Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, I never have and never will. The only thing I own is my CD and yes that is mine.
A/N: Hey everyone. Thanks to those of you who reviewed. I've been getting some questions about why they haven't recognized each other yet. Well I didn't elaborate very much and that's my fault but in the 1st chapter if you remember Hermione had been doing beauty techniques with her friend Emily, she wasn't even sure if Harry would recognize her so that is that. And Draco well most people recognize him by his hair and since it is completely different and he's wearing muggle clothes and stuff I figured maybe they just wouldn't notice. Plus attitude is a big factor and they're personalities have been pretty different. I hope that satisfies some of your questions. Ok well enough with me. Read and review.
Whisper~Mad~Crazy Chapter 7-Bon Voyage
Hermione's eyes slowly fluttered open. Bright sunlight bathed the entire room in its warmth. She felt a slight breeze ruffle her hair.
"Hmm we must have left the window open." She said to herself. She looked to the window but it wasn't open. Then she remembered the events of last night. She turned and realized she was in someone's arms, Eric's arms. A smile crossed her face as she recalled the fun they'd had the previous night. She sighed and rested her head on his chest. The rhythmic rise and fall of his chest put her at ease. She had almost drifted back to sleep when a thought entered her mind.
"I didn't have a nightmare last night." She said quietly to herself. She turned over, propping herself up on her elbows. She silently watched Eric sleep for a few minutes before raising her hand to caress his cheek.
"Eric," She said softly. He shifted and slowly opened one eye.
"Hey," he said smiling, "did you sleep well?"
"Yeah actually I did. I didn't have any more nightmares."
"Hmm, that's good." He said closing his eyes once again.
"What do you think it means?" Hermione persisted.
"I don't know," he replied thoughtfully, "I don't really believe in the whole fortune telling thing. A waste of bloody time if you ask me."
"Yeah I'm not into it either. It was just curious." She laid her head back on his chest and he absentmindedly began stroking her hair. "You can go back to sleep if you want. Sorry I woke you."
"Maybe later," he replied. "But for now I'm enjoying being here with you." He took hold of her hand and placed a gentle kiss on it. "What do you say to ordering room service and spending the whole day in bed?" He asked quietly.
"I say that's a great idea. Not it." She said smiling.
"Not it for what?" He asked quizzically.
"Not if for having to get up when the room service comes." She giggled snuggling deeper into the sheets.
"Oh I see." Erik said smirking. "Fine then, not it."
"Not it for what?"
"For getting up to get the phone to call room service." He said smiling sweetly. Hermione glared at him through a smile.
"I can never win with you can I?" She said slowly climbing off the bed.
"No you can. Just not now." He watched as she brought the phone back to the bed and climbed in next to him. She ordered the food and hung up the phone with a sigh. She laid her head back down on Eric's chest and gazed out the window towards the ocean. Eric slowly stroked her hair, softly humming to himself.
"Eric we have to leave tomorrow." She said sadly.
"I know," he said softly. "But try not to think about it."
"But it's so hard. I'm going to miss you so much." A few tears traced their way down her cheeks.
"Hey don't cry, please Nicole don't cry. You remember that song I sang to you?"
She nodded her head slowly; tears still streaking her face.
"Sing it again." She said, so softly it was barely a whisper.
"Tomorrow morning I have to leave. But wherever I may be, best believe I'm thinking of you. I can't believe how much I love you. All we have is here tonight we don't want to waste this time. Give me something to remember. Baby put your lips on mine…" He gazed down into her eyes. They glowed with something he hadn't known before, love. His own eyes reflected the same glow. He traced her cheek with his hand, wiping away the remaining tears. She reached up and brushed his bangs out of his eyes, feeling the comfort of his embrace. He lifted her chin towards him and slowly bent his head, yearning to feel her soft lips on his. She closed her eyes ready to welcome his kiss.
Knock, knock, knock!
They jerked apart. Eric's head slammed into the headboard and Nicole rolled off the side of the bed.
"Bloody hell!" Eric cursed loudly rubbing his head. "Don't people knock?"
"That was a knock Eric." Hermione replied standing up brushing back her hair away from her face. They heard a loud clatter outside the door. Eric cursed some more as he went to answer it. A young man about their age stood outside the door. He coward slightly at the site of Eric and the platter he was holding shook along with his hands.
"Here let me take that for you." Eric said grabbing the tray from him. He shoved his hand inside his pocket and withdrew some money handing it to the boy. "Cheer up." He said lightly. "If I was going to kill you, I would have done it already." He closed the door and went over to the table where Hermione was already seated.
"That wasn't very nice you know." She said taking a bite of toast.
"I know, but I gave him a big tip. Maybe he'll forget it."
They chatted a little as they ate, finally deciding that the waiter deserved what he got for ruining they're perfect moment. They laughed at themselves and cleaned up, making sure to put the tray outside the room so there wouldn't be any more interruptions. They settled onto the couch, Hermione in Eric's arms. The cool ocean breeze played through the room, gently fluttering Hermione's hair. They lay there for what seemed like only a few minutes but was actually a few hours. Eric looked to the clock on the table.
