Arguments -
Harry, Ginny, Will, and Jack first searched the court yard full of many fluttering pixies, each of a different brilliant color that softly illuminated the various paths. Students walked along these stone paths, holding hands and talking. Harry and Will continued to cast dark looks to each other while searching for the missing couple. Jack would occasionally give a roguish grin and a slight nod of the head to female students as he would pass. Much to the displeasure of their male escorts, who would cast a wary eye at the pirate before turning his displeased look back to his date. Unsuccessful in finding either Ron or Hermione in the courtyard they decided to check in the Gryffindor common room. As they mounted the top of the tower stairs, heading down the corridor to the portrait of the fat lady, distant shouting could be heard. Ginny glanced up to her left where Harry stood beside her, a knowing look passed between them.
"Ginny?" Will whispered. Ginny held her hand up with her index finger slightly raised, silencing Will to her right. Jack stood behind Will and Ginny and peered over their shoulders to the corridor ahead of them. He raised an eyebrow at Ginny's hand. A ghost of a smirk graced Jack's handsome face, amazed at her ability to silence his friend with a single gesture. Ginny placed her finger over her lips before pointing a distance ahead of her where two figures could be seen facing each other, yelling at the top of their lungs. The group slowly inched their way forward, attempting to not be noticed by the fighting couple.
Hermione stood with her back to the portrait entrance facing Ron. "When are you going to get it through that thick red skull of yours?" Hermione shouted, throwing her hands out wide to emphasize her point. Ron stood but an arms length away from her, running his fingers through his hair in great frustration.
The fat lady sat staring in rapt interest, fanning her face excitedly, as she hung onto their every word.
"If you would just listen to what I'm saying for once," Ron yelled, casting one hand up into the air, "instead of being a blasted know-it-all who thinks she has it all figured out in that pretty head of hers!" Ron shouted back, pointing at Hermione's forehead. Hermione opened her mouth to speak but paused, being caught off guard.
"Yeah, well," Hermione began again, trying to regain her bearings, "you need to stop being an over protective git who becomes jealous at the drop of a hat!" She threw back at him, crossing her arms beneath her breasts.
Jack leaned forward, his mouth close to Ginny's ear, and whispered, "Enough sexual tension there you could slice a blade through it."
Ginny glanced out of the corner of her eye at Jack before turning her attention back to the quarreling couple.
Ron began to splutter indignantly. "I'm not jealous!" he raged, his face going even redder than it already was.
"Oh yes you are!" Hermione said hotly, staring him down just as fiercely. She took several deep breaths in attempt to calm down.
"I'm not going to let one of my best friends go caravanning around like a -- like some sort of scarlet woman!" Ron bellowed. His breathing came in ragged pants and his eyes blazed wildly.
Hermione scowled and her eyes flashed dangerously. "A scarlet woman?" she spat. "Ron, are you kidding me? I never thought you'd be so thick!" Hermione shot back at him, now clutching the front of her gown where Ginny knew Hermione's wand was hidden. Ginny had a fleeting vision of what was left of her brother being sent home to her parents in a match box.
The fat lady gasped, putting her pudgy fingered hand over her mouth. She began fanning herself rapidly causing stray wisps of hair to go flying in a wild array around her head. Ginny and Harry cringed in unison.
"Ahh, Scarlet, now there was a woman," Jack muttered under his breath. Will looked over his shoulder at his Captain before turning his attention back to the argument.
"You know what?" Ron shouted, clenching his fists to his sides. "You think I'm thick do you? Well fine! Fine! I'm thick then. But I'm not thick enough to stand by and watch a friend make a complete fool out of herself over some bloody pirate!" Ron barked, throwing his hands out and up. Hermione's jaw dropped and her eyes bulged with rage.
"Oh!" The fat lady gasped again, her hair almost completely out of its bun now as she fanned herself harder and harder. She scooted to the edge of her seat to listen closer.
"I am NOT making a complete fool of myself over, Jack Sparrow!" Hermione shrieked.
Jack rolled his eyes in frustration, "Captain. Captain Jack Sparrow," he growled under his breath.
"Shhh!" Ginny hissed. Jack raised an annoyed eyebrow at Ginny.
"Well you know what? I don't care if you do or don't. I'm done losing sleep at night with worry about if you're going to get your heart broke by the likes of Captain Jack Sparrow!" Ron yelled, his entire body shook with barely restrained rage.
