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

A/N~ Hello wonderful readers! Again thanks for all the glowing reviews! I love, love, love them!

So here's the next little chappie for this lovely little fic. There's only going to be a few more chapters left for this little story (sniffle) but I'll make them as spectacular as I can. If there's one thing I don't like it's an awesome story with a sucky ending. I promise that won't happen here!

Remember: Writers love readers who review, so the writers can keep writing and the readers keep reviewing what's written!

And I'm one of those writers!

Hugs and Kisses

FuryOfMedea

Harry's ship docked at Dufftown a few hours before dawn. George had been keeping him informed of a ship trailing not very far behind them.

The twins' switched watches as the sun came up. Fred was stopped by Harry before climbing into the crow's-nest.

“Fred, just keep an eye on that ship back there. I have an inkling it's a ferret, if you know what I mean.”

Fred smiled and looked mischievous, “Oh yes right you are Harry, I definitely smell a ferret about. I'll use the coin to alert you to anything unusual. You do have it?”

Harry pulled out the galleon that `The Order' used to alert one another of trouble, “Got it, just wait for my signal if anything happens.”

“Right Captain.” Fred saluted and scurried up to the nest to continue lookout duty.

The sun was hanging high in the sky when the crew disembarked for land. The men headed to a local pub, The Hogs Head and Dean and Seamus went to the back door to sell a few cases of their rum.

Ginny, Luna and Hermione were paired with a male escort for the day's venture. After all Dufftown was a rough town and any woman alone was thought to be a prostitute. But to be fair most of the women who were with a man were still though to be prostitutes by the way they dressed. The members of `The Stag' were well matched; Harry with Hermione, Luna with Ron and Harry asked if Neville would escort Ginny, much to the red-head's surprise.

The three pairs headed for the pub where Harry and Ron knocked back some firewhiskey and Neville had a few Gillywaters.

Hermione noticed scandalously clad women (much like herself but she would not admit it) hanging on pirates in the pub; one in particular kept looking at her with evil intensity and then over at Harry, then back at her.

The woman in question was very pretty with long dark hair; dark eyes and had an exotic look about her. She was next to a very handsome pirate, his long coat and hat, almost identical to Harry's, made him out to be a captain.

“Oi! Harry, looks like Chang is giving you the eye again.” Ron winked and nudged Harry in the ribs. Harry in response wrapped his arm around the waist of a very surprised Hermione and pulled her closer. She leaned into his hold and sipped her butterbeer, trying to drown the butterflies that had erupted in her stomach.

“Well she can look all she likes! At least Romhilda isn't showing her face tonight,” Harry mumbled.

Ginny snickered and Luna rolled her eyes.

“Who's Romhilda?” Neville asked, he already knew about Cho's history with Harry.

“Oh she is a wench that was after Harry, just like Cho Chang over there. She tried to slip him a love potion a few times. If they didn't support Dumbledore I'd never admit they exist.” Ron lifted his glass to the handsome captain Cho was with and the captain returned the gesture.

“Mmm now that's a pirate! Who's that man Cho's with?” Hermione asked Ginny. Harry shot her a murderous glance that she ignored.

“Oh that Cedric Diggory, captain of `The Badger', Cho's his fiancé. Isn't he handsome?” Ginny leaned over to reply.

Hermione sighed, “Mmm, a pirate like that makes me want to forget I'm a lady.” Ginny nodded and Harry and Ron scoffed, but Hermione ignored them and continued her thought, “I didn't know pirates had fiancés.”

“Well in some cases yes, if they are decent pirates and gentlemen,” Luna shot Ron a glace then continued, “Yes pirates do get married, and Cho is set for Cedric, since Harry gave her brush off that is...” she and Ginny exchanged smiles.

“Oh really Harry… do tell the story. I'm sure it's dreadfully sordid.” Hermione teased to cover up her slight pang of jealousy.

Harry's green eyes stared straight into her brown and she hid a gulp as he answered her, “Cho came on to me a few years back, she wanted to be my wench and I happened to fancy her at the time. I thought what the heck, I tried it. She was a mess, crying about Cedric all the time, they had just broken up and he was on a dangerous trip to deliver some `goods'. She kept crying all over me so I told her we were thru, go back to Diggory and that was it. She has been a little cold to me ever since, can't say I blame her. I needed a lady made of stronger stuff than she was.” Harry gave her a small smile as she tried to keep breathing normally.

“Oh. Not quite the hair raiser I though it would be.” She managed when she found her voice again.

They all laughed but Harry kept his eye lock with Hermione and she felt her insides turn to goo. No person, no man had ever looked at her like that. His eyes told her everything she had ever wanted to hear and nothing at the same time.

“No Hermione, no this is a bad idea. Get those thoughts out of your head… oh but he is so handsome and so everything…damn it!”

Hermione finally noticed she was making a spectacle of herself and Harry and then started laughing at something Ron had just said, along with everyone else, breaking the eye contact.

Harry had to clear his throat to keep his composure when she threw her head back and laughed, putting her whole person into it.

They had some dinner and talked until the sun went down and the men escorted the ladies back to the ship. Harry made some excuse about going back to talk to an old friend in the pub and it sounded debatable. Mostly since Ron and Neville only nodded in agreement, not expounding on it, as they were prone to do.

Hermione knew something was up with those three and Ginny agreed. Luna looked through the scope to see the three boys walk into a dark alley, not in the direction of The Hog's Head and the girls decided to follow them back into town.

They crept after the boys in the shadows, talking in whispers.

“Where are they going?” Hermione asked the two.

“I have no idea. Oh duck in here, Ron's looking!” Luna shrieked.

The three ducked behind a large pile of barrels whose contents smelled questionable while Ron shrugged and turned back to following Harry.

“Why are they going down here, there isn't that much in this part of town…” Ginny pondered as Hermione shrugged.

They wound their way through the city, hiding every now and then until they came to a very dark, creaking building, that the boys entered. Ron was the last to go in and looked around before he shut the door behind him.

Hermione, Ginny and Luna crept up through the dingy yard to the window and saw a light towards the back of the house.

“Should we go around to the back?” Luna asked.

“No lets try the door first and look around inside. It's probably safer than staying out here.” Ginny answered.

Hermione pulled out her wand from inside her short skirt, “Okay lets go, but no lights, and no talking.” Ginny and Luna nodded in agreement.

The door opened easily and Luna cast a silencing charm on the hinges to keep it from creaking. They walked through the house towards the light that had been coming from the kitchen. The door was closed except for a wide crack that let them see into the room.

The girls positioned themselves in a corner by the door, out of the light and watched the scene inside.

