Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 22: Monday Perceptions

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.

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

Chap 23: A Little Time Apart

During the remainder of the work day, Draco waffled between going out with his managers and going to Hermione's flat. A few drinks and some conversation sounded fantastic. Going out with his managers won the day. At 6:30 on the nose, Draco stepped off the lifts to meet Henry and George in the lobby.

"There he is. Our wizard with the plan," joked Henry. "It's time to see what we can get up to. With our esteemed boss in attendance, we're sure to run into something nice."

Draco could have corrected Henry, but he didn't. Although, in the past, he had made certain moves in their presence, Draco wasn't about to share his personal business with his managers. They didn't know those past behaviors were over and that's how he preferred it. He was in a relationship. A serious relationship.

Giving Draco's arm a slight nudge, George made his own remarks. "What, no retort Draco? Our boss is playing it cagey Henry. He's keeping it close to the vest, but a few Ogden's will loosen him up. Come on wizards. The Belvedere Club waits for no man."

Draco smiled without replying. If Henry and George were surprised by his silence, they'd be even more surprised by his behavior. Chatting up witches, wasn't even in his purview.

As the three men headed to the doors, Draco wondered if he should have sent Hermione an additional Owl to let her know he'd be late. The thought was there and gone. One evening apart wouldn't hurt either of them.

/*/

Even though The Belvedere was sparsely populated when Draco, Henry and George walked in, it was only 6:40 or so. The after work crowd usually began to arrive about 7:00. The night was young.

True to the mantra see and be seen, Draco, Henry and George found seats at the bar. Cloaks had come off and they had just ordered their first round when a wizard Draco didn't know walked up. Henry clapped the wizard on the back as a greeting before introducing him to George and Draco.

"Wes, I'd like you to meet owner of Malfoy Investments, Draco Malfoy and George Randall, top manager also at Malfoy Investments. Draco, George, Wesley Corwin, mysterious wizard about town."

Draco and George took turns shaking hands with Wesley. George laughed as he turned to summon the bar wizard. "Mysterious wizard about town, sounds mysterious."

Draco joined in the laughter before making a statement of his own. "I'm acquainted with a great many wizards in our fair city, but none have been called mysterious. That's new. I'd like to hear how you got that label."

A grinning George answered for his mate. "Nothing mysterious really. Just a humorous play on words. Wesley is one of our most favored Unspeakables, but please. Don't bandy that about. No one is supposed to know anything about him. He doesn't exist."

Wesley let out a slightly loud chuckle. "That's one way to explain it George. However, as of this morning, no more Department of Mystery. No more Unspeakable. Minister Shacklebolt has seen fit to disband the DOM. With that disbanding, The Minister has also seen fit to offer me a position in the newly formed Department of Magical Exceptions. Seeing as my current position has circled the drain, you can well imagine I jumped at the chance to reposition myself."

Draco's ears perked up at the mention of DME. It was the department Hermione would be working. Wesley Corwin had suddenly become interesting, and he was still talking.

"Believe it or not, I'll be working with the fierce and lovely Hermione Granger. Couldn't get any better. She and I had a short meeting today. Even though we started off on the wrong foot, we're two strong willed people who I believe will work well together."

"How did you put a foot wrong? One short meeting and you're on the wrong foot with her. In what world do you think you and she will get along?" Asked Henry.

"As I said, she is fierce. Fierce but forgiving. We came to terms after I apologized for assuming she was a single witch."

A calm came over Draco. His witch had made her relationship status known.

Unfortunately, Wesley had more to share. "By the end of the meeting, I had the feeling she had warmed to me. In fact, I believe Hermione said she was in a relationship simply to back me off after I foolishly asked her out after only a thirty minute conversation. No witch wants to be thought of as easy. I'll take it slow."

"Hahaha. Fierce she is," offered Henry. "I've heard stories. Don't get too chuffed. I believe the word is she prefers to remain single. It's been rumored Anthony Goldstein one of the top Ministry men has been trying to catch her eye for ages. If she doesn't want to date him, she definitely won't want to date a former Unspeakable."

Wesley cuffed Henry on the arm. "I can be persuasive. We'll just have to wait and see mate."