"Finally, someone got it right," Jack whispered. Will rolled his eyes skyward with a shake of his head.
"Now move, I want to go to bed and have my first peaceful night's sleep since this whole ruddy mess started," Ron demanded. Hermione stood staring at Ron, her arms now fallen to her sides and her jaw slightly slack. "Move," Ron growled when Hermione didn't budge.
"No," she spoke quietly, visibly shaking as she stood before him.
"What?" Ron snapped, his eyes narrowing.
"No," she answered, barely over a whisper.
"Dammit Hermione, get out of my way or I will physically move you," Ron threatened. Hermione put her hand on her hips, raising her chin defiantly to his challenge.
"No," Hermione said with more resolve.
Ron growled loudly in frustration and took a step forward, reaching out he grabbed Hermione by the waist. He lifted her easily in his strong arms and turned so his back was to the group, still unnoticed, where he set her down gently onto her feet again. Before Ron had a chance to let go of her and step away, Hermione lunged forward, grabbing him by the front of his robes with one hand and pulled him towards her so that his lips came crashing onto her own. Hermione's other hand quickly snaked up to curl her fingers into his vivid red hair.
The fat lady yelped and fell off of the front of her seat, landing on her large padded bottom with an "Ommff!" Harry's jaw dropped. Will and Jack's eyes widened and their heads jerked back in surprise. Ginny slapped her hand over her mouth to prevent a squeal of delight from escaping.
At first Ron stood stiff with shock but he quickly relaxed, wrapping his arms around Hermione's waist, he gathered her closer to him to deepen the kiss. Jack's grin broadened as he watched the couple. Will busied himself looking up at the ceiling to keep from staring any further at the intimate moment. Harry cast his eyes away, reaching up to rub the back of his neck nervously. Ginny looked down at her hands, twisting her fingers together. A feeling that she was invading something very private settled over her, making Ginny feel uncomfortable. Ginny's skin began to tingle at the back of her neck causing her to slowly glance up the length of Harry's form to his face. When she reached his eyes she found him staring at her, boring into her with his startling gaze. Ginny's lips parted and her heart fluttered. An accidental brush of a hand on her arm made her look over her shoulder at Will, breaking the mesmerizing moment. Harry's fist clenched but he remained silent.
After several prolonged seconds, Jack cleared his throat loudly to try and get the kissing couple's attention. Neither seemed to hear as they continued to hold each other close, mouths fused together. Jack cleared his throat again, a bit louder and more obviously pronounced, still to no avail. Jack looked annoyed at the couple, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, reaching up to run a curl of his moustache between his fingers. On Jack's third attempt he chose to clear his throat and cough very loudly. Ron and Hermione jumped, abruptly ending their kiss. Ron looked over his shoulder in surprise, still holding Hermione close. Hermione peered around Ron's side, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkled brightly. At learning they had an audience the couple blushed furiously and shyly stepped away from each other.
"Don't mind us; we were just heading off to the common room. Please, by all means, carry on," Jack said, grinning mischievously. He sauntered up to the portrait as the fat lady struggled to climb back into her seat. Jack smiled up at the portrait, waiting for her to get situated. The fat lady large cheeks turned a bright shade of pink to match her dress as she blushed. Reaching up she attempted to pat her disheveled hair back into place.
"Password please," the fat lady stated, squaring her shoulders and squirming in her seat.
"Chocolate Frogs, Luv," Jack said.
"Oh my," the fat lady gushed, fanning her face again.
"If you'll excuse us. As you were," Jack said to Ron and Hermione with a slight bow and a cocky grin as the portrait opened to admit him. Will nodded politely to the couple and silently followed the Captain, giving Ginny a passing glance before entering the common room.
Harry and Ginny slowly approached the couple. Ginny stepped forward, lightly kissing Hermione on the cheek with a grin before turning to her brother and smiling.
"Mum's going to love this," Ginny said, turning and walking past the portrait.
Harry stood there for a moment looking at his two best friends. Ron looked down at Hermione who looked up at him, both blushing brightly with nervous grins on their faces.
"I'll see you later Ron," Harry said, eyeing them both closely. "Night 'Mione," he said before following Ginny into the common room. The portrait closed softly behind Harry, leaving Ron and Hermione alone in the corridor together.
"You --You want to go for a walk?" Hermione asked shyly.
