Yo-Ho and a Bottle of...Firewhiskey?

A/N~ Hello lovely readers! Yes I bring you another little ficcy I've had stored on my computer for several months. So after I saw the new `Pirates' movie in July…I had an idea…write a little fic with our favorite wand brandishing characters. I think it has been done before….but I'm not sure. Anyway this is my take on the concept…let me know what you think. Also I have a few one-shots posted so you might want to check those out if you're so inclined. Happy reading!

Hugs and Kisses

FuryOfMedea

Disclaimer~ Mmmm yeah I don't own any of this…sorry to disappoint.

Chapter 1

“50 Men were wounded in the battle from the theft of 5000 gold Galleons from Gringotts last Saturday evening. The culprit, Lord Voldmort is considered extremely dangerous along with his ship `The Horocrux' and his followers the `Death Eaters”, that have thus far not been able to be followed by the ministry. After the theft of the gold, the Dark Lord along with his band of Death Eaters, were trailed for several leagues by Commodore Albus Dumbledore; captain of `The Fawkes” and leader of “The Order of the Phoenix”. The Order has been established to help catch and destroy as many dark wizard ships as possible. The ministry still claims that Voldemort and the Death Eaters are just `simple pirates' and are of no danger to the populace. The `Order' knows better and encourages awareness in all communities. Several ships in Dumbledore's command, `The Stag' along with `The Moon Bayer' followed Commodore Dumbledore in pursuit of the villains. The Aurors on the ships lost said thieves in the heavy fog, just as they passed the bay, three leagues into the open sea….”

“Why would Lord Voldemort need all that gold? It is such a large amount, more than he needs for whatever evil ventures he ensues…right?”

A very bright young witch sat in her private classroom reading the article from the rebel magazine “the Quibbler” and pondered this question. She was forced to hide it among her other books and assignments since it would not be proper for a lady of her station to be seen reading such a paper. Especially when she was supposed to be studying.

But as to the exact reasons why the paper was forbidden to her, there are several in fact. First and foremost, it is only proper for a lady, such as herself to read “Witch Weekly”, for the fashion and household spells and any other gossipy tidbits deemed lady-like. Or “The Daily Prophet”, if permitted by her husband or father.

The Quibbler was founded by a supporter of the `Order of the Phoenix', and was banned by ministry ordinance. They believed it promoted unneeded fear for Lord Voldemort and spread rumors of the Dark Arts in the high seas.

Second her actual station did not permit it, or much else for that matter. Anything that could be considered `fun' could be scratched off the list for the witch. The young woman reading the paper was the Lady Hermione Jane Granger, daughter of Lord Jonathan Granger, Governor of Hogsmeade and surrounding territories. It hosted a large costal community of wizards and the prominent shipping industry for the wizarding world.

The magazine in question was formed by the group of rebels who did not like to sugar coat the true evilness of Lord Voldemort or the abilities of his Death Eaters. He was a powerful wizard who commanded several ships and would have been of high social ranking, a Commodore, had he not been considered a pirate. The Ministry tried to convince the wizarding world that he was just another plunderer and a normal wizard with no exceptional powers, at least not any more. They could not even print his name in the papers, they resolved to `You-Know-Who'. While the Quibbler kept to Lord Voldemort. The Ministry was at a loss about the situation now; they could not cover up the stolen gold or any suggestions as to why he wanted it. They could not cover up what had happened seven years ago, or deny why the Potter family was so famous. But that explanation will come in good time.

For now Hermione sat with her disguised copy of the article, she was a very clever witch and did not want to be caught reading it. The punishment for performing such magic however, was unthinkable. Her wand would be snapped in half, forced to live as a muggle in the magic world. The witches in society were permitted to only know spells and charms for beauty, household duties and the like. They were not to be instructed in matters of defense or any other forms of magic ever. God forbid they should be able to disarm their husbands and fathers!

But Hermione happily and secretly escaped this horrible solitude. At the tender age of thirteen years she had chased off her last tutor, a Ms. Dolores Umbridge and was replace with a Madam Nymphadora Tonks. Madam Tonks, Hermione later found out, was in fact a member of the `Order' and trained to be an Auror. Both of which were forbidden in society, thus intriguing the young witch..

After knowing one another for several months and gaining each other's trust, Madam Tonks began to instruct Hermione like an Auror, in spells of defense, charms and even potions that her station would never permit, ever! And it was all taught in secret. Thus five years later at the age of eighteen, Hermione was well accomplished in magic, most of which was illegal for her to know. This knowledge gave her a small smile inside, that she knew more than she was supposed to know, more than most women did know.

There was one portion of magic Hermione was still mastering. Tonks had taught her how to summon and fight with a Silver Saber, a beam of silver light emitted from one's wand that acted and felt just as a metal sword except it was a beam of light. But you were still be able to cast other spells while the saber was out. However, it was considered better form just to fence with the sabers and not involve other spells. It was the noble thing to do.

Hermione's mind had been taken back to her favorite subject because of the article. Wizarding pirates. She read all she could about them and Madam Tonks had told her fantastic stories from when she was on the high seas with her pirate love. It was all horribly romantic and adventurous, and Hermione could never hear enough. It made her feel rebellious in a society filled with manners and rules, that along with knowing `forbidden magic'.

Madam Tonks walked into he small classroom and smiled when she saw her star pupil lost in her thoughts.

“Probably thinking about pirates again the little bugger…article must have got that started up again.” She thought.

