A/N: I forgot to say that anything I wrote in the prologue to chp 6 in the authors note for like length of story of that stuff is totally not true now. I have no idea how long this story will be. Not to much cause I don't want to leave you guys hanging forever while I take a break from writing.
Also I know I have been out of the loop for a while but 72 people read the chapter and only one reviewed. (Thank you to aznphreak1218 for that review. It was simple yet it was something.) Now I would understand it if I did one chapter and didn't write again but looky here's another one and I have the next to already written so when I see some reviews I'll post the next chapter. Seriously, I want to make sure its flowing right and i'm not missing anything in my story, so please let me know.
Anyways yea here's this chapter.
The next day Professor Dumbledore watched as the Gryffindor left port. Accompanying him was another professor, Professor McGonagall.
"Do you think they can get the ring back?" she asked.
"I do believe the first priority is getting Hermione back and then I will send them after the ring," replied Dumbledore.
"Does the ring really matter?" she asked back.
"At this point I really don't know," he answered. And for once he really didn't know.
"Draco where have you been, you weren't at dinner last night?" asked Blaise.
Draco kept lying in bed staring at the picture of the treasure chest and the instructions to the secret compartment on the bottom in which Salazar's ring should be in. However, the ring wasn't there he had checked several times.
"Draco, you awake?" asked Blaise again.
"Clearly," snapped Draco.
"Then what's the problem?"
"The problem is that I can't find this bloody ring!"
"Speaking of that I talked to Caleb and he got no information from Morgan."
"That's fine. I got plenty from that little bookworm."
"Hostile," said Blaise simply. Draco just gave him a look.
"All I'm saying is is if you know of her family then you should know where the ring is."
"Well all I'm saying is that I spent all afternoon in her cabin…" at Blaise's raised eyebrow Draco quickly finished his sentence and gave Blaise a look, "asking her about her family. She said nothing of piracy or of sailing let alone having any connection to the Dark Lord. Which further raises the question of if she even has that bloody ring?"
"Well what do you know?" asked Blaise.
"Her mother died when Hermione was in grammar school and her father was a notary. The family's money and jewels have been passed down through the generations. Her mother was the daughter of a local farmer whose grandfather had prospered and set the family into good fortune. Her father's father was a professor at the university. Neither sides of her family have any connection to sailing or Slytherins," explained Draco.
"Why was she so hesitant about sharing her family information?" questioned Blaise.
"Well she said there were rumors that her mother had been killed by her father. It was proven that he didn't do it, but the rumors were still present. Then about three years ago her father got into shady dealings, turned out he was quite friendly with the bottle and said stuff to get him into trouble…"
"That's not much to hide," stated Blaise.
"Anyways," continued Draco as if he had never been interrupted. "The house they lived in kept being broken into. It was then that Hermione met Potter and they became friends. Her father sent her to see to get her away from the danger. When Hermione returned it seemed all turned back well, however, Hermione's father suddenly dropped dead a week after her return from poison. Rumors spread that Hermione had killed him to get the family jewels and sail away. The next night the house was broken into and the papers wrote of it being mobs but Hermione is convinced it's the same people from before after her treasure. That's why she took it and ran away with Potter, to stay safe. But she doesn't share her family information cause of the scandal and she doesn't wish to alert the burglars to her whereabouts."
"Does she even realize she is on a ship full of people who are well aware of who tormented her and killed her family?" asked Blaise.
"No," answered Draco. "And I would like to keep it that way. I'm sure Morgan already knows, but I know she will keep her mouth shut. I also don't want the crew finding out. Tell Sabian, Thapner, Goyle, and Crabbe that we need to keep looking for the ring."
"But do we really have to?"
"No I am convinced Hermione knows where it is whether she is aware of it or not."
The two men then sat in silence; until Draco broke the silence again.
"I have to go onto land today and met with my father. I would like him to be unaware of Hermione and still believe we are still looking for the ring. That man does not need the ring or he power that comes with it."
"And what should I tell the rest of the crew?" asked Blaise.
"Well, except for Sabian, Thapner, Morgan, Goyle, and Crabbe, let the rest believe my loyalties lie true. Inform the other five that Hermione must stay a secret and tell the crew that if they so much as whisper her name they will meet with me and be punished severely. Also, make sure they know that order came from me and I ordered it because the Dark Lord would be most upset to know we didn't retrieve enough treasure and knowing we hadn't gotten a ransom yet would set him on a killing/torturing spree. That should scare them into line."
"Very well," said Blaise. With that he got up and left Draco alone to do as he was ordered.
Later that day when Hermione overheard that Draco, or the Ferret as she referred to him, went ashore, as well as most of the crew, she decided it was time to use her special gift Morgan gave her. Since she was still across from Draco's room she decided to explore there.
'Besides why would they look in there if he is to be ashore,' she reasoned.
