Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 6: Finding The Receptacle
Draco was feeling a level of excitement he hadn't felt since… since Hermione had agreed to go on a date. Of course, his dumb arse had made some moves and ruined the evening, but that was then. This was now. Now, he might help the girl, help himself and get another chance.
"I will definitely give both Hermione and Bella your regards. Thank you."
/*/
Draco Apparated to his flat intending to check the bundle for himself instead of opening it in front of Hermione and being shown as a fool. Draco's feet had barely touched the floor of his bedroom before he was pulling off the wrappings. There was a squeaky thing, a scratch post and a small blanket wrapped inside a larger blanket. Laurie had mentioned a book. Where was it? Then he shook the small blanket and out fell, Being The Receptacle, Vol. 4 Finite. Draco fell back into a chair. There it was. Whatever the connection to The bloody Vessel, he and Hermione now had it. All they had to do was put the pieces together.
It was only 2:30 in the afternoon. He and Hermione had agreed to meet at 7:00, but Draco was too restless to have a lie down. Instead, he took a massive dose of Pepper-Up Potion then sat down to review the volume which would hopefully bring everything into perspective.
/*/
The more Draco read, the more antsy he grew. It appeared that someone or something would have to be sacrificed in order to bring The Vessel to power. With his mind racing, Draco read and reread the chapters, but couldn't get a sense of what the sacrifice entailed. Finally, at 6:45, he showered, dressed, then grabbed the book and was presenting himself at Hermione's door at 7:00 pm.
/************************************************************************
Chapter 7: Sacrifice
Draco tried to contain his enthusiasm as he greeted Hermione, but was hard pressed to keep the excitement out of his voice as he explained what he had done. "I took a chance and I've found the fourth book."
His excitement was catching as Hermione began squealing, and BellaBlue began purring. "You found the book in the short amount of time you were away from us? Amazing! Where did you find it? How did you find it? Is it the same as the others? Is it really the last volume?"
Draco held up his hands for Hermione to slow down. "Do you plan on letting me through the door, or will I have to tell my story standing in the doorway?"
"Oh!" Gasped Hermione, standing aside. "Please come through. Shall I get us a drink, or some food? Where's the book? May I see it?"
Draco laughed. Hermione was as excited as him. Pulling the book from his inside pocket, he handed it to Hermione who grabbed it and held it to her chest after planting a wet kiss on Draco's cheek. "You've done it teammate. Being The Receptacle, Volume 4, Finite. Amazing. Have you read any of it?"
Draco stood there more than chuffed at the random kiss on his cheek. "I browsed through some of it, but I thought we should study it together. You'll never believe where I found it. By the way, Laurie at The Pet Menagerie sends her regards."
"Laurie? What has she to do with this? Have we acquired another team member?"
"No," replied Draco. "We haven't acquired another team member, but she was instrumental in me finding the book."
Hermione was puzzled. What did Laurie know about any of this? However, she stopped in mid thought. Forty eight hours ago, she herself didn't know about any of it. Settling herself on the couch, Hermione asked Draco to start from the beginning and not leave out a thing.
Which he did.
/*/
"It's all down to BellaBlue really."
Reaching over to stroke her baby, Hermione looked at Draco in disbelief. "How is that possible?"
"If you'll let me continue, I'll make it all clear." Draco answered.
Hermione wanted to make a snarky remark but chose to remain silent. She had to hear what Draco had to share.
"After leaving my office this morning, instead of having a quick rest. I took some pepper up potion. Feeling as though Blue was somehow involved in our quest, I made inquiries."
Hermione beamed as she took Blue in her arms and kissed her on the head as she murmured. "My pretty girl is part of the team."
Draco smiled as he watched Hermione fawn over her baby, but continued speaking. "I couldn't fathom how she is connected so I made a visit to The Pet Menagerie thinking there might be something there, and there was. Wherever BellaBlue came from, there were items that came with her. Laurie had first thought to put them in the bin, but had reconsidered and was saving them for you when you visited her next. I was chuffed when Laurie commented that Blue had come with a book, and there was no accounting for what some people sent in with unwanted pets. I also asked about Blue's origins, but Laurie didn't have any information, explaining that the cat had been left at the shop door in a box. I told her I would take the items as a gift for you and Blue. There were several items, including two blankets, a scratch pole and a squeaky toy. I was disappointed until I unfolded the smaller blanket. That was it. The book fell out. There you have it. We now have all four volumes."
