-A Breakfast Fit for Pirates –
Ginny awoke the next morning as a weak autumn sun fought to make its way around a mass of fat grey clouds. She looked at her alarm clock and jumped in shock: it read 8:13am with 'Almost late for breakfast!' written beneath. She scrambled out of bed in fear she was running late for her potions test and stumbled over the dangling covers she'd just thrown off. She scanned the room and saw that her three other dorm mates had already left. It was then she noticed newly appeared and occupied fifth bed, a slender arm stretched up out of the covers as a mass of curly long brown hair began to rise. Hermione sat up in confusion and caught sight of Ginny. The two women stared at each other.
Their eyes widened as the previous night's events came flooding back.
"Bloody hell," Ginny cursed.
Hermione vaulted out of the bed and stood facing Ginny.
"I wasn't dreaming?" she asked, looking around the dorm as if it held the answers she sought.
"That was the most vivid dream I've ever experienced," Ginny said, her voice coming out breathy and a small flush rising to attractively stain her cheeks.
"Then it wasn't a dream," said Hermione, a slow grin spreading over her face.
"Well I think we should hurry and be the right proper hostesses, don't you?" Ginny said rushing to the dorm bath.
"I agree," Hermione said, hurrying behind.
Several minutes later the two girls made their way down the now reset stairs after showering and dressing.
"Lucky your mum taught you that fabric altering spell -- will be no problem for us to share clothing in the future," Hermione muttered and adjusted the hem of the pale yellow sweater she chose to wear over a pair of comfortable slacks and loafers. She reached up and fingered the loose bun that held her mass of curls to the back of her head with many loose ringlets that already fell to frame her pretty face.
"I really like muggle clothing. Thanks for letting me borrow these," said Ginny, straightening the low neckline of her own pale green sweater, she anxiously smoothed her suddenly sweaty palms down the thighs of her jeans.
It was after seeing Ginny's look at of dismay as she sorted through her rather worn looking robes that Hermione had suggested they go raid her own closet instead. Ginny's spirits had brightened remembering the enchantments her mum used so frequently in the resizing and mending of her older brothers many hand-me-down clothes.
Ginny reached up and tucked a stray lock of fiery red hair behind her ear, leaving the rest to fall loosely down her back. "Think the house elves will have your dorm back in proper order by tonight? They looked to have put a serious dent in the damage already."
"I hope," Hermione answered, frowning at the mention of house elves cleaning her room.
They descended the final steps and looked around the common room. To their surprise and slight disappointment they saw neither of their new guests. Instead, standing near the fireplace, Harry and Ron were deep in conversation.
"Aren't you two going to be late for class?" Hermione asked, crossing her arms beneath her chest.
"We still have time," Ron said, frowning at her, "So. . . where are they?" he demanded, giving Ginny a dark look.
"Why are you so concerned?" Hermione snapped.
"She is my sister you know," Ron bit back.
"That excuse is painfully old, dear brother," Ginny huffed, placing a hand on her hip.
"But it's the truth," Harry shot at her.
Ginny cocked her head to the side and raised an eyebrow, "And who asked you?" she bluntly asked.
Harry's jaw dropped and Ron began to splutter. Hermione glanced out of the corner of her eye at her friend and grinned.
With the creak of hinges, four heads turned attention to a section of stone wall that began to slide open, revealing a room behind it. They could see Will walking forward, his attention over his shoulder, speaking back to Jack. When he looked forward, his eyes falling directly on Ginny, they instantly brightened and a huge smile broke over his handsome face. His steps slowed though, as if he could sense the tension in the air.
Ginny caught herself staring at him like some sweet treat she wanted to devour and gave herself a small shake to snap out of it. He looked just as dashing as the night before if not a bit tidier after the house elves had laundered and pressed his clothes. It appeared he had just bathed with his hair still damp and hanging loose.
