Hermione follows the others when they are summoned below deck to the common room. The low chatter stops when they enter, the room filled with unknown tension and all three Black sisters wearing identical expressions on their faces. She wonders why they look so serious, and for a moment her heart thuds harder. What if they have decided that her time on board is up? She kissed Bellatrix, after all. No matter how much it had felt like the attraction was mutual, Bellatrix has made her feelings perfectly clear. Hermione scowls, ignoring the way Bellatrix's eyes search out her own, a tentative smile on her face.

The Captain clears her throat once they are all sitting at the table; Hermione squeezed between Luna and Neville. "We have a situation that we need to make you aware of," Bellatrix begins. "Anathema?"

Anathema smiles tightly. "No point in beating around the bush, I guess. We're being followed. There is a ship behind us with at least one witch or wizard on board who is cloaking them with magic."

"We have no idea who they are or what they want, but they are locked onto our comms and have been pinging us every ten minutes," Bellatrix expands. "None of our surveillance is breaking through, so all we have to go on is the radar."

"What kind of ship is it?" Luna asks, a frown forming on her forehead. Her fingers absentmindedly trace over the small tattooed sigil on the inside of her pale, thin wrist.

"We're not sure," Anathema answers. "They might have sails, but at the moment they are using a motor."

Hermione awkwardly raises her hand. It's an instinct born of years spent in a strict academy before she got married, but she drops it quickly when Ginny snorts, blushing slightly. "How do you know they are using a motor if you can't see the ship?"

Anathema smiles patiently. "It's a good question," she reassures her. "If they were using sail power, then we would see them tacking every now and again. The direction we are heading is into the wind, so the ship's path would appear to zigzag through the ocean, much like this one does. The ship following us is travelling in a straight line, though. So we know they must be using motors and not sails."

"I don't understand why sails are used at all?" Hermione muses, half to herself.

"Motors were banned for a long time, because burning fuel was contributing to global warming," Narcissa explains. "Technology is much more advanced now and we use renewable energy, but it's still really expensive. It takes a lot of finance to kit out a ship the way The Black Serpent has been. The kind of people who spend their lives at sea, are not usually the people who can afford it. Ironic really, that the city people are the wealthiest, who can afford to buy it, and yet have no need for the technology we use when sailing."

"And don't forget that no matter how good our solar panels are, there are some parts of the globe where the cloud is too thick most of the time. We would struggle to collect enough power to run the motors, as well as everything else we need solar power for on the ship," Andromeda adds. "And it's more important that we have fresh drinking water, and UV lighting for Neville to grow our crops down in the cargo hold."

Hermione nods. "So, we sail."

"We sail," Andromeda echoes with a smile. "Now, what do we do, Bella? Do we carry on to Port Fulgar? Or do we turn around and try to lose them?"

Bellatrix furrows her brow, leaning forwards to rest on her elbows. "I don't know. If we carry on, then we are asking for trouble. We won't have access to our magic. If we turn around, though, we are certainly going to provoke a confrontation. A manoeuvre like that would undoubtedly be seen as hostile."

"If we carry on to Port Fulgar, then we might be without our magic, but so will whoever is cloaking that ship," Ginny points out. "It would put us on an even footing with them, at least."

"Maybe," Bellatrix acknowledges. "But until we can see their ship we don't really know that. What if they have weapons? We have some defences, of course, but if they are military then that changes everything."

"Why would the military be following us?" Ron asks.

"That's the question, isn't it?" Bellatrix replies, sighing frustratedly. "Why would anyone be following us? We've not done anything to cause the spotlight to be on us lately. Unless any of you lot got into trouble on shore, that you didn't tell me about?" She raises an eyebrow, looking around the table.

Hermione notices a few sheepish smiles and wonders what exactly the crew like to get up to when they are at port. Her eyes dart to the Captain, who looks away from her probing gaze. Bellatrix looks uncomfortable, and Hermione's heart flips a little. Could it be that the witch regrets going on shore and doing what she did?