Quickly running across the hallway Hermione opened Draco's door both glad and shocked that is was unlocked.
After quietly shutting the door she walked around the room to make sure she was alone. When she was satisfied with her aloneness room she started to learn more about the captain.
As she wandered over by the desk she saw a black book. Opening it up she realized it was a journal and on the inside cover was a family tree. Hermione then sat down at the desk and looked at the family tree more closely. Upon closer inspection Hermione gasped.
'It can't be him could it?' she thought to herself.
Two days later the Gryffindor found itself making good time. The plan was to sail to South America cause it was rumored the Slytherin had many alliances on a small island off the coast of the Portuguese territory of Brazil.
"How long do you think it will take us to get there?" question Lavender. She, Ginny, and Parvarti were sitting on deck just enjoying the open sea breeze and sunny weather.
"Harry says about a month, but you never know with the weather constantly changing," answered Ginny. Parvarti just nodded her agreement.
The three girls sat in silence looking out upon the water when Parvarti spoke up. "Do you think Hermione is ok?"
"I'm sure Hermione is doing fine. She is a strong woman," replied Ginny.
"But they are Slytherins," replied Parvarti.
"Yea and that means the men are gorgeous, even if they are ruthless," giggled Lavender. Both girls agreed. Even if the men were rude, heartless, and vile they were none the less good looking.
Later on that night back on the Slytherin, Hermione sat in her cabin writing in her journal. Dario had given it to her when he saw her earlier that day. Hermione was unsure where he had gotten it but was too thrilled to be able to write that she didn't care.
Upon hearing her door open, Hermione looked up expecting to see Malfoy but instead saw Dorian.
"Um, sorry to disturb, Lady Hermione, but I was wondering if perhaps I could talk to you," he asked.
Hermione was too shocked to do nothing more than nod. She and Dorian did not talk much. Besides knowing his name she knew next to nothing about him.
"I know we have never officially met," replied Dorian. "So I want to introduce myself." He then walked to the table Hermione sat at and bowed. "My name is Dorian Alexander Thapner, son of Xander Nero Thapner and Graciela Doria Laertes."
Hermione smiled and stood up and curtseyed. "My name is Lady Hermione Jayne Granger, daughter of Lord Edward James Granger and Lady Elizabeth Ann Maynard. Pleased to make your acquaintance kind sir."
Both Dorian and Hermione smiled at Hermione's ending. Hermione then motioned for Dorian to join her at the table. When both were sitting Dorian started talking.
"I didn't only come to introduce myself, although that was, as I recall the proper thing to do, and my parents did raise me to be a gentlemen. I came to talk to you just in general, I guess would be the best way to put it. I have a couple of questions to ask, if you don't want to answer I understand. In return you may ask me questions, but I do hope you would respect my wishes to not answer a question to."
Hermione nodded, but now becoming on guard. Dorian noticed and decided to come clean. "I am not going to lie to you Hermione, Draco did ask me to talk to, but I would genuinely like to get to know you. I will let you know if anything I say or talk to you is because of Draco."
Dorian noticed Hermione again and decided to start. "I did have a list of questions for you, but I am putting those on hold to ask you were you got this lovely diary?"
Hermione blushed realizing she had been caught. "Um it was a gift from Dario. For teaching him to spell and read, although we haven't made it too far in the reading area."
Dorian nodded, satisfied with her answer. "Your turn," he said.
"Are you going to take away my diary or tell the Fer- I mean Captain?" asked Hermione. Dorian just looked at her and then nodded that he would not. Hermione smiled and thanked him.
"Ok this is a question from Draco," seeing Hermione tense, Dorian continued. "I will respect your wishes if you do not answer, but I must ask. And I do, still, want to get to know you that is why I am getting the business out of the way. Anyways, have seen a ring that looks like this?" He then pulled the picture of the ring from his pocket and put it on the table for Hermione to see.
Hermione put her hand against her chest just to make sure the ring was still there however, Dorian thought she was just putting her hand to her chest as a woman normally does.
Hermione then answered. "Yes. I have seen that ring before, however, it is not in the chest like the map details say. I have never seen the ring in the chest before. Now my turn. Why does Malfoy want this ring so badly?"
"He was sent on a mission by his father and the Dark Lord to retrieve this ring. Now my turn. When did you last see the ring?"
"Today," was all Hermione said. "Who is the Dark Lord?"
"The Dark Lord is a direct descendent of Salazar Slytherin and has been in control of the Slytherin, even though he does not captain it, for as long as I can remember. He now lives on shore and rules us from there. He controls a mighty empire however, is ruthless and it was he who made us get such a horrible name. Many fear him, even if they follow him. Now Hermione where is the ring?"
Hermione looked up and a tear rolled down her face, shocking Dorian although he hide it well. "I do not wish to answer that question."