Hermione smiled at her teammate. "You do good work Mr. Malfoy. I think you deserve ….."
Draco couldn't believe it. Hermione thought he deserved something. He sat there all tingly hoping he deserved something along the lines of being naked on top of this beautiful witch. Instead.
"….. a nice cup of tea."
Pop. The thoughts floating through Draco's head dissipated like a bubble popping. The look on his face must have spoken volumes because Hermione broke into a soft giggle.
"Foiled again Draco? Just what were you expecting me to say?"
"I I I," he stammered. "I was expecting you to say exactly what you said. A nice cup of tea and a sandwich would go over quite well."
Hopping up from the couch still giggling, Hermione made a cheeky reply. "How easy you are to please. You expect so little. Back in a moment."
/*/
While Hermione was in the kitchen putting together the snack, Draco picked up Blue who was purring and rubbing herself against him. "I know love. You mum is quite the comedienne. She could have put a bit more thought into what I deserve. No worries though. She'll come round."
Blue climbed onto Draco's shoulder purring what appeared to be her agreement.
"So," said Hermione as she set the tea and sandwiches down on the table. "It would seem my team members have their heads together. Perhaps I should have offered a slice of pie as well."
Draco knew Hermione was cheeking his arse, so he quickly replied. "Tea and sandwiches is fine. Perhaps we'll share pie another time."
A pink blush showed across Hermione's nose as she realized Draco was onto her bit of cleverness. Draco was just happy that Hermione had gotten to the place where she could comfortably express a bit a sexual cheek. At least, that's what Draco thought it had been.
/*/
After sharing the sandwiches, Draco and Hermione got down to business. Hermione got all four volumes, put them together and laid them side by side making sure they weren't touching. "Here we go. Shall we start with Volume 4?"
/*/
Volume 4 was darker than the other three volumes. It seemed every tenth word was sacrifice.
"Sacrifice?" Questioned an uneasy Hermione. "Are we to believe that some poor soul has to be sacrificed?"
Draco was as unsure as Hermione and responded as such. "I'm not sure Hermione. It would seem that is what the words imply. However, sacrifice can mean a number of things."
Hermione let out a snort of disbelief. "Really? A number of things. Like what? Other than being burned at a stake or something, what does sacrifice mean to you?"
Draco was momentarily stumped, but did have some odd thoughts. Perhaps sacrifice didn't necessarily mean someone had to be turned into a pile of ash. With Hermione staring at him and letting out little huffs of indignation, Draco offered some suggestions. "If we look at it another way, a sacrifice could mean giving up something you value, or accepting something you normally wouldn't."
When Hermione huffed louder than ever, both Draco and Blue reacted. Blue let out a loud yowl while Draco let out a string of invectives. "For fucks sake Hermione. I'm not saying I'm right. You asked for examples and I offered my opinion. I have been set a task which I'm trying to accomplish. If you'd rather think someone has to die, so be it. I'd rather think along other lines."
For several seconds, Hermione was speechless. Perhaps she was thinking too narrowly, too linear. "Alright," she said softly. "I want to keep an open mind. Let's get back to the book. Moving closer to Draco, she caught a delightful scent. He smelled delicious.
Not knowing Hermione's mind had wandered to his smell, Draco hid his irritation as they put their eyes back on Volume 4 knowing in order to achieve their goals, they would have to be on the same page figuratively and literally. He turned his eyes from the book for just a second to glance at Hermione and was surprised to find a look on Hermione's face. Draco knew the look but was unsure of what he was seeing. It was the look he received when a witch was interested. Quickly turning his eyes back to the book, Draco told himself he couldn't have seen that particular look on his arbitrary partner because she wouldn't have him if he was Chief Warlock handing her a position.
Hermione was thinking that Draco's scent was sexy. Realizing she was holding up the research, she cleared her throat and leaned over to study the words.
/*/
For an hour, Draco and Hermione read and discussed the words in front of them. Not only did the book keep referencing some sacrifice, but two chapters in it became apparent they would need to find a Receptacle as well.
"Well isn't this bloody stupid. Before I can find The Vessel, I have to find some bloody other thing." Draco groused. "This is never ending with Saturday only days away."
"We," offered Hermione.
"We? We what Hermione?" Replied an obviously annoyed Draco.