No. Hermione reminds herself it doesn't matter. She's not a toy to be played with, and Bellatrix knew exactly what she was doing when she left for the night.

"Could it be something to do with Hermione?" Anathema suggests carefully, sending an apologetic smile Hermione's way.

"That would be my best guess," Narcissa agrees. "Cormac put out alerts that she was missing, and I doubt very much that he stopped just because we turned his offer down. He would have gone to the next best thing."

"There are a number of other crews that are known for taking on work like this. I don't think Riddle would touch it with a barge pole, though. He hates muggles. But one of the other crews wouldn't think twice about working with a government employee." Bellatrix frowns. "I don't think it really matters who it is. It's not like we have a way of knowing before we decide what to do."

"Port Fulgar like to keep themselves separate from the rest of the world, and they govern their city with their own rules." Andromeda turns to face the Captain. "It might be that they are willing to offer us some level of protection if we are in their waters. It's not like they will be all that happy with another government causing trouble on their turf, so to speak."

"So we continue towards the port? And what? Hope for the best?" Narcissa asks incredulously. "I don't like it."

"Neither do I," Bellatrix admits. "But I don't know what else to do. If we change course now and double back on ourselves, then we're asking for trouble."

"Everyone agree?" Andromeda checks, looking between the crew. No one voices any complaint, and the witch nods decisively. "Okay, then."

So this is how decisions are made. Not by the Captain, and not even just between the three sisters, but by the whole crew. Every person on board is entitled to an opinion, and invited to speak it, should they wish to. It's not that the idea of a democracy is alien to Hermione. Port Solis is meant to be run by a democracy, but truthfully, Cormac runs a dictatorship, wrapped up in a lot of false promises and illusions. No one knows that better than Hermione.

She's drawn from her thoughts by Bellatrix standing up from the table. "Anathema, I'm going to need you glued to the comms until we get to port. Keep trying for surveillance in case they take a break and drop their shields. Ron, I want you up in the crow's nest. They could deploy smaller boats from the main ship that wouldn't necessarily be picked up on radar and I don't want to get caught unawares."

"I heard there are radar-jammers being used by some ships," Ginny says. "Never met anyone that's seen one, so maybe it's just a rumour. Just thought you should know." The redhead shrugs.

"No, you're right," Bellatrix immediately agrees. "I heard that too. Draco, you're up in the crow's nest with Ron. An extra pair of eyes won't do us any harm."

"What about the rest of us?" Luna asks quietly.

"Luna, can you do your thing? If you need some peace and quiet, you can use my cabin. Use the Ogham Staves, try scrying, read tea leaves, I don't care. Just see if you can get us a read on the situation."

"Will do, Bellatrix."

The Captain eyes the rest of her crew. "Everyone else, make sure the decks are clear of all unnecessary clutter. Sails not in use need to be stowed away in the lazarettes."

Hermione starts to raise her hand, and then drops it, opening her mouth to speak. Belatrix cuts her off before she can ask. "Lazarettes are storage lockers, or more accurately in this case, our sail lockers. Ginny will show you, up on deck. We need to make sure that if it comes to a fight, there is nothing that will hinder us in any way, and just as importantly, we need to make sure things like our sails don't get damaged."

"Does anyone have any questions?" Narcissa asks the crew. Her eyes meet Hermione's, and the blonde frowns. Eyes locked, Hermione can't look away, a light tugging sensation in her skull, making its presence known. The woman is using Legilimency on her, that much is clear, but Hermione has no idea what the woman is seeing. It's over in just a few seconds, and Narcissa offers her an understanding, but eerily knowing smile.

When no one speaks, Bellatrix dismisses them. "Get to work, people. Let's hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."

Hermione stands, hoping to slip out with the rest of them, but Bellatrix calls her back. It's instinct to follow the command of someone in authority, and as much as she wants to sneak out and up onto the deck above, she reluctantly turns back to face the Captain.

