A/N: Sorry my notes areshort, but i have to be somewhere in a couple of minutes, and wanted to upload this now, otherwise it would have had to wait til tomorrow. Sorry again, and thanks to all my reviewers!
Happy reading, love you all! Please review, Tastetherain.
Chapter 11: Leaving hell behind
Tuesday, May 19- Draco- Pirate ship
Draco paced back and forth, a million ideas running through his mind. But, none of them fit. None of them worked. They were the same ideas he'd been running through for three years.
He held back a frustrated scream, trying not to wake the occupant of the bed beside him. So, instead he settled for a scowl. He ran his hands through his hair, and finally sat down. The girl in the bed moaned, and clutched at her right arm. Draco turned himself so he wouldn't have to look at her.
Hermione was right. I'm completely miserable with her, and so is everyone else .I have to get rid of her. Get away from her. But…
Draco's eyes darkened suddenly. My father. That damned man.
Once again, the truth of Draco Malfoy's life began and ended with his father. He had warned Draco what would happen if he ditched this girl. And he had made himself very clear.
FlashbackFlashbackFlashbackFlashbackFlashbackFlashbackFlashbackFlashback
Luscious Malfoy ran cold eyes over Pansy Parkinson from across the room. They held an evil sort of approval. And when he turned those eyes back to his son, the approval instantly became disgust and contempt.
"I will not have you leave another girl, Draco. This one is wealthy with a powerful family. She has connections, Draco." His father's hands clasped his shoulders, and it took all his courage too keep from wincing at their burning touch.
"I've let you dump all those other girls I threw at you. But not this one. You will marry this one. Or I swear to god, I will hunt you down and kill you. You are worthless to me as a pirate. The only use I have for you is if you marry a rich and powerful woman. Do you understand me? Do you understand me?"
Draco nodded his head, just to be rid of his father. At that time he didn't realize the weight of his fathers threat. Luscious Malfoy would kill him. He had already tainted his father name Well, the pirate Malfoy's name. One more screw up, and the Slytherin ship would be chasing down his own.
"Very well, then, son. Disappoint me this time, I'll make sure you can't do it again." And with that, Luscious Malfoy, (the dreaded Pirate Malfoy), his Father, retreated into the shadows, leaving the burning imprints of two hands on his son's shoulders.
End of Flashback End of Flashback End of Flashback End of Flashback End of Flashback
Draco lifted his head form his hands. His father was always the only person who he ever had to fear. And that fear was always real. His father was the only one forcing him to stay with Pansy. His father was the only reason he had stayed with her so far. And he couldn't figure out how to get past that.
What he wanted more than anything was to break away from his father, but he had no idea how the hell he could do that. Fighting the man was impossible. He was older, more experienced, and much more skilled. The situation was hopeless.
It was either marry Pansy, or fight his father. One ended in misery, and the other in… most likely, death. He had made his choice a long time ago. Btu now he had to wonder: Is it still the right one?
What was the point of living if he could no longer take joy in it? Damn. Damn. Damn. Damn! Maybe I could ask… No. I have to stay away from her. I almost… She's dangerous. Something about her. Next time we dock, I'll be rid of her. Just had to wait 'til then. She's…
Draco ran his hands through his hair again, nervous suddenly. Perhaps the only other thing he could want more than to be rid of his father, would be to understand his feelings for Hermione, and to face them. With all the walls he'd put up, how was it that she got through? How was it that she had touched him this way? And why was it so hard for him to ignore it and move on?
That night. That night he had understood where those nervous feelings in his stomach came from. He felt something for her. Something he was compelled towards, but something he still didn't want to admit completely. It spun his head around in circles, and clutched his heart past bearing. She occupied his thoughts more than she should. And, he was beginning to notice things about her.
Like the way her left eye twitches when she's angry, and the exact shade of her cheeks when she blushes. And the determined, happy way she walked. And… And so many other things. He was melting. He wanted to share everything with her and…
And damn how he wanted to kiss her!
It was almost as hopeless as the situation with his father. Maybe more. He couldn't fall for her. This wasn't a love story. He was no knight in shinning armor. He was a pirate. And she was a lady. And, no matter what his heart tried to tell him, it could never happen. Never.
But, oh, how he wished it could…
Tuesday, May 19- Montague- Pirate ship
Hermione's face changed, and her lips formed an 'oh'. Montague just finished explaining Draco's problem with Pansy. The problem with his father, and how they connected. He thought she understood before, but he was wrong, so he took the opportunity to tell her.
And now that she understood, perhaps her crazy ideas would end. They couldn't just be rid of pansy, because there was more to it. It was marry Pansy or die, pretty much. Now, Hermione understood.
The girl shrugged, and turned her face away from him. "He should still just toss her overboard, no matter what the consequences are."
Then again maybe she didn't.
"What? I just explained to you, if he leaves Pansy or kills her, or does anything but marry her, he'll die. Get it? He'll DIE. Its not worth it."
