A/n: Yay, you guys are so insanely awesome!! Thank you soooo much for reviewing, especially those of you who have encouraged me since the beginning: you know who you are. As for new reviewers, it's so cool to see that my fic is not getting old!! Okay, so I'm extremely tired but really happy cuz I've watched the COS seven times now, woo-hoo!! Sorry I couldn't update but I left my chappie here at home when I went on vacation. Hope you won't throw icky fishies at me…Oh and this is shameless promoting but if you want a taste of my really insane life and how it associates to Harry Potter, read my fic Harry's Disco Fever...one chapter, the Night of the Singing Dementors…I think that sums it up, so get on with reading!
Disclaimer: No matter how hard I try, I still don't own Rupert, all the chocolate in the world, or the Harry Potter franchise…
Chapter 12: Egypt, Here We Come
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Ron raced over to Harry, his face very red and a blank look in his blue eyes. Harry raised his eyebrows. Ginny leaned towards her older brother. "Ron, are you okay?" she asked gently. Ron blinked rapidly and stared at the table where he now sat. Harry and Ginny exchanged confused looks. They glanced to where Ron had just been standing with Hermione…
She had her head bowed, her shoulders shaking slightly. She slowly raised her right hand and covered her mouth. Ginny suddenly whipped around. Her pity for Ron was replaced with a sudden burst of hostility. "What did you do?!" she demanded Ron. Ron stayed silent. Ginny shook her head, stood, and ran over to Hermione.
Harry was still staring at Ron. "You all right, mate?" Ron shook his head ever so slowly. Closing his eyes, he spoke in a rather choked voice. "Go, please…" He pointed to where Ginny was hugging Hermione. "But don't ask anything just…" His voice trailed off. Harry squeezed his shoulder for a second and went to join Ginny.
Only then did Ron look up.
Why? He shook his head. He couldn't understand…he thought maybe, maybe she might have felt the same way. There had been two lines in her book that had given him the slightest ray of hope: one had been the very first, "We are one." Then there was one exactly halfway through the book, on a page full of color…it said, "You are the brightest star in my galaxy, the most unique soul in my heart."
So he was important to her…more than he had thought he was…
And he had been stupid enough to think he was the most important in her life.
So he just had to go and try to kiss her. And what had come out of it? His feeling lying shattered in the pile of shit he felt like.
Ron stood and glanced back at Hermione. Bitter tears glittered in her chocolate eyes as her gaze met his. She mouthed, "I'm sorry" and waited for Ron's reaction. He merely looked away and began walking.
"Ron…"
Ron turned abruptly. Dumbledore was standing behind him. Ron's eyes widened. One, Dumbledore had never called him Ron before. Two, he was extremely embarrassed due to the mistletoe incident.
A small smile was playing on Dumbledore's lips. His eyes shone as he spoke. "Time is a remarkable thing, is it not?"
Ron's eyebrows furrowed. "I guess," he mumbled.
Dumbledore nodded slightly. "Time is always right. Whatever happens at a certain time happens because it was meant to happen at that time. Does that make any sense?"
Ron nodded. "It makes perfect sense."
Dumbledore smiled and put a hand on his shoulder. "Patience is a virtue, Ron. Wait for time to work…it's more magical than our spells and enchantments. There are some things you cannot wait for. There are things that just happen. Remember that."
Ron smiled as well and nodded once more. Dumbledore patted his shoulder and said, "Oh, and Ron? Do not doubt yourself. You are one of the most promising young men I have ever met. There is one the many things about you that makes you especially remarkable, but I will not tell you what that is. You may already know. If not, discover it and never dispose of it." Dumbledore smiled again. "Good-night, Ron."
"Good-night, Professor," Ron said, feeling oddly relieved.
And with that, he walked back to Gryffindor tower.
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Hermione stirred her soggy cereal the next morning. She could still feel the sorrow that had swelled inside her. Why the hell had she done that? It was her chance, her first chance to fulfill a dream she'd been having for so long. With a slight burning in her cheeks, she chanced a glance at Ron. It added to her burden to see him look free of the grievance she felt.
Tomorrow they would be leaving for Egypt. However, she felt no excitement like the one she had felt just yesterday during the ball before…
But never mind that. She would just force herself to ignore the fact that Ron was too thick to understand her feelings, those she had expressed so carefully in her book.
