Quick Note: OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!! I am absolutely horrified at myself. I won't be surprised if nobody would read this story anymore. I'm so sorry I took too long. Honestly!!! But for real, I won't do this again. I promise promise. Anyways, this chapter is where their so called adventure starts… Yipppeee!!! Hope you like this chapter! Please do review! Take Care always and God bless!!
Disclaimer: Not mine.
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Chapter 5: Swimming for the Flag
"Aaaaah!!!!" screamed Hermione as she found herself entangled with a sleeping Draco who had his hand around her waist.
"Aaaaah!!!" countered Draco instantly removing his hand as if he was burned.
In seconds, Draco and Hermione scrambled out of bed drawing their wands against each other. Shock registered all over their faces. Both were searching their brains for a hint of what happened the previous night.
Hermione was the first to come to her senses. Collecting her thoughts, she lowered her wand and looked down at herself. She was still wearing the same clothes she had on the day before. She must have fallen asleep as soon as she sat on the bed. Hermione mentally slapped herself; she can't believe she forgot Draco was with her all the time.
"What did you do to me?" cried Draco checking his body for broken bones or bruises.
Hermione stared at him disgusted. "Oh please, Malfoy!"
Hermione's glance strayed towards the digital alarm clock propped on the table and suddenly her eyes widened in alarm, "Oh crap!"
Hermione quickly hurried toward the bathroom and called out to Draco. "We have to be ready in an hour! Hurry!"
She disappeared behind the bathroom door.
"Yeah! And I'm supposed to take a bath where?" whispered Draco scowling at the bathroom's closed door.
In 20 minutes, Hermione was ready to go. She quickly cast a Magic Blinding Spell on the 'hidden cameras' and transfigured the Queen sized bed Draco and she shared into 2 single beds.
10 minutes later, Draco breezed out of the bathroom also ready to go. They had 15 minutes to spare before 8:30.
"Shall we go down already?" asked Draco glancing at Hermione. He was standing in front of the mirror, putting his finishing gel touches on his hair.
"We still have 15 minutes until we have to meet them." Hermione said pushing Draco away from the mirror and immediately turning 360 degrees to check her outfit.
Draco gave her a fierce look and growled, "I'm starving! Don't think I can wait any longer." He proceeded to the door and made his way to the dining area leaving Hermione by herself.
At the Dining Area, Hermione was taken aback when she saw the Threshold Representative already waiting for them. She gave a tiny nod of acknowledgement and advanced to the table where Draco was seated.
Draco was already wolfing down on his bacon, eggs and bread when Hermione sat down. She gave out a loud sigh and started picking on her food as well. She didn't know she was also starving until the food touched her mouth. In minutes, Draco and she were staring at empty plates, rubbing their stomachs, giving each other satisfied smiles.
Taking his cue, the representative approached the pair and led them to a waiting limousine outside the hotel. "My name is Damian Antonelli and I am the one in-charge of your stay here. If you need anything, ask for me alright?"
Draco and Hermione nodded and at once, they were sitting comfortable inside the limousine. They were now driving down to the location of their first stunt. Hermione knew better than to ask where, she just kept quiet, momentarily checking on Draco who was curiously staring out the window and occasionally fumbling with the funny buttons in the limousine.
In an hour, the limousine arrived at a huge forgotten building with chapped paint. They stopped in front of a closed gray gate. Damian led the pair inside ordering them to minimize their voices.
The inside of the building was dark and moist. Damian had to hold a flashlight to guide their way through. He led them deeper and deeper into the building, and Hermione, feeling uncomfortable by the minute, reached on to Draco's arm. Draco glared at her and rudely shook her hand loose.
"Kinda reminds you of our Potion's classroom eh?" said Draco guiltily trying to make conversation.
Hermione, offended by Draco's rudeness just shrugged and focused her eyes on the moving figure that was Damian.
Suddenly, Damian stopped. "Stay here, don't move and don't talk! Good luck." He turned to where they came from and disappeared in seconds.
Hermione stood frozen in her spot. For once in her life, she didn't know what to do. She glanced at Draco hoping for reassurance but instead got a clueless expression. Hermione began to question her judgment. This probably wasn't such a good idea after all.