"Not worth it? How would you know? You've seen how terrible she is, and how much he hates her. If he stays with her,. He'll never be happy again. I know I would rather die, than be miserable my entire life."
Montague stared at her, as she stared out across the ocean. She was right, in a sense. But how could they ever know what it was like? So far, only Draco did, and he hadn't shared his feelings with anyone in a long time. Was it worth dying?
"Yeah, well it would be better for more people, for his crew, if he stayed alive. He's been a friend for a long time." He leaned on the railing next to her. "I still don't think its worth his life. He can find a way to marry her and never have to see her, maybe."
Hermione snorted "A girl like Pansy? Yeah, right. She would never leave him alone. If anything, just for spite. If you ask me," She said, matter-of-factly, "If he wants to get rid of Pansy, he needs to get rid of his father."
This time it was Montague's turn to snort. He looked incredulously at her, and she raised an eyebrow at him. "Your kidding, right? Draco is a amazing fighter, as are we all, I might add, but to fight his father? The man is much stronger than him. Draco was taught byhim. There's no way he, or any of us could win against that."
He watched as she shook her head at him with a look that said, 'you're so stupid. How did you never see this before?'
"You don't have to fight, him, if you can get someone stronger to do it for you."
"Stronger? Like hired assassins? We may be pirates, but we don't have the money for that. And, besides, there are few assassins that would take a job like-"
She was shaking her head at him again. This was getting frustrating. There was something going on in her head. Some idea. And he still had no clue what it was.
"Not assassins stupid. Come on, Montague, think. Luscious Malfoy is one of the most feared pirates nowadays." Montague's eyebrows knitted together. He didn't understand where she was going. "Most feared." She was leading him somewhere, but he wasn't following. She rolled her eyes and tried another approach.
"A pirate, who is dangerous, and always running away from…"
Montague shook his head, still confused. Who would a pirate have to fear? They didn't run from anyone. I mean, they couldn't just walk into town, because of- OH! Montague's eyes widened. Amazing! Why hadn't they thought of that before?
As Montague turned to run and tell Draco the answer to his problems, he heard Hermione yell at him, mockery weaving through her voice. "You know, for pirates, you aren't very bright!" They both laughed, as he rushed away.
Tuesday, May 19- Narrator- Pirate ship
The whole crew stood out in the calm breeze, all jovial and bright eyed. This was as much a celebration for them as new years or Christmas. Though, perhaps it could be compared more closely to the former, because this celebration was ridding themselves of something old, and leading towards the promise of something new and more brilliant.
The pirates clapped hands, and playfully punched shoulders. But, as always there is an exception. Three hearts looked upon the celebration in different terms of caution and regret.
The first was the sole amusement that day. Pansy Parkinson. She was bound and gagged, though perhaps more comfortably then some of the rowdier men would have permitted. They were heaving her towards the end of the ship, ready to cast her aside as they had always wanted.
Tuesday, May 19- Pansy- Pirate ship
She shouldn't care, but she did. They had honestly been the closest things to friends she had ever had. It stung, but what could she do? It was her fault, and the truth? She wasn't sorry at all. How can you regret the past, but still take pride in it? Well, if it was possible that was partly how she felt.
And the other part? Well, obviously, the other part of her was consumed by burning, flaring, seething anger. Through the binding across her mouth she screamed and cursed until drool dribbled down the corners of her mouth. This only made the crew jeer longer at her, but not enough to make her stop.
And, soon it was too much, and she attempted kicking out at them, since her legs where the only limbs unbound. Even that, though, lasted for only a short amount of time. The jostling affected her only party healed arm, causing flares of pain.
If she had had any dignity left after that, she might have cried. All sentiment, save for pity for herself was officially wiped dry. My friends? HA! They were never meant to be friends! I don't need friends, she thought darkly. I don't need anybody!
Pansy was distressed, but even with the small amount of goodwill and kindness withering inside her, no one could look upon the scene, and declare that she wasn't getting what she deserved.
Because, certainly, after all she'd done and said to the crew over the years, punishment was long overdue. And, to many, she might deserve worse.
Such as Draco, the second regretful person aboard. He wanted Pansy to pay for ruining his life and his crews. He thought she should burn for it, but at the same time he was cautious to let it happen at all.
Tuesday, May 19- Draco- Pirate ship
The plan had been set up to take care of his father. But, paranoia or something else coursed fear through his veins that something would go awry.
Even with all the bravery a pirate should have, all the courage everyone thought he already possessed, he was scared. He wasn't ready to die, and if something went wrong with his father, then death was almost certain.
It wasn't that he was greedy for life, or selfish to get rich and live luxuriously. It was that, with most younger minds, he didn't feel like he had accomplished all that he could. He had catching up to do with his crew, now that he could becoming his true self once more.
And there was so much more. So much he wouldn't even think about, but they rested there in his subconscious. And, perhaps it was those things that gripped his hands nervously at the prospect of defying his father at last.
