Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:56:38 -0800 (PST)
From: Journeyman Harper <journeymanharper@yahoo.com>
Subject: Inheritance (Gay Male/Celebrity)

                         Inheritance
                    By Journeyman Harper

Harry Potter, and all the characters and references to that
wonderful world are property of J. K Rowling, Scholastic
Publishers, Warner Brothers, and their respective holders.

This story is fiction (of course), and is compliant with the
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Book Seven in the
sequence. It has some creepy moments. If you ever wondered
what "Pirates of the Caribbean" would be like with wizards,
read on!

Welcome to Inheritance!

***

Headmistress Minerva McGonagall met Harry Potter, defeater
of Voldemort, and NEWT-level wizard in her Transfiguration
classroom. Her class was about to begin. And she had
something for him.

Since the Battle of Hogwarts and the defeat of the Dark
Lord, it had taken considerable wizarding skill to return
Hogwarts to a usable school again. But everyone pitched in,
and within a few weeks things had returned to some semblance
of normalcy. Poignant moments were had by all, as the
reminder of the deaths and injuries arose briefly. But
still, the world restored itself to order.

Harry, who had missed seven of the nine months of schooling
for the NEWT exams, was desperately cramming what little he
could achieve. Once or twice a guilty thought went through
his mind about how much easier the NEWTs would be if he had
kept the Elder Wand. But no, there were bigger things at
stake than that, and while he was particularly strong in
Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms, Transfiguration
and Potions needed bolstering. But without the threat of
Voldemort, and with the nightmares finally receding, he
found that he could apply himself more readily than he had
thought.

As he entered and took his place, McGonagall came over to
him with a parcel.

"Mr. Potter, I think you will find this a most interesting
object. It has nothing to do with your NEWT work or
Transfiguration, but I found it in the cleanup and felt that
it may give you some insight into your history."

Harry took the parcel. "What is it, Professor?"

"A diary. Not just any diary. It is an account from
centuries ago of one of your ancestors. As far as I can
tell, it belonged to the only young man who was the black
sheep in your family history. A legend in his own time."

"Thank you, Professor." He paused, then asked, "What went
wrong with him?"

She smiled. "Most of all, he wasn't a Gryffindor. Ravenus
Potter was sorted into Ravenclaw. But he also was as brave,
courageous and stubborn as a certain Gryffindor who saved us
all." She regarded him seriously. "He and you have many
traits in common. In many ways the world was a different
place back then. Your defeat of the Dark Lord has put you in
a place of power and you can wield great influence. You are
bound to be challenged in many different ways." She pointed
at the parcel. "He was forced onto one path. You have
choices. I am hoping you will understand what and why things
happened for Ravenus."

Curious, Harry nodded. Class resumed. His day continued, and
it wasn't until later that night that Harry thought of the
parcel again. Sitting in the Gryffindor Common Room, with
the firelight dancing in the grate, he removed the wrappings
and revealed a very worn, leather bound book. Opening to the
first page, he read the simple title and inscription. The
writing was a little childish, and the spelling a little
odd. But there it was.

My Diary.
Ravenus Potter.
Read Not Without Permission

Harry continued to the next page. He gasped when he saw the
date on the top of the first page, and read on.

September the second, 1670.

My name is Ravenus Potter. I have three brothers. They each
are Hermes, James and Horatio. We are different in that they
have brown hair from my father's first wife, and I have
black hair and black eyes from my father's second wife. My
father is James Potter also, and my mother's name is Lydia.
I was born on March the nineteenth of 1659. I have been here
at Hogwarts now for five days, and I am so unhappy. All my
brothers went into Gryffindor House, and I thought I would
too. But the Sorting Hat couldn't make up its mind. It sat
on my head for almost a minute, telling me things I knew
about myself. I was so scared because it knew everything. It
knew I could do more magic than my brothers could, and that
they and I never really got along. It told me I was brave
enough for Gryffindor, but that Slytherin was the place for
loners like me. I didn't like that, so I just kept thinking
about how much I didn't want Slytherin. It seemed to know
that, but it wouldn't let me into Gryffindor with the way my
brothers and I were. So it put me in Ravenclaw. I don't
think that is so bad, but my brothers did. Hermes
especially, who wrote home by owl to my mother and father.
They sent me a Howler about how unhappy they were that I
didn't make Gryffindor. I am afraid I cried a lot, although
the other Ravenclaw students were nice to me. At least my
brothers aren't first years like I am.

***

Harry's heart went out to this little boy. Ravenclaw wasn't
bad. But the narrow-mindedness of the Potter parents was not
constructive. He suddenly realized that not only was this
diary educational for use as a wizard, it also would have
insight for him as a future parent. Ginny might have good
role models for that, but he certainly did not. He doubly
thanked McGonagall for her gift. And he continued.

***

17th of September, 1670.

Darius Diggle is my best friend. We study together. He is
good with magic, but he has to work at it. He was a little
mad at me because in Potions I managed a perfect Sleeping
Draught on the first try, and it took him two to get an
acceptable one. I caught two other Ravenclaws kissing and
stuff late tonight as I was practicing Charms. They weren't
really embarrassed, but got mad at me anyway. But before
they could do anything, the Ravenclaw Prefect came in. He
was stern, but nice to me despite.

20th of September, 1670.

Darius and I got in trouble. I had learned an Invisibility
spell, and we had gone out to see the Threstrals. They were
so nice and friendly. But it was after Curfew, and Professor
Malfoy caught us. I used the Invisibility Spell and got
Darius out of harm's way, but it was too late for me. I had
to do detention with Malfoy. Lines, lines, and more lines.
Darius felt so bad.

***

Harry read on. A long list of mischief. Apparently Ravenus
was a very good and clever wizard, but he had all the
Gryffindor adventure. His comments about Gryffindors were
telling, in that they all seemed to be brave warriors but
not very good wizards. There was a long break, and then the
diary resumed.

***

19th of March, 1671.

I found this diary again. Today I am twelve years old. I've
learned so much. I have perfect grades so far in all my
classes. Today we learned dueling, and the Disarming Charm.
That was easy, as I had learned it from my brothers years
ago. They didn't think I knew about the Shield Charm,
Confounding or Stupefying, but I showed them. Professor
Laurentius was pleased but a little unnerved. But in
dueling, I am still undefeated. No one could get a touch on
me.

30th of March, 1671.

Well, today was scary. There was a big fight in the Great
Hall today between the Gryffindors and the Slytherins. Since
we Ravenclaws sit in the middle between them, we all ducked
but still got hit with spells and curses. I was so scared
because I could see the spells bouncing off shields and
stuff that I used the Shield Charm as strong as I could over
us first years. It worked so well that it covered the entire
Ravenclaw table, and nothing got through. It wasn't until
all the Gryffindors and Slytherins began aiming at me that I
had to do something, so I used the Disarming Charm. Now they
are all mad at me because I disarmed them all. The
Headmaster wants to talk to me later. All I was trying to do
was protect us. Now I am in trouble.

It is later. The Headmaster and I talked about how helpful I
had been and that it was unusual for a first year to have so
much power, let alone know the spells. Most of what I knew
he told me was at least OWL level and that wouldn't come for
a couple years. We then did some exercises on some very
intricate spells, like Inscription, and Transfiguration of
objects. I think he was impressed. It seems like the level
of detail in a transfiguration goes up as skill gets better.
I'm a little scared.

Oh, I also had a letter from father. It seems that Hermes
has been telling tales about me, and I am in trouble again.
Maybe I should practice on him.

8th of Aprille, 1671.

I found a book today. One of the Slytherins left it out on
the table, and I could tell it was from the Restricted
Section immediately. Maybe I shouldn't have, but I grabbed
it and took it with me. I just finished reading it. It was
called Common Spells for Darke Magick. There was a lot of
interesting stuff in there. I know I probably shouldn't be
reading it, but I tried some of these and they really
worked. The Prefect caught me, but I used a carefully
applied Obliviate Charm on him and removed the memory. I
feel a little guilty about that, but I don't want to get in
trouble.

10th of Aprille, 1671.

I got caught again with the Threstrals. Professor Malfoy
really has it in for me. I tried the Obliviate Charm on him
but he shielded too quickly. The Headmaster has forbidden me
from using it. I lost thirty five points from Ravenclaw for
that. Even Darius is mad at me.

***

Harry read on. He then came to a page that had been smeared
a bit from water. His heart in his throat, he continued the
tale.

***

30th of June, 1671.

Father beat me today. My grades came in from Hogwarts, and
they were all perfect except for History of Magick. No one
ever does well there. All the teachers commented that I was
a very good and clever student who performed years above
grade. Father beat me because I did better than all my
brothers did, and they were Gryffindors. A Ravenclaw
shouldn't outperform Gryffindors. I spent the rest of the
day and night out in the field looking at the stars. I think
I will take Astronomy and Arithmancy next term.

7th of July, 1671.

Today was bad. I have spelled this diary so that if any of
my family members reads this, it will burn up. Hermes would
not leave me alone. He is seventeen now, and can legally
apparate. Everywhere I went, he found me and kept hitting
me. I finally pulled out my wand and Stupefied him. But he
wouldn't stop, and I lost my temper. They didn't know that I
knew the Cruciatus Curse, and I used it on him. I was so mad
and so angry, I kept it on him for like a minute. It must
have hurt him a lot, because he was crying and screaming.
When I stopped, he told me that they send wizards to Azkaban
for using that Curse, that it was one of the three
Unforgivable Curses. I didn't want to go to Azkaban, so I
Obliviated him. I don't think anyone knows. It was lucky
that I had removed the Trace from me last week, or else the
Ministry would know.

17th of July, 1671.

Mother is very sick. Sometimes I think she is the only one
who loves me. But she has a sickness of the blood and it is
killing her. I don't think she will live much longer. Father
is very worried. Things will get worse if she dies. I don't
want her to die. If she does, I will be all alone. I think
she will, though. No one at St. Mungos has been able to help
her.

21st of July, 1671.

Mother died this morning. We have buried her here in
Godric's Hollow. Father and I attended the funeral, but
Hermes, James and Horatio did not. James and I have started
to get along better, but Horatio and Hermes are becoming
very difficult. Father was nice to me today too. I went back
there that evening with Father and my brothers, and he said
that it was too bad the flowers would wilt on her grave. I
pulled my wand out and used the Permanence Charm on the
flowers, and told them that they would never ever wilt,
forever. Father was very surprised, and none of my brothers
or Father had ever heard of that spell. I am going to have
to be careful about how much I know. I am surprised at how
much they don't know. I had to make dinner because no one
else had watched Mother do it.

I had a letter from Darius today. He can't wait to get back
to Hogwarts. Neither can I.

21st of Auguste, 1671.

Today was very strange. I was out in the fields trying to
avoid my brothers when I heard moaning from two people. One
was definitely Hermes, and the other was definitely a girl.
I cast Invisibility and approached slowly. It was so
strange. I mean, I have heard about sex and haven't done it
myself, but Hermes had no clothes on and was pushing his
thing in and out of this girl's hole between her legs. They
looked very much like they were enjoying it, like you enjoy
a good run or something that is hard but you feel good about
doing it after it is done. I couldn't take my eyes off of
Hermes. He has this nice butt, and a really nice back and
shoulders, and his thing was really big and his balls were
going back and forth. I barely noticed the girl. She had
boobs, I guess, but it was kind of icky. Hermes like them
enough, as he turned her over and put his thing into her
from behind like I have seen horses and dogs do on our
neighbor's farm. He kept holding and squeezing them. I think
that would hurt, but she liked it. Well, anyway, they got
faster and faster until something happened that they both
loved, and it was over. Hermes did the Cleansing Charm wrong
and gave her a rash, but she fixed it. I think I have seen
her at Hogwarts. She then did something bizarre for him. She
actually put his thing in her mouth! At first it was yucky
to me, but as I watched Hermes really really liked it. He
shouted that he was coming, and she stopped while he spurted
out this white stuff from his thing. Not like pee at all.
That was it, I guess. But when they were gone away, I saw
James crawl out from under a bush, holding his thing. He
rubbed it a lot and then he moaned and shot his own white
stuff. Maybe I can ask him about that.

23rd of Auguste, 1671.

I talked with James. He really is nice to me. He explained
all about that stuff. It sounds like come, but is spelled c-
u-m . And it feels really really good. It is what happens
when husbands and wives make babies, but also can be made to
happen by doing it yourself. James is worried, though, as I
told him how much I watched Hermes instead of the girl. He
says that that is called being gay, and Father would be very
angry. He won't tell anyone, he said, but I can't tell
anyone either. I think I will ask Darius, though. He is my
best friend. But it is going to have to wait until Hogwarts.

27th of Auguste, 1671.

I had my first cum today! Tomorrow it is back to Hogwarts,
so I went out into the fields again, went Invisible, and
took out my thing. James called it a cock, although the
correct word is penis, no one ever says that. Oh well. So I
rubbed my cock like I remembered seeing James do it, and it
felt very good. Then all of a sudden it felt incredible, and
I spurted my own white stuff. Later today, I peeked at
Horatio as he was changing. No one saw me, but compared to
Hermes and James, his is pretty small. Mine was as big as
Hermes. I guess that is a good thing. I'll ask Darius.

11th of September, 1671.

I told Darius about Hermes, and the girl. He has seen his
older brother do the same thing to a girl. Today though I
watched Darius wash in the bathing rooms. He has a nice butt
too, for a young guy. He is not quite as big as I am, and he
knows how to cum too. He saw me watching, and winked at me.
I don't know why but that got me so excited. I think I will
explore this.

***

A big break, and then the story resumed. Harry found he was
absolutely fascinated with what Ravenus was describing.

***

21st of October, 1671.

Darius and I found two books in the library about gay
people. The first one wasn't very nice. The second one was
in the Restricted Section. I had long ago broken in there,
and found it by accident. We took it out and read it. It was
full of things about how men could have sex together with
their cocks, butts, and mouths. It was so exciting I came
right there in the library. Darius was very embarrassed. But
we wrote down some of the things and are going to try them
tonight.

22nd of October, 1671.

Darius and I got caught by the Prefect. All we were doing
was sucking each other quietly. But the Prefect found us. I
thought we were in big trouble. But he opened his robes, and
said he wouldn't tell if one of us would do it for him. He
was nice and hard and pretty long, and that sounded so good
to me I didn't give Darius a chance. He held my head onto
him and he actually came in my mouth! Cum tasted OK from
him. He said that anytime we got in trouble with him, if we
would do that he would forget about our trouble. Sounds good
to me! Although I think that is what is called blackmail, it
only counts if I don't want to suck him like that. And I
want to very much!

3rd of November, 1671.

Darius isn't gay. He found a girl he likes now that he is
thirteen and has stopped being interested in the gay thing.
He is still my best friend.

22nd of December, 1671.

I'm staying here at Christmas. Father said it was OK. He has
a new wife now, Arabella. I think she used to be one of
Mother's friends. I don't want to be anywhere near Hermes or
Horatio. James told me that Horatio was mad that I was
staying because he wanted to beat me up. I told James that I
could defend myself. James said that Horatio was almost
failing his classes and that everyone was mad about that. It
would make everyone extra mad if I was there with my almost
perfect grades. Horatio may be brave, but he was stupid.
James told me then that he loved me, but our family was a
problem. I understand now.

25th of December, 1671.

Christmas was so unfair. I got some super spell books from
the teachers here - all above OWL level. But only a note
from Father, who said that he had had to spend the money he
would have used for my present on a new wand for Horatio.
James sent me some of his old robes that had the Gryffindor
symbol removed, saying that he was sure I could transfigure
them. That meant more to me than any present from Father.

4th of January, 1672.

I could kill Darius. He told his girlfriend that I was gay.
She told her friends. Now all of Ravenclaw doesn't like me
anymore, and the other Houses are out to hurt me. I can
defend myself.

12th February, 1672.

I did the most amazing thing today. The seventh year
Ravenclaws stole my wand. I was so mad and so scared that
right in front of them I used the Accio Summoning Charm,
without my wand. It worked! I was so surprised, and so were
they. It was a good thing, I think, because they stopped
thinking about me as a gay boy but as a powerful wizard in
Ravenclaw. I need that. Darius and I are still not friends
like we used to be.

7 Aprille 1672.

I should write more in this diary. Today a Slytherin got
hold of Darius, and was using a Tickling Charm on him.
Darius was really scared, and so when I saw this I Stupefied
the Slytherin. The Headmaster told me I shouldn't stupefy
students, but what else should I do? They were hurting
Darius! We are better friends now than recently. Being gay
has not been talked about. Maybe everyone forgot.

12 Aprille 1672.

I had to Obliviate Horatio today again about the gay thing.
James saw me do it and was very surprised at how easy it was
for me. Later I saw James with his Gryffindors. He has lots
of friends. I realized today that I have Darius, and really
no one else. It is kind of lonely when your one friend isn't
all that friendly like he used to be.

