Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter characters. Nor do I own pirates, London, or tropical islands.

WARNINGS: Sirius/Remus SLASH; violence; underage drinking; minor language, AU.

Summary: The infamous Captain Black and his band of miscreants sail the seven seas in search of treasure, excitement, and romance. When the daring Hermione Granger joins the crew, will she have what it takes to be a pirate?

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Treasure of Gryffindor
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Prologue

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Wanted, one seafaring man or woman, for Adventures and Employment, for voyages to the Caribbean Islands, Barbados, etc. Will receive one-nineteenth of all Profits and Earnings, funeral expenses to be paid for and arranged if necessary. Inquiries: Captain Sirius Black, the Marauder, in the port of London, on the Date of June 1, 1756.'

It was an advertisement one would have to be mad to accept; but Hermione Granger was determined. She had wanted to be a sailor all her life, and here was her chance. It was widely known that Captain Black, one of the most infamous pirates in the world, didn't discriminate against women - in fact, several women were a valuable part of his crew. Hermione put the well-worn piece of newsprint back in her pocket, scanning the docks. She had arrived as early as possible, hoping to be taken on. Her eyes flicked from ship to ship, searching out the Marauder, Black's vessel.

Joining Sirius Black's crew was an opportunity few young people chose to pass up; Black was easily one of the most successful pirates in the trade. Tales of his adventures were heard far and wide - the story of how he had escaped an entire fleet of British soldiers single-handedly, with nary a scratch; the story of how he had rescued a French nobleman's son from slavery, and how he and the nobleman's son had fallen in love; the heroic rescue of his godson from the dungeons of the feared Lord Voldemort. But Black hadn't taken on a new crew member in several years, so the advertisement in the newspaper had been thought a joke by many at first.

The Marauder was tied at the very end of the dock. Two young men, one with a snow-white owl on his shoulder, were sitting before its gangplank, chatting. Hermione took a deep breath and made herself as tall as possible. She was surprised that there was no one lining up before the ship, but she approached the two lads. Good morning.

Morning, lass. The boy with the owl grinned at her; he had messy black hair and piercing green eyes framed by round glasses. With a thrill of excitement, Hermione noticed a scar on his forehead, shaped like a bolt of lightning. This was Harry Potter, Black's godson. Here to apply for the position?

Hermione stood a little straighter, pulling the advert from her pocket. Today is June first, isn't it?

Both boys chuckled. Sure is, the other replied. He was taller than Harry, with bright red hair and gingery freckles. His eyes were a lovely Irish blue. Ron Weasley, Harry Potter. What's your name, dear?

Hermione Granger.

Any experience?

This was what she feared most; that they would refuse her for not having any experience sailing a ship. But they didn't say a word about it, only asking her a few other questions. Then Ron looked up at the ship.

Oi, Ginny!

A girl with long red hair popped her head above deck.

Take this girl to meet the cap'n, he ordered. She's our new hand.

Hermione was taken aback by the sudden decision, but recovered quickly. Thank you so much, sirs - but don't you need to... get permission, or something -?

Nope. Sirius trusts us. And no need for formalities, Harry said, waving her up the gangplank. Just follow Ginny.

She hurried to meet the redheaded girl, who looked like a female version of Ron. Ginny smiled at her, taking her hand and leading her below deck. The inside of the ship was cramped, but only because there were sacks and boxes piled against the walls. Be glad they're here, Ginny said, as they squeezed around a large crate. Once these boxes empty out we'll have more room; but as long as it's crowded in here, you know we have plenty to eat. She stopped before a door and raised a hand to knock. Excuse me, Captain? I've got a new hand to meet you.

Come in, a low, lazy voice called, and Ginny pushed the door open and dragged Hermione inside. She was greeted by the sight of a large, elegantly decorated cabin, fit for a king. Wide windows stretched the length of the back wall, offering a view of other ships in the crowded port. Under the windows was a huge bed with rumpled silk sheets, in which two men lay. Both were completely naked, their slender bodies shining with sweat. One was delicate and pale with light-brown hair and hazel eyes; the other was darkly tanned with long black hair and midnight-blue eyes.

The raven-haired man sat up, a slow smile spreading across his lips. He didn't make the slightest attempt to cover himself or his lover up, and Hermione willed herself not to stare at their bare bodies. The light-haired man put his arms around the captain, resting his head on the other man's shoulder. Hermione bit her lip, realising exactly what they had been up to before she and Ginny had come knocking. Ginny didn't look the lest bit perturbed at the sight, however; you'd think seeing men in bed together was an everyday occurrence for her.

Well, my dear, the captain spoke, tucking a long strand of ebony hair behind his ear. Have you come to join my crew?

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(A/N: Big hugs and lots of chocs to mysticVigil, for her support and enthusiasm concerning this project! She's also my beta-reader for it, as well. Thanks, darling - hope you'll stick around for the whole thing.....)