Disclaimer: I don't own the characters, I own my ideas.
Chapter
One
The Song that Never Ends
Hermione Granger, a girl of seventeen short years, best friend to Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley, most likely the brightest witch of their year, felt utterly useless. Crumpling a blotchy piece of parchment, she discarded it into the waste bin next to her mahogany desk and sighed. Bringing her ink stained fingers to her lips, she pursed them and wrinkled her brows in frustration. What do you really say to the people who were supposed to be closest to you, that you no longer felt connected to? Instead of resuming her restless attempts at what would be half hearted letters, she folded her arms and rested her head on top of them.
A knock came from her door, a voice she recognized as her mother following it, "Dear, breakfast is almost ready, are you awake yet?"
"Of course, mum, I'll be down momentarily," she replied dejectedly.
Deciding that she would simply wait for the boys to contact her instead of making any real effort. After all, they were entering their last year at Hogwarts after this summer and it was high time the trio had taken some time apart to find who they truly were. It was hard to look at herself as just Hermione Granger, and not one third of The Golden Trio. She wanted to spend her summer in the sun, not worrying about whether or not Voldemort was searching for her and her family, which is why she was so excited for her trip to India. After breakfast, she would be boarding the 10 AM flight and saying goodbye to England for the duration of the summer.
Hermione had vague plans for the summer, mostly including a lot of basking under the hot, Indian sun at the poolside of the Hadourak Hotel, away from prying eyes. Normally she was very shy about being exposed, the boys at Hogwarts had come to think of her as sexless and she had often found she liked it that way. There was no time for romance as far as she was concerned, but in a different country, she could pursue whatever desires she so chose.
Which didn't really mean she was going to pursue any Indian boy she came across, but simply meant she would try to loosen up a bit. Enjoying another culture away from her peers was going to, as she thought, open her eyes to the person she was meant to be. On the plus side, she would be able to prance around in her swimwear without hiding in fear of being seen by one of her mates, or someone from school. Hermione had never actively participated in any event that would draw attention to her sexuality, it just wasn't the person she was. She wanted respect for her mind and her personality, not lecherous leering at her feminin attributes.
The rest of the day passed in a blur of travel events. Climbing into the car, dragging her luggage into the airport, and boarding the airplane melded together in her mind as she drifted slowly into slumber on the long ride to India.
Upon awakening she looked out of her window, daylight shining dimly through. Hermione deduced that it must be early morning, judging by the sleeping passengers who were all stirring as the intercom announced that the plane was about to make its descent into the receiving airport. Relieved that she had made it safely, she sunk back into her seat and waited for the plane to land.
After she had gotten her luggage, she retired to the waiting room, in which she hapazardly guessed her ride was waiting for her. The pale brunette stood out like a sore thumb in the milling mob of dark skinned Indians and self consciously searched around, finally seeing a tall man holding a sign that had the writing, "Miss Granger," upon it.
Excitedly she pulled her luggage over to the man who, as she neared, realized was dressed in uniform. Decked in a pure black pantsuit, with only his leather blue belt to break the stark blandness of his attire. His expression was rather bored and he looked extremely disinterested in being at the airport. Sighing, she introduced herself, "Hello, I'm Miss Hermione Granger."
"Ah, Miss Granger, please let me take your luggage," he said plainly, flashing her a small smile.
Hermione followed him out of the airport and into a large parking lot, where she was met by a small black car that shined with telltale signs of its roaring costliness. Her parents, after all, were both dentists. In no way was she a pauper, and quite the contrary, she was mildly rich. Not in comparison to the Malfoys or Harry Potter. There was no mansion or bank vault filled with galleons upon galleons, but she held her own.
Already there was sweat sliding down the back of her neck as the sun beat down on her in the short walk it was from the airport to the car. She slid onto the cool leather seats in relief, the sun would be more pleasant once she reached that poolside she had stared so longingly at from the screen of her computer.
The ride passed in near silence, she had no real desire to make small talk with her escort, who quite obviously felt the same as herself. A bit disgruntled at the inferred unfriendliness, she rolled up the window between them and huffed in silence, a bit indignant about the whole situation. She bounced a bit on the plush seats, giggling quietly in amusement at herself. Finally, she was free. No parents to put up the "I'm your sweet daughter," act for, no Harry or Ron being overprotective prats, no one who knew her at all.
At this rate she'd be out of control, she mused. Hermione then decided that she needed to set limits for herself, that would come later though. Her eyes widened at the sight of the hotel as the car pulled up to the front. It was absolutely stunning, and a bit intimidating in its splendor. Her parents really outdid themselves sending her on this vacation. The building stood at least seven stories high but did not look industrial at all, but rather gave off the air of peace.
The jeans she brought, Hermione discovered quickly, were quite unnecessary and a bit chafing actually. Stepping into the lobby, she was instantly hit with refreshing coolness and putting on a bright smile, she greeted the woman who was waiting at the receiving desk and retrieved her key. Her escort followed her into the elevator and they rode in their now familiar silence to the sixth floor. It was a short walk to her room, as it was only a little ways down the hall. She inserted her key into the hole and turned it, opening room 606, where she would spend her entire summer.
The room was large, to say the least. The doors to her balcony were open and a light breeze had picked up, making the guazy permeable curtains billow out, creating quite the dramatic effect. Her eyes took in the neat appearance, the shell blue walls and simple decoration. She nodded to her escort, dismissing him, and unpacked her clothing. The provided dresser was wide and polished to an impeccable shine. All of the furniture was made of a wood that seemed almost white but upon closer inspection was found to be a extremely light tan.
After making her room a little more roomy she opened one of the top drawers, pulling out a dark green bikini. It had no designs and was rather boring but Hermione didn't want to draw attention to herself just yet. She was still shamefully pale and avoided the floor length mirror that adorned the wall above her dresser. Wrapping a fluffy white towel under her arms and around her chest she walked out of the room, closing the heavy door behind her.
Stepping out from the back doors of the hotel and into the pool area, she gasped quietly. It was more breathtaking than the pictures had shown her. The idea of a pool was a little redundant since outside of the u-shaped hotel there was a shoreline that stretched on for miles after miles. The water sparkled and the sand was described on the website as incredibly fine and soft. She, however, was more of a pool person. Setting herself directly next to the pool she laid her towel out and rubbed tanning lotion onto her lean frame.
Hermione Granger was no boyish figured girl, but in fact had a body that matched her mind. Strong, and beautiful. While she was a bit on the skinny side, she still had just enough curve to make her self conscious about being half naked in public. Though she did not know these people, so it didn't matter to her. The pool side was littered with people. Indians and travelers alike, the hotel was rather free to the public and she found it endearing.
She finished rubbing the oil into her skin, giving her a sort of shiny sheen and stretched out on her beach towel, sprawling shamelessly out to catch every ray of sun she possibly could. Hermione was excited for this summer. Excited for her real freedom, and a chance to discover herself. Hopefully, when she got back to Hogwarts, Harry and Ron wouldn't know what hit them. She chuckled in amusement at the slot and let the sun lull her into a quick nap.
So.. that's the first chapter. Constructive criticism is appreciated. :