***

Harry put the book down. His heart went out three hundred
twenty years back to the young student. Sure there were gay
students at Hogwarts now, but they weren't persecuted for
it. Harry wasn't gay, for sure. Ginny occupied his thoughts
and fantasies, and in fact he had had a particularly good
one this morning with her and a mountain hideaway. They had
actually talked about sex and it was only school oversight
that had kept them from doing some serious exploring
together. She was going to be a tiger.

Looking at the time, Harry decided to continue on. He found
more happenings at Hogwarts, more rivalry among the Houses,
and that Ravenus had ended the year again with near perfect
grades. He was horrified that the boy had been beaten again
for showing up the Gryffindor brothers.

There was a long break then, followed by a new sequence of
entries.

***

19th of March, 1675.

I found this diary again, and have decided to resume
writing. Maybe it will help. Classes are so boring. I am
sixteen now, and have not received any birthday presents.
Father, Hermes, and Horatio don't write anymore. James sends
me a note now and then. He works in the Ministry, which
pleased Father. Hermes works for Gringotts and Horatio is
working the farm. Hogwarts was a waste for Horatio.

I have been made a Prefect. First in the family in many
years. I had thought Father would be happy, but he wasn't
because, again, his precious little Gryffindors never made
Prefect. But the teachers here have been wonderful and I
have learned so much.

Darius and I are better friends again, after all this time.
He is not gay, but at least he is tolerant. The Prefect
thing turned around a number of people. After all, a
Ravenclaw Prefect is about as knowledgeable as you can get.
I have learned much on the Dark Magic side from Professor
Nigellus. He seems to have gotten past the Slytherin
hypocrisy.

I have been going Invisible and visiting the lake a lot. The
Mer-people and the Centaurs come over to talk to me. The
Centaurs are amazing with Astronomy; I have learned so
incredibly much. I can tell where I am anytime at night and
how the patterns shift and move.

I think I am ready for my NEWTs. I got a dozen OWLs last
year, all Outstanding. I have petitioned the Headmaster to
take them this year, not next. We will see what he says.

I am very lonely. No one around me is gay. It is as if a
brick wall like the one at Diagon Alley has been built
around me, and I can't find anyone to open it. They are
scared of me, too.

Oh yes, I got my ear pierced and wear a small steel stud in
it. That made the other Ravenclaws really act weird, and I
got all kinds of comments from the faculty. But it is my
ear, and I wanted it. I used my own money from making and
selling potions. The other students seem to act like kids,
really. It is like they never grew up, even the Seventh
Years. I seem so much older than them.

25th of May, 1675.

This may be my final entry. Yesterday I got Outstanding on
all my NEWTs. All Outstandings, and a year early. Any normal
family should be proud, right? Not Father. It was one more
thing that showed that I was a successful Ravenclaw and not
a Gryffindor. So he was mad.

The real problem is that I have a hearing with the Board of
Governors. One of the Gryffindors today was torturing a
Ravenclaw. He was using a series of curses that was really
going into this poor boy, and it was a Seventh year against
a Second year. I was so mad at Gryffindor because of Father
that I broke the curses, and used the Cruciatus Curse on the
Gryffindor. Professor Malfoy saw it, and reported me. If
they choose to, they can expel me for this. But since I have
my NEWTs already, I don't know what they are going to do.
They have my wand. That scares me the most.

30th of May, 1675.

I have been almost expelled. They call it administratively
denied access. The Gryffindor has been expelled. Father is
so furious that he is going to do something rash. I'm only
sixteen and therefore still under his responsibility. I am
really scared at what he is capable of. I found out that
Father actually withdrew me from Hogwarts. He has something
planned and I don't know what it is.

I am really scared. Why did I have to use that curse? Well,
I know why - it was the only way to get through to the
Gryffindor. They are so incredibly thick.

***

Harry saw the writing get quite stilted here.

***

10th of June, 1675.

Father has sold me to a boat's company of mostly Muggles.
Father sold me for a hundred pounds into a five year
indenture as a seaman. He is asleep now in a drunken stupor.
I go aboard tomorrow before dawn. He took the time to tell
me exactly what he thought of me, that he was doing me a
favor instead of the Azkaban sentence. I know they wouldn't
have sent me there. I have one rucksack of my clothes, some
quills and this diary. I doubt I will be able to write much
from now on. I have spelled the diary so it is impervious to
water. Maybe it will survive if I don't.

I am so scared. But I will never forgive Father or Hogwarts
for letting this happen.

19th of June, 1675.

I don't know whether to be happy or angry. Stupid Father
sold me to a band of pirates. Privateers they like to call
themselves. As long as you are on their side, this ship is
OK. The first couple of days were hard. But there were
several new members, and they tolerated us for that long.
One of us, Jack, has already felt the sting of the whip they
call the cat. He is very slow-minded.

Captain Lee was very pleased when he found out that I can
read, write and do mathematics. He had lost his navigator in
a fight, and with all my Astronomy he gave me the sextant. I
still pull lines and climb the rigging, but my big role now
is navigator of the Phantom Raider. That is the ship's name.
She is a barque with three masts, several foresails,
gallants and topgallants, and cannons all along her hull.
Captain Lee is very adventurous. They tell me that I am
terrible with a cutlass, but since we all have to fight
together I have been learning. It isn't good fighting at
all. Slash, stab, disarm and kill. Not at all like the
dueling we used to do at Hogwarts. They say I am getting
better.

14th of July, 1675.

We took our first prize today. The battle was tremendous. I
was scared at first, but when the cannons went off it was
obvious that they had no understanding of trigonometry. I
immediately went down and helped the three end ones aim, and
each of our shots went straight into their rigging, taking
down their masts. That sealed our victory. I was part of the
boarding party, and killed seven of them with my cutlass. It
was easier than I thought. Slash, slash, stab, disarm, and
then I cut their heads off. The blood didn't bother me, but
the other pirates from the Phantom Raider were kind of
surprised. I found out later that I had killed more than any
of them. It didn't seem like a problem to me - after all, it
was them or me. I could feel my magic surging as I fought,
so maybe that played a part. I haven't used magic before
that.

We left their ship to burn. The crew was either dead or
dying. Give me a quick beheading any day over a long
lingering wound. The other ship had Rum on board. That was
good, but it gave me a headache.

27th of July, 1675.

I got knocked into the water today. That was scary. Jack let
slip a line while I was in the rigging, and one of the booms
swung around and hit me. I hung on, but when it swung back
it got me in the shoulder and knocked me loose. Fortunately
they threw me a line and I grabbed it and was pulled back
in. The ones who pulled me in - Jack, Kitton, Barger and the
bosun's mate - were all pretty impressed with my tattoo. I
never mentioned that, did I? I have the Ravenclaw coat of
arms tattooed on the left side of my chest. I am actually
really proud of it, but they didn't know what it was. One of
the crew did, though, I think. He is one of the cannon guys
- Richard Figg. Anyway, it gave me a good chance to see what
I looked like again and I have to say that I like the way I
look.

31st of July, 1675.

Captain Lee asked me this day if I was a wizard. I told him
I was, but I couldn't do much because they had taken my wand
away. He was OK with this, and then told me that Father had
sold me to him on the basis that I was gay and
unintelligent, and could be of service to him. In other
words, Father sold me as a prostitute or a catamite. I think
he understood what I was feeling, as I could not speak for
several minutes. I am so furious with Father. I think when
my indenture is over, I will return to England and kill him.
Not with a wand, either, but with my cutlass.

12th of August, 1675.

I gave Captain Lee a good cock sucking today. He is actually
very attractive, and relatively young too. He didn't really
ask me, although I could tell he wanted something and he
kept adjusting his pants. So I offered to help him relieve
some of his tension, and when we went into his cabin in the
aft of the ship I told him what I could do for him, with
none the wiser, and he accepted. I don't think he wants to
do my ass. He isn't that type. But I can see many more times
in the future for the cock sucking.

18th of August, 1675.

I am exhausted. I am drunk too. We took a prize today, a
French ship larger than us. They found us in the rolling
seas, and immediately went after us. Even though we crammed
on more sail, topgallants and royals too, they drew along
side and the cannons started. It would have been the end of
us except that I could see on their ship a person in flowing
black robes, holding a wand of all things. He was cursing
and flinging force and fire at us. Even without my wand, I
was able to Stupefy him, and when he went unconscious I
Stupefied as many of the crew as I could. It worked!! They
suddenly could not fire anymore and we took them. More
cutlass work, and I killed another six of them. It was then
that I made my way back to the stern and found the French
wizard. He was still unconscious, but he was a threat if he
should wake up. But, to my eternal hope, there was his wand!
I grabbed it, and it was not a bad fit. I had studied some
wand lore at Hogwarts and had some good discussions with
Ollivander. This wand would be OK, but not as good as mine.
As I was examining it, he woke up and went for me. I guess
that the whole concept of death was rationalized at that
point. I mean, cutlass or curse, if my opponent was dead,
why would the how matter? So as he went for me, I was so
tempted to use the Avada Kedavra, but I Stupefied him
instead, and then did the Four Hour Sleep. We looted the
ship and left it, no masts, little rigging, but with most of
her crew alive, and the wizard asleep. I kept the wand. I
can feel it warming me as we return to the Phantom Raider.
Captain Lee is very happy.

19th of August, 1675.

The captain and I had a long talk. Well, that means he asked
questions and I gave him answers. He was very pleased with
the result. I showed him how we could mend things quicker,
heal cuts and wounds faster, purify water, and more. There
is more that I can do, but I have to practice it. He had
heard that many ships were now carrying wizards around for
magic purposes, but he was impressed that I had disabled the
Frenchman. I had thought he might have developed a liking
for me, but I could see the ambition clearly in his eyes as
we spoke.

The memory I have of the French prize is so clear in my
mind. I remember a spell vaguely that would embed a living
memory in a page, like this one, and so I will try to do
that here. Only a true man of Potter blood may invoke it on
the letter R with success.

***

Harry was fascinated by the account. Unable to prevent
himself, he touched his wand to the ornate calligraphic
letter R on the middle of the page. Harry found himself
engulfed in haze, and then landed on the aft deck of what
could only be the Phantom Raider. The roar of cannon fire
swept through the ship, and the enemy shot ripped wood and
splashed water. Harry looked to his left to see a young man
with long, raven-black hair blowing in the wind, and bright
black eyes. He was tanned, but there was no mistaking the
Potter features. This was Ravenus Potter, and he was
attentively watching the battle.

Harry heard a cry, and fire flew from the end of the French
ship towards the barque. A cry from Ravenus and from his own
hands a blast of light streaked to the stern of the French
ship and knocked a distant figure down. Over the next few
minutes, many flashes of light emitted from Ravenus as he
worked his way along the French ship's crew. Then the
boarding, and the sword fighting.

Harry watched Ravenus intently. The young man was very good
with his cutlass. He wasn't berserk during the fighting, but
fierce and methodical. He was working his way to the stern.
A moment of achievement as he recovered the wand, settled
the wizard, and then began collecting the loot.

On the return to the Phantom Raider, Ravenus watched the
captain and Harry could see that Captain Lee was intelligent
and ambitious. But the capture and looting of a ship that
large would have been noteworthy. And then slowly the haze
grew back and Harry was staring at the book again.

It had been so real. Three hundred year old magic, still as
fresh as the day it was made. Ravenus must have been a very
powerful wizard, indeed. He read on.

***

First of October, 1675.

We have arrived at Tortuga. This is an island city and free
port where the various governments have no power. The stench
is terrible. But, anything can be obtained here for a price.

Captain Lee gave out a portion of our prize. It is in gold
pieces, but different from our galleons. I was able to buy
some clothes and secure a room with a fire place. It was the
first time in four months I have been on land and I wanted
to talk to James. It is too far for an owl to go. With my
captured wand, I connected the fireplace to the Floo network
and was able to listen at Father's house. I learned enough.
James had taken his leave of Father. He, Horatio and Hermes
were alone. They did not sound particularly happy, and in
fact I think Father was very low on money. Even being a
pirate, it makes me feel some satisfaction that I am more
successful than they.

I next went in search of James, but could not find him. This
touch of familiarity from home is disturbing. I wonder how
Darius is. But without knowing what he does now, trying to
find him would be dangerous.

Last night I got drunk with the rest of the crew. When I
woke up this morning, there were four of us in the same bed.
Two were women. I think I had sex with both of them. They
seemed pretty happy and left me and Jack. Jack was still
sleeping, but they both winked naughtily at me. I guess I
was good for them. I remember now that their names were Anna
and Grace.

8th of October, 1675.

We are at sea again. It finally happened today. I "gave way"
to the captain. He had been hinting that it was coming and
his interest was growing, so this was no surprise. Since I
am still sixteen, I guess technically that makes me a
catamite. The memory is still vividly clear, so I think I
will try spelling it into this diary again. It started while
I was writing a letter to James.

***

Harry gulped. He was torn. Invoking the ornate letter R
would make him an observer on a very private scene between
Ravenus and his captain. Yes, it was long ago and yes, all
the players had been dead now for at least a quarter
millennium. But this was one of his ancestors, in a deeply
personal moment. Harry could not quite shake the feeling of
voyeurism, but his curiosity drove him into it. He touched
his wand to the letter R, invoking it. The haze came down
around him, and then cleared.

He was in a darkened room. One candle was lit by what must
have been the navigator's desk. Quill in hand, Ravenus had
filled two pieces of parchment with his compressed but
ornate text.  Harry was amazed that he wrote so quickly and
yet it came out so well. Ravenus looked . ravenous. His hair
was back and pony-tailed, and his clothes finally looked
like they belonged on him. They were dark, too. His hands
were strong, not the fragile spidery hands of most
accomplished wizards, but powerful.

The door opened and closed, and a man entered. Ravenus
looked around, and immediately put down the quill.

"Captain, what can I do, sir?" Ravenus regarded the captain
with his respectful grin.

The captain was silent for a moment, and then said quietly,
"It is time for you to execute the purpose for which I
bought you, lad. You will give way to me."

Ravenus carefully schooled his features, but Harry saw a
transition of surprise to dread and then to anticipation
sweep across his face. "Yes, sir." And they both began to
remove their clothes. Ravenus was done first, and the
Ravenclaw tattoo on his chest rippled with his muscular
movement. He was quite obviously a very attractive young
man. His cock was well-shaped, and in fact matched the rest
of him. Ravenus would have been desirable by anyone.

Naked, he came around the captain who had gotten his shirt
off. "Let me help, sir." And he gently and precisely
stripped the captain of his clothes, using the opportunity
to gently caress the captain's cock and balls, and work his
hands over the captain's butt. But when Lee was completely
naked, he moved Ravenus towards the bed, and bent him over,
hands on the edge and facing away from him. Lee was after
sex, not distraction.

"I'm sorry. This will hurt quite a bit as it is not slick."
Lee felt a flash of guilt go through him.

Ravenus went cold, and then reassured his captain. "Perhaps
not." He closed his eyes and muttered, "Lubrio" while
focusing on his opening. The coolness eased his nerves, and
he remembered to push out upon the captain's push in.

Captain Lee regarded the waiting paradise in front of him,
reminded himself that he had paid a hundred pounds for this
and gotten so much more, but this was what he had paid for.
His first stroke in took Ravenus by surprise, and an
involuntary gasp was elicited from both of them.

Harry found this the most erotic experience. He could see
the sensations spreading across the captain's face as he
plundered his crewman. Ravenus was a study in pain-pleasure,
both at a mental level as well as a physical level. The
pistoning of Ravenus continued, as the young man's head was
turned to the right and his eyes were screwed shut and he
breathed through his teeth as the captain pumped and thrust
into him. Minutes later, Lee buried himself into Ravenus and
sighed a loud, long "Ahhhh!" before stopping and removing
himself.

The captain spoke only three words as he quickly pulled on
his clothes. "Carry on, seaman." And he left the room.

Ravenus took a number of long, shuddering breaths. Harry
could see tears in his eyes, and for a moment those raven-
black eyes pierced through the centuries to look straight at
Harry. And then Ravenus closed them, reached his hand down
to his own cock and began to stroke it slowly, and then more
quickly until with a sigh he himself came in his own hand.
After cleaning up and dressing, he resumed his seat and
continued writing. Harry could see, though, that he had just
aged considerably from that one experience.

The haze reasserted itself, and Harry was staring at the
book again. Horrified, he found that he had come in his own
pants. A quick "Scourgify" spell and he was fine, but just
the same . Harry had not realized how erotic that was. He
continued reading.

***

Well, now I've been taken. It was not as bad as I had
feared, but even with the spell it hurt. More of a
stretching than anything. I suppose it gets easier with time
but I hope the captain will wait a while before asking me to
give way again.

