Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 13: Revelations

With a cheeky wink, Hermione swung her wand to lift Deidra from the floor using the Follow Me spell. "Come on then, Miss didn't get away with shite. Your residence for the next several days will be the study from which you escaped. If you have to pee, feel free to go in your knickers. I'm sure The Coven won't mind the smell."

Draco grinned at Hermione's irreverent humor as he hurried to the bathroom.

"Was that quick enough for you boyfriend?" Hermione called after him.

"You did stretch it out a bit, but I won't complain because there's a mattress down the hall calling our names." Draco called back.

Blue walked up and wrapped herself around Hermione's legs.

"Yes love, Your da is talking about giving me s-e-x. Be a good girl and just go with it."

Blue walked across the room to sit and stare at the bathroom door as if she was going to voice an opinion on the matter.

Draco almost stepped on Blue when he came out of the bathroom. "Watch out young lady. Da almost stepped on his pretty girl. It's very late. Time for good girls to be in bed."

Without so much as a purr, whimper or growl, Blue padded across the room and climbed into her bed.

Hermione was giggling uncontrollably as she grabbed a surprised Draco by the hand. "You and your way with women. You might want to turn that Malfoy charm down a bit."

"Surprised the shite out of me." Draco replied, as he allowed himself to be dragged to the bedroom. "A female who understands she's not the boss of me."

Hermione laughed out loud.

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

A/N: Warning: Mention of bodily functions.

Chap 14: Getting On The Same Page

Hermione and Draco finished their bedroom business and were back in the kitchen thirty five minutes later ready to proceed.

Draco gave Hermione a quick kiss to thank her for riding him down into the mattress before asking for jars to decant the brew. "Now we let it settle. It will be at its strongest by Saturday. Not to sound uninformed, but I think this is where you tell me how our lovely brew will work in our favor."

"I'm sorry. I thought I had explained it all."

Draco tried to make a joke of it. "I'm asking so I obviously missed the gist of it. Please explain it as though I'm Harry Potter."

Hermione rolled her eyes at Draco. "Are you going to be an arse about it?"

"I'm not being an arse. I'm simply asking for a refresher. I might have been a bit of a prat by mentioning Potter. I apologize. Explain it to me as though I'm McLaggen then."

"You are being an arse, and I'm not explaining shite." Hermione sniped, jumping up from the couch. "Would you like tea?"

Draco jumped up and followed Hermione to the kitchen where he tried to wrap his arms around her. "Come on love. It was just a bit of humor. I don't really think Potter is a dolt. I just think he lacks smarts. Come on now. Give me a smile, and yes, I'll have some tea."

Hermione summoned her wand then waved it at the kettle. You're very lucky you're handsome. Otherwise, I'd chuck you out on that very firm bum."

"Firm bum is it? I rather thought it was my….."

Hermione gave Draco another eye roll. "Do you want to hear an explanation, or do you want to banter? Tell me now."

Draco finished the last of his tea before standing. "We have a few more days before it becomes necessary for me to know any of it. If you have any reading material pertaining to The Coven, I'll be glad to take it with me and read up. I want to be prepared, but I do not want to aggravate you. It's late anyway. I should be going."

Hermione raised her wand to summon the information. A large folder came flying out of the study which she handed to Draco along with a smart retort. "I used my wand because I didn't want to chance having Deidra escaping again."

"Ah, Miss Granger. Even at this time of night the sharp side of your tongue is still working. I'll just take this material and be on my way. I may not have a chance to read it over during the day, but I will get to it as soon as possible."

"Alright Mr. Malfoy. Blue and I will see you tomorrow. If you have questions, Owl me. Goodnight then."

"Goodnight ladies."

/*/

Hermione was tired as well. She didn't waste any time getting to her bed. She planned on getting to work early knowing Harry would be at her office door first thing which was good because she did want to discuss the new positions.

/**/

Even though he had drunk too many of Hannah's strong ales, a hot shower had brought Harry back to himself. He left a loud kiss on Hannah's cheek as he readied himself to leave. However, when he tried to step back, Hannah grabbed him by his robes.

"Good Thursday morning Mr. Potter. You were magnificent last night. Although it's a safe bet you don't remember. I'll just say I'm hoping you'll remember those dick tricks for our next shag when you are sober."

