Promise You Won\'t Forget Me

~Chapter 8: Can't Take It Anymore~

"Captain Jack!"

At Hermione's exclamation, the figure turned to face her and dropped the knife. Captain Jack blinked and stared at Hermione and Ron in confusion.

"Professor Granger? Mr. Carmichael? What are you doing here?"

"We could ask you the same thing!" Hermione exclaimed. "What do you think you are doing, sir? Have you gone mad?"

Jack looked at her, a blank expression on his face. He looked down and saw the knife, then up at the ruined pillows. His gaze traveled from the haphazardly made bed to the cupboards which were in disarray. He looked once more at Hermione and Ron.

"Have I missed something?"

Hermione gaped at him. "You were trying to kill me!"

Jack gaped back. "I beg your pardon? Why would I try to kill you? Besides, you weren't even in here!"

"But I was supposed to be. If I had been in that bed as I was supposed to, you would have stabbed me," Hermione said in disbelief. Jack had been the last one she would have suspected.

"I don't know why I'm here," Jack said bewilderedly. "One moment I was in my cabin, next I'm the Infirmary, chopping up pillows."

Ron was moving about the room, looking in the cabinets, wading through the ocean of butchered feathers. He looked up at Jack's comment.

"Really? No idea? Hmm, I think perhaps you were under a spell, Captain."

Hermione looked at him in surprise. How could he possibly know that? Jack was probably just lying! She opened her mouth to say so, but Ron shook his head emphatically. He knew something, and Hermione was damned if he wouldn't tell her.

"Jack, perhaps you ought to return to your cabin. It's late, and you look ill."

He left without a word. Hermione stared after him, certain he was up to something. As if making an attempt on her life wasn't enough! She started towards Ron.

"What were you doing? He was going to kill me!"

Ron looked at her in disdain and Hermione was taken aback. There was something distinctly Un-Ron about that expression.

"Hermione, that man was under the Imperious Curse. He wasn't acting of his own free will. Someone programmed him to get rid of you, or so it seems. What I'd like to know is why? Why does someone want you dead so badly?"

She was at a loss for words. She hadn't expected Ron to turn on her like that. But perhaps he was only concerned for her safety. Then again, he looked absolutely furious.

"I don't know," she replied honestly. "I really don't know. I suspect it has something to do--"

She stopped herself. She had been about to say, "I suspect it has something to do with you," but that would have led to all sorts of uncomfortable questions. Ron was still looking disgruntled.

"To do with what? Hermione, if we´re going to get along, in whatever way, we can´t keep things from each other. I´ve been nothing but up front with you and I´d like the same from you."

Hermione looked down at her feet. He was right. He deserved the truth, he deserved more than that. But she wasn´t in a position to confess all yet. Besides, she didn´t know if she could trust him. Ron Weasley she could trust, but Ron Carmichael was another story.

"There are still a few more hours until breakfast, Ron. Let´s try to get some sleep."

"That´s not an answer, Hermione," he replied angrily.

"I know," she replied. "But it´s all you´re getting right now."

She walked back to her room and lay down on her bed. She fell asleep quickly this time, and did not wake up for several hours.

* * *

When she did finally wake up, she decided she was quite hungry. She took a quick shower, tied back her hair, put on a pair of pants and a loose blouse, and went for breakfast. She realized that she might have some questions aimed in her direction, and she had better be prepared to fight them off. Recalling the third dead body she had encountered since starting this cursed cruise, Hermione forced down her terror as far as it would go, and resolved not to dwell on it. It was not her problem. She had already gotten herself into enough trouble. What she needed now was some rest and relaxation without the continued interruption of death.

She made her way to the dining hall without being detained. She took a deep breath, thinking that for once on this crazy trip, she might actually get to relax. It was a gorgeous day with the sun shining brightly and the ocean a beautiful deep blue. Hermione even considered going for a swim later, even though it meant being seen in a bathing suit again.

