Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 34: Couples

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.

/************************************************************************

Chapter 35: Dinner Mobiles And A Bone

The couples sat around drinking, talking and noshing. Hermione was pleased with how the afternoon was going. She was also pleased with how Draco had enlarged the rooms. Everyone had room to move around.

Blue was also in her element as she moved from lap to lap except for when she tried to engage with Blaise who surreptitiously pushed her away. With a soft growl, Blue moved away from Blaise to plop herself down on Jessie.

Theo leaned in to whisper that the kneazle was a very astute judge of character. Jessie simply grinned as she ran her fingers through Blue's fur.

Laurie couldn't believe what she was seeing. Turning to Hermione, she shared what she was thinking. "This is where I admit I was wrong about the monster. She seems to have settled in very nicely. The truth be told. I thought you'd be turning up at the shop door covered in scratches and bruises shouting for me to take her back. I stand corrected."

As if she knew exactly what Laurie was implying, Blue padded away from Jessie and plopped herself in Hermione's lap. Hermione grinned. "Be careful how you speak about our daughter or you'll find yourself enemies with her Da."

"Point taken. I'll be very careful in the future." Laurie replied, pointing to the top shelf. "To take the heat off my faux pas I'll change the subject. What in Merlin's good name is that thing sitting on your shelf. It looks like a bone."

As soon as Laurie said bone, everyone turned to look at the top most shelf.

Glancing quickly at Draco, a bright red Hermione explained it was a long story which she would be glad to share after dinner and her and Zach's presentation.

Grabbing Jessie by the hand, Theo inquired if everyone should run for the door.

Wrapping his arms around Hermione from the back, Draco set his mate straight. "You may run for the door if you like Theo, but Jessie remains with us. We won't have it bandied about that we ran a perfectly lovely Wales witch from our flat. As Hermione said, she'll be glad to share the bone story after dinner. Speaking of dinner, why don't we head to the dining room where we will feast on a magnificent roast lamb dinner courtesy of my lovely witch and a delicious looking Fruit Fool courtesy of Laurie.

Theo grinned. "I can do that, but just so you know. If I run, my Wales witch is running with me."

Everyone laughed including Blaise who added an addendum. "Please be aware if Theo had run, Bonita and I would have been right behind him."

The entire room broke out in laughter as Harry commented. "I'm in the company of cowards. Draco Malfoy will never run me away from anywhere."

Glaring at Harry, Hermione stepped right in. "Are you here for dinner or get your arse hexed? Either way is fine with me."

A contrite Harry grabbed Hannah by the hand and headed to the dining room without another word.

"Hahaha. Thought so Potter. Big talker until it comes down to being hexed." Draco exclaimed, but hastily became as contrite as Harry when Hermione rolled her eyes in his direction. "Kidding. I was kidding. Let's all move to the dining room. Dinner is served."

The couples took seats around the dining room table and began serving themselves.

Blaise risked being hexed when he offered a cheeky remark. "This is a first. Dinner with a Malfoy without a House Elf serving. I'll have to make a note."

Before Draco could respond, Hermione told Bonita she should get her wizard in check.

Bonita shrugged throwing her arms wide. "This is our first date. Hex him. I can get home on my own."

Theo and Draco laughed so loudly they sent Blue skittering to the back bedroom.

Blaise shook his head. "Laugh it up boys. I assure you Bonita will think differently after our second date."

Bonita remained silent. She liked this wizard and he was most certainly on the mark.

/*/

Conversation around the dinner table was lively and entertaining with the wizards trying to one up each other while the witches succinctly put them in their places. By the time the Fruit Fool was on the table, it was a mellow group that tucked in.

Jessie, Bonita, Hannah and Laurie all offered to help Hermione clear away, but sat back when Hermione pointed her wand, made a few wand movements that cleared away the dinner remains then brought wine and brandy to the table.

"That settles that," joked Laurie. "I'm going to have to get a bit better with my wand work before inviting you lot to my flat for dinner."

Hermione grinned at Laurie. "It's a gift. I was born with a wand in my hand."

Harry reached over to pat Laurie on the hand offering a bit of advice. "You'll have to come back another time when the hostess isn't so full of herself. The truth is, I taught her everything she knows."

Draco intervened before Hermione could say a word. "Okay Potter. I believe you've had too much to drink. If Hermione had to survive on everything you taught her, she'd be selling jumpers in Diagon Alley."

The table went quiet until Theo spoke up. "Nothing wrong with selling jumpers in Diagon Alley. I think you'll be paying for that statement later on Mr. Malfoy. May I suggest you let a brandy stop your nonsense?"

"You are very astute Theo. Even though I love my wizard, I'm not above giving him a wand whipping."

Draco held up his hands in surrender. "Let's move on to another topic. By that, I mean one that won't get my arse in trouble.