Draco was now beside himself. This braggart was going to be working next to Hermione. Draco knew he didn't have any pull at The Ministry but was going to try to get Mr. former Unspeakable, Mr. I'll take it slow, away from his witch.

The thought did pass Draco's mind that Hermione could and would back any wizard off who approached her the wrong way. However, Draco, also knew things could happen when a witch and wizard worked in close proximity.

/*/

The Belvedere had begun to fill up. Henry, George and Wesley began scoping out the females while Draco quietly sipped his whiskey wondering why he was at the club at all. Not only that, but he was feeling foolish for not admitting he was the wizard in a relationship with the fierce and lovely Hermione Granger. If he spoke up now, he'd look like an arse.

Draco's unusual behavior hadn't escaped George's notice. Coming around to Draco's other side, he spoke in low tones. "Take that frown off your face. You're scaring all the birds away. By now, we should be surrounded by pretties."

Draco managed a smile. "I guess my mind is far and away from here. There is somewhere else I should be."

" Ah, an assignation. Now we have it. I should have known there was something." George replied with a smarmy smirk.

Draco didn't care for the smirk covering George's face or his loose words. "Not that I need to explain myself George, but there isn't any assignation just someplace other than here I need to be."

George cleared his throat. He was a mate to his boss, but not so much he could overstep and not be called on it. He had overstepped. "My apologies Draco. Your business is your business. I was just having my little joke."

"No problem mate. Just a bit of clarification."

Turning toward Wesley and Henry, Draco wished them a good night and in a much lower voice, happy hunting. Wesley threw up a hand commenting it had been nice to meet him. Draco nodded, mumbling something along the lines of mysterious my arse before heading towards the door.

/*/

It was coming on 9:30. Draco had a choice to make. He could go by Hermione's flat or he could go home. He wasn't in the mood for fighting or hearing about the new position. Opting for the second choice, he stopped by a public Owl kiosk to send Hermione a quick message.

Hello love.

Stopped to have a few drinks with the managers. Didn't realize the time. Rather than throw off your night, I'm going to my flat. Give my daughter a few pats for me. I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight.

Draco.

Draco knew it wouldn't have hurt anything to show up to Hermione's at 9:30 pm, but he was still a bit unsettled by what had come out of Corwin's mouth. If he had gone to the flat with certain thoughts swirling through his mind, he probably would have said all the wrong things. It was best he went home. Remembering Hermione's words after he foolishly mentioned the word love, Draco wasn't really sure of his standing. As he had mentioned the previous evening, he and Hermione hadn't discussed exclusivity. They had joked about it even argued about it, but hadn't set any firm terms. When they got past this last bit of arguing, they would definitely have to discuss exclusivity. If she chose, Hermione really had the right to be fierce and lovely to anyone she wished.

Exhaling a deep breath, Draco turned into Apparition heading to his flat.

/*/

Blue was pacing back and forth across the living room while Hermione fixed a cold meal in preparation of a quick dinner then some Malfoy loving. It was still early so Hermione chastised her sweet little darling. Then she glanced at the clock, 7:45. That wasn't so early. Draco was later than normal.

"Stop pacing. Your Da must have put in a long day. He should be coming through any time now."

Blue stopped pacing but gave Hermione a direct stare as if to chastise her back. Her Da wasn't there. Something was wrong.

Fifteen minutes later, Hermione glanced at the clock again. All sorts of thoughts began running through her mind up to and including Draco lying in some alley after being hexed by someone who didn't care for his tone or timbre. At 8:30, Hermione sat down to a dinner of a tuna sandwich, a lettuce, tomato, cucumber salad and white tea. As she ate, her thoughts turned angry rather than fearful. Between chews, she called Draco a few choice names.

Hermione was still sitting at the table with empty dinnerware in front of her when she heard the distinct pecking of an owl at the window. An Owl that could only be from Draco. Anxious to know why he wasn't where he should be, she hurried to retrieve the message. Hermione read and reread Draco's message before dropping the letter and envelope down on the table.

Stopped off to have drinks with the managers;

Didn't realize the time;

Throw off my night.

