One month, Hermione's boys didn't show. They'd almost been religious about spending the same three to five nights in the harbour and taking up seats at her bar top, so when they didn't return for over a month, she began to worry.

Harry had told her the British were patrolling the sea more viciously and many pirates and sailors alike had had their ships blown to the bottom of the sea, but she refused to believe that had happened to Draco, Zabini, and Nott.

"They're notorious enough we would hear about it anyway," Harry said to reassure her. It helped, but she still kept an ear out for any mention of them in the tavern chatter and so did Ginny.

Just over six weeks since the last time she'd seen any of them, Zabini stumbled into the tavern looking as if he was already drunk. Ginny appeared at his side in an instant, escorting him to the bar top and sharing a concerned look with Hermione before twirling off to continue serving beer. Hermione, however, stepped away from the flagons and alcohol and fixed Zabini with a very concerned look.

"He's okay, Granger," Zabini said, rubbing his head in a way that made Hermione think he wasn't telling the whole truth. "We got into a bit of a mess north of Sicily and the git won't stop raving about having a new scar, but he's safe."

"Sicily? Scar?" Hermione struggled to say. The Sicilian sailors were a force to be reckoned with and she knew their reputation on the sea. "What happened, Zabini?" she asked.

"You have a tavern to run right now, Granger," he reminded her, gesturing around the room. He grimaced and his hand went to his side. Hermione narrowed her eyes at him. "I was sent to reassure you. When you've closed up for the night, though, I'm sure the crew would appreciate a visit."

"The crew?" Hermione asked skeptically. Zabini smirked.

"Yes," he replied with a faint smile. "The crew is very unhappy to be stuck on the ship right now, but a house calling would likely do the trick."

"Let me call Gin," Hermione said, reading between the lines.

Waving down Ginny didn't take more than a second and Hermione hardly had to say a word for her to agree.

"I'll make Harry run the bar front since he can't keep house for the life of him," she assured her, taking the flagon from Hermione's hands.

She whistled sharply and the tavern chatter died down for just a moment. It was enough to catch Harry's attention though and when Ginny waved him over, he came running. He hardly spared Zabini a second glance aside from looking surprised to not see Draco and Nott with him.

"Hermione needs the night off," Ginny told him, leaving no room for question. "Get behind the bar and keep up with my orders."

"Aye, aye, captain," he said. He pressed his lips to hers then slid behind the bar and looked at Hermione. "You heard her: Get out."

Hermione sent Ginny a thankful look and wiped her hands with the nearby hand towel quickly. As soon as she was around the corner of the bar, Zabini was at her side and the crowded tavern parted like the sea in front of her.

It occured to Hermione as they stepped onto the docks that she had never actually seen Draco's ship. She only knew it existed in the harbour from the stories he told and that it had to be of relatively good size based on the amount of money he always carried with him. What she did not expect, however, was for Zabini to walk her to the very far end of the port and onto the gang plank of the largest ship at the dock.

"We've been here for a few nights," Zabini admitted as they boarded the ship. "We wanted to make sure he was alright before worrying you, though."

"You've had a doctor on board?" Hermione asked. Zabini offered her his hand and she took it, jumping down onto the ship's deck.

"Yeah. Potter recommended two women—sisters, I believe—and they did a better job than any other patch work doctor we've found," Zabini said.

"The Patil Twins?" she asked, glancing at him. He nodded. "Wait, you talked with Harry? How bad is it, Blaise?"

"It wasn't good," Zabini replied, avoiding the question. He lead her through the ship and stopped in front of a closed door. Hermione could see candle light flickering through the stained window pane and a blurred figure sitting across the room. "We all took a hit, but Draco was hit the worst. Maybe he'll tell you more, but if not, you'll probably sleep better."

"I don't need you to lie to me so I can sleep at night," Hermione said sharply.

"I didn't say it for you, Granger," Zabini said quietly. Hermione's face softened, but he opened the door to Draco's quarters before she could apologise.

Nott was seated beside Draco's bed, a journal on his knee and a quill in his hand. Lying down with his eyes closed, Draco looked like he was fast asleep.

"Granger," Nott said with a nod, smiling at her as she walked in. Draco's eyes snapped open and his head turned to face her.