“Interesting article eh Hermione?” Hermione jumped at her tutor's voice and smiled at the older woman.

“Yes it was very interesting. Especially that part about `The Stag' chasing Voldemort…” she smiled shyly.

Tonks sighed, ”Hermione, Hermione, do I need to remind you? You Lady, them pirates. Get the picture?”

Hermione laughed, “Yes I do, thanks Tonks. But I do have one question, what was all the gold for?”

“I really have no idea. I haven't heard from Remus…” Tonks stopped and a pained look crossed her face.

Madam Tonks had once sailed the high seas with her pirate paramour Remus Lupin. He also happened to own and captain `The Moon Bayer', but was now forced by the Ministry to live in exile because he supported Dumbledore and the fight against Voldemort. Being a werewolf didn't help much either. He was the reason Tonks knew so much about pirates and advanced magic, he had taught her most of it and it was he who trained her to be an Auror. He had forced her to go ashore shortly after he was branded a pirate and given a sentence of exile, he wanted her to have a better life. It killed her not to be with him. Lupin's ship rode along with `The Order of the Phoenix' as they hunted down the dark wizards.

Lupin still wrote to Tonks when he could, but tried not to draw suspicion, or interrupt her life as a respectable tutor and governess.

“You miss him don't you?” Hermione laid her hand on Tonks back as the tutor choked back a sob.

“Yes I do, but come now we need to concentrate on your lessons.” Tonks smiled and straightened up.

Both witches pulled their wands and muttered, `saberus' and silver beams of light about three feet long shot from both wands. They looked just like muggle swords, except they were protruding from the wands. The ladies took their positions.

“Unguard!” Tonks slashed forth and Hermione countered swinging her saber down into a graceful arc to meet the tutor's blade with a resounding `clang'.

They continued to fence until the sun hung low in the sky and the world turned pink. The Governor's mansion sat overlooking the bay, watching the sun sink into the waves, the water blazing like fire.

“You did much better today Hermione, you foot work is improving, but you still need to concentrate on your opponent's next move.”

“Yes I know, I'm trying,” Hermione breathed in heavily as Tonks handed her a book.

“What's this?” She flipped to the marked page.

“Thought you might find it interesting is all, good day my lady.” Tonks swept out of the room leaving a slightly shocked Hermione in her wake.

The book was one she had never seen before, ever. She had read almost every pirate book she could get her hands on, but had never seen this one. This book however was not printed but hand written. It seemed to be more of a diary or a personal account. The page in question had a very interesting heading, the most interesting in fact. It was one thing Tonks refused to tell her about, until now.

The Potter's Plunders

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The sea was calm that morning and blue as a cornflower. Ten year old Hermione stood and looked out over the bow of the ship, wanting to see something, anything.

The ship was taking them to Hogsmeade, where her father Lord Granger was to be Governor and command the Ministry's out post there. Hermione did not care where she was going; secretly she wanted to just see a pirate, their flag, ship or anything.

She stared at the water and got lost in her thoughts, as she was prone to do, and brought out of it when she heard a commotion. The crew was hauling up a small lifeboat with a boy in it. He looked to be about her age with jet black hair that was splayed everywhere. He seemed to be unconscious but was still breathing.

Her father pointed his wand at the boy, “Evenerate” he commanded. The boy began to stir and sat up looking frightened. Her father only smiled at him, “Now there young man, no need to be frightened. What happened to you? Why were you adrift in that boat?”

“Attacked…ship…pirates…destroyed…” He stammered and then passed out again.

The crew instantly sprang to life at the mention of pirates, setting up extra watches and taking down the Governor's sails. Not wanting to make a target of themselves.

Hermione was hustled below along with the unconscious boy she was to watch over.

“More like to keep me out of trouble, or from seeing pirates. Honestly they can't be still around here.” She thought grumpily.

She sat in a chair and sulked, occasionally glancing at the boy who had floated up to the ship. He looked like he had been though hell and back. He was bruised and cut all over his body. His clothes were torn and he had a large lightening bolt scar on his forehead. He didn't look to be a merchant's son exactly but not a pirate either. There was something about him she couldn't place.

She found herself hovering over him, when he awoke with a start.

“Who..who are you, w-where am I?” He stammered.

Hermione helped him to sit up, “It's all right, and you're on a ministry ship “The Extractor”, heading to Hogsmeade. I'm Hermione Granger and you are?”

“Harry Potter. Where are my father and my mother? What happened to our ship?”

“I'm sorry Harry, I don't know. All we found was you adrift.”

“Oh” Harry looked down and sighed, a tear slid from his eye and he wiped it away.

“If it makes you feel better, we are less than a day from Hogsmeade, we should be there this evening.”

“Oh,” he replied very slowly as if he was thinking deeply.

“Do you want to talk about what happened?”

“Voldemort. He attacked us, the whole fleet. My Dad told every one to scatter, make them harder to follow. Then Voldemort was on our ship and then there was this green light and then I remember waking up here.” He put his head in his hands and sobbed, “Dad told me and Mum to run and we did but… but I couldn't …”

“Harry I'm so sorry. That's horrible. This Lord Voldemort person seems to be a monster! From what I've heard about him, he can't be human.”

Harry looked up at her and gave her a small smile that she returned.

“You look tired, why don't you sleep some more and I'll wake you when we get into port.” Harry nodded and fell promptly asleep. Hermione watched him and noticed a small gold ball on a chain around his neck. It was about the size of a shooter marble and it faintly glowed a warm golden light.

