Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 33: Convergence
The rest of date night consisted of joking, dancing and drinking. By 11:30, most of the couples had said their goodnight and were gone. The only three left were Draco, Hermione and Blaise. Once the others were gone, Blaise mentioned bringing a date to Sunday dinner which a slightly inebriated Hermione didn't question. She simply said, the more the merrier. By midnight, date night was over.
/*/
Hermione greeted Blue when they came through the but headed straight to the bathroom. "I've been holding this pee in for so long. The loos at Felix Felicis leaves something to be desired."
Draco was surprised because the pub was highly recommended. "Really? The men's was fine, but I don't expect too much from pub bathrooms. Maybe a discreet note to the owners..."
"No." Hermione replied, cutting across Draco. "I'm probably just being too particular. I think it was about being too crowded than anything else. I had a lovely night. The loos didn't hurt anything. I like Jessie. I think Theo likes her a lot as well."
"I agree. I haven't seen Theo smile that much in ages. I'm tired. Let's get some sleep because tomorrow will be here before you know it. Since we've gone from us and Laurie for Sunday dinner to a mob, tomorrow I'll use an enlarging charm on the kitchen, living room and study which should make it comfortable for everyone."
"Good idea love, but right now I'm knackered. Let's talk about this in the morning. Leave the bedroom door open so your daughter can take her spot."
Once they were situated in bed, Draco pulled Hermione close nuzzling her neck. "Thank you love."
A drowsy Hermione asked for what.
Pulling her closer, Draco simply remarked. "For being mine."
Hermione reached back to squeeze Draco's hand before answering. "You're welcome. Now go to sleep."
/************************************************************************
Chapter 34: Couples
Harry and Hannah were conversing about how well they thought date night had gone.
"Perhaps you'll listen to me from now on. Date night was lovely without one cross word being spoken except for Theo Nott's bit of cheeky nonsense."
Harry laughed as he pulled Hannah's feet into his lap and removed her shoes. "I would have paid galleons to see Theo have a tantrum up in that bitch. Personally, I didn't know Nott had a sense of humor. I stand corrected. Actually, it really was a very pleasant evening. In addition, we've been invited to Sunday dinner so you won't even have to cook."
"Yes. That was a pleasant surprise. What did you think about Hermione's suggestion we all get personal mobiles?"
"I have a business mobile because Kingsley insisted. I don't need another."
Hannah was silent for several seconds before replying. "Well, I'm interested Harry. Most muggle ideas don't interest me, but this does. Just think about it love. No more owls popping up at the window. Instant communication. What's not to like Harry?"
Harry was resistant. "I'm tired Hannah. Can we discuss this tomorrow or maybe next year?"
Abruptly pulling her feet away from Harry, Hannah stood. "Don't be an arse Harry. A mobile phone is a good idea. Even if you don't want one, I do. If the general consensus is getting a mobile, I'm buying one. You can do as you like. It's late. I'm going up to bed."
Jumping up right behind Hannah, Harry grabbed her around the waist. "Calm down love. Mobiles do serve a purpose. If the general consensus is buying a mobile, I'll buy one as well. Happy now?"
Hannah shrugged. "It's not a matter of being happy. It's a matter of communicating with you and our friends any time I like. We're both tired and cranky. Let's go to bed before one of us gets his arse hexed."
Harry nipped Hannah on the neck as she led him up the stairs. "I think one of us is already cranky, but that's a discussion for tomorrow or next year."
Arse, was all Hannah mumbled as she headed upstairs.
/*/
Theo and Jessie just about tumbled through the door laughing as they went. Before apparating to the flat, Jessie had mentioned Draco's response to Theo's cheeky retort.
Swinging his wand around the room to turn on lights, Theo chuckled. "Draco can sometimes be a tosser, especially when he thinks a mate is getting out of line in front of his witch. I've seen it many times before. He'll live."
"I thought it was very funny. I was waiting for you to throw a Nott tantrum up in that bitch to see what would happen."
Theo laughed out loud. "I don't think you'll ever see one love, but a Nott tantrum is not that comical. However, if you want to see a Nott something, let me show you this." He smirked, grabbing Jess's hand and running it over his erection. "That dress, that smile and those eyes make me want to do something Notty."