"Fair enough," he replied. "Although since you did not give me an answer would it be alright if I asked another question, only to keep it fair?"
Hermione thought it over and nodded okay. "Thank you," smiled Dorian. "Where did the chest come from?"
"Actually I'm not to sure where it came from. I remember my mother getting it as a gift when I was very little. I believe the ring was with it because I saw the ring around the same time."
"Do you know who gave it to your mother?" asked Dorian.
"I do believe it is my question," stated Hermione. "Too true, do forgive me," asked Dorian. Hermione smiled already enjoying Dorian's company. "How did you all end up on this ship?"
"We sail on it," answered Dorian. At Hermione's annoyed look, Dorian just smiled showing his laugh lines and gave her a more in depth answer. "When Salazar Slytherin left the other founders, Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff he went to three of his most wealthy friends. One was my great great great great grandfather Adonis Biondello Thapner, Draco's ancestor Alaric Deo Malfoy, and Blaise's great something grandfather Viggo Agostino Zambini. All four started the reign of Slytherin Piracy, the biggest fear when sailing back then. And my question is the one I asked previously."
Hermione looked up a Dorian just watching him for a moment before deciding on her answer. "It was a gift from one of my mother's father's business friends." Dorian just nodded not completely satisfied with the answer knowing Hermione was leaving something out.
"I do believe it is your turn, Lady Hermione."
"Very well. Why does the Malfoy desire this ring so?"
"I believe I already answered that," stated Dorian. "Yes, but you left out information I believe. If you answer mine completely I will answer yours completely."
"Okay you have a deal. I'm not completely sure, but I believe that if Draco finds it and then hands it over to his father, his father will rise in the ranks becoming next in line to the Slytherin power, since the Dark Lord has no living relatives. This will put Draco in line for the power once his father dies. Now why the Dark Lord wants it, either Draco or I know. We believe mostly because it is a family heirloom, but it is rumored that it has a clue that a true Slytherin can figured out to lead to a great treasure. Now please complete you answer for my previous question."
Hermione nodded feeling as if she was handing over her newly found bargaining chip. However, if she were to get out of this alive she decided she needed to know all the chips of the other side. Besides she felt she could trust Dorian.
"My grandfather prospered with his farm. In doing so he made connections with tradesman and investors. One investor became a good family friend and in turn gave the chest and I believe the ring to my mother," completed Hermione.
"Do you know his name?" asked Dorian. Hermione nodded and replied, "Malachi Marcovio."
"That's an interesting name. I believe that by your expression you know something you probably shouldn't," said Dorian.
"Yes, you're right," she answered back stubbornly.
"You're question," stated Dorian simply decided to let it rest. He would mention it to Draco when he gave his report.
"How do you know him?" asked Hermione.
"I never met him per say, but I know of him." At Hermione's inquiring look, he continued. "There is a naming tradition within the Slytherin society. You see the first name comes from the mother's middle name and the middle name is the father's first name. However, this is only among first born boys. There are different rules for girls and like second or third born sons. But that is how I know who you are talking about, because I know those names. And I know of a man with the name of Malachi Marcovio. Now my turn. If I sent Draco to talk to you about this, would you?"
Hermione sat there thinking over her choices, and finally decided she was curious and would talk civilly to the Ferret and gave Dorian her affirmative. He then got up to leave knowing he had what he needed for Draco. But Hermione stopped him.
"Wait don't I get one more question?"
"Yes," replied Dorian.
"Was Malachi a good man?" she asked.
Dorian was caught off guard by the question but answered none the less. "To be honest, you would have to ask Malfoy. But I don't even think Malfoy knew he associated with people like you. Its so opposite of the world of piracy."
Hermione nodded and let Dorian take his leave. "Don't think I don't wish to talk to you anymore because I do. I know we didn't get to know one another better but I must report to Draco and tell him what I know. Would it be okay if I joined you for breakfast tomorrow?"
Hermione smiled and agreed. After both said there goodbyes, Hermione turned to her journal to write about what she had learned, however as she wrote she realized something. What if everything else her mother shared with her could help her now. After all, Hermione didn't think she was ready to die or be abandoned and information might be her only bargaining chip.
As she sat there writing, she decided to keep some information to herself as well as share a little bit (so they could understand that she does have some information). After all, if her ring and chest were so valuable, what about all the passed down stories from Malachi?
Okay all done. Not too much of a cliffhanger although after I finish all my proofreading and changing of the next chapter there might be so enjoy this one. :)
I know this isn't the most exciting chapter but I just wanted to put some information out so all the readers could get on the same page. As soon as I get all the background and other information out I can move onto the Draco/Hermione action and maybe a bit more excitment. But I did put clues out so you guys can try and figure out where I am going with this story. I'm not trying to make it too complex but trying to keep it interesting.
So yea, um please review. Let me know what you think I do appreciate it. :)