Hermione woke up the boy when the ship docked into port. He walked down the gangplank with her and looked around like a scarred rabbit looks for a hawk.

“Hermione I need you to do something for me, I need you to keep this.” He handed her the golden glowing necklace and pressed it in her hands.

“I… Harry what is this.. why…?”

“Please I can't explain.Can you just keep it for a few days for me, please? It means a lot to me. It was my mother's.”

“I… yes I will. But how will I find you?”

“Don't worry, I'll find you, just keep it a secret, you can't tell anyone ever.”

“Alright I'll keep it for you.”

“Thanks Hermione”.

Hermione heard her father call her and turned her back to Harry. “I'll be right there father.”

“Harry…” But he was gone; he had disappeared into the crowds.

“Harry..Harry…”she called.

“Harry, Harry… but what...” Hermione woke with a start, breathing hard. It had been a dream, all a dream. Except that it had happened long ago.

Hermione knew from The Quibbler that the Potters owned `The Stag', were with `The Order of the Phoenix' and that they were attacked by Lord Voldemort one day, and that was all she ever read. Madam Tonks told Hermione she would tell her the story one day (“When you're older Hermione!”) since Remus was a good friend of the Potters she had been associated with them before they died. The book Madam Tonks gave her however told some interesting details. Between her memory of Harry and the book from Tonks she was able to piece the whole story together.

One of the Potter's old friends literally `ratted' out their secret hiding spot to the Death Eater's. It was an island that was constantly moving, never in the same place twice. It was also headquarters for the `Order of the Phoenix', Grimmauld Isle.

Lord Voldemort was trying to recruit the entire `Order' to his Death Eaters. Captain James Potter had refused and battled Voldemort to the death. His wife Lily put Harry on a lifeboat and handed him her necklace to keep him calm, but went back when she heard her husband call out in anguish. Lily tried to stand up to Voldemort and protect her son but he sent a killing curse straight to her heart. Voldemort tried to kill Harry after his mother, but there was an odd explosion when he did and the next thing Harry knew he was on a lifeboat in the middle of the sea.

Harry gave Hermione his mother's necklace for safekeeping from Death Eaters and then disappeared to find his Godfather, Sirius Black. It took him only a few hours to find Sirius and his ship `The Dog' tied up at the docks. Incidentally the name of the ship had been a long-standing joke since Sirius was known to love and I mean really love women. Several a week in fact. And it was also the animal he was able to change into.

Harry was taken away and raised on Grimmauld Isle by Sirius and James' other friend Remus Lupin, teaching him to be an Auror like his father had been. They had also been friends with Peter Pettigrew, until he sold them to Voldemort. Peter had the ability to turn into a rat and was able to get information that way to benefit the Dark Lord. Harry had planned to fight Lord Voldemort along with the Ministry of Magic to avenge his parents. `The Stag' was repaired by magic and set out onto open waters with Harry as Captain-to-be when he came of age. Unfortunately a year or so after Lord Granger became Governor, the Aurors were divided. Minister Fudge made many laws concerning auror authority and where they stood on Lord Voldemort. The Minister was denying that he had any power at all and that he was no threat to the magical community. Many Aurors had seen first hand how powerful Voldemort really was and thus the internal war erupted. You were either with the Ministry or with the Order. Those who went against the Ministry were branded as pirates and sentenced to the gallows or into exile.

The towns and people were forbidden to trade with other ports unless they swore their allegiance to the Ministry, thus cutting off the pirates' funding for the ships and initially `The Order'. Large taxes were also placed on certain magical items to prevent any stockpiling by `The Order' against the Ministry. It was an attempt by the Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, to get rid of the up-risers. It had no effect however; people will get along by any means necessary. So began rum running and smuggling of different goods and association with those of ill repute.

The wizard pirates were born almost overnight and they had been making headlines for the last ten years.

Because of the laws and ridiculous taxes, Harry grew up being pirate of sorts, plundering the rich to help the poor (and keep his ship in shape), hunting down Death Eaters and the occasional illegal trading of homemade rum and other items should he come across them. The rum was courtesy of his crewmate Seamus Finnigan, who could charm it out of water.

`The Stag' was still in league with `The Order of the Phoenix', hence its appearance in the Quibbler. Harry himself however appeared in a few articles on the `Witch's Pages', the ladies' area of the Quibbler. He was said to be dashing, handsome, adventurous and quite the playwizard. What witch wouldn't be enamored? Hermione for one thought it was utter rubbish, or she hoped it was. The man in the Witch's Pages did not seem to be much like the courteous, scared boy she met on the ship that day.

Hermione sat up in bed, still reeling from her dream. She was able to piece together what had happened that day they found Harry from her own memory and the information in Tonks' book. After all, no one knew it was she that had the necklace. Harry had never come for it.

She suddenly became panicked, was the necklace still in its hiding place? She rolled out of her four-poster bed and dove under it. Her large orange cat, Crookshanks was dozing directly under where Hermione slept. She had to move his large bulk to even get under the bed!

She crawled to the spot where the rugs ended and revealed about a foot long strip of wood floor. She popped up one of the planks and pulled out the necklace from the small crevice in the floor. The golden ball however, was not glowing. It hadn't since the day after Harry left it with her. It now looked like a chunk of amber set in gold. At least it didn't look important, and that way no one would think it to be dangerous.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Weeks had passed since she had the dream about sailing to Hogsmeade, about meeting Harry. There was also nothing more in `The Quibbler' about Voldemort's attacks, nothing was happening. It was all too quiet, too still to feel safe. The Daily Prophet only reported that some gold was stolen but did not illustrate any further on the matter. Not much surprise there.

