AN: Thanks very much to those who reviewed. I almost gave up posting! (No point if nobody likes it!) I hope you enjoy this chapter. Thanks again for your support!
Chapter Five
Lyford Cay, 23rd November 2003
"Dean. Dean, can you hear me? Does this bloody thing still work?" Maybe I shouldn't have jumped in the pool with it. "Dean! Anybody! Dean!"
…
"Hermione, this is Hannah. Please stop shouting into the Communicator. Dean is serving Afternoon Tea in the Grand Salon and I can see people staring at him funny! You are going to get him in trouble."
"Hannah! Thank goodness, I thought I had drowned the bloody thing. Ok, just wanted to tell you both, meeting in my room at double-oh-thirty."
"What? What on earth do you mean?"
"Half past twelve, you dimwit!"
"So why didn't you say so? Honestly, Hermione, you sound ridiculous!"
"Just… be there, both of you."
"Oh, ok."
…
"Did you expect me to say 'over and out?" (giggles)
"Ohh, eff off! Ov…erm, see you then."
Half past twelve came and went and still no Dean or Hannah. She was totally worn out. After fooling around in the pool for hours, they had all gone to Compass Point for lunch. It was all very picturesque and Hermione thought she would love to stay in one of the little huts on the water if she ever came back for a real holiday. They had a delicious meal.
Paolo insisted she had to see the whole island, and the whole island she saw. In exhaustive detail. Followed by hours of walking non-stop before they ended up having drinks at the Nassau Harbour Yacht Club, as Paolo finally believed her when she swore that she couldn't feel her legs anymore and that her feet ached like bitches.
She wanted to go home, but ended up back to Palms House for dinner instead. It had been go, go, go for the whole day and Hermione wondered how she was ever supposed to do her job if this was to be the norm.
At ten past one in the morning, Hannah and Dean finally Apparated into her room and proceeded to flop on her bed. She glared at them.
"About time you got here! Do you know what time it is? I had a very long day and I'm supposed to go to the Boccioni's place for breakfast!"
Dean sat right up, scowling. "You had a long day? Try working just half of my day at that hellish club, Hermione! I thought that bastard Winston said it was pretend work! Pretend, my arse! We've just finished cleaning. Without a wand!"
Hermione had the courtesy to look guilty. "Sorry, guys, I know you got the rough end of the stick, I'll be quick. The thing is, after spending a whole day with Malfoy -and if today is any indication of how things are going to be- I'm at a loss as to how we can do this. We might as well pack up and go home. He's not very likely to lose sight of his friends when he knows that's what we're waiting for. The only advantage we have is that he doesn't know you are here, but a fat lot of good that's going to do if I cannot draw him away from all the Muggles!"
…
"Well? Any thoughts?"
…
"Are you thick?"
"Excuse me?"
"I'm asking if you really are that dense or it's just how you got up today."
"Hannah, what's your problem? I'm really not in the mood."
"Oh, for Circe's sake, Hermione. Just seduce the guy! Merlin, you are dim! I thought that was your plan! What other way is there to separate him from the group?"
"Don't be ridiculous. Malfoy would see right through me, he's not stupid, you know. If all of a sudden I turn sugary sweet he'll know exactly what I'm trying to do and why.
"Then don't make it obvious! You just need to get him worked up enough that he'd be willing to risk walking into a trap!"
Hermione laughed hard under Hannah's glowering glare. "Hannah, look at me. Do I look to you like I could pull off something like that? Not going to happen."
"Well, make it happen! It shouldn't be that hard, I've seen the way he looks at you. Just act… tantalising. I'm going to bed. Dean. Dean! Oh, this is just great. Now I have to carry him back!" She got up angrily, grabbed hold of the sleeping guy and Disapparated back to her quarters."
Her body was on fire. Her thighs trembled as she watched his blond head dip between them, lapping at her core. He sucked hard on her clit as his fingers entered her, then started pumping in earnest, making her desperate with lust.