I have finished my letter to James. Our next stop is
Bridgetowne in Barbados, and although we will have to come
in near the northwestern edge of the towne rather than into
the harbour, it is supposed to be a proper English towne. If
that is true, then I can obtain some ingredients and news.

11th of October, 1675.

We barely escaped Bridgetowne with our lives. It is quite
astonishing how obvious pirates are in a British towne. They
seem only to be safe in free ports like Tortuga. I did get a
number of ingredients needed for some basic potions, and I
did post my letter to James. I spelled it so none could open
it save him. They have told me it would be two weeks to
return to England.

I had to give way to the captain again. It was easier on me
this time, although I have not cum yet when he does. He took
longer this time, but still finished and left with his
"Carry on, seaman."

I must go now. They have just sighted a British warship
coming after us.

12th of October, 1675.

I can not describe the spectacle before me. Some would say
that we were victorious, but I would prefer to say that we
survived and they did not. Apparently we were recognized in
Bridgetowne, and they were ready for pursuit. The winds
held, but the Brit was faster and tried to give us her full
broadsides. They had a wizard too. It was the first time,
but when they hoisted their colors showing that they were
Brit, they also flew the red and gold flag of Gryffindor.
Gryffindor, of all Houses! The captain asked me about it,
and I explained about the House rivalry. So he asked me if I
had one from my House. Of course not. He looked a bit
downfallen, and then asked if I could create one. It was so
irrational that I pulled out my wand, and shouted "Proclami
Ravenclaw!" and the sails turned dark green with the
Ravenclaw R and symbols on them. The captain's face was
framed in eager joy, and the roar of the crew was
magnificent as we turned and bore into the Brit. I could
tell that they were surprised. The wizard on the Brit
started working on the crew, and before I knew it I had my
wand in hand and shouted "Avada Kedavra!" with all my might
and thought bent on his destruction. And thus I killed him.
What had surprised me then was that another wizard jumped up
and began cursing us, aiming at me! There were two on that
ship! I decided for something a little more mild, and
instead we began exchanging curse after curse. The air
sizzled between us as I worked my way through spellwork.
Finally, I was so lost in the rapture of the spellwork that
I cast the darkest spell I know. It is called the Manger
Noir, and it creates a darkness that consumes the object in
question. When I cast it, the whole back end of the Brit was
swallowed up, and the wizard just escaped with his life. She
went down, but there were many left in her lifeboats. My
last act was to set fire to the Gryffindor flag on the Brit.

We have a lot of damage on Phantom Raider. I was really very
tired then, but I liberally used the Reparo spell to repair
the worst of the damage.

13th of October, 1675.

Most of the crew are afraid of me. I am not quite sure, but
I think it was the Manger Noir that did it. They have seen
me attack people and wizards, but I may have gone too far by
attacking the ship. Then again, they attack ships with their
cannons, so that shouldn't be it.

Captain Lee has been staring at me a lot. I hope it is for
sex. That at least I can understand, ha ha.

27th of October, 1675.

The past week has given us very bad weather. The waves were
tremendous, but we held on. It is amazing to me that we can
still heel over with not a stitch of sail up. The captain
has taken to teaching me seamanship by practical rules. A
couple others of the crew learn as well, but not as easily
as I do. I think I will start in this diary writing down the
rules of seamanship from the back. Who knows, it could be
useful someday.

The captain tried me on a new task today. Several of the
crew have been mutinous, and the captain decided not to use
the cat on them. Instead, he asked me to punish them, with
pain and suffering, five seconds for each stroke of the cat
that they were allotted. I had told him about the Cruciatus
Curse months ago, and apparently he remembered.

I can't write this. I am going to spell the memory in. I
don't understand why, but somehow this is important.

***

Harry stared at the R symbol that would bring him to relive
the moment. He had seen plenty of suffering, but this would
be his first time that he chose to see it. That would be a
milestone in his own life. Slowly bringing his wand to the
symbol, he realized that he had to see it. There were things
to be learned and experienced, and the fact that it happened
three centuries ago didn't change what was going on. The
haze came down around him, and he found himself on the deck
of the ship on a cloudy day.

The crew was all assembled around the mast. The first of
three sailors was stripped naked and tied to the mainmast
with his hands around it, exposing the entire back side of
him. There was no mystery but that this man was ready for a
flogging.

"No, I think not the cat today." That was Captain Lee. He
looked towards a cluster of his crew, which by far stood out
as the most intelligent of the group, including Ravenus
Potter. Two of them looked crestfallen. They apparently were
looking forward to watching the punishment. Ravenus stayed
neutral.

"Mr. Potter." Harry jumped, and then reassured himself as
Ravenus looked up.

"Yes, sir?"

"Take out your implement. You will apply the sentence today,
five seconds for each stroke."

Ravenus Potter took out his wand, and slowly moved to the
allotted position. His face was a study in emotion. He did
not want to do this, yet the intense feeling of power and
might that comes with the Cruciatus Curse was causing him
dire anticipation. This was no dutiful servant performing a
task. This was a killer being given prey. Harry was totally
chilled as he saw Ravenus adjust his wand, hungry almost.
Harry knew that emotion was a big part of the Cruciatus
Curse, and Ravenus apparently was working up to it.

"Three strokes."

Ravenus took a deep breath, and flung his wand forward.
"Crucio!" he bellowed. And the man at the mast screamed and
flailed about. His hoarse cries and ragged breathing told
most of the story, but the hardy sailor's involuntary body
movements made it abundantly clear what he was going
through. And after fifteen seconds, Ravenus stopped.

The man was openly weeping. Not a mark on him, but weeping
and shuddering uncontrollably as his friends helped him
down. The next one was strapped to the mast with great
effort, and then stripped as well.

"Two strokes."

Harry had been watching Ravenus. He was not happy. Certainly
exhilarated, and basking in the feeling of power, but Harry
could tell that he was appalled by his own reaction. But at
the command, he readied his wand and let loose with the
curse again, and again for ten seconds the sailor was
tortured in agony without leaving a mark on him. When he was
done, his friends removed him as well.

The crew was totally silent. The last man was guilty of
trying to organize mutiny. On a Navy ship, that would be
death. But for pirates, the code was less harsh.
Nevertheless, when Captain Lee called out "Fifteen strokes,"
the crew recoiled in horror, and the crewman broke free. He
shouted "No, you satanic coward!" and ran towards Ravenus.

Ravenus reacted instantly. With more fury than ever before,
he howled "CRUCIO!" and the sailor dropped in his tracks to
writhe uncontrollably on the deck. After ten seconds he
began screaming and arching his back, the pain so
excruciating and so real that it could not be escaped. And
still as the seconds ticked by Ravenus's magic lanced out to
engulf and rack the rebellious sailor.

At sixty seconds he stopped, to catch his breath. Dead
silence on the deck, except for the broken whimpering of the
sailor. Harry was watching Ravenus carefully. With thirty
seconds left to go, a hungry zeal crossed his features as he
approached his prey. Raising his wand, with deadly intensity
and cold fury he said, "Crucio." And the resulting suffering
was double the previous time, with the mutinous crewman
spread-eagled and shrieking out of control. An interminable
time later, Ravenus stopped, and pocketed his wand.

Harry studied Ravenus again. Distaste crossed his face as he
realized that he had relished the feeling of power and
control. The crew were stunned, and even Captain Lee looked
a bit uncomfortable. If nothing else, they realized now that
Ravenus was capable of some very scary stuff.

The crewman had finished twitching and was almost breathing
normally again. Ravenus approached him, extended a hand, and
said, "Don't do that again. This wasn't my idea." And the
crewman realized the truth in that, and accepted the hand.

The haze fell again, and Harry was sitting again with the
diary. He read on.

***

After the sentence, I had to be alone to think. I had
forgotten how satisfying the Cruciatus Curse was, to feel
your legitimate enemy squirm and suffer because of your
action. There is a fine line between barbarism and
discipline. I think today I may have crossed it. The third
one today was especially satisfying because he was going to
attack me. I feel partly as if my soul has started down a
long, dark path and while it is going to feel very good and
slake my thirsts, it is going to ruin me. But I want it. It
is calling to me.

***

Harry read through a number of short entries that documented
where they were, and some experiences in port. His interest
began to wane, especially with the late hour. But then a few
more entries caught his eye.

***

19th of March, 1676.

Today I am seventeen years old. Not much of a birthday. But
the captain acknowledged to me that I was now a full crew
member and that anytime I could pay off my indenture, I
could go. From prize money I had more than enough, and so I
did pay off my indenture. Captain Lee was a little unhappy
about that, but then I told him that I would be pleased to
remain in his crew as Navigator and whatever else I do. That
made all the difference. So I am a pirate now by choice.
Someday I hope to tell Father that so that it eats him
alive.

Most especially when we were near port I received an owl
from James. It was several months old, but he obviously had
gotten my more conventional letter. I am copying it here.

My Dearest Ravenus,

How amazed I was when I received your letter by carrier.
Your letter sounds like you are well, although the
circumstances are appalling. We learned that Father had sold
you into indenture on a ship after a couple of weeks, but
even he did not know that he was swindled and sold you to a
pirate ship. I thought I might have seen some regret there,
but if there was it was short lived. You are much better
placed on your ship than staying here. Father was furious
that you had shaken off the Trace.

I have found a place of my own to live, not being able to
stand it back at Godric's Hollow right now. I have a small
second story apartment near London, and my young wife and I
are satisfied if not happy. It is on the Floo network now.
Let us talk sometime, please. I miss you, and such wrongs
have been done to you.

You probably have heard, but there is a considerable price
on your head right now. Your Captain Lee and his Phantom
Raider have quite a reputation. Your battle with the HMS
Ranger received a lot of attention, and while they didn't
know it was you at the time, when you turned the sails green
with the Ravenclaw coat of arms, those of us who knew
guessed it was you. The tracked down Father who finally
admitted that he had sold you off, and to who, and they made
the connection. So I do not expect you home anytime soon.

I took your wand from Father, and have spelled it into this
message. Say the name of your blood Mother and it will
emerge for you. You are probably of age now, and should not
be denied your wand.

Know that I miss you.

Love, your half brother,
James

I spoke my mother's name, Lydia, and my wand slid out of the
paper. My wand. Mine. The one that I was so at home with. It
felt warm in my hand, alike an old reunion, and so much
better than the one I captured. But I will keep them both.

I miss James so much. But I have my life now. And I am
satisfied.

***

Harry read through another series of short updates, mostly
about where the ship had been. They had much success in
prizes and spent their money in port. Several years passed,
and then major events struck.

***

27th August, 1680.

I have had a wonderful idea. My last speech with James in
the fireplace had his family barely making it by. I have all
this prize money that I can't spend fast enough. It is
risky, but the next port I will Apparate back to James with
a chest for him. As long has he spends it slowly, which I
know he will, they will be more comfortable.

30th August 1680.

It has been more than four years since I first gave way to
Captain Lee. No one has ever given way to me yet. The
captain must know this, for he has told me that tomorrow
when we reach port he is going to buy me a catamite on which
I may satisfy myself. He now treats me with the respect he
does his ship's master. The seamen do not question my few
orders, and I have stood watch now many times at the wheel
and giving the orders and commands. Today the captain told
me that I looked so natural at the wheel, smiling and
studying the sails and their setting.

Having someone give way to me intrigues me. I have always
been the so-called bottom, but the notion of topping lights
a fire in my veins and loins. Maybe after I see James.

3rd of September, 1680.

I am in an inn. I have just spoken with James, and am about
to Apparate. I have a thousand galleons here that I
transfigured from gold pieces. Here goes.

Well, I am back. It was so good to see James and his wife.
She has a baby now, a boy named Robert. They truly
appreciated the galleons, and will spend them wisely. I am
glad they accepted my offer.

I stopped in Hogsmeade on the way back, to look at the
castle. Students were back in it, and the lights glowed and
flickered. But it is far away from me now. Someday I should
like to return to it, but I have other needs now. The
bartender at the Hogs Head may have recognized me, but he
did not say anything. And I was able to get some key
ingredients on Knockturn Alley without being stopped. But it
is risky. I shall have to be careful.

5th of September, 1680.

Things have gone wrong. The British Navy is very interested
in crushing piracy right now. We stopped at Boaz Island in
Bermuda and may have been seen. The Spanish are also a
little touchy.  Captain Lee is continuing to hunt for
Spanish prizes, but I have a feeling the Brits are going to
be our problem.

19th of Steptember, 1680.

I don't quite believe it, but I am now the Captain of the
Phantom Raider. I don't know which is more remarkable, that
I am captain or that I am alive at all. We were set upon by
the Brits. Seven of them had been following us and circled
around the island of Pico in the Azores. We had stopped at
Lajes de Pico, and upon our departure three British warships
bore down on us from the west, and four from the east. The
captain set all sail and in the stiff breeze we flew out to
sea. But they were faster, and had the upwind advantage from
four of them. And they all flew the flag of Gryffindor.
Bastards. They raked us over with their cannons from
distance, and some of the shots rang true. The wizards all
were attacking the crew and myself, and with good timing we
defended. I know it sounds odd, but it is easier to fight
seven than it is one, because the seven must maintain
awareness of the other six's actions. Otherwise they would
shoot each other or collide.

One of the cannons got a lucky shot that blew Captain Lee
apart. His final words to the bosun were that the ship
belonged to Captain Potter now. And then he died. I was so
furious that I stood in full view of everyone on the aft
deck, transfigured the sails to absolute black with the
green Ravenclaw symbol. I must have been scary because the
crew never performed so well. I used the Avada Kedavra seven
times, and each time was successful in killing the wizard I
was aiming at. The others frantically tried to stop me, but
my shield was impervious.

We were losing, though. The men knew it. They also knew that
Captain Lee would have stayed and sunk the ship, even
against these odds. What did I do? I got the ships master
and the bosun up to talk. I asked them if we could win. They
shook their heads. And so I told them that we would flee.
They were skeptical, but obedient. And so I stood on the
back of the Phantom Raider, and said in a loud voice, "It
seems that I will escape you again. Until next, gentlemen!"
And then I dug deep in to my spell lore, and cast the
largest Dense Fog Charm that I could. It worked, and under
the cover of that fog bank we slipped away quietly. It was
hours before the fog cleared and the Brits realized that I
had given them the slip.

Captain Ravenus Potter. Captain of the Phantom Raider. But
my captain is dead, and seventeen others including Jack who
came on board when I did. Damn the Brits. I will make them
pay. If they think that Captain Lee was a problem, just wait
until they feel the wrath of Captain Potter.

***

Harry had to put the book down. Twenty one years old and
captain of the most respected pirate ship. He was enemy
number one because his father could not abide a Ravenclaw
instead of a Gryffindor. This relative had some of the same
feelings that Harry had felt from Voldemort. That made him
very uncomfortable. But he was not basking in them; rather,
he was keeping hold of his conscience. Very different than
Voldemort.

He kept reading.

***

28th November 1680.

We took our first prize under my command today. A Spaniard.
I used a new strategy that I had devised. We wait until we
sight them. I then call in a fog around us, and we come in
nice and close. At the last minute they see us, and we
unload our broadsides into them. Then we board, plunder, and
set them free. And then we sail off into the fog.

It was a little confusing for us. I have devised a new one,
in which the fog goes around them and not us. They had some
news, though. They kept threatening us that the great
Spanish fleet would show us British the power and might of
Spain. I shall have to think about this.

5th December, 1680.

We stopped at Pico in the Azores again. The Brits were gone
but the Spanish military had retaken the islands. They were
all talking about the massive Spanish fleet that had passed
the islands. They would not tell me how many, as they
dislike even pirates who sound British. I took a moment to
Floo James and ask him to keep his ears alert at the
Ministry.

Many of the crew are feeling nationalistic right now. True,
Britain would hang us from the gallows if they could, but we
would prefer that than having to learn Spanish. I speak
Spanish now, but the sentiment is the same.

9th December, 1680.

James and I had exchanged a special coin. I had put the
Protean Charm on it so that each would replicate what the
other had. Well, today James spelled the words "Floo Me"
into it. There is a little archipelago right here that we
will hide in overnight. I can row ashore and Apparate to
him.

I am back. It was a good thing I did go to James. I
Apparated to a couple of blocks from his flat, and as I
approached I saw that there were several members of the
Royal Navy there. They were there huddled around the
fireplace. So I snuck into a nearby apartment, made sure
everyone was asleep, and then connected it to the Floo
Network and began speaking. They were worried. This large
Spanish fleet has been hunting down British force groups of
two or three ships and destroying them utterly. The Royal
Navy officers were very hungry for information. And while I
was on the fireplace, the others had apparently scrambled
and gotten Lord Randolph to the room. James was quite taken
aback, I can tell you. Lord Randolph and I had a short,
pointed discussion in which he lamented that we could not
meet in person.