"Merlin, Draco," Hermione gasped, taking in his gaunt face. She hurried over to his bed and carefully sat on the edge, taking one of his hands in both of hers. "What the hell happened?"

Although Draco had always been pale for a sailor, he looked sickly now. There were bruises around his eyes and he had a wrap around his left shoulder. Nott didn't look much better and when Hermione turned to look at Zabini again, she found he was limping on his way to Draco's bookshelf.

"Someone needs to tell me what happened," she said. The longer she was left to think about it, the more she would panic. She hadn't really allowed the worry to creep in until she'd seen Draco and now that she had, she found she couldn't seem to stop it from rising.

"We crossed paths with a Sicilian crew in northern Italy," Nott explained. He cast a glance at Draco. "They'd heard of us, I suppose, and seemed to think if they attacked us in the port during the night, they'd be able to tell stories about killing the great pirate Malfoy."

"They didn't succeed, of course," Zabini added helpfully. He gestured to Draco and Hermione looked down at him. "Clearly he's still breathing."

"They tried to kill you?" Hermione asked, brushing her fingers over Draco's forehead. He squeezed her hand and Hermione frowned. "Zabini said you've been here for days but only just now sent for me. Why?"

"Couldn't have you worrying," Draco said, his voice scratchy. He cleared his throat and attempted to smile at her. "You have a tavern to run after all and if I hadn't been dead asleep when he left, I wouldn't have let him go."

"I'm glad he did," Hermione said, casting a glance at Zabini. "You're stupid for thinking I'd stay in the tavern." She turned back to look at Nott and Zabini and asked, "Did the Twins look after the rest of the crew too?"

"Yes, most of them have more minor injuries," Nott told her, waving a hand around his head. "Some are inland tonight, but most are sleeping off the bruises."

"Zabini has a limp and you haven't stood up since I walked in," Hermione noticed, nodding at where Nott was staying seated. "Did the Twins check you both?"

"Oh, yes," Draco laughed softly from beside her, grimacing slightly. "Zabini there dislocated his hip and is sporting a bruise so large it could rival the British navy while Nott has half a dozen broken ribs."

"And you?" Hermione asked accusingly, noting how he was in bed while the others were not.

"Yeah, Draco, tell her about you," Zabini said with a smirk. He leaned against the door and crossed his arms, watching Draco in amusement. "What's got you stuck in bed?"

"Doctor's orders," Draco answered smartly. Zabini snorted and Hermione gave Draco a look. He rolled his eyes and gestured to his wrapped shoulder. "Got a nasty slice in my shoulder for one thing and either three or four broken ribs."

"Well, between you and Nott, you have one full set of ribs," Hermione said. Zabini howled in laughter and Nott grimaced after chuckling once.

"You're not funny, Granger," he said, holding his side. "Do you know how painful this is?"

"I imagine it'd be less painful if you hadn't opened yourself up to be hit by Sicilian pirates in the first place," Hermione countered. Nott scowled and Draco squeezed her hand again, drawing her attention back down to him.

"Since Zabini called you on board, you will stay, right?" he asked. Hermione glanced at the door, but knew she wouldn't be leaving anyway.

"That's not very honest of me," she said instead. Draco rolled his eyes.

"You run a tavern, Miss Granger," he said. "Surely you can spend one night on an anchored ship?"

She did. Except one night turned into two and she only left on the third night because Ginny arrived from the tavern to usher her back to work. The fourth night, Draco made his way back into the bar, limping and abstaining from drinking with both Nott and Zabini at his side. If Ginny was annoyed with how slow Hermione turned out drinks that night, she wisely said nothing.

"You could hire another barkeeper," she suggested before they opened the following night. "Then you could have a night off without having to blackmail Harry or Ron. I know someone who would be perfect at the job too."

Hermione promised to consider it and the next evening, she told Ginny to talk to her friend about the idea.

"You'll love Angelina, trust me," she said.

Ginny was, of course, right. Hermione had barely talked with the girl before deciding she was a great choice and offering her the job. By the end of the night, Angelina had full control of the bar and Hermione hardly needed to help.

Exactly a week after Zabini had first taken her to see Draco on his ship, Hermione took another night off and walked through the port herself. She hadn't told them she was coming, but as soon as she stepped onto the ship, she was greeted warmly and let back to Draco's quarters without a second glance.

