"But that's not all," Michelle went on. "Your skin is perfect. Not a stretch mark or even a pimple anywhere. Even the scar you had on your arm last year; probably from a childhood injury, is gone."
Hermione glanced at her arm, almost in panic. Michelle was correct. The scar that she had gotten on her arm from a bicycle accident was gone. The massages that Caitlin had given her during her pregnancy had done far more than intended.
"Michelle, I don't know what to..."
"Look Out! They're attacking!" shrieked a woman.
"My god what are they!"
"They're going for those girls!"
"Someone help them, please! Oh my god, those poor kids."
Listening, But Not Hearing
The screaming had caused an alarm. People were yelling and running in every direction. Some courageous souls ran toward the girls to assist them, but most were frantically leaving the area, possessions forgotten, in order to seek shelter within the ship.
The owls had initially gone unobserved as they drew near the ship and circled it predatorily, looking for the recipients of the mail they carried. When they dived as one toward the pool, however, with their wings extended to their full width, they were unquestionably noticed.
Owls have a rather creepy appearance to them, but when you're not accustomed to seeing them and then are suddenly faced with four at once, presumably attacking, they can be down right scary.
"It's all right," Jamie cried, trying to calm some Good Samaritans that had come to her rescue. "The owls are trained to deliver messages. They won't harm us; please don't hurt them."
Panicked people, however, have a propensity to not to be rational or listen to reason; they continued to splash the birds with water and swing wildly at them with towels. Jamie and the other girls were barely able to secure their letters before the now frightened birds took flight.
"Are you all okay?" Harry asked, having halted his conversation with Jim and Sam to hurry to the girls' assistance.
"We're fine," shouted Caitlin, "but I doubt those owls will be in a rush to delivery anymore letters."
"The poor things. They were just doing their jobs," Kim said.
"The owls will be all right," Emily said. "At this minute, I'm more concerned about us."
Emily had good reason to be fretful, for at that moment, three ship employees with ominous expressions on their faces were headed in the group's direction.
"How did it go?" Hermione asked when Harry returned from speaking with the ship's captain.
"Not good at all," Harry replied, shaking his head in embarrassed frustration. "It would seem that cruise ship captains have an extremely low tolerance for passengers that cause a panic on their ships. I was given a reprimand and advised that if one more owl descends on this ship, we will be set ashore at the next port."
"He's blaming you?" Hermione asked.
"Damn, I felt like I was back at Hogwarts and McGonagall was scolding me," Harry said. "I had no idea what to tell the man. He was already incensed. Had I told him the owls were delivering letters from a school, he would have thought I was playing him for a fool."
"So what did you tell him?" Hermione asked, looking at Harry incredulously.
"I told him that I was an ornithologist and that I had a government grant to study the feasibility of owls delivering mail."
"Did he actually believe that?" Hermione asked skeptically. "Didn't he ask questions?"
"In point of fact, it caused him to launch into a tirade on how government wastes money," Harry said. "I think he was more upset about the funding than the owls landing on his ship. Bottom line is that he thinks I'm some weird nerdy professor."
Hermione gave Harry a hug. "At least you were able to avoid the truth," she said nervously. "I just violated the International Confederation of Wizards' Statute of Secrecy."
"You did what?" Harry asked, not believing his ears.
Hermione explained all about the conversation she had with Michelle. "She knew we were different," Hermione clarified. "I was trying to think of a reasonable way to explain my way out of it when the owls arrived."
Harry nodded his head. "I guess that was what they sometimes refer to as the 'icing on the cake'."
"It was either the truth or say that we are from another solar system," Hermione noted. "I hoped she would be more inclined to accept us if at least we were from her planet."
"We're certainly doing a first rate job of blending in with the Muggles, aren't we?" Harry asked sarcastically. "How did she react to the news?"
"At first she just looked at me disbelievingly," Hermione explained. "Michelle had figured out that we were different, but I don't suppose she was ready to accept for fact that witches and wizards actually existed."
"I can understand her skepticism," Harry said. "Did she ask you to prove it?"
"She was about to, I believe, but relented when I showed her my wand. Actually I don't think it was seeing the wand as much as my producing it out of its invisible sheath that convinced her that I was being truthful," Hermione said. "The Zacherleys evidently were much more competent at pretending to be Muggles than us. Michelle never once thought there was anything peculiar about them. I'm sure she'll have far more questions when I see her after lunch. Harry, should I have lied to her?"
