Love Vessel

by Divess

Everything in Hermione's life has become predictable, from the suitors in her life to the frenetic Saturday nights out and the monotonous job she once loved. So, when she is invited to attend an odd event, and a book sale to boot, she jumps at the chance to experience something different. There's where our story begins. T/M Dramione

24. Your Option Is Me

Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 23: A Little Time Apart

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

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.

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

Chap 24: Your Option Is Me

It was approaching midnight and dinner breakfast was long over. Hermione and Draco had revisited their silly, Sunday night argument and were on their way to bed. As promised, before they got to the heart of it, Hermione had to rub Draco's nose in the fact Witch One had sent the bouquet as a peace offering for letting Deidra escape.

After reading the card, Draco shrugged. "Water under the bridge now Granger. We've discussed and discarded this particular matter. I was wrong for being an arse and you were wrong for being an arse."

Hermione came up behind Draco throwing her arms around his waist while he was in the process of removing his jeans. "Your point Malfoy?" She asked, kissing him up and down the back.

"My point Miss Granger is that neither one of us acted rationally. We are in an exclusive relationship. When I headed towards the door, you should have come after me demanding I rip my tongue out of my mouth for spewing such foul words and I should have taken you over my knee and spanked that lovely, soft bottom because of the nonsense that came out of your mouth.

Leaving a few nips across Draco's back, Hermione replied with a smart arsed answer. "Now you're barking prat. What good would you be to me without that tongue? As far as taking me over your knee, I repeat. What good would you be to me without a tongue?"

Draco reached back to grab Hermione's arms. "Funny Hermione. Very funny. Keep talking and I just might take all your tongue privileges away. Now. Although it hurts my heart to say this. Please release me unless you want to see me fall face first on the floor. It's not an easy job getting jeans off when my witch has me in a love lock. Besides, you know who is prominently perched on our bed watching."

Hermione let go of Draco but let out a soft giggle when she turned to find Blue giving them the stare down while prominently perched in her spot at the bottom of the bed. "Time for all good Kneazles to be in bed. Go. Mum and dad have business with each other. Go now."

Blue let out a soft purr which seemed to denote she knew where she should be but was checking that her two arseholes could manage without arguing. Jumping off the bed, Blue stopped in the doorway to give one last look before slinking furtively away.

"What was that look all about?" Asked Draco. "Did our daughter just give us the high hat?"

Hermione couldn't control her laughter. "She was either disappointed you didn't fall on your face or she didn't take kindly to me telling her to go to bed. I'll go with the former. It's taking you an awfully long time to come out of those jeans. Would you like some assistance?"

Draco finished stepping out of the jeans then took the time to neatly fold them before laying them on a bedroom chair. Putting a thumb in each side of his boxers, Draco winked at Hermione. "Now for the boxers."

Hermione ripped her shorty night dress over her head. "If you don't get your arse over here this minute and see to me, I'll jump you where you stand."

Draco dropped his boxers in double time grabbed his witch and whispered in her ear. "I'm here and ready. No telling how badly I'd get hurt if you had to jump me."

"If I had to jump you, that big boy of yours would be glad for it." She whispered with her voice going hoarse as she placed Draco's hand between her legs. "I'm willing to show you."

"The time for talk is over. It is now time to do." Draco answered in an equally hoarse voice as he laid Hermione back and spread her legs. "When you are wet and waiting, I can barely control myself."

Hermione, who was past ready grabbed Draco around the waist pulling him to her throwing his own words back at him. "The time for talk is over. It is now time to do."

And he did.

/*/

Laying quietly in Draco's arms trying trying to stifle a yawn, Hermione remarked. "The way your dick was working I'd say it likes being exclusive."

Draco gave a sleepy chuckle. "Yes, he's been practicing for this very night. That golden pussy of yours seems to feel the same way. Now me and my dick would like to rest up. Goodnight."

"Goodnight git." Hermione replied, reaching around to give her exclusive dick a nice pat.

Draco closed his eyes with a smile on his face thinking, it was all good at the moment but they would be discussing what exclusive meant to the mysterious, former Unspeakable.

/*/

It was late. She had work in the morning and should be in bed, but Jessie pulled out Theo's message to read it once again.

Hello Jess,

I'm on my way back to work after a lunch with Blaise. Just a short missive to let you know I was thinking about our weekend. It was delightful. You are delightful. I'll try to get there Wednesday evening. If not Wednesday, I'll see you on the weekend. I've sent the portkeys by Owl Delivery. They should have reached you by now.