"—maybe consider a proper courtship first, mate."

Hermione paused outside his door, surprised to hear Zabini's voice coming from the other side.

"He couldn't kiss her without the encouragement, Zabini," Nott chuckled. Hermione smiled at the memory and leaned against the door to see if she could hear them better. "You'll have to ask her to marry you before Draco gets the balls to."

"No one is asking Hermione to marry them except me or I'll feed you to the sharks," Draco threatened.

Hermione inhaled sharply, one hand flying to cover her mouth in surprise as she realised what they were discussing. In her moment of surprise, she missed what was said next. The only thing that seemed to run through her mind was what Draco had just said. She was so lost in her shock that she almost didn't hear Zabini announce he should go check on the rest of the crew.

"—leave you with Nott and your personal problems," he said. A blurry figure appeared in front of the door and Hermione barely had time to stop leaning on the door before it was pulled open.

She tipped forward, but kept from toppling over entirely and looked up at Zabini. He blinked at her, surprised for just a second, then smirked.

"On second thought, I think I'll be taking Nott with me," he said, not looking away from Hermione.

"Why?" Nott asked from out of sight. "Draco is clearly in distress and needs—Me to leave, yes," Nott said, changing his mind as he peered around Blaise and laid eyes on Hermione. "Evening, Granger," he said with a grin.

"Granger?" Draco exclaimed, limping into view. His eyes went wide and Hermione stared at him.

Zabini and Nott shared a look before stepping around Hermione and pushing her into Draco's quarters, closing the door tightly behind them. The room was silent for a second and Hermione rubbed her arm awkwardly.

"You, uh, you didn't happen to hear that, did you?" Draco asked, closing the wide distance between them and taking her hand.

"Would you prefer it if I said no?" she replied. Draco chuckled softly and shook his head.

"No, I suppose not, actually," he admitted with a small smile. "Theo is correct in saying I seem to always need the extra push around you." Hermione smiled. "I understand if you think it's too soon, though."

"It's been well over a year, Draco," she said, squeezing his hand. "I've known many friends who have gotten married in half that time."

"Oh, so you think I'm slow now?" he teased. Hermione laughed and shook her head. "You don't have to agree just for me, Hermione."

"Agree?" Hermione echoed, eyes raising in surprise. "You haven't asked me anything. There's nothing to agree to."

Draco gave her a look but Hermione was not going to let him off that easily. She let go of his hand and took a small step back, motioning for him to begin.

"Hermione, love, don't make this more difficult than it already is," he said, reaching for her hand again. Hermione pulled back and made a show of waiting expectantly. "You are—something else. Fine," he agreed, walking backward to where a small desk was sitting. "But if you interrupt me, I won't start over or continue."

"This is really an awful way to start a proposal," Hermione informed him with a small smirk. Draco scowled at her before turning his back to her just long enough to pluck something out of his desk drawer.

"Miss Hermione Granger," he started, holding one hand behind his back and walking back toward her. "You have been one surprise after another from the moment I first asked you for rum. Not only do you run a tavern in one of the most notorious cities in France, but you keep all those men in check with nothing more than your word."

Hermione opened her mouth to object and remind him that there was a reason she kept a dagger, but Draco gave her a look.

"Don't interrupt me," he said, giving her a look that almost dared her to do it. "I know you carry that dagger and I know you've made quite a show out of those drunks before, but this is my turn to talk. Unless you prefer I end there?"

Hermione scowled, but didn't say anything in case he considered it as interrupting. He grinned and continued.

"You can ask Zabini or Nott if you doubt me, but two years ago, I would have never thought having a wife would make me happier than I was while out at sea," he said. He squeezed her hand tightly then slowly brought his other hand out from behind his back and opened his fist to reveal a shiny gold band. "However, I believe that if I didn't have you with me, I could never enjoy it again."

"Draco," Hermione said softly, looking at the ring he was holding in amazement. It was truly stunning and never in her life would she have expected to receive such an item. An intricate design was carved on the outside and even though it didn't have a gemstone, Hermione thought it was beautiful. "Draco," she said again, looking up to see him smiling softly at her. "Did you steal this?"

His smile dropped and his face scrunched before he gave her a knowing look.

