Caribbean Cruising

A/n: Welcome to my newest story, Caribbean Cruising. Of course it's very Alternate Universe, but I know you'll love it. Or I hope. I hope my loyal readers, and the new readers I get, will enjoy this story! Be brutal! You guys are amazing…I love you all!

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 is based on Rachel Hawthorne's book, Caribbean Cruising. However, everything else, all the details, are mine.

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“I can't believe this! It's amazing!”

I really couldn't believe it either as my best friend Hannah Fairchild and I, Hermione Granger, gazed around the main deck of The Enchantment. It was enchanting all right. Downright amazing. A 10 day cruise on this? Could I even explore the length in that time?

“C'mon, Hannah!” I squealed, pulling her arm. “We've got to find my cabin!”

Hannah was my best friend. She had vibrant blonde hair compared to my brown and curly hair, pale blue eyes to my brown ones. But, she was little shorter than me, which meant that when I was in a hurry like this, it could be kind of hard to keep up. But my time here would be short, I had to explore everything!

“Merlin, slow down, Hermione! Your room's not going anywhere!” Hannah exclaimed as she got dragged along.

No, it really wasn't, was it? But I was anxious to get settled in and start this adventure. Although, I did slow down as we passed down a long corridor looking a lot like a boulevard. It had shops and restaurants lining each side, with bright, festive lights, plants, artwork, and a domed ceiling creating an effect I never expected to see on something that floated in the water. Sure, I had done my research, as always, but seeing it in person was completely different. It was like touring a gigantic muggle mall—one place I loved to hang out. With so many people mingling around, it was like a bustling city on water. I was a little overwhelmed.

“It's so not fair that I have to work and can't go on the cruise with you!” Hannah lamented.

That had been Hannah's mantra ever since I told her I was going on this vacation through the Caribbean.

“I would give anything if you could come!” I told her. We'd shared everything since we were eleven and had first started Beauxbotons Academy of Witchcraft. I couldn't imagine not sharing this too.

“I know, you have to send me a postcard from every port.” She instructed.

“I will. I promise.”

“And since you are so into lists,” She started grinning, “I expect a report listing all the yummy details about every guy you meet. Wizard or muggle. Don't care.”

I laughed. I was a little list-crazed. I liked organization and had established several different lists for this cruise—everything I needed to buy before I came on board, all the things I needed to pack and everything I planned to do on the cruise.

“Maybe I'll just send you a list of their names. I'm hoping there will be so many that I won't have room to tell you all about them.”

“That is a definite possibility.” She said. “Have you ever seen so many cuties in one place?”

“Nope.” From the moment I'd checked in and we'd started to quickly tour the ship, I'd seen at least a dozen guys who I'd like to get to know better. Each one was smiling, laughing or talking to someone.

“I think it is so romantic that Sirius is going to marry your mum on a cruise ship,” Hannah sighed.

“He's definitely gone all out.”

Sirius Black was both enthusiastic and vibrant, and quiet and reserved. When he spoke, people listened and did as he asked. Mostly because his name appeared on famous list of the top one hundred wealthiest wizards in the world.

Hence the cruise. A special honeymoon for him and his new bride-who just happened to be my mum-and anyone else who wanted to go along for the ride. Of which I was undeniably one.

They say that most people are introduced to the person they'll marry by a friend. Well, that was kind of true for how mum met Sirius. She was attending a friend's funeral-who was among the many casualties of the second war against Voldemort, and her friend had known Sirius. So Sirius had gone to the funeral as well. He met my mum, they grieved together and `hit it off', and now my life was on the verge of changing forever in ways that I'd never anticipated. And truthfully, I was having a hard time comprehending it all. For as long as I could remember, it had been me and my mum. I don't remember a dad. He had died a few months before my birth. Now, it would be me, my mum, and Sirius.

Still, Sirius was nice and liked him. I thought he'd be good for my mum. With me graduating from Beauxbotons next year, I didn't want to leave my mum all alone. I was definitely in favor of their marriage.

And I was going to be a maid of honor, in a wedding for the first time in my life. I had no doubt I was embarking on a summer of firsts. And I planned for most of them to take place on this cruise.

I didn't really think most cruise ships allowed wedding guests on board, but Sirius had made special arrangements so he and mum could have their friends and family attend the wedding. He'd reserved the top deck for the ceremony. At midnight, we'd have our official bon voyage and prepare to leave the American port of Galveston, Texas. The guests would depart, and the ship would sail away into the night toward the Caribbean.

“I can't believe you're going to spend ten nights on this ship! Did you see all the stores we just passed on that boulevard?!” Hannah asked.

“I know. It's like a fancy mall or something. Plus there are lots of little shops on the islands. They're supposed to have some great deals. Good thing I've been saving all my money.”

Hannah glanced over at me. “If you run out of money, I'm sure wealthy Sirius will buy you anything you want.”

“Yah, but I'm not really completely cool with that,” I confessed. “I mean I know he's marrying my mum, and after tonight, he'll be…my dad. But I'm a little too old to need a dad right now.”

My dad had died in car accident when my mum was still pregnant with me. I didn't remember anything about him. Mum showed me pictures sometimes, but it was a little weird missing someone you'd never met.

“I don't see why you're all bothered about spending his money.” Hannah said. “I'd spend it in a flash.”

I couldn't explain why I didn't want to spend all his money. He was paying for the cruise. He'd given me a special credit card to use whenever I purchased anything on board the ship: food, drinks, and souvenirs, whatever I wanted. He was paying the bill when the trip was over. Even though I knew he could afford it, I didn't want to take advantage of him.

Hannah and I stepped into the glass-enclosed elevator. Before the door closed, three guys about our age of sixteen joined us. They grinned at us, we smiled at them. I punched the button for my deck, where my cabin was.

“The fancy deck.” One of the guys said as he leaned over and punched a button for a deck two below mine. “First Cruise?”

I cast a glance over at Hannah and then nodded. “Yeh.”

“Us too.” He broadened his grin and winked. “So far, so good.”

The elevator stopped. “See ya around.” He said as he and his friends got off.

As soon as the door closed, Hannah squeezed my arm. “He was flirting with you!”

I shook my head. “No way! He was just being nice! Plus, why would anyone flirt with me? I'm just an ugly freak.”

She groaned. “No you are not!!! And he was not just being nice! Hermione, you shouldn't be so shy around guys! Open up. I know it's who you are, but c'mon, Hermione.”

“I will. As soon as we leave the port.” I insisted. I'd only ever dated a few guys, but I guess they didn't like me much, because one date was as far as we ever got. I was considered kind of a geek. I loved reading and learning. I'd spent most of my time studying, being rewarded at being the top of my class.

Hannah, on the other hand, had always been comfortable around guys. Probably because she had three brothers. She also had a steady boyfriend- William.

I saw this cruise as an opportunity to break out of my shell, to meet guys and flirt. I was leaving the old Hermione back in England, and having fun on this cruise. I wanted to go places I'd never gone, not just traveling to islands. I wanted to explore all the different facets of myself…and boys. I wanted to cut loose and do things I'd never done.

The cruise seemed the perfect place to try out new things, because even if I made a fool of myself, I'd never see any of these people again. So it didn't really matter if I made mistakes. I could be wild and crazy. I could be uninhibited, stretching the limits, taking chances, completing my list of firsts. And no one would know that wild and crazy wasn't the real Hermione Granger.

The elevator stopped. As I stepped out, I shifted my backpack on my shoulder and pulled one of my small wheeled suitcases behind me while Hannah dragged the other along with her duffle bag.

With plans to meet up later, Mum and I had separated right after we came on board and checked in. Mum and Sirius were staying in a honeymoon suite. I had their cabin number and could find them if I needed to, but I certainly had no plans to go searching for them. It creeped me out a little to think of my mum on a honeymoon.

“It is too cool that you're going to have a cabin all to yourself,” Hannah said. “You can do anything you want and your mum will never know!”

My thoughts exactly. I had a feeling this new Cruising Hermione was going to do some things that Mum definitely wouldn't approve of.

“I think Sirius made special arrangements,” I explained. More examples of his power to pull strings. From the research I'd done on cruise ships, Sirius and Mum were supposed to stay in cabin with me since I was sixteen. Twenty one was the magical age for solo cruising.

I wasn't sure how Sirius bypassed that `not without adult supervision' restriction. He probably pulled more strings. Or maybe he just cast a memory charm on the cruise chairmen. Whatever he did, I was glad he did it.

Since Mum had always worked, I'd grown up fast and acted responsibly for as long as I knew. I never got into any trouble, always did my homework, and babysat during my summers' home from school. So I really didn't think I needed anyone to look after me on the cruise ship.

Sirius apparently felt the same way. He had managed to accomplish the impossible, and that's all that mattered to me. With the ship being as large as it was, I might never see Mum or Sirius again. It was all going to be perfect. Except I did wish Hannah was coming with me.

I reached the door to my cabin and pulled the keycard out of my pocket. I slipped it into the slot, cranked down the handle and swung open the door.

My jaw dropped. My first thought was that somehow I'd mistakenly gotten the key to mum's suite. My second thought was that Sirius had spared no expense to see that I was comfortable. My cabin had a king sized bed, a large sitting area, and an amazing ocean view. Or at least it would be, once we were surrounded by nothing but ocean.

I pulled my suitcase inside. “Hannah, is this cabin not absolutely incredible?”

“A small family could live in here,” she said. “I thought rooms on board ships were supposed to be tiny.”

“I'm sure there are some tiny rooms some where,” I admitted. “Mine simply isn't one of them.”

“I bet this room cost a fortune.”

“You know, Sirius is more than money.” I reminded her.

“I know, but Merlin, Hermione, it's like your moving into a totally different world.”

I heard in her voice that she thought maybe it was a world away from her. As soon as we returned back to England from the cruise, Mum and I would move in to Sirius' house. I'd have a big bedroom there, too.

“You'll always be my best friend, Hannah.” I said softly.

“I know. I just wish I was going with you.” She laughed. “I keep saying that don't I?”

“Yeh, you do. And I keep saying that I wish you were coming too.”

“But I'm not, and I need to accept that. Although I will totally take advantage of the few hours I will be on board. I'm going to hit the pool as soon as possible. Hey! Look at this! You've got a mini bar! Can we have one of these tiny bottles of wine?”

“Sure. Have anything you want. Drinking age is eighteen on this ship…I wonder why they put that in here. Oh well.”

“Cool! What about gambling?”

“Age 21. And I doubt they'll look past that, Hannah.” I laughed.

I shrugged off my backpack and walked across the cabin. I unlocked the glass door, slid it open and stepped onto the balcony. I felt the breeze and smelled the ocean.

I glanced around. Apparently no one was above me. Around me all the cabins on this level had balconies, each separated from one another with a waist high wall that offered a little privacy. I could sit out here with a good book and be alone in my little world.

No! I chastised myself. That's what I would do if I were at home. Here, I need to be hanging around the pool, meeting guys and being completely different from my normal boring self.

Hannah joined me on the balcony.

“Is this not great?” I asked.

“Absolutely.” Hannah handed me the tiny bottle of wine. “I want to make a toast.”

“There are probably glasses somewhere in there.”

“Nah, this'll do.” She said. She lifted her bottle. “Here's to hoping you have the best time of your life!”

“I'll drink to that!”

I clinked my bottle against hers. This vacation was going to be perfect. I knew it without a doubt, because I was leaving nothing left to chance. I'd made a list of things I needed to do in order to have a great time:

+Soak up the rays

+Shop until I drop

+Drink margaritas by the pitcher

+Dance all night

+Climb a waterfall

+Snorkel

+Kiss a lot of cute guys

+Sleep with a guy for the first time

~~

A/n: I know if you read this book, which I'm not sure anyone else has, you'd realize that it's a TON like the real first chapter. But it had to be. It'll get more different later on. Trust me. I hope you like the first chapter. I promise, its only chapter one, it'll get a lot better. Stick with me, you wont be sorry!

Review!

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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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A/n: hello, my wonderful readers! I know, updating quickly is like my trademark here. It may not always be this way throughout this entire story, but if you've read my stories before, you know that I don't make you wait too long. So, here ya go…chapter 3!

Ps. To those who have read the book, I promise, I did a much better job originalizing it, though it has the same main idea. And also, if you please, if there are any parts you didn't like about the book that you might suggest me leaving out, or any parts you always wanted to add, tell me your reviews! I promise I'll consider it!

~~

The dawn is breaking
A light shining through
You're barely waking
And I'm tangled up in you
Yeah

I'm open, you're closed
Where I follow, you'll go
I worry I won't see your face
Light up again

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills my mind
I somehow find
You and I collide

I'm quiet you know
You make a first impression
I've found I'm scared to know I'm always on your mind

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time
I somehow find
You and I collide

Don't stop here
I lost my place
I'm close behind

Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
Out of the doubt that fills your mind
You finally find
You and I collide

You finally find
You and I collide
You finally find
You and I collide

--“Collide” by Howie Day

~~

“Miss Granger?” I turned and saw Cindy smiling at me. “Follow me please; we'll go see about your mother.”

I glanced to Hannah, who quietly waved a goodbye and walked away. I nodded to Cindy and followed her to where my mother was standing, out of sight.

She looked so happy. A vibrant smile was upon her face. “Hi Mum. You ready?”