Harry, Ron and Neville sat around a table with Lupin, Sirius, Fred and George and some other men Hermione did not know.

Ginny leaned down and counted them off to her.

“The man with the beard is Albus Dumbledore and from the left it's Alastor Moody, Minerva McGonagall, Servius Snape, he's our spy with Voldemort. Then that tall one is Charlie and the other one is Bill, my oldest brothers. And next to Bill are my father and then Mr. Lovegood. But I don't know who that one in the hood is.”

Hermione squinted in the candlelight and recognized him, “That's Kingsley Shacklebolt, he's the Captain of the Auror Guard!”

“But why would a ministry official be here?” Luna asked.

“I don't know. Luna, Ginny any thoughts?”

“Nope.” They both answered.

The three were forced into silence as they watched Minerva walk out of the room and past their hiding corner. She looked around when she heard a crackling of the floor and looked in the direction of the girls, seeing nothing she headed upstairs and when her door closed the meeting started.

Dumbledore cleared his throat and began the meeting, “Well good evening gentlemen! I have good news to report, we now have what we needed to gain our advantage in this war. Harry has secured the object and we can proceed in our plans.”

The men thumped Harry on the back and offered praise to which Hermione gave a small humph outside. She was raging with anger inside at being left out of the loop at the meeting concerning the necklace she had kept safe.

“How long until we can form a plan Dumbledore?” Arthur Weasley asked.

“It should be only a short time until we can finalize everything Arthur.”

They went on to each report what they had seen going on at sea and in the villages and cities. They discussed the Death Eater's possible plans of finding what they had and how to prevent it. Which rumors to spread and how to get Voldemort off track. The meeting adjourned with the promise of meeting again in a few days at Grummauld Isle. The girls ducked back as the members left and held their breath in hopes they would not be spotted. Most of the men left the meeting but Harry, Ron Neville, Sirius, Lupin and Dumbledore stayed behind.

“Well Harry I think now is a good time for us to examine your trinket.” Dumbledore chuckled.

Harry pulled the necklace out of his pocket with a smile as he laid it on the table.

Dumbledore opened the setting and the golden orb rolled out and onto the table. Harry broke it with his wand and a misty figure rose out speaking the prophecy:

“ He shall be born as the seventh month dies to those who have defied him. He shall have power the Dark Lord knows not and with said power he shall defeatd the Dark Lord. One cannot live while the other survives, this power shall rise from the one born as the seventh month dies…”

The men around the table were all quiet as they contemplated the words as the figure disappeared.

“Sir, what is the power that he knows not?” Harry asked the bearded wizard.

“Harry what have we discussed in months past? What is the one thing, the one emotion that Voldemort cannot understand or possess?”

“Love?”

“Yes, correct Harry. Love is what protected you from him when your mother gave herself for you and love that you have shall help defeat him.”

“How?” Harry scratched his head.

“Oh could we brew up a love potion and slip it to him or dump it on him?” Neville offered.

They all looked at Neville for a moment, “Well I though it was a good..”

Harry interrupted him “No Neville it's a great idea it just that...”

“Mr. Longbottom has a very good idea however it would be better if it was some sort of spell rather than having to slip Voldemort a potion.” Dumbledore smiled at Neville who puffed out his chest slightly. Ginny had to shove her face in Hermione's back to stifle a girlish giggle.

“A spell? But Dumbledore there are no love spells strong enough to kill him are there? Lupin asked.

Dumbledore thought for a moment before answering, “Yes that is a very good point Remus. A very good point indeed. It is something that will take further research and some input from Harry.”

“Sir?”

“Harry you will need to find a way to project your love into the spell we find. It is only something you can do yourself, by yourself. I am afraid I cannot help you here.”

Ron mumbled to Neville, “Yeah but I bet Hermione can...” Neville snickered and Harry shot them a harsh look.

“Ron did you want to add something?” Harry asked, his voice strained.

Ron gulped, “Oh uh no Harry, nothing at all ha ha..” Neville bent his head to hide his smile and was kicked by Ron under the table.

Dumbledore smiled, “Ah yes well we can ask the young lady that question right now since she, Miss Weasley and Miss Lovegood are currently outside the door and have been for quite a while.” Harry Ron and Neville turned to look at the crack in the door while Lupin and Sirius tried to hide their chuckles.

Hermione, Ginny and Luna panicked when they heard Dumbledore tell the boys they were listening in. They tried to scramble to their feet and get out of the house when the kitchen door flew open to a not happy Harry, Ron and Neville.

“Hermione!” Harry hissed.

“Ginny!” Neville yelled.

“Luna!” Ron hollered.

They all stood and gulped and tried to put on the sweetest smiles possible. The boys grabbed their arms, waists and in Neville's case, hoisted Ginny over his shoulders and dragged them into the kitchen.

Lupin and Sirius were now laughing very hard along with Dumbledore when the six entered.

“Well Lady Granger we meet at last, how do you do?” Dumbledore kissed Hermione's hand and bowed.

“Oh er it's a pleasure to meet you Commodore Dumbledore, I umm apologize for interrupting your umm meeting…”

“Oh no think nothing of the sort. I should be thanking you for keeping the prophecy safe for so long. I wish more ladies would express an interest in `The Order'. Unfortunately Minerva is feeling a little under the weather tonight and could not attend as usual.”

“Hello Professor Dumbledore, how… how are you?” Ginny offered and he smiled at her.

“Oh I'm very well Miss Weasley, very well. And how are you and Miss Lovegood? So what did you think of the meeting.”

“Oh it was very interesting. I think you have the right idea about the spell, though the potion is a good concept Neville.” Ginny gave him a small smile and he returned it and puffed out a bit more if that was possible.

“Yes I agree that the spell might be better for this situation, but most of the ones in existence are weak unless Harry does what you suggest and projects the emotion.” Hermione added.

“Unless you were able to drink a potion and use that to help fuel the spell. Or if you use the tooth of a Nargle, since they haunt mistletoe, they are supposed to absorb the emotion of love.” Luna smiled proudly and Ron sighed and squeezed her hand in his, rolling his eyes to the ceiling.

“That is an interesting idea Luna. Well if any of you come up with anything more, I am more than happy to help but for now, I think I should get back to my ship. Dumbledore let me know about the next meeting, I'll clean up the manor for it. Harry I will owl you in a day or so about things. Hermione, Ginny, Luna it was lovely to see you all again” Sirius stood up and headed for the door.

