Author's Note: It's been forever since I posted on here. Life sure had a way with keeping me from writing. But, I managed to get a few chapters written up and will hopefully get back into the swing of things. So, just like I said last chapter, these next few ones will bounce around from character couple to character couple. Please note, there is an adult scene in this chapter. As per usual, there will be a warning so that if you don't want to read, you can skip ahead. So, with that said, Read, Review, & Enjoy!
It was dawn when Harry woke to the sound of someone banging on his door. Harry got out of bed and opened to the door to see Hermione. She was fully dressed and tapping her foot.
"Still asleep, I see," Hermione said.
"What do you want?" Harry asked.
"Get dressed," Hermione said, "We're all leaving today."
Harry closed the door and turned back to his bed, his back pressed against the door. "I can't have her," he thought, "But I want her so much."
Hermione had pressed her back to Harry's door, staring at the fireplace in the common room. "This is maddening," she thought, "I can't keep having these thoughts about him."
Hermione twirled the ring on her finger. The ring Jason had given her. She sighed heavily and walked out of the common room into the hallway.
Ginny walked down the steps into the common room to find Jason sitting in a chair, staring at the fire. "You alright, Jason?" she asked, breaking Jason from his trance.
"I'm fine," Jason replied.
"Jason, I'm your friend," Ginny said, sitting down next to him, "You can talk to me."
"How can you still call me your friend?" Jason asked, "I tried to kill you."
"Jason, what has happened to you is by no means your fault," Ginny said, "We are your friends, through and through. True, your darker side tried to kill us, but we don't hold that against you."
"She's right," a voice said from the stairwell.
Jason and Ginny turned their head to see Ron standing there. "We are your friends," he said, "With the war with Voldemort coming, we cannot stand divided. Besides, as I recall, last year we made a magical vow to stand united as a family. And family takes care of one another."
Jason turned back to the fireplace. Ron felt an inner pain. He knew Jason deserved the truth, but to tell him the truth could cause him more damage. Neither path was the right one. "Come on," Ron said, "We have to get ready to depart." Jason and Ginny both stood up and left the common room with Ron.
Cho hadn't slept very well. Her mind had been traveling a million miles a minute. Her heart was crying out for Harry but at the same time couldn't deny her longing for Cedric. She kept thinking about her vision. Could Voldemort really bring Cedric back? If so, what would she do to get him back? Cho exited her office, wiping away tears as Hermione walked by.
"Cho," Hermione said, "Can I talk to you?" Cho nodded as the two walked.
"I know you're upset about what's going on between you and Harry," Hermione said, "But I know things will work out."
"Maybe this trip will mend the gap between us," Cho said.
Hermione wanted to tell Cho about what her and Harry had been doing, but she didn't know how. "He does love you," she said, "He may not admit it right now, but I know he does."
Cho flashed Hermione a brief smile as they walked.
Alice walked out her common room and saw Ron, Ginny, and Jason walking around a corner. Ron walked up to Alice, putting his arms around her waist and kissing her. "Good morning, darling," he said.
"You're pretty happy today," Alice said.
"You and I on a trip by ourselves," Ron said, "Why wouldn't I be a little excited?"
"Vacation is all well and good," Ginny said, "But the trips are to establish alliances for the coming war."
"True," Ron said, "But who says we can't enjoy a moment or two of the trip?"
As they walked, they ran into Hermione and Cho. Jason put an arm around Hermione as they walked. Hermione responded by putting an arm around Jason's waist. She looked at him as they walked. For the first time in a long time, Jason's eyes were brightest of blues. He looked the way he used to, before the Spiritusectum Curse, and it reminded Hermione of why she had fallen in love with him in the first place. Jason looked at Hermione and saw that old familiar look in her eyes. It was the look that he saw on her face the first time they met.
"I remember that smile," Jason said.
"I love you," Hermione said.
"I love you, too," Jason replied.