Hermione stood beside Ginny appearing transfixed as Captain Sparrow followed Will into the common room; having left his captain's hat and elaborate coat behind, though still wearing his red bandana, he appeared to be dressed very similarly to Will. Hermione couldn't help but stare at the hint of toned tan chest that peeked out through the lacings of his freshly laundered shirt. He surveyed the room with a cocky grin, taking in Hermione's stare and the two other men's scowls.
"Good mornin' my bonny lass," Jack said directly approaching her. Ron growled and snatched up his leather knapsack.
"I see that you rested well, Miss Ginny," said Will. Coming to a halt before Ginny, he smiled warmly down at her. Harry gave out a rude snort. Will raised an eyebrow and slowly turned his gaze to lock with Harry's, who clenched his hands into fists so tight that the tensing and relaxing of his biceps was visible beneath his uniform shirt. Harry met the first mate's challenge and fiercely stared down the pirate. The silent battle ended when Ginny spoke.
"Yes, I did, thank you. But please, call me Ginny," she said, sneaking a glimpse at Harry.
Will turned his attention back to her, "Ginny it is then," he said softly, granting her a charming smile that made her stomach flutter.
"C'mon, Ron or we'll be late," Harry said harshly, jerking his knapsack and robe from the back of the chair. Ron, who had been in his own silent staring battle with Jack, reluctantly looked away.
"Fine," he said, yanking on the strap of his bag as he slung it on his shoulder. Jack smirked and watched the angry red-head closely as the two men moved to the portrait exit.
"I am sure we'll have a most. . . . pleasureful day, Love," though smiling at Hermione, Jack threw the words towards Ron. Ron halted in his tracks and spun around, preparing to drop his bag as he reached for his wand.
"If you so much as --" Ron began just as Harry grabbed a hold of him.
"Ron, come on," Harry hissed, tugging his best friend out of the portrait exit, glaring back at the two pirates before the picture closed.
Jack chuckled and slowly rubbed his hands together. Hermione stared furiously at the back of the portrait for a moment and then turned her attention back to Jack Sparrow.
"I don't know about you lass, but I'm famished," Jack said with a sly grin.
o-o-o
By the time the girls made it down with their companions in tow, the main hall was almost empty, aside from a smattering of students either trying to grab a quick bite while running late for class or those with classes starting later in the day. As if a slow wave had come across the room, people stopped in mid-sentence and others paused, fork hovering over their plates, to stare at the two strangers who followed Ginny and Hermione.
Will keept a wary eye on his surroundings and hesitantly smiled at those whose eyes lingered long enough for him to catch before they swiftly turned away. Jack tapped on Will's shoulder. When Will turned back to see what his friend wanted, Jack jerked his chin up and pointed. Will's chin dropped. Both men slowed to stare at the enchanted ceiling in awe.
"How is it possible?" Will whispered staring up at the grey autumn sky reflected on the ceiling.
"It's enchanted to look the outside sky, I read all about it Hogwarts, A History," Hermione said offhandedly, moving to the Gryffindor section of tables. Jack gave Hermione a glance before returning his attention to the ceiling for another look.
Whispering began to accentuate the clinking of silverware against china. Jack walked with an acquired swagger of confidence, staring down anyone that dared to look at him long enough to catch his dark gaze and giving a cheeky grin to any girl within his line of vision. Many students bent their heads together, nervously glancing back at the swords worn at the men's sides as well as their unusual style of dress.
Ginny and Hermione moved to the end tables near the main doors and sat down indicating the men should join them. Automatically Will took a seat beside Ginny who had slipped in next to Hermione. Jack, on the other hand, chose to sit across from them.
"Here," Ginny said, grabbing a serving spoon and dishing out food onto Will's plate before he could reach for anything.
"Thank you," Will muttered and smiled at Ginny as he sat back; seemingly enjoying the attention she was giving him.