“I also must get back to my ship, there are a few umm things I need to take care of. Harry let me know if you need anything alright?” Harry nodded, “Dumbledore I will see you on the Isle. Good night everyone.” Lupin turned and followed Sirius out the door, the two laughing as they walked down the street to the harbor.

“Well I think now would be a good time for me to go off to bed, Harry, you all are more than welcome to stay, all I ask is that you lock up when you leave.” Dumbledore tipped his head towards the young captain.

“No we need to be getting back to the ship.” Harry replied solemnly as he guided Hermione to the door and the others followed.

They called their good nights to Dumbledore as they walked down the alley, Ron Neville and Harry grasping the girls tightly and pushing them forward. None of them had said much since they discovered the eavesdroppers and none of them were very happy about it. Ron was trying to contain his anger but his ears were turning telltale pink, Neville's face was red and he was muttering under his breath but Harry was cold and aloof. They had agreed earlier that they did not want to include the girls because of the danger involved, Hermione especially. She would go back to her world of the ministry and any knowledge on her part posed a possible threat to `The Order' and their plans.

The six friends walked down the path in silence until they came to a fork were the path split off to the harbor, the road back to Dufftown, and the other to another town far off. Harry paused forcing Hermione to stop as well.

“Ron, Neville, you two take Luna and Ginny back to the ship. I have another stop I need to make and I need Lady Granger's assistance. Ron let the crew know we are staying here until further notice, there are other things we need to take care of before we leave.” Harry's voice was cold and detached.

“Right captain, send an owl if you have any other instructions?” Ron was equally distant.

“Yes I will. As soon as I get there I will let you know. Neville, will you send me word of the rum sale?”

“As soon as I get the report from Dean and Seamus. I'll send it along Captain.”

Neville did not sound like his jovial self.

Hermione was feeling very confused at this point. Ron, Neville and Harry were all talking about some place Harry seemed to be going. How was he going to send an owl, did he have one in his pocket? That was not possible and Hermione only felt better seeing that Ginny and Luna looked equally baffled about the conversation.

Harry nodded to Ron and Neville and they split off with strained `good nights' all around. The girls shared looks of concern and knew they were in big trouble since they were being separated and Hermione distinctly heard Neville telling Ron he was going to head down to Greater Hangleton. It was a small but upscale village outside of Dufftown where Neville's family had a house; Hermione knew the Longbottoms were on holiday in Germany. Neville had talked about checking up on their greenhouse and other matters at the estate and she heard him expressing his need for help from the red head he was dragging along.

Luna was being dragged to the ship with Ron, Ginny was headed to Greater Hangleton with Neville and Harry was trying to drag Hermione down a dark road to the unknown location. She reflected that none of the boys looked happy and Ginny and Luna were not protesting. She heard two pops and guessed that Ron and Neville side-apparated with the girls to their destinations since women were not allowed, at all.

Hermione turned her head back to Harry who was dragging her off into the dark, to who knows where. She'd had enough of his cold behavior and wanted some answers, but first she wanted to go back to the ship, right now. And she was not going to let him drag her into the dark for an out of the way apparition point.

She twisted out of his grasp and turned to walk back to the ship, but he grabbed her again and pulled her back in the other direction, not saying a word. She stepped out of his grasp again, this time she was not pleased, at all.

“What do you think you're doing?” she shouted.

“We need to go down further into the dark so no one can see us apparate and try to follow.” He replied, his voice still and calm but inside his thoughts were raging.

Harry had never been so adamant about anything in his life, Hermione had risked her life too many times. He needed to get her somewhere safe, and not let her alone for a second. Letting her waltz back to the ship in the night was a very bad idea. A Death Eater would be only too happy to kidnap her or worse. He couldn't let that happen, not now, not after all that had happened between them. He now admitted to himself that maybe she was even too dangerous for he, Captain Harry James Potter. It made him afraid and sad at the same time. The thought that he would have to give her up, that he was forced to feel this way, torn between want and need, forced to have to make her leave. Forced to have to trust her with his life. Even though he did, he still felt cheated somehow.

“No. I'm going back to the pub to have a drink.” She turned to head back down the path but Harry stepped in her way. It may not have been true but it sounded like a good idea after she said it.

“Excuse me, you're in my way.” She replied though clenched teeth.

“No, you are going the wrong way.” He was still impassive.

“ No I am not...”

“Yes you are, you are coming with me whether you like it or not Hermione.”

At this point she was done with this little game and she went to push Harry out of the way but he grabbed her wrists and dragged her back down the path into the dark, Hermione protesting with full force.

“Harry let me go this instant, how dare you force me to do anything! Where do you get off trying to tell me what to do and when, I have never been so insulted in my life! What right do you think you have to..” but she was cut off.

Harry finally couldn't take anymore of her ranting so he rounded on her,

“Where do I get off Hermione! Where do you? You come on to my ship as though you are its captain and then barge in on an Order meeting and expect me to be happy about that! When I specifically told you to stay on the ship! You have put yourself in more danger than you know and there is no way in bloody hell I am letting you out of my sight! For all I know you were followed by a Death Eater and they heard the whole meeting! You and Ginny and Luna could have compromised the whole plan and gotten yourselves killed! And now you have to be inducted into `The Order' because of what you witnessed. We all agreed as a group to not involve Ginny and Luna. It was at their families' insistence along Ron's and Neville's and mine. But then you come along and push them into it! You disobeyed orders from the Captain, you are so damn obstinate in doing what you want, not thinking about anyone else!” Harry was seething as he pushed Hermione deeper and deeper into the darkness.

“It was just as much their idea as it was mine so don't for a second think I pushed them into it or was thinking only about myself! You know full well that I wanted to help with the necklace and you snuck off without so much as a word to me about it! Ginny, Luna and I reserve the right to be involved; we want to be in `The Order'! You have no right to make that decision for us! Or Ron or Neville for that matter!” Hermione was raging as Harry was pulling her along the road, she dug her heels into the dirt to try and stop him.

At this point Hermione guessed that Ron and Neville had whisked Ginny and Luna away to have the same conversation in private. Knowing it would be easier to break down their defenses if they were separated. She was adamant about not giving in; okay she had taken some unnecessary and slightly reckless… okay very reckless risks, that night and could have gotten them killed. Or discovered or any of the above.

“Well isn't that just peachy for you. I'm happy to hear you are so loyal to the fight against Voldemort. But I can make those choices and I have. End of discussion. I'm taking you back to your father as soon as I get the chance. He can deal with your trials and tribulations.” Harry felt as though he was ripping his own heart out when he told her that.

“I should hex you right here and now, God knows you would deserve it! Treating me like a common slag! Harry you are the biggest git I have ever met now let me go!” she was screaming now. She desperately wanted to get out of his grasp before she did something stupid, like kiss him. She figured hexing him was a better idea at the moment.