“I am. Are you?” She asked me nervously and hopefully.

“Definitely.” I reassured her. “Honestly, mum. I'm so happy.”

Mum smiled at me, and I realized this was it. She was really getting married. We were ending an old chapter of our lives and starting a new one.

Then I did a double take. Was I really ready for this? Ready for The List? Was I ready for my new adventure, for my new life?

My sense of adventure and fun then kicked in and shoved the practical side of me away for now. Maybe I could just start slowly. Yes, that's it. At my own pace.

“Okay,” Cindy interrupted my thoughts. “I'll take your purse.” I handed it over. Forgot about it for a minute. “Ready, ladies?” We nodded. “Okay, now…maid of honor…when the music begins to play, you'll just walk down the aisle and step off to the side, about the distance as the best man.”

The best man. Cute best man. Harry Potter. Harry, my babysitter. I scowled inwardly at that thought. We are the same age after all! If anyone needs a babysitter, its him! I'm sure he's a party king! Well, he'll have some competition this summer.

“It about time.” Cindy whispered.

I turned to my mum and hugged her. “I love you, Mum.”

“I Love you too, Hermione.”

Here goes nothing.

Suddenly, the sounds of Here Comes the Bride filled the warm night air. I took a deep breath.

“There's your cue.” Cindy whispered to me.

I took one last look at my glowing mother, and walked slowly down the aisle. Everyone was watching me, and I was watching the best man. He was watching me, too. I know everyone was, but there was something in his emerald eyes that stuck me. I held his gaze as I walked down the aisle. There was no smirk or smile on either of our faces. Just an intense stare. As I stood off to the side, we broke our gaze and focused our attention solely on my mum. The bride. She strolled gracefully down the aisle and I stole a quick glance at Sirius, who was looking at her with love filled eyes that made me tear up and the biggest smile on his face. I saw my mum take her place beside Sirius and me.

I then looked to Harry, finding that his eyes had already been trained on me. He was looking at me. As if analyzing me like an important artifact. What was going on here? I realized I should be paying more attention to the captain, so I smiled at Harry and refocused my attention.

“I do.” I heard Sirius say.

But I was lost again. What was the real Harry Potter like? Would he like me? Would he like the new Hermione, or the old one?

Then I realized mum handing me her bouquet. I took it.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The captain concluded. “Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Sirius Black.”

Soft clapping rang out, most enthusiastically from Lilly Potter, who was grinning and standing.

I looked to Harry, who now beside me, and awkwardly looped my arm though his and walked down the aisle.

“So…you've known Sirius for a while?”

“Forever.” He grinned, releasing my arm. Oh Merlin, that smile.

We made our way to Sirius and Mum, and hugged them. “Congratulations, guys!” I said.

“You were beautiful, luv.” Sirius told me as I pulled back.

I blushed. Harry smiled. Me and my blushing. “Thanks.”

It was then that an excited Lilly came running over to hug Sirius and mum. “Oh, Lizzie,” She said to my mother, “You're absolutely stunning! I can't believe you just married Sirius!”

“Hey!” Sirius exclaimed.

“Just kidding.” Lilly said innocently. “It was a beautiful wedding.”

“Thanks, Lilly. You look amazing, too.” My mum said brightly.

Lilly spun around, her aqua dress flowing softly with her. “You think?”

We all laughed. “Well…” Sirius said as we heard a soft tune echo the air, “I think it's time for our dance.” He twirled my giggling mum to the dance floor.

“Fancy a dance with your beautiful mother?” Lilly asked Harry.

“Sure, mum.” He chuckled, taking her hand. “You okay by yourself?” STOP WORRYING ABOUT ME!

“Yeh,” I replied sweetly. “Hannah's making her way over here.” I pointed to Hannah, who was pushing her way through the crowd to get to me. “Have fun.”

I guess he was satisfied with his answer, because he smiled and led his mum to the dance floor. Hannah bounced over, handing me a glass of champagne and sipping hers. “Ahh!” She squealed. “Your mother is married!” She announced.

“Really?” I asked sarcastically.

“Shut up, you know what I mean!” She laughed. “I came over just to say goodbye. I'm leaving. Mum says we should beat the rush.”

I hugged her tightly. “I'll miss you.”

“I'll miss you two, silly. Have an amazing vacation. Remember: postcards! And when you come home I wasn't every detail, so ya might wanna keep a diary or somethin'. Especially the sexy roomy next door!”

“Hannah…”

“Just say you love me and goodbye.” She said.

“Goodbye. Love ya.”

“You too.” She hugged me one last time before disappearing into the crowd.

I sighed. I was alone. For now at least. It was lonely without Hannah, and she had just left.

A few minutes later, I felt a presence at my side. “Hey.” He said.

“Hey.” I smiled when I saw the guy to be Harry.

“Dance with me?” He extended a hand to me.

I glanced at him hesitantly, but took his hand and put down the glass, let him lead me. I felt his arms go around my waist, hands resting on the small of my back. My arms wound around his neck. It almost felt…right to be in his arms. He made a girl feel like she was the most important thing in the world just by dancing with her.

“You know…I don't need a babysitter.” I told him as a matter-of-factly.

“Good, I don't like babysitting.”

“Good.” I repeated.

“Is your friend coming?” He asked.

“Hmm?”

“Your friend…Hannah, I think her name was. Is she coming?” He asked, as we swayed peacefully to the music.

“Oh, no. Like most here, she's just here for the wedding. Her and her mum just left.” I told him.

“Hm…” He sighed. “So you're traveling solo?”

“Yep!” I grinned. “You?”

“Alone.” He said softly.

“So you go to Beauxbotons?” He asked me.

“Yeh, I do. You got to Hogwarts.”

“Yeh. Why don't you?” He asked me.

I shrugged. “We got both letters. My mum figured that Beauxbotons was a bit more formal, and suiting for me…and my mum had talked to another witch's mum who was muggle…and she loved Beauxbotons. I like it, too, I guess.”

“I love Hogwarts.” He told me. “It's like home.”

We were in silence for a moment before Sirius came over. “Harry, do you mind if I dance with my new step daughter?”

Harry smiled. “Course not.” For some reason, he then kissed me on the forehead before releasing me from his arms. “Have fun. See ya later.”

Why did he do that? Kiss me on the forehead? I'm not saying it didn't feel…good…but, this was Harry. It felt nice to dance with him, I admitted silently as I danced with Sirius.

Sirius and I talked quietly, laughing and making predictions for our future, and this trip. Though, I left out The List. All the while, I was thinking about Sirius. If all I wanted was a summer fling, why was I so attracted to Harry? Why did he make me feel something I'd never felt? Why were my plans messing up so early in the game?

I was so set on accomplishing my goals; I now convinced myself that I couldn't let Harry get in the way.

I let Sirius kiss me on the cheek and wander off to dance with Lilly, while I stood by the railing, watching as the waves slowly hit the boat. There were about a dozen non-passengers left on board, dancing, talking, laughing, and waiters were passing around champagne.

“More champagne?” A familiar male voice asked me from behind.

I turned and took a full glass from him. “Thanks. I've never had champagne before. I think it may be getting to me.” I rested my back on the railing and sipped the champagne slowly.

“This is very fine champagne.” He suddenly commented. I looked at him curiously. “See how many bubbles there are? The more bubbles, the finer the champagne…”

“That's…interesting.” I said.

“Sorry, I'm a constant source of useless information.” He laughed.

“No, really, it was interesting.” I told him. It really was. Or maybe he was...? I was less nervous though, the champagne was definitely helping me relax.

“I heard you're supposed to read up on all the ports before the cruise. Apparently, women gravitate towards knowledgeable men.” He told me, with a twinkle in his eye.

“Well then, at least you'll know something, I don't know too much. It's all alien to me so far.”

“You seem to look like you know what you're doing.” He looked over at the other couples dancing. “Want to dance with me again?”

“Sure.” I said accepting his hand. I was suddenly feeling very…adventureous. Wild and crazy. After all, my vacation had now officially begun.

We danced until the Galveston lights faded in the distance, drinking glasses of champagne sometimes, while dancing, other times just simply dancing the night away. Maybe It was the champagne…but everything felt…magical. Right.

I closed my eyes and rested my head on Harry's shoulder, and then I stumbled.

He steadied me. “Ohhkkay.. I think you've had a little too much champagne.”

We were barely moving now, and I figured he was right. I could feel it flowing through my system. I had never drank alcohol before in my life.

“I think you're right. It's making me all sleepy…” I slurred.

“Don't you think sleeping has to do with the fact that it's two in the morning?” He chuckled.

“That late? I didn't notice.” I said, straightening up.

I noticed though most people had gone, Mum and Sirius were still dancing, barely holding on like the two of us.

“Is it all over?” I asked.

“Pretty much. Want me to walk you back?” He asked.

As much as I didn't need a protector, I was feeling a bit dizzy. I grinned at him, “Sure, but let me say good night to my mum first.”

I walked over and tapped my mum on the shoulder, she turned. “Are you going to bed now?”

“Yeh.” I nodded. “I'll see you tomorrow, we have dinner plans, right?”

“Right. See you then, night, sweetie.”

I waved to Sirius, “Goodnight.”

As we began to leave, Sirius called after us, “Harry! Take care of my daughter, now!”

“I will.” Harry responded.

I wanted to groan at Sirius' request, and Harry's response.

“I told you—”

“I know!” He said. “Just, relax, okay? I'll tell Sirius I am, he'll be a bit protective of you at first. Trust me.”

And I did. As we reached the elevator, I tried to steady myself. The elevator stopped and we walked out of the glass enclosure and into the hallway. I felt like the walls were spinning around me. “Ohh..wow.”

“Woozy, huh?” He asked.

“A little. Might've been the elevator.”

“Just hold onto my arm.” He told me. “It's not far to our rooms.” I held onto his arm for dear life as I nearly collapsed.

“Aren't you…dizzy, Harry?”

“Nope.”

Exactly how many glasses had I had? I could not remember. “I've never had champagne before.” I pointed out.

He laughed. “You told me that already.”

“Oh, right…I cant remember anything now.” It also seemed to make me forget why I didn't want to hang out with Harry. I remembered I'd had concerns earlier, but now…I couldn't recall them. Or why I'd made them. I mean…he was nice, and cute…and fun to be around.

“I have a balcony.” I said, a bit giddy. “Wanna see?” But as I reached for my keycard, I realized I no longer had my purse…or my key. I turned around quickly, which was a mistake, because I'd lost my vision a bit and everything was spinning more. I leaned against the wall for support.

“What's wrong?” He asked.

“I don't have my key…” I told him worriedly.

“How could you not have it?”

I shook my head and thought back. The wedding…Cindy. I gave my purse to Cindy. Darn.

“I gave my purse to Cindy. It had my key in it. You think she's still up there?”

“Dunno. But I don't think you'll make it to the top deck.” Neither did I. I was pretty woozy. “I'll go look, you stay here.”

I nodded, “Kay. Thanks.”

He looked around in thought. “Well, I mean, I can't leave you out here…” he continued thinking and then looked to his door. “I'll just let you stay in my room until I get back, alright?”

That seemed like a plan. I kept my hand on the wall for balance, and I followed him to the cabin door right next to mind. Sirius wasn't kidding.

Everything now seemed funny. The champagne was really getting to me. It was like nothing I'd ever experienced. I guess I was a little tipsier than I realized.

“C'mon in.” He held the door open for me and followed me in.

I was alone, in a room with a guy. Never had I don't that before. My first instinct was not to go in, but I figured it was a better alternative than to stand in the hallway. I looked in the room; it was exactly like mine. “Oh gosh, its just like my room. You have a balcony, too.”

I realized I sounded as though I was surprised, even though I'd seen his balcony while I'd been out on mine. As a matter of fact, everything tonight sounded funny. It was that bubbly champagne. It was the bubbles talking.

“Why don't you sit out there?” he suggested. “Fresh air'll be good for your head.”

“Oh…wow…” I watched as the lights around me danced and the breeze brushed by me. “You can see the lights on shore, aren't they pretty?”

“Hermione, how much champagne did you have?” he asked.

I shrugged. “Didn't keep count.” I sat on the chair, legs tucked underneath me after I slipped my sandals off. I then laughed. “Am I drunk?”

“I think so.”

“But getting drunk on champagne isn't on my list.”

“Your list?” He sat in the chair beside mine.

“ I made a list of everything wanted to do on this cruise, everything that I'd never done before.” I counted them off on my fingers. “Have a margarita. Go snorkeling.” Grinning, I leaned towards him. “I cant tell you all of it, some of it's a secret.”

“I'm going to call down to see if they'll send us a key to your room.” He got up and went back to his cabin.

Getting to my feet, I swayed and grabbed the railing for support. I followed him inside. I saw him reach for the phone.

I walked, stumbling, across the room and laid on the king sized bed, just like mine. “Harry?”

He stopped and looked over at me. “Yeh?”

“The room is spinning fast.”

He stretched across the bed towards me. “Close your eyes.”

“Everything is still spinning.”

“Hold my hand.” He wrapped his hand around mine, and I squeezed his.

“Never had champagne before.” I slurred.

“I never would have guessed.”

He sounded so far away to me. “Harry, this is the last thing on my list.”

“What is?”