Missing you,

Theo.

It was short, but the point was he'd sent it. Holding the parchment to her chest, Jessie thought how nice it was to have an interested suitor who followed up. She had spoken the truth to Theo on Sunday. Her past mindset had been the same as Gayle's. She thought she had been used and cast aside. Now she knew better or at least thought she knew better. It was all in Theo's behavior. During their initial meetings, it seemed he was always in a frenzied mood. Get to the restaurant, pub or club. Dance, drink, have a conversation then to bed. This time around, he seemed more laid back and purposeful. He seemed like an interested wizard. Folding the parchment, Jessie got out of the chair and placed it on her dresser under the set of six ordinary looking pamphlets which were the portkeys Theo had sent. Perhaps she should be embarrassed at being so excited over a simple Owl and a set of pamphlets, but it was what it was. Her British lad had come through. Excited was the least of it.

Summoning a bottle of apple juice and a glass, Jessie took small sips when her good friend Gayle passed through her thoughts. Because she had received a telling off from Theo, Jessie felt Gayle probably wouldn't ever mention Draco Malfoy in front of him again. However, no matter what Gayle said, she was still smarting over the treatment she'd received from the blond prat. Jessie sighed. Perhaps this line of thinking was why she hadn't shared the content of Theo's message with Gayle.

Jessie felt she was being disingenuous to her friend. Up until then, they had shared just about everything. This was different. There wasn't any need to make Gayle feel any worse than she did. In any case, until she was sure Theo wouldn't disappear yet again, she would remain cautiously optimistic and tight lipped about certain aspects of their relationship.

Talking to herself as she sent the empty glass to the sink and the bottle of apple juice back to the fridge, Jessie wished nothing but good things for her friend. Then it was off to bed.

/**/

Both Draco and Hermione were running late on Tuesday morning. They only had time to shower, dress, give each other a kiss and their a daughter a few pets before heading off to their day. Hermione was a few steps behind Draco because she had to spell clean the litter box and put out food for Blue.

Hermione left the flat in a pleasant state of mind while Draco fretted over not having had a chance to discuss Wesley Corwin.

/*/

Draco was sorting through the materials he'd be taking to his 9:30 investors meeting when Henry appeared in his doorway. "Good morning Draco. I just wanted to stop by to give a cheery wave. I was worried I had put a foot wrong with you last evening."

Draco moved a few things around on his desk giving himself time to form an appropriate answer. He and Hermione were in an exclusive relationship. Perhaps it was time he released another sort of Kraken. "No worries Henry. Any foot you put wrong can be overlooked."

Henry hadn't expected quite so blunt an answer. "May I take a seat? It seems there might be something we need to discuss."

Draco gestured for Henry to come in. "Actually Henry. Although I'm not in the habit of sharing personal information, there is something I'd like to say. I can tell you Hermione Granger is in a relationship, a serious relationship. She wasn't being calculating when she admitted as much to Mr. Corwin. I know this bit of information because she is in a relationship with me. You've known me awhile Henry so you know I wasn't pleased to sit there and hear a wizard, any wizard speak so blithely about her. If I had been in a different mood, the former Unspeakable might have seen another side of me. Be that as it may, I'm secure in my relationship with my witch. A braggart and boaster will get no farther than the tip of her wand or mine."

Henry was bright red. In a low voice he admitted feeling something was off. "My apologies Draco. I'll inform Wesley right away he should step back."

Draco shook his head. "There's no need for all that Henry. Hermione will back him off if necessary. However, the next time, if there is a next time, Mr. Corwin wants to bring up Hermione's name in the middle of The Belvedere it should be the context of what a good colleague she is. Anything else will be taken as an insult. I'll see you in the conference room."

Henry was dumbfounded. "Draco, I…..."

Holding up a hand, Draco cut across Henry. "You haven't done anything wrong. I've said my piece. If I have to say it to Corwin, I will. For the moment, I'm through with this conversation. Sometimes, a wizard who has been locked away in a mysterious department for an extended period of time forgets there are things called manners. Let's get to the conference room. It doesn't set a very good example if the owner is late to his own meeting."

Henry followed Draco down the hall cursing himself for introducing Wesley around. No matter what Draco said, for everyone's good, he'd have to advise Wes about what he'd learned. Not that Wes would take his advice as he was highly opinionated and full of himself. Henry just didn't want trouble between his two mates, especially when one of those mates was the owner and boss at his place of employment." Five steps behind Draco, Henry had time to reflect. In his own humble opinion, Draco was correct. Wes had been in a mysterious department for far too long.