Hermione made a move to reach for her wand but Harry was quicker, he reached into the waistband of her skirt and pulled out her wand and hoisted her over his shoulder in one movement. He continued down the path with her still screaming at him.

“No Hermione I will not let you go! You are coming with me, you have no choice and your life depends on it. And I never treated you like a slag. Why, because you never would have allowed it for one moment until just now when I got into your skirt!”

Hermione saw her chance, she had a good position so she punched him hard, right on the jaw. The force of it and the surprise caused Harry to drop her and she ran in the opposite direction.

She didn't get far when she was lifted off the ground again from behind. Harry firmly grasped her at the waist with one hand and pinned her arms with the other.

“Yeah I guess I deserved that,” he whispered into her ear, it caused a shiver to run down her spine.

“Yes you did,” she whispered back, tears in her eyes. She wanted to get away from him badly and he refused to let her go, he had never acted like this before, She was almost afraid of him.

“Give me back my wand Harry,” she was still whispering, it was an order not a question.

“No.” he whispered back, sending shivers down her spine again. She tried to pry herself away but he held her tight until she gave up and relaxed against his chest.

Harry knew they had to look ridiculous standing in the middle of a dark road arguing like this.

“Tell me where you're taking me then.”

“No.”

“Why?” Her heart was pounding in her chest she was sure he could hear it.

“I need you to trust me.”

“No. Your forcing me to go somewhere, without my wand, you don't deserve trust.”

“You forced your way into a secret meeting, one that will decide the fate of the wizarding world, I was forced to give you my trust then. It's not so different Hermione.”

A tear fell down her cheek, he was right. She had tricked Harry, she never asked to join the meeting and she could have. Harry had to trust her not to say anything about what she had seen and heard, it was important and he had no control over it, she had taken that away. Her persistence had finally caught up with her. She should have convinced Luna and Ginny not to go. But she just had to know what was going on. She had never felt so bad; she had never forced or tricked anyone in her life. She wanted to run, but she didn't want to be out of his grasp. She wasn't sure what thought frightened her more.

“Fine, you're right.” she replied and then she felt as if she was being pushed though a very small tube. For a second she couldn't breath and couldn't move.

She staggered when she felt the ground again and she looked up. They were standing in front of a tall wrought iron gate. Harry walked forward and sent a silver stag from his wand though the gate up to the house. The gates opened when the spectral raced though them and Harry took Hermione's hand and led her up the long winding road.

“You can summon a Patronus?” she asked quietly.

“Yes. I learned a few years ago. I had some problems with dementors, so Lupin taught me how to get rid of them. I'm surprised you know about them.”

“Tonks is a very good teacher.” She smiled and he nodded.

After a few moments they came upon a large mansion looming out of the dark. Light appeared in a few windows as they approached.

“Are we staying here for the night?”

Harry nodded his head in a yes.

“Are you going to leave me here?”

Harry shook his head no.

“Whose house is this?”

“Mine. It's my parent's old place.”

Hermione was shocked, it was a huge estate with gardens and fountains and trees and fields that went on forever, hence the long walk up from the gate. The property went all they way down a low hill to a private bay with a dock, it looked as though it could handle several large ships.

“Oh” she replied.

The front door opened and a small creature with floppy ears bounded out and hugged Harry's legs.

“Harry Potter sir, Dobby is so pleased to see you sir. Everything is ready, me and Winky and Flopsy and Karl have kept things up well we has sir.”

“That's great Dobby, I know you've done a wonderful job.”

Harry opened the front door and guided Hermione into the house, her mouth dropped open, it was nicer than her home in Hogsmeade!

Everything seemed to sparkle it was so clean and the house glowed with warmth. It was not quite what she imagined Harry to have but it still seemed to fit him, somehow.

The house elf Dobby led them into the large kitchen where the small table had been laid out with roast beef sandwiches, sliced vegetables and ice-cold pumpkin juice.

Hermione sat down in a chair across from Harry and the elves disappeared.

“I never thought you would have house elves. You don't seem the type.”

“Oh I'm not. They have been with my family for years and so I had to keep them, they have nowhere else to go. But I pay them and give vacation days even though Winky protests. They are living beings that deserve respect too.” Harry sighed.

Hermione had to try and not smile even though she had the same thoughts.

She ate part of a sandwich but wasn't very hungry. Now that drink at the pub was sounding very appealing, mostly because of her fight with Harry who was equally quiet.

After a while she tried to make polite conversation.

“This house is really lovely Harry.”

He looked up at her and smirked, “Let me guess, you want to know how a pirate, an outlaw like me can have an estate like this?”

“Uh something like that...” Hermione mumbled.

Harry laughed out loud, “That mind of yours never stops does it? Well I guess I could tell the story of this house.” Hermione smiled and he continued, “Well it all started with my ancestor, his Grace Xavier Potter, Count of Godric's Hollow. He was born into a house with a title but no money. Yes I know it's strange but his parents died and left him only his title that they had been granted a few years before by the King, for service to the Crown or some rubbish like that. They were also grated all this land but they could only afford to put up the shack they lived in. It was on this very spot under a tree out in the garden. Well he jumped onto a ship at the age of fifteen and worked his way up. He saved his wages and bought out a shipping business. The Potters have had it ever since and it made Xavier enough money to build this house and the dock and keep his own fleet. He still loved to sail as much as do magic. Then when my father was born, the trouble started with Voldemort and the Ministry refused to acknowledge any of our social gains so we all became outlaws with warrants for arrest and prices on our heads. As a joke my father used to collect the posters to see how much he was worth! Sirius and Lupin do the same, to see who was worth the most, it was a game for them.”

“That is an interesting story. I never thought you were anything but a pirate! You don't seem like the society type, you don't care how big and grand your house is, only that it's comfortable and functional. ” Hermione sighed.

“Mmm yeah I guess so. What I am really thankful for is the dock and the bay. I can just put `The Stag' there with no troubles and it is safe from storms and other pirates because the cliffs are hard to sail unless you know what you're doing. The wards on the estate help too since they extend to the mouth of the bay.”

Harry realized he had been babbling happily when he had been yelling at her an hour before and figured he should say something.

They sat in silence for another while, taking a swig of pumpkin juice or a nibble of sandwich.

Hermione just wanted to go back to her boring life and forget all about everything, all about Harry and then wanted to kick herself for thinking that.

“Hermione…”, he started.