Jessie held onto Theo's erection and squeezed while crushing her lips against his. "All this is good to know Mr. Nott, but right now, I'd like for you to squeeze me in your arms, take me to your bed and do what you do so well."
"Ah, compliments, compliments. My Wales witch has turned into a temptress. Let me see what I can do about that."
Theo then proceeded to do to his Wales witch what he did so well.
/*/
Blaise went home, bathed, had a drink then anxiously wondered if he should invite Bonita to dinner at Hermione's flat instead of taking her out for tea. After several minutes of balancing the pros and cons, he decided in for a penny in for a pound. He'd invite Bonita out to tea so they could get to know a bit about each other then to Hermione's for dinner.
His decision was made. He'd have to ring Bonita in the morning to advise her of his plan.
Lazily waving his wand, Blaise sent the glass to the sink to wash itself and the Ogden's back to its place on the shelf before heading to bed.
/**/
Draco and Hermione slept in for a bit Sunday. It wasn't until Blue was in their ears that they woke.
A still sleepy Hermione tried to pull the blanket over her head but Blue persisted in purring in her ear. "Ask your lazy lout dad to get up to feed you. Mum is tired."
As if she understood every word, Blue hopped over to purr in Draco's ear which caused him to throw back the blanket grumbling. "Alright Blue. This lazy lout is now up and on his way to pee. After that, I'll feed you. Please let your mum know she now has a black mark next to her name. Summoning his wand and pointing it in Hermione's direction, Draco called out Aqua Eructo before sprinting to the bathroom.
When the water hit Hermione, she jumped up shouting scaring Blue in the process. "You sneaky git. If you don't come out of the bathroom on your knees begging my forgiveness, you will have ruined yourself for the entire day."
Blue, who had made a run for any room other than the one she was in was peering around the door frame.
"Alright. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have soaked you in water. I apologize." Draco called out from behind the bathroom door.
"Not good enough Malfoy. Get out here and beg my pardon correctly." Hermione called back as she summoned her own wand.
Opening the bathroom door a slit, Draco checked to see if Hermione was ready to chuck a pillow at him. It was worse. As soon as the slit appeared, Hermione twirled her wand calling out Levicorpus. A surprised Draco let out a loud, girly sounding scream before demanding Hermione let him down.
"I'm in charge now. You'll do no demanding here. Ask me nicely."
Draco was livid. "I'm not asking shite nicely. Let me down."
Hermione continued to taunt the raging Draco. "Are you sorry you drenched me in water? Will you refrain from doing it again in the future? I can't hear you."
Suddenly, the bathroom door flew open and Draco was standing there with hair flying all over the place. "I too went to Hogwarts and learned the nuisance spells Levicorpus and Liberacorpus. I apologize for calling the Aqua Eructo on you. Are we even, or is there more you'd like to do?"
Realizing her little joke had gone too far, a contrite Hermione put her wand down. "There isn't anything more I want to do Draco. It was just one joke for another. I'm sorry."
"Well, I guess we are both sorry. I'm going to feed Blue then have a shower. It's after 10:00. I'll enlarge the rooms as planned then I'll be going to my flat to get my gray suit. Is there anything else you'd like done before I leave?"
Instead of feeling contrite, Hermione was beginning to feel prickly. Was her git of a boyfriend going to his flat to sulk? He pulled a prank. I pulled a prank. He needs to get over himself. Out loud Hermione asked for a favor.
"I planned to fix dinner myself, but help would be appreciated. If it's possible, would you please allow Welles to come over to help prepare dinner? The ingredients are here. I just need help with preparations and setup."
A somewhat stiff Draco gave a positive answer. "Absolutely. I'll give Welles instructions as soon as I get to the flat. What time will you need him?"
Hermione was listening to her wizard speak. His words were coming out normally, but there seemed to be a cool undertone. He was still upset. Giving a mental shrug, Hermione requested Welles for 1:00.
"Alright Hermione, done and done. Welles will be here at 1:00 sharp. I'm going to see about Blue."
As Draco left the room, Hermione noticed the slight slump of his shoulders realizing perhaps a Levicorpus hadn't been the correct response to a bit of water.