Everyone walked into the Great Hall to find Draco sitting at the table, talking to Mad-Eye and Lupin. Lupin saw the group and nudged Mad-Eye. Both Mad-Eye and Draco turned to face the entering group. Draco stood up, whispered something to Mad-Eye, and walked towards Ginny.
"Good morning, my dear," Draco said, kissing Ginny on the forehead.
"I must apologize for making you all wake so early," Lupin said, "But you must leave as early as possible. The floo networks are too easily monitored by anyone and flying on a broom is too easily noticed by enemies as well as muggles."
"So what's the plan?" Harry asked, having just walked into the Great Hall.
"A carriage is waiting," Mad-Eye said, "It'll take you all to a port in London where four ships are waiting. Harry and Cho, you will board a ship called the Rising Dragon. It is headed east and will take you to Okinawa, where you will meet your contact, who will take you to Burning Lotus."
Harry and Cho nodded. Cho, not thinking, placed her hand on Harry's wrist. Cho was surprised when Harry moved his hand up and entwined his fingers in hers. Cho smiled, hoping that perhaps their rift could be mended.
"Draco and Ginny," Mad-Eye said, "You will board a ship called the Iceberg Maiden. It is headed north and will take you to Fredrikstad, Norway. There you will meet up with Viktor Krum and he will lead you to Durmstrang."
Draco and Ginny nodded. Draco's mind was not completely in the moment. His thoughts dwelled on what would happen if Death Eaters were at Durmstrang. The Death Eater lifestyle tempted him in the worst way and the last thing he wanted was to be tempted by the idea of returning to his father's side.
"Then why did I choose to go to Durmstrang?" Draco thought.
"Ron and Alice," Mad-Eye continued, "You will board a ship called the Lady of the Sea. It is headed south and will take you to Marseille, France. There you will meet with your sister-in-law, Fleur, and will be taken to Beauxbatons." Ron and Alice nodded.
"This could be like a honeymoon for us," Ron thought.
"As long as we make sure that we do what we're there to do," Alice replied. Ron nodded and kissed Alice on the cheek.
"Jason and Hermione," Mad-Eye said, "You will board a ship called Madame of Good Fortune. It is headed west and will take you to Salem, at which time you will go to Dragonfire."
Jason and Hermione nodded. Jason was looking forward to his return to America. He had unfinished business there. Business that could help him to conquer his inner demons. Having briefed everyone, Mad-Eye and Lupin led everyone to the carriage.
The carriage ride was a silent one. Harry and Cho had tried looking at each other, but recent events kept the two from making eye contact. Jason held Hermione's hand, but stared out the window, his mind elsewhere. Hermione could see that his mind was not in the carriage with her. She was bound and determined to find out what was bothering Jason and help him to put to rest what he was fighting. Ginny had fallen asleep with her head on Draco's shoulder. Draco, too, was staring out the carriage window. His mind rested on the task at hand as well as what would be waiting for him in Norway.
Ron and Alice, though silent on the outside, were carrying on a conversation in their thoughts.
"They seem so grim," Alice thought.
"These missions aren't easy," Ron responded, "Not only getting these alliances, but many of us have ulterior reasons for going on these missions."
"And what's your ulterior reason?" Alice asked.
"I'm one of the few who hasn't got one," Ron replied.
"I know Jason has a reason," Alice said, glancing over at her brother.
"What do you sense?" Ron asked.
"I don't have to read his mind to know why he wanted to go to America alone," Alice answered, "He's going to reconcile with our family."
"You mean Bobby?" Ron asked.
"Yes, he is going to visit Bobby's grave," Alice replied, "But I was actually referring to our grandparents. There was a falling out some years ago. I think Jason's going back to heal the rift. Maybe he can reconcile himself in the process."
The carriage had arrived at the port and everyone unloaded their suitcases. They could see the four ships in dock. The captain of each was sitting at a table nearby. One of them stood up and approached the group.
