A/N: Hellooooooo, my wonderful, wonderful readers! How have you been? Great, I hope. But, anyways, I hope you wont be disapointed with this chapter. It's more of a filler than anything else. But, don't forget, fillers are important, too! For instance, this filler was needed to lead up to action coming up in the NEXT chapter.

It 's gonna be fun to write. And, if my calculations are correct, there will be 3 chapter left, plus a short epilouge. I AM sad about finishing, but on the bright side, that means I can start another story!

So far, I have no great ideas, so if anyone wants to leave me a suggestion, just leave a quickie review.

And, on the subject of reviews. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU SO MUCH! I have so many reviews, its exilarating! Doyou think I'll make 200 before the end? I hope so, but I kinda doubt it.

Once again, thanks for all the feeback you leave me, and dont forget to leave some more! Special thanks will be at the end of this chapter. (so dont get excited about the length of this chapter- 1/4 of it is thanks to my reviewers!)

Ok, enough babble, here you go:

Disclaimer: I dOnT oWn HaRrY PoTtEr. At LeAsT nOt In ThIs WoRlD.


Chapter 17: Finding Your Heart

Wednesday, June 3 -Harry –Coast City (about 3 days from Hermione's home)

It had been a long couple of days,and everyone was mentally and emotionally exhausted. Harry guessed it was time totake a pitstopon the way to returning Hermione home. They needed a break from the physical demands of their job, and a few men needed to see a doctor. They hadn't made port for a long time, and tempers started to rise.

He knew it was a good idea as soon as the crew set foot on dry land. The men would get a better rest on steady ground, and could "buy" some feminine company if they wanted. There would be better food and drink, a more comfortable bed, and much more. The crew would enjoy this.

But, for Harry it wouldn't be so peaceful.

Dry land meant an opportunity for sending out letters. And, he had some awful letters to write.The families of some of his… former crew members, needed toknow what happened. That singlethought made all hisoptimism plummet. Harry shook his head, stubbornly. No, this would be good for him. Hopefully.

Soon the inn where they would be staying came into view. By the looks on some of his friend's faces, they would fall asleep as soon as they entered their rooms. But Harry decided he wasn't tired enough for that. At least not yet.

Instead, As soon as everyone had settled down early (It was just sunset when they arrived), he rested outside the inn, leaning against the wall. And, he was able to clear his head, and take in the cooling spring air. All alone, able to conquer his thoughts with inner silence, Harry began boosting his emotions, and tryiong to look forward, not back. He only hoped that all the drama was finally over,because hedidn't think he could stand much more. Besides, there was enough drama in his job- which he loved- but still.

Harry heard footstepsapproaching and knew it was Ron before turning around.

"Hey."

"Hey, Harry." Ron joined him, leaning against the wall andhanded hima pint of beer.

Harry smiled at his first mate, and best friend. "Thanks." As the cool, bitter liquid slid down his throat, Harry glanced at the setting sun. It was beautiful. A small miracle compared to the many horrors of this world.

"Not tired, then?"

Harry contemplated that question for a moment before answering. "Even if I was, I don't think I could sleep anyway."

"Same here... Hermione, right?" Harry wanted to say 'no', he really did. But he would be lying- at least partly. "What do you s'pose we should do about it?" Ron shook his head. "I mean, do you think she'll talk to us? You know- if we ask about it."

Harry looked over towards Ron, and saw the helplessness in his own eyes mirrored. This situation was too far out of their hands. If they would ever be able to help, it was up to Hermione to show them how. Only she knew what happened on the pirate ship, andonly she could let them in onthat secret. So far, she showed no signs of letting up.

"I don't know Ron, I don't know."


Wednesday, June 3 – Angelina Johnson –Port City (outskirts of Hermione's home city)

Angelina held the letter to her heart and sighed. They were coming, finally. They were coming right here, to this very city, and she would be able to see him again. It was something she'd been waiting for, for to long. And maybe, just maybe he wouldn't leave her this time.

But it hadn't happened yet, and all she could do was hope and pray her dreams could come true. Well, at least now she knew he was safe. It was always so hard wondering what was happening out there. Whether she'd lost him or not. Whether he was hurt or… dying.

At least she would be able to see him again. Be held in his arms again until the sea called him away.

Angelina left behind her window and unfinished dreams to tell the servants to ready for company. A very large company. In his letter, he expressed just how large it would be. Over twenty-five men! There was hardly enough time to prepare.