-xXx-

Bellatrix feels her smile dropping when Hermione's cold glare is turned in her direction. She looks around the now-empty common room, and gestures for Hermione to take a seat. The younger woman complies, putting as much distance as she can between them. With a sigh, Bellatrix slides in on the opposite side of the table. "This is not the best place for this conversation, but as I told Luna to use my cabin, this will have to do. She needs to concentrate."

It would seem that Hermione's thirst for information is enough to overcome her hostility towards the Captain, and Bellatrix tries not to smile when Hermione speaks. "Why? What exactly is she doing? Why does she need your cabin?"

"She's our seer, as you know. That means she uses various methods of divination to try and see what we might be up against. She's pretty good," Bellatrix answers, allowing her pride for the young blonde to seep into her words. "She's gotten us out of a few sticky situations in the past. Forewarned is forearmed, as it were. It's far from exact, but she's very talented at interpreting what she sees, and translating it into the real world."

"I'm not sure I quite understand," Hermione admits, with a small shrug.

"Me neither, if I am honest." Belaltrix chuckles lightly. "If Luna sees that we might be about to sail into difficulty, she uses a few different methods to try to pinpoint what kind of trouble we can expect. Knowing whether trouble means a bad storm, or an opportunistic ship that is after our cargo, makes all the difference in the world."

"She can tell all that from a few runes?"

Bellatrix grins. "Luna has a magic all of her own. I've never known a more talented seer when it comes to interpreting the fates. If we're really lucky, she'll have visions, but those are few and far between."

Hermione nods distractedly, and Bellatrix can see the worry on her face, her fears projected clearly in the dim light of the room. It's not difficult to see the insecurity the woman is struggling with. "Hermione. They all have different skills, but they are valued equally. You'll find your niche at some point, too, and until then you can just muck in with the rest of us and embrace life at sea."

"Right. I'll go and help on deck."

Bellatrix reaches across the broad table, her hand resting lightly on Hermione's. "We really should talk."

Hermione snatches her hand back. "No need, Captain. You made your feelings perfectly clear. Whatever I thought there was between us, I was obviously wrong, and I'm not in the mood to play games."

Bellatrix tilts her head, Hermione's cool tone taking her by surprise. She runs a hand through her hair, fingers tangling in the salty strands. "Look, I owe you an apology. You're right, this is not one sided. I do really like you, Hermione. I don't like that I do, but I do."

"You don't like that you do? Is that meant to be a good reason for the way you treated me last night? You like me, but you went on shore to go and spend the night with someone else."

Bellatrix swallows thickly. "I didn't sleep with her."

"Who? You make it sound like there was someone specific you went to see? I thought that you were just going to try your luck in a bar, or something…" Hermione trails off, eyes narrowing fiercely.

Bellatrix sighs. "Alecto. We've been friends for a lifetime, and I always stop in and see her when we're in port, but I didn't sleep with her last night," Bellatrix repeats.

"But you wanted to, Bellatrix."

"Fucking hell, did Cissa tell you that?"

"No. I can just read between the lines."

Bellatrix leans back against the back of the cushioned bench. "I might have gone there with that intention, but nothing happened. She made me see sense, Hermione. I'm sorry for denying this connection between us. Honestly, I thought I was doing the right thing by you."

Hermione throws up her hands. "What is it with you and every other person in my life trying to make decisions for me? I told you I wanted you, Bellatrix. The only decision that needed to be made was whether or not you felt the same way."

"Of course I felt the same way! I just didn't want you to start something you weren't ready for, and I know I'm not good for you. I don't know if I can be the person you need me to be," Bellatrix admits with a huff. "I was trying to look after you. I wanted to keep you safe."

Hermione rolls her eyes. "You've known me for how many days? And you're already deciding what's best for me? You think you know me so well, Captain? Well, I've got news for you. You have no idea what I want or need, and I would appreciate it if you would stop telling me how I feel about things. I might have been fragile when you first met me, but I am not broken. I am not weak. I refuse to be weak."

