Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any related characters.
A/N: A/N: Hope you enjoy this little excursion today :)
Shout-out to my betas for always leaving the best comments/suggestions: accio-broom, be11atrixthestrange, sm_jl, and adenei.
Find Me Under the Waterfall
Chapter Five
An Otherworldly Experience
Ron
At half-past nine, after they've changed into athletic leisurewear with their bathing suits underneath, they stroll down to the dock where the motorboat awaits.
Hermione's hand fits so perfectly into Ron's, and he can't bring himself to ever want to let go.
They've been inseparable since yesterday morning, neither willing to part from each other for anything longer than getting changed. It's starting to feel like they are on their honeymoon — Ron knows they've appeared as such to other people along the way, like Seamus and Dean. In a way, they are experiencing what many call the "honeymoon period" of a relationship. Everything is new and exciting, and Ron can't bring himself to think too much yet about what will happen once the week ends.
Hermione meets his eyes and gives him a brilliant smile that creates a lump of emotion in his throat. She looks so pretty with her curls pulled back into a single plait. This woman has the capacity to drive him mad, and just one look from her sends him spiraling in a way that makes him want to drag her back to her room to finish what they started in the whirlpool last night.
There are two other couples when they arrive at the dock. Dean and Seamus wave at them as they approach, and Ron and Hermione greet them with matching smiles.
Standing next to Dean is another couple with friendly faces. The man is tall and pale, with premature lines across his forehead and light brown hair. The woman has a heart-shaped face and dark twinkling eyes. Her hair is short, spiky, and vibrant in color with hues of violet and bubblegum pink.
"Hi there!" The woman waves at them, and she is every bit as enthusiastic and bubbly as her hair.
The couple introduces themselves as Remus and Tonks, and the conversation carries along swimmingly. Ron appreciates that it is a small group and feels optimistic for the day ahead.
Only a few minutes later, their tour guide arrives and surprises Ron in the best possible way. The man is a "gentle giant" of sorts, with a shaggy mane of dark hair and a thick beard that doesn't look combed. The intimidation of his physical presence fades away as the man introduces himself with a warm, kind-hearted smile.
"Hello there, I'm Hagrid! I'm gonna be your guide for today's adventure. Who's ready to set off?"
The motorboat itself looks fit enough for six people and a captain. They board the small watercraft, and Ron heads straight to the back, plopping himself down onto the white cushion as Hermione nestles into his side. He extends his arm out to rest on the seat behind her head, giving her a little scratch with his fingers, making her giggle.
"Hold on to me tight."
Hermione swivels her head towards Ron, her mouth parting as if to question his statement when their bodies lurch forward as the boat launches off at high speed. She lets out a strangled squeal when the powerful engine propels them through the clear, blue waters.
Ron sneaks a glance behind their bodies, watching the pattern of waves that trail along in their wake. Hermione folds even closer under the warmth of his arm as the wind picks up. She shivers from the cold mist of the water spraying their backside as a result of the waves crashing behind them, and Ron delights in the excuse to show even more affection towards her.
"So, how long have you two been together?" Tonks directs the question to Ron and Hermione once the boat settles into an easier rhythm.
"Well, uhm…" Hermione pauses, her cheeks turning a distinct shade of pink.
"We're celebrating our first anniversary." Ron doesn't know what compels him to lie. Hermione glances up at him, and he sees a hint of amusement in her eyes. A relieved sigh escapes his lips, thankful that she isn't upset.
Instead, Hermione snuggles up against his side even more, placing her hand on his thigh as she plays along. "We're travel writers, you see, so this trip is part-work but mostly a holiday for us."
"Oh, how lovely," Remus remarks. "If only I could travel like you two for my job!"
"What is it you do for work?"
"I'm a zoologist! I like to study animals, but I am most fascinated by wolves — peculiar creatures they are."
"That they are! My favorites are those pesky warthogs found in Africa. I hope to go back there someday," Hagrid interjects wistfully. "I also had a pet tarantula once — named 'em Aragog. I miss that little bugger."
Ron squirms in his seat at the mention of a tarantula, and Hermione takes notice of his uncomfortable posture. "You alright, Ron?"