“No Harry you were right. I am just in the way, some bossy know it all that thought she knew what she was doing. Well it was stupid yes and dangerous and I'm sorry. I just wanted to help.”

“No I'm sorry. I didn't mean most of what I said. I just… you just… you know how to push me Hermione and I can't stand it and like it at the same time. You really drive me up the wall sometimes. Honestly I would have followed me too tonight. But they are out there looking for you, and that necklace. And I can only protect you so far, and now…now they might have yet another reason to come after you, one I can't hide you from. And that part scares me, more than anything.”

“Why? How can I affect you so much?”

“I..I...I…I don't know. I guess you are so… umm I'm not sure how to put it.” Harry gulped, that was close.

“Oh. I see. I'm just a bundle of trouble for you aren't I Harry? Just a problematic captive that you need to keep the score even?” Hermione looked up at him tears shining in her eyes.

“Forget it Hermione, he could never love you. Even though you let yourself fall for him when you got on the ship. Oh hell you fell for him when you saw him sneaking though your house and into your bedroom. Don't try to tell yourself that you didn't have an idea or two about that! No stop it. Just get out of the fantasy, it isn't real…”She tried to blink away the offensive drops of saltwater but one pesky tear fell down her cheek.

“No you are not just trouble for me and I only kept you hostage to keep you safe from Voldemort. You were never `leverage' for anything. I don't think like Draco Malfoy.” Harry cupped her face in his hand and wiped the tear away with his thumb. When he realized her was touching her he took his hand away as if her skin was fire.

“Yes you are big trouble for me Hermione, you make me crazy, you make me want to do things, bad things, wonderfully bad things… and those clothes are not helping matters…”

“You kept something important very safe and I don't know how I can thank you for doing my duty for ten years. And I am just afraid that you are going to get hurt and it will be completely my fault since you never asked for any of it.”

“I did tonight. That's part of why I followed you. I wanted a reason for you to keep me here…in the loop I mean, besides as leverage for the ministry. But I know you're not like Draco, you could never be like Draco. Seeing what you are trying to do, I want to help, I need to help.” She was trying to keep breathing normally.

“I.. uh… I see that now.” He sighed and she looked hopeful again. “Look it's a few hours `till dawn, why don't you go upstairs and get some sleep before we leave. I need to look up a few things and owl Neville. I'll have Winky show you to a room.”

Hermione followed the small elf up the stairs and into a grand bedroom. It had a large four-poster bed with velvet curtains and the entire room was decorated in gold and red.

“Here is the bedroom miss. I hope you will be comfortable.”

“The bedroom, Harry had never specified what grounds she was here on…Oh bullocks.”

“Umm Winky, whose room is this exactly?”

“Why, Count Potter's miss! Please let Winky know if you needs anything. Good night miss.” The house elf closed the door leaving Hermione standing in the room alone.

She was in Harry's room, she was supposed to sleep in his bed. She looked around for a couch she could camp out on but there was none, only the bed.

Winky had pulled out a large sleeping tunic of Harry's that would fall down to Hermione's knees and provide ample coverage besides her undergarments.

“Well this is bloody brilliant isn't it? I am supposed to be neutral about this, wanting to go home and then I have to go and sleep in his bed, like his actual wench! And be dressed in his nightshirt for goodness sakes! Oh what have I gotten myself into? ”

Apprehensively she undressed and pulled on the tunic and crawled in bed.

She sunk down into the deep feather mattress and pillows. The sheets were pure silk and soft. Winky had placed a bed-warmer in-between the sheets earlier and it made the entire bed warm. It always felt nice to climb into a warm bed after being around the cold sea. Hermione was exhausted from that night and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Harry sent off an owl to Neville and to Ron who responded together. Both were back on the ship, having talked to Ginny and Luna. The two girls understood their position and wanted to be involved. They boys were not entirely pleased but grudgingly agreed that it was the girls' choice in the end.

Harry pulled out a large ledger and some papers for his shipping business. He had managed to keep it legitimate and gave into paying the hefty taxes on the merchandise. It was a small price to pay for good cover by his company; no one would suspect that the owner, such an honest businessman was really a pirate.

The present matter was a large shipment that had just come in from China and it contained various rare magical herbs that Neville had insisted would go for a good price. Harry had already received several offers that were even higher than Neville anticipated. He wrote several letters in response and sent his business owl, Archimedes, to deliver them. Hedwig look a little disappointed that her paramour was leaving so soon after she had arrived, she had quite the infatuation with Harry's tawny brown male.

Harry looked at the clock and saw that it was nearly two in the morning. Knowing that he had a busy day ahead of him, he trudged up the stairs to get into bed.

He was very surprised to see Hermione in it but realized his was the only bedroom furnished and suitable for sleeping. Every other room was closed off and the furniture was covered in dust cloths. Harry set both their wands on the nearest bedside table and pulled off his boots and his jacket.

He lifted the covers and saw that Hermione was wearing one of his nightshirts and nothing else except her knickers, he guessed.

“Well if I must, sleep next to her I shall! You live a charmed life Potter...” he smirked.

The events of that night had completely worn him out. Harry crawled in next to her and blew out the candles. He was asleep the second his head hit the pillow.

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

It was a dark and moonless night on the water. All was still; there was no wind or waves to disturb the silence. His bare feet hit the damp wood of the deck as he ran, trying to make it onto the large rowboat headed ashore. He had to make it to Dufftown, it was a matter of life and death.

The boat was shoving off from the ship, He ran faster to catch up and jumped off the deck and into the air, flying, and he landed on a canvas tarp in the boat with a small `thump'. Its occupants never noticed him.

He crept around the village, following the captain of the ship he'd stow away on. He had to remain undetected or it would ruin the entire plan.

The captain walked into the Hog's Head and sat down for a firewhiskey in a corner waiting for someone, his mark. Hidden in the dark they both watched their mark sit and have a few drinks with some wenches. Or at least they looked like wenches in revealing tops and suggestive skirts. The boots made him smile though, they were very appealing.

Finally the mark left and was followed by the captain and then by him. The captain tried to keep up with his mark but lost him in the hubbub of the docks and sauntered back to his ship. He found what he was looking for though, the ship! He carefully made his way up the gangplank and hid in the cabins. A few hours later a red head and a blond barged in and a fight ensued.

“How dare you tell me what I can and cannot do, you are acting just like my father! What you think just because you're a Baron gives you the right. To boss be around? It's not like you've made me your wench or something!.” The blonde raged.