"That was probably one of those situations where a lie would have been more damaging than the truth. She is certainly not the first Muggle to know of the existence of our world, nor will she be the last. Do you trust her to keep it a secret?" Harry asked.
"Yes! Yes I do," Hermione said emphatically.
"Then I don't see that any harm has been done. Did you ever find out what those bloody owls were delivering?" Harry inquired.
"Just the girls' school book lists," Hermione answered. "Oh and Jamie received notification that she will be Head Girl."
"Not much of a surprise there," Harry said proudly. "I don't see that there was much of a competition. I assume Alex got picked as Head Boy?"
"Yes!" Hermione answered, beaming. "Jamie is thrilled."
"Looks like a certain professor is rather pleased too," Harry pointed out.
"I am," Hermione responded. "Oh Harry! They remind me so much of us. I'm happy the two of them realized they were meant for each other now and didn't waste precious years as we did."
"I agree," Harry said nodding his head. "I don't know how I managed to endure five years without you." "Me either, without you," Hermione said, a devilish look in her eye. "Sam's watching Ben so we could have a quiet lunch and the girls could go off with their friends. We can get a slice of pizza later. What would you say to skipping lunch and having a little dessert?"
"Have you ever known me to turn down my favorite dessert?" Harry asked.
"I pray I'm always your favorite."
Day Four, Thursday, August 11, 2005, St. Thomas
"Let's ask her to join us," Kim said. "She's been sitting there alone for over an hour and looks
truly bored and depressed."
"Have you forgotten whose niece she is?" Emily asked.
"If I recall correctly, you were dating Dick Bancroft's brother last year," Caitlin said. "I thought you believed in judging the individual, not their family tree."
"I do, but that was hardly a good example," Emily retorted. "We all know that came to a disastrous end."
"Are you sure it's over?" Kim inquired.
"Its over!" Emily replied, louder than necessary. "I don't have time for little untrusting boys when there are committing men available."
"Please tell me that you're not referring to that git, Roger," Caitlin appealed.
"You're just jealous," Emily replied.
"Yeah! Right!" Caitlin answered. "Look, I don't want to argue about it. Let's just drop the subject. Do we want to be decent and ask Angel to join us or just walk by and kick sand in her face?"
"If it were Roz, I'd definitely opt for the sand," Emily replied, "but I guess, in all fairness, we should give Angel the benefit of the doubt."
As the three girls approached Angel, she timorously jumped to her feet. "What do you want?" she cried, nervousness evident in her voice.
"We just wondered if you wanted to join us," Kim said, sincerely. "You look rather lonesome sitting here all by yourself."
"Are you serious?" Angel asked skeptically.
"And just exactly what is so funny about me being buried in the sand?" Jim asked.
"Its more what's not buried that's funny," Sam said, trying to suppress her giggles.
Jim had allowed himself to be buried by the all too eager Timmy and Lynn. He and Sam had initially helped the youngsters dig a trench and then Jim had grudgingly agreed to lie in it and be covered with sand. Lynn and Timmy were now busily building ramps so that they could drive their toy cars up and over the completely helpless man.
"Is my face that funny?" he asked, not understanding what exactly Sam found so hysterical.
"It's not your face," Sam said, slightly embarrassed. "For some reason the kids decided to leave your privates uncovered. And before you get offended, that's not what I'm laughing at either. It's just... I was thinking what I would do to my husband if I ever found him in such a compromising position."
Jim made a mistake, a colossal mistake that male nudists must never make. He began to imagine himself being tortured in the way he imagined Sam meant she would torment Ron. His thoughts caused an immediate and extremely noticeable reaction.
Timmy and Lynn were occupied building their highway and didn't notice Jim's dilemma, but fortunately Sam had because Jamie and her friends had picked that very moment to approach them. Without a word, Sam picked up one of the empty pails that the children had tossed aside and inverted it over Jim's quite noticeable erection.
"Thanks," said a scarlet-faced Jim seconds before the girls arrived.
Besides Chantal and Felicite, Felicite's younger sister Monica also accompanied Jamie.
"Sam, have you seen Kim and my sisters?" Jamie asked.
"Not for about an hour," Sam responded. "They were standing just over there talking to a girl about their age; then the four of them ran off toward the water."
"Thanks," Jamie said politely as the group started to leave. Then she turned back and gave Sam a smile. "That's a unique use for a sand pail."
Jim turned an even brighter red, but said nothing until the girls were out of earshot. "I'm sorry, Sam," he said apologetically. "Thanks for coming to my rescue. I've been a naturist since I was ten, but never had that problem before."
