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

A/N~ Hello everyone! First of all I want to give my wonderful, fantabulous readers a big THANKS! For all the lovely reviews! They were awesome! I noticed a few people liked the names I gave Harry and Ron in disguise, William Bloom and Jack Depp. I have a confession to make…when I was writing it I kinda just stuck those in there meaning to give them something better later but never changed it! I guess you guys liked them after all!

I am updating this and “If Life Gives you Lemons…” today because I start my semester next Tuesday and will return to the college grudge. Oh goodie.

So sorry to say but from now on the updates on my stories will be a little slower, also I have run out of all my pre-written chapters. And no so much of an apology as an explanation but I'm taking three 400 level English classes and re-taking my Anatomy and Physiology class. And that A&P lab is a tough class in itself besides the lecture class. So I'll have my hand full with that and working and trying to keep my readers happy so I ask for your patience on the updates. But they will come, promise!

So my readers, enjoy and please review!

Hugs and Kisses

FuryOfMedea

On board `The Manor', the final boatloads of Death Eaters climbed aboard and they set full speed ahead for the Malfoy's private island.

Lucius looked back and saw his son's ship also begin to move at the same speed. He hoped his miserable offspring had obtained the necklace. He wrote a quick note and sent it with the eagle owl to `The Ferret', hoping he would not be disappointed.

A soon as the rowboat was hoisted up, Hermione was pulled aboard `The Ferret' and shoved into the Captain's quarters, protesting at full volume the entire time. Draco set his ship full speed ahead and saw `The Stag' moving to follow him. Draco went down to the rowing decks and commanded his house elves to row the oars faster. He preferred to use rowing house elves than depend on the wind. He wasn't smart enough to know to use magic to make wind blow in the sails. Goyle cracked the whip and the ship took on speed. Draco walked back on deck marveling in his genius plan when his family owl came into sight. The note was his father asking if he had the necklace. Since he didn't, he decided not to answer and just show his father the lady.

The Malfoy's ships finally met up with no Potter or `Order' ship in sight. Lucius tied on to his son's ship and boarded.

Draco met his father on deck looking apprehensive.

“Well Draco, hand it over.”

Draco snapped his fingers and Crabbe and Goyle brought a struggling Hermione out of his cabin. Looks of confusion washed over Lucius's face finally settling on anger.

“Where is the necklace? You little…”

“It's gone, I couldn't find it and neither could Potter! You were supposed to keep him busy by the way.”

“That's why we attacked, to keep him busy!”

“I had to stop looking because of you! So I grabbed her instead, they thought that's what we were doing anyways. Kidnapping instead of searching. The fools thought she was a servant girl, not Granger's daughter! Now we can hold her hostage until we find it!”

Lucius took a calming breath and walked towards Hermione, “Where is the necklace Lady Granger and don't lie. The Dark Lord is not a patient man and neither am I.”

“I. DON'T. KNOW.” Hermione spat. “Now tell these ruffians to unhand me! I am the Lady Hermione Granger and my father will have the Ministry ships with their Aurors after you faster than you can say Quidditch!” She still had her wand shoved into the bodice of her dress, if only she could get to it.

Lucius laughed out loud at her, “My dear Lady Hermione, that is exactly what I intend. I await the Ministry and their Aurors with baited breath!”

Lucius walked back on board his ship and launched away from `The Ferret'.

“Don't make a move until I say so Draco. Just head for Malfoy Island.” He growled at his son, “I'll deal with you when we return.”

“Yes father!” Draco replied, “Set course for Malfoy Island!” he called to the crew as he dragged Hermione down the stairs.

Hermione was thrown back into the Captain's cabin, screaming at her captors until Draco knocked her out with a red jet of sparks.

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

Harry watched the sun rise as the Malfoys' ships sped out of sight.

“Harry there's no way for us to catch up to them.” Fred Weasley called out from the crow's nest. “They have to be going thirty maybe forty knots and they are at least five leagues ahead!”

Ron at the helm asked, “What do you want us to do Harry?”

Harry stood and thought for a moment. He knew they would be heading to their manor on their private island; it would be easy to follow them for a bit. “They don't have the necklace though, Hermione does.”

“Drop back a few knots, keep them in view but don't let them know they're being followed. We'll track them until we know more.” He turned to George who nodded and Ron changed course for the Malfoy's ships.

Harry pulled a mirror from his pocket and tapped it, “Sirius Black, Remus Lupin”, he announced to it.

Seconds later the men appeared on either side of the mirror and Harry told them his course. Lupin agreed to pass it on to Dumbledore and Sirius sent his owl to fetch a Daily Prophet to report on the results of that night.

Harry walked down to his cabin and locked the door. He was exhausted from that night; he had come so close to finding the necklace. As soon as he found out what Malfoy was up to, he would go back to Hogsmeade and get it from Lady Hermione.

Harry fell into his bed, boots still on his feet and drifted off to dreamland.

The late afternoon light in Hogsmeade revealed a busy scene. The magical community was rebuilding what had been destroyed in the fires and battle the night before. Governor Granger was in his re-built study with his advisors reading a very interesting letter an eagle owl had delivered just that morning along with a small ring.

