Unofficial Portkey Archive

HOGWARTS OVEREXPOSED - SALAZAR'S RETURN

Chapter Six

From Heaven to Hell

Day Nine, Tuesday, August 16, 2005, At Sea

8:00 AM Breakfast

"Our luxurious holiday is almost over," Harry observed despondently between mouthfuls of his breakfast. "I'm going to miss being treated as if I were a king."

"It's amazing how not being able to use magic doesn't matter that much when you have people hastening to wait on you hand and foot all the time," Jamie said, as she held a sleeping Ben in her arms.

"People who I'm sure are being paid well, receive time off and probably have an excellent benefits package to boot," Hermione added.

"Hermione, we still have two days of our vacation left. Please don't go spoiling them by starting up on the elf rights stuff again," Ron moaned.

"Well it's true," Hermione huffed, taking a drink of her orange juice.

"What does everyone have planned for our second to last day at sea?" Harry asked trying to change the subject.

"Caitlin and I are going to hang around the splash pool with the boys and work on our tans," Emily advised. "Later on today there is going to be a body painting contest."

"Are you going to enter?" Hermione inquired.

"We want to, but I'm not sure if the boys will agree or not," Caitlin answered. "You have to enter as partners. They didn't sound too keen about us painting them."

"Professor, have you noticed how I've finally evened out?" Kim asked out of the blue. "You can't see my swim costume lines at all anymore."

"Yes," Harry answered. "I've also noticed that your confidence level has improved dramatically. I think you just might be starting to like being a naturist."

"I believe I am," Kim said. "I never thought I'd say this, but I'm going to hate going back to wearing clothes."

"Don't believe her," Caitlin giggled. "That's not really Kim. Emily and I spotted whoever it is drinking Polyjuice."

"Urgh! Caitlin, that joke is getting old," Emily groaned.

Caitlin responded in kind by blowing Emily a raspberry.

"Mum, that reminds me, we have a question about Polyjuice," Emily said. "When you guys used it in your second year, Dad and Professor Weasley became those blokes Crabbe and Goyle and you thought you were going to be that fat girl, Millicent Bullstrode. Could you have become perhaps Goyle if you wanted or must the person you change into be the same sex that you are?"

Hermione stared at Emily, then went to get up, but stopped, realizing where she was.

"Now you gone and done it; ruined Mum's vacation," Caitlin chided Emily. "You've asked her a question she doesn't know the answer to and we're two days away from a library."

"I don't recall the potion having any restriction other than it had to be a human and not an animal," Hermione said. "That would be truly creepy. Having your appearance change to that of another person is strange enough without it being someone of the opposite gender."

"What made you ask about Polyjuice?" Harry asked.

"The same as just now," Emily explained. "We were kidding about it not really being Kim, but probably some boy using Polyjuice. Then we wondered if that were actually possible."

Harry nodded his head in understanding. "How about the Weasley's? Do you guys have any special plans for today?"

"Probably just hang around the pool," Sam said. "I can't remember the last time I had a tan this dark."

"I'm going to make sure I get my fair share of food these last couple of days," Ron said.

"Poor boy, like you've starved up to now," Sam remarked, shaking her head at Ron. "Tonight, of course, we plan on going to the casino with Jim and Bonnie. Are you guys sure you won't join us?"

"You have your fun," Hermione said. "I've been rather in opposition to gambling every since my grandfather became addicted. He died leaving my grandmother practically penniless. Thankfully, Mum and Dad had good jobs and could help her out."

* * * * * *

9:00 AM

"Where are you off to so early?" Draco asked, pulling Ginny toward him and into an embrace.

"I have to go into Hogsmeade," Ginny answered. "Ron asked me to remove the wards off their apartment so that the landlord could show it to some prospective tenants."

"Right. I forgot that your brother was moving into the castle this weekend," Draco muttered. "There goes the neighborhood."

"Actually, I guess it not all terrible news," Malfoy said, after some thought. "It will be nice having Timmy closer at hand. I'll get to see more of my son and have the opportunity to take a greater part in his upbringing. It will be nice to see Samantha too, especially when she runs about unclothed."

"You've seen Sam nude?" Ginny asked, visibly upset at the likelihood. "I mean other than when you two conceived Timmy."

"Yeah," Draco said understatedly. "I guess the first time was about four months ago. I was running early to pick up Timmy, and your brother had just departed a few minutes before I got to their apartment. Sam thought he had forgotten something and had returned - she flung the door open wide. I'm not sure which of us was the most surprised."

"So what happened?" Ginny asked.

"She looked around the room and, after realizing there was nothing available to put on, just shrugged her shoulders. She commented that if she was going on a nudist cruise, she had better become accustomed to people seeing her naked. Anyway, Timmy was there. We had tea and then Timmy and I left."

"My nude sister-in-law sat and had tea with you," Ginny said flabbergasted. "You don't think that perhaps you should have shared this news with me before now?"

"No, actually I don't see why you're acting so upset at the moment," Draco said. "I've seen her starkers on a number of occasions since then. Hell, a week doesn't go by that I don't see one of the Potter girls naked."

"That's not the point," Ginny said. "You were once involved with Sam."

"But I'm with you now," Draco reminded her."

He then pulled Ginny close to him, lifted her skirt and plunged his hand into her knickers. "I think you're going to be late meeting that landlord," he said, grabbing the delicate material in his hand and with a single jerk ripping the tiny knickers off. "Why do you insist on wearing these?" He asked, tossing the now worthless item of clothing to the floor.

* * * * * *

11:00 AM

"Ron, are you one hundred percent positive about tonight?" Bonnie asked, concernedly.

"Sure," Ron answered. "I've been looking forward to it ever since our first conversation."

"It's just that," Bonnie hesitated, "I don't want things to change between us. Jim and I have done this before, and in most cases, it's been the last we've seen of the other couple. I like you and don't want to lose your friendship."

Ron stared at Bonnie, for the moment totally forgetting their chess game. "Why should an evening of gambling change how you feel about people?" he wondered.

"Bonnie, I'm hoping that we both have an enjoyable evening, but no matter what happens we've had a pleasurable week," Ron declared, giving up on trying to figure out Bonnie's concern. "I value the friendship that we've acquired and have no intentions of just tossing it aside."

"I don't want to lose you and Sam as friends either," Bonnie proclaimed. "By the way, Jim suggests that we eat at the early sitting tonight. That will give us more time,"

"I'm totally in favor of that," Ron agreed. "I want to really enjoy our time together."

Bonnie's face flushed.

* * * * * *

1:00 PM

"I haven't seen you guys for the last few days," Angel said as she walked up to Emily, Kim and Caitlin.

"Did you hear someone talking?" Emily asked the other girls, ignoring Angel.

"Not anyone I want anything to do with," Caitlin answered.

"I'm sorry about Roz the other day," Angel implored. "You know how she is. I'm pretty much forced to do what she says."

"No matter who it hurts!" Kim cried out. "I thought you were different, but you're just like her."

"Your aunt doesn't want you hanging around us or having anything to do with us," Emily said. "Well, tell her not to worry. We don't want anything to do with you either."

"But what did I…?" Angel stared at the girls, not seeming to understand why they were treating her as they were.

"Why don't you just move along and go practice for the contest," Emily said. "Obviously, winning it means an awful lot to you."

Angel turned and ran, tears streaming down her face.

"She acted upset," Kim remarked. "It was as if she didn't know what we were talking about."

"I think the key word there is acted," Caitlin replied.

* * * * * *

9:00 PM

"I'm happy that you were able to join us for dinner tonight," Hermione commented as everyone finished up his or her dessert.

"It was unquestionably our pleasure," Michelle said. "After all you and Harry are certainly the two most fascinating passengers on the cruise."

"You have an interesting way with words," Harry said, a smile on his face.

"Don't mind Michelle," Lloyd said. "She adores you guys - has since she met you last year. The magic thing is just sort of a bonus. What are your plans for next year? Will you be returning to Cap d'Adge?"

Harry glanced at Hermione, who smiled and nodded her head. "I'm sure we will. Hermione and I have come to love the naturist lifestyle and the girls - well, you know that naturism is a very important aspect of who they are."

"We'll have to keep in touch then," Lloyd suggested. "Perhaps we can schedule our holidays for the same time?"

"Sounds good to me," Harry said.