"Stop," she whimpered, "please, stop. Don't you see this is not enough anymore?"
He moaned, and the vibrations sent shockwaves to her centre. He beckoned with his fingers inside of her, making her gasp, then pulled them out and crawled up her body, cleaning his face of her juices with the back of his hand. She looked into smiling grey eyes and her heart skipped a beat.
"Make love to me." A clear, delighted laughter melted her soul. "I want you now, Draco."
He entered her in one deep, forceful thrust. They groaned in unison.
Hermione woke up covered in sweat, panting hard, unbearably aroused. With a `pained sob, she let her hand find her wetness and surrendered to the inevitable.
Lyford Cay, 24th November 2003
"Over here, guys! Breakfast's waiting by the pool!"
Winston was skipping excitedly toward the voice, pulling her along and stumbling in his haste. She smiled at his eagerness.
"Hermione! Winnie Bear!" Winston blushed like a schoolboy and rushed to sit next to Paolo. "So happy you got here at last! Wait till you hear what I have planned, you are going to love it! In fact, hurry up, go back home and pack, we are leaving right now!"
Hermione took a sit at the breakfast table, smiling widely. She sat next to a very quiet, very subdued Malfoy. He didn't look up or greet them, either.
"What's wrong with him?" she asked Paolo with a toss of her head in Malfoy's direction.
"Dunno. Didn't sleep very well, I reckon. Not that he's usually a morning person, but his temper today has been particularly foul. I'm in two minds about including him in my plans! What do you think, Herms?"
"I'm right here, you know? I can hear you all right." Malfoy grumbled. "I just don't see why you feel the need to go traipsing all over the Caribbean when we are just fine where we are!"
"Traipsing? We are going somewhere? Great, where, when are we leaving?" Malfoy scowled and sank deeper into his seat.
"I thought we could take a little trip to the Exumas, just a couple of nights, so that Hermione can see a bit of the islands. There are some stunning places around, well worth the trip, and we could spearfish some lobster too! So, tell me what you think, Herms."
"It sounds great!" She grimaced at her new nickname. Paolo seemed to have pet names for everyone. "How are we getting there?"
"I'm borrowing my father's yacht, it's already waiting. Have your breakfast, go and pack a couple of swimming costumes and we can be on our way in two hours tops."
Hermione bit on a piece of toast, considering the implications. She had to warn her team, and somehow devise a plan. If they were going to have a chance at getting him, this would be it.
"So, what's the agenda? Will we make there it by tonight? And where are we mooring? Will there be other boats around? What are we going to see? And which-" A bark of laughter from Paolo stopped her barrage of questions.
"Good Lord, Hermione, take a breath! We won't get there today; I thought we could anchor in Rose Island for the night and have some fun. Tomorrow we'll definitely sail to Staniel Cay, it's the most beautiful place in the world, the caves and grottos are breath-taking. You'll see, you will fall in love so deeply, you'll never want to leave!"
Hermione blushed for no reason and gave Malfoy a sideways glance. She rushed to finish her breakfast, a plan taking form in her mind.
"Hannah, this is an emergency. Meeting at Winnie's right away. I don't care how you do it, be there in five. Bring Dean with you."
Hermione was adding the last things to the travelling bag Winnie had lent her when Hannah and Dean Apparated. She would of course take her trusted little beaded bag with her, but she needed something for show. Dean raised his eyebrow when he saw her packing.
"So, you are really giving up? Are we leaving?"
"No, we are all going on a little trip to the Out Islands. You too." She handed them a piece of paper with sketchy instructions. "This was all I could gather. I need you to chart a boat straight away, call the Ministry for authorisation. I think it would be best if you went straight to Staniel Cay, get settled and wait for us. I'll contact you with our exact location once we have anchored there. The island is tiny, so finding each other won't be a problem. And please, until I arrive try to relax and have fun, you more than deserve it."