She was lucky to live on the outskirts of the city itself. Out here there was plenty ofopen spacefor privacy from neighbors. And besides, her parent's were too old to object to the extra guests. Since her father's heart attack a few years ago, he had stayed mostly in bed. Her mother still cared for him.

"You there! Please send this note to the cook." Angelina scribbled a few orders on a nearby scrap of parchment, and handed it to the maid she had called. "And spread word to the other servants- we will have guests arrive in a few days. There will be many, and they are… eccentric." Angelina smiled and recalled just how eccentric they were.

The maid nodded and left. Angelina could anticipate the excitement that would gather around the household. She admitted it could be quite boring out here- so near the country. It was timeto havesome excitement and fun to look forward too. But there was much to do before the "excitement and fun" arrived.

Angelina would spend the next days planning what she would wear, what she would say, what she would do. And, when they finally made ithere,perhaps her whole life would change. He was the man she loved more than anyone else. The man she… wanted to spend the rest of her life with. He was warm and kind and caring. He was everything to her, and she prayed he felt the same.

The sun warm on her back, Angelina passed through the doorway and into the gardens. She extended her index finger to stroke a nearby rose petal. All she had wanted as a child was to be strong and fearless. A warrior like the ones in the stories her nursemaid used to tell her. She wanted to be different and she wanted to be famous. But now all she wanted…

Was everything she thought she never needed. A husband, a family, a home all her own. All she wanted now was… him. And, god willing, she would have him in a few days. If dreams really did come true, she would have him forever.

Oh, she could hardly wait for the day to come! It seemed a lifetime from now… Too long to wait.

"Ma'am, you mother wishes to speak with you." The same maid of whom Angelina sent the note, called from behind her.

"Thank you. Tell her I'll be right there." Once again, the maid nodded and retreated into the house. Angelina paused next to the roses. Her mother must have heard the news. And, she may have been old, but she wasn't stupid. Mrs. Johnson knew exactly who was coming.

A smile lit her face. Her mother would never truly approve. But maybe she could learn to know the Montague Angelina loved so much. Maybe she could learn to tolerate his band of pirates and his captain, Draco.

She had time to try at least, since they would all be arriving in a couple of days.


Monday, June 8 -Neville –The Gryffindor

The door was open a crack, with voices coming through. Neville was walking through the short hallway when he heard them. And, without thinking,he moved a few steps closer,listening for a moment. It was a pleading, frustrated tone, and it was coming from his captain, Harry.

Soon the temptation was too much, and he knelt on the floor and turned an ear on the polished wooden door.

"Please, Hermione. You can tell us anything. We're your friends." Footsteps hit the floor, and there was the sound of thudding wood. Harry had sat down.

"No… no, you couldn't possibly understand. You'd make some rash decision and not wait to let me finish."

"We would not!" Neville recognized Ron's indignant voice.

"Oh, yes you would."

"Well… well, how would you know until you tell us, huh?" Neville smiled. Even he knew- that wasn't a very brilliant thing to say. He could nearly hear the scowl in Hermione's voice as she spoke again.

"I know, dear friend, because I know you. And believe me; I don't need any other reason. I know you far too well to believe that you could understand what I'm going through." Neville found himself nodding to what she said. He stopped only after realizing no one could see him.

Harry spoke again, trying a calmer, more sensible approach. "Hermione, all we want to do is listen. We might not understand, but I can promise we won't do anything rash. Right?" There was a brief pause, and then an 'OW!' from Ron. "Right?"

"Yes, yes. Of course… nothing rash."

Neville imagined Hermione thinking it over. It was a fair deal, especially if the secret Hermione was keeping hurt to keep inside. She may have needed to let it out. She may have needed to let someone sympathize with her. Maybe that's what she was thinking when she whispered, "…ok"

There were sigh from both men, and without any preamble, Hermione burst into her tale. She spoke with passion, emotion, and sometimes had to force back tears. Sheprepared herselfto tell them all she remembered, and all she felt. After a long pause, she began:

"Well, I'm not sure whether you knew this or not, but… when we first met up with the pirate ship, I left my room through the window. That's how they got to me. And, I woke up the day after with an aching head and sore arms, in an unfamiliar place.

At first I was scared, then angry. And, finally, I learned to enjoy myself. The men were kind to me, and they included me like I was one of their own after so few days. They accepted me like none of you really could." There were uncomfortable glances from Harry and Ron. "They didn't treat me like I was some fragile china doll. They respected me and trusted me.

Anyway, I began to know the captain… he was…" Her voice cracked and she took a moment to steel herself. "His name was Draco Malfoy. Luscious' son. He was different. He was sad and… lonely. He, well, he intrigued me. I talked to him- a lot. And, we got to know each other.