“First of all, don't bring my stupid title into this! You know I don't give a rat's ass about that thing! Second what you did tonight scared me. Look all I care about is that you're safe and tonight you put yourself in a lot of danger. What if you were seen; caught even! Do you think I could live with myself if that happened? Did you three even consider what you were doing at the time, sneaking around Dufftown alone? And `The Order', you could have led them right to us! Everything could have been ruined and you could be dead, or Ginny or Hermione. Why because you just had to see what we were doing! You could have just asked for bloody sake! What… if you…I…Luna you could have been hurt or worse!” the red head retorted.

“Why do you care so much then? Please tell me Ronald! Why are you getting so worked up? Yes, what we did was not the wisest thing but nothing happened! We're fine, I'm just fine...” She crossed her arms in defense, tears in her eyes. Ron paced the ground in front of her mumbling for a few moments and then stopped and looked at her.

“You want the truth Luna? You want to know everything! Why what you did kills me, why you make me mental?”

“Yes! Just tell me for bloody sake!”, she threw up her arms in exasperation.

“Fine then I will!” Ron yelled and pulled the blonde to him, his lips crashing down on hers and they met in a passionate kiss.

She moaned into his lips and he smiled against hers. They broke apart and he leaned his forehead to hers.

“I love you Luna. If you died, so would I,” he whispered.

She was breathless from his declaration and his kiss, “Oh Ronald, why didn't you tell me?”

“I…I…I was afraid that you didn't… that you don't love me back.” He closed his eyes preparing for the blow to his heart, surely she couldn't love him, and it wasn't possible, was it?

“Oh but I do, I love you, Ronald, I always have!”

She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him. Her hands tangled in his red hair as his arms clung to her as if she would float away. They walked down the hall still entwined and stumbled into the first mate's cabin closing the door behind them.

He scurried up to the crack at the bottom and could hear Luna giggle from the inside. The giggling soon changed into more heated sounds and he quickly backed away from the noise. He ducked into a corner and hid in the darkness.

Hours later a snowy white owl flew onto the ship and tapped at the door. Ron answered it in only his breeches and read the letter and then went back inside. He heard talking from the other side but could not understand the words.

“Perfect, that is one couple my master will love to hear about. But what about that Potter boy? Where is he and the Lady Granger?”

The rat sat in his safe corner until a round faced boy and a red haired girl came on board a while later and the owl flew off again with a note. The boy knocked on Ron's door, which was answered by Luna. She looked as though she had dressed in a hurry.

The round-faced boy addressed as Neville looked slightly disheveled and the girl, Ginny was flushed. The four of them went down to the kitchens and discussed some of what went on in the meeting, but there was no mention of the necklace! Had they stopped looking for it?

The boy Neville then recounted his evening to Ron after the girls had left to go to their cabin, giggling as they walked down the hall.

“So what did you say to her mate?”

“I told her that she should have stayed on board, like Harry asked. That she risked too much by following us. Probably just what you told Luna.”

Ron sighed, “How did my lovely sister take it?”

“Oh we had quite a row and she got a good smack in on me, quite an arm that girl has, but I told her I was just worried about her well being and that there were bigger things at stake than her pride and being right. That seemed to calm her down. Mind you, she does get scary when she's mad.”

“Yeah, a trait she picked up from our mum. Luna and I had a similar uhh… discussion, but she saw reason enough.”

“Then why is there lipstick on your neck Ron? Or is that a new form of reasoning?” Neville smirked.

“Oh…I uhh…” Ron could only stammer.

“No I get it, you finally told her how you feel and she umm took it well I can guess. But am I allowed to assume that the noble Burrow estate will have a Baroness named Luna soon?”

“Very well mate, she took it very well! And as for her becoming Baroness, uhh I hope so. That's next on my list to talk to her about!” Ron laughed and Neville smiled.

“So umm what plans do you have on my sister?”

“I uhh… what!” Neville was caught off guard.

“Sir Longbottom, What. Plans. Do. You. Have. For. My. Sister. Ginny, you know the girl you keep staring after? The one who makes you lose concentration? The one you call out to in your sleep?”

“I umm… I thought I would take it slow, see how she feels about me first you know… umm be a gentleman? And I do not call out for her in my sleep!”

“Well that sounds good, but if you hurt her I will hex you to oblivion and that's because you one of my best mate's. Oh and yes you do, I have gotten complaints from the crew actually.” Ron gave a twisted smile and Neville nodded a little.

“I wonder when Harry is getting back?” he asked.

“Mmm not sure. I know he went to Godric's Hollow. Probably to check up on the shipping business and to deal with umm things, you know mate.”

“Ahh and those things involve…” Neville wiggled his eyebrows.

“God I hope they do. Those two need to figure it out already, before they drive themselves crazy!” Ron smiled and they started to snicker like schoolboys.

“Ahh yes, Godric's Hollow. The master is very aware of that home.. If I could only get the message before they leave. It's all too perfect. Granger must be there with Potter, oh and what a pair they make. A pirate and a lady, her father will love that! We can hold any of these girls hostage in exchange for information.”

The rat quickly ran up the stairs out onto the deck and down the gangplank. He was so excited he failed to keep under cover. The blonde wizard he was tailing earlier came out of the shadows and began to follow him instead.

“Oh bugger!” Draco muttered under his breath.

He hurried after the rat and saw him go onto his own ship `The Ferret', and down into his cabin. The rat transformed back to Peter who flooed Voldemort from the small fireplace. The Dark Lord's head appeared in the flames.

“Yes Wormtail, what do you know?”

Draco stayed in a dark corner out in the small hallway listening. Wormtail was using him to spy for the Dark Lord. He did not trust Draco or Lucius and this was proof.

“His Grace, Count Potter is at Godric's Hollow and he has the Lady Granger with him. The boys Weasley and Longbottom are in the Order; there was a meeting tonight. They did not speak of the necklace.”

“Good work, you are finally deeming yourself useful. Stay on Potter's ship and keep me informed.”

“Yes my Lord.” And Voldemort disappeared. Peter transformed back into a rat and scurried out of the cabin and towards `The Stag'.

Draco ran off the ship and into the dark towards Godric's Hollow, now he had conformation Potter was there. He disapparated as the sky turned light blue to give way to sunrise.

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

Harry stirred as the sun came though his windows, and at first was startled at not feeling the rocking motion of his ship. Then he remembered going back to his homestead and arguing with Hermione.

Oh right Hermione, the current object of his affection umm no… attention, yes that's good, and also presently sharing the other side of his bed, in his nightshirt.

“Hmm she does look particularly fetching in my tunic… I could get used to that…”

He looked over to see her slumbering in peace, lying on her stomach facing him, her curly brown hair splashed across the pillow. The nightshirt had hiked up in the night to mid-thigh, revealing lots of the creamy white skin of her legs.