"Good morning," the man said, a thick Norwegian accent belting out his greeting, "I am Audun Bredesen, captain of the Iceberg Maiden."
Draco stepped forward and shook Audun's hand. "I'm Draco Malfoy," he said, "This is Ginny Weasley. We're to travel on your ship to Fredrikstad."
"Ah, McGonagall spoke to me of you," Audun said, "Let us depart then."
Draco and Ginny turned said their good-byes to their friends before collecting their bags and following Audun onto the Ice Maiden. Audun led them down a corridor to a door. He opened it and ushered Draco and Ginny inside.
"This is one of our best suites on the ship," Audun said, "I hope you will find it to your liking."
"It's beautiful," Ginny said.
"I agree," Draco said, "This will do just fine."
"If you need anything," Audun began, "Simply pick up the phone and ask for me. Enjoy your trip to Fredrikstad."
Draco and Ginny nodded as Audun closed the door. Ginny turned to Draco, a smirk on her face. "I know that smirk," Draco said.
Ginny flung herself onto Draco, causing the two to fall backwards onto the large bed behind them.
xXx...Adult Content Warning...xXx
Draco unbuttoned Ginny's shirt as Ginny, in a fit of sexual frustration, tore open Draco's. Draco rolled Ginny over, pinning her to the bed and kissing her neck. Ginny reached under Draco and undid his belt, ripping it away.
"I've been waiting for this for so long," Ginny whispered.
Draco reached underneath Ginny's skirt, pulling off her panties. Ginny unzipped Draco's pants and grabbed hold of his hard member, making Draco jump a bit. Draco grabbed his wand, aimed it at himself, and muttered, "Gravida Tutela."
Draco placed a hand on the bed to steady himself, looking into Ginny's eyes as he pushed himself inside her. Ginny quickly gasped, a sharp pain overtaking her.
"Are you okay?" Draco asked. Ginny slowly nodded.
"Do you want me to stop?" Draco asked. Ginny shook her head.
Draco slowly moved his hips, thrusting into her slowly. Ginny began to move her hips in rhythm with Draco's. Ginny began to relax as the pain was replaced with pleasure. Ginny flung her arms behind Draco's neck, holding onto him as they moved in a slow rhythm. Draco then began moving his hips faster. Ginny's eyes snapped open as a wave of indescribable pleasure overcame her. Ginny bit her lip to keep quiet, but it was to no avail as she let loose a loud moan, pulling Draco close and sinking her teeth into his shoulder. Draco let out a loud grunt and bit down on Ginny's shoulder as well.
"Good lord, that feels so good," Ginny whispered.
Draco gritted his teeth, trying to hold back his approaching orgasm. Ginny wrapped both her legs around Draco's waist as an electric sensation rocketed up and down her body, causing her to release an earsplitting cry. Draco couldn't hold back anymore. He let out a low growl as he climaxed. Sweaty and completely exhausted Draco collapsed beside Ginny as she curled up next to him.
xXx...End Of Adult Content...xXx
"I love you," Ginny whispered.
"I love you too," Draco replied.
Back at the port, Mad-Eye hobbled over to another man, shaking his hand. "Harry, Cho, come over here," he said, "I want you to meet Choukichi Domen, captain of the Rising Dragon."
"It is an honor to meet you, Harry Potter," Choukichi said.
"How do you know who I am?" Harry asked.
Choukichi reached into his coat and withdrew a wand. "Surely you didn't think word of your exploits wouldn't reach us halfway across the world," he said with a grin, "Now, come, we must depart to Okinawa."
Harry and Cho said their good-byes to their friends. Harry and Hermione did not say good-bye to each other, as they wanted to say as far from each other as they could. Harry and Cho turned and picked up their bags and followed Choukichi onto the Rising Dragon. Harry and Cho followed Choukichi down a hallway until he stopped at a door, opening it and motioning for them to step inside. Harry was awestruck with how magnificent the room was.
