The story is based on characters written and owned by none other than J K Rowling. All characters and the Potterverse are hers, except for the OC's invented by me. The words are mine. HG, CM, DM, Minor characters. Rated M. Potential Dramione.

Everything in Hermione's life has become predictable, from the suitors in her life to the frenetic Saturday nights out and the monotonous job she once loved. So, when she is invited to attend an odd event, and a book sale to boot, she jumps at the chance to experience something different. There's where our story begins. M/ Dramione

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Love Vessel

Chapter 1: Cormac

"Another work week finished. Another Friday night," Hermione sighed listlessly as she dropped the purchases she'd made after work on the table.

"I think a very large wine is in order."

Wriggling out of the navy blue outfit she was required to wear as a mid level assistant to the Wizengamot, Hermione let it slide to the floor where she left it in a heap while turning the air blue with a few choice swear words.

"Bloody, bitch of a fucking day. I have to run around like a Niffler that has spotted a galleon while the codgers wait with their hands out for the information they'll pass off to the magical world as their thoughts, findings and discoveries."

Hermione bitched about the same thing every Friday. For the last year, she'd felt as though she'd been given a rubbish position to shut her up. She could only remember hearing how the position would be a stepping stone to higher levels in the Wizengamot. Such bull shite. She'd be seventy five before a spot opened up.

Initially, she'd been chuffed to be invited to serve (yes serve) as an assistant to the wise witches and wizards of the Ministry, and had accepted the position before the entire question was out of Kingsley's mouth. Now, four years later, the shine had worn off.

Wildly swinging her wand in the direction of the small liquor cabinet that sat on her kitchen counter, she summoned a bottle of white wine then her favorite tumbler sized glass.

"Accio wine. Accio tall glass."

After the first five sips, Hermione felt a bit more human. She was on her way to being tipsy when her mobile rang.

"Ah! My faithful friend checking in." Hermione picked up her wand once again. "Accio mobile."

She could hear the phone struggling to wrest itself out of her lovely, but old, beaded bag. Snatching the mobile out of the air in front of her, Hermione looked at the screen.

"Surprise, surprise," she muttered to herself taking another sip of wine before pressing the talk button. "It must be the weekend." Managing to put a smile in her voice, she greeted her caller.

Hello Cormac. Calling at 6:30 on a Friday night? I take it your well laid out plans didn't pan out, so you thought to call me as a last resort.

Careful love. Your claws are showing. I hope you don't talk to the Chief Warlock in that manner, or perhaps you do and that's why you're still a mid-level assistant.

Hermione laughed so boisterously the wine residue still in her mouth trickled from the side of her mouth.

Wiping her mouth with the side of her hand, Hermione replied to her on again off again suitor. Actually, calling Cormack a suitor was as much a misnomer as calling Ron her type. He was…. It was a stumper. Hermione didn't really know how to categorize Cormac. Unlike when they were in Hogwarts, Cormac had matured into a rather handsome, intelligent wizard who had lost his air of superiority immediately upon realizing he wasn't one of the many dead lying on the floor of Hogwarts Hall. Hermione liked him much better now.

Touché! That's the Cormac I know and love.

Finally, he joked. You've finally come out and said it. You love me. Perhaps I'll call my uncle to see if he can put in a good word with Chief Warlock Hennessey for you. You never know. I might end up marrying a member of the Wizengamot.

Hermione laughed again. This time using much more restraint.

Alright! Alright Cormac. You've had you're little joke. What can I do for you?

Okay, back to business. It's not what you can do for me. It's what I can do for you. I know how you like mystery and the mystical, so I purchased two tickets to what is called Fantasy Faire, and I'm hoping you will attend with me. The faire is being held in that drab, little theater house on the corner of Knockturn and Diagon Alleys. Before you refuse, I'll remind you that we will not be stepping one foot into Knockturn Alley. The door to the venue is very properly placed at number 2 Diagon Alley. If you need more encouragement, they will also be holding a book sale.

The last bit of information about a book sale interested Hermione as much as visiting a fantasy faire featuring mystical things. Not that she expected a great variety at this book sale, but it wouldn't do any harm to browse, especially since her favorite bookshop had a new owner who had little to no imagination when selecting product for his shelves.

How nice. Thank you for thinking of me. I would love to attend. Sounds like a very interesting time. What time? Are the tickets for tonight? Shall I dress up or down?

Before you get all the way into Hermione mode, it will be easier if I tell you everything. The tickets are for tonight. Casual dress. The faire goes from 9:00 until 11:30. The book sale starts at 8:00. There you have it.

As Hermione listened to Cormac, she unconsciously ran her fingers across the slightly raised mark beneath her right breast which had begun to throb ever so slightly.

Well done Mr. McLaggen. As you can probably guess, I'd like to browse the book sale. I'll meet you out front of the theater at 8:05.

