Disclaimer: Ya. I'm JK Rowling. I get online and write Harmony fan fiction because I'm afraid if I write it in the books, those damn militant Ron/Hermione shippers will come after me. Sh…you can't tell anyone. It's my little secret. Just kidding, I'm not her and I don't own this. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter and the plot and some dialogue is based on Rachel Hawthorne's book, Caribbean Cruising. However, everything else, all the details, are mine.
A/N: Thanks for the response on the first chapter. Keep up the reviews! You know how I love to update really quickly.
So I found myself wishing I was writing a fan fic for ginny/draco, b/c I'm getting so tired of the orange links to the stories. Purple is such a pretty color…
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After leaving Hannah at the pool, to enjoy her time, I headed to the salon on the ship where I was to meet my mum. This was her wedding night after all. We were going all out: manicure, pedicure, facial, makeup, hair. Why not start this cruise being as beautiful as possible? Especially with tonight being the start of Mum's new life, and my new adventure.
I knew I was being a bit ambitious to try to accomplish everything on The List. But this cruise felt like the chance of a lifetime, I needed to be ambitious. I was ready to open the door to womanhood. The last item on the list would help me achieve that-even though I knew it would be the most difficult to accomplish. That wasn't me. I usually wasn't like that. But I'm tired of my old self. I don't want a permanent hook up; I want a one night stand to create fireworks on the last night of the cruise. All else be damned. I was going to have fun. I've been practical my whole life, it was time to have some serious fun.
I didn't want to look back and regret that I wasn't up front enough. That I was too scared. I needed to reach out. And The List would definitely help me achieve that.
I finally spotted Mum and Sirius standing together outside of the salon. Mum looked happy. Incredibly happy. She found her soul mate, her second love. Sure, my dad had been her first. But I didn't resent her at all for getting married again; my dad was a part of her life a long time ago. I was truly glad for her and our new life.
Our eyes were the same shade of brown, our hair the same curly brown. When we were little, especially me, our hair had been really bushy and a mess. But as we grew older, our hair turned into radiant brown curls. Mum's hair hit her shoulders, while mine went past my shoulders a bit, letting my loose curls flow a little down my back.
Usually when people first met us, they thought we were sisters. My mum was really young when she married my dad and had me a year later. It was kind of neat to have such a cool mum.
Sirius was a bit older and very distinguished looking-dark black hair, with wisps at his temples. Grayish brown eyes. Every time I saw him, he was wearing a jacket or a blazer, like he always expected to meet someone important. Or maybe it was simply because he was important.
"Hey kiddo," Sirius said as I neared.
He always called my kiddo. I thought it was because he couldn't remember my name at first, until I realized it was his way of showing affection.
"Hey," I said. And it occurred to me that maybe he would want me to start calling him dad after tonight. I wasn't ready for that. He wasn't my dad. He was my mum's husband.
"Is your cabin satisfactory?" he asked.
I knew that if I told him I wasn't happy, he would do something about it. It wasn't just small talk. I couldn't imagine having as much influence as Sirius did.
I nodded. "It's perfect. Thanks."
"Got any questions about the cruise? Getting around, what to expect?" he asked.
"No, Sir. I think I'm cool with everything. I studied all the brochures you gave Mum, so I know what to do." I wasn't going to tell them that I also wanted to do some things that weren't in the brochures.
"She's probably already created a checklist of everything she plans to do," Mum said with a loving smile. "Hermione is a great believer in lists."
I was also a great believer in not sharing everything with mum. I loved her to death, but it's a fact of life that there are some things parents are better off not knowing. I figured she'd freak if she knew that I planned to have my own version of a honeymoon during this cruise.
"All righty, then, I'm going to leave you ladies to make yourselves more beautiful." Sirius leaned over and kissed Mum on the cheek before winking at me. "Although I don't see how that's a possibility."
I fought the urge to roll my eyes. I know my mum thought it was romantic, but Sirius got a little corny sometimes. Then again, I wouldn't mind some guy telling me I'm beautiful.
"Have fun," Sirius said.
"We will," Mum assured him.
As soon as he disappeared in the throng of people, Mum hooked her arm with mine and marched me down the hall like we were rejects from the Wizard of Oz.
"Are you sure the cabin's alright?" Mum asked.
"It's terrific, Mum."
"Are you going to be okay staying all by yourself?"
"A little late to worry about that, isn't it?" I teased.
She laughed. "A mum always worries. I'm just sorry Hannah can't stay past tonight."
"Yeh, she's totally miffed now that's she's had a chance to see a little of the ship. But I'll make friends. I'll be fine."
"Sirius and I have a two bedroom suite. You could stay in the other bedroom-"
"No way!" I cut her off. The last place I wanted to be was where Mum and good old Sirius could keep an eye on me. As soon as my obligations regarding the wedding were over, I planned to hit my to do list with determination until every item on it was checked off.
"I love my cabin," I assured her. "I've been on my own forever. I'll be fine, really."
"I know, it's different though, Hermione, you'll be going new places-"
"I'll find someone to hang out with. There are so many people here, I'm sure I'll find someone my age. If nothing else, I'll hang out with a bloody cruise director. There are so many activities planned."