"Yeah," Ron said, staring down at her in shock. "I think we should take a walk," he said, sliding his large hand around her own and gently pulling to lead her away from the common room entrance.
The fat lady sat back heavily on her seat, reaching beneath her seat for a glass and a large bottle of rum, "After all these years, I thought they would never get together," the fat lady muttered to herself, pouring a glass of the amber liquid and blowing a lock of hair out of her face before putting the glass to her lips.
Jack clapped his hands together and rubbed them, a broad grin crossing his roguish features.
"Well, that was exciting. What form of entertainment shall we seek next?" Jack asked. Harry and Will stood a distance away from each other, staring the other down darkly. Ginny slowly sunk into an armchair, reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose as a dull ache began to make her head throb. Jack looked down at Ginny sympathetically. "I know, I'll go back to that ball and search out that Seamus lad, a good bottle of rum will help sooth that ache you be havin' -- what say you? " Jack offered.
"Thank you Jack, but I don't think that rum will help my headache," Ginny said, giving Jack a weak smile.
"I wasn't speaking about the ache within your head, Luv," said Jack, gently.
Ginny looked up at him briefly before her eyes darted nervously between Will and Harry, who were still locked in a silent battle, staring at each other. Both Harry and Will looked at Ginny as if they felt the pull of her eyes on them.
"Perhaps you should go see Madam Pomfrey," said Harry, stepping towards her, Will shot Harry an angry look.
"Would you like me to escort you?" Will offered, stepping towards Ginny as well. Harry glowered at the pirate with fist clenched.
"I know where the hospital wing is, I should take her," Harry said through gritted teeth. Ginny let out a sigh of growing frustration, pinching the bridge of her nose even harder.
"Are you sure you won't be too distracted pointing that stick of yours at that Draco Malfoy, to be able to assist her?" Will shot back.
"Gentlemen," Jack pleaded half-heartedly, raising his hands palms up as he stepped forward.
"You know what?" Ginny snapped, shooting to her feet as another flare of pain coursed through her skull. "I don't need either of you to escort me anywhere. I can't take this between the two of you any longer," Ginny said, reaching into the folds of her dress where her own wand had been stored.
Will took a slight step back at the look of growing anger and pain on Ginny. Harry's eyebrows shot up and mentally prepared himself to feel the fluttering of bat bogie wings on his face.
"And the two of you bickering like children doesn't help anything," she said heatedly. "In fact at this moment, I don't want to look at either one of you. I think I am going to go to bed," said Ginny, sharply turning to face Jack, who jerked back, throwing his hands up in a defensive pose. "Good night Captain Sparrow," she said calmly, turning to march towards the girls' stairs.
"Good night, Luv," Jack said, watching Harry and Will closely.
"Good night, Ginny," Will called to her back as at the same time Harry said, "G'night."
Ginny threw her hand up in a half attempt at a wave without looking back as she mounted the girls' stairs. As soon as Ginny was out of ear shot Harry rounded on Will.
"Look what you did!" said Harry, throwing his hand up to point towards the now empty staircase.
"What I did?" Will repeated, looking stunned, "I did nothing, it was you that upset her so," Will shot back accusingly. Jack dropped into a near by chair, preparing for a long over due argument between the two men.
"I'm not the one that appeared out of no where and attempted to sweep her off of her feet," Harry snapped.
"No you're just the one who's been breaking her heart for the last several years," Will growled. Harry looked at him with a mixture of anger and confusion.
"What are you talking about?" Harry asked clenching his fists tight until his knuckles shone white.
"We've had a few long talks with your Headmaster Dumbledore and have come to puzzle out quiet a bit concerning you in that short amount of time, Harry Potter." Will said, slowly side stepping as if preparing to spar.
"You'd rather me risk her life by getting involved with me and exposing her even further to Voldemort?" Harry said, darkly.
"I'd rather she experience love, if only for a short time, than to sit pining away until you decide if you love her enough to be with her!" Will barked.
"Love?" Harry said quietly, looking confused through his anger.
"Don't try to deny it, I see the way you watch her when you think no one is paying attention," Will said, raising his arm to point out to nothing in particular. "You've had six years and have done nothing with it, she deserves better," said Will, his brown eyes flashing dangerously.
