Chapter 46: Cruise Additions
February 24, 1994
When Draco was leaving the common room that morning, he noticed that there was a large, bright orange sign tacked up on the Notice Board.
Travel Itinerary for the Cruise: March 6th to March 17th
Day 1: Marseilles, France
Day 2: Genoa, Italy
Day 3: Sailing
Day 4: Rome, Italy
Day 5: Naples, Italy
Day 6: Sailing
Day 7: Budva, Montenegro
Day 8: Dubrovnik, Croatia
Day 9: Venice, Italy
Day 10: Sailing
Day 11: Nice
Day 12: Marseilles, France
Now, the cruise ship is booked, and we have booked rooms for all of you! Remember, we will be sharing this ship with other Muggles, so do be careful, and mindful of them! Magic is allowed, but only inside your rooms!
This ship is sailing across the country of Italy twice, both in rivers. I have been informed that this is not traditional for a cruise ship. Please expect some turbulence on these days.
Professor Charity Burbage is hosting a session that will teach you all you need to know about the cruise. I would recommend you attend.
Toodles!
His Highness Sir Dumbledore
"He is crazy," muttered Draco. "His Highness Sir Dumbledore?! And what the heck does toodles mean?!"
"It's like, a really silly kind of way to say bye-bye," said Pansy Parkinson, who had snuck up on him unnoticed. "Wait, what's an itinerary?"
"I dunno," said Draco, shrugging. "I guess it means a list?"
"It's a travel plan," came a voice from behind them. Draco whipped around to see that it was Sia Channing, that girl whose book he had been sitting on earlier in the year.
"Oh," replied Draco dumbly. "Okay."
Sia nodded and pushed past him to get through the portrait hole. Pansy looked at him.
"So, like, do you want to be my partner on the cruise?" she asked.
"Partners?" he echoed.
"Yeah. Like, do you want to share a room?"
"I… okay?"
She grinned. "Okay. Let me put in a special request with Dumbledore."
Draco nodded. "Okay. But don't other people share a room with us? I feel like there'd be four people to a room, at least."
She frowned. "That's true. Well, we can share a room with some other people. Crabbe and Goyle? I know they're your friends."
Draco gagged. "Not really. Well…" He really didn't have any other friends, other than Liana, and he knew Liana would want to go hang out with her own friends. "How about Blaise?"
"Okay. And I can invite one of my friends, maybe?"
"That sounds good. Wait." He suddenly realized something. "Do you think we'd be allowed in the same room? Well, since you're a girl… And I'm a guy…"
Her eyes widened. "Oh, shoot. Didn't think about that. Well, that cancels our plans. Aw, darn it. Well, can we at least hang out together? Even if we don't share a room?"
"Sure. I'm cool with that."
She smiled at him and waved. "Okay, bye Draco!"
"Bye, Pansy."
He watched her leave, and then sighed to himself.
He really needed to make some new friends.
Tonks was helping direct someone to the checkout counter at the mall, in which she worked her part-time job, when she saw a familiar face pop up in front of her.
"James?" she asked in disbelief. "But… what are you doing here?"
"Nice to see you too," James replied, approaching her where she stood, dumbstruck. "I have a surprise for you."
"What?" she asked, leaning against a rack of clothes.
"You."
"What about me?" she asked.
"Are."
"Oh no, don't drag it out," she grumbled.
"Going."
"Hurry up and say it already!"
"On."
"I am not saying it again, James. Come on. Out with it."
"The."
"WHAT?!"
"Cruise."
"HURRY UP AND… Huh?"
You. Are. Going. On. The. Cruise.
The cruise?
"Wait, how?" she asked, confused. "I told you, James. I can't go. I don't have Muggle money."
"But I do," James replied.
She rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I know you have Muggle money, which is why you're going. But I don't have Muggle money, which is why I'm not going."
"You know, for a soon-to-be Auror, you really can be thick-headed sometimes."
She stuck her tongue out at him. "I am not thick-headed. What are you trying to say?"
James pulled out a piece of Muggle paper from the pocket of his red track pants. "Here you go."