"You're right. I should get used to you on your own. You'll be graduating soon, going out into the world…you're almost a young woman," She said wistfully.
And before this cruise was over I planned to cross the threshold into complete womanhood.
I followed Mum into the salon. It was way upscale. Nothing like any salon I'd ever been to.
We planned for this to be our last afternoon together as mother and daughter before Sirius came into our lives on a permanent basis.
Mum and I had a wonderful afternoon of bonding. While we had our facial, manicure, and pedicure, we talked about old times and how our lives were about to change. Mum, being typical mum, wanted to reassure me that our relationship would never change.
But I knew it would. It was changing now, before our very eyes, as our make up was applied by professionals and our hair was moussed and spritzed and twisted and curled.
The changes weren't so much brought on about mum getting married. They were about me getting out on my own. No curfew. No having to account for my whereabouts.
Mom might believe that things wouldn't change.
But I knew differently.
I knew they've already begun.
~~
Once my French manicure dried, I gave Mum a kiss on the cheek, promising to meet her on the top deck a little before eight. I then returned to my cabin to find Hannah gazing out from my balcony.
"How was the pool?" I asked her.
"It was great." She glanced over her shoulder and did a double take. "Wow! Hermione you look…amazing! More beautiful then Spring Formal night!!"
Spring Formal night at Beauxbotons only came once, so Hannah and I had gone all out. We did the `glamour' thing together. In fact, we'd done so much together, it was hard and lonesome to imagine taking off on this new adventure without her.
I mean, it's not like I hadn't taken vacations without her before, but they were always with Mum. This one was totally on my own. Kind of scary to think about.
"Is your mum nervous?" Hannah asked me.
I sat down on chair, "I guess a little."
I wanted to remain patient and not rush through one of the most important evenings of my Mum's life. But I was also ready to begin my best summer ever, and I couldn't do that until after the ceremony.
Midnight was the witching hour. My obligations to Mum and Sirius would be over, and I would truly be on my own, with my list in hand.
In the distance the sun was only just beginning to set, painting the sky in oranges, pinks, and lavenders. The water became a rich blue.
"You are going to have the best time," Hannah added suddenly.
"I'm counting on it."
She held up a hand. "Don't tell Will, okay? But I met at least a half a dozen guys at the pool."
Will was one of the reasons Hannah wasn't coming. She didn't want to be away from him. And he didn't want her to be away from him. Part of me thought it would be wonderful to have that kind of commitment to someone, where you wanted to be with that someone all the time. But part of me also thought that was a little confining.
Maybe it was one of the reasons I'd never gotten serious with a guy. Because while I longed to have a relationship, I was a bit scared of it.
"Were they cute?" I asked.
"Every one of them was too hot to believe."
My excitement level soared at the prospect of meeting several cute guys. "I can hardly wait for this cruise to get underway," I told her.
"You are going to have a blast."
"Ya think?"
"Definitely."
I smiled at her assurance and enthusiasm. It was contagious.
"Well, I suppose I need to start getting dressed," I said.
Hannah was already in her dress, I assumed she'd changed after getting back from the pool.
I went back inside. Since my hair and make up were already done, It didn't take long to get ready. My shimmering lavender gown was sleek with flowing lines, had spaghetti straps, and a gathering of folds across the bodice that dipped down and moved fluidly when I did. I loved it.
I slid on low-heeled lavender sandals; appear teardrop earrings and necklace set. I wanted to look elegant tonight-for mum. After tonight, I'd go casual. I didn't see myself putting on this fancy dress again until long after we'd returned home.
I held out my arms and twirled slowly. "What do you think?"
"Better than Spring Formal night."
"Anything's better than that night>"
That was the night I'd realized that my date wasn't destined to be long-term part of my life. He was more interested in hanging around with his buds then dancing with me.
I grabbed my small, white beaded purse. "Ready?"
"As I'll ever be."
We headed for the door.
"Where's your duffle bag?" I asked her.
"Oh, I took it to the car earlier. I figured things would be crazy after the wedding and reception. Besides, I was afraid the temptation to stow away would be too great."
"I wonder what would happen if you did."
"I would possibly lose my boyfriend."
"Will's not that jealous," I said.
"Yeah, right. I'm sure he'd absolutely understand my running lose on a cruise ship with a lot of hot
single guys on board."
Hot single guys. I couldn't wait to be set lose among them. We left my cabin and walked to the elevator.
"There are probably just as many single girls on the ship," I said.
Hannah shrugged. "I didn't see many at the pool."
"I'm not sure everyone is on board yet. We don't sail for a few more hours."
The elevator arrived and we got inside. I pushed the button for the Starlight deck, where tonight's activities would take place. The captain was going to officiate the ceremony, which I thought was cool.
The elevator came to a slow stop. Hannah and I stepped out onto the Starlight deck. It was so romantic. The sun was setting and twilight was easing in. Tiny white lights were strung along the railing. White cloth-covered tables had been set on one side of the deck. Candles flickered inside hurricane lamps. An ice sculpture of a mermaid wearing a wedding veil sat in the center of the table where punch cascaded into a bowl. Nearby was a multitiered wedding cake, topped with the traditional bride and groom.