/*/
Draco fed Blue, showered then appeared at the kitchen door to tell Hermione he was leaving. Giving Blue a quick rub, Draco gave Hermione a kiss on the cheek then headed for the door. With a sigh, Hermione got herself in gear hurrying to freshen the bedding and make the bed before bathing. 1:00 pm would be there before she knew it.
Hermione had just stepped out of her pajamas and had one foot in the bath when an owl began banging on the window.
"Shite." She grumbled. "I know my annoyed boyfriend hasn't reverted to sending Owls."
Still grumbling, Hermione retrieved the message offering the sad looking owl a bit of cracker which it quickly snatched as it sat waiting for a reply.
"Smart owl. Have you been ordered to wait for a reply? Hang in there boy. Let me read the letter to see who needs a reply."
Glancing at the signature, she was surprised to see Laurie's name. Perhaps her friend wouldn't be turning up for dinner after all.
To the contrary.
Good morning Hermione.
I wanted to get this message to you as early as possible. Fate seems to have smiled on me. A wizard who has shown interest has asked to accompany me to dinner. I felt the need to advise you I'll be coming with a plus one. If an extra is not acceptable, please let me know by return Owl. Otherwise, we'll see you at 3:00 Fruit Fool in hand.
Regards,
Laurie.
Hermione smiled at Laurie's words. Hadn't Laurie just recently said she was waiting for her special wizard? Evidently he had appeared. Hermione quickly wrote a reply telling Laurie she looked forward to a visit from her, her plus one and the Fruit Fool before hurrying to re-heat the bath water.
/*/
By 12:30, Hermione had all the ingredients for roast lamb with mint sauce, roasted potatoes, sprouts, carrots laid out thinking Laurie's Fruit Fool would make an excellent dessert. Since she would have Welles, Hermione was wavering on whether she should also serve a carrot and ginger soup for starters.
Pointing her wand at the refrigerator, Hermione shrugged. She had the help. She'd serve the soup.
At 1:00 on the dot, Welles showed up ready to work, but Draco was nowhere to be seen. Hermione immediately put the house elf to work making an antipasto platter for noshing.
/*/
It had taken Draco all of ten minutes to find and lay out his gray suit. After that, he basically wandered from room to room trying to decide if he really wanted to attend Hermione's dinner. He only stopped wandering and pondering a few minutes before 1:00 to ensure Welles was sorted. He had promised Hermione Welles services and wouldn't renege on that. The problem was what had transpired that morning. He knew casting a water charm on Hermione was uncalled for, but it was a joke. A silly joke. If he thought water could have hurt her, he wouldn't have done it. However, her casting the Levicorpus was… It was dangerous. He could have dropped and broken his neck.
Draco sighed. Was he being a tosser? He didn't think so. It took two shots of Ogden's to get himself back on the right track and admit he wasn't really worried about breaking his neck. He was embarrassed and humiliated that his witch would hang him arse over elbows. Things like that didn't happen to a Malfoy. A quick memory of being turned into a ferret flashed across his mind. Draco cringed as he thought, except for that time.
Still cringing, Draco reassured himself. "I played a prank. She played a prank. Her prank was simply better than mine. I need to get over myself and get on with it." Which is exactly what he did. His Wonder Wizard Watch was showing 2:30. It was time to get to the flat to support his witch.
/*/
Bonita was having her second cup of tea when her mobile rang. Huffing that it better not be Zacharias calling to disturb her Sunday, she accio'd her mobile which showed Blaise Zabini calling.
Blaise. Good morning. Are you calling to confirm or rescind your invitation for tea?
Good morning lovely. I'm calling for neither of those reasons. I'm actually calling to define our day.
Define our day, is it? And how would you do that Mr. Zabini?
Blaise laughed.
Nothing scandalous Bonita. Perhaps define was a bit of a misnomer. Perhaps the word I'm looking for is suggest. Yes. I'd like to suggest we go out for tea or coffee as planned, but attend Sunday dinner at a mate's flat after. I just thought we could get to know a bit about each other then have dinner. Not much of a change.
Bonita was looking forward to an afternoon with Blaise whom she found extremely charming, so she didn't have any problem with his suggestion.
