Disclaimer: Other than the plot, I just don't own it. Go JKR!

Chapter One: Cruisin'

Hermione Granger groaned as she exited the airport. The last two days had been long, what with her hasty retreat after the announcement. Honestly with the very woman that he…She shook her head, clearing away the thoughts. She focused on finding a taxi. She was on a mission, one that no one seemed capable of completing, but her, which made sense. There were only two people who stood a chance, and since the other person was a complete dunderhead, it was left to her.

She sighed as a taxi pulled up next to her. She tossed her things into the backseat and climbed in after them. After giving the driver her destination, she leaned back in the seat and stared out the window. She had only been to America twice before and that was due to business with the American magical government. Each had been a short visit, spent mostly in the confines of a building working to resolve the issues between the governments. Being a consultant for the Ministry of Magic hadn't been her choice. She was perfctly happy at St. Mungo's, but she had been bullied into taking up the job. She only tolerated it because she was called in on unique cases that tended to spark her interest.

As the driver pulled up to the hotel she would be staying in for the night, she sighed. She paid the driver with the Muggle money she had on hand and slid out the taxi, dragging her bags with her. The hotel was nice enough on the outside, but she knew she wouldn't be staying for long. The ship would be leaving at nine in the morning. She was staying in the hotel so she wouldn't miss the ship's departure.

She checked in and was given a key to a room on the fourth floor. The elevator was packed, as was the hotel. There were certainly many others who had shared her idea of staying overnight in order to make it to the ship on time. She was happy when the elevator stopped on her floor. She and six others got off at the stop, searching for their rooms. She was relieved when she reached her door, quickly unlocking it and stepping inside. The door automatically closed behind her while she found a light switch.

It was a standard hotel room. There was just one queen-sized bed, a small desk with a lamp on top and the usual welcome materials. There was a small two-person table near the window and a TV cabinet across from the bed. A nightstand was on either side of the bed, each with a lamp on top.

She dumped her stuff on the edge of the bed and went to take a look out the window. She had a nice view of the city as the sun was setting and the streetlights began to come on. The streets were still busy, but it was still early even for weeknight standards. She could hear car horns, car alarms, and sirens going off and wished for the peace she used to have at Hogwarts. She couldn't remember the last time she had a good night's rest.

She turned back to her things and rummaged through her bags. She pulled out the tickets she would need for tomorrow and once she was sure everything was in order, she changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed, pulling out a book to read. She didn't really focus on the book, though. Her mind was focused on her task. Her doubts kept returning, wondering if it was smart to go through with it. Sure, she had taken up the task out of curiosity, just to give her peace of mind and to just know. But, the Ministry was the one to push her to make the journey. She knew even that little bit of knowledge would not go over well. She also couldn't deny that something within her urged her to go, but what that was still eluded her. Besides, she wasn't even sure if she was right. Oh, who am I kidding?

After reading the same paragraph four times, she put the book away. She burrowed down into the covers, hoping sleep would be easier that night, but of course it wasn't. Dreams and nightmares plagued her subconscious mind and her night was as fitful as ever.

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With the morning came sunshine and clear skies. It was hot, but what else could be expected in Florida. Though she had left relatively early, with morning traffic and checking in, she finally stepped onto the ship with fifteen minutes to spare. She had been directed to Deck Six. It was difficult maneuvering down the halls as others were also trying to reach their rooms or were already heading up to start enjoying the entertainment.

She sighed in relief as she finally reached her door and pushed it open. The room was small. It consisted of a twin-sized bed, a small sitting area with a couch, and a desk with a chair. A TV was situated directly in front of the bed. A small closet was to the left at the room's entrance and the door leading to the bathroom was to the right. She was lucky enough to have a bedroom with a window.

She shut the door behind her and sat her bags down before flopping back onto the bed. She supposed she would head to some of the public areas and take in some entertainment while she was on the ship. Her nerves were a mess and she needed to do something to relax.

She heard a horn blare and got up to look out the window. The ship was pulling away. She headed to the bathroom to freshen up. Four days, she thought as she splashed water on her face. Excitement and fear coursed through her as she thought of the short time she had to prepare. She closed her eyes as she dried her face off, willing herself to calm down. It wouldn't do for her to lose her nerve when she was so close.

When she opened her eyes, she could only stare at her reflection. Her hair was no longer the bushy mess it used to be. Instead, with a bit of magical help, it now fell in loose brown curls that reached just past her shoulders. Her chocolate brown eyes were dull. She looked tired and pale, which was the result of overworking herself inside St. Mungo's. She was often at work before the sun came up and left after it set.