Madam Tonks and Hermione were paying attention to their lessons again (and they were the boring type), of manners, writing technique and other tedious ladylike skills.

It was after lunch and hours before dinner when Hermione nodded off while Tonks was teaching. The tutor smiled and shook her pupil awake.

“Hermione, wake up. We really should finish this lesson.”

“Oh Tonks I'm so sorry, I just… ah…it' so…”

“Yes this is dreadfully boring isn't it? Well then lets do something else shall we? We actually can pick this up later.”

Hermione thought it best to ask some questions that had been forming since she read the book Tonks gave her along with the article.

“Tonks, why does Minister Fudge want to discourage the power of Lord Voldemort?”

“One word, ego! He wants to be the one to sound the alarm, not let Commodore Dumbledore have that glory. It also means dealing with a great danger that he wants to ignore. It would cause a great panic, again. He isn't man enough to face that reality.”

“Why did he outlaw `The Order', they are trying to get rid of Voldemort right?”

“Yes, Dumbledore suspects that Voldemort is planning something very important. Something that will help him take over the magical world and do what he wants, get rid of who he wants. As for why? The Ministry is afraid of a take-over by `The Order'. Like I said it's mostly ego on their part.”

“But he can't do anything yet because he is obviously looking for something, to help him. That something, rumor has it, belongs to Harry Potter, or is Potter himself, right?”

“Hermione you are too smart for your own good.” Tonks smiled, “Yes that night Voldemort attacked the Potter's ship and tried to kill Harry, something went wrong and it backfired. Voldemort has taken years to recover and now it looks like he is out to take over again. He has been too weak these last nine years, but now, we are in great danger.” She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

Hermione nodded in response.

“Is Harry what they make him out to be in the Witch's Pages? When I met him he seemed to be so…nice and not at all capable of doing anything wrong.” she asked timidly.

Tonks laughed out loud, “Oh well sort of, I mean they do exaggerate a great deal to make him more fanciable for the women. He is defiantly gossip worthy. But all that Boy-Who-Lived talk and what he does on the high seas is true. He may be a little rough but it's how he survives and gets rid of evil. He never does anything wrong without a very good reason. Remus and Sirius have taught him well in all aspects.”

“Just like you taught me?” she gave a wry smile.

“Yes milady, just like I taught you.” She smiled back.

“Tonks, umm do you trust Lord Lucius Malfoy? Or his son Sir Draco for that matter?”

Madam Tonk's features darkened and she replied through clenched teeth, ”Why?”

“There…there is something about then that scares me, the way they look at me and what might be going on in their heads…”

“There has been talk for years that they are both Death Eaters, but there is no proof. I am positive Lucius is very friendly with the Dark Lord and Dumbledore agrees. He is also very friendly with Minister Fudge, pushing Galleons down his throat to keep him happy. Why do you think the Minister denies the return of Voldemort, Lord Malfoy tells him its impossible! Right little puppet our minister is.”

“Mmm yes that make loads if sense. You know his son Sir Draco is considered a suitor of mine?”

“Oh little Draco, yes with his own little boat and ministry approved Aurors at his disposal. Just like his father, does everything he is told; probably does a lot of dirty work if you ask me! Most of those so called Aurors in their crews are Death Eaters in disguise. Stay away from him Hermione, he's hazardous to your health.”

Hermione smirked, “Yes that sounds a lot like Draco, cowering in his father's shadow.” Tonks nodded in response.

“I was wondering just as much. There is that dinner tonight; all of father's friends will be there, even the Malfoys.”

“Yes, from what I've heard Lucius does seem adamant about you for his son. That makes me very nervous. Why you?”

“Ummm..” Hermione was at a loss for words.

“I'm not implying that you aren't perfect or anything,” Tonks smirked and Hermione giggled, “But why you when there are other girls easier to engage to young Malfoy? He could have been married two years ago! Pansy Parkinson's father had several meetings with the Malfoy's about marriage. The question is, why hold out to try and get just you.” Tonks gave Hermione a questioning glance. “What do you have that they don't? What does Malfoy want from you.”

“I uhh have no idea. Honestly I wish I knew.”

Tutor and pupil fell into a silence and thought about what was to come that night and only gave each other small glances, a silent conversation only they could understand. Madam Tonks was afraid for Hermione and for their way of life. She also feared for Remus, her love, who she had not received word from in over a month.

Hermione thought about the dinner and how she longed to get away, far away from all of the polite conversations and the ways of being The Lady Hermione. She wanted to be just Hermione, to have an adventure, once. Just to live and know she wasn't dead from the monotonous life she held.

The clock in the room struck four in the afternoon and brought both women out of there dreams of being far away from that little room in that big house in all of that pomp and circumstance.

But what was to come that evening was even more than they both imagined.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The early evening was cool, the sea was calm and a light breeze danced along the sails of `The Stag' in the setting sun. Harry Potter stood on deck looking out onto the colony of Hogsmeade, watching for any odd movement in the harbor.

“Are you sure about this Harry?” A tall red head approached the captain and gazed in the same direction.