Pushing the extraneous thoughts to the side, Henry had to snap to. The meeting had begun. He was determined to be on point, especially when another big commission could be on the line.

/*/

Even though she was a lame duck of sorts, Hermione wondered where all the work was coming from. It seemed every employee in her department had something needing a review, a signature, or a vial of her blood. Gathering up several documents, Hermione headed out to disseminate the finished reports. Little thoughts were playing in her head. She had to stop by Cormac's area. Should she put on a churlish attitude or just wait until Cormac popped up and smack him around the head? The thought brought a smile to her face which didn't serve her well when Cormac did pop up out of nowhere.

"Good morning Hermione. You're smiling. Your morning must be going well. By the way, congratulations on your new position. The notice came around this morning. Romilda and I wish you the best. I understand Wesley Corwin got the other spot. If what I've heard is correct, you'll probably need all the luck you can get."

Hermione had kept walking but turned around to face Cormac after he made his remarks. "Thank you and Romilda for your kind sentiment. However, the rest of what you said is uncalled for, especially since Mr. Corwin doesn't strike me as the sort to sit still for sp- rumors being spread against his name."

Hermione had thought to say specious rumors but remembered how forceful and overreaching her new colleague had been with her. What Cormac had intimated was probably true, but she wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of acknowledging his rubbish.

"Calm down Hermione. As I said, it's what I heard. I'd be the last bloke to speak ill of your new teammate. Just seems you have the power to draw…..."

Hermione replied in a low growl before Cormac could say anything else. "I've heard enough Cormac. Be on your bloody way unless you want me to tell you what I heard about your relationship with Romilda. You might want to be careful of the sweets you accept."

Hermione walked away without another word or look back.

Cormac remained rooted to the spot trying to suss out just what Hermione meant by that last remark. Trying to convince himself Hermione was just being her usual bitch self, Cormac grumbled that he'd come to like Romilda's candies. Unlike Hermione, she treated him in the proper manner. At the same time, it crossed his mind that Romilda was no Hermione. Red faced with a semi erection, Cormac hurried back to his office. It wouldn't do for colleagues to catch him in this state, especially when it was the result of being in the company of another wizard's witch.

/*/

By the time lunch rolled around, Hermione was back in good spirits looking forward to a visit to The Menagerie to see Laurie and purchase some food and toys for Blue. Her little girl would be so pleased. Hermione also had it in mind to stop by Well Dressed Eats to pick up a roast for her and Draco. The dinner would have to spend a few hours under a refresh spell, but that was better than making a second trip to Diagon Alley after work.

With her plans in place, Hermione grabbed her purse and headed for the lifts. As luck would have it, when the lift doors opened, she was face to face with the other new Head.

"Hermione. Good afternoon. Fancy meeting you here. On your way to lunch I imagine," said Wes Corwin his face showing a wide, smarmy smile.

In a flash, everything she and Cormac had discussed roared through her head. She could feel herself color up. "Quite correct Wesley. I'm on my way to lunch."

"Please call me Wes. I'm on my way out as well. Not much to do with the DOM scheduled to be disbanded. Would I be imposing if I asked you to have lunch with me?" He asked. The same wide smile covering his face.

Hermione silently counted to three before replying. She actually was starting to give Cormac's comments some credence. Wesley Corwin seemed to be another overbearing, overreaching git. "Yes, it would be imposing. Before you ask a third time, may I remind you I have a wizard. A wizard who would frown upon me taking a lunch, pub drinks, or dinner date with any wizard. We are going to be working together Wes, so please stop trying to become overly familiar."

"Wow! Okay. My apologies Hermione. I just want us to be friends. It's easier to work with a friend rather than an enemy."

Hermione softened her tone. "Is that what they teach in Unspeakables school? One has to be either friend or a foe with no middle ground? Come into the light Mr. Corwin. We can be respectful colleagues without a problem. In any case, I'm not trying to be your enemy. I have enough of those."

Wesley laughed out loud. "Seeing how I've fallen all the way back to Mr. Corwin, I'll leave the conversation right here. Perhaps when I meet your wizard he'll see what a fine, trustworthy lad I am and allow a respectful colleague to interact with his witch."