"It's almost 6:00. How about we wash up and go have dinner?" He asked Hermione softly.
"Ok. You take the bathroom first. I'm too tired to move just yet." She yawned sleepily.
"Alright," Eric replied trying to snake his way out from under her. "I'll be out in a few."
Hermione nodded and rested her head on a pillow. She let her eyes slowly flutter close as she waited for Eric to return. She heard the door open and felt the couch sag as Eric sat beside her.
"Hey sleepyhead, are you getting up or what?" He asked brushing her hair away from her face. She opened her eyes and looked him up and down. He was wearing a black silk button-up shirt and khaki slacks. The top two buttons of his shirt were undone showing off his toned chest.
"You look nice." She replied quietly.
"Yeah," he said softly stroking her cheek. "It's our last night and, I wanted it to be special."
"Well I guess I better get ready too." She got some clothes out of her suitcase then went into the bathroom. Eric sat, waiting on the couch. He stood when the door reopened but he never expected what he saw. Hermione was wearing a silk dress that was midnight blue. She had her hair up in a fancy bun with a few strands framing her face and she had on white stapped high heels. Eric stood frozen on the spot, he attempted to speak but when he opened his mouth no sound came out. He simply stood there awestruck. Hermione giggled and walked over to him. She gently lifted his chin so that his mouth closed. At her touch he seemed to be brought back to his senses.
"Wow, you look…beautiful." He said finally.
She blushed slightly, "Thanks. Well should we go?"
"Uh…er…um yeah, yeah go, yeah." He stuttered. She took his hand and led him out the door softly laughing to herself. They had a pleasant dinner but didn't talk much because the topic of leaving kept coming up. By the time they were done it was 8 and the sun was just setting. They walked hand in hand back to the room. When they got back Hermione walked out onto the balcony wishing this week would never end. She looked out across the ocean waters watching the sun slowly sink beneath the waves. She heard Eric come out onto the balcony, he wrapped his arms around her from behind. She sighed and leaned into him.
"It's beautiful isn't it." She asked him.
"Not as beautiful as you."
'Wait,' Hermione thought. 'This is my dream, but it's with Eric not Harry or…Malfoy. What does this mean?'
"What are you thinking about?" Eric asked, interupting her thoughts. She remained silent for a moment thinking whether she should tell him everything about the dream. She decided against it but there was still something else.
"There's something I want to tell you," she said slowly. "But I'm afraid of what it would mean if I do."
Eric turned her around in his arms and gazed into her warm hazel eyes.
"What ever it is, you don't need to be afraid." He told her. "I'm here."
She sighed and leaned into his chest.
"Eric…I love you." She whispered.
"I…I love you too." He replied stroking her back.
"I never want this night to end."
"It never will."
They looked into each others eyes. Never wanting to break the wam embrace they were in now. Hermione reached up and stroked Eric's cheek. While Eric did the same. He slowly lifted her head towards his, never breaking her gaze. He lowered his mouth to hers, her lips coming up to meet him. The kiss wasn't deep or overly passionate but it was perfect. Hermione's hands went to the back of his neck while while his hands lowered to her waist. After a few minutes of pure bliss they broke the kiss and gazed deeply into eachothers eyes. Hermione collasped into his chest, breathing in his scent. Eric rested his head on hers savoring every moment they still had. By now the sun had fully set and the stars were shining brightly in the night sky.
"We'd better go to bed." Eric said quietly. Hermione nodded her head but didn't move. Eric sighed and picked her up, cradling her in his arms. He entered the room and set her down on the bed.
"Are you going to change for the night?" He asked.
"Yeah but you go first." She said quietly.
"Alright." He did so and came back out in green silk pajama pants but with no shirt. Hermoine entered the bathroom after him and came out wearing red flannel boxer shorts and a gold tank top. Eric was already in bed, he pulled the covers back and she climbed in next to him. He took her in his arms and kissed her forehead gently. She smiled up at him and kissed him softly on the lips.
"Goodnight." She said. Now it was his turn to kiss her lips.
"Goodnight."
She rolled over in his arms and reached over to turn out the bedside lamp. In a few minutes they were both sound asleep. Dreaming of days past and fearing the time to come.
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Hermione's eyes fluttered open, she rolled over on her side to talk to Eric but he wasn't there. She sat up and looked around the room. Eric was packing his suitcase on the couch.
"We dock in an hour." He told her not turning around.
"Oh, I guess I better get ready." She said climbing slowly out of bed. She went and changed in the bathroom while Eric finished packing. When she came out Eric was gone but he had left a note on the table.
Nicole,
Went to go get something to eat. I'll bring you back something. Be back in a bit.
Eric
Hermione frowned as she read the letter.
"Why is he acting so strange this morning?" She said quietly to herself.