“Yes, Ron. I am. Snape heard their planning to do it tonight, it is the only chance Lucius will have to get into the house and look for it.”

Ron only nodded his head in response.

Ronald Weasley was Harry's First Mate on ship and best friend in all other arenas. They had met shortly after his parent's deaths and the entire Weasley family now rode on his ship.

“How are we going to get into said party? I mean its not like out wanted posters boast us as preferable guests.”

Harry smiled, “Oh I have a plan for that, or should I say Fred and George have a plan for that. They are masters of disguise you know; with a few spells your hair is a different color and then your eyes. You can grow an inch or two...”

“Polyjuice?”

“Yep.”

“Whose hair?”

Harry smirked maliciously, “You'll see.”

Ron grunted in response, “Uh huh.” He paused, “Harry how do you know that it is at the party at the Governor's mansion? I mean that's an odd place for it to be don't you think?”

Harry was caught off guard, he had never explained how or why or who. Just where it was and how important it was to get it back.

“I… uhh I just know Ron that's all.”

“Uh huh. So tell me mate, exactly how did you lose this valuable piece of family history eh? Did it just slip out of your hand right after you mother gave it to you? Then some servant girl picked it up and kept it?”

“Watch it Ron…” Harry was tense.

“Oh yeah I know about her. I overheard the Malfoys talking about her at the Hog's Head a few nights ago, seems ole' Lucius saw you talk to a girl, before you disappeared. He said she looked like she was a servant for a rich family.”

“He…WHAT! YOU NEVER TOLD ME…” Harry was furious that his best friend would with hold such important information, even thought they already knew about it before then. It was the principle of the matter.

Ron cut him off, “WELL THEN TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED! All you ever talk about is `finding it', never how you lost it or know how to find it. It would be nice to tell your best mate at least.” Ron slumped his shoulders, Harry never hid things from him.

“Ron, I …look I should have told you exactly what I did with it, but I didn't know it was going to be difficult to get it back. I thought she was just a house girl at the time… I didn't know she was…”

“You've lost me mate. It's as though you're telling me this girl isn't who she says she is. What is she… a bloke in drag?”

Harry sighed and in a low voice explained that whole day. From being found adrift to meeting Hermione and then asking her to hold on to the necklace for him. At the time he thought she was a servant girl, she was dressed in a modest cotton dress with no jewels. And why would a young lady be on deck of a ship, unless she was a servant traveling with her employers?

It wasn't until years later when he thought to go back and find her did he realize she was the Lady Hermione, daughter of an important political figure, who supported the Ministry. This made things much more difficult.

Ron's eyes were wide when Harry finished his story, ending with his recent knowledge of the necklace's keeper.

“So you gave her the necklace to keep safe for a while and when you come back, you find out she's a Lady, the Governor's daughter, keeping a pirate's necklace.” Ron burst out laughing.

“Yes” Harry replied weakly running a hand through his messy hair.

“You've really done it this time mate. Fred and George will be so proud, a pirate taking a favor from Governor Granger's daughter. That is better than anything you could have made up.”

“I'm so glad your amused Ron.” Harry replied tensing up again.

“No really Harry I'm sorry mate. I should have told you about Malfoy.”

“I should have told you about... you know. Promise you won't say anything to anyone else.”

“The Captain Harry Potter, the great wizard and the Chosen-One, doesn't want to admit he needed help from a witch? Or is it you don't want to involve one more person is this dangerous scheme? Or is it both?”

“Yeah something like both.” Harry mumbled.

“So what time does this party start?”

“In about an hour, we better go get ready. Don't forget to bring Lupin and Sirius's wands. They'll need them when we break them out of jail.”

Ron looked at his friend slightly confused, “Why exactly did they get themselves locked up, willingly again?”

“They just took a stroll in front of the Auror office and being wanted for pirating and all, got caught rather quickly. But, you'll understand when we get there, this plan is genius if I do say so myself. ”

“Harry…” Ron sent a warning tone.

“Ron, trust me. Tonight we are going to make our beloved Lupin and Sirius be in two places at once if you get the drift.” Harry winked and flashed Ron a thousand watt smile that made most witches weak in the knees.

Realization dawned on Ron who smiled back, “Yes Harry that is pure genius. Lets go get ready!”

The two boys walked down to the Captain's cabin to change into the party clothes and down the glasses full of potion.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione was in her room being tied up in her corset when Tonks came flying in saying she needed a moment with Lady Hermione.

The house elf hopped off the bed and left the two women alone.

“Tonks what's wrong?” Hermione looked at her friend's tear stained face.

“Her..Hermione, he's here, in the jail!” she stammered thought sobs.

“Who's in jail?”

“Remus!”

“What! How did this happen?”

“I heard he was captured along with Sirius Black earlier tonight, without their wands! They were walking in front of the Auror Office. Oh Hermione, something's wrong! Please promise me to be careful around Malfoy tonight at dinner! He's up to something, they all are! And I am afraid it has to do with you.”

“But why me? What importance am I...”

Tonks had calmed down considerably and was able to think like the dark wizards did.

“Hermione, if they kidnapped you…” Tonk's eyes told her the rest and Hermione nodded in understanding.

If the Death Eaters kidnapped her, they would have leverage for a takeover and be able to search easily for whatever it was they wanted.

“Oh.. err right. Say Tonks?”

“Yes?”

“Have you ever been to a fancy dinner?”

“Oh not really why?”

“Would you like to?” Hermione grinned mischievously and Tonks nodded an affirmative.

