DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything POTC related except for my own characters.

NOTE: Like I said in the notes from my story: POTC Book 3: The Sparrow's Quest. I have overhauled all the chapters from POTC Book 1(added several new scenes and a new chapter! YAY!!!) If you want, it is recommended to read the two sequels: The Dragon's Eye and The Sparrow's Quest. I hope you enjoy!!! PLEASE REVIEW

Book 1: Pirates of the Caribbean: Moonlight's Curse

CHAPTER 1

Prologue and Arrival of Governor Swann

The full moon cast its glow over the town of Port Royal. All the inhabitants had gone to bed for the night, thus filling the town with silence. The town was calm as a scream broke the silence.

"You're doing beautifully, Miss Danforth, but I need you to breathe," the midwife instructed a young woman in her early 30s. "Very good, Isabelle. Now I need you to push." Isabelle did as told. "I can see the head. Come on now, Isabelle." After a few more pushes the baby was born. "Congratulations, you have another beautiful baby girl," the midwife said smiling. After cleaning the baby off she was handed to Isabelle.

"She's so beautiful," Isabelle said. Reverend Charles Danforth stood over his wife with a smile but also in sadness. "My beautiful baby girl, it's a shame I will never see you grow up."

"Miss, I do not understand," the midwife asked in confusion.

"Victoria, what I am going to ask you is something you will be against. But you must comply with our wishes if our new daughter is to live a normal life." Victoria was hesitant for a few moments before she nodded in agreement.

"In a few days you must tell all who ask that Isabelle died from complications in childbirth." Reverend Danforth said.

"What? I can't do that Reverend I'm sorry. It would be against everything I am and believe in."

"Victoria, please. I want my daughter to grow up without questions to her lineage."

"But why?"

"Because of who she really is." Victoria was silent as she bowed her head.

Two days later a small boat sailed out of Port Royal with one occupant into the blackness of the night.

13 years later

"Hope? Are you awake?" A thirteen year old Hope Danforth slowly opened her eyes and rolled over onto her back just as her door opened and her father and a couple maids entered. "Hope! For heavens sake! It's close to midday. The new governor will be arriving soon. We must get you ready." One of the maids went over and opened her window curtains and the bright rays of the sun filtered into the room. Hope covered her eyes to shield the bright light.

"Father, I hardly believe my presence is needed. What can a mere girl as I hope to bring to the Governor's arrival?"

"It would show respect to him. I hear he has a daughter around your age that is coming over with him."

"Really?" Hope said.

"Indeed. Now we haven't got much time. We must get you ready." Danforth said as he lifted the cover of the box the second maid was holding and pulled out a light blue dress with white lace.

"Oh, father. It's beautiful!" Hope said hopping off her bed and running to him. "Thank you, thank you!" she said hugging him before he handed her the dress.

"You're very welcome, my dear. Now go get ready we will leave shortly." Danforth said as he left the room. Several minutes later Hope walked down the stairs slowly and was greeted by her father and older sister who were waiting at the foot of the stairs.

"Hope, you look divine. This will certainly turn the heads of several young lads today." Catherine said smiling.

"Lads? Yuck!"

"Your sister is right, Hope. You are at the age now when young suitors will be courting you." Danforth added. Hope made a face but stayed silent.

The whole town had turned up on the dock for the arrival of the new governor of Port Royal, Governor Weatherby Swann and his 12 year old daughter, Elizabeth. As the ship sailed into port the ramp was pulled out and a few members of the crew ran down it carrying a young boy.

"We need a doctor." One of them shouted. The two crew members were met by the midwife Victoria, as the three headed back into town. A few moments later a man with a brown wig, stately hat, and a red, gold embroidered overcoat and inner coat appeared at the top of the ramp followed by a girl in a blue dress, her hair in bun on top and remaining ends curled. Valveless trumpets heralded his descent to shore. After greeting a few of the more upstanding nobles the Governor stopped in front of Reverend Danforth.

"Charles Danforth, it's wonderful to see you again old friend," Governor Swann greeted.

"Governor Swann, it has been too long," Danforth said shaking his hand.

"Charles, this is my daughter Elizabeth."

"It's a pleasure young Miss Swann."

"Pleased to meet you, Reverend." Elizabeth greeted.

"Governor, Elizabeth, these are my daughters, Catherine and Hope."

"It's wonderful to meet you Governor, and you Miss Swann." Elizabeth nodded and looked at Hope.

"Hello," Hope said smiling.

"Hello," Elizabeth repeated smiling back.

"Governor Swann," Hope acknowledged.

"Miss Danforth, young Miss Danforth." Swann said bowing before he moved on. Governor Swann was replaced by the captain and Lieutenant Norrington.

"Ah, Reverend." The captain said shaking his hand.

"Captain. Wonderful to see you again." The captain nodded before turning to Norrington. "Reverend Danforth, girls. Allow me to introduce my second, Lieutenant Norrington." Catherine and Norrington stared at each other star struck.

"Lieutenant Norrington. My name is Catherine Danforth."

"It's a pleasure, Miss Danforth," Norrington said kissing her hand. Reverend Danforth smiled proudly at the two. Hope looked at her sister and shook her head.

"Lieutenant Norrington, Captain, this is my youngest daughter Hope."

"Wonderful to meet you young Hope," The captain said and Norrington bowed his head at her.

"Miss Hope," he said before looking back at Catherine then heading on his way. When he was out of ear shot Reverend Danforth whispered to her.

"That is a fine young man, there."

"Yes. He is." Hope watched the display between her father and sister. Her mind wandered to the boy they had rushed away.

"Who was he? Where did he come from? He certainly didn't dress like the other occupants on the ship," Hope said to herself before she looked at the end of the ramp and saw several young lads standing there, no doubt they were midshipmen. They were all staring at her, smiling, and bowing at her. She only smiled and bowed back. Suddenly one walked over to her. He was handsome in her mind. Reverend Danforth and Catherine looked on.

"I could not help noticing you from over there. I'm Midshipman Gillette," he said bowing. Hope smiled and laughed.

"Do you have a first name Mr. Gillette?" He blushed at this comment.

"I must apologize. My full name is Edward Gillette."

"Hope Danforth." Gillette lifted her hand and kissed it.

"It's a pleasure, Miss Danforth. I'm certain will be seeing more of each other."

"I'm sure of it. Good day to you, Mr. Gillette," Hope said smiling and bowing to him. Gillette smiled back, still blushing and walked back over to the others. Catherine took the opportunity and nudged her sister. "What was that for?"

"I can tell you are going to popular with the young men. As you get older you will be a heartbreaker." Hope laughed.

"And you called young lads, disgusting." Reverend Danforth said to Hope.

"Maybe I spoke to soon. He's the first boy to actually talk to me like that."

"I can organize an arranged marriage between the both of you when you're older."

"Father. There is no need for that." Hope said. Her father nodded as they watched the Governor make his rounds.

NOTE: Well? Do you like? Dislike? Better than original? Please R & R

ArianaielNightstar

Next Chapter: A Life Started & A Future Ended