Hermione was torturing herself with her bizarre thoughts when suddenly a blinding light shone overhead. Draco and Hermione quickly shielded their eyes and strained to look around them.
They were standing in the middle of a large room with a swimming pool and a large contraption to its side. Meters away, there were 6 other couples also surveying the area. They were the competition.
"Welcome to Couples Threshold!" boomed a voice coming out of nowhere.
Hermione turned her eyes toward the sound and saw the most gorgeous guy smiling at them. He was clutching a microphone in his right hand.
A few feet away, there was a cameraman following him. This was IT.
"May I request all 7 couples to please come forward."
7 pairs immediately made their way toward the gorgeous man mutely forming a line. As if on cue, 7 cameras started filming away. The 7 couples looked questioningly at each other, all baffled by the sudden change around them.
"I am Jonah Marcella. Again Welcome! Today is the first day of Competition." Jonah stopped and eyed each of the contestants. "But first, let's get to know the contestants first!"
Jonah turned to the camera and motioned for it to focus on the leftmost couple. "Karl Vatrini, Tanya Fearsome."
12 heads turned to where Jonah was pointing and saw a very mismatched couple. The guy was a tall red head with tattoos all over his body while the girl was a bit on the dorky side, wearing eyeglasses and her Sunday's best.
Draco stifled a laugh.
Jonah starting pointing each one out. There was Brian and Fiona, Wade and Joanne, Marty and Darla, Lance and Noella, and Adrian and Georgia. Draco and Hermione struggled to remember all the names smiling briefly as Jonah introduced them to the camera.
Hermione noticed the girl named Fiona was staring daggers at her. When she caught her eye, she quickly turned away and smiled sarcastically. Draco on the other hand was focusing his attention on Tanya, the dorky girl. There was something vaguely familiar about her.
"The first stunt ladies and gentlemen, is a physical stunt! Couples, turn your attention toward the swimming pool." All 14 heads turned to where Jonah was directing. "One of you must climb that rope ladder toward the wooden plank suspended 30 ft. off the ground. Then, you'll have to cross that narrow plank and slide through the plastic tube to the water on its end. You then dive toward the oyster shell submerged on the bottom of the pool. Inside that oyster shell, are a set of keys. After retrieving the set of keys, you swim to the direction of your partner who is locked inside a cage. You have to free your partner and both of you swim across the pool to the Yellow Threshold Flag to stop the time," Jonah paused. "Any questions?"
Jonah looked around. "The winner will be awarded a 1 week all expense paid vacation to HAWAII." Jonah stressed the word 'Hawaii' to spark enthusiasm. "However, the couple with the slowest time will have to go home… And, with all that said, Brian and Fiona, you're up first! Who's going to get locked up and who's going through all the mumbo jumbo?"
Hermione looked on as Fiona flirtingly raised her hand to indicate she was the one getting locked up. Fiona quickly stripped into her bathing suit and looking back long enough to smile lightly at Draco. When Fiona caught sight of Hermione watching her, she flashed her eyes and stuck out her tongue.
"Ooooh, I think you got an admirer Malfoy. She's gone puppy dog eyes since she saw you." said Hermione understanding dawning on her face.
"What in Merlin's name – ," whispered Draco irritatingly brushing Hermione off. He was busy calculating the time it would take him to do the stunt.
"In 3, 2, 1. GO!" bellowed Jonah. Instantly, Brian scrambled through the rope ladder and unto the wooden plank. In seconds, he splashed through the water and started fumbling with the oyster shell. He quickly swam towards a screaming Fiona who said nothing but "Faster honey! GO!"
Brian had trouble finding the right key for the lock of the cage which frustrated Fiona. "Damn it! Faster!" screamed Fiona.
After about 20 seconds, Brian successfully opened the cage and they both swam toward the Yellow Flag across the pool.
"Time!" shouted Jonah. "1 minute and 58 seconds! Not a very good time if I may say so."
Fiona flashed Brian a death glare and both returned to the waiting area where 6 couples whooped and congratulated them.
"What do you think of their performance Draco?" asked Jonah as he joined them.