"Er, yeah. I just don't really care for spiders much." Ron lets out a weak laugh as Hermione rubs his shoulder.
Luckily for Ron, the topic of conversation shifts as they speed through the largest lake in the country. They are now in the Arenal region of the Alajuela province. Ron can't get enough of the stunning scenery and vegetation that surrounds the body of water. Hagrid points out the gigantic Arenal Volcano off in the distance, known as the "sleeping giant" that fascinates world travelers. The volcano itself has been dormant since 2010.
"The volcano last erupted in 1968," Hagrid continues on. "Before the eruption, it was thought of as only a small mountain, but many locals were suspicious of its volcanic powers."
"Powers?" Seamus questions. "That makes it sound like a wizard appeared to blow it all up."
"Ah, you see. It may sound like an absurd theory in your head, but why should that mean it ain't real?" Hagrid grins in such a way that it looks like he is trying to manage the mischief behind his words.
The boat heads off towards the shore, and before long they find themselves deboarding the motorboat in the Arenal Tilaran Conservation Area. Right away, Ron notices the drastic change in temperature from the warmer tropics of the sunny beaches to the cooler mist of the wet rainforest.
Ron sneaks a glance over at Hermione, her hand still warm in his, and sees her gazing up in awe at the ravine filled with lush, green trees. He closes his eyes and takes a moment to pique his senses to the sights and sounds of the rainforest. He hears the calls of the birds and the howl of the monkeys. It's as if he's just stepped into a garden of paradise.
There are several canopy bridges hanging above them, each connected to another one. A bubble of excitement rumbles through Ron's stomach as he anticipates what the view might be like from the top.
"C'mon now, let's get a move on! Lots to see!" Hagrid bellows, leading them up a small, wobbly set of climbing ladders to the hanging bridges above. The entire tree shakes as he ascends the first ladder before disappearing above the greenery.
"Who's next?" Hagrid's voice echoes through the forest.
One by one, Dean, Seamus, Remus, and Tonks all make the same climb up, leaving Ron and Hermione the last two to go.
"Are-are we sure this is safe?" Hermione stammers, obvious fear etched across her face.
Ron places both hands on her waist, gently coaxing her forward. "Here, you go first. I'll be right behind you."
Ron holds true to his word and waits for Hermione to ascend the ladder before beginning his own climb. Although he tries to be a perfect gentleman, his eyes stray to the pleasant view of her bum that nearly has him falling backward off the tightrope.
Fucking hell.
Ron shakes away his impure thoughts, instead choosing to shout words of encouragement to Hermione until they reach their destination. From the top of the canopy, all of the air leaves Ron's lungs as he takes in the panoramic views of the island.
He's on top of the world, and as he peers over at the amazing woman standing next to him, he knows that he never wants to come down from this high.
"Now what we're all standin' on is considered 'The Jewel of the Earth'." Hagrid spreads his arms out wide. "It's rich in biodiversity and traverses its way through the most scenic parts of the forest."
Ron catches Hagrid's dark eyes twinkling at him. "There's a mystical charm about it all, ay?"
The trek continues through the conservation area. Hagrid describes the rich history of the forest along the path, not stopping until they reach an observation point for the imposing volcano, which towers over them in all its glory. Up close, Ron marvels at its size and the way the mouth of the structure opens downward to a pool of molten rock at the surface. There are different sizes of volcanic boulders scattered around, evidence of the eruption that lasted for many years.
"The volcano provides some of the island's most natural resources," Hermione leans over and whispers in Ron's ear. Even though she is a travel writer, her knowledge is so vast, and he can't stop staring at her as she studies a set of nearby plants. Her brilliance is staggering, and the thought overwhelms him with admiration for her.
"You're amazing, you are."
A rosy tint colors her cheeks, and she flashes Ron a wide grin.
They venture over to the Titoku hot springs, and Ron snorts when he spots a sign that says, 'Come here to refresh your soul.'
Hermione elbows him. "Don't laugh!"
Ron is unable to control another chuckle. "I can't help it — out of all of the fascinating situations we've managed to already get ourselves into this week…"
Ron glances towards the steamy mist vaporizing up from the heated waters before arching an eyebrow at Hermione. "I'm pretty skeptical."
