Chapter 9
The Witches Brew

(Hermione's PoV)

Ron was still asleep when Hermione woke up the morning of the end of the cruise. She smiled when she looked at him. He seemed so at peace when he was asleep like that. She wondered if she looked like that when she was asleep. If so, she could finally see the reason Ron would watch her in the morning.

Hermione sat up slowly, slipping gently through Ron's arms. As she did, she noticed her purse sitting on the bedside table. She reached for it, opened it and pulled out the large brown envelope.

She didn't get a chance to open it the night before, because Ron had decided that one of his final gifts of the day was to give her a massage. She loved it, and she could tell he had been trying to get her to compare his touch with the professional massage she received yesterday. His touch was definitely more delicate, and he knew where she liked his hands to be. Professionals usually had a certain way of doing their massages, but Ron was completely random with his. Strangely enough, she loved the randomness of it.

Hermione opened the envelope and looked inside. A small booklet and a few brochures were inside. The booklet was labeled "Magical Sights of Salem – A Wizarding tour guide." She started flipping through the pages of it. It had a large section on the Salem Witch's Institute, as well as Crescent Alley, the wizarding shopping district that Cale had mentioned.

Beside Hermione, Ron's eyes opened slightly. He looked over at Hermione and smiled.

"You're up before me today," Ron said.

"Mmhmm," Hermione said, her eyes still on the booklet, "It was my turn to watch you sleep."

"I think you seem more interested in that stuff Cale gave you," Ron said.

"Just preparing for our week in Salem," Hermione said. "I found a place to stay, by the way."

"Oh?" Ron asked.

"The Witches Brew is very similar to the Leaky Cauldron," Hermione said. "It is a restaurant and inn. I'm sure we can get a room there."

"Much better idea than the one I had," Ron said. "I was thinking we'd have to resort to some Muggle motel."

"You see?" Hermione asked, "It is a good thing Cale gave us this then."

"Did you find anything on the Salem legends?" Ron asked.

"Not a word," Hermione said, shaking her head, "But, according to this, in Crescent Alley, there is supposed to be this book store, The Black Quill. I'm sure we could find something there."

"Mmm, that's just like you," Ron said, grinning. "It's our honeymoon, and you're going to have your nose in a book during it."

"I'm interested in Salem's history, Ron," Hermione said. "Isn't that one of the reasons you planned our honeymoon for Salem?"

"Sure," Ron said, "But when I planned this honeymoon, I was thinking more along the line of you spending time with me, instead of with a book."

"Jealous of my relationship with books?" Hermione joked.

"Be careful or I might be," Ron said, grinning.

He leaned over to Hermione and kissed her. Hermione grinned against his lips, and put the booklet down on the bedside table. She put her arms around Ron, and gently pushed him back against his pillow, deepening their kiss. Suddenly, there was a beeping sound overhead.

"Attention guests of Queen's Serenity," a voice said, "This is Captain Garrison speaking. We will be arriving in Boston Harbor in approximately two hours. I am looking at the weather outlook for the next few days in and around the area of Boston, Massachussets. You can expect some wonderful summer weather. I do hope you enjoyed your stay. On mine and the staff's behalf, I thank you for choosing Transatlantic Cruise Lines. Adieu and farewell."

Another short beeping sound rang through the room. Hermione sighed and looked back at Ron.

"Maybe we should begin packing," she said.

"We have plenty of time for that," Ron said, "Now where we?"

Hermione grinned and kissed Ron again. She laughed when he rolled her over on the bed, so her head was resting against the pillow. He kissed her once more, and she rubbed her hands through his hair and down his back as she kissed him.

-
An hour-and-a-half later, as Hermione and Ron were finishing packing, there was a knock on the door. Hermione walked over to it and opened it. Harper was standing there with a large luggage cart.

"Good morning," Harper said, "Thought you might need something to carry that all down."

"Come on in," Hermione said, motioning inside the room.

Harper smiled and rolled the cart into the room.

"This is very kind of you," Hermione said, shutting the door behind her.

"Well, I needed an excuse to come in here," Harper said. "I've been doing a bit of investigating since Cale and Isabella's party."

"Already have some answers?" Ron asked.

"Yeah, and they were surprisingly easy to obtain," Harper said. "I guess it helps being a staff member of the cruise. Though I didn't get very much."

"What did you find out?" Hermione asked.