Coffee then dinner. Sounds lovely Blaise. I hope your mate won't mind me tagging along.
Tagging along? I think not. There's no tagging along about it. You're my guest. You will be more than welcome.
Alright Blaise, it's settled. I accept.
Wonderful. It's 11:30 now. I'll pick you up at 1:00 as planned. See you then.
Yes. See you then.
Blaise ended the call with a big smile on his face.
"Witches can't resist me." He said, hurrying to sort through his closet before showering.
/*/
When Laurie explained they would be having dinner with Hermione and her boyfriend, Zacharias was surprised as well as pleased.
"That's a pleasant surprise."
"How so Zach? Do you know Hermione and Draco?"
"I certainly do. Not only do I know them from Hogwarts, but they were just in my shop yesterday to purchase mobile phones."
Clapping her hands together, Laurie excitedly shared she knew Hermione from The Pet Menagerie. "That's lovely. Hermione is one of my most favored clients. In fact, she purchased a kneazle from me a few weeks ago which we will be meeting this afternoon. Small world."
Zacharias took that minute to reinforce his belief Laurie should have a mobile. "Yes. It is an extremely small world. I've mentioned it before, but now it seems even more appropriate you have a mobile. It could be used for business as well as personal reasons. More and more witches and wizards are coming around to the modern way of thinking. Shall I apparate over to the shop to get one? I can be there and back in ten minutes. It's only 2:00 pm. There's plenty of time for me to show you how to use the mobile."
"Well, I..."
"If you're worried about the price, no need. I would be extremely pleased if you would accept it as a gift. I'd really like to be able to ring you from time to time."
A blushing Laurie agreed to accept the gift. "Thank you Zach. I'd be pleased to accept your gift and more than pleased to have you ring me from time to time."
Zacharias put down his drink then stood. "Perhaps I misspoke. Once you have a mobile, it will be my pleasure to ring you at least once a day."
"You're making me blush Zach. Go get the mobile so you can teach me what's what."
"I'm going, but just so you know. I don't need a mobile to show you what's what. See you in a bit."
Laurie wrapped her arms around herself thinking if Zach was the right wizard, they could show each other what was what.
/*/
Zach was back in less than ten minutes with what he called a top of the line mobile, and for the next bit of time worked on it with Laurie. By the time they were ready to apparate to Hermione's, Laurie was feeling quite comfortable with her new device.
/*/
Draco apparated into Hermione's flat at 2:45 with a sheepish grin and outstretched arms. "Hello love. Are you satisfied with Welles work? If you aren't, I'll call him back right now. Did you miss me?"
Blue was pacing so Draco gave his girl a few quick rubs.
Hermione just about glided into Draco's arms. "Welles has done an amazing job. I'm quite satisfied. Did I miss you? How could I miss you when I didn't even know you were gone." She teased, wrapping her arms around Draco's neck. "I love you Malfoy. Of course I missed you. I thought I might have to entertain our guests by myself."
"Never." He replied before locking his lips onto hers. "We are a team. A very good team." He said, before crushing his lips to hers once again. "The rooms look lovely the way you have them arranged. I want to be as useful as Welles. Shall I do the wizard's job of setting out drinks?"
"You're too late Mr. Malfoy. The drinks are already set out. As I said, Welles has done a magnificent job. However, I wouldn't mind having a quick wine before our guests arrive."
Draco made a slight bow before pulling out his wand and pointing it in the direction of the cabinet in the newly enlarged living room. "Your wish is my command. Red or white?"
Hermione smiled at her handsome wizard glad their morning scrimmage hadn't kept him away. They were both smiling, and that was good, but the truth was they'd come close to spending Sunday apart.
"I'll have a white love. Thank you. After that, you may bring that lovely arse over here to explain just what kept you in Wiltshire so long."
Blue made a run for the couch as though Hermione had been speaking to her.
Grinning at both his girls, Draco plopped down on the couch pulling Blue onto his lap where she snuggled in. He had taken a long sip of Ogden's and was just about to fall on his sword when he was saved by the doorbell. Both he and Blue jumped at the same time with Blue running to the door in front of him.
