Disclaimer: Hermione, Ginny and the other HP characters belong to JKR, not me. Jack and Will from PotC belong to Disney.

ABitCloserJohnny: I have every intention of finishing this! Just not quite yet…my plan is to have it run the length of HBP with subtle changes, of course.

Avchocoholic: Yep, she's an occulmens. And I explain that in this chapter. Thanks for keeping me on my toes!

Legolover: Alright! I'm so glad you like it. :D Thanks for the lovely review.

Captain-Ammie: Plottyful? Does that mean full of plot? Hmm, I guess that's a good thing, lol.

InwePirate-Elf: Yay, you liked the suspense! And there's plenty more where that came from. :D I do try and stick to the books, so it's only natural that I'd include portkeys, and unforgivable curses. Thanks for always reviewing; you are so sweet!

SenatorSolo: Yep, I hate Bellatrix too. In fact, I think she's the most evil of the Death Eaters, just for killing Sirius. That's why I chose to write about her.

LighteningExperience: Wow, aren't you full of questions? Actually that was great because I incorporated your questions into the story. You REALLY keep me on my toes. That is excellent, I need that. Keep asking questions!

WillsOneLove: Woah…I made you want to read fics that aren't PotC? Well, I'm glad because HP and others are fun to read too. But I'll always love reading about Will. (sigh) Thanks for another awesome, fantastic, brilliant review!

Ch. 6: The Storm

"Hermione! Thank Merlin you're alright!" Harry ran toward the Gryffindor table, where she was eating her breakfast. He gave her a friendly hug, which she returned. Ron was right behind him, his face as white as a sheet. Speechless, he gave her an awkward hug and they pulled away quickly.

"Th-thank you for saving my sister's life," he stammered. "How did you manage it?"

"I'll tell you later," she answered nervously, as Lavender was listening to their conversation. Harry broke the uncomfortable silence.

"We've just been to see Ginny in the hospital wing; Madam Pomfrey says she should feel as good as new in about a week." He rubbed his chin, lost in thought. He totally likes her; I knew it!

"That's excellent news," said Hermione, clearly relieved that no lasting damage had been done to her friend.

"Won-won, I got you some eggs and toast!" Harry and Hermione cringed when they heard the saccharine voice, which belonged to none other than Lavender Brown.

"Er, thanks," said Ron, his face now resembling a tomato. "I'll see you later, tonight in the common room." Moving down a few seats, the redhaired boy sat beside his girlfriend, who promptly began chattering away.

"Sorry 'bout him," said Harry. "Would you mind telling me how you escaped from Bellatrix now?" Hermione gave him a quizzical look. "I've got a lesson with Dumbledore tonight," he explained. She lowered her voice and proceeded to tell him about seeing the memory of Snape making an Unbreakable Vow to help and protect Draco. Harry looked at her, clearly impressed.

"That's amazing, 'Mione; I had no idea you were an occulmens!" She blushed a bit and muttered,

"I learned last summer by practicing on Mrs. Weasley…she was ecstatic to have an excuse not to spend time with Fleur." After he had a good laugh, Harry's expression sobered.

"What did Dumbledore say when you told him about Snape?" Harry asked eagerly. Hermione frowned and bit her lip.

"In all of the excitement, I forgot to mention it to him." She groaned and smacked her forehead. "I'm so stupid!"

"No you're not," Harry vehemently stated. "Your quick thinking saved Ginny's life." He stared at Hermione in admiration for a moment. "Don't worry, I'll tell Dumbledore about the Unbreakable Vow tonight."

"Thanks, Harry," she said, gratefully. Then she glanced down at her watch. "Oh, my! It's time for Ancient Runes. Bye Harry!" The young witch barely heard his 'goodbye' as she sprinted to class.

Much later that evening, a downcast Harry emerged from the portrait hole into the common room. His meeting with Dumbledore must not have gone very well. Hermione braced herself for the worse

"What happened?" Fuming, Harry plopped down on the couch beside her.

"He didn't take my information about Snape and the Unforgivable Vow seriously! All he said was that he trusts Professor Snape for reasons that he cannot divulge. Can you believe that?" He released his fury by punching one of the red and gold couch cushions.