"Do you think your friends will be giving Cap d'Adge a try?" Lloyd asked.

"Not unless a miracle occurs in the interim," Harry responded. "Sam and Timmy love everything connected with being a naturist, but Ron, I'm afraid, will always be a textile."

"I noticed that he didn't seem to be having a very good time accept when he was playing chess," Lloyd commented. "Speaking of Ron and Sam, where are they tonight?"

"They dined at the early sitting along with the girls," Harry said. "Jamie and the others are babysitting Lynn and Timmy tonight so that Sam and Ron can spend some time with Jim and Bonnie. They are going to the casino."

"I doubt that if the kids are being babysat," said Michele rather maliciously. "Jim and Bonnie are swingers."

"I don't understand," said Hermione.

Michele stared a Hermione in disbelief. "I think you've been away from our world too long. Haven't you noticed how they act toward Sam and Ron? To Jim and Bonnie, swapping spouses or partners is their idea of fun. I doubt very much that they will get anywhere near the casino tonight."

* * * * * *

"My god, I can't believe they'd do this!" Hermione bawled as she and Harry practically ran through the passageways until they reached Ron's stateroom.

"What do you intend to do?" Harry asked. "They are adults."

"Harry, they're our best friends," Hermione cried. "This will destroy their marriage; we just can't stand by and let them…"

"We can't just barge in either," Harry warned. "What if Bonnie and Ron are, you know, doing it?"

"If they are, I hope they both enjoy spending the balance of their lives as slugs," she vented maliciously.

Hermione pointed her wand at the door to Ron's suite. "REDUCTO," she shouted, blasting the door to shreds, and then charging heatedly into the room.

Before Harry could follow, Hermione's face turned pallid and then crimson.

"Oh my god Harry, I can't believe what I just did," Hermione said, looking as if she were about to heave her dinner. She turned back toward the opening, shouted "REPARO" and then rushed to their accommodations.

Caitlin stuck her head out to check on the noise, but Harry motioned with his hand for her to return to her room.

Hermione flung herself on the bed, tears pouring from her eyes, as there was a knock at the door.

"Don't open it, Harry. I can't face them," Hermione pleaded.

"What is it?" Harry asked, trying to console her. "What did you see? Were Ron and Bonnie having sex?"

"No," said Hermione. "I can't believe I just burst in on them like that. I'll never be able to face them."

"Hermione, I don't understand. What happened?" Harry implored.

Hermione looked up at him as she fought to hold back the tears. "I shattered the door and barged in on Ron and Sam having sex."

* * * * * *

Earlier that evening 7:30 PM after the Early Seating

"Ron, why don't you and Bonnie take Timmy and Lynn to the girls' stateroom and get them settled in for the night." Jim suggested. "There is something I want to show Sam, then we'll meet you at your room, and we'll all head to the casino together."

Ron agreed, but watched questioningly as Sam and Jim departed. He wondered what Jim wanted to show Sam that necessitated them going to his stateroom.

"What did you want to show me?" Sam asked.

"That was just an excuse so we could get away," he said. "By the way; that was a good cover story you and Ron came up with - telling the girls we were going to the casino."

"But we are, aren't we?" Sam said, a bewildered expression on her face, as they reached Jim's stateroom.

"I guess we could later," he said opening the door, "then you wouldn't be lying."

The door had no more than closed behind them when Jim turned and said. "You can't imagine how eagerly I've awaited this moment." Without further word, he seized Sam and slid his fingers into the fold of her vulva.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING!?" Sam yelled as she pulled away from Jim and gave him a firm slap across the face.

Jim looked at her, both surprised and confused. "Why did you do that? I thought you were looking forward to swapping partners for the night as much as I was?"

"Swapping? SWAPPING PARTNERS!? Is that what you meant by adult entertainment!?" Sam asked incredulously. "I actually thought you were referring to going the casino. I'm happily married, and I define married as being faithful to your partner!

"Did you truly think I would have sex with you?" Sam asked, dismayed. "Jim, I thought you were a nice guy, but I'd never consider cheating on my…" Then Sam came to a horrible comprehension. "Is Bonnie under the same misconception? Does she think Ron wants to swap?"

"I would imagine that they might be doing so at this very moment," Jim said. "Under those circumstances are you sure you don't want to reconsider?"

"No I don't," Sam said mournfully. "I'm not sure that I'll ever be able to forgive Ron, but I know I'd never excuse myself." Sam headed for the door.

"Where are you going?" Jim asked. "What if they're still at it?"

"If that possibility is reality, don't be at all surprised if your wife returns to you in a somewhat bruised and battered condition."

* * * * * *

Sam stood outside the door, not knowing what to do. A part of her wanted to burst into the room and hex the occupants fiercely. Another part of her wanted to collapse of the floor and drown in her tears.

Slowly she grasped the knob and opened the door. There they were: together in the middle of the room - playing chess. "Chess! You're playing chess!" she said, choking on her tears.

"I'm not a family wrecker," Bonnie said. "I've been struggling over tonight for the last few days. I like both you and Ron a lot and didn't want to lose our friendship. I was relieved to discover that it was all just a misunderstanding."

"Then nothing happened between you?" Sam asked.

"Not exactly nothing," Ron answered. "She's beating me pretty quickly here. Guess my mind was on you."

"But when you realized what was going on, why didn't you come after me? Weren't you concerned?" Sam asked.

"It was a combination of trust and guilt," Ron said timidly. "Bonnie assured me that you were safe and that Jim would never force you to do something you didn't want to do. I knew that if you decided to sleep with him, it would be of your own volition."

"You would have been all right with that?" Sam asked stunned.

"No, not really, but I felt I owed you," Ron said. "I haven't been there for you and Timmy this week - not one bit. I've been hiding behind a chessboard. I trusted you not to, but at the same time if you had, I could hardly blame you.

"I'm not going to hide anymore," Ron said. Before either Bonnie or Sam realized what was happening, he slipped out of his shirt and dropped his shorts and drawers to the floor.

"I'm going to be one of you at least for the rest of this cruise and I hope beyond."

Sam rushed to Ron, smothering him with kisses and embracing him tightly.

"Sam, I swear I'm going to do this, but it won't be easy if the first thing you do is cause me to have a stiffy in front of Bonnie."

"I think that's my signal to go," Bonnie said. "Are the three of us alright?"

"We're more than alright," Sam said. "And the damage between me and Jim is repairable."

"Then I'll be going," Bonnie said. "I suggested to Ron earlier that we actually go to the casino, but I have a feeling you two might have other plans."

It seemed Ron and Sam hadn't heard her. They were already initiating their 'plans' as she slipped quietly out the door.

* * * * * *

"Harry, they're our best friends, but I'll never be able to face them again," Hermione cried burying her head in the pillow.

"Well you're going to have to, and, as you Brits say, 'straight away'!" Sam said with quite a bit of indignation. She and Ron had suspended their hormonal activity and followed Harry and Hermione back to their stateroom.

"I'm so sorry," Hermione blubbered, incapable of looking directly at either of her friends.

"Muggles have a time tested way of thwarting such mishaps," Ron said with sarcasm and crossness. "Being Muggle born, I would have thought that you might have heard of it. It's called knocking."

"I know," Hermione whimpered, "but I thought you were…"

"You thought I was with Bonnie and that I was cheating on Sam," Ron said, cutting Hermione short. "The pre-Azkaban Ron probably would have done just that and not worried the slightest about the consequences. This Ron knows better! I realize what a fantastic loving wife I have, and I'm not about to risk losing her for the sake of a one-night fling."

"I'm sorry Ron, I should have had more faith in you, but when I became aware of what Jim and Bonnie truly meant by 'adult entertainment', I panicked," Hermione said, her head still buried.

"I understand," Sam said. "As much as I love Ron and recognize that he loves me, I too was concerned, especially when I got to our stateroom and heard Bonnie's voice inside."

"Then you understand why I burst in?" Hermione said, hoping that somehow Ron and Sam could forgive her.

"We understand," Ron said seriously, "but we'll still have to perform a memory charm on you."

Hermione's head burst out of the pillow as together she and Harry looked at Ron in sheer disbelief.

"He's kidding," Sam said. "What's done is done. We'll all just have to learn to live with it."