But there was this woman. Pansy Parkinson. She was Draco's woman, or something like that. And, she got jealous of how I spoke with Draco. She actusllytried to kill me during a storm, and if it wasn't for Draco himself, I might have… died. And, the next day Pansy was- obviously- not happy. She challenged me to a duel, and I accepted. We fought, and I beat her- just barely."

Hermione's tone lighted slightly at this point. "The crew set her off towards some unlucky coast, bound in a little wooden boat. And, after that, Draco and I talked even more. I grew… fond of him. I realized that…" Neville heard her shift uncomfortably. He leaned closer to the door. What had she realized? He was riveted to this story. He had to know what happened next.

"I realized that I loved him, and I still do."

CRASH!

Simultaneously, three things fell. First, Harry sat straight up in alarmand knocked a lamp to the floor. Then Ron bolted up to attention, suddenly tripping on a corner of rug, and falling to his knees.

And, finally, Neville fell forward, and crashed through the doorway into everyone's view.

There was a long moment of confusion as everyone looked about them, and Hermione's words sunk into their stubborn minds. Especially the last three. I still do. What could they say to that? What were they expected to feel? No one knew the answer. So, instead of trying to face that problem now, Harry found a way to redirect the attention.

He turned a confused and slightly angry faceon Neville. "What the…? What are you doing here?"

Neville's eyes opened wide, and his jaw fell open. "I… um, I…" He stood up, gathered himself, and tried to push past the muddle of questions in his mind. "I was just coming to tell you something, captain… Harry.

Harry stood up too, and Ron followed their examples. So far, no one had dared to look at Hermione. "Tell me what?" Asked the captain.

Neville swallowed, and snuck a glance out the window at the growing strip of land. He looked Harry straight in the eye, his old clumsiness evaporating under the circumstances. His newly brave eyes told the story his words couldn't quite compete with.

"We're nearly there, sir."


Friday, June 5 -Draco -The Broken, Pirate Ship

Land was in sight. A beautiful green strip across the ocean. But all he could see was... Hermione. Draco knew he was lovestruck when he told the crew of his rash decision. He knew, in all honesty, that it wasn't a very good idea. But his heart followed a path that dragged all sensibility with it.

Ever since that fateful day, all he could think about was her smile, her eyes, her spirit. And, he refused to believe what she said in her letter. He refused to believe it, and he refused to heed it any longer. In fact, he had thrown it overboard a couple of days past. He preffered not to think on that particular subject anymore.

Today, though, the wind was fair, and it seemed that heaven was smiling. Even with the quick stop they had made to write to Angelina, the ship was making great time. By nightfall, Montague would be able to see his beloved again. If only Draco were so lucky.

He wouldn't make it into the city that night. He didn't even know what part of the cityhe shouldgo looking for her. If he was lucky, Angelina would be able to tell him, but if not, he was prepared to go door to door searching for the woman he loved.

Perhaps Draco was a little crazy. Perhap he was a little desperate. But, what he felt was true, and there was no chance of denying that. Draco needed Hermione in his life. And, getting her now, not later semed like the very best plan. He would beg with her, plead with her to take him back. He would give up being a pirate, he would buy her a grand house, he would do anything for her now. He was so emotionally filled, it weighted his every movement.

Naturally, the crew was concerned for him. And, he tried to quell that feeling in them, but it wasn't working. His eyes were set in a determined line, and there were stars circling his head. He was floating, and grounded at the same time. He was happy and depressed as well. He wasn't sure of anything except that he had to have Hermione now. And that was so unlike Draco, which may have been why everyone was so concerned.

It was too bad they couldn't understand him and how he was feeling right now. But...

Then again, maybe someone did. All week long, Montague had been sending Draco looks of confidence, and had acted calm and knowing around him. It was no doubt his first mate knew more about love then he probably ever would. Maybe the man did know what was happening to him. Maybe.

As the sun finished it's path below the horizon, the men had docked their ship in another secret cove, and were standing just in front of Angelina's door. Montague was in front, naturally. He wrung his hands together, and finally knocked on the door. No more than three seconds later, Angelina herself came out, and threw heself at Montague. Literally. They hugged each other desperately and nearly cried with joy.

Normally, Draco would be uncomfortable with seeing such affection, and would turn away. But now, he wondered. Could that be him someday? Could that be what it's like? Could he really be so lucky? For the first time in a long time, Draco envied Montague. He envied how sure he was about his feelings for Angelina.