"That really bothers me too, Harry," she worried. "Unforgivable Vows aren't to be taken lightly, since the ones who take the vow will die if it is not fulfilled!" Harry looked at her excitedly.

"Don't you see, 'Mione? This proves that Snape's been working for the Death Eaters all along!" Hermione sighed, and answered him carefully.

"I don't know…he did save your life twice; in first and third year. But," she hastily continued before Harry could interrupt, "I'll admit that his behavior is mighty suspicious. From the start, I should've realized that Malfoy was telling the truth when you found out how he bragged about working for Voldemort." Harry nodded, thoughtfully. "I've been watching him on the Maurauder's map lately, and every so often he disappears. Would you want to help me find out what he's up to?" "Absolutely," she said, matter-of-factly. "Malfoy needs to be stopped, and we're the only ones to do it." Harry looked around the room, finally noticing that his best friend was missing.

"Hey, where did Ron go?"

"Won-won went to the library with Lavender. They're studying." Harry snorted and rolled his eyes.

"I'll bet." He ran his fingers through his jet-black hair and stood up. "Did you get an invitation to Slughorn's Christmas party? Hermione nodded. "So who are you going to bring? She shrugged indifferently.

"What about you? Who are you going to bring?" Harry grimaced at the very thought of asking someone to come.

"I know who I'm not bringing; those fourth year nutters who keep trying to slip me love potions!" Hermione giggled, and didn't stop until Harry threw a pillow at her.

"Well, I'm off to bed. See you tomorrow, then?"

"See you." As soon as Harry vacated the couch, Parvati came over and sat down next to Hermione.

"Hey, I'm really sorry to hear about Ginny," said Parvati. "What happened? Is she going to be alright?" In as little detail as possible, Hermione recounted her story and assured the Indian girl that Ginny would be feeling back to normal in no time. Not wanting to dwell on Bellatrix, Hermione changed the subject.

"Is Lavender still ignoring you?" Parvati grimaced. "Yes – although not as much as before. She's finally realized that she can't spend every waking moment with Won-won." The girls shared a good laugh at the couple's expense. "Oh yeah, I've got a question for you."

"What's that?" Hermione asked with interest.

"Well…I tried another one of those daydream charms. Everything was simply lovely; I went riding with my wonderful, valiant, perfect knight…" Parvati trailed off, remembering the moment sporting a dreamy, vacant expression.

"And…" prompted Hermione. Honestly...she's more besotted than Lavender. No, that's exaggerating. No one is worse than Lavender, unless they've taken a love potion.

"Yes, right," Parvati recovered, clearing her throat. "Sir Balian and I were riding through his fields and my horse stumbled, throwing me to the ground. My leg got banged up pretty badly, but when I woke, I had no scabbing whatsoever. How can that be?"

"Hmm," Hermione pondered. "Perhaps since we aren't truly there, our bodies don't sustain any damage." The bushy-haired witch shrugged. "When I send for another charm, I'll ask the twins about it." Parvati glanced slyly at Hermione.

"So, that daydream you had in study hall; it must've been a good one, huh?" Poor Hermione had been trying to live that down all week. Her cheeks burning, she replied,

"You could say that." Parvati rolled her eyes.

"Do tell! Details, girl – details!" Hermione gave in.

"Alright!" she said, throwing up her hands. "But only if you tell me about your daydream first."

"Fair enough," admitted Parvati. "Like I said, I'd injured my leg when my horse threw me. Balian was very concerned for my well-being; therefore we had to ride back to his house. But this time I got to ride with him, with strong his arms rapped around my waist…" The girls momentarily forgot their problems as they discussed their daydreams through the wee hours of the night.

The very next day, Hermione drafted a letter to the Weasley twins. She included Parvati's question about feeling pain during a dream, and then waking without any trace of being hurt. Also, she put in a question that had been bugging her ever since she first met Will Turner. Was he a real person? If so, how exactly did the charms work? Before sealing the envelope, she dropped in ten galleons to pay for the next charm. Hermione seriously doubted Fred and George would divulge their secrets to her, but it never hurt to ask.