"If we're going to just live with it, could you two possibly have another go at it since I missed it the first time?" Harry asked, a wide grin on his face. "You know, sort of a show and tell for adults. I'm always keen to be taught new techniques."

"Then you will have to get some porn," Ron retorted as he gave Harry an evil look and Hermione tossed a pillow at him. Sam reacted differently, however, as she threw her arms around Harry and kissed him. "You two are the best friends a couple could ever have," Sam said, giving Hermione a caring glance.

"How come he's always the one to get kissed?" Ron complained.

"Because you always back away whenever I get within touching distance of you," Hermione countered briskly. "Stay put and I'll give you the identical treatment."

Ron did not have time to respond before Hermione had closed the distance between them and kissed him, too. It wasn't until Hermione felt something squeezed against her that she broke the embrace.

"Ron, you're naked," she said, as much amazed at the fact that she hadn't noticed as she was at the fact itself.

"And your flaccid," she then added. "Considering as what I just did, should I be happy or depressed?"

"Be happy for me," Ron answered. "It seems my subconscious has finally acknowledged that there is a difference between nudity and sex."

"Does that mean you'll be joining us in the pool tomorrow," Harry asked hopefully.

"I'm not sure about that," Ron said hesitantly. "I should probably learn to walk before I run."

"Then what do you say we take a stroll on the Promenade deck before calling it a night," Hermione suggested. "It's late; there shouldn't be too many people about. Besides, it's dimly lit."

Sam looked warily at Ron, but he nodded his head yes. "Maybe we could grab a slice of pizza, I'm starved."

Harry smiled. "It's nice to know that no matter how much some things change in our lives, other things will always remain constant."

"Such as?" Sam questioned.

"Your husband," Hermione said. "He always has been and always will be hungry."

* * * * * *

Day Ten, Wednesday, August 17, 2005, At Sea

1:00 PM

"Checkmate!" Bonnie exclaimed. "Are you going to pay up or back out on your bet?"

Ron took a deep breath. "I'm going to pay up," he said resolutely. "Actually, I had decided to pay up whether I won or lost the game. Are you going to join me?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Bonnie said, with a smile, as she got up from the table.

Ron looked around the pool until he spotted Sam and Timmy. "Wish me luck," he said to Bonnie, as he dropped his towel on the chair.

Ron leaped in and began swimming in the direction of Sam, Bonnie on his heels.

"Daddy!" Timmy yelled happily. "Look mummy! Daddy got nudie and in the pool."

Sam smiled as Timmy madly splashed his way toward Ron and then threw his arms around his Dad's neck.

"He really loves his daddy," Bonnie said, as she settled herself on the edge of the pool next to Sam.

"They're very close," Sam agreed, nodding her head. "Where is Jim today? He's not avoiding me because of last night is he? It was just a misunderstanding. I'm not angry." Sam blushed before continuing. "If the truth be known, I'm rather flattered by the whole incident."

"It's not you, he's avoiding," Bonnie answered, her face turning serious. "It's me. I told him I didn't want to have anymore to do with this swinging lifestyle. I imagine he is trying to decide if he wants to be monogamous. "

Sam looked at Bonnie compassionately. "Personally, I think he's a fool. He should have been able to make that decision without any thought."

"I would have hoped that too," Bonnie agreed, dejectedly. "I really love him and so does Lynn. The last thing I want is to get divorced, but…" She sighed. "I imagine the final decision on that is in his hands."

"You and Lynn can make it on your own?" Sam asked concernedly.

"As long as I can keep dancing, we'll be fine," Bonnie said. "Once I start to show my age and lose my figure, things might be different, but somehow, we'll survive." She looked at Sam. "I hope it doesn't come to that."

"Ron did it," Hermione squealed excitedly as she bounded over to joined Sam and Bonnie. "I never thought I'd get to see him naked." Hermione paused after realizing what she just said. "That didn't sound very proper, did it?"

"Hermione, it's okay!" Sam said. "Bonnie and I know what you mean and feel the same way. It's taken a lot for him to do this."

"You have a very special guy there," Bonnie said enviously. "You are both very fortunate."

"I know," Sam responded. "Not a day goes by that I don't appreciate my good fortune."

"Are you going to give us a hint about the show tonight?" Hermione asked. "The girls won't even tell us what song Kim is singing."

"She's singing two songs, both show tunes," Bonnie confessed. "But I can't tell you anymore."

"Is she going to dance, too?" Sam asked, pressing the issue.

"We didn't have time to come up with anything too fancy," Bonnie answered. "She'll be more moving and strutting about than actually dancing."

"It must be thrilling to be on stage dancing professionally in front of an appreciative audience," Hermione commented enviously. "Do you dance ballet or is it more modern, Broadway show type dancing?"

"I took ballet lessons for ten years," Bonnie said, looking dejected, "but no, I'm not in the ballet."

"Don't tell Harry, but I used to attend dancing school when I was younger," Hermione divulged. "I dreamed of being on the stage, showing the world what I had, but times changed and one dream was replaced by another. Now I'm a teacher and a mother and that will never happen."

"Only if you choose to not let it happen," Bonnie said. "I'm a mother. Many of the girls I work with are mothers, and some have other jobs." Bonnie looked at Hermione admirably. "You could make a fortune dancing professionally."

"I could? But I don't have the experience; I've never done it before," Hermione said.

"It's not all about dancing," Bonnie said. "You need self-confidence and a good frame. You be amazed how many doors that body of yours would open."

"Thank you, but without any experience?" Hermione questioned.

"They have tryouts for amateurs monthly," Bonnie said. "If you come and show them what you got, I'd be willing to guarantee that you'd be offered work."

"It sounds so tempting, but we'll be heading home immediately at the conclusion of the cruise," Hermione sighed. "Maybe in another life."

* * * * * *

"She was terrific," Kim declared after Angel finished her piano number. "I'd be willing to give up my magical aptitude in order to play an instrument that well."

"Be careful," Caitlin warned. "Don't use the 'M' word; someone will hear you."

"You can't be serious," Emily whispered. "You'd give up you-know-what just to be able to play some stupid instrument."

"But to play like that is a marvelous gift," Kim insisted.

"By the time you leave school, you'll be able to make the piano play as well as that without even touching the keys," Emily reminded her.

"You just don't understand," Kim said. "It's just different."

"Do you know what I don't understand?" Caitlin asked. "Why did Angel have Roz eliminate Monica from the contest? She was no competition."

"I don't know about Monica, but I'm certainly no threat," Kim said downheartedly. "Maybe I should just withdraw."

"You can't do that," Caitlin implored. "Not after all the time and effort. How would Bonnie feel?"

"I guess you're right," Kim decided. "But I'm going to go get some fresh air. It just makes me more nervous to see everyone else perform."

"Well don't get lost," Emily ordered. "You're number ten. And don't let anyone see your costume."

"Costume?" Kim questioned. "How can you consider a pair of high heels and body glitter a costume? You guys didn't even apply the glitter consistently all over."

"We made it look like one," Emily assured her.

As Emily and Caitlin waited for the second performer to come on stage, Kim walked toward the rear exit door. She was just about to step outside when she heard two people talking behind a side curtain.

"That was wonderful," Roz said approvingly to Angel. "I knew you'd been taking lessons since you were five, but I had no idea you played so good."

"Thank you Aunt Roz," Angel said appreciatively. "I wish you hadn't always been too busy before to attend any of my recitals."

"So do I," said Roz matter-of-factly. "If I had known you were so good, I wouldn't have needed to go to the trouble of eliminating that no talent Frenchie. I can't believe I actually thought she might have a possibility of beating you."

"Eliminating?" Angel murmured to herself. "You're not saying… Aunt Roz did you step on that girl's ankle? On purpose!? How could you?"

"I did it for you. I knew you had practiced hard, and I wanted you to win," Roz said as if justifying her actions.

"Win no matter what! That's cheating!" Then Angel came to a realization. "You've done this before, haven't you!?" Angel asked seething. "Jamie's sisters and her friends know, don't they? That's why they were nice and now they're mean to me."

"Forget them! I told you before that you're better off without their kind," Roz declared.

"No!" Angel said noticeably shaking, a tear in her eye. "I'd be better off without you! GO AWAY!"

"You unappreciative little bitch," Roz yelled, slapping Angel sharply across the face. "I hope that fucking little tramp hammers you."