Lord Granger,

We have your daughter, the Lady Hermione. We will not hesitate to hurt her, unless you follow our every instruction. This ring is to prove we do indeed have her. You can try to send Ministry ships and Aurors but they will not find her. I will send further instructions in a day or so. Please consider this my official resignation from the Ministry.

L.&.D Malfoy

“Kingsley?” Lord Granger addressed the Head of the Auror Guard.

“Yes my Lord?”

“Find my daughter. Kill any Death Eater that gets in your way. Especially that bastard Lucius Malfoy!”

“Yes sir, with pleasure.” Kingsley saluted and swept out of the study with a few guards and headed for the ministry ships.

Lord Granger fingered the tiny ring in his hand. It was their family crest and Hermione always wore it. A tear fell from his eye in fear for his daughter's life.

At that moment Hermione was still unconscious on Draco's ship, while the crew played exploding snap or napped in the shade. It would be at least a day until they reached Malfoy Island and they needed to pass the time.

Draco had assigned extra watches to look out for Potter or any member of “The Order”. He sat back in his chair on deck and looked out at the water. He smiled, because for the first time in his life, things were going his way.

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

Harry awoke to the sun streaming though his windows and he rolled over to try and block it out. It was no use.

He got up and threw on his breeches and his boots. The crew was on the deck manning the ropes or repairing any tears in the sails. Everyone was busy.

He walked down to the galley to find Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood planning out that evening's dinner.

“Oh hello Harry. How are you doing this afternoon?” Luna asked in her airy voice that made Ron blush for some reason. To Harry it made her oddness increase.

“Oh I'm fine thanks Luna. How are you two?” He grabbed an apple from a barrel and took a bite.

“Trying to decide what to serve for dinner, steak and kidney pie or fish?”

“The pie, defiantly the pie.” Harry smiled, being at sea they ate more fish than anything and he liked a change. He finished the apple and tossed the core out the open porthole.

“So did you hear about the news from Hogsmeade?” Ginny poured him a tankard of butterbeer and he shook his head `no' while he took a big swig.

“Well it seems that the Malfoy's kidnapped someone last night.”

Harry raised his eyebrows in question still drinking.

Ginny continued, “Yeah it was the Lady Hermione, they are going to hold her host-.” But Ginny was cut off when Harry spat out his butterbeer.

“WHAT!”

“I…I..uh Ron has the Prophet…”, she stammered.

Harry dashed out of the kitchen and hurried to find Ron. He finally found him in his small cabin reading the paper.

“Ron… paper…Lady Hermione…” he could hardly speak he was breathing so hard.

“Oh so Ginny told you, yeah bad luck isn't it? I like her, smashing girl, she can really tell a lie...”

Harry snatched the paper from Ron's hand despite his protest ( “Oi! A please is appreciated you know!”) and read that Hermione had been kidnapped and was being held on a Malfoy ship. Her father awaiting demands for her life.

“Ron we have to go after her!”

“Harry, look mate it's not our problem. You need to control this helping people thing. The Ministry will be on his tail by now. Consider him half caught.”

Harry was trying to string two words together but all that could run though his mind was “Bloody hell…bloody hell…”

Ron took no notice of his dilemma as he continued, “And she is the Governor's daughter, we would probably get arrested trying to save her, we are wanted men after all..”

“RON!”

“What? What did I say? It's not our business…”

“SHE IS WEARING THE NECKLACE, I SAW IT! AND SHE IS ON MALFOY'S SHIP!!!!”

Ron turned pale, “Oh bloody hell...” then took off to get the crew in motion, mumbling something about “brainy birds” and “trouble”.

When Harry reached the deck Ron was yelling orders to get the ship at full speed after Draco Malfoy. Harry sent an owl to Sirius and Lupin to tell them where they were going.

Ron stopped yelling for a minute to take a breather. Harry clapped him on the shoulder, “Thanks Ron.”

“Any…time…Harry.” He wheezed.

The mirror in Harry's pocket started jingling and it was Sirius on the other end.

“Harry what's going on? Why are you going after Lady Granger?”

Harry whispered into the mirror, “Sirius, she is wearing the necklace, she had been all night. I saw it.”

“You mean when you said...” Sirius went pale to match Ron.

“Yes I was bluffing and so was she. I asked her to keep it safe for me the day I `lost' it. No one knew where it was but me. Now Malfoy has her and the necklace but he doesn't know it. We can use that to our advantage. Just make it look like we want to steal his hostage. You know take away his thunder.”

“Right Harry. I'll pass it on to Remus.” He disappeared from the mirror.

The sun began to set as Fred announced they were coming up on `The Ferret'.

“Do you see who is on deck?”

“Aye captain, I see Draco, most of his crew and I see the Lady Granger”

“What's the state of the crew? Alert?”

“No sleeping most of them, the gits, Hermione is tied to a chair next to Draco, and she does not look happy!”

Harry gathered his crew and glanced to the east, `The Dog' and `The Moon Bayer' were only minutes away. He would need the backup.

“Alright this is going to take some finesse and must be pulled off without a hitch, understood?”

“Right captain!”