She too packed her bags and by the time she was done Eric still wasn't back yet. She decided to go wait on the balcony for him. Before long almost 45 minutes had past and the ship was about to dock. She returned back to the room wondering whether she should wait or go find him. She decided to go find him, so she grabbed her bag and headed to the door. As she reached for the door handle it flew open knocking her back. She looked up to see Eric breathing quite heavily.
"Oh, sorry I just thought I had missed you and…so…I…" He said quickly.
"It's ok." Hermione said rubbing her backside. "Just help me up."
He grabbed her arm and pulled her up, though rather roughly. Hermoine stared at him quizzically. Rubbing her arm where he had grabbed her.
"What?" He asked.
"It's just…nothing…never mind." She replied.
"Oh ok well let's go." He said heading out the door with Hermione practically jogging trying to keep up with him. They got off the boat and hailed a taxi. The taxi took them to the airport. They're flight was due to board in 30 minutes. Hermione proceeded to the counter to pick up the tickets, she brought Eric's his and then they walked to the gate. After a short wait they boarded the plane, having not said more than 2 words to each other since leaving the boat. On the plane they took their seats and listened to the captains pre-flight speech. She expected Eric to make another crack about it but he never did. They sat silent while the plane took off and didn't utter a word until the flight attendant came by with the lunch. After they were done eating Hermione put her headphones on and Eric gazed out the window. Before they had been seated they both silently acknowledged the deal they had made on the plane flight to Florida, so hence Eric took the window seat. It wasn't until about halfway through the flight that Hermione finally said something.
"Eric what's going on?" She asked suddenly taking her headphones off. He looked up to her.
"What do you mean?" He replied.
"You know what I mean." She said impatiently. "Why are you being so distant?"
"I just am alright, I don't need a reason." He replied shortly.
"Fine," Hermione snapped. "Then just be a complete ass!" She turned away from him angrily, as he did the same. They didn't speak again for the rest of the flight. Even when Eric turned deathly pale during the landing, Hermione paid him no heed. They walked quickly away from the gate and through the terminal. Both were in a huff. Eric stopped suddenly.
"What are you doing?" Hermione asked turning around.
"This is were I'm supposed to get picked up." He said motioning out the doors.
"Oh…well bye then, I guess." She said slowly.
"Yeah bye." He replied turning to go through the doors.
"Eric wait." Hermione said suddenly. He turned around to face her. "I don't want to leave like this Eric I don't want to leave angry." A few tears rolled down her cheeks. She looked into Eric's eyes, he was fighting a battle with himself. She could see it, but what side would win her side or the other. She dropped her head tears falling more freely now. Suddenly a pair of arms wrapped around her.
"Nicole, I'm so sorry. I've been an absolute prat. I don't know what to say." He pulled away from her to look her in the eyes. "I was just so afraid of leaving you. I've never felt this way, about anyone and I thought that maybe it would be easier to say goodbye if we didn't feel that way." He pulled her too him again. "Please forgive me, I'm sorry. I love you."
"I forgive you and I love you too." She pulled away gazing up at him. He gently pulled her to him, capturing her in a gentle kiss. She pulled away and hugged him tightly. "I'll never forget you." She whispered into his chest.
"Nor will I," he replied. "Nor will I." He held her for what seemed like an eternity but slowly pulled away. "I'm sorry I have to go."
Hermione nodded wiping the remaining tears from her eyes. "Me too." With that they slowly parted. Eric left through the doors and Hermione continued down the terminal. She wiped her eyes again. She couldn't let her parents see her like this. Finally she arrived where her parents were supposed to pick her up. She saw them and waved. She enveloped her mom in a big hug.
"Hi honey, how was it?" Mrs. Granger asked.
"It was great Mom, really great." She replied, she then gave her dad a hug. "Hi Daddy."
"Hi sweetheart. So it was fun was it?" He asked taking her bag from her.
"Yes it was…perfect." She said softly.
"Where's Harry." Her mom asked.
"Oh Harry, he um, the Weasley's already picked him up." Hermione replied quickly.
"Oh dear, I wanted to tell him hello. Oh well." Her mom stated. "Oh Hermione we've got a little surprise for you."
"What?" Hermione asked curiously.
"Well we know you're probably exhausted but we were hoping you would be able to relax once we got to France." Her dad answered.
"We're going to France?" She asked wide-eyed.
"Yes," her mom replied. "For the remainder of the summer. We'll get back the day before you leave for Hogwarts."
"Oh wow this is great!" Hermoine said, hugging her parents once more. "Oh but I'm not going to be able to see Harry." She said not being able to catch herself.
"Well since you just spent a week with him, we thought maybe you'd be alright for a while." Her dad responded.
"Oh yes of course right. No it won't be a problem." She replied quickly.
"Excellent." He stated. "Well let's go board our plane." He picked up his and Hermione's bags and they walked toward the gate. Hermoine kept her eyes open, hoping to see Eric one last time, but it was no use he was nowhere to be found. She would never see him again.
A/N: Well what did you think? Sorry it took me so long to put this up. I'm not going to lie and say I've been really busy. I've just been lazy so yeah. Review and tell me what you thought. Later.