"I think I'm with your girl on this one," Seamus nudges him with a suggestive smirk.
Ron watches Seamus and Dean test out the waters as Hermione sidles up to his side. "Maybe we should give it a go? After all, who knows what I'll be up for after taking a rejuvenating bath."
That's all of the reassurance he needs to follow after his girl.
"Be careful over there! Best not to get in too quick," Hagrid instructs towards the couples already submerged in the hot springs.
The geothermally heated water sits on the ground of the conservation area, and the water uses heat generated from the inside of the volcano.
Ron's always been a fan of taking baths on the warmer side, almost piping hot, but those paled in comparison to this experience. The heat on his toes is excruciating at first, to the point where it's tempting for Ron to shout at Hermione to get out and spare her own body.
After a few steadying breaths, Ron relaxes his muscles and wades himself further into the sauna. His feet hit the surface below, making his toes sink into the muddy concave.
"You know, a hot soak in a thermal bath supposedly has many health benefits," Hermione swims toward him through the fog.
"Oh yeah? Do tell." Ron isn't the slightest bit interested in hearing about said benefits, but he is interested in hearing Hermione's soothing voice.
"Well, it may help reduce inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, ease fatigue or muscle soreness, provide stress relief — Ron, are you even listening to me?"
A sheepish grin invades his face, realizing that he must've dozed off. "M'sorry, you're just adorable when you go full teaching mode."
Hermione humphs. "Well, I suppose I'll take that as a compliment."
"Oh, indeed." Ron's hands find her hips under the water. "In fact, I think you should give me a list of other benefits."
It's delightful being able to tease her in this way. As he gets to know this woman and all the parts of her personality that make her Hermione, he finds himself sinking deeper and deeper into her world. Ron relinquishes all control and lets the volcanic warmth massage his body.
After their quick dip in the hot springs, Hagrid leads them over to the part of the excursion that Ron looks most forward to: the waterfall.
The large rock structure has them all staring up in amazement at the magnificent height of the water making its steep descent over the rocky ledge. The water turns to mist as it reaches the small tributary below.
"Well, this waterfall blows the one at the resort, dare I say, out of the water," Dean laughs.
"Can you take our picture?" Seamus asks, and a second later, he thrusts a waterproof camera into Ron's hands before swimming over to Dean.
The two men submerge themselves underneath the flow of the water, hysterical laughter filling the surrounding air as they leap into several positions while Ron snaps the photographs. Before Ron hands the camera back, an idea comes to him, a slow grin spreading across his face.
"Hey, would you mind taking a picture of us, too?" He asks Seamus in a voice low enough so that Hermione can't hear. "I'd love to keep in touch, and maybe you could send us the photo?"
"Sure thing!"
"Brilliant!"
Hermione is facing with her back turned away from Ron as he approaches. She's too captivated by the watery cascade to notice Ron sneaking up from behind her. Without warning, he wraps his arms around her waist and twirls her in the water. Hermione's initial gasp quickly turns to glee, and Ron decides that her giggle is one of the best sounds in the world. She kicks her feet in the water as they move, creating small splashes around them.
"Kiss her! Kiss her!" Chants from the people around them ring out, and Ron directs his questionable gaze towards Hermione.
The corner of her mouth lifts up, and the way she elevates herself up to her tiptoes is all the indication that Ron needs to go for it. Cupping her face with his hands, he presses a feather-light kiss to her lips. The tingling sensation of their mouths fused together is gone all too soon, and something about the atmosphere of the waterfall flowing behind them makes him crave another taste.
Their lips meet again with a hungry passion, soaking up every last bit of oxygen they need to snog even longer. As Hermione wraps her legs around his waist, Ron burns with a fierce joy for the woman in his arms. It's a profound moment and one that he is surely never to forget.
Ron hears Hagrid off in the distance utter one word with a grunt,
"Honeymooners."
The boat docks again at a white sandy beach in shallow waters. The sea is warm and temperate, with translucent waters and almost no waves or currents nearby. Hagrid considers the location to be a perfect spot for snorkeling. Soon, they are all equipped with a mask, goggles, swim fins, and a snorkel.
