A/N: Hmm... not much to say this time. Just start reading!

Disclaimer: Idonotownharrypotter (now backwards!) rettopyrrahnwotonodI (ah... you can tell I don't own harry potter... I have no life.)


Thursday, May 14- Draco- Pirate ship

They say every color links to a certain feeling or emotion. Yellow is joy, black is hate, red is love. And blue? Sadness? Perhaps. In that case, waves and waves, and gallons and gallons of sadness was passing by. The blue ocean was sparkling and beautiful, with only a few shadows cast from wispy clouds overhead.

But so much sun wasn't always a good thing. The sky had been clear and rain-free for over a week. The clouds stubbornly clung to their moisture. And, if a drought came, which seemed likely, and then the farmers would be very much out of luck. The lack of rain would shrivel up their crops. No crops, no money. Many people would be worrying about distressing problems such as food, and how to keep a roof over their heads.

Funny how that worked. The sky and ocean were a breathtaking blue color. But, they were also filled with concealed sadness. Blue. And everyone knew that at one point it would all come crashing down. Pour out. It was something that couldn't be held back forever. Though, anyone could tell, that day was not today.

Not that it mattered to the occupants of the pirate ship below. They had no crops, and they had no cares. They sat enjoying the sun warm on their backs. Besides, even if it did affect them, their attention was currently focused on something different.

Hermione Granger. A sudden, exciting guest to their friendly little pirate ship. Though, most, if not all of the pirates, didn't even know her name.

Well, they're finding out now, concluded Draco Malfoy, staring out the window at his crew. Faintly he could hear Tor's exclamation, "Sleeping Beauty's awake at last!"

If Draco thought back hard enough, he could remember them turning such remarks on him. But their days of carefreeness and brotherhood were over. It was left out to dry in the sun. His crew was distancing themselves from him. Or, maybe it was the other way around.

Not like it made a difference. Either way, they were drifting apart, like two currents splitting off to run in different directions. They were waters flowing towards different feelings and futures. And, deep, deep down, it reached in and cracked Draco's heart through the middle. Those men outside used to be his brothers, and now…

Now, they were just his crew.

If Draco could change things, he would. But, there was more than one problem blocking the way. There were many, twisting and turning, creating a web-like barrier between him and his men. And that barrier just kept growing thicker and stronger, with nothing but little peepholes through the middle. They might not last long. They would not last long.

There were many troubles, true, but if Draco had to pin down this 'distancing' on one thing, only one word came to mind…

"Hey! Draco, baby!" She crashed into the cabin, the door opening and closing in the time it took Draco to blink… and sigh.

Pansy. Pansy Parkinson.

The devil's little girl. Satan's friend and ally. An angel strung from the depths of hell. She was dark and dangerous and cruel. Perhaps that's why Draco's father approved of her so much. Luscious Malfoy hung onto Pansy like a dying man. She was his only hope for bringing his son back to his 'way' of doing things… of life.

Pansy sauntered towards him, and wrapped herself around him. Draco could have sworn he barfed in his mouth. He didn't love Pansy. Hell, he didn't even like her. But, nonetheless there she was. He had never told her to go on her way, or to leave him alone.

"Listen, Draco, you know that little girl aboard? Well, honestly, she has to go. Can't we just cut her up, and throw her overboard? It's not like we need her or anything."

Pansy leaned in closer. Draco couldn't stand her much longer. He didn't want to be within 100 yards of her. He didn't want to see her ever again. He wanted her out of his life FOREVER. Besides, it was because of her, mostly, that his crew seemed so far away these days. But, he knew he wouldn't push her away, he never did.

And why? Well, that was easy. Because, if he did, if he finally made her turn around and walk away… Well…

"I mean, the little upstart is certain trouble. She's distracting those would-be pirates. And, I mean, she's not even pretty, right Draco? Her hair is all frizzy, and she wears those hideous baggy clothes. At first, I thought she was a boy. And, her manners! Honestly, Draco, her manners are dreadful. We have to get her off the boat immediately."

If he let Pansy go… his father would have no more reason to let his son live. Luscious Malfoy knew how cruel and terrible Pansy was, and he only hoped a woman like her could steer Draco in the 'right' direction. Or, the 'Malfoy' direction.

If Draco no longer saw Pansy, Luscious Malfoy would search out his son and slay him where he stood.

Draco desperately wanted to drop Pansy, but there was no way to do so without being obliterated in the process. His father was merciless. If Draco was to get away, he would need a plan. And, so far, nothing had cared to present itself.

