Chapter 3
Surprise!

(Hermione's PoV)

Everything was packed for the honeymoon trip when Mr. Weasley returned from work at half-past-two. They had planned to be on the road by three, so they could get to Southampton a couple hours later. Ron said that would give them enough time to get where they needed to be.

"Be careful, you two," Mrs. Weasley said, as she hugged Ron, then Hermione, "There will be loads of Muggles where you are going, and I don't think I need to lecture you on keeping your magic to a minimum."

They were standing in the driveway near Mr. Weasley's car.

"We know that, Mum," Ron said, "We'll be very careful."

"I'll make sure he behaves, Molly," Hermione said, grinning.

Ron narrowed his eyes and Mrs. Weasley just chuckled.

"If there is anyone who can look after him, it is you, Hermione," she said.

"I don't need looking after!" Ron scowled, shaking his head.

Hermione glared at him.

"Though I'm happy for you to do it, all the same," Ron said.

"That's what I thought," Hermione said.

Harry and Ginny snickered.

You two have a wonderful time together," Mrs. Weasley, "A honeymoon is a very special time for newlyweds."

Tears went to Mrs. Weasley's eyes, as she backed away.

"My little boy," she said, sniffling, "Married and off on his honeymoon."

"Oh, Mum," Ron said, blushing pink.

Mrs. Weasley backed up, and Harry and Ginny walked over to them.

"Enjoy yourselves," Ginny said, hugging Hermione.

"We will," Hermione said, "I promise."

"Don't get into too much trouble," Harry said, as he hugged Hermione.

"We'll try not to," Hermione said, grinning.

"Have fun, mate," Harry said, winking to Ron.

Ron rolled his eyes and blushed.

"Okay, okay," he said, "We better be off. It won't wait for us."

Hermione raised an eyebrow, but shook her head. She'd find out what they were doing soon enough. Mrs. Weasley hugged Ron and Hermione again, and then Mr. Weasley told his wife they really needed to go.

"See you in a couple of weeks!" Mrs. Weasley said.

Hermione and Ron got into the back seat of the Arthur's car, and waved back at Molly, Harry and Ginny, as Mr. Weasley drove the car out of the driveway. Soon they were on the highway going to Southampton.

"So," Mr. Weasley said, "I talked to Mr. and Mrs. Granger yesterday about this whole trip you're planning, and it seems what you're doing is a nice start. I thought an airplane would be a much faster way of transportation, though. Maybe I'm mistaken."

"Dad," Ron said, "Please don't give any hints to Hermione. I want this to be a surprise."

"It's okay," Hermione said, "I have no idea what either of you're talking about."

Ron smiled at Hermione and squeezed her hand gently.

"You'll find out very soon," Ron said, "I promise."

He smiled then turned back to his father.

"This trip isn't supposed to be a quick one anyway, Dad," he said, "I was planning on two full weeks when I did this, and this is a great way to spend part of it. Of course, we'll probably come back in an airplane though."

"You'll have to tell me all about it!" Mr. Weasley said, grinning, then sobered up, "Your mother was right to warn you about not using too much magic, I'll say. Especially where you're going. I wouldn't want to explain to the Ministry that a simple honeymoon sparked a new event."

"I know that, Dad," Ron said, "We'll be very careful."

"An event?" Hermione asked.

"I'll explain it later," Ron said, "I think you'll know what he means when you find out where we're going."

"What kind of trouble are you getting us into?" Hermione asked, shaking her head.

Ron just grinned and massaged Hermione's hand with his fingers. Hermione smiled and rested her head on his shoulder.

A little over an hour and-a-half later, they were near Southampton, England. Hermione thought they'd go to Southampton Airport, but was surprised when they turned into the city. It had been quite a while since Hermione had been to the city, but she remembered that were only so many things they could do around there. There was a great view of the ocean as they entered the city. It was known mostly for its ports and harbors. It was a great fishing town. Then, as Mr. Weasley turned the car down a long street on the edge of the ocean, Hermione realized what else this city was known for.

A large sign outside of Hermione's side of the car read "Southampton Harbor". The port was most famous for one thing out of everything else. Then she saw it. Sitting in the harbor was an extremely large cruise ship.