After a brief instruction, Ron submerges his face into the clear water to test the cylinder-shaped breathing tube. He receives the all-clear to continue on, and his first priority is to check on Hermione, who is rearranging the mask on her face.
He swims over to her side to make sure her mask is fitted properly, making minor adjustments to the tightening buckles. When he removes his hands from her cheeks, he can't help but release a hearty chuckle as he finds her grinning up at him from behind her swim gear.
She is so fucking charming.
"Are you ready for this?" Ron asks, taking hold of her hand.
"I've been snorkeling since I was ten. Are you ready?" Hermione challenges back.
Before Ron can muster out a retort, she dips her face into the water, moving her body into a horizontal position. He follows suit and allows himself to float face first.
As he moves his arms alongside his body to gain fluidity in the water, Ron finds snorkeling to be a relaxing and soothing activity to end the afternoon with. Even though he is swimming just at the surface of the water, the equipment still allows him to observe the beauty of the underwater world.
Although Ron appreciates the many different species of fish that swim around him, he is most impressed by the array of shapes and colors on the low, sandy parts of the reef. The entire area surrounds itself with tall, elegant sea fans with intricately folded corals that resemble trees and plants at full vibrancy.
It's an otherworldly experience, and before he is ready, Hagrid calls them back to the boat to depart for the resort.
Ron extracts himself from his swim gear once he is on the boat and is busy locating towels for him and Hermione when Tonks exclaims,
"Hermione, you're bleeding!"
Ron's heart rate picks up, and his eyes shoot down to Hermione's leg, where trickles of crimson flow down her calf.
"What happened?" Ron asks at once, grabbing a nearby towel, not caring who it belongs to, and pressing it to the gushing wound.
"Oh," Hermione mutters with indifference, "I didn't even notice!"
"What do you mean you didn't notice?" There is a slight edge to Ron's tone, and Hermione blinks at him with surprise.
"Oh, that's a nasty one! Not to worry, I've got a first aid kit right o'here!" Hagrid shuffles his feet over to a small lockbox and rummages through it.
He returns with bandages, water, and hydrogen peroxide. "It musta been the coral reef! It has a way about itself to scratch ya without feelin' a thing!"
Hermione shrugs, her eyebrows knitting together as she inspects the cut. It extends along the length of her calf, appearing in three long streaks as if an animal clawed its way down her leg.
"I really didn't feel anything." Her voice is softer this time, and Ron sighs to himself as he takes the emergency kit from Hagrid's hands.
Everyone else busies themselves with other tasks to allow Ron and Hermione the bit of privacy that they could get on a cramped boat.
Despite Ron trying to be as gentle as possible when tending to her leg, Hermione hisses from the sting of the peroxide as it absorbs into the abrasion.
"I'm sorry," Ron mumbles, "But I need to flush the wound out so that your risk of infection goes down."
"Don't be sorry." Hermione nudges her free leg with his own. "You're excellent in emergency situations. Have you ever considered a job in law enforcement?"
Ron grins but keeps his eyes trained on Hermione's wound. "I did, actually. But if I had gone that route, would I be here right now with you?"
It was the cheesiest line in the world, but it wasn't just a line for him. His heart grows heavy at the thought of not getting the chance to meet Hermione. And by the way her eyes light up, he knows in his heart that she's content with his answer.
"Thank you." Her voice is soft, like a whisper, and Ron can't resist planting a short and sweet kiss upon her lips.
"Y'know what goes well with recovering from an injury?" Hagrid breaks up their moment with a wide grin plastered to his face. "Alcohol!"
Hagrid lifts open a large cooler and unloads two heavy jugs filled with a bright rose-colored liquid.
"Rum punch!" Seamus hoots and hollers, giving Dean a high five. "It's party o'clock!"
Hagrid rattles off the ingredients as he hands each passenger a cup and begins to pour. Ron's mouth waters as he learns that the drink is a blend of Caribbean and coconut rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, a dash of bitters, grenadine, and lime juice. The first sip provides a welcomed reprieve from the blistering heat.