I decided it was worth the risk. I leaned out of the
fireplace and Apparated directly to James's kitchen. It was
late.

I think I will spell the memory in.

***

Lord Randolph!! Harry remembered a little bit of history and
Lord Randolph was one of the more famous Navy figures. This
was a precious gift! Eagerly he stepped into the waiting
haze.

***

Ravenus stood back from the fireplace, and made sure he was
presentable. He had aged again, but only gotten more
devilishly hot. Even Harry felt the sexual magnetism from
Ravenus. And with the quick step he popped out and into the
kitchen area. Harry followed him as he walked quietly from
the kitchen to the sitting room. It was surprising that the
scene could have happened minutes ago and very little would
have changed appearances. As always, the Wizarding world
seemed to be stalled in the seventeenth century.

Five men were there. Four looked the type, wearing uniforms
that were both heavy and ornate, with the typical flour-
colored formal wig. James was normal. And so, when Ravenus
slid into the room, everyone looked up expecting to see
James' wife.

They were never so wrong. Ravenus spoke in his now deep
voice. "It seems I am able to grant your wish, Lord
Randolph. I ask to parlay."

Harry could see that the shock was such that they didn't
even get their swords out. The middle one spoke.

"Ravenus Potter?"

"Captain Ravenus Potter of the Phantom Raider. I am afraid
that one of your ships blew Captain Lee to bits before we
could flee."

James' eyes widened. This was way more than he had bargained
for. But Lord Randolph nodded his head.

"Yes, that would have been off Pico?" He shook his head. "We
have expended a lot of resources looking for you."

Ravenus brushed that off. He told them what he had seen from
the Spaniards. "My men and I are having a touch of British
nationalism right now, and hence this meeting."

Lord Randolph was pale. "Captain, for I must admit that you
are, we can not resist them. We lost so much to the French
that we can not call in enough of our fleet in time to
handle the Spanish too. We will engage them bravely and with
honour, but we do not have the resources to win." He stood.
"As a captain, a fighter and tactician, you are unequaled,
even at your young age. What we could have done for you in
the Admiralty! But now, I must ask your help as a
supplicant. Will you help England?"

"How?"

Lord Randolph shifted. "There is an action coming up that is
going to separate the wizarding world from the - what is the
word? - muggle world. I can't get wizards to go out on Navy
ships anymore; you have killed or scared off the ones who
would. I need England to win, by whatever means."

"And in exchange?"

Lord Randolph looked blankly. "What on earth could you
want?"

Ravenus grinned. "A general pardon. For my entire crew and
myself, although it seems unlikely that I will use it. Our
British conflicts have been few and all defensive."

"A pardon. That would be most interesting. Can you
substantiate your position?"

Ravenus reached into his cloak and pulled out a small,
leatherbound book. "This is my diary. I have detailed all
the conflicts that I have fought. Many of the entries are
spelled in, and can be verified by wizards for their
authenticity."

Lord Randolph nodded absently. His tongue traveled across
his cultured lips, moistening them. His feelings again were
rising, those that he had fought to control. His eyes,
downcast at this moment, raised slowly and a look crossed
his face. It was a look of anguish.

Ravenus recognized that look, and his eyes went wide as he
grinned. "James, would you clear the room please, except for
myself and Lord Randolph?"

Randolph nodded as the other men were ushered out. James
looked back once, and sudden perception stole a horrified
smile across his face as he locked the doors.

Ravenus stood there. A towering symbol of freedom and
independence. Lord Randolph rose too, a symbol of the might
and bureaucracy of his country. Which would break first to
ask for what they both wanted?

Randolph did. "It seems, captain, that an intimate action is
pending that might help seal together our sincerity."

Ravenus nodded. "Allow me to show respect for your
position." And he approached, knelt down and began to open
Randolph's breeches. After several layers of odd garments, a
moderate but quite hard cock emerged, and Ravenus began
immediately to work his oral talents as Randolph began to
moan quietly. There was no question that Ravenus was good at
this, as the Lord's composure evaporated and in less than
one minute Ravenus heard and felt the orgasm ripple through
his prey. He swallowed the small amount of cum, and after a
careful and thorough job on the now softening cock, he
released it with a grin.

Lord Randolph dressed himself, breathing hard. Ravenus was
magnificent. Randolph had been sucked before, but never as
well or effectively as this gay wizard pirate. But now it
was his turn. He came over and started to kneel in front of
Ravenus, but he was stopped.

"That is not necessary, Lord Randolph." Ravenus stepped
away. "My service on you is sufficient in my eyes."

Tinged with being denied, Lord Randolph stood. "As you
wish."  He unlocked the doors, and the remaining men
returned to the room somewhat confused. Only James looked
like he understood.

"Have you a location where you choose to meet the Spanish?"

"We control the Channel. I suspect that they will approach
by Galicia."

Ravenus nodded. "Coruna." He looked at James. "Can we count
on your cooperation?"

"Of course. What do you need me to do?"

"Relay messages. You know the limitations."

"Certainly."

Lord Randolph nodded. "Misters Potter, England is in your
debt." One of his assistants handed him a sheaf of
parchments. "Here are one hundred general pardons, all
blank, all signed. Use them wisely."

Ravenus nodded. "Victory for England."

"Indeed."

And before it could go bad, Ravenus stepped to the back of
the room. "Farewell, gentlemen." And he Apparated back to
the archipelago and rejoined his crew.

The haze rose and fell around Harry, and he was again back
in the Gryffindor Common Room. It was very late, and Harry
had to put the diary down. He carefully marked his place and
cradling the diary like a precious heirloom, which it was,
he went upstairs to his bed. His dreams were filled with
crashing waves and the thrill of the sea.

When he woke, Harry resumed his daytime routines. But his
thoughts again were riveted on the raven-haired ancestor.
Arriving early to Transfiguration and being the first there,
he looked at the gauzy white curtains in the room, and on
sudden impulse raised his wand.

"Proclami Gryffindor!"

With a sizzle the change took place. The curtains were now
the Gryffindor red, with the Lion boldly emblazoned.
Grinning he turned to see a surprised Minerva McGonagall
staring at him.

"Well, Mr. Potter, I like the color but where on earth did
you learn that spell?"

Harry held up the diary. "In here. Ravenus has spelled some
of his memories in here, and I saw him do it. NO," he said
hastily, "It isn't a Horcrux. But I saw him do this to his
sails, and ."

"You thought you might try it on our curtains."

"Well, not exactly, but . sort of."

McGonagall waved her wand. Nothing happened. She looked at
him, quirked her eyebrows, and Harry turned red.

"Finite Proclami Gryffindor!" And they turned back to gauzy
white again.

"Thank you very much, Mr. Potter."

"Professor, did you read the diary?"

"I did, and although I saw the memory seals, I am not a male
of Potter blood so I could not experience them."

Harry sighed. "They are perfect. Like the day they were
recorded. He formed a secret alliance with Lord Randolph to
defeat a Spanish incursion."

She smiled. "Have you gotten to the battle yet?"

"No, just the agreement." He turned bright red.

"Something relevant?"

Why not? "Professor, you knew that Ravenus was gay, right?"

"It did say so early on."

"Well, apparently at the agreement to seal the deal he gave
Lord Randolph a blowjob." Harry was really red now. "You
know what that is, don't you?"

McGonagall's face was a study in conflict. "I most certainly
do." She humphed a bit. "While that today would be most .
unusual . I seem to recall Professor Binns mentioning at
some point that intimate contact was a sign of trust and
sincerity." She smiled a bit more. "I don't suppose that
there are other intimate moments spelled into the memory
seals?"

Harry nodded. "Several. With exquisite detail. That diary is
truly miraculous. He was better than Tom Riddle was in his
diary."

McGonagall was quiet for a moment. "Harry," she said
quietly, "Do you find yourself dreaming and longing for the
sea?"

Poignancy hung in the air, and Harry nodded again. "Yes,
Minerva. Though not actually longing for it, more like being
exhilarated when finally back at sea." And he looked
directly at her. "And a part of me is longing for him."

She nodded. "Be careful. Ravenus was incredibly powerful."
She stopped a moment, and then confided in Harry. "One of
the spells he is known to have invented is the ability for a
memory to interact with a reader, like role-playing. The
Pensieve allows us to browse memories, but not interact.
Ravenus Potter invented the Role-Interaction Charm. At least
one of his memory seals is likely to be one." Almost
reproving, she said, "It is very likely that he left one
like that for some . intimate moments with himself and
whoever is reading the book."

Harry blushed again. "Thank you for the warning."

She moved away as the other students came in. Harry pocketed
the book for later. It would be late tonight as he and Ginny
were having a somewhat extended dinner. But as he moved
about, he smiled a little more, and he could feel his hair
blowing slightly in the wind. He had always had unruly hair,
but it hadn't been quite so long.

Ginny noticed. She loved Harry, but when she and he met for
dinner she was fundamentally shaken by just how sexy he
looked. Dark robes went best with Harry. Maybe it was
confidence, maybe it was maturity, but the just seemed to
have a little more flair tonight.

The snogging session that followed dinner had been
incredible. Both knew that they were each ready for some
serious sex, but were holding off out of respect and the
school circumstances. But Harry, who was usually the rather
passive one in the whole activity had been demanding and
urgent, and his hands had gone exploring further than ever,
much to Ginny's delight.

"Harry, you are just incredible tonight! I am so incredibly
in love with you."

"I love you so much, Ginny. Tonight I just feel . like I
know what I want and I know what you will like. And it would
be no good to be hesitant about it."

She thought a moment. "Believe me, I am enjoying it! But you
haven't been like this before. What has changed?"

They sat back and Harry responded. "McGonagall gave me this
diary of Ravenus Potter, from over three centuries ago. It's
given me an insight that I haven't ever had into a mind."
Harry shrugged. "Maybe I just am getting a little of his
style. He definitely has style."

"Who was he?"

"A gay wizard, the only Potter to become a non-Gryffindor.
His father sold him into piracy at age sixteen."

"A Slytherin?"

"No, a Ravenclaw. Apparently a very good one."

Ginny grinned and held him tight. "I don't know about the
gay part, but a little pirate flair might break your
conservatism."

They bade each other goodnight, and Ginny went to bed. Harry
sat back and resumed the reading of the diary.

Harry resumed his position by the fire, opened the diary
again and continued on.

***

21st December 1680

The crew are somewhat daunted, but I have finally succeeded
in Bulk Apparition. After my meeting with James and Lord
Randolph, we immediately set forth for Coruna off of Spain.
I have been working with magic on a scale I haven't ever
attempted before, and although it is exhausting I am getting
results. If not distracted, and fresh in body, I can
Apparate the entire ship and crew now. Together with Dense
Fog, we will be uncatchable. But what to use against the
Spanish? How do we, one barque, hold out against their ships
of the line? Shields, motion, and fire, I guess. If I attack
with fire, that is going to give them some problems. The
Killing Curse is not broad enough.

We will make port tomorrow on the African coast to take on
food and water. The islet of Carangua was a favorite port of
Captain Lee's, and it is my fervent hope that we will be
well received. It is likely to be our last port before the
conflict.

23rd December, 1680

I am writing this as we leave Carangua. I think I am forever
changed. We have taken on supplies and water, and are making
our way towards Morocco and then up to Coruna. The crew has
never been better, and the weather is just right. I can feel
the wind blowing through my hair, and life is good. Too bad
we are sailing into what could be death.

Captain Lee had arranged for a gift for me. He once told me
that. Well, I have received his gift now. Unbeknownst to us,
Lee had a handful of favorite boys that he had cultivated
over the years, each in different ports. He was definitely
known to women, but apparently had a wide variety in taste.
The one here, Robert, had been planned by Captain Lee to be
shared amongst him and me the next time we came to this
port. Well, the captain is dead now, and the arrangement
between him and Robert was such that Robert expected to
continue on with me as he did Lee.

I have never been a dominant personality. Rather, I have
always been a contributor, often a leader but only for
coordination and execution. I am not one that inspires
armies or battalions to plunder their courage on a
fatalistic move. I know I have power, and influence, but I
have always tried to stay in the background. There are some
people who will see an opportunity, and carpe diem, seize it
with both hands. Others don't see the opportunity. I have
tended to find the opportunities that others don't see -
subtle ones, with minor visible gain. Success has brought me
fame, though and the opportunities are larger.

That is all different now. I feel a sense of thrill, of
power, and adventure perhaps, and it all came from my night
with Robert. Already the energy and freedom of the seas fill
me, and the memory of Robert is etched forever in my mind. I
am going to etch it here as well, that you my descendent
might also be filled with the wonder and taste of dominance.

***

Harry stopped. This event had a significant turning point in
Ravenus. He could see that the script was bolder, and his
choice of wording a little stronger. He looked at the highly
ornate letter R in the page, and applied the tip of his wand
to it. The haze rose around him again, and fell.

He was in the cabin, and Ravenus was writing. He finished,
sealed the letter, and spelled it shut. Harry looked over
his shoulder and saw that it was addressed to James, when
there was a knock on the door.

The bosun brought in a small letter. "Captain, sir, this
arrived as usual for Captain Lee. The messenger indicated it
was to go to you in his absence."

"Thank you." And the bosun left. Ravenus had the common
British accent, baritone now, and silky. It was a voice that
caressed, even under the worst of circumstances.  He opened
the letter, and saw the handwriting. Harry looked over his
shoulder.

To Captaine, Phantomme Rayder, Upon Arrival

Your servant awaits you at the Beach Front Howse tonight.

Most Respectfully,

Robert

Ravenus studied the letter. The sun was setting - whatever
this was, he would have to go shortly. He freshened himself
as best as possible, and in the process Harry noted that he
was now very very good looking. His chest had added
considerable definition, and in his loincloth a gorgeous
butt and well proportioned cock were present. Harry only
felt the slightest touch of oddness at these observations.

Ravenus dressed nondescriptly, and made his way down the
gangplank to shore. He had left Carstairs in charge as
officer of the deck, and as he looked back he saw the
Phantom Raider looking smart and well-kept. The other
pirates that he could see were slovenly.

The Beach Front Howse was a building at the upwind section
of the town. A consistent breeze blew through the town, and
upwind was better than downwind. He stopped for a moment,
again feeling the free breeze through his long raven-black
hair, and Harry watched him bask in the sunset outside the
long rambling building that was labeled as his destination.
At that moment, he was so hot that Harry realized that if
Ravenus approached him, he would happily agree to a night of
fucking and sucking and whatever else he desired. Deep down,
Harry had the touch of gay in him, even though it was only a
small touch.

Another figure joined them watching the waves. He was a
young man, barely sixteen, blond and very attractive. He was
quite tanned, and carried himself with grace and confidence.
They stood for a moment, and then Ravenus turned to him.

"Greetings, neighbor. I am looking for a worthy gentleman
named Robert."

The young man laughed an easy laugh. "Well, I don't know
about worthy gentlemen, but I am Robert." He looked
quizzically at Ravenus. "Are you with the Captain of the
Phantom Raider?"

Ravenus sighed. "May God rest is soul, Captain Lee was
killed some months ago by a cannon ball." He watched the
stricken young man, and then continued. "I now am the
Captain of the Phantom Raider. Captain Ravenus Potter, and
very unhappy to bring you that dire news."

Robert eyed him thoughtfully. "Ah, Mr. Potter. David, that
is, Captain Lee had spoken to me of you. Perhaps he
mentioned that I might have a gift for you?"

Ravenus nodded. "Only in the most general terms. I know
nothing other than he had arranged a gift for me at this
port."

Robert looked troubled. "I see. Well sir, David used to come
here when in Carangua for relaxation and entertainment." He
looked squarely at Ravenus. "David had told me that you and
he were intimate amongst men together. Is it true?"

Ravenus's eyes went wide. "We never spoke of it to anyone.
At least, I did not. But now that he has gone, yes, I have
given way to him a number of times, and he was most
enthusiastic about my oral satisfaction of him"

Robert nodded. "Oh yes, he mentioned that. Well, he and I
shared the same kind of intimacy. It was his strongest
desire, and his gift, in fact, that you, he and I share
together on our next visit to this port." Robert looked
down. "I will regret his absence."

"I too am sorry."

They stood as the last rays of the sun sank below the
horizon. Not a time for mourning, but for thought, each
distant and far away. But it was Robert who slowly placed
his hand in that of Ravenus's, and moved closer.

"He would have wanted us to continue. He had a special
lesson for you."

The blood raced through Ravenus as even Harry could see him
tense. "Did he now?"

"Yes, but I can only tell you later."