Jack watched the interaction between the two before turning his expectant attention to Hermione. For a moment Hermione just looked at him before realizing what he was silently hinting towards. Hermione tilted her head slightly, raising both eyebrows. Jack grinned at her and dropped his gaze down to the serving bowl of scrambled eggs before looking back at her, his grin growing.
Hermione returned the grin and slowly extended her arm, leaning forward enough to inadvertently enable Jack to catch a glimpse of pale flesh and the soft swell of breasts through the neck of her shirt. She lingered in that position for a few seconds while she picked a large golden apple from the pile in fruit bowl. Hermione caught Jack's gaze and scowled. Jack leaned forward and began to extend his hand to receive the succulent fruit Hermione had chosen. She sat back and held up the apple, cocked her eyebrow just as Jack had done and smiled. Jack broadened his grin and raised his hand a fraction higher, waiting. Keeping her smile, Hermione put the apple to her lips and took a slow bite, her gaze remaining fixed on him. Her smile only grew as realization dawned over him. Sitting back completely, Hermione smiled broadly and chewed. Jack's expression rapidly sunk to a severe glower. He grabbed another apple from the bowl and roughly bit into it.
"Well if it isn't the Mmudblood and the Wweaslette. Who are your new little friends?" came the slow drawl of a male voice from behind Hermione and Ginny. Jack looked up at the aristocratic young man and narrowed his eyes; there was something in the blonde's gray gaze that Jack didn't like. Will turned his head and took notice of the two brawny-but-slow looking men that stood just behind the arrogant looking blonde. Ginny's eyebrows furrowed with her frown. Hermione clenched her jaw tight with ire.
"Go away, Malfoy," Ginny growled without turning around. Will glanced at Ginny's irritated expression and frowned before looking back at the three men behind them.
"I don't recall giving you permission to speak, you filthy little mudblood lover," Draco spat, glaring down at the back of Ginny's head.
Within a flash, Will was on his feet and had slammed Draco against the hard stone wall by the throat. Will held Draco's hand pinned against the wall, preventing him from reaching his wand in his pocket. Draco grabbed at Will's wrist with his free hand. Will's eyes blazed with fury.
"I don't believe I be caring for this word. . . mudblood," Jack said in an airy yet unmistakably threatening tone, "It appears my mate doesn't as well." Jack indicated towards Will.
Draco's face began to take on a slight purple tinge from the pressure Will had on his throat. Recovering from their momentary shock, Crabbe and Goyle took a step forward to help their friend. With movements as quick as Will's, Jack was on his feet, saber in hand as he stood from across the table.
"Aye, I wouldn't if I were you," Jack said, pointing the saber towards the two. They abruptly stopped, seemingly forgetting they were wizards, much less that they owned a wand.
Hermione and Ginny remained rooted to their seats, completely gobsmacked.
"I think," Will growled close to Draco's ear as the blond boy struggled in his grasp, "You should apologize… Now." He gave Draco another rough jerk against the wall. Draco glared at Will, unable to move but his eyes, and turned his wrathful gaze at the two girls sitting at the table.
"I would apologize, lad, if I were you," said Jack, keeping a close eye on Crabbe and Goyle.
"WHAT ON EARTH!" Professor McGonagall shrieked, stepping rushing into the great hall and seeing Draco, eyes bulging, held to the wall by Will while Jack stood on the other side of the table with saber raised and pointed at Crabbe and Goyle. Ginny and Hermione stared back and forth between the pirates in surprise. Professor McGonagall's face turned bright red in outrage, "What. . . You. . . He. . ." She spluttered. "Release him at once, Mr. Turner!" she demanded. Will's nostrils flared as he locked eyes with Draco for a moment before reluctantly releasing him. "Put that sword away, Captain Sparrow!" McGonagall hissed.
Surprisingly, Jack cringed away from the raging female, seemingly in fear of her wrath. He quietly slipped his saber in into its sheath.