"And I suppose you think you're the one she does deserve?" Harry shot angrily at him, his fist now beginning to shake with fury. "You think you're the one Ginny should be with? What about Miss Elizabeth Swann?" Harry asked. Will's back stiffened with the audible intake of breath. "You're not the only one who's been doing his homework. All those years of studying with Hermione weren't for not when it comes to learning how to research," said Harry triumphantly, glaring at the pirate.
"You leave Elizabeth out of this!" Will shouted.
"Does Ginny know about her?" Harry said with a nasty grin, "Or did you conveniently forget to mention your other love to her?"
Will took a menacing step forward pointing at Harry. "Elizabeth is none of your business."
"True, but don't you think Ginny has a right to know?" said Harry, clenching and unclenching his wand hand as if it itched to feel the slender wood in it's palm again.
"Any conversations I have with Ginny are none of your concern," Will said, feeling his hip as if looking for the sword that was usually there. Jack leaned back in his chair, linking his fingers as he watched the men closely.
"Ginny is my concern!" Harry shouted.
"Not anymore!" Will yelled back.
"Tell me, what are your plans, William Turner?" said Harry, turning to pace in front of the fireplace.
"Plans for what?" Will snapped irritably.
Neither man noticed the portrait swing open or Hermione silently entering the common room holding Ron's hand. She turned to him pressing her finger to her lips as they stepped into the room to the scene before them. Ron looked up to see Harry and Will arguing.
"When Dumbledore finally finds the means to return you. Then what?" demanded Harry angrily, "It's not like you can stay."
Will's back straightened and his chin rose proudly.
"Then I shall ask her to return with me," Will said with a note of finality to his voice that left no question that he would.
"WHAT?" Ron roared at the same time Harry shouted, "YOU CAN'T."
Hermione lunged forward and grabbed Ron's arm as the towering red-head went to step towards Will. Jack sprang out of his chair to stand between his friend and the two angry men standing before him.
"Calm down." Jack commanded, sharply eyeing both angry Gryffindors before turning to face Will. "Are you for certain, Lad, that you be knowin' what you say?" Jack asked gravely. Will looked Jack directly in the eyes.
"More than anything else," Will said, his expression turning soft and sad. "I don't know how. I can't explain it. But I've fallen in love with her, Jack, and I refuse to lose her."
Harry, Ginny, Will, and Jack first searched the court yard full of many fluttering pixies, each of a different brilliant color that softly illuminated the various paths. Students walked along these stone paths, holding hands and talking. Harry and Will continued to cast dark looks to each other while searching for the missing couple. Jack would occasionally give a roguish grin and a slight nod of the head to female students as he would pass. Much to the displeasure of their male escorts, who would cast a wary eye at the pirate before turning his displeased look back to his date. Unsuccessful in finding either Ron or Hermione in the courtyard they decided to check in the Gryffindor common room. As they mounted the top of the tower stairs, heading down the corridor to the portrait of the fat lady, distant shouting could be heard. Ginny glanced up to her left where Harry stood beside her, a knowing look passed between them.
"Ginny?" Will whispered. Ginny held her hand up with her index finger slightly raised, silencing Will to her right. Jack stood behind Will and Ginny and peered over their shoulders to the corridor ahead of them. He raised an eyebrow at Ginny's hand. A ghost of a smirk graced Jack's handsome face, amazed at her ability to silence his friend with a single gesture. Ginny placed her finger over her lips before pointing a distance ahead of her where two figures could be seen facing each other, yelling at the top of their lungs. The group slowly inched their way forward, attempting to not be noticed by the fighting couple.
Hermione stood with her back to the portrait entrance facing Ron. "When are you going to get it through that thick red skull of yours?" Hermione shouted, throwing her hands out wide to emphasize her point. Ron stood but an arms length away from her, running his fingers through his hair in great frustration.
The fat lady sat staring in rapt interest, fanning her face excitedly, as she hung onto their every word.
"If you would just listen to what I'm saying for once," Ron yelled, casting one hand up into the air, "instead of being a blasted know-it-all who thinks she has it all figured out in that pretty head of hers!" Ron shouted back, pointing at Hermione's forehead. Hermione opened her mouth to speak but paused, being caught off guard.
"Yeah, well," Hermione began again, trying to regain her bearings, "you need to stop being an over protective git who becomes jealous at the drop of a hat!" She threw back at him, crossing her arms beneath her breasts.
Jack leaned forward, his mouth close to Ginny's ear, and whispered, "Enough sexual tension there you could slice a blade through it."