"I don't think you're weak," Bellatrix argues. "You're one of the strongest women I've met. I thought I was doing what was best for you. I'm genuinely sorry, Hermione, and I'd like to try again, if you'll have me?"

Bellatrix holds her breath under Hermione's scrutiny, only allowing herself to suck in a lungful of air when the younger woman finally breaks contact, sighing heavily.

"Bellatrix, do you know who else did what they thought was best for me? My husband. Every single punishment that was meted out was because I needed it. I needed to learn my place. I needed to be better. I needed to be taught how to respect my husband and his decisions. I finally get away from him, after years of dreaming what life could be like, and I promised myself that I would not be scared. That I would face everything that came my way head on, and not shy away from the people that come into my life. Most of all though, I promised myself that no one would ever control me again."

"I understand-"

"No!" Hermione explodes, adding quietly, "You don't."

Bellatrix keeps her mouth closed, waiting for the other woman to continue. The air between them is heavy, the tension rising unpleasantly as a trickle of sweat runs down her spine. A particularly violent sway of the ship has them both gripping the table.

"I didn't get away from Cormac just to let someone else make decisions for me," Hermione says tiredly. "I am my own person, Bellatrix, and you don't get to take my agency away from me. Until you can see me as an equal who is capable of making her own decisions, then I don't want to pursue this with you. Only I know what I want or need, and you have no right to try and decide for me. You don't respect me."

Bellatrix knows that her presence will not be appreciated, but when she notices the small tremble in Hermione's fingers, she wants nothing more than to round the table and slide in next to her. She wants to comfort the woman, but Hermione's eyes are clearly telling her to keep her distance. Has she really blown her chance with this woman, before they even started?

She nods resignedly. "I respect your decision, of course I do. You might not believe this, but I genuinely didn't mean to make you feel this way. I thought I was doing what was best for you. Whatever does or doesn't happen, I want you to know your place on the crew is safe," Bellatrix reassures her, Alecto's words from the previous night coming back to her. "You belong here with us, as does Rose. We will do everything we can to keep you safe."

Hermione smiles uncertainly, and it's easy to see she's not convinced. Bellatrix doesn't stop her when she gets to her feet, but does offer her some advice.

"Between here and Port Fulgar, we're going to enter some really rough seas. We go out on deck in pairs, never alone, and if it gets too rough, then we use a tether to make sure we can't be swept overboard."

"Thank you, Captain," Hermione replies. "I'll go and make myself useful if this conversation is over?"

"I hope you change your mind, but I respect your decision, Hermione. Maybe we can revisit this conversation another day?"

"Yeah. Maybe…" Hermione allows, offering her a quirky salute before she slips into the corridor and heads towards the stairs.

"Fuck," Bellatrix grumbles to the empty room.

"Problems, Bella?"

Bellatrix greets her sister with a smile. "Hermione has made it quite clear she isn't interested. Apparently she didn't leave her husband just for someone else to try and make decisions for her."

Narcissa nods solemnly, sitting down in Hermione's recently departed seat. "I can see why she feels that way, but I also know that she has feelings for you. This is her way of establishing boundaries, Bella, and if you respect them, I'm sure you'll work things out."

"I told her I want her. I told her I want to start over and give this thing a try, and she turned me down flat," she grumbles.

"Give her time. If it's worth it… if she's worth it, then you'll figure it out. Neither of you are going anywhere," Narcissa says wryly, gesturing at the ship around them.

Bellatrix grins. "I have a captive audience, you mean?"

An eye roll is sent her way. "Don't harass the poor girl."

"I won't," Bellatrix says with an impish grin. "That doesn't mean I can't use my subtle powers of persuasion."

"You'll traumatise her," Narcissa deadpans.

"No," Bellatrix denies, a smile blooming across her face. "I'll woo her."

"Woo?!" Narcissa laughs loudly, the sound echoing around the common room, mocking Bellatrix who pouts at her sister.

"Seduce sounds too aggressive," Bellatrix counters, still pouting. "I don't want to scare her off."