"I thought it was a total waste of time!" answered Draco smiling threateningly.
Fiona gasped and turned her attention to Hermione who was quietly smiling. She gave her the finger and mouthed. "Bich!"
Hermione seethed with anger. What was the problem of this girl? Blinded by rage, she didn't notice that Karl and Tanya completed the stunt with "1 minute and 23 seconds,"; Wade who had trouble swimming, gained a smack on the head from his girlfriend Joanne and a time of "2 minutes and 2 seconds,"; Lance and Noella, "1 minute and 33 seconds,"; Adrian and Georgia, "1 minute and 57 seconds."
"Draco, Hermione, you're up next!" Jonah called waving them toward him. "So, how long have you been dating?" asked Jonah as they approached nearer.
"1 year."
"2 years."
Draco and Hermione said simultaneously. Jonah looked at them amused. Catching herself, Hermione jabbed Draco's ribs and immediately made an attempt to cover up.
"1 year and 10 months to be exact. It's our anniversary in 2 months."
Jonah smiled and turned to Draco. "Took a beating to the ribs eh? That's what you get when you don't remember." He winked at Draco and gave out a loud laugh. "Places everyone!"
Hermione proceeded toward the cage while Draco stationed himself beside the rope ladder, still scowling as he remembered Jonah's words.
"Good luck Draco!" Hermione called from across the pool.
"Ready, Get set, GO!"
In a flash, Draco effortlessly climbed the rope ladder and swept through the wooden plank. He slid down the plastic tube and dove toward the oyster shell without even taking a deep breath. He retrieved the keys and swam quickly towards Hermione.
He's good, Hermione thought. She gave herself a mental note to ask him what he does for exercise.
As Draco went up to Hermione's cage, Hermione noticed he was having problems opening the lock.
"You're putting it the wrong way! Invert it!" cried Hermione.
"Shut up Mudblood!" barked Draco. "Can't you see I'm concentrating here?"
In a distance, Hermione heard a sharp intake of breath.
"Fine, ferret-face! If you want to lose this competition and get eliminated - ," Hermione said crossing her arms in annoyance.
Hermione's words seemed to strike a nerve because Draco immediately inverted the key and luckily opened the cage. He didn't even wait for Hermione. Draco started swimming toward the flag with Hermione trailing after him. Fortunately, Hermione was a gifted swimmer. Half a second later, she was beside Draco swimming toward the flag. She grabbed the yellow flag and in a distance heard a muffled "TIME!"
"1 minute and 18 seconds! Impressive!" exclaimed Jonah.
Draco shot his hand into the air. "Try and Beat that!"
"Easy Malfoy, there's still Marty and Darla who's determined to beat you." said Jonah turning to a blond couple marching away toward the starting position.
"Do you always talk to each other like THAT?" asked Jonah curiously eyeing Draco and Hermione as they got out of the pool.
"What? Call each other names? Yep, it talks some sense into her. Right Bushhead?" said Draco putting his arm around Hermione's shoulders ruffling her hair.
Hermione rolled her eyes, loosened herself from Draco's embrace and slapped him hard on the face.
Jonah laughed at the sight of them. "Aww, lover's quarrel! You'll be having problems tonight Draco!"
Draco's face screwed up. He glared at Hermione and tried to intimidate her with his eyes. A silent battle of the wills ensued.
Jonah, feeling uncomfortable at their silent display of hatred, turned his attention to Marty and Darla. "And last, but certainly not the least! Marty and Darla, you have to beat Draco and Hermione's time of 1 minute and 18 seconds to win the Hawaiian trip. In 3, 2, 1. GO!"
Hermione felt her heart beating faster and faster by the second. All fury towards Draco was lost as she watched Marty rushing toward Darla. She quickly glanced at Draco and saw that the anger he had in his eyes moments ago changed to a look of anticipation.
As Marty pulled down the flag, Hermione was holding her breath and unknowingly crossing her fingers. She wanted this trip to Hawaii!
"Time!" yelled Jonah.
All waited patiently as Marty and Darla returned to the waiting area. Jonah refused to tell their time until all were gathered together.