"Have you started working on him yet?" Hannah asked while pocketing the schedule.
"Haven't had a chance so far. But I'll keep it in mind. I'll do what I can." Hermione coloured and berated herself for it. "Well, go back and hand in your resignation at the Club. We don't have a moment to lose; Paolo's yacht is leaving in half an hour!"
The Albatross was a beautiful yacht, sleek and graceful, with a black and white hull and red and white sails that billowed in the breeze. She had been designed by one Andrea Vallicelli who –Paolo informed them proudly- was a very famous Italian yacht designer. Hermione hadn't heard of him, but thought the ship was stunning anyway. The deck was mainly teak, clean lined and uncluttered, with plenty of room to lounge about, sunbathe or sit at the cockpit for drinks or a meal. Below deck, she had four large cabins, all with double beds and en-suit bathrooms, plus another two for the crew; two beautiful saloons, and what Paolo called the 'party room', clearly for entertaining. She was luxurious but not ostentatious, and Hermione was impressed. She tried very hard not to show it though, and to keep an even countenance under Malfoy's scrutinising eye. She wouldn't give him an opportunity to mock her if she could help it.
They set sail at quarter past twelve, and Hermione went straight to her cabin to unpack and change into a bathing costume. On the spur of the moment, she decided to transfigure one of her swimsuits into a pretty bikini, and tried not to feel self-conscious about the amount of skin she was putting on display. She knew she had a good body and wasn't ashamed of it, so there, let's see if it makes any difference.
She went up on deck and took a minute to observe the three guys before they saw her. Paolo was lying down of his front on a towel, while Winnie was rubbing sun cream all over his back. Malfoy was sitting slightly apart, hugging his knees and seemingly lost in thought. She looked at Winnie's expression and understanding hit her with full force. He looked aroused, adoring and pained all at once. In this new light, she looked down at Paolo, trying to discern if he knew and how he felt about it, and blushed when she noticed him grinding ever so slightly into the towel. Clearly, he felt the same. So, it's love in Paradise, then. Hermione smiled and approached Malfoy.
"You should really use some sun protection or you'll burn and peel, you know." She set her things next to him and sat down gingerly. "You can use mine, if you don't have any."
"That would be nice, I didn't bring…" He lifted his eyes and looked up at her. "Granger, what are you wearing?"
"A swimsuit?" she laughed.
"There's not enough material to call that a suit!"
"Don't worry, Malfoy. I could stand here stark naked and those two wouldn't even see. Look at them."
"U-huh. You noticed, did you? Took you long enough. Now they just have to acknowledge it to each other. Anyway, that still leaves the Captain and crew."
"Hey, loosen up, you. I'm sure they've seen worse. Don't you like it?"
"What's there not to like?" he went back to staring at the water, lost in his own thoughts again.
She woke up to a big splash and then heard another. Sitting up, she realised the gentle pitching of the boat had lulled her to sleep. It was hot now, the sun beating down on the deck mercilessly. Paolo and Winnie were nowhere to be seen, and she assumed that the splashes were probably the two of them diving for a swim. She looked at Malfoy and saw that he was also asleep lying on his front, and that his back was quickly taking on the exact same colour of a boiled lobster. She sighed. He'll be hurting tonight, the dummy. Making sure no-one saw, she took out her wand and cast a Cooling charm on his skin, then a quick Healing spell. After that, she proceeded to douse him in sun lotion, trying to disturb him as little as possible.
She did his back as gently as she could, then continued down his thighs and calves, secretly loving the softness of his skin. She was feeling a strange sort of tenderness right then that made her smile. There, she thought, all done.
She looked up as she wiped the excess cream off her hands on her own shoulders, and her heart did a backflip when she saw him staring at her, lips parted and eyes full of an intense heat that seemed to burn her to cinders. She jumped up without a word, and walking quickly to the swimming platform, she dived into the cool blue water.