As my eyes drifted closed, I murmured, “Sleeping with a guy.”

~~

A/N: Ha…lol, get it. Anyways, I totally accept full responsibility for almost, well basically, copying the champagne scene. But c'mon, it's a classic scene in the book, I couldn't change it. I'm not sure how well written this chapter is, review!!

I told you I'd update fast!!

MML!

h_m_love!

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A/N: Thanks for the reviews. I'm listening to Ice Box…Omarion. Amazing. Lol.

I did this entire chapter without looking at the book. Proud of me?

SO SORRY about the time between updates! I know I told some of you I'd have it up by the end of the weekend, but I kind of got caught up in other things. After this, I'm not sure when I'll update next because tomorrow I'm leaving to go back home (Where I was born) to London for a week, and then when I get home I only have one day before I leave for my school trip to Philadelphia! So I'm not sure when I'll update. I'll do it ASAP though.

Ps. I think you'll get a bit of a surprise guest in this chapter…Any guesses? THIS IS A SHORT CHAPTER!

~

I awoke the next morning to the light of day and a warm body underneath me. In panic, I had looked down and saw none other than Harry Potter lying beside me. His arm was around my waist; my head was rested against his chest. Oh. My. God. What happened last night? I couldn't remember anything; all I knew was that my head ached terribly.

Memories ran through my head. Wedding…champagne; lots of champagne. Harry…he was walking me back. But I had forgotten my purse…he invited me in so he could leave to get the purse for me. But he didn't, he was still here. Why was I STILL in here? Nothing had happened, that much I could remember. I fell asleep…that was it.

I had no idea what I was supposed to say to him when he woke up.

`Good Morning'?

`Did you sleep well'?

What was I supposed to do?! Then it dawned on me that if I wanted to save us both a little embarrassment, I should just leave.

Easier said than done.

I lifted his arm carefully from my waist and slowly inched away from his sleeping figure. As I stood, I noticed my purse was on the nightstand by the bed. So he did go and get it. Then that means he purposely fell asleep beside me. Why?

Probably just obeying Walter's overprotective orders.

I took my purse up from the nightstand and crept out of the room. What I didn't know then was that the minute the door closed behind me, Harry's eyes slowly opened, as a smile had appeared on his face. I didn't get to see that.

When I went back into the room, another thing dawned on me. I had told him the last thing on my list. Talk about mortification. He knew that this vacation, I wanted to sleep with a guy. And I had done it. Maybe I should make my list a bit more specific.

I laid my purse down and made my way briskly towards the desk that held my famous List and made a few changes.

+Soak up the Rays

+Shop until I drop

+Drink margaritas by the pitcher

+Dance all night

+Climb a waterfall

+Snorkel

+Kiss a lot of cute guys

Make Love

+Sleep with a guy for the first time

~

After I had changed into my bikini bathing suit, cover up and sunglasses, I set off to the pool deck to fulfill a bit of my first item on The List.

I found a lounge chair that was in the sun and secluded from all the adults already basking in the sun and lay out. I closed my eyes and let my thoughts wander to nothing as I let the vicious rays of sun consume my skin.

That's when I heard his voice. “You walked out on me this morning.” I could tell there was a hint of teasing in his voice.

I opened my eyes and tilted my sunglasses down a bit, when my eyes saw his face. He was sitting on the lounge chair next to me smirking. “Um…”

“You left this.” He held up one of my earrings and I took it away.

“Oh…thanks.” I said nervously. “I just…didn't want to wake you, that's all.”

“That's all?” Harry countered, still smirking.

“That's all.” I repeated as I sat up a bit more. I was in my bikini, in front of Harry. I guess I wasn't that bad looking, I had somewhat of a natural tan, my curves weren't too bad, but thank god my bikini wasn't too skimpy. I didn't want him paying any attention to me anyways…so why did I care?

“How are you?” Harry asked me.

“I'm okay. Sorry about, uh, getting drunk on you last night. I've never drank champagne before.” I apologized.

“Don't worry about it…and you've said that a million times.”

I blushed. “Oh, I'm…sorry. I kinda forgot. But I'll never forget this massive headache.”

“Yeh, that's what happens when you drink WAY too much champagne.” He laughed and stood up. “I guess I'll see you around.”

“Yeah...see you around.” I smiled as he walked away.

Just as I went to lie back again, a young blonde girl about my age plopped down in the lounge chair where Harry had been sitting. “You slept with Harry Potter?” She asked me in amazement.

“Umm…” I was a bit confused. I guess I did kind of sleep with him. “Yes.” Wait, how did she know who Harry was…is she a… “Are you a…” I waved my hands around for effect.

“Witch?” The blonde asked. “Yep. I go to Hogwarts. My father decided to take some Muggle means of travel, a bunch of us from Hogwarts are here. Well, only a couple of us. My names Lavender. Lavender Brown.”

“Hermione, Hermione Granger.” I introduced myself.

“Nice to meet you, Hermione. So, I take it you're a witch, or else you wouldn't have asked me if I was one. Why don't you go to Hogwarts?” Lavender asked me.

“Oh, I got to Beauxbotons. Only one year left though.”

“Me too!” She exclaimed. “I almost came over here and interrupted your conversation to say hey to Harry, but I wouldn't want to disturb.” She waggled her eyebrows.

“Oh…umm…” I blushed again. “It was nothing. Just left an earring, that's all.” I held up my silver dangling earring.

“Oh, well we'll have to catch up together later. I'm trying to stay far away from the parents. Who are you traveling with?”

“Well, my mum got married to my new step dad last night and this is their honeymoon, so I guess… mostly by myself.” I told her.

“Cool! Your parents probably will be too busy to care!” Lavender laughed. “Wanna hang out together?”

Well, it would help to have a culprit in all this. She was blonde, tall, beautiful…defiantly a guy attracter, and she seemed nice enough. “Sure, that'd be great.”

“Good! When we dock tomorrow in St. Thomas, I plan to shop till I drop!” She exclaimed.

I laughed. “That sounds fun. I hear they have some great deals on all the local island shops.”

“Yep…” She trailed off. We laid there for a minute without saying much when she suddenly asked, “You got a boyfriend?”

“Nope,” I sighed.

“Me neither.” She sighed as well. “I used to have one…Chris. He was really sweet, amazing in bed. But…I dunno. We just didn't work out.”

“Do you miss him?”

“Yeah, I think I do.” Lavender said. “Who knows, the two of us together…we'll be guaranteed to find us some guys.”

I snorted. “Not if you got me along.”

“Shut up, Hermione. You look great. Don't even start.”

“Whatever. I'm just hoping to find some guy on the cruise.”

“Ditto. I happen to know, though, that there are at least a couple of hot Hogwarts guys aboard. The wedding… wait did you just say that that was YOUR mum's wedding?!” Lavender jumped up and looked surprised.

“Yeah. It was really amazing. Sirius has, like, connections.”

“I believe that.” She lay down again. “Anyways, Harry…he's Sirius Black's godson. Oh my god. You slept with your step dad's god son. That is amazing!”

Well, I didn't actually sleep with him. Great way to start out the trip…a liar. Well, I guess I didn't lie, I just stretched the truth. Who cares? “Yeah. I don't think it'll go any further, though.”

“Really?” She seemed interested. “Why not?”

I shrugged. “We just don't have a lot in common.”

“That's a shame…” Lavender trailed off. “You mind if I go for him?”

“Uh…” Yes I minded! Of course, this is Harry we're talking about! But I'm not supposed to like him. “I guess not. But if you two got involved…”

“It'd be weird. I get it.” She sighed. “Anyways, what I was saying was that I heard Harry's best friend was at the wedding last night and he brought along a couple of roommates. Maybe we'll run into them.”

“That'd be cool,” I said, a smile twitching at my lips.

“Totally.” She agreed. “I already know a lot of them, but not well, you know? They're all Gryffindor like me, but most of the time they're too absorbed with themselves or older girls. And of course Harry had that whole battling evil thing going on. My parents pulled me out of school for a bit, too.”

“That would suck.” I said, getting in touch with my old self a bit.

“It did. I missed my friends. But, I don't want to think about it. All I want to think about is this cruise, guys, and shopping right now.”

Lavender and I laid there for a little bit and I couldn't help but think I had just guaranteed my List completed. She seemed like a party girl, someone who would definitely help me get in touch with my new self. As long as she didn't see my old self, I was fine.

With the promise to meet outside the ships spa in an hour, I headed back to my cabin to freshen up. Take a shower, throw my bikini back on with a tank top and shorts over it and … call my mother. I had a voicemail from her that morning saying that she wanted to check up on me.

I walked to the phone and picked the receiver up, pressing 9 and then my mum's cabin number. It rang a few times before someone picked up.

“Hello?” A deep, male voice I registered as Sirius' said.

“Sirius? It's me, Hermione. Is my mum there, she called me?”

“Oh, hello, love, your mum's right here. How is it so far?” Sirius asked me.

“Great. Really, it's amazing. I'm having a ton of fun already.”

“How's Harry?”

I bit my lip. “Fine. He's good. I saw him this morning by the pool.”

“Good. Well, I'm glad you're doing alright. Here's your mother.”

I heard him pass the phone to my mum.

“Hermione?”

“Mum? Hey…”

“Hi! I called you to see how you were, and to remind you of the dinner date tonight.”

That's right. Mum wanted to have dinner with me and Sirius just to check up on me every now and then. So much for trust.

“I know, mum. Don't worry. I'll meet you at the Skyline Restaurant at 7, kay?”

“Alright...have fun. And be good.” She reminded me, just like a mother.

“I will be. Bye.” I assured her, though I couldn't guarantee her definition of `good'.

“Bye.” I hung up.

As Hermione's mum hung up, she turned to Sirius. “I worry about her.”

“Oh, she'll be just fine, Lizzie. And plus,” Sirius added with a wink, “She's got Harry watching after her.”

Hermione's mum sighed and laughed, “Sirius…”

~~

a/N: I KNOW, I KNOW! Really short. But come on, guys, I leave for the airport in a few minutes. Think of it as a filler chapter. I do love you…did you guess right? LOL! Doubt it. Anyways, leave a review! MML!

**If some sentences don't sound right to you, or it's not proper grammar, remember this is like Hermione is speaking, she uses short sentences sometimes...it gets the point across**

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A/N: I really do want to apologize heavily for the lonnng time period between updates! Well, for me it is long bcuz normally I update really fast. But I have been traveling and such lately and this is really my first chance to sit down and write! I'm hoping to make this kind of a long chapter to make up for the short chapter last time and the time! I'm terrible at scheduling, but I'm trying to work up one for my two stories. Once a week probably. Lately, I am just running out of time. This is the way it will probably work:

Monday- Leaving the Past Behind (LPB)

Friday- Caribbean Cruising (C C)

That's not saying that I won't update more during the week, cuz I possibly may. But, that is just saying that by that day…you should be guaranteed an update…!

Thanks to Lola (again, I can't help it…I just have to keep thanking you.) for recommending this story on Harmony Podcast! And I am sooo sorry about delaying the update even longer than I originally wrote you!

AND…just one thing more: I actually did branch out a bit in this chapter and explore places the book never went!

Okay, two more things! Does anyone remember the fic where Hermione is riding in a cab with Harry to Harry, Ron and Hermione's flat, (Harry and Hermione are already together) and Hermione has like this urge to get right upstairs to the bedroom. She is waiting on the slow elevator and almost takes the stairs. She mentions in her thoughts the sight it would be for her and Harry having sex on the stairs. She gets a bit frisky in the elevator and when they crash in the flat door, Ron reminds them to, “Si-lenc-ee-oo”! lol. It's been bugging me for a while, and all the fics I read just get clumped together. If any one can help me and tell me the title, or anything about it…like if you read it and you remember a similar event…that would be great! Thanks, love you!

~*~

It was later that afternoon that Lavender and I were walking the decks of our great Enchantment, while scanning them for gorgeous guys.

“What about that one?” I pointed to a blonde, tan, built guy walking by us.

“Oo…a perfect 10…” She raised her eyebrows and winked at him.

“Hey…” He said in a low voice, giving us a wink as he kept walking by.

When he was out of sight, we broke out into a chorus of laughter. “Okay…” I said, regaining composure, “you have got to tell me what you do to get five out of seven guys to wink at you!”

“Please!” Lavender exclaimed. “It wasn't only me! You know you're right beside me…”

“Oh…well…” I blushed and looked down. “I think all those comments were directed at you…”

Lavender rolled her eyes. “Highly Doubtful, Hermione.” She said pulling me by the wrist. “Guys think you're hott. This I know. Anyways, after all that hard work, time for some pampering! ” She laughed dragging me down a few steps until we reached the door to the ship's spa.

I rolled my eyes but let her drag me into the spa. I really didn't want to seem so insecure in front of Lavender of all people, but I couldn't help it. Those guys did pay loads of attention to us, but I was convinced that it was just because of Lavender. Surely, those guys couldn't have seen anything in me?

It was only late Day One on the cruise and I was actually feeling pretty confident about myself. I had already hooked up with a wild and crazy beautiful blonde that would guarantee me some serious fun. The only problem was: Harry.

As I let the masseuse rub my back and shoulders, I tried to figure out the mystery man who was supposed to be watching out for me. Sure, he was pretty hott. Lavender knew him and seemed to like him a lot…but I mean, he was Sirius' god son! He was my guardian, my babysitter…the one exception to my free reign.