Hermione didn't bother responding to Wesley's cheek. When the lift doors slid open, she hurried out. Wesley had aggravated her arse with his thinly veiled remarks. She envisioned Draco willingly agreeing to her being out and about with any wizard. That bit of nonsense brought an ear to ear smile to her face.

When Hermione stepped into the pet store to greet Laurie, she was in high spirits with the ear to ear smile still plastered across her face.

/*/

Laurie smiled at Hermione. "Nice to see you Hermione. I hope the smile on your face means that little, blue devil has settled in nicely."

Letting out a soft chuckle, Hermione set Laurie straight. "My smile is about something entirely different, but my little darling has definitely settled in nicely. I may never have to birth a child."

Laurie covered her mouth to stifle a loud laugh. "If it was anyone but you, I'd say they were barking. I know you don't have any reason to lie, but I'd have to see that to believe it. She was a terror. I'm more inclined to believe she, Blue terrorized your household and you had to release her to the streets."

Unwilling to explain why Blue had been acting the terror, Hermione replied with a pat answer and a smile. "Blue is very intelligent. She just needed to be trained up a bit. I'm here to order some essentials for her. I'll need food, vitamins, shampoo and a lovely, new bed."

The shop didn't have any other customers so the two witches chatted while Laurie put together Hermione's order. The conversation ended with Hermione inviting Laurie to stop by the flat for Sunday dinner and have a look at Blue as well. The invitation was a welcome one which Laurie quickly accepted.

"Shall I bring a dessert?"

"If you like. Nothing too calorie laden though. A simple dessert will do. My hope is to remain a fit witch."

"As is mine. One never knows when the perfect wizard will appear looking for his fit witch."

Hermione and Laurie both laughed.

"That's perfect. My specialty is fruit fool. Anything with more than four ingredients throws me into a panic."

"I know exactly what you mean. I'm a takeaway dessert girl. We don't have dessert if I can't pick it up or have it delivered." Hermione replied with a saucy wink.

"Alright, to business. One large bag of food, kitty shampoo, kitty vitamins and a very posh kitty bed. Because you are a favored customer, I've also thrown in a few toys I'm sure Blue will destroy within five minutes of receiving them. I'll charge everything to your Gringotts account. This may be out of left field Hermione, but I'd be remiss if I didn't say it. While Blue is young now, you might want to start thinking about casting a feline non-reproduction spell."

Hermione thought about it for a second. "Thanks for the tip Laurie but Blue is a true house kneazle which means it's unlikely she'll ever get pregnant. In any case, her Da would string up any male cat or kneazle that tried to get within coupling distance."

"Her Da?" Laughed Laurie. "Don't tell me she's taken to Mr. Malfoy as well and him to her."

"Unbelievable as it sounds, it's true. Draco and Blue are infatuated with each other."

Draco Malfoy infatuated with something/someone other than himself. Never. Laurie didn't want to insult Hermione by speaking unkindly about her wizard so she simply nodded while handing Hermione her bundle.

Hermione thanked Laurie as she shrunk down the purchases and placed them in her bag. "Blue, Draco and I will see you Sunday around 3:00. You may bring a guest if you like. My flat is wizard friendly as long as any extra wizards arrive with his witch in tow."

"You're welcome Hermione. It will be just me and the fruit fool. As I said, I'm still waiting for my perfect wizard to find me. I'll see you Sunday."

Hermione smiled at Laurie's frank explanation thinking how she had lucked up on the new, better Draco Malfoy.

/*/

Hermione changed her mind about ordering dinner. She had spent so much time in The Menagerie she was running late. If Draco didn't want leftovers, they could order from the house. Perhaps there was even a chance she could cajole Mr. Malfoy into taking her out. In fact, dining out sounded splendid. She'd have to send Draco a message to let him know he was taking her out so he would come straight to the flat after work.

By the time the lift reached her floor, their evening had been completely settled in her mind. They were going out for dinner. After removing her jacket, the first thing she'd done was message her wizard.

Good afternoon love,

I had a thought about dinner tonight. I think you should take me out to a lovely veal dinner. Just so I won't empty your moneybag. I won't have dessert. This means I'd like you to get your handsome arse to the flat directly after work. There's no need to reply as I'll expect you by 6:00 with no excuses. By the way, I've invited Laurie from The Menagerie to Sunday dinner. You might want to start practicing being pleasant now.

