Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 10: Potion Of The Blood Moon

"Penny for your thoughts Malfoy." Inquired Hermione, pushing Draco's hand aside replacing it with her leg. "Are we finished?"

Draco couldn't help but smile. "If you're trying to kill your new boyfriend, then no. We aren't finished. But if you want more of my extreme sex, you'll give my dick five minutes to recover."

Hermione went into a fit of laughter. "Is the boastful, signifying Draco Malfoy telling me I've tired him out? I'll help you out. It's been a while since I've had a decent sexual partner. I've been saving up."

Bringing Hermione's hand to his lips, Draco whispered, "Stop calling me Malfoy. As far as the excellent sex goes, we'll have to have it every day. Otherwise, letting you save up will make me an old wizard before my time." Leaning up to kiss Hermione on the lips, Draco uttered a last sentence. "With that said, I want to state here and now. You are amazing, but never take me by surprise like that again."

Hermione ran her closed hand up and down Draco's dick. "For all your complaining, it appears to me you are ready to go again. This time I'll climb on. Prepare for this amazing arse to be all over you."

As Draco rose to meet Hermione's thrusts, he thought about the prat McLaggen. He would never get close to Hermione ever again, especially if she'd been saving up. Draco's next thought cleared it all up. He wasn't going to give this witch a chance to save anything up.

Taking charge, Draco flipped Hermione onto her back and crushed her lips with his. "I'm ready. Push it to me. Come for me love. Come with me."

And so she did.

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

Chapter 11: Two No's And A Maybe

/**/

Wednesday morning snuck up on Draco. After a short, but well earned rest, he gently pulled his arm from beneath a sleeping Hermione's head. Casting a Tergeo over himself, Draco began dressing. He had one leg in his trousers when Hermione asked if he was going to sneak out without saying anything.

Draco wasn't planning to sneak out at all. "No love. It isn't my intention to sneak anywhere. I planned to wake you to say good morning before I left."

"Well I'm awake now so…."

"As chuffed as I am about our new relationship, if that so is leading up to I want to shag some more, I'll have to decline. I think the skin on my soldier has formed scabs."

"Funny Malfoy. You're a wizard, aren't you? You can clear the scabs up with a wave of your wand. However, for your information, I wasn't thinking along those lines."

"My apologies," answered Draco, sitting down on the side of the bed. "Just what lines are you thinking along?"

Covering her nakedness with the blanket, Hermione sat up with her back against the backboard. "A few shags make you lose your memory boyfriend? We'll need to work on that. I'm referring to brewing the potion. Shall we brew together, or do you want me to try on my own?"

Draco reached out and brought Hermione's hand to his lips. "Of course I want to brew with you. It was my understanding you had a bit of research to do before we moved forward. I'm ready when you're ready. In fact, once you do the research to find out what ingredients are needed, I'll set up a brewing station at my flat."

"Now that's what any good boyfriend would do." Hermione smarted as she reached out and put her arms around Draco's neck. "You make me proud."

Blue evidently shared the same sentiment as she sat outside the door yowling to get in.

"We might as well let her in now there's no chance of her running up your naked bum to help you along." Pulling the blanket around her, Hermione got out of bed to open the bedroom door then watched as Blue headed for Draco at a run.

Chuckling, Draco leaned down to pick her up. "Did you come to check that mum wasn't in here killing me with her sex? I've survived this time, but I am designating you as my protector."

Hermione took Blue from Draco and nuzzled her neck. "Don't listen to him love. He's now my boyfriend, so it's his job to …."

"Bloody hell Hermione. Blue doesn't have to know everything. She'll lose all respect for me."

Before Hermione could offer any type of retort, BellaBlue let out a sound that sounded so much like dad or da both she and Draco let out gasps of surprise.

"No bloody way. Did my daughter just cal me da?"

Hermione began to giggle and couldn't stop. "Of course she didn't."

Draco stood there frowning. "That's it. No more sex talk in front of Blue."

Hermione's giggles turned into downright laughter. "Sorry. Sorry. If you could see your face. Does this mean we won't be, you know….."

"Think again Granger. It means no such thing. We will be, you know, daily if I have my way. We'll just have to indulge at my flat."

Draco's response caused Hermione to break out into more gales of laughter.