Roz turned and stomped away, leaving Angel in tears.

After the way she and the others had treated Angel, Kim wasn't sure how the girl would receive her, but she felt obliged to at least approach her.

"Angel, I'm sorry," Kim said sheepishly as she came within reach of the weeping girl. "I was going out for a breath of fresh air and overheard you yelling at your aunt. I'm sorry that we treated you badly. We were wrong to jump to the conclusion that you were involved in what happened to Monica."

"It's okay," Angel said with a sigh. "I don't blame you though. After all, I'm no baby. I should have known. Good luck in the contest. I have to go tell my parents what happened and drop out."

"Drop out!?" Kim said incredulously. "I'm the one that should be dropping out. I only entered the contest out of anger. I thought you were mixed up with Monica being hurt. You were great tonight; you deserve to win."

"That's up to the judges. I've seen you," Angel said. "I think you could win."

"Maybe if the best competition is eliminated," Kim countered. "By dropping out, you'll be doing the same thing for me that your Aunt tried to do for you; eliminate the strongest competition. No matter who wins this contest, they should win because the judges found them to be the best, not because they were the only one remaining."

"If I stay in, will you promise to try your best?" Angel asked.

"I'll try," Kim said. "My first priority will be not making a fool of myself because I'm so nervous."

"Kim, hurry up!" Caitlin yelled after finding her. "They're at contestant number eight; you'll be on soon."

- - - - - -

"She's on next," Harry whispered excitedly to Hermione. "Do you know either of the songs she is singing?"

"No," Hermione said shaking her head. "They're both show tunes according to the program."

The house lights dimmed, as a spotlight illuminated the side curtain. The band played a few introductory notes and then an off stage M.C. announced, "The Princess Lines', one and only burlesque theater, presents Kim Thatcher as Miss Gypsy Rose Lee."

As the trombone player started playing, Kim took a deep breath, pushed the curtain aside and strutted on to the stage.

Let me entertain you
Let me make you smile

"Oh my god Harry, she's playing a burlesque dancer," Hermione whispered nervously.

Kim was indeed playing the part, complete with a pink silk scarf that she was tossing about as she sashayed around the stage as she sang.

Let me do a few tricks
Some old and the some new tricks
I'm very versatile

"Are you sure that's Kim?" Harry asked quietly. "I would have never thought she would do this."

Hermione just stared at Harry, not making any comment.

And if you're real good
I'll make you feel good
I'd want your spirit to climb
So let me entertain you
We'll have a real good time,
Yes sir!
We'll have…
A real good time

As the band went into another chorus of the song, Kim moved about the stage, blowing kisses to the audience and accentuating the movement of her hips with each loud drumbeat.

And if you're real good
I'll make you feel good
I'd want your spirit to climb
So let me entertain you
We'll have a real good time,
Yes sir!
We'll have…
A real good time

On the drumbeats of the last two lines, Kim jerked her hips first right, then left, then to the back and then forward. At the end, to Hermione's horror, she pulled the scarf between her legs and tossed it to the audience.

"Please tell me that she didn't actually do that," Hermione said aghast. "I am going to kill Bonnie for teaching her that."

"But listen to the applause," Harry said. "They loved her."

"The young boys and depraved old men maybe," Hermione said disgustingly. "I'm sure it was intended to poke fun at the old burlesque since this is a naturist cruise, but I just find it poor judgment."

As Harry and Hermione had talked, two young girls pushed a mirrored dresser on stage. The one handed Kim a shirt that she hurriedly put on while the other girl sat a chair next to the dresser.

"Look! It's Caitlin and Emily," Jamie said elbowing Hermione. "I didn't know they were in the show."

Hermione didn't answer. She just sat surprised and stared at her little girls.

KIM So hand me my cuff links

EMILY Yes Sir!

KIM And straighten my tie
Just drench me in rich cologne
And don't ask me why

As Kim sang the number, Emily and Caitlin helped her; first with cuff links and then with her tie and cologne and then continued to follow her instructions.

KIM Go on and pluck me a boutonnière

EMILY You're movin' up and walkin' on air

KIM Steppin' out with a star
And feelin' high

Come polish my shoes

And call for the car (Caitlin whistles)
I'll sweep her right off her feet
Wherever we are

CAITLIN A satin collar and velvet vest!

KIM I never settle for second best
Steppin' out with a star
Sad times bye-bye!

Have I got style?

CAITLIN AND EMILY

Uh Huh!

KIM Have I got taste?

CAITLIN AND EMILY

Uh Huh!

KIM On someone else I swear
This savoir-faire
Would be such a waste.

Come toss me my top hat

I'm ready to fly
Bustin' into the upper crust
As easy as pie!

Just watch my dreams come true
This was somethin' I was born to do
Steppin' out with a star
That star is you.

(holds up a picture, looks at it adoringly)

EMILY Have you got class?

KIM Have I got class!

EMILY Have you got chic?

KIM Have I got Chic!

EMILY To think that you and me were nobody
Why only last week!

KIM I'm ready to fly (pretends to fall)
At least I can try
Just watch my dreams come true
This is somethin' I was born to do

KIM, EMILY, & CAITLIN
Steppin' out with a star
Bye bad times
Steppin' out with a star
Hey good times
Steppin' out with a star
And feelin' high
Yeah!

"They were good, really good," Jamie said, sounding exceedingly impressed.

"Yes! They were," Hermione said positively, apparently forgetting about the first routine.

"While the judges are tallying their scores and deciding the top three winners, the captain would like to discuss a matter of great importance with you," the M.C. announced.

"Whatever it is, I'm innocent this time," Harry kidded.

"The old wharf rat, in all probability, wants to give us a sales pitch on future cruises," Ron commented unconcernedly.

"Hem, hem," the Captain said clearing his throat as he approached the microphone. "That was a very enjoyable show tonight. Each of the contestants is a winner in his or her own right. Hem, hem. I hope you all had a pleasant experience on this Princess Cruise and will sail with us again soon."

"Here we go," said Ron. "Sales pitch time."

"We were very fortunate this trip in that we were able to avoid Hurricane Emily, which was in the Caribbean area the same time as us," the captain noted. "I'm afraid, however, that our luck has come to an end. As we speak, Emily is approaching Fort Lauderdale and will be in that vicinity for most of the next twenty-four hours.

"Due to the storm, docking tomorrow is an impossibility. The bad news, I'm afraid, is that you are stuck with us for an extra day. We will endeavor to help you make whatever adjustments are necessary in your post cruise transportation.

"The good news is that Princess Lines will be picking up the tab for all expenses tomorrow. This includes up to four complementary cocktails per adult and a complementary twenty-five dollar credit in the ship's casino. We'll keep the ship out of hurricane range so that you can enjoy another wonderful day of sunning and swimming."

Ron just stared into space - his worst nightmare was about to take place.

"Hem, hem. Now the winners of our contest."

* * * * * *

"Where are the girls?" Timmy asked, as everyone gathered in the Harry and Hermione's stateroom.

"Kim went to Bonnie's quarters to thank her for all the help, and Emily and Caitlin accompanied her," Jamie answered.

Timmy was just about to moan that it was taking too long, when Emily and Caitlin arrived, followed shortly by Kim.

When Kim entered the room, Harry gave her a big hug. "Those judges might have voted you second place," he said, "but in my book, you'll always be a number one."

"Angel deserved first," Kim said genuinely. "She's studied and worked hard for years. It wouldn't have been right if we had won after only a few days rehearsal."

"You guys were all great," Sam added. "Bonnie did a terrific job coaching you."

"Be that as it may, we have more pressing matters," Hermione said, pacing the room.

"Why? What's the matter?" Caitlin asked.

"The three day phase of the full moon starts tomorrow evening," Hermione replied, looking concernedly at Ron who was sitting quietly but very upset next to Sam. "We knew we were cutting it close when we booked the trip, but we never dreamed a hurricane would cause a twenty-four hour delay. We anticipated, even with the time differences between Fort Lauderdale and Hogsmeade, on being back at Hogwarts long before moon rise."

"Wouldn't you know that a hurricane named after me would screw everything up," Emily said dismally.

"It most certainly not your fault Emily," Harry said putting his arm around her shoulders, "but we do have a major dilemma on our hands."

"Couldn't Professor Weasley just Apparate back to Hogwarts?" Kim asked.