"And their time is," Jonah eyed Draco and Hermione. "1 minute and 20 seconds!"
Hermione started jumping like crazy and instinctively threw her hands around a shocked Draco.
"A 2 second win! You guys are off to HAWAII" stated Jonah. "Geez, show some emotion Draco!"
At Jonah's prodding, Draco sarcastically started synchronizing his jumps with an ecstatic Hermione. After a few moments, he shot Jonah an 'are-you-satisfied-look' and turned away.
Jonah clapped his hand. "Unfortunately for you, Wade and Joanne, you're quest for the Million Pounds ends here. It was nice having you... To the 6 other couples, see you all tomorrow! Enjoy the rest of the day."
The 6 remaining couples shook Wade and Joanne's hands taking after Jonah and started making their way out the building.
"We're going to HAWAII," chanted Hermione as she and Draco made their way to the waiting limousine.
"Mud blood, you won't be so lucky next time." sneered Fiona out of nowhere, attracting heads toward her direction.
"That's Hermione to you, Medusa." corrected Hermione. She knew Fiona had no idea what mudblood actually meant so Hermione just let her little comment slide.
"Says who? Even you're boyfriend doesn't call you by your own name! So why should I? If I didn't know better, you just bribed him to join this competition with you!" answered Fiona a few feet away.
Hermione immediately shot Draco a 'how-could-you-call-me-a-mudblood-in-front-of-them' and 'i-told-you-we-shouldn't-call-each-other-names' glare.
"No one calls her names, except me!" called Draco to Fiona drawing the attention to himself. "Anyone who dares, I will skin alive."
Draco said this with so much menace in his voice; it sent chills down Hermione's spine. "I suggest you watch your back," continued Draco still glaring at Fiona. "and your front."
Fiona caught her breath visibly shaken. She scrambled toward their waiting limousine and entered without any more ruckuses.
"Hmmm, I am impressed." whispered Hermione to herself as she made her way to their waiting limousine. Draco was trailing behind her still wearing a scowl. How many times did Hermione say she was impressed by Draco, Three? Interesting.
After an hour, Draco and Hermione arrived into their room and sat down on their beds. The trip back to the hotel was eerie and quiet. Hermione had to look up several times to make sure she wasn't alone inside the limousine.
Draco broke the silence. "You're right; we probably should stop calling each other names."
"Finally, sense comes barging into your brain!" answered Hermione avoiding Draco's face.
"Hey come on, work with me here! I am trying, am I not?" Draco said kindly which was way too weird for Hermione. She looked up. "How about I call you HG?"
"Gee, great idea, and that happens to be what…. my INITIALS!!!!" said Hermione irritatingly.
"It's just that I feel uncomfortable calling you Herm - , uhhhm, by your first name."
"And why is that?" asked Hermione raising her eyebrows. This explanation better be good.
"It's a Slytherin thing, you know?"
Hermione gave out a loud sigh. "Gryffindor, Slytherin, what difference does it have?"
"It's just - , uhmmm," Draco suddenly lost his kind voice. "Take it or leave it."
Draco really has to sort out his priorities, he is way confused! Hermione thought to herself.
"Fine, HG it is, I call you Draco. Isn't hard enough." She stood up and proceeded to the door. "I'm taking a walk."
Hermione quickly left, leaving Draco gawking at her withdrawing back.
5 Hours later, Hermione emerged from her 'Andalucia tour' discovering an already sleeping Draco. She collapsed into her bed thinking about the events of the afternoon. Andalucia is such a beautiful place; however, it would have been more beautiful if she had someone to share it with. She glanced at Draco's sleeping form. Unfortunately for Hermione, she was stuck with a disturbed, self-involved, narrow minded Malfoy. Hermione stood up and changed to her nightgown. In minutes, Hermione crept to her bed and lost herself into a dreamless sleep.
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RikkuFinal Fantasy - Hiya!!!! I'm so so sorry for taking so long! I reaaaaally appreciate your review. You're such a great reviewer! Thanks!
Mariko – Thank you so so much for your review. I really appreciate it a lot!!! Hope you like this chapter and still think it's a great story.
