Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 21: Sunday Reckonings

As Theo and Jessie sat there enjoying their drinks, they discussed the Gayle situation. It wasn't a long discussion. Just long enough to clear the air of misconceptions.

"So lovely one." Theo commented charmingly. "Is it clear I intend to keep visiting Wales where I will wine, dine and sex you until you tell me to stop?"

"Just Wales?" Asked Jessie all wide eyed. "Perhaps I'll want to be wined, dined and sexed somewhere like….. London."

Theo grinned. "Then London it will be. Any time you like. Perhaps we'll share a date with Draco and Hermione so you can gather information to take back to Gayle." Theo added cheekily as he pulled Jessie into his arms. "I know we are waiting for supper to be done, but I've had an interim idea." Leaning down so his mouth was at Jessie's ear, Theo whispered a few words before extending his hand.

The few words obviously had an effect on Jessie as she gripped Theo's hand and dragged him towards the bedroom. "Come on Mr. Nott. I want to remind you what a Wales witch can do for the right wizard."

With a wide smile covering his face, Theo let himself be dragged along as he offered a simplistic remark. "Thank Merlin I'm the right wizard because I'm thrilled with what this Wales witch can do."

Jessie grinned like a madwoman as she closed the bedroom door with her bum. Her last words before Theo laid her gently down on the bed. "I can't speak for anyone else, but this particular London lad is alright in my books."

Theo let out a loud groan as he removed their clothing. "Please save your accolades for later. I'm trying to sex a Wales witch here."

Throwing her arms around Theo's neck, Jessie remained silent. She could definitely save her accolades for later.

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

Chapter 22: Monday Perceptions

Sunday night was quickly waning as Hermione and Draco played a game of Wizards Chess. Hermione was a bit irritated because Draco had soundly beat her two games out of three.

"Been practicing then Malfoy?"

Draco rolled his eyes without commenting.

Hermione knew immediately why she was getting the side eyes. "Sorry love. I meant, been practicing then Draco?"

"See how easy my name rolls off the tongue. Not hard at all."

Draco and Hermione were going back and forth about the ease of his name when there was a bump against the front door. Without preamble, they both drew their wands while Blue ran to sit in front of the door.

"Must not be anything or anyone foul as our daughter normally runs the other way at the first sign of danger," offered Hermione.

"I was just thinking the same thing. I'm also wondering just who my witch is so friendly with he gets a greeting only fit for me."

"Take a pill Mal- Draco. That wizard doesn't exist. Blue probably realizes we are here to protect her. Who's there?" Hermione called out.

No answer.

"You'll identify yourself or meet two very strong wands. Who's there?"

Still no answer.

"Alright fine. You've had you're chance to respond." Hermione remarked in a low voice.

Yanking open the door, both Hermione and Draco were surprised to find a huge bouquet of blue roses. Hastily pocketing her wand, Hermione picked up the vase and carried it into the living room. "Oh my. These are gorgeous. I've never seen roses this color, and they smell like vanilla. They must be spelled." She remarked, sticking her nose directly into the middle of the bouquet. "Someone thinks I'm special. Take notes D-r-a-c-o."

Closing the door behind Hermione, Draco busied himself picking up Blue to keep from saying something stupid. After several deep breaths, he said something stupid anyway. "Is there a card? I guess McLaggen hasn't given up. Too bad he dropped the flowers and ran like the great git he is. I would gladly have shown him the error of gifting the witch who is dating me. Correcting overstepping wizards is my specialty."

Taking her nose from the middle of the bouquet, Hermione gave Draco a hard stare as she searched for a card. "Calm down Mr. Malfoy. These are very lovely flowers which I'm sure are not from Cormac. They've been color and smell spelled. He's not that inventive."

"If not McLaggen, then who? We have not mentioned exclusivity but I assumed…"

Hermione strode over to Draco to stand in his face. "If you want to remain standing, you won't say another word Draco. Until I find a bloody card, I don't know who they're from and neither do you. I'd appreciate you keeping your aspersions to yourself."

"I'm not making aspersions Hermione. I simply made a statement."

"You simply made a statement? A statement in which you made the assumption I'm either leading Cormac on or I'm inviting him to see me when you're not here. Either assumption is foul and I don't want to hear it" Slamming the vase of flowers down on the living room table, Hermione shouted at Draco to find the card himself before striding out of the room.

Blue was pacing the room mewling as though she knew something was going on between her parents.

Plopping down on the couch, Draco let out a loud sigh. He'd let his loose tongue upset Hermione. It was stupid because he didn't think Hermione would cheat and he definitely didn't think McLaggen wanted problems with him. Getting up off the couch, Draco went to knock on the bathroom door.

"Hermione love."

"Go away Draco. I'm having a pee."