"You are the devil, Miss Granger," he said. He held up the ring in front of her face and with the most serious look he could muster, he said, "No, I did not steal this. It is a family heirloom and would have my father rolling in his grave to hear you suggest I stole it."

Hermione laughed loudly.

"I had to ask," she replied with a grin. She wrapped her arm around his waist, being careful to avoid leaning against his chest where his ribs were still healing. "If you would actually ask me the question, I would be happy to wear it, stolen or not."

Draco rolled his eyes and with the hand that wasn't holding the ring between them, he brushed her hair over her shoulder. He cupped her face gently with his free hand and very softly, he asked, "Hermione, my love, would you marry me?"

"Yes," she replied.

Draco didn't wait to slip the ring on her hand before dropping his lips down to hers and kissing her firmly. His fingers twisted in her hair and her arms tightened gently around his waist so she was pulled as close as she dared against him. He kissed her long and hard and when he finally pulled away, Hermione was gasping for air.

"I'm surprised you didn't interrupt me," he murmured, his lips brushing hers. Hermione laughed softly and closed her eyes happily, relishing the feeling of him sliding the ring onto her hand.

"It was rather difficult, I will admit," she said. Draco let out a breathy laugh then pulled back to brush a kiss to her temple.

"I would have started over if you'd asked me to," he whispered. He leaned his head against hers and Hermione smiled to herself.

"I know."

* * * * *

Zabini and Nott were over the moon when Hermione walked out of Draco's quarters the following morning with the ring on her hand. They hooted loud enough that the crew of a nearby ship tried to see what the excitement was about, but Hermione didn't bother shushing them. Instead, she kissed Draco in front of his crew and walked off the ship as the yelling increased, leaving Draco to deal with his crew.

The news spread quickly it seemed and as Hermione began to prepare the tavern for opening, she got many calls of congratulations. Ginny's, however, were the most enthusiastic.

"I have the perfect flowers from my garden," she said as soon as she walked into the tavern. "You'll have them at the wedding, of course."

"Ginny," Hermione sighed with a smile. Ginny would not hear any objections and it was until the first crew stepped into the tavern that Hermione had to listen to all Ginny had planned.

"Harry, Angelina, and I will take care of the tavern while you're gone," she said, talking as if the decision had already been discussed. As far as Hermione knew, it had been. "Do you know when you want to have the ceremony? Perhaps I should make you ask for the days off in advance."

"This is my tavern, Ginny," Hermione reminded her, passing over a tray of rum and sending her off. "I'll be leaving when I want."

"Leaving?" Zabini asked, dropping onto the stool just opposite of her. "But we've only just arrived."

"Leaving for her wedding, you git," Ginny said, rolling her eyes at Zabini before disappearing into the rapidly growing crowd.

"The wedding? Have you talked about that yet?" Zabini asked, looking first at Hermione then at Draco who sat down beside him. "I wasn't aware the plans were already beginning."

"They're not," Hermione informed him. She handed over their regular order of rum then began filling up new flagons for Ginny.

"Good, because as first mate, I will be officiating the ceremony," Zabini announced. Hermione glanced at him over her shoulder then looked at Draco.

"He's very proud of his position," Draco said with a smile.

"Yes, well as long as your services are free, first mate, that would be lovely," Hermione said. Zabini's smile broadened and Draco smiled into his flagon of rum.

"You're serious? I get to officiate your marriage?" Zabini asked. Hermione spared a glance at Draco who nodded in agreement and she smiled at Zabini. He whooped loudly and pounded his fist on the bar top. "I hope you have plenty of rum, Granger, because I am going to celebrate."

Hermione allowed it and passed Zabini a new flagon every time his emptied. She hadn't seen Zabini ever get drunk off his ass before, but with an endless supply of rum in front of him, it only took until halfway through the night before he was struggling to stand upright.

"Now look what you've gone and done, Granger," Nott said, waving a hand at Zabini who had found the dart board. "We're going to have to tuck him into bed and sing him a nursery rhyme."

"I'm sure he'd appreciate it," Hermione replied, handing two pints of beer to Ginny before she could even request them.

"Maybe we'll let him sleep here," Draco mused, grinning at Hermione over the top of his flagon. "He's a right arse the morning after and this is all your doing."