"It's really no big deal," Sam said, and then thought about her choice of words. "I didn't mean that literally; it was quite nice, I mean... oh shit." Sam's face was now even brighter than Jim's.
"Can we have our bucket back?" Lynn asked.
Sam looked at Jim who nodded his head as best as feasible, indicating that everything had returned to normal.
"Kids, we're meeting Ron and Bonnie for lunch in less than an hour," Sam stated. "That means its time to release our prisoner."
This announcement was met with a great deal of resistance from Lynn and Timmy. After a few minutes of whining and moaning, they began to help Sam unearth Jim.
"I wish the four of us were able to do more things together," Jim said truthfully.
"So do I," Sam said sadly as Jim was finally able to sit up, "but I'm happy that Ron at least has Bonnie to keep him company and occupied. It must be strange being the only clothed person among all these naked bodies."
Jim gazed about the beach. With the exception of the vendors, everyone else was indeed nude. He stared at Sam, trying to build up his courage. Finally he said, "Perhaps the four of us could get together one evening for some adult type entertainment before the cruise comes to an end."
Sam hesitated for a moment. Ron had expressed a desire to visit the ship's casino, but she hadn't really been interested and neither had Harry or Hermione. She felt extremely guilty that Ron and she had been spending so little time together. This would be a perfect opportunity to be with both Ron and their new friends.
"We'll be at sea for two days on our return to Fort Lauderdale," Sam responded. "Perhaps we could plan to do it one of those evenings. Let's make it the first night. That way, if we enjoy ourselves, we can do it again."
Jim was dumbfounded. He had hoped Sam would agree, but was exhilarated that she was going as far as considering two evenings.
Jim's faced beamed. "I was afraid you'd turn me down," he said, obviously greatly relieved.
"Normally I would have," Sam replied. "I'm not into that sort of thing, but Ron really wants to give it a try. He's gone through a lot so that Timmy and I could come on this cruise; he deserves to have some fun."
"You're a very special woman," Jim said, shaking his head in awe. "You must love him a lot."
"I do," Sam said in earnest.
"I'll do my best to make the evening enjoyable and memorable for you," Jim said sweetly.
"I'm sure you will."
"I can't believe Harry actually talked Lloyd into trying that." Michelle said. "We've been to
numerous places where they offered parasailing before, and he's never shown the least interest."
"Harry has a way of getting people to do things with him that they'd never consider doing on their own," Hermione said, as she watched Harry and Lloyd being strapped into their harnesses.
"I'm surprised you're not down there," Michele said. "You seem very gutsy, like you'd try just about anything."
"I prefer to keep my feet on the ground," Hermione answered. "I only fly when absolutely necessary and then at a very conservative speed. Harry is the flyer in the family. Actually Jamie and Emily are extremely good on a broom, also. Caitlin tends to take after me."
"Then you... witches really do fly broomsticks," Michelle asked in wonderment. "Is everything that I thought to be fantasy actually reality?"
"Not everything," Hermione said with a laugh, "but you'd be surprised how much folklore is based on truth. Take broomsticks for example; we can't fly just any old household broom; for a broom to fly, it must be specially built and charmed."
"And judging from you and the girls, witches most certainly aren't ugly and old with warts on their noses," Michelle joked.
"Actually some are," Hermione replied, "but usually they've been on the receiving end of a nasty hex."
Hermione smiled at her friend who was looking at her with admiration. "I'm glad you found us out," Hermione said in earnest. "I hated lying to you, and its good to be able to talk to you openly now."
"Plus you know your secret is safe with me," Michelle added. "Hell, who'd believe me even if I told them? My own husband would think I'm crazy."
"Then you haven't told Lloyd?" Hermione asked.
"I didn't think I was allowed," Michelle answered with surprise.
"I'll let you make that determination," Hermione said. "You certainly know your husband better than me, but sometimes you'll find you need someone to confide in. I'll confirm it with a little demonstration if you decide to tell him."
"What I don't understand is why you keep yourselves secret?" Michelle questioned. "You'd be revered and treated like celebrities."
"More likely we'd be feared and mistrusted," Hermione retorted. "Some would try to force us to use our powers for their benefit, while others would probe and examine us, trying to learn how we became different."
Michelle thought for a few moments, as the smile slowly faded from her face. "You're right to remain hidden within your own world. Knowledge of your existence would cause a panic. Instead of seeing your kind as a blessing, most would consider you a threat and try to exterminate you."
"Most, but not you?" Hermione asked, raising her eyes.