"We're a team Draco." Hermione replied softly. "WE have to find another bloody thing."
In the middle of what amounted to a minor tantrum, Draco gazed at Hermione and wanted to kiss her. She was being soft and lovely, and he wanted to kiss her. Instead, after taking a deep breath, he concurred. "You're right partner. We are a team. Thank you for reminding me."
As though she was a seer reading the atmosphere in the room, BellaBlue began licking both her team members. While Blue was licking Hermione, Draco began to browse the last chapters. With a loud shout that startled both Hermione and Blue, he jumped up.
"Look at this Hermione! Have a look! We have it."
Hermione grabbed the book from Draco and began to wildly scan the pages for what Draco thought they had. Suddenly her eyes fixed on a specific sentence. Once you have the four volumes, you have The Receptacle. We have The Receptacle," she shouted, grabbing Draco by hands while planting a firm kiss on his lips.
Standing there dumfounded once again, Draco brought a hand up to his lips. He had gotten his wish and hadn't had to be hexed getting it. Hermione had kissed his lips. Even though the kiss was nowhere near sexual, Draco was experiencing sexual stirrings.
Not realizing, or not caring she had just kissed Draco, Hermione held the book close to her chest before reality set in. "Exciting as this is Draco, exactly what does it mean? We have the four volumes so we have The Receptacle. How? All I see is a set of four books. How does that equate to some mysterious object?"
Still licking his lips, Draco brought his mind back to the subject. "After all the excitement of those words, I have to admit. I have no idea. Now we know what we tentatively have, let's move ahead a few chapters to see if we can find an explanation, or some instructions."
"So near yet so far away," quoted Hermione as she plopped back down on the couch. "I hope the solution doesn't entail destroying my, our books."
"I know you don't want to hear this, but if it comes down to destroying these books to get what we need, I vote for the obvious."
After his statement, Draco thought he was in for a major telling off because Hermione was quiet for so long. That was not the case because Draco had an epiphany. "This will sound mad Hermione, but imagine if the sacrifice the book refers to is the need to sacrifice/give up/destroy the books. Haven't we agreed that sacrifice doesn't necessarily mean human death?"
Hermione caught her breath as she gazed at Draco. He was not only handsome, but brilliant as well. "You are full of surprises. Even though destroying any book pierces my heart, you may well have hit the nail on the head. If we're going to learn that four lovely books have to be destroyed, I'll need fortification as well as the use of the loo. Let's take a short break to have some supper."
"A loo break and supper would be great," replied Draco heading to the loo with Blue on his heels. However, this time, Blue stopped outside the door.
"Good girl. You've learned the niceties quite quickly. Go help your mum."
As if she understood every word, BellaBlue sauntered towards the kitchen.
/*/
It was an exciting conversation albeit one with strange overtones. While they discussed how it would be possible for four books to become a receptacle, both Hermione and Draco were feeling … something. Hermione would blush and turn away as she watched Draco speak while Draco found himself giving her a direct stare.
"Although it is lovely, your constant blush has me wondering if I've embarrassed you in some way."
Hermione blushed even deeper before giving an unexpected answer. "I want to apologize for kissing you without invitation. It was the excitement."
Draco grinned. "The excitement was it? I hoped you had finally come to the realization that my lips were worth exploring."
"You wish." Hermione remarked shaking her head. "I'd say it had more to do with the cologne you are wearing than your lips Malfoy. The cologne is irresistible while your lips are just lips."
Draco laughed out loud. "Back to Malfoy then? I'll see to it I never leave the house without wearing this particular scent if this is what it gets me. Not to be forward about the thing, but I'll take your excitement all day long. Thank you for the supper. I'll be in the living room seeing what I can suss out of the book."
Hermione grinned as she cleared away the lunch remains. "Prat."
BellaBlue sat on her haunches glancing between the two teammates as though she smelled something as well.
/*/
With all the nonsense out of the way, Hermione and Draco scoured page after page finally hitting on the very piece of information they were looking for.
"The four books will form The Receptacle on their own after the event." Hermione read word for word. "For Merlin's sake. Sacrifices, Vessels, Receptacles. Now there's an event. This is becoming more like a puzzle than a search for mysterious objects."
Draco sighed. He too was tired of there being one more thing. Leaning back against the couch cushion he looked at Hermione thinking he knew what event he'd liked to see.