Everyone lifted his or her glass remarking here here.

/*/

The group spent a short bit of time having a general conversation while enjoying the after dinner drinks but got up to move back into the living room when Hermione nodded at Zach telling him it was time to perform for the masses.

"Alright Hermione. I love performing for the masses, however, I think we should have a short discussion before we peddle our wares."

Although he knew exactly what the discussion would be about, Harry had to act the ignoramus. "Peddling our wares? If that doesn't sound suspicious, I don't know what does."

With a grumble that sounded suspiciously like I'm going to hex the shite out of a certain Auror, Hermione gave Harry a hard pinch.

"Ow Hermione. That could be considered an assault on a law enforcement officer. I can…."

Draco cut across Harry. "If you don't stop talking Potter, we'll be here until midnight. I for one don't feature you kipping out on our couch. While Hermione and Zach get their presentation together, why don't you explain to us just how you managed to capture a witch as lovely as Hannah."

Hannah blushed and Harry blustered, but group laughter overshadowed any response he intended to make. Harry only managed to get out a few words. "Keep it up Malfoy. Hannah can use a wand as well."

Another round of laughter. With the bantering over, the group sat back enjoying drinks while Hermione and Zach conversed.

/*/

Fifteen minutes later, Hermione and Zach came through from the study carrying the materials they would be presenting. When Draco saw the materials, he drew his wand, made several quick movements and enlarged the living room table.

Hermione winked at him. "Thank you love."

Mimicking Hermione, Zach added a cheeky response. "Yes. Thank you love."

Hermione turned to Zach warning him off. "Don't you start Smith or you'll be joining Draco, Harry and Blaise in their wand whipping." Not waiting for a response, Hermione began handing out pamphlets which explained mobile phones.

While she did that, Zach began speaking. "I'd like to first thank you all for agreeing to hear me-us out. By now, you must realize I am proprietor of Magical Mobiles Unlimited located in Diagon Place. If you didn't know, now you know. The pamphlets in your hands explain just about everything you need to know about mobiles. Hermione and I will give you a few minutes to look over the information before opening the floor to questions."

Hermione who had plopped down on the arm of the couch next to Draco spoke up. "Study up people because Zach and I plan to begin taking orders in the next fifteen minutes. Mobiles are fantastic. You'll love them."

No one responded as everyone including Blaise and Bonita was studying the information in front of them. Theo was first to speak.

"Alright. Jessie and I are ready."

"Pipe down Nott. There are people still studying this pamphlet." Offered Harry.

Theo laughed. "Why is it always you Potter?"

Harry grinned as he tried to move away from Hannah's grasping fingers. "I'm looking at these prices. I like to be sure of my facts before committing to anything."

Both Hannah and Hermione sighed at the same time making Harry realize he might get hexed from two ends if he didn't pipe down himself. "Fine. I have it all committed to memory. Let the show begin."

Rolling her eyes at Harry and Theo, Hermione stepped to the middle of the living room. "Just so you know, there won't be any thinking about it. Those who do not have a mobile will be leaving with one tonight. All types of payment accepted. In this case, Zach knows everything about everything so ask your questions. He'll be passing out the devices in a moment."

Zach stepped up beside Hermione. "Thanks Hermione. I can take your questions while I'm passing out the mobiles."

"We've read the pamphlet Zach. Very interesting. We just need you to show us the mobiles in action," remarked Theo.

Hannah and Jessie nodded their head in agreement as they reached for one of the mobiles Zach was handing out. Harry sighed, but one glare from Hannah made him nod in agreement as he extended his hand for a mobile.

/*/

There was a round table discussion about the pros and cons of owning a mobile with most agreeing that pros outweighed any cons. By the end of Hermione and Zach's presentation, everyone owned a mobile with top of the line features and was practicing using the device.

The newest mobile owners wanted to test the instruments, but had to wait a short bit while Zach assigned mobile numbers. As soon as the numbers were assigned, Theo rang Jessie who blushed beet red as she answered.

Hello. To whom am I speaking?

Theo along with everyone else got a big kick out of Jessie's retort with Theo responding with a cheeky answer.

Perhaps I've dialed incorrectly. I was ringing my Wales witch who should know my voice by now.

Jessie played along.

Well good sir, perhaps you should end the call because I'm expecting a welcome call from my British lad.

Everyone except Zach thought the role play was funny. "Humorous. However, let's move on. I'd like for everyone to have a chance to make at least one call. May I suggest two or more people step into the study to practice ringing each other as well as using some of the features. Before we break away, please exchange mobile numbers with the people you'll be inclined to call." He added in a low voice.

Hermione gave him a slight nudge. "Be kind Zacharias. I heard that last part. It would be more useful if you assisted those who need help rather than grousing under your breath."