Harry grinned as he leaned over to kiss Hannah on the lips. "How dare you doubt me witch. I'm always magnificent when I shag you. In addition, I always remember my dick tricks. I'll see you later love. We have a bit of business in Scotland today. I might be late."

"I plan to do some shopping today. Will you be needing anything? I want us to look our best when we attend the Annual Hogwarts Party. It should be fun. All those sad witches with mouths hanging open because I'm on your arm. I can't wait."

"So, you are going to allow me to show you off? Well played Miss Abbott. Dark brown socks and a few pairs of boxers will do. I'll see you later."

"Your wish is my command. Bye Harry. If you can manage, please bring some takeaway. I'll settle for creamed cod with broccoli over mashed. And a nice salad."

"Nothing too specific eh? For you, I'll manage. I'll bring it to the pub."

"Thank you."

Hannah pulled the blanket back over her shoulder, turned on her side and closed her eyes. Another few hours of sleep would not be unwelcome.

/*/

As he planned to remain in Wiltshire Thursday evening, Draco put the reading material aside to be reviewed when he arrived home from work. He and Hermione would do well with a bit of separation between them. He liked the witch, but sometime she could be a bit much, as could he.

Gazing into the mirror as he spelled away the facial hair, Draco grinned at himself. "Staying away might be easier said than done. The witch is truly growing on me now that her pulsating, running boil is nothing more than a pink scar."

Draco was now laughing to himself. "Thank Merlin Hermione cannot hear my thoughts. She'd hex me without explanation, and after that would probably try to ride me into the mattress. Welles."

Pop. "Yes, Mr. Draco? How can I help you?"

"I'd like a nice lamb chop dinner, roasted potatoes, two vegetables and some Yorkie pudding for 7:00 packed to go."

"Yes sir."

"That's all."

Draco buttoned his shirt, stepped into his trousers, grabbed his wand and suit coat and was on his way.

On the way to his office, Draco noticed the admiring glances he was receiving from the females, as well as several males. Although he smiled back, Draco knew it was definitely time to turn down the charm, He didn't want any of his prior conquests to get the idea they still interested him. He wasn't available for any more discreet trysts. He was in a relationship, with Hermione Granger.

Thinking of Hermione brought a wide smile to his face that must have given the tall blonde from Statistics, which he had taken out and shagged, ideas as she appeared at his office door before he could hang his suit coat.

"Good morning Mr. Malfoy. Would you like a tea and toast?"

Pulling on a blank face, Draco declined Miss Barrows offer. "Thank you Miss Barrows, but my witch wouldn't want anyone going out of her way for me. I'll get something later."

Miss Barrows recognized not only that she was being dismissed, but Mr. Malfoy was now involved. He had a witch. Nodding, she made a swift departure from the office. Although she was disappointed, Miss Barrows knew she and Draco had only been shag mates. He had kept her at arms length because she obviously wasn't the one.

/*/

Even though it was frowned upon, The Ministry was buzzing about the party. Hermione ignored the buzz and made her way to the lifts. She had work waiting for her.

As Hermione expected, Harry came sauntering into her office ten minutes after she arrived.

"Good morning Hermione."

"Good morning Auror Potter. Watching for me, were you? What can I do for you? As if I didn't know."

"For your information, I've come to see if you'd put any thought into applying for one of the new positions, among other things."

Hermione grinned at her best friend. "Shall we get those other things out of the way first? I am dating Draco Malfoy, and, as I said. I'll be dating him until I'm not. If I wasn't going to be tied up on Saturday, I'd attend the Hogwarts Party on his arm. How's that for serious?"

"Tied up as in bound and gagged, or tied up with business? I wouldn't put anything past Malfoy."

Hermione rolled her eyes at Harry and leaned back in her chair. "Are you going to act the prat as well? If so, you may find your way out the way you found your way in."

"Calm down Hermione. It is just a bit of humor. I'm not sure Malfoy is wizard enough to bind you without help. So, there's that."

Hermione let out a soft giggle. "Want tea Harry?"

"I'm fine. Have you given any thought to moving away from this desk?"

"I have Harry," she replied, opening her desk drawer to pull out the position information. "It sounds exciting. Not only would I be able to get out into the world, I'd also be working with some of the most brilliant Ministry employees."

"Oh really? Most brilliant employees huh?"