"No! I've gotten to know you personally. You're good people," she said emphatically. "But I do want to hear more. If you don't normally use our type of transportation, how did you get to Fort Lauderdale?"
Hermione explained Apparating and Portkey's and told Michelle about the girls' adventure in Fort Lauderdale. It seemed that each answer Hermione afforded Michelle initiated a new question.
Hermione watched nervously as Harry sailed out to sea; happy for the distraction the questioning yielded. She much preferred Harry flying on a broom that he controlled.
Hermione thought for a moment on her own Muggle heritage, particularly on both her parents being Muggle dentists and her introduction to the magical world occurring when she received her Hogwarts letter the summer before her eleventh birthday. Now as she talked with Michelle, she thought about how different the magical world was from the one into which she had been born.
"Then centaurs actually exist and unicorns, too," Michelle said in amazement, interrupting Hermione's reflection. "Unicorns are so beautiful. I'd love to see and brush one."
"They are beautiful and pure; unfortunately they will only accept the touch of a virgin," Hermione informed Michelle. "Jamie's Animagus form is a unicorn."
"Jamie's what?" Michelle questioned.
"Some witches and wizards have the ability to transform into an animal. It is a rare ability among magical folk, mainly because it takes lengthy painful training."
"I assume you and Harry have the ability," Michelle said with a laugh.
Hermione nodded her head yes. "Harry can transform into a Golden Griffin, and I can become a wolf."
"A Golden Griffin?" Michelle questioned. "Isn't that a winged lion? But they don't exist?"
Hermione only smiled.
"You mean Harry can actually fly?" Michelle inquired.
"Yes. One of my worst memories is flying on his back. I'm not sure which was worse; that or flying on a hippogriff," Hermione answered.
"A hippogriff?" Michelle questioned. "Never mind! I don't even want to know."
"That was refreshing," Bonnie said, as she got out of the pool. "I wish you had been able to join
me."
"Yeah," Ron said forlornly. "I feel like I've been... what's the phrase you Americans use? 'A wet blanket'?"
"Ron, you're not a wet blanket. You're a lot of fun," Bonnie proclaimed. "Not everyone is comfortable enough with their body to go au naturel. Your shyness is one of the things I find appealing. Do we have time for another game of chess before lunch?"
"I wish we did, but we should be departing soon to avoid being late. As it is, I feel guilty spending so much time away from Sam and Timmy," Ron said, shamefaced.
"It was her idea we stay on board this morning and play chess. I think Sam feels guilty for dragging you on this cruise. She loves you a lot and wants you to have a good time. Besides, she and Jim seem to get along well."
Ron nodded his head. "I would have just been uncomfortable ashore with everyone else nude."
Bonnie scanned her own body. "I don't know whether you've noticed or not, but I'm totally naked; I've been that way whenever we're together."
"It's different with you," Ron explained. "I've gotten accustomed to you being naked. I'm comfortable around you now; it doesn't turn me on anymore or cause a reaction."
"Considering as how I make my living turning guys on, I don't know if I should consider that a complement or an insult," Bonnie said, a feigned hurt expression on her face.
"You know what I mean," Ron said contritely. "Now that I have a familiarity with you, I see beyond the body and see you as a person, not just an object."
"Good try Weasley," Bonnie said good-naturedly. "Since my body no longer turns you on, would you consider rubbing sun tan lotion on my back before we catch the launch for shore?"
Ron looked at Bonnie hesitantly. "Yeah. Okay. I can handle that," he said assuredly.
Bonnie positioned her towel on the lounge chair and laid face down. Ron squirted some lotion on her back and she twitched. As Ron rubbed the lotion in, he concentrate on thoughts of their last chess match, one in which Bonnie had crushed him. It worked- no stiffy. He did the same as he applied lotion to both her legs. As he finished, a look of triumph spread over his face.
"Thanks Ron," Bonnie said dulcetly, "but didn't you forget something? The area between my waist and legs will burn just as fast as the rest of me."
Ron gulped.
"We've been looking for you guys everywhere," Jamie shouted as she ran up to Emily.
"Evidently in all the wrong places," Emily responded in jest. "What did you want us for?
"The recreation director just posted a notice; there is going to be a talent contest the last evening of the cruise. I thought you might be interested," Jamie suggested.
Emily eyed the other girls. "She just wants us to compete so she'll have an easy time of it."
"Not true," Jamie said with a defensive attitude. "I'm not even eligible to participate. Contestants must be at least ten and no older than fifteen. Felicite's younger sister Monica is going to enter; we just thought you guys might be interested."
