Authors Note: I'm so sorry for the long wait, I went to both Cali and Mexico within the last month and have had a serious case of writers block, as well as the lack of encouragement from the absence of reviews. It's slightly upsetting to go from having several reviews per chapter down to one from a very loyal reader (whom I am very fond of). I do hope it doesn't have to do with a loss of interest in the story, and if so I would like to hear feedback on what I could improve on, or what you would like to see. I am always open to suggestions. :) I hope you enjoy the chapter and if not, let me know so I can make the next even better!
I was awoken from a dreamless sleep by a light but constant taping noise coming from my window. I quickly threw my warm covers from my body and walked through my dark room to see what was causing the interruption. I pulled my curtains open to find a large, black owl waiting impatiently on my windowsill. I opened my window and allowed the bird access to my room before noticing the letter tied to its foot. I gently pulled the letter off and sat down at my desk before opening it. I recognized the handwriting immediately which brought a smile to my face.
Ana,
I know it's only been a day but, I miss you and hope everything is going well. I would invite you to stay with me but you know how it is here and besides, I didn't like the way my father was looking at you when we arrived. I wish you the best of luck with Shay and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Keep safe, love.
Sirius.
I frowned slightly at the lack of emotion in the letter but shook it off as I began to write a reply. I told him about the trip I was taking with my family and that I wouldn't be able to keep in touch until we returned home. I decided to leave the part about Shay bringing someone along out, not wanting to worry him over something that may or may not be an issue. Instead, I reminded him that he was to come and spend a few days with my family and I after Christmas which I hoped would make him happy.
After finishing my letter I tied it to the large birds leg and opened the window then watched it fly off into the dimly lit winter night. I made my way carefully back to my bed and pulled the covers up over me and snuggled into them trying to warm myself. I looked at my ceiling and laid quietly while listening to the wind howling outside through my still open window. I thought about laying on a warm beach with water droplets littering my body as the sun evaporated them, leaving me with a darker complexion than my current one. I rolled onto my side, closed my eyes and allowed sleep take over me for a few more hours before my mother would come into my room telling me it was time to get ready to leave the country.
As I predicted my mother woke me up with the loud bang of my spare trunk falling onto it's side.
"Oh sorry dear did I wake you?" My mother asked sarcastically with a smile on her face which caused me to sigh and pull the covers over my head.
"We have to get going soon, you don't want to miss out on a whole day in the sun now do you?" She said before leaving the room.
That was one of the many benefits of being of a magical family. Instead of taking muggle transportation, which would take hours upon hours to reach our destination, we had the option of apparating to the resort. Since the place we were staying at was a magical family run resort we didn't have to be particularly careful about using magic, but my parents would always tell us to use a minimal amount of magic anyways, in fact, they usually kept our wands at home. This year however, since the threats and disappearances that have been going on throughout the magical world my father believes it would be safest to bring the wands with us as a form of protection.
I groggily stood from my bed, wobbling on my legs slightly before taking my first step to grab my silk black robe that hung on the back of my desk chair and wrapped it around myself. The fabric was cold on my skin initially, giving me a slight case of goose bumps. I stretched on my feet then stumbled out of my room and down the stairs, heading for the kitchen in search of some food that would aid in waking me up. I walked through the hallways and tripped over Fang who was much too energetic in the mornings, but caught myself on the wall before I completely fell flat on my face.
I turned the corner and the kitchen came into view as well as an extremely unwanted face.
Bloody hell.
I lowered my eyes and continued into the kitchen, not wanting to look either of them in the face but also not wanting to cower out of the room like a pathetic little girl. I would not let him get to me.
"Morning Ana." Shay said, not sounding one bit interested in my presence.
"Good morning." I mumbled, passing by them to where we kept our fruit and grabbing a bowl from the top shelf.
"It's nice to see you again." Tomas said smugly and I could feel him staring at me with that ugly smirk plastered on his face. I began much more aware that the only thing I was wearing was a black silk robe.
"The feeling's not mutual." I grumbled as I poured blueberries into my bowl and walked back past them.
"Someone's grumpy in the mornings." I heard Tomas say to Shay who laughed in agreement.
I sat down at the kitchen table, my back facing them and began to eat my food, knowing that if I didn't I would have a horrid headache and apparating would be far more awful than usual. Since my parents didn't allow food in other places of the house I was stuck staying in the same proximity of them, listening to them talk cheerily about this or that.
