A/N: Bit of a Jump from the last chapter, and we see the preparations for Harry's first year at Hogwarts. Most of the next few chapters will center around Narya and life on the ship, but I will try to put some things about Harry's life at Hogwarts. We will see how different things will be for the Boy Who Lived that was raised by the Brethren Code.
Four Years Later
Harry Potter sighed happily from his perch in the crow's nest of the Black Pearl. Over the course of his time on the Pearl, he had nearly forgotten the abuse he endured at the hands of his aunt and uncle. He had grown a bit, and Narya and Cook often proclaimed that he would grow into a strapping young man. Now, they were returning to England to celebrate his birthday. Harry knew that the captain was hoping to find some information on his parents, and secretly he hoped he could find out something as well. The sun was setting on the ocean, and England rose in front of them. Night was Harry's favorite time on the ship, for out on the water the stars were perfectly clear. Harry often gazed at the stars and imagined he was flying. Just as the sun neared the horizon, Harry leaned forward, hoping to see the green flash just as the last of the sun sank below the waves. At the moment the sun disappeared, he heard a sharp crack followed by the crew shouting in alarm. He turned and peered over the edge of the crow's nest to see what was going on. A man stood on the deck in a circle of the crew. Narya was facing off with this strange man. Harry couldn't see him very well from the top of the mast.
Narya was braced for anything from this strange man. He was old, with a long white beard tucked into the belt of his vibrant blue robes Half moon glasses were perched on a crooked nose, and twinkling blue eyes gazed placidly back at her.
"You are a very difficult person to track down, Captain," he said jovially. He wasn't sounding threatening, merely stating a fact.
"State your business on my ship. My crew is unused to people just appearing out of nowhere," she said sharply. The old man bowed his head.
"My apologies, I am afraid I was a bit overeager to see for myself that Harry was alright. That is why I am here; to speak to Harry Potter about his schooling," he explained. The crew tensed slightly at Harry's name, and Mr. Turner's eyes darted up to the crow's nest where Harry had last been seen. The boy was currently scurrying down the rigging. As soon as his boots touched the deck, a small monkey jumped onto his shoulder and began to groom his hair.
"Captain? What's wrong?" Harry asked, absently reaching up and giving the monkey a slice of an apple. Narya looked around for a moment.
"Mr. Turner, find us a place to make landfall. Harry, let's speak to our guest in private," she said, leading the way to her cabin. Harry dashed down the steps to the galley to fetch the tea kettle. In her cabin, Narya removed her compass from her belt and set it on the table. She gestured for the old man to take a seat and settled herself in her favorite chair. It was richly upholstered for comfort, and she swung one of her booted feet over one arm.
"Perhaps I should introduce myself. Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry," the old man said with a little bow. Narya looked at him thoughtfully.
"What's the difference?" she asked. Dumbledore smiled slightly.
"You know, I don't believe there is a difference. I think that when the school was founded they just called it that," he replied.
"So I suppose that this means that Harry is a wizard," she said evenly. It wasn't a question, simply a statement of fact.
"Harry has been on the list to attend Hogwarts since he was born," Dumbledore replied.
"This was something his birth parents wanted for him?" she asked.
"Yes. Upon their deaths, I entrusted Harry's care to his maternal aunt in the hopes it would create very strong wards to protect him. I was very sad to learn how costly a mistake that was," he confessed. Narya was studying the headmaster when Harry appeared with the tea tray.
"Cook said we are running low on food. We need to reach a port soon or it'll be hardtack for everyone," he reported. Narya groaned.
"The only way we could be that low on food is if the crew has been dipping into the supplies. I'll take care of it. Harry, this is Professor Dumbledore. He was just telling me some very interesting things," she said, standing to pour the tea for Harry and Dumbledore. Harry added sugar and a small bit of milk to his tea before settling back with a handful of nuts to share with his monkey. Dumbledore accepted his tea and explained who he was and that Harry's parents wanted him to attend Hogwarts. He briefly explained about the school and the wizarding world. When he had finished, Narya leaned forward to look Harry in the eye.
