DISCLAIMER: I own nothing. Don't sue, I'm poor. EXCEPTION: I own the Witches of Trane, the Crystal Orb, the flying carpet idea for the story (kinda), the idea that the forests of Albania are next to the Dead Sea, the Door of Serenity, Fabrisia, home of the nymphs and Amethyst Cove.
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CHAPTER 33: Flying Underwater (Chapter rated PG)
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Hunger clawed at Hermione's stomach as she took one last look around Draco's dark room. They were about to leave, to go and save Ron. He stood next to her, holding her hand and squeezing it slightly.
She bit her cheek to keep the tears from falling. It was silly to cry about leaving a room. She knew she would probably never see it again, though, and its sudden beauty took over her.
She released Draco's hand, and turned around into the hallway that led into Draco's room.
He was right behind her, and whispered, "Accio broom!"
Just on command, the broom zoomed up the grand staircase towards the couple. Draco took the broom in his left hand, holding his wand in the other.
He started to descend the staircase, but Hermione halted.
"Draco!" she hissed. He turned back to her. "Wait."
Hermione darted into Draco's room and quickly retrieved a roll of parchment, and a pen.
She stuffed them into her pocket on the way out of the room, and to Draco's questioning eyes, responded, "Just in case."
Then they left, leaving no evidence of their inhabitance behind them.
At the front of the house, they zoomed off of the ground, and didn't look back.
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Many hours later, the couple was still soaring over mountains and hills, and vast, deep valleys. The air was bitter, and nipped at Hermione's nose and fingers. She twisted her hands together, on Draco's chest, to keep them warm.
They only talked a little, commenting on the scenery here or there. Little things. But Hermione liked it better that way. She was content to just soar over land, just listening to the wind in her ears, and feeling Draco's rhythmic breathing.
Soon, they arrived at the Shetland Islands. There were a hundred or so islands, formed by a range of ancient hills standing on the continental shelf. The coastline alone was at least 900 miles long. Most of the island they were on ended abruptly, with high cliffs surrounded by a large ocean. The sight of it was breathtaking, and as soon as they landed, Hermione was in awe.
"Which island is this?" she asked Draco, after he had gotten off the broom, and stretched.
Hermione stretched as well, flexing her sore muscles, and bending backwards, before reaching her arms into the air, as if winning a victory.
"I'm not sure." he replied, looking around curiously. "Might be Herma Ness. I hope so, because that's where we need to be.
Hermione sighed, and walked to a nearby boulder, sitting on top of it, Orb in hand, observing it.
"Du weldervan kintu Ronald." she said to it. She felt Draco's presence close to her, but she ignored him, to focus her thoughts on Ron. The Orb swirled a dark green, but nothing showed.
"Du weldervan kintu Ronald." she said again, more assertively this time. Maybe the Orb hadn't heard her. Again, nothing.
"Du weldervan kintu Ronald!" she shouted to it, eyes turning to fire, then back to ice as she began to cry. "Du weldervan kintu Ronald! Du weldervan kintu Ronald!" she screamed over and over.
She was barely aware of Draco's hands taking the Orb from her own, and holding her close to him as she cried. Soon the tears subsided, and he let go, looking into her eyes.
"Are you okay?" he asked her after a moment, so she could collect her thoughts.
She looked down and shook her head, hair falling into her face. "I'm worried, Draco. I miss him."
He nodded and stuck out his hand to her. She accepted it.
"Come on. I think I know the way." he said.
They walked for long hours, never stopping. Several times Hermione dozed off into a light slumber, but kept walking. It was automatic.
They took turns trying to see Ron, but every time it was the same: a swirling mass of deep green.
Soon they arrived at a large ocean. There was a long, sandy, beach that seemed to stretch forever and ever.
"Fly or swim?" inquired Draco.
Hermione let go of his hand, and bent down to feel the soft sand run through her fingers. She was suddenly aware of a pain in her abdomen, and her skin felt burnt.
She thought about it. Flying could mean being seen. But how long could they swim for? She weighed the odds.
"Swim." she finally said. Draco nodded.
"As you wish."
He got onto the broom, and looked at her expectantly.
"I said swim." she repeated her answer to him, standing up.
"I know. But who says we can't fly underwater?" he smirked, and his eyes twinkled.
Hermione grinned, and got onto the back, wrapping her arms around his chest.
"Hold on tight." he said to her. She kissed his shoulder in reply, and that was all the coaxing he needed. Next thing she knew, they were 6 feet underwater, closing their eyes and doing the inevitable. Flying underwater.
'There is a first time for everything.' thought Hermione smugly.
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-CREDITS - for the information on the Shetland Islands.
-The Great World Atlas- for helping me locate thee Shetland Islands.
I hope you like this one. The stories starting to bore me a bit... I think I'm gonna do a little side project-thing. Strictly romance. I'll see if I have enough time... Sorry it took so long! I'll update soon.
Jamie - Lucky you. First to review. I mention you everytime you review. I hope you feel better soon! Damn those friends. And Flightless Wren. She sucks. Haha. See ya.
kriCket x0 - You're back! I missed you. Glad you liked it.
mizlovegood - Haha. I agree.
mizlovegood - Theres much more to read. ;)
mizlovegood - Yeah. When it's long its too much to read. I feel overwhelmed.
mizlovegood - Thanks!
mizlovegood - Once again, thank you.
mizlovegood - Confusing? How. Maybe I can clear it up.
mizlovegood - Hahaha. I love that part too.
mizlovegood - Tell those neighbors to stop throwing rocks. I remember that song!
mizlovegood - Bummer.
mizlovegood - Blegh!
VoldemortsVeela - Thank you!
foxrcrchik99 - WOO HOO!
hemene - Ah, my dear reviewer, I guess Harry's not always the one to save everybody, is he? We'll just have to see what happens... ;)
Christina - No one was in there...?