"I'll start with my most recent discovery," Harper said, "Just happened this morning. The guests of Queen's Serenity have started seeing a large number of owls flying to and from the ship, as we approach closer and closer to Boston Harbor."

"Owls?" Ron asked, raising an eyebrow, and looking at Hermione, "You're sure?"

"Yes," Harper said. "I even asked these witnesses if it was seagulls that they saw, because those are more common this close to shore. But no, they said they distinctly saw owls. And not just one or two witnesses either. Closer to a dozen people saw this, and I'm sure they were all Muggles."

"So," Hermione said, "It seems there is a lot of Owl Post going from people on-board to people on land."

"Yes," Harper said, "And since it seems most, if not all, of the wizards and witches on-board are going to Salem, I'm guessing that is what the excitement is all about. Haven't found anything what this excitement could be. But... I also looked into other things as well. You mentioned a graveyard the other night. There is a very famous graveyard in Salem called -"

"Salem Hill?" Hermione asked, raising her eyebrows.

"You know of it?" Harper asked.

"Cale and Isabella gave us a packet of information on Salem," Hermione said. "For wizarding sights and stuff. One of the sights listed is Salem Hill."

"Salem Hill is open to Muggles though," Harper said. "Why would it be in a booklet like that?"

"Unless it has some sense of wizarding history to it as well," Ron said.

"That is very possible," Harper said, "I'll be sure to look in on that. Also, I thought I'd point out that the moon will be at its highest and most visible point of the month during the end of next week."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Ron asked.

"Well," Harper said, "apparently the appearance of the Full Moon is something celebrated during the Mid-Summer's Festival. I guess it is something valued, and supposed to be a big night in Salem. I've heard a bit of chatter from our fellow witches and wizards about it. Some weren't really wanting to mention it, but others seemed excited about its appearance."

"A full moon," Ron said. "That smells of werewolves."

"There were never any legends or stories of werewolf sightings in Salem," Hermione said, "None that were too important to mention anyway."

"That isn't too surprising, Hermione," Ron said. "Especially when it is rare for any survivors of werewolf attacks."

"True," Hermione said, nodding, "But, I'm still not too sure about it. Salem's known for witches, not werewolves."

"Well, what other significance does a full moon have?" Ron asked, shrugging.

"Good question," Harper said, "That is something I'll figure out. I better get going. Docking is a busy time for the staff. That luggage cart should make it easier for you to carry your things down the ramp and onto the harbor."

"Thank you, Harper," Hermione said.

"I'm sure I'll see you in Salem sometime," Harper said, "Enjoy your visit."

He bowed slightly and left the room, shutting the door behind him. Hermione returned to finishing up her packing. She put the booklet and brochures of the information on Salem in her purse for easy access.

"I still say this has something to do with werewolves," Ron said.

"I just find it very unlikely," Hermione said.

"Hey!" Ron said, his eyes widening. "What if – no, wait for it – what if Cale is a werewolf? He seems creepy enough to be one."

"Ron, we've known our share of werewolves," Hermione said, sighing. "Cale doesn't remind me of Remus in any way."

"He reminds me of Fenrir Greyback, though," Ron said.

"Definitely not like Greyback either," Hermione said. "I'm sure he's not a werewolf."

"But the full moon, Hermione!" Ron said, "You heard Harper. It has something to do with this whole thing."

"Yes, it has significance," Hermione said. "I just don't think it is werewolves this time, Ron."

"Fine, you win," Ron said, resignedly, "I don't want to run into another werewolf anyway."

Hermione chuckled in agreement.

-
At a little past eleven that morning, Hermione and Ron were waiting with the crowd of people on the decks of the ship, as it made its way into Boston Harbor. It took a little over half-an-hour later to get off the cruise ship and to the front of the harbor, where they found a large line of taxis waiting. Hermione signaled one, and she and Ron walked over to it. The cabbie helped them load their luggage into the trunk, then Ron pushed the luggage cart to the side where a few others were sitting.

"Salem Ferry, please," Ron said, when he sat in the back of the taxi with Hermione.

"Should take about twenty minutes," the cabbie said, as he pulled away from the harbor. "We should be there in enough time for you to be able to get on the ferry before it leaves."

"Do you take foreign money?" Hermione asked, "We're British."

"Yeah," the cabbie said. "But you might want to exchange for American dollars when you get to the docks. There's a place inside near the ferry to do so. Just look for International Exchange."

"We'll be sure to do that," Hermione said.

Hermione looked back out the window, back at the cruise ship.