"If you want to stay here you can Harry. But if this is what you want, I will support your decision," she said. Harry smiled up at Narya.
"I'd like to go," he admitted. Narya nodded and looked at a ledger on her desk.
"I've been saving some money for a rainy day. It should be just enough for your tuition and school supplies," she said.
"Actually Captain, Harry's parents left him a sizable trust to fund his tuition and necessities. You will not be required to pay for anything. If you can make your way to London, the best place to get Harry's school supplies will be Diagon Alley. I will have someone meet you at the dock to take you there," Dumbledore said. Narya nodded.
"The crew is overdue for shore leave. We'll make our way to London and stay for a week or two. Where is the school?" she asked.
"Hogwarts is in Scotland, about seventy kilometers from the coast. There is a train that leaves Kings Cross Station on the 1st of September," Dumbledore explained. Narya nodded.
"Alright then. Harry, I'm going to go up on deck and speak to Mr. Turner about our plans. Before long you'll be studying magic," she said with a small smile. She left the pair to their tea and closed the door behind her.
"She is very attached to you," Dumbledore noted.
"Captain Narya is the best thing that ever happened to me. This ship is my home, the crew my family. The only reason I don't call Narya Mum is because she says I have a mother, even if she isn't here to take care of me," he said. Dumbledore set his cup down and observed Harry over his glasses.
"I think your mother would be very proud of the way Captain Sparrow has raised you."
Two weeks later, the Black Pearl arrived in London and docked at a special pier for so called antique ships. Narya met with the harbormaster who gushed appropriately over the ship and paid her fees, as well as extra for private security.
"Alright lads, we're here for two weeks, so enjoy yourselves. We sail at dusk on September 1st, so be sure to be on board before then. And remember, if you end up in jail for being idiots, you'll cool your heels in the brig after I get you out!" Narya said to the laughter of the crew. Land pay was passed out and the crew set out on the town.
"Cook and I will take care of resupplying before we ship out Captain. In the meantime, it appears your escort is waiting for you," Mr. Turner pointed up the pier where a man stood in plain grey trousers and sweater. Narya was wearing her usual uniform of white shirt, sapphire vest, black trousers and boots. Hanging from the thick leather belt on her waist was her compass and a sharp dagger. She had a pair of longer ones tucked in her boots.
"Thank you Thomas. Enjoy your shore leave, and try not to break too many hearts. Aunt Anna will despair of ever having grandchildren," she teased. Thomas laughed as well and fell into step with Cook and Zola as they headed into town. Zola had grown into a fine young woman with neat cornrows in her long hair. Narya suspected her first mate was sweet on the girl, but she had no proof. She looked down at Harry and laughed. The eleven year old boy had dressed just like her, with a black vest and brown pants and boots. He had even found a little red vest for his monkey. The pair of them walked up the dock to where the man stood waiting for them. He smiled widely at the pair of them, his eyes turning to Harry.
"Hello Harry. You probably don't remember me, but I was a very close friend to your father. Remus Lupin," he said, offering his hand. Narya shook his hand, followed by Harry. The monkey chattered nervously at the man, but when Remus offered a finger, the monkey took it and shook it with a slight baring of the teeth. Harry chuckled.
"This is Jack. We found him in a port in Africa when he was just a baby. I've raised him ever since," he explained. Remus smiled warmly at the boy as they began to head into town.
"I think your father would be tickled if he could see you now, sailing on a famous ship with a monkey on your shoulder. You look like a regular pirate," he said. Narya laughed gently.
"While it is true that the Pearl was a pirate ship for many years, now she is simply a cargo vessel. From time to time I take on students who want to learn how to sail properly, without an engine to give them a boost," she explained.
"I did not mean to imply you were a pirate Captain, forgive me. It's just that your ship figures in quite a few stories in the Wizarding world. The battle off Shipwreck Island where Calypso was released from her mortal prison and unleashed a maelstrom against the Flying Dutchman is a favorite story among wizarding children," Lupin explained. Narya grinned at the comment, but Harry shrugged.