The flats around Rose Island were teeming with lobsters and big conch too. By dinnertime, they sat to the most delicious conch chowder and barbequed lobster meal Hermione had ever tasted. After, they put on some music and simply lounged on the deck, looking at the stars.
Winnie and Paolo had been talking quietly between them for a while. They both got up and left without a word. Hermione laughed.
"Do you think they are going to make out?"
"About bloody time they did, that and then some. I've been feeling like the third wheel for weeks now, Granger."
"What's the deal, then? If they are both so attracted to each other, why don't they just go ahead and own up?"
"Couldn't tell you. Family pressure, maybe. Paolo's father has big expectations for him. And Winston… well, he is the only male child in his family. I'm sure his father expects him to produce an heir, even if he is a Squib. To carry on the family name, and all that."
"Same as you, then."
"For one thing, I'm not gay, Granger."
"No, I don't suppose you are."
…
"Hermione."
"Hmmm?"
"Nothing. I just realised I had never actually uttered your name in my life. Not once."
"Oh. And how does it feel?"
"Like it belongs to somebody else. It's not you."
"You are weird, Malfoy."
…
"Fancy going for a swim?"
"It's totally dark."
"So? The water is at its warmest right now. Don't worry, there are no sharks around here. Your toe could be bitten off by a lobster, though."
"Very funny. Ok then, just a quick dip."
Hermione came up for air. The water really was pitch black and very warm. In the shadow of the boat she couldn't see Malfoy anywhere. She swirled around quickly, looking for him.
"Malfoy, where the hell are you." No answer. "Malfoy!"
She felt something tug on her leg and screamed. Then a blond head broke the surface of the water, laughing mockingly.
"You big enormous prat! You bloody scared me!" She had thrown her arms around his neck in a panic and he looked down at her, all the laughter gone.
They floated like that for a while, silently, their breathing quickening. Trembling, she brushed the hair off his eyes and let her fingers slide softly down his face then over his lips, probing lightly into his mouth. She withdrew sharply when she felt the tip of his tongue swirl around them, and brought her hand back to his nape, cradling his head. Closing his eyes slowly, he lowered his mouth to hers then kissed her softly, tentatively. Her heart somersaulted in her chest and she responded with a little sob. She gently took his bottom lip between her teeth, drawing the most delicious sound from his throat. She felt faint.
His tongue was salty like the water, and deliciously sinful. She let him in as their kiss deepened and swelled with passion. He tightened his arms around her with a whimper, his embrace becoming more demanding. Then she felt him, hard and solid against her belly and her need escalated. Her legs hitched around his waist, her own hips canting, seeking, seeking, finding. When her heat rubbed needily on his erection he threw his head back, instinctively thrusting into it and crying out urgently, startling her, making her come back to her senses.
She fought hard against him then, pushing wildly, panicking. This is not how it's supposed to happen! She had to wait, had to get away now! Warring with herself, she disentangled from him and swam back to the yacht and to the safety of her own cabin.
Staniel Cay, 25th November 2003
She had been avoiding him all morning, making sure to be always in the company of the others. She eluded his unhappy glances and his attempts at engaging her in conversation. He looked tired and hurt, and Hermione had no doubt that he had slept as little as she had.
Soon enough they started passing tiny jewel-like islands. The sea and sky merged in a million shades of blue. The water was so clear, its reefs and islands so pristine and vibrant that Hermione felt a profound wonder, almost mesmerising in its intensity. She felt like crying then and did not know why.
"Guys! Come here! Look, Staniel Cay, we've arrived!" Paolo was beaming widely, and Hermione tried to look excited, as she could see Malfoy wasn't going to make the effort. Winston had his arm wrapped casually about Paolo's shoulders, and looked at her defiantly. She gave him her brightest smile and saw him palpably relax.
She went below to her cabin to finalise the plan with Thomas and Abbott.
"Hi to you too, Dean, glad you enjoyed yourselves. We are heading to the Thunderbird Grotto and caves surrounding it. Please keep out of sight while trying to locate us. I'll open communications when it's safe to do so. Out for now.