"What?" She asked, giving him a scowl.
"Nothing. I was simply thinking The Event could be anything, so our next task should be to define it."
"You must be mad. We can't even define The Vessel or The Receptacle, or what to sacrifice."
"Well," answered Draco. We now know we need The Event to find The Receptacle which in turn will hopefully spawn The Vessel and the sacrifice. Since The Event is first, let us scour all the volumes for a hint to what it is. You take Volumes 1 & 2. I'll take Volumes 3 & 4."
"Fine. Let's go back over what we've already gone over." Hermione snapped sarcastically. "Because we haven't studied these blasted books enough."
Afraid of losing the camaraderie, Draco quickly suggested that they not necessarily look for the words The Event. Instead, they should look for situations that could make up an event.
Hermione was frustrated, but what Draco said made sense. This entire thing was too intricate to have what they were looking for jump out at them. More than likely the answer was cloaked throughout all four volumes.
/*/
Before they began yet again, Draco decided he'd be more relaxed in his own flat. "It's now 10:30. We've been at this since 7:00 pm. I'm going to take my two volumes, head to my flat, take a long, hot shower then study until I find something, or fall asleep. Whichever comes first. I will Owl you if I find anything of value. It is my suggestion that we concentrate on finding information about all four things as opposed to just searching for what makes up the event. If my research comes to nothing, I might have Welles go through the volumes to see what he can find. Thank you for the snack and supper as well. I owe you a nice dinner. I'll speak to you soon."
As both she and BellaBlue watched the door shut behind Draco, Hermione locked it with her wand.
/*/
Hermione agreed with Draco. A relaxing, hot shower might be more conducive to studying. After the shower, Hermione pulled on a nightshirt then headed to the living room couch. Pulling BellaBlue onto her lap, Hermione rubbed her chin across the cat's head. "When seen in this new light, Mr. Malfoy isn't all that hard to take. No matter the light though, I'm mortified I kissed him, even though he seemed to like it well enough.
BellaBlue licked Hermione's hand as if in agreement.
As other thoughts about Draco snaked through Hermione's head, they brought to mind bits of an event. A very strange event in which she played a starring role.
/*/
Hermione recognized her surroundings. She was in the main chamber dancing naked in the middle of the room. She had a golden caste to her body and hair which made her glow like some golden statue. The room was filled with onlookers. Onlookers didn't matter because Hermione was dancing at the will of…. At the will of a fierce looking witch whom Hermione recognized as The Priestess. The ill tempered witch was beckoning her, not by word, but by hand and body movements.
Hermione could see herself twirling, bending and spreading herself in a very sexual way. The witch kept beckoning her to come closer, but something in Hermione was resisting knowing full well if she got close to the fierce looking woman she'd be at her mercy. The more Hermione resisted, the angrier the Priestess became. As Hermione was pulled within striking distance of the Priestess, Hermione reached out and grabbed the witch by the throat. With a loud growl, the witch swept her arms wildly through the air uttering an ultimatum.
"You think you are stronger than me Acolyte? You dare refuse my orders. You spurn my advances. Tonight you will be my entertainment."
However, Hermione proved to be just as strong, and resisted even more. The Priestess would not have her sexual fulfillment that night.
Outdone on the one front, The Priestess turned her fury on another target. "Does this amuse you little penis?" She roared, pointing her finger at someone across the room Hermione couldn't see. "I tire of this game. I am The Priestess. No one defies me. Our laws dictate that those who defy me be cast out of this circle and may only return if called on by me, so this is what I declare. Although I recognize her strength and power, Witch Granger is hereby cast out and will be turned away if she tries to return. However, she will appear before me when, or if she is needed by this circle, and is bound to come, willingly or by force. Your Priestess has spoken. Clear the chamber. NOW!"
Before those few brave Acolytes who had remained behind to see the expected carnage could scurry away, The Priestess once again pointed across the room declaring that the wizard who found the situation so amusing was charged with bringing the Granger witch back to the circle if she was called. The wizard hadn't waited. He had disapparated before the third word was out of The Priestess' mouth.
The next Hermione saw was herself waking up with a mark and a book.
/*/
The fugue state disappeared as suddenly as it had come leaving Hermione rattled and trembling. She had guessed about possibly signing on some dotted line to join some ridiculous club. Now she knew for sure. She had, and not only that, she had been run out because she wouldn't allow herself to be subjugated by a horny witch.
