Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 14: Getting On The Same Page
/*/
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.
/
/
Chap 15: Releasing The Kraken
With Covens and Blood Moon potions no longer a worry, Hermione, Draco and Blue sat on the couch entertaining themselves until Draco leaned in to kiss Hermione. Blue began padding from one lap to the other.
Hermione smiled as she held her hands over Blue's ears. "I believe your daughter is aware you might be trying to initiate s-e-x."
"My daughter might be right. I want your s-e-x, and I want it now.
Hermione smiled at her always horny wizard. "What about what I want? Perhaps I'd like to remain on this very couch with my daughter and her da."
"Nope. I believe it's time for us to explain the ins and outs of exclusive dating. Even better, perhaps we should get Blue a companion of the male persuasion." Draco pulled his arm away as Hermione gave him a hard pinch. "Stop witch. I'm trying to solve a family problem here."
"A pinch is better than a hex Malfoy." Hermione replied with a full frown on her face. "Blue will not be getting a male companion, and it's disgusting of you to mention it. She's our baby. No filthy feline will be having a go at her. I will stipulate that we explain certain things to her. She's very smart. She'll understand. Will you go first, or shall I?"
Knowing his next comments might be construed as cheeky, Draco moved farther from Hermione's grasping fingers. "Don't call me Malfoy. You said it yourself. No male companion. Therefore, I'm not going to corrupt Blue with information she'll never need. I'll sit here and be the non-participating, objective partner while you explain how a witch and a wizard who are dating have certain, shall we say, entitlements. You may proceed when ready."
"I know you're taking this as a joke Mal-Draco, but in the interest of having a healthy sex life, or any sex life at all, you'll chime in as necessary to let Blue know we are on the same page. Understand?"
"Understood."
Hermione had said the word and Blue's ears had stood straight up.
Draco and Hermione glanced at each other. Sometimes Blue appeared to have human understanding. Even if she didn't, there were certain things that needed to be explained.
"Well here goes nothing." Hermione remarked. Pulling Blue onto her lap, she began. As Hermione was talking, Blue sat as though mesmerized staring at her mum letting out soft purrs every now and the. When Draco interjected a point, Blue turned to face her da. It became clear to Hermione and Draco that Blue might not understand all of it, but was definitely understanding some of it.
When Hermione and Draco finished speaking, it was time to test the waters, so to speak. "Fingers crossed." Hermione joked. "Blue love. Da and I want you to be a good girl and go to your bed. He and I want to have sex."
Draco cringed as he waited for the recoil, but there was nothing. Blue simply rubbed first against Hermione then against Draco before taking a quick drink of water and heading to her bed.
Draco grabbed Hermione up in a hug. "Bloody hell Hermione. You're brilliant with a brilliant daughter. She understood every word. Does this mean what I think it means?"
"I believe it does," remarked Hermione, hugging Draco back. "Shall we make the most of it?"
Draco stood then extended his hand to Hermione. "I'd like to start now."
Grabbing Draco's hand, Hermione concurred. "Well come on then boyfriend. Let's go have sex."
So they did.
/**/
Friday morning, Draco woke to find himself nose to nose with Hermione.
"What Hermione? You do know there is such a thing as personal space, especially this early in the morning. I probably still have the smell of lamb on my breath"
Rolling onto her back, Hermione answered smugly. "I've smelled worse on your breath. Personally, I find it incredible that you are whining about personal space when last night you tried very hard to reach my tonsils with your manly piece of meat."
Draco made a small shrug. "My manly piece of meat, eh? That's different. You loved it. Might I remind you that you were an immense help in getting my manly part up to your tonsils."
Hermione swatted at Draco as he rose from the bed. "I simply wanted to tell you that spending the night in my bed will probably not go over well with those witches who are trying to have a go at your manly piece of meat."
Draco grinned at his witch from the bathroom door. "Really? And here I thought you were trying to have an early morning argument. As far as other witches go, they may wonder about my manly prowess, but will never get to experience the Malfoy charm. I am dating. I will now use the facilities then take my leave to go home and get ready for work. By the way, last night was incredible. Since we no longer have to tiptoe around Blue, I would like to put my bid in for sex every night."
Hermione stretched and yawned at the same time as she called out to the closed bathroom door. "Your bid? Shall I assume there will be an auction? If so, I'll need a new outfit."
Draco came hurrying out of the bathroom to stand beside the bed. "Auction? Other bidders? I think not love. You know exactly what I meant. Isn't it time you got that lovely arse out of bed to give me a kiss? I need to be on my way."
Leaving the bed in one swift move, Hermione wrapped herself around Draco and kissed him. "Nothing better than a bit of light banter with my lover in the early morning. By the way, before all this lovely back and forth between us, I actually wanted to remind you that today I will be releasing the Kraken."
