A/N: Hey, guys, so sorry for the long wait. Seriously, I feel like the biggest dork because I totally forgot where I was taking this story and what all the clues were for. I like reread this story 20 times trying to figure out where I was trying to go. Well, anyways, I have figured it out and I plan to move forward. So sorry for the wait and my dorkiness.

I am going to try to keep updating, but I leave for college in a week and a half and need to start packing and clean my room, and all that other fun stuff, which really isn't fun. I already did the shopping. :( So, yeah, updates might be sparse, but as soon as I get in the grove of school again, expect things to pick up. :)

Anyways, I wanted tot hank all of you who reviewed and still stuck with me.

Bewitching Witch- Yeah I wondered what happened to Hermione's family too, until I remembered. I believe once I find a way to write it, it will be worth the wait. Anyways, thanks for reading and reviewing.

Pink-Neon- I normally update faster, but it is my first summer working, a lot of family stuff has been going on, and I start college this fall, so I was out enjoying myself. As for Draco's plan, clues will be in the chapter and it will have started. See if you can figure it out. :)

Imperfectionist- Thanks for the ego boost in my writing. Anyways, glad you enjoy the story and thank you for reviewing.

Hotaru- Glad you are enjoying the story, and thanks for reviewing.

PrincessAngelz- As for Blaise liking any girls, I was planning on him liking Ginny, but I'm not sure. I haven't planned that far ahead, I am still trying to figure out everything I wanted done-there's a lot. I also wasn't planning on Harry and Ginny being together. I don't really care for that ship. They are just close because they live on a ship. As for Draco, that's a surprise. Anyways, thanks for reading and always reviewing. :)

Alyssa-Farrell- Glad you like my story. I was aiming for original with this plot, and I am glad you agree. Anyways, thanks for reading and reviewing, really appreciate it.

CottonCandy9128- I am sorry to burst your bubble, but you won't find out about Hermione's family for a couple chapters. I gotta remember everything and I am hoping by writing, it will all flow back to me. I got 90% of it. Once I remember it all, and a couple more events happen, I am going to put it in. But trust me, you will know what happens, I won't finish the story without letting all the readers know what happened.

Carmen- Glad you like the lines I put in. I try to be original and funny. Glad you like the chapters and expect more Draco/Hermione action. This is a Dramione fanfiction.

Shaz- If my email if up soon, I will email you for updates. But I don't have a website and really don't know how to link. But if you want to link my story to a site you have, then cool, go right ahead. Just let me know where I can find it. Anyways, glad you enjoy the story, and thanks for reviewing.

Ms.RyanAtwood- Glad I have your approval for my approach to Draco and Hermione. I was find of hesitant. I wanted the same feelings that they would have if they were at Hogwarts. I just wanted to use the characters but put them in this situation and keep them the same. So thank you for your approval. :)

Gothhottie- Glad you like the story and thanks for reviewing.

LilTigerCub- Thanks for letting me know you like the whole pirate idea. I was kind of hesitant because it was something different and when I first started the story I didn't get to many reviews, so it is nice to know people enjoy it. Anyways, thanks for reading and reviewing.

And to all you readers, who don't review; please do, even if it is short and simple. It makes me feel better and want to update more. I even accept anonymous reviews, so you can do that, if you feel more comfortable. :)

Anyways, no more chit chat, here is the chapter. I figured you guys had waited long enough. :)

---------------------------------------------------------------------

CHAPTER 6

"Caleb, I seriously don't know what to do," whined Morgan. It had been three days since she had found out about Hermione's family and now she was taking her own advice.

"I don't know how I can help you," answered Caleb uncomfortably. He had listened to Morgan tell her story on how she was becoming friends with Hermione and how she knew information that Draco wanted, and that she didn't want to hurt either party.

"How can you not know? You always have advice for everyone, and I don't know what to do. This would be one of those opportune moments where you give me advice," complained Morgan. She was really counting on him to help her. It's what he did.