Harry could see the introvert side begin to slip away from
the moment, and apparently so did Robert. In response Robert
pulled him around and squarely placed his mouth on Ravenus's
own, not as a dominant but as a desperate supplicant. The
kiss broke, and Ravenus stared at Robert for a moment before
stepping inward and wrapping his arms around the blond young
man for an extended and prolonged kiss. It was obvious that
Ravenus was kissing Robert, and not the other way around.

The kiss broke, and Harry had to strain to hear the
invitation. "So, Robert, the message was written to say that
the captain's servant awaits him. Does that servant also
await on me?"

"Most fervently, sir. I am now your servant, per the
captain's final wishes."

"Most excellent. And what would be most excellent would be a
bath. A nice, long bath."

Robert grinned. "The water is already run, sir."

"Call me Ravenus." And they entered the house on the beach
front.

Harry followed quickly. Robert was the perfect manservant,
and Ravenus positively glowed when finished. A robe was
available for him, and with his chiseled body and flowing
hair they ate a well-prepared dinner together. Ravenus had
kept his table manners and etiquette, which made Robert beam
with pleasure.

Robert's official function was to scan the waters
periodically from his high position on the beach front for
ships. It was a quiet and unobtrusive job, but he knew a lot
about the movements going on. He had seen the Phantom Raider
nearly a day off, and had made all the preparations.

Dinner was cleared, and the two men had finished the wine.
Robert began to grin, and slowly he moved behind Ravenus,
and began to stroke his hair.

"It is so beautiful, your hair. Black as night, and so long
and free." He moved it to one side to land a kiss on the
nape of Ravenus's neck. He ran his fingers inside the robe
over his bare chest, and that elicited a gentle moan from
Ravenus. Bringing his tongue to Ravenus's nearby ear, he
whispered, "I am a total servant, and I have waited long and
anxiously for my master to come and relieve his stress and
torment on me. I am your complete amusement and willing
sacrifice. Please don't hold back. David never did." And the
stimulation continued.

Harry watched as Ravenus stood slowly, and turning he
approached Robert, moving closer until Robert was pinned
against the wall. Ravenus deliberately and slowly brought
his mouth down again for a kiss, and he literally devoured
Robert.  Ravenus moved his hands throughout Robert and had
taken control. When the kiss finally did break, Robert was
panting.

"Sir, let me show you to the sleeping chambers, that we
might continue."

Ravenus felt the power now. "Not yet." And he elicited
another long kiss from Robert, who was now totally involved
and excited. "Now show me the chambers."

Harry followed them up the staircase, where several candles
cleared the dark. A double sigh from Harry and Ravenus, as
they caught sight of what must be the largest bed on the
planet. Robert grinned in his appreciation, and made an
inviting gesture.

Ravenus had to be sure. "Robert, are things truly as you
state for this?"

Robert nodded. "Sir, I am your willing slave." A chill went
through them both.

"Then strip for me, Robert. I long to see you in all your
own beauty."

Robert began removing clothes, and for the young man that he
was, again Harry could appreciate what kind of a partner he
would be. Nearly hairless except on his head and pubes, he
was tanned all over, long legged and with a tight and lean
butt. His cock was nice too, but it was the butt that kept
getting Harry's attention. Realizing for the first time,
some of Ravenus's interests were interacting with the memory
and awakening thoughts in Harry he wasn't prepared for
entirely.

Robert posed for Ravenus, and smiled when Ravenus stated his
approval. "I can see why Lee loved you. You are exquisite."

"I am your plaything, your bauble. It is playtime."

Ravenus nodded. "Then, bauble, suck me." He removed the
robe, and Robert gasped in hot anticipation. It was again
obvious that Robert appreciated a delectable sexual morsel.

The one-way did not last long, and soon the two sexy young
men were in the bed, each mutually sucking the other. Robert
was the first to come, and he did so with great gusto.
Ravenus consumed his semen with no qualms or hesitation, and
so minutes later when it was his term Robert responded in
kind.

Ravenus was in heaven. He decided to let Robert make some
decisions. "Robert, proceed along the same plan as David
would have." And Harry watched as Robert rolled over
Ravenus, massaged his back, legs and waist until spending
many minutes on his butt. He then leaned forward and applied
his hot tongue to his master's butt, causing a great round
of moaning and pleasurable sounds as Robert rimmed Ravenus
expertly and relentlessly.

Harry had never heard of such a thing. But as he watched,
his own back entrance began to warm and tingle slightly. And
he yearned to touch the hot butt that Robert had such
pleasure with. He reached his hand forward, and actually
could feel the buttock, the graceful curve from lower back,
down over the rise and tuck in to the firm and toned thigh.
He could feel it, but if Ravenus could, he did not know.

When Robert rolled him over and began to work on his chest,
Ravenus had already gotten hard again. But from the fierce
look in Ravenus's eyes, Harry could tell that a strength and
desire had awakened in Ravenus and that Robert was about to
get the fuck of his life.

>From that moment, Ravenus was in control. He sucked, he
licked, he covered Robert in active and exploratory hands
nearly continuously. It was a spectacle for sure in the
candlelight, with the dark long-haired sea captain spread
across the young blond man crying out in pleasure and
intensity.

And then Ravenus was ready. He turned over Robert so he was
on his hands and knees, and Robert must have known what he
wanted because he uttered quietly, "Master, you must punish
me for my shortcomings."

Punish? Ravenus positioned himself next to Robert, raised
his hand and brought it smartly down across the younger
man's butt. Robert gasped, but his cock grew harder.

Feeling the surge of dominance, he spanked Robert again, and
Robert gasped and his cock grew harder. And so, without
causing significant discomfort, Ravenus lightly reddened the
butt of his servant-slave. This excited him beyond belief,
as Harry could see Ravenus's cock now bobbing with his
heartbeat.

Harry had found the spanking absolutely intoxicating. It
wasn't punishment, it was dominance and that made him
extremely horny. He wondered if he could find a way to
introduce spanking with Ginny at some point.

Ravenus stopped, and moved behind Robert. Robert was
breathing hard and fast, and Harry could faintly make out
the words "oh yes" from each breath. Ravenus muttered the
spell that all male wizards know to lubricate, and Robert
changed to "oh please" in his mantra.

Ravenus positioned himself, and placing the head of his cock
at Robert's entrance, he began the push. Robert met him
expertly, and the cock surged into the nice warm and
inviting place. Both young men gasped, and then the rhythm
and speed began to steady. Ravenus leaned forward, pulled
Robert up off his hands and fastened them on to the bed
headboard. He then proceded, while still inside Robert, to
tongue his neck, the upper part of his back, and then move
forward so that his entire body from chin to cock was in
contact with Robert's. Ravenus's hands moved and covered the
lower stomach of his lover, and then caressing upwards until
over his chest and the sensitive nubs there. All the while,
Robert was whimpering and cooing with the pleasure and
knowledge of his total submission.

Ravenus then brought his hands up over the neck, and onto
Robert's face. His fingers brushed his partner's mouth,
stroked the bridge of his nose and cheeks back to his ears,
and massaged his temples. This highly intimate contact was
totally new for Robert, and it just seemed to make him
hornier and harder than ever.

Ravenus spoke, then. "And now, the fuck will begin." And he
began to thrust, slowly at first, and then with more depth
and intensity. His face was ravaged by intensity and desire,
and he entwined his arms around Robert who now could not
escape. Robert struggled feebly and then surrendered as the
punitive aspects of fucking entered Ravenus's mind and the
assault on Robert's ass continued.

Harry would have been concerned except that Robert was
obviously enjoying the experience. The intensity and focus
of the slick cock pistoning in and out of Robert's, their
naked bodies sliding and blending together as one put Robert
over the edge first as he screamed out his orgasm. Ravenus
responded by letting him go down again, now with only one
focus for the sexual ramming that was taking place where
cock entered butt. The furious slapping of skin on skin and
the faster and faster movement until Ravenus crossed the
line again and impaled Robert with his most violent orgasm
ever. He pounded the young man over and over, pulling,
stretching, reaching and crushing the blond onto him, until
the moment of ecstasy was over and he began to soften.

Panting, they separated without losing contact and laid on
the bed. And over the entire night, Harry watched as Ravenus
fucked and fucked and fucked Robert in a dozen positions and
approaches, including the long slow gentle fuck that Robert
cried after, and the violent conquest that Robert had begged
for and then begged for rescue from. That last one had put
the fire of desire and adventure into Ravenus as it had
never been known before, and when they separated the next
morning, Robert was positively beaming with satisfaction.

After breakfast, Robert handed him his bag of clean clothes
and they sat for a moment at the table. Ravenus was
grinning, and Robert was very smug.

"The tide will turn soon. You must hurry."

Ravenus nodded. "Robert, you are incredible and a beautiful
sight for sore eyes." He looked at him with bright eyes.
"How can I thank you?"

"By returning when you can. My intuition tells me that you
are a sincere man, and much closer in age to me."

"Would you ever take ship?"

Robert shook his head. "No, I am very much a landlubber,
thank you. But I can appreciate sea captains."

"More than myself, and Captain Lee?"

Again, a shake of his head. "No, just you. Although I know
David had others elsewhere, I sense that you don't."

"I don't."

"Good."

They finished, parted, and Ravenus returned to the harbor.
Both recognized that each watched the other go, for a long
time.

The haze fell around Harry again, and he was staring at the
diary. It was hours later, and he was covered in sweat. He
closed the diary, and made his way to bed.

Upon waking, he felt refreshed and alert. People noticed
too, as many gave way to him and yet with his warm smile and
commanding presence he strode the hallways. Commanding
presence? Where had that come from? But as he stopped to
look in the mirror, his hair a little longer, almost shaggy,
but eyes bright green still, something had changed. He held
himself like Ravenus did. He, who had outwitted Voldemort
and slew him, who had been through so much. Yes, it was he.

Transfiguration was easy. It had always come reasonably to
him, but today the goal was to transfigure a glass of water
into an ornate lace doily, where the level of detail would
earn more points. Harry had stood for his turn, concentrated
very hard, and with a flourish he bent his total
concentration on the spell. What resulted was an exquisite
pure white lace doily with patterns so subtle that they
could not be seen. Professor McGonagall had watched Harry
profoundly as he received full marks.

"A moment of your time, Mr. Potter, after class." And as the
others filed out, Harry went up to Professor McGonagall.

"You are changing in front of me, Mr. Potter." She looked at
him closely. "How do you feel?"

Harry thought a moment. "Confident, actually. Like I know
that I can take care of myself and do what is right now."

She nodded. "You need that." She paused, and then, "Do you
see some of Ravenus coming through you?"

"Yes and no. I have in passing, like my hair which has
always been a bit independent, it seems to have decided to
grow a little longer and stay that way."

"You have added a little style to your presence. I saw it
when you transfigured that doily. Which, by the way, is
exquisite work."

"Thank you."

Minerva came to a decision. "Harry, dear, the time is going
to come very soon when you and . uh . Ginny may decide on a
personal . adventure of sorts." Harry blushed, and she
hurried along. "All I can say is to remember the Room of
Requirement. There are alerts throughout the rest of the
castle for that kind of activity, and most who try for a
place in Hogsmeade have had difficulty."

Harry nodded, surprised, and before it could get any more
awkward, she left.

Harry didn't see Ginny until much later, and when he did
they just propped each other up in one of the side alcoves
where a nice lounge was placed. Both were fatigued, and just
enjoyed each other's company. Harry felt to his core that
she was right there with him. He chuckled quietly.

"What was that for?"

"McGonagall. She all but gave us permission to go and
explore each other."

Ginny's eyes went wide. "Really? How? I'd been planning on
Hogsmeade cause the castle is booby trapped."

"She suggested the Room of Requirement."

Her eyes went wide, and her grin got wider. "Now that is an
idea!"

His eyes met hers. "Are you really ready?"

She sobered a little. "Almost, Harry. Are you?"

He thought, and then nodded. "Yes, for you I am. And when
you are ready, I will be there."

She was quiet. "You will wait for me?"

Harry smiled. "Of course. I love you, Ginny. I know that we
are meant to be together. I'll wait for you anytime."

With that she jumped on him and the kiss was as much
gratitude as it was desire. Laughing, they made their way to
the Common Room, and Ginny went up to bed. Harry sat down
and reopened the diary.

***

28th December 1680.

We happened upon a Spanish warship today. Just one, on its
way northeast. The wind was favorable and I decided to put
some of my new strategy to the test. I have trained the crew
on this new way of fighting. When I give the order to Run
Silent, we set the sails for straight line sailing with all
cannons at the ready, and then try not to make a single
sound. I then cast a Disillusionment Charm, which
essentially renders our entire ship invisible. That was hard
the first time, but now that I know how much to put into it,
it works quite well. Then I pick a location just right for
our prey, and I cast a Bulk Apparition and the ship,
invisible leaps forward to that location. When the time is
right, I signal to fire, and the cannons go off on the first
round of broadsides. Once the first round goes off, I cancel
the Disillusionment Charm and we fight it out. The trick is,
we always guarantee surprise that way. And it worked
perfectly. Well, almost. Here is the memory.

***

Harry tapped the symbol, and the haze came down around him.
When it raised, he found he was on the bow of the ship. He
breathed in the air, and stared up at the sails filled with
wind as the ship plowed along. Turning, he saw a sail in the
distance, several miles away.

"All Hands, Run Silent!" Ravenus stood in the stern by the
wheel, looking like the wizard captain that he was. Harry
ran back to the stern of the ship, and the crew settled
everything in place. They watched him expectantly.

"Steady, now! Fire on my signal." And he stood, and with a
sweep of his wand he cast the Disillusionment Charm. The
Phantom Raider gently became transparent, as Harry could see
dimly that the crew were still there. But the were probably
invisible from another ship.

Another sweep of the wand, and the entire ship wrenched
forward with a pop and amazingly within twenty feet the
other ship lay to their starboard, unsuspecting. The cannons
were not out, and the crew were briskly working ship. But it
was clearly a very large Spanish warship, and an English
seaman's hat hung from the top of the mizzen mast as a
trophy.

They paralleled for a minute, and then the Spanish crew
started to check to their portside anxiously. They knew
something was there but what?

Ravenus apparently had a moment of conscience. He cried
"Finite!" and the Disillusionment Charm fell. An alarm cry
immediately went up on the Spanish ship, but Ravenus shouted
"FIRE!" and the entire broadsides of the Phantom Raider
split through the Spaniard. Her entire cannon ports and
breeching were destroyed, as well as the mainmast split in
two. The second round of broadsides smashed her stern and
the mizzenmast. Immobile, disabled, the Spaniards began
shouting cries of alarm.

Ravenus grinned at the destruction, and turned to the sails.
"PROCLAMI RAVENCLAW!" And the sails turned dark green with
the Ravenclaw symbol.

"Hoist the Colors!" And the large black flag called the
Jolly Roger sailed up the stays, along with the British
Union Jack.

The Spaniard was quiet

The Phantom Raider pulled away from the Spaniard, and just
for effect Ravenus cast the Disillusionment Charm again, and
the ship faded into nothingness as she sailed onward, save
for the roar of victory from her crew.

The haze came up again, and Harry was back holding the book.
The whole memory had taken less than ten minutes.

***

I realized that as we approached silent that this was like
slaughtering lambs. No human being deserves to be treated
that way. So we fired after I released the Disillusionment
Charm. It evens out the sense of fairness. As for the
Spaniard, she is now disabled for a goodly while. But it is
reassuring to know that we can disable a ship four times our
size.


4th of January, 1681

Two more ships from Spain disabled. We are approaching
Coruna now. I took a chance and sent an owl that we had kept
with us with a note for Lord Randolph. I think though that
the conflict will declare itself tomorrow. How I wish I had
found out how to be an Animagus.

I sent my Patronus to James to let him know that we will be
in position in Coruna tomorrow.

6th of January, 1681.

Well, miracles can happen. We stopped in Coruna in the
middle of the night on the north side, and picked up and
stole supplies. I went with them this time, and put almost
an entire quarter of the town to sleep in the process. While
they loaded, I Apparated up to Hogsmeade and just about ran
into Hogwarts. I am sure no one recognized me, but was
admitted to the Headmaster's Office without issue. Professor
Bones was there, and she had apparently been in contact with
the British Government about me. I asked her to help me
become an Animagus. While she was quite surprised, something
caught her interest in the idea and we spent some time
researching it. She obtained some Animorph Potion from
Professor Malfoy discreetly, well she actually stole it, but
since she was Headmistress, does that count? Drink the
potion, bond with the animal, and you are an Animagus. I
took it, thanked her, and was about to run when she also
showed me the Portkey Command spell. Now that would be very
useful.

I asked her why she was being so helpful. Her response was
that she realized under the prior headmaster that a great
wrong had been done me, and in the formation of the
contemporary Ministry of Magic underway that was separate
from the British Government, she knew of a role for me.
Someday, she said, I might like to settle down. I laughed a
bit, and then left the castle.