"The what?" Asked a completely puzzled Draco."
"The Kraken love. The Kraken. A mythical beast that causes havoc when loosed."
"Oh okay," replied the still puzzled Draco. "Just don't get yourself arrested, because if you do, I won't have anyone on my arm this Saturday evening or anyone to ride me down into the mattress. Have a pleasant day. If it's alright with you and Blue, I'll stop by this evening. It may be a bit later than usual, but I'll be here. Bye love."
"Alright Draco. Blue and I will see you this evening. Be prepared."
"I'm always prepared Miss Granger," replied Draco not understanding one bit of the Kraken nonsense Hermione was spouting.
Hermione sat on the side of the bed for a few more minutes before heading to the bathroom. "Mr. Malfoy has no understanding of the delicacies contained in releasing the Kraken, but he'll soon find out. Yes wizarding world. Hermione Granger is dating Draco Malfoy. Do your worse."
/*/
Cormac passed Hermione in the hallway and simply nodded in her direction. Bint. After all he had done for her and what they had shared, she'd found another wizard with which to pass the time. An unnamed wizard at that. Probably some filthy blighter from the Department of Mysteries. She likes mystery and fantasy. That would be right up her alley. Cormac had to adjust his attitude. He was in the middle of the Ministry. Nobody cared that Hermione Granger had thrown him over for some lesser wizard. They only cared that they wouldn't have to work with a wizard who'd gone completely round the bend. Cormac straightened his back.
"Good morning Cormac. Alright there? Talking to yourself in the middle of the hallway is not a good look."
Cormac returned the greeting with a strained smile. "Of course there's nothing wrong Dirkwood. Just getting a few things settled in my head. No worries."
His fellow staffer Dirkwood made himself clear. "I wasn't worried McLaggen. Just making conversation with a fellow. See you inside."
Cormac was aggravated with himself. Yet again he was allowing Hermione Granger space in his head when he should be concentrating on Romilda Vane. Even though, in his mind, Romilda didn't hold a candle to Hermione. She was the witch who was currently on his arm. Bloody Hermione had his thoughts all over the place. Stepping into his office, Cormac's last thought before plunking his arse in his chair was, good, bloody riddance to the menace known as Hermione Granger and her new relationship.
/*/
Hermione reached her office with a smile on her face. If Cormac thought he had a reason to turn his nose up at her now, just wait. Wait until he learns I'm dating the insufferable, arrogant, overbearing Draco Malfoy. Rubbing her hands together, Hermione softly mumbled. "I can't wait to see the look on his insufferable, arrogant, overbearing face. Oh my. Cormac and the wizard I'm currently dating have a few things in common."
Hermione had just let out a soft giggle when she looked up to find Romilda at her door. Ignoring Hermione's private laugh, Romilda asked if she might have a word.
"Of course Romilda. Come in. Have a seat. How can I help you?"
Romilda stammered a bit before getting to the point. "I hope I'm not overstepping, but Cormac has invited me to attend the Hogwarts Party. Before I accept, I want to be sure I'm not crossing any lines with you."
"Crossing lines with me? Why would you think that?"
Romilda looked embarrassed. " Because, because. Because Cormac has been fairly open about you and he keeping company in the past."
Oh no. Not another one. Cormac and his fat mouth had obviously been busy. Hermione could have been upset, but she wasn't. In fact, Romilda asking questions was the perfect opportunity to release the Kraken. "I'm not sure what Cormac has been saying, but he and I are nothing more than friends who have enjoyed each other's company time to time. No relationship." Here we go, thought Hermione. "In fact Romilda, I have a wizard. I am currently dating Draco Malfoy."
Romilda was so surprised her mouth had flown open.
Hermione smiled inwardly. The Kraken has been released.
"Draco Malfoy? That-that's. That's wonderful. I'm happy for you. I'm sure you make a lovely couple," said Romilda who looked fit to burst over the news. Now that she knew Hermione wasn't interested in Cormac, she had her answer and more. Rising from the chair, Romilda thanked Hermione for her time and hurried away as fast as her feet would move. She had news. The obnoxious, know-it-all was dating the insufferable Draco Malfoy. They deserve each other was one of the thoughts circling Romilda's head as she headed straight for office mates to share the news. And share she did. By mid afternoon, Romilda's office mates and more knew Hermione was dating Draco.
Hermione continued to smile even as most heads in the lunch area turned in her direction to stare as she stood in the lunch queue.
The Kraken was doing its worst.
/*/
Draco hadn't given Hermione's remarks about some bloody, mythical beast any further thought until he began noticing the looks and downright stares. He had even snapped at several of his staff to get back to their work if they wanted to remain employed.
