Disclaimer: Hermione, Ginny and the other HP characters belong to JKR, not me. Jack and Will from PotC belong to Disney.
My readers and reviewers are so good to me! (I've got over 5,000 hits) Thank you all!
InwePirateElf: Yes, that was a strange Will Turner! But he was under the influence, what can you expect? Hehe. I'm glad you're reading this. :D
Ellie: Thanks for reading…your opinion really matters to me. It lets me know that I'm not writing a bunch of crap. Yeah, thank God for antidotes!
Avchocoholic: Thanks…I did try hard to make it extra long! ;)
SenatorSolo: I'm glad you liked the Draco part. I just can't let people forget what he's doing. (Of course if they've read the 6th book they should remember, but still.) Kingdom of Heaven DVD and Elizabethtown in one weekend! Wahoo! Love ya!
Shero: Yay, you think I'm interesting! Thanks, I'll try to update faster.
LunaStella13: Just letting you know – I put this story under Hermione and Harry because it has both of them in it. There hasn't been any hints of romance between them…they're just friends. I'm making this clear now so you don't think that I'm trying to trick you. Because that is not my intention. I'm sorry if it's not what you expected.
Captain-Ammie: Someone liked the name game! Sweet! While I doubt it was invented in Jack's time, it just made sense for me to have him sing it.
The Gryffindor Drummer: I'm glad you like 'em long! Thanks for the review.
Chocolatrouxluv: Possessive of Johnny much! Hehe. Yes, it was fun for me to write about Jack pissing off Snape. But Snape deserves it! I wouldn't do that to Lupin or someone cool. Yes hun, Jack is most definitely a BIG FLIRT! I hate to break that to ya…but that's just his character, lol. Jack and Ginny are going to have a lot of fun in Hogsmeade, don't you worry! And the bit about Malfoy as well as the part about Elizabeth shall play big parts later on in the story. So pay attention to them! ;) Thanks for reading this. It makes me feel loved. I'll update soon…promise!
Legolover: I'm so glad to know that Jack arrived safely. Good for you, stealing his rum. He shouldn't have access to it 24/7. That's just not good for anyone, even Captain Jack Sparrow! Hehe. You go have fun w/your magical pixies and whatnot. Thanks for another awesome, crazy review:D
Ch. 12: The New Order
"Who was Elizabeth?" asked Hermione. Will bit his lip, and Hermione saw that his eyes reflected that he was hurting.
"Hey Harry, weren't Fred and George supposed to arrive sometime today?" asked Ron.
"Yeah, you're right," realized Harry. "They were coming to work on a charm that would send the pirates back to their own time. Let's go see if they're here yet." Harry and Ron made a quick exit, leaving Will and Hermione on their own.
"Will, I'm so sorry; I didn't mean to..." Hermione began, but he interrupted her.
"I don't want to talk about Elizabeth right now, alright? She was an old girlfriend; that's all you need to know," he said defensively. "Besides, I'm here to be with you, not to reminisce about painful memories." He gave her a small encouraging smile to show her that he wasn't angry at her.
"Still, Malfoy had no right to delve into your mind like that!" Hermione exclaimed. "I'm going to tell Professor Dumbledore about all this."
"No, you don't have to," Will protested. "He has enough on his mind already I'm sure. I just wasn't aware that wizards had that capability. It just surprised me."
"Believe me, Will, there are laws about doing that sort of thing. Malfoy shouldn't have violated you like that. It's a serious offense; he'll just keep doing it to other people if I don't turn him in." Will shrugged.
"Well, then maybe you should turn him in. He wasn't the nicest person, was he?" Hermione rolled her eyes.
"He's always been like that; thinking that purebloods are the only people who matter. Seriously, he thinks he's the greatest thing since wands were invented," she fumed.
"Hey," said Will, comfortingly putting his arm around her shoulder. "It's over. We're both still in one piece. Let's just forget about it, shall we?" Hermione nodded and Will walked past the room three times.
Suddenly arched doorway appeared. Will yanked open the heavy door by its silver knob and held it while Hermione walked through. She was greeted with the familiar interior where Harry's D.A. meetings had been held. Now, however, the room wasn't full of instructional DADA books and dark detectors.
Instead, a spacious blanket was spread out on the floor, topped with plenty of food fit for a midday meal. Fluffy feather-filled cushions sat next to the blankets. A cheery fire that danced in the fireplace welcomed them to the magically enhanced room. Will and Hermione were both entranced by this clandestine chamber that Hogwarts boasted.