Callie – My gosh! You really think Harry and Ginny are there??? How did you know how my mind works??? Are you my long lost twin? LOL… Hope you review again… Thanks so much!
Fairy Lights – I love love your username!!! J Thank you so much for your review. I really appreciate it! You boost up my self confidence a lot!
Disclaimer: Not mine.
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Chapter 5: Swimming for the Flag
"Aaaaah!!!!" screamed Hermione as she found herself entangled with a sleeping Draco who had his hand around her waist.
"Aaaaah!!!" countered Draco instantly removing his hand as if he was burned.
In seconds, Draco and Hermione scrambled out of bed drawing their wands against each other. Shock registered all over their faces. Both were searching their brains for a hint of what happened the previous night.
Hermione was the first to come to her senses. Collecting her thoughts, she lowered her wand and looked down at herself. She was still wearing the same clothes she had on the day before. She must have fallen asleep as soon as she sat on the bed. Hermione mentally slapped herself; she can't believe she forgot Draco was with her all the time.
"What did you do to me?" cried Draco checking his body for broken bones or bruises.
Hermione stared at him disgusted. "Oh please, Malfoy!"
Hermione's glance strayed towards the digital alarm clock propped on the table and suddenly her eyes widened in alarm, "Oh crap!"
Hermione quickly hurried toward the bathroom and called out to Draco. "We have to be ready in an hour! Hurry!"
She disappeared behind the bathroom door.
"Yeah! And I'm supposed to take a bath where?" whispered Draco scowling at the bathroom's closed door.
In 20 minutes, Hermione was ready to go. She quickly cast a Magic Blinding Spell on the 'hidden cameras' and transfigured the Queen sized bed Draco and she shared into 2 single beds.
10 minutes later, Draco breezed out of the bathroom also ready to go. They had 15 minutes to spare before 8:30.
"Shall we go down already?" asked Draco glancing at Hermione. He was standing in front of the mirror, putting his finishing gel touches on his hair.
"We still have 15 minutes until we have to meet them." Hermione said pushing Draco away from the mirror and immediately turning 360 degrees to check her outfit.
Draco gave her a fierce look and growled, "I'm starving! Don't think I can wait any longer." He proceeded to the door and made his way to the dining area leaving Hermione by herself.
At the Dining Area, Hermione was taken aback when she saw the Threshold Representative already waiting for them. She gave a tiny nod of acknowledgement and advanced to the table where Draco was seated.
Draco was already wolfing down on his bacon, eggs and bread when Hermione sat down. She gave out a loud sigh and started picking on her food as well. She didn't know she was also starving until the food touched her mouth. In minutes, Draco and she were staring at empty plates, rubbing their stomachs, giving each other satisfied smiles.
Taking his cue, the representative approached the pair and led them to a waiting limousine outside the hotel. "My name is Damian Antonelli and I am the one in-charge of your stay here. If you need anything, ask for me alright?"
Draco and Hermione nodded and at once, they were sitting comfortable inside the limousine. They were now driving down to the location of their first stunt. Hermione knew better than to ask where, she just kept quiet, momentarily checking on Draco who was curiously staring out the window and occasionally fumbling with the funny buttons in the limousine.
In an hour, the limousine arrived at a huge forgotten building with chapped paint. They stopped in front of a closed gray gate. Damian led the pair inside ordering them to minimize their voices.
The inside of the building was dark and moist. Damian had to hold a flashlight to guide their way through. He led them deeper and deeper into the building, and Hermione, feeling uncomfortable by the minute, reached on to Draco's arm. Draco glared at her and rudely shook her hand loose.
"Kinda reminds you of our Potion's classroom eh?" said Draco guiltily trying to make conversation.
Hermione, offended by Draco's rudeness just shrugged and focused her eyes on the moving figure that was Damian.
Suddenly, Damian stopped. "Stay here, don't move and don't talk! Good luck." He turned to where they came from and disappeared in seconds.
Hermione stood frozen in her spot. For once in her life, she didn't know what to do. She glanced at Draco hoping for reassurance but instead got a clueless expression. Hermione began to question her judgment. This probably wasn't such a good idea after all.