"I liked the one about the cursed gold and how Captain Jack got the ship back from the undead pirates," he said, feeding a slice of fruit to Jack. The monkey chirped in agreement and ate his fruit. Lupin laughed aloud, his smile taking years off his face.
"You'll have to tell me that one again someday. It's been a long time since I heard any of the old stories. Here we are. The Leaky Cauldron. It's the only way to get to Diagon Alley from Muggle London," he said. Narya looked up and peered closely at the wall of shops. After a moment her face cleared and she walked unerringly toward the pub. Lupin looked surprised but followed her into the pub and led them through to the back entrance where her drew his wand and tapped a few bricks in the wall. The bricks slid away to reveal a bustling street filled with people in robes and pointed hats looking in shop windows. Narya was a little startled by the sight, but she quickly fell into step with Harry and Lupin as they made their way down the alley.
"Well, the first thing we'll have to do is visit the bank where Harry's trust is. After all, he needs his money for his supplies and I always say the best person to get information about a new place is either a barkeeper or a banker," Narya said. Someone ran into her and she spun slightly, one hand going to her dagger.
"Watch where you're going, cur," the pinch faced woman snapped. Narya raised her chin and shifted her stance slightly.
"Madam, I have known many curs in my life, and they have far better manners than you. They also wouldn't be stupid enough to insult Captain Sparrow," she said, one hand still toying with her dagger. At this point, Lupin noticed the large number of rings resting on her fingers. Some had designs etched on the bands while others held round stones, all set into the metal so as not to impede the work of their owner's hands. The woman looked a little flustered, but turned and hurried away down the street. Several people around her were watching her in curiosity and she gave a little wave and bow combo. "Maybe I should have worn my hat," she said quietly as she turned to follow Lupin and Harry down the street. Lupin was grinning.
"The purebloods believe themselves better than the muggleborn, and so they treat anyone who doesn't appear to be pureblood to be lower than dirt," he explained. Narya sniffed.
"Seems to me that a witch or wizard coming from a family with no magic would be a bigger deal than some stuffy noble who's practically guaranteed their magic. I'd be welcoming them with open arms," she said, sashaying down the street. Lupin hadn't really noticed, but Narya moved down the street with a sort of wavy walk, a testament to the time she spent on the deck of her ship. Harry moved in a similar fashion, but his walk was a bit more subtle. They reached Gringott's and Narya paused at the sight of the goblin bankers. "That's interesting," she said softly, before striding over to an open teller.
"Can I help you?" the goblin asked, setting aside his quill.
"Yes my good sir. This young lad is Mr. Harry Potter, and he needs to access his funds. Also, if one of your fine fellows can spare a bit of time, I have a few questions about your services," Narya said, her confidence obvious.
"And does Mr. Potter have his vault key?" the goblin asked, with only the slightest pause at the name. Lupin reached into his pocket and pulled a small key out.
"Professor Dumbledore asked me to give you this. It will allow you to access your vault," he explained to Harry as the goblin looked it over.
"Griphook will take Mr. Potter to his vault while Branch Manager Brastrang will answer your questions, madam," he finally said. Narya bowed her head slightly, gritting her teeth against correcting the goblin.
"You should have worn your hat Captain," Harry said with a smile. Narya chuckled and lowered her shoulder. Jack hopped from Harry's arm to hers.
"Now then, you go with Mr. Lupin to fetch your money. I think I'm going to like this place. I'll bet these fellows are the best bankers in the world. No one in their right mind would try to steal from a goblin," she said in a low voice. The teller still heard her words and smiled widely, showing of his sharp teeth.
"The few that have ever tried did not live long enough to get out," he said. Narya laughed as she was led into an office while Harry and Lupin were led away to the vaults. In Branch Manager Brastrang's office, Narya walked up to the desk and came to a stop in front of the desk where a goblin sat writing with a quill. She took note of the ink pot next to the parchment.
"India Ink lasts longer in the pot and writes smoother than that iron gall stuff," she commented. The gobbling looked up at her.