She took it from him and examined it. "It's… a receipt? For the Freedom of the Seas? What's Royal Caribbean? This…" She scanned the paper, her eyes widening in realization. "James? Did you sign me up for going on this cruise?"
"Took you long enough."
"Wait, but… I don't have enough money for this!" she protested.
James rolled his eyes. "You idiot, I'm paying for you."
Her mouth dropped open. "You what? You're paying for me? But… But I can't pay you back. It'll take me years to pay you back. James, I…"
"You don't have to pay me back," said James. "Remus would kill me if you did. Besides, this is a gift for you. From me and Lily."
"But…"
"Shut up and take it," James replied firmly. "Believe me. Lily and I talked it through, and we both agreed that we'd pay for you."
"But…"
"And this is a gift, which means you aren't paying us back," James said.
"But..."
"And if you don't take it," James continued, "I'll tell Tucker that you're secretly friends with Jeremy."
She opened her mouth and then closed it again.
"Well, I guess we can't have that, can we?" she replied weakly, and then she flung her arms around him. "Thank you!"
He laughed. "Our pleasure. Now this is going to be fun. It's like a full two weeks of double dates."
She laughed. "Two whole weeks of double dates. Oh, Merlin. This is going to be fun."
Cho sighted Cedric in the hallway, talking to someone and laughing. He caught her eye, smiling, said something to his friend beside him, and walked over to where she was, sending her heart in flurries.
"Hi, Cho," he said when he reached her, still smiling. "How's everything?"
"Good," she replied pleasantly. "Looking forward to the cruise. March 6th, I think."
"Yeah, me too." He ran a hand through his hair. "How do you think we're getting to Marseilles? It's in France. And if it's near Italy, it's in the southern portion of France. So how are we getting there, do you know?"
She shrugged. "That's a good point. Probably by Apparition? Or Portkey?"
"Nah," replied Cedric. "Knowing Dumbledore, he's trying to get us to do all of this the Muggle way. Which is really annoying. But maybe he's going to make us go there using a Muggle method. Do you know anything?"
"Some Muggle way? Like, a plane?" she suggested.
Cedric raised an eyebrow. "What's a plane?"
"It's like this… really big thing that flies in the sky. Like a bird, except it's a machine. And people can sit in them and go across places." Cho felt really childish giving him such a silly definition.
He looked confused. "Oh. Well, maybe. I don't know how Dumbledore plans to get us there. I guess we just have to wait and see."
"Yeah, I guess." She shrugged her shoulders. "That'll be fun, though."
He grinned. "Yeah, definitely. Er, by the way, can I ask you something?"
"Y-Yeah, go ahead," she replied, feeling jittery, and attempting a small smile.
He ran a hand through his hair nervously. "Well, er, do you want to go out with me?"
Her smile widened. "I'd love to!"
Cedric let out a deep breath and grinned. "Cool. Just thought I'd make it official. You know…"
"I know," she replied happily, feeling butterflies erupt in her stomach. "That's… great. I mean… gah, I don't know what to say. I'm just really happy."
He laughed. "Me too. So, er, see you later?"
"Yeah," she responded, feeling elated. "See you later. Bye, Cedric."
He gave a last smile and turned away down the corridor, running to catch up with his friend who was now long gone.
Cho almost squealed with delight heading back to the Ravenclaw common room. Finally, finally, someone who appreciated her for who she was. This was something to tell Marietta.
Harry looked around the common room, which was filled with people engaged in incessant chatter. Ron was in detention (because he had asked Snape what color his underwear was) and Hermione was doing homework, something which Harry had no interest in doing. March 1st was nearing, which meant that Ron's birthday was nearing, and Harry needed to get him a good gift. But his imagination was running a bit low this year, and he didn't know what to get him.
"Hello, Harry," came a timid voice from nearby, and he turned around to see Ginny lounging on a couch.
"Oh. Hi." Inspiration suddenly struck him. Ginny was Ron's sister, after all. "Hey, can you help me with something?"
She looked nervous. "Y-Yeah?"
"Well, it's Ron's birthday in a few weeks," he began, sitting next to her on the couch, "and I don't know what to get him. Do you have any idea of what he'd like?"