"When you say talent, I assume you mean singing, dancing or playing some sort of instrument," Caitlin said. "That most certainly leaves me out."
"I only have a talent for getting into trouble," Emily said with a laugh. "What about you Angel?"
"I might give it a try," she answered. "It might be fun."
"Kim, you have a great voice," Emily stated. "Why don't you enter?"
"Me?" Kim said. "I only sing in the shower. Besides I could never get up on a stage like this." She indicated her lack of clothing. "I'd die of embarrassment."
"Here comes your aunt," Caitlin said to Angel, interrupting the conversation about the talent show.
"She looks to be in a particularly cheery mood," Emily noted critically.
"What are you doing hanging about with this rabble," Roz shouted nastily. "I thought I told you to stay away from their type."
"Good morning Roz," Jamie said pleasantly. "I'm glad to see that the cruise is having a pleasant calming effect on your temperament."
"Never you mind me!" Roz bellowed. "I want you and your low life family and friends to stay away from my niece. My brother has spent too much money sending her to the best English finishing schools to have all their efforts negated by associating with the likes of you."
"Gather your belongings," Roz ordered. "Your mother wants to see you immediately." Roz grabbed Angel by the arm and dragged her off without another word. Angel looked back, giving what appeared to be a helpless 'I'm sorry' expression.
"You know, if I didn't know better, I'd get the impression that Roz doesn't like us," Emily said straight faced. Everyone laughed.
"Ron, you really don't know what you're missing," Bonnie said as she stood near the bow of the boat,
the sea breeze striking her nude body and causing her hair to fly about.
"That's what Sam keeps telling me," Ron answered despondently. "She thinks I'd be fine once I got over the initial effects. How do you do it? I can't envision taking my pants off and you purposely open yourself to inspection when you dance."
"We're different people, from different backgrounds," Bonnie explained. "You're shy and I'm a bit of an exhibitionist. Plus you must remember that I rarely ever wear clothes. What is an earth shattering experience to you is my everyday lifestyle."
"Want to hear something silly?" Bonnie asked, actually blushing. "A part of me hopes you never take your clothes off; I'd miss the mystique. Of course, another part, the bad part, wants to see you nude. Preferably with a hard-on."
"Are you purposely trying to give me one?" Ron questioned. "Let's talk about something else."
Bonnie seemed to ignore Ron's comment as she started into what almost seemed like a rehearsed speech. "Jim and I were talking about you and Sam last night before we went to bed. We were both hoping to meet a special couple on this cruise, a couple we could swap good times with, and we think you and Sam are perfect. Its fun playing chess with you," she continued, "I hope we can do it for the remainder of the cruise. Jim and I have also both enjoyed the times we've spent with the children."
Bonnie took a deep breath, which had an amazing affect on her breasts. "Ron, Jim and I were wondering if you and Sam would consider getting together with us for a little adult type recreation before the cruise ends."
Finally, Ron thought to himself, someone who wants to spend some time in the casino.
"You can't possibly imagine how much I'd like to do that," Ron said enthusiastically. "I've been trying to talk Harry and Hermione into it ever since we left port, but for some reason they think its wrong. I told them we didn't have to do it the entire night, just a quick in and out to see whether we liked it or not, but they outright refused."
Bonnie looked at Ron with a combination of surprise, happiness and confusion. She had hoped he'd agree, but his exuberance had caught her entirely off guard. "Jim and I had at first considered approaching Harry and Hermione with the idea, but after you've done this a few times you can pretty much tell who might or might not be interested."
"Then you've done this before?" Ron asked. "It will be the first time for both Sam and me, but I'll admit that I'm extremely eager."
"Jim and I do it all the time. Admittedly, he usually gets a lot more enjoyment out of it than I do, but I think this time will be different. I'm looking forward to being with you."
"I'm certainly not as experienced as you and Jim," Ron admitted, "but I promise what I lack in experience, I'll make up for with enthusiasm. I guarantee that I'll give you my hardest effort."
"I was hoping you would," Bonnie said, turning flush at the thought. "What about Sam? Was she willing to do it with Harry and Hermione; how will she feel about Jim and me."
"Sam's never done it before, so naturally she'll be nervous," Ron replied. "I'm certain she would have preferred her first time be with Harry and Hermione. She trusts and loves them both. She would never hesitate doing anything either of them asked. But she likes you and gets along famously with Jim. Sam could be reluctant at first, but I think she'll open up to the idea. And if she enjoys herself, look out."