“Very well, Ron when I give the signal I want you to put a freezing charm on Malfoy's helm and then the rudder. Then jump onboard his ship if it looks like I need some extra help. Luna and Ginny, freeze the surrounding waves to make the ship come to a stop. Fred and George I need you to keep a look out for the Ministry and other Death Eaters. Dean and Seamus I need you to help hoist me into the rigging and hold me. Neville, You're in charge of the helm. The rest of you are to keep this ship sailing at full speed. I will be recruiting from Sirius's ship to aid in the actual capture of the hostage.”

“Yes captain,” the crew replied.

Sirius and Remus's ships caught up and ten crewmembers swung on board from each ship. Lupin, Sirius and Tonks holding Crookshanks also swung on board. She had changed out of the dinner dress into more suitable attire of a brown skirt and white tunic and brown- knee-high boots. Tonks figured that a rescued Hermione would find comfort in her large cat who ran below deck the moment she let him go. Harry greeted them and Sirius gave a sparked signal and `The Dog' dropped back just behind `The Stag', still keeping pace.

Harry briefed them on the plan and how they were to fend off Death Eaters should any come aboard or try to attack Harry during the capture. That's what Harry was calling it, a capture. Just one pirate crew taking something from another. But what that something was wearing was the important part and the secret one.

“Ferret ho!” Fred called out from the nest and George gave some detailed bearings.

The crew got into position on the ship. Harry wrapped himself in some rope to which Dean and Seamus were holding the other end. Ron, Luna and Ginny took their positions and aimed their wands at the ship.

`The Stag' gained in speed and when it was only meters from Malfoy's Harry signaled for Ron, Ginny and Luna to cast their charms on the boat and water. `The Ferret' lurched in place in the frozen water; it's crew frantically running around on board trying to get to their feet. Harry had his wand drawn and muttered `saberus', his silver beam shot out of his wand.

“Now!” He called and Neville moved `The Stag' into position along `The Ferret' and grappled on. Pirates boarded `The Ferret' as its crew tried to fight them off to buy time for the capture. Harry swung onboard the ship, slicing Hermione's ropes and fighting off Crabbe as Hermione tied herself on.

Malfoy was fighting with Ron, and still trying to give orders to his unprepared crew. He saw Potter cut Hermione's ropes and the lady tying herself onto the pirate.

“Got it!” Hermione yelled over the din of the fight.

“Seamus, Dean pull now!” Harry called to them as he grabbed a hold of Hermione and dove back for this ship.

Seamus and Dean pulled Harry and Hermione up into the air as their fellow crew members swung back onto `The Stag' and Neville steered it the opposite way at full speed, leaving Malfoy stuck in the ice that Ginny and Luna kept re-freezing until they had some distance between them.

Harry heard Draco scream out his name in anger (“Damn you Potter!”) as they sailed away and he untangled Hermione from the ropes.

The crew cheered at their victory as they set back to work or swung back onto other ships. With farewells to Harry, Sirius, Tonks and Remus returned to their own ships and they all set course for Grimmauld Isle. `The Moon Bayer' set off for the island the moment Lady Granger was tucked away and could be seen sailing into the sunset, `The Dog' right behind it.

Harry directed Hermione into his cabin and locked the door behind him.

He finally got to look at her neck and saw that the necklace was gone, his heart dropped, had it all been for nothing?

Hermione saw his saddened face staring at her throat and sighed. She turned her back to him and reached inside her corset to pull out the necklace from it's second hiding place. She turned to face him and held it up. Harry reached for it but she grabbed it back clutching it to her stomach.

“Hermione, please… it was my mother's…” Harry put on an even sadder face than before but Hermione was not having any of it.

“Oh no Mr. Potter, I am not falling for that face, not in this century anyway.”

“Give it to me Miss Granger.” Harry replied though clenched teeth, he was sick of chasing after the necklace and was feeling regrets about saving Hermione. She was proving to be troublesome by now.

“Lady Granger. Not until you tell me what is so special about it.”

“That's no concern of yours.” Harry grabbed for it again and she stepped out of his reach.

“Well considering you put my life in danger, twice, I never volunteered mind you. I think I deserve to know. Especially after you gave me the `it's just a family heirloom' spiel but that little charade proves it to be otherwise.”

“Look I just saved your life so if you don't mind, I'm taking back what's mine.” Harry ran a hand though his hair; making it even messier, this fighting was getting tiring.

“No I don't think so. You never came back for it, that's abandonment therefore it's mine now. Possession is nine tenths of the law you know.”

“Give it back to me, now!”

“No. Forget it. You can just take me back to Hogsmeade where I belong and then you can go and do whatever pirate things you like.” Hermione crossed her arms and tapped her foot. She had never pictured this Harry Potter as being selfish or demanding. Or insufferable for that matter.

“Who said I was going to take you home in the first place love?” Harry smirked; yes having a captive could be a good thing, mostly when she has an object you need.

Hermione's mouth dropped open in horror, “How dare you address me like...like a common whore! And where do you get off deciding where I'm going?” Harry only smiled wider and Hermione became very flustered as it dawned on her, “Are you telling me that you actually are going to hold me captive on this…this excuse for a ship.” Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. Harry just relaxed against a wooden beam, arms crossed, looking very pleased with himself.

“Yep, that's right. You're my ticket anywhere Milady and I'm not letting you or that necklace out of my sight.”