"You don't learn, do you?" Narcissa asks, grinning as she shakes her head.

"What do you mean?"

"You're doing it again. You've decided to temper how you interact with her, because you think she can't handle you. This is exactly her point. Stop making decisions for her and trying to decide what she can and can't handle."

Bellatrix lets out a heavy sigh. "Old habits die hard."

"Kill them quicker," Narcissa quips. "Hermione is a perfect match for you. She's your equal in every way, Bella, and the only person who can't see that is you. Idiot."

"Hey! Mutiny!" She glares at the blonde, fighting a smile.

"I'm not planning a rebellion, Bella, and you need to revisit the definition of 'mutiny', I think," Narcissa replies, an amused smile dancing across her face. Bellatrix feels her own lips pull back into a smile. She's more than aware she can be a little dramatic at times.

"Was there a reason you were coming to see me, sister dearest?" Bellatrix asks sweetly, with an edge to her voice that's sharper than one of Harry's kitchen knives.

Completely unfazed, Narcissa replies. "It was about Hermione, actually. I know why we're being followed, I think."

Bellatrix splays her palms in a gesture to continue.

"She was spotted back at Port Terra. There was a wizard there by the name of Rowle, who works under McLaggen's thumb."

"Why the fuck didn't she say anything?"

Narcissa rolls her eyes. "Do you really need to ask that?"

Shaking her head, Bellatrix replies. "No, I guess not. She was scared?"

"Terrified, to be honest. That woman carries the weight of the world on her shoulders and there is a big part of her that doesn't believe that she will ever truly get away from him."

"Then we kill him," Bellatrix replies, not entirely joking.

"Difficult to get away with considering his considerable influence and presence."

"I know."

Narcissa stands up. "Anyway, I just thought you should know. I won't bring it up with her, but you might want to at some point. Let her know that it's okay, and that you understand why she didn't tell anyone. She feels guilty, Bella, and it's eating her alive."

"The lack of privacy might be a pain my arse, but you have your uses," Bellatrix offers, with a wink. "Let's get to port and then I'll talk to her."

-xXx-

Bellatrix had warned her the sea would be rough, but Hermione is completely unprepared for what they sail into. The waves are much bigger than anything they have come across so far, even in the storm after her first night on board. But it's more than that. The sea feels alive, churning with an angry force as though it's a conscious entity with one goal; to suck them under the surface.

She's handed a life jacket and Ginny shows her how to tether herself to the line that runs along each side of the ship. She is attached by two ropes, so that when she has to unclip to go around rigging, she is still always connected to the ship by one of them. Earlier, it would have felt like overkill, but now she could not be more grateful.

Hermione has handled everything life at sea has thrown at her so far, but for the first time since she joined the crew, she feels a little nauseous. Andromeda wordlessly summons a potion, and hands it to her. She doesn't ask what it is, but when she swallows it down, she offers the witch a grateful smile when her stomach begins to calm.

"Thank you."

"It's a lot, isn't it? All of us have felt a little green at some point. You'll get used to it," Andromeda assures her. "Staying up on deck will help."

"I remember that from the storm," Hermione agrees.

"Be thankful it's just the seas that are rough around these parts. If we had a storm at the same time, it would be far more difficult."

Hermione's eyes widen. "This is bad enough." As if the ocean has heard her, they are thrown to the side, and she hits the wood beneath her feet with a groan.

Andromeda holds out a hand, and Hermione accepts the help up, gripping tightly until she can take hold of the railing on the side of the ship.

"If the potion has worked, then perhaps it would be better for you to go back down below," Andromeda says kindly.

Hermione shakes her head fiercely. "No. I need to get used to this."

The dark haired witch looks like she wants to argue, but they are both interrupted by a shout from the crow's nest.

"We have incoming!" Draco calls down.

"Shit. What can you see?" Andromeda calls back. She turns and beckons to Bellatrix, who is at the helm, a look of intense concentration on her face. The Captain hands the wheel to Narcissa, and jogs across the deck as though the ship is perfectly steady. Hermione takes a moment to admire her grace before scowling at the floor.