"Look, Morgan, you and I have been friends all our lives, and I normally help you out, but I can't this time," stated Caleb.

"Why not, you're like my best friend, and you can't even help!" yelled a frustrated Morgan.

"Look, if I could help you I would, but I can't," answered Caleb sadly.

"You didn't answered my question, Caleb," started Morgan.

"You had a question?" asked Caleb, not remembering a question being asked.

"Yeah, why can't you help me? Do you not have any advice, or is the situation unclear?"

"I think the situation is unclear from your prospective." Caleb felt a little bit better, he had given her some advice, even if it was a little cryptic and not totally towards her situation.

"How can it be? I know everything that's going on!"

"Obviously you don't." 'Otherwise you would understand why I can't help,' thought Caleb.

Morgan was furious by now. She figured Caleb would be able to help her. He had been helping her all her life, even though people on the ship didn't know.

"Look," said Morgan. "When you got some advice, come help me, until then, I'll see you around." She then left the room without giving Caleb a chance to say anything.

After she was out of sight, Caleb groaned and then left the room. He needed something to do.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"How did you know that?" questioned Blaise.

"Because, I am the Captain, and I make sure to know what's going on this ship," answered Draco as if it was common knowledge.

"But, I still don't understand how I didn't know, she's my little sister after all."

"I don't know, but that's your own fault for not figuring it out. But anyways, back to the subject. I need you to keep working with Hermione."

"Yeah, well, I can try all I want, but she is still going to be violent towards me. "

"Didn't you take all the vases out of her room," asked Draco with a smile.

Blaise just looked at Draco with a 'duh' look on his face, as his hand unconsciously drifted towards the back of his head where the bump from where the vase Hermione threw at him hit.

Draco then stood up and decided to pace. His smile long gone from his face.

"We need to take care of Hermione. I have other plans that need to be dealt with and she is an interference. So, I don't care what you have to do, make friends with Hermione. As for your sister, she is being worked on, and I will deal with any other problems that may arise."

"Yeah, but how am I supposed to be all friendly with Hermione?"

"Find away. You're a Slytherin, as well as a Zambini, and my first mate, I'm sure you can think of something."

Blaise just grumbled knowing he had no other choice. "Well, if we are done here, I am going to go boss people around, maybe annoy Pansy."

"Don't forget about Hermione."

"I don't think I can. Anyways, I'll work on it, just give me time." Blaise then stood up and started to leave Draco's study.

"Blaise, I don't have more time to give you."

Blaise stopped and looked at Draco curiously. "You mean before we ransom Hermione, have the Gryffindorks catch up, or for our main reason of sail right now?"

Draco just looked at him, knowing answering the question would give a lot of himself away. "All of the above."

Blaise just arched his eyebrow. "Are you sure that's all? Seems you have more on your mind."

"Back off before it's too late Zambini."

"Not till you answer my question."

Draco silently groaned, knowing Blaise wouldn't let go.

"Fine. Time is running out on more things than you know about," stated Draco. He hated sharing so much information, but if anyone was to be trusted, he felt he could trust Blaise. 'Well, the message was somewhat cryptic, he won't read into everything you mean,' reassured Draco to himself.

At the look on Draco's face, and the anger and frustration in his voice, Blaise realized, more was up for grabs if problems weren't taken care of. He nodded to Draco and left, deciding to work on his plan to befriend Hermione than his earlier suggestions.

Once Blaise was gone, Draco sat down in his chair and put his head in his hands.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Okay, so what letter is this?" asked Hermione.

Dario sat there with concentration written all over his face. "Um...D?"

Hermione smiled. "Good job!"

Dario's face lit up with his smile. "I did it!"

"Yes you did. And all by yourself."

Dario just kept smiling to himself. He was learning his alphabet. He knew the song, but Hermione was helping him identify each letter our of the alphabet and out of order.

"Okay, ready for the next letter?