Hermione wanted to slap him… needed to slap him. She walked up to him, raised her free hand but before she could bring it down, he caught it looking her straight in the eye. She was shocked and angry but at the same time confused. Why was he acting like this?

“How dare you, you insufferable low life…”

Harry clapped his hand over her mouth to quiet her, spun her around and pinned her down in between him and the beam in the room.

“Do you ever stop talking?” This only gave a higher decibel level to the mumbling behind his hand as she struggled to get out of his grasp.

“Look I am going to give you two choices and I will tell them to you if you promise to keep quiet for two minutes. Alright?” Harry was still smiling; he was enjoying this far too much.

Hermione just rolled her eyes in response but did stop talking as he released her mouth. Harry continued, “ First, if you are not going to cooperate and behave yourself then I have no choice to put you down in the hold in shackles and keep you there for the rest of the voyage like any other captive.”

“How dare you…”

“Ah ah ah, you promised..” Harry smiled and Hermione stopped talking but gave him a death glare that slightly unnerved him.

“S-s-second choice. As you can see we have a large crew here of about thirty men, and only two women to do the cooking and the laundry and anything else Ginny and Luna do. You can help them with their chores and in return you will be treated just as they are, get to stay in their room, sleep in a decent bed and not be chained up.”

Hermione stared at him open mouthed in shock, cook, did he say cook? She couldn't cook that well and she had never cleaned or done laundry.

“So what'll it be, shackles or laundry?” Harry smiled, he already knew her answer but it was fun to goad her.

“Fine I'll help Ginny and Luna.” she replied though clenched teeth.

“That's what I thought you'd say. Well then, right this way..” He opened the door and gestured out into the small hall. They walked a few doors down to the third on the right. Harry knocked and Ginny answered.

“What can I do for you Harry?”

“I told you to call me..” Harry started.

“Captain, yes yes we know. Now what did you want?”

Harry turned and indicated to Hermione, “Lady Granger will be helping Luna and yourself with your duties for a while.”

“Oh that's great!” Ginny pulled Hermione in before Harry could say another word, he only heard a ,“Thanks Harry”, called from inside the door.

Hermione let her eyes adjust to the brighter light in the girl's room than in the Captain's cabin. It was a slightly smaller than Harry's room, but with four soft looking bunks and a table with chairs near the windows.

“Hi I'm Ginny Weasley and this is Luna Lovegood.”

“I'm Hermione Granger…”

“Oh yes we know lots about you. Tonks would write to Remus about her pupil and how wonderful she was.” Luna replied.

“Oh uhh I ahh, Lovegood, do you run the ..”

“Quibbler? Yes Daddy runs it from Grimmauld Isle, that's where were headed. You read it?”

“Yes, I hate the rubbish the Prophet prints.”

“You believe everything in the Quibbler?” Ginny asked eyebrows raised, the magazine did have some questionable articles.

“Uh…mmm… well most of it,” she met Ginny's eye and the red head winked at her. Hermione smiled.

“So let me guess, you're our captive right?” Ginny flopped on a bed and indicated Hermione to do the same.

“How'd you guess?”

Luna giggled, “Oh we heard the fight you two had, I think the whole ship heard it too. I've never seen anyone yell at the Captain like that before. It was funny.”

Hermione gulped, “Never ever?”

“Oh don't worry Hermione, he's just a big push over. He just puts on that tough act.” Ginny smiled at her and Luna nodded.

“Look I have to be honest, I don't know how much I can help you two. I haven't exactly led a hard life…'

Ginny cut in, “Can you use a wand to do simple house hold spells?”

“Uhh yes I can.”

“Well then that's it, just a few spells. Even the cooking, I have my mother's recipe books. And if you're half as good as Tonks claims, then you should have no problems.”

Hermione smiled, it was nice to meet two girls that were normal. Nice without a reason, that was a rare thing. Maybe this trip wouldn't be so bad after all.

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

On Malfoy Island, Draco was being torn apart by his father for letting first the necklace go and then their only hope at getting it.

“We have no leverage now Draco, nothing! You leave me nothing to present to the Dark Lord. Now what do you suppose we do since you like to change plans!” Lucius snarled.

“I don't know father, how was I supposed to know Potter was going to come along and grab her for his own uses? The necklace is gone father, Potter doesn't know where it is either.” Draco yelled back and walked over to the window of the manor. The moon was full and made a white shine on the water.

“Yes so you keep reminding me, but I know you Draco, I see there is something you're hiding from me. Tell me.”

“It's nothing just a rumor. Idle gossip from witches.”

“Draco…”

“Uh alright! I heard from Pansy that Lady Granger might have had the necklace.”

“But when you searched her you didn't find it?” His father inquired.

Draco squirmed, search her, when was he supposed to do that? He and his crew were very busy. Yes that's it busy doing umm other ship things.

“I uhh well I never exactly..”

“You never searched her!”

“No I was busy getting away from the trouble you started! I didn't have time to!”

“Always blaming others for your own shortcomings Draco. I will hear no more of this. You are to stay on the isle until I tell you otherwise.”

“But Father…”

“Enough!” Lucius walked to the fireplace and flooed to see Severus Snape for some damage control.

