Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 25: Going Head On
Jessie thought of even more things as she soaked in the bath, but ended up tossing all the nonsense aside. She wouldn't be playing any tricks on Theo because she didn't want him playing any tricks on her. Her mind was set. She'd pack what she thought she needed. If she left anything out, she would visit one of the lovely, London shops. It was a good thing she had an entire day to get herself in order.
Giggling as she pulled her night gown over her head, Jean told herself, if I'm very lucky, I might not need clothes at all.
/*/
Hermione arrived home about ten minutes before Draco. She was using the bathroom but Blue met him at the door. Leaning over, Draco picked up his ball of blue fur.
"Hello love. Has mum made it home yet?"
Blue jumped from his arms and made a run for the bedroom.
"I'll take that as a yes." He said, following behind the Kneazle. "Good evening Miss Granger. Your amazing wizard has arrived. Shall I come in to wash your back?"
Pulling the bathroom door open just a bit, Hermione gave a snappy reply. "You won't be washing anything. I'm using the toilet git. Besides, the only reason you want to get in here is too bend me over the tub."
Pushing the door open farther and leaning down to kiss Hermione's lips, Draco replied with a great big grin. "I really wanted to wash your back. Bathroom loving is for mornings. Don't forget to wash your hands. Blue and I don't want any of that bathroom pee all over us."
Hermione pushed the door closed but not before telling Draco he could pound sand because he wouldn't be getting any kind of loving bathroom or otherwise.
"We'll see about that. Won't we Blue? Mum cannot resist my charms."
Blue snuggled down into the couch without so much as a meow. Once started, her mum and Da could go back and forth for hours. She just had to go with it.
/************************************************************************
Chapter 26: I Found A Love
Hermione came out of the bathroom and left a kiss on the top of Draco's head and a few rubs across Blue's body. "I haven't washed my hands but I'm going to fix dinner anyway. Do you have a problem with that Mr. Malfoy?"
Quickly drawing his wand to cast a cleansing spell over Hermione's hands, Draco told her he didn't have any problem at all.
"Ah! I didn't think you were that quick with either the thought or the wand. I stand corrected. Just so that big head doesn't get any bigger. I am a very clean person. I washed my hands."
Draco stood and came around the couch and wrapped his arms around Hermione. "I know that. I only fall in love with clean witches. What are we having for dinner?"
Giving Draco a hard pinch on the arm, Hermione reminded him that the word witches was plural so he should mind himself unless he wanted to come to an untimely end.
Draco laughed and squeezed Hermione tighter. "I'm quite intelligent so I realize the difference between singular and plural. It was merely a slip of the tongue which I will correct. I have fallen in love with clean witch Hermione Granger."
Draco's words, as insignificant as they might seem turned Hermione's thoughts away from a pork roast dinner towards sex with her wizard. Whispering softly in Draco's ear, Hermione described how his words were affecting her.
Not one to turn down sex with the witch he loved, Draco whispered back. "I can help you with that. Suddenly, I'm not hungry. Suddenly, all I want is you."
Grabbing Draco's face between her two hands, Hermione pulled them into a torrid kiss before replying in a soft whisper. "You aren't the only one in love Malfoy, but right now I need your loving not explanations."
Words were driving both of them into a sexual fury, but as he grabbed Hermione by the hand to lead her to the bedroom he couldn't resist a tiny bit of scolding. "I will make love to you all night long, but you need to start calling me by my name."
Hermione let out a soft giggle. "I'm as horny as a hippogrif in heat and you're scolding me about your name. Alright Draco. If you would you rather hold a conversation than see to my needs, fine. Otherwise, keep your scolding to yourself until I've had at least two orgasms."
Closing the bedroom door behind them, Draco muttered that he wouldn't spoil the mood but she was due a lesson.