I'm not signing my name because if you don't know who this message is from, you'll be on the receiving end of an arse hexing.

xoxoxo

Hermione had a devilish smile on her face as she walked the few steps to the letterbox on her floor. "Just keeping my git on his toes."

/*/

Immediately after the morning meeting, Henry had hurried to his office to send an Owl to Wes. He didn't want to dispute Draco, but he'd put his foot in it and would have to make it right. Deep inside, Henry hoped his overconfident mate would take a bit of advice.

Wes,

If you are free this evening, let's have dinner and a drink at The Belvedere. I have information I'd like to share. I'd explain it in this message but then it would be down on parchment and that I cannot have.

About 7:00. See you then.

Henry

Henry didn't bother to look over the message. He'd written what he needed to write. The rest would be explained that evening.

For the next several hours, Henry kept glancing at his Wonder Wizard Watch willing the time to pass.

/*/

Draco spent the rest of the morning and a good bit of early afternoon going over and correcting the minutes of the morning meeting. It appeared Henry, George and several others were in line for another sizable commission. Draco was chuffed. When his top managers received money from the company, it meant they had made money for the company. Draco could live with that.

After he'd taken a short break to visit the men's and have a tea, Draco returned to his office to find an Owl message without name or address. His first inclination was to put it off to the side. People who couldn't be bothered with something as simple as correctly addressing an envelope weren't worth his time. But, being the businessman he was, Draco couldn't risk it being an important piece of correspondence. Once he unfolded the unsigned message, Draco grinned like a maniac over Hermione's smart arsed remarks. His witch wanted a night out.

Hermione was right about one thing. No reply was necessary. He immediately began to plan their night. After a few false starts and discarding several choices, Draco settled on The Belvedere. Belvedere Club might be what is called a meet up bar at night, but during the dinner hours, it had a very respectable dining area.

With his choice made, Draco hurried through the rest of his work. He had orders to come straight to the flat after work or receive an arse hexing which was something he didn't want or need.

Working diligently, Draco managed to complete ninety per cent of the work on his desk by 5:30 deciding the rest could wait until the next day. Wanting to look his best for Hermione, Draco made a quick stop by his flat to shite, shower and shave. As long as he was at her flat by 6:00, Hermione would never know he hadn't come straight from work. Then he corrected himself. Of course she'd know. Not only because he'd be bringing a change of clothes, but he'd be looking and smelling shower fresh. Pleased at his bit of humor, Draco slipped on his suit jacket, grabbed his wand and headed for the lifts with a bit of a spring to his step.

/*/

Hermione was dressed and ready when Draco came through the door at 5:55 and greeted him with a kiss. Blue simply circled his ankles.

Draco leaned down to pat Blue. "Ah! It's a very good evening when a wizard has two lovely females greet him at the door." He replied, squeezing Hermione to him. "You will get your veal dinner as demanded. I have made our plans. We'll be dining at the pleasant, yes I said pleasant. I'm practicing for Sunday. We'll be dining at the very fine Belvedere Club."

"Demanded is it? I think you are having a bit of a vocabulary problem. I made a simple request to be taken out to dinner. A demand is quite different."

Draco wrapped his arms around Hermione putting his nose in her hair. "You smell so good. Can we possibly forego dining out and order takeaway? I want to get naked."

"No can do Mr. Malfoy. I've already showered and made liberal use of my wizard drawing scent. I want to go out to eat veal stew and be smelled as well."

"If there's any smelling to be done, I'll be the wizard doing it. Let's get going." He said, grabbing Hermione by the hand.

"Mum is going out. Be a good girl. Try out your new bed."

Blue sat back on her haunches glancing from Hermione to Draco and back as if giving her approval.

"She's not giving us the high hat tonight. Maybe my girl was disappointed I didn't land on my face. I'll have words with her when we get back.

Hermione laughed at the nonsense coming out of Draco's mouth as he grabbed her and turned into Apparition.

/*/

Hermione hadn't ever been to The Belvedere, but what she saw of it, she liked. Well decorated, well lighted, lovely decor. What wasn't there to like? She had a few seconds hesitation as Draco led her through the bar area where it seemed there were more witches standing around than there were wizards. Draco felt her hesitation explaining they would be having dinner in the dining area not in the bar area. Good was all Hermione said.

After reviewing the menu for several seconds, Hermione decided to stick with her initial choice, veal stew over noodles. Draco chose Beef Wellington. While they waited for their meal, Draco and Hermione chatted about their day with neither one mentioning the name Wes Corwin. The meals were delicious but Draco wanted their night out to be over when Hermione began running her foot up and down his leg.