Things only always turned out right in fairytales. Was it too much to hope for? He prayed that it wasn't. Nevertheless, he let the crew jeer at her, abd say their "farewells" before sending her away, and out of their lives forever. He watched them with amusement and fear, as another watched him.
Tuesday, May 19- Hermione- Pirate ship
Hermione stood a ways off, closer to the crew than the captain in the shadows, but it was the latter that held her gaze. She stared at him almost dreamily, but mostly with an air of observation. She watched him for regret, and she watched him for joy. And, strangely he showed signs of both.
She knew he didn't love her. Ha had told her himself. But, even still, with the new feelings rushing inside of her, she wanted to be sure. She wanted to know whether Pansy had any place in his heart. Because, now she knew… she wanted to be part of his.
She wasn't sure if that was possible, and she wasn't sure if he really felt the same way, but she did know, that if she didn't try, she would always wonder if it could have been. She loved him, and she was determined to try.
Hermione smiled, I love him… I love him, I love him, I love him. She loved the way it rolled through her mind, soft as cream, and sweet as sugar.
But the regret she saw on his face worried her. Could he have felt something for Pansy, but not have known it himself? What could it be? Why would he feel anything but joy? For there was joy in his piercing blue gaze, but if that wasn't all he felt now, then what was in his mind?
Hermione shook her head, she didn't want to know now, this was supposed to be a fun time, a happy event. She wouldn't let these things grab hold of her mind and her heart now. Not while she could enjoy the moment now without worry.
Well, maybe without any worry but one…
The pirates had wanted to get rid of Pansy since the moment she set foot on the ship. And, one of them had come up with a cunning idea to do it. It was simple, effective, slightly hilarious, and, unfortunately potentially dangerous. Not dangerous to them, but dangerous to Pansy. And, much as she hated Pansy, she didn't want her murdered. She didn't deserve to die. No one did. Especially the slow death that this plan could bring upon her.
Hermione sidled up to Montague and poked him on the shoulder in the middle of his laughing bout. "Montague… Montague!" It took him a moment to realize someone was talking to him.
"Huh? Oh, Hermione. What is it? Why do you look so serious? This is a happy time! Let it out! Have a drink." Hermione was starting to wish she had picked someone else to ask. Montague was completely drunk, and was trying to push rum down her throat.
Finally, giving up, she shook her head at him, and walked away backwards. Suddenly she heard a light chuckle form behind her, and turned to see Draco grinning at her. She tried to keep her heart from exploding, and partially succeeded.
She walked towards him, after all he was the only other sober person there. Once she reached him, she couldn't help but grin as she asked, "Are you sure she'll make it ashore? What if she drifts off to sea?"
Draco stared at her for a moment, and she grew nervous. It seemed like he wasn't going to answer, but eventually he did. Looking off towards where they were lowering the small boat, he said, "Well, we're close enough to land that the tide should bring her in. We planned this pretty well, and at the right time. The boat will drift towards shore, and land in only a couple hours, maybe less"
She looked up at him cautiously. "Are you sure?"
Draco switched his gaze towards her again, and grinned roguishly. "No." Together they laughed, and she savored the moment. Picking up a nearby glass of rum, she began to fill with excitement. Perhaps it was being near to him, and perhaps it was herself, telling her to have a good time, but she downed the glass quickly, saying, "What the hell," and watched as the boat carrying Pansy landed in the water.
Tuesday, May 19- Narrator- Pirate ship
The crew's cheering grew loudly as Pansy squirmed in the little boat. They had equipped it with a bottle of water, and a knife, just incase something went wrong. There were also two oars roped to the side.
Their own ship hoisted anchor, and began to sail away from Pansy and her little raft. Away from the female hell that plagued them.
Pansy looked at them and finally gave up struggling, she reached for the knife, with her hands held behind her back, and with some effort, cut her bonds. She then ripped the fabric from her mouth, and screamed at the retreating vessel. "Come back here, you fucking pirates! You damn bloody worthless scraps of meat! I swear I'll get my hands on you and-" But, by then they couldn't hear her anymore.
She stood up in the small boat, and continued cursing as if they could hear her better. But it swayed in the waves, and she toppled into the water, coming up spluttering and drenched. And, finally giving up, she mumbled and grumbled, grabbing the oars, and propelling herself towards land before the tide turned, and went out.
The strip of land out there was the African coast. She prayed the savages would leave her be, but she wasn't sure if they would. She wasn't sure of anything.
Pansy, the slut, and destructive enemy of all, sailed to an unknown coast, and away from those she had long tormented.
Hermione, aboard the pirates ship rejoiced, then went in to her cabin to sleep. She'd be happy today, and save worries for tomorrow.
Whew! Done! Once agian, thank you to all my reviews! You guys rock.
I'd write more, but I REALLY gotta go. Hope you liked it, and i'll update next weekend. BYE!
Tastetherain.