As she entered the dining room, she took a look around and noticed that Harry and Claudia were talking in hurried whispers. At a nearby table, Rita Skeeter was attempting to look as if she wasn´t eavesdropping. The elderly man she had been chatting up the other evening was attempting to engage her in conversation, but she was ignoring him. Alexa and Jean Luc were nowhere to be seen, so Hermione assumed they were together.

Hermione passed by Rita, who instantly sat forward in her seat, smiling at the elderly man at her table. Hermione ignored her and went towards her friends. Harry and Claudia stopped their conversation immediately as she approached. Hermione convinced herself that she didn´t want to know what they had been talking about; it would only lead to trouble.

"Good morning, you two," Hermione said as she took a seat. "What are you two going to do today?"

"Well, Harry wants to see a movie," Claudia said, "but as it´s one of mine, I think I´ll pass. I´m thinking of going to play tennis."

"You mean you don´t like seeing yourself on screen?" Hermione asked in feigned shock.

Claudia laughed. "Certainly not! Every time the camera zooms in for a close up I cringe."

Hermione turned to Harry. "So what will you do now?"

"I considered seeing a film," he replied, "but it´s such a lovely day, that I think instead I´ll go for a swim and catch up on my post cards."

Hermione gaped slightly. It was as if he read her mind. "That´s what I was planning to do as well."

Harry smiled wanly. But then his smile slipped and he stared at something over Hermione´s shoulder. She turned around to see what it was and saw that it was only Ron. She was very disappointed at Harry´s less than pleased reaction. He refused to see what was right in front of his face.

"´Morning, all," Ron said as he approached. "What´s for breakfast?"

"Look at the buffet, Carmichael," Harry said rather rudely. Then he stood up and shoved his chair in. "I´m going for a walk--alone," he added in case Hermione had entertained any notion of following. She hadn´t.

Ron watched him as he stormed out. "What did I say this time?"

"Nothing," Hermione replied, watching Harry´s retreating form as well. "He´s just jealous."

Immediately she clasped a hand to her mouth. She hadn´t meant to say that, it just slipped out! Fortunately, while he gave her a suspicious look, Ron decided to let that comment pass by. Claudia hadn´t been paying attention. Now that she noticed Ron´s presence, she flashed him a smile and indicated that he should take a seat.

"Where is Alexa?" he asked, sitting down. He helped himself to a piece of Claudia´s toast.

"Somewhere with Jean Luc," Claudia replied with a smile. "Where are your friends? I have the strangest feeling I know them from somewhere."

Ron looked up. "Oh, they´ve just entered. Would you like me to call them over?" Claudia nodded. "Blaine! Charlie! Over here!"

The auburn-haired lingerie model and her dark brooding husband walked over. Blaine kissed Ron´s cheek. Charles nodded tersely at Hermione and Claudia as he put his arm around his wife´s waist. Blaine smiled as well, but it was one of her "I´m only humoring you" smiles.

"Nice to talk to you again, Hermione," she said. "I haven´t seen you in several days."

Hermione paled slightly. No, she knows nothing, give nothing away. She´s only trying to get you to admit something. Keep quiet.

"I was ill, but I feel much better," she said.

"Good." Blaine turned to Claudia. "I don´t believe we´ve been introduced. I´m Blaine O´Malley, and this is my husband Charles."

He nodded once more. Hermione would have wondered if he was mute if she hadn´t heard him and Blaine plotting the night she got trapped in the Portal.

Claudia shook her hand. "Claudia Rampart. We´ve met before, Mrs. O´Malley, at a premiere party in Los Angeles."

Blaine shrugged. "I´m sorry, I can´t recall."

Hermione interjected. "Enjoying your honeymoon, Blaine?"

She smiled in acknowledgment of the subtle dig and nodded. "Very much. Only I feel guilty that Ronnie´s been left alone. That´s why I´m glad he found you."

Hermione seethed internally at the woman´s damned gall. Ron didn´t seem to notice anything amiss.

"I still don´t understand why you invited me along, B. Hell, I don´t know why I came," Ron grinned good-naturedly.

Blaine patted his hand. "Because I asked you to, and you love me, silly. Besides, you know you´re like a brother to me and Charlie. We must do something together today, I´ve been neglecting you shamefully."

