Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 42: As Simple As It Seems
When Draco entered the bedroom, a grinning Hermione asked if he had gotten his daughter sorted. Draco knew what she meant but played that he didn't.
"I don't know what you mean."
"Hahaha. You're absolutely pink in the face. Of course you know what I mean. Didn't you assure your daughter it was alright to use the bathroom in front of Welles?"
"Perhaps I said a few words."
Hermione was now laughing hysterically. "Perhaps? Perhaps our daughter will make the front page of the Quibbler as the first Kneazle to mate with an elf."
Draco didn't see anything funny about what Hermione was intimating even as a joke. "You're overtired. Lie down and go to sleep because you're barking at the moon." He grumbled. "You're having your little joke, but…."
"But nothing Malfoy. The Kneazle, elf or Niffler that can get past me to get to Blue hasn't been born."
Pulling Hermione up against him, Draco whispered against her neck. "I know that. Love you Miss Granger. Goodnight."
"Don't be trying to get all familiar now that I've set you straight."
Draco snuggled against Hermione making a snarky comment. "It's not me trying to get familiar. It's my dick. It doesn't have any sense of timing."
Hermione chuckled as she reached back to grab Draco's hand. "I love your git arse. Now go to sleep."
Draco had to get in the last word. "I know you love me. How could you not? Now, I'm going to sleep."
"Git."
/************************************************************************
Chapter 43: Just Not Today
After receiving Bonita's text the previous evening, Zach had stayed up late into the night putting together a flyer and an application for additional staff. It was a chuffed owner/proprietor who entered the shop on Wednesday morning ready to move to the next phase of expanding his business. Zach greeted Bonita with a wide smile.
"Good morning my queen."
Bonita grinned right back. "Queen is it? I'm fairly certain Laurie would have something to say about that."
"In this case, Laurie would be calling you my queen as well. Let me show you what I put together last evening. Then we can have a discussion about proprietary secrecy spells."
Bonita gave her boss a direct stare. "Everyone isn't as quick as you Zacharias. Give me a minute to rest my coat and get a bit of breakfast."
Zach jumped up out of his chair. "Oh Bonita forgive me. I'm so chuffed to get us moved ahead I've forgotten my manners. Why don't you go check your desk? I'll send out for breakfast and get the tea started."
"Nothing to forgive Zach but I would definitely appreciate breakfast and a tea before jumping into the day."
"Consider it done. Be right back."
/*/
Be right back turned into twenty five minutes. By the time Zach appeared with breakfast and the tea, Bonita had reviewed his flyers and applications which were now covered with copious notes.
"Hard at work I see. Let's take everything into the back room."
"Yes let's."
Setting everything down on the desk, Zach took the flyers and applications from Bonita to look over her notes. Where he had written generalities and basics, Bonita had fine tuned it so they were looking for recently graduated witches or wizards who had excelled in their studies without any black marks against their name. Grades package required.
Zach grinned at his right hand witch. "Simple but satisfying. With that out of the way, perhaps my right hand will explain why we are looking for recent graduates as opposed to witches or wizards with experience."
Bonita sighed. For someone so forward thinking, sometimes her boss could be obtuse. "Let me ask you this Zach. Experienced at what? We are a fledgling company with a newly discovered product which we have kept proprietary information close to our chest. So, what experience would that be? Additionally, it would be smart of us to hire a young staff that we can teach from the ground up. Neither would it hurt to hire young people who we will pay a fair but low wage which would be increased as they learn."
Zach commented with a sheepish grin plastered across his face. "I would have thought of all that sooner or later."
"I know Zach, but you'd be as old as Merlin by then. Let's get this all down then I'll take a walk up Diagon Alley to place the flyers and applications in the shops along the way."
Zach nodded. "I agree to putting our information in the shops, however, I'd rather one of the others do the grunt work. I need you in the shop. I'm also thinking before we do all of that we check with our brilliant staff to see if they know any upstanding, young witches or wizards who would like to be employed in an up and coming shop."
"Alright Zach, I'll inquire. Now, let's figure out this secrecy thing. I believe it will be as simple as a non-reveal spell."
"It's a lot Bonita."
"It is a lot Zach and we'll get it done."
"Of course we will. Just not all today."
Bonita smiled at Zach as she headed to the front. If she could work it, it would all be done today.