"What's going on?" Bellatrix asks sharply.

"Incoming," Andromeda replies, gesturing to Draco who is climbing down the mast, hanging on for dear life in the heavy swell.

Bellatrix waits until the blonde man appears next to them, grasping hold of the railing next to Hermione, while he finds his feet. "They dropped their cloaking charms, Cap."

Bellatrix frowns, pulling her wand from her sleeve and giving it an experimental flick. "No, they didn't drop it. They've lost their magic, same as we have."

"They're gaining on us quickly," Draco notes, staring out past Narcissa at the wheel where a ship can be seen motoring towards them.

"They're intending to intercept." Bellatrix squints into the distance and Hermione follows her line of sight. It's difficult to keep eyes on the ship that is gaining on them, the rise and fall of the waves making it difficult to keep locked on it. "I don't recognise it, do you?"

"Not specifically, but it looks military. Probably one of Cormac's goons," Andromeda guesses. "Which means they will be weaponised."

"With what?" Hermione asks, guilt gnawing at her stomach in a way that threatens to make her nauseous all over again.

"No way to know. Guns are officially banned, but the government plays by its own rules. We have cannons on board, but that's about it in terms of defence," Bellatrix mutters distractedly, tying her hair back out of her face. It's the first time Hermione has seen her like this and it makes her look older. A steely look in her eyes that sends a small shiver down her spine.

"I thought guns were banned?" Hermione asks, pointing to the cannons with a frown.

"Technically they are historical artefacts, a part of the ship from over a millennia ago. That's the only reason we were allowed to keep them," Draco explains. "But they all work, and Neville is surprisingly good at hitting his target."

Neville? Hermione cannot imagine the mild-mannered man doing anything so violent. He grows plants for a living and the few times Hermione has gone down to the lower deck where he has an artificial biome set up, she has found him quietly singing to the plants, gently stroking their leaves with a cloth.

Andromeda laughs next to her. "There is more to Neville than meets the eye, but it's his story to tell. When this is all over, you'll have time to get to know him."

"If that's Cormac, he won't stop until he has me," Hermione says quietly, her voice barely a whisper.

"He can't have you," Bellatrix growls, her hand reaching out to grip Hermone's shoulder. It's too much, almost painful in fact, but it grounds her and she nods. "He can't have you," Bellatrix repeats more calmly, and Hermione absorbs her words like a sacred promise.

Hermione misses the touch of the Captain the moment Bellatrix removes her hand and walks away. She listens as the witch walks around the ship confidently issuing commands, and she's reminded that this is not the first time they have done this. The crew all seem to know exactly what they need to do, positioning themselves strategically around the deck. Ron comes down from the crow's nest to join them, and they start hauling ammo from one of the lockers to wooden crates that have been brought out to sit next to the cannons.

The crew are quiet, only speaking when it's necessary. Hermione does what she can to help, struggling across the deck with her hands full of metal. She falls, often, but forces herself to get back up. She's relieved to see she isn't the only one finding it difficult to keep their balance when staggering across the deck with their arms full. Draco and Ron both end up on the wooden planking, winded and struggling for breath. As far as confrontation at sea goes, there could not be a worse place for it to happen, though she can see a change in the conditions up ahead, where the waves are significantly calmer.

It happens so quickly that Hermione feels like time has been sped up, the moments passing by her in a blur. One moment they are watching a ship in the distance as it gets closer, and the next moment, the air is full of the sound of cannon fire. The other ship makes the first move and even with Hermione's inexperienced eye, she can see that they are outgunned. The weapons that the military vessel has are much quicker to fire, and they strike with deadly accuracy.

It's clear that they have timed their intercept perfectly, just as The Black Serpent has sailed into calmer waters, making it easier for the other ship to target them.