"Ron," Hermione gasped.

Ron grinned. Hermione could barely find her voice.

"I – you – we," Hermione stammered, "We're – we're going on that?"

Ron nodded. Mr. Weasley grinned through the rear-view mirror as he drove toward the harbor. Hermione squealed and reached over to Ron and hugged him, then kissed him.

"Surprise!" Ron said, chuckling.

"I can't believe this!" Hermione gasped, looking out the window, "A cruise?"

"Seven days across the Atlantic Ocean, to the United States," Ron said, "But that's only half our trip. I'll tell you more about that when we get on board."

"I would have never, ever, guessed this!" Hermione said, grinning, "Ever! How did you find out about this?"

"Your parents were a lot of help with that," Ron said, "I told them I wanted to take you somewhere in the United States, and they suggested a romantic way of getting there."

"This is amazing!" Hermione said, as she looked out the window.

Mr. Weasley turned into the harbor parking lot. The harbor was quite crowded with people already getting on board. They found a parking space reserved in a lot for those getting on board.

"Need any help with your luggage?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"We can manage, Dad," Ron said, "I'm sure there is staff on board who can help if we need it."

"You'll do fine with the Muggle money?" Mr. Weasley asked.

"Got enough at the moment," Ron said, "I'm sure I can find a place to exchange wizard money with it when we get to the States. Got our tickets right here too."

"Guess you're ready then," Mr. Weasley said.

"Yeah," Ron said, "Thanks, Dad."

"Thank you for the ride, Arthur," Hermione said.

"Enjoy your honeymoon," Mr. Weasley said, "If you want to write to us, I'm sure you can easily find a place to rent owls strong enough for a cross-ocean flight."

"I'm sure we can," Ron said.

"Be careful with your magic!" Mr. Weasley said.

"We know, Dad," Ron said.

Mr. Weasley smiled. Ron and Hermione stepped out of the car, and they got the luggage from the back. They waved to Mr. Weasley, who waved back and drove out of the harbor. They turned and headed down toward the ship.

"Bloody hell," Hermione said, as she looked up at the cruise ship in the distance, "We get to be on that?"

"For seven days!" Ron said, grinning.

"Hope we don't get lost!" Hermione said, laughing.

Ron chuckled. As they got closer, Hermione saw large letters on the side of the ship. The ship was named Queen's Serenity. They passed a sign nearby that said "Transatlantic Cruse to Boston, Massachussets."

"Boston?" Hermione asked.

"Another stop along the way," Ron said, "But close. I'll tell you more soon."

They dragged their luggage toward the Ticket Booths.

"Tickets and identification?" a young lady said inside the booth.

Ron took the two tickets from his back pocket and handed them to the lady. He and Hermione also handed them their identification. Hermione groaned when she realized it still said "Granger" on it.

"Let me guess," the young lady said, "Newlyweds?"

Ron nodded.

"Just yesterday," Hermione said, "That is why it has a different last name."

"Happens a lot," the young lady said, "Especially on cruises like this. Honeymoons and stuff. Congratulations."

"Thank you," Hermione said.

Ron smiled.

"They check out," the young lady said, handing the ticket stubs and identification cards back, "And here is your room card key. You'll find an additional copy of it when you get inside your room. Enjoy the cruise."

The turnstile in front of them activated, and Ron had a bit of trouble pushing through it. The ticket lady chortled as she watched them. Hermione showed him how to do it, and they were finally through it. They walked down the harbor sidewalk and toward the long ramp, where passengers were headed up toward the ship. Ron handed the tickets to a man standing at the end of the ramp. He nodded and let them pass through.

"My gosh," Hermione said, grinning, as she followed Ron up the ramp with her luggage.

They finally arrived inside the large cruise ship.

"Let's see," Ron said, looking at the ticket stubs, "Our room is on the third floor."

"Just how many floors do you think this thing has?" Hermione asked.

"I don't even want to count!" Ron said, grinning.

A man walked up to them, wearing an outfit that indicated he was part of the staff.

"Need help with your luggage or finding your room?" he asked.

"Er... yeah, I think we might," Hermione said.