“Isn't this just amazing?” Lavender sighed from my right.

“Amazing.” I exhaled a deep breath. “I think perhaps they should call this the Four Hands Muscle Melt.”

“Mmm…yep! That's perfect.”

We let our voices die as the Four Hands Muscle Melt massage kneaded through our body. It was the best massage I had ever had. Okay, so it was my first. Who really cares?

When it was done, I was wondering how I could possibly get off the table when my body felt like fluid. The room had been dimly lit. Enya had echoed softly around me. And two masseurs had worked in tandem to melt every muscle I possessed.

Hence the name.

When they had finally finished and left, it took me several minutes to gather the strength I needed to stand and put on my bathing suit and over it the thick, downy robe the spa provided.

Once I exited the room, I noticed Lavender sitting back with her eyes closed, emerged in a warm pool of water in the center of the room.

“Hey, Lav.”

She opened one eye and smiled a calm smile. “Hey! How was it?!”

“Great!” I said, climbing in and sitting beside her. I felt the hot water consume my skin, knowing at it in the most comforting way. I laid my head back and closed my eyes.

“I know. I could stay here forever.”

“Tell me about it.”

It really was a little too relaxing. All my life, I had been busied and rushed. Always concerned about something, and now…I didn't need to be. I was just…relaxing at the spa with my new friend Lavender Brown.

“Perfect…” She sighed and then smiled, opening both eyes to turn her head to me. “It's all the perfect way to prepare to seduce all those guys tonight!”

Seduce? I wasn't really into seducing…not that I really knew how to do it anyways. I suppose that's where my mindset should be though, if I want my summer fling.

Just then, something glittering in the water caught my eye. “Lav, do you have your navel pierced?!”

She grinned and looked down, fingers toying with the earring hanging from her belly button. “Yep. You should get one, too…guys love it!”

“Really?”

“Oh yeah.” She assured me.

“I dunno…it might hurt too much.”

“Oh, Hermione! C'mon, live a little!” She laughed.

I thought it over. Well… “I suppose I could get my navel pierced…”

“Cool!” She smiled. “I'm sure we could find some place in Saint Thomas to do it. Maybe you should think about a tattoo, too?”

Hm…maybe. “I dunno. Maybe. What would I get?”

“Think, what would represent you?” I shrugged. “I know!” She exclaimed, “a butterfly!”

A butterfly. A butterfly. That sounded good to me. “That sounds exactly like me.” I smiled. This was about a summer of change, and a butterfly was the perfect way to represent it. “Do you have a tattoo?”

She smiled suggestively which told me yes already. She pulled the side of her bathing suit down a little and I grinned at the dragon tattooed nicely on her hip. “It hurts a little, but its totally worth it.”

“Maybe.” I smiled, closing my eyes and letting the heat and vapor take over once more. Breathing in and out. In and out. In and out…

~*~

Lavender and I had finished up at the spa and reluctantly began to walk to the decks again talking about our plans for that night.

“So…my mom really wants to have dinner with me tonight. You know, parent stuff. Checking up on me to make sure that I'm doing okay.” I told her. It was lame, I know. I didn't want to sound lame, but I had to tell her.

“No it's cool. I understand, I'm meeting my parents for dinner tonight, too. We should meet outside the MAX Club at around 9?” She suggested.

“That sounds great.”

As we were walking and talking, a familiar face appeared in the crowd of people and he smiled at me. I smiled back. Unconsciously, probably.

“There's Harry!” Lavender exclaimed. Apparently she had noticed to. “Hey, hey Potter!”

He walked towards us. “Lavender Brown…” he grinned and studied her. “What on earth are you doing here?”

He looked at her like she was pretty. Beautiful. Which she was. I knew it was a look he would never give me. He thought of me as a sister, not in any way the same as he thought of Lavender. Suddenly, I felt left out.

“Oh, you know…just hanging around! The parents decided to venture out! I haven't seen Ron or the others yet…”

“Oh you'll see them.” He said. “They're going to the club tonight.”

“Really?!” Lavender squealed. “Perfect! We are too!”

“Really?” Harry eyes flicked to me and his smile broadened. “Funny…”

“What?” Lavender asked.

“Nothing.” He hastily replied. But I knew what he meant. He never thought I would be the one to hang out with her...and go to clubs with her. But he didn't know me. He didn't know me well at all.

“Yeah. We're totally going. Going to be fun.” I replied.

“Huh, yeah.” He said, raising and eyebrow. He grinned and walked closer to me, finger moving downwards. I noticed he was looking at my extremely short dark blue Soffe shorts on which one side, they had been titled down a little and you could see the tie of my bathing suit bottoms. His fingers weaved through the string and he said, “Better pull those shorts up…one might think you're asking for it.” He said cheekily before letting go and walking away.

“Maybe I am asking for it…” I muttered to myself when he walked away.

When he had come that close to me, I had just…stopped. My breath had hitched in my throat when I felt his fingers touch my skin for the briefest moment. And I felt an odd feeling, wishing that they had stayed there longer. But it wasn't right…no, no, no….it just wasn't right.

Lavender squealed beside me. “Oh Merlin, Hermione! He was just totally flirting with you!”

“Was not!” I argued.

“Was too!”

Was he? Yep, it definitely sounded like flirtatious behavior… but why would he flirt with me?! No, it just wasn't on the list…it wasn't in the plan. So it couldn't happen.

“Okay, maybe he was.” I relented.

“So…” She urged.

“So…what?”

“So, what are you going to do about it?” She asked impatiently.

“Um…nothing?”

“Hermione!”

“What?!” I asked in an annoyed, sing-song voice to mimic her tone.

“How could you let him get away?!” She asked in amazement. “Wasn't he good?”

Good, well sure, he was good. He didn't try anything on me. (That I know of. Ha. Just Kidding.) He just let me sleep…but I'm pretty sure that's not what Lavender meant.

“Yeah…he was, amazing.” I told her.

I just flat out lied. Again. But…I couldn't help it. I had to make her think I was that kind of girl…she wouldn't like me if she knew the old Hermione Granger.

“Well, than what's the problem? You were so cold to him this morning by the pool…and now you're acting…Merlin, I don't even know!” She threw her hands up in the air.

Cold? Was I cold to him this morning? Perhaps I had been a bit rude, especially considering what he did for me last night.

I let out a frustrated breath. “I don't know, Lav. I really don't. I just…don't want to be with him. I don't.”

It sounded as if I was trying more to convince myself than Lavender.

“Okay…” Lavender shrugged her shoulders in defeat as we continued walking in silence.

“So… I'll meet you tonight?”

“Sure thing! Nine O'clock!”

“Cool!” I exclaimed, turning around to head back to my cabin.

“And Hermione?”

“Yeah?” I turned around.

She looked at me a minute before shaking her head. “Uh, never mind. See you tonight.” She turned around and walked away.

As she walked away, I wondered what she could have been thinking. I shrugged and resumed my walk back. Whatever it was obviously wasn't important. At least, that's what I thought.

~*~

I, dressed in a nice white skirt and nice dark blue sleeveless shirt, walked gracefully down the stairs and appeared in front of a restraint called, `Skyline'. I walked inside and asked the host, an older man wearing a tux, “Hi, I'm looking for my mother and step father…It should be under…Sirius Black?”

The man's eyes brightened and he smiled. “Oh, yes, yes, of course. Right this way, ma'am.” He led me back to a table by a large window that had the best view of the ocean.

Great, nothing like getting sea sick while I was eating.

“Hello, darling!” my mom stood to greet me and hugged me.

“Hi mom.” I hugged her. “Hi, Sirius.”

“Hello, luv, how are you?” He asked, kissing me on the cheek, before we all three sat down again.

“Great. I love the ship, it's beautiful.”

“Good.” He commented and took a sip from his wine glass. I noticed the class in front of me held water. Of course. I could get away with breaking the drinking rules while my parents weren't around, but now…I had to follow them.

I then noticed a fourth place set at the table and asked, “Who's the fourth place for?”

Sirius smiled, “Oh well, it's for-”

“Sorry I'm late, guys.” An oddly familiar voice once again filled her ears.

“Harry!” Sirius exclaimed. “Better late than never.”

Of course. Mom came with Sirius…and Sirius came with…Harry.

Everything now seemed so predictable. I bet you I know what he's going to say next.

“Hey, Hermione.” He said to me at the same time I mumbled the words, “Hey Hermione” under my own breath. I almost laughed to my self. So maybe that was expected, but I mean come on.

“What was that?” Mom asked me.

“Nothing…” I replied. “Nothing at all. Hey, Harry.”

“So,” Sirius started. “What have the two of you been up to.”

“I've just been hanging around.” Harry said. “But Hermione, here, has been getting pretty chummy with good old Lavender Brown.”

I kicked him under the table. He started but recovered quickly, smirking.

“Lavender Brown?” Sirius said to himself. “Well, all say…I had no idea she was here! Isn't she the Boy Crazy Gryffindor from Hogwarts, Harry? I know I've heard you mention her.”

“Yep, that's her.” He replied.

“I've just been hanging out with her, you know. Nothing big. She's like my partner for the trip, we're going shopping tomorrow.” I told them all.

“Really, well, that sounds quite interesting. I'm so glad you've found a friend!” Mom exclaimed.

I made a face at Harry, to show him I won, he mimicked my face and I rolled my eyes. Sirius didn't miss a second. He held back his laughter and couldn't get over what an interesting start that friendship was getting off to.

After our somewhat eventful dinner, Sirius reached into his pocket and pulled out two tickets. “I got you guys tickets to the show…” He handed them to Harry.

“What movie?” I asked, peering over Harry's shoulder.

Harry's face turned to me. “No movie, its like an onboard show. A cabaret or something.”

“Oh.” I said. “When?”

“Tonight.” Harry smiled victoriously at me.

Oh. Tonight. I had plans tonight! But I wasn't going to tell Sirius that, he went to all that trouble for us, it just didn't seem right.

“Well, that sounds…great.” I managed.

Afterwards, Harry was walking with me back to the cabins and I said, “Why did you tell them who I was hanging with?”

“Just thought your mom should know what you're getting yourself into.”

“Well, you didn't succeed; she thinks it's a great idea. And who are you to make assumptions about me anyway? You don't know me.”

“I know you well enough to know that you don't normally act like this.” He commented when we reached our doors. I stood next to mine.

“Whatever. You don't know me at all…” I grumbled as I fumbled with my key card in the slot.

“Hey.” He said as I opened the door. I turned back to him. “I'll exchange the tickets, okay? I know you have plans tonight, we'll get some for tomorrow instead.”

I breathed a sigh of defeat. I guess he really wasn't all that bad. I smiled. “Okay…See you.”

“Bye.” He said, walking the way as I closed the door.

On the other side, I leaned against the door and played with the string on my skirt. What in the world was I getting myself into?

~*~

A/N: I Know this chapter probably wasn't that long, but I was going to pass out if I wrote any more. You know what sucks? Sanjaya is going to win American Idol…and he sucks! But he's going to win. Because of votefortheworst.com, b/c of all those people who think it's funny. I can't bleev Haley just got out tonight! I kinda liked her! Anyways, hope you liked this chapter. I was laughing so hard when I wrote the `soffe' short scene on the deck, cuz my best friend Tristin did that to me once and it just brought me back to my cruise last summer.

Next Chapter:

*Surprise Guests

*Clubs

*Margaritas

*Dancing

*Cute, or not so cute, guys!

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Didn't mean to get anyone's hopes up-this isn't chapter. It's a very serious author's note. You know I love you guys and I update quickly most of the time. I feel like I should explain my recent troubles, even though a lot of you say I am feeling too bad about my updating, because it's really not that bad.

But I don't know how quickly the next chapters will come.

Most, if not all, of you know about the Virginia Tech Shooting Massacre that occurred on Monday, April 16, 2007. It killed 32, not including the shooter who committed suicide. The attacks left over 15 badly wounded.

Two of my cousins attend Virginia Tech. One, survived. She was in one of the classrooms in Norris Hall where the killer stormed in and shot continually, but she survived along with others. However, her sister, also my cousin, was less fortunate. They were in the same French class when he burst in, and my cousin was among those shot and killed.

It's been very hard for me the past few days. I can't close my eyes without seeing the shooter's face flash through my mind, or a random news clip replay over in my brain. I can't be in a dark area without being jumpy and turning around every second because I feel someone's behind me.

Some people don't know how to approach me, they're afraid to talk of it around me. But I want to talk about it.

For me, right now, it's so surreal. It's not like I saw her all the time, so it's hard to grasp that she's really gone. I dunno.

I'm sorry for going off on that about me, but I just felt that I should tell you why my updating might be late. I will be flying to Virginia tonight and will be there until Sunday, in time to be back in school on Monday.

I hope you guys are doing alright! I love you all. If anyone else knows someone who was hurt or killed in the shooting, please don't hesitate to talk to me…I understand!

Thanks guys, you're the best.

Love,

Amber (harry_mione_love)

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A/N: YAY! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY EVERYBODY! TWO MONTHS AGO YESTERDAY I POSTED THE DELAY IN A/N.