Still not connecting one thing with the other, Draco huffed the entire time he was putting his next presentation together not realizing Hermione's bit of news had already spread from one end of London to the other… until he received Hermione's Owl.
Hello love,
Just a short note to let you know I've shared our business. As of about 10:30 this morning, probably the entire Ministry knows we are dating. I've received a fair few glares. No congratulations as of yet. Now you may put a photo of me and Blue on your desk to offend anyone else who chooses to be offended.
Blue and I will see you tonight. Bring takeaway.
Hermione.
Draco grinned as he reread the message and finally realized to what Hermione referred when she spoke about this Kraken. She meant to cause chaos. Grabbing a quill, Draco answered the message with as much cheek as he could possible squeeze into a few short lines.
Hermione,
Although it's an impossibility, I believe the Kraken has landed here at Malfoy Company as I've been receiving quite a few withering glances from witches and wizards alike. I understand why witches would be perturbed, but wizards. On second thought, I realize I'm just so charming I appeal to all. No turning back now love. We are out there. I imagine McLaggen is beside himself. Cheers.
I'll bring Chinese.
DLM
Draco couldn't help smiling over the looks he received as he headed to the Owls section. He now knew the reason for the scrutiny. He had dared put his filthy Malfoy paws, and other body parts on a former war hero. He smiled even more widely on the way back to his office.
/*/
Hermione was still chuckling over Draco's return message when Harry appeared at her door.
"Good afternoon Mr. Potter. How can I help you?"
Harry shrugged. "I just stopped by to converse with a dear friend. Do I have to want something?"
"In that case, have a seat. I'll be turning in my application shortly. Do you know how many others are applying? What are my chances?"
"Ah! The normally irritable witch now wants my input. Interesting, especially after she's given me a telling off about stepping into her business. Business I might add that is currently circulating through the Ministry. With whom did you share?"
Laughing out loud, Hermione pointed her wand to lock and silence her office before turning to face Harry. "It's a simple thing Harry. Romilda came to my office nosing about Cormac's idea that he and I have, or had a relationship. I was very glad to set her straight. In addition, I might have mentioned I couldn't be dating Cormac as I am currently dating Draco Malfoy."
Harry gave Hermione his version of the side eye. "Romilda Vane? Romilda? The nosiest and most trifling witch in Ministry service. That Romilda? She's the human version of The Daily Prophet, but you knew that. Telling Romilda was the quickest way to spread the news. I will tell you one more thing before I get to the real reason for my visit. Two actually. Cormac McLaggen and Anthony Goldstein are devastated. Their hopes of you turning into a nice witch who might see her way clear to dating either of them have been dashed for once and all. I believe they both fell ill and had to go home sick."
Hermione who had known Harry for a long time knew when he was stretching the truth replied through gales of laughter. "You lying git. They did not."
Harry grinned at his friend. "You're right about that last part. Neither Cormac nor Anthony has gone home in distress, but they are moping about as though they've lost their last friend. I imagine there might be a few more down turned mouths as well. Although I am offering my congratulations, I believe there might not be many more coming. Anyway, my original purpose is to remind you to turn in your applications. It's past 3:00 pm. Get downstairs and get it done."
"Yes boss." Hermione answered with a salute. "I was on my way down when you waylaid me with your nonsense. Ride the lifts with me. I might need the protection of an Auror."
"Funny Miss Granger. Remove your charms and we can be on our way." Then, in a stage whisper, Harry suggested she not mention dating Draco or things might not turn out well.
Giving Harry a quick pinch on the arm, Hermione preceded him out the door.
/*/
After turning in her forms, Hermione took the long way around to the lifts so the nosy Nellies could see she didn't give a fat rats arse what they thought. However, the glares became uncomfortable as she stood waiting for the lifts to reach the floor she was on which made her a bit belligerent. By the time the lift doors opened, she was ready to confront anyone who stepped in her path. Hermione arrived at her floor hoping she would be chosen for one of the new positions. Anything to get away from the self serving dolts in the Ministry who thought they could run her life better than she herself.
Back at her desk, Hermione's good attitude returned. She wanted it out there and it was. The masses could deal with it or stuff the information where the sun didn't shine. Either way, Hermione Granger was going to continue dating Draco Malfoy until she wasn't. Hermione had thoughts of inviting Draco to have lunch with her on Monday before realizing there would be plenty of chances to show him off at the Hogwarts Party.
Hermione was beaming. They thought she and Draco shouldn't be dating. She would make them eat their words and regret their thoughts. Mr. Malfoy might not realize it, but he was going to be part of a show. A very well done show.