"Glad to help!" the man said, "Follow me. Which floor?"

"Third," Ron said, "Three-twenty."

"Your luggage will never get up the stairs," the man said, "Better take the lifts."

Hermione and Ron followed him over to the lifts. He pushed a button and the door to the lifts opened. They walked inside.

"By the way," the man said, "I'm Harper, one of the many staff members of Transatlantic Cruise liners. I'm sure we'll see more of each other throughout the cruise."

"I'm Ron," Ron said, "And this is my girl – err – wife, Hermione."

Hermione chuckled at Ron. He still hadn't gotten used to calling her his wife.

"Newlyweds, I take it," Harper said, "On your honeymoon?"

"Yeah," Hermione said, blushing, "You know, you're not the first to guess that."

"You're not the first newlyweds to come across these cruises," Harper said, "Or the last. Big thing for the honeymooners, a cruise like this."

A sharp ding resonated through the lift and the door opened. Hermione and Ron followed Harper out of the lifts and down the hall.

"Three-sixteen," Harper muttered, "Three-eighteen... aha! Three-twenty! Here you go."

Ron took the card from his pocket. He looked at it, then looked at the door and shook his head. Hermione chuckled and took the card from him, then slid the card across the black bar on the door-handle. She turned the handle and the door opened. Ron grinned. Hermione followed him in, and set the luggage down.

"Oh!" Hermione said, "Ron, give me a ten-pound."

"A what?" Ron asked.

"The money, Ronald," Hermione said, sighing.

"Oh, right," Ron said.

He dug into his pocket and took out a leather billfold. He then opened it and took out a note.

"Is this right?" Ron whispered.

Hermione looked at it. It was a ten-pound. She grinned and nodded, then turned to Harper.

"Here's your tip for being so kind," she said.

"Thank you," Harper said, "Enjoy the cruise."

Hermione smiled and shut the door behind her. She turned to Ron, who was thumbing through the money.

"I can't believe I got that right the first time," Ron said, chuckling, "Probably would have looked mental in front of him if I didn't!"

"You'll learn," Hermione said, grinning.

She then turned on the light to get a better look around and grinned. A bathroom was located near the door, and farther in, there was a large oak bed with maroon blankets and white pillows laying against a large headboard. A mirror with gold paint around the outside of it sat on the wall behind the bed. On the wall in the back of the room there were two large porthole windows which had a good view of the outside of the ship.

"A telly?" Ron asked, "On a ship?"

"Probably satelite," Hermione said.

"Er..." Ron said, shrugging.

"I'll explain later," Hermione said, sighing, "Right now, you promised you'd explain our trip."

"We can unpack first," Ron said, picking up one of his pieces of luggage.

"You're capable of both," Hermione said.

"Of course I am," Ron said, chuckling, "Okay. As you know, this is a seven-day trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Boston, Massachussets. I'm not exactly sure what is all on this ship, but I hear there's a large pool area and a restaurant with a ballroom, whatever that means."

"Dance area," Hermione said, unzipping one of her luggage bags, "Music."

"Dancing?" Ron asked with a groan.

"You're a wonderful dancer, Ron," Hermione said, "I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Now... after the cruise?"

"You don't want to hear more about the cruise?" Ron asked, grinning, as he took out a few shirts and proceeded to hang them up in the closet.

"I'm sure, we'll know more about this as we go," Hermione said, "Where are we going after this?"

"So demanding of you!" Ron said, laughing, "Okay. Well, as I said, this docks at Boston Harbor, then we'll take a short ride on a ferry."

"Another boat?" Hermione asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Just a one-hour ride if I remember right," Ron said.

"Where does that go?" Hermione asked.

Ron grinned and turned away from the closet.

"Salem, Massachussets," he said.

Hermione's eyes widened.

"Salem?" she asked, "As in... Salem Witch Trials, and Salem Witch's Institute?"

Ron nodded and grinned. Hermione gasped and put down the shirt in her hand. She walked over to Ron and hugged him, squealing a bit.

"I've always wanted to go there!" she said, "The wizarding history in the town is amazing."

"Some of the darkest days of our history, Hermione," Ron said.