Gazing at Hermione, Draco remarked that even her foot had the ability to turn his mind to sex.

"In that case, call the server, settle the bill and we'll be on our way. I wouldn't want to find myself legs in the air at The Belvedere."

Draco grinned as he stood to pull out Hermione's chair. "Not disappointed that some wizard didn't approach the table to smell you?"

"Not disappointed in the least Malfoy. I only need one wizard to smell me, and that would be you. Let's get home to our little darling. I know she's wondering where we are."

"Come on then. Home in two …..." Draco was stopped in mid sentence by someone calling out his name. He turned to see Henry striding towards him followed by Wesley Corwin.

Extending his hand, Draco greeted Henry and Wesley. "Hello Henry. Hello Corwin."

Hermione found herself speechless for several seconds while she wondered how Draco knew Wesley. Finding her tongue, Hermione addressed Wesley directly. "Mr. Corwin. You implied you would have something to ask if you ever met my wizard. Here he is. He does exist. Please feel free to speak your mind."

Henry nervously shuffled from foot to foot. He and Wes had just met up. He hadn't had a chance to share any bit of information. Seeing how things were progressing, there wouldn't be any need for him to share anything.

Wesley was embarrassed but hid it well. "Are you speaking about our conversation this morning Hermione? I thought you realized I was having my little joke. Draco and I met last evening in this very club. My apologies if I offended either of you. It wasn't my intention. You have a lovely witch. It will be my pleasure to work beside her."

"Apology accepted Wesley. Now you know I exist, nothing more needs to be said. My witch will be working beside you as a colleague and nothing more. In the future, if you want to comment on the loveliness and fierceness of my witch, don't. We were just on our way out. Have a pleasant evening gents. I'll see you in the morning Henry."

Hermione wished the two men a good night throwing up a hand in a wave.

Once outside, Draco whisked them into Apparition before Hermione could say a word.

/*/

When they landed in the flat, Draco headed straight for the bathroom. Hermione knew something had gone on between him and Wesley. She just didn't know what, but would find out if she had to pull it out of Draco.

Blue felt the vibrations and was pacing back and forth across the room as if she didn't know whether to go to her mum or her Da. Once Draco seated himself on the couch beside Hermione, Blue settled herself between them and closed her eyes.

"Alright Malfoy spill."

Grabbing Hermione's hand, Draco did exactly that. He began with Henry introducing him and George to Wesley Corwin the previous evening and the drivel that had come out of Corwin's mouth. Draco owned up to the fact he never mentioned being her wizard until this morning when he spoke to Henry. When he finished speaking, Draco expected to get a telling off from Hermione which didn't happen. Instead, she moved Blue out of the way to sit hip to hip with her wizard.

"There's a lot I could say, but I won't because it's all been sorted. What I will say is the cheeky blighter who was so sure I didn't have anyone now knows you exist. That is enough. The next time he comes at me head on I'll invoke your name. Fair?"

"More than fair my love." He replied, pushing a few stray hairs back from Hermione's face. "More than fair."

Seeing that everything had turned out well, Hermione felt she could safely interject a smart arsed remark. "Remember this for the future Malfoy. If or when you decide to chuck me aside, I have options."

Placing a searing kiss on Hermione's lips, Draco responded with a sharp comment. "First, I won't be chucking you aside. Second, you know my name. Stop calling me Malfoy, and last. No matter who crosses your path, your only option is me. Say goodnight to your daughter. We are headed for bed."

/*/

On the way to the bedroom, Hermione quickly related how Laurie suggested they cast a non-reproducing spell on Blue so she couldn't have any babies. Draco laughed but assured Hermione he would hack the head off any male Kneazle coming within fifty yards of his daughter. A grinning Hermione told him that's exactly what she'd said to Laurie.

Draco nodded as he separated Hermione from her clothes adding one last caveat. "There you have it. Like yourself, Blue's only option is me. Please stop moving. I'm trying to get you naked."

Hermione put her hands at her sides and stood stock still. "Happy now wanker? Perhaps along with practicing to be pleasant, you should practice fine tuning the way you remove clothing from a witch."

Draco's mind was on the sex he wanted not on the conversation so he responded with a simple okay.

Hermione reached out to give him a pinch. "Okay my arse. You won't be removing clothing from any witch other than me. As you told me, when it comes to relationships, I'm your only option."