"I'm afraid I have a very strict policy against drunks remaining in the bar after closing," Hermione said. She winked at Draco then turned back around to fill up more pints and flagons as Ginny dropped onto the stool beside him.

"Who let Zabini get drunk?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder at the man in question. "He's beating Harry at darts and you know how Harry gets about that."

"Is he?" Hermione asked, spinning around to find Zabini. Sure enough, he was doing a happy little dance while Harry glared at him. "Draco, darling, if you ever want Zabini to walk in here again, now may be a good time to take him out."

"Is Potter really that much of a bore?" Draco asked. Ginny scowled at him and Hermione gave him a look. "Just a quick question," he said, reaching for Hermione's hand as she passed Ginny the filled cups. "If I don't and he continues beating Potter, do I get to see you use that dagger again?"

"Fuck me, mate," Nott grumbled, rolling his eyes and sharing a look with Ginny.

"If you stick around, you'll see me use my dagger plenty of times," Hermione said, squeezing his hand. She nodded her head at Zabini, though, and said, "I really don't want to force Zabini or Harry out, though, so would you please take care of your first mate?"

Draco smiled and kissed her knuckles before letting go of her hand.

"Alright, Nott," he said, pulling Nott off his seat. "Let's go."

Nott nodded to both Hermione and Ginny before following Draco over to where Zabini was attempting to throw darts. The two girls watched as they each took one of Zabini's arms and hauled him out of the tavern, singing a drunken song to himself. As they passed some of the remaining customers, the song grew louder and soon Hermione was listening to the familiar tale of Charlie Mops being shouted and slurred across the whole tavern.

* * * * *

They never set a date, Hermione realised. Not that it particularly mattered anyway as the plan was to get married at sea, but Ginny asked often and she always had to say they still hadn't talked about it. What happened instead was really rather sudden.

Draco left for a while after he had healed enough that he could use his arm like normal and didn't inhale sharply when reaching for something. Hermione had argued with him about it for the first time, insisting he stay at least a little longer, but he wouldn't hear of it.

"Those Sicilians are waiting for me, love," he told her, cupping her face. "What kind of pirate would I be if I didn't finish what they started?"

Hermione expected him to be gone longer, but he arrived nine days later with a cut across his forehead and a wide grin. It was hours after opening the tavern and Hermione was certain the port was closed, but he didn't seem to have a care in the world as he marched across the tavern and took up his usual seat at the bar.

"You'll sail with me tomorrow, won't you?" he asked before she had even set down a flagon of rum in front of him.

"Whatever for?" Hermione asked, setting a full flagon of rum in front of him. Draco hardly touched it and instead took her hand.

"You agreed to marry me," he reminded her. He tugged on the small chain around her neck to reveal her ring and held it up in front of her. "I intend to make you fulfill that promise."

Hermione laughed. She hadn't forgotten that, of course, but to hear Draco make such a forward statement amused her.

"You'll have to allow Ginny on your ship," she told him. Draco frowned as he realised that meant Harry and most likely Ron as well. "It's entirely possible to hold a ceremony on land here, Draco. Most of Marseille wouldn't even blink."

"Not possible," Draco told her, releasing her hand so she could quickly fill Ginny's drinks. "Zabini is the only one I'll have officiate it and if that means bringing Ginevra and family, so be it."

"Hey now," Ginny said, scowling at Draco.

"You'll be there tomorrow, right, Ginny?" Hermione asked, stacking Ginny's tray with full flagons of rum.

"I'll have to miss it," Ginny said, giving her an apologetic look that quickly morphed into a sly grin. "Harry doesn't know it yet, but I've found I'm too queasy in the mornings to do much but stay at home. Being on a ship would certainly not be any better."

"Ginny!" Hermione gasped, dragging her eyes down to Ginny's stomach that was cleverly covered with many skirts. "You're—"

"Yes, now hush up," Ginny scolded, hoisting the tray of rum onto her shoulder. She glanced at Draco then told her, "I don't want the word spreading before I can tell him."

"As soon as we get back to shore, I'll come see you," Hermione promised. Ginny laughed and shook her head, giving her a knowing look.

"No, you won't," she said. "You spend a good week here with Tightpants then we'll see about a visit."

She twirled off into the crowd before Hermione could say anything else. When she turned back to the bar, Draco was smirking at her and tapping his fingers on the bar top.