She still looked uncomfortable. "W-Well, I… don't know."
He realized that she was still nervous around him. Seriously? He thought she had gotten over that! "Hey, Ginny, you don't have to be nervous around me. We're… just talking about Ron. Your brother."
"I know," she said in a timid voice.
Harry sighed. Why did she have to make this so difficult? "Okay, like, just pretend I'm a normal guy. Er, Barny. Yeah, that's me. I'm not Harry, I'm Barny. Now, I'm friends with your brother Ron. What do you think he wants for his birthday?"
"He likes Quidditch," offered Ginny, rolling her eyes. Well, that was an improvement.
"He does?" asked Harry. "Like, the Chudley Cannons?"
"No," replied Ginny impatiently. "He likes playing Quidditch. He's secretly always wanted to make the Gryffindor team."
Harry's mouth dropped open. "Are you sure?"
Ginny rolled her eyes again. "Of course I'm sure, you dimwit. He's my brother."
"Hey, I'm not a dimwit!"
"Whatever."
"Okay, so he likes the Chudley Cannons?"
"No. He likes playing Quidditch."
Harry frowned. "But I thought he did like the Chudley Cannons."
"He likes them too, you idiot!" replied Ginny hotly.
"Oh." Things started making sense. "Okay. So, like, what position does he like playing in Quidditch? Chaser? Seeker? Wait, he can't be a Seeker! I'm a Seeker!"
"That never stopped him from playing Seeker." Ginny raised an eyebrow. "Keeper."
Harry was puzzled. "Keeper? But being a Keeper is bo-ring."
"For you, maybe. Ron likes it."
"Okay. So, what should I get him? Oliver Wood? He's a Keeper."
Ginny smacked her forehead. "You're going to give Ron Oliver Wood as a birthday present?"
"Oh, wait." Harry frowned. "That didn't come out right. Yeah, maybe not Oliver Wood. A broomstick?"
"Nah, he likes his own." Ginny slumped back on the cushions.
"Well, maybe I should get him a nice hat?" suggested Harry.
She snorted. "What the heck, Harry? A hat?"
"It's Barny," he reminded her.
"Whatever. A hat?! Are you mental?"
"I think Ron would look pretty cool in a sombrero," protested Harry defiantly, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You are crazy," mumbled Ginny, giggling. "Think of something else."
"Maybe some nice socks?" offered Harry. "Maybe I can paint them bright orange, like the Chudley Cannons."
"Harry, would you want socks for your birthday?" asked Ginny, raising an eyebrow.
"Barny!"
"Oh, Merlin. No, don't get him socks. Maybe a pair of Keeper gloves?"
"Keeper gloves?" He thought about it. "Sure, I guess. But doesn't Ron want to be a Seeker?"
"No! You're the one who wants to be a Seeker! He likes playing Keeper!"
"But I thought he wanted to join the Chudley Cannons?" Harry asked, confused.
"Why is everything you're saying about the Chudley Cannons?" Ginny asked incredulously. "He just wants to play Keeper! No Chudley Cannons!"
"Ginny, you can't lie to me. I know Ron likes the Chudley Cannons." Harry glared at her.
She threw her arms up in exasperation. "I am done. Figure this out on your own." She stood up and stalked out of the common room.
Maybe he should just stick with the sombrero.
Remus knocked on the door to Tonks's flat gently, running a hand through his hair. She opened it with a wide smile.
"Remus! Hi!" She tumbled into his arms and pressed her lips to his cheek.
He laughed. "Hi, Dora. Can I come in?"
"Yeah, yeah, come in."
He walked into her flat and closed the door behind him, half carrying her with him.
"You know," she remarked, her arms still latched around his neck, "I've told you that you can just Apparate or Floo in. Why do you bother with the door?"
"I don't want to intrude in on your privacy," he answered, smiling. "I only want to be here when you want me here."
"But I always want you here!" she protested.
"Always?" He shot her a quizzical look. "What if you had a meeting with your boss? Or what if you were in the shower?"
She nuzzled her face into his neck. "I would want you here no matter what. Now, stop arguing with me and come on!"
He carried her to her sofa and laid her down onto it. "Better?"
