Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 17: Before The Soiree

Kissing Hermione's nose, Draco offered his clap back. "Not trying to start an argument are we Granger?"

Giving Draco a wink, Hermione responded with a cheeky answer. "Not at all, and don't call me Granger. I have a first name. Use it."

Draco stepped away from Hermione to let out an extremely loud laugh before responding to her cheek. "Touché Hermione. Touché."

Hermione moved closer to leave a sexy kiss on Draco's lips and cheeks. "Now you have lipstick all over your face. Will you leave it like that, or clean it off? Your choice."

Draco hurried to look in the mirror. Sure enough there were lip prints across his mouth and cheeks. He hadn't even noticed Hermione was wearing lipstick. Shame on me, he thought as he gave a quick flick with his wand to remove the traces of Hermione's lip prints.

Walking back into the living room, Draco grinned at Hermione. "Nice job of marking your territory Hermione. Shall we be on our way?"

Grabbing onto Draco's arm, Hermione grinned up at him as they reached to touch the aluminum can sitting on the living room table. "Be a good girl Blue. Mum and da are out for the evening. Next stop, the Hogwarts gates."

"On three then," remarked Draco, just before he and Hermione were whisked away.

/*/

They landed at the end of a fairly long queue of handsomely dressed witches and wizards where Draco happened to spot one of The Daily Prophet's mangy photographers. Giving Hermione's arm a slight nudge just before leaving a kiss on her forehead, Draco whispered in her ear. "Prophet ghoul at 5:00. Hold still."

As the flash went off, Hermione and Draco turned in unison so the prat could get a lovely photo of their smiling faces.

Hermione and Draco sped up to catch the queue which had begun to move rather rapidly. Murmuring to each other, Hermione declared, "Now that's the way to start a soiree."

Draco simply nodded.

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

Chap 18: All Eyes On Us

When Hermione and Draco finally got to the end of the queue, they immediately found themselves in the middle of a horde that didn't seem to have a destination.

"What in Merlin's good name is going on here?" Muttered Hermione, stretching her neck trying to see around the logjam of people. "We're here to see and be seen not stand in some bloody ball."

Draco squeezed Hermione's hand. There was no way he wanted an aggravated date. She was bad enough in the best of times. After that thought passed through his head, Draco glanced quickly at Hermione thinking that was just plain rude, knowing if he'd said it out loud there would have been consequences. Draco did the next best thing. He grabbed tightly to Hermione's hand and pushed through the crowd saying a polite excuse me every few seconds. Looking back at Hermione, Draco was pleased to see a big smile on her face.

"Great minds think alike love. If you hadn't started pushing, I would have. I believe we are nearing the clearing. I see tables."

Draco smiled back at Hermione. When he faced forward once3 again, he was looking into the face of Minerva McGonagall. Draco stepped back so fast his heel landed on Hermione's toes.

"Owww Draco. I need these toes for dancing. Good evening Prof…. Minerva. How are you? I'm sure Draco would have said good evening if he wasn't busy stepping on my toes."

Doing her famous McGonagall gesture, Minerva put her hand to her throat before replying. "Good evening Hermione. We missed you last year. Good evening Mr. Malfoy. Welcome to your first Hogwarts Annual Party."

Draco spoke up. "Good evening Minerva. Thank you for the welcome. I'd like it ever so much if you'd call me Draco. Calling me Mr. Malfoy makes me feel old."

"Very well. Welcome Draco. We've done things differently this year. In place of reserved places, guests will be able to sit at the table of their choice. Feel free to mingle. If you'll excuse me, I need to greet The Minister and his party."

No sooner had the words, The Minister and his party, come out of Minerva's mouth than Kingsley appeared at her side.

"Minerva! How lovely to see you. Fantastic job with the decorations. Good evening Hermione, Draco. Minerva puts on a lovely party. I hope you both have brought your brightest smiles and best dancing shoes."

Extending his hand to Kingsley, Draco smiled. "Good to see you too Minister. I managed to smash Hermione's foot. I just might be dancing with you this evening."