At least with Shay in the room, and my parents in the same house I knew I was safe from whatever he could do to me which lessened the tension in my shoulders slightly. If Shay believed him over me then fine, but Tomas knew that if Shay witnessed anything unusual between him and I then he wasn't going to be on his side which made me grateful.
We arrived just outside the main lobby and I was instantly hit with an abundance of feelings. My head was spinning from the apparation, something I still wasn't used to, as well as the blissful feeling of the warm sun beaming down on my exposed arms and shoulders. My first inhale was filled with the scent of the thick jungle that surrounded us, making me shiver in anticipation. I loved coming here. It was always so refreshing. Not being able to dwell long, I followed my parents along with Shay and Tomas through the lobby and up to the front desk with my trunk levitating beside me.
"Good morning Mr. Travers! It's such a pleasure to see you and your family again." The middle aged man, John I think, said in a thick Australian accent.
"It's nice to be here." My father responded kindly. My father met the owners of the resort years ago when they were visiting Britain on a vacation and stumbled upon a slight miscommunication in the rules regarding exposure of magic. Apparently the rules down here were different from ours, so my dad helped them out at the scene of the crime which he was appointed to. Ever since, they have kept somewhat constant communication.
While my parents exchanged conversation with John I turned my attention towards the large open entrance that was opposite the lobby of where we came in. The wide open space led towards the middle of the complex which was not in sight. Instead there was a large courtyard with tropical vegetation scattered within it, making pathways and a shaded seating area. The first path that lead to the left from what I remember is the way to the infinity pool. Each time my family vacationed here that was the spot I spent most of my evenings, since it had the perfect view of the sun setting over the crystal blue Koro Sea. Down the path straight through the courtyard is the path that lead to the beach as well as the main pool and bar, and to the right is the direction of the two large buildings where the visitors stay. Usually when we come here the resort is less than full but this year it seemed much quieter than ever. When I turned my attention back to my parents I saw them receiving the keys to our rooms.
"Why isn't there anyone here?" I asked the familiar man behind the desk who looked at me strangely before answering.
"This is the time of year when families from Britain come to visit since it is the time of your holidays. It seems many witches and wizards are concerned with traveling lately, every since these seemingly dark times have come. Very slow year. I've heard many from your country have gone missing." He said quietly and looked to my father who merely nodded.
I knew he must've been talking about the same thing Shay always had arguments with my parents about. It sent a slight chill throughout me to know that the news was now known world wide, meaning it was much more sever than I thought it was. I looked to my parents who avoided Shay's gaze, but couldn't bring myself to look at him or Tomas. I couldn't help but think they knew more about this new rising power than anyone else but I shoved those thoughts aside. Surely Shay had more sense then to be getting mixed up in something that sounded so dangerous.
"But no need to worry. This is a very safe resort, far away from all that is happening in your part of the world. I guarantee you will enjoy your stay as always. I assume you remember the way to your rooms?" He said smiling.
"Of course we do John, thank you so much. We will see you soon." My mother answered as she began to levitate her bag and walk towards the vibrant courtyard.
We walked through the winding paths to the building we always stayed in. It overlooked the shore and lead directly to the soft sandy beach. Unlike most beaches in Fiji, this particular one was soft and silky, which I knew had something to do with the special abilities of the resorts owners.
When we reached the fourth floor and headed down the wide, sunlit hallway to where our rooms were my mother stopped and pulled a key out of her pocket.
"This is the key to your room. You're sharing with Shay and Tomas, room 487." She said and handed me the key.
"But mom, why do I have to stay with them? I thought I would be getting my own room." I complained. I didn't normally argue with my parents but did they really expect me to share a room with my rapist?
Of course, they had no idea what I've been through with that monster.
"It's a big room Ana, you'll be fine." She said in her stern mother voice that meant just be happy you are on vacation and stop whining .
I looked down the hall to where the room was and caught Tomas' grin which caused my heart rate to quicken.
"Fine." I mumbled and continued down the hall. Our rooms were separated by three in between which basically led to the end of the hall since they were so large. I put the key in the lock and turned before pushing the door open and levitating my bag along with me into the cool room. The hallways held a misty warmth but on the other side of the door, the bedroom wasn't damp, but chilly.
