Disclaimer: See the first chapter, or the prologue. But I own nothing.

---
Treasure Of Gryffindor
---

Chapter 2 - Shipwrecked Beauty

-

It was good to have everything back to normal, Hermione reflected. The good weather was holding up splendidly; the ship had had an encounter with a passing merchant ship willing to barter supplies for gold; and everyone aboard was in a good mood. It looked like they would reach Barbados sooner than expected.

Hermione was up in the crow's nest at the moment, but there was nothing to concern herself with. There was no hint of land on the horizon as of yet, and not one other ship as far as she could see. It was almost as if the Marauder and her crew were the only things on the planet. With a yawn, Hermione leaned over the edge of the nest to see what was going on below. Ginny and Ron were coiling bundles of rope while chatting with Fred and George, who were mending barrels which had broken in the storm. Harry was on the quarter-deck with Sirius, looking out at the ocean. Remus, who had been ecstatic to escape from the stuffy cabin, was sitting on the rail, his face tilted up to the sun. Everyone was taking advantage of the perfect weather. Storms could pop up quickly and without warning here in the Caribbean, so it was a good idea to enjoy the sunshine while it lasted.

Bill, Ron and Ginny's eldest brother, swung himself up into the nest. He was very attractive, his long flaming-red hair worn in a queue and a fang earring dangling from his left ear. He flashed a brilliant smile at Hermione. My turn. Go ahead, I think Ginny's getting a little lonely.

Hermione climbed down the rigging easily, jumping the last couple of feet. She had been scared witless of the crow's nest during her first couple of weeks aboard ship - heights terrified her, and she secretly envied the fearless, graceful way Ginny could shimmy up the rigging and into the nest without breaking a sweat. But, determined not to disappoint anyone or seem weak, Hermione had forced herself to get used to going up and down until it no longer bothered her. She hurried over to Ginny, Ron, and the twins.

Anything brewing? George asked her with a smile. Hermione shook her head.

No, there's nothing to see. No boats, no land, not even a school of fish or a flock of gulls.

Well, this is the Bermuda Triangle, Fred said, his voice taking on an eerie tone. Ships sometimes sail in here and never - come - out!

Ginny shuddered. Enough stories about the Triangle!

Hermione rolled her eyes as she plumped herself down beside Ron and accepted the bundle of tangled rope he offered her. She was well used to Fred's tales about the Bermuda Triangle by now, and no longer paid them any heed. They were ridiculous, anyway - nobody just disappeared off the face of the earth, no matter what Fred or Luna Lovegood (who had a reputation for believing in the wildest things) said. She began to untangle the rope, her eyes resting momentarily on the captain. Sirius was frowning down at a chart he held in his hands, occasionally raising a hand to brush a strand of long black hair out of his eyes. A thought occurred to her.

D'you think... well, d'you think the Treasure of Gryffindor might be around here? she suggested timidly.

Ron sniggered. I say, Hermione - you actually believe Sirius when he says there's a legendary Treasure of Gryffindor lying around, just waiting to be found? I'd expect that from Luna, but not from you!

Hermione flushed. Ron had an annoying habit of making teasing remarks whenever she made her opinions on anything known. It's not that. I think he's wasting his time searching for it, but as long as we get food and money in the process, it doesn't bother me much. But think about it. Everyone who's ever tried to find the treasure has vanished. Some died, but not all . Have you any stories about mysterious treasures in the Triangle, Fred?

Fred shook his head. No. It's a load of rubbish, that treasure. Sirius is the best captain you could ever want, a fair man, and, judging by the way Remus follows him around, one hell of a lover. But he's got a screw loose about that treasure, Hermione. He's been looking for it since he was sixteen - if he hasn't found it after twenty years, he never will.

I suppose you're right. But Hermione still felt inclined to disagree in her mind. The world was a big place; Sirius could search for twenty thousand years without result, and yet there could still be a treasure hidden away. She did think it was ridiculous for him to keep looking - nearly everyone thought Sirius half-mad. People in London mocked him behind his back; Mrs. Weasley scolded him whenever he brought it up in conversation; and not even Luna, who believed in so many outrageous things and swore her mother had been snatched up and devoured by the god Poseidon while on a voyage to Africa, could believe the tale. Even Remus, who loved Sirius more than his own life, refused to believe - though when Sirius talked of finding the treasure some nights as they lay in bed, Remus would smile and stroke his hair and say he was sure Sirius would find the treasure soon; humouring him, as a mother humours a small child who claims to have seen a monster under her bed.

---

Almost the rest of the day was spent belowdecks, for Hermione and Ginny at least. It was their turn to pump out the bilge, and a very tiring, smelly chore it was. They were grateful for a chance for a wash and supper, bringing their bread crusts up to the deck to finish them in the cool evening air. A gentle breeze propelled the ship along; Harry was at the wheel. Sirius had retired for the night, Remus with him. As if they aren't working harder now than they did all day, Ginny sniggered heartily as they sat down on two barrels. Hermione blushed, turning away to look out over the water. She was the only member of the crew who became embarrassed upon reminding of the sexual half of the relationship between the captain and his lover; in London, such talk was not something normally heard in polite conversation.

