Away on a Beach

Chapter 1: The Annual Upperclassmen Getaway Gala

It was a chilly, cool time of year. September the first always brought excitement and anticipation that the beginning of a year at Hogwarts could only bring. And on the Hogwarts Express, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger were reviewing their summers and enjoying the company of their closest friends. Ginny Weasley, Ron's sister, was also joining in on all the fun, and Luna Lovegood was a compartment over.

It was as the sun was setting and the foursome was admiring the beauty of it, that Luna came thundering in their compartment, opening the door so suddenly, that all 4 jumped as soon as she slammed the door shut behind her.

"Oh...my...god! Guess what I just heard!!" Luna practically shouted at the now attentive four.

"What?" they all asked in unison to one another, each just as scared as the next at what Luna was about to tell them. Luna had a very... interesting aspect about her. Many described her as just plain weird.

"Well, a little gossip bird just told me that this year's Annual Upperclassman Getaway Gala is to the South Shore!" She said excitedly.

"What 'Gala'?" Ron asked, his brow furrowed.

"Sorry, Ronald, no time to explain. Dumbledore'll explain everything at the feast. But now, we've arrived at school. See you all inside." And she left.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny were left in a state of confusion, and didn't speak much until they reached the Great Hall, where they got their seats at the long Gryffindor table, the famous trio anticipating their Sixth year at Hogwarts.

"Welcome, welcome to yet another Hogwarts school year." Dumbledore started, "from what people have asked me, there have been rumors encircling the train about a trip for our upperclassmen. I won't keep you all waiting. There is indeed going to be a trip this year. A trip that, several years ago, was banned from happening is to be starting again this year. This trip is known as the Annual Hogwarts Upperclassmen Getaway Gala and it's journeying to South Shore, which is both a muggle and wizard community, for a week. This trip was open to only 6th and 7th years previously, but after much discussion amongst my colleagues, we've decided that 5th years are also able to come."

Ginny shrieked from excitement. Did this mean that she, Ginny Weasley, would be spending a whole week with Harry Potter at a romantic beach, flirting and having a good time? Dear god, she hoped so. That in mind, she shrieked again and couldn't stop smiling.

Dumbledore continued. "This 'Gala' will cost 40 galleons a person, plus spending money."

Ginny and Ron groaned. Their family didn't have a lot of money, barely any actually, and they knew 80 galleons wouldn't be something they could afford to use. But they would find a way, they would have to. As Ron shot a glance towards Hermione and Ginny to Harry, they both knew they would go to great lengths to get the money they needed. They had to. Hermione looked at Ron, and caught him staring. Ron blushed scarlet at this and Hermione looked away, a little red in the face herself.

"I believe that is all I have to say at this moment. I won't starve any of you any longer. Let's eat!" Dumbledore concluded, and all the tables filled instantly with delicious fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and a various display of vegetables and starches. Ron didn't wait a minute for the others, and dove into eating as much food as he could. However, his enjoyment was soon interrupted by a familiar drawl from behind him.

"So, Weaselby, can your family afford to lose 80 galleons? I suppose you lot won't eat for a year after this." Malfoy sneered.

"Shove off, Malfoy!" Hermione snapped.

"Weasel, bet you can't wait to get Granger to yourself for a week. I bet you've got all sorts of 'innocent' fantasies planned out for the two of you." Malfoy laughed and sniggered.

Ron blushed deep scarlet and Hermione noticed. "Sounds like you're writing yourself a little play there, Malfoy. Now, shove off and shut up before I make you!" Ron bellowed at him, outraged and embarrassed.

Malfoy shook his head and turned back to his cronies. Ron turned back to his group, all of which had been staring at him throughout Malfoy's comment. They snapped their heads back to their food and busily began eating again. Ron shook it off and pretended like nothing ever happened.

Omigod! That was so embarrassing! I hope Hermione didn't notice me blushing. How could she not, it was probably so obvious. I mean, it's not like what the little git said was true. I've never imagined fantasies about me and her, or... have I? No, I haven't! I...definitely... have not. I mean, I don't even like Hermione. Not like THAT anyways, just as a friend. Just as a friend. Ron told himself and kept eating his food.

The stars shined bright above them, as everyone drifted off to sleep later that night, memories and excitement flooding their minds.