Another sigh. "I spoke out of turn Hermione. It was unintentional. Ill advised as my words were, I was joking."

"Unintentional was it? A joke?" Asked Hermione over running water. "Then apologize and go sit your arse down somewhere until I'm through in here."

"I can do that." Mumbled Draco, moving quickly back to the living room. As soon as he sat down, Blue jumped on the couch only to sit and stare at Draco.

"Not you too Blue. Da made some comments that amounted to nothing, but aggravated mum. Instead of staring at me, I'll need your support."

Blue made a loud yowl as she jumped down from the couch headed towards the bathroom. She and Hermione met halfway.

Perching herself on the edge of the couch at the end of the couch , Hermione addressed Draco. "So, have you found the card? Please tell me who sent the flowers then we'll both know."

"Hermione." Draco pleaded. "I apologize for upsetting you."

"I'm not upset Draco. A bit annoyed, but not upset. Let's put an end to this whole thing." She said, searching through the bouquet until she found the small card. After reading it, Hermione handed it to Draco.

"Witch One? Witch One sent the bouquet? Why?"

"Why Draco? Perhaps she likes me, or like Cormac, wants to date me."

After Hermione spewed her sarcasm, Draco got up from the couch. "Alright Hermione. Alright. I spoke out of my arse. I've apologized. No need to go on and on. It it's getting late. I believe I've overstayed my welcome. We can hash this out tomorrow."

Draco had made two steps towards the door when Hermione made another caustic comment. "So, you are that angry you're leaving without saying goodnight to Blue? Be angry Draco, but remember you started this."

"Yes Hermione I did. But as I said, I've apologized. Yet you want to go on and on about it. I'll speak to you tomorrow. Goodnight Blue."

Now that Draco had gone, Hermione sat wondering why she had belabored the point. Cormac was a non-entity in her relationship with Draco. Why was she being such a bitch over words? She had ruined a perfectly lovely Sunday. Then, to top it off, she picked up the card and realized there was writing on the back.

Sorry. The bloody, nuisance bitch Deidra escaped our enclosure. If she approaches you or Draco, use any measure to put her down.

Hermione sighed. An apology bouquet from The Coven no less had caused her to go into an uproar. Well, what was done was done. Draco could pout for the night. She'd speak to him in the morning. As she waved her wand to lock the front door, Hermione noticed Blue staring accusingly.

"Don't look at me like that Blue. Staring at me like that won't bring Da back. He's left for the evening.

For the first time ever, Blue growled at Hermione before turning round and round in her bed and settling down with her back to Hermione.

"Perfect. Just perfect." Snapped Hermione as she waved her wand to turn out the lights. "My own daughter thinks I was wrong. It's bed and a book for me. Goodnight Blue. Don't worry. Mum will set things right with Draco tomorrow."

Once in bed, Hermione read two pages before throwing the book aside. "I shouldn't have let it get this far."

Hermione laid awake for an hour wondering what Draco was doing.

/*/

Draco arrived at his flat angry, but hadn't remained angry. Why had he said something as stupid as he had? McLaggen didn't mean shite to him or his relationship with Hermione. Why? Why? Why?

Draco calmed down enough to wonder why had he walked out. He was a grown wizard in a relationship with a grown witch. Instead of pecking at each other, they should have talked it out. Then he became petulant. He had tried to talk it out, but Hermione wasn't having it. In addition to that, the bloody flowers had been sent by Witch One. What a bloody farce. Here he was at his flat when he wanted to be with his witch. For this night, where he wanted to be and where he was were two different things.

Still huffing and puffing, Draco slipped beneath the blankets only to lie there alternating between anger and defeat.

/*/

Theo and Jessie were standing at her door holding hands. It had been a lovely Saturday and an even better Sunday for them. Theo had made it abundantly clear he was interested and would be calling on Jess as much as possible.

"I'm glad this worked out Theo. I have to admit I previously thought along the same lines as Gayle."

Theo started to bluster but Jessie held up a hand.

"Stop Theo. I said previously. You, your words and actions have proven me wrong. I stand corrected. Just don't let me down."

Theo leaned in to kiss Jessie on her forehead. "I have been remiss in the past, but that was the past. I won't let you down. Before I see Gayle again, I hope you'll set her straight about this British lad. Better yet, I'll show her. I'm going to purchase and send you a number of round trip port keys to be used any time you wish. I'll also key to my wards so you can enter even if I'm not there. If you choose to enter while I'm not home, please be sure to start dinner because I'll be hungry for food and then for you."

Jessie let out a soft giggle. "I'll accept the port keys Mr. Nott but only use them after I've spoken to you."