Ginny glanced out of the corner of her eye at Jack before turning her attention back to the quarreling couple.
Ron began to splutter indignantly. "I'm not jealous!" he raged, his face going even redder than it already was.
"Oh yes you are!" Hermione said hotly, staring him down just as fiercely. She took several deep breaths in attempt to calm down.
"I'm not going to let one of my best friends go caravanning around like a -- like some sort of scarlet woman!" Ron bellowed. His breathing came in ragged pants and his eyes blazed wildly.
Hermione scowled and her eyes flashed dangerously. "A scarlet woman?" she spat. "Ron, are you kidding me? I never thought you'd be so thick!" Hermione shot back at him, now clutching the front of her gown where Ginny knew Hermione's wand was hidden. Ginny had a fleeting vision of what was left of her brother being sent home to her parents in a match box.
The fat lady gasped, putting her pudgy fingered hand over her mouth. She began fanning herself rapidly causing stray wisps of hair to go flying in a wild array around her head. Ginny and Harry cringed in unison.
"Ahh, Scarlet, now there was a woman," Jack muttered under his breath. Will looked over his shoulder at his Captain before turning his attention back to the argument.
"You know what?" Ron shouted, clenching his fists to his sides. "You think I'm thick do you? Well fine! Fine! I'm thick then. But I'm not thick enough to stand by and watch a friend make a complete fool out of herself over some bloody pirate!" Ron barked, throwing his hands out and up. Hermione's jaw dropped and her eyes bulged with rage.
"Oh!" The fat lady gasped again, her hair almost completely out of its bun now as she fanned herself harder and harder. She scooted to the edge of her seat to listen closer.
"I am NOT making a complete fool of myself over, Jack Sparrow!" Hermione shrieked.
Jack rolled his eyes in frustration, "Captain. Captain Jack Sparrow," he growled under his breath.
"Shhh!" Ginny hissed. Jack raised an annoyed eyebrow at Ginny.
"Well you know what? I don't care if you do or don't. I'm done losing sleep at night with worry about if you're going to get your heart broke by the likes of Captain Jack Sparrow!" Ron yelled, his entire body shook with barely restrained rage.
"Finally, someone got it right," Jack whispered. Will rolled his eyes skyward with a shake of his head.
"Now move, I want to go to bed and have my first peaceful night's sleep since this whole ruddy mess started," Ron demanded. Hermione stood staring at Ron, her arms now fallen to her sides and her jaw slightly slack. "Move," Ron growled when Hermione didn't budge.
"No," she spoke quietly, visibly shaking as she stood before him.
"What?" Ron snapped, his eyes narrowing.
"No," she answered, barely over a whisper.
"Dammit Hermione, get out of my way or I will physically move you," Ron threatened. Hermione put her hand on her hips, raising her chin defiantly to his challenge.
"No," Hermione said with more resolve.
Ron growled loudly in frustration and took a step forward, reaching out he grabbed Hermione by the waist. He lifted her easily in his strong arms and turned so his back was to the group, still unnoticed, where he set her down gently onto her feet again. Before Ron had a chance to let go of her and step away, Hermione lunged forward, grabbing him by the front of his robes with one hand and pulled him towards her so that his lips came crashing onto her own. Hermione's other hand quickly snaked up to curl her fingers into his vivid red hair.
The fat lady yelped and fell off of the front of her seat, landing on her large padded bottom with an "Ommff!" Harry's jaw dropped. Will and Jack's eyes widened and their heads jerked back in surprise. Ginny slapped her hand over her mouth to prevent a squeal of delight from escaping.
At first Ron stood stiff with shock but he quickly relaxed, wrapping his arms around Hermione's waist, he gathered her closer to him to deepen the kiss. Jack's grin broadened as he watched the couple. Will busied himself looking up at the ceiling to keep from staring any further at the intimate moment. Harry cast his eyes away, reaching up to rub the back of his neck nervously. Ginny looked down at her hands, twisting her fingers together. A feeling that she was invading something very private settled over her, making Ginny feel uncomfortable. Ginny's skin began to tingle at the back of her neck causing her to slowly glance up the length of Harry's form to his face. When she reached his eyes she found him staring at her, boring into her with his startling gaze. Ginny's lips parted and her heart fluttered. An accidental brush of a hand on her arm made her look over her shoulder at Will, breaking the mesmerizing moment. Harry's fist clenched but he remained silent.