On the far side of the deck was a white latticed archway with flowers and lights woven through it. I could see a man wearing a captain's uniform talking to Sirius. Chairs had been positioned behind the archway. People were already sitting in many of them.
Near the archway was a small orchestra. I assumed they'd play Here Comes the Bride and provide music for
the dancing after the ceremony.
"Where's you mum?" Hannah asked.
"I'm sure she's around here somewhere, we'll ask Sirius."
I saw him walking toward us. Quite a crowd had already assembled. Many people were standing and mingling.
"Hey, kiddo," Sirius said.
He looked quite handsome all decked out in his tuxedo.
"Hi, Sirius. You remember my friend, Hannah, don't you?" I asked, tilting my head toward Hannah.
"Sure do. Did you change your mind about joining us?" Sirius asked.
"I changed my mind, but my bank account didn't."
"Maybe you can join us on the next one then," he said. "They're addictive. One muggle tradition I fell in love with." He turned to me. "Are you ready for the big moment?"
"You bet."
"They've got your mum hidden off in a corner somewhere, but I wanted to introduce to you the best man before we get started here. He's one of my best friend's son. I didn't think you'd want to walk down the aisle with a man old enough to be your father, so I asked my godson to stand as my best man."
Godson. Godson. Sirius Black's godson. Harry Potter. The Harry Potter. I'd read all about him, never met
him, never seen him. But I've heard of him and Sirius talks about him all the time. I was resenting this moment,
because I figured Harry was some arrogant little rich kid. "Oh, Sirius, you didn't have to do
that."
"Nonsense. He was already coming. I've been friends with his parents forever. His father, of course…well, you know the story." Yep, I knew the story. James Potter, Harry's father was killed by Voldemort. Lily Potter survived, but that didn't stop a second war. Harry defeated him in the end though. "But his mum is here tonight with him. I wouldn't dream of a wedding without them. He was glad to have the opportunity to come on the cruise, and it'll give you someone to pal around with." He glanced over his shoulder and motioned toward a group of people with his hand. "Harry, Lily, can you come here for a moment?"
At first all I saw was a red headed woman, green eyes, smiling as she walked towards me. Then I saw him.
A guy moved away from the crowd and walked toward us, behind his Mum, from the shadows into the light. He had piercing green eyes. His jet black hair was combed back. In a tuxedo, he was totally bloody hot.
My heart started pounding, my mind went blank, my mouth went dry.
"This is Harry Potter, my god son," Sirius said. "Harry, this is Hermione, my soon-to-be step-daughter, and her friend Hannah."
"Hi," Harry said.
"Hello," I cleverly responded. Not.
"It's great to meet you, Harry," Hannah said.
It was great to meet him. Why was I shy about saying so? I wondered. Why did my brain go into total meltdown whenever a cute guy, especially Harry talks to me?
"His parents and I go way back, of course. Lily, this is Hermione." Sirius introduced me.
She smiled at me warmly and shook my hand. "Sirius has told me how brilliant you are. So nice to meet you!"
"Thanks, it's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Potter. Are you coming too?" I asked, focusing my attention on her.
"Call me Lily, luv. And yes, I'm coming. I'm going to try to spend sometime to myself." She smiled
at looked between Harry and I before winking at Sirius. What was that about?
Sirius grinned and looked at me. "Your cabins are right beside each other," he leaned toward me, apology
in his eyes. "There was the little matter of age. I managed to get you two beside each other, though Harry is
sixteen too. He's there to look after you."
Great. Harry, the new found hunk, was there to look after me. I absolutely wanted to die of mortification at the thought that he thought I needed some sort of babysitter.
"That's really not necessary-" I started.
"I don't mind." Harry cut me off.
But I minded. I had my list of things to do, and I didn't need someone watching over me.
"Thanks, but-"
"Mr. Black?"
The interruption came from a woman wearing a ship's uniform.
"Yes, Cindy?" Sirius said.
"We're ready to begin. If you and your best man want to join the captain beneath the archway, I'll get your bride."
"All right." Sirius kissed me on the cheek. "See you in a bit."
"Bye." Lily called as she sat down in the first row. Harry followed Sirius to the latticed arch.
"This cruise could not have gotten any better," Hannah said.
"I don't know how you figure that."
"You've got that hottie right next door."
"Yeah, but he's Sirius' god son, and he's Harry bloody Potter."
"So?"
It was beyond explaining. Not that he would want me anyway, I wanted wild nights, romance, drinking, kissing and dancing.
I didn't want someone to `pal around' with. His presence was going to seriously limit my escapades.
~~
A/N: There's chapter two for you. The first few chapters might be a lot like the book, b/c it's all introductions and descriptions. But I plan for this story to have a bit of a different feel to it. I plan on having Lily, Sirius and Hermione's mum more present in this fic then in the book. Thanks for reading, now review!!
Next Chapter: The Wedding Ceremony. Champagne. So much more.
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