"Will, this is amazing," Hermione said softly and his face lit up. "You are so sweet; thank you for doing all this."
"It was my pleasure," he told her, smiling. "It's the least I could do after yesterday. Shall we?" He helped her down onto the cushion, and then sat down himself.
"I hope you're hungry," said Will.
"I'm starving," she admitted. Hermione eagerly eyed the food. The blanket was brimming with assorted fruits, casserole dishes, sliced ham, honey-glazed croissants, celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella and American cheese cubes, and countless desserts including cherry pie, angel food cake, and chocolate mousse.
Will gave the most adorable giggle when she reached for a plate but then pulled her hand back guiltily after glancing back at him.
"Go ahead; let's eat!" Without further ado, they each grabbed a golden plate and began filling it. But when Will reached for the pitcher, he was disappointed to find it lacking a liquid.
"The pitcher's empty," Will puzzled aloud.
"It's supposed to be; it doesn't know what you want," explained Hermione. "Watch this," she instructed and held the pitcher. "Raspberry lemonade." The silver pitcher immediately filled with a sweet smelling burgundy liquid. She poured her drink into a jeweled goblet and drank deeply.
"Impressive," Will commented. "I'll never get over how convenient everything is in the Wizarding World." He took the pitcher and said, "Pumpkin juice, please." While he was pouring his glass, Hermione teased him about his choice of drink.
"That's such an everyday drink!" Will grinned.
"Not for me, its not. I love the stuff, and I plan to get my fill while I'm here." They sat in silence as they ate their lunch, just enjoying each other's company. Soon all of the food was gone except for a solitary cluster of grapes. Will and Hermione looked the fruit and then at each other.
"You can have them," Hermione offered. Will smiled.
"That's ok. I'm so full already."
Will picked off some grapes from their stem and slowly fed them to Hermione. She savored their juicy, saccharine taste almost as much as she savored Will's fingertips grazing her mouth. After she chewed the last grape, Hermione gave a huge yawn.
"You're sleepy already?" Will teased her.
"Ha," she snorted. "You shouldn't talk – you were the one that kept all of Gryffindor tower up, remember?" Will cringed.
"Oh yeah. Sorry." Hermione shrugged.
"It's quite alright." Standing up, she flopped onto the sofa, laid down, and got comfortable. Will came over with the blanket and covered her so she wouldn't get cold. He just stood there in the middle of the room, looking unsure of what he should do.
"C'mere, Will." Hermione motioned towards the sofa. "I won't bite." Still, he hesitated.
"Are you sure it would be proper…" She hid a smile.
"Will, I trust you." He finally grinned and climbed under the covers with her. Spooning next to her, Will held her close causing her to sigh contentedly.
"I'm so glad you're here," Hermione confessed. "It's been great spending time with you rather than worrying over the situation with Voldemort."
"I'm glad to be here too," he whispered, his warm breath tickling her ear. "You've really helped me keep my mind off Elizabeth."
"Will, I'm so sorry she hurt you. You don't deserve that," she whispered.
"Thanks," he said softly. Hermione fell asleep almost immediately in his arms and Will followed soon after.
Meanwhile, Ginny was leading Jack down the passageway that led from the castle to Honeydukes' cellar. They had barely gotten away from Snape, who had been near the statue of the one-eyed witch which marked the entrance to the secret passageway.
"Whew, that was close," breathed Ginny as they rushed down the tunnel towards the sunlight.
"Yer tellin' me," Jack panted. "I've had enough o' him, thanks." Eventually they reached their destination, and Jack helped her lift the stone, revealing the basement of Honeydukes. The pirate captain's eyes bugged out when he noticed all the boxes of wizard candy.
"Woah! Rum-flavored suckers!" He ran over to the box and ripped it open.
"Wait, Jack!" Ginny screeched. "You don't have to steal those! Let's go upstairs and I'll buy you one the honest way." He looked at her guiltily.
"Sorry, luv. Old habits die hard." Ginny grinned at him.
"It's fine. Now come on!" They quietly made their way up the stairs and when the coast was clear, went into the shop. As he was in a silly mood, Jack grabbed some of the cockroach cluster samples and stuck them down Ginny's back, causing her to scream in surprise. But Ginny got him back by offering Jack a rum acid pop, which burned a hole in the pirate's tongue. All of the students in the shop laughed as Jack ran around looking for some liquid to extinguish his flaming tongue. Eventually they called a truce, and Jack began to suck on the rum lollipop that Ginny had bought him.