It just so happened that on my way to Hogsmeade a raven was
sitting on the fence. I wasn't going to let that opportunity
go away, so I quickly drank the Animorph Potion and fixed
all my attention on the raven. And as I did so, it seemed to
open up and swallow me into its awareness.  A horrible
wrenching grabbed me, and suddenly I was flying! It took
some practice, but I can now switch back and forth easily. I
think this will help the battle considerably, at least in
the early part.

So now I am Ravenus, the Ravenclaw Raven! But I feel the
freedom. And the gratitude to Headmistress Bones. I hope she
knows that I am gay.

9th of January, 1681

I have taken to flying as a raven at night to survey the
area around us. I can see the Spanish flotilla now, and the
British one coming up. We are on the north side of center.
The Spanish flotilla is at least twenty versus our British
eight. Looks like we have some work to do. The formal
conflict will take place on the 11th.

It is later now. I have been to Lord Randolph's ship, and
told him all this. He of course was quite curious as to how
I came to be there. Some secrets are better left as secrets.

10th of January, 1681.

It is very early in the morning. I can see the Spaniards.
Time for some action.

Eight Spaniards sunk. The crew and I are elated. We applied
the same technique - Prepare, Disillusionment, Apparate,
Cancel, Fire, Sail away, Disillusionment and Apparate. Four
of them we did as pairs, sailing invisible between them and
then unloading both our broadsides into them. The carnage is
incredible. They are now so touchy and sensitized that they
stand ready with cannons continuously. This is a great side
effect, as they will be weary by the time the actual
conflict arises. They call us the Nave del Fantasma - Ghost
Ship in Spanish. Tonight we will take out some more.

I have to rest, though. This is exhilarating but exhausting
at the same time.

Night, 10th of January, 1681.

There is a wizard on at least one of the Spaniards. He must
have caught on, because he tried to do Bulk Apparition. I
was lucky as I saw it happen. He failed. The ship splinched,
and as a result it broke in two pieces and sank quickly.
They had to stop and rescue survivors.

The Spanish count is down now by half. That makes a total of
twelve sunk, disabled or destroyed. The British gained two
ships, so they sit at ten. We now outnumber the Spanish, and
although they are larger it is probably now an even fight.
The crew and I are resting. Tomorrow will be a big day.

I am planning something. I think we might actually be able
to scare them off with a little high drama.

11th of January, 1681.

We can see them. I have moved Phantom Raider back behind the
British. That actually was kind of fun. I used the same
technique - Disillusion, Apparate, Cancel. We surprised Lord
Randolph considerably. They are foolish though. Both sides
are moving into line position where they just shoot and chop
each other apart and whoever survives, survives. I have
learned so much about battle and timing.

Will return later. Bosun says both sides have raised the
colors and the white flag. They want to talk. I suspect
treachery. Since Phantom Raider is safe here, I am going to
fly over - literally - and see what is going on.

Treachery is right. Here is the memory.

***

Harry automatically touched the letter R on the page, and
the haze encased him. When it dropped, he saw that he was
airborne and following Ravenus. He could see the Spanish
ships, the one lone one out front meeting the British ship,
that were just hundreds of feet away. He spiraled down on to
the British ship, the HMS Bludgeon, landed on her very stern
rail, and transformed back to himself as he jumped down.

"Lord Randolph."

The man in question spun around, and then sighed in relief.
"Captain Potter."

"I strongly suspect treachery. Make sure your cannons are
loaded and ready to fire."

He nodded. And the ships closed on each other. Harry could
see the Spanish seamen in position. They too were manning
the cannons. Ravenus stood there, boldly, holding his wand,
ready for action should things go wrong.

Tension built as the two ships drifted together. The
Spaniard Admiral was ornately decorated, and Lord Randolph
looked somewhat Spartan in comparison. Lord Randolph
started.

"Good Morning. Shall we fight today, or go our ways?"

The Spaniard laughed. In his clipped accent, he shouted
back. "Will you surrender your meager navy to the Spanish
dominance?"

"Right now all I see is British dominance. Will you
surrender to that?"

"NEVER!" And as he turned Ravenus could see him prepare to
fire. Ravenus shouted loudly, "DEFEND THE SHIP!" as the
Spaniard violated the white flag agreement and opened fire
on the HMS Bludgeon. Likewise, the Bludgeon returned fire,
and damage was incurred. Amid the swearing the two ships
separated to rejoin their fleet, flinging cannon balls back
and forth.

Ravenus caught sight of a man with a wand on the Spaniard,
and realized that he was deflecting cannon balls. Rage over
the white flag betrayal surged through him, and for the
first time in months he stood up, his hair blowing in the
wind, and shouted the Killing Curse onto the wizard.

"Avada Kedavra!"

The blaze of green light blinded everyone, and the Spanish
wizard was blown off his deck some thirty feet into the air
before crashing into the sea. After that, a few cannon balls
hit the Spaniard, but they were out of range.

Harry turned to see Ravenus concentrate and then Apparate
away. Harry suddenly found himself standing on the deck of
the Phantom Raider, hearing the screams of protest from the
British sailors at the Spanish treachery, and saw the raven
spiral downwards and land on the deck, becoming Captain
Ravenus Potter again. Fury etched across his face as the
British and Spanish closed on each other. He swore at the
bosun.

"Bloody mongrels from Iberia! They betrayed the white flag!"
He shook himself, and came to a decision. "Run out the
cannons! Run Silent!"

The crew cheered and ran out their cannons. The British
ships in front of them echoed some concern, but when Ravenus
cast the Disillusionment Charm, an audible gasp rose from
the British. They then Apparated to fifty feet behind the
retreating Spaniard, broadsides ready to bear on the
retreating ship. The Bludgeon was behind the Phantom Raider.

"FINITE!" And the cry of dismay was audible from the
Spaniard, who started running out her cannons again. The
British saw the shimmer and appearance of the Phantom
Raider, and cheered even louder.

Meanwhile, the Phantom Raider's reputation must have spread,
Harry thought, because he could hear them crying out "Nave
del Fantasma!"

"PROCLAMI RAVENCLAW!" And the sails crested the Ravenclaw
House coat of arms, and a huge green flag joined the Jolly
Roger on the backstay.

"FIRE!" And the Phantom Raider's cannons boomed at the
Spaniard. Shots were exchanged, but the Spaniard survived.

"CEASE FIRE!" And Ravenus began to breathe deeply. He was
obviously steeling himself for something. And then he
shouted a spell that Harry had never heard.

"ESPLODA!"

There was a moment of silence, and then the Spaniard was
gone, replaced by a billion small splinters of wood and
gore. She literally had exploded.

The crew was silent, and then the sound caught up with them
with a thunderous detonation. Within one minute, the remains
of the ship and all her crew were gone.

Ravenus's own crew stared at the spectacle in awe. Few saw
that Ravenus collapsed to the floor, breathing hard. Harry
reached out to help him, but was still unable to. After a
minute he stood again, pale and shaking, but gaining
strength rapidly.

"Helm, twenty degrees to port. Reload for the next. SOMEONE
GET ME SOME RUM AND A SANDWICH!" And the crew jumped to
their orders.

"Let fly the topgallants and royals! Speed is our
advantage!" And the Phantom Raider swept towards the Spanish
fleet, daring them to challenge her.

One did. Of the remaining Spanish ships, one set her colors
and sailed forward, wizard in the bow. Curses flung from her
towards Ravenus, who dodged them quickly. He flung his own
back at the wizard, marveling at how fast his strength was
coming back. Must be the rum.

This Spaniard well outgunned the Phantom Raider. Harry saw
that Ravenus began taking breaths again, and then hurled
again the unrecoverable and Unforgivable Killing Curse.

"Avada Kedavra!" And the immense green flash streaked over,
catching the wizard up into the sails before crashing him
back on deck. Maybe they would take that as a warning.

But no. The second Spaniard moved forward to bring her
broadsides to bear on Phantom Raider. Ravenus began
breathing deep again, straightened himself, and did it
again.

This time, the energy was tangible. It was a visible ripple
in the air as he shouted "ESPLODA!" and the Spaniard sizzled
and shimmered into a rising cloud of dust and splinters.
Seconds later the titantic detonation shock swept through
the air, and again everyone was awestruck.

Ravenus swayed against the wheel, but held steady. If he did
it again he would pass out.

Minutes passed, and then a deafening cheer rose from the
crews and from the British as the Spanish brought their
colorful flags down and began to move off towards Spain.

They had done it. And the British Navy had barely had to
fire a shot. That actually was good news, because their
resupply had been very scarce, and they would not have been
able to reload more than once during the conflict.

Ravenus grinned wearily. He gave orders to sail
perpendicular to the Navy, westward. They didn't need him,
but he didn't trust them either. And so he cast
Disillusionment once more as they sailed westward to ensure
that they weren't followed.

The haze fell around Harry, and he was back in the room
again. He continued to read for a bit.

***

14th January, 1681.

We are off Falmouth. I have given each man who wanted it
their General Pardon, and inscribed their name on it and in
a register I keep. The lure of the prize money and the
newborn feelings of patriotism, plus a way out of piracy
legally have fallen on almost all my crew. I have decided
then to sail to Falmouth, discharge them, and hide her on
the Irish Coast. There is a small harbor that I can make
Unplottable and impossible to find. I am not ready to give
up Phantom Raider yet, but the time has come for a change.

19th March, 1681.

My birthday. I am twenty two and lived a lifetime.

I stashed Phantom Raider several miles north of Falmouth.
Four sailors plus myself can sail her. I have invested our
prize money at Gringotts. So far no one has challenged me. I
don't advertise who I am, and I am far from London and
Hogwarts. I bought the land north of Falmouth that includes
my little hidden harbor. I am building a home here.

My thoughts turn to Robert now. I have visited him once, by
Apparition, but it wasn't the same. He is only interested in
sailors on ships. I thought I caught him thinking of
another, and so I told him I would not be returning. He was
more relieved than dismayed. That causes me some heartache.

James and his family are doing fine. I see him sometimes but
his house is being watched. Something is afoot.

3rd May, 1681.

The Government has brought charges against James for
conspiracy with pirates. That would be me. I took some very
serious action, but James and his family are cleared now.
And me? We'll see.

Here is the memory.

***

Harry immediately invoked the symbol, and the familiar haze
engulfed him. When it dropped, he realized that he was in
old Courtroom Ten. The couple times Harry was there, none of
it was good and he was chilled at the memory.

Sure enough, James was there in the chair, and his family in
the seats nearby. They looked frightened. James simply
looked tired.

The chief of what resembled the Wizengamot was standing.
"James Potter, son of James Potter senior, of Godric's
Hollow, England, the charges are conspiracy with your
brother, the notorious pirate Ravenus Potter. There are many
witnesses. How do you plead?"

James was silent, and then a voice that Harry recognized
filled the room with its silky baritone sonority. "He pleads
guilty to all charges."

Gasps spread round the room, and James' eyes widened. "You
mustn't!"

"Silence!" The chief addressed the corner. "Witness for the
defense?"

Ravenus stood forward. He was wearing formal robes in black
and dark green brocade. His hair flowed long and free, but
kept, and the black eyes were violent storms of disgust.
"Captain Ravenus Potter of the Phantom Raider."

Pandemonium! Half a dozen wands appeared, but the chief
pounded his gavel. "SILENCE!" And the courtroom calmed down.

"Ravenus Potter, you take considerable risk appearing in
this courtroom."

A chuckle from Ravenus. "Not really, your Honor. No charges
have been formally filed against me, and there is a forty-
eight hour waiting period before the Wizengamot can act. Any
act of aggression against me here is contempt of court."

Muttering, and an old wizard stood up. "Mr. Potter has
correctly cited the Law."

"You wish to state that Mr. James Potter is guilty?"

"Yes, your honor. Guilty."

Muttering continued. James looked at Ravenus. "Do you know
what you are doing?? I don't relish the thought of Azkaban
much at all, you know."

Ravenus grinned. "Trust me."

The chief signaled for silence. "The Wizengamot accepts your
guilty plea. The sentence for Conspiracy with Pirates is
twenty years in Azkaban. Any final words?"

Ravenus nodded. "Actually, yes, your Honor. Allow me to
introduce document number one here to the courtroom." He
pulled out a crisp parchment. "This document is a General
Pardon issued by Lord Randolph himself and countersigned by
the King of England. The names on the top are James Potter
and Family, here now as the accused." He handed the document
to a stunned chief. "Now that this document is accepted into
your hands, it is a Binding Magical Contract that, should it
be breached by anyone, the offender will die. It is invested
with the Unbreakable Vow between the government as it exists
and you, the officer of this court."

Ravenus addressed the entire courtroom. "Are there any
questions on this document and procedure?"

Silence prevailed the room. Ravenus continued, "Your Honor,
I believe there is nothing left but to stand this court in
recess, as Mr. Potter and Family have been pardoned."

The chief stood, and cracked a smile. "You are right. A very
clever piece of work, Captain Potter. Totally binding and
absolutely complete. This court is adjourned."

Ravenus went to James and his wife and children. "I love you
all so much. Never mention me again, and stay out of
trouble. That was my last pardon." And he briskly walked
away and Disapparated away on the spot.

The haze rushed up, and Harry sat holding the book. So that
was what use of power could do. Ravenus was holding the
trump cards. And he used his last on his brother. He stood
in awe of the gay pirate captain, and yet at the same time
he felt the kindred spirit. He had stood before Voldemort,
with all those who had sacrificed and followed his
leadership, or at least stayed out of his way.

Harry could not imagine the brilliance that Ravenus had. He
truly belonged in Ravenclaw. Harry was brave, yes, and
persistent, but Hermione and Dumbledore had been essential
to the mystery. Ravenus had no one but himself to rely on.

He put the book down and went up to bed. On his bed, however
lay an ornate note from the Ministry of Magic. Warily he
opened it, and read the ornate script inside.

Dear Mr. Potter,

The Ministry is holding a Grand Ball Saturday night to
celebrate the completion of repairs at the Ministry of
Magic. The evening would be woefully lacking if you were
unable to attend.

Less formally, we hope to see you there. I know that these
make you uncomfortable, but please do your best.

Regards,

Kingsley Shacklebolt
Minister of Magic

An idea formed in his mind. He would take Ginny. But first,
he needed to ask her a question. Putting on the Invisibility
Cloak, Harry snuck carefully to the Girl's Dormitory door.
He was lucky to find Hermione awake.

"Hermione! It's me, Harry."

She looked at him. "Harry, it is late. What could you
possibly want?"

"I need you to wake Ginny and send her down to the Common
Room. It is important."

"Oh, very well." A couple of moments passed, and Ginny came
down in her pajamas. What a sight she was, though, with her
hair carefully back and her posture at rest.

"Harry, what is it?"

Harry took out his wand and set Silence and Shield Charms
around the room. They were alone, although Harry knew that
Hermione was trying to listen.

"Please sit." And she sat.

"Ginny, I love you, more than anything. I have to go to a
Ministry Ball on Saturday night. It is very likely to be
dreadful, but this time I feel different about it." He took
a breath. "I would like very much to bring my fianc‚e with
me on Saturday night."

Ginny stared at him. "Harry?"

"Yes, I am serious. Virginia Weasley, will you marry me?"

Ginny hid her face. Harry was about to go on, but she stood
and launched herself onto him. "Oh Harry, I would like
nothing more in this world to marry you! Yes, yes, yes!" And
they dove into a prolonged, tender kiss. And it was so
right, standing in the Gryffindor Common Room, cementing
their love together.

After a while, the broke apart, and started giggling a
little. Harry spoke first.

"I am so happy right now, and it all is so perfect." He
chuckled. "I owe you an engagement ring."

"You sure do."

"Do you mind if it is public on Saturday night? I would love
to give them something positive to talk about."

She nodded. They kissed for a long while, and then both were
overcome with yawns.

"I don't know if I can sleep."

Harry ducked his head. "I don't know if I can wait for us to
be together, knowing it is going to happen."

Ginny gave a wicked low laugh. "Oh Harry, we are not waiting
that long. But not tonight." And for the first time, her
hand brushed across the front of his pants and gently sized
up his cock, which of course was long and hard from the
kissing. "Ooooh, you have no idea what that does to me."

"I will before too long." And they said goodnight and went
back to their beds.

Harry responded to Kingsley.

Dear Minister,

I and my fianc‚e would be very pleased to attend the
Ministry Ball on Saturday. Please keep that fact close until
we disclose it on Saturday.

Warmest regards,

Harry Potter.

And, dropping his magical charms, he skipped up the stairs
to bed. Ron was going to freak.

The next morning, Harry received permission to leave
Hogwarts for London for the afternoon. He wanted to withdraw
a sizeable sum from his Gringotts vault, which after all the
donations and award money from various places, wouldn't put
a dent in the pile. But he saw a small ring box there, and
opened it. There was a note for him.