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

It took a few days but Hermione finally got her balance on the ship and her stomach settled down. It had been years since she was on a ship for any length of time.

It seemed that her two weeks on `The Stag' had flown by because of her fast bonding with Ginny and Luna. The crew had taken her on as one of them and she was even applying some of her sailing knowledge from Madam Tonks.

She found that she enjoyed doing most of the work and it wasn't all that difficult. The cooking was still a learning experience but she was always up to a challenge. And if the chores didn't provide it then Harry certainly did.

Hermione had still refused to give Harry the necklace and kept it hidden in her bodice during the day and wore it when she slept. It was turning into a game for the two of them, even the arguments.

Ginny and Luna only snickered when Hermione and Harry got into a discussion about something, anything that always lead to a fight about her giving back the necklace.

Hermione and Ginny were magically peeling potatoes one afternoon when Luna came running in.

“Grimmauld Isle is in view, Ronald says we should be there within the next day or so!”

“Yes well anything Ronald says must be exciting, right Luna” Hermione teased. It was obvious that the blond was taken with the lanky first mate. She and Ginny had several conversations about it as well; Luna just sucked in her lips and got very quiet.

The other two started giggling as Luna walked into the meat storage and pulled out a large rump roast for dinner. Hermione and Ginny left the potatoes peelings themselves as they attacked her by tickling and were not brought out of their laughter until they heard someone clearing their throat.

They looked up and saw Harry on the stairs looking at the three girls as if they were from another planet.

“I uh have an announcement to make about Grimmauld Isle. I have decided as Captian,” he glared at Ginny, “That we need to make a stop first at Dufftown. I need to see some people about a certain matter and Seamus needs to sell some rum. We will make any repairs and stock up on supplies when we get there.”

The three girls nodded their heads in understanding.

“Oh and I need to speak to Lady Granger for a moment. And then uh you two need to get her some proper clothes for the village.”

Ginny and Luna shared smirks and Hermione glared at them, “I'll be there in minute Captain Potter.” She pursed her lips.

Harry walked back up to his cabin and Ginny burst out laughing. “Hermione the only woman I have ever seen make a face like that is Minerva McGonagall.”

`Who?” Hermione asked.

“She is Albus Dumbledore's second in command,” she brought her voice down to a whisper, “And by a rumor, she's his girlfriend or should I say his `wench'. Since he is a pirate after all.” Luna replied, as Ginny was laughing to hard.

“Uh okay. Can you ladies finish up dinner without me?”

Ginny could finally talk again, ”Go.. go we'll be fine.”

She was about to walk out when she turned back. “Oh and what's that about my clothes and Dufftown?”

“It'll take a while to explain, just ask Harry whom you're being escorted by.” Luna told her.

“Ummm alright.” Escorted but why… oh Dufftown, scruffy place, lots of rum running, pirates and prostitutes galore. That should be interesting.

Hermione squared her shoulders as she knocked on the door to Harry's cabin.

“Come in Lady Granger.”

“You wanted to speak with me Captain Potter.” She replied sarcastically.

“Do you always have to try to make me angry? Or does that ability just come naturally to you?”

“I'll be a lady and ignore that question.”

“Look this little game has been fun but I really do need the necklace before we go into Dufftown. It will answer lots of questions before I even get there.” Harry sat down at his desk, making some calculations on an interesting map. Objects kept moving on it.

“What's that?”

“This?” he pointed to the map and Hermione nodded.

“My father and his friends made it. It shows the positions of moving islands in the ocean and any ship you put into the map. It helps me find Grimmauld Isle but I can't find Voldemort since he didn't put his ship in the map.”

“Pity, then it would have been so easy.” Hermione graced him with a rare smile and he knew she was taking the mickey out of him.

Harry sighed and sat back in his chair, “What can I do to get you to hand over my…” Hermione cleared her throat, he continued, “I mean our necklace?”

The `our' part had been established in an argument previous.

“Just tell me what it does, why was it worth a life, my life to be exact?”

“It's complicated Hermione.”

“Try me.”

“Alright I'll tell, if you promise to actually give me the necklace by the time we reach Dufftown.”

“You have a deal Captain Potter.”

They sat and stared at each other for a moment, making sure they were both in earnest.

Harry got up and walked over to where she was standing.

“Well it goes like this, before I was born there was a prophecy made about me to Dumbledore by a wonky Seer, Trelawney was her name I think. Well in this prophesy it says how I am going to defeat Voldemort, it tells me how to do it as in a weapon or technique of some sort. Well my mum kept it around her neck for the `right time' she always told me. She gave it to me that day before she went off to help my Dad. Then I gave it to you in case a Death Eater caught me after I ran off. Then they wouldn't ever hear it.”

“So it tells you how to destroy Voldemort?” Hermione leaned on the beam next to him

“Essentially yes, I brake the glass ball and listen to the prophecy and then use it to ask questions in Dufftown.” Hermione nodded her head.

“Who else knows?”

“Well besides you, Dumbledore, Ron, Remus and Sirius. That's it, well a select few Death Eaters and Voldemort of course. I doubt Voldemort would want his weakness to be known by the world.”

“So that's it? That's the big secret?”