Zach grinned. "That last part wasn't meant for anyone's ears. I stand corrected."

"Good. Get going so we can finish up. By the way, Draco will be contacting the shop. He is interested in purchasing mobiles for his staff. I believe I heard Theo mention the same thing. All in all it's been a very productive afternoon for Magical Mobiles Unlimited."

With a slight bow, Zach winked at Hermione and thanked her before moving towards Jessie and Hannah who were still looking a bit puzzled.

Within thirty minutes, all the new mobile users claimed to have absolute knowledge of their phones so Zach thanked everyone for their time and purchases before stepping back to join Hermione in a drink.

"Well Miss Granger, you've outdone yourself. Magical Mobiles thanks you and asks that you keep sending business our way. We'll have the whole of magical London ringing each other. Seriously, thank you."

"Not a problem Zach." She said, patting him on the hand. "Now, I think it's time for you to see about our favorite pet shop owner. She looks a bit lonely sitting over there."

"You're right on two fronts. She is my favorite pet shop owner and she is looking a bit lonely. If you'll excuse me."

Hermione turned to see Draco staring at her. Getting up, she walked over to wrap her arms around him. "What's up love? You look deep in thought."

Leaning down to kiss Hermione on the nose, Draco gave a candid reply. "Nope. No deep thinking here. I was just wondering when Zacharias was going to turn my witch loose. He's had you tied up all afternoon."

Hermione grinned up at Draco. "If I thought you were serious, I'd give you a whack in front of everyone."

"I am serious." Draco replied with a straight face. "I was two minutes away from leaving Magical Mobiles Unlimited without an owner. However, I have reconsidered now you and that lovely scent are safely in my arms."

Letting out a loud chuckle, Hermione twirled out of Draco's arms and asked the group if anyone cared for something else to eat. Everyone declined any additional food, but Laurie had a request which caught Hermione a bit off guard.

"Now we are all fully fed, been plied with drinks and are well versed in mobiles, I'd like to hear the story of how you came to have a gigantic bone sitting on your shelf."

/*/

Once Laurie mentioned the bone, in unison, all heads turned toward the shelf. With a quick glance in Draco's direction, Hermione had to think fast. It was she who arbitrarily offered to explain the bone after dinner. Well, it was after dinner and eight sets of eyes were trained on her waiting for some sort of thrilling story.

Draco recognized the consternation on Hermione's face and tried to come to her rescue, but this was Hermione Granger. She didn't need rescuing. A story was forming in her mind as she stood there. It was obvious she couldn't tell the complete story, but she could share some of it.

Extending her hand for Draco to come stand beside her, and wrapping her arm around his waist when he got there, she explained the story was as much Draco's as it was hers. Draco nodded to the room at large with a sickly grin on his face hoping his witch wasn't about to share the darkest time in their short relationship.

"You seem quite pale Draco. This isn't going to be some horror story, is it?" Remarked Theo before Hermione began speaking.

Harry piped up next. "You do seem paler than usual Malfoy. I'm with Theo on this. If this is some tale of terror, which it might be considering the players, Hannah and I will take a pass."

Hermione glared at Harry and his smart arsed remark but remained silent when an excited Laurie added her thoughts.

Glancing from Theo to Harry to Hermione, Laurie disputed Theo and Harry. "Sorry to go against the will of the people, but this shopkeeper hasn't heard a good terror, horror tale in ages. I'd like to hear it."

Dammit thought Draco. We almost got past it.

Hermione also noticed how pale Draco had become and gave him a slight nudge with her hip. Her wizard didn't know her at all if he thought she was going to share something that would make Harry have to bind her and take her to a Ministry holding cell.

As if he was reading Hermione's thoughts, Harry cautioned her not to share anything that would land her in a holding cell.

Everyone laughed except Draco who recalled the very vivid picture of a wild, drooling Hermione taking her anger out on Deidra. After composing himself a bit, Draco replied with a bit of humor. "As Hermione has mentioned on several occasions Potter, don't ever come for her without a team at your back."

Harry grinned at Draco as he replied to cheek with cheek. "I do remember your witch making that threat. Can we get on with the story already?"

Wagging her finger in Harry's direction, Hermione told him to shut it. With a quick wink at Draco, Hermione suggested everyone fill their glass and sit back. Then she began to spin a yarn that would somehow end with a huge bone sitting on her topmost shelf.

/*/

And a yarn it was. Hermione began the tale all the way back when she was at Uni then proceeded to explain how, because of the strange mark on her chest, was invited to join a club of select individuals.

The group was mesmerized as Hermione related how she was surprised to find that Draco was a member of the same club. All the wizards except Draco smirked when Hermione shared how at that particular time she thought her now boyfriend was a git and poser and had given him a wide berth until they were selected to be a team. A team whose purpose was to create a potion or brew which would help contain a rogue witch.