"You got it, B."

Charles cleared his throat and, to Hermione´s amusement, everyone leaned forward to catch whatever pearls of wisdom were going to come from his lips.

"Darling," he said in a low bass, "we have an appointment, remember?"

Blaine clapped her hand to her forehead. "Oh, I nearly forgot! We must be going," she said to the others, "we have a very important meeting with a potential client and now is the only time he´s willing to meet with us. See you all later, and, Ronnie, you and me, later. What do you say to a game of Truth or Dare?"

Ron groaned. "Not on your life. I hate that game."

"What´s the matter, Ron?" Claudia asked. "It may be a bit childish, but it´s a harmless game."

"Not the way B plays it," he answered. Blaine giggled and kissed his cheek again. Then Charles pulled her from the dining hall. Hermione watched them go through narrowed eyes. She didn´t trust them and if they were truly Ron´s friends...well, she´d do something drastic.

"What are you going to do today, Ron?" Claudia asked.

"I hadn´t planned," he said. "Why?"

"Want to play some tennis with me?"

"Sure. What are you going to do, Hermione?"

Lost in thought, Hermione jumped slightly at Ron´s question. Once he had repeated it, she shook her head.

"I think I´ll go join Harry for a swim. I need to talk to him anyway. Excuse me, I´ll see you later."

She left them and left the dining room. She started towards Harry´s room, but then on second thought she went to her own room instead to change into her bathing suit. She opened her drawers only to discover that her blue one-piece was missing. In its place was a white and purple striped two-piece. Momentarily wondering how Claudia had gotten in to make the switch, she cursed and put on the bathing suit since she had no other. Then she coated herself in sunscreen, put on a robe, and went to the pool.

Since it was still very early and most people were either eating breakfast or still asleep, the pool area was empty--with the exception of Harry. He was swimming laps. Hermione removed her robe and stepped in, shivering slightly at the initial shock of icy water. Harry pretended not to notice her.

"Harry," she said quietly as she waded towards him. He swam past her. "Stop, we have to talk."

"So now you actually want to talk?" he said snidely, abandoning the pretense of ignorance.

Hermione stared at him incomprehensibly. "Why won´t you accept it? That is Ron, and you know it."

"No. What I know is that you´re setting yourself up for a crushing disappointment when it turns out that he isn´t Ron Weasley. And I´m not going to be the one to pick up the pieces."

Tears filled her eyes but she struggled to hold them back. "Why are you acting like this? Harry, what´s wrong with you!"

"Nothing," he said brusquely. "Damn it, Hermione, I´m sick of playing your games. I don´t believe that Ron Carmichael is Ron Weasley. He just isn´t. And you´re only kidding yourself, Hermione. When it turns out that you´re wrong, what will you do?"

Hermione splashed him. "Harry Potter! I am ashamed of you. Don´t you want Ron to be alive? After all this time, aren´t you just a little bit hopeful?"

He wiped some of the water from his face. "No. Because I´m not going to get my hopes up over nothing."

She just looked at him. "I´m not sure I understand you anymore, Harry."

"Well, three years apart can do that to a friendship."

Hermione bit her lip. She had better get this over with. "Harry, are you in love with me?"

Just like that. Harry´s eyes opened wide and he stumbled backward, splashing into the pool. He resurfaced a moment later, spluttering and coughing.

"What?!"

"It´s a simple question, Harry. I used the words, are, you, in, love, with, and me and put them together in a sentence."

He shook himself like a dog and then slicked back his hair with one hand. "I just didn´t think you´d be so forward about it."

"Answer me."

Harry´s familiar green eyes met hers and begged her not to make him do it. But she remained strong and eventually Harry gave in. His tone was listless and dull.

"I don´t know anymore, Hermione. I did, I do, I just don´t know."

Hermione wasn´t sure she had enough courage for what she was going to do next. She started to shiver, and it wasn´t just from the cold. Very slowly she waded towards Harry until their faces were only a few inches apart. She could see the nervousness in his eyes, but there was also something else. Something that looked like satisfaction.

"Then tell me what this means to you."

