For AriadneAWS, who prompted: "Severus and Hermione are on a beach and the boat they arrived on is in flames"

The usual disclaimer applies and many thanks to Ari for the beta magic as well. :)

Accidental Holiday

Severus stood with arms crossed and eyes tight against a fierce orange glow. When a loud crack signaled imminent failure, he suppressed a rapidly expanding grin.

"It was an accident," he said with a dismissive wave.

"An accident?" Hermione said, glaring at him. "An accident is dropping a fork at dinner, not taking down a Muggle ship, Severus."

Her glare transcended annoyance - into the realm of "possibly lethal."

"Perhaps…," he drawled, slipping a cautious arm around her as the ship's sails finally snapped free and wafted on the hot air, trailing flames like war banners, "... 'Accident' is a strong word."