Kingsley guffawed as he turned to automatically glance down at Hermione's feet. "I think you've lucked out. Hermione's feet look like they are ready to dance. I'll excuse myself to greet other guests. Enjoy yourselves. Minerva will you accompany me around the room. I'll need your quiet whispers to remind me of a few of these names."

Minerva acquiesced by taking Kingsley's arm.

/*/

Due to Kingsley's booming laugh, many guests had turned in his direction thereby getting their first glimpses of the Granger/Malfoy couple. To both Hermione and Draco's surprise, while there were a few frowns showing, wide smiles remained on most faces.

Hermione whispered sinfully in Draco's ear. " Although it has ruined the surprise, it appears that Releasing The Kraken worked in our favor. I had so hoped to meet with some adversity."

Smiling down at her, Draco gave a cheeky reply. "No worries love. There's plenty of adversity to go around. I see McLaggen, Goldstein and Potter gazing in this very direction. In fact, your best friend appears to be coming our way. Shall I draw my wand now, or wait until Harry draws his?"

Hermione let out a soft giggle just as Harry reached them. "Hello Harry. I believe you already know my date. How are you?"

Draco smiled down at his feet. If Harry noticed, he didn't comment. Instead, he was at his most charming best. "Hello Hermione. It's great to see you in such a cheery mood. Being one half of a couple is doing you a world of good. Hello Draco. Keeping a smile on my best friend's face is hard. I commend you. There are empty seats at our table, if you don't mind mingling with us common folk."

Draco didn't like the last of Harry's comments and immediately stiffened, but Hermione was quick to give his arm a little squeeze. "What do you think Draco? Shall we sit at Harry's table to torture him and his date, or, shall we look for seats at a more welcoming table?"

Hermione had seen right through Harry's taunting comments, and after Hermione's arm squeeze, so had Draco. "Well, Mr. Potter. If you and the other common folk at your table can stand to compete with our shine, Hermione and I will be glad to brighten your night.

Harry actually offered a genuine smile. "You call it shine. I call it…. Never mind. There's a witch present. Let's go sit down, or Hannah will think I've deserted her."

"Only if she's smart," mumbled Draco who received a nice pinch on the thigh from Hermione for his cheek.

/*/

Hermione smiled brightly as all eyes turned to her and Draco as he seated her. "Good evening all. How is everyone?"

Draco couldn't help the small smile that played across his face. His witch was doing everything except a pirouette. He gave a nod in the general direction of …. everyone before seating himself. Glancing around the table, Draco made a mental note of the looks on various faces. Hannah, welcoming. Finch-Fletchley, bland. Corner, bland,. Dean Thomas, bland, and Potter, bland and ugly. Draco was thanking his lucky stars that neither McLaggen nor Goldstein had chosen to sit at this table and had just let out a soft sigh of relief when McLaggen sidled up to the table with Romilda Vane holding tightly to his arm.

Cormac greeted the table at large turning slightly so he was faced away from Hermione and Draco. "Good evening all." Bringing Romilda close to his side, Cormac introduced her around as though no one knew who she was. Several of the wizards nodded while the witches said hello.

Although Hermione knew she would hear about it later from Draco, she stood and reached out for his hand. "Come on love. Let's go greet some of the other guests. I think I see a few of your mates. Excuse us please." She remarked, turning towards Harry and Hannah. "We'll be back." Hermione added gaily as she and Draco walked away.

Five steps from the table, Draco whispered in Hermione's ear. "I see what you did there Granger, and you will be paying for it later."

Hermione giggled softly as she tightened her hold on Draco. "I have no idea what you mean Mr. Malfoy. I simply want to have a stroll around the room."

"Okay, Miss stroll around the room. I'm looking at it as you showing off your lovely, gold dress. And make no mistake. It is a lovely outfit, especially the shawl. My only question. Will McLaggen and Goldstein be able to remove the drool from the handsome suits they currently wear?"

Hermione didn't give any response, but did break out in a wide smile. She did, however, comment when Draco looked her in the face. "You said it yourself Draco. We are here to shine, and shine we will. Actually, you and your handsome suit have already been on the receiving end of a few piercing stares from several unhappy witches. You'll be paying for it later."