At this point in the recitation, Laurie put her hands up to her throat and let out a loud gasp. "Is that the bone of a rogue witch?"

Harry sat up straight while Draco suddenly found his feet quite interesting as his witch was getting much too close to the truth for comfort.

Waving a hand in the air, Hermione answered Laurie with a straight face before smirking at Harry. "Really Laurie? If you keep asking questions like that, you'll have Harry breaking out the bindings."

"Please," pleaded Jessie. "Let her get on with the story."

Hermione grinned as she too studied her own feet for a brief second.

No one except Harry who was giving Hermione the side eye realized she had continued on without actually answering Laurie's question. The Auror in Harry was straining to get out remembering how Crouch, Sr had met just such a fate at the hands of his own son. However, he remained silent waiting along with everyone else to see how the story would end.

Now that she had everyone wondering just where the story was going, Hermione was in her absolute glory. Continuing on once again, Hermione credited Draco with having the foresight to have his House Elf assist with the search. "With Welles help, and a bit of information I had acquired at Uni, Draco and I were able to complete our mission so to speak. The group leaders used our brew in conjunction with theirs to strip the witch of her powers. When Deidra ingested the brew, the cursed side of her separated itself from the magical side materializing as the large bone you see on my shelf. After resettling Deidra to a muggle area, the leaders presented the bone to Draco and I as a gift/remembrance of our part in the exorcism. Draco wasn't interested in having a big arsed bone in his flat so I gave it a home where you now see it." Spreading her arms wide and glancing around the room, Hermione finished with a flourish. "And there you have it. The story of the bone."

With the Zabini grin spread across his face, Blaise addressed the room at large. "If any of you believe that piece of cock and bull, I'll be calling St Mungo's to let them know they'll be a group admission to the Janus Thickey Ward."

Theo and Zach snickered, but Harry remained silent as did Jessie, Laurie, Hannah and Bonita. Harry was silent because he thought there might be some truth to the story. The witches remained silent because as ridiculous as the story seemed, none wanted to dispute Hermione.

Hermione herself answered Blaise's challenge with a grin. "Alright Zabini, if you think my story is rubbish, what is your answer? Is it your thinking that I've turned a witch to bone and placed it on my topmost shelf for the world to see?"

Being put on the spot, Blaise held up two hands palms outward to mimic surrender. "Of course I don't believe you cursed a witch into a bone. I was just having my little joke. It was a great story."

Turning to Draco to give him a cheeky wink, Hermione gave a little bow as she listened to the rest of her guests agree with Blaise. Laurie was the most vocal.

"Merlin Hermione. I've heard stories about your skills, but this beats it all. Sorry Draco. I really haven't heard anything about your skills."

Even Draco joined in the laughter over Laurie's remarks. Pulling Hermione into his arms, Draco whispered a well done in her ear before inviting their guests to one last drink.

Theo stood pulling Jessie up with him. "My date and I will have our last drink at the flat. Thank you for the entertainment. Goodnight Hermione, Draco. Goodnight all."

Jessie also thanked Hermione and Draco for the lovely evening before following Theo to the door.

Zach, Harry and Blaise stood as well, gathering their witches, thanking their hosts and wishing them a good night.

Everyone except Harry headed towards the door. Sidling up to Hermione, he gave her a glare. "As much as I love and respect you, I'll arrest your arse if I find out you've turned some witch, bewitched or not, to a bone."

Giving Harry a hug and kiss on the cheek, Hermione countered. "As much as I love and respect you, you'd better bring a team."

Harry grinned as he extended his hand to Draco while regurgitating one of Hermione's own expressions. "I don't need a team. What was it you used to shout at me? Your wand Harry. Use your wand. I'll see myself out."

/*/

When they were alone, Draco gave Hermione a squeeze. "Selling mobiles, regaling our friends. Well done on all fronts love. Although you did have me going for a few moments, I never doubted you would keep our secret. Rogue witch. Hahaha. She was that. Let's have a bit more Fruit Fool before calling it a night." He remarked, pulling Hermione in close for a kiss.

Hermione leaned in for a kiss but disputed the fact she was ready to call it a night. "I'll say yes to the Fruit Fool, but I intend to sit here for a bit savoring the fact I put something over on Harry Potter, Auror."

Summoning the Fruit Fool, Draco retracted his statement. "Since you put it that way love, I'll forego calling it a night in favor of sitting here with my brilliant witch savoring the fact I was present the night she put one over on Harry Potter, Auror."

As she took a spoonful of the Fool, Hermione nodded at Draco while offering a quick bit of cheek. "Thought so."

An unusually quiet Blue suddenly let out a loud purr.

Leaning over to ruffle Blue's fur, Draco admitted they were all in agreement.