"Calm down Potter. In this sense, I meant the most devious and sneaky employees. You know I live for drama and intrigue."

Harry shrugged. "Of that, I'm well aware. Drama, intrigue and sneaky shite. All right up your alley."

Glaring across the desk, Hermione reminded Harry that her sneaky shite had saved their lives on more than one occasion.

Harry concurred. "Now that I've annoyed you, I guess I'll get on with my day. Be sure to get that application in first thing. I hear there are a number of wizards who expect to be stepping into one of them. Give your date my regards."

Hermione didn't bother looking up from her desk. "Yes Harry. You'd better leave now before I hex you where you stand, which wouldn't look too good on my application."

Harry made it to the door before turning around. "One last thing. You do not have the corner on dating. Hannah and I are dating, and will be attending the fine soiree this Saturday. Just thought you should know. Bye."

Harry walked away so fast, Hermione didn't get a chance to ask for details. When she realized she was just as nosey as her brother, she chuckled softly to herself.

/*/

Looking over her finished application, Hermione scoured the pages to insure she hadn't left anything out. She hadn't, but the at the bottom of the application it was clearly stated that applications would not be accepted until Friday after 3:00.

She sighed. "So much for early submissions."

Putting the application in her top drawer, Hermione turned to the work she suddenly found so mundane. Two hours in, Hermione's mind was wandering. Her thoughts had turned to the Saturday meeting with The Coven. How would they appear? Where would they appear? How long would the meeting last? Would she and Draco survive? Of course they'd survive. Hadn't she once been asked to be part of the secret order?

All this thinking. Harry had aroused her curiosity with his disclosure. He and Hannah would be making their first appearance together as a couple. Things being what they were, she wouldn't mind attending the Hogwarts Party on the arm of Draco Malfoy. The last vestiges of thought floated from Hermione's head as she turned back to do what she was being paid to do.

/*/

Back at Hermione's flat, Blue was on pins and needles. Her mum and da were gone, but she kept hearing movement coming from the study. Pacing back and forth, she kept running to the door waiting for her family to show up. All to no avail. Finally, after the biggest bump of all, Blue raced into the bedroom and hid herself under the bed.

/*/

Deidra was tightly bound and silenced, but it did stop her from trying to escape. Hermione and Draco had gotten her good. There she was thinking she'd made the perfect getaway, then boom. They had her good and proper. For as much as she tried to escape, Deidra realized it wasn't going to happen. The worst of it was she had released her business all over herself. She had shite stuck to her back along with soaked knickers. In addition to feeling like some back alley transient, she was gagging on her own smell.

Even though it wouldn't change anything, Deidra was still holding onto hope that somehow, someway she would escape The Coven's retribution. Deidra knew she had been a shite Priestess thinking of nothing more than her pleasure. However, The Coven was made up of all witches, if she explained herself well enough, they should understand her faux pas.

Each one of The Coven were hot blooded witches who had done their share of dirt. If she explained properly, they'd have to understand. It might be a bit more difficult if she was asked to explain about certain specific wizards. Their wizards. While she'd been doing it, it seemed like a lark. However, now she was being called out on it, her actions didn't seem quite so prudent.

As another blast of arse air left her body, Deidra admitted she would do almost anything for a shower and fresh set of clothing.

/*/

The six witches of The Coven were in fantastic moods. They had been chasing after The Priestess, Vessel, Piece of Shite Deidra for almost six months. When it came down to it, all it had taken was to scare the shite out of a couple of Phantasm members. Even though all six witches were acquainted with and greatly admired witch Granger, it had been necessary to toss her about a bit which had been well worth it. They had also enjoyed given the arrogant Draco Malfoy a bit of a beat down, and it was too cute the way he and witch Granger had come together.

After a good laugh, the six witches got down to business.

Witch One: "I believe that no matter what Deidra, excuse me, The Priestess says in her defense, her destiny has been decided."

Witch Three: "So we have judged."

Witch Two: "She will be stripped of any power she has left, and sent into the Muggle world to live and survive as a Muggle."

Witch One: "I may be in the minority, but I think we are being too lenient. I would like to see her set free as a Squib. Let her try to wield power over that lot."

Witch Five: "That's an excellent idea Mona. Sorry, I mean Witch One. Perhaps being a Squib will teach her to keep her hands, mouth and wand off …."