“What do you mean that's it! That's a lot of important information I'll have you know and its privileged!”

“And you couldn't have told me that from the beginning? It was easy Harry!”

“You were on a need to know basis and you didn't need to know!” Harry was pacing the cabin now, why did she always get him riled up like this?

“Oh alright fine, just because I kept it safe for you, with my life, I didn't need to know! Yes that makes perfect sense.” Hermione yelled back.

In the kitchen Ginny, Luna ,Neville and Ron stopped cooking or eating (as the latter was doing) when they heard the loud voices.

“Here they go again, this is the second time today.” Ginny sighed.

“I wonder if they know that isn't healthy to hold back emotions like that?” Neville continued to separate peas the muggle way while the three starred at him. “What?”

“They are getting out aggressions, there is nothing pent up about that mate!” Ron replied as he crunched on a fried potato.

“No I meant about their feelings for one another. It's obvious that they like each other but argue because they enjoy it. Notice they argue only over the necklace and nothing else. It's important and they know that and their arguments express that. That's all.”

The three stared at Neville for a moment in surprise, he was not known for his eloquence or insight of the soul.

Luna blinked at Neville, “You might be right about that. But they still need to have better auras if they want to defeat Voldemort.”

“Err right you are Luna,” Ron sighed and picked up another chip as they went back to listening to the heated discussion.

“Yes you did guard it and I will admit I didn't give you a choice in this. I was ten, I didn't exactly have all the wisdom of the world to support me.” Harry shot back.

Hermione went to yell but sat in a chair exhausted, “This is stupid. All we ever do is go in circles about this. Here take it.” She took off the necklace and handed it over to a surprised Harry.

“Umm alright thanks… I uhh wow that was easy...” He just cradled the necklace as if it were a baby, Hermione smiled a little.

“Well I need to finish making dinner, oh and Harry?” her voice was tight but began to loosen as she spoke.

“Yes Hermione?”

“Umm who is `escorting' me to Dufftown?” He gave her a surprised look, “Luna and Ginny wanted to know. Something about having to do with my clothes.”

“Oh yes, umm well me then. I'll be escorting you.”

“Are you asking questions about the … you know?” she indicated the pendant that was glowing again.

“Possibly.”

“And I get to hear them? As in be involved?”

“Possibly, it depends on certain factors.” Harry shuffled his feet, why was his face feeling warm?

“Oh umm alright. I'll see you at dinner then.”

Hermione walked back to the kitchen and tried to push open the door but something was blocking it, she pushed harder and cries of pain could be heard from inside. The four friends had been listening at the door since they knew they would be caught in the hall.

Hermione laughed when they were rubbing their heads and ears, “What on earth were you listening for?”

“Nothing.” Ginny and Luna replied in unison.

Ron saw this as a good time for he and Neville to make a quick exit, so making up an excuse about checking a line he pulled Neville out of the kitchen.

“Oh and Harry said he would be taking me to Dufftown Luna.”

Luna giggled and glanced at Ginny who winked.

Hermione sighed and turned back to shucking peas, “Oh and might I request that you two do not make me look to much like a..a..slag?” She giggled at the word.

Ginny and Luna looked shocked, “How did you..” mouths agape.

She sighed again, did they think she knew nothing? “Ginny I have heard stories you know!” Hermione threw a potato slice at Ginny who promptly closed her mouth and with that they finished making dinner in silence.

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

The ship was dark and the floorboards creaked with the movement of the waves. Voldemort sat in a chair in front of a fire as Lucius begged for mercy.

Snape had written to Voldemort upon his arrival and Lucius was sent to see the Dark Lord immediately.

“Quiet Lucius, I do not want to hear of your problems. The necklace has escaped our grasp and so has the hostage. Our leverage as you put it.”

“Now what are we to do my lord?” He quivered.

“Have your son follow Potter and his allies. Do not let them out of your sight. They will be looking for the necklace or looking because of what the prophecy tells. I want you to keep an eye on Dumbledore since you have stupidly renounced your loyalty to the Ministry. If he disappears, then assist your son in following Potter and his precious Marauders. Either way we must keep close tabs on him. I trust that this will not prove to be too difficult for you?”

“N-no my lord. It will be done.” Lucius bowed and walked out of the room headed back to `The Manor'.

“Wormtail!” Voldemort called to the darkness.

“Yes my liege?” A small and rat like man, the same one who had sold out the Potters approached and bowed in front of his beckoner.

“Stow away onto Lucius's ship as a rat, and follow young Malfoy. Report to me where he goes. If you can sneak on Potter's ship, all the better.”

“Yes m-my lord.” Peter turned to leave but was called back, “Oh and Wormtail?”

“Yes my lord?”

“Do try and keep this to yourself, I don't need all my followers to know I don't trust them.”

“Yes, yes your lordship.”

Peter scampered off into the dark after Lucius who did not even notice the three-toed rat slip onto his ship.

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

“Ginny I can't wear this! It's too…”

“Slaggish...” Ginny offered.

“Authentic...” Luna added.

The three girls had spent the next morning in their cabin helping Hermione pick out some clothes for Dufftown. It was not a place a lady would visit normally, instead it was full of pirates and shady dealings. The women were not the most modest creatures in the world and neither was their attire. So Hermione's blue dress was not going to cut it since the hem went to the floor and it covered her chest.