First of all, terribly sorry for the wait. Real Life got too much in the way. I just got back from Europe… I was in Sweden for a memorial service for the anniversary of my mother's death which was June 18^th. And I'm going back to England again as it says later on for a few things.

Second, thanks to all the mounds of support I received from everyone. You don't know how much it meant to me. The emails were great, too. (Amanda…she dedicated one of her chapters of What Goes Around… to my cousin. Thanks.)

I received so many amazing responses to what I wrote. I received stories of grief and pain. I almost cried. I received support. Telling me to keep on going. I received understanding. For some it may seem like forever since I updated. Its not just the shootings that kept me away, real life got in the way! Some of you have to understand that as a teenager my aunt-mum doesn't always want me on the computer for massive amounts of time, and I had vacations…I had to go home to England, which I'm going to in a few days to see the World Premiere of OotP and go to the benefit concert for Princess Diana. My mother knew her quite well and since my mother can't be here to share it, I will be, I already rsvped to Will and Harry. So there's no updating that week but I Promise if I can update before I leave I will.

Few Things before you read:

**I responded a ton of reviews. SO if you reviewed, go back and check, I'll get the rest done later. Sorry about that.

**Some of you are complaining about the slow pace of this story. May I remind you this is taking place during a 10 day cruise. If I did it any faster this story would be over and done with before you knew it. I'm trying to make this a more descriptive, fun, longer story. The book drags it out too. You have to! However, do to the overly excessive slow pace, I'm going to pick it up a notch. I never intended this to go beyond 15 chapters. But I think it will.

**There Soon Will Be Seven!** (have u preordered yet?!)

~*~*~*~*~

Like a cat in heat, stuck in a moving car

A scary conversation, shut my eyes, can't find the brake

What if they say that you're a climber

Naturally, I'm worried if I do it alone

Who really cares, cause it's your life

You never know, it could be great

Take a chance cause you might grow

Oh, ah, oh

--Gwen Stefani, “What you waiting for”

~*~

I was dressed pretty casually, considering I was going `clubbing'. I wanted to come off as young and pretty, but it wasn't me to be dressing, well, lets say…showy. I was wearing a white skirt that ended in ruffled pleats and a black halter top. My ears now suited mid-sized silver hoops and her hair, smooth and silky, cascaded down my back into soft curls. I applied just the tiniest hint of make up to my face.

Satisfied with my appearance, I slipped my card and my wand (which I had neglected to carry around with me lately) into a well hidden zipper pocket in my skirt and headed out the door.

I met Lavender outside the MAX a few minutes later. When I caught sight of her, I noticed she was wearing a (very) low cut baby blue short sleeved shirt and a white skirt that matched mine. Her beautiful, straight blonde hair was let loose around her shoulders, looking ruffled and laid back.

“Hey girl!” Lavender said. “Ready to party?”

“Totally,” I replied as we walked in.

The room was dark with multi colored lights flashing all over the place. Loud dance music blasted throughout the club

“This is amazing,” I told Lavender.

“What?!” She yelled, not hearing me over the music.

“I leaned over closer and yelled, “I said! This is awesome!”

“Yeah!” Lavender smiled and yelled back. She scanned the room for a table and dragged me towards the only one left on the other side of the room. “Here we are.” She said right in my ear.

We took our seats and not too long after a dark haired waitress approached us and asked for our orders. She didn't even bother with ID's when we asked for margaritas.

“Here you are…” she set the two drinks down. “Flag me down if ya need anything else,” she finished with a wink.

Taking a sip, I said, “So…you seen anyone yet??”

Her eyes intently went around the club until a smile spread across her face. “Check it out.”

I turned my head over my shoulder and saw a table of guys sitting, drinking beer, staring at us. They grinned when they noticed us looking at them and one motioned for us to come over. “Lav-“

“Come on.” She pulled me. “Let's go meet us some hot blokes from Hogwarts!”

“Ron!” She cried running towards a red headed boy and smiling.

“Lavender…hey, how's it going?” he scanned her body, as if to check her out.

“Just fine. Hey Seamus!” She greeted another dark haired boy.

“Hey Lav…who's the tag along?” Seamus asked.

“Oh, this is-” Lavender started.

“Hermione?” Harry's voice came from beside her, as he just walked up.

“Harry?” She questioned.

“Harry!” The group of guys bellowed.

“What's up, mate?” Ron asked.

“Nothing'.” He said.

“What are you doing here?” I asked Harry.

“Same thing you are. Hanging out. These are my friends from Hogwarts here for the wedding.” Harry replied, smirking.

“Oh,” I said, deflated.

“So, guys, this is Hermione Granger. Daughter of the woman who married Sirius.” Harry introduced me.

“Good Old Sirius,” Ron chuckled. “Nice to meet you, Hermione.”

“Ya, real nice.” Seamus added, scanning my body.

I saw Harry's eyes narrow in their direction as if telling them to back off, but they didn't notice and continued to stare at me. Their gaze was a little intimidating but I saw them shift to Lavender and almost thanked Merlin for the distraction.

“Oh, excuse me guys…” Harry muttered walking in the other direction.

I looked the way he was walking and was almost disappointed to see a very beautiful raven haired girl waiting for him.

“Who's she?” Lavender asked.

I shrugged. “Who knows?”

“You're jealous.” She said as more of a statement instead of a question.

“Am not.” I rolled my eyes, coolly.

“Sure, Whatever. Hey, Seamus, wanna dance?” Lavender asked.

Seamus hopped up like he was being called off to deliver a message to the queen and grinned. “Sure, lets go!” Lavender followed him out to the dance floor and suddenly felt very lonely.

Well, lonely until I saw Dean standing by my side, quirking his eyebrow. “So, do you want to dance with me?”

“Uh, sure,” I replied politely, not really knowing what to do or say. Its not like I was a great dancer.

Well that didn't matter because he wasn't a good dancer either. He was kind of a spastic dancer, doing all these weird movements. He would bend down and touch the ground and stand up and do this weird thing with his arms then repeat it over again. It was kind of awkward, but at least he was having fun; and I had fun laughing at him.

A few minutes later, I saw Seamus walk over, “Hey, let's switch.” He switched partners and started to dance with me.

“So, you don't go to Hogwarts, do you? I think I would've noticed you…” He questioned.

“Oh, no. I go to Beauxbotons. My mother liked it there and she knew a professor there.” Hermione answered.

“Really... well, that's cool. You guys probably don't get into nearly as much trouble as we students at Hogwarts do,” He smiled.

“Not nearly.” I agreed, with a smile as well.

The way he was looking at me made me feel powerful. I was never much of a flirt, like the vixen Lavender, but by the way they were looking at me was still pretty intensive. Must have something they want.

Seamus was soon interrupted by Ron, who also wanted to dance. We were dancing like crazy, just dancing the night away. We went over my life story, where I go to school and such. But when it got towards the end of the song, I noticed Harry dancing with the raven haired beauty off to the side. The lights flashed over him and illuminated him in different shades. Red, green, blue, yellow, then red again and on throughout the pattern. I watched his smooth movements and began to feel a hint of jealously in me. I didn't know why, but the raven haired girl had him. And I didn't.

I didn't even noticed I had slowed down until Ron asked, “Hey, why are you stopping?”

“Hmm? Oh…I like to, uh, wind down before the song ends.” I managed to think up.

He nodded his head and seemed to think it was a good idea because he started to too. I glanced back over to sneak a peak and Harry and his gorgeous `friend' but I couldn't see them anymore.

I excused myself from Ron and walked back to the table. “Dean, where's Lavender?” I asked in near panic of her abandoning me.

“Oh, Lav…she uh…left a little bit a go with Seamus,” he said, quirking his eyebrow to suggest something.

“Oh…okay.” Dang that girl works fast. She was already sleeping with him. Sure I mean they'd known each other for a bit, but they'd never been romantically involved. Lavender would've told me.

All I knew now was that Lavender was no where in sight, doing god knows what with Seamus and I'm here. All alone. I had no idea what to do. As I was about to walk out, I heard Harry call, “Hey, where's your friend?”

“Where's yours?” I countered.

“Getting a drink,” He eyed me. “Where's Lavender?”

“Off with Seamus.” I announced.

“Really?”

“I wouldn't have said it if I didn't mean it.” I said annoyed.

“Sorry,” he put his hands up in mock surrender. “But I told you this would happen. Not in so many words but,”

“More like not in any words.” I rolled my eyes. “And nothings wrong, I just want to leave without any one. You know, Dean offered to leave with me and he's nice and all, but…”

“Dean asked you to sleep with him?” He questioned, with a dark look.

“Yeah.” I lied. “Is there a problem?”

“You shouldn't be like Lavender.” He said. “She's not a great role model.”

“Whatever, I'll see you later, Harry.” I rolled my eyes again.

He shook his head and walked the other direction.

I sighed and continued my way, pressing the buttons on the elevator. I ended up in an elevator with an elderly couple. So that's where I was now. In ranks with them. While all the kids my age were partying and hanging out, I was going back up to my lonely suite. All by myself.

Once I got back I slipped my key card in the slot and slowly opened the door. Cruise ship doors need a little extra strength to open, they were really heavy. I tried to flick on the light, but it wouldn't turn on. I groaned and muttered, “Just what I needed.”

I fumbled around in the dark trying to find where I kept my wand. It then occurred to me it was in a secluded pocket of my skirt. I exhaled a frustrated breath, reached inside and revealed my wand. I mumbled a quick spell and threw my wand down as the lights came on. Sirius had told me not to use much magic on the cruise ship because you never know who could be on board. And there were a lot of muggles on, so he didn't want to risk it. But I doubt fixing a light will do anything.

I looked at the clock… 11:30; we must've been there a while. I then changed into more comfortable clothes. An old tank top that fit me just perfectly, and really comfortable soffe shorts. I pulled my hair up into a loose and low ponytail and quite truthfully, I was ready to go to bed.

That's when a knock sounded at the door. I was almost reluctant to answer it, but got up anyways and called, “One second,” unlocking the door and opening it. Lavender stood on the other side.

“Hey girl. I went back to the club and you weren't there. Harry said you'd left. Why?” She asked.

I shrugged, “I guess I just wasn't having too much fun and you had left with Seamus…by the way, why are you here instead of…”

“Oh!” she exclaimed. “No, No, No, No. I wasn't doing that with him. We hung around and talked. He even kissed me but it was kind of sloppy. Gross, I'm telling you. We just went back and that's when I saw you'd left.”

I laughed. “That's cool. Uh, wanna come in?”

“Sure,” she walked in. “Were you about to go to sleep?”\

“Actually…yeah. I had nothing else to do,” I admitted.

“Well, I can leave if you-”

“Shut up and get inside Lav. There's no way I'd rather be sleeping,” I laughed.

She laughed too. “Okay…”

“You can just stay over if you want.” I suggested.

“That'd be wise. I think I had too much margarita to realize how to open my door with the key.” She giggled.

Once she stepped further inside, she examined the room. “Whoa. Nice digs…someone's high up.”

I shrugged. “Sirius said he wanted me to have the best.”

“Best of the best.” She commented. “You have a really nice balcony…and your room is huge!”

I laughed at her. “Yeah, I guess.”

She shook her head. “You don't know how lucky you are to have Sirius as your god father.”

Just as we stepped out onto the balcony, another knock sounded at the door. “Oh, stay here, I'll get it.”

She nodded and I walked to the door, answering it. “Harry?” I said in surprise.

“Hey, I-” Harry started.

“Harry…?” He heard another voice say.

“Lavender?” He questioned.

“She's here. We were just about to talk. Wanna join us?” I asked, feeling gracious.

“Thanks but no thanks. I don't think I want to be here when you talk about eye shadow, toe rings and unbelievably handsome blokes…” He said.

“Such as yourself..?” Lavender joked. HE winked.

“Toe rings?” I said, amused.

He shook his head. “Just wanted to make sure you got back alright. You know I'm next door if you need me. I'll see you tomorrow.”

“You sure?” Lavender said.

“Positive,” He said strongly. “See ya.”

“See ya!” Both girls called after him.

Hermione closed the door and turned around to face a shocked Lavender. “What?”

“Next door?” I nodded, wondering where this was going. “Next door?!” She said again.

“Yes!” I exclaimed.

“You have a hottie like that…RIGHT next door! How do you sleep alone at night?!” She laughed.

“Under the covers with my eyes closed.” I murmured. “Come on, Lav, les go.”

She followed me outside and we took our seats, staring out into the darkness, where you could only see the twinkling lights of the ship and the dark ocean ahead.

“This is nice,” She said softly.

“Yeah it is.” I agreed.

“Sometimes it's nice just hang out in the quiet night…with your friend.” She said.

That surprised me. “Really? You like this kind of stuff?”

“Yeah, why wouldn't I?”

“I dunno, I took you for more as a party-all-the-time girl.” I shrugged.

“Well,” She started. “Don't get me wrong, I love that. But…you can't always be living like that. I used to not jump from guy to guy. I used to have one steady boyfriend.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. His name was Chris. I think I loved him. I dunno…that sounds crazy to love someone this young.”

“No it doesn't,” I told her. “A lot of people fall in love this young.”

“He was good, you know?” She said. I nodded, understanding what she meant. “But that wasn't all. He was nice, and funny, passionate, romantic…just a great guy.”