Wonderful. You do know this is a first. Normally, I would have to beg or cajole for an hour before I got an answer, or an acceptance. I'm feeling chuffed.

Maybe you should offer better options in the future. It's already coming on 7:00. I need to shower and dress. I'll see you at 8:05. Thanks again. I'll see you soon.

The pleasure is all mine Hermione. You know that. I'll see you soon.

/*/

Hermione was excited as she hurriedly got ready for her night out. Something new and different was on the horizon. She liked that. How long had it been since she'd ventured into the old waters she asked herself. Ages.

/*/

Back in 2002 while she was at Uni, she had dabbled in fantasy and the mystical. Feeling free and emancipated after years of being tied to Harry, Ron and Hogwarts, she had reached out for something wickedly exciting, and for a time it had been fulfilling.

Hermione had only dropped her interest after she'd been touched. Yes, touched. At least that's what her housemates had called it when after a night of flirting with the devil, so to speak, she'd woken with a strange looking mark beneath her right breast they called the mark of the vessel. Some witches could be so dramatic. Even so, Hermione decided it was time to concentrate more on studies than on frivolous wastes of time.

Hermione pretended the mark didn't bother her, but refused to discuss it with anyone. By the end of her second term, her roommates were jokingly referring to her as the marked woman. Hermione ended that by transferring to Legal Studies an entirely different curriculum and an entirely different house. After that, when she saw her former housemates, it was usually on the run. No time to discuss her right breast, or what was under it.

/*/

Cormac who was patiently waiting in front of the theater gave Hermione a wide smile and a peck on the cheek. Cormac would have tried for her lips, but she was in a good mood, and he wanted to keep it that way.

Taking Hermione by the elbow, Cormac guided her through the two, heavy, metal doors.

"I had a quick browse around the book sale. I imagine it will be right up your alley. Unfortunately, it's a jumble. You'll have to sort through for yourself. It may not be too bad though, because the book sellers have activated the Show Me Spell which will allow you to call for a specific book, if you know the name, or call a specific subject if you don't know the name."

Hermione drew her wand so fast Cormac stepped back.

"Thank you for the information. However, may I remind you I know full well what the Show Me Spell can do."

"Of course you do Hermione. Of course you do. Take this," he said, handing her one of the tickets. "They require you to show your ticket and your wand even to browse the book sale. I'll go inside to put a wand hold on two seats. What is your preference, front, middle or back?"

"Middle, middle and close to an aisle." She replied, holding out her wand and ticket so the rotund wizard at the counter could verify both. "I don't think it will be necessary for you to put a hold on our seats. I won't be very long."

Cormac raised his eyebrows continuing to walk away. "We'll see. I'm fairly certain your definition of not very long and mine differ considerably. Enjoy yourself."

/*/

Thirty five minutes later, Hermione had found and purchased five books, and was in the process of shrinking them down when she felt someone standing much closer than necessary. Fingering her wand, Hermione was about to give the inconsiderate bastard a sharp poke. However, before she could she felt soft breath at her ear. Instead of a poke, Hermione was ready to call a Protego to break his bloody nose. Remembering she was in public, Hermione opted to turn and face the intruder down.

"Hello there lovely," said a smug looking Draco Malfoy. "Feeling a bit risqué then?" He asked, making a sweeping gesture with his arm. "You've never given one inkling of a dark magic, wild side, but now I know."

"Consider yourself lucky Malfoy. You were seconds away from a broken nose. Why are you at my ear?"

"Back to Malfoy is it? I thought we'd gotten to a first name basis."

Hermione glowered at Draco. "Lower your voice Draco. The world doesn't have to know my business. Anyway, one date which ended badly changes nothing. I'll ask again. Why are you at my ear?"

"My apologies for being at your ear Hermione." Draco answered in a rather brusque manner. "It was my intention to offer a friendly greeting. However, from your tone and posture, I believe it would not have been well received. I'll just be on my way. Theo is waiting inside."

Just as Draco moved to walk away, Cormac came back into the lobby with a smile for Hermione which turned to a frown when he noticed Draco Malfoy standing in such close proximity to his date.

"Ready to go inside Hermione? We still have time to order refreshments." Turning, Cormac finally acknowledged Draco. "Hello Draco. Are you interested in strange things as well? I wouldn't have figured a wizard such as yourself being interested in anything other than what is straight in front of him. I stand corrected."

"Ah McLaggen. You've stopped being a pompous arse, but seemed to have lost your manners along the way. When it becomes any of your concern what I am and am not interested in, I'll give you a shout. Enjoy the faire."

Watching the back of Draco disappear through the doors, Cormac remarked acidly.

