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

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Treasure Of Gryffindor
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Chapter 4 - Captive
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By the third day back at sea, Hermione had readjusted to life aboard the Marauder, and everything was going along quite well. The rest of the crew shared her happiness, peace of mind, and joy at being back on the ocean, and on the whole the voyage was pretty good, despite the knowledge that this cruise might be their last. Sirius was determined to find the treasure, and would not return to Barbados or London until he did. Hermione was very sure that Sirius would push on, blindly searching, even if his entire crew died, perhaps even if Remus died. There was a mad light in the captain's eyes now, more pronounced than ever before, and sometimes Hermione wondered what they would do if he went stark raving mad in the middle of an unfamiliar sea. He was the only one who could guide them home safely, and an insane man wouldn't be a help at all.

But Hermione spent more time thinking of other matters besides the captain's goals and mental state. For instance, the fact that Ron had abandoned her in that awful pub and let her get drunk. The very thought of it made her burn with outrage and shame. How dare he allow her to make a fool of herself that way? And who was he to be flirting with older women (even though he had only invited Hermione to the pub purely out of friendship in the first place)? Of course, it wasn't to be expected that Ron would follow the rules defining a gentleman's behaviour in London - every man aboard this ship was far from gentlemanly (with the exception of Remus). But, Hermione fumed to herself as she scrubbed the decks, he could have at least done her the courtesy of talking to her, gentleman or no!

The indignity of it made her want to scream and fly to pieces. Not for the first time, a flicker of regret crossed her mind - if she had been back home in London, she would have had all the attention she could have wanted from the highest-bred young men around, and none of them would have dared ignore or disgrace her. And also not for the first time, she reminded herself firmly that she had not been forced to board the ship, it had all been her own decision, and it was just too bad. She had chosen her path, and she wasn't about to give up now.

But Ginny sensed something was amiss. She converged on Hermione one morning as Hermione exited the galley, backing the brunette into a corner. She was shorter than Hermione but looked very fierce, her brown eyes narrowed. All right, Hermione. We're going to have this out right now. Why are you being so cold to Ron all of a sudden?

I don't believe that's any of your business, Hermione said icily. She attempted to push past her friend, but Ginny grabbed her by the collar and pushed her roughly against the wall. She was also a lot stronger than Hermione.

If you don't want to tell me, I guess that's okay. But you've got a bee in your hat about something, and I'm not stupid. I know it's to do with Ron. Whatever he did or didn't do to you, you should talk to him about it. You'd be surprised what a little discussion can do for matters.

Remus hasn't convinced the captain to give up his mad treasure hunt, Hermione replied swiftly.

Sirius is different. Ron is bloody stubborn, but he looks like a meek, willing sheep when put beside our captain. Besides, Sirius already loves Remus anyway, so it's not like Remus has to convince him of anything! But who cares about them? I'm telling you to discuss things with Ron! It might just turn out to be one great misunderstanding!

She released Hermione, standing on tiptoes to kiss her friend's cheek. Sorry to rough you up like that, darling, but I swear, sometimes you just make me so angry.... Promise me you'll talk to Ron?

I'll try, Hermione said truthfully. It's hard to find anyplace to get some privacy on this boat...

Excuses, excuses. Just do it, okay?

Yes, Mother....

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But Hermione could never seem to catch Ron on his own. She just couldn't talk to him with others around, but the problem was (as she complained to Ginny), the total lack of privacy aboard the ship. There was no way she'd risk sounding so.... girlish in front of the other men on board. There would be some good-natured, friendly laughter, but it would also make her flustered and more likely to say something stupid. It tormented her for two days after her chat with Ginny. But on the third day, she was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Ron heading up to the forecastle. She hurried along after him. Ron - Ron!

He stopped and grinned over his shoulder at her. It was easy to see why she had gotten herself into this whole mess. That smile of his could probably charm any woman on Earth into doing whatever he asked. Great timing, Mione. Looks like we're coming up on a ship.