As she climbed the stairs to the Owlery, she contemplated who to take to Slughorn's holiday party the following week. I really would like to ask Ron, just as a friend of course. It would be wonderful to hang out with him and Harry, just like the old times. Hermione tied the letter to her owl's leg and watched as he soared out the window and turned into a tiny speck, which promptly disappeared. Wrinkling her nose at the malodorous smell of droppings, the prefect descended the stairs and decided that the best to ask Ron would be when Lavender wasn't around. Tonight would be the perfect time, as they had prefect duties. Hermione would ask him when they were patrolling the corridors.

Except that all did not go as planned. Lavender had become a worthy adversary, as she stalked the pair and heard every word that Hermione had said. Ron had no choice but to decline, although he did so apologetically. For the rest of the night, Hermione had to deal with Lavender's whining that she was trying to steak her boyfriend. To no avail, Hermione explained that she only wanted him to come to the party as a friend. When they reached the common room, Hermione was so fed up with Lavender and Ron that she stormed past Harry and Parvati without saying goodnight.

So, when the Weasley twins' reply came during mail time in just three days, it couldn't help but boost her spirits. To her dismay, her galleons slid out of the envelope when she tore it open. Was there a limit on daydream charms that she'd overlooked? Sighing, she settled down to read their letter.

Dear Hermione,

We apologize for not telling you that the second charm that you received was everlasting, meaning you don't need pay for a new one. You will find your money enclosed in this envelope. Since you are our friend, we decided to give you an everlasting charm. Please do not think we are giving you an unnecessary discount; we heard how you saved Ginny's life last week. Your everlasting charm still has the thirty minute time interval as before. Do be careful with your charm, as it is one of two everlasting charms. (Ginny's is the other)

You have some excellent questions; we'll do our best to answer them without giving away all of our secrets! In answer to your question about your pirate, yes, he is real. With the help of an old time-turner, a homing charm, and some good ol' Weasley genius, you are transported into his time. However, as your body is left in the wizarding world, any damage that happens while you are dreaming will not last when you awaken.

Please tell your classmates that from now on, when they buy a daydream charm, half of the proceeds will go to St. Mungo's hospital. Business is booming, and we want to donate some of our profits to help the staff heal those injured by the likes of You-Know-Poo. Again, thank you for looking out for our little sister, and enjoy your pirate!

Sincerely yours,

Gred and Forge

Hermione stared fondly at the letter after she'd read it twice. Amazing, the twins were actually giving away some of their hard earned money. She couldn't believe that she had one of two everlasting daydream charms! That meant she could see Will practically anytime that she wanted. And she wanted to see him right now! The only problem was that it was time for Flitwick's class. No, I really shouldn't; I don't want to fall behind. I'll wait until tonight. Pocketing the letter, she walked with Harry to Charms.

"Good afternoon, class!" Tiny Professor Flitwick beamed at his students. "Today, we will continue practicing our non-verbal spells. Everyone could use more practice, although I must say that Miss Granger has mastered almost all non-verbal spells that I can think of! Well done!" Others stared at her enviously as she faintly blushed. "Now, Mr. Longbottom, will you come up front and demonstrate…" Soft giggles floated from the table in the corner. Before she could stop herself, Hermione turned around, knowing exactly who was causing the distractions. Under the table, Lavender was sensuously rubbing Ron's leg. He was grimacing and trying not to make any noises that would reveal his embarrassing predicament. Hermione ground her teeth in fury. She'd had quite enough of the two, thank you very much.

"Harry…pssst," she whispered.

"What?" he whispered back.

"Make sure you pay attention and get our homework. I'm going to be zoning out for awhile." His eyes widened as he realized what she was about to do.

"'Mione, I don't want to, erm, intrude on your dream like I did before."

"Just make sure that no one touches me during the next thirty minutes." He nodded, and she performed the non-verbal spell that sent her careening back through time to land on the Black Pearl.

Hermione leapt to her feet and began to search the deck for Will, weaving in and out of the confused crew members. Finally she came upon Jack at the helm.

"Captain Sparrow, where is Will?" Jack jumped as he took in the sight of her.

"Hermione, darling, don't take this the wrong way, but this isn't the best time for you to be dropping in. Jack was frowning, holding one hand on the wheel and another on his compass. I've never seen him this jittery before!

"Why not?" she asked.

"Because we are about to be caught in a squall," a quiet, lilting voice answered from behind her.