Bonnie face was aglow as the boat reached the pier, and she saw Jim and Sam awaiting their arrival with Lynn and Timmy by their sides. She and Jim had done this frequently before, but this time seemed different, very special. She found herself wishing for the days to pass quickly.
"What was all the racket? Draco asked as he entered the room, still toweling himself off from his shower.
"We received an owl," Ginny exclaimed. "Well, not really an owl; it was some sort of large, colorful tropical bird. It could only just get through the window and then it was very impatient and not the least cooperative."
"Is it from Harry and Hermione or your brother," Draco asked indifferently.
"Actually it's from Sam," Ginny answered as she read the parchment. "Oh My! The trip got off to a frightening start. A street gang upon arrival accosted the girls, but everyone is okay. Sam says the accommodations are beautiful and the food is terrific. Ron hasn't taken his clothes off yet, but they've made friends with a nice couple. The wife plays chess. Sam says that the only time my brother doesn't have a stiffy is when he's playing chess with Bonnie."
"She must be quite the hag," Draco remarked. "I thought the idea was for the female of the species to arouse the male into having an erection, not to cause him to go placid."
"Do you mean like this?" Ginny said, as she walked over to Draco and placed her hand on his leg. Then she ever so softly ran her hand up his leg until she was holding his manhood. His member immediately sprang to attention.
"Now that you have my attention, what do you intend to do about it?" Draco asked.
"I'm sure I'll think of something," Ginny responded, wetting her lips with her tongue and then dropping to her knees in front of Draco.
Day Five, Friday, August 12, 2005, St. Kitts
"Today we are anchored at the beautiful island St. Kitts," the voice echoing from the public address system
announced. "Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy the type of lush tropical paradise usually only associated
with islands in the South Pacific.
"The atmosphere here is palpably luxuriant, an intoxicating blend of sunlight, sea air and fantastically abundant vegetation. At the center of St. Kitts stands the spectacular, cloud-fringed peak of Mount Liamuiga, a dormant volcano covered by dense tropical forest filled with elusive green vervet monkeys and brilliant tropical flowers. For eco-tourists, or simply anyone who enjoys stunning natural beauty, St. Kitts cannot fail to exceed expectations.
"We remind you that St. Kitts does not allow public nudity. Therefore, please dress appropriately before disembarking the ship."
"Why did the ship even stop here if we must get dressed to go ashore?" Emily complained over breakfast. "I thought this was a naturist cruise."
"No one is forcing you to go ashore," Hermione explained. "You're allowed to remain in the buff if you stay on board. Personally, I want to travel around the island, and I'm willing to slip on a sun dress for a few hours in order to do it."
"The island does look beautiful," Emily admitted. "It might be fun hiking through the forest and I know just what I can wear." Emily suddenly had a devilish expression on her face.
"Emily," Caitlin whispered. "I don't like that look on your face."
"Neither do I," said Kim. "Please tell me that you disposed of that floral sun dress of yours."
Emily smiled broadly.
"You can't wear that," Caitlin admonished. "Have you forgotten what happened the last time?"
"Last time I was in the Great Hall. Today I'll be in a dense tropical forest," Emily explained. "Once we're in the forest, we could even strip and no one would be the wiser. So what if someone gets a view in the boat while we're headed to shore, they've already seem me nude."
"But what if Mum or Dad are in the same boat?" Caitlin asked. "They will be extremely upset with you for wearing that dress again."
"Then we just have to make sure we set off at a different time than them," Emily retorted. "They seem to be taking their time eating. Let's get dressed quickly and disembark before them."
Kim shook her head as she wolfed down her remaining food. Emily's stellar plans always seemed to end in trouble, and she was sure that this one would be no different from any other.
Caitlin quickly slipped on a skirt and mini top, then rushed next door to Emily and Kim's room, where Kim was just
finishing tucking her blouse into her skirt. Meanwhile, Emily, who also had already dressed, was adjusting her
rucksack. Caitlin was delightfully surprised to see that Emily was wearing a skirt and top and not her infamous
sundress.
"How did you talk her into not wearing the dress from Hell?" Caitlin asked Kim.
"I didn't," Kim answered. "One look in the mirror and she decided to face reality."
"I must have grown two inches this summer," Emily said, shaking her head in astonishment. "My whole twat showed. I'm a nudist, not an exhibitionist."
"Sometimes I'm not so sure about that," Caitlin said with a laugh. "Why are you taking the rucksack?"