As Draco leaned over to remove her skirt, Hermione kissed him on his back murmuring warm words of love. When Draco stood, his fine specimen of an erection was trying to poke its way out of his trousers. Moving closer, Hermione began to rub the firm pole. Unable to stand it, Draco used his wand to remove every last stitch of their clothing before pulling them down on the bed.
Throwing the pillows aside, Draco spread Hermione and pushed himself into her. With a soft sigh, Hermione rose to meet Draco's movements.
After a fiery climax, Hermione snuggled up to Draco after running a hand through his damp hair. "Well done Draco. The witch you love is fully satiated. She will now cast a quick cleansing spell over her body then prepare a nice pork roast dinner."
Giving Hermione a quick kiss, Draco turned on his side. "Your loving in addition to you calling me by my correct name have put me in a stupor. I might have to forego dinner this evening."
Leaving a soft nip on Draco's shoulder, Hermione left the bedroom calling back over her shoulder. "You may rest your eyes for now, but I'm starved so I'll be fixing a dinner and you'll be eating right along with me. Besides, you have to hear what Harry told me today. Fifteen minutes then get your arse up Malfoy.
Draco sighed, admitting to himself his witch only called him Malfoy to get a rise out of him. She knew his name. Closing his eyes, Draco relaxed. He only had fourteen more minutes and didn't really care what Harry Potter has to say.
/*/
Exactly fifteen minutes later, Hermione was back in the bedroom shaking Draco. "Get up. Dinner is ready."
"Not hungry." Draco mumbled, sinking his head deeper into the pillow.
Hermione let out a huff. "Well, I'm hungry and I want you to have dinner with me. Come on. Get up D-r-a-c-o."
Draco opened his eyes and sat up. "That's more like it. Draco will now have a pee, wash his hands and be to the table in less than five minutes." Kissing Hermione as he passed on his way to the bathroom, Draco had a few more comments. "While I realize I have run over your fifteen minute mandate, I am quite pleased you have remembered my given name."
"Hmph. Draco, Draco, Draco. Happy now?" Hermione replied with a snort turning towards Blue. "Your Da is such a…."
"I'm such a what?" Asked Draco grabbing Hermione from behind and nuzzling her neck. "I'm such a handsome fellow. That's what I am." Also turning toward Blue, Draco dragged his daughter into the conversation. "Your mum interrupted a perfectly lovely nap so I demand to be fed."
Blue lifted a paw and let out a soft meow as if to say, don't get me involved.
Both Hermione and Draco laughed at Blue's antics as they headed to the kitchen.
Draco stopped to give Blue a rub and a whisper before following Hermione into the kitchen. "It's so nice of you not to take sides because you know as well as I do, mum will always win."
Blue gave Draco a look then began grooming herself.
/*/
Draco complimented Hermione on a dinner well done. Between bites, they each shared a bit of their day. When Hermione explained what Harry had said, Draco became a bit irritated.
"Although I understand you are one witch who will not hesitate to say what is on her mind, I suggest you refrain from casting aspersions. Having a complaint lodged against you might not sit well with your champion."
"My champion? Are you speaking about yourself Draco because..."
Reaching out to grab Hermione's hand and prevent an argument as well, Draco quickly explained he meant Kingsley.
Hermione gave Draco a smile. "Yes. There is that. However, neither wanker Cormac nor sneaky Romilda should get too big for their britches because my aspersion is very easy to prove. She tried the same thing with Harry by putting love potion in a box of sweets. What an arse."
Draco sighed thinking it was a good thing he'd had his bit of sex earlier in the evening because it appeared his witch was working herself into a place she'd be in for the night. He hoped changing the subject would change Hermione's attitude. "I spoke to Theo earlier today. He and Jessie plan on spending the weekend in London. He asked if we would like to share an evening out with them. I told him I would inquire."
Surprisingly, Hermione answered she would like to get out, but with a caveat. She hoped Jessie would not be dragging Gayle behind her.