“What happened?” I asked softly.

“He, uh…He cheated on me. I guess it was too good to be true. He was a good guy at first, I just don't think he felt the same way I felt about him. He told me he had always liked me and he never meant to hurt me. It just…happened…and that's what ended it with us.” She told me.

“Oh, wow. I'm sorry.” I apologized.

She shrugged. “I guess it just wasn't meant to be. Things all happen for a reason. I wish I could get him back…but I know it's over. I just have to move on.”

“Yeah, I know. That's tough.” I agreed.

“You ever been serious?” She asked.

I shook my head. “No. Never. Not once. Quite truthfully, I don't think there's any guy in his right and sober mind that would want me.”

She sighed. “Don't be ridiculous. I wish you wouldn't talk like that. You're beautiful. Harry certainly seems to think so.”

“Oh, no, this again?”

“I'm not kidding, Hermione! You should see the way he looks at you. And I'm telling you he's always near you.”

“He's just doing that because Sirius told him to. He doesn't like me like that. Or in any way.” I ended it.

“Fine. Whatever. I think he does.” She shrugged. “But I'll drop it.”

“Thank you.” I said.

“In that case, we need to find you a man.” She laughed.

“Oh dear,” I sighed.

“You said you wanted one. You want adventure,” She reminded me. “It's time now.”

“I guess.” I agreed. “So, we're docking tomorrow. You excited?”

“Totally. We'll go shopping and hang out. It should be fun,” She said.

“Good.” I smiled.

We talked for at least another hour before deciding we were really too tired to continue. She changed into old comfy clothes of mine and we went to bed.

While lying there, I couldn't help but think Lavender and I had gotten somewhere tonight. For once we didn't only talk about guys, seducing and partying. We talked about life. Our past. Our struggles. She's one person I know I'll still call a friend after this, because underneath that party girl, boy chasing exterior is a teenage girl; in some ways, just like me.

~*~

A/n: Whew. It took me two months to write this and I know it sucks. But please, I tried and I got kinda bored on this chapter. I'll try to pick up the speed of the story next chapter, but I cant promise ya anything. I'll try to update soon. Really soon, I promise I'll try. I still have to update LPB and work on some of my 7 `fore 7 ficlets!

Okay, this has been bugging me, does anyone know what story it is where Hermione is walking down the hall and she is pulled into a closet by Harry, who kisses her and she says something like they shouldn't be doing it and he says `its not my fault your so enticing' and she asked what she does that's enticing and he said something like, `walk, talk, breathe...pretty much anything you do is enticing.' And she threw her head back and laughed and he said, `you can add laughing to the list'.

I remember that scene SOO much and I remember liking that story. Just give me a buzz in the review if you know! Thanks!

Review please!

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A/N: Hey! Whew, Book 7 has come and gone since the last time I updated and for that I sincerely apologize. I know the site has been bursting with new fanfics and I absolutley love it, there is not a new fic I have not read. Lol. If you didnt know already, I'm writing quite a few one shots. One turned into a chapter story after so many requests (“Safe Choice”) so I will try just to focus one at a time. Other than getting over the epilogue from hell....

I've been really busy!! I do a lot of theatre work...my first official big time theatre musical was when I was about ten and I played Jane in Mary Poppins at the Prince Edward Theatre. Anyone ever seen it there? Hehee, maybe if it was years ago you would've seen me!! Lol. That was sooo much fun. I loved being ten and telling all my friends how to spell supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and say it backwards. Wellll...This chapter, I must add, does have a few parts that are a lot from the book, but PLEASE I BEG of you: don't look back and compare what I wrote to what the author of the book wrote. I know that the shopping scene is the same, but I have my reasons for that!! The rest is original! Well, enjoy reading!

Oh and even though I know a lot of Irish people...I cant write how they talk, so just pretend Seamus is talking like he really does. Lol.

Please read a/n at end of chapter!

Oh & ps: I totally just joined a facebook group that's called: Anti Harry/Ginny & Ron/Hermione. They have some HILARIOUS facebook groups if you look under Harry and Hermione! LOL! Like one that says Why doesn't Harry just f*** Hermione and get it over with. Ha, so that's the tasteless one, but funny.

Thanks to Cateagle for the song suggestion! It's like, C C's new theme song! I'll probably use a different verse for the next couple chapters! Thanks!

~*~

I was in search of a good time
just running my game
Love was the furthest
Furthest from my mind

-- “Caribbean Queen” Billy Ocean

~*~

“Mmm...Lav, get up,” I shook Lavender, still laying down half-awake myself.

“No,” Lavender groaned.

“Lav...” I sang.

“Five more minutes,” She protested. “If you're not up by the time I get out of the shower...well, just get up! We're docking today, remember?”

“Mmk...” Lavender finally conceded. We took our turns taking showers. I changed into clean clothes, a light jean skirt and a light blue spaghetti strap top. Lavender, having stayed over, just changed into her clothes from the night before and would change when she got back to the room.

I was brushing my teeth and Lavender was trying to towel dry her hair in silence until Lavender asked, “So, should we hit the shops as soon as we dock?”

“Yeah, sure, sounds like a plan,” I told her.

“Alright, well, I got to go back to my room and finish getting ready. Meet ya in the atrium in a half hour?”

“Sure. See you!” I waved.

“Bye,” She shut the door behind her. I looked into the bathroom mirror and continued getting ready. I usually didn't wear much make up on a daily basis, unless it was a special day or something, but always applied mascara and eyeliner to my eyes. Everything else I didn't care about.

While studying my reflection in the mirror, I realized, for maybe the first time in my entire life, that I am not ugly. My skin was always crystal clear, free of pimples or blemishes; my teeth, with my mum being a dentist, were white and straight. My mother always insisted on getting my eyes brows waxed regularly and getting frequent pedicures, so my eyebrows weren't too bushy, and my feet weren't disgusting. My favorite part about me was probably my eyes; they were a chocolate brown, and caught everyone's attention. I don't know why...but for some reason that's what people notice first. Then their was the rest of my body. I had never been overweight; I'm not a stick, but I'm not plump at all, I settle somewhere in between the two. Plus, my skin had always had a bit of a natural tan.

So maybe I wasn't terribly ugly, maybe I could admit to myself that I was at least a little pretty. But I still didn't think I was beautiful, or as pretty as Lavender.

As usual I slipped my wand in my front pocket unseen, my cruise card in my back pocket, along with the credit card Sirius gave me. That made me think about the fact that he gave Harry and I tickets to see that show...and that we were supposed to meet up with them again tomorrow. You just couldn't escape parents on this trip, could you?

Heading out the door, I accidentally collided with someone who was walking out their own door at the same time.

“Hey!” I exclaimed in annoyance, before realizing it as Harry. “Oh, Hey, Harry. Sorry. How are you?”

“Good, until you collided with me,” He joked, laughing.

“You ran into me!” I accused, mocking his tone.

“Well, I'm terribly sorry,” He flashed that grin of his to me I'd only seen a few times before, but each time it took a toll on me.

“Me too,” I apologized sincerely. “So, what are you doing today?”

“Oh, actually, I was thinking of going parasailing,” he said. “Is parasailing on your list?”

I shook my head. “No.”

“Do you only do things on your list?” He looked at me curiously.

“I like things to be planned.”

“Maybe you could find a pencil and add it in. I've reserved a boat for today.”

I'd never parasailed, but it sounded like fun. Still....

“Why are you asking me? I thought your friends were here?” I asked.

“Cause I don't wanna go by myself, and I don't know if Ron, Neville, Seamus or Dean would fancy coming along. Unless...you and Lavender were there.” He said.

“Why would it matter if we were there?” I rolled my eyes.

He shrugged. “It'd be more fun. C'mon, will you go?”

So it wasn't because he was interested in me or because Sirius asked him to watch me, or was...? Now I had no idea where I was standing with Harry. It was like we were in between two giant trampolines and I was falling somewhere in between, struggling to reach the next one...or go back to the other. I don't know, everything with him is too confusing right now. My whole story with him felt like it was being written by someone else; someone who enjoyed toying with me.

“Sure, I'd love to go,” I smiled. “Lav is going?”

He shrugged again. “Why not?”

“And the rest of the gang?” I asked.

“If by the rest of the gang you mean Neville, Seamus and Ron...then yes,” He eyed me curiously. “Is that okay?”

“Of course, just wondering. So, I'll meet you there?” I asked.

He nodded. “Right...” He finished, telling me exactly where `there' was.

After quick goodbyes to each other, we went out separate ways. I guess I was also handing with Harry today. Plans changed. Lavender won't mind one bit.

~*~

We docked at Charlotte Amalie in the Virgin Islands. From the deck, the capital of St. Thomas looked like a peaceful village with its red roofed buildings sweeping out into the deep green hills. Ships of all sizes; sloops, yachts, sailboats, rocked gently in the waters with in the harbor.

Once Lavender and I left the ship I realized that the calm appearance of the town was deceiving. I was bustling with activity.

“Hey, I like this music,” lavender bounced down the street past a shop playing that Caribbean-beachy kind of music that always made you feel relaxed. She seemed to walk in rhythm. I joined her, bouncing steps and all.

“So, Harry invited me to go parasailing,” I started.

“Oh, Harry...” She said in a sing-song voice.

“Lav...” I groaned.

“Sorry, sorry. YOU were saying?” She said.

“Anyways, you wanna come?”

Lavender perked up. “Sure! That sounds great, especially if Harry dearest is there! Count me in!”

“Cool,” I rolled my eyes. “The other guys are coming too.”

“Ooo...even more fun!” She squealed. I just rolled my eyes again and continued walking.

We were headed for the shopping district. Most of the shops were converted warehouses where pirates had reportedly hoarded their stolen gods hundreds of years ago. Everything was quaint, and unlike anything I'd ever seen before.

Our first shop stop was the Tropicana Perfume Shoppe. The pink and white eighteenth-century building was located in the heart of the shopping district. The fragrances were to die for, and sported the names of so many prestigious companies-brand name labels that I seldom shopped for at home because they were a little out of my price range.

“What about this one?” Lavender asked, holding her wrist up to my nose.

It was a sweet flowery scent. It seemed to go with the tropics, but I wasn't sure I went with Lavender. Still, she knew herself better than I did, but I didn't think of her as `sweet & flowery' a lot of the time. But who was I to judge?

“I like it,” I assured her.

She wrinkled her nose. “I don't know.”

She was suddenly a mess of indecision. I didn't blame her, so was I. Far too many scents to choose from .I had a feeling most of the morning was gong to be a string of hard decisions.

Lavender dabbed another fragrance on her elbow and sniffed. “I like this one. Do you think Ron would like it?”

I stared at her. “Ron?”

She bobbed her head. “Yeah.”

“But you and Seamus-”

“Oh, he's history,” She said with a flutter of her hand.

“Well, I know, but I think Seamus is his friend and it just seems like it would be a little awkward.”

She shook her head and raised her hand. “The rules are completely different on a cruise. Everyone's a player, and everyone is okay with that.”

I didn't think I would be totally okay with that. While I was okay with kissing different guys, I only wanted to get intimate with one. Part of the one reason I wasn't willing to consider Harry as one of those guys because I dint believe long term relationships could take root on a cruse; and it would be uncomfortable to see him afterwards.

We continued to hover around the scents, when Lavender said, “I think Chris would like this.”

“Is three any chance you two'll get back together” I asked, curiously.

She scoffed. “NO way, Hermione, you know what happened.”

Then why did she keep bringing him up? I mean—it just didn't make sense. She kept telling me not to wallow in the memory of one guy. Ironic, eh?

I, on the other hand, was perusing through the scents. I wanted something soft, alluring, intriguing. Something to where on that special night. When I met that certain guy.

“I'm getting this one,” she announced. “You?”

I continued my sampling, still searching.

Lavender and I were a hodgepodge of scents when we left, each carrying out first purchase. Givenchy adorned her bag; Yves Saint Laurent decorated mine.

Our next stop was a jewelry store. St. Thomas was known for inexpensive emeralds and diamonds. Of course, they were known for inexpensive everything.

“Check out this one!” Lavender squealed, gesturing to a necklace. It was extraordinary-diamonds and emerald that just story of swooped the neck.

“What would you wear it for?”

“Who cares?” She shrugged. “It's a must have.”

I wanted something a bit more practical. A teardrop emerald necklace and matching dangling earrings caught me eyes. The green was intriguing, like the same color of Harry's eyes...no! No! Why was I thinking that! But it did match him well, I subconsciously though. That's what I chose to buy.

That's when I spotted the tow rings. I laughed to myself, remembering how Harry had talked about girls talking about toe rings. I couldn't resist. I bought him one, just for grins. It probably wouldn't fit him, but that didn't matter. I just wanted him to know I was thinking about him.

Whoa! Where did that come from?

“You okay?” Lavender asked. “You look totally bloody upset.”

“Fine,” I smiled. “Just thinking about something. It's nothing.”

She shrugged. “Kay, but if you wanna talk...”

I just smiled in response. I really wasn't ready to tell Lavender what was going on in my head. I wasn't certain about my feelings and a bit overwhelmed. Eventually maybe, I dunno. Didn't seem important. Lavender and I scoured through the shops with our wallets getting thinner and the bags we carried getting heavier; filled with candles, more jewelry, clothes. While shopping on the islands I had planed to only use the money I, myself, had earned, but there was just so much to choose from.