Draco leaned down to kiss Hermione on the forehead and run a hand through Blue's fur. "I'll leave you to your laughter. I need to change before going to work. You might want to get a move on as well if you intend to be on time. Owl me as soon as you find the recipe. We'll work on gathering the ingredients together, and, just for propriety's sake, you might want to let McLaggen know you have a boyfriend. If he resists, I'll be glad to help him understand."

"I'm not sure where that Cormac statement came from, but he has nothing to do with anything. He's a colleague who will continue to be treated as such."

"Fine. Personally, I think the blighter doesn't know how to spell the word colleague. Have a good day. Bye Blue."

/*/

After Draco left, Hermione snuggled with Blue a few minutes more. "I'm so glad you're back to yourself lovely. Mum is going to feed you before she gets in the shower. I believe this is going to be a very lovely Wednesday for us both."

Leaving the kitchen after feeding Blue, Hermione happened to glance at the shelf that held The Receptacle and the bone. Pulling The Receptacle down, Hermione reached in and picked up the bone. "Well now. I think you might have learned your lesson. Between you and I, I might have gone a bit too far. Shall I try to reverse the spell? What's that? Do you have more lies to spout? I didn't think so. Because of your bull shite, Draco and I now have to prepare ourselves in case The Coven decides to take out on us what is meant for you. The way I see it, rather than put myself and my new boyfriend in harms way alone, I've decided to resuscitate you so you might receive your just desserts. Not sure if it will work, or if it works, you'll be the lovely bitch you were before, but I'll give it a try. There is one point I'd like to make. If you try to connect your energy back to Blue, I will return you to bone then vanish you into nothingness. I hope I've made myself clear."

Blue sidled over to sniff the bone as if checking to see who her mum was speaking to. Satisfied with her inspection, Blue swished her tail and headed back to the kitchen.

"Blue seems interested enough. I'll tell you what I'm going to do. I'll give you some time to think it over." Picking up The Receptacle, Hermione placed it back on the shelf. "We'll continue this conversation after I come home from work, if I can remember the reversal spell. Until then, enjoy whatever dark space you have found yourself in."

Hermione strode to the bathroom humming. It was good to be the best witch. It didn't take Hermione long to get ready for her day. Twenty five minutes later, she was on her way to The Ministry.

/*/

After a trip to the ladies, Hermione returned to her office to find Cormac and Harry standing by the desk holding a conversation.

"Good morning Cormac. Good morning Harry. What can I do for you fine wizards this morning?"

Harry grinned at Hermione. "Somebody is in a good mood this morning. Who did you hex?"

Cormac smiled at Harry's cheeky question glad Harry said it instead of him.

"Stopped in to be funny then Potter? I have work on my desk I could be doing. What are you smiling at Cormac?"

"It's a lovely morning Hermione, and, if you have a moment, I have good news to share."

"Since you have news to share Cormac, I'll get out of the way because I only stopped by to wish my favorite witch good morning. Good morning Hermione. Now I'll go."

"Good riddance prat." Hermione called out softly to Harry's receding back.

Taking a seat, Cormac offered a comment. "I hope you don't speak about me that way when I walk away."

"I speak about everyone that way Cormac. I'm an equal opportunity insulter. What is your good news? And please remember, according to Harry, I've already hexed someone this lovely morning. Don't be the second."

Cormac folded his hands in his lap. "I notice your sunny disposition is deteriorating rapidly. I'll speak quickly before you chuck me out on my ear. "My uncle…"

An Inter-Ministry Message landed on Hermione's desk before Cormac could proceed any further.

Hermione

Knowing what a smarmy busybody McLaggen can be, I'm fairly certain he is in your office to pass along news I was prepared to discreetly share. Kingsley and the Board of Governors have seen fit to re-classify The Department of Mysteries. No longer will it be some inner sanctum for Unspeakables. Kingsley wants a more publicly run department and has decided to move a few things around. The department will be headed by two people who will be the liaisons among the newly named Department of Magical Exceptions, The Auror Department, MLE and certain other Ministry employees. I've attached an outline of duties and expectations which will not be released to the public until Friday afternoon. You've been bitching to get off that desk for ages. The position is right up your alley. Have a look.

Harry Potter,

The wizard who heard you call him a prat to his back.

Before giving her attention back to Cormac, Hermione folded Harry's note and put it in her purse. "My apologies Cormac. What were you saying?"