"You should've seen your face," laughed Ginny as they exited Honeydukes into the freezing weather.
"Very funny," Jack muttered. "I need a drink." Ginny rolled her eyes. How typical of him.
"Well you're in luck because the Three Broomsticks is dead ahead." As soon as they entered the bustling pub, much to Ginny's dismay, women and Hogwarts girls alike began to stare at Jack. The pirate, of course, was enjoying the extra female attention immensely.
"One butterbeer and a firewhiskey," Ginny ordered as Jack grabbed a booth. Miss Weasley counted her sickles, paid for the drinks, and then joined her pirate.
"Ahh, this is just what I needed," Jack commented as he slurped his firewhiskey. Ginny agreed with him wholeheartedly. While she contentedly sipped her butterbeer, Jack entertained her with funny stories from his childhood.
"…And then they made me their chief," he concluded. Ginny smiled happily at him.
"Jack, this has been an amazing few days…" But she was interrupted by a horde of girls wanting to see Jack.
"Wow, it's really him!" gushed one.
"It's Captain Jack Sparrow! Aren't his eyes dreamy!" exclaimed another.
"He's gorgeous!" cried a particularly ditzy blonde Hufflepuff.
Jack's nervous gaze went from Ginny to the girls and back to Ginny again. He didn't know what to do – Ginny was glaring at the girls but it didn't seem to be having any effect.
"Excuse me, ladies," Jack began, but they all started screaming again when he spoke. Ginny rolled her eyes, grabbed her drink, and stood up.
"Will you guys ever grow up?" Without another word she headed for the exit in a huff, leaving Jack alone with the girls. The pirate stammered a goodbye and ran after Ginny who was angrily marching down the cobblestone street.
"Ginny! Slow down!" Jack yelled, struggling to keep up, but the red-haired witch didn't slow her speed. Finally he caught up with her. "Why did you run out of the pub like that?"
"I just didn't think I was wanted," she said coolly. "You had all those other girls – I didn't think I'd be missed." Jack looked at her, baffled.
"What do ya mean, luv? A course I'd miss ya! Yer me girl." He pulled her close and gave her a long kiss as if that settled the matter.
"Well, if that's the case," began Ginny, who looked a lot happier, "I know this really great place where we can go…" Ten minutes later, Jack and Ginny entered Madam Puddifoot's tea shop.
"One table for two," Jack told the hostess. "And if ya can, could we sit near the back? We don' wish ta be disturbed." The hostess beamed at him.
"Of course, sir. We have a back table available right now." She led Jack and Ginny to their table, which had a quaint little tea set and not much else. "Now if you need anything, just call." Finally Ginny and Jack were alone.
"Anyway, as I was saying," began Ginny as she took a seat across from Jack, "I'm really glad you're here. Hogwarts hasn't been this much fun since…" she trailed off, noticing Jack had 'accidentally' brushed his hand against her leg.
"Mr. Sparrow!" Ginny exclaimed indigently. "I know exactly what you are trying to do." Jack recoiled, expecting to be slapped.
"Sorry, luv. I just…" But Ginny interrupted him.
"And I like it," she told him, seductively. Jack's jaw dropped and Ginny laughed. "Don't look so surprised, Jack. I'm not really all that shy."
"I knew I liked you," Jack teased, and then claimed her mouth in a searing kiss. They made out for what seemed like hours and Ginny loved every minute of it. Jack's expert attention to her mouth was like nothing she'd ever experience with her previous boyfriends. They were the last customers to leave – it had been a night Ginny Weasley would never forget.
Hermione and Ginny spent the rest of the weekend with their pirate boys. Of course Harry and Ron envied the pirates who were spending time with their friends. But the girls didn't notice this. All too soon, the wonderful weekend had to end. Reality came crashing down when classes resumed and McGonagall handed out the 6th years' grades on their pop-quizzes from the previous week.
"Oh no, I got a 'T'!" Ron moaned as he stared at his Transfiguration quiz in dismay. Will, who was still attending classes with Hermione, leaned over and whispered in her ear,
"What's a 'T'?" Hermione giggled and told him. "It stands for 'Troll'.
"Oh," whispered Will, knowingly. "I'm guessing that's bad, right?" She nodded, chuckling.
"It's the worst." Not wanting to make Ron look bad, she tried to reassure him that one bad grade wouldn't be the end of the world.
"Don't worry, Ron. Professor McGonagall is just trying to weed out people from her class…after all this is the N.E.W.T. level."