She had to do this. It was her duty. Making sure Malfoy noticed, she slip away from Winnie and Paolo and walked towards a little cave she could see to the side. She brushed her hair behind her ear, mumbling into her wrist. "Where are you?"
"We have visual. I repeat, we have visual."
She smiled sadly and walked into the cave.
"We need to talk, Granger."
"No, we don't." She turned around then, wand drawn. "We have nothing to say to each other. It was all part of the chase. I needed you to fall for it and you did."
He grimaced. "You can lie to yourself all you want, witch, but that doesn't make it less real. I know what I saw and how you looked. I felt your reactions and believe me, there are things no-one can fake. It was genuine, Granger."
"I told you before. My body may want yours, but I don't. You talk about reactions?" she chucked. "Deep down it's just physiological, mere Alchemy and Illusion. It means nothing. You mean nothing, Malfoy!"
Merlin, the hurt in his eyes. Breaking inside, she was calling in her team when the cave seemed to shake violently all around them. Then she heard the explosion and the world ceased to exist.
Dust. Chocking dust and grit and a dead weight squeezing the air out of her lungs. She reached up with her hand and touched hair not her own, wet and sticky with a warm, thick substance. Her heart jolted inside her chest as adrenaline kicked in, and she managed to get on her hands and knees, trying to get him off her back as gently as she possibly could. She cradled his head, swallowing the bile that rose to her mouth as the bone that should be firm seemed to give a little. It's not. It's not, I'm just imagining it! She lowered him slowly to the floor, supporting his head on her lap.
"Malfoy. Malfoy! Open your eyes. Come on!"
She brushed his hair off his face, her sight adjusting to the sudden dusky quality of the light. God, so much blood… Head wounds bleed profusely. It doesn't mean anything. She slapped his face a little, calling his name over and over. "Draco, please! Not like this…" she sniffled loudly, crouching over.
"Hermione, are you ok? Please answer!" Hannah's voice sounded frantic over the communicator. "Hermione, are you awake?"
"Hannah! I can't wake him up! He won't open his eyes, Hannah, please, please!"
"Hermione, thank Merlin you're alive! Are you hurt? Can we Apparate in?"
"Hannah, he won't wake up, gods Hanna… somebody help me…" Her voice broke.
"Can we Apparate in? Answer me, Hermione, it's important! Can we?"
"I don't…" She felt the ghost of a touch on her cheek and looked down sharply.
He was mumbling something. Hermione couldn't hear over Hannah's frantic questions, so she switched off the communicator. "What did you say? Are you alright? Malfoy!"
"Mmmm asked if they were f' me. Yr tears, Grngr." He was mumbling weakly, but Merlin, he was alive. She started laughing, then sobbing uncontrollably. "I thought… meant nothin'…" he slurred.
"Malfoy, your wand, where is it, I can't see mine!"
"Dunno… Don't feel soo good... hurts like a bitch..."
Hermione groped around blindly, feeling hysterical and trying to keep a clear head. Then her fingers touched it. "Thank god! Hold on, Draco."
She used every Healing Spell she had ever learned and some she didn't remember learning. Then she closed her eyes, held her breath and waited.
He was cupping her cheek a lot more firmly this time, and she covered his hand with hers. "Come on, I'll help you up."
He got to his feet unsteadily and swayed. She held him up., "You need a proper Healer as soon-"
Loud noises over at the entrance. Somebody was shouting. Hermione switched on her Communicator and Hannah's voice resounded loudly in the cave.
"Hold on, Hermione, we're coming in now!"
She looked at him, eyes wild with panic reflecting off panicked eyes. "Malfoy, go!" She shoved her own wand in his hand. "Go! Now, now now!"
She spun back, facing the entrance, and as she heard the pop of Dissapparition behind her, Dean and Hannah Apparated in front of her.