"Draco? Hello? Did you even hear a word I said?"

Draco turned his gaze up to her, and it was enough to make Pansy let go of him and back away a few paces. His eyes were full of pain. Pain, and loneliness, and hopelessness. Every now and then, through Draco's cold exterior, Pansy would catch a glimpse of the lost man beneath. But they were small and lasted only a second. And, they were never so… hurtful.

"Sorry, what was that?" Draco questioned, trying to place back the feelings inside, and bury them beneath everything else. He could hide his emotions well, but some days they poured out unstoppably. Some days, hiding his feeling was simple impossible. He'd noticed Pansy withdraw. Why do they always back away? Am I too cold to comfort?

Pansy followed Draco's example and smothered her shock in a sugar-sweet smile. "I was just saying that the girl out there is certain trouble." Pansy looked at peace once more, but she wouldn't dare come near Draco again that day. Her mind still reeled from what she saw in his eyes.

"Trouble, no. She's just entertainment for the men. We haven't docked in a while, that's probably why. Don't worry, next time we make land she'll be let free and gone forever."

Pansy contemplated this for a while. "And, how soon do you think that will happen?"

"I'd say no more than two weeks, maybe even a couple of days. It depends, really." Draco heaved a great sigh.

"Depends?" she frowned. "Depends on what?"

Draco continued to stare at her, but seemed more as if he looked through her. His eyes began to blur. The jeers of the men outside reached his ears. "On…" His eyes were still unfocused as he moved towards the cabin door. He felt his way, rather than seeing it. His hand rested on the doorknob. "It depends on… life."

The cabin door opened and closed on Pansy's bewildered face.


Thursday, May 14- Draco- Pirate ship

The girl- Hermione?- was one of them, and it had taken only a day. The sun in the west sank, and the orangey color in the sky reflected off their laughing faces. She seemed so comfortable with them. At peace. Almost as if all the troubles she'd carried around her whole life were melting away under the last rays of the sun.

Draco guessed she would make a fair pirate. She seemed to have confidence, skill, and a free spirit. He wouldn't be at all surprised if the crew asked him to let her become a permanent member in a few days. And, in that case, what would he say? He didn't know if he could trust her…

Right now, the men were joking and making fun of each other. Once upon a time, he would have been there with them. Now, he was hiding out in the one place he could. Sitting close enough to hear some of the louder men, and far away enough that they wouldn't notice him.

There are few places on a boat to hide. There was only one that Draco knew of, and that was the shadows. He was leaning against the far railing, off to the end. The upper deck cast a long, dark shadow over the lower one. And, since there was no other light on the vessel, save for the sinking sun, the shadow was deep and dark and cold.

Draco liked it there. Most people hide so they could think. Draco hid so he wouldn't have to. He could just… be.

And he'd been 'be'ing there for a good part of the day. He was watching his crew, and trying to size up the girl, Hermione.

So far he couldn't tell a damn thing about her. Well, nothing deep and nothing against her. Nothing that would tell him if she was trustworthy or a spy. Though, the second was doubtful, since it was his crew that took her. Either she was good at keeping to herself, or there was really nothing to be said against her.

Of course, it was only the first day, and you shouldn't expect to retrieve any information the first time. No, maybe he'd find something tomorrow. He wanted her off the ship. She shouldn't have been here in the first place. There was something about her…

Ever since she woke up that first day, and knocked Crabbe over the head, Draco had been getting these… feelings.

They were in the pit of his stomach, down in his gut. They throbbed and contracted. They hurt like hell sometimes. They were almost like panic attacks. But, there was no reason to have a panic attack. After all, she was a girl. And, all discrimination aside, she wasn't exactly frightening

No, it must be his instinct, telling him she was trouble. Warning him to get her off the ship as soon as possible. And, he'd learned a long time ago to follow his instincts. The next time they docked, which would be soon, he'd boot her off. And, if there was the tiniest sign of trouble from her, he'd throw her overboard, into the swirling blue sea.

Draco's attention had drifted, but now it came back as two pairs of feet moved towards him. One heavy and booted, the other light and unsure. They stopped right next to him, so Draco turned his head in their direction with his usual unreadable eyes.

Montague and Hermione.

"Draco, hey. We didn't see you there earlier. I just wanted you to meet Hermione." He gestured towards the girl, and then spoke to her in turn. "Hermione, this is Draco, our captain."