She grimaced at her reflection and quickly left the bathroom. She gathered her purse, which concealed her wand and headed out her bedroom. She was determined to have a little fun in the next four days.

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She was being watched. Call it gut instinct or paranoia, but she knew someone was watching her. It was her third night on the ship. Tomorrow the ship would be docking at Euphoria Island and her search would continue. She had spent the last few days drinking at the bar, dancing with random strangers in the dance club on Deck Eight, and lounging next to the pool with a good book.

The first time she had felt a gaze set on her had been that first evening. She was having dinner in one of the ship's restaurants, enjoying her pasta dish, when the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She had quickly spun around, scanning the area for anyone suspicious. The restaurant was packed, so she couldn't single anyone out. She had finished her meal, passing off the feeling as paranoia even though it seemed the gaze never wavered.

She had left the restaurant, hoping that the feeling would disappear. She had travelled up to the next deck and discovered the dance club. She could still sense that someone was watching her. She was truly tired and had wanted to return to her room, but she didn't want to lead her stalker to her quarters. Pushing away her fatigue, she had entered the dance club and immediately submerged herself into the crowd swarming the dance floor.

Relief had washed over her when she noticed two exits to the dance club. It had been difficult, but she pushed her way through the crowd, heading for the exit furthest away from the entrance. It let her out on the other side of the deck. Not wasting time, she had found the nearest stairwell and travelled down until she was on her deck. While it was less crowded here, there was always someone in the halls, leaving or entering their rooms. She didn't feel her stalker near her anymore, having lost him in the club. She had quickly found her door and slipped into her room, locking the door and casting wards.

Now, here it was two days later. Her stalker had managed to find her on both days, but each time she had lost him before heading back to her room and barricading herself inside. She still had no idea who it was. The only explanation that came to her was Death Eater.

There were still Death Eaters on the loose. In the weeks that followed the final battle, the Ministry had apprehended several Death Eaters, either by capture or through voluntary submission. But, there were those that managed to slip through the Ministry's radar. Those Death Eaters were in hiding, but they couldn't stay hidden for long. They were slowly being apprehended.

Of course, it was obvious that some Death Eaters wanted revenge on the ones that destroyed their lives. With the Ministry hunting them down, the wizards were forced to live like those they despised: Muggles. A life sans magic was nothing short of torture for them. However, the slightest hint of magic would have a team of Aurors on their doorstep.

Hermione and Ron had received their share of death threats from Death Eaters as well as families who blamed them for their suffering. It seemed that potions were able to be brewed without magical interference because some of those packages and letters contained lethal substances. It came to a point where their mail had to be routed through the Ministry first and strong wards were put on their homes to prevent intruders. The threats had lessened over the years and they did start receiving their mail directly, but Hermione was still cautious.

Her mind was working overtime as she tried to come up with plans to deal with this situation. Sneaking off the ship tomorrow may save her for the moment, but it wouldn't take a genius to figure out where she'd gone. She was sure they would be on her trail in no time.

No, a confrontation was needed. She wanted to know who was after her this time and why. Besides, if it was a Death Eater, she could alert the Ministry and have him arrested. That would mean one less killer she'd have to worry about. At that decision, she started making plans.

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By morning, her bags were packed and her plan was set. The ship was scheduled to dock at Euphoria Island at ten in the morning and wouldn't leave until ten that evening. This gave everyone time to enjoy the island while the crew prepared the newly abandoned rooms for those that would be boarding to travel back to the States.

Hermione heard the blast of the horn that announced their arrival. She had opted to skip breakfast in case her stalker found her before she was ready. She was dressed in a pair of jeans, a black shirt, and tennis shoes. It wasn't what she had wanted to wear that day, but she had to be prepared. Her hair was pulled up in a loose bun, hoping to keep it out of the way. Her wand was stuck in her pocket, which wasn't the most convenient place.

She waited an hour before she exited her room. By now, the ship was less crowded, which gave both her and her stalker less chances of hiding. As she walked down the hall, she found that some of the stairwells had been blocked off, causing stragglers to take a specific path to get to the exit. She was four decks below the exit and so she started to climb.

She was just one deck below the exit when her nerves became alert. She turned around to see if anyone was behind her, but she spotted no one. The hall seemed deserted. She made to turn around, but an arm instantly went around her waist and a hand was placed over her mouth.

"Hello, Granger," a harsh voice whispered in her ear before she was pulled into a nearby room, her bags left scattered in the hall.

She struggled against her attacker, kicking her legs and thrashing in his arms. She heard the door slam shut behind them, and only then did the hand fall away from her mouth.