I - what? Hermione asked, taken aback by this new information. What about a ship?

There's a merchant ship on the horizon, Ron informed her. It's flying the Bulgarian colours, and Sirius has given the word we're going to raid it. Come on. He grabbed her wrist and dragged her over to the side of the boat, where he pointed out a small speck on the horizon. He handed her his telescope, and Hermione peered through it. Ron was right - it was a very large ship with an exquisitely carved figurehead in the shape of a gigantic bird. The Bulgarian flag, red, white, and green, flew proudly from the top of the mainmast. Hermione shut up the telescope, suddenly feeling very nervous. She had never been part of a raid.

The rest of the day passed quickly; Hermione was so busy helping the crew prepare for the raid that she had to abandon her wish to speak with Ron. Weapons were gotten out, the cannons loaded, the flag (featuring a particularly horrible picture of a skeleton holding an hourglass filled with blood rather than sand) raised. Sirius emerged on deck, resplendent in black and deep red and armed to the teeth, as they grew ever closer to the Bulgarian ship. He had sent Fleur to his cabin to stay with Remus until everything was over, but all the other women were armed and ready. Hermione was shaking slightly beside Ginny. This was one thing she had forgotten to reckon on when joining a pirate crew; as a pirate, one was required to fight and possibly kill other sailors to steal their treasure.

The Bulgarian crew had tried to get away earlier in the day, but their ship was much larger and heavier than the Marauder, and they really didn't have a chance. They all looked terrified as the Marauder grew closer. The captain, a tall man with thick, dark brown hair and a matching beard, was he only one who looked unruffled; he was standing on the poop deck with his naked sword in hand. The pirates jeered at him as the Marauder glided slowly beside the Bulgarian ship, insulting him and his crew and placing curses on his mother's name.

Sirius said loudly. Captain Duchoff! I and my crew desire your goods; let us have them straightaway and there need be no bloodshed!

I should haff guessed, Captain Black, Duchoff replied. I am afraid ve must decline! Ve vill not surrender our treasures and goods, entrusted to us by the King, into your treacherous hands!

A decision you will soon come to regret! Sirius shouted.

Thirty cannons belowdecks exploded, sending spiked cannonballs smashing through the side of the Bulgarians' ship. Duchoff looked positively alarmed; he had obviously not expected cannon fire. Sirius brought his hand down, and his crew dove into action. The cannons blasted again; ropes with nasty iron grappling hooks on the ends were thrown on board the Bulgarians' ship, and the pirates scuttled up them, naked swords and daggers in hand. The Bulgarians tried valiantly to fight back.

Hermione clambered aboard the Bulgarian ship and gasped in horror : even in these few minutes, it was clear the pirates had the upper hand. The Bulgarian ship had been well prepared for transporting goods, but very poorly prepared for battles of any sort. You'd think they'd know better,' she thought as she splashed through puddles of mixed water and blood as she followed Ginny's vivid head belowdecks, where some of her comrades were already busy searching every inch of the decks for treasures. Her breath caught in her throat. The marvel of it all! Silks, spices, fine wines! Fred and George emerged from the captain's cabin, carrying a chest overflowing with gold and jewels between them. Hermione couldn't help herself. She rushed over to help Ginny gather the beautiful silks, suddenly unmindful of the battle above.

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On board the Marauder, Remus was pacing nervously in the cabin. Fleur was huddled on the bed, her eyes shut tightly and her hands clamped over her ears. Remus paid her no attention; they were perfectly safe in here. He just wanted to be out with the others, fighting beside his lover and helping the crew to victory. He had defended his father's ship from pirates as a teenager, before being kidnapped by that awful slave trader, and he had saved many a man from losing his life. He could never convince Sirius of this; though it made him happy that Sirius loved him so much that he would go to any lengths to protect him, he was irritated that his lover thought he was unable to properly defend himself. It was degrading to be locked in the cabin like an animal, or like a small child who might hurt himself.