“Yes well we best get ready then shall we Lady Hermione?”

“Yes I think we shall.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In the Harbor all was quiet at this time of day. The crews were in pubs having a drink with dinner and possibly the company of a young lady. The captains were writing in their logs or enjoying a quiet meal. The only movement was of that on board a small but grand ship, `The Ferret'.

There were lights on in the captain's cabin as Draco Malfoy dressed for dinner and was briefed by his father.

“Draco, your orders are to get the necklace from the mansion and then bring it back to me and then set sail for our island. You will have ample time to search while I distract the Governor and his daughter. Check the servant's quarters first then the safe…”

“Yes father I know how to find something,” Draco drawled as he put on his dinner coat.

“I am not joking Draco, this is your only chance, and your last chance. After that incident with Dumbledore, you couldn't even get a shot off. It is embarrassing, and then McNair had to bail you out, we didn't even succeed! Dumbledore is still alive. At least no one saw you and they think he is a cracked old fool or you would have ruined this plan as well.”

“Alright father I will succeed, but only if you keep Potter out of my hair for one bloody evening! That damn pirate is always mucking up my plans, he was the one who foiled...”

“Enough of your whining. Just find the servant girl and get the necklace from her!” Lucius swept out of the cabin and headed for the rowboat to head to the party.

“I will succeed father, and kill Potter while I'm at it!” he muttered under his breath.

Taking a last look in the mirror, Draco headed off to the dinner party.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“This is a very enjoyable evening, wouldn't you say Padfoot?”

“Yes I would Mooney. The décor of bars and stone are particularly my taste. And I must complement the chef on the gruel, very delectable.”

Lupin and Sirius sat in a jail cell biding the time until the appointed hour when Harry and Ron would rescue them. And the plan would be set in motion.

“Do you think this plan will work Sirius?” Lupin looked at the moon that was half full and sighed.

“I hope so, he's been planning it for several weeks now.”

“Do you really think a servant girl found the necklace like he claims?”

“Doubt it.”

“I have a suspicion as to really has the necklace, even though your Godson has conveniently forgotten her name.” Sirius shifted in his seat to face his friend, “Oh really, who?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Hermione”, Tonks sighed as she fluffed out the periwinkle dinner dress, “Are you sure this is going to work, I don't know if I can be you for even an hour.” She looked in a mirror and a reflection of Hermione looked back at her.

“Yes it's only for an hour, you can mingle and keep better tabs on Malfoy while I sneak around the house and make sure that no one is sneaking around the corridors. When the clock strikes ten just excuse yourself with a headache and come up to my room and change back. Then we can sneak down to see Remus with me excused from dinner and knowing the halls are clear.”

“Alright, but here I want you to dress in this.” Tonks held up a simple linen dress in a light blue. “That way you won't be recognized in the halls. They will think you are a servant. Just wash off your face paints and let your hair down and comb it out.”

When Hermione was changed and washed and combed, she no longer looked like a china doll of a Lady. Her brown eyes sparkled and her hair fell in soft curls and waves halfway down her back. She was just Hermione and she loved it. No one would think she was nobility; for once she could be a normal person.

Tonks and Hermione went their separate ways in the hall; one as lady of the court to an evening of dancing and fine food, the other as a mere servant in search of adventure.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Remus Lupin and Sirius Black waked into the large party at the Govoner's mansion and gave the names of Sir William Bloom and Mr. Jack Depp.

No one stared or took notice since they were dressed in such finery, not one thought those gentlemen could ever be a pirate. Besides, only the Lord Granger, the Captain Auror and a few guards knew about their capture earlier and could even recognize them after all these years. Lupin and Sirius avoided all of their eyes.

“Alright Harry?” Lupin whispered to Sirius.

“Never better Ron, now lets make our way through this crowd to those doors. They have to lead to the rest of the house where we can find the necklace.”

Ron as Lupin nodded in agreement and the two made their way through the crowd stopping every now and then for polite conversation with the other guests.

Harry took notice of the brown haired witch standing next to the Governor. He only got a side glimpse of her, and she was surrounded by the Malfoys and another guest, but he knew it was the Lady Hermione. She was in a periwinkle dress with made-up face and hair piled on her head in braids and tight curls. She wearing stunning black pearl jewelry that forced Harry had to subdue his pirate urges to wonder how much he could get for them. Instead he occupied himself with the punch bowl and watching the guests.

Tonks stood next to `her father' as she talked to both of the Malfoy's and held them in tight conversation.

Draco finally excused himself to refill his glass of punch but headed for the double doors, and slipped though them almost undetected.

“Well well Mr. Black, I see young Malfoy really is after the same thing we are.”

“Should we follow him?” Harry smiled Sirius's pearly grin.

“Yes, but we best hurry, we don't have much longer with the potion.”

The two boys as men took off for the double doors. Also thought to be undetected.

Tonks was wondering where Draco disappeared to and started to look around the room when she saw something that made her heart stop.

“Remus! ”.

She saw Remus and Sirius head for the double doors that opened up to the living quarters of the mansion. Tonks looked at the clock, technically she had a half an hour to go until she left but she decided to cut it short and follow her pirate love.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Hermione thought that her plan was going rather well so far. There were about twenty minutes to go and no sign of anything or anyone in the halls. No boogey men out to get her that night she thought.

She was just about to give up when she heard the door to the party open and Draco sneak in and head to the servant's quarters.

