Disclaimer: I own none of the characters you recognise, and some of the ones you don't. I also do not own the ship, although i'd like to.
Dedication: Dedicated to the pirates of old, because even though they were mostly bad people, I have to admit they really are facinating.
A/N: I love fics that are set somewhere other than the magical world, and I have no idea why. I've had this idea for a while, and i've hand written at least up to Chapter 8, but i'm on holidays and I cracked so I could let my friend, Prongs, read this, as she has been wanting to fow a while...
A strong wind filled the sails and sent the ship fast in an easterly direction. They were making good speed, and would probably be at their destination a good few days before predicted.
The dark mahogany wood of the rails and sides sparkled in the morning sunshine. Light reflected off the small waves in the sea and created butterflies of light that flew and danced around the ship's cream sails that were stretched forward with the power of the wind. Dolphins found a place to swim at the bow of the boat, and those who were up in the rigging, or taking a rest found much pleasure in watching them as they erupted from the water every now and again in a burst of sparkling diamond water.
The water shone brightly and the light turquoise colour underneath was all that spanned for miles around the ship, and was the only indicator that this was not a cold place, but more a tropical climate.
Carved at the front of the magnificent vessel was an angel, with a dove perched in her outstretched hands, as she leant out over the ocean. Above the crow's nest was a flag fluttering high in the wind. Rather ragged at the edges the flag did not deter from the message it gave of. Pirates. The white skull and crossed bones stood out sarky against the slightly faded black of the material, and was a warning for all ships sailing around that many of the crew wouldn't take mercy.
The captain stood at the wheel, dressed rather impressively with a triangular hat jammed on his head. Out from under the hat one could glimpse at uncontrollable hair that stuck out at odd angles, and was the deepest black. He wore a look of mixed frustration and confidence on his face, as if battling a hard decision inside his head.
Many people aboard made frequent exclamations at the speed they were travelling – they had never seen the ship sail this fast towards her target before. But this fact did not make the captain any less hard on his crew, he still had them working as hard as possible, and none complained because although they were used to it they also knew that they would be rewarded with a hearty dinner that night. The captain had just summoned the entire crew onto the deck for a meeting, about a topic unknown to all but him.
They gathered below the balcony on which above their captain was securing the wheel and walking over to talk to them. Some would have described the group of almost seventy five men standing on the deck as a bunch of ragged thieves. Some may have described them as flea bitten sea dogs. Others may have described them as hardened criminals. But then some people may have called them heroes. Others may have regarded them as men who made their own keep, and followed their passion of the open sea. They just called each other friends.
"Gents," the captain called over the faint whistling of the wind as it zoomed around the rigging. His hands grasped the wooden balcony and found the worn space where his hands had rested many times before as he looked down at his faithful crew. A crew that had seen him through many dangers. Dangers that would have sent more cowardice men running for cover only made his crew quiver in excitement.
"It seems we have a stow away."
Silence fell as the crew looked at one another with puzzled expressions on their faces. The captain frowned as the wind ruffled the hair poking out from under his hat. "There is in fact," he continued, "a woman on board."
Once again silence fell, but not for long. The first mate burst out laughing. "Sorry captain," he said, a chuckle sustaining in his voice. "But I do believe you've finally cracked!"
The captain smirked. "Hold your tongue Black, or use it to swab the decks," he called back. The first mate's chuckles died down but a grin was still plasters over his handsome face. He was a tall man with rather long dark hair that was platted at the back to keep it out of his face. His smile showed a full set of rather white teeth, a rare thing for a pirate to own. His shirt had a few small holes, and was rather baggy but it seemed to suit him, as did the dark trousers he wore.
"But no one here could be a woman!" someone shouted out. "We've naught taken on a crew member since Tortooga many a month ago!"
"That is true," the captain said, a smile tugging at the edges of his lips. "This woman has lived with us for a long time and has so far managed to avoid detection. I commend her for staying among us so long without being fond out!"
His eyes travelled around the crowd below him and he found the one he was looking for. The read hair always gave a great advantage for onlookers. His eyes danced away, not letting his gaze linger for long.
"I do know exactly who this woman is," he announced, rather proudly.
A murmur ran through the crew. This certainly wasn't one of the captain's eccentric jokes – this was real. Having a woman aboard was a reality!
"And I'm asking," continued the captain, "That she come to see me before noon tomorrow." He paused. "That is all, now back to work, we're making hast!"
He walked across the deck to the ship's wheel and placed his hands on it.
That was where he belonged.
At the wheel of his magnificent ship The Patronus with his faithful crew working around him.
"Do you really think it will work? Do you think she'll speak up?" asked a voice to his right.
"I have no doubt that she won't. In fact, I know she won't," the captain said, his smile returning.
"You always were one for the ladies, James," his first mate said with a chuckle.
"As are you Sirius, as are you."