Hermione was torturing herself with her bizarre thoughts when suddenly a blinding light shone overhead. Draco and Hermione quickly shielded their eyes and strained to look around them.
They were standing in the middle of a large room with a swimming pool and a large contraption to its side. Meters away, there were 6 other couples also surveying the area. They were the competition.
"Welcome to Couples Threshold!" boomed a voice coming out of nowhere.
Hermione turned her eyes toward the sound and saw the most gorgeous guy smiling at them. He was clutching a microphone in his right hand.
A few feet away, there was a cameraman following him. This was IT.
"May I request all 7 couples to please come forward."
7 pairs immediately made their way toward the gorgeous man mutely forming a line. As if on cue, 7 cameras started filming away. The 7 couples looked questioningly at each other, all baffled by the sudden change around them.
"I am Jonah Marcella. Again Welcome! Today is the first day of Competition." Jonah stopped and eyed each of the contestants. "But first, let's get to know the contestants first!"
Jonah turned to the camera and motioned for it to focus on the leftmost couple. "Karl Vatrini, Tanya Fearsome."
12 heads turned to where Jonah was pointing and saw a very mismatched couple. The guy was a tall red head with tattoos all over his body while the girl was a bit on the dorky side, wearing eyeglasses and her Sunday's best.
Draco stifled a laugh.
Jonah starting pointing each one out. There was Brian and Fiona, Wade and Joanne, Marty and Darla, Lance and Noella, and Adrian and Georgia. Draco and Hermione struggled to remember all the names smiling briefly as Jonah introduced them to the camera.
Hermione noticed the girl named Fiona was staring daggers at her. When she caught her eye, she quickly turned away and smiled sarcastically. Draco on the other hand was focusing his attention on Tanya, the dorky girl. There was something vaguely familiar about her.
"The first stunt ladies and gentlemen, is a physical stunt! Couples, turn your attention toward the swimming pool." All 14 heads turned to where Jonah was directing. "One of you must climb that rope ladder toward the wooden plank suspended 30 ft. off the ground. Then, you'll have to cross that narrow plank and slide through the plastic tube to the water on its end. You then dive toward the oyster shell submerged on the bottom of the pool. Inside that oyster shell, are a set of keys. After retrieving the set of keys, you swim to the direction of your partner who is locked inside a cage. You have to free your partner and both of you swim across the pool to the Yellow Threshold Flag to stop the time," Jonah paused. "Any questions?"
Jonah looked around. "The winner will be awarded a 1 week all expense paid vacation to HAWAII." Jonah stressed the word 'Hawaii' to spark enthusiasm. "However, the couple with the slowest time will have to go home… And, with all that said, Brian and Fiona, you're up first! Who's going to get locked up and who's going through all the mumbo jumbo?"
Hermione looked on as Fiona flirtingly raised her hand to indicate she was the one getting locked up. Fiona quickly stripped into her bathing suit and looking back long enough to smile lightly at Draco. When Fiona caught sight of Hermione watching her, she flashed her eyes and stuck out her tongue.
"Ooooh, I think you got an admirer Malfoy. She's gone puppy dog eyes since she saw you." said Hermione understanding dawning on her face.
"What in Merlin's name – ," whispered Draco irritatingly brushing Hermione off. He was busy calculating the time it would take him to do the stunt.
"In 3, 2, 1. GO!" bellowed Jonah. Instantly, Brian scrambled through the rope ladder and unto the wooden plank. In seconds, he splashed through the water and started fumbling with the oyster shell. He quickly swam towards a screaming Fiona who said nothing but "Faster honey! GO!"
Brian had trouble finding the right key for the lock of the cage which frustrated Fiona. "Damn it! Faster!" screamed Fiona.
After about 20 seconds, Brian successfully opened the cage and they both swam toward the Yellow Flag across the pool.
"Time!" shouted Jonah. "1 minute and 58 seconds! Not a very good time if I may say so."
Fiona flashed Brian a death glare and both returned to the waiting area where 6 couples whooped and congratulated them.
"What do you think of their performance Draco?" asked Jonah as he joined them.