The thought of her, them really, like this always, flitted though his mind; sharing a bed with her in this house. However he would have liked their positions to be much closer (as in wrapped in each other's arms) and the nightclothes to be optional. Harry smirked wickedly at that thought. After all he is a hot-blooded man and she, a beautiful and enticing young woman.

Since his parent's had died he avoided Godric's Hollow like the plague, only checking in from time to time. Now he was thinking about being here always, with her? He really did need to get her back to her father, to her life. So he could get back to his.

“Separate worlds Potter, separate worlds, just keep telling yourself that when you're about to lose your composure…”

Harry forced himself out of his thoughts, got out of bed and headed towards the bathroom to get cleaned up for the day. He left the bathroom freshly bathed and combed when he remembered something important. He set Hermione's wand next to her on the nightstand as he walked out to go over some business ventures.

Harry entered his study to find a letter from Neville telling him about the rum sale, they had done well. Seamus's rum usually fetched a good price and they were able to restock supplies for the next voyage, with galleons to spare.

He was sitting at the breakfast table on the first floor terrace drinking a cup of tea and reading the morning Prophet. The first floor terrace looked out onto the back gardens and further to the bay. Grand steps led down to another terrace below and from that one, stairs down to another that was situated in front of a decent sized pond complete with a fountain and magical (but friendly) water creatures. Harry must have looked the part of his title as Count Potter of Godric's Hollow for once when Karl alerted him that there was someone at the gate.

“Your Grace, there is a wizard ringing the bell at the gate, should I see what he wants sire?”

Harry's house elves had been trained not to let visitors know Harry was home at all until they consulted their master. It was the only safe way he could have a day of peace to keep up with the family business. Despite the fact that it was mostly run by Lupin since he would stay at the Potter Estate more than Harry did. He was also a partner along with Sirius in the venture.

Harry walked over to his telescope that was constantly trained on the gate from in the front parlor and saw Draco Malfoy pacing. Harry's muscles tightened and he did some mental knuckle cracking.

“Karl, greet him but tell him I am not at home, that I left early this morning. Ask if he wishes to leave me a message.”

“Yes sir.”

“Thank you Karl.”

The house elf gave a little bow and Harry grimaced, he hated when they did that, it was unnecessary. A few moments later, he could see Karl trotting out to the gate with a little sack that held a small writing desk outfitted with quill and parchment. He did smile at the thought of Malfoy's reaction to leaving him a message. What would it say, “I'm going to get you Potter, and your little wench too?” Harry chucked at the thought and then remembered, Hermione!

He knew that Malfoy was going to watch the estate with his goons. He wouldn't believe that Harry wasn't there until he had wasted an entire day watching for him. Draco was just that thick and would jump at the chance to re-kidnap Hermione the second they left the protective spells of the estate.

Harry called for Hedwig and dashed off a quick note to Ron to pack up the crew and sail over to his private bay. Luckily the spells extended to the bay and its rocks and allowed only the ships Harry designated to pass though the barrier.

Now all he could do was wait for the ship to pull up. He called for Dobby and asked him to keep an eye open for his ship to anchor in the bay.

Harry walked upstairs and into the bedroom but found it empty, and so was the bathroom. The large tub showed evidence of a recent bubble bath, but not his own. Harry started to search the house for Hermione, she wouldn't have tried to leave right? She knew it was dangerous; they didn't fight that night for nothing. She had just taken a bath and was looking around, he hoped.

Harry raced around the house and on the third floor he saw a door propped open, it led to the library. Of course, he should have checked there first, Tonks always told him what a book fanatic she was.

Hermione was standing on the third rung of a ladder attached to one of the bookshelves. The library actually took up two floors, the third and fourth. There was a landing that divided the floor to ceiling shelves and a winding staircase that led to said landing and the fourth floor. Rolling ladders had been installed to make it easier to reach the higher shelves that were unfortunately only partially full of books.

“She could fill this room up with books, she would lo-..no stop it. That's not going to happen.”

“Hermione?”

She jumped and almost fell off the ladder and he raced over to grab her.

“Oh Harry you startled me!”

“Sorry, are you all right?” He chuckled as he set her on the floor.

“Oh yes I'm fine. I just couldn't help myself when I saw the library. It's a shame there aren't more books on the shelves.”

Harry grinned slyly, “Hermione my parents were pirates, when did they have time to go to the bookshop?”

She looked sheepish as she muttered, “Oh yes right.” She paused, “Umm is everything alright Harry?”

“Umm well yes and no.”

“Explain further please.”

“Okay, well for starters your boyfriend Draco and his league of extraordinary wizards, who excel at sleeping and Exploding Snap, are currently staked out all around the gate and probably in the town as well.”

Hermione looked pained, “How are we going to get out of here?”

“Ah that is the `yes' part. Ron and Neville, as we speak, are sailing the ship around to my private and secret bay that only they can enter. Malfoy has no idea it exists and even if he did, he couldn't sail into it.”

Hermione let out a breath of relief. “Oh that's good. So we are just going to wait for your ship to come in?” She smirked at her slight pun.

“Yep. And when it does I think I will have a small dinner party for the whole crew, just to irk Captain Draco. And don't think I didn't catch that pun milady.”

Hermione giggled, “Honestly I was worried there for a moment. I thought the jig was up!”

“Hermione you know I wouldn't let anything happen to you.” It was out of his mouth before he could stop it. Hermione's eyes widened slightly but she held her composure.

“Oh yes well umm th-thank you Harry. I know I have been some trouble for you in all this.”

“Hermione you are no trouble...” Harry stammered.

“No I have been and to make up for it I am going to plan your dinner party. I doubt you have had much experience at those things?”

“Umm no, not exactly.” Harry smiled and ran a hand through his hair.

“Alright then, let Karl and Dobby know they will need to tidy up the house and I will tell Winky and Flopsy what dishes to cook for dinner. And if you tell me where the wine cellar is I can select…”

Harry interrupted, “Hermione? Pirates remember?”

“Oh yes right, rum, butterbeer and firewhiskey to drink then?” she laughed jokingly.

Harry laughed and nodded his head and Hermione ran off to the kitchen.

She walked in to it being empty and sat on a stool and leaned on the island in the middle of the room.

“Why are you planning his dinner parties and offering to select the wine, you sound like his bloody wife! Start acting like a normal person and stop being so stupid, honestly you are embarrassing yourself…”

She was brought out of her musings when Winky came in and Hermione proceeded to list off the three-course meal and how many `guests' would be attending.