Fleur gave a loud, watery sob. Remus shook himself from his reverie and hurried to her side to comfort her. She looked up at him with tears welling up in her sapphire eyes. Remus... I am so scared, she said to him, in French. I am so worried about... about Bill!

I know, Remus said, hugging her. I know. He'll be all right. They'll all be all right. They always are....

---

Duchoff and Sirius were engaged in fierce battle at that very moment, their swords clashing so fast that they appeared to be blurred. They wound through their battling crews without paying the slightest bit of attention to the dead bodies they had to step over or the pistol shots they had to dodge. It was incredible; as Hermione emerged from the hold with her arms full of bottles of fine perfumes, she couldn't help but stare as the two men battled. It was like the mock fights between great fencers that her father had taken her to see in London, only more breathtaking and exciting. A sharp poke in the ribs from Ginny made her start, and she hastened to get her loot back on board the Marauder.

Surrender now, while you have the chance, dog! Sirius shouted, striking out at Duchoff.

Never, Black! The Bulgarian captain dodged, his sword flashing through the air in a vicious arc. Sirius ducked, the strike soaring over his head. His sword stabbed out, catching Duchoff in the arm. Duchoff bellowed in pain, drawing his own sword across Sirius' knuckles. Blood splashed across Sirius' hand. He pulled back and whipped his pistol out of his belt. Hardly pausing to aim, he pulled the trigger.

The pistol went off with a blast that cut through the noises of the battle. Pirates and Bulgarians alike stopped fighting and whirled around, watching in horror as the smoke settled. Duchoff was clutching his chest, blood running from between his fingers. His eyes rolled up into his head and he collapsed, dropping his sword. Hermione froze halfway over the railing of the ship, her eyes wide. No one moved for a moment. Then Sirius lowered his pistol and nudged Duchoff with his toe. Duchoff didn't move.

Sirius stuck the pistol in his belt and looked up at the crews. Your captain is dead, gentlemen, he said pleasantly. The ship is ours.

There was another pause, then clattering as the Bulgarians dropped their weapons without protest.

Tie them up, Sirius ordered his crew. Bring them aboard along with the goods, and lock them in the brig. We'll figure out what to do with them later.

The pirates jumped to obey their captain's orders. Kingsley Shacklebolt and Alastor Moody led the lot, organizing the removal of the treasure and hostages. Harry fought his way through the bustle to reach his godfather.

The captain turned to him. Yes, Harry?

This ship wasn't just transporting goods, Harry panted. An unpleasant smirk appeared on his face. It was also transporting the prince of Bulgaria.

The prince, eh? Sirius smiled, rubbing his stubbly chin thoughtfully. Well then, Harry - be sure Kingsley and Moody give the darling prince an especially nice place in the brig....

Aye, aye. But if he thinks he'll get rum and meat rather than bread and water, he's mistaken, he is.

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After the Bulgarian ship had been stripped and looted of every possible useful thing, Sirius ordered Duchoff's body and the deceased members of the Bulgarian crew to be piled around the mainmast, along with bits of broken wood and smashed furniture. The whole lot was set ablaze, and the Marauder glided away to watch from a distance as the flames quickly consumed every inch of the ship. The Bulgarians had been brought up on deck in chains to witness the entire spectacle; some swore and cursed the pirates, others looked forlorn or close to tears. The only one who seemed calm at all was a tall, skinny, beak-nosed young man dressed in blue and crimson. He was the only one who didn't seem to be outraged or upset. In fact, he looked down on the pirates with a kind of detached annoyance, as if they were hardly worth his notice.

Sirius turned his back on the flaming pyre of the Bulgarian ship, his eyes traveling over the crew and coming to rest on the beak-nosed young man. He motioned to Kingsley and Moody, and the two men dragged the young man forward. Even face-to-face with Sirius, who was much taller and extremely imposing, the young man didn't drop his gaze or appear frightened. No one said anything for a long time. Hermione got the impression that the two men were sizing each other up. Then Sirius made a sarcastic little bow, smirking unpleasantly. So. I have the honour of addressing Viktor, the prince of Bulgaria, do I?