“What? I'm not down there and he knows it! What does he want down there…”

She followed quietly behind him, not seeing the two men come in moments later.

“Alright Ron, go down to the jail and free Sirius and Lupin, then meet me back up here with them.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Make sure Malfoy doesn't find what he's looking for.”

“Okay I'll be about ten minutes.”

Harry nodded and both went their separate ways.

Tonks as Hermione came in right after the boys and saw Lupin head towards the holding cells. She forgot she wasn't quite herself and followed him quietly waiting for the opportune moment to get his attention.

Ron as Lupin reached the jails and found only one guard attending them. After all there were only two prisoners and they were wandless.

He crept up behind the dozing guard, wand raised and muttered “Stupefy”, the guard slumped over unconscious. Ron grabbed his wand and inserted it in the lock to let out Sirius and Remus.

“Well done uhh me... which one are you?” Lupin asked.

“It's me who did you think it was going to be? Harry just had to be Sirius!” Lupin only starred at his Ron-self and Sirius giggled.

“I think it's a little creepy don't you Moony? So how long did you two fight over who'd be who?”

Ron muttered something that sounded like “Five minutes… flipped a coin, lost twice”, Lupin smiled as they made their way back up to Harry.

Harry was skulking around in the servant's quarters after Malfoy and had the distinct feeling he was not alone in the shadows but could not make out who else was there, if they were friend or foe.

Draco had not found it in this room, cursed and headed towards Harry as Sirius who hid in the darker shadows as not to be seen.

Hermione had a funny feeling about what was going on, that they weren't here for her. Tonight it was for something else.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Lucius Malfoy nervously looked at the clock, he hoped that Hermione had gone to bed and not seen Draco. The party was winding down and the guests began to leave. Lucius left as soon as he could and made his way to his own ship, `The Manor'. When he reached the harbor he sent a message with blue sparks to the Death Eaters on board to come ashore and assist with the capture of the necklace.

Tonks was still walking the halls as Hermione and was slightly tuned around; she had never been in this part of the mansion before. She headed back to Hermione's room since the hour was almost up.

Hermione sat in the shadows and took shallow quiet breaths until she was sure Draco was a ways down the corridor. Then she followed.

Harry waited until he could see her properly and thought she looked familiar, was she the girl he gave the necklace to?

No that was impossible; he gave it to Hermione the Governor's daughter, who was at the party. He had seen her. This girl was just a servant, he thought.

Draco headed to Hermione's room on a small hunch and some gossip he heard from Pansy Parkinson about Hermione having the necklace.

“Those witches talk about Potter as much as they possibly can! I don't see what's so special about him. I did love that rumor that he and Lady Granger might be secret lovers though, that one was good for a laugh. Little Miss Perfect- Lady and Pirate Potter! Yes that would be fitting of Scarhead wouldn't it? Won't those gossip mongers squeal when I marry Hermione after the Dark Lord takes over!”

Draco searched though her jewelry case while Hermione snuck in and hid behind the door while Harry crept behind her and into the closet unseen.

Tonks was heading back to Hermione's room after almost getting lost in the dungeons. She was fretting about telling her she had seen Remus and Sirius and was extremely surprised to turn on the lamp in Hermione's bedroom and find Draco Malfoy rifling though her drawers.

The two stood staring in shock at one another until two Lupins and a Sirius came though the door, and another Hermione was revealed when Sirius closed the door. Finally another Sirius jumped out of the wardrobe when the bedroom door slammed shut. All wands were drawn, and everyone was surprised to say the least.

None of them spoke for a minute as they each took in the scene. Finally Malfoy broke the silence, “What the bloody hell is going on here?”

Harry as Sirius spoke up and the potion started to wear off as he did, “That is an excellent question Malfoy. What are you doing in here? I know what you're looking for, but if you remember the story correctly I gave it to a servant girl, not the Lady of the house.”

Hermione held her breath and looked at Tonks who shrugged. Malfoy's mouth dropped open when he saw the scar coming back on Sirius's forehead and Harry's voice come out of his mouth.

“Potter! But what...”he started but was cut off by a shrieking Hermione.

“Will someone tell me why there are two Remus's, and two Sirius's in here and why, some of them are not in jail!” Tonks finally found her voice.

“It was part of the plan, get someone on the inside, make it so they couldn't possibly be in two places at once. Perfect alibi, anyone who argues it is thought to be nutters.” One of the Lupin's replied.

“Ron, is that you?” she asked.

“Yep, but uhh what… Tonks?” The potion had worn off Ron as well as Harry. Now there was only two Hermione's left until Tonks screwed up her face and popped back to herself.

Draco was starring in shock, “But then where was Lady Hermione.. I was talking...”

“I was walking the halls, waiting for something like this to happen. Tonks was keeping an eye on you and your father.” Hermione gave a smirk that Tonks returned.

“Wait, you're Lady Hermione?” Harry asked.

“Of course she is Potter, don't you recognize her?” Malfoy smiled evilly.

“Yes I am Hermione! I asked Tonks to pose as me so any one would think I was just a servant walking the halls. I guess it worked better than I though if I fooled The Great Harry Potter. Don't you remember me Mr. Potter?”

“I do now, though I don't remember you being this cheeky when you were younger, or as... umm” Harry stopped himself from saying `pretty'.

Hermione only smirked at Harry, “Well if I could fool you I guess I could fool anyone. I guess I'm as clever as every one insists.”