"Mr. Malfoy seems to be in a particularly foul mood. I hope he isn't seated anywhere in our vicinity. The arrogant bastard might just throw a hex if he thinks no one is looking. Shall we place an order for liquid refreshment? The program is two and a half hours long. Shall I order you two wine? I'll have brandy."

Hermione was annoyed with Cormac. There hadn't been any need for him to go at Draco like that. No need at all. "I realize Draco can be irritating at times, but this was not one of those times. I fail to see why you had to be so insulting."

"He was being presumptuous Hermione. I mean there wasn't a wand space between you and he. I think it was big man Malfoy who was being insulting. My apologies if my behavior annoyed you. The truth of it is, with his reputation, I don't trust the man as far as I can throw him. Shall I order the refreshments, or is this where you tell me to bugger off?"

Hermione was annoyed, but she'd come out to enjoy herself. There wasn't a chance in Muggle hell she was going to ruin the night because Cormac and Draco wanted to act the arses. Although Draco hadn't deserved the scorn that night, he was sure to deserve it somewhere down the line. "I'm here to enjoy the program, and that's what I'm prepared to do. You may order the two wine for me."

Cormac was thankful the night hadn't gone off the rails because of his ill chosen words, but Draco had a reputation. He didn't want him within ten feet of Hermione even though she could put a wizard on his arse with ease. Draco had just been too close.

"Excellent. I'll be right back."

Hermione stood in place thinking there were more interesting things to think about like the five books she couldn't wait to get home to read. If the Fantasy Faire was even remotely as interesting as she thought the books would be, she would have a compelling evening.

Cormac was back with the receipt for the drinks which would be sent to their seats.

"Shall we go inside?"

Taking Hermione by the elbow, Cormac guided her to their seats.

Draco Malfoy never passed their view.

/*/

The Faire, although Hermione thought it was more of a show, didn't disappoint. It was a well thought out, interesting, and informative program which had held Hermione's interest so well she hadn't taken even one sip of her wine.

At the conclusion, while Hermione was still digesting the content, Cormac began pressuring her to extend their night. "Although, this presentation is something I wouldn't attend twice, you seemed to have enjoyed it. Shall we have a nightcap before I see you home?"

Cormac was being presumptuous, and Hermione immediately corrected him. "While I thank you for this interesting evening, I don't see the need for you to see me home. I got here on my own. I'll get home the same way."

"Bloody hell Hermione," Cormac replied petulantly. "There's no need to be so curt. A gentleman will always see a lady to her door after a date. Don't make it into some bloody tug-of-war."

They had been walking side by side down Diagon Alley, but Hermione stopped in her tracks. "I apologize if I sounded curt. I only meant to say…"

At that point, Draco and Theo passed closely by her and Cormac. Draco couldn't refrain from offering unwanted remarks. "Even though the night was stimulating, you and your companion seem to be at odds. Shall I venture to guess you now realize you're out with the wrong wizard?"

Before either Cormac or Hermione could respond to Draco's cheek, he and Theo had disappeared into Apparition.

"Bloody sot. I'll be having words with his arse when I see him again. He doesn't know when enough is enough."

"Forget about Malfoy. You know as well as I do. He's a total arse who deliberately says shite to get a rise out of people. You and I were discussing last drinks and your need to see me home."

"I didn't say there was a need. I simply made a statement," huffed Cormac indignantly. "Sometimes, you treat me as though I'm some prat who has grabbed onto the back of your robes, and other times you make me tingle from head to foot."

A blushing Hermione wouldn't comment on the tingle part of Cormac's reply. She knew to what he was referring. She did, however, deny she thought he was some prat. "You're not a prat Cormac. I should have phrased my answer differently. What I meant was, I don't care for a last drink. I've found five books, three of which deal with rare magic that I would like to start on tonight. Better?"

No steamy sex for him this night. Cormac had been in this position before. After a decent night out, Hermione sent him on his way with some excuse. It was getting old. He had needs, and expected to have them met by his girlfriend.

While Hermione stood there waiting for a response, Cormac clarified his thoughts. They weren't girlfriend and boyfriend or witch and wizard. They were two people who came together intimately whenever Hermione had the need. Perhaps it was time to give up on his critical and sometimes arrogant choice of witch.

Getting no response from Cormac, Hermione put paid to the entire conversation. "Thank you for the invite Cormac. I enjoyed myself. I'll see you Monday."

As Hermione turned into Apparition, Cormac cursed himself for not saying more. He could have said….. Actually, there wasn't anything he could have said. Hermione obviously had her mind made up. She wanted to read. The frustration was real, as it was each time she turned him away. It truly might be time to back away from Miss Granger and move on to a witch who would appreciate him.

/*/

When she landed in her flat, Hermione had done nothing more than step out of her outfit, let it drop to the floor and Accio'd a night shirt. Except for a pot of tea which she Accio'd next, she was ready. The books were calling her name. Not literally, of course, but she really did want to read.