"I thought it was a total waste of time!" answered Draco smiling threateningly.
Fiona gasped and turned her attention to Hermione who was quietly smiling. She gave her the finger and mouthed. "Bich!"
Hermione seethed with anger. What was the problem of this girl? Blinded by rage, she didn't notice that Karl and Tanya completed the stunt with "1 minute and 23 seconds,"; Wade who had trouble swimming, gained a smack on the head from his girlfriend Joanne and a time of "2 minutes and 2 seconds,"; Lance and Noella, "1 minute and 33 seconds,"; Adrian and Georgia, "1 minute and 57 seconds."
"Draco, Hermione, you're up next!" Jonah called waving them toward him. "So, how long have you been dating?" asked Jonah as they approached nearer.
"1 year."
"2 years."
Draco and Hermione said simultaneously. Jonah looked at them amused. Catching herself, Hermione jabbed Draco's ribs and immediately made an attempt to cover up.
"1 year and 10 months to be exact. It's our anniversary in 2 months."
Jonah smiled and turned to Draco. "Took a beating to the ribs eh? That's what you get when you don't remember." He winked at Draco and gave out a loud laugh. "Places everyone!"
Hermione proceeded toward the cage while Draco stationed himself beside the rope ladder, still scowling as he remembered Jonah's words.
"Good luck Draco!" Hermione called from across the pool.
"Ready, Get set, GO!"
In a flash, Draco effortlessly climbed the rope ladder and swept through the wooden plank. He slid down the plastic tube and dove toward the oyster shell without even taking a deep breath. He retrieved the keys and swam quickly towards Hermione.
He's good, Hermione thought. She gave herself a mental note to ask him what he does for exercise.
As Draco went up to Hermione's cage, Hermione noticed he was having problems opening the lock.
"You're putting it the wrong way! Invert it!" cried Hermione.
"Shut up Mudblood!" barked Draco. "Can't you see I'm concentrating here?"
In a distance, Hermione heard a sharp intake of breath.
"Fine, ferret-face! If you want to lose this competition and get eliminated - ," Hermione said crossing her arms in annoyance.
Hermione's words seemed to strike a nerve because Draco immediately inverted the key and luckily opened the cage. He didn't even wait for Hermione. Draco started swimming toward the flag with Hermione trailing after him. Fortunately, Hermione was a gifted swimmer. Half a second later, she was beside Draco swimming toward the flag. She grabbed the yellow flag and in a distance heard a muffled "TIME!"
"1 minute and 18 seconds! Impressive!" exclaimed Jonah.
Draco shot his hand into the air. "Try and Beat that!"
"Easy Malfoy, there's still Marty and Darla who's determined to beat you." said Jonah turning to a blond couple marching away toward the starting position.
"Do you always talk to each other like THAT?" asked Jonah curiously eyeing Draco and Hermione as they got out of the pool.
"What? Call each other names? Yep, it talks some sense into her. Right Bushhead?" said Draco putting his arm around Hermione's shoulders ruffling her hair.
Hermione rolled her eyes, loosened herself from Draco's embrace and slapped him hard on the face.
Jonah laughed at the sight of them. "Aww, lover's quarrel! You'll be having problems tonight Draco!"
Draco's face screwed up. He glared at Hermione and tried to intimidate her with his eyes. A silent battle of the wills ensued.
Jonah, feeling uncomfortable at their silent display of hatred, turned his attention to Marty and Darla. "And last, but certainly not the least! Marty and Darla, you have to beat Draco and Hermione's time of 1 minute and 18 seconds to win the Hawaiian trip. In 3, 2, 1. GO!"
Hermione felt her heart beating faster and faster by the second. All fury towards Draco was lost as she watched Marty rushing toward Darla. She quickly glanced at Draco and saw that the anger he had in his eyes moments ago changed to a look of anticipation.
As Marty pulled down the flag, Hermione was holding her breath and unknowingly crossing her fingers. She wanted this trip to Hawaii!
"Time!" yelled Jonah.
All waited patiently as Marty and Darla returned to the waiting area. Jonah refused to tell their time until all were gathered together.