And she kissed him. It was entirely different than the kiss she had shared with Ron. That had been familiar and gentle. This kiss was rougher, and kissing Harry was like kissing a stranger. She hadn´t expected that. She had known Harry since they were eleven years old.

Harry pulled back first.

"No," he said. "No more. This is wrong. You don´t love me, and you´re only confusing me more."

He swam over to the side of the pool and pulled himself out. Then standing by the edge of the pool, still dripping wet, Harry looked at her.

"Sort out your priorities, Hermione. Stop trying to pick both sides. You have to choose."

And he left. Hermione just stood in the middle of the pool, tears dripping down her face, trying to figure out what had just happened.

* * *

Hermione pulled her robe tighter around her as she made her way back to her room, trying very hard not to break down again. She opened the door to her room, quickly changed out of her suit, and then went to her desk where she pulled out a package of postcards. Taking one out she addressed it to Ginny, and then her quill paused, unsure of what she would write next.

Dear Ginny,

Guess what? I´ve encountered three dead bodies! One person was killed right in front of me. Oh, and Ron´s on board, only he doesn´t remember who he is. Yes, that´s right, Ron, your brother. Harry´s acting strangely and he´s in love with me. I think I might have turned him into an alcoholic. And Voldemort´s still around, he´s vacationing in the Bahamas. Other than the occasional corpse, I´ve been having a smashing time!

Much love,

Hermione

She laughed and shook her head. She couldn´t send that to Ginny. It would only traumatize her. She ripped that postcard to pieces and took out a new one.

Dear Ginny,

How are things at home? I miss everyone very much. Of course, the cruise is wonderful. Harry and I, as well as some of the people we´ve met, have been having a lovely time. Still, I wish you were here, Ginny, dear. Hope you´re enjoying yourself. I´ll write again.

Love from,

Hermione

Instead of making her feel better, Hermione´s postcard of lies and half-truths only made her feel worse. She rubbed her forehead, and suddenly she remembered...

"Miss Granger, pay attention!"

Hermione´s head snapped up and her eyes met those of an enraged Snape. Nervously she glanced over at Harry, and then at Ron, who made a face in Snape´s direction. She couldn´t believe she had fallen asleep in Potions! Of all the classes to take a nap in!

"I´m sorry, Professor," she stammered. "It was an accident."

"Apparently you were up late last night, Miss Granger. Having a late night study session with Mr. Weasley or Mr. Potter perhaps?"

Ron growled and started towards him. Harry, bright red, grabbed the back of his robes and pulled him back into his seat. Hermione looked as if she had been slapped.

"Sir," she said, struggling to keep control on her temper, "what I do during my personal time is my business and you have no right to insinuate anything about myself or my friends."

To her immense surprise Snape didn´t say anything. Without a word he walked away from her table and went on to torture Neville Longbottom. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief.

Ron was looking at her in amazement. "Wow, Hermione," he whispered. "That was wicked! You didn´t even get into trouble for it."

Hermione flushed. "I don´t know what came over me."

"Me either," Harry said, looking awed.

Hermione awoke with a start. She had fallen asleep at the desk. Shaking her head quickly, she glanced at the clock. It was one o´clock already. Remembering her dream she was suddenly filled with new resolve and she marched out of her bedroom, looking for Ron and Harry. It was time to put this to rest once and for all.

However, things did not go as planned. They never do.

"Hermione!" Alexa said cheerfully, waving as she came down the hallway. Hermione tried not to groan.

"Hello, Alexa. What can I do for you?" She attempted to keep annoyance out of her tone.

Alexa didn´t seem to notice anything was wrong. She chatted away happily.

"Jean Luc and I had a wonderful morning. We just went for a walk, but he was so sweet! I have to tell you, Herm, I´m in love!"

Now Hermione stifled a smile. Undoubtedly Alexa would remain in love for a few more days before she fell out of love and moved on to her next victim. She seemed too frivolous to be in love.

"Congratulations," Hermione said, trying to push past her. Alexa continued to stand in her way.