"If only it were that simple," Harry said with a sigh. "You will learn in your third year, when we study werewolves, that they are physically unable to Apparate. Even if he possessed that skill, Apparition becomes more difficult as distance increases. Only highly trained wizards would ever try intercontinental Apparating."

"You've made a Portkey before," Caitlin suggested. "Couldn't you do that again? Use the Portus spell now to make a Portkey and return him to Hogwarts."

"As with Apparition, the making of a Portkey becomes progressively more difficult the greater the distance involved," Harry explained. "You must know where you are and where you desire to end up. The destination is easy: Hogwarts. The problem is I don't know exactly where we are at the moment. Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean between the Caribbean Islands and Fort Lauderdale, Florida is too indistinct. Taking into consideration my relationship with the captain, I doubt he'd be forthcoming with our precise longitude and latitude. "

"Then this meeting isn't about how we are going to get Professor Weasley off the ship and cover up for his absence," Jamie said, nervously looking about the room. "He can't get off. He's going to transform tomorrow night on a ship with nearly a thousand passengers."

"First, everybody should relax," Hermione said calmly. "The situation isn't nearly as calamitous as it seems. Wolfsbane Potion, although it can't cure Lycanthropy, does prevent the extremely dangerous dementia that accompanies the transformation from human into werewolf. We simply have to secure Ron in a room tomorrow night; Harry and I will stay with him until sunrise. Thanks to the potion, he normally just curls up and sleeps after the transformation."

Everyone seemed to glance towards Ron as if asking for conformation, but he just sat with his face buried in his hands shaking his head no.

"Ron, why are you saying no?" Harry questioned. "I know Headmaster Snape brewed an ample supply of potion for you. You have been taking it, haven't you?"

"That's the problem," Ron said tensely. "The trip, the stress, the constant nudity made it necessary for me to take extra potion in order to maintain control over my sexual desires."

"How much is remaining?" Harry asked concernedly.

"I took the last of it tonight before the show," Ron said, his voice trembling. "I'm going to be a hideous, uncontrollable monster tomorrow night. What if I bite someone, or worse, kill him or her? What if it's one of you?"

* * * * * *

Day Eleven, Thursday, August 18, 2005, Still at Sea

"Why weren't the Weasley's at either breakfast or lunch," Kim inquired.

Jamie studied the younger girls momentarily before answering. "I think that the three of you are old enough that you should know the entire truth," she said.

Kim, Emily and Caitlin exchanged questioning glances.

"Most people are unaware of the full effects of Lycanthropy on a person," Jamie explained. "Nearly everyone knows that the bearer of the syndrome transforms into a wolf on the three nights of the full moon, but few appreciate or care that this is only one aspect of the sickness. During the day prior to the full moon, a werewolf goes through a period of heightened sexual desire."

Emily giggled. "Do you mean to say that they get extra horny?" she asked.

Jamie nodded her head yes, but the expression on her face was somber, not one of amusement. "We're not talking sexually stimulated as in the case of a hormonal teenage boy," she said severely. "Wolfsbane Potion will keep the desires in check, but without the potion, a werewolf is practically crazy with lust."

"Professor Weasley would attack one of us?" Kim asked incredulously.

"Mentally he would fight it with all his strength, but eventually his creature instincts could win out if you got too close," Jamie warned.

"Is that why Timmy is spending the day with Bonnie and Jim? But what about Sam?" Emily asked. "She's been alone with him all morning." Then she deduced the answer to her own question. "Sam is trying to satisfy his needs?"

"Over and over again," Jamie answered, "and it's not a loving, reciprocally satisfying sex. It is one-way and at times extremely rough. He nearly killed one of his fellow students during his seventh year when she was stupid enough to seduce him at that time and knew about this part of the lycanthropy. She was an ex-girlfriend desperately trying to win him back from Hermione when she and Professor Weasley were dating."

"So it is almost like being raped?" Caitlin said, horror stricken.

"Probably very similar," Jamie retorted, "but with one huge difference. Sam loves Ron. Actually, there is a second difference as well. Sam takes a potion that keeps her from getting badly damaged physically, but I understand that she is still pretty sore afterwards."

"Look! There's Angel!" Kim said elatedly, happy for the opportunity to change the subject. "She's alone. Let's ask her to join us."

"It would be best if you spent the afternoon with her and your other friends," Jamie advised the girls. "Perhaps you should say you good-byes, too. I think we'll all be needed tonight and, more than likely, we'll be disembarking as soon as the ship docks in the morning."

* * * * * *

"Is she ready? Harry asked, as he and Hermione tried fruitlessly to relax in the sun.

"Oh Harry! She is and she isn't. I'm nervous about her sleeping," Hermione answered apprehensively. "It is one thing to transform and hold you Animagus form for hours when you're awake, but you know how problematic it can be while asleep."

"Yes," he agreed. "The first night you spent with Ron and me, I was extremely concerned. I think I spent the whole night awake watching you. Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are to watch when you're asleep?"

"When I'm a wolf?" she asked skeptically. "Did I ever tell you how much I love you?"

"Not in the last hour," Harry answered. "I'm afraid though that we're going to need her help tonight. It is one thing for only the two of us to be with Ron when he is docile and asleep most the night. Tonight, however, I think we will need her additional strength to hold him at bay."

"What about Jamie?"

"No, it's best she stays with Timmy and the girls. By the way, don't forget to leave her plenty of breast milk for Ben. She'll have at least three feedings."

"It's good that you reminded me," Hermione said. "Jamie and I tried to get Ben to drink Muggle canned baby formula the other day and it was a debacle. He just spit it out. It seems your son prefers breast milk."

"That or he just prefers suckling on your breasts," Harry joked. "Already my son has developed excellent taste. He'll spend his entire existence searching for a girl with a figure as magnificent as his mother's."

"I thought you married me for my brains and personality?" Hermione said, pretending to show displeasure.

"I did," Harry answered innocently. "It's not my fault they came so artistically gift wrapped."

"What did Michelle and Lloyd say," Jamie asked as she came running up to them.

"They agreed, once I assured them that it would be no problem to restore the room to flawless condition," Hermione answered.

"I don't understand. Why do you need their room?" Jamie asked.

"Truthfully, I wish we had access to a food locker or some lower level storage area," Harry admitted. "Unfortunately the plans of the ship that are available to the public don't show any of those areas. Plus we need a place that no one is going to enter."

"But what makes their quarters any better than yours," Jamie inquired. "You have the Weasley's on one side and us on the other."

"And a lot of traffic using the corridor outside," Harry added. "All the soundproofing spells in the world are meaningless if someone walks by and sees a bulge suddenly appear on the bulkhead. Michelle and Lloyd are near the stern of the ship where there is little traffic and a number of unoccupied staterooms surround their cabin."

Jamie stared at Harry and Hermione, a horrified expression etched on her face. "What do you expect to happen in the room that would cause the bulkhead to move?"

"A vicious animal fight, with bodies more than likely being thrown against the walls and doors," Harry said, not even trying to soften the blow. "The sooner we are able to pin Ron, the less damage and chance of someone being hurt. That is why Sam is joining us. Theoretically, a werewolf should be no match for a Griffin, a panther and a gray wolf, but werewolves are extraordinarily strong."

"But what if one of you is hurt, or worse, bitten?" Jamie asked, horrified at the very thought.

"A bite, as long as we are in our animal forms, will be no more dangerous than a normal bite would be,' Harry explained. "We'll just have to endure any injuries received until morning when Caitlin can treat them."

"It's going to be a long night," Jamie said with a sign.

* * * * * *

"Kim, could I talk to you in private?" Brian questioned nervously.

"Sure! Hey guys! We'll be right back," Kim shouted, clutching Brian's hand and leading him out of the pool.

"Don't do anything I won't do?" Emily called after them.

"I guess that gives us an open field," Kim laughed as Brian turned bright red.

Brian led Kim to an empty table, still within view of the others, but out of earshot.

"It's times like this that I wish I had a pair of extendable ears," Emily said carelessly to Caitlin.

"A pair of what?" Jeff questioned.

"Extendable ears," Caitlin said, trying to cover for Emily. "You know, she wishes her ears could reach to that table so she could hear what they were saying."

"Who knows," interjected Mark. "Maybe some day someone will invent them.