Theo hadn't mentioned anything about Gayle. Not knowing if Gayle would be tagging along, Draco answered as truthfully as he could. "As far as I know, it will be a date night for Theo and Jessie. Gayle's name didn't come up. If she does show up, her presence has nothing to do with us. In any event, if she does show up, we can simply leave."
As she cleared away the dinner remains, Hermione looked at Draco as though he was mad. "Simply leave? You know me better than that love. We will sit there and I will kiss you all over your face just because I can. Let Miss Gayle deal with that."
Draco stood over Hermione pulling her to her feet. Running both hands through Hermione's hair, he whispered in her ear. "Kissing me all over my face is for children. I'd rather you laid me out and shagged me on the table. Let Miss Gayle deal with that."
Wrapping her arms around Draco's neck, Hermione let out a giggle so loud it brought Blue running from the living room. "Our nosy daughter has come to see what's going on. I'm glad she didn't hear what was said. As far as laying you out on the table, don't tempt me. Although, I wouldn't want your firm backside visible to a bunch of needy witches. I might lose you to a pair of grasping hands."
Running his lips across Hermione's cheek to her ear, Draco whispered that his firm backside belonged only to her.
Moving her hands so they were planted on Draco's arse, Hermione had a ready response. "I know that. I want to be sure you know that. With all that said, I'd like a wine and a cuddle from the wizard with the firm arse."
Draco rubbed his chin back and forth across Hermione's hair questioning if she wanted a drink and a cuddle with or without his trousers on. Hermione had a smart answer.
"You do know what a cuddle entails, right? If we cuddle with your trousers off, your lovely man part will want to play. Let's not scare our daughter to death."
"I concur. My man part does get randy when my trousers come off. Let's cuddle."
Blue who was close on their heels waited until Hermione and Draco were seated before straddling their legs.
Everybody was cuddling.
/*/
The meeting with Alejandro had gone very well. Theo was able to set a price acceptable to Alejandro within a short period of time. He and the Spaniard had papers signed within thirty minutes of sitting down. After a short bit of general conversation, Theo and Alejandro stood to part ways with everything in order.
"Thank you for everything Theo. Not many would be able to move as quickly as you have. I can now report to my wife that all is under control."
"No need to thank me Alejandro. It's been a pleasure working with you. I have two interested parties at the ready. I'm sure your amazing home will sell before the end of next week. I will keep you updated."
What he heard made Alejandro happy. "Sounds good Theo. If you need me, I'm only an Owl away. Although necessary, I apologize for moving the meeting up."
Theo grinned. "No need for apologies. It's all money whether it's a Wednesday or Thursday. Look for my Owl."
"I will." Alejandro replied as he reached out to shake Theo's hand. "Goodnight Theo. See you soon."
Theo documented what he and Alejandro had agreed to then sent out messages to the two prospective buyers with the date and time of their tour of the home.
/*/
With that done, Theo flooed home, took a shower then slipped into jeans and a jumper. Before picking up one of his extra portkeys, he grabbed the takeaway beef dinner he'd purchased especially for Jessie then headed directly to Wales. He had no intention of disappointing his option if he could help it.
It was a bit late, but Theo hoped he'd be welcome after initially canceling the visit. The portkey only allowed him to land at Jessie's front door so he had to ring the bell.
"Some surprise." Theo mumbled softly. "I have to disturb her to get in."
Just as the last muffled words left Theo's mouth, Jessie called out through the door. "Who is knocking this time of night? You have the wrong door."
Theo was hesitant. He had caught Jessie off guard. "I'm certain I have the correct door. Although late, I have come bearing gifts. Please let me in."
Jessie threw open the door with a wide grin covering her face. "Hello Theo. Please step in. Even though your visit is a surprise, it is a welcome surprise especially if you've brought gifts."
Moving closer to Jessie, Theo pulled her into his arms. "Change of plans. May I have one of your lovely kisses before I discuss my meager gift?"