"This room is amazing," Cho said.
"If there is anything I can get you," Choukichi began, "Simply tap your wand three times on the door."
Harry and Cho nodded as Choukichi walked out of the room, closing the door behind him. Cho and Harry turned to face each other. "Harry," Cho began, "I want to talk to you."
"Can it wait?" Harry asked, "I got rudely awakened this morning and haven't had a chance to shower."
Cho lowered her head and nodded. Harry walked past her to the bathroom. Before he went in, Harry turned to Cho, a heavily feeling of guilt weighing on him. Harry reached out, wrapping his arms around Cho. All at once Cho felt herself melting into him.
"We'll talk later," Harry said, "I promise."
Harry released Cho and walked into the bathroom. Cho laid down on the bed and closed her eyes, a small smile on her face.
At the port, another man stood up from the table and approached the dwindling group. "I am Everardo Facteau," he said, his thick French accent filling the air, "Captain of the Lady of the Sea."
Ron and Alice stepped forward, shaking Everardo's hand. "I'm Ron Weasley," he said, "This is..." Ron turned to Alice, unsure of what to say. "I'm Alice Weasley, Ron's wife."
"A pleasure to meet both of you," Everardo said, "Come. We must make haste."
Ron and Alice turned and said good-bye as they picked up their bags and boarded the Lady of the Sea. "I wasn't sure how to introduce you," Ron thought. "Which is why I took the liberty of introducing myself," Alice responded.
Ron and Alice walked down the ship's corridor until they reach a door across from where Everardo was standing. "This is our finest suites," he said, "I trust you will find it most enjoyable."
"It's magnificent," Alice said.
"I agree," Ron added, "It's amazing."
"Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything," Everardo said.
Ron laid back on the bed as Alice laid down beside him. "It's nice lying down beside my husband without having to worry about anything else," Alice said, resting her head on Ron's chest. "It is nice, isn't it?" Ron remarked, running his fingers through Alice's hair. They soon grew tired and fell asleep.
Jason and Hermione approached the final man. "I assume that you are the captain of the Madame of Good Fortune," Jason said.
The man stood up and smiled. "You assumed right," he said, "The name's Albert Thomas. I assume you two are the couple I'm taking to Salem." Jason and Hermione nodded. "Well, we'd best get a move on," Albert said, "Time waits for no one."
Jason and Hermione bid good-bye to Mad-Eye and followed Albert onto the Madame of Good Fortune. Albert stopped at a room and opened the door, motioning for Jason and Hermione to step inside. Hermione was amazed with the elegance of the room.
"Isn't this wonderful, Jason?" she asked.
"It is rather impressive," Jason remarked.
"I'll be in the captain's quarters if you need anything," Albert said as he left, closing the door behind him.
Jason sat on the edge of the bed, hanging his head. Hermione sat next to him, putting her head on his shoulder. "Want to talk about it?" she asked.
"There's a lot waiting for me in America," Jason replied, "A lot for me to deal with."
"That's why I came along," Hermione said, "To help you. Jason I know you're beating yourself up for what happened yesterday, but it wasn't your fault."
"Hermione, how many times are you going to make excuses for my actions?" Jason asked, "I lost control of myself and I nearly killed everyone."
Hermione brought Jason's head up so his eyes met hers. "Now you listen to me," she said, "You are not a monster. What has happened to you is not your fault. Whatever business you are going to face in America, I will be there to face it with you. I love you, Jason. Please don't shut me out."
Jason held Hermione close, feeling their hearts beat in unison. "I love you too, Hermione," he said as he held Hermione in his arms.
Mad-Eye watched as all four ships left the port and sailed in their different directions. He worried about them. Each one was going to face their own tests out there and he had a strong feeling that while eight had left, not all eight would return.
A/N: So that was chapter 21. Hopefully cause of the time it took me to get this up, I haven't lost too many of you readers. In good faith, I'll put up another chapter on Monday.