"Will!" breathed Hermione, turning around to give him a hug. "It's so good to see you." He returned her enthusiastic hug, but had to reluctantly pull away.

"Hermione, listen to me," he said, putting his hands on her shoulders. "I want you to go below decks straight away, and stay there until I come for you."

"No, Will," she protested. "You know I can be a great help. With my abilities I can…" He interrupted her.

"I can't take that chance, Hermione. I don't want you to get hurt," he pleaded with her, as his eyes scanned the rapidly darkening sky. Will's piercing brown eyes bore into her as he tried to convince her to stay out of harm's way.

"Thank you for wanting to protect me, but it is ultimately my decision. Unless you are planning on forcing me to go below?"

"No, I wouldn't do that to you," he said, gritting his teeth.

"Good, because I had a good hex in mind if you had." They glared at each other for a moment, distracted only when droplets of rain began to pitter-patter on deck.

"Turner! Hermione! Get yer arses over here and 'elp with the sails!" Jack Sparrow had to yell over the howl of the wind to be heard. Their quarrel forgotten, they followed his orders the best they could. Flashes of lightening lit up the stormy sky, and thunder boomed as the ship was tossed in the perilous sea. Members of the crew were hurled across the deck like limp dolls, and orders were abandoned during the chaos.

It had gotten so dark that Hermione could barely see her hand in front of her face. She stuck close to Will, grabbing onto his shirt as he found them a place to sit that was relatively safe. By now, the rain was blowing sideways in sheets and everyone on board the Pearl was soaked to the skin. Will pulled a shivering Hermione close, and shielded her from the rain as much as he could.

"Help meeeeeeee! I'm stuck!" A strangled cry was barely audible, but Will and Hermione could hear it. As the next lightening streak lit up the sky, they saw a crewman clinging to the rigging just below the Crow's Nest.

"I'm going after him," he told Hermione.

"No, Will!" she moaned. "You mustn't!" But he didn't heed her advice, and stumbled toward the slippery rigging. As he began to ascend, for the first time that day, Hermione was truly terrified. She held her breath as he reached the man, cut his ankle free from the rigging, and started to climb down.

Just then, a particularly powerful wave struck the port side of the ship, causing it to teeter dangerously on its starboard side. For one terrible moment, the young witch was certain that the Pearl was going to capsize, but she righted herself at the last second. But as the ship was thrown once again by the sea, Hermione saw two figures tumbling from the high rigging into the ocean.

"Will!" she screamed. This is not happening! This is not happening!

"Men overboard!" Jack heard her, but could not leave the wheel. The pirate captain stared helplessly as a few crewmen flung a few ropes into the sea. They hoped the men would fine a rope, grab hold and then they could be towed to safety.

"We got one," a pirate yelled. The crewmen struggled to bring the man aboard, and during the next flash of lightening, Hermione saw that it wasn't Will.

"No," she whispered desperately. But then she saw him; he was floating just out of reach of the ropes. Each time he tried to swim towards one, the waves kept throwing him back.

"There he is!" One of the men had also spotted Will, who was struggling to hold his head above water. Hold on, Will. Merlin, I hope this works. 'Wingardium Leviosa!' The young witch concentrated harder on this non-verbal spell than she had on any other. To the astonishment of the crew, Will's body began to slowly rise out of the water and headed towards the ship. Hermione was sweating now from her efforts. I must not drop him, I must not drop him. She kept repeating the mantra over and over in her mind. Closer and closer he drifted, as Hermione maintained her hold on the young pirate. Shaking like a leaf, she made sure that he hovered over the deck before she released her hold, allowing the other pirates to catch him. The young witch collapsed on the deck from pure exhaustion as Will coughed and sputtered on his knees, a bit further away.

"Hermione!" He called feebly. "Where is…" The crewman who he'd saved answered him.

"Why she's right over there…" the man trailed off as he noticed her still form lying on the deck. "Fellows, help me rouse this one!" Leaving Will, they carefully sat her up against some crates. "Miss, are you alright? Can you hear me?" They got no response.

"Hermione?" Will croaked. He had dragged himself over to where she was sitting, and let out a sigh of relief as he saw her chest rise and fall. "She's just unconscious." He turned to the men and asked, "how did this happen?" The crew looked at each other uncomfortably.