Music blasts from a tiny speaker as they speed through the ocean. A pleasant buzz ripples through Ron's body, doing well to lift his mood from the panic over Hermione's injury.
When he turns toward Hermione, he notices her glossy eyes drifting around the perimeter of the boat, not able to settle on one place. Her mouth hangs open with the broadest smile he'd ever seen from her.
"Hermione Granger, are you drunk?"
She only shrugs, the coy smile on her face giving away all her secrets. With wide, flailing arms, Hermione thrusts her empty cup into Ron's hand. "More, kind sir."
"You're sure about that?" Ron is absolutely convinced that Hermione doesn't usually behave this way.
Hermione's body lurches forward as the boat moves over a large wave, and Ron struggles to keep her upright. "Fine," she raises her voice, "I'll get it m'self."
She stands, swaying on her feet, and attempts to bend over to reach the cooler before Ron pulls her back to a sitting position. "Oh, no, you won't." He debates switching out her punch for water and seeing if she notices but decides against it. She's letting loose and having fun, and she deserves to have a bloody good time on holiday.
Ron is well aware that Hermione's level of drunkenness has moved towards finding mundane topics fantastical or hilarious. He decides to test this theory by spewing out random words.
"Chocolate." Giggles. "Frogs." Giggles. "Cats." She falls over from laughing so hard.
"Ugh, bloody cats. I'm allergic to those hairy monsters," Hagrid grunts from the wheel.
A short time later, they all arrive back at the dock and bid their goodbyes.
"I hope the rest of your stay is magical!" Hagrid calls after them with a hearty wave.
Hermione leans into Ron, the entire weight of her body now curled into his left side, and he stumbles as they walk down the winding path back towards their rooms. He heads in the direction of her room first, knowing that she could use a kip to sleep off her eventful day.
"Okay, you lush. Let's get you back to your room." He fishes through his pocket for her key card, and as soon as he opens the door, they both topple inside.
Hermione grabs onto his shirt and pulls him towards the bed. "You're staying here, right?"
Ron fights the urge to give her an automatic yes. Instead, he murmurs, "I don't want to overstay my welcome."
"You know, you can definitely take advantage. I wouldn't mind!"
Ron is pretty sure that sober Hermione would never let that admission slip. "I'm sure you wouldn't."
They fall together in a clumsy heap on the bed, and Hermione is fast clutching Ron's shoulders to pull him on top of her.
"Hermione." She's touching him all over, and he's finding his resistance weakening.
A few kisses can't hurt.
Ron dips his head low to press against her forehead, and their lips meet with mutual, deep groans. He tugs her bottom lip between his teeth, and her tongue prods his mouth that he opens to allow her entry.
His hands delve underneath her shirt, itching to feel her smooth skin. He growls as Hermione rubs her thighs against him in such an intimate way that he almost explodes with desire right then and there.
Hermione's hands move lower and lower until they plan firmly over the curve of his bum. Ron releases a strangled growl, grabbing both of her hands to hold them captive above her head. He trails kisses along her jawline, savoring every taste of her sweet, delicate skin. Sirens rage through his head, and he finds himself losing all sense of restraint.
No. Stop.
With great reluctance, Ron pulls away, panting heavily. "You have no idea how much I want to do more with you."
Hermione looks fucking irresistible as she gazes up at him with lust-filled eyes, flushed cheeks, and wild curls that have fallen loose from her plait, now fanned out across her pillow. Her voice is low and sultry when she whispers, "Then show me."
With a disgruntled roar, he pulls away. "Not tonight."
She pouts, and Ron drops a kiss to her forehead. "Now, sleep." Ron rolls over, and Hermione nestles up into his side in the same way she has multiple times that day. The position feels natural, like their bodies were made to meld together.
As Ron drifts off into a deep slumber, he only has one thought.
Tomorrow...I have a feeling that tomorrow will be an excellent day.
A/N: Fun fact! The story about getting scratched by the coral reef actually happened to me in RL, and it's true that I didn't feel a thing until I got out of the water! I had a scar on my calf for several years, that has since disappeared.
More soon :) Thanks all!