Something was floating in the water, partially illuminated by the lanterns dotted round the ship. Hermione squinted. It looked... odd. Like... someone floating? Ginny, do you see that?

Ginny leaned over the railing to look. Yeah... what... is it?

The something floated closer, into the light cast by the lamps. The girls caught a glimpse of a pale hand and clouds of golden hair.

Man overboard! they both cried at once. Harry came hurrying down from the quarter-deck, while thunderous noises from all over the ship made it clear the rest of the crew had heard. Man overboard!

Sirius, clad only in his trousers and boots, pushed past his crew to peer over the side of the ship. His dark blue eyes widened, and he turned on his heel. Didn't you hear?! Get moving! Man overboard!

There was a great flurry of excitement as ropes were cast and some of the men swung over the side to retrieve the person in the water. They brought the person up on deck, along with a large piece of driftwood. It was a young woman with long golden hair, her fine silk dress soaked and almost certainly ruined. She was unconscious, but breathing shallowly. In an instant, Sirius had swiped the knife from Moody's belt and slit the tight bodice of the woman's gown. Her eyes flew open and she gagged, turning to the side and coughing up quite a lot of water. She struggled into a sitting position, looking around with a fearful expression on her face, clutching at her ruined gown. She was breathing rather heavily, but managed to choke out : Où est Monsieur Lafayette? Je suis - She stopped at the sight of their puzzled faces. There was a pause, then she spoke up in a trembling voice. E-excuse moi - I - oh - she turned red and fell silent.

Hermione felt a hand on her arm. It was Remus, wearing a long silk dressing gown. She stepped aside, letting him get closer to the young woman. He sank to his knees beside her and smiled. Tu parles Anglais?

The young woman nodded, then shrugged. She said something in French. Remus listened, and responded. They talked for a short while, then Remus looked up at Sirius. She says she speaks English, but only very little, my love. She tells me she was on a voyage with her father to meet her fiancé in America, but a storm destroyed their ship. She would like to know, what are we going to do with her?

The young woman gazed up at Sirius as well, fear evident in her light blue eyes. She was trembling, but out of terror rather than cold, clutching at her gown in an effort to keep her linen undergown concealed. The man speaking had kind eyes and spoke her language fluently, but the one standing before her was the most frightening man she had ever seen. He had long black hair that fanned out behind him in the wind, highlighted gold by the lamplight, and mysterious dark eyes. Tattoos crossed his bare chest, wound down his muscular arms, and encircled the base of each finger. Was he the captain? He didn't look it, as half-dressed and as wild-looking as he was; but he wore a lot of jewelry, all of it looking very valuable, and the crew seemed to be waiting for his decision.

Sirius looked from the woman to Remus. Tell her she'll be staying with us for awhile, so she'd better start speaking English soon. Hermione, Ginny, Andy - take her below and get her something to wear, and some food. Remmie, you're going to have to serve as her translator for awhile, savvy?

Remus nodded, helping the woman to her feet. He led her below deck, talking to her in a soothing tone. Andromeda swept after them, as regal and imposing as she always seemed, and Hermione and Ginny followed.

Andromeda dug a gown out of her own trunk, but it was hopelessly large; the young woman was nowhere near as tall as Andromeda. However, an outgrown set of trousers and a shirt formerly belonging to Andromeda's daughter Nymphadora were a perfect fit. Ginny brought bread and cheese from the galley, Hermione carefully brushed and dried the woman's long hair, and Remus continued to chat with her. When she was dry and fed, the woman gave a shaky smile.

Hermione and Ginny smiled back, and Andromeda took the woman's arm. Come along, dear, you must be exhausted, she said, leading the girl to the small alcove in which her own hammock hung. Ginny and Hermione hung back, unwilling to leave, until Andromeda closed the curtain around the hammock and shooed them away. Run along, now, she's been through enough, she said sternly, herding the two girls before her like small children.

---

She tells me her name is Fleur Delacour, Remus said softly, speaking to his lover's back. Sirius was sitting on the edge of the bed, his head in his hands. He didn't say anything. Remus crawled across the bed and put his arms around the captain. What is it, my love?

Sirius heaved a long sigh. Delacour. I've heard of them. If I'm thinking of the right people, she's the daughter of a merchant in France - a silk trader. We've raided a few of his smaller ships. She'd be worth a lot of money if we held her for ransom - but I don't think I can bring myself to do it.

Remus smiled, resting his head against Sirius' back. I knew you had a gentle side for women.

Sirius turned, sliding his arms around Remus' waist and kissing his forehead. For the French, more like, he teased, then grew solemn once more. What should I tell them? What are they going to say when I tell them I'm just going to let her go?

Have they ever questioned your judgment before? Siri, I am sure they will accept whatever you tell them and carry out your orders as splendidly as always.