While Hermione was trying not to play lady-of-the-house, Harry was lounging in his study while Dobby cleaned the dining and drawing rooms.

“She's practically planning my life now, look how experienced she is at the party organizing. She could do this all the time and I do have the funds bankroll it. Come to think of it I have more galleons than her father does. I could give her a better life….”

“There you go again Potter, making fruitless plans for the wench in the short skirt and suggestive boots. You need to stop thinking about her if you want to get out alive.”

Hedwig flew in later that day with a note from Ron telling him `The Stag' was only an hour or so away and he wrote back with the announcement of the dinner party for the crew. They deserved a break.

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

Draco paced restlessly under the tree across the road from the Potter Estate. Crabbe and Goyle were napping in the shade `waiting' for the scouts to report any way into the estate.

He was mumbling about `getting Potter' when Lucius Malfoy apparated in front of him.

“Father what are you doing here?”

“The Dark Lord has found out that Potter is hosting a `dinner party' and has invited his crew along with half of `The Order'. He sent me to suss out the situation. What are you doing here Draco?”

“I discovered that Potter and Lady Granger were here and I came to try and re-capture her.” Draco spat back, he was seething now that Potter was having a party. He knew that Harry knew he was outside and was having this party to taunt him.

“How were you going to do that Draco?”

“Well now that I know he is expecting guests, I'll sneak in along with them in disguise as they enter the gates.”

Lucius laughed at the simplicity of his son's plan. “Do you think that will work? Honestly Draco.”

“Do you have a better plan Father” he replied.

Lucius did not have a better plan, or any plan for that matter. He stared at Draco who smiled when he realized his father had no plan.

“Just don't embarrass me Draco!” Lucius spat and apparated back to his own ship `The Manor'.

Draco just leaned against the tree and looked smug. He was finally going to get one over Potter.

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

“So Harry is hosting a dinner party?” Neville at the helm asked Ron who was navigating.

“Appears that way doesn't it Nev? I wonder what prompted the idea.”

“You mean who prompted the idea don't you Ron?”

Ron laughed, “Yes that would be the right question wouldn't it? So what do you think of the New Captain Harry?”

“Well I think he's a bit on edge you know? Like something or someone has his knickers in a bunch.” Neville rotated the wheel in the direction of Harry's bay.

“Yeah, I guess Hermione has him in a right state. But from what Ginny told me, he has the same effect on her. Now look what's happening, she's probably the one planning this thing. A dinner party, for pirates no less!

“Mmm you have point, it is pretty comical when you look at it like that. Did he invite anyone from the Order?”

“Sir Longbottom”, Ron replied in a false pompous voice, “ His Grace, has invited the entire Order of the Phoenix. Everyone who's anyone is expected to attend this horribly grandiose affair.”

Neville almost spun the ship off course he was laughing so hard at Ron, who had taken a very proper stance, with his nose in the air.

He maintained this composure until he was hit smack in the face with a ball of seaweed.

Fred and George gave each other praise at their wonderful aim from the crow's nest.

“Oi! You two stop messing around and keep a lookout! Death Eaters could be following us and we'll never know it because you are too busy throwing seaweed!”

“Well Ronniekins if you want to pull rank with us then fine we'll go back to looking for nothing. Oh by the way my glorious First Mate, you have a piece of seaweed dangling from your very pink ears.” George retorted.

Ron's ears changed to crimson as he brushed aside the offending plant.

“Rotten gits” he mumbled under his breath.

The ship sail on for a while longer until Fred shouted, “Hollow Bay approaching!”

Ron now took over the helm and steered `The Stag' into the mouth of the bay.

`The Phoenix', `The Dog' and `The Moon Bainer' were already docked in the bay and the crews were heading up to the terraces where tables and chairs had been conjured to seat the guests.

The ship was pulled up and tied to the enormous dock by its crew who immediately headed up to the road to the terraces to greet the other Order members and embark on a night of revelry.

Hermione was in the kitchen making sure that dinner was to her specifications and busy worrying that there might not be enough.

“Missus, we have made dinner exactly as you tolds us.” The small elf was ringing her hands in fear that she and Flopsy had done something wrong.

She stopped at a voice from the kitchen doorway.

“Winky. Stop wringing your hands, I know that the dinner is perfect. Miss Granger is just overreacting.” Harry patted the elf on the head.

“ I am not overreacting! I just want to make sure there's enough food for everyone and that there won't be too much left over and ….”

But she was cut off when Harry put his hand over her mouth, “Hermione, I'm sure that everything will be fine. We need to head outside, have a good time and let the house elves do their jobs.”

Hermione nodded and Harry released her and led her towards the party.

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

Draco paced around the tree outside the estate. Where was everyone?

He had received word that Potter was throwing a little shindig but no one was showing up!

The sky was turning pink as the sun set and Draco could hear sounds of laughter and music coming from the back of the estate.

“How the hell did Potter slip in all those guests right under my nose? What the bloody hell is going on?”

Finally the pink gave way to a deep blue and stars could be seen twinkling in the sky.

Draco kicked the dirt and let out a yell of anguish that echoed around the trees. “Dammit all Potter, I'm going to get you! And that little wench too!”

This time things would be different; he knew a way to get his hands on Hermione. A slick grin crossed his features as he ordered his goons back to the ship. He was the last one to apparate away.

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

From one of the tall windows in the study, Harry, Ron and Neville watched Draco's antics. They smiled a little until they heard him yelling. His words chilled Harry straight to the bone and caused all three to really worry.

Ron flopped on the small sofa with his glass of firewhiskey and sighed.

“I think he is going to be a problem,” Harry stated after a few moments.

Ron nodded in agreement as did Neville.

“Harry…we'll have to keep an eye on him. But we need to get to the meeting on Grimmauld Isle in three days!”

“I know, but I'm worried he might actually have a good plan this time.”

Ron finally spoke up from his soft spot, “You know Harry…there is another option. Sirius sent me his new coordinates for the Isle and it's not too far off from…umm well you know.”

Sirius had enchanted his island to be in constant motion until he decided to stay in one spot for a time.

Harry sighed and looked out the door towards the party that had moved into the ballroom downstairs.

The light from the double doors glowed golden and sounds of laughter echoed up to the small study.

“Ron…I think that you're right. We'll need to make one short stop before we go onto the meeting.”

Neville looked up from his butterbeer, “How many do you want to drop off?”

“I'll have to talk to Remus, but I'm safely guessing four.”

The other two nodded their heads and walked back down to the party.

Harry just stood there in the darkness, the reality of what he had to do setting in.

He knew he wasn't the only one who wouldn't like it.

Not one bit.