Wrapping her arms around Theo's waist, Jessie raised her lips to meet Theo's. After several delightful kisses, Theo offered an explanation for turning up at her door after telling her he wouldn't be able to make it. Jessie was fine with it. The most important thing was Theo thought enough of her to come through after his appointment. Her insides were in an uproar. Theo Nott had kept another promise. They shared a few more kisses before Theo led Jessie to the kitchen explaining that his gift was nothing more than a beef dinner for two.
"You don't have to apologize for anything Theo." Jessie replied softly. "I'm just glad you're here."
Theo spread his arms expansively. "I plan to show you a lot better this weekend Jess. If you are up to it, we will be sharing a date night with Draco and Hermione. Now sit. Let's eat because this lad has a different sort of plan for you this evening."
Jessie blushed, but she didn't mind. She welcomed Theo's plans for that night and for the weekend as well. She only hoped Hermione Granger wasn't holding a grudge over Gayle's antics at the party.
As if he could read Jessie's mind, Theo covered her hand with his. "If that furrow on your brow has anything to do with seeing Draco and Hermione again, remove it. You'll be with me. If things get uncomfortable, we can simply leave."
Leaning over to kiss the back of Theo's hand, Jessie assured him she wasn't worried about a thing. She would be with her London lad.
After the meal, Jessie told Theo to have a seat in the living room and she would be in after cleaning up.
Theo had other ideas. "I hope you won't find my words too pushy Jess, but if you don't mind, I'd rather relax in the bedroom."
Even though Theo's words caused a full blush to appear across her face, Jessie hadn't hesitated to invite Theo to make himself comfortable.
/*/
Harry and Hannah were having a quiet, after dinner conversation when he shared with her what he had heard and what he had done.
With a wide grin across her face, Hannah ran a hand through Harry's thick hair asking if he had really threatened to arrest Hermione and Draco.
"Is that all you got out of my lengthy statement that I threatened to arrest Hermione and Draco if they got in the way of Ministry business. What about that wanker Wesley Corwin, or the fact Romilda Vane is probably using love potions on Cormac?"
Hannah leaned back and wrapped her arms around herself. "Calm down Harry. I've heard things regarding Wesley Corwin."
Harry glanced at Hannah but she didn't give him a chance to reply. "He's a pushy prat who doesn't know how to step back. I'm glad Hermione and Draco got him told. If he's wise, he'll leave Hermione alone. I don't think she needs to worry about being arrested because she is exceptional with a wand. She'll have Mr. Corwin on his arse and turned into a bone before he knows what's happening."
"That's what I'm afraid of and would like to prevent." Harry replied with a sigh. "If pushed, Hermione might just do that. As far as Romilda is concerned, Hermione wanted to hex her once before for trying to use certain potions on me. I'm fairly certain if Romilda gets in Hermione's face, she'll regret it."
"Poor baby." Hannah intoned wrapping her arms around her wizard. "I think you're making more of it then it is. You've warned Hermione. Let it alone until such a time you need to step in. Now. It's late and you have to be up very early…..."
Harry cut across Hannah protesting her words. "I know I have to be up early. You do as well. Are you suggesting I leave?"
Hannah replied a huffy manner. "No Potter. I'm not suggesting you leave. If you had allowed me to finish my sentence, you'd know what I meant. I'm suggesting we take ourselves into the bedroom to get some sleep."
Harry grinned. "Oh, the bedroom." He said, reaching for Hannah's hand. "It may be a bit late, but I'd like a bit of romance before we settle in for the night."
Her wizard was talking sex. Hannah liked that. His sex was was very good. Being a loving witch, she wanted what Harry wanted. Giving Harry's dick a nice rub, Hannah asked him what he was waiting for.
Harry began pulling Hannah towards the bedroom cheeking that they might not get any sleep.