I walked through the entrance and picked the bed next to the sliding balcony door which was adorned with thin white curtains. I sat down on my bed and looked around the room. There were two king sized beds next to each other, separated by an expensive looking night table. Across from each bed hung a rusty gold framed mirror with bronzed lanterns on each side. There was a plush, dark gray couch in the center of the wall below. Outside of the large balcony was a hot tub built into the floor which looked extremely inviting. I sighed and fell back on the soft bed and looked up at the white ceiling. I listened as Shay and Tomas came into the room and placed their things on the couch while my eyes were closed. Then I suddenly thought about the two of them sharing a bed.
I let out a small giggle which I quickly regretted when I realized they had heard me.
"What are you laughing at?" Shay asked, not sounding very pleasant, but then again. He was never pleasant anymore.
"Just the thought of you two sharing a bed in a romantic beachside resort." I shrugged.
"I could always share a bed with you darling, if that's what you really want." Tomas said jokingly, only I knew that wasn't the case at all.
"You wish Wilkes." My tone annoyed which caused Shay to snort. I pushed myself up off the bed and rummaged thought my trunk before finding what I was looking for. I passed them on my way to the bathroom and shut the door firmly. Taking calming breaths, I leaned against the bathroom door and tossed the bathing suit I grabbed onto the counter and watched as it slid into one of the sinks. The bathroom was always my favorite part of the rooms at this resort. It was lit by antique lanterns that were scattered around the dark gray walls and a large mirror behind the black marble counter. There were a his and her sink with plenty of counter space. The shower took up half the room and had a large shower tap on the roof. The floor had marble tiles that were the color of brown and gray mixed within each other and the door was made of thick oak.
I sighed and picked up my bathing suit which was a basic dark blue bikini and put it on. I pushed my hair to one side and bit my lip nervously while looking at myself in the mirror. I didn't want Tomas to see my so exposed, but I also didn't want him to ruin my vacation. I looked at my white and mostly toned body. I looked good, and this bathing suit made me look better, but I couldn't seem to find the confidence I once held in myself. Before I would have never been held up in the bathroom wondering if I looked good enough or not. I would go run around in the same outfit after stuffing my face with all the buffet food I could possibly eat.
I ran my fingers through my soft hair, took a deep breath, turned and opened the door. When I turned the corner, Shay was sitting on the couch and Tomas was sprawled on the bed, laughing about something.
"I'm going to the beach." I announced. Shay turned to me and nodded his head before getting up and opening his trunk while Tomas eyed me perversely. "Do you want me to wait?"
"Nah we'll be down soon, I'll bring the key." Shay said without looking at me so I nodded my head awkwardly before turning around and grabbing one of the green beach towels and wrapping it around myself. I walked through the hall and stopped at my parent's room door.
After knocking I heard footsteps approaching so I stood back and waited for my dad to open.
"I'm going to the beach, do you and mom want to come?" I asked.
"Maybe later, your mom and I want some alone time first." He answered with a slight grin on his face.
"Ew dad, it's only noon and we just arrived." I looked at him in disbelief.
"Yes, well..." He trailed off.
"Bye dad." I shook my head and walked away quickly.
I made my way down the few flights of stairs and came out of the entrance and stepped down onto the warm sand. I looked out at the calm water and continued down towards it, not seeing anyone else laying on the picture perfect beach. I grabbed one of the white lounge chairs that rested under a thatched umbrella and dragged it over to the edge of the water. I laid my towel along the length of the chair and laid on my back. I closed my eyes and took in the strong sun rays and when I went to open my eyes again I suddenly wished I had brought a pair of sunglasses with me. It was too bright to see so I lifted an arm and held it over my eyes, blocking the sun.
The sound of waves crashing against a nearby cliff soothed me. I always loved the water and coming to beaches, whether they were private unexplored ones or ones like these. I looked out to the horizon and saw a sailing ship far off in the clear distance. I laid on the chair for a while longer, looking around at the breath taking scenery until I heard voices approaching me. I turned to look and saw both Shay and Tomas in their swim bottoms.
"You're sweating." Shay stated.
"It's hot." I responded with the same lack of emotion.
"I brought these, I thought you'd want them," He said, tossing my favorite sunglasses onto my stomach. I turned over onto my side and looked at them while they walked towards the umbrellas and other lounge chairs. They each choose a spot and began talking animatedly about something I couldn't hear.