Kim and Brian sat silently for a few moments as Brian endeavored to control his jumpiness.

"You were great last night," he finally said. "Not only did you sing and dance first-rate, but you looked awesome. I wish we didn't have to say good-bye. It stinks that we live an ocean a part."

Kim sighed inwardly. She liked Brian, but more than a mere ocean separated them. They lived into two different worlds. This was a summer romance and realistically could never be anything more.

"I've enjoyed spending time with you," Kim said honestly. "It would be great if you and your parents…." Kim was about to say vacationed in Cap d'Adge, but realized that even if the Potters returned there next year, there was no assurance that she would be invited to join them. "The odds are against us ever seeing each other again."

"I hope that isn't the case," Brian said sadly, "but if in fact it is, I was wondering if I could kiss you good bye. Not a kiss on the check, but a real kiss."

"You mean on the lips," Kim said tensely, "with tongues involved. I've never kissed anyone like that."

"Neither have I," Brian replied, looking fondly into Kim eyes. "I'd like you to be my first. I've heard that people never forget their first kiss. I know I'll never forget you."

All of a sudden Kim became conscious that her eyes were watering. "Here with them watching?" Kim said, her palms suddenly sweaty.

"That's up to you," he said. "I'm not afraid to show the world that I like you."

"After last night, I doubt I'll ever be embarrassed about anything ever again," Kim said getting to her feet. "Are we going to do this like adults; I mean hold each other tight in each other's arms."

"That's the way it was in my dream last night," Brian said, heaving a sigh.

Kim moved closer as Brian cautiously wrapped his arm around her. At first, each movement was guarded, but then, as if they had done this before, they were tightly holding each other as their lips touch and they kissed. They continued kissing and soon their mouths opened just enough that their tongues could touch.

* * * * * *

"I feel bad that you girls are going to be spending the night in this passageway," Hermione said.

"What makes you think we're staying here," Jamie said brandishing a smile. "The adjacent room is unoccupied. We'll take turns watching this door while the others keep Timmy and Ben happy. The sound proofing will seal out all noise, won't it?"

"No matter what transpires, you won't hear a thing," Hermione reassured her.

Although it was best for the sake of Ben and Timmy, Jamie did not necessarily find it heartening that she would be unable to hear anything that transpired.

They're coming," Harry said, hurrying around the corner. "You best all get out of sight, he's over the top."

"You mean…" Jamie started to say.

"Just get yourself and the others out of sight and be quick about it," Harry advised.

Jamie had barely closed the door to the previously unoccupied room, when Sam and Ron turned the corner. Sam looked totally exhausted while Ron was sweating profusely He had a strange perverted expression on his face as he looked up and down at Harry's body.

"My god, Sam. Are you all right?" Hermione asked upon seeing her bedraggled best friend.

"I'll be raw for awhile," Sam moaned. "I'm actually glad moon rise is near. I don't think I could have gone another time."

Hermione wanted to ask, but felt it was too personal and actually none of her business. Sam, however, caught the questioned look in Hermione eye. "I lost count," she said looking pained. "It was either thirty-three or thirty-four."

Just as Hermione was about to comment, she glanced at Ron, who was now staring at her very licentiously. "We better get inside," she said apprehensively. She was eager to transform. If they remained in their human states much longer, Ron would surely attempt to rape someone. In their present forms, she was doubtful that the combined efforts of Sam, Harry, and she would be sufficient to prevent such an occurrence. Even in his human form, Ron had the strength of many men on the days of the full moon.

As soon as Ron, Harry and Sam entered the room, Hermione signaled Jamie and then hurried inside herself. The door had scarcely closed when Jamie began applying every locking charm in her extensive repertoire.

"I'm going to transform," Hermione said nervously, as Ron's eyes seemed to try and devour her. "I strongly suggest you both do the same."

The change was quick, almost instantaneous, and the pain, as usual, excruciating, but it passed summarily.

She was now a wolf, but Ron still glared at her lustfully. She had never been in this situation when Ron had not had his potion. Then it happened. Ron howled in pain as if he had been mortally wounded. The griffin, the panther and the wolf all watched, the panther with tears in its eyes.

Ron jerked uncontrollable with pain as his body transformed from that of a man to a werewolf. Although it seemed much longer, the conversion actually took less than a minute.

More often than not, when Ron had the Wolfsbane Potion, he would circle the room a few times and then, tired by the exertion of transforming, curl up and fall asleep. Without the potion, his reactions were extremely different. He stood rigid as if defending his turf, his eyes moving from the panther to the griffin and back. He ignored the wolf, either because he expected her assistance or because he was protecting her.

Then without warning, he leapt at the griffin. The two rolled about the room, smashing furniture and lamps as they clawed and chomp at each other. Then the wolf joined the fray, but not in alliance with its own breed, but rather with the griffin. Blood splatter the room, as the three beasts seemed to bite the air haphazardly. The panther watched as if not sure whether to join the battle and, if so, on which side.

When she leapt, the panther did so without error, her jaws grasping the neck of the werewolf and bringing it to the ground with a thud. The griffin and wolf hurled themselves on top of the werewolf pinning it to the ground. At first he struggled, but each movement caused the sharp teeth of the panther to dig deeper into his neck. He was hopelessly pinned. After a time, he relaxed, and, after a much longer time, succumbed to sleep.

* * * * * *

Jamie had just removed the last of the locking charms when she heard the voices approaching.

"I'm not sure what's going on Sir, but something is most certainly not right. The one room is supposed to be unoccupied and they been sort of standing guard outside the other all night."

"I'll handle it from here on," the Captain said as he approached Jamie. "You can get back to your duties."

"Are you sure Sir?"

"Do I look incompetent to you," roared the Captain. "I think I'm quite capable of dealing with any circumstances." That said, the steward turned and hurried off.

"Hem, hem. Now exactly what is going on here young lady?" the Captain asked.

"Nothing! Nothing at all Sir! I was just about to knock and wake them," Jamie said uneasily.

"Fine," said the Captain smugly. "If that's genuinely the case, then allow me to invite you all to join me for breakfast."

"Thank you, but I think we were going to skip breakfast this morning. We have to hurry to make our connections"

"Nonsense, I won't take no for an answer," he barked. "Besides, it will be another two hours before you're able to disembark." Without further discussion or knocking, he threw open the door and ambled inside.

The scene that he was confronted with made him come to an immediate halt. The room was literally destroyed, but that wasn't what made him stop. On the floor in the middle of the room, there was a naked man, either asleep or dead. The Captain assumed dead because a panther had its head resting on the man's blood encrusted neck. Another naked man was spread prone across the dead man's body, with a wolf cuddled next to him.

"What in the name of all that is holy," he cried, turning with the intention to scurry from the room.

Jamie pulled her wand from its invisible thigh sheath.

"Petrificus Totalus!" she cried, pointing it at the Captain.

His arm's snapped to his sides as his legs sprang together. His rigid body swayed momentarily before falling to the floor, stiff as a board and flat on his back.

Only his eyes could move, looking up at her in horror, as Jamie stepped over him and hurried to wake the others.

"We've had a glitch," Jamie said, as Harry opened his eyes. "One of the stewards became suspicious and brought the Captain to investigate, just as I was removing the locking charms."

"I hate performing a memory charm on a human being, but I'm afraid there is no choice," Hermione said reluctantly.

"Lets get this place back in order first," Harry suggested, just as the children entered the room followed by Michelle and Lloyd.

"Good lord!" Michelle cried as she first surveyed the damage to the room, then the condition of her friends and finally the petrified Captain. "It looks like you people had an extremely rough night."

"Why is everyone down here," Bonnie asked, and then froze. "What the hell is going on here?"

"Lynn's mommy said a bad word," Timmy whispered to Kim.

Kim just nodded her head as she assessed the situation.

"What is going on!?" Bonnie screamed. "Look at this room, you're all bloody, the Captain is… I'm going to go get…"

"Petrificus Totalus!" Jamie once again cried, this time pointing the wand at Bonnie.

"Jamie, I don't think that was at all necessary," Sam chastised. "I'm sure we could have reasoned with Bonnie."

"We still can," Jamie countered defensively. "I just felt that our main concern was to get the situation under control. We have to get this room restored and get back to our own quarters before anyone else walks in on us. Plus, the Captain will be missed if we don't get him back on duty soon."