"That was amazing," Hermione said, looking back at Ron and taking his hand in hers.

"We'll have to do that again sooner or later," Ron said.

"Definitely," Hermione said.

She smiled and put her head on Ron's shoulder, and looked out the window as they traveled through the city of Boston.

"So, you two are heading off to Salem then?" the cabbie asked, looking in the rear-view mirror.

"Yeah," Ron said, "For the second half of our honeymoon."

"Delightful little town," the cabbie said. "Been there a few times myself. Kind of spooky too, if you get my meaning. All that history of the supernatural."

"Do you believe in that stuff?" Hermione asked.

"Not too much," the cabbie said, shrugging, "But I'll tell you this. Stay in that town long enough, and you might end up a believer of the supernatural. Especially if you talk to the right people... or in this case, I should say, the wrong kind of people."

"What do you mean?" Ron asked.

"Oh, nothing to worry about," the cabbie said. "Just an interesting folk live around those parts. Some of them are very into Salem's history. But you'll also find a lot of tradition there. My advice is to visit the Salem Witch House. It is a museum, of sorts, now. A lot of history in there, especially having to do with the founding families of the town, and their part in the Witch Trials. Definitely a hotspot."

"We'll be sure to check that out," Hermione said.

"I'm sure you'll enjoy it," the cabbie said.

He smiled in the rear-view mirror and returned his attention to the road.

Just like the cabbie had promised, the taxi arrived at its destination right on time. The Ferry was sitting against a dock.

"Thank you," Hermione said, paying the cabbie.

Hermione and Ron picked up their luggage, and headed over to the docks. They found the small building that the cabbie mentioned, and Hermione exchanged the British pounds for American dollars. She and Ron walked over to the docks and Hermione paid for two tickets for the ferry, then they made their way toward the ferry. It was a two-leveled boat, with open-air or indoor seating. They walked onto the ferry, and handed one of the staff their tickets, then found a couple of open seats with enough room to set down their luggage with them.

A few minutes later, they heard a voice overheard.

"Welcome to the Salem Ferry," a male voice said, "I am Captain Withers. This trip will take roughly forty-five minutes, and will take us through some beautiful scenery as we ride up the New England coastline, before we arrive to the wonderful little town of Salem, Massachussets. Enjoy the ride."

They heard the sound of the engine turning on, and the ferry started to move along the water. Hermione picked up her purse, and took out the tour guide booklet and brochures. She opened the brochure for the Witches Brew.
"Okay," Hermione said, lowering her voice so only Ron could hear, "Looks like we'll have to take another taxi. We'll be heading for Essex Street, which seems to be one of the main streets of the town. Strange place for a hidden shopping district."

"Essex Street?" Ron asked. "Very British."

"Well, there were a lot of British settlers back in the 1600s," Hermione said. "So some of the locations are just callbacks to that."

"I'm not going to be able to keep you from this history stuff this week, am I?" Ron asked.

"You'll have to work very hard to take me out of it," Hermione said.

"I'm sure I can do that," Ron said.

Hermione grinned, and continued to read through the brochures.

-
Soon, they arrived in Salem, and the ferry docked at the pier. Taxis were waiting in the parking lot for them.

"Essex and Union, please," Hermione said, after she and Ron loaded their luggage into one of the taxis.

As the taxi drove through the town, Hermione noticed a lot of banners and signs that read "Mid-Summer Festival" and other sorts pertaining to the festival. Decorations were already being placed around the city.

"Come for the Festival?" the cabbie asked.

"Our honeymoon, actually," Hermione said, "But it might be something we attend."

"Well, if you're staying during this week," the cabbie said, "It isn't something you'll be able to miss. Day and night celebrations over the next week, all along Hawthorne Street and the surrounding areas. It is going to be quite exciting around here. Your honeymoon, eh? Wonderful choice of location for it."

"Always wanted to visit Salem," Ron said.

"Popular for tourists," the cabbie said, "Though we have quite a number of permanent residents here as well."

A few minutes later, they arrived at the corner of Essex and Union Street.

"You enjoy Salem now," the cabbie said, as Hermione paid him.

"Thanks," Hermione said.

They took their luggage from the back and headed down a sidewalk on Essex Street.

"The Witches Brew should be rather easy to find," Ron said, "Look for a building most people just walk by and not notice."