Blinking a couple of lingering tears away, she looked up and made a strain to smile. "So…are you guys excited about the trip?" Obviously, she was forcing a conversation at the very silent table.
Harry looked up in boredom. "Oh! Er…yeah! Tomorrow, right?"
Ginny nodded. Ron mumbled, "Mm-hmm…"
Hermione stood up. "I'll see you guys later…"
Harry nodded. "Okay." Ginny gave her a tiny smile. Ron remained silent. Hermione sighed and turned to meet Professor McGonagall, who was staring pointedly at Harry.
"Potter, Professor Dumbledore wishes to see you," she said. Harry looked puzzled. "Nothing's wrong, not to worry," Professor McGonagall assured him. Hermione flipped around to speak to Harry, "C'mon, I'll walk with you." Harry stood. Professor McGonagall whispered, "The password is 'Chocolate Bits.'" Harry nodded and followed Hermione out of the Great Hall.
Their footsteps echoed in the empty halls of the grand castle. Harry looked at Hermione out of the corner of his eyes. She was glaring at the floor. She had her arms crossed and her hands were gripping her elbows as if afraid to let go. She noticed Harry watching and smiled grimly.
"Are you feeling better?" Harry asked. Hermione sighed again.
"Yeah," she murmured.
"Can I ask you what happened?"
Hermione shook her head. "It's best if left alone."
Harry nodded. "Okay."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yeah."
"Who does Ron keep writing to?"
Harry's eyes widened. "I—I can't…er…oh, look." Harry could have kissed the stone gargoyle standing in front of them. He really couldn't tell Hermione…it would definitely be best if Ron told her, even if her reaction would most certainly be pretty nasty.
"I gotta go, okay?" Harry said quickly.
"Yeah…I'll see you later…" Hermione waved at him and hurried off towards the library, again gazing at the ground.
Harry rubbed his eyes wearily. Things were so complicated with his best friends now.
"Chocolate Bits," he said to the gargoyle. It sprung to life and jumped aside, revealing the magnificent staircase that led to Dumbledore's office.
The staircase spiraled until it reached the aforementioned office. Harry stepped away from the staircase as it came to a stop. He picked up the griffin knocker and knocked.
"Come in, Harry," came Dumbledore's reply.
Harry opened the door and walked towards Dumbledore's desk. Dumbledore looked up and smiled.
"How was the ball?" Dumbledore asked, his eyes twinkling as usual, although looking weary.
Harry grinned. "Great!" He truly had a fantastic time with Ginny. Who knew she could be so fascinating?
"Now, Harry, I summoned you here to warn you," Dumbledore said quite seriously, snapping Harry out of his brief reverie. "I will not lie to you; we are all aware of the circumstances. I suggest you are cautious with your actions when off in Egypt. I am not depriving you of your fun; all I ask is that you be careful, Harry." And he took Harry's hand and squeezed it. "You are very special to many people. It is needless to tell you that Ron and Hermione care too deeply about you to express in words and that is enough to convince you of the caution you must use now more than ever. Besides, Sirius is writing daily asking about you and I find myself running away from Remus." Dumbledore gave him a reassuring smile. "I don't doubt you, Harry. Just remember that, above everything, we love you." Harry had never felt such a strong sense of relation to Dumbledore. "Do you understand, Harry?"
Harry shook his head. "This is beyond understandment, sir. This is feeling." Dumbledore looked at him through the top of his half-moon spectacles.
"You are wise beyond your years. Your eye color is not the only the thing you inherited from your mother." Dumbledore stood and walked over to him. After a moment of watching him intently, Dumbledore took Harry into a tight embrace, one like Harry had only received from Mrs. Weasley. When he pulled back, Harry smiled sincerely. "Good luck, Harry," Dumbledore whispered. Harry nodded and his smile widened.
"Thank you," he replied.
As he turned to leave, Dumbledore spoke once more. "Harry, please tell Hermione that she did the right thing…she is not to worry, for the time will come when it is right to do so." Harry was puzzled by his message but nodded and said, "Good-bye, Professor. Have a merry Christmas." Dumbledore smiled and said, "You as well. Good-bye."
And with that, Harry exited the office.
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Hermione had her head set down on her open Transfiguration book, her hair spilling lightly across her face.