After `shopping' for tattoos, and piercings, I decided that having any needles placed into my skin could wait till I got home when I could be sure the establishment was hygienic and up on the health laws; no reason to get carried away.

We barely had enough time to return to the ship, cart out bags back to our cabins, changed into short-shorts and a bathing suit top, plus head back into the town. We hooked up with the guys at Enrique's Parasailing.

“Hey, Hermione,” Harry greeted me, as Lavender flirted with the others.

“Hey, everyone's here,” I commented. “Are we...gonna have enough room?”

He shrugged. “It's not like I didn't reserve the whole boat.”

I raised my eyebrows. “You reserved the whole boat? Not just a couple of spaces?”

He shrugged again. “Whatever.”

“Sirius is generous,” I added.

He learned over and whispered in my ear, “Sirius didnt reserve it, I did-with my money.”

The shudder his hot breath on my neck caused distracted me from his words. When I recovered, I realised what he had just revealed. His money? I guess I hadn't thought of that one. I mean he was bloody Harry Potter, right? Of course he had money! For Merlin's' sake, his parents, wealthy was they were, left him everything. His old Headmaster Dumbledore that had recently passed left him almost everything. He was the god damn savior of the Wizardry world! I had always just thought of him as Harry this trip. I'd forgotten all about the fact that he was `the chosen one'.

I leaned over, “Is that your way of gloating to me about your money and fame?”

“You think I want that fame, Hermione?” Harry asked her harshly. “It's not bloody worth the price I paid.”

I was taken aback. Of course. Leave it to me to strike a flame in Harry and realise he's not such a bad guy. And this entire trip I'd done so good with pushing him away, only to have him shoved back in my face again.

“I'm sorry,” I apologised.

He just shrugged, fiddling with something on the boat. I noticed his whole demeanor had changed now. Great, now I felt responsible for that too. “I...uh, got you something,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.

He looked up and raised an eyebrow, “Really?” He asked a smirk showing.

“Really,” I smiled, pulling the toe ring out and handing it to him. “It s a toe ring. Remember you said this is all girls talk about?”

He laughed. I continued. “Of course it won't fit you. Just for fun.”

He grinned at me and put it on his toe. “Hmm, perfect.”

I found myself laughed and shaking me head as he took it off again and placed it away. “Thanks.”

“'course,” I said.

Ron broke through the silence, addressing all of us. “Anyone ever parasailed before?”

I noticed everyone shake their head, except Harry.

“You've parasailed,” I said to him, finding myself intrigued by him when I knew I shouldn't be.

“In Catalina and Mackinac Islands in the pacific with Sirius.”

“You must like it then,” I said.

“It's bloody amazing,” he smiled.

He must have noticed I shot him a disapproving look. “What?”

“Language...” I reminded him.

Harry rolled his eyes but a grin spread across his face. “Right, Sorry.”

As we cruised out beyond the harbor, everyone was dipping into the ice chest, helping themselves to drinks. Harry and I both quietly reminded the rest of the group to beware of what they were drinking; muggle drinks. They had fun testing out new ones, but sometimes they'd find one that they found disgusting and spit it out into the ocean, much to my disgust.

The boat slowed down and Rick, the captain, crouched down in the middle of our seating. His flowered shit was all unbuttoned, his baseball cap on backwards. He was barefoot and deeply tanned the perfect symbol of tropical island fever. “Hello.”

“Hello,” we all greeted him.

He bobbed his head in an approving way and asked, “Nice accents. Australian?”

“British,” Five of us replied, annoyed at the mix up.

“What about you, dude?” He gestured toward Seamus.

Seamus looked at this `dude' as if he was an idiot. “Um, Irish?” He phrased it as a question, wondering how someone couldn't catch onto that.

“What you doin' here in the Caribbean?” He questioned.

“Just vacationing,” Lavender smiled. “On the cruise ship. Some of us were here for a wedding on it.”

He nodded his head again and clapped his heads. “Okay,” Rick began. “You have paid to have the boat for two hours, there are six of you, so some will have to go in tandem since it takes about thirty minutes to get you up and then back down.”

“I'll go with Hermione,” Harry said, before anyone could get a word out.

I knew he'd responded quickly simply because he was watching out for me as Sirius had instructed.

“And how exactly does `tandem' work?” I asked, a bit scared.

“You're harnessed together and go up at the same time, “Rick explained.

Harnessed together? I darted a quick glance over at Harry. I had a vision of us plummeting into the sea like a sack of rocks. I looked at Rick. “Won't we weigh too much?”

“Nah, you'll be fine,” he winked at me. “Now which one of you guys is gonna pair up with the other babe?”

The other `babe'? That meant he considered me a babe. I gave him a close inspection; young, cute, but absolutely brainless. I didn't see myself hanging around with a beach bum.

After some shoving around, the guys decided Ron could be the one to go up with Lavender.

“Hey, Harry, how come we didn't have a discussion about who would go up with Hermione?” Dean asked.

“Because I called it,” Harry joked with a smiled. I rolled my eyes jokingly.

Seamus shook his head and patted Dean's shoulder. “Let it go, Thomas.” Dean shoved his arm off and walked away.

“Got something to say, Finnegan?” Harry asked when Seamus looked at him funny.

“Nothing, nothing at all,” He smirked.

“All right,” Rick said with a clap of his hands. “Let's do the singles first. Dudes, put on your life jackets.”

Seamus went first. It was interesting to watch them harness him in. I couldn't imagine how it was going to work with both me and Harry going together.

I also didn't like to admit that I thought it might be fun to go up with someone, especially Harry. “So what are you going to do tonight?” I asked, trying to be friendlier.

“Checking out the clubs with Ron, Neville, Dean and Seamus, you?” He replied.

“Probably the same,” I shrugged.

“Definitely the same,” Lavender said, leaning toward us. “We don't leave port till late tonight. We might as well part with the natives while we have the chance. Harry, wanna come?”

“I'll think about it,” He said, with a glance at me.

“C'mon Harry...” She begged. “Our vacation will be over before you know it and then we'll all be sent back home and soon school will start and we'll all go back at Hogwarts. You and the guys come with us tonight...please?”

Harry sighed, “Fine...”

“Oh, don't act like its such a chore,” I chuckled.

He flashed me one of those heart stopping grins of his in response. At that point, the boat speed picked up and Rick began reeling Seamus out.

“Wahoo!” Seamus yelled.

I watched him go higher, and higher and the knot in my stomach grew larger and larger. I had yet to mention anyone my incredible fear of heights. I couldn't fly on a broom without freaking out, how was I supposed to go up on this?

I leaved close to Harry and said. “Look, if you want to go alone, I completely understand.”

He must have sensed the apprehension in my voice and he tipped his head to the side so we were even closer, “Don't worry. Everything will be fine. *Besides, no one's ever died while...Oh wait...”

I punched him playfully in the arm and smiled. “That's not funny.”

Harry smiled. “But seriously, you'll be fine.”

“Promise?” I challenged him, biting my lip.

“Promise,” he looked at me seriously. “I take it your not too fond of flying?”

I shook my head. “Not at all. I hate riding on brooms.”

He smiled reassuringly at me as I gazed back at the deep blue waters. A little while later, Rick started reeling Lavender and Ron in. Oh my god. Had a half an hour passed by already?

I started taking deep breaths. The last thing I wanted to do was hyperventilate.

Harry looked at me and took my arm. “Nothing will happen to you. You'll love it.”

“Totally bloody awesome!” Lavender screamed.

The boat slowed and then idled while Rick helped Harry and I get into the harness. My back was against Harry's chest; he put his arms around me and I put my arms over his. I wt was silly, but it mad me feel as though I was anchored to something. He gave me the sense of security I needed since my heart was pounding like a sledgehammer. I heard a few clicks and snaps as Rick hooked us up. I felt a tug here, a tug there. And then I saw Rick was backing away.

“Okay, now, just relax,” Rick said.

I took a deep breath and nodded. “Relax. I'm relaxed.”

“All right then, here we go.”

The boat revved up, the wind caught the parachute and I felt myself being lifted into the sky and away from the boat deck. I closed my eyes tightly, scared to look how high up we were. My stomach was doing flips.

“Relax, Hermione, “Harry said in my ear. “We're perfectly safe.”

“Perfectly?” I squeaked.

“Yeah. The worst that will happen is that we'll caught in a cross wind, and the cute will collapse.”

I gave a small `eep'. “And then?”

“Both of us just go into the water. You swim right?”

“Of course,” I nodded, still keeping my eyes shut.

“Open your eyes,” He commanded.

“I don't think that's such a good idea...” I swallowed.

“Hermione, open your eyes,” He told me again, somewhat amused that I didn't listen the first time.

“Okay...” I cracked my eyes open slowly. The minute I saw how high up we were I gripped his arms tighter. I had a bird's eye view of the island and ocean, it was incredible.

“Look down,” He ordered.

I obeyed and my stomach did a somersault. “High, we are very high.”

“I've been higher,” Harry noted nonchalantly.

“I meant distance from the ground,” I said, ready to shut my eyes again, but decided to keep them open.

“That too,” He joked. “C'mon you cannot tell me that this is not amazing.”

I gained the courage to look around and couldn't help but grin. “Oh Merlin—this is amazing!”

Gorgeous. It was so gorgeous. I was totally in awe.

I looked back at Harry. “You're right...this is incredible!”

“I told you,” He smiled. “It's completely different looking down on it from here.”

“No kidding,” I said. “Thank you for inviting me.”

Then he did the most remarkable, unexpected thing. He cupped the side of my head, kept my face turned to ward him, leaned forward and kissed me.

~*~

A/N: And that's it.

Sorry kids, I almost extended the chapter...you know, since it's been FOREVER since I've updated...but I just can't. I'm tired of typing this story right now and I've left ya a nice lil cliffhanger! LOL! Sorry about that.

Next chapter should be long. Really long. Record Breaking Long. Not even kidding. I've already started some of it. So just drink it up when it comes, I swear this time it wont be too long before I update again.

I know some have mixed feelings about DH—but I sincerely hope none of you are leaving the fandom! Stay! Please, lol. I & a reader from Safe Choice have already decided to burn the epilogue in the fireplace and laugh as we rewrite our own stories!! Lol.

Oh, and I must say again that I'm sorry for being so long in between updates. I think I'm getting less interested in this story. As must as I love to please my readers (you know I do) I have a hard time getting psyched about this story. But DONT WORRY! I will NOT abandon! Lol. Never. I would never abandon ANY of my stories!

Thanks guys! Muuch mucuh love! Review, please!

~*~

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A/N: I lied. This chapter is not long. So, yes, I lied, feel free to pass that around. If you wanted a longer chapter you would have had to wait a month. Otherwise, you can get this right now and have fun with what I'm giving you.

That's what I thought.

Sorry bout the long waits though. I do have to call to attention though that someone (who will remain unnamed) reviewed, asking an awful lot of me to update quicker---saying it would ruin the middle of the story if I didn't. I understand some of you wish I could update sooner—but I have a life, other things to do as I go to school, have homework, do cheerleading and theatre and baby-sit and I'm going to start working soon and I'm flying half way across the world once every month to be home in England so be lucky to even HAVE this story there, mates. So as much as I say this, I hope you get it, NO anonymous reader, taking slow between updates is NOT as bad as ABANDONING! If anyone else feels the same, lemme know... but I was thinking most would rather know the ending and the way the story goes than have me abandon it, correct?

Read a/n at end of chapter

Okay, now that I let my frustration out…onto the record breaking chapter, eh? Grab a coke or two. This is long.

Lol. You know i was kidding.

~*~

I was in search of a good time
Just running my game
Love was the furthest
Furthest from my mind

--Billy Ocean “Caribbean Queen”

~*~

Harry had kissed me.

Dangling high above the water had been a total rush, but add that to our hot, slow kiss…I'd felt as though I could actually touch the clouds. I had not wanted the kiss or the parasailing to end, but eventually we had to be brought down. I was still marveled by the fact that he kissed me.

Why? Had Harry just gotten caught up in the wonder of the clouds and being up so high in the air—or was there more to it? Could Harry actually have feelings for me? I had a feeling that kissing me wasn't what Sirius had in mind when he told Harry to watch out for me, so I couldn't use that as an excuse this time. This was all him.

Once we had gotten back down, Harry hadn't made any indication that it was a big deal, or that it really mattered. In fact, he looked a bit embarrassed! Embarrassed at what he had done. How was I supposed to go from that? We both simply sat in silence till we reached the shore.

The new Hermione was too scared to ask Harry why he had kissed her—so she could only wonder. Had Harry done it because he truly wanted to…or was there another reason? For god sakes, he could have lost a bet…it could've all been a plan. His friends could've set this all up. But he wouldn't have done that to her…would he've?

“Thanks Harry,” I called to him as we stepped off the dock.

“Sure,” Harry nodded and waved. “I'll catch up with you later.

I wondered if he really would. I saw Lavender jump off the steps off the dock and hook her arm through mine. “We should go back to the ship and get ready.”

“And Harry?” I asked.

“He'll catch up,” She replied.

“Oh,” I sighed.

Lavender looked at me curiously for a moment as we continued walking. “So, what aren't you telling me about you and Harry?”