/**/
Thursday morning, Draco was sorting through the messages on his desk when he came across one from Theo and one from Blaise. Theo was only confirming their engagement for Saturday evening suggesting somewhere other than The Belvedere. Blaise's message was informational only. He was in Tuscany but would be back to London by the weekend. There wasn't any need to respond so Draco put the two messages aside. There were also several important messages which needed an immediate response.
On his way to leave his letters in the mail out box, Draco stopped by George and Henry's offices leaving the same message with both. They were both to be in his office in fifteen minutes.
/*/
Henry and George hurriedly put together a folder of what they assumed Draco wanted to discuss including a list of six Associates for his review. Draco's request still wasn't sitting well with either Henry or George. Bringing three Associates into the management circle would mean not only less commissions for themselves but the possibility of being let go on a whim. However, Draco was the boss. Whatever he wanted was what everyone would get no matter what top managers wanted.
Fifteen minutes later, Henry and George appeared at Draco's door ready to present their information but contrary to what they expected Draco greeted them in a pleasant manner.
"Hello lads. Come in and shut the door behind you. We have matters to discuss."
Two hours later, the three men had everything hashed out. Draco had made his choices. The three Associates were to be notified immediately that they would start training on the coming Monday. Even though he didn't expect any of the three to decline the opportunity, Draco also specified the need for George and Henry to put together the next list of six. Since nothing had been said about their positions, George and Henry left the office two relieved wizards.
/*/
Hermione hadn't run into Romilda but it wasn't a lack of trying. After a third trip to the ladies, Hermione had given it up as a bad job and returned to her office to get herself in order for the 10:30 meeting with Wesley Corwin.
At 10:30, Wesley appeared at Hermione's door. "Good morning Hermione. Are you ready for our meeting?"
His words annoyed Hermione. Of course she was ready for the meeting. They had set the time and place together. Trying not to show her annoyance, Hermione invited Wesley to come in and have a seat. He had just situated himself and pulled out a folder when Harry appeared at Hermione's office door offering his greetings.
"Good morning Hermione. Good morning Corwin." He said, nodding in Wesley's direction.
"Mr. Corwin and I are just sitting down to sort out our new department. Can I help you with something Auror Potter?"
Hermione smiled at Harry and he smiled back. She was on to him. He was just there to ensure Wesley didn't step out of line. Although it annoyed Harry to say anything decent about Draco, he did so with anyway.
"There's nothing I need Hermione. I just stopped by to say Hannah sends you and Draco her regards. I won't hold you up any longer. Good luck with the new department."
With that, Harry left the office without a look back.
Hermione had to dig her fingernails into the palm of her hand to keep from laughing out loud. Harry Potter had made himself and her wizard known. After a few deep breaths, Hermione looked up to find Wesley staring at her.
"Something wrong Wesley?"
"For some reason, I think Auror Potter doesn't like me. He was quite frosty."
Hermione stared directly at Wesley. "Harry is like that with everyone."
"Whatever you say Hermione. He went out of his way to inform you his witch sends her regards to you and Draco yet couldn't be bothered to shake my hand. I hope his attitude isn't result of you mentioning our little misunderstanding because I don't want to be on the wrong side of any Auror and definitely not on the bad side of Harry Potter."
Hermione opened the folder in front of her. "You're talking mad Wesley. We're here to discuss DME not Harry. Let's get started."
Wesley opened his own folder thinking it had been his bad luck to have pushed up on Hermione Granger.
By noon, Hermione and Wesley had most everything sorted promising to Owl each other if they thought of anything else. Hermione offered to write up everything that had been discussed and get a copy to Wesley. Wesley was fine with it.
Wesley stood to go. "Misunderstandings aside, I believe we'll work well together. I'll look for the copy. Have a good day."
As soon as Wesley was out of earshot, Hermione mumbled softly. "We better work well together or I'll have both Draco and Harry on your arse." Then she proceeded to write up the minutes of the meeting. In the back of her mind, Hermione knew Draco would get a kick out of Harry stopping by to protect his good name.