Harry wouldn't tell her either. Why? Why was it so important to keep it a secret? It didn't make sense…and besides, Ron probably dropped away any possible feelings he might have had for her…
Little did she now that time would bring along the truth.
"Mind if I join you?"
Hermione squeezed her eyes shut. Not now, they couldn't talk now…she shrugged without looking up at Ron. He plopped down next to her and leaned over to see her homework. "Would I be wasting my time if I asked if I could copy?" he asked playfully. Hermione glanced at him. He was giving her one of those lopsided grins that made her legs feel like rubber. Giving him a tiny, yet hurt, smile, she shook her head. Ron shrugged. "Well, it was worth a try," he said, settling against the back of the armchair with his hands behind his head.
He was acting like he usually did…she was definitely not expecting that…
Ron cocked his head to the side. "You're lucky," he said, grinning.
Hermione turned her head slightly to get a better look at him. "Why?" she asked curiously.
Ron's smile widened. "Well," he started, "First of all, your eyes are the color of Chocolate Frogs." Hermione snorted. "I mean, if I had eyes like yours, I'd stare at myself in the mirror for about an hour."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I thought you already did that…"
"Hey!" Ron said in a would-be indignant voice. "Are you mocking me? You're mocking me?" Hermione smiled. She still didn't know how he could make her feel on top of the world at times, but also feel like ripping his throat out at others.
"What if I am?" she retorted. Ron wiggled his fingers at her. "I am a merciless tickler, remember that…" he warned her mischievously.
Hermione shook her head. "That doesn't help you; I'm smarter than you," she replied.
Ron pretended to yawn. "True. But I'm taller than you."
Hermione feigned exasperation. "What does that have to do with anything?"
Ron shrugged. "It doesn't have to do with anything…I just like to rub it in your face.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "It definitely helps your already large ego."
"Large ego? Whatever do you mean?"
"Ron, don't make me laugh," Hermione said, sneering at him playfully.
Ron scowled. "Why not?" His blue eyes shimmered as he said, "C'mon, laugh."
Hermione gave him a puzzled stare. Ron grinned wider than ever. "Just laugh. I like seeing you laugh." Hermione's cheeks went pink. "Laugh," Ron commanded. "Or I'll make you laugh."
Hermione snorted again. "You can't do that."
"Yes I can."
"No you can't."
"Yes I can."
"No you can't!"
"No I can't!"
"Yes you can!!"
Ron sniggered. "Damn straight!" Hermione mouthed like a goldfish out of water then glared at the chuckling Ron.
"That was not funny," she muttered, faking anger that was truly appreciation for having him with her.
"Yes it was," Ron managed to choke through his laughter.
"No it wasn't."
"Oh, for the love of Merlin, that enough!" Fred had just patted Ron on the back. "God, you sound like a couple of 3 year olds!"
George, who was standing next to him, nodded. "I didn't know you acted like this, Hermione. I thought all the immature stuff came from Ronniekins."
"Go to hell," Ron barked at the twins.
"Tsk, tsk, Ronnie," Fred and George chorused.
Ron balled his hands into fists. "Don't do that," he said through clenched teeth.
Fred and George ignored him and instead turned to Hermione. "Sooooo…a little expedition to Egypt!" George smirked as his brother talked. "How fun. But, best make sure that…" Fred leaned in to whisper to Hermione, "you don't get caught in mid-snog session inside a pyramid." George sniggered. Hermione blinked and looked down, slightly pink. Ron looked strangely mental, his fists and left eye twitching. He closed his eyes and breathed a silent prayer that he would never have to do this again.
Ron leaned around George, grabbed Hermione's wrist, and said, "Don't worry, we'll make sure." Hermione's eyes widened to the size of dinner plates and the Weasley twins burst into fits of laughter. Ron dragged the stunned Hermione away.
"Sorry," Ron muttered, not looking at her. She could see only the back of his ginger head—and his very red ears. Hermione smiled. He was so cute when he was embarrassed.
"It's all right, I have to go finish packing anyway," she said. Ron stopped and let go of her wrist. Slowly, he turned around. "Okay," he said. "See you in the morning." Hermione nodded. "Good-night," she said, and gave him a quick kiss on his pink cheek.
Ron smiled as she turned and dashed up the stairs to the girls' dormitories. He had a feeling this holiday might bring the chance he had been waiting for.