"Sam, I have to get out of here," Ron moaned. "Too many people. I need…"

"Jamie is right," Harry commanded. "We have to restore some semblance of order. Sam, you and Ron go back to your quarters. Caitlin, please go with them and tend to their injuries.

"Sam, keep Ron locked in your quarters until we come for you both; don't leave him alone with Caitlin. Jamie, can you handle this mess with Kim and Emily's assistance?"

Jamie nodded.

"Hermione, you have Ben and Timmy," Harry stated. "I can carry Bonnie. Lloyd do you think that you and Michelle can manage to drag the Captain back to our quarters? Let me check that the corridor is empty first."

* * * * * *

"…and that in a nut shell is the entire story, Bonnie. If I release you from this spell will you promise to remain composed so that we can answer any of your questions?" Harry asked. "Wink if you agree."

Just as Bonnie winked her concurrence, Michelle reentered the room accompanied by Jamie, Kim and Emily.

"Finite," Harry said, pointing his wand at Bonnie.

"Can I hire these girls to help clean myr house?" Michelle asked in jest. "It's amazing, the room looks perfect - better than when we arrived. That chipped lamp isn't even chipped any more."

"In that case, we should deal with the Captain next before anyone comes looking for him," Harry recommended. "Bonnie please remain with Kim and Emily until we return. They can answer many of your questions." Harry handed Emily his wand. "I doubt you'll need this, but just in case."

"Hermione will you explain to the others what we intend to do?" Harry asked as they progressed to Michelle and Lloyd's room.

"I'm going to perform a charm on the Captain that will remove all his memory of the last thirty minutes," Hermione explained. "I can't go back any further because the steward, who led him to this corridor might question him about what he found. When I carry out the charm, he will become temporarily dizzy and disorientated. Michele and Lloyd you'll be in your quarters when he barges in. Jamie, as soon as I perform the charm, Harry and I will vacate the area. Do you think you can hold him for the time it takes him to regain his equilibrium?"

"I'll try," Jamie said, as Michelle and Lloyd hurried inside and closed the door

Hermione pointed her wand at the Captain and concentrated on the exact memories she wanted to eradicate.

"Obliviate," she said, and then quickly dashed away with Harry. The Captain fleetingly collapsed in Jamie's arms.

"I'm sorry miss," he said, both confused and flustered at having collapsed against her, however, he recovered his composure quickly. "Now then let's check out this room." Without further discussion or knocking, he threw open the door and ambled inside.

The room was in pristine condition, but much to the Captain's shock, Michelle and Lloyd were standing kissing in the middle of it with Lloyd fondling Michelle's breasts..

"What is the meaning of this outrage!" Lloyd yelled in a fake rage.

"I'm sorry," said the Captain, both embarrassed and aggravated. "One of my underlings led me to believe that something was amiss in this stateroom. Obviously, he was quite mistaken. Please accept my most humble apology. Can I possibly make it up to you? Perhaps you would join me for breakfast?"

The Captain looked at his watch, and then looked at it again. "We'll have to hurry. It's later than I thought," he said. "I must have lost track of time."

"That's extremely nice of you," Michelle said, "but we have plans to join the Potters."

"No, go ahead," Jamie interjected. "I was outside the door, just about to knock, when the Captain arrived. The family is skipping breakfast so that we can be ready to depart as soon as the ship docks."

"Well, in that case, we'd be honored to join you, Captain," Michelle said decorously. Then she turned to Jamie. "Please tell Hermione that I'll write. Have a safe trip home."

Jamie bid Michelle and Lloyd farewell and hurried back to Harry and Hermione's room. Upon entering, she noticed that Caitlin, Ron and Sam had joined the group. For the moment, Ron seemed satiated.

"How did it go?" Harry asked, as soon as Jamie entered.

"Fabulous," she answered. "Michelle and Lloyd did a great job; they made it look like he walked in on them feeling frisky. As far as the Captain is concerned, he just thinks he lost track of time."

"Then we're ready to disembark as soon as we dock," he said, "with the exception of…" Bonnie cut Harry off mid-sentence.

"Except for me," Bonnie finished for him. "Is that what you're going to do to me, the same thing that you did to the Captain? Are you going to modify my memory so that I forget you all?"

"A memory modification is doubtlessly the wisest option," Harry said. "You won't forget any of us or anything that has occurred on the cruise with the exception of the time span since you walked into that room this morning."

"Okay," Bonnie said, her eyes tearful. "Let's get it over with then if you feel you can't trust me."

"Harry! Must we?" Sam asked. "I trust her and so does Ronnie." Ron nodded his head in accord, even as he once again started to stare lustfully around the room at everyone. "You and Hermione didn't alter Michelle's memory, in fact you even allowed her to tell her husband about us."

"It was different with Michelle," Hermione argued. "She figured out on her own that we were different, partly based on things that happen last year. It would have been impossible, after all this time, to go back and modify those memories without causing irreparable damage. Besides Michele is a reputable person who…"

"Now the truth comes out!" Bonnie shouted, interrupting Hermione. "Michelle can be trusted and keep her memory because she is a nurse and therefore automatically considered reputable, but because Bonnie is an exotic dancer, she is not trustworthy. Are all witches bigoted or just you?

Hermione was staggered; in her entire life, no one had ever accused her of being prejudice in anyway until this moment. What actually upset Hermione most was that Bonnie was correct on this issue.

"Mum. Kim, Emily and I have spent the last few days rehearsing with Bonnie," Caitlin said. "I don't think she would ever say or do anything that would place any on us in jeopardy."

"I like her" Jamie declared. "It certainly isn't scientific, but my instinct about people has never failed me yet."

Harry and Hermione exchanged meaningful looks. "We'll go along with the general consensus," Harry said. "There will be no modifying of Bonnie's memory."

Bonnie smiled in relief.

"Bonnie, for what it's worth, I'm sorry," Hermione said, bashfully walking over to the young woman. "I've spent my life fighting for equal rights for all magical creatures and now… I'm so sorry and feel very ashamed."

"Don't be," Bonnie said embracing Hermione. "In my profession, you get accustom to people thinking disapprovingly of you. What is rare is someone admitting they're wrong and not only admitting it, but having the guts to apologize. That takes a special person, someone I'd like to call friend."

"I'd like that," Hermione said genuinely.

"I hate to break up this bonding," Sam said, "but if we want to disembark as soon as the ship docks; we better get a move on.

"Especially," she added, "when one of us has to attempt to satisfy and calm their husband before taking him among the general populous."

"I think I can help you with that, " Bonnie offered.

Sam stared unbelievingly at Bonnie.

"I don't mean like that!" Bonnie said, flustered and turning red. "My stage act requires me to get in some fairly contorted positions at times, and because of that, I frequently suffer back pains. I have a prescription medicine that helps. It is very strong and causes me to become groggy, so I use it on a limited basis. Perhaps it will dull Ron's desires."

* * * * * *

Kim turned back to take one final look at the ship. "Next to finding out I was a witch, that was the grandest week of my life. Thank you so much for having me," Kim said.

"It was our pleasure," Hermione answered with a smile.

"Harry can we hurry and get to the location where we are going to Portkey from," Jamie begged. "Professor Weasley is getting to be extremely heavy and everyone is staring at us."

Ron had one arm around Jamie's shoulder and the other around Sam's. He appeared to be in a semi-comatose state, knowing what was going on about him, but unable to function properly.

"God bless Bonnie for giving us those pills," Sam said. "They've really relaxed Ron."

"Maybe a little too much so," Jamie replied. "We're drawing a considerable amount of attention to ourselves."

"I guess we should have given him two pills like the directions said instead of six," Emily recommended.

"I think we've all already come to that conclusion," Caitlin laughed.

"Where is our Portkey departure point?" Hermione asked.

"Anywhere within twenty-five feet of that warehouse up ahead," Harry answered. "It would probably be best is we slipped around to the back and got out of sight before we shrank our luggage."

"Will the Portkey take us directly to Hogwarts?" Jamie inquired.

"No, it is programmed to take us all to Diagon Alley," Harry advised. "From there Sam and Ron will floo to Hogsmeade where Professor Snape and Madam Pomfrey will be meeting them with additional Wolfsbane Potion. They will then return to Hogwarts. The rest of us will see Kim safely home and then return to Diagon Alley to finish your school shopping for the coming year," Harry continued. "Then we'll floo to Hogsmeade and finally take a coach to Hogwarts. Timmy will be remaining with us and spend the night at the castle with you girls. Hermione and I will be joining Sam with Ron in the dungeon."