Looking around the practically deserted beach I felt a rush of loneliness. When we came here, Shay and I usually spent most of our time together. Whether it be exploring the long beach or having a contest of who could find the best seashell or even just laying on the beach and tanning. Our parents were usually off alone when we vacationed, which didn't bother me most times but now it really did. I wanted to have at least one person who I could hang out with and talk to.
I should have brought Fang.
"Hey Ana, come here for a sec." Shay shouted.
I was hesitant for a moment before standing and walking quickly over to them, the sand was so hot it was burning the bottom of my feet.
"What do you want?" I placed my hands on my hips and stood directly in between him and the sun.
"I forgot how hot it is here." He said as he stood from his chair.
I looked at him suspiciously.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I just can't believe how hot it is." He repeated. "Are you feeling the same?" He spoke as he walked closer towards me. I backed away from him slowly, wondering what in Merlin's name he was talking about.
"Yeah sure, it's pretty warm." I said cautiously.
"Maybe you need to cool off." He said and all of a sudden he dove towards me and grabbed me, swung me over his shoulder and began running.
"SHAY PUT ME DOWN!" I shouted, flailing my legs. Instead of stopping he laughed louder and kept running.
"I'M SERIOUS, STOP IT!"
I saw the wet sand where the tide washed along the shore below me and started shouting louder. He trudged through the water and once my head was practically underwater he flung me over his shoulder and dropped me into the freezing sea.
When I emerged from the water I saw him with his head thrown back and howling with laughter. I took this opportunity and launched myself at him, knocking him off balance and pushing him fully under the water. Once his head popped back to the surface I splashed him and begun one of our many water fights which went on for a long ten minutes.
We were finally both calmed down so I decided now that I was already in, I would stay a little longer while he went back to the dry beach. I treaded in the water since I was now out too far to touch bottom.
I smiled to myself.
This was the first time since my birthday that things had seemed normal between the two of us, and I liked it. I swam for a while longer, enjoying the feeling of the cool water surrounding my body and the warm sun shinning down on my face and shoulders. I swam back to shore and instead of laying on the chair I moved for myself, I laid down on the warm sand. I closed my eyes and embraced the scratchy feeling of the hot sand on the back of my body before a shadow came across my face. I opened one eye and saw Tomas sitting down next to me.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Sitting, you seem to be enjoying it so I thought I would try." He answered before he laid back on the sand next to me.
"Where's Shay?" I said, suddenly panicking inside.
"He went to get something to eat."
"And you didn't go with him?" I tried desperately to hide the nervousness I couldn't help but feel.
"No, didn't want to leave you here alone."
I froze, not knowing what to do or say.
"It's easy to drown Ana." He sighed. I couldn't help but think he knew exactly what I was thinking.
"Well you can go now, I'm out of the water for a while." I responded quietly.
"Are you going to come?"
I laid for a moment without saying anything. It was like he wanted to pretend nothing happened, but how can he even try. That one moment may not have done him any harm but it will effect me for the rest of my life.
"I guess." I nodded. I stood quickly and went back in the water to wash the sand off my body before wrapping myself in a towel. We walked up the steps that led away from the beach and towards the buffet, all the while I walked behind him, and not saying a word.
We found Shay sitting at one of the tables and I was surprised to see three other tables being used. My interest dropped when I saw all of them wearing employee outfits.
"Hey." He greeted as we sat down. Shay had a pile of food in front of him and looked overly happy. I grabbed my plate and stood, making my way over to where the food was. I loaded my plate with a variety of fruits and nuts along with some mixed rice then headed back to the table.
I ate in silence next to them while they chatted away about their NEWTs. I drank four glasses of water and once I was done my second plate of fruit I stood from the table and left without saying anything. I walked through the cobblestone pathways towards the pool, hoping Shay and Tomas wouldn't follow.
I had way to many conflicting thoughts going on inside me and I didn't want to be around anyone, especially not them. I couldn't figure out if Tomas was being decent to me because he was here with my family or if he was just waiting for a moment to strike. It seemed like a stupid idea for him to try anything while here but then again, he did rape me in Hogwarts, and tried plenty after that. I felt my stomach tighten and my throat constrict at the thought of it and hoped silently that he wasn't going to try it again, even thought I knew it was a ridiculous thing to hope for.
I floated on my back in the pool, looking up at the cloudless sky while enjoying the quiet, peacefulness. The rest of the day was spent at the pool. I ordered several drinks from the bartender who's name was Eduardo and during the sunset I leaned over the edge and looked out at the spectacular vision in front of me. The island was beautiful in each way and I felt so blessed to be able to come here repeatedly.