Hermione stood in front of the full mirror in her latest ensemble and was horribly shy, trying to move the articles up or down to cover the skin showing.

“No it's just not me! I just… you can see everything!”

“Oh Hermione you can hardly see a thing! Trust me on this one; we have been saving this outfit. We weren't sure for what though…” Luna smirked and Ginny giggled.

Hermione stood trying to pull down the skirt and cover her shoulders.

Ginny and Luna had done an excellent job of finding an outfit that would blend in at Dufftown.

It started with a fitted white linen tunic with long sleeves and a neckline that dropped just slightly off both shoulders. The hem of the top stopped right at her hips where a black cotton skirt started, it had two swishy layers and the second layer reached about mid thigh. Then Ginny had insisted that she wear some knee high black boots that laced all the way up. The heels were not very high so walking was still easy. As an after thought Luna threw a large black belt around her waist with a silver buckle.

It was totally cliché and completely perfect.

“But isn't this outfit a little… umm cliché? I mean in every pirate story the wenches are dressed like this. Where are the fishnet stockings?”

“Oh the stockings are out of season!” Ginny replied as she straightened out her own layered, short brown skirt and light blue peasant top.

“Honestly?” Hermione was shocked.

“Yes for some reason the fashion rage in Dufftown resembles something like this, well for the Captain's wench's anyways.” Ginny smiled.

“What's the difference between them and any other wench?”

“Well you have to understand that a captain is seen by his reputation. Harry cuts no slack and gives no mercy, or he acts like he does, so he is greatly respected by all pirates. They don't want to have a reason to get in his way. And how you look reflects that.” Luna explained as she straightened out her straight short tan skirt and fluffed her beige top, much like Hermione's.

Hermione groaned and put her face in her hands, “Ugh that is just like at home! I hate it it's ridiculous!”

“Yes but I can guarantee you that almost every wench will be jealous.” Luna sang out.

“Why?” Hermione was fidgeting with her top again, trying to keep her shoulders covered, to no avail.

“Oh well most of the women in Dufftown have been after Harry since he came of age. Can't say I blame them though…” Ginny mused.

Hermione shot both girls dirty looks and they giggled.

“I wonder what they are doing up on deck today?”

“Why? Shouldn't they be working, I mean Harry is anal about that...”

“Yes but there is no wind, and Harry thinks the crew deserves a short break so he's not making any magically and everything on board is done. Oh maybe they'll be fencing!” Luna squealed.

“Oh yes perhaps. Let's go.” Ginny grabbed Hermione and the three girls headed up the stairs.

On deck the crew had paired off and were sword fighting with one another. Silver beams flashed and everywhere and you could hear the `clanging' noise of the metal-like beams contacting. Harry walked around and corrected his crewmen on foot placement or technique. Leave it to Captain Potter to turn fun into some sort of training exercise.

The men looked up at the entrance of the ladies and whistles and catcalls abounded. The three of them were dressed in appropriate wench attire of revealing skirts and shoulder showing tops with knee high boots. Harry called for order and invited the ladies to join in the `training'. Ron, big surprise there, immediately swooped down on Luna and Dean Thomas asked Ginny to pair off with him. That was a surprise. Hermione noticed Neville looked slightly put out that Ginny had another partner but was distracted when Harry stepped in front of her.

“So Tonks tells me she taught you the basics of sword play?”

Basics? Yes you if you can call the basics swashbuckling your butt off!

Hermione decided to go ahead and let Harry think along those lines, she didn't want to be rude and try to correct him.

“Oh yes she did. She wanted me to know how to actually use my wand for spells other than doing the dishes.” She smiled

“Care to have a lesson from a real live pirate?”

“Mmm that sounds very nice Captain Potter. Ready when you are.”

Both pulled out their wands and muttered the spell. Two silver beams shot from the ends. The faces one another and bowed, “Unguard!,” Harry lunged and Hermione blocked his attack and took the opportunity to counter with her own. It caught Harry slightly off guard and was forced to make a rash block and side step her thrust.

Hermione smiled at him and for the next few minutes they continued to fence slowly, then picking up the pace and moving around the deck. Whenever one attacked the other countered and gave a lunging or thrust motion. The crew soon caught sight of the intense swordplay and stepped to the sides of the deck, leaving Harry and Hermione the only pair with swords clashing.

The movements became much more intricate and Harry almost tripped, twice on his feet. Hermione's game was unmatched with his, they flew around the deck spinning, sloping, lunging and slashing blades so fast they became silver blurs.

Ron stood with his mouth hanging open; Harry actually had to concentrate on what he was doing, against a woman! Luna closed his mouth with her hand and patted his shoulder as Ginny giggled at her brother's antics.

Dean leaned over to Seamus, “What are they teaching those classy birds in finishing school these days eh? Advanced pirate skills?” Seamus snickered in response.

Hermione was in a trace, she was only focused on Harry's next move and Harry was concentrated on her next move. Harry had never met a woman that could match his sword skills and keep it up for this long before. She made him think about his actions, as if she could read him. And that made him nervous.