Hermione looked on either side of the street, and then saw a building with a large sign on the front. It had a large black cauldron with a witch standing inside it. Hermione pointed to it, and they walked across the street. They made sure nobody was looking at them, then made their way into the building.

Hermione had expected the Witches Brew to look similar to the Leaky Cauldron, but it looked pretty different. While the Leaky Cauldron was cramped and a bit dark and dusty, the Witches Brew had a very bright and friendly atmosphere. As they walked across the room, Hermione noticed a large stone tablet standing against a wall. There were a number of names etched into the stone in a list.

"How may I help you?" the witch at the bar asked, before Hermione could get a good look at the stone tablet.

"Any rooms available?" Ron asked.

"A few," the witch said, shrugging.

"We'd like one room, with one nice-sized bed, for a week," Ron said.

"You're in luck," the witch said, "Name's Madam Derry, by the way."

"Ron and Hermione Weasley," Ron said.

"Nice to meet'cha," Madam Derry said.

She gave them the key, and Hermione paid wizarding money for the room. Madam Derry pointed to the stairs across the room. Hermione and Ron walked over to them and headed up the stairs. They found their room number, unlocked the door and went in. Their room was nicely-sized, with a large oak bed against the far edge of the wall.

"Very nice," Hermione commented.

"Better than the Leaky Cauldron," Ron said.

"Want some lunch before we unpack?" Hermione asked, "I'm starving."

"Thought you'd never ask," Ron said, "I'm in need of a good Butterbeer. Haven't had one in a week."

They made their way back down into the restaurant, and sat down at a table.

"Be with you in a sec," Madam Derry said, "After I help these two."

Hermione looked up at who Madam Derry was speaking to, and wasn't surprised to see Cale and Isabella standing there.

"Brilliant," Ron muttered, sarcasm ringing through his voice.

"We knew they were probably going to get a room here, Ron," Hermione said. "They were the ones who introduced us to the place."

Ron nodded, but still looked a bit annoyed. Madam Derry walked over to them and gave them a couple of menus.

"Can I get you something to drink while you order?" she asked.

"Two Butterbeers, please," Ron said.

Madam Derry lifted her wand and two Butterbeers zoomed across the room. The bottles landed in front of Ron and Hermione.

"I'll be back for your orders in a few minutes," she said.

"Thank you," Hermione said.

Madam Derry walked away. Ron opened his bottle, and took a deep gulp of it.

"Aw, that hits the spot," Ron said, sighing in relief.

Hermione chuckled and looked at her menu. Over the top of the menu, she saw Cale and Isabella walking over to them.

"Looks like you found the place!" Cale said.

"Yeah, we did," Hermione said.

"My wife was actually wanting to ask you something," Cale said

"I was just wondering if you were interested in visiting the Salem Witch's Institute," Isabella said.

"Actually, yeah," Hermione said, grinning. "But I wasn't sure if it was open to tourists."

"It really isn't suggested," Isabella said, "But since I am going there to talk about a future position there, I'd be willing to bring you along if you wish to take a tour of the place. My treat."

Hermione looked at Ron. He sighed and shrugged.

"Whatever you want to do," Ron muttered.

"Er... sure," Hermione said, "Why not?"

"Brilliant!" Isabella said. "Cale and I are going there around noon tomorrow. We've rented a car to go, since we can't apparate to its location. Cale's very good at driving, even for a wizard. We could take the two of you. Would you be up for it?"

"Sure," Hermione said, "That sounds lovely."

"We'll meet you here at noon then!" Isabella said.

"See you then," Hermione said.

Cale and Isabella bowed politely and walked off.

"Should be fun," Hermione said.

"Yeah," Ron said.

Ron frowned and took another sip of Butterbeer.

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked.

"Nothing," Ron said. "I know visiting the school is something you want to do."

"Oh, Ron," Hermione said, "I know we promised each other to spend this week together alone without interference."

"We're going together, right?" Ron asked.

"Of course!" Hermione said.

"Then I'm fine with it," Ron said, "I'd just prefer if we didn't have to deal with Cale and Isabella all week."

Hermione sighed and reached for Ron's across the table.

"I promise you, Ron," she said, "I'll do my best to make it that way. This is our honeymoon. It will just be you and me for most of it."

"Okay," Ron said.

Hermione smiled. Madam Derry walked back over to them, and Hermione and Ron ordered lunch.

-
I wanted to add the introduction of Crescent Alley for this chapter, but I'll wait for that till next chapter.

Hope you enjoyed this one!