Hermione didn't realize how tightly she was holding BellaBlue until the kneazle began yowling in either pain or fright or both.
"I'm sorry love." Hermione cooed, releasing the cat from her grip while trying to bring some sense to what she had just witnessed. "Mum just had a shock. It seems I'm one of bleeding Aware, or at the very least, an Acolyte or worse. In the bargain, I've evidently gotten on the bad side of an irritable witch. No wonder I'm being hit in the head and grabbed by the ankles. If my little spot of remembrance is to be believed, that beast of a witch is now summoning me, and I'll be beat to bloody shite if I don't do something. Topping it all, Mr. Malfoy just might be the wizard ordered to bring me back to the circle. Bloody prat."
Obviously not taking any more chances of being squeezed to death, Blue jumped from Hermione's lap to go lie quietly in her bed.
/*/
Hermione was pacing the floor. She wasn't frightened now she thought she knew the whole of it. She was angry. "Who in bloody hell does that witch think she is, summoning me?" Hermione shouted to the living room walls, startling Blue. "If I'm so strong and powerful, why is she messing with me?"
Then she remembered what Draco had revealed. He had been ordered to find The Vessel because there was either trouble brewing or some cataclysmic event had been foretold. Maybe The bloody Priestess couldn't do what needed to be done without help.
"Hah!" Shouted Hermione, causing Blue to dart from her bed and start scratching at the front door. "The bloody pervert needs me, does she? Well she can kiss my arse."
Blam! As soon as the words left Hermione's mouth, she was pushed down into the couch and held there by some invisible bond. Hermione fought against the bonds, but only succeeded in making them tighter.
BellaBlue was in an uproar by this time, giving off noises that seemed more human than catlike while trying to claw her way out the front door.
/*/
Being an intelligent witch, Hermione knew she was at a disadvantage and decided she had to play along if she wanted to get free. Once again, Hermione spoke to the air around her. This time in a much softer voice. "Your message has been received. I am hard pressed to find out what needs to be done while tied down to my couch. Release me." And just like that, the bindings holding her disappeared.
Without hesitation, Hermione grabbed Bella Blue, summoned her wand, the two volumes and apparated to Draco's flat. It didn't matter that it was almost midnight, or she might be intruding, or polite witches didn't barge into someone's flat in their night clothes. What mattered was in those seconds before grabbing her wand, Blue and the books, it had come to Hermione with clarity. A spell would activate The Event, or more precisely, the spell was The Event which would produce The Receptacle. As convoluted as it sounded, it was making perfect sense to Hermione. She hoped it would make perfect sense to Draco as well.
/*/
Hermione landed with a thud on the front stairs of Draco's flat. Seconds later, the door flew open and she was staring at the business end of Draco's wand.
A very surprised Draco glanced around before helping Hermione to her feet and leading her inside. "In most cases, a midnight visit by a witch in nightclothes might have a salacious meaning. However, by the look on your face, I believe otherwise. What have you found out?"
No matter the circumstances, Hermione was the witch who couldn't resist throwing out a taunt. "Have a lot of witches in night clothes turning up at your door then Malfoy?"
Summoning a bed sheet, Draco conjured a robe of sorts and draped it over Hermione's shoulders before responding to her sarcastic comment with a simplistic answer. "Not lately Granger. Counting you, the answer would be one."
Draco's response made Hermione smile.
"Have a seat. I would get tea, but it appears you could do with a wine. Then you can explain what has brought you half naked to my door. I'm hoping for the best, but expecting nothing of the sort. Back in a minute."
/*/
As Hermione waited for the wine, she watched Blue follow Draco from the room close on his heels. At that moment, it became clear her cat hadn't been trying to tear down their front door. She had been trying to get to Draco.
"Malfoy and his women." Hermione huffed in a low voice as she pulled the robe closed to cover her near nudity. With eyes down in her lap, Hermione wondered about the best way to tell Draco her news. Quickly was the word that flashed through her mind. So as soon as Draco placed the wine in front if her, Hermione revealed what she believed.
"The only thing standing in the way of our next step is a spell."
Not quite comprehending the meaning of Hermione's comment, Draco simply replied. "So you've found something then?"
Swallowing a huge sip of wine, Hermione softly remarked. "I think I have."