Actually, Montague was so sure of how he felt, thathe had confided to Draco that he would propose. He wasn't sure when, but he would be carrying the ring in his pocket, just waiting for the right moment.

They finally entered the house. Servants moved to and fro, showing the crew where to sleep, eat, etc. Once again, most of the men made their way to bed. The rest went for the kitchen. Draco lingered for a while, not sure what he wanted to do. Then, deciding he wasn't very hungry, he settled into his given room. Montague left to talk with Angelina, giving Draco a wink as they escaped to the gardens.

In his room, Draco stared mostly at the ceiling, and when that was too much, he switched to the wall. Tomorrow, he might see her again. Would she accept him? What would he do if she didn't? Could he find the will to live again? And what if she did? What would they do? They still led such opposite lives, and her family would be hard pressed to let her marry a pirate.

Marry? Draco knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. Marry, then? Yes. He wanted that with no one else. And , he knew deep inside him that he would have it with no one else.

As Draco turned in the night a final time, he heard a shriek from outside. But, instead of running to help, he smiled. It was no shriek of pain. It was one of surprise. It seemed that Montague had accomplished his proposal. His smile widened for his friend, and then he closed his eyes. Maybe if he was patient, and strong, he would get what he wanted. He had to be confident and unwavering somehow. He had to be strong for Hermione, but expose all his heart to her.

Somehow he would do it. He was sure of that much. Nothing could stop him from loving her. And nothing could stop him from telling her exactly how he felt. Tomorrow, he would find his love and dare tohope for true happiness again.


A/N: dundundun... will it work? Will he see her the next day? HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING ATTENTION TO THE DATES? HINT HINT HINT Well... thats all I'll say on that. lol.

Sooooo, to all my special uber-awesome, supercool, absolutely fantastic, and terribly perfect... what was I alking about? Oh, right! My reviewers. To all you out there... here you go-

Mrs. Skywalker- OMG, I'm sorry about the name of the ship in ch. 16. You were the first to reciew and tell me, 'cause I forgot to type it in. So, after your review, I added it again! Sorry! And thanks so much for telling me. If you haven't gone back to look, the name is 'Broken'. Thanks for reviewing again and again! Your one of my loyal fans. Oooh, fans. I like having fans. lol. Sorry, if you cant tell, I'm on a sugar high. Well, cya next chappie!

Pretty Psycho- Heya! Thanks for the reviews. I look forward to seeing them all there, waiting happily for me! Hope ya like this chapter too. Andf, hope you stick around for the ending! You rock. (I probably say that alot, but its true!) Buhbyebye.

UntamedSpirit- Heys, look who it is! I probably dont even have to write this for you. But I bet it makes you feel special. : ) Ya know it does. Please let me honestly know what you think. I', open to true ctiticism, and I know this chappie wasn't the greatest. Well, please dont drop YOUR story, I'm hooked on it. Cya at school! Buh byebye.

Mariko- Heya! wat up? You kow, you crack me up with the whole hammer thing. Get it? haha. Wow, my humor is a little... sad. But, anyways, you asked a question after ch.16. And guess what? I'm gonna answer it. So, you wanted to know if Draco's ship was supposed to be called 'Slytherin'. Yea, that would definately make sense, but I went back to my other chapters, and I had never specified. YOu can take it any of two ways. 1. His FATHERS ship was 'Slytherin', or 2. It WAS 'Slytherin', but when Draco picked up a whole new crew, he changed the name, too. So, theres my little explanation. Oh, and you wondered what would happen if Hemrione saw Draco again? Well,mwahahaha, I can tell you, itWILL happen.I due time...All else I gotta say is... Thank you for your reviews: )

Lauressa-Back to what you said about ch.16. Well, I know it was sad, but I had to. It's been the plan all along. And the ending? It's supposed to be a surprise! And, if I ruined it now, I could never forgive myself. But, honnestly, its kinda funny hearing you guys ask about it... pleading sometimes. : ) Well, I'm SO happy you take the time to review. ETERNALLY THANKFUL. And, I hope to see you next chappie, too. Buh byebye!

Hidden Disaster- What up? So did you like your party? Ah, I know you would lie to me if you didn't. Well, anyways, hope you had a great b-day. Thanks for reviewing and actually keeping up with my story. UNLIKE SOME PEOPLE! grrrrr. Anyways, cya at school, and please dont stop reading... and reviewing!