“What?” I asked, alarmed at the question.

“What aren't you telling me about you and Harry?” She repeated, annoyed I hadn't answered her the first time.

I stared at her. “I have no idea what you're talking about.”

“Yeah, okay, sure,” Lavender rolled her eyes. “That kiss, what was that about?”

“You saw it?” I questioned nervously.

“Kinda hard to miss,” Lavender looked at me as she was teaching a child to count. “It lasted forever.”

“It did?” I asked, it had seemed like it had lasted for a long time, but I didn't know if it was just my mind; intruded by the sense of Harry being against me in high altitudes.

“Yeah,” she said. “I thought you weren't interested in him.”

“I'm not.” Much. Maybe I am falling for him.

“You could have fooled me,” She replied.

I was beginning to think that maybe I was fooling myself as well.

~*~

“I still can not believe Harry kissed you!” She exclaimed, still going on about the kiss as we walked down the streets of St. Thomas later.

We had gone back to the ship, changed into tank tops, loosely flowing skirts, and flip flops before hitting the town again. I realized just how many times you changed clothes a day on the ship and thanked my mother silently for pushing me to buy more clothes and `over pack'.

And here Lavender was, still jabbering about the kiss. It seemed that was all she could talk about. “Is it hard to believe?”

“Well, Hermione, I don't mean it offensive! It's not that I'm surprised he kissed you, it's just…I know Harry, okay? I go to school with him and I know what he's like. He doesn't normally go after a girl unless he really wants her. Some would call him a stick-in-the-mud but he's fun…he's just not the `hook-up' type. The only two girls he ever dated were…” She shook her head in thought. “Cho and Ginny. And I know you don't know who those girls are…Cho was a year ahead of us, but she got whining all the time…it was just Harry's first crush. And Ginny is Ron's sister…”

“Ron, Ron?” She asked, confirming that she knew the Ron Lavender was speaking of.

“Yes, that Ron. Anyways, I don't know why he got in it with her…but he did,” Lavender sighed. “He broke up with her `for her safety', that's Harry talk for `I'm not interested anymore', and never made effort to get back together with her after the war. It's just…firsts for Harry, after all he went through, he's not emotionally capable of grasping that much in the girl department,” She finished.

I felt overwhelmed with my sudden in-depth knowledge of Harry's love life, Lavender had just spilled a huge part of their life at home that I knew I wasn't a part of. “Well, I don't know what was going on, but I know Harry's not interested in me.”

Lavender just sighed as we continued to walk down, looking for any clubs that were open. We found a place that looked interesting enough; and it seemed that most didn't dress up for island night life. Lavender pulled me into a thatched roof building.

Without any second guessing, as if she had been their a million times before, she and I wove through the crowds, leading me to the veranda and courtyard. The second we found a table and took a seat, the waitress was zooming over, asking us what we wanted to drink.

“Two beers, please,” Lavender ordered, without looking at me.

“Actually,” I interrupted, looking at the waitress. “I'll have a margarita.”

The waitress zoomed off in the other direction to get out drinks and Lavender looked at me curiously but didn't say a word about it. I paid the waitress when she returned with our drinks and we both grabbed our glasses, taking sips as we watched the dance floor.

“Time to find us some guys,” Lavender's eyes scanned the floor.

I grinned and thought, `yep, time to find us some guys for the night.' Could tonight be the night? Maybe.

“C'mon, let's go dance,” Lavender pulled me to my feet.

“But we don't have any dance partners!” I yelled over the sudden burst of music.

Lavender shrugged. “Who'll notice in this crowd?!” She shouted back.

I followed her to the crowd of people dancing in the center, music booming through the speakers. After only a few seconds, I found myself running into a very familiar face.

“Ron?” I called to the boy I had just collided my body with.

“Hey!” He called, slurping his beer. “Didn't know you would be here. Is Lav here?”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes, and pointed. “Over there.” I turned my head to realize that Lavender had been swarmed with a couple of the other guys I recognized as Seamus and Dean.

To my utter surprise, Ron did not start away for Lavender, but stayed put and continued talking to me. “You aren't hooked up with a bloke?”

I smiled slightly. “Nope.”

“Cool,” He bobbed his head.

We continued dancing, moving to the beat. Occasionally, we'd get knocked into by other dancers, but you learn to cope on a crowded floor. I felt some guys grinding against me, supposedly on accident. There were so many girls and so many people, I guess you couldn't really tell where you were or who you were with, you just danced when you felt someone next to you.

Ron was nice enough…he had a cute, somewhat sexy grin that showed off his white teeth, which was very much appreciated, since I was obsessed with dental hygiene; mostly because my mum was a dentist. Still, I didn't feel that skip-a-heart-beat-catch-my-breath double take that I had when I'd met Harry.

He held my hand to keep me on the dance floor when the music came to a pause and I kept trying to convince myself that he was cute enough. I kept trying to tell myself that he might be the one, but something kept saying, “Don't think so.”

However, I couldn't figure out why.

I saw Lavender making her way towards me, the two boys in tow. “Hey there, Hermione, Ron,” She nodded at us. “Seamus, Dean and I were just talking. You guys wanna get out of here?”

“And go where?” I asked.

“Wherever the mood strikes,” She shrugged.

I agreed and before I knew it we were strolling out of the club, walking into random clubs, sometimes dancing, other times just drinking a few sips of our choice of alcoholic drinks and then heading out. Ron had slung an arm around me, as if staking his claim. I shouldn't have been bothered by his attention, but it felt a bit too intimate the way he was holding me. A little to much intimacy, a little to fast.

Wasn't that what I wanted, though?

No, I wanted someone I felt comfortable with, and an image of Harry popped in my head. I forced it out vigorously, knowing that getting intimate with Harry would only feel awkward. He must have thought the same, cause after that mind-blowing kiss earlier, he had stayed silent. I took that as a sign he regretted it.

Ron was nice and fun, and a heck of a dancer, but I didn't feel the appropriate connection with him. Still, he was fun to hang around.

We continued heading down the streets of St. Thomas, with our stop and go, stopping at clubs for no rhyme or reason…just going with whatever struck us. Or rather…Lavender. She was the leader in tonight's particular activities.

It was growing later, and I knew our time in St. Thomas was coming to a close. People had been making their way back to the ship and I was still registering Ron's arm around me. I was wondering if he was actually using me as a crutch now, seeing as he had been the winner in every beer guzzling contest the boys had held that night.

“We've got some time,” Lavender suggested, “Why don't we walk the shoreline.”

Everyone seemed to agree, for we soon found ourselves walking the coastline of the beautiful Caribbean island. I watched as Lavender walked the coast, a guy on either side of her. She laughed and giggled, which was quite funny to watch because neither of them could walk straight lines if their lives depended on it. I myself had not drunk much that evening. I was not a heavy drinker and often opted for just a few sips. I wasn't that kind of person, no matter how much I wanted to change.

As Ron and I reached the shoreline, I realized he was hanging really heavy on me. “You're the bloody best, Hermione… How about a kiss?”

I wanted to laugh at his proposal…where was the element of surprise in that? Still, I wanted to play a good sport. I tilted my face to his, ready to kiss. He leaned on me, about to kiss me, when his arm slipped.

I let out a screech as his body collapsed to the ground in a heap.

~*~

Lavender had thought the whole thing was absolutely hilarious. Ron's friends, Seamus and Lavender had had to drag Ron to his feet and take their passed out friend back to the cruise ship. Our walk on the shoreline had turned into so much more.

“Aren't they fun, Hermione?” She laughed.

“Oh, yeah,” my voice dripping with sarcasm. “I can't tell you when I've enjoyed watching a guy pass out more.”

She nudged my shoulder with hers and laughed. “Okay, I'll admit that part wasn't great, but while you're on the islands that's what you've got to get used to…guys drinking all the time.”

Drinking til you dropped? Wow, that wasn't how I imagined my personal island adventures. Not at all. Although, I had some alcohol in me, at least I could walk a straight line. Once we returned to the boat, I felt restless, but I didn't want to go clubbing.

“I think I'll go sit out on the deck for awhile,” I told Lavender.

“Can I join you?” She asked, almost tentatively.

“Sure,” I replied, surprised she didn't want to go off and find one of the guys again. I was pretty glad she decided to join me on the top deck, which was now mostly vacated.

We settled into a few loungers, staring up at the twinkling stars above us.

Lavender sighed. “I wish I lived on the island.”

“Don't you think it'd get rather boring?” I asked.

She shook her head. “No way, never.”

I wasn't so sure. As fun as shopping, hanging out, going to the beach and going to clubs was…I didn't think I could make that my lifetime. If it made sense, those were parts of vacation, though. They weren't meant for regular life.

“There's something so peaceful about the ocean,” I commented quietly.

“Yeah,” She leaned her head back and closed her eyes. “This is the best vacation ever.”

“You read my mind,” I replied.

~*~

Lavender left the deck a little while later but I decided to stay. I shifted my body, trying to get comfortable. It wasn't the most comfortable thing in the world but I was too restless to go to bed.

That left my mind drifting to the movie Titanic .The romance that had taken place aboard that ship had me sitting through the movie three times. Of course watching Leonardo Di Caprio wasn't any hardship either.

I suppose I had though that I could have a romance similar to that onboard this ship. It wasn't easy meeting people though, I mean, besides Harry's friends but they weren't exactly the guys I was after. Maybe tomorrow, I'd have a better chance at finding Mr. - Perfect-for-one-night.

I started to get very sleepy and closed my eyes. I knew I should head back to my cabin—but I didnt want to move. I'd have just a few minutes of rest here and then I'd move right on up to my room. That's right...just a few more minutes....

~*~

I woke up to find a large beach towel draped over me, and the sun easing over the horizon. It was really gorgeous, painting the sky with deep pastels. I knew by their very nature that pastels weren't bright colors but when nature was doing the artistry, there was brilliance to the hue that was indescribable.

I thought it was simply amazing. I sat up straight, stretched, and then...froze.

“What are you doing here?” I blinked.

“I wanted to get in a morning job before it got crowded. Saw you laying here. Id you lose your key again?” He said, from his lawn chair right next to mine.

I wrinkled my nose at him. “I didnt lose my key before.”

“Okay, then did you give your key to someone else, and forget to reclaim it?”

I politely covered my mouth as a yawn came out. “No. I was just sitting her last night, enjoying the ocean. I suppose I fell asleep.”

As if sat up a little more, I grimaced from the pain of my cramped muscles.

“Sore?” Harry asked.

“Yes,” I admitted, forcing my body to stretch. “I think its time for a muscle melt.”

“A muscle melts?” He glanced at me amusingly.

“A massage the ship gives. It melts your muscles.”

“Hence the name,” Harry commented. “Turn around. I'll massage your shoulders.”

It was innocent enough, I really did need it. But that was a bit uncomfortable. “You don't have to...”

“It's alright, I've got noting better to do. Come on.”

I tucked my feet beneath me and turned so my back was to him. Most of my shoulders were exposed from eh tank top and I could feel the heat of his hands on me. It was nice. He was nice.

All of the sudden, his hands stopped. “So, how's the list coming?”

“I still have several things left,” I told him.

“Did you have an okay time last night?” He said as his magic hands started again.

“What?” I asked.

“I heard about your little rendezvous with Ron,” I could sense his large grin.

“Oh, shut up, you,” I shook my head. “It was terrible! He was so drunk!”

Harry laughed. “I know. I was with Seamus and Dean when they came back. He was out.”

“Totally,” I replied. “Have you seen your mum lately? Or mine and Sirius?”

“Not your Mum or Sirius...but speaking of which, I think my mum's kind of getting restless with being alone. She wants to have dinner with us,” Harry said. “Is that okay?”

I nodded. “I like your mum.”

“Good,” He noted with a smile. “She likes you, too. But don't forget we have tickets to a show tonight.”

“What time?”

“We should get there a little after eight, we can leave from dinner.”

“And Lavender? Did you get her a ticket?” I asked.

“Yep,” He said, his hands removing themselves from my shoulders, clearly done. I felt much better. “You can tell her to meet us down there at 8:30.”

“Alright. Thanks for the massage,” I replied, standing up.

“Of course,” He said, picking up the beach towel, kissing my cheek and walking away.

My foggy mind watched him disappear. He had just kissed me again. On the cheek this time, though. Were they good enough friends now that that was acceptable? I guess so. She couldn't help but admit she wanted to at least be friends with him.

It was then I realised that he had said he found me when he was going to go jogging. He had covered me with his beach towel. How many people carried a beach towel while jogging? He was taking this looking-after-me-at-Sirius'-request a little too seriously. And I found myself wondering why that notion didnt bother me as much as it once had.

~*~

A/n: SEE! I told you, that was probably the shortest chapter ever but I'm telling you—it would've been sooo long of a wait for that extra long chapter.

I've made myself a silly promise. I won't make you guys anymore promises cuz every time I do, I break them. Call me a bad author and I don't care. You have to learn that if you say jump I won't say, `how high?'

This is my story and I am trying to be better about it, but you have to understand how difficult it is.

So, no promises, but I will TRY to get the next one out before too long. The story's kind of a little over half way through—so we won't have probably more that...eh...six? More chapters...six? Maybe seven. I dunno. We'll see!

Sorry for this update!!

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