After several prolonged seconds, Jack cleared his throat loudly to try and get the kissing couple's attention. Neither seemed to hear as they continued to hold each other close, mouths fused together. Jack cleared his throat again, a bit louder and more obviously pronounced, still to no avail. Jack looked annoyed at the couple, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, reaching up to run a curl of his moustache between his fingers. On Jack's third attempt he chose to clear his throat and cough very loudly. Ron and Hermione jumped, abruptly ending their kiss. Ron looked over his shoulder in surprise, still holding Hermione close. Hermione peered around Ron's side, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkled brightly. At learning they had an audience the couple blushed furiously and shyly stepped away from each other.
"Don't mind us; we were just heading off to the common room. Please, by all means, carry on," Jack said, grinning mischievously. He sauntered up to the portrait as the fat lady struggled to climb back into her seat. Jack smiled up at the portrait, waiting for her to get situated. The fat lady large cheeks turned a bright shade of pink to match her dress as she blushed. Reaching up she attempted to pat her disheveled hair back into place.
"Password please," the fat lady stated, squaring her shoulders and squirming in her seat.
"Chocolate Frogs, Luv," Jack said.
"Oh my," the fat lady gushed, fanning her face again.
"If you'll excuse us. As you were," Jack said to Ron and Hermione with a slight bow and a cocky grin as the portrait opened to admit him. Will nodded politely to the couple and silently followed the Captain, giving Ginny a passing glance before entering the common room.
Harry and Ginny slowly approached the couple. Ginny stepped forward, lightly kissing Hermione on the cheek with a grin before turning to her brother and smiling.
"Mum's going to love this," Ginny said, turning and walking past the portrait.
Harry stood there for a moment looking at his two best friends. Ron looked down at Hermione who looked up at him, both blushing brightly with nervous grins on their faces.
"I'll see you later Ron," Harry said, eyeing them both closely. "Night 'Mione," he said before following Ginny into the common room. The portrait closed softly behind Harry, leaving Ron and Hermione alone in the corridor together.
"You --You want to go for a walk?" Hermione asked shyly.
"Yeah," Ron said, staring down at her in shock. "I think we should take a walk," he said, sliding his large hand around her own and gently pulling to lead her away from the common room entrance.
The fat lady sat back heavily on her seat, reaching beneath her seat for a glass and a large bottle of rum, "After all these years, I thought they would never get together," the fat lady muttered to herself, pouring a glass of the amber liquid and blowing a lock of hair out of her face before putting the glass to her lips.
Jack clapped his hands together and rubbed them, a broad grin crossing his roguish features.
"Well, that was exciting. What form of entertainment shall we seek next?" Jack asked. Harry and Will stood a distance away from each other, staring the other down darkly. Ginny slowly sunk into an armchair, reaching up to pinch the bridge of her nose as a dull ache began to make her head throb. Jack looked down at Ginny sympathetically. "I know, I'll go back to that ball and search out that Seamus lad, a good bottle of rum will help sooth that ache you be havin' -- what say you? " Jack offered.
"Thank you Jack, but I don't think that rum will help my headache," Ginny said, giving Jack a weak smile.
"I wasn't speaking about the ache within your head, Luv," said Jack, gently.
Ginny looked up at him briefly before her eyes darted nervously between Will and Harry, who were still locked in a silent battle, staring at each other. Both Harry and Will looked at Ginny as if they felt the pull of her eyes on them.
"Perhaps you should go see Madam Pomfrey," said Harry, stepping towards her, Will shot Harry an angry look.
"Would you like me to escort you?" Will offered, stepping towards Ginny as well. Harry glowered at the pirate with fist clenched.
"I know where the hospital wing is, I should take her," Harry said through gritted teeth. Ginny let out a sigh of growing frustration, pinching the bridge of her nose even harder.
"Are you sure you won't be too distracted pointing that stick of yours at that Draco Malfoy, to be able to assist her?" Will shot back.
"Gentlemen," Jack pleaded half-heartedly, raising his hands palms up as he stepped forward.
"You know what?" Ginny snapped, shooting to her feet as another flare of pain coursed through her skull. "I don't need either of you to escort me anywhere. I can't take this between the two of you any longer," Ginny said, reaching into the folds of her dress where her own wand had been stored.