"Our supply lines to India were lost when the country asserted its independence from the empire, but you are right. I do miss the smoothness of India Ink," he replied. Narya sat down across from the goblin with Jack still perched on her shoulder.
"Perhaps we could come to an arrangement on that. Captain Narya Sparrow of the Black Pearl, at your service," she said with a slight hand wave. The goblin straightened.
"I have heard tales of the ship. And of Captain Sparrow, but it was another time," he said. Narya grinned.
"And a different Sparrow. My ancestor, Captain Jack Sparrow. I have some questions about this world, and I have no doubt that you can answer them for me," she said. Brastrang settled back in his chair.
"Ask your questions, Captain," he replied. For the next hour, he informed her about the basics of the wizarding world including the celebrity status of her young ward. By the end of the hour, she had set up a deal to bring a shipment of India Ink to the goblins and changed some money into Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. She left the bank and met Harry at the bookstore. Jack jumped onto his shoulder in excitement.
"Sorry I took so long Harry. I had a few questions that needed answers. Did you and Mr. Lupin find what you needed?" she asked.
"We got my robes and a trunk, but I still need my potion supplies and my books. Oh, and my wand," Harry replied. Narya grinned and opened the door to the bookshop.
"Right then, first books, then potions supplies, and finally your wand. Master Lupin, might there be some way Harry and I can keep in contact when I'm at sea? I'm not sure I would want to subject some poor owl to flying over oceans to reach me," she said. Lupin looked thoughtful at the question.
"Well, there is a postal service in the alley for wizards that like to travel. You might ask there," he replied. Narya smiled her thanks to the man and followed Harry inside the bookstore. Harry was staring up at the shelves in awe, and Narya chuckled softly, deftly taking Jack back from her young ward's shoulder. She made her way to one of the shelves and began to select a few books for herself on the history of the wizarding world, the different creatures, and even the multitude of plants used in their world and where to find them. Her brain was churning with a new idea for her business, but it would take research. Pirating just wasn't profitable anymore, and even honest cargo work was hard to come by for her ancient vessel. She thought perhaps this world that shunned modern technology would be more open to using her ship then her fellow Muggles, as they were called. After she had selected her books and ensured Harry hadn't bought the entire bookshop, they headed over to where the Potions supplies were sold. The proprietor was a jolly fellow who was simply delighted with Narya's questions about the supplies he carried, and about potions that did not require magic to stir. He was surprised when she told him she was willing to put more faith in magic potions to treat her crew's ills than Muggle medicine, but was more than delighted to give her a brief lesson on stirring simple potions to heal colds, upset stomachs, seasickness, and the various wounds that might come from life on the high seas. Most of these would require no magic, but the few that did were simple enough that Narya was confident that Harry would be able to make them in the summer when he returned from Hogwarts. Finally, they left with Harry's trunk heavily loaded with all his school supplies, as well as the books and extra supplies Narya had purchased, they made their way to Ollivanders. Lupin led Harry and Narya into the shop. As soon as they stepped inside, Narya looked around at the dusty place. Sensing movement behind her, she spun around, dagger drawn, to face a man with white hair and pale grey eyes staring at her.
"You have very sharp reflexes Captain. I must admit I am surprised it took you this long to come to see me. I will hazard a guess that that is your wand hand?" the man, who must be Ollivander, was watching her curiously. Narya frowned.
"I don't use a wand sir. I have brought Master Potter to procure his," she replied, stepping aside to reveal the young boy looking up at the wand maker, Jack chattering on his shoulder. Ollivander stared down at the boy with a brief look of awe.
"Your time at sea has treated you well, Mr. Potter. Well, let's see what we can find for you," he said. For the next hour, Harry was handed a multitude of wands, most being dismissed by the wand maker before he could so much as close his fingers around it. Narya and Lupin had settled into a pair of chairs near the front of the store, Jack jumping to the Captain's shoulders as more time passed. Narya chanced a glance at Lupin, who looked rather haggard. Jack was sitting on the shoulder opposite the wizard, making little nervous noises from time to time. Narya drew a peach from somewhere and began to slice it. She handed a slice to Jack and offered another to Lupin, who smiled his thanks.