"Because I believe in being prepared," Emily said. "This baby is filled with ice cold beverages. I'm not going to die of thirst while traipsing through a tropical forest. I called Jeff's room. He and Mark are going to meet us at the launch; they're contacting Brian."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Caitlin asked enthusiastically.
The girls arrived just as a boat was getting ready to depart. They waved for the boys to join them, and then they all hurried on board.
The trip to shore seemed to take no time at all as they were all busy talking.
"Are we going straight away to the rain forest," Kim asked once they had reached land.
"I think its best we do," Caitlin answered. "Its nine o'clock now and the ship is leaving at four. That gives us seven hours. To play it safe, we should probably plan on being here to catch a boat back to the ship no later than three."
"Sounds like a plan," Brian said. Jeff and Mark nodded their agreement.
From where they had come ashore, it was only a short walk over the sugary sand before they came to vegetation and the edge of the forest. There were a multitude of paths, most with signs indicating the length of the trail and approximately how long it would take the average walker to return to their starting point.
"This trail leads to Mount Liamuiga," Mark suggested. "It's only about three miles away and less than a mile high. We should be able to get there and back with plenty of time to spare."
"That sound good," Kim said. "That would leave us time to do some shopping."
The boys as one moaned at Kim's suggestion, but everyone agreed to heading for the old volcano.
They had walked only about one hundred yards when they realized that the beach was already hidden from view. "When they say dense, they really mean it," Kim commented. "It must be hard to maintain these paths."
"Most people are lazy and ride four-by-fours on the old dirt plantation roads, " Jeff said. "I bet we'll be the only ones to use this path all day."
"If that's the case, why are we still wearing these horrible garments?" Brian questioned.
"Finally someone who thinks like me," Emily said, smiling as she struggled to get the rucksack off her shoulders.
"What are you doing?" Kim inquired, skittishly.
"The same thing as Brian," Emily replied. "We're going to take off our clothes and enjoy this hike."
"But the announcement this morning said that St. Kitts didn't allow public nudity," Kim reminded them.
"Most of the world doesn't allow public nudity, but people go nude every day," Mark explained. "No one is around to see us. What's the problem?"
"Yeah, why not," Caitlin said taking off her clothes. "Let's really enjoy this hike."
Within seconds, Kim was the only one still wearing clothing. "You're not getting shy on us are you?" Brian asked.
Kim lowered her head and shook it no. She had a bad feeling about doing this, but reluctantly slipped out of her clothes.
The group, despite stopping numerous times to admire flowers and other tropical vegetation, made excellent time
reaching the base of Mount Liamuiga, where they picnicked on the beverages and snacks that Emily had thoughtfully
packed.
"That was fun," Kim acknowledged as she finished off a second beverage. "Although I doubt I'll ever be as zealous a nudist as the group of you, I have to agree this was certainly fun and harmed no one."
"That's my argument with current laws," Emily declared. "In a free world, people should be allowed to do as they please as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights of others. I don't understand how my being nude encroaches on someone else's rights."
"Neither do I," agreed Caitlin, "but it's not us you have to convince. Are we going to climb the volcano or head back?
"I think we should head back," Brian remarked. "It will give you girls more time to shop before we have to catch the boat back to the ship. Emily, is that knapsack empty? If it is, we can all stick our clothes in it until we near the beach. I'll carry it for you."
"There is just one beverage left," Emily answered. "Does anyone want it? I personally couldn't drink another drop."
Everyone shook his or her head except Kim. "I hate to see it go to waste," she said reaching for the drink. "They're awfully good."
After depositing their trash in one of the inconspicuous containers provided, they turned and headed back in the direction of the beach on the same path they had used to enter the forest.
"You still have no recollection of what happened during the time you were kidnapped?" Michelle asked
Hermione shook her head no in response to the question. She had just finished telling Michelle about how Jamie and Alex had saved her from a sure death after she had been abducted "I sometimes have horrible dreams having to do with that time, but have no way of distinguishing whether the scenes contained in the those dreams are factual memories or just my imagination at work," Hermione responded.
"When you initially told me that you and Harry were a witch and wizard, I was extremely envious," Michelle said. "But now after hearing all that you've both been through, I think I'll stick with being a plain old Muggle nurse."
"There is nothing plain or old about you," Hermione insisted. "You simply have a normal life. You can't imagine how many times Harry and I have wished our lives could be quiet."
Michelle stared uncomfortably at Hermione. "The prophecy that you told me about. Is there any chance that it will never take place?"