Just as Harry surmised, Cormac was there to share the same bit of news. However, he put the Uncle Tiberius spin on things. There were positions opening in the near future where he was sure his uncle could put in a good word if she liked. His uncle's word still carried a lot of weight with Kingsley and The Board.

Hermione who had an ear on Cormac's blustering and her mind on reversing the bone transfiguration spell, the Potion of the Blood Moon recipe and her new boyfriend was brought up short when Cormac asked what she thought.

"I'm sorry Cormac. My mind wandered there for a bit. I haven't heard anything about new positions. Can you be more specific? I wouldn't want to say yes to find out I'd be stuck in some tiny room in the Ministry basement."

"The Ministry basement? Be serious Hermione. I wouldn't share the news if I didn't think it was something which would interest you. As far as specifics, I only know the positions are newly created and will carry a lot of authority. Would you like me to find out more? I could speak to Uncle Tiberius."

Hermione smiled at her colleague. "Thank you for thinking of me Cormac, but I'll need to know specifics. When will the postings be available?"

"I'm fairly certain I can have a copy for you by the end of the day. In addition,"

Here it comes, thought Hermione.

"I'm hoping you and I could attend the Hogwarts Founders Day Soiree together this Saturday."

"Founders Day Soiree?"

"Yes. The annual Hogwarts party."

"I know what it is. I believe I received an invitation. I'm just surprised it is already that time again."

Cormac rose from the chair to sit on the corner of Hermione's desk. "So, will you attend on my arm?"

Saturday was Coven day. Even if it wasn't, she now had a boyfriend. She couldn't make any other commitment. "Sorry Cormac. I'll have to decline."

Cormac stood and answered in a tone of defeat. "I like you Hermione. You know that. If you don't want me coming around, just say so. Don't leave me with the perception that you might someday accept my attentions. I'm not some buffoon waiting around for a bit of your time."

"I apologize if I've made you feel that way Cormac, but the short answer is I'm not interested in having a relationship with you. In fact, I have recently begun a new relationship, and it would be best if you didn't come around looking to be a romantic partner."

Cormac straightened his back. "You have a wizard? The truth at last. I'm such an idiot. Here I was thinking you'd come around. I guess I have my final answer. I won't be bothering you with my unwanted attentions, and I certainly won't be asking my uncle to put in a good word. Let your wizard do it. Have a pleasant day."

Hermione sighed as she went about her work. It was now clear. All she ever had to do was tell Cormac she had a wizard, and presto. He would have been gone. Lesson learned.

/*/

With most of her work out of the way, Hermione began to doodle hoping to jog her memory not only about the Blood Moon recipe but the reverse transfiguration spell as well. After several minutes of deep thought, Hermione had one answer. Reparifarge, was the spell to untransfigure something. Reparifarge with a simple up swish wand movement. Professor McGonagall had taught the spell in second or third year.

"Ha! Deidra will be so impressed."

Putting all the Transfiguration information to the side, Hermione turned her thoughts to the Potion of the Blood Moon, spending another hour trying to recall exactly what the recipe entailed. Not having any success, Hermione gave up, thinking she would look through her old school trunk to see if she could find the bloody bookmark.

As she sat there staring at the Reparifarge spell, Hermione realized she should inform Draco of what she planned to do. They were a team, after all. Hermione pulled out two sheets of parchment. One to send an Inter-Ministry thank you to Harry for the information, and the second to Draco.

/*/

Draco's work day had progressed just like any other day. Right up until he received Hermione's Owl. Draco who had read the message three times threw it down on his desk wondering what she was playing at. Hermione had decided to reverse Deidra's transfiguration. The last thing either of them needed was to have the miserable Priestess back in human form. Not that he was afraid of the bint. He was fearful of what Hermione might do if Deidra stepped out of line again. Seeing his witch go mad once was enough. A second time would most likely land her before the Wizengamot as a criminal, and that was something he definitely didn't want.

Draco's first thought had been to head over to The Ministry, but on second thought he decided that wouldn't turn out well. Accosting Hermione in her work place, was the last thing he should do. Instead, Draco answered her Owl.

Hermione,

I realize your note was just a courtesy because once your mind is made up there's no changing it. However, in this instance, I believe you are making a mistake. If we thought Deidra was insufferable before the transfiguration, image what she'll be like if you do this. Leave her where she is, what she is. We are preparing ourselves for any danger that might come our way. We don't need her bull shite. Let's talk this evening. I can be to your flat by 7:00 pm.