Draco gave Hermione a nudge and a smile, and was still smiling when he was hailed by Blaise and Theo. Raising his hand in greeting, Draco led Hermione over to where his mates were standing. Draco couldn't help noticing that things were reversed. Theo had the Welsh witch on his arm while Blaise was solo. There was no question in Draco's mind that Blaise was there to witch watch. Draco didn't condemn Blaise for his actions because there had been many nights and many parties where he himself had done the same thing which usually ended with some witch leaving on his arm.

/*/

Both Blaise and Theo watched as Draco moved in their direction.

Blaise was first to comment. "I believe I'll have to change my opinion."

"On what mate?" Asked Theo.

"I now believe you are right. We've lost our mate to love. Draco Malfoy hasn't ever held that tightly to a witch in all the time I've known him. In addition, Granger is one of the finest looking witches at this party. If Draco lets loose of her, I might try my hand."

Theo glanced at Blaise then turned away uttering softly. "You're barking mate. With as tight a hold as Draco has on her, I don't think he'll ever let her loose."

Blaise smiled as he raised his glass at the approaching couple. "No worries Theo. That was just something to say. Draco has finally got into Granger's good graces. He'd be a fool to let her go, and our mate is no fool."

Blaise and Theo had been speaking in low tones so Jessie hadn't heard their entire conversation, but she'd heard enough. Draco Malfoy was no longer available. Her friend Gayle would be heartbroken. Even though Draco had only taken her out twice, Gayle had hoped giving up her knickers was enough to keep Draco coming back, and he had, twice. She had tried to tell Gayle that the British lads were only out for a good time, but her opinion had fallen on deaf ears. Gayle was sure Draco would keep coming back. Now, here they were watching Draco approach with a witch on his arm. Gayle must be devastated.

Theo who only wanted a date and possible shag after was oblivious. He didn't realize why Gayle had asked to accompany him and Jessie to the party, but he was about to learn.

/*/

Draco had been half right. While neither Anthony nor Cormac actually drooled on themselves, they were definitely aware of Hermione and her gold dress. Anthony had a bit more sense than Cormac and was concentrating on the witch on his arm even as he felt stirrings within himself for things he'd never had. On the other hand, Cormac whose eyes had followed Hermione across the room was highly annoyed that she had chosen Draco Malfoy the philanderer over him.

Romilda was loud and abrasive, but she wasn't stupid. Cormac was out of sorts and she knew why. Hermione Granger had chosen, but she hadn't chosen him. Not one to be outdone, Romilda had her ways. She handed Cormack a sweet. "You have such a sour look on your face Cormac. Take this sweet. It will sweeten you up."

Cormac accepted the small candy and thanked Romilda. She was a bit clingy, but she would have to do. After slipping the sweet into his mouth, Cormac began to relax and think. How could he have ever doubted Romilda? She was his kind of woman. Giving her arm a squeeze, Cormac leaned down to leave a kiss on Romilda's forehead.

I've got you now, thought Romilda. A sweet a day will keep Hermione away. Letting out a soft giggle, Romilda was not surprised when Cormac deftly let his hand graze her bum. Their night was definitely going to end on a high note and a very hot shag. Romilda was ecstatic. With the continued help of love potion sweets, Cormac McLaggen wouldn't remember Hermione Granger's name.

/*/

Draco approached Theo and Blaise with his hand extended. He nodded in Jessie and Gayle's direction but nothing more. After shaking hands with Draco and greeting Hermione, Theo introduced Jessie and Gayle before inviting Hermione and Draco to join their table. Draco wasn't chuffed to see Gayle, but he was with Hermione. Past discretions didn't matter, or so he thought.

Hermione had different thoughts. Initially, she had greeted everyone with a smile. Five seconds later, she realized the Gayle witch had a strange posture. It had only taken Hermione five more seconds to realize what was going on. Gayle was a conquest. Glancing at Draco and seeing the pink tinges running across his face, confirmed her thoughts. Instead of thinking with her head, Hermione was thinking with her heart and spoke out of turn to Blaise and Theo. "Good evening gentlemen. From the looks of things, it would seem you've made a decision on your mate's life."