/*/
Zach didn't know how Bonita would take it, but he planned to wait until after she had breakfast and tea before informing her he had requested Hermione's assistance with the non-reveal spell. Bonita was so Ilvermorny.
/*/
Both Hermione and Draco woke up in very pleasant moods. The previous night had been exceptional. Perhaps the feeling of exuberance was down to the fact each knew where their relationship was going and were fine with it. They knew they would be bonded at some point. Just not today. It was almost as though the knowledge made them giddy as neither one passed the other this morning without getting a kiss or a rub. Blue couldn't make sense of it all and after a few minutes of mum and Da's nonsense went back to her bed and snuggled with her pillow.
Over breakfast, Hermione explained she might be a bit late tonight as well as q mention of Wesley's strange behavior. Draco continued chewing waiting for Hermione to elaborate on Wesley's strange behavior because if Corwin had made any kind of inappropriate move on her, he would….
"What Draco? What's that look about? If you would let me finish my sentence you will understand the point."
"I'm not giving you any type of look love, or maybe I am. You mentioned strange behavior and I'm sitting here casually eating my muffin waiting for the rest of it."
Hermione frowned at her wizard. "His strange behavior didn't have anything to do with me."
"Good."
Letting out an exasperated sigh, Hermione pointed her fork at Draco. "Listen prat. It's clear you don't want to hear what I have to say so I'll leave you to your muffin and go get dressed. How about that?" She added, rising from the chair.
Draco reached out and grabbed Hermione by the hand. "Slow down love. I want to hear what you have to share now that I know it hasn't anything to do with you. Come on then share away."
Plopping herself down on Draco's lap, Hermione shared. "Well. Mr. Corwin seemed to be in some kind of funk or fugue state. He was sweating, trembling and generally unfocused. Several times I had to ask him if everything was alright. Although he assured me he was fine, it took almost half the morning for him to get his head in the game. For a little bit, I thought he was going to faint outright. Anyway, it all came together. I'm hoping today will be better. You now have the full story. If you'll excuse me, I need to go get beautiful."
Draco reached for her once again. This time to kiss her lips. "I love you Miss Granger. If Corwin's actions become bothersome, text me. I'll be glad to come to DME to help improve his mood. Perhaps I should stop by anyway just to let him see my face and wand."
"Keep barking Malfoy." Hermione called over her shoulder. "Don't forget to leave food and water out for your daughter. I know you didn't catch up with Blaise and Theo yesterday. Will you be having a night out tonight?"
"I plan to try and pin them down for lunch. However, if they'd rather have after work drinks, I will be late. Why? Do you have something planned?"
"I actually don't know. Early this morning, Zach sent a text asking if I could stop by his shop sometime today. As it won't be possible to stop by during the day, I plan to stop by after work. Since I don't know what his request entails, I don't know how long I'll be. Long story short. You don't have to rush home."
Draco gave Hermione a skeptical look. "Alright love. Instead of having to rush through lunch, I'll see if Blaise and Theo want a bit of a night out. Would you like me to bring you anything besides this fit body?"
Hermione grinned at herself in the mirror. Her handsome wizard was so full of himself. "No thank you. I'm in the mood for some greasy fish and chips. I'll stop by Diagon Place after I leave Zach's shop. I'm all set. I'll see you later. Bye Blue."
Draco turned to glance at Blue who had her head raised up in the air. "No need for concern Blue. Your whirlwind of a mum was just psyching herself up getting ready for her day. She'll be fine by the time she gets in from work...or not. Time for me to get a move on. Let me get you straightened out before I get dressed. Stop looking at me like that. Your Da knows you understand exactly what he's saying."
After setting out food and water and spelling the litter box clean, Draco got dressed and was on his way in ten minutes.
/*/
Fortunately for Hermione, her partner was completely himself and greeted her with a rousing salutation.
"Good morning Hermione. I retrieved our mail. Five in all. I haven't looked over anything. This is a team effort so we should review our cases together. I'm looking forward to getting started. I stopped by the lunch area to get us tea and biscuits. I hope you don't think it was too forward. Just looking out for my partner."
Hermione wanted to remark on his prior day strange behavior, but everything seemed alright this morning so she didn't. "Good morning Wes. Thank you for getting the mail and thank you for the tea and biscuits as well. As soon as I put my purse away we can take the files to the conference room."