"We don't exactly know that, sir," a pirate answered. "One minute she was fine standing next to us, the next she'd collapsed." Will could tell from their guarded expressions that they weren't telling him everything.

"And what happened to me? How did I get here? All I remember was that I was drowning, and then I woke up here." The pirates didn't really know how to answer that one. Luckily they didn't have to.

"How is she?" The pirates spun around to see Jack standing over her, looking very worried.

"Captain!" one pirate cried. "You can't be leavin' the wheel like that - you'll sink us all!" Jack tiredly rung out the water from his dreadlocks.

"Gentlemen, you should take into consideration that the storm has almost completely passed. Mr. Gibbs is at the helm at the moment." The pirate muttered his apology. Jack waved his hand. "Let's get her down to my bed. You too, Turner. You'll need a good night's rest after what you've been through. Will was too fatigued to protest, and was soon helped down to Jack's cabin by one of the crew. Jack carried Hermione right behind them, and gently laid her on his clean, comfortable bed.

"I've got to check on the rest 'o me crew, but I'll be down to check on ye later. Will nodded, and carefully sank into the bed next to Hermione. He'd only lay there a minute before she began to stir.

"Will?" she cried.

"Yes, love, I'm here." Will sat up next to her, and tenderly smoothed the hair away from her face.

"Water…need water," she whispered. He quickly found a glass and filled it with water from a pitcher that Jack had left. Helping her sit up, Will tilted the glass so that she could drink properly. "Thank you, I feel much better now." Will decided to ask her a question he was certain that he knew the answer to.

"Hermione, did you rescue me from the ocean?"

"Yes," she told him, bravely. He gaped at her; this young witch had stretched her powers to the limits all for him.

"You almost killed yourself doing it! Don't you ever do that again on my behalf!" Hermione's bottom lip trembled.

"I couldn't sit back and let you die, William! I could never live with myself if I'd let that happen." She buried her face in his chest, and he held her close.

"Damn it, Hermione; I'm sorry. Truly, I am grateful that you saved my life. I shouldn't have gotten angry. Please forgive me?"

"It's quite alright," she said with dignity. "You are forgiven." They were silent for awhile, just enjoying being close to each other.

"Why did you come to see me today, anyways?" He kissed the top of her head, and she sighed happily.

"I wanted some more of your advice about my friend Ron."

"Ah yes," Will nodded wisely. "He still hasn't realized what he's missing out on?" When Hermione sadly shook her head, he gave her a sweet, gentle kiss which she tiredly returned. "Then I'm afraid you'll have to resort to drastic measures. Make him jealous."

"But how, Will?"

"Let him see you with another boy."

"Oh dear, I'll have to figure out who to ask. It would be so much easier if I could just take you back with me." He smirked at that.

"But that wouldn't be fair – I'm so much older, I'm more mature, I'm better looking…" She frowned at him and he stopped. "Just joking," he said hastily. "But seriously, you should try it. It really works; at least it did with me." Will turned away from Hermione and stared out the porthole.

"Alright; I'll take your advice." Will snapped out of his memories and smiled at her.

"Good." They shared a long kiss, one that Hermione didn't want to end. But then she felt the fog closing in, and knew that their time was up.

"I'll see you soon Will, I promise," she called.

"I'm looking forward to it," he told her, softly. Then she found herself spinning, flying away from the pirate ship, and back into the Charms classroom.

Opening her eyes, she found the class was still in full swing, as everyone was still practicing their non-verbal spells.

"Oh good, you're awake," stated Harry, looking very relieved.

"Yes, I am," she said. "Amazing, I feel fine!" Harry looked at her, confused. "Er, Harry, who was it that you almost let play Keeper on our team? The one that flew almost as well as Ron?

"That was Cormac McLaggen," he recalled. "Why'd you want to know?" Hermione innocently shrugged.

"You'll find out tonight." Harry knew better than to ask any further, and returned to practicing non-verbal spells.

End Ch. 6

A/N: Whew, that was the longest chapter I've EVER written! You all are getting spoiled. :D Lucky Hermione, she gets lots of attention from Will AND Jack! I really worked my little heart out here…reviews are really appreciated! Does anyone want to take a guess as to why Hermione and the pirates got caught in a storm this time, as opposed to the first two times? (No, it's not because the author said so.)