Hermione was angry but didn't know why. True, what he had written sounded like flimsy excuses, but Draco had every right to go home to his own flat. Every fucking right. Then she began cursing in earnest. She called Draco every name she could think including he wasn't doing anything more than being an ignorant arse because of their argument.

Blue left her bed to jump on Hermione's lap.

"Sorry for shouting love." She said, running her fingers through Blue's fur. Your Da is being petulant over a misunderstanding. I should take the card to his flat and shove it into his face so he can read the back."

Blue let out a soft yowl as if to express her disappointment over her mum's words.

Hermione continued talking to Blue as if she was a person. "I know love. Da is being a right tosser. He knows we wait dinner for him. He could have Owled earlier than 9:30."

Hermione continued grousing but stopped short after calling Draco a filthy bastard. Letting out a loud sigh, she laid her head back against the couch and laughed. "Here I am going on and on about Draco not being here and missing dinner. I imagine he could get a tuna sandwich anywhere. He just better not be somewhere giving away my Malfoy loving."

After that declaration, the anger left Hermione. She didn't think Draco would get up no good. She was talking foolish. Her wizard wanted a night away. Fine. Perhaps a little time apart would be good for them both. I'm going to have a shower. Then it's bed for us. We'll get this all sorted with Mr. Malfoy tomorrow."

/*/

Since he hadn't caught up to Blaise on Sunday, Theo made it a point to invite him to lunch on Monday. For once, Blaise was doing most of the talking. Actually, what he was doing was called prying.

"Thanks for the invite Theo. How's business?"

"We've been mates a long time Blaise. When has it ever been necessary to thank me for anything? Besides, your two Owls made me wonder if you had something exciting to share. Business is great."

Blaise grinned at Theo. "Nothing exciting to share mate. We've been know to frequent a pub or two on Sunday afternoons. Just looking to hang out is all."

Theo looked up from his lunch to give Blaise a skeptical look. "You must really have been at loose ends Blaise because our Sunday outings are usually a result of you not having an available witch."

"That's true." Blaise glibly replied. "I was quite unattached. Saturday night wasn't as fruitful for me as it was for you. I think, on the one hand, that Gayle witch put me off my game with her attitude and on the other hand Draco's meltdown caught me off guard as well. By the end of the function, my normally voracious dick wanted nothing more than to get home."

Theo laughed at his irreverent mate. "Voracious dick, Good one Blaise."

"I imagine you had more, shall we say, luck than me. Are you and the lovely Jessie now a thing?"

Theo didn't reply until he was finished chewing. "I'm not sure it can be called a thing just yet, but we are exploring our options. I like Jess. She's fun."

"So, the wizard who had the witch on pause now finds her interesting enough to explore options. Sounds suspiciously like you've joined the Draco club. I'd better find a few new mates or I'll find myself banging about alone."

To Blaise's surprise, Theo gave an unexpected answer. "That might be wise, but you are always welcome to accompany Jess and myself when we go out. As I said, Jess and I are exploring our options. It's not serious enough for her to want us to be alone every minute. If you like, I can have Jess bring Gayle along to keep you company when she visits."

Blaise threw down his napkin. "Now you're barking. Even as voracious as my dick is, it would strongly resist any moves from that ornery witch. I like my women a bit more pliable."

Dragging his napkin across his face, Theo rolled his eyes at Blaise. "Come on mate. I hope you won't be repeating that rubbish in front of Jessie or Gayle. First Draco now you. No wonder Gayle thinks the London lads are about nothing but nonsense. Anyway, I thought you had your eye on Ginny Weasley. What happened there? Not pliable enough?"

"First, male discussions are kept among males. I'd never be so crass as to embarrass any witch, ornery or not. It was a tongue in cheek comment. Second, I have nothing to do with how Draco treats a witch. His business is his business. Last, while the lovely Ginevra Weasley and I have had a few dates it's nothing serious which I'll point out has nothing to do with you." Blaise explained in a huff.

Giving Blaise a cheeky wink, Theo replied with a bit of sarcasm. "So, the fiery red head who would hex a bloke over a wrong drink isn't pliable enough. Who would have thought it?"