My darling Harry,

If you read this, I can't give it to you personally. This
was James's mother's engagement ring. Someday you will need
one, and we would like you to have this one as a choice.

Love,

Mother and Father.

Harry's eyes flowed freely as he held the beautifully ornate
Marquis diamond in gold setting. It wasn't until the goblin
behind him harrumphed that the moment was broken. Yes, Ginny
would appreciate this. He closed his vault and started the
return trip to Hogwarts.

Ginny had sent home to her mother for dress robes, and Molly
had outdone herself. They would be at the ball too. Ginny
had to keep a completely straight face with not telling
outright, but she suspected that Molly knew something was
up. That woman was uncanny.

At dinner at Hogwarts, Harry and Ginny were next to each
other as well as Ron, Hermione, Dean, and the rest. Harry
saw all the loyal friends in the faculty and the students,
and an idea came to him. He leaned over to Ginny.

"What do you think about the first announcement here and
now?" He whispered.

Ginny's eyes went wide. "Why?"

"Well, they all were so personally involved. I kind of owe
them the honor. The Ministry was half the problem."

She nodded. "The diary?"

"It's given me an understanding and maybe the right kind of
confidence. But I know what is right."

She grinned. "Then go for it. When?"

"Now." And Harry stood up and, taking her hand, walked her
to the front of the Great Hall. Silence fell around them and
Minerva stood up.

Harry spoke in a clear voice. "Headmistress, I would like to
address the school student body and faculty for a moment
with a special announcement. May I, with your permission?"

Minerva was NOT going to stop this. Her eyes softened. "By
all means, Mr. Potter."

Harry turned to the crowd. "My fellow students, we have been
through so much together. Tonight I have been invited to
attend the Ministry Grand Ball to celebrate the completion
of the repairs caused by the War with Voldemort. But I owe
it to you first to announce that I will be attending with my
fianc‚e ." and the roar of applause and approval from
everyone would not let him finish for almost a minute. "My
fianc‚e, Ginny Weasley, who has last night consented to
marry me."

And another roar of approval and everyone stood up, cheering
and clapping. When they finally settled down, Harry spoke
once more.

"Thank you, all of you, for everything. Let us hope the
healing process is nearly done and our world can resume life
in safety and confidence."

But the students would have none of it. It was Hagrid, of
course, who started shouting "KISS! KISS" and within seconds
the Great Hall reverberated with the demands of its student
body and faculty. Harry turned to Ginny, shrugged with a
grin and a large wink, and Ginny grinned right back and
again, as she only could, hurled herself off the ground and
into his arms for a joyous but not too long a deep kiss. And
then they stepped down amid the cheering and hooting.

Hermione was crying. Ron was frozen like stone, but then as
Harry nudged him and said, "Hey, brother-in-law!" he cracked
a grin and pounded Harry on the back.

The spectacle was more subdued that night at the Ball. The
crowd had formed of all the best and notable witches and
wizards. The Daily Prophet was there, and began snapping
pictures of Harry and Ginny as they approached the steps.
The Minister of Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt was there to
meet them, and his eyes were glowing with mischief. In full
view of the reporters, Arthur and Molly Weasley, and the
senior Ministry staff, including all the Aurors, the
Minister gave him the perfect opportunity.

"Mr. Potter, so glad you could come. And would you introduce
me to this vision of beauty at your side?"

Harry grinned and winked. "Of course, Minister. And may I
say thank you for your gracious invitation. May I present my
fianc‚e Virginia Weasley, daughter of Arthur and Molly
Weasley?"

Ginny curtsied as the shock set in, followed by a furious
flashing of pictures and the surging roar of discussion as
the news spread.

Kingsley smiled widely, and said, "My best congratulations
to the both of you! This is the perfect capstone to
tonight's Ball." He looked behind Harry, and grinned.
"Arthur, Molly, I am sure that you want to join in the
announcement as well!" And the rest of the night the hubbub
continued. It would be all over the morning papers.

Much later, when the press was satisfied, Harry stood and
went to the bar. The bartending wizard regarded him slowly,
knowing he was underage for drinking, and then winked. "What
can I get you?"

Harry had an inspiration. "A shot of Caribbean Rum, please,
on ice." He took the drink back to the table with water for
Ginny.

"What did you order?"

"Rum. Ravenus liked it. On this occasion it seems
appropriate." He could see why. It was smooth, it had just a
little kick to it. And with that, he took Ginny's hand, and
led her to the dance floor.

It was a perfect moment. They were the only ones out there,
young and handsome, beautiful and glowing. Both had learned
the steps for the dance at the Yule Ball for the Triwizard
Tournament, and this they danced. Harry was tall and
graceful, and even aristocratic in his dress robes and
slender frame. His longish hair only served to add
incredible sex appeal. The Prophet would have some hot
pictures tomorrow! Ginny was the model of a lady, floating
effortlessly along the dance floor, with their eyes entwined
in each other. They saw and heard no one during this one
dance, and when it was over they kissed politely in public.

On their return, most of Gryffindor had waited up for them,
and cheered loudly with many compliments on their robes.
Harry took it all in with ease, and inwardly thanked Ravenus
for that ability. Ginny was flushed with attention, but she
was getting used to it. After all, all her life she had
heard and dreamed about the marvel that was The Boy Who
Lived, and now the actual man was going to be hers.

Man. That was what did it. Harry had fought a man's battle
against Voldemort, so he was a hero, but until now he had
still been the boy-hero. The poise that Harry had gained,
the confidence, and so much uncertainty lost when Voldemort
was vanquished and now with the big-brother role model
intuition from Ravenus, he was a man. And Ginny was going to
be his wife.

They longed for their beds. Ron still vacillated between
encouragement and protection of his sister. But Hermione had
been showing Ron a thing or two, and most times he
surrendered now. But Harry was going to put a stop to it
right now.

Ginny, Hermione, Ron and Harry were the last to go up. Harry
looked at Ginny, kissed her once more, and saw the angst in
Ron. Firmly he looked at Ginny and Hermione.

"Ladies, I need to talk to Ron alone, now. Good night, and
see you tomorrow."

Hermione's eyebrows went up, but Ginny giggled as they made
their way up. Ginny just smiled knowingly. "Hermione, Ron's
not a virgin, right?"

Hermione got the idea, and snickered. "Oh no, he certainly
isn't." And they snickered the rest of the way up to the
dormitory, but stayed at the door to listen.

Harry turned on Ron. "What is with you?"

"She's my sister, Harry!"

"Yes, she is. Look Ron, I'll put it plainly. Ginny and I are
engaged to be married. Married! Among married, that means
that we are going to have lots and lots of hot, wild sex and
fucking and sucking and kissing and all kinds of things that
we haven't thought of yet. She is going to be fucked face to
face, doggy style, her on top, and any way she and I, her
husband can think of." Ron stood there, shocked, as Harry
continued. "I know you and Hermione have given yourselves to
each other a number of times already, it was kind of hard to
miss. Think of how happy and satisfied Hermione was, and
then think of your sister in that position. I am going to do
my damned best to make her feel as loved and needed and sexy
and as best that can, any way that I can!" He stopped for a
moment. "Who else better than me?"

Ron was aghast. "You knew?"

"For God's sake, Ron, I'm your best friend. Of course I
knew. But you weren't ready to talk about it."

Ron was silent for a few moments. Harry decided to seal it.
"She was a girl, Ron, but she now is also a woman. A very
determined one, a very powerful one, and you may as well
face up to the fact that she and I are going to be hot,
horny, naked, and very happily absorbed into one another
with the concurrence of the rest of the world. I don't want
my best friend to be the lone holdout on our happiness."

Hermione was bright, bright red. Ginny's eyes were wide and
her smile huge. But Hermione made the only comment. "Maybe I
picked the wrong one."

"No way, girl. Harry's mine." And she called down the
stairs. "Harry, any more talk like that and I am going to do
you right there and now in the Common Room, whether Ron is
watching or not!"

Harry turned back to Ron. "See?"

Thoughts churned through Ron, and finally with a tight shrug
that quickly slid into acquiescence he nodded. "I don't envy
you. Just don't ever get her mad. And she is ticklish ."

"RON!" That was Ginny.

Harry grinned. "Don't worry, I expect fully to explore out
all her known ticklish spots, and even some that aren't
known." He turned his success away and went back to the
topic of Hermione. "So what exactly does Hermione like?"

"Well, she has this one -"

"RON!!" That was Hermione.

"I'll tell you later."

They went up to bed, and the topic did not come up.

The next morning, the Daily Prophet and all the papers
showed pictures taken during their dance. Ginny received
permission from Hogwarts to visit her mum and start to work
out the details on the wedding. Harry was bound and
determined to get through his NEWTs and the diary. And so
the evening found them, she studying for Monday's work, and
Harry continuing in the diary.

***

5th of May, 1681

As suspected, charges against me have been filed for piracy.
My crew has all gone honorable, and become upright citizens
for now. I can't find the four people needed to sail the
Phantom Raider. I suspect that my days as a successful
pirate are over. The sea is calling, though, and on the sea
is safety. I had already closed my house north of Falmouth.
It will stay tight, I am sure. As for my ship, I can't sail
her alone. I have bought a small sixty foot ship from an
unsuspecting seaman. He showed me the particulars of the
rigging that were different from the barque, and I am now
sailing her down to the Caribbean. Her name is Finesse, and
I can see why. No weaponry. But she is good, sturdy with low
draught, and with her two masts, main and mizzen, two jibs
and topgallants I will do just fine.

Phantom Raider has been hidden. That took some creative
spellwork, but she is hidden in Maenporth. I closed off a
deep inlet with spellwork. I hope that the Trelawneys, who
live nearby, don't get too curious. But it is well protected
from them.

10th May, 1681

Weather is good. I have passed the Azores today and picked
up supplies. The town talk is all about the conflict still.
It is a good thing that they do not connect little Finesse
with the big bad pirate. Someone is bound to notice me. I
think, though, that I will see Robert. Even if he has found
someone else, we shared a close friend in Captain Lee.

22nd May, 1681.

I find this most amazing to put down in words. Young Harry
and I departed Carangua today. Harry is my son. I had to
look back in this diary, but surely enough he looks like me,
and the dark haired wench named Anna from my only experience
with women. The age is perfect. And while Anna is quite the
muggle, Harry is most definitely a wizard. He is about to
turn five years old.

I am most amazed with him. I never thought I would have a
child of my own, and certainly not the fine sturdy boy that
Harry is. Anna had sent a message out to all Captain Lee's
friends that I needed to see her immediately. Robert had it.
I Apparated over to Tortuga, where Anna met me without much
surprise. They have started the separation of muggles from
wizards, and Harry was most definitely a wizard. Anna knew
that I had to have him, being a wizard myself. She had no
intention of being the muggle mother of a wizard. Not that
she didn't love Harry, because it is evident throughout him,
but she knew she could not teach him what he needed to know.
He is a smart one, too. We can visit Anna from time to time.

I have bought some property outside Carangua near Robert.
Robert has found a new love, and it sounds like a good one.
We are good friends, though. I have several years to figure
out how to get young Harry to Hogwarts, as there is no other
school that would be good enough for him.

Harry Potter, someday you will read this and know that the
love I have for you is genuine and sincere. I never thought
that I would be blessed with you. But I was, and I hope to
be the parent that you want and need. I love you so much
already!

***

Harry had to stop and dry his eyes. So Ravenus had fathered
a son, albeit under unusual circumstances, but he was a
wizard too. Harry realized that he wanted children too. It
was likely that Ginny would cooperate there, as she was a
keen mother-figure during the Battle of Hogwarts.

He read on through the scattered entries, cataloging the
birthdays and the milestones of Ravenus and his son Harry.
Harry was a daredevil. There were many instances of "I had
to rescue Harry today from the creek." and "Robert brought
Harry home after his raft floated away ."

One entry caught Harry's attention, and he continued.

***

11th of July, 1686.

Today I must make the visit that I have dreaded for so long.
Tomorrow is Harry's eleventh birthday, and he needs to be
exposed to Hogwarts so that he may get his letter. I am
taking a terrible risk in this, but I have to do it. Harry
is staying with Robert tonight. I connected my fireplace to
the Floo network, and am about to expose myself to the
Headmistress at Hogwarts. Headmistress Bones was open-minded
and cooperative last time when she knew I was a pirate. I
hope it is so again. Otherwise, this could be the end.

Well, I have done it. I am not sure what to expect now. She
has agreed to meet me. She wanted to do it at the Ministry
but I refused. She said that she understood my concern, and
that all would be clear soon. We have agreed to meet at
Hogsmeade, at The Hogs Head. She told me that she is
bringing a friend, but no one else. A friend of whom, I
wonder?

I have prepared a Portkey for my return. If it works, it
will return me to Coruna in Spain, and then I can Apparate
here. May God endorse my actions and save me from harm. I
haven't been this scared in years.

***

Harry took a breath, and turned the page. The entire fate
hung on the next entry. Harry saw that there was no new
date, and that it was a continuation with a memory again
spelled into the page. He read on.

***

Well, young Harry will get his letter. I am holding it.
Headmistress Bones is a wily character, worthy of any
pirate. But there is a price. I must appear in the Ministry
two days hence for judgment. Hogwarts students may not enter
the school for the first time if there are outstanding
judgments against them. So it is with me.

The friend was my only true friend from Hogwarts, Darius
Diggle. He was warm and happy to see me, and amazed that I
was there to ensure that my son Harry would be enrolled in
Hogwarts. Darius had done well for himself, although he did
not disclose his career. I was very happy for him.

Here is the memory. It could have gone worse.

***

Harry tapped the ornate letter R, and when the haze lifted,
he was standing with Ravenus outside a neat house in the
warm tropical night. Ravenus was dressed in dark robes
again, with a long hooded cloak. Quite abnormal for the
tropics, but he was going to England. Harry followed as he
Apparated away and into Hogsmeade. As he made his way to the
Hogs Head, itself unchanged over the three centuries,
Ravenus stopped to look up at Hogwarts in wonder, possibly
affection, and most definitely longing. And then he entered
the Hogs Head.

It was deserted at the pub, except for Madam Bones and
another young man. He saw Ravenus's jaw drop, a grin split
his face, and then the two embraced closely.

"Darius! What in God's name are you doing here?" He
instantly sobered. "I am not putting you at risk, am I?"

Darius shook is head. "No, my friend, not here. Come, sit!
This is a most unusual meeting, but you have managed to
captivate us."

Ravenus bowed floridly to the Headmistress. "Madam Bones, a
pleasure and my thanks for this meeting."

She nodded, with a smile. "Thank you. It is your meeting,
though. Please tell me what is on your mind."

Ravenus looked craftily at Darius. "Darius, if things go
badly here, I expect you not to breathe a word of this to
anyone."

Darius nodded slowly. "Understood."

Ravenus pulled out his wand, and swept the room. It is to
the others credit, Harry noted, that they did not even
flinch. "We are now safe, private, and undisturbed.
Headmistress, to be quite to the point, my son will turn
eleven years old tomorrow. He is quite the wizard, and
Hogwarts is the best place for him. I am asking you to
consider him for enrollment. He will have to stay throughout
the year, although I will make arrangements at a legitimate
location for him. He must be completely untraceable to me."

There was silence. Then Darius smiled widely.
"Congratulations on your son! I had thought you were gay."

Another awkward silence, then Ravenus said with feeling, "I
am gay. The circumstances of young Harry's conception are
quite unique in my history. I do not wish to go into any
details on that topic."

Madam Bones asked, "Harry? His name is Harry Potter?"

Ravenus nodded. "Yes."

She waved her wand, and the letter appeared. "He is so
notified. But there is a prerequisite that I must impose,
and most importantly, you are going to have to trust me."

Ravenus carefully guarded his face. "State your terms. I
make no commitment now."

Madam Bones shifted. "Students entering Hogwarts must
necessarily be free of all judgments pending against their
parents. You must appear before the Ministry to clear the
judgments against you." She let that sink in. "Ravenus, if
you do so it will clear the way for your son, and for a
unique opportunity that you would fit very well."

Ravenus was aghast. "Why don't I just check myself into
Azkaban for an eternity right now?" He got up to leave, but
Darius restrained him gently with his touch.

"Ravenus, what makes you think that the outcome is
predetermined?"

"You know the Ministry. You heard what they tried to do to
James. They are out for blood, probably mine. I want Harry
away and clear from that. I haven't figured that out yet,
but-"

Madam Bones interrupted him. "It is a small wonder you have
evaded the Ministry for so long. But I am asking you to
trust me."

Silence. "Why should I?"