Will took a slight step back at the look of growing anger and pain on Ginny. Harry's eyebrows shot up and mentally prepared himself to feel the fluttering of bat bogie wings on his face.
"And the two of you bickering like children doesn't help anything," she said heatedly. "In fact at this moment, I don't want to look at either one of you. I think I am going to go to bed," said Ginny, sharply turning to face Jack, who jerked back, throwing his hands up in a defensive pose. "Good night Captain Sparrow," she said calmly, turning to march towards the girls' stairs.
"Good night, Luv," Jack said, watching Harry and Will closely.
"Good night, Ginny," Will called to her back as at the same time Harry said, "G'night."
Ginny threw her hand up in a half attempt at a wave without looking back as she mounted the girls' stairs. As soon as Ginny was out of ear shot Harry rounded on Will.
"Look what you did!" said Harry, throwing his hand up to point towards the now empty staircase.
"What I did?" Will repeated, looking stunned, "I did nothing, it was you that upset her so," Will shot back accusingly. Jack dropped into a near by chair, preparing for a long over due argument between the two men.
"I'm not the one that appeared out of no where and attempted to sweep her off of her feet," Harry snapped.
"No you're just the one who's been breaking her heart for the last several years," Will growled. Harry looked at him with a mixture of anger and confusion.
"What are you talking about?" Harry asked clenching his fists tight until his knuckles shone white.
"We've had a few long talks with your Headmaster Dumbledore and have come to puzzle out quiet a bit concerning you in that short amount of time, Harry Potter." Will said, slowly side stepping as if preparing to spar.
"You'd rather me risk her life by getting involved with me and exposing her even further to Voldemort?" Harry said, darkly.
"I'd rather she experience love, if only for a short time, than to sit pining away until you decide if you love her enough to be with her!" Will barked.
"Love?" Harry said quietly, looking confused through his anger.
"Don't try to deny it, I see the way you watch her when you think no one is paying attention," Will said, raising his arm to point out to nothing in particular. "You've had six years and have done nothing with it, she deserves better," said Will, his brown eyes flashing dangerously.
"And I suppose you think you're the one she does deserve?" Harry shot angrily at him, his fist now beginning to shake with fury. "You think you're the one Ginny should be with? What about Miss Elizabeth Swann?" Harry asked. Will's back stiffened with the audible intake of breath. "You're not the only one who's been doing his homework. All those years of studying with Hermione weren't for not when it comes to learning how to research," said Harry triumphantly, glaring at the pirate.
"You leave Elizabeth out of this!" Will shouted.
"Does Ginny know about her?" Harry said with a nasty grin, "Or did you conveniently forget to mention your other love to her?"
Will took a menacing step forward pointing at Harry. "Elizabeth is none of your business."
"True, but don't you think Ginny has a right to know?" said Harry, clenching and unclenching his wand hand as if it itched to feel the slender wood in it's palm again.
"Any conversations I have with Ginny are none of your concern," Will said, feeling his hip as if looking for the sword that was usually there. Jack leaned back in his chair, linking his fingers as he watched the men closely.
"Ginny is my concern!" Harry shouted.
"Not anymore!" Will yelled back.
"Tell me, what are your plans, William Turner?" said Harry, turning to pace in front of the fireplace.
"Plans for what?" Will snapped irritably.
Neither man noticed the portrait swing open or Hermione silently entering the common room holding Ron's hand. She turned to him pressing her finger to her lips as they stepped into the room to the scene before them. Ron looked up to see Harry and Will arguing.
"When Dumbledore finally finds the means to return you. Then what?" demanded Harry angrily, "It's not like you can stay."
Will's back straightened and his chin rose proudly.
"Then I shall ask her to return with me," Will said with a note of finality to his voice that left no question that he would.
"WHAT?" Ron roared at the same time Harry shouted, "YOU CAN'T."
Hermione lunged forward and grabbed Ron's arm as the towering red-head went to step towards Will. Jack sprang out of his chair to stand between his friend and the two angry men standing before him.
"Calm down." Jack commanded, sharply eyeing both angry Gryffindors before turning to face Will. "Are you for certain, Lad, that you be knowin' what you say?" Jack asked gravely. Will looked Jack directly in the eyes.
"More than anything else," Will said, his expression turning soft and sad. "I don't know how. I can't explain it. But I've fallen in love with her, Jack, and I refuse to lose her."