"And their time is," Jonah eyed Draco and Hermione. "1 minute and 20 seconds!"
Hermione started jumping like crazy and instinctively threw her hands around a shocked Draco.
"A 2 second win! You guys are off to HAWAII" stated Jonah. "Geez, show some emotion Draco!"
At Jonah's prodding, Draco sarcastically started synchronizing his jumps with an ecstatic Hermione. After a few moments, he shot Jonah an 'are-you-satisfied-look' and turned away.
Jonah clapped his hand. "Unfortunately for you, Wade and Joanne, you're quest for the Million Pounds ends here. It was nice having you... To the 6 other couples, see you all tomorrow! Enjoy the rest of the day."
The 6 remaining couples shook Wade and Joanne's hands taking after Jonah and started making their way out the building.
"We're going to HAWAII," chanted Hermione as she and Draco made their way to the waiting limousine.
"Mud blood, you won't be so lucky next time." sneered Fiona out of nowhere, attracting heads toward her direction.
"That's Hermione to you, Medusa." corrected Hermione. She knew Fiona had no idea what mudblood actually meant so Hermione just let her little comment slide.
"Says who? Even you're boyfriend doesn't call you by your own name! So why should I? If I didn't know better, you just bribed him to join this competition with you!" answered Fiona a few feet away.
Hermione immediately shot Draco a 'how-could-you-call-me-a-mudblood-in-front-of-them' and 'i-told-you-we-shouldn't-call-each-other-names' glare.
"No one calls her names, except me!" called Draco to Fiona drawing the attention to himself. "Anyone who dares, I will skin alive."
Draco said this with so much menace in his voice; it sent chills down Hermione's spine. "I suggest you watch your back," continued Draco still glaring at Fiona. "and your front."
Fiona caught her breath visibly shaken. She scrambled toward their waiting limousine and entered without any more ruckuses.
"Hmmm, I am impressed." whispered Hermione to herself as she made her way to their waiting limousine. Draco was trailing behind her still wearing a scowl. How many times did Hermione say she was impressed by Draco, Three? Interesting.
After an hour, Draco and Hermione arrived into their room and sat down on their beds. The trip back to the hotel was eerie and quiet. Hermione had to look up several times to make sure she wasn't alone inside the limousine.
Draco broke the silence. "You're right; we probably should stop calling each other names."
"Finally, sense comes barging into your brain!" answered Hermione avoiding Draco's face.
"Hey come on, work with me here! I am trying, am I not?" Draco said kindly which was way too weird for Hermione. She looked up. "How about I call you HG?"
"Gee, great idea, and that happens to be what…. my INITIALS!!!!" said Hermione irritatingly.
"It's just that I feel uncomfortable calling you Herm - , uhhhm, by your first name."
"And why is that?" asked Hermione raising her eyebrows. This explanation better be good.
"It's a Slytherin thing, you know?"
Hermione gave out a loud sigh. "Gryffindor, Slytherin, what difference does it have?"
"It's just - , uhmmm," Draco suddenly lost his kind voice. "Take it or leave it."
Draco really has to sort out his priorities, he is way confused! Hermione thought to herself.
"Fine, HG it is, I call you Draco. Isn't hard enough." She stood up and proceeded to the door. "I'm taking a walk."
Hermione quickly left, leaving Draco gawking at her withdrawing back.
5 Hours later, Hermione emerged from her 'Andalucia tour' discovering an already sleeping Draco. She collapsed into her bed thinking about the events of the afternoon. Andalucia is such a beautiful place; however, it would have been more beautiful if she had someone to share it with. She glanced at Draco's sleeping form. Unfortunately for Hermione, she was stuck with a disturbed, self-involved, narrow minded Malfoy. Hermione stood up and changed to her nightgown. In minutes, Hermione crept to her bed and lost herself into a dreamless sleep.
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RikkuFinal Fantasy - Hiya!!!! I'm so so sorry for taking so long! I reaaaaally appreciate your review. You're such a great reviewer! Thanks!
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Callie – My gosh! You really think Harry and Ginny are there??? How did you know how my mind works??? Are you my long lost twin? LOL… Hope you review again… Thanks so much!
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