And I haff the great dishonour of addressing the captain Sirius Black, I believe? the prince responded coolly. Sirius growled softly, and his hand twitched slightly as if he wished to strike Viktor. I demand that you set the crew free, Viktor continued. You may haff the treasure. You may haff me as your hostage, and do vith me as you vish. But please release the crew ven ve reach the nearest port.

I ask you, why should I do as you ask? Sirius replied softly. You are under my control now. If I want to kill every last cur-dog of them, I shall. There is also nothing stopping me from killing you, my friend. Look around! he shouted, waving a hand at the endless sea stretching out around them, where the only visible landmark was the great cloud of smoke from the Bulgarian ship. There is no land for miles! We won't reach our next port for weeks. Even if I was so inclined to let your crew live, I cannot have your crew eating our food for that long. His eyes flickered to Moody and Kingsley. Kill them all, lads. Except for the dear prince. He'll be staying with us for awhile. The rest of you - he turned to the remainder of his crew - start getting this mess in order. Now!

And with that, he turned on his heel and headed off to his cabin. Hermione swallowed hard and followed Ginny below deck, unwilling to watch the execution of the Bulgarian hostages. But even as she helped Ginny, Luna, and Mrs. Weasley load the sacks of grain into the storerooms, she could hear the pistol shots and splashes as each person was killed and their bodies thrown overboard.

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Nighttime. Half the crew was asleep. Harry was at the wheel, but the sea was so calm that the ship needed minimal assistance to stay on course. Sirius was asleep in Remus' arms after making love to him several times, his lover dozing lightly with his head on Sirius' shoulder. Hermione and Ginny were in their hammock; Ginny was asleep and Hermione was growing drowsier by the minute with the gentle rocking of the ship. She was exhausted. Never before had she experienced a day so mentally and physically tiring. She supposed she would get used to it after more raids, but in her heart she never wanted to see another battle like that ever again. She was relieved that she had stuck to looting; if she had killed someone she never would have been able to live with herself. Maybe, she thought sleepily, she didn't have what it took to be a pirate. She couldn't hope that she would be able to leave; she had to see this voyage out, she was needed. But Sirius wasn't going to return to England until the Treasure of Gryffindor was found. How long would it be before she would see her mother and father again? And whatever would everyone think of her, once she returned from a meager life of piracy to the opulence of her old life?

Her eyelids were growing heavier. Hermione finally fell asleep, her questions going unanswered. She found herself having a strange dream, in which she was wearing a white dress and holding Ron's hand as they watched the Bulgarian ship burn. Sirius stood behind them, dressed in black ad holding a long, vicious-looking sword; the prince was beside him, dressed in gold and ivory with tears running down his cheeks. As Hermione turned away from the burning ship and looked at Ron, several loud booms echoed through her mind. What was it? Had something explosive been left aboard the Bulgarian ship?

Hermione jerked awake quite suddenly; she realised that those deep booms were not in her dream at all, but part of reality. Ginny was already up, scrambling into her shoes. She caught sight of her friend sitting up in the hammock, looking bewildered.

Come on, get up! Ginny cried. We've got to go, we're under attack! It's the Azkaban !

To Be Continued.

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(A/N: More inaccuracies. I know nothing about battles at sea, especially during the 18th century. I'm trying my best! I think it's remarkable that I wrote a battle at all! So please forgive me if the battles wasn't as long or exciting as a pirate raid should have been. Argh! I'll keep trying hard!! And now I must shamelessly promote myself. If anyone out there likes slightly naughty Sirius/Remus comedy, I suggest reading Some Enchanted Evening', written by myself and my cousin. We're known as Talim and Mina, and you can find a link to our profile and Some Enchanted Evening' on my profile page. Just a suggestion...)