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Hermione opened one eye groggily. Sun flooded her vision as she realized what day it was. As soon as this sunk in, she jumped up and cheered. A sleeping Lavender lifted an arm and flung a fluffy pink pillow at her.
"For Merlin's sake, Hermione, it's the first day of holiday!" she muttered. Hermione grinned and ignored her. She bounded towards the door when it flew open. Harry and Ron ran in and skidded to a halt in front of her.
"Hermione, come on," Ron said quickly.
Hermione sneered at him playfully. "Hello to you to," she said, grinning.
"Hi. Anyway, your parents owled us saying that they would be here at ten," Ron continued.
"And that's in one hour!" Harry finished. "Oh, and good morning."
Hermione slapped her forehead. "Ugh, why didn't they tell us before?" She shook her head. "Never mind that. You two can go fix yourselves up while I do." She smiled. "Good morning to both of you. Now go!" She shoved them gently out the door. The boys nodded before she shut the door.
Half an hour later, the three friends, accompanied by Ginny Weasley, stood outside the castle, glancing around for any sight of the Grangers. Their baggage lay behind them.
"Hey," Ron said, poking Hermione's shoulder. Hermione snapped around and eyes him dangerously. "My name is not 'hey,' is it?" Ron was shaking his head when Hermione continued. "No, it's not." She nodded once and said, "You will address me by my proper name, not by 'hey'"
Ron rolled his eyes. "Fine," he muttered. "Hermione, what's the color of your parents' car. They're coming in a car, right?"
Hermione nodded. "It's a red Volkswagen." The boys nodded and looked around. Hermione glanced at Harry's watch. 9:55. A dull, boring silence ensued. Harry sighed and started tapping his foot impatiently. Ginny leaned confidently against Harry. Ron was scowling until suddenly his face lit up. He turned to Harry and Ginny and whispered something to them. Hermione raised an eyebrow as Harry and Ginny nodded and Ron grinned.
Ron turned to face Hermione and said, "Hey!" Hermione shot him a piercing death glare. "Er, I mean, Hermione," he corrected himself. "D'you wanna see God?" Hermione looked at him curiously. "Do I wanna see—"
But Ron didn't let her finish. He grabbed her by the waist and raised her into the air until her feet were dangling 3 feet from the ground. He found it quite amusing.
"RON!!!" she shrieked. Not that she minded his strong hands on her waist, but she had a distinct fear of heights. Harry tried to hide his obvious laughter but couldn't and he burst into a fit of giggles. Ginny was watching (and sniggering) with twinkling eyes. Hermione put her hands on Ron's shoulders and tried to kick at him but missed. "PUT ME DOWN!" she bellowed what sounded almost like a whimper. This only enabled Ron to tighten his grip and shake his head. "You forgot to say 'Please!'" he taunted. Before she could retort dirtily a noise from behind made them turn.
A red Volkswagen was driving towards them at an astonishing speed that did not seem possible for a Muggle car. From behind the steering wheel could be seen the beet red face of an otherwise distinguishing looking man, gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles were white. Hermione gasped and dropped her hands from their place on Ron's shoulders. Ron, however, wasn't smart enough to realize it was best for the sake of his life to put her down. He did not know what was coming at all.
Hermione knew perfectly well—she might never see her best friend alive again…
The car almost ran them over as it came to a stop. A tall, thin man with dark brown hair and a very angry expression indeed emerged from the driver's side. Mr. Robert Granger, a.k.a. (as Ron would call him later) The Terminator.
"Dad," Hermione mumbled.
From the passenger's side emerged a stout, slender women with bushy brown hair exactly like Hermione's. "Robert," she murmured, glancing at her husband nervously. The aforementioned Mr. Granger stared menacingly at the pair in front of him, his hands on his hips. Ginny managed to make her amused snort seem like a mere cough.
"What is the meaning of this, Sunshine?" he barked at Hermione.
Hermione sighed. "We were just playing, Daddy!" she explained, glancing quickly at Ron. The latter looked about ready to jump on a hippogriff and flee like Sirius had.
Mr. Granger shook his head and snapped at Ron, "Put her down, young man!" Ron, who looked like he's rather live in the company of Aragog than confront the ominous man standing before him, nodded and gently put Hermione down.