"Because we are here. Because I showed you the Portkey
Command spell, the Animorph potion I gave you, and the fact
that I know and saw the misdeeds done to you. A Ravenclaw
Prefect! What you could be doing for us once you were
cleared." She sighed. "Two days hence. No press, just the
Wizengamot in the Ministry. Nine o'clock in the morning.
Will you come?"

Ravenus stood and paced. "What will become of Harry if
things go badly?"

"I can assure you that there will be no problem."

Ravenus stopped, and stared at her and Darius. "I want your
word that if I go to Azkaban or am killed, Harry goes to my
brother James with no further consequence." He laid out a
parchment, waved his hand over it and the words to that
effect appeared there.

Both Madam Bones and Darius stared in surprise, before
tapping their wands to it. "This will not be necessary, but
we agree." Darius nodded.

Ravenus collected the parchment. "All right, then. I am
placing an unprecedented amount of trust in you, Madam
Bones. I trust no one after my father's betrayal."

She nodded, and smiled. "Ravenus, two days from now, things
will be very different."

"For the positive."

"Absolutely."

His eyes were haunted now, as he snapped his fingers and the
protection spells dropped. "How will I appear unmolested?"

She handed him a small teacup. "Invoke this Portkey."

He nodded. Darius took the moment to observe his magic, and
commented quietly. "I see you finally got the hang of
wandless magic."

Ravenus laughed bitterly. "Darius, that is the only kind
when your wand is taken from you and you are sold into
prostitution by a dimwit who didn't recognize the difference
between pirates and merchants." He stood, fully erect and
his commanding presence filled the room. "Until two days
hence." And holding the letter and the portkey, he Apparated
back to his island home.

The haze came and went, and Harry started to breathe again.
Ravenus was still the hottest thing around. But it only
really showed in the last few minutes when he stood as a
Captain again, not as a supplicant. Harry saw that there
were only a few pages left, and several memories. Finish it,
he thought.

***

Well, that was that. Part of me wants to run, but I know I
will go. They know something I don't and their conviction
gives me hope. Darius, too. They must have known I would be
skeptical and suspicious. I must think about this some more.
But I am going.

12th of July, 1686.

It is Harry's birthday. He knows he is eleven, he knows that
he is ready for Hogwarts. I saw the hope in his face and
realized that I would do anything for him, and so I handed
him his letter. He knows somehow that it is costing me.
Harry is quite older than he seems. So I had to explain it
to him, and he cried. He wants Hogwarts so much, and I told
him that no matter what happens, he must go and become the
best wizard he can be, even if it is to live with his Uncle
James. I am so proud of him, because he told me the thing I
really needed to hear: that we should trust Madam Bones and
Darius. I hope he is right.

I have decided to take him with me to the courtroom. Well,
he insisted on going anyway, but I decided not to fight. If
nothing else, he can watch his father be a fine upstanding
wizard for once and respect the law.

13th of July, 1686.

We are ready to go. Harry is dressed neatly in nice robes. I
am in relatively simple robes, still dark green but with the
Ravenclaw symbol. After all, it was my house. I will give
this book to Harry for safekeeping. He is a male of true
Potter blood, and all its secrets will be revealed to him.
God bless, Harry.

***

Holding his breath, Harry turned to the next to last page in
the book.

***

If anyone could have described what took place at that
courtroom, they would be still at a loss for words. I know I
am. Here is the memory.

***

Shit. Harry sat there, preparing for what he would see. He
touched his wand carefully to the ornate letter R, and the
haze cycled in and out.

Harry saw Ravenus, wearing his nondescript robes with a boy
approaching his chest in height. The boy had the same raven
black hair, but his eyes were more brown than black. This
was Harry Potter, three centuries ago, the son of Ravenus
Potter. They held each other closely and then with the twist
they Apparated away from their island paradise to the town
of Hogsmeade, where the clock showed fifteen minutes to
nine.

"Harry, there it is. Hogwarts. The home of everything you
could ever wish to learn, create and enjoy for your next
seven years. With me, or with James, you will be cared for.
I wanted to be the first to show it to you regardless of the
outcome."

Young Harry nodded. "Father, is it worth it? Is it worth
your sacrifice? I don't want to lose you!"

"Ah Harry, the right thing is always worth it, even if it is
hard on us." And they spent the last minutes watching the
castle from afar. And then, with a hug, Ravenus invoked the
Portkey and the surroundings of the old courtroom dominated
the scene.

The Wizengamot was there. Ravenus escorted Harry to a seat
on the side, and then when he looked up he saw with horror
his father, Hermes, Horatio, and James. James sat apart from
the others.

"Ravenus Potter, please take the chair."

Ravenus slowly did. "Your Honor, may I identify the young
wizard with me as Harry Potter, my only son, of whom I am
guardian. In the event I am not able to care for him, it has
been arranged that he shall be given to the care of my
brother James with no further consequence."

Madam Bones was in the Wizengamot, and nodded at the Chief,
who commented slowly, "So noted."

"The charges against you are piracy, attacking the HMS
Ranger and the HMS Lancer, and the murder of seven wizards
assigned to British warships. How do you plead?"

Ravenus was quiet. "Your Honor, I would like to address each
of those charges individually."

"Very well."

"As you recall, I was sold for sexual services as a
prostitute-"

Pandemonium ensued, that required the Chief to pound his
gavel. "Order! Potter, you will please clarify that
statement."

"Of course." Silence, then "In June 1675, after achieving
Outstanding grades on my NEWT exams as a sixth year student
at Hogwarts, at age sixteen I was sold into indentured
service. The procuring agent, Captain David Lee of the
Phantom Raider, procured me for the sum of one hundred
pounds for sexual servitude as a catamite for himself." Dead
quiet. "At the time, no one knew that he was a pirate."

The Chief asked, "Who was your guardian who sold you?"

"My father, James Potter senior."

The Chief and the Wizengamot looked at him closely. "James
Potter, senior, is this true?"

A look of zeal crossed the old wizard's face. "Bloody right,
too! Potters are all Gryffindors! This dungpile of a
Ravenclaw deserved that, and worse! I can not deny his
blood, but he is no son of mine!"

"Did you know that Captain Lee was a pirate?"

"No, but what difference does it make?"

Silence. Ravenus then continued. "I was sold after my wand
had been taken away. The Captain found other uses for me,
namely in navigation and, when it came to battle to handle
the wizards on the other side. The case of the HMS Ranger
was one where I was ordered to attack. I captured a wand
then, but only Stupefied the wizard. The case of the HMS
Lancer was when the British Navy was pursuing us, and they
attacked first. I killed the first wizard in self-defense,
and then sunk the Lancer under orders from my owner. The
case of the seven ships was off of Pico, where we were set
upon and again, it was self-defense. Captain Lee was killed
in that exchange, and he named me Captain of the Phantom
Raider."

A great deal of muttering ensued. Then, the Chief asked,
"Did you attack any British ships as Captain?"

"No, your Honor. Any conflicts were in self-defense."

"Gringotts reports you have a considerable fortune. How did
you come by it?"

"Spanish and French prizes, your Honor."

Quiet. Ravenus surveyed the Wizengamot. Several people had
come in. A flicker of hope held on his breath. The crowd was
pensive.

The Chief noted the new arrivals. "Have you anything to add
to the testimony?"

Ravenus shook his head. "I have always acted in the best
interests of my crew, for whom I have been responsible, and
specifically avoided conflict with England. But when the
Navy is so tenacious, it is unavoidable that battle and
death may occur."

The Chief was waiting for something, and then one of the
late arrivals nodded. The Chief continued. "Is there any
additional testimony?"

"Yes, your Honor." One of the men stood, and behind him
eighty five men stood as well. The front one removed his
cloak, much to Ravenus' surprise, and continued. "I am Lord
Randolph, of the Royal Navy of England. Captain Potter
specifically was instrumental of the defeat of the Spanish
incursion into our waters. England would have been lost
without him, and it was specifically because of his talent,
technique and skill as a wizard that gave us that victory.
And when we had won, his shipped disappeared without the
slightest accolade or word." He gestured to the men behind
him. "The eighty five gentlemen here are the recipients each
of a General Pardon based upon that transaction between
myself, the Royal Navy, and Captain Potter, which he made at
risk from his position." He clapped his hands slowly, and
all eighty-five men joined the applause in favor of their
Captain.

Order was restored after a bit. The Chief then continued,
"Any other testimony?"

In the silence, Ravenus's brother James stood. "Your Honor,
there were one hundred pardons given. I myself witnessed
this event." He nodded to the Wizengamot. "At our last
meeting, when I was on trial for conspiracy with a pirate,
my brother, the hundredth pardon was used at my brother's
risk for my behalf. He knew and saw justice when it was
there. I am grateful, and I ask the court to consider that
act in its decision." He sat down.

The Chief nodded once again. "Any more evidence or
testimony?"

Quiet. It all hung on a thread.

"Guilty on the charge of the HMS Ranger?" A minority.

"Guilty on the charge of the HMS Lancer?" A minority again.

"Guilty on the charge of the seven wizards in the Royal
Navy?" A majority of hands, and a groan through the room.
Ravenus sat very still.

"Guilty on the general charge of piracy?" A majority of
hands.

The Chief nodded. "Ravenus Potter, the Wizengamot finds you
guilty on two of the charges: Piracy, and the killing of
seven wizards." He looked around the room. "Is there
anything to add before sentencing?"

Six men stood and removed their cloaks. The first one was
wearing a crown, the rest royal livery. "I, as you know now,
am James, son of Charles the second, and King of England. My
father gave me express orders on this circumstance." He
handed a gold parchment to one of the men, who ran it down
to the Chief. Ravenus's heart beat very hard as he and
everyone in the room kneeled to the King.

"Ravenus Potter, per order of King Charles the Second, and
commanded by myself, you are hereby pardoned for all past
crimes, documented or no, in binding magical contract as
defined by my counterpart and Minister of Magic, Dorian
Diggle. Pirate or no, England is in your debt and I suspect
that you are the most honorable pirate that we might ever
meet." He turned to the Chief. "Will you respect this
order?"

The Chief of the Wizengamot grinned. "Just like we planned,
your Highness." As the shock ran through the crowd and
Ravenus himself, Harry felt elated and the cheering and
applause burst forth.

The Chief called for attention. "Ravenus Potter, you are
hereby pardoned for all past crimes, documented or not. You
may go freely. And congratulations!" He banged his gavel,
and the courtroom erupted in applause.

The haze drifted down, and Harry found himself bursting with
pride and joy. Ravenus had cleared his name. He had made the
right choices, stood up for what mattered when it did, and
the look of love and relief on young Harry's face had
spelled it all out. He had won.

Harry turned the last page, and there were two entries: a
short paragraph each, and with another symbolic R at the
end. He read slowly.

***

August the 31st , 1686

Harry goes to Hogwarts today, like a normal child. How happy
I am for him, and for us. Since the courtroom drama I have
been offered the leadership of a new wizard department -
Aurors, they call them. Aurors will be needed to police the
wizarding world once the separation of muggle and wizard is
executed. I think I can do that. Perhaps I can leave a
legacy behind for Harry's children as well. More like an
inheritance, of sorts.

***

Harry then read the final entry in the diary. His heart was
pounding at the gently scripted words.

***

June 1693.

My last entry. I have read through this diary, and relived
the memories. There is much here. I will leave it for you to
read, Harry my son. Someday you will, and perhaps pass it
down as an example of how to return from the abyss.
Ravenclaw or Gryffindor, our family should always love and
be loved on individuals, not on House colors.

This is the end of this book. I am sure you have questions.
I am spelling in here a new construct. A male Potter of true
blood may invoke this symbol, and have an interview with me.
Yes, I learned how to make an interactive memory charm. But
know that I love you, my Harry.

Your father,

Ravenus.

***

Harry's wand moved to the symbol, and invoked it. More grey
haze fell, and lifted, and there they were in Ravenus's
cabin. Harry could hear the waves and the water going in the
background, and Ravenus sat at the desk, reading.

Ravenus looked up directly at Harry. "Hello, young man. If
you are here, you are a male of true Potter blood?"

Harry nodded.

Ravenus smiled. "A bit unsettling, isn't it? Falling back a
generation or two to meet great-grandpapa?"

Harry finally spoke. "Ravenus, it has actually been quite a
bit longer than that."

"Really? How long, may I ask?"

"More than three hundred years."

Ravenus Potter's eyes widened. "That long?"

Harry nodded.

"Well, that is a surprise. But a most excellent bloodline
then." He leaned back a little. "So, you have questions?"

Harry laughed. "Not really. I wanted to meet you, and to
talk."

Ravenus smiled. "Interesting." He stood, and was about as
tall as Harry. "Let's go on deck." And they went out of the
cabin, onto the deck of the Phantom Raider. Harry recognized
it from the other memories. A few seamen were up in the
rigging. Harry looked up into the sails, curiously.

Ravenus noticed the look. "Lets go aloft. Follow me. It is a
memory, so you won't fall." And they climbed up the mainmast
into the rigging. Harry found himself watching Ravenus's
butt, and a slightly lecherous feeling slid through him.

They sat together at the top of the mainmast, legs across a
spar. Harry could see for miles around the open ocean,
tantalizing, inviting, and challenging. The wind blew
through their hair, and Harry breathed deeply and grinned.

"This is absolutely wonderful!"

Ravenus nodded. "I love the sea. It calls to me
continuously, even when I am on land. Once a captain, always
a captain." He turned to Harry. "You learn to be daring,
take chances, and make many decisions because if you don't,
you die. I had hoped some of that might rub off after
reading my diary."

"It did. Even my fianc‚e noticed, and that was important."

"Ah. You are to be married?"

"Yes."

"Is she good for you?"

"Absolutely."

Ravenus nodded, and then saw Harry's hesitation. "In words,
but your body belays your confidence."

Trapped, Harry nodded. "Yes, there is one thing I am unsure
of."

"Can you tell me?" At Harry's silence, Ravenus smiled.
"Remember, this is only a memory. There is no one left to
offend."

Slowly, Harry nodded. "All right. After reading your diary,
and experiencing your personal memories, I find that . well
you are very attractive. I am not nor have I ever been gay,
but I find that I want to, well you know, give way to you."
There, he had said it.

Ravenus's eyebrows raised. "Really? Most interesting." He
sighed. "I am afraid that this memory is prohibited from
doing that, as it was meant for my son Harry. That would
have been highly inappropriate."

Harry nodded. They just sat in the rigging, listening to the
thrumming of the wind. Finally, they climbed down and
returned to the cabin. Ravenus commented that the memory
would only last a little bit longer, so Harry should be
brief.

"Ravenus, whatever happened to the Phantom Raider?"

He grinned. "During the summers I would take volunteers from
Hogwarts out for a couple weeks, and sail from Falmouth to
Carangua and back. Robert and his friend were always happy
to host us. The various children loved it." He frowned. "I
used to hide her in a harbor north of Falmouth." He showed
Harry where on an old map. "After three hundred years, no
telling if I had left her there. To reveal her, simply say
that you wish to see the Phantom Raider, and if you are a
male Potter of blood then she will be revealed to you."
Ravenus sat back down at his desk.

Harry reached out and took his hand. "Ravenus, thank you.
You were an inspiration, even all these years later."

Ravenus shook his hand, and nodded. "You are welcome. What
is your name, by the way?"

Harry grinned. "Harry Potter." And at Ravenus's surprised
laughter, the haze rose and fell and Harry was at the end of
the diary.

He closed it, smiled, and worked his way up to bed. Three
role models he had, now. His father, Sirius, and now his
ultimate grandfather, Ravenus. Suddenly, the NEWTs didn't
seem so bad. He passed a mirror, saw that his posture and
saunter looked so much like Ravenus, his hair had
lengthened, and he no longer looked like the Boy Who Lived.
No, he was the Nemesis of Voldemort, a man who faced hard
choices, made the right decisions, and most importantly,
bore the confidence and the high regard of the wizarding
world. Knowing that he could do that, knowing that it was
right, and showing just a bit of flair, that was the
inheritance he had from his ancestors. And as Harry lay
down, ready for sleep and his thoughts filled of Ginny, for
a moment the sounds of the sea surged through him,
invitingly, with a gentle sweep of sensuality throughout his
body. An image of Ravenus in the rigging appeared, and faded
as Harry fell asleep.


Author's Note:

After DH came out, I needed to write again and was working
through Patrick O'Brien's sea novels, as well as Disney's
Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. It occurred to me that
this would be something quite different than other HP slash.
The inspiration for the appearance and mannerisms of Ravenus
came from Babylon Five's Ranger named Marcus Cole played by
Jason Carter (now there is someone I would love to wake up
next to!!).  I sincerely hope you enjoyed it.

This story had some creepy moments. I've also uploaded one
entitled "Leverage" that is much shorter but itself is 100%
creepy (I was in a vicious mood that day!).

The Journeyman Harper
JourneymanHarper@yahoo.com