Draco jerked away from Will. He roughly yanked his robes into place and glared fiercely at the group. Without so much as a single word, Draco stormed out of the main hall. Crabbe and Goyle quickly followed, throwing nervous glances back over their shoulders as they retreated.
"Professor. . ." Hermione began.
"Silence!" Professor McGonagall barked, glaring down at the brunette. "I am going to have to ask you two gentlemen to please put those swords in your room and not carry them anywhere on the grounds of Hogwarts for the time being," McGonagall said in a calm quiet voice as she smoothed a non existent wrinkle from the front of her skirt.
In three long strides, Jack was before the Professor and quickly took her hand into his own. He bent forward and lightly kissed the back of it.
"But o'course, my lady. As you wish," Jack said over her hand, looking up at her with a grin.
Professor McGonagall was clearly taken aback by Jack's actions. Her free hand fluttered to her throat with a sharp gasp of breath.
"Well -- I. . . I. . ." she stammered. Jack stood upright, giving her his most charming smile. "I should go, I have a class to attend to shortly," she said breathily.
She turned and walked out of the hall, glimpsing back over her shoulder, Jack smiled again, waggling his fingers in a friendly wave as she disappeared out of view. Ginny and Hermione, who were still sitting stunned silence, could only stare in amazement.
"Right, well. . ." Jack said, clapping his hands together. "I be thinkin', we should make a stop by our room after we eat." He dropped down onto the bench and happily reached into the fruit bowl to pluck out a ripe peach.
o-o-o
After a brief stop at the Gryffindor tower so the men could drop off their swords off, the four spent the majority of the morning on a tour of the Hogwarts grounds. Will frequently asked general questions about Hogwarts and about Ginny which she was only more than happy to answer.
"Would you like to watch me practice Quidditch this evening?" Ginny asked as the group walked along the castle grounds.
"What be this, Quidditch?" said Jack.
"It's our sport," Hermione answered, "In the wizarding world, it's what we play.,"
Jack merely nodded and looked continued to glance around.
"I would be most interested in watching you practice, Ginny," said Will.
Ginny smiled brightly up at him, "I'm a Chaser. Harry is a Seeker and my brother, Ron, is Keeper," said Ginny excitedly.
"Are they now?" Will said with less enthusiasm than before.
Jack cocked his smile and continued to walk on. "And what about you, Louve? Do you play this. . . Quidditch?"
Hermione reached up and pulled on a stray curl the wind had just blown into her eyes. "What me? Oh no. Quidditch is alright enough to watch, but I don't play. I much prefer the comfort the library has to offer."
Jack looked at her for a moment. "What I think you need, my bonny lass, is a bit of adventure."
Ginny snorted. Will glanced down at her questioningly.
"Trust me, Captain Sparrow, I have had enough 'adventures' thus far to last me a life time," Hermione said darkly.
"Indeed?" Jack asked, examining Hermione in a new light. "Perhaps one night we'll be able to swap stories."
Hermione gave him a long look, "Perhaps," she said and left it at that.
The small Eventually, their wanderings lead them to the group found their way to the grand lake which stood pe. lacid and reflecting the otherwise dull sky.
Will's eyes narrowed as and he stared out over at the ripplingthe lake's water of the lake's center. "What is that?" he asked and as he pointed towards a fresh ring of ripples slowly making their way across the water's surface. Jack stepped forward, scrunching his gaze to study in the direction Will indicated.the water.
Both men stumbled back in shock as a large massive tentacle of the giant squid rose high up out of the water before and lazily sunk back slowly sinking into the its depths of the lake..
"It's just the giant squid," Ginny said plainly, aswatching she watched the squid's tentacle disappear.
"Only a giant squid she says," Jack sardonically mocked under his breath. Will nodded.
"We should get back up to the castle for lunch," said Hermione, looking down at her watch.
"That, Love, is an exquisitely splendid idea," said Jack said, stroking a beaded braid of his beard and glancing back concernedly at the lake. "Yes… right then, lead the way!"