Mrs. Granger smiled warmly at the four of them. "Hello, you must be Harry," she said to the dark-haired boy. He nodded and kissed her cheek shyly. Mrs. Granger embraced her daughter next. "We miss you so much, honey," she said to her. She let go and finally turned to the very pale Ron next to Hermione. "Ron, I presume?" she said to him. Ron nodded weakly and hugged her briefly, still watching Mr. Granger with wide eyes. Ginny stepped forward and offered her hand. "I'm Virginia Weasley, Ron's sister. You may call me Ginny," she said politely. Mrs. Granger shook her hand and smiled. "Well, let's all go in the car, shall we?" she offered kindly. The four teenagers walked slowly towards the car.
Mr. Granger shook Harry's hand and patted him on the back when he approached; he hugged Hermione and kissed her forehead; he narrowed his eyes slightly as he shook Ron's hand stiffly; he nodded at Ginny and shook her hand. Harry climbed inside, followed closely by Hermione. Mr. Granger watched suspiciously as Ron settled down next to his daughter. Ginny squeezed in beside him.
"Be nice, Robert," Mrs. Granger advised. "They're kids, let them live a little." He nodded reluctantly, threw the suitcases in the trunk, and got inside the car with his wife.
Hermione was staring out Harry's window impatiently. The wrath of her father had begun…she was surprised he hadn't murdered Ron on the spot. She was sure, however, that something like that would shortly follow if Ron kept it up—in front of her father, anyway, because she didn't at all mind Ron's behavior.
The car started the bumpy and rather long ride to the airport. Harry looked up suddenly and said in a hoarse whisper, "I've never been on an airplane before." Hermione, Ron, and Ginny looked at him curiously—why was he whispering? Harry was obviously to shy to be loud in front of the Grangers. Mrs. Granger turned around, though, and smiled warmly at him. "It's all right, Harry, you don't have to whisper," she said. Harry returned the smile and said, "Okay, thank you." Mrs. Granger faced forward once more, saying something that sounded like, "So polite."
"I've been on airplanes before. My parents and I went to Ireland the year before we started at Hogwarts. I'm afraid the trip wasn't as long as this one. It takes about four hours to get to Egypt." (A/n: I made it up cuz I have nooo idea!) Hermione saw the look on Harry's face and chuckled. "Don't worry, it's not uncomfortable or anything. And the three of us are together. We can have some fun." Mr. Granger cleared his throat suddenly and sent a sharp glare at Ron through the rearview mirror. Hermione bit her lip and glanced at her redheaded friend. If possible, he had gotten paler. Ginny was obviously still biting back the urge to giggle at her brother's reaction to Hermione's father.
"Muggle food's gross," he muttered. Hermione raised her eyebrows.
"Beg your pardon?"
"Dean says that when he went to America with his family a couple of years ago, the food on the earplane was disgusting." Hermione and Harry sniggered. "What?" Ron demanded.
"It's airplane, Ron," Mrs. Granger said gently.
"A boy your age ought to know things like that, Ronald," Mr. Granger snarled. Hermione narrowed her eyes. Now she was positive he would criticize everything about him. Ron wrinkled his nose when addressed as Ronald.
"Sorry, sir, but I'm a pure-blood," Ron explained curtly.
"Excuse me?!"
"Dad, it's not an insult, it just means everyone in his family is a wizard or witch," Hermione explained before Ron lost his temper—he was dangerously close. Mr. Granger grunted and stayed silent. Hermione shook her head and turned to Ron. "No, it's not too bad—sometimes. If it is, we'll have plenty to eat at the hotel."
"That reminds me. Where are we staying?" Ginny asked.
"We're staying in the Hotel Alexandria, by Port of Alexandria where the lighthouse was. Isn't that fascinating?"
"Why would it be?" Ron grunted.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You obviously know nothing. The Lighthouse of Alexandria was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Unfortunately, the only Wonder still standing are the Great Pyramids at Giza."
"Oh, that's the ruddy seven wonders you bloody lot go on about. Dad's always saying he's found enchanted pictures of the Seven Wonders that made Muggles hallucinate about being at each actual place…whatever they are."
"They include the Colossus at Rhodes, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the—"
"I didn't ask for a whole Muggle history lesson, thanks," Ron said, clasping his hand over Hermione's mouth.
"You best remove your hand, for that was very rude. And you should listen, boy, you might learn something," growled Mr. Granger. Ron's ears slowly turned bright red.