"Saved by the bell then love?"
Draco glanced back with a grin. "I didn't need saving. The way our daughter ran for the door, I'd bet ten galleons it's Harry Potter and his lovely witch Hannah. Care to wager love?"
"No thanks. It's a simple matter of odds. Blue only knows Harry and Hannah. For anyone else, she would have run the other way."
"Well reasoned." Draco replied, stepping back to let Harry and Hannah come through.
"What's well reasoned Malfoy? That a wizard more handsome than yourself was at your door. Could that be it? Could that be it Blue?" Harry said, leaning over to rub Blue who had almost wrapped herself around his ankle.
Draco ignored Harry as he invited Hannah to come through making his cheeky remark to her. "Did you hear someone say something Hannah? No? It must have been the wind. Hands off my daughter Potter."
Harry grinned at Hermione who had come into the hall to greet her first guests. ""Will Malfoy be staying for the entire dinner? If so, Hannah and I might have to eat and run."
Hermione let out a playful growl as she hugged Hannah. "You two better sort yourselves before I have to sort you."
Hermione had spoken. Draco and Harry shook hands as they headed to the living room to make small talk until the rest of the guests arrived.
/*/
They made a bit of small talk but didn't have to wait long before the doorbell rang again. First to come through were Laurie and Zacharias. A surprised Hermione greeted Laurie before turning to Zacharias to greet him. Casting a quick look at Draco who had come to the door as well, Hermione said hello to Zach as he and Draco shook hands.
Draco greeted Zacharias as well. "Nice to see you again Zacharias. Hermione and I are enjoying our new mobile immensely. In fact, it is her intention to do a short presentation to get our friends onboard. Before the night is over, you might have more business than you can handle."
"Nice to see you as well Draco. Great minds think alike as I have brought several mobiles with me in hopes I could persuade others to, get onboard."
Hermione gave Draco an eye roll and a quick pinch on the arm before leading Laurie and Zacharias to the living room. Harry stood to be introduced to Laurie but clapped Zacharias on the back greeting his Hogwarts schoolmate by name. Hannah who also knew Zach from Hogwarts gave a quick wave before being introduced to Laurie.
/*/
The two couples hadn't been conversing long before the doorbell rang once then once again causing Blue who had made herself comfortable in Hannah's lap run for the door to sniff out the next set of visitors.
Laurie laughed at Blue's antics admitting to Hermione she thought the little beast would never be tamed.
"Tamed? She was never wild. All she needed was a mum and Da who love her. She's a love."
Nodding in agreement with Hermione's words, Draco got up from the couch thinking that his impatient arsed mate Blaise couldn't wait to be let in. However, when he opened the door, he was facing Blaise, the witch from Magical Mobiles as well as Theo and Jessie. That accounted for the second ring. His mates could sometimes be prats.
Draco led Blaise, Bonita, Theo and Jessie to the living room where it was like old home week.
Bonita who thought she would feel out of place was more than pleased to see Zach but also surprised he'd finally plucked up the nerve to ask the Pet Menagerie witch out. It was about time, she thought. He mentioned Laurie at least once a day without making a move in her direction. She didn't feel out of place at all in this friendly group of people.
Jessie who also thought she would feel out of place was happy to be welcomed so warmly. It was going to be another pleasant evening. Theo who had been watching Jessie for any sign of uneasiness was chuffed to receive a cheeky wink when she glanced in his direction.
/*/
Once everyone had drinks in their hand or in front of them, Hermione announced that she and Zach had something to show them after dinner.
The ever obnoxious Blaise Zabini called out. "Is Draco alright with that?"
Hermione started to say something, but Draco beat her to it. "That was quite funny Blaise. Don't make me embarrass you in front of the ladies."
"Yes Zabini. Don't make Draco embarrass you in front of us." Added Hermione.
Grabbing Bonita's hand, a grinning Blaise assured her Draco sometimes took things too seriously but they weren't in any danger of being chucked out.
Everyone, including Bonita laughed right along with Blaise.
From her bed, Blue made a loud purr as though laughing along with them all.
This was an excellent mix of friendly, personable witches and wizards. It was going to be a very pleasant and entertaining evening.