"What do you say we get in that squash game we passed up earlier? I´m in the mood for some physical exercise."

"Then go swimming!" Hermione exclaimed, beginning to grow annoyed. She had to find Ron, something was about to happen, she just knew it!

"Have you seen Ron?" she asked breathlessly. Alexa shook her head.

"Didn´t he go to play tennis with Claudia?"

Hermione stamped her foot. That was right! Damn it, and she probably wouldn´t be able to reach him for an hour at least.

"What about Harry?" she asked, trying to remain calm.

Alexa looked thoughtful. "I thought I saw him in the dining hall."

"Thanks," Hermione replied and ran down the hall.

She was stopped when from around the corner came Blaine and Charles O´Malley. Neither one looked particularly happy, and there was no where for her to run. She would have to face them. This was it.

Blaine was looking extremely beautiful in a blue silk camisole top which showed off her flat, tan stomach, and matching shorts. Charles was wearing a polo shirt and khaki trousers.

"Why, Hermione," Blaine said, pretending to look surprised. "I would have thought that you´d be with one of your friends. Where´s Ronnie?"

"Playing tennis with Claudia," Hermione answered. Was it her imagination or did Blaine look angry at that statement?

Blaine smiled, showing all of her teeth. "Hermione, I think it´s time we had a talk."

And now Hermione was scared. What if she was wrong about everything? She could be placing herself in real danger. She took a breath. There was no turning back.

"I don´t have time at the moment, Blaine, but thanks anyway."

Charles was watching her the way that a hawk watches its prey. It was beginning to make her uncomfortable.

"I really think we should talk. Why don´t we take a walk?" Blaine was still smiling faintly. Hermione stepped backwards, away from that slightly threatening smile.

She stepped backwards into Charles who grabbed her arm rather roughly. Hermione began to struggle, but it was pointless. Charles had an extremely hard grip.

"You do realize that I could scream very loudly, right?" Hermione asked. This was not how it was supposed to go.

"As long as you realize that I have a gun," Blaine replied.

"Oh."

"Now, now, Hermione, let´s not get hysterical. I only want to talk."

"And do you often conduct conversations at gun point?" Hermione spat, shaking with anger. Charles tightened his grasp.

Blaine tsked. "Hermione, come along."

She started walking onto the deck and Charles followed, marching Hermione in front of him. Hermione considered her options and thought about running, but Charles was jabbing a rather familiar piece of wood in her back. She continued to review her options.

"Stop," Blaine ordered. Charles obeyed and let go of Hermione with such force that she stumbled onto the deck. Her eyes were as wide as saucers as she looked up at the mad O´Malleys.

Blaine leaned over and Hermione got a full view of those evil blue eyes.

"Don´t get in our way, Hermione. Leave Ron alone. If you persist in poking your nose where it doesn´t belong, I might be forced to ensure you don´t have a nose to poke." She smiled. "Good day, Hermione." She snapped her fingers.

Blaine and Charles walked away leaving Hermione lying on the deck, watching them incomprehensibly. What had just happened?

People started to flow out of the dining hall and the inner corridors of the ship. Hermione caught snatches of conversations where some people were wondering why the doors had been stuck. Had Blaine sealed them all in just so she could threaten Hermione privately? And would Blaine really have shot her? Did she actually have a gun, or was that a bluff?

Hermione pulled herself up off the deck. She hesitated for a moment and then broke into a run, heading for the dining hall. It was lunch time. Everyone should be there, it was her only chance. The time to keep her head buried in the sand was past. It was nearly time for the final confrontation; she could feel it in every bone of her body.

She burst through the doors, completely disregarding her appearance, in her search for Harry and Ron. Harry could be seen sitting with Jean Luc and Alexa, and Ron was sitting with Claudia. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. They were safe--for now.

But that relief was short lived, because as soon as she had gone to her friends, Blaine and Charles entered the dining hall. Blaine spotted her and smiled.

"Trying to save him, Hermione?" Blaine didn´t speak very loudly, but somehow every word reached Hermione. Then to her horror, Blaine shrugged and pulled out a pistol.

"Have it your way."

And she fired it.