"Tightpants?" he asked.

"Drink your rum," Hermione ordered, pointing to the flagon then turning to open the next barrel. Draco laughed but did as instructed before joining her behind the bar and helping wash used flagons while she poured drinks.

* * * * *

Nott was the one to meet her outside the tavern just after dawn the next morning. His wrinkled shirt was clean and tucked into his trousers neatly and Hermione smiled at the clear effort he'd made. He offered her his arm with a smile and, gathering her gown in one hand, she let him take her to the port.

"You sure pack light for a lady," he said, giving her a teasing grin.

"I wasn't aware I'd need more than a trunk I sent with Draco last night," she replied, recalling how he'd told her to bring enough to stay at sea for a night or two. "Are we taking a grand voyage?"

"No, not at all," Nott said, patting her hand. "Just teasing, love."

They shared a smile as they approached the ship and Nott let her lead the way up the gang plank. A few of the crew members were scattered around the ship, preparing to sail, but Draco was nowhere in sight.

"He's having a fit with Blaise," Nott explained. Hermione snorted. Of course. "I'll take you to his quarters to wait. Some of the crew can get—Well, I don't think Draco would appreciate me leaving you alone."

"I can handle a pirate," Hermione said, her hand drifting to her side where her dagger was strapped to her thigh.

"Probably better than me, yes," Nott agreed, glancing at her. "However, there's no reason to give Draco any more reason to have a fit."

He pushed open the door to Draco's quarters and Hermione laughed at the perfectly made bed. During the few times she'd been on his ship, she'd never seen it short of messy.

"We'll take sail here shortly," Nott told her as she let go of his arm. "Once we're at sea, someone will be by."

"Thank you, Theo," she said. Nott grinned and nodded at her, then ducked out of the room to help prepare the ship.

Hermione took the time to browse the many books and journals Draco had scattered around the room. She pulled a freshly bound book off the shelf and flicked through the pages, surprised to find intricate drawings. Sitting down on the edge of Draco's bed, she took her time to look at all the drawings and gently brush her fingers over the charcoal. As she gazed at the third drawing, she felt the ship lurch and heard Draco's voice shout from the deck. She glanced up at the door, but soon returned her attention to the very detailed drawing of her grinning from behind the tavern bar top.

Many of the drawings were of her, she realised quickly. From the many nights he'd spent at the tavern to the first time she'd been on his ship. There was one of her laughing at him and holding up her hand to show off the ring. Another of her behind the bar top, opening a new barrel of rum. There was even one of her holding her dagger, looking dangerously angry as she shouted at two men on the stairwell. Finnagan and Smith, she guessed.

"You've discovered his secret talent."

Hermione jumped, not having heard the door open, and turned to see Nott standing in the doorway smirking.

"He draws a lot," she said. Nott nodded. "He draws me a lot."

"Of course he does," Nott said as if it made all the sense to him in the world.

"Why?"

"He's always drawn the things he loves most," Nott told her. He stepped into the room and scanned the shelf of journals as he said, "His father's memory failed early in his life and he's always worried the same will happen to him. He drew the crew and places we sailed to for years."

Nott pulled an old, dusty journal off the shelf and opened it to show her the many sketches of shorelines and cities. A bustling tavern she didn't recognise. Nott and Zabini drinking on the ship deck.

"How long has he been drawing me?" she asked, turning back to the first page in the book she was holding. Her face stared back at her, but her hair was covering most of it as an invisible wind blew around her.

"Since we first went to your tavern," Nott said. He put the old journal back and pulled another one down. Flipping to just past the middle, he turned through the pages. "Here," he said, showing her another drawing. The viewpoint was from the corner of her tavern, but she was still the center of the focus. "He bought a whole new journal after this," Nott chuckled, showing her the empty pages after. "He felt like you deserved your own."

Hermione set down the journal she'd grabbed and took the one from Nott to look closer at the drawing. Even though it was clearly an earlier drawing, she could see the familiar detail he always seemed to put in her face.

"You can't tell him I told you that," Nott said as she closed the journal. "He's incredibly private about his drawings and I would be fish food if he found out."

"I won't tell him," she promised. Nott nodded and tucked the journals back in their spots on the shelf.