Lupin and Sirius chuckled and Ron smiled. Harry rolled his eyes and turned to Draco, looking like Christmas had come early.

“Well Malfoy, you have just been found with sticky fingers in the Lady Hermione's jewels, so we are obligated to make dammed sure you are arrested. Hanged if we can umm swing it? Harry retorted.

Ron shook his head and groaned quietly at Harry's pun.

“NOT UNTIL I GET THE NECKLACE!” Malfoy shouted and pointed his wand at them. Harry took a more serious stance and centered his wand on Draco.

“What necklace are you all talking about?” Tonks was confused and looked to Remus for an answer.

“Harry dropped something that Voldemort thinks is important, but it means nothing, just a family heirloom.” Lupin smiled at Tonks who got the notion and didn't move a muscle.

“Liar! Where is it, I know a servant girl has it.” He advanced on Hermione, “It's your house, where is it, I need that necklace!”

Harry took a few steps in Hermione's direction, “She doesn't know where it is, I came to get it years ago and she had never seen it. Right Hermione?” He had thought about that beforehand.

Everyone looked at Hermione and she had to fight the urge to grab the gold necklace around her neck. The chain was long and the pendant was tucked into her corset, safe and sound. She had put it on to go with her dress that evening and forgot to take it off.

“I never saw any necklace you all are on about.” She was able to hold her voice steady and even sound flippant about the whole thing, shocking herself most of all.

Harry's eyes flicked to her brown ones and to the chain around her throat and he knew she was wearing it. He took another step in her direction; he was only three feet away from her, waiting for Malfoy to try something. “Bloody hell… this is not good… keep Malfoy talking.”

“Then why are you here tonight Potter?” Malfoy snarled. Harry couldn't lie very fast but Hermione could. Call it a skill of a misspent youth, trying to please other nobles she couldn't stand.

“They heard about your plot to kidnap me at the party, that's why Tonks and I switched. We figured it would be a nasty surprise for Voldemort when he had her instead of me.” She smiled triumphantly and Harry was impressed.

Before any of them could say another word there was a huge explosion from the party room and the ground shook.

Lucius and his Death Eater friends had attacked Hogsmeade to cause confusion so they could get away with the necklace and show that Voldemort was indeed back with full force.

The force of the blast knocked them all to the ground.

Malfoy took off out the shattered window while Lupin grabbed Tonks who immediately picked up a frightened Crookshanks that had shot out from under the bed and Harry reached for Hermione.

“Back to the ship now!” Harry called out as he grabbed Hermione's hand. The group ran down the hall though the deserted party and the middle of town to the harbor. Hermione knew her father would be fine, she knew she had to get the necklace somewhere safe first. All this trouble meant it was probably very important, worth dying for.

There was a scramble when they got down to the docks a few minutes later and they were separated in the mêlée of witches and wizards. Hermione's hand was torn out of Harry's and she was swept away in the moving crowd. Everywhere people were trying to escape the attacking Death Eaters coming from a ship anchored there. Aurors poured from boats; she knew they were probably in The Order and other cam in from headquarters in town. Hermione looked around for Harry, this was the second time she had lost him at the docks.

She felt hands around her waist and a wand in her back. Next thing she knew she was in a full body bind being carried to a rowboat at the end of the dock by Draco.

He put her in the boat and covered her with a tarp, tapped the rudder and sailed out to `The Ferret' that was anchored near the mouth of the bay.

He poked his head under the tarp halfway to his ship, “You gave me a great idea Milady, I may not have the necklace but I now have the Governor's daughter to bargain with.” He laughed a cold hard laugh and Hermione was rethinking her desire for adventure.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry's hand had been torn from Hermione's when they were nearing his ship. He lost her in the sea of people scattering to safely. He called out to her but she did not answer him. He saw Lupin, Ron, Sirius and Tonks holding Crookshanks in a small boat waving him over, waiting to row out to the ship.

“Have you seen Hermione, Lupin?”

“No, Harry I thought she was with you.”

“She probably got grabbed by one of her guards, I'm sure she's fine Harry. We have to hurry back! We have to catch up with Malfoy!” Sirius reassured him.

Harry jumped in the boat and tapped his wand to the side. Magically they were propelled to `The Stag' and boarded. Sirius's and Lupin's ships were anchored farther out to sea, at the ready to chase down Draco.

Sirius jumped onto `The Dog” and Lupin rowed Tonks and himself to `The Moon Bayer'. Tonks put Crookshanks in the Captain's cabin and scurried back on deck to help the crew.

Back on his ship, Harry grabbed his spyglass and saw the Death Eaters running for their rowboats to head back to their ships.

“They're retreating! We need to catch the ship before it leaves her harbor.” Harry shouted to his crew. They pulled up the anchor and readied the sails. This was done in the blink of an eye because of magic. Harry sent Hedwig to `The Moon Bayer' and `The Dog' with messages for their Captains to apprehend any Death Eater ships.

Harry saw that Dumbledore's ship `The Fawkes' and several other `Order' ships were in hot pursuit of the Death Eaters already. They had docked and Order members were invading the warfs and overpowering the evil wizards, hence their retreat. Harry spied Dumbledore on board his own ship giving orders and calling for the Order members to charge. The only ships in any position to sail right away were Harry's, Sirius's and Lupin's.

Harry finally spotted the two Malfoy ships near the mouth of the harbor and set course towards them. Little did he know what cargo `The Ferret' really held.