Dario just nodded his head.

Hermione then made a letter out of the pebbles Dario had brought her.

"A!"

Hermione just smiled at him, and Dario's smile got bigger.

"Can we do another one?"

"How about we spell a word?" asked Hermione.

Dario just looked at her, excitment all over his face. "You can do that? You can spell?"

"Yup. And I will teach you if you want me to?'

"Yes, I do. I want you to teach me Miss Hermione."

Hermione's smile got bigger. She started teaching Dario out of his request and as a way for her to rid her boredom, but now she was finding it fun. Plus, she was so happy watching him learn.

"Okay, what letter is this?"

"R!" yelled Dario.

Hermione then made a new letter while congratulating him. "And this one?"

"I?" questioned Dario.

"Do you think it is an I?" asked Hermione.

Dario sat there for a moment, before shaking his head in the affirmative.

"Good job!"

"What word are we spelling?"

"What would be a good word to learn?"

"I dunno," answered Dario.

"Well, how about your name?"

"Wow, Miss Hermione. That would be great. I always wanted to know how to spell my name," replied Dario.

"You did?" questioned Hermione.

"Well, no, but it seems like a good idea," answered Dario.

"That it is. But first, we are going to work on one more letter okay?"

"Okay."

After a moment, Dario was looking at a new letter. "O!" he yelled.

"Yup. Okay now I am going to write the word smaller and I want you to sound it out for me, okay?"

"Okay," answered Dario hesitantly. Once the word was facing him, he slowly started sounding it out. "Duh-ah-rr-i-o," he said repeatedly. He then looked at Hermione confused.

"Well, Dario," she said, putting heavy emphasis on his name. "What word does it sound like if you put all the sounds together?"

Dario sounded it out a couple more times, before yelling, "DARIO!"

"Good job!" said Hermione. She was so proud of Dario, as well as herself.

Dario then got up and gave her the biggest hug he could manage. "Thank you Miss Hermione!"

"DARIO!"

Hermione and Dario then looked over to see Draco standing in the doorway. Dario's smile faded and he broke away from Hermione.

"Yes, sir?" he asked.

"What are you doing here?"

But before Dario could start, Hermione spoke up. She didn't like how Draco was treating Dario.

"I was keeping him here. I was teaching him his letters and spelling."

Dario, momentarily forgetting his place, spoke up. "Yeah, I learned how to spell my name. D. A. R. I. O. Isn't that cool Draco!?"

Draco looked at Dario shocked, and then he looked at Hermione. He was momentarily speechless. 'She taught him how to spell his name?' kept running through his head. However, once Draco got his voice back, he spoke up.

"That's good Dario. But, I don't want you out of your quarters again without permission. Now go to your room," said Draco sternly, looking at Dario the whole time.

Dario nodded his head, said his thanks and goodbye to Hermione and then left her room. Once Dario was out of the room, Draco let his anger come out.

"What do you think you're doing!" he yelled.

"I was teaching him spelling. It is quite important."

"No it's not. At least not in our life."

"Well, what if he doesn't want this life!" yelled Hermione.

Draco just started at her. He wasn't sure whether to be angry at her for her fighting for Dario or jealous. At Draco's silence, Hermione decided to continue.

"Why are you guys so strict towards him? He has no freedoms!"

That snapped Draco out of his musings.

"It's for his own good," he answered.

"How is keeping him in his room for his own good?"

"It's for the best!"

"How would you know?"

"I just do! Just because you have been on this ship for while doesn't mean you understand what is going on around you. There is always more to this ship then what appears."

"And are you going to share them or forever keep me in the dark?!"

Draco smiled. He realized that he was in a beneficial position. He knew Hermione would want to know what was going on. He had learned that from his plan so far. "Fine, I will tell you what is going on."

At Hermione's smile, he decided to drop the bomb.

"But, you have to tell me about your family in return," he said simply.