"Dad! Please!" Hermione burst out.
"I'm just giving him advice, Sunshine."
"That was rude, Daddy, you interrupted us."
"He interrupted you, Buttercup."
"Are you quite finished, Robert?" Mrs. Granger said sharply to her husband. This effectively shut him up.
Hermione sighed and turned back to Ron. "You'll see, it's a perfect place, in an oasis. You'll love it. And like I said, the airplane isn't too bad."
"Harry, you have the middle seat on aisle 10. Ginny, you're next to him on the aisle seat." Mr. Granger was pointing out their seats on the airplane an hour later. "Emma, you and I will sit right behind Harry and Ginny…" Mr. Granger's voice trailed off as he saw the last pair of tickets: Ron's and Hermione's. He gave a low growl before thrusting them at Ron and said, "You two have got aisle 11. Ronald, middle seat." His voice softened. "Sunshine, you have the window seat." Hermione nodded. "Thanks, Daddy," she said. Mr. Granger gave her a quick smile and glared once more at Ron. Then he rammed the suitcases into the overhead bins, as they were not very large.
"Welcome to British Airways." Ron grinned. "That's pretty wicked," he muttered to Hermione, who was sitting next to him, staring out the window. She just giggled a little. The announcer kept speaking. "Please fasten your seatbelts securely. The airplane is about to take off. Destination is Cairo Airport in Cairo, Egypt. Flight time is 3 hours and 55 minutes. Thank you for choosing British Airways for safe traveling."
Hermione snorted. "What?" Ron asked. Hermione shook her head. "No, tell me!" Ron pleaded. Hermione turned to look at him; he was giving her blue puppy dog eyes.
Damn. She was a sucker for his blue puppy dog eyes.
"It's nothing, it just sounds so…cheesy," Hermione said. "'Thank you for choosing British Airways.' Next they'll probably give us a gift or something." Ron stared at her with his eyebrows raised. Then he burst into laughter.
"That is the first thing I've ever heard you say that I find stupid! Cheesy, hehe, that's such a funny word!" Ron choked through his cackles. Hermione tried to scowl but her smile shone through and she punched his arm playfully. "You are so mean." She stuck her tongue out at him. "I hate you." This only made Ron laugh harder. Hermione rolled her eyes and glanced back. Her father was watching them with his eyes narrowed. She slapped her arm against his chest to shut him up.
"Oof! What was that for?!" Ron said loudly, rubbing where she had hit him.
"Shut up!" Hermione said, still watching her dad out of the corner of her eye. Ron was still rubbing his chest and pouting slightly. Hermione glanced at him and sighed. "Sorry," she mumbled. Absentmindedly, she removed Ron's hand from where it was and rubbed the bruise herself. Ron looked at her, surprised at her freedom.
Not that he minded it…
Hermione suddenly realized what she was doing and pulled her hand back as if a bee had stung her. "Is that a little better?" Ron just nodded. They stared at each other without blinking for what felt like forever. Why did this always happen with the most insignificant things. Ron slowly grabbed her wrist softly. "It's all right," he whispered. "I've been hurt worse." Now he looked at her so intensely her eyes stung. She was about to turn away when a voice made them both turn.
"Please fasten your seatbelts. We are about to take off." A flight attendant had come to check everyone had his or her seatbelts fastened. Ron and Hermione nodded and did as they were told. "Thank you," she said, and proceeded down the aisle. Ron glanced at Hermione. "That was so cheesy," he said. Hermione bit her lip to keep from howling with laughter. Ron grinned. He loved making her laugh.
Ron was suddenly awakened from his deep stupor when he felt a slight stirring. Wow. He hadn't even realized he had fallen asleep.
He hadn't realized that Hermione had snuggled very close to him as she slept either.
There she was, sleeping with her head resting on his chest and her fingers intertwined with his own. Strands of hair were on her face. Gingerly, Ron swept them away with his free hand. Just after he had place the strands behind her ear, Hermione's eyes fluttered open. She sat up and looked around. "We're still not there?" she asked groggily. She apparently didn't mind his awareness of their hands together because she didn't remove hers.
"Hey, I'm more impatient than you, so think of me!" Ron said. Hermione shrugged. "I know. But in this situation, we're equal," she said. She used a finger to poke his nose (which wasn't very far away from her own). "You've got a lot of freckles," she observed. "I know. I hate them," Ron muttered. Hermione clicked her tongue. "I don't. I like freckles. And I don't have any," she said, almost sadly.