All the other witches turned to look at Witch Five. They understood her pain. Whether intentional or not, Deidra had made the witch's partner one of her victims, after which, the wizard had been used up. He had been sent home unable to accept the attentions of his own wife. Witch Five had no sympathy for The Priestess.

Witch One: "We haven't heard anything from you Witch Four. Do you have anything to add?"

Witch Four: "I've made my position clear. We've all voted. There's nothing to add. For acts and deeds perpetrated against numerous witches and wizards, Deidra has been judged guilty. We will deal with her when she is standing before us."

All the other five agreed. Saturday afternoon at 1:00 pm, the arrogant Deidra would learn her fate.

Witch Two: "What will be done with Witch Hermione and Wizard Draco? They are innocent. In addition, they've done a bang up job of capturing the willful and arrogant witch."

Witch One: "Nothing will be done to Hermione and Draco. They will be free to go on their way as soon as they deliver Deidra. I know with all the mind tricks we have played on them, they think we have a problem with them. We'll straighten it all out when Deidra stands in front of us. I'll send a notice then use our summoning charm on them at 12:55. One last point. I intend to invite Witch Granger back into our Coven. She is a witch with great power. I'd like her with us. Opinions please."

Witch Three: "We can ask, but because of the way Deidra treated her, I'm certain she'll decline. Perhaps we can work with Witch Granger on another front. Perhaps she'd like to become The Priestess. She has the credentials, the experience and the state of mind."

Witch One: "I'm not sure we should extend that invitation. Both she and Wizard Malfoy have decided not to have anything more to do with Phantasm. In addition, their current interactions seem to be leading to a permanent relationship. Perhaps it might be time to close Phantasm down for good. We'll always have our coven, and no one needs or wants another Deidra. We can discuss it more on Saturday."

Witch Two: "Alright then. We have everything down on record. Let's call this done. Saturday it is ladies."

One by one, The Coven dispersed.

/*/

Blue wasn't waiting by the door nor was she in her bed when Hermione arrived home. "Hello love. Mum's home. Where are you? Come on out now. It's time to eat."

Hermione watched as Blue came crawling down the hall on her belly as though she was frightened of something.

Bending down to pick her up, Hermione rubbed her head while whispering mum things in Blue's ear. The kneazle was trembling and Hermione became concerned.

"What's going on girl. Have you had a fright?"

Just as Hermione got the last word out of her mouth, a loud bump sounded from the study. Blue leaped from Hermione's arms and skittered back to the bedroom.

"So that's it. The blasted bitch of a witch must be trying to get free." Drawing her wand, Hermione threw open the study door only to be met by an offensive odor.

"Shite yourself have you? What a comedown. Too bad. Look at it this way. You only have two more days to lay in your own filth. After that, The Coven will deal with you, if they can stand the smell. All your bumping around has frightened Blue. Let me tighten things up a bit so you won't be bumping around. Phew. Then I'll cast an Air Refresh Spell."

Which is what Hermione did.

/*/

After collecting Blue from under the bed, Hermione cuddled her for a bit assuring the kneazle she didn't have anything to worry about. Fifteen minutes later, a calm Blue was strutting about casting eyes first at her empty bowl then at Hermione. As Hermione rose from the couch to go feed her hungry girl, a large Occamy Patronus landed in front of her. More surprised than frightened, Hermione listened to the voice of Witch One explain how Saturday would go.

Once the Patronus evaporated, Hermione snidely remarked how simple it would have been for The Coven to send a Patronus the first time as opposed to pinning her to the couch.

"They want me as Priestess. As if. I'll never attend Phantasm again. Bints"

Once again, Blue was cowering. This time under the living room table. Hermione quickly filled her dish before sitting down to notate what the Patronus had shared so she could explain the full details to Draco when he arrived. With the notes written and set aside, Hermione took a quick shower and changed into tee and jeans. The next question was what should she fix for dinner. Originally, she and Draco had planned to discuss the Potion of the Blood Moon, but Witch One had sent the Patronus which cleared up everything. There wasn't any need for them to take the potion. The Coven wasn't interested in them. They wanted Deidra. Interestingly enough, they all still thought well of her. Even after she declined their invitation to join The Coven and walked away from Phantasm without a word as well. Hermione thought herself lucky, because they could have been ready to treat her as they planned to treat Deidra.