Picking up his tea and the small sack of biscuits, Wesley grabbed the files. "I'll be in the conference room."
"I'm right behind you." Hermione replied, picking up her own cup of tea.
/*/
Hermione and Wes had the files sorted within the next half hour. The major cases were located in Wales, Surrey and Devonshire. The minor two were located within London proper and almost within shouting distance of the Ministry.
"I guess we'll be all over today. If you agree, we should start the furthest away and work our way in." When she didn't receive a reply, Hermione looked over at Wesley who was sitting there with a puzzled look on his face.
Hermione sighed thinking she had been paired up with a wounded ex-Unspeakable who wasn't fit for a normal position. "Everything alright Wesley? Your mind seems to be somewhere else. It's not my place to say this, but I'll say it anyway. You need to get your head in this important game and keep it there."
Hermione's semi-sharp tone seemed to bring Wesley back to himself and he responded with a snap. "You're right. It's not your place unless I fall down on my face. Otherwise, consider me able to handle everything you can handle. I had a momentary lapse when you mentioned Surrey. Nothing monumental. If you're ready to start our day, I'm ready."
Hermione picked up her case giving Wesley a hard glare. "Touchy much Mr. Corwin. It was a simple statement nothing more." Hermione called out as she headed to the lifts with Wesley on her heels.
At the lifts, Hermione explained how it would go. "I've set the portkey for Swansea."
Wesley who, by this time, was in full senses nodded. "Fine. The incident area appears to be somewhat secluded. A piece of advice from a former Unspeakable. Stay on your guard. Villains are notorious for returning to the scene of the crime, or never leaving."
Hermione smiled. Wesley was back to his arsehole self. "Thank you Wesley. You're so thoughtful. I'll have to remember that bit of advice."
Wesley held back a grin as they stepped into the lift. His rude as hell partner was back to rude as hell. Once outside the Ministry, they touched the small stick and were on their way to Swansea.
/*/
Unlike the other morning, Draco sent a text to Blaise and Theo even before he removed his suit coat. He was looking forward to a bit of wizard bonding and it gnawing at him that he had almost blamed his two best mates for something so asinine as setting a witch in front of him. As if. Neither Blaise nor Theo had ever done anything along those lines, ever.
{SENDER}: Draco
{RECIPIENTS}: Theo: Blaise:
Greetings my wizards. I'm checking with you early to see if you'd like a little wizard time this evening. Doesn't have to be lengthy. Just a few drinks among mates. Club Visions for 7:30. Let me know.
/*/
Theo grinned when he opened the text. He started to respond with something cheeky like, has Hermione finally let you off that leash but thought better of it. Nothing says shite night out like Draco in a Malfoy tantrum. Theo responded with a perfectly reasonable reply.
{REPLY}: Draco
Sounds good mate. I have two late showings, but they should be done by 7:00. Visions for 7:30 is fine.
/*/
Blaise had almost the same response to Draco's text as Theo except he sent the cheeky reply.
{REPLY}: Draco
Has something gone wrong in the Granger/Malfoy relationship? I can't imagine you wanting a wizards night out otherwise. Just kidding. 7:30 at Visions sounds promising. I'll see you then.
/*/
Draco nodded to himself as he read Theo's reply. One down. However, frown lines appeared between his eyes when he read Blaise's response.
"Cheeky bleeder." Draco spoke softly to himself as he sent a last text to Blaise.
{REPLY}: Blaise
Jealous Zabini? I'll see you at 7:30.
/*/
With the nonsense out of the way, Draco turned his attention to the documents in front of him. He had reviewed and signed off on everything that needed to be done by 9:30 which was timed perfectly as he and Henry had a 10:15 appointment with the management group of a fast growing magical building shop. Malfoy Investments wanted the chance to show the owners how to better manage as well as increase their finances. Hopefully, the owners were as forward thinking as their products were being very well received all over magical Britain.
As Draco sat there waiting the few minutes for Henry to arrive at his office door, a thought crossed his mind. Grabbing a pen, Draco jotted down a few quick notes.
Henry was puzzled when he arrived at Draco's office. They were supposed to be on their way to a meeting but the boss was scribbling on paper as though his life depended on it. Henry cleared his throat.