/*/
Theo Nott was wondering at the bit of news he'd heard while out to a late lunch in Diagon Alley. Draco and Hermione Granger were dating. As if! Initially, Theo had called bull shite, but he'd heard it from a another reliable source as well. How? Since when? So many questions. Theo admired his mate, but thought he would have had to curse Granger in order to get her to even stand next to him. What bit of magic could he have used to get her to date him? Although it wasn't his business, on the way back from his lunch, Theo decided to cross London to speak to his mate. If Draco had done something unthinkable, perhaps he could help set him straight. Neither the Aurors nor MLE looked kindly on witches being Imperiused, especially not Hermione Granger and more specifically by Draco Malfoy. They'd throw him in the deepest cell in Azkaban. As he stepped off the lift, Theo became a bit wary. Bringing shite like this Draco might not bode well for himself.
/*/
Krakens and relationships were the last things on Draco's mind when he looked up to find Theo at his door. Rising from his chair, Draco walked around the desk with his hand extended. "Hello mate. What are you doing over this side of the city? Lost your way?"
Theo grinned as Draco gestured for him to have a seat. "I'm just here to see what you've been up to."
"Really Theo? How long have you known me. Just about from birth. Am I right? In all that time have you ever just dropped by in the middle of the day? So what's up?"
Before Theo could blurt out more nonsense, Draco knew without a shadow of a doubt Theo had heard the rumors and had come straight to the source.
"As you've said, we've known each other for a good long while. You also know I'd never step a foot into your business, but…."
Here it comes, thought Draco.
"But I've heard a disturbing rumor."
Draco played along. "A rumor? That's not like you mate. Slytherins do not deal in rumors. We make them."
"I know that Draco, but this particular piece of information. This particular piece of information made me think I should come check on you. You haven't Imperiused anyone, have you?"
Draco laughed so loudly three of his staff made a pass by his door to make sure their superior hadn't lost his mind. "I know I can be a miserable sot, but I believe you might be getting me mixed up with Lucius. I have a reputation to uphold. A bit tarnished, but a decent reputation nonetheless. Why would you even ask me something like that?"
Theo was squirming in the chair. "I heard you and the know-it-all Hermione Granger are dating which has to be rubbish. Even though I know you have a soft spot for Hermione, she has nothing but animosity towards you. Therefore, the only way you two would be dating is if you hexed her."
Draco couldn't contain his laughter, so with a quick swish of his wand, he shut the door throwing up a silencing charm as well. "I apologize for laughing Theo, but you should see your face. I have not hexed Miss Granger and do not plan to in the future."
Suddenly, Theo realized Draco was skirting the subject. Yes, he was laughing and joking, but not once had he called rubbish on the rumor. Theo now imagined the rumor must be true.
"Listen mate. I would be insulted if anyone besides you or Blaise asked if I have used the Imperius on a witch. That curse will get a bloke guaranteed time in Azkaban. As I mentioned earlier, I have a reputation to uphold, so I'll reiterate. I never have and never will purposely hex a witch." Deidra's face sprung into Draco's head, so he elaborated on his comment. At least, I'll never hex a decent, upstanding witch. To answer your inquiry about my personal life. Yes. Hermione and I are dating, and there were no spells cast. She is with me willingly. There you have it."
Theo sat there for several seconds not saying a word. When he finally spoke, it was to congratulate Draco and wish him good luck.
"Thanks mate. I appreciate the sentiment. However, luck won't have anything to do with it. I plan to keep Hermione for as long as she'll have me."
Theo was surprised again. Who was this wizard speaking about keeping a witch for as long as she'd have him and what had he done with the arbitrary, arrogant overstepping Draco Malfoy? Theo had his answer. It was time to get back to his own office, but on the way he'd have to Owl Blaise who wasn't going to believe this shite. "Alright mate. Time for me to get back to work. Perhaps Blaise and I will see you this weekend."
Draco extended his hand to Theo. "Perhaps you will mate. Who knows? Thanks for stopping by."
Draco let Theo get out of earshot before letting out an uncharacteristic snort of laughter. Hermione had definitely released her Kraken and it had thrown everything into chaos.
/*/
Hermione had made it home, fed Blue and was now sitting on the couch feet up with a glass of wine. Blue was acting kind of anxious pacing back and forth. Finally, Hermione called the kneazle to her lap. "Come here sweetie. Rest those pacing legs."
Blue, who normally came when Hermione called let out a yowl and plopped herself down outside the study door. Hermione put her glass down and sat straight up. Deidra. She hadn't seen to the witch since early last evening. Jumping up, Hermione made a beef sandwich which she hurried in to Deidra. She didn't care for the witch, but she couldn't let her die from hunger. From a smelly arse yes. Hunger no. Hermione was still chuckling as she stepped into the study holding a sandwich and her nose.