"True," Hermione said, nodding, "But the whole idea of it is so interesting. We're really going to Salem for our honeymoon?"

"Thought you might like the idea," Ron said.

"I love it, Ron!" Hermione said, grinning.

She kissed him, then backed away, dropping onto the bed. She laid out on it, and sighed as she looked up at the ceiling.

"Something wrong?" Ron asked.

"No," Hermione said, shaking her head, "Every thing is right. It is perfect! I can't believe this. We're on a cruise! It feels like I'm dreaming!"

She chuckled and raised her head, looking at him.

"However could you afford all of this?" she asked.

"Well, we didn't have to pay rent for a house anymore," Ron said, as he started putting things into one of the drawers in the dresser, "So I had money to spare and save up. Got a bonus after a couple of months of being in the Aurors, when they finally realized I'd be sticking around. So that helped. And, of course, your parents pitched in and helped."

"They did?" Hermione asked.

"They wanted this to be perfect for us," Ron said, nodding, "So they helped with part of the finances with the tickets and stuff. I did most of it, and would have paid for it all, but they wouldn't let me say no to their offer."

"They must really love you," Hermione said.

"They know how much I love you," Ron said.

Hermione smiled. She sat up and closed the luggage bag that Ron was reaching into, then took Ron's hand and pulled him toward her. She kissed him again and backed up on the bed, pulling him with her. He returned the kiss, deepening it, and rubbing his tongue against her lips.

"We should really unpack," he said.

"In a bit," Hermione said.

She kissed him again and ran her hands through his hair and down his back. She licked his lips, then pushed her tongue through them, massaging his tongue with hers. Suddenly, their bed rocked a bit with a large jolt. Ron's eyes widened and he backed up away from her.

"What the bloody hell was that?" he asked.

"I think the ship's started to move," Hermione said, sitting up, "Come on! Don't forget your key-card!"

"Where are we going?" Ron asked.

She stood up from the bed and took Ron's hand. She led him out of the room, and saw a door at the end of the hall that looked as if it led outside. They walked toward the door and through it, and found themselves standing on one of the decks of the cruise ship. Passengers were lined up against the edge of the fence along the deck looking out at the view. Hermione grinned and walked over to the edge of the ship.

"Wait for me!" Ron said, chuckling behind Hermione.

"I was right!" Hermione said.

They were drifting away from the harbor. Up ahead was the large body of water that would lead them to the North Sea, then into the Atlantic Ocean. In the distance they could see the Isle of Wight.

"Wow," Hermione said, laughing and shaking her head, "I can't believe this."

Hermione felt Ron's arms go around her. She grinned and put her back against his chest, then rested her head against his neck. Hermione smiled as she looked out at the sea.

"Seven days," she said, as she turned her head and looked along the large ship.

"You ready for this?" Ron asked.

Hermione nodded. She felt Ron's lips brush against her hair.

"Glad you waited for the surprise?" he whispered to her.

"Definitely," Hermione said, nodding.

With a little difficulty, she turned around in his arms and faced him.

"Thank you for all of this," she said, "This is brilliant. It's just breath-taking. I would have never expected something like this for our honeymoon."

"It's just beginning," Ron said, "Please tell me we won't have anymore of those big jolts. I almost fell out of the bed."

Hermione laughed.

"I think that's over," she said.

"Good," Ron said, "Cause that was just mental."

Hermione nodded. Ron leaned in toward her and kissed her once again. Hermione kissed him back, and he backed away.

"We should finish packing," Ron said.

Hermione scowled.

"If you're going to keep backing away from me like that when I try to kiss you," she muttered, "I might keep that to a minimum."

Ron snickered and shook his head. They went back to their room and finished packing. Afterward, they walked around the ship a bit, though when they found the restaurant, Ron decided his feet were tired. Hermione realized she was hungry as well, and decided that exploring the ship could wait for a while. They would, in fact, be on it for seven whole days. That was plenty of time to enjoy the luxuries of the ship.

Got a few ideas for the cruise ship. Probably be a few chapters before they get to Salem!

Hope you liked this chapter! Don't know how fast I'll be able to update this story. Still working on figuring what I'm going to be doing. Have quite a few idea written down. Now just have to get them into a story.