Hermione
I had to hand it to Ron. The zoo was tame compared to the other things he had planned for us. We saw lots of sights and got to do many things we wouldn't have otherwise. We toured a pineapple farm, learned how to surf and even swam with dolphins. I was enjoying myself, but every passing day made me realize that I was running out of time. I hadn't yet confessed my feelings to Harry.
During the day, Ron would take us on wild adventures around the island. Every time I tried to tell Harry, something would interrupt me. Ron and Draco would call us over to look at something; a guide or an instructor would start talking. The time that I had Harry alone was mostly spent sleeping. I knew I needed to tell him soon, or else this opportunity would pass me by.
Fortunately for me, an opportunity presented itself. On the morning of our sixth day in Hawaii, I awoke to the ringing phone. I reached over and answered it.
"Hello?"
"Hermione, it's Ron."
"What's going on?"
"Listen, Draco's not feeling well."
This was to be expected. He did look a little green after our helicopter ride around the active volcanoes.
"I'm sorry to hear that," I said.
"I think we're going to stay in today. But don't let that stop you from having fun. You and Harry go out and enjoy yourselves."
"Alright, we will. Tell Draco I hope he feels better."
"I will. Bye!"
I hung up the phone. Finally, I would have my alone time with Harry. I could finally tell him everything that I had been holding inside for so long. So, was it really so horrible that I felt glad that Draco was sick?
A moment later, Harry emerged from the bathroom, showered and dressed.
"What's going on?" he asked. "I heard the phone ring."
"Draco's sick," I said. "Ron is going to stay in with him."
"Oh. OK. So…what do you want to do today?"
"I don't know. Maybe put on a big sunhat and sit under a palm tree, sipping an umbrella drink."
Harry chuckled. "Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who wants to relax on this holiday."
I grinned at him. "Don't get me wrong, I'm having a great time. I'm just exhausted."
"Same here. Lounging on the beach sounds good right about now."
"Alright then. Lounging on the beach it is."
I got up and went to the bathroom to change. Then Harry and I took a short walk to the beach. We had managed to find a quiet area with only a few people. We walked along the shoreline, letting the surf wash over our feet and chatting about various things. I collected a few seashells to take home as souvenirs.
Finally, we came to a big rock formation. We climbed up and sat awhile. The scene was absolutely beautiful. It was hard to tell where the blue sky and the crystal clear water separated. The sound of the waves crashing upon the shore was so soothing. I decided that this was the perfect setting.
"Harry."
"Yeah?"
"I want to tell you something."
Harry turned to face me, giving me his undivided attention. "What is it, Hermione?"
I took a deep breath. Just as I was about to start my speech, I heard someone yelling.
"Heads up!"
I turned and saw a volleyball coming straight at me. In a flash, Harry jumped in front of me. The volleyball hit his head and he went tumbling down the side of the rock formation.
"HARRY!" I screamed.
I quickly climbed down to him as a small crowd came running over. I knelt over him to assess his injuries. He was unconscious. The rocks had left a big gash on his right arm and his glasses were broken.
I had potions in my bag that could have revived him instantly, but I didn't dare use them. I couldn't risk exposing magic to the crowd that was starting to form. Fortunately, a lifeguard had been notified and an ambulance was called. The paramedics put a neck brace on Harry and loaded him into the ambulance. I rode with them as they drove to the nearest hospital.