"There is something off about you Master Lupin. Something you keep hidden. Jack can tell. He's looking at you the way he would look at a predator in the jungles. Just waiting to see if you'll try to make a meal of him," she said quietly, her eyes still on Harry as he tried yet another wand. Lupin tensed slightly, and she could see that his eyes flashed yellow. She smirked widely as she realized what it was.
"You're a werewolf?" she asked. His head actually snapped toward her.
"Please do not say that out loud. If the people outside were to learn that, it would be very bad. Werewolves are considered Dark creatures, and are treated very poorly. If not for the Wolfsbane Potion, I would be a ravenous monster every full moon," he hissed. Narya sat up, swinging her legs around to face the werewolf.
"How hard is it to make this potion? Does it have a short shelf life?" she asked. Lupin looked surprised.
"I have a contact that makes it. He is a Potions Master. As I understand it is not easy, but there are preservation spells that can keep it quite well. Why do you ask?" he asked. Lupin was curious despite himself.
"I'll explain later. Master Ollivander, perhaps I could offer some assistance in finding my young ward's proper wand," she said, rising to her feet and pulling her compass off her belt. She opened it and placed it in the wand maker's hand. Ollivander looked down in surprise.
"Fascinating. This will indeed help. One moment," he said, disappearing into the shelves. Narya looked down at Harry and winked. A few moments later, the wand maker appeared with a dusty box in his hand. He held out Narya's compass, and she took it back with a smile. "Holly, twelve inches. Very supple with a phoenix feather core," he said, watching Harry as the young wizard picked up the wand. Something in his green eyes sparked, and he lifted the wand and gave a short flick. All the dust in the shop vanished, leaving it sparkling clean. Jack hopped over to Harry's shoulder shrieking happily.
"Perfect," said Narya happily. Ollivander nodded solemnly.
"Curious. Very curious," he said to himself. Lupin had stood up and was now eyeing the wand maker as well.
"Excuse me sir, but what's curious?" Harry asked.
"I remember every wand I've ever made, Mr. Potter. The phoenix that gave the feather in your wand gave one other. I say it is curious because the wand that is the brother to yours, is the very same one that gave you that scar," he said, pointing to the lightning bolt on Harry's forehead. Narya looked down at her unnerved ward and place a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Manners, my boy," she whispered. Harry shook himself.
"Thank you Mr. Ollivander. How much do I owe you?" he asked.
"The wand is twenty Galleons. Captain, are you sure I cannot fit you for a wand?" he asked. Narya frowned at him.
"I might be able to see things which ought be hidden, but I am not magical," she protested. Ollivander actually laughed.
"My dear Captain, the magic of the sea runs through your veins. This compass was not the only thing Calypso gave to Captain Jack Sparrow. She blessed his line so that the women of his blood would carry her power. You have done an admirable job of using your magic on your ship, but with a wand you could better control it," he explained. Narya only hesitated a moment before holding out her right hand. It took Ollivander only five minutes to find the perfect wand for her. "Ebony, twelve inches with a core made from Calypso's own hair. This wand has been waiting for your family for a very long time," he said solemnly. As soon as Narya picked up the wand, all four of them could hear waves crashing around them. Dazed, Narya handed over the Galleons for her own wand and followed Harry and Lupin out of the shop. They walked down to the postal shop and stepped inside. Narya had tucked the wand into her belt next to her dagger. The shop owner was a young woman with platinum hair in a short bob. She wore plain brown robes and had a rough leather glove on one hand for handling the birds.
"Hello there. How can I help you?" she asked pleasantly.
"My young lad here is going off to Hogwarts, but my ship travels all over the world, so we are worried about keeping in contact. The last thing I want is for some poor bird to try and fly across the ocean looking for me," she said. The woman smiled.
"Well, I have just the thing. Two way mailboxes. Your mail will come here, and I put it in a box that magically delivers the mail to your matching box. Sadly we've only been able to use them for smallish things like mail and packages, or my family would make a mint in moving large cargo," she laughed. Narya's eyes glinted at her words, but she smiled pleasantly.