"Now, I should probably warn you before you leave this room that Draco will cry when he sees you," Nott said, taking her hand and tucking it in his elbow once again. Hermione gave him a curious look. "The git may be captain of this ship, but he's a fucking baby and you look gorgeous, Granger. He's going to cry."

"Even with his crew watching?" Hermione asked, looking down at the dress she'd chosen to wear in an attempt to hide her redding cheeks.

"Oh absolutely," Nott promised. He led her out of the room and across the ship, giving her hand a small squeeze when she looked up to see Draco standing at the bow of the ship.

Just like Nott warned her, Draco seemed to be teary eyed even with the banjo playing instead of an organ. Zabini muttered something to him with a grin and while Draco attempted to glare at him, the effect was ruined by him wiping his eyes.

"Told you," Nott whispered, taking her hand from his arm and giving it over to Draco.

"Whatever Nott told you, it's a lie," Draco said, scowling over her shoulder at his friend.

"He said you'd be crying," Hermione said with a smile. Draco's scowl deepened. "Oh, don't give him that."

Draco grumbled and looked away from Nott to take in the sight of Hermione in front of him. Even though she'd braided her hair back, the sea wind blew small wisps around her face that refused to be held down. He couldn't honestly say he recognised the gown she was wearing as he was certain he would remember the simple white lace.

"You look lovely," he told her.

"Thank you," she replied, looking down at her gown again. She'd known it was nicer than her usual gowns, but she hadn't expected it to have such an affect on him.

"You both look wonderful, yes, but we don't want to be here all day," Zabini said, cutting in between them. Draco glared at him and even Hermione sent him a slightly annoyed look, but Zabini didn't look like he cared. "Wonderful!" he exclaimed, clasping his hands together. "I hope you both know I have nothing prepared for this."

"Zabini, you absolute—"

"Hey, now," Zabini interrupted. "Don't start name calling or I won't marry you."

Draco set his lips in a thin line and stared at Zabini, waiting for him to continue.

"Our lovely Miss Granger," Zabini said, turning to look at Hermione first. "You agreed to get married on a pirate's ship off the French coast, so I can only assume the answer to this question, but do you agree to marry our wretched captain?"

Draco sent Zabini a dangerous look, but Hermione spoke before Draco could tell Zabini off.

"Yes," she said, squeezing Draco's hand to draw his attention back. His face softened as his eyes returned to hers and she smiled.

"And do you, oh wretched captain," Zabini raved, making Draco sigh irritatedly. "Agree to marry the lovely Miss Granger?"

"Zabini, I swear I'll throw you to the sea."

"Well, if you don't answer the question, I'll take Granger myself," Zabini threatened. Draco glared fiercely and pulled Hermione closer as Zabini stared back. "Yes or no, wretched captain?"

"Yes," Draco growled out.

Zabini nodded contentedly.

"Perfect," he said. He put one hand on Hermione's shoulder and the other on Draco's before saying, "As first mate, I announce you both married!"

Draco smiled and pulled Hermione's face up to his, pressing a soft kiss to her lips before Zabini shoved them apart.

"Fantastic that I've done that, but why are we still at sea when Granger has a supply of rum on land?" he asked, ignoring Draco's angry glare.

"If I turn this goddamn ship around, every last one of you will spend the next three days out of my sight and off of my ship," Draco snarled, keeping his arm wrapped tightly around Hermione.

Zabini and Nott shared a look before one of them gave the shout to return to land. The crew hastily moved around the ship, but Hermione and Draco stayed put.

"I'm sorry Zabini ruined it," Draco said, cradling her neck with one hand and wrapping the other around her waist.

"It was perfect, Draco," Hermione laughed softly, pressing her lips to his jaw. "If it's all the same to you, I'd much prefer the ship to ourselves. Even if it means your crew drinks my tavern dry."

"Oh, they will," Draco said, glancing over his crew as they ran to and fro. He looked back down at her with a smile, though, and said, "I am looking forward to three long, uninterrupted days alone with my wife."

Hermione hummed and pulled his head down to kiss him more firmly, ignoring the shouts of the crewmates as they prepared to dock less than an hour after leaving the port. After all, Zabini had rather abruptly stolen away their first kiss as pirate and wife and she was not about to let him or the crew keep her from getting another.