"I'd like to think so," Hermione said, hopefully "It seems incredible that anyone would be anserine enough to try an resurrect someone as vile and evil as Salazar Slytherin." She paused. "Harry and I have discussed it at length with the girls and with Timmy's parents. We're all concerned, but we refuse to live our lives in a state of constant fear."
Michelle let this statement settle as she thought about the prophecy Hermione had recited to her.
"THE STARS PROCLAIM THE RETURN OF THE GREATEST DARK LORD
FROM THE BLOOD OF INNOCENTS FOUR,
THE GREAT LORD SLYTHERIN'S SPIRIT SHALL POUR.
TWO OF HIS OWN, SEER AND HEIR,
TWO OF HIS ENEMIES, HEALER AND HEIR,
TWO DROPS OF EACH, NOT ANY MORE,WITH THEIR DEATH BY HIS HAND,
TO HIS BODY HE WILL BE RETURNED,
TO WALK THE EARTH A MORTAL MAN,
BUT WHEN SLYTHERIN AND EVIL ARE JOINED,
NOT EVEN THE COVENANT WILL BRING THE RESULT DOWN.THE DARKEST OF TIMES THEIR JOINING WILL BRING,
SORROW AND PAIN WILL OFT BE THE FAME.
MANY WILL DIE DREADING THE NAME,
SALAZAR SLYTHERIN.THE WORLD WILL HAVE BUT ONE HOPE
AND THAT IS TWO CUBED TO EIGHT
WITH HEALTH AND SIGHT AND SPIRIT BRIGHT,
THE HEART AND SOUL AND MIND WILL ADD THEIR WEIGHTBUT ONLY WHEN THE FLAMING DAUGHTER
AND MOONCHILD JOIN THE FRAY
CAN THE WORLD DEFEAT EVIL
AND RETURN SLYTHERIN TO HIS GRAVE"
Hermione then continued after a moment. "We could have called off this cruise and huddled together in the safety of the Hogwarts castle, but that seemed too much like being cowards and bowing to fear," Hermione said. "Harry and I would opt to live our lives quietly as Hogwarts professors, but if anyone is foolish enough to threaten our children, we'll fight them to the death, just as we had to do when Harry was the target."
Michelle looked Hermione directly in the eyes as the young woman spoke. As she did, Michele saw something she had never noticed before in Hermione. Beneath the obvious beauty and sincere kindness was a courageous, merciless fighter. She pitied the individual who harmed anyone cherished by this woman.
"Hold up a minute will you," Emily said, as the group made there way back the path.
Without out any further explanation, she stepped just off the path and squatted.
Everyone seemed transfixed as they watched. Only Kim seemed able to verbalize. "Emily, what in the world are you doing?" she asked, taken aback.
"I would think that was fairly obvious," Emily answered, still crouched. "I have to pee." Then for the first time, she noticed the varied expressions on her companions' faces. "Haven't any of you ever seen someone pee before?" she asked in disbelief.
"No," answered Jeff, who was the first to recover his senses.
"Our family did a lot of hiking when I was younger," Emily explained. "When nature calls, you either answer the call or feel miserable until you do. My parents taught Jamie and me to not to be embarrassed by what were totally natural acts."
Caitlin looked like she had a question on the tip of her tongue, but Brian asked it first. "What if you had to do the other thing?" he asked awkwardly.
"That would depend on the surroundings," Emily answered. "If the ground cover was such that you could see where you were walking, we'd normally go off behind a bush or tree. Under these heavy growth circumstances, I wouldn't consider leaving the path."
"Well I for one am glad you had to go, because I've been dying to take a piss," Mark said, as he began to relieve himself onto the nearby vegetation. Within seconds the other two boys were doing likewise.
"I can't believe I'm going to do this in public," Caitlin said, as she nervously squatted.
Only Kim, who had drank more than any of the others, refused to relieve herself and insisted that she didn't need to go when, in fact, she felt like her bladder was about to burst. She was determined that somehow she would hold it.
As they continued on their way, everyone's spirits, other than Kim's seemed higher.
Suddenly, Brian came to an abrupt halt. "We're back at the beach already," he said in surprise.
"Wonderful," exclaimed Kim. She knew where her first stop would be.
"Not a soul saw us," Emily proclaimed happily. "I knew we'd get away with it."
"That's where you are wrong," said a livid voice. "You're all under arrest for indecent exposure."
End of Chapter Four
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As always, special thanks to Amber, Paul, Matt and Peter for taking the time to beta this chapter.
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