"How much for one of your boxes?" she asked.
"Well, the box, the redirect charm, and an enlargement charm so you can send and receive larger packages, is forty Galleons and twenty-seven Sickles a year," she said, sounding apologetic. Harry smiled and pulled the coins from his pocket.
"It's worth every Knut, but could we have two? One for me and one for the Captain," he said. Narya gasped at the huge amount of money Harry was laying on the table.
"Harry, I can't ask you to spend this kind of money on me! I can pay for my own box," she protested. Harry looked up at her with a slight smile.
"This is the least I can do for you after everything you've done for me. You gave me a home when my own flesh and blood abandoned me," he said. That shut Narya up quickly. The shop owner quickly set a pair of boxes on the counter and cast the appropriate charms on both of them. After the spells had been cast, the boxes were placed in Harry's trunk and they trio left Diagon Alley.
Narya led them back to the ship and invited Lupin to join her and Harry for dinner that night. She had arranged for a meal to be brought to the ship, and Lupin agreed. The evening was spent in good company, with Lupin regaling Harry with tales of his own years in Hogwarts, and of James and Lily. Narya watched her young ward quietly as his eyes filled with tears at Lupin's words about his parents and how much they loved him. Finally, Harry fell asleep, the excitement of the day finally catching up with him. Lupin helped her carry the young boy and his monkey down to his cabin, where they settled him into his bunk. Narya led Lupin back to her cabin where she offered Lupin a drink.
"Now then. What do you think of my ship?" she asked. He smiled at her.
"Your ship is a rare treasure, Captain. It has been a privilege to be here this evening," he replied. Narya leaned forward, fixing him with her sapphire gaze.
"Would you be willing to join the crew? I'll need a liaison to the wizarding world. Even if I can do magic, I have little idea what I'm doing in your world," she said. Lupin looked taken aback.
"Captain, while I am tremendously flattered, I am a werewolf. During the full moon I am not safe around people," he protested.
"You said that as long as you take the Wolfsbane Potion you are in control of yourself during the full moon. As long as we keep a supply on the ship, I see no problem," she replied.
"But what about your crew? I doubt they would be accepting of a monster on board," he said. Narya shot to her feet and slapped him across the face.
"I will not have you anyone speak ill of you on this ship for something you cannot control. Least of all yourself," she snapped. Lupin looked up at the woman in amazement. He had never met anyone who had so readily accepted him, not even his own friends had been this accepting of him when they were children. Gentle fingers caught his chin and lifted his head to meet her gaze. "You will find my crew far more accepting of you and your eccentricities than you realize," she said calmly. Lupin smiled slightly.
"I think I would be honored to join you Captain. At least for the year," he replied. Narya smiled widely.
"Excellent. While we're at sea, you'll help me with the potions and in training my magic. When we make port, I'll need your help dealing with the Magical world. We leave on the evening tide on September 1st. Make sure you are onboard then," she said. Lupin smiled warmly.
"I should go make arrangements for my potion," he replied, standing up. Narya walked him out to the bow of the ship, where he turned sharply on his heel and vanished with a crack. She leaned on the rail of the ship, looking out over the water.
"Things are going to get very interesting from here on out," she murmured to herself. She wasn't worried though. After all, she was Captain Sparrow. She lived for interesting.
A/N: I feel I owe you all a few explanations. First of all, the reason I had Lupin join Harry and Narya for their trip to Diagon Alley was just so I could get him onboard the ship. This will be going somewhere I promise! Second, the idea of the two way mailboxes is not mine. I must credit the absolutely brilliant Fyreheart here on for the idea, and Fyreheart, if you don't like that I borrowed your brilliant plot device, tell me and I will rewrite this entire chapter. Also, I know some of you might be crying out 'What about Hediwg?' Harry will be getting his beloved snowy owl, just not quite yet. One last note before I close, I do not have a beta for this story, so if their are any mistakes, please tell me and I will fix them. Now, please tell me what you think!