Lifting Blue into her arms, Hermione did a little twirl. "Mr. Malfoy will be thrilled by the news. He may not realize it yet, but this turn of events leaves me in a very good position to attend the Hogwarts Party, on Draco's arm. Hahaha. Take that Harry. I see you looking Cormac. Hahaha."

Blue must have thought her mum was going mad as she jumped from Hermione's arms and went straight to her bed.

/*/

Although she had planned to make dinner for her and Draco, Hermione planted her butt on the couch with a nice glass of wine. By the time she'd finished the one glass, Blue had jumped from her bed and was pacing back and forth at the door.

Her Da was on his way.

Five minutes later, Draco came through the door smiling down at Blue. "Thank you for meeting me at the door love. If not for you, I'd feel unwelcome. Good evening Hermione."

"Hello Mr. Malfoy. Unwelcome is it? I'll have Blue teach me how to fawn over you. On second thought, I'll leave the fawning to Blue. Your ego is big enough."

"Ah! I waited all day to hear your lilting bits of disparaging sarcasm. My evening is complete. I brought dinner. May I have at least one kiss for being proactive?"

Hermione waltzed over to where he stood. "You may certainly have one kiss. I simply adore a proactive wizard."

Pulling Hermione to him, Draco planted a searing kiss on her lips. In return, Hermione moved even closer to whisper in his ear. "Our problem has been solved. You'll have most of the night to be proactive. I'll explain after we have dinner. By the way. What are we having for dinner?"

Draco raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Our problem has been solved? Had that big brain working overtime have you? Good to know." Smiling into Hermione's hair, Draco couldn't resist adding a bit of cheek. "Acting all interested now that there's been a mention of free food."

"Funny Mr. Malfoy. I'd be careful if I were you, or I'll be the only one able to eat while you try to figure out how to reverse a hex."

"Ah! More threats and intimidation. I'll be able to eat dinner safe in the knowledge my witch cares. Our dinner is lamb chops, roasted potatoes, peas and carrots with a lovely Yorkshire pudding. Shall I put it in the kitchen, or do you want to hex me now?"

/*/

Over dinner, Hermione explained about the Patronus and shared her notes. "Can you imagine?" She asked Draco. "The main Coven witch has an Occamy for a Patronus, and I was lucky enough to see it first hand. Do you know how rare they are? The last real sighting, or even a mention was over seventy years ago. Only a very powerful witch can call up such a magnificent animal. I'm lucky I'm still in her good graces."

Shaking his head, Draco hesitantly replied, "It would have been ideal for her to have liked us before trying to kill us."

Reaching out, Hermione laid her hand on top of Draco's. "I'm sure she still likes me. However, the jury is still out on whether any of them like you."

"Thank you for reminding me I'm the red-headed step child in all this. Perhaps a bit of dessert will improve your disposition."

/*/

The sweetness of the pie did seem to improve Hermione's disposition as she changed the subject entirely. "I have a suggestion Draco."

"You called me by my name. This is going to be good. Suggest away."

"I'm being serious Dra-a-co." Hermione replied, dragging his name as though it had five syllables. "The meeting with The Coven is set for 1:00 pm. If all goes well, we should be rid of Deidra shortly after."

"I concur."

"So, I was thinking we could attend Minerva's party."

Draco was so surprised at Hermione's suggestion, for a moment he went stupid. "You want to attend with me? On my arm?"

Hermione shook her head and sighed. "That surprised a lovely witch wants to be on your arm, in public, Malfoy?"

"I-I. I guess the answer would be yes. I never figured you for a witch who welcomed animosity."

"Well, now you know. What's your answer blonde boy? If you'd rather I go on the arm of…"

Draco jumped up the chair so fast, Blue came running to see if there was trouble.

Turning to Blue, Hermione spoke softly. "Go have a stretch girl. Your Da is being overly dramatic. Obviously, he hasn't ever dated a witch as lovely as myself. What say you Mr. Malfoy? Will we be attending together, or….?"

Draco moved quickly around the table, pulled Hermione to her feet to stare directly into her eyes. "Your threats will not work on me witch. If you plan to attend this party, or any other, it will be on my arm. We are dating."

"That's what I thought," murmured Hermione as she threw her arms around the neck of the wizard she was dating.