"Stop struggling, girl."

"Let me go!"

"Fine," he growled.

She was thrown onto the bed and he made to come after her. She managed to kick out, her foot connecting with his stomach. He grunted and doubled over. She sat up, brought her arm back while clinching her hand into a fist, and swung forward. Her fist connected with his nose and the crunching sound did not escape her. With a satisfied smirk, she stood up, heading to the door while trying to pull out her wand. She managed to remove it from her pocket right before her attacker launched himself at her. She cried out as she was tackled to the ground and her wand slid across the floor out of reach. Her jaw had connected with the floor, causing pain to shoot through the side of her face. He flipped her over, pinning her arms to the ground and straddling her at her waist.

She forced herself to remain calm as she glared up at her attacker. She took in his long, straggly hair and his midnight blue eyes that glinted at her. He sneered at her as blood dripped from his broken nose landing on her clothes.

"You, Mudblood, are too much trouble," he growled at her. "I will enjoy killing you." His eyes travelled down her body. "But, first, I think I'll have a little fun."

He shifted her arms above her head using one hand to pin her wrists down with nails digging into her skin as his other went for the button of her jeans. She hadn't been able to understand him before, but his actions were clear. Her eyes widened and she began to struggle again. He managed to get her jeans unzipped and yanked them down her legs past her knees. At this point, she was able to get a leg free and kicked him between his legs. He grunted, grabbing himself in pain and she was free. She crawled across the floor, grabbed her wand, and rolled around to face him.

"Incarcerous!"

Ropes appeared around the man, binding him in his crouched position. She stood up, pulling her jeans back up and buttoning them before fixing a glare on the man. Hatred coursed through her body and she wanted nothing more than to kill him herself.

Shaking her head, she pointed her wand at him. "What are you doing here?"

He glared at her as he struggled against the ropes, but said nothing.

"Answer me!"

He laughed. "I'll do no such thing."

Hermione felt her hand twitch. Spells ran through her mind, but instead she stuck with her plan. She pulled out a small vial of clear liquid that was in her pocket and her attacker's eyes immediately locked on it. She pulled the stopper out of it and placed her thumb over it to control the flow. She stepped up to him, yanked his head back, and as he cried out with pain, she let three drops fall down his throat. The man growled as she stepped back.

She was calmer this time. "What are you doing here?"

He glared at her as the answer easily slipped out. "Following you."

"Why?"

"I was hoping you'd be heading for Potter."

She frowned. "What do you want with Harry? He's been missing for years now."

"That little twerp is hiding. He ruined everything. I would love the pleasure of ending him."

At that, she laughed. "You think you can kill Harry?"

His glared deepened. "I'd certainly like to try."

She rolled her eyes. "Is there anyone else that knows where you are or your plan?"

"No." At that, they were both silent.

The silence lasted a few minutes as he struggled with his ropes while she was lost in her thoughts. Without warning she approached him again and yanked up the sleeve of his dark brown shirt and stared at his left arm. The Dark Mark was faded, but still able to be seen.

She stepped back and sighed. "Well, I can't have you running around now. The Ministry will want to take you in." She pointed her wand at him. "Petrificus Totalus!" The ropes around him disappeared as his body locked up. He fell back on the floor, arms pinned at his sides and body rigid. She pulled him into a corner of the room and went back out into the hallway to retrieve her bags.

She went into the bathroom to clean up, taking a quick shower to wash away the blood that had landed on her. She did a drying spell on her hair and quickly got dressed, choosing a khaki skirt that stopped a few inches above her knees and a light blue, button-up blouse and a pair of white sandals. She put her clothes from the fight into a plastic bag that was provided by the cruise line, intending to burn them the moment she got a chance.

She placed her bags in the corner by the door and went back over to her attacker. His eyes were fixed on her as she picked up his arms and dragged him to the bathroom. She laid him out across the floor and pulled out her wand once more. "Obliviate." She watched as his eyes clouded over and she slipped out of the bathroom, locking the door behind her. She gathered her bags again and stepped out into the empty hallway again, leaving the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the handle.

She managed to make it to the exit this time, nodding to the crew member standing at the door, and stepped out into the hustle and bustle of Euphoria Island.

!I'M!A!L!I!T!T!L!E!T!E!A!P!O!T!

A/N: Thanks to those who added this story to their alerts! More thanks to those who reviewed! Please continue!

I'm only updating this quick for this week. Chapter Two will come Friday or Saturday night. Then after that's it's weekly updates on Friday/Saturday night.