I was walking back to the buffet for dinner to meet up with hopefully my parents along with my brother and Tomas and luckily they were all there. My parents were drinking wine while Shay and Tomas had a bottle of mead next to them. Again I ate quietly while everyone got drunker.
"Want a drink?" Shay asked as he pour himself another glass.
"I don't think I should." I looked down.
"Why darling? You love the drinks here." My mom piped in.
I shrugged.
It wasn't that I didn't want it, I just felt nervous drinking while I was sharing a room with Tomas, but of course I couldn't tell my parents that was the reason. They would probably have the same reaction as Shay, and now it was even worse because they seemed to like Tomas just as much as my brother did.
"Come on Ana, enjoy your vacation." My father said as he waved over a waiter.
About ten bloody mary's later I couldn't stop giggling at the stories my parents were sharing with the table and each time I went to scratch the itch on my nose, I couldn't feel it. When we were all leaving the table and going back to our rooms, Shay helped me up the steps and towards the room. When we arrived I collapsed on my bed and ran my hands through my hair.
"Coconut is a very delicious fruit. It's delicious." I moaned and hugged my body. The towel had fallen off me and I was suddenly freezing.
Quickly I sat up.
"I have an idea." I said excitedly.
"What's that?" Tomas asked as he tossed his towel onto the side of the couch, exposing his well toned upper body.
"I want to go in the hot tub. Shay can you turn it on?" I asked as I stood up and stumbled towards the balcony.
"Yeah of course." He said and opened the door for me. I plopped down in the water and waited for him to turn the bubbles on and when he did I closed my eyes and leaned my head back. The sensation of the warm water and the constant massaging jets felt amazing against my stressed body. I listened as he slid the balcony door open and then a few moments later the water level rose as he joined me in the tub. I opened my eyes and smiled, but it quickly faded when I realized it was Tomas and not Shay who had joined me.
"Is Shay coming?" I asked quietly, hugging my knees to my chest. My vision was slightly clouded and I could feel my words melting into each other.
"He's in the shower." Tomas' icy voice sounded with slight triumph.
"Oh."
"At least we get some time alone." He said as he slid closer to me.
"I'm just going to go." I said nervously and began to find my way out of the water when I felt his tight grip wrap around my wrist.
"Let me go." I said forcefully.
He smiled at me and pushed my hair off my shoulder. His touch made me shiver although my forehead was beaded with sweat.
"You are a beautiful girl Ana. I don't think I would have a problem being with you. Other than the fact that you are a Gryffindor, you're a very good catch. Pureblood, intelligent, sexy..." He said cooly.
"Leave me alone!" I said loudly and tried to push him off me, tears coming to my eyes which blurred my vision madly.
"Now now Ana no need to cause a ruckus." Tomas' velvety voice said into my ear and I screamed out at the feeling of his rough breath against my skin but he quickly covered my mouth with his large hand, muffling my voice.
"I'll move my hand if you promise to be a good girl."
I nodded my head, tears falling freely down my reddened cheeks.
"What do you want?" Despite my efforts my voice came out shakily which I knew pleased him.
"There's something I need of you darling." I could hear the smirk in his voice and gulped loudly
"What?"
"I keep seeing you talking and spending time with Sirius Black and it is beginning to aggravate me Ana, I don't like you spending time with a blood traitor like him, he's starting to rub off on you." He said quietly as he pushed my hair aside again, fully exposing the skin on my neck.
"I want you to tell him you can no longer see him, and when he asks why you tell him it is because you'd prefer me." His words were louder and filled with amusement.
"I won't do that." I said firmly.
"Oh but I think you will darling." He said, clearly not effected by my refusal even slightly.
"Or what Tomas, it's not like you have anything else you could possibly do to me. Nothing could be any worse that what you've already done." I argued.
I felt his hand move down his side and pull something out of his short pocket. It wasn't until I felt a sting of heat against my shoulder that I realized what it was and in a moment he had pressed a sharp knife to my neck.
"I think you will find there are a lot of worse things I could do to you, love." He said dangerously causing me to tremble slightly.
"Please don't make me do this." I whispered, terror spreading within me.
"You don't have a choice." He whispered back. He pulled the knife away from my neck and fingered it slowly while admiring it with his gaze.
"You'd be amazed at the damage this small piece of metal can cause.