You might be right, Sirius mused. He placed a wet, ticklish kiss behind Remus' ear. Thank you, by the way. You did a good job calming her down. I don't know... what I'd do without you. He closed his eyes, and Remus kissed him on the forehead. He was pleased at the praise, but wished it was for something a little more brave and adventurous than comforting a frightened girl. He snuggled deeper into Sirius' embrace and was asleep in seconds.

---

Over the next few days, Fleur Delacour seemed to settle into life aboard the Marauder. She stuck close to Remus, mostly because he could talk to her, but also because he was the kindest-looking person on the ship. Everyone else seemed to scare her, and she trembled visibly whenever Sirius was near - which was often, since Remus preferred to stay close to his lover. Hermione felt sorry for her. It couldn't be easy to be suddenly thrown into such a frightening situation, especially after the trauma of a storm and losing her father. Ginny, however, had other things on her mind.

Bill likes her, she said bluntly to Hermione, Harry, and Ron two days after Fleur's arrival, as the four of them sat peeling potatoes for Mrs. Weasley. He's head-over-heels for her. It's not a bad thing, mind you, but he doesn't speak French, and she doesn't do so well in English, even with Remus' lessons.

I think she likes Bill, too, Ron said calmly, tossing a peeled potato into the cooking pot and picking up another one. I've seen her peeking at him when she thinks no one's looking. I wonder what Sirius is going to do with her? We could get a lot of money in exchange, if her fiancé's willing to buy her back. But then, if she never sees him again, it might be a good thing.

Especially if she's as enamoured of Bill as he seems to be of her, Ginny added sagely. The last thing we need is them falling in love, only to have Sirius sell her back to her fiancé. It'll break their hearts.

You're right, Hermione said, worried. Should we tell the captain?

He's not dense, Harry said, handing a peeled potato to his owl, Hedwig. Hedwig dropped it in the pot as Harry began peeling another. He knows what's going on. Besides, he wasn't going to sell her back anyway.

How do you know?

He told me. From what Remus tells him, Fleur was opposed to her marriage in the first place. She doesn't want to go to America. He might send her back to France, or else let her make up her own mind, once we reach Barbados. Harry yawned. He's not all money money money, kill kill kill' all the time, you know. If he was, I would still be in Voldemort's dungeons.

---

About four days after that, the Marauder finally reached Barbados. Hermione gazed in wonder as she stepped off the ship onto the dock, trying to take in the beautiful, brilliant surroundings. She and Ginny watched as Sirius and Remus, dressed today in their very best, climbed into a carriage manned by footmen in fine livery, and drove off. Where is he going? she wondered aloud.

Who knows, Ginny said with a shrug. Sirius is always running off somewhere, mostly things to do concerning his family or his ridiculous obsession over Gryffindor's treasure. With Remus at his heels, like the good little pet he is. She laughed at the look on her friend's face. Don't look like that. I like them both very much. I just think they could stand a little time apart, don't you? Come, let's go! There's a wonderful gown shop I want to show you - she seized Hermione by the arm and pulled her down the road.

---

So they're definitely looking? Sirius said softly. How very interesting...

I had one of them in here the other day, said Albus Dumbledore, the wise man and keeper of records and maps in Barbados. Lucius Malfoy. He was ferreting for information. But I told him it was merely a myth, a children's story. I should tell you the same, Sirius. Searching for Gryffindor's treasure is a fool's errand. I've known of men who have been driven insane by their search - but have turned up nothing! Are you going to fall victim to the same fate?

Call me a fool, then, Sirius responded, standing and pulling on his cloak. I am determined, sir, to find the treasure, no matter what it requires.

Dumbledore turned almost desperately to Remus as Sirius left the room. Monsieur Lupin - couldn't you -

I shall not, Remus said quietly. Sirius is my life and my love. I will stay with him throughout his search, even if it lasts until the day we die, even if we are both driven mad. I am not happy unless my love is happy. Good day, sir. He turned to follow Sirius. Dumbledore sat back down, his blue eyes worried behind his half-moon spectacles.

If Bellatrix Lestrange was also after Gryffindor's treasure, the day Remus and Sirius died might not be far off. Bellatrix and her crew were bloodthirsty and cruel, even for pirates; she was also determined to find the treasure, and it might come down to a battle between the two captains and their crews. Dumbledore had been expecting this, but it didn't make him feel any better about the advent of such a possibility.

To Be Continued.

---

(A/N: Laugh at me. I don't care. I know my French sucks (as was pointed out to me in the reviews for French Kiss'). It will suck forevermore. Luckily, I do have my notes from five years of French class lying around, so I can piece together simple sentences. But it's not enough!!! I've got to get Fleur speaking English ASAP. If you believe it, I speak better Japanese than I do French, and I've never taken a single lesson in Japanese! I pick it all up watching anime, if you can believe that. Anyway. So my French is bad. If I made a mistake, sorry! Don't make me feel worse than I already do!)