The Black Serpent's hull is protected by magical charms, and Hermione is surprised to see that they are holding fast, even in an area where there are only trace amounts of magic in the air. If they live through this encounter then she will ask one of the sisters how that works. There is still so much she doesn't understand about magic. Still, protected from damage, or not, the impact shudders through the ship, tilting it dangerously every time they make contact; their own cannons barely making a dent in the metal of the military ship.

"Fuck," Bellatrix screams, and Hermione turns to find out why the Captain sounds so terrified. Wrapped around their mast is a coil of metal rope, and the excess is pulled taut, as the other ship inches closer.

"Hand to hand combat," Bellatrix shouts desperately, and the crew dive for the lockers around the outside of the ship, arming themselves with swords. So much for weapons being outlawed, Hermione scoffs.

The Captain approaches her. "You don't know how to fight, Hermione. Go and wait this out with Rose in my cabin. I'll come and get you when this is over."

"I'm not leaving you all up here!"

"Hermione!" Bellatrix snaps. "I need to know you're safe so I can concentrate. Go and wait below. You know Rose will be terrified."

The fight leaves Hermione. The Captain is right. She doesn't know how to fight, and she needs to be with her daughter. Impulsively, she darts forwards and kisses Bellatrix soundly on the lips. "Okay."

The Captain's eyes sparkle, even as she sends her packing. "Go. Now, Hermione," Bellatrix urges.

Hermione teeters across the deck, trying to move with the pitch and roll of the waves. She turns as she reaches the stairs, alarmed by the shudder that goes through the ship, as the military vessel smacks into the side. There, standing on the deck of the other ship, is Cormac, eyes blazing furiously.

Powerless, Hermione finds herself walking towards him, throwing up her hands when he raises a weapon and points it directly at Bellatrix. The Captain's hand is on her own holster, but Cormac gestures for her to raise her hands.

Hermione blinks back her tears. She knows what needs to be done. "Cormac, stop. I'll come with you. Please. Don't hurt anyone."

He laughs manically. Unhinged.

"Oh Hermione, you're right. You are coming with me. And you can watch while every single one of these filthy pirates is slaughtered."

"Cormac, please," Hermione pleads desperately. "Please don't hurt them. They've done nothing wrong."

"Hermione, get away from here. Go downstairs," Bellatrix demands in a low voice. "We'll handle this."

Hermione appreciates the Captain's bravery but she is staring down the barrel of a gun. How exactly are they going to handle this? The whole crew has come to a stop around them, fearful of pushing Cormac into pulling the trigger.

"No, Bellatrix. I'll handle it," Hermione replies calmly, walking towards the edge of the ship. "My daughter stays here," she bargains with the man she knows she can't escape.

"One less mouth to feed," Cormac calls back. "We both know she's not mine."

Hermione pulls up short. Cormac knows? She had been in a relationship before she was forced to marry, but she'd had no idea Cormac had guessed the truth of it. This is not the time to delve into that, though, and she forces herself to walk forwards.

"Lower your gun, Cormac. I'm coming with you."

"Hermione, no!" Bellatrix shouts, not turning away from the weapon that is trained on her.

Hermione ignores her plea. "Look after my daughter, Bella. She deserves more than the life she would have back on Port Solis. I can't take her back to that."

She waits for the Captain to reluctantly nod, and then takes the final steps forward until she is at the railing. Cormac grins triumphantly.

"You are mine, Hermione. Say goodbye to your little friends, because you are never going to see the light of day again. You will eat if I let you, sleep if I let you, and breathe if I let you. You have led me on a right merry dance, but you will soon realise who you belong to, you little bitch."

His words are venomous, but she's used to them coming from him. Rather than cower the way she expects, she pushes back her shoulders, the flames of fury rising inside of her. Her whole body shakes, her hands hot and tingly as streams of white magic erupt from her palms, blasting Cormac and the ship away from them.

The sudden cacophony of voices around her disappear, and she stares at her hands in shock. She has magic? In a place where magic shouldn't exist? Her vision darkens at the edges, and she catches the shocked gaze of the Captain before slumping to the deck, unconscious.