Reparifarge, Untransfiguration? You never cease to amaze me. Perhaps I didn't pay enough attention in Transfiguration classes. Be that as it may, let's talk before you swing your wand.

See you at 7:00 pm.

Draco

/*/

Hermione wasn't surprised to receive Draco's return message. In fact, she expected it. What she hadn't expected was his take on the issue. She wanted Deidra to stand and face her accusers. Take her just punishment. She didn't understand why Draco couldn't or wouldn't see that. She would just have to make him see her point.

Hermione still had Draco's message in her hand when Anthony Goldstein knocked on her doorframe asking for a minute of her time.

"Mr. Goldstein. How are you? Come in. What can I do for you?"

"This may seem like it's coming out of nowhere, but, if you are free, I'd like for you to accompany me to The annual Hogwarts Party."

Hermione was surprised. The most she and Anthony had ever said to each other was hello. How is your day going? "How thoughtful of you to think of me Anthony. However, I can't accept your invitation."

"Is it Cormac? Not to be indelicate, but I overheard him ask Romilda Vane to the Hogwarts party, so I thought that would leave you free."

Hermione was even more surprised. "Why would you think Cormac has anything to do with me?"

Anthony was feeling like a prat. He had listened to Cormac go on and on about Hermione. "Well. You know Cormac. He embellishes everything leaving me under the impression he and you…. You and he…."

"Okay. I get it Anthony." She said, cutting across Anthony. "Cormac has made some statements which are obviously untrue. To set the record straight, he and I are nothing more than friends. On the other hand, I can't accept your invitation because I do have a wizard."

Anthony stood up like he'd been jinxed and stammered out a response. "M-my apologies. Had I known you are in a …."

"It's fine Anthony. It's a new relationship so you couldn't have known."

Anthony let out a nervous chuckle. "Now that I've embarrassed the shite out of myself, I'll get back to my office. Thank you for your honesty. Good luck with your relationship."

"Thanks Anthony."

Hermione let out a soft giggle then quickly looked around. If Cormac and Anthony were surprised she was in a relationship, wait until they found out the wizard she was involved with was Draco Malfoy.

"Ah life."

/*/

The rest of the work day had gone by quickly. When she arrived home, Blue had met her at the door with an accusatory and hungry sounding growl.

"Alright love alright. Let me get settled and I'll feed you." Which she had

By 6:15 pm, Hermione had already changed into comfortable clothes. The clothes weren't too revealing because she was expecting company. Not that she would turn down his advances, but she and Draco had work to do. No sense in dressing in a manner which would entice the easily enticed Draco Malfoy before they got everything sorted.

Then it was on to searching for the bloody bookmark and the bloody recipe.

Hermione sorted through the entire trunk hoping the bookmark had fallen out when she had retrieved Volume 1. Hermione couldn't believe how many pieces of bits and bobs she had accumulated over the Hogwarts years. Quills, old parchment, awards and more. As an adult, she couldn't believe she'd kept it all. Then, after all the swish and flicks moving the contents around, Hermione realized she was searching in the wrong place. With one last swish and flick of her wand, Hermione sent everything back into the trunk and closed the lid. The book mark was in the top drawer of her dresser where she'd thrown it after the first attack.

"What a forgetful prat I've become." She grumbled out loud. "I know exactly where you are. After all this fuss, I hope I am remembering correctly."

With Blue on her heels, Hermione hurried to her bedroom hoping to have the entire recipe in order by the time Draco arrived.

Speaking of Draco, Hermione knew he must be close because Blue had gone to sit by the front door waiting patiently for her da.

The bookmark was there in all its scarlet and gold beauty. Better still, she was right. The entire recipe was there just as she remembered, seared into the bookmark's fabric. Now they had something to work with. Hopefully, the recipe was something that didn't have to simmer for a month.

/*/

Instead of going to his flat, Draco had thrown a refresh spell over himself in the men's at the end of the workday. He didn't want to waste time. He and Hermione had important shite to do and important matters to discuss. As much as he wanted to see Hermione, Draco wasn't looking forward to the conversation they would need to have. Releasing Deidra from the transfiguration was a daft idea. Unfortunately, it would be him who would have to make Hermione see reason. With a last look in the mirror, Draco let out a huge sigh.

"Make Hermione Granger see reason. As if."