When everyone had gone, Harry and Hermione approached Jack at the helm.

"Captain," she said quietly, "we might have some bad news. The Flamels... They... They destroyed the stone and passed away 13 years ago... We're sorry... We-"

"Luv," Jack cut her off with a smile. "Do you really think after 6 centuries, countless identity changes, dangers, threats, wars an' havin' a friend like me, they wouldn't have copies and decoys and spares of the stone and the elixir? Nicky knew Dumbledore for years, they found all those uses of dragon's blood together, but Albus was always too curious about the stone, so one day Nicky showed him one of the decoys and some of the protections. Then years later Dumbledore said Riddle was after the stone, it wasn't safe where it was, they should move it to Hogwarts. Knowing the real ones were well hidden and that no one, not even the three of us could get to them without the other two being present and willing, Nicky agreed, but kept a close eye. As you know, events unfolded, and we thought it best they 'destroy the stone' and then 'die'. They're still out there, living it up in the world's many casinos and donating most of their winnings to charity last I heard. They loved it when Polyjuice Potion was invented, Nelly's a master brewer, so two doses a day and they're set for disguises wiv the muggles.

We kept an eye on all of you as much as we could after your first year, helped as much as possible, but they had to be careful not to be discovered and I had my own problems in Japan. Some good people were lost, but it all worked out in the end." He went quietly somber as they all gave a moment to remember the dead.

"Still, I hear you got a giant dose of the Call and so you're trainin' up to take the Pearl back out to sea."

"You don't mind do you? I know she's yours really." Harry said.

"Mind? Lad, I'll be comin' wiv you! 'Bout time I got back on the water, been far to long, and I can teach you things about sailin' this old girl even Barbossa never knew." The ship creaked grumpily at being called 'old girl'. "Now now," Jack said soothingly, stroking the wheel. "It's just an endearment, and to the kids we're both old."

"Just experienced, Captain Sparrow. Experienced but young at heart, never old." Hermione said. The Pearl groaned happily.

"Call me Jack." He smiled. "You too whelp." He directed at Harry (who fortunately recognised it as a term of endearment to someone he had chosen to teach, just as much as 'old girl' to his beloved ship) before looking back to Hermione. "Are you sailing with us?" She looked to Harry, who decided to have a joke.

"Hmm... I don't know... We might not have enough space for your library, even with extension charms..." She punched him in the arm. "Ow! Yes, of course you're welcome," he laughed, then became serious, "it's not a proper adventure without you 'Mione, books and all." He felt the need to lighted the mood again. "Though, if you can avoid that bloody beaded bag, I would be immensely grateful!" Her expression, which had been flattered and pleased, turned into outrage, and she began to slap at him as he laughed and ran away to the bow, where Draco (who had also elected to stay on the ship for a few days) stood, chatting with the Turners about seafaring.

"It's good to see you two laughing again." Jack's voice was low behind her.

"What do you mean by that?"

"The last times I checked in were towards the end, you and he had been abandoned by that red-haired lubber, who realised he'd never get anywhere without you two and come back, then in the school with the other kids, and the very last time I saw Harry, he was walking to his death in the forest. That ripped me apart inside, and that was before I knew he was me own kin. That's why I left to Kenya. I knew Nicky and Nelly would see you were alright, and I couldn't stay and not interfere. I barely got away last time I did."

"Last time?" Jack's eyes widened. He'd said too much. Oh well, may as well tell her now.

"That bloody cup in your fourth year was only a one-way portkey. I spelled it so he could get back with the other lad. Got a few new scars for my efforts, but I'd do it again."

Hermione's eyes had filled with tears, and she flung herself at the Captain, sobbing "Thank you."

Fortunately for Jack, Will had developed a knack for knowing when the pirated needed help, and now they were both back on the Pearl, it had kicked in full force. Harry also had a sixth sense for Hermione, so both stopped talking and looked up.

"What is it, Harry?" Draco asked.

"Hermione's upset." He said, looking towards the helm.

"And Jack doesn't have a clue how to comfort distraught women." Will added.

The quartet moved up to the helm, and Harry dislodged Hermione, knowing she would cling to him instead. Having developed more muscle since he was a scrawny, stressed, underfed git at school, he picked her up, and with Draco's help moved to the stern and sat down. Within seconds, they were joined by Teddy, who had insisted Kreacher bring him here. The house-elf was sent back to the house to assure Andromeda that Teddy was fine, and the three males all arranged themselves around Hermione.

"It's good they've got family now." Jack said as the three sailors looked on.

"From what I understand of their story, each considered the other family from the day he rescued her when they were eleven." Will said. Jack nodded. "Jack, it's time you and I retired to the Captain's cabin and had a talk."

"Aye. And now I don't have to worry about your rum burning missus, I can pull out all me old rum."

Will and Jack moved to the cabin, while Bootstrap left to go back aboard the Dutchman.