Blaise shrugged, gave a pat answer then changed the subject. "Yes, if she's nothing else, Ginny is fiery, but she'll come around. I'm irresistible. I have a lead for you. Alejandro Romero and family are moving back to Madrid. I've heard he'll be selling his home. Know you are well suited to selling fancy mansions. You might want to give him a call."

Ah, thought Theo. My good mate has changed the subject. My remarks about Ginny Weasley must have hit a nerve. Theo just went with it. "Thanks for looking out Blaise. However, I'm always on the lookout for properties. I've already had a quick chat with Alejandro. He and I are scheduled to meet on Wednesday. There's a bit of housekeeping to be done, but the home will bring a very nice price. I may even have an interested client."

"Good luck then." Blaise replied, getting up from the chair. "Thanks for lunch. My mother is having a spot of trouble so I might be going to Italy this weekend to support her. If I don't see you, good luck with exploring those options."

As he was writing the draft to cover the lunch, Theo thought to himself. Yes, good luck to me exploring my options. On the way back to his offices, Theo made an unplanned stop at Public Owl Service to send Jess an Owl just to sat hello.

/*/

Instead of Apparating up the street, Blaise walked the length of Diagon Alley thinking perhaps it was time for him to start exploring his own options.

/*/

When Draco arrived at his flat, he began to feel he'd done the wrong thing. He and Hermione were grown. They should be able to work things out without rancor, especially now with some former Unspeakable hot on her tail. One thing had become clear. He and Hermione would have to have a serious discussion about their relationship so there weren't any misconceptions. It was late, but Draco made a decision. He was going to see about his witch.

Without bothering to shower, Draco changed into jeans and a tee before shrinking down a business outfit. For good or for bad, he was going to see Hermione. If all went well, he'd be leaving for work from Casa Granger.

/*/

Hermione had been lying in bed tossing and turning when she heard Blue scramble out of her bed and run to the door. Grabbing her wand, Hermione walked towards the door only to be met halfway by a grinning Draco. She stowed her wand and had turned to go back to the bedroom when a small voice in her head told her it was time to come correct. Turning back, she greeted Draco with less than stellar remarks.

"I thought you were out with your managers and it was too late to stop by because you didn't want to throw off my night."

Draco sighed as he leaned down to pick up Blue who was circling his ankles. His witch would never makes things easy. Perhaps that is why he cared for her so much. He took the high road. "Almost word for word Hermione. After thinking it over, I realized it's never too late to see my favorite girls, so here I am. I'm starved. Did you hold dinner for me?"

As usual, Hermione didn't mince her words. "Hold dinner for you? In five minutes, it'll be time for breakfast." When she looked up to see Draco still grinning, Hermione changed her tune. "You're daughter welcomes you no matter the time. I fixed a cold, sandwich dinner with a salad. Since you weren't here to partake, I'll fix you some delicious eggs, bacon and toast. Yum. Just pretend it's breakfast."

Taking two steps toward Hermione, Draco spoke his mind. "I am hungry, but I'd rather have a kiss, a kiss and toast."

Hermione smiled as she walked into Draco's arms. "And a tea."

"Yes. Love. And a tea. After that, or perhaps after a bit of Granger loving, we can have a discussion about what and what not to do while in an exclusive relationship."

"Exclusive are we? Is that a serious declaration?" Hermione cheekily asked before continuing on. "Because if it is, I'm in. I've always wanted to be exclusive with a wizard who professes love in the middle of a duel."

With a blush covering his face, Draco cheeked right back. "It wasn't a duel. It was a massacre, but be that as it may. We have sussed it out in a matter of minutes. We are exclusive. May I have another kiss before you trudge all the way to the kitchen to fix me a dinner breakfast."

Hermione left a searing kiss on his lips before heading to the kitchen.

Watching Hermione walk away, Draco whispered to Blue. "It's true. I do love your mum, and we will remain exclusive until….. We'll just leave that there for now. Just know that there will not be any former Unspeakable in her life, taking it slow or otherwise."

/*/

Blue purred as she rubbed her head against Draco's arm. The current atmosphere made her as content as any Kneazle could be. In addition, there were some good smells coming from the kitchen. Mum, Da and bacon.

Purrrrrrrr.