filled with hope and confusion. "A wizard? My father?"

Hermione nodded. "Yes, Anakin. Your mother met Sirius, and they fell in love. You were born out of that love. But Sirius disappeared before you were born, and we've been searching for him ever since."

Anakin's mind raced with the new information. "So, you're saying my father is alive somewhere in this universe?"

Aayla nodded. "Yes, and we need your help to find him. We believe that together, we can solve this mystery and reunite you with your father."

Anakin's determination returned, stronger than ever. "I'll do whatever it takes to find him. But I can't leave the Jedi. It's always been my dream to be one, and I feel a strong pull from the Force to stay with them. Maybe the Jedi can help us."

Harry smiled. "We understand, Anakin. We just want to find your father, and if the Jedi can assist us, that would be ideal."

Anakin nodded, his resolve firm. "Then let's not waste any time. Follow me; we need to speak with Qui-Gon Jinn."

With a new mission ahead of them, Harry, Hermione, Aayla, and Anakin set out towards the Jedi enclave within the palace. As they walked through the grand halls, they discussed their plans and shared what little information they had. Anakin led them confidently, determined to seek assistance from the Jedi.

As they approached Qui-Gon's quarters, they were abruptly stopped by a stern young man. "Who are you, and what business do you have with Master Qui-Gon?" demanded Obi-Wan Kenobi, his hand resting on the hilt of his lightsaber.

Harry stepped forward, trying to diffuse the tension. "We're here to speak with Qui-Gon about an urgent matter. It's about Anakin's father and a missing Jedi."

Obi-Wan's eyes narrowed. "Master Qui-Gon is not to be disturbed. You need to leave."

Before the situation could escalate further, Qui-Gon's calm voice interrupted. "Obi-Wan, let them through. I sense they have important information."

Obi-Wan hesitated but stepped aside, allowing the group to pass. Qui-Gon Jinn appeared, his demeanor serene and welcoming. "What is it that brings you here?"

Hermione stepped forward. "We were told that Rahm Kota came with us to Naboo, but we've lost contact with him. We need to know what happened."

A shadow crossed Qui-Gon's face. "Rahm Kota... He died saving my life from a Sith attack. His sacrifice was noble, and he protected us all."

Anakin's eyes widened in shock and sorrow. "Rahm Kota is dead?"

Qui-Gon nodded solemnly. "Yes, Anakin. He gave his life so that we might live."

Harry exchanged a glance with Hermione, both of them feeling the weight of the loss. "We still need to find Sirius Black. Rahm was the only one who knew where he might be."

Qui-Gon placed a reassuring hand on Anakin's shoulder. "The Jedi will assist you in your search. We will honor Rahm Kota's memory by helping you find the answers you seek."

Anakin looked up at Qui-Gon, hope rekindled in his eyes. "Thank you, Master Qui-Gon. We'll do whatever it takes."

With the Jedi's support, Harry, Hermione, Aayla, and Anakin felt a renewed sense of purpose. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, but together, they would uncover the truth and bring Anakin's father back from the shadows.