"Timmy doesn't want to sleep with the girls," the toddler wailed. "I want to sleep in my own beddie."

"If it's okay, we could spend the night in the Weasley's apartment," Jamie suggested. "I could transfigure us some sleeping bags and order pizza. That way we'll be there if the magical movers arrive before you guys in the morning."

"Is that okay with you Sam?" Hermione asked, smiling her own approval.

Sam nodded her head as Ron mumbled something deliriously.

"If I have a choice, I think I'll opt for the pizza pajama party over the dank dungeon," Harry joked.

"You don't have a choice," Hermione warned. "I need you to keep me warm. Besides, I doubt anyone at the party will be wearing pajamas."

The girls all nodded their concurrence, as did Timmy. Even baby Ben seemed to smile.

Once the warehouse isolated them from public view, Harry preformed a reducing spell on their luggage, and then they all stuck a few pieces in their pockets. Despite the size of the group, Hermione insisted on using only one Portkey for the return trip, not wanting to chance a reoccurrence of their previous debacle.

Again, the Portkey sent them speeding forward in a howl of wind and swirling color, and again when they reached their destination, Timmy was yelling gleefully for more as Ben wailed uncontrollably.

* * * * * *

It was near sunset when Harry, Hermione and their family arrived in Hogsmeade. After giving Jamie some final instructions and exchanging kisses all around, Harry and Hermione hurried to catch a coach for the castle as the others headed for Ron and Sam's apartment.

When Harry and Hermione reached the dungeon, the Headmaster was waiting for them along with Sam and Ron, the latter fast asleep in the corner of a cell.

"Sam tells me that your holiday was not without incident," Severus said with a smile.

"Let's just say it's good to be home," Harry said shaking the Headmaster's hand.

Hermione didn't speak at first, but instead threw her arms around the Headmaster and kissed him firmly on the cheek.

Snape blushed slightly before regaining his composure. "You should go on holiday more often, if I can always expect such a greeting on your return," he said.

"I missed you," Hermione said, giving the Snape her most vibrant smile. "How is everything with you and…"

"Things couldn't be better," he said interrupting Hermione. "The rising of the moon is nearing, perhaps you should all get settled. Professor Weasley most likely will sleep right through his transformation tonight. It seems that the combination of Wolfsbane Potion and the Muggle medicine that he was given have the affect of an extremely strong sleeping draft. It would not surprise me if he didn't wake until morning."

"Does that imply that we can remain in our human form tonight?" Sam asked pleasantly.

"Never!" Snape yelled, unnecessarily coarsely. "Never for a moment even consider being in close proximity to your husband or any other werewolf on the nights of the moon in your human form. He might appear docile now, but when he transforms that hideous creature will take over his mind and body. Should he awake during the night, his natural inclination would be to attack you. He would be on you before you had the opportunity to convert to your Animagus form. The only question would be whether his bite would kill you or turn you into a creature such as he."

As Severus performed the locking charms on the cell door, Harry and Hermione stared sympathetically at Sam, and then all three looked at Ron. He was husband and best friend, and they loved him. The creature that possessed him three nights a month was not Ron Weasley. Ron Weasley was a wonderful loving man who they would always adore and support.

"I'm going to try to contact Caitlin before I transform," Hermione informed Sam. "Do you have any messages for Timmy?"

"Tell him to be a good boy and listen to Jamie," she said. "Also, that Mommy and Daddy love him. If it's not asking too much, maybe she could kiss him good night for me."

Hermione gave Sam a smile of acknowledgement and then seemed to go into a trance.

"It must be wonderful to be able to contact your daughter whenever you want, no owl, no fireplace, just your thoughts to hers," Sam said, with a sigh as she and Harry watched Hermione.

"Yes, the bond those two have seems to only get stronger with time," Harry said. "The way they can communicate is amazing, although not completely without problems."

Sam looked at Harry questioningly as if awaiting further clarification.

"Although the link continually gets stronger, distance is still a limitation," he explained. "Plus they can't make contact when Hermione is in her Animagus form, she really hates that; especially on a night like tonight. Then there is glass."

"Glass?" Sam questioned.

"It's weird," Harry expounded. "Hermione and Caitlin discovered it a few weeks ago when shopping, and Hermione can't figure out a rationalization for it. Their thoughts will travel through brick or stonewalls, but place a plate glass window between them and the thoughts are blocked."

* * * * * *

"Mum and Dad send their love," Caitlin shared as she came out of her reverie. "The four of them will be here first thing in the morning to help with the moving."

Caitlin scanned Timmy who looked extremely grubby. "Your Mum sent her love and asked me to give you a good night kiss, but no way am I going to kiss that face unless you wash it first."

"No kisses," yelled Timmy. "I don't want any girl cooties."

"Isn't it amazing how boys and girls change their attitude about kissing," Emily observed. "Kim and Brian certainly didn't seem concerned about cooties yesterday."

"I think those two might have become an item under different circumstances," Jamie remarked, entering the room with a sleeping Ben in her arms.

"Summer romances stink!" Caitlin said. "You hit it off with someone and next thing you know, you're thousands of miles apart. Kim and Brian in all probability will never see each other again."

"Jamie, between you and Mum, Ben is going to be spoiled rotten," Emily declared. "One of you no more than lays him down and the other picks him up."

"I love holding him," Jamie admitted, "and he is growing so fast. Soon he won't want to be held. He'll want to be down on his own scampering about. I can't wait to have one of my own. Although balancing a career as an Auror and being a mother will be a challenge."

"Have you heard from Amanda recently," Caitlin asked as she settled next to Timmy and started to color in a coloring book with him. "How is Bradley doing?"

"She owled me just before we departed on vacation," Jamie answered. "She says Bradley is becoming a little butterball. She and her parents have been arguing about school. Amanda isn't sure she wants to return. She's afraid Brad will forget her by the time Christmas holiday rolls around." Jamie gave Ben a kiss on the forehead. "I know I couldn't stomach not seeing this little guy for four months."

"Has Tony visited to see the baby?" Emily asked, flopping down on the coach and watching Timmy and Caitlin.

"Amanda hasn't heard from him all summer," Jamie answered dismally. "Amanda doesn't know if it's his doing or if his parents are preventing him from contacting her. She is really downhearted."

"Hi big guy," Jamie said pleasantly as Ben opened his eyes and looked up at her.

Suddenly there was a loud pop, followed without delay by two additional pops. Three extremely unwelcome guests had just Apparated into the room.

End of Chapter Six

---

WARNING PROCEDE TO CHAPTER SEVEN WITH CAUTION There seems to be an unwritten law in movies concerning children and dogs. The law being that they can't be harmed, at least not on screen. Many of us watched the movie Independence Day as aliens killed millions of people and we didn't even flinch. That is until we reached the scene in the tunnel where the boy and dog were in danger. Suddenly we were all upset. They can't die, not a boy and his dog. In that movie we can only guess how many millions of people died. But we didn't see harm come to one child or animal. You don't show that on the screen or even talk about it. In our story there are no animals in harm's way, but innocent children most certainly are, one a toddler and one a mere baby. If you've read HE and HTE, you know the history of Madam Hooch, Damien, Crabbe, Goyle and The Great One. You know what vile acts they have committed in the past and what they are capable of doing. You also know that I love to end chapters with a cliff. LET THE READER BEWARE

Thank you to everyone that took the time to review chapter five. I endeavor to answer all meaningful reviews. All responses will appear on the home site no matter where the review originally appeared so that the answers may be shared with the group.

Thank you also to Amber and Paul for doing the beta work on this tough chapter. Paul has informed me that this will be the last chapter that he will beta. He will be greatly missed because he was much more than a beta reader. He made many story suggestions, gave needed encouragement and most importantly acted as my conscience when I got a little extreme with the girls. Thank you Paul for all your time and effort. Obviously I am in need of a beta. If interested, please contact me at Brwneil@aol.com.

Let Me Entertain You is from the Broadway show and movie musical Gypsy.
Steppin' Out With a Star is from the movie The Muppets Take Manhattan

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