123RaChEl456- I can' t promise a happy ending, but it wont be a horrible tragedy. The ending is known only by me, not even the few friends I have reading this., The ones I see everyday, and have known forever. NOpe! Just me! Well, I hope ou liked this chapte,r and please dont stop reading and reviewing. Thank you uber-much! (if that makes any sense) Cya!

Aurun Potestas Est- Heya! Before anything else, I just wanna say. I got bored one day, and I checked out your story- Starcrossed Mudblood. And, omg! i love it so far! I read 13 chapters in one sitting, But, unfortunately I haven't been able to go back yet. And, over 300 reviews? Thats crazy! I promise to leave my own reviews later, but for now.- Thank you so much for YOUR reviews. Thank you!

Beth- Omg! I loved the Phantom of the opera! Well, maybe not loved it, but liked it, at least. lol. wow... random. But, anyways, just want you to know, I always look forward to your reviews! Yopu write the longest out of anyone! It's awesome, so, thank you thank you thank you! Oh, and Higgs? SOrry 'bout that, but in all honnesty, I was GONNA kill off someone else, but changed my ind. And, if I had done that person, I bet I would have gotten some flames! And, thanks for noticing the title, I dont think anyone else had. Tell me the truth, though. DId you know what the title meant before? Just curious. And, about the spellign mistakes, sorry, but I didn't use Word that time, i typed it directly in. I thought I proofread it enough, but I guess not. There may be some in this chappie too, so, sorry! Well, Hope to see you til the end, which is coming, i swear! But, I wont give away what happens. Nuh- uh. :) Buh byebye!

Lestatluvr13 AND lala- ( lala? thats IS ally, right? If your not, then I'm SO sorry, dont read this and let me know!) Well, since I know you guys too well to expect you to keep up eith my story, or write another review. I don't know why I"m bothering to write ths. But, iun the small chance that you DO see this. First I want to berate you for what you said in your review, but thatnlk you for ACTUALLY reviewing. I know this story isn't to your liking. SO, you dont have to lie! Thank you, and cya ta school.

TiddlyWinkKinks- wow! That s a great name! lol. And, thanks for the "unique' comment! I like being unique. DO something no one else has, right? Well, thanks for reviewing my story, its much appreciated! And, hope you stick with the story, cya lata!

BrokenWingedAngel16- Thank you thank you thank you! I love the little compliments I get. Please keep reading and reviewing, I just love getting them! I really hope you dont give up on my story. SO, I hope to see ya next chappie. CYA!

ky-lee333- Wow! You were the only one to actually say something about the song! I told Lauren, and she was thilled! OMG, thank you so much! And thanks from lauren too. And, yea, I agree, the lyrics were great. lol. Anyways, hope you keep reading and review, and cya next time!

Finally!- Awesome! Someone gets Pansy a little. Yeah, I never liked the cliche stupid evil people... thing. Besides, I needed some competion with Hemrione, and a little more action. Pansy just happened to fit in perfectly with that. Thanks for noticing! Also, thanks for just plain reviewing! And, please keep it up. I love to hear from all my reader- obviously! Cya.

VampyrKFM- O, wow! Kudos. I used to eat those a lot in elementary school. lol. Everythime someone say 'kudos to you' or something like that, it just reminds me. haha. SOrry, I'm on a sugar high right now, I dont mean to be so spazzy. WEll, thank you so so bvery much for reviewing my story, and for the great things you had to say! Hope you keep reading! Buhbyebye.

Gin-Ryuu- I love happy endings too. When I was a kid, I fell in love with all those cliche romantic endings. But, the ending here might or might not be happy, At the least, though, I hope it wont be cliche. I like to be different. How it ends? Well, your just gonna have to keep reading and find out! Thank you for the review! Buhbyebye!

ya1ya- OMG! Thank you so much for reviewing! thats awesome, and you rock! Thank you thank you! Please dont stopped reading and reviewing. I hope to see you in the next chappie! Byebye!

Darkest-secret- Sorry 'bout Higgs, but I had to make it work right. I almost killed off a much more important character, so be happy I changed my mind! Thank you for loving my chapter. Hope you love my whole story too! I hope they end up together oo, but that doesn';t mean they will. Only I know the end, and I hope I surprise you with it! Thanks again for the review. Byebye!

NicaIda- Thank you for the review! It warms my little heart. lol. Hope you like the rest- when you finish. Hope you see this too! I write thanks for EVERYONE who reviews me, which CAN be a pain in the ass. But, oh well! Anyways, please dont give up on my story,m I hope you stick it out til the end. Well thanks so much, and buhbyebye!