She scrambled upright and leaned against his side, nestling her head in his shoulder. "Better."
He smiled. "Okay, then. Did James tell you yet?"
"Yes!" she exclaimed. "I'm so excited!" Her smile faded slightly. "But I feel bad that they're paying for me."
He rubbed her thigh. "It's okay. James and Lily wanted to pay for you. Because they like you. But maybe you'll have to buy them some ice creams on the ship."
She laughed. "I can do that."
"So," he began, clearing his throat, "the thing I wanted to tell you was, er, about the rooms and lodging. Er, I think Dumbledore is pairing people up for rooms and stuff, but I think we can just ask him if we want to change our rooms. Like, I know James is coming along, so Lily and James are going to be together in a room. So, er, I wanted to know… Would you be, er, okay with…"
"Sharing a room?" she finished for him, turning pink.
"Yeah," he mumbled.
"I'd love to," she responded, smiling. "Are you okay with that?"
"Yeah," he mumbled again. "Only if you're okay with it."
"I'm totally cool with that," she assured him, placing her hand on top of his and giving it a squeeze. "Are you sure you're okay with sharing a room? Be honest. If you're not, it's okay, we can…"
"No, no, I do," he said quickly, giving her a reassuring smile. "I really want to share a room with you. I just wanted to make sure you were ready."
She licked her lips. "Yeah. I'm okay with that. More than okay with it."
"Okay. I mean, if you want to sleep in different beds or something, it's not a problem. I can take the couch."
She swatted his arm. "Silly werewolf. We can share the bed. There's plenty of space for both of us. Besides, how am I going to stay warm at night?"
He smiled. "Are you sure?"
"Positive." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "I think we're both ready."
Remus leaned over to kiss her, smiling. "I love you."
She grinned. "Love you too."
"I can't believe he's trying to kill us!"
Lily walked into her room, confused. "James? Are you okay? Who's trying to kill you?" She yanked out her wand and held it in front of the room.
"No, there's no bad guy in the room. Put your wand down," said James from the couch. "I was talking about Dumbledore."
Puzzled, she walked towards the couch and sat down beside him, inspecting the scene in front of her. James was holding a book in his hands, and there was a scared expression on his face. "James? What's going on?"
He held up the book for her to see. The title read Titanic.
"Oh. But what does that have to do with…" She trailed off, realizing.
"They all die on their ship," James informed her rigidly. "Dumbledore's just trying to kill us all by sending us on a ship. We're going to drown, Lily. Well, you aren't. I'm going to drown, and you're going to live."
"Wait, James," she began comfortingly, but he cut across her.
"Jack dies. I'm Jack. Rose lives. You're Rose. And what if everyone else dies? What are you going to do? I'm not sending you on this cruise! I won't let you die, Lily!"
"James." She put a hand on his arm gently. "Nobody is going to die. All of these Muggles go on cruise ships all the time, and none of them die. We're going to be okay. Cruises are safe. This was back in 1912, James. Everything is safe now."
"But it could still sink, couldn't it?" asked James.
"Well, yes," she answered, hesitating, "but that's very unlikely. Besides, if the ship starts to sink, we can just Apparate out. Okay? Don't worry. Nobody's going to die."
He shrugged his shoulders. "But I'm still scared."
"Don't be." She patted his head. "It'll be okay. I promise. Yeah?"
He nodded resignedly. "If I die, please remember to sue Dumbledore."
"You won't die, James…"
"What are you going to do if I die?"
"James..."
"Sue Dumbledore. Don't forget it."
She laughed. "Are you starting a movement, James?"
"Yeah, I like it," James said. "Okay, what do you do if I die?"
She laughed, extending an arm around him and giving his shoulder a squeeze. "Have I ever told you that I love you, James?"
He grinned. "Not nearly enough."
A/N: I just wish things could be like they used to
But they're going on a cruise in the ocean blue
Wish you could tell me all the ways that I miss
GOING ON CRUISES WHEN IT'S NOT COVID-19!
(No, I don't own Why Don't We or Stay)
Yes Tonks is coming! She wouldn't stand missing out on the action anyway. Get ready for some more preparation, and finally, the actual cruise!