He watched Hermione's smile fall, and somehow felt bad and good for doing it at once. Not understanding the emotion, he pushed to the back of his head for dealing with later.

After watching Draco grin at her for about a minute, Hermione felt her smile return. Draco, watching Hermione's smile return, felt better, he might get his information after all. Besides, he rather her fight with him, he found it amusing and sometimes looked forward to it, however he was still hiding that fact from his crew.

"So, all I have to do is explain to you why you can't ransom me off, and you will tell me everything that is going on with this ship. Like why I can't teach Dario how to read, write, and spell, why I can't talk to Morgan, how come you're the Captain, and anything else I want to know?"

Draco just nodded.

"Do I have your word?" asked Hermione sternly.

Draco, realizing he could fool her, agreed, hoping he would at least somehow come out ahead in this deal.

"Okay," said Hermione. She then went to her new table and started tow rite on a piece of paper.

"Well, are you going to explain?' questioned Draco, quite annoyed that she was ignoring him.

"Hold on, I'm almost done."

Draco then decided to get comfortable and laid down her bed. 'Hmm, this is kind of comfy. I'll have to find a more uncomfortable bed for future hostages,' thought Draco to himself.

"Done," said Hermione.

"Huh," answered Draco, slowly coming back from his musings. Hermione walked up to him and handed him a piece of paper.

"What's this?" he asked.

"It's an explanation as to what happened to my family and why you can't ransom me off," answered Hermione, while trying to fight back a smile. At the look on Draco's face she decided to continue. "So, once you're done reading it, I figured I could expect your explanation about this ship and anything I want to know about it."

Draco look from the paper to a grinning Hermione and back to the letter. He actually was proud of her, but he quickly squashed it with anger at being fooled over in his own trick. "How dare you! I said an explanation!"

"And that is. A written explanation!"

Draco just starred at her with his mouth open. "What about words? Give me the explanation through words."

"It's right there on the paper," answered Hermione, her smile threatening to take up her whole face.

"I meant through speaking. Tell me! Give me an explanation by telling me!"

"I don't have to! I gave you an explanation. You never specified anything when I stated the deal."

"But, talking, and,"

Hermione quickly cut Draco off. "Look you assumed I would tell you the explanation. It didn't work out that way. Don't you know assuming makes an ass out of you and me, well actually in this case just you." And Hermione broke into giggles at her own joke.

Draco glared and jumped off the bed thinking of a way to fight back.

"So Malfoy, do you believe reading is important now?" asked Hermione through giggles.

Draco just glared and walked towards the door.

"Hey," yelled Hermione, quickly sobering up. "What about my explanation?"

"Well, I still haven't gotten yours to your family," stated Draco.

"It's on the paper!"

"Yes, I know, but that doesn't mean I have it in my head. I know just as much as I do now as I did before, so until I get my explanation you will not get yours."

"Well, I should get something to read then, You got a piece of paper with it all spelled out for you!" Hermione then started laughing at her own joke. "No pun intended."

Draco just looked at her. He felt more anger coming at the fact that she was laughing at something and he wasn't. He then smiled, he had something for her to read.

"Fine, you want something to read?" Hermione quit laughing and looked at him. "You've got a ship and a crew, learn to read them."

Draco then watched the happiness slip from Hermione's face and felt his own grin return to his face. He then turned and walked out of her room. Besides, like almost every other situation, he had something up his sleeve, something that would once again give him the advantage over Miss Hermione.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

END OF CHAPTER 6

So what did you guys think? Okay after that long break? Anyways, I tried to make it a little longer for you and more interaction between Draco and Hermione. And I left some other clues for you guys as to what is going on, especially now that it is all back in my head again. Go me.

As for Harry and the gang, as soon as they get to Grimwald Place, they will be more in the story, which should be next chapter or the chapter after, not sure.

And, if anyone is curious, this story might end up being kind of long, maybe 20 chapters or so.

Anyways, please review and let me know what you think. Thanks all!