"Alright Jess. That's fair. I simply want you to know there'll be no catting about for this British lad while we are seeing each other." Pulling a bell shaped object from his pocket. Theo gave Jessie one last kiss before parting. "Lock up behind me. I'll try to get back sometime mid-week. If not, portkey that enchanting arse to my flat. Plan on spending the weekend. I'll Owl you before then. I've had a wonderful time Jess. Thank you."

"I've had a wonderful time as well Theo. I hope to see you mid-week. If not, I'll definitely see you Friday evening."

After one last kiss, Theo Apparated outside and activated his portkey wanting nothing more than a shower and his bed.

/*/

When Theo landed he had to hurry over to the window to collect a message from a weary looking owl. Theo offered a cracker which was rudely snatched from his fingers, but an irritable bird was not going to dampen his mood.

"You're welcome you feathery shite."

Theo undressed and had a pee before opening the message. When he opened it and read it, he had a good laugh. It was from Blaise.

Theo,

I stopped by twice today. I can only imagine you have found something interesting away from your flat. More than likely in Wales. Should I be worried? Have you gone the way of Draco and suddenly found love? I'll be at Aftermath if you arrive home at a decent hour.

Blaise.

Theo laughed as he laid the message on his dresser. "Mr. Zabini is left to kick about on his own and doesn't know what to do with himself. That's a first."

/**/

Monday morning, Hermione woke up in less than a stellar mood knowing she and Draco being at odds would probably color her entire day. She fed Blue then showered and dressed. While eating breakfast, Hermione promised not to dwell on her and Draco's spat. She would try to make it a pleasant day.

After giving Blue a rub across the back, Hermione left for work. Three steps down the corridor, Hermione had to adjust her thoughts as a smug looking Cormac appeared in her line of sight. Perhaps it wasn't going to be such a pleasant day after all.

"Good morning Hermione. Lovely party, wasn't it? Romilda and I certainly had a wonderful time. She's such a love. Well I'd better get to my desk. My work won't clear itself."

Cormac hadn't given Hermione a chance to respond. It was as though he wanted to get a barb in and didn't expect an answer.

"Smug idiot," mumbled Hermione as she put her purse away and hung her cloak. "Like I give a shite that he and Romilda had a wonderful time. "Fuck off is what I say. Fuck, fuck, fuck off."

"Wow! Shall I turn around and come back later?"

Harry had arrived.

Embarrassed that Harry had caught her in the middle of a solitary snit, Hermione tried to smile and failed miserably. "Good morning Harry. Sorry you had to hear that. I'm a bit out of sorts this morning."

"A bit is putting it mildly. What's gotten up your nose this early on a Monday, or should I ask? Has the golden idiot Malfoy done something ill advised?"

Putting her hands on her hips, Hermione stared Harry down. "Didn't I just say I was out of sorts? I don't want to hear anything about Draco. Have you come to tell me something important, or are you just wandering?"

Harry jumped up. "No and no. I don't have anything to share and I'm not just wandering. What I will do is leave you to yourself with a small caveat. An employee who is trying for a newly created position might want to adjust her attitude a bit. See you later. Have a good day."

A small sigh escaped Hermione. She was acting as though someone had done something foul. She knew it was time, as Harry suggested, to adjust her attitude. Pulling out paper and pen, Hermione wrote Draco a short note to wish him a good day. Hermione felt she should write more but decided they would work it out that evening.

/*/

Draco arrived at Malfoy Investments with his professional façade pulled high and tight. He was irritable but the commensurate businessman who didn't let outside problems color the way he handled his business. After checking with the juniors and seniors, Draco had just settled himself at his desk when the Receptionist Witch brought in an envelope marked personal. Draco thanked the witch laying the unmarked envelope off to the side. It wasn't until 10:30 when Draco came back from getting a tea and bit of breakfast that he remembered the letter. Laying his tea and biscuit aside, Draco opened the letter.

Draco,

Just a quick note to wish you a good day.

Hermione

Draco laid the letter to the side once again before pulling his breakfast in front of him. While he chewed, Draco felt it ironic that Hermione wished him a good day but had caused him such a restless night. However, when he finished his tea and biscuit, Draco returned Hermione's note with one just as short.

Good morning Hermione. I wish you a good day as well.

Draco

Draco knew he could have written more, but to what purpose? Put another foot in his mouth? He didn't think so. He'd wait until he and Hermione could speak face to face. With that decided, Draco got back to work.

/*/

Draco was immersed in the accounts in front of him when two of his senior managers stopped by the office.

"Draco, old man. Henry and I are going out this evening to celebrate closing the Jennings deal. If you're not busy, we'd be chuffed if you came along. It's been ages since the three of us went out for drinks."

Draco smiled at the two managers. "Ah! Already spending that big commission then?"

"We've been around you for a long time Draco. No use in trying to wind us up. As fastidious as you are, the commissions will be in our Gringotts accounts before we finish our drinks."