"Are we ready Draco?"
Draco made a few more entries before slipping the papers into his top drawer. "I was born ready Henry. Let's get to this meeting. Perhaps the management team will like us so much they'll want to build us a home or something. Dazzle them Mr. Watson. I fancy a new flat."
"I don't think I'll have to do any dazzling Draco. In fact, I'll probably be shunted to the side when you open your mouth and the pearls of wisdom begin to fall out."
Stepping off the lift, Draco clapped Henry on the back letting out a fairly loud chuckle. "Yes, there is that. I've been known to turn many a situation with my pearls of wisdom. Now let's go get this done."
And that's exactly what they had done.
/*/
Once they were back in the building, Henry didn't even stop in Draco's office to discuss what had gone on at the meeting. Instead, he headed directly down the hall to find George and Roscoe. They had to put together an investment package that would dazzle Creevey and Price, Builders.
/*/
Draco knew Henry, George and Roscoe would get the new account sorted so he turned his attention to the notes he had slipped into his top drawer. He chastized himself a little bit for not recognizing an opportunity when it was right in his face. Zacharias Smith had a product destined to become a huge seller and would need investment advice. If Malfoy Investments stumbled, some other investment house would be there to step over them and that wasn't acceptable. Draco pulled out his mobile to send a text.
{SENDER}: Draco
{RECIPIENT}: Zacharias Smith
Good morning Zach. I have something I'd like to run by you. I'm hoping we can set up a meeting for either Thursday or Friday morning. It has nothing to do with our mobile order. Everything is fine on that end. I have a business proposal I think will interest you. Please let me know.
With that text sent, Draco sent an additional text to Henry, George and Roscoe requesting their presence in his office at 3:30.
Done and done Draco thought. If he would be meeting with Zach, he'd need something to present. That's where his Directors came in.
/*/
Mona spent the day cheerfully executing her duties at The Coven headquarters. The other witches smiled at each other. Witch One Mona was extremely happy. Geraldine and Joyce spent a few whispered moments debating on whether someone should go check to see if Wesley Corwin was still alive. They were still chuckling when Mona entered the room.
"What is so humorous that my Witches are off in a corner giggling?"
Both Geraldine and Joyce were embarrassed and a little fearful as well. Mona was a fair and equitable leader, however, she could turn on a sickle if she thought a witch was denigrating another witch. In this case, the witch they were denigrating was her. Mona snapped into ornery.
"I asked a question. With all that needs to be done around here, why are you two sequestered down here giggling like some muggle schoolgirls?"
Geraldine let out a sigh. They had been caught. She wasn't going to add insult to injury. So she spoke the truth. "Joyce and I were just wondering if Mr. Corwin…"
Mona snapped Geraldine right up. "Wesley Corwin is my business. It's not up to you to wonder about anything."
Both Geraldine and Joyce apologized at the same time. However, ….
Mona broke out in a big smile. "While I don't condone idle gossip, I don't mind you discussing my good fortune at all as long as you do it exactly where you're doing it, down here away from others. I don't need everyone messing about in my business which, I will admit, is fantastic. You single witches need to make discreet trips out and about. There must be more wizards out there almost on par with Mr. Corwin. I say almost on par because I don't think there's a wizard out there who is level with Wesley. In fact, I insist we have a witches night out. We will be discreet and you all will present yourselves as any normal witch would. Then you all will scout out the available meat."
Joyce nearly fell over laughing. "Hahaha. Scout out the available meat? Who are you and what have you done with Witch One?"
All three witches had a good laugh. However, before going their separate ways, it was decided The Witches of The Coven who were interested would have a night out the coming Saturday.
Before Geraldine and Joyce were all the way out the door, Mona had some last thoughts to share. "I'm not ashamed of my interactions with Mr. Corwin. It's been a very long time between consorts. Rest assured though. As Head of The Coven, I know I'll have to let him go at some point."
Geraldine nodded and kept going. Mona's business was Mona's business.
/*/
Mona let out sigh after sigh. She was allowed a consort. In fact, she was allowed as many consorts as she chose. However, in reality, she knew consorts were normally under time constraint rules. She would have to release Wesley at some point in time. Mona sighed one last time before heading upstairs to resume her duties.
"I realize I'll have to let go of Wesley at some point. However, just not today."