Draco stared hard at her, now that she was close up. He was trying to see if he could easily intimidate her. But, she stared back fearlessly. No doubt the crew had been filling her head with silly things, so that she wouldn't be afraid.

And, unfortunately, he was getting that dull, pushing pain in his stomach again. He tried to force it away, but it wouldn't yield. "Hello, captain. Ummm… I've heard a lot about you."

Conversation. Hmmm. She was trying to make conversation.

"Yeah, well, I doubt there was much to tell." He answered curtly, not bothering to look at her as he spoke.

"Come on Draco, you know there is plenty to tell. You're the single most interesting person to set foot on this boat… since we docked last, at least." Montague laughed at what he must have considered a joke. It was two years since Angelina brought humor out of him, but you could say he was still very rusty using it.

Silence followed, and it wasn't all because of the joke. Most of it was the 'distancing'. It seemed there was almost nothing to even talk about with his crew. Hermione broke the silence.

"Well, captain, I just wanted to know when you were planning to dock next."

Draco eyed her coldly, "Less than two weeks, if I can manage it." He added an extra sneer to the next part. "Your mommy must be very worried."

Montague sighed, and shook his head. Hermione looked taken aback. She didn't seem to know whether to defend herself or let him get away with it. Finally, she decided to mix them up together, adding a hint of guilt.

"No, actually, I'm sure she isn't. You see, she's dead." Hermione glared at him for a moment before turning around, and walking defiantly in the opposite direction. Montague stayed.

"What is it, Montague? Why did you bring her aboard?" Draco questioned.

His friend took his time answering, still shaking his head. "Whatever my answer is, I doubt it makes much of a difference anymore." Montague leaned against the railing with him, eyebrows furrowed in frustration. "What are you doing, Draco? Is this really the way you wanna keep living? I mean, I found someone to love and cherish, and I'm throwing all consequences to the winds for her. Aren't you ever gonna take a chance like that? Live your life the way you know you could?"

Hopelessness and loneliness shone through Draco's eyes again, and he was thankful that Montague was looking away. What he said burned, and unfortunately, he wasn't yet finished.

"Draco, I've never seen you so far away. You used to be so open and happy. I've known you for a long time. Don't do this to yourself. You're shutting everyone out again. We're worried about you."

Montague turned towards him, as Draco turned his head away.

"Draco… what are you doing with your life?"

A gust of wind stole over the boat, and made it gently rock. Draco stared off into the inky blackness that was growing now, in the sun's absence.

Still looking away, Draco answered his friend in the only way he knew how, "Look, You have your life, and I have mine. Don't tell me how to live it, and don't tell me what to do. I'm fine, okay? I'm doing great, just leave it at that, and leave me alone." Bitterness hung in each sound and syllable of what he just said. It clung to the words, and struck Montague in the heart.

"Yeah, okay." He paused, and pushed off the railing. "Sorry to bother you." Dejectedly, Draco's first mate and oldest friend walked away, hands stuffed into pockets.

The loneliness that consumed Draco's heart sprang to life and began screaming in his chest. It felt so terrible, it stung so much. In the wide and vast universe, he had no one. And it was all his fault. His fault for being so cruel. His fault for falling apart. His fault for never giving a damn. His fault. His fault. His fault.

Sometimes knowledge and realization can be a horrible, horrible thing. Horrible for the man hidden in shadows, with ice around his heart, and no chisel to break it free. And, horrible for the woman who watched nearby. Horrible that she couldn't hate her captor any longer. She was lost in this great blue ocean. But, he was lost within himself. How can you hate someone who doesn't know who they really are inside? Someone who hates themselves for what they could have done, or should have done?

It was horrible that, unseen in her own shadow, Hermione could feel the grief emanating from Draco. That she could see the pain in his eyes, and not understand why it hurt her so much to know he hurt too.

Two people can be alone… but can they be alone together?


Voila! Draco's POV, as promised. I'll try to do more Draco, but like I said before, it will be mostly in Hermione's point of view.

I've got a question. So far, the only crew member I have a name for (other than Crabbe and Goyle) is Montague. I have no idea who else to put on the crew. Do you have any suggestions? Either someone from the book, or you can give me a name for a new character.

PLEASE help me. I really can't think of who else to add, and I'm terrible at giving names. I'll need your suggestions for the next chapter, so let me know what you think ASAP.

Thank you so much for reading! Thanks again to ALL my reviewers!

Please review.

tastetherain : )