Draco chuckled over the response because George wasn't far from wrong. The commissions would be in their accounts by morning. Without putting too fine a point on his thinking, Draco agreed to join the men.

"Excellent. We'll be leaving from here. No need for you to go home to get formal. Belvedere Club, here we come. See you around 6:30 Draco."

"Alright lads. I'll meet you in the lobby at 6:30. Now get back to work and earn yourselves the next big commission."

Draco could hear the pair of managers chuckling as they walked down the hall. He hadn't been out with George and Henry since before he started dating Hermione. Tonight he'd make the exception. A bit of space between him and Hermione, even for a night, might be a good thing.

/*/

By the time her day ended, Hermione had met with Kingsley as well as several Board of Governors members. Unofficially, she and a former Unspeakable named Wesley Corwin had scored the two top spots in the newly formed Department of Magical Exceptions (DME). They would report to their positions to begin building the department in thirty days.

After the meeting with Kingsley, an excited Hermione invited Wesley back to her office to discuss the new positions. The meeting began with Hermione going on and on about how they should align the department. For the first fifteen minutes, Wesley had sat quietly listening before cutting through Hermione's one witch soliloquy. Holding up a hand, the obviously no nonsense Wesley made his own statement.

"While I appreciate your thoughts, perhaps it would be more beneficial if we started off by following the guidelines that have been set."

Hermione straightened her shoulders and gazed at Wesley. The tall, virile looking, chestnut haired, former Unspeakable wanted to be heard. She'd hear him out but promised she wouldn't be bullied by some wizard who had spent most of his career chasing…

Wesley was speaking. "I believe the first item on the agenda is agree we start as equals, and we'll pull this department together as such. We might not officially start for another thirty days, but it's my opinion we meet before then to get ourselves in order. Shall we set a first meeting for this Thursday coming at 10:30? If that day and time is not agreeable, we can come to terms."

Hermione remained silent for several seconds to be sure Wesley had finished throwing his weight around. Who was he to set dates and times? He was good looking and sounded intelligent, but she would be going into this position on her own terms. Then, a flash of memory passed through her mind. Kingsley had strongly implied the new department would be a team effort. No one was above another. Adjusting her thoughts, Hermione gave Wesley a dazzling smile.

"Thank you for being proactive Mr. Corwin. It will benefit us both. Thursday at 10:30 am will be fine. If you like, we can meet here in my office. Since we are here, why don't you explain your vision for our department."

During the following hour, Hermione and Wesley talked, laughed and clarified their separate ideologies. At the end of the hour it was clear they would work well together. Wesley came away admiring the strong, intelligent witch who had helped save the Wizarding World and she him.

As they finalized their first meeting, Wesley surprised Hermione by asking her out as a friend. Although she hadn't expected anything along those lines, Hermione was forthright and open about her personal life.

"Thank you for the invitation Wesley, but I'm currently in a relationship. My wizard frowns upon me having drinks with anyone other than himself, even as a friend. For the most part, excluding Ministry functions, we should keep our personal and business lives separate."

Wesley appeared embarrassed as he hurriedly finished up. "My apologies Hermione. I thought I heard someone mention you are single. If you have a change of heart, I'm always willing to escort a fit witch such as yourself to the pub. I look forward to Thursday. I think we will become the team to beat. Have a great afternoon."

/*/

Hermione had spent a few minutes going over the interaction between herself and Wesley hoping he wasn't going to become another Cormac. She couldn't even begin to imagine. Draco would lose his mind. With that as a last thought, Hermione gathered her belongings and headed to the lifts thinking she would make a nice pasta dinner for Draco. Dinner, wine, Draco and some sex. Maybe not in that exact order, but expectations were high. She couldn't ask for anything more.

/*/

After work on Monday, Gayle stopped by Jessie's flat to apologize, but Jessie wouldn't hear it. "There's no need to apologize Gayle. Theo understands my mindset. I do agree with you about certain things. Draco Malfoy could have gone about things differently, but Draco isn't all British wizards. He was simply the wrong one for you. Theo has promised to set up a bank of port keys so I can visit any time. I plan to utilize those port keys. I'm hoping you'll join me from time to time. I have the feeling there is some upstanding wizard who will meet your expectations."

Gayle thought about it. Perhaps she would visit London with Jess. "I might just take you up on that offer Jess as long as Theo agrees. I wouldn't want another telling off. Now, what are we having for supper? I'm starving."

"I made some Glamorgan sausage with mashed last night after Theo left and set it aside. All I have to do is bake it up. Rest yourself and have a wine. Pour one for me as well. We'll be eating in no time."

Jessie hadn't exaggerated. Within twenty minutes, the two witches were enjoying their meal and discussing what they would get up to in London.

The time was 6:30.