Ron leaned closer to her, so close he had to cross his eyes to look at her nose. "That's not true. You've got tiny, brown freckles." He sniggered. "I've never seen freckles like that."
Hermione pulled back. "You're so mean!" She took her hand back from Ron's and crossed her arms. She was about to start scowling when she saw the sky. "Wow!" She leaned closer to the window. "That's beautiful…" Ron, who was looking over her shoulder, said, "Yeah…" He turned to watch her as she smiled, amazed at the white clouds billowing below them. "Beautiful…"
"It's odd, isn't it? I'm so accustomed to looking up at the clouds. Now I'm looking down at them. They're so pretty, though, it looks like they're outlined with gold because of the sunlight." It was true. The clouds looked almost made of magic.
"Aww, you didn't have to," Ron said.
"Come again?"
"You conjured up those nice clouds made of candy for me!" Ron grinned at her. She giggled. "If I could conjure up clouds like that…" Ron gripped her hand again. "I'm sure you could."
Dammit. He was so sweet…all she wanted to do was—but it was too risky now…even with her dad asleep.
"You can do a lot of things. How could you not if you're made of magic?" Ron couldn't hold back his words. Oh, bloody hell, this would get him into big trouble…soon, very soon…
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"Oh, my God!" Ginny and Hermione squealed together as they stared at the majestic hotel towering before them. It was the biggest building (apart from Hogwarts) they had ever seen.
"Let's go," Mrs. Granger urged, covering her mouth as she yawned. The party of six went inside the hotel. It was even better on the inside; it seemed to be made of gold. While the Granger parents showed proof of their reservations, the four teenagers stood around yawning, Ginny almost having to be held up by Harry. Hermione was looking around when she spotted a bulletin board. Intrigued to find some news about the hotel, she moved towards it to read the signs on it.
Nothing much caught her eye until she saw a piece of hot pink paper pinned just below the notice of check-in hours. The paper read:
HOTEL ALEXANDRIA CHRISTMAS PARTY
Our very own Hotel Alexandria will be hosting its annual Christmas party Friday, December 20. The party will begin at eight o'clock in the evening. Guests are welcome. Food and drinks will be available all night. Guests may venture out into our brightly decorated oasis grounds if they wish. This is a somewhat formal party. We hope to see you there. Thank you for staying here at the Hotel Alexandria and Merry Christmas.
"Harry! Ginny! Ron! Look at this!" Hermione said. Her friends came over and read the message. Ginny squealed with delight and sent a meaningful look at Harry, who merely grinned.
"So…should we go? It's only the day after tomorrow?" she asked the others. Ron, who had turned slightly pink when Hermione glanced at him, nodded slowly. "Sure!" Harry exclaimed. Hermione nodded vigorously. "It's settled, then!" Ginny said. She yawned again when Mr. and Mrs. Granger returned.
"Harry, you're sharing a room with Ron and Ginny is sharing a room with Hermione," Mrs. Granger explained. She gave the girls one key and the boys another. "Good-night," Mrs. Granger said, giving Hermione a kiss on the forehead. Mr. Granger did the same to Hermione and mumbled a "G'night."
As Hermione dragged her feet up the stairs, overcome with tiredness, she thought about what possibilities the party could bring. It definitely looked promising…
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A/n: Okay, longer than usual and kinda boring? No? Yes? Noyesnoyes? Anyway, I'll give you a tiny little preview of what's coming up: shopping for dresses, getting nails done, and the party (all in the next chapter), and then a dance class, a talk on a hammock, a talk on the balcony, a trip to the Nile River, and a very surprising revelation which leads to….but I won't spoil it.
Oooh, and I've got one announcement, well, two: I just watched LOTR on Saturday and it ROCKS!!! That movie was soooo cool, if you haven't seen it, you have to! And next, I must declare that Legolas from LOTR is hot beyond belief!! Of course, I still love Rupert more but :::shrughs:::
Anyway, I didn't wanna put any comments cuz I wanted to update this fast. And I swear I will update the next chapter in like 2 days, so review fast and read my next (longish) chappie!
You guys rock, thanx for getting me to 118 reviews!!!
R/Hr Fan :::winks:::