Chapter 5: Towels and Umbrellas

A week at the beach went by quickly. Harry, Ron, and Hermione spent most of their time lounging around beside the sea, in the local ice cream parlor (an extension of Floran Fortescue's shop in Diagon Alley), and finishing up summer homework. Actually, Harry and Ron were finishing their homework; Hermione was watching and criticizing.

"You had plenty of time to finish it before the trip you know," said Hermione, looking up from her letter.

"Shut it, Hermione," shouted Ron. "Who are you writing to? Viky, again?"

"His name isn't 'Viky,' Ronald! It's Viktor and you know it!"

"Shut it, both of you," said Harry. "Can't we have five minutes when you two aren't bickering?"

"Ron and Hermione not bickering? Impossible!" said Fred, just arriving with his twin from the ice cream shop.

"They're like an old married couple," noted George.

"Shut it!" shouted Ron and Hermione.

"Done," said Harry. "Hermione will you check it over for me?"

"Sure thing," Hermione said, glad to get away from the subject of her and Ron being married.

"Mine too," begged Ron, finishing his own homework.

Hermione sighed, "Give it here, Ron." For the next 30 minutes Harry, Ron, Fred, and George played a game of exploding snap, while Hermione checked Harry and Ron's charms essays. Harry's essay was flawless. He'd gotten quite good at school as he got older. Ron, she had to admit, was getting better as well. He only had one error.

"Here you go. Perfect Harry. Ron, you had one small error, but I corrected it for you."

"Thanks, Hermione. You're the best," said Ron.

"I know," she said in a jokingly conceited voice. As she rolled up the letter she said, "Well, come on boys. Let's enjoy the beach to it's fullest."

The rest of the day was filled with nothing by fun and food. The salty wind blew across their faces, and chapped their lips. The ocean was a beautiful, aquamarine color. When you looked down you could see all the way down to the ocean's floor. Hermione and Ginny had started a splash fight in the ocean water, and had let Fred and George join in. This was a big mistake. Harry and Ron got to shore as soon as possible. They went to the towels and umbrellas Mr. and Mrs. Weasley set up for them. Harry got them glasses of pumpkin juice, but as he tried to give some to Ron, he noticed something.

"Ron?" Harry said. Ron looked more peaceful than Harry had ever seen him look. He had a silly little smile on his face. His eyes seemed as if they were looking at the most beautiful painting in the world. The painting had the most wonderful colors and textures. Whoever painted it was a genius. Harry looked over at the painting Ron was starring at and wasn't surprised to see, instead of a painting, Hermione splashing around in the ocean. "So, when are you going to tell her?"

"Tell who what?" asked Ron, his eyes still looking at Hermione.

"When are you going to tell Hermione that you like her? Don't try and deny it, Ron. You haven't been able to take your eyes off of her this whole trip."

"Yes, I have."

"You're still looking at her," Harry pointed out. At this statement, Ron turned and looked at Harry. To his bewilderment, Ron looked sad. "What's up, Ron?"

Ron sighed. "Well, it's not like she'll ever like me, is it? She's so smart, and I'm, well, I'm me." Ron looked down and started digging a hole. The sand was hot, but he didn't care. He felt like he was digging his own grave.

"Give it a shot, you might be surprised."

"Yeah, right."

"Come on, Ron. You never know until you try."

"Hello, boys. Are you here for the summer?" Harry and Ron looked up and saw one of the most gorgeous girls they had ever seen. She had dark brown hair and green eyes. Her bikini was covered up by a black towel. She was very skinny. She carried a surfboard on her left side. Her smile, thought, was unbelievably beautiful. Her teeth were whiter than snow and straighter than a line. The boys were speechless. Their mouths hung open, welcoming all the flies. "Okay, I'll start. Hi. I'm Samantha, Sam for short."

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A/N: Cliffhanger! Bum, bum, Bum! Anyway, just to keep suspense going for a little while I'm not going to update for two days. The only reason I'm updating everyday is because the story is already written and typed. Thanks for your support guys. I love you all. Well, love in the way of I love you all for reading and reviewing (coughSilver Icecough).

Until next time: Keep the love alive!

willow