Hermione was wondering how much longer she could keep this up when she remembered a spinning thrust move guaranteed to disarm any opponent and send their sword flying, she bounced, turned and with a flick from her wand, Harry's `sword' flew up into the air and she caught it with her left hand. She muttered `sheathis' and both beams retracted into the wands. The crew was applauding madly and Harry's face was priceless. It was utter shock mixed anger and awe.

“I was just out fenced by a..a.. woman! A Lady at that, not even a pirate wench! How is this possible…”

Hermione gave him a sly smile and tossed his wand back to him that he caught, but required two hands.

“Thank you for the lesson Captain, it was most informative.” She walked back towards the stairs and headed down to the girls' cabin.

“Basics my wand, I just beat you Mr. Potter, what do you have to say about that?”

Ginny and Luna thundered into the room seconds later squealing and shrieking with delight.

“That was so amazing, I have never seen someone beat Harry before!” Ginny breathed hard from running.

“Yes that was incredible, where did you really learn it from?” Luna inquired.

“Oh Tonks really did teach me, she just made me practice three days a week for the whole day since I was thirteen.”

“Will you teach us that last move?” They asked in unison snickering.

“Defiantly! You two will be able to out fence any man on this ship in a few weeks!” Hermione shrieked and they all fell down laughing.

The result of the fencing was also a topic of discussion from the men, who were forced to whisper least they suffer Captain Potter's wrath.

Harry was very disturbed by the fact that he was beaten by a woman of high birth who was supposed to have no sword skills whatsoever. He sat thinking in his cabin; he had given up trying to plot out a course for anywhere over an hour ago.

Why did this woman vex him so? And why did she have such an effect on him, it was always the other way around. He was always the smooth one and the women were stumbling over him. She seemed to be in complete control of their situations. Thinking back, she was the same when he met her, cool and collected and in control of herself.

Harry banged his fists on his oak desk so hard it shook the lantern hanging from the ceiling.

He heard a knock at his door, ”Harry mate are you all right, can I come in?”

“It's open Ron, make yourself comfortable.”

Ron walked in a flopped in a chair across from his friend, “So… that was an interesting… uh display up on deck. Don't you think?”

Harry only grunted in reply and opened two bottles of butterbeer and slid one to his friend.

“Thanks.”

“Welcome.”

They sat in silence as they drank until Harry had to ask his best friend that burning question, the one that had been bothering him since Hermione came aboard.

“Do you think that Lady Granger… Hermione is different in any way?”

“Different?” Ron looked confused.

“Special, extraordinary. Something to explain why we can be having a nice conversation but she still drives me nutters?”

“Ah I see what you mean mate.” Realization dawned on Ron, “He fancies her. Go figure it would take a Lady to tame the wildest of pirates.”

“You fancy her don't you Harry?” Harry spat out his butterbeer at this question.

“What! That's ridiculous!”

“No it's not. Think about it. You always get riled up when she does something she knows annoys you. She is just pushing your buttons, and you react to it instead of brushing it off or threatening to kill her. And you can't take your eyes off of her when she's around.”

“Oh come on Ron…”

“No! Remember when she was tying that line and you were so fixated on her that you walked into that bucket of soapsuds? Or how about the time you were having dinner and she was talking to you, you kept missing your plate and stabbing the table with the fork. Or how about just last week...”

“Alright Ron. I get the idea. Yes I'll admit she… distracts me. But it is only because she is a beautiful woman, what man wouldn't have that reaction?”

Ron sighed, “Harry look if you are just trying to convince yourself that you don't fancy her because you know that it probably won't work out, you holding her captive and all, then fine. Go ahead, I can't blame you for trying to protect yourself there I mean her father would love that right.”

Harry's face was still expressionless so Ron continued, “But if it is just because you are being stubborn and are afraid to even see what life might be like with her, because of this tragic hero thing you've got going. Well that is just you being thick mate.”

“I am not being thick about this! She just knows how to push my limits is all.”

“Uh huh. Look Harry I have seen you two together and when you don't argue about that damn necklace you work well together. You and Hermione are good together. So drop this rouge pirate thing and sweep her off her feet. Don't forget, you do have a title so it could work…your Grace! Count Potter of Godric's Hollow, yeah some count you are plundering and pirating.”

“Yeah thanks Baron von Weasley I'll keep that in mind.”

Ron got up and banished his empty bottle as he walked out.

“Just don't let the best thing that could happen to you walk out without seeing what it could be first. See if it might work, that's all I'm telling you mate.”

Harry banged his head on his desk a few times and sighed, “Why did I have to fall for her?” “Nice going Potter, now you've admitted it. Great, just bloody brilliant.”

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

Draco Malfoy and his crew were sailing just a few leagues behind Potter.

“Zabini, it looks as if they are headed for Dufftown, set our course in that direction.”

“Aye captain!”

“Now what are you going to Dufftown for Potter. Oh I see, making a side trip to Godric's Hollow are we? Going to take another look for the necklace, or decode its secrets.”

`The Ferret' picked up speed as the winds picked up in the night. Malfoy was going to follow Harry to Dufftown and possibly Godric's Hollow, the place of his family home. It was only an hour's ride from Dufftown, and it touched one side of the coast. If Harry was going there he was looking for answers either way.