Theo and Draco were caught off guard having no idea what Hermione meant while the savvy Blaise was quick to catch on and tried to diffuse the situation. "Looking good Granger. Gold is your color. May I get you a drink?"

For a few moments, it was a bit confusing. Draco thought Blaise was overstepping. Hermione felt Blaise was trying to remove her from the area so Draco could consort with Gayle, and Theo was still looking forward to a happy ending. Jessie and Gayle remained silent.

Draco had felt Hermione stiffen up and pull away from him, but thought it was because Blaise had offered to get her a drink. "Thank you for your concern Blaise, but if Hermione wants a drink, I'll get it. She's on my arm. I'll see to her."

Blaise shrugged. "Alright mate. No problem. Just being a gentleman."

Draco huffed but didn't reply.

Hermione who was the recipient of Gayle's cool stare spoke up for herself. "Relax wizards. I've been able to get my own drinks for quite a while. If you'll excuse me, I think there's a white wine calling my name."

Draco called after Hermione, but she didn't acknowledge him. Draco was furious thinking Blaise and Theo had put Gayle in front of him. "Have you forgotten who I am?" Draco growled. "I'm a grown wizard who is able to make his own choices."

Theo was surprised at Draco's outburst. "Calm down Draco. I don't know what's gotten up your nose, but there are witches present who don't need to suffer your temper."

"Temper?" Questioned Draco. "You haven't seen temper yet. I want to know what game you're playing."

Blaise who was two steps ahead of Theo grabbed Draco by the arm. "Come on mate. Let's go to the bar to get a drink. No matter what you are thinking. None of this was intentional. Let's go find Hermione."

A still irritated Draco turned away from Theo and the two witches to follow Blaise to the bar. When he and Blaise walked up, Draco was even more irritated to find Hermione standing at the bar with a wizard on either side of her. Knowing this wouldn't end well if he confronted her, Draco moved smoothly between Hermione and the wizard on her left. "Hello love. Did you order one for me?"

Hermione saw Blaise at Draco's elbow and became even more aggravated. "I haven't ordered you anything Draco. I was under the impression Blaise and Theo would order for you and the witches."

Draco moved from irritated to a completely foul mood. Grabbing Hermione by the arm, he asked what she was playing at.

Blaise had the good sense to walk away. Down the line, he, Theo and Draco would have to have a conversation. Their mate was losing his mind. Bring a witch for Draco Malfoy. As if.

A fire was burning in Hermione who didn't know whether she should feel embarrassed or humiliated. "You have the bloody nerve to ask what I'm playing at when you have your mates bring a witch for you. Didn't think I'd notice? You are smart Malfoy, but I'm smarter. If you want to be with another witch, go be with her. I'll survive. Now would you move out of the way. I was trying to have a conversation."

The wizard Draco had shunted out of the way started to say something, but Draco silenced him with a glare. In that moment, everything had suddenly became clear to Draco. Hermione had rightly surmised that he'd had previous dealings with Gayle. How, he didn't know, but she knew and probably thought the witch was here for him. Not moving from the spot, Draco kissed Hermione on the forehead. "I'm here with you and I only want to be with you. You are wrong. Now grab my arm so we can get back to your best friend's table where we will shine."

Taking a deep breath, Hermione looked into Draco's eyes. Those gorgeous eyes were clear. He wasn't being deceitful. She was being an arse. Slipping her arm under Draco's, Hermione softly whispered in his ear. "I apologize for thinking badly of you. Poor habit. I want everyone to see you hold me close. Let's have a dance before we go back to the dull table."

Draco laughed. "I wouldn't like anything better than to hold you close, except going back to Potter's table to annoy him."

Well, let's go dance then," remarked Hermione, grabbing Draco by the hand. "I'm sure I'll make a much better partner than Kingsley."

"Yes." Draco replied. "There's that.