"I'm not too worried," he assured her. "She always drops our lowest quiz grade. Last week I forgot to do the reading as I was, er, busy." He was of course referring to spending time with Lavender and had the decency to look sheepish.
"But now that we're friends again, maybe you could help me study – I could really use some help." Hermione genuinely smiled at him.
"I'd like that." An awkward silence followed, which Ron quickly broke.
"Harry, how'd you do?" Ron asked. Harry shrugged and tried to downplay his good grade.
"I got an 'E'. But it's no big deal…I'd already covered most of the material on the quiz with Dumbledore in our lessons." No one had to ask Hermione what she got…they always assumed that she received an 'O', which she had. Will asked her what those grades meant and she told him 'Exceeds Expectations', and 'Outstanding', respectively.
"Well that makes sense; an outstanding grade for my outstanding girl," said Will smiling at her. Hermione glowed at his high praise – if any other guy had told her that, he would've come off as sounding corny. But being from the 18th century, gentlemanly Will could pull it off. It feels good to have someone appreciate my intellect. Especially when that someone is Will. The young pirate gazed at her like he wanted to kiss her, but McGonagall cleared her throat and Hermione looked down at the table, embarrassed. Will squeezed her hand under the table instead.
"Today, class, we are going to be transfiguring porcupines into…" But what they would be changing the porcupines into, Hermione never found out.
"All students and staff need to come to the Great Hall immediately," commanded Dumbledore's soft voice, which was magically magnified all over the castle. "Prefects, help the teachers insure order; make sure no one is left behind." Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged worried glances as they stood to exit the Transfiguration classroom. Hermione clutched Will's hand, who had automatically reached for his sword.
"I'm afraid that won't do you much good here," she told him as the class made its way down the changing staircases and down the long hall past the numerous suits of armor to the Great Hall.
"You're right," he sighed. "It was just an automatic reflex." When they finally arrived, most of the school was already seated at their respective tables. Ginny joined the group of 6th year Gryffindors just as a drained-looking Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.
"It has come to my attention that Voldemort is planning a surprise attack on Hogwarts." Several shrieks of terror rang out while the rest of the students began to chatter nervously. The headmaster held up his hands for silence, and everyone quieted down. Dumbledore spoke again.
"I can assure you that you are safe for the moment. If your parents can take you, I'd prefer for you to return home by tonight. The older students shall be escorted just off the grounds where they can safely apparate home. We are still deciding the safest way for the rest of you to leave. But I promise that I shall do everything with in my power to ensure that every one of you arrives home safely." Some of the first years looked about ready to cry…whereas the older boys seemed angry enough to want to take on the Death Eaters themselves.
"Now, I need to meet with the heads of the houses, the prefects, the head boy and girl, and anyone who was involved in last year's DA. You know who you are." All of the students glanced at Harry before turning back to Dumbledore. Everyone remembered how Harry had defied Professor Umbridge when he started the DADA club, entitling it the DA - which stood for 'Dumbledore's Army'.
"Please, try and entertain yourselves for the next hour or so. The rest of the staff will be on hand and shall try to answer any questions the best they can. Thank you." The volume of noise rose to a dull roar when Dumbledore stopped speaking. Hermione and her friends slowly made their way through the crowd towards the staff table. Jack was rubbing Ginny's back reassuringly and Hermione was still clutching Will's hand.
Merely nodding at them, Dumbledore lead the select teachers and students out of the hall and into an unused classroom. With a casual flick of his wand, he closed the door behind them with a resounding 'click'. Out of nowhere, chairs appeared and everyone quickly took a seat. Dumbledore waited until everyone was settled before he began.
"Now I know you're all wondering why you're here." Everyone nodded except for Snape and McGonagall, who seemed to know exactly what was going on. Dumbledore started off by asking them,
"Are you aware that an anti-Voldemort network exists?" Most of the people nodded. "Well, for those of you who don't know, it's called the Order of the Phoenix." Will and Jack of course didn't know what he meant, but kept listening. Even Jack was paying attention to Dumbledore at a time like this.
"Even as we speak, many brave witches and wizards are putting their lives at stake, attempting dangerous missions to gather information about the Dark Side. All of its members have signed a contract stating they can never back out from their obligations. Every member is prepared to die for the sake of the existence of good in the wizarding world, if it came to that. What I wanted to ask all of you is," he hesitated, looking older than ever, "Would any of you be interested in joining the Order?"
End Ch. 12
Just out of curiosity, which activity do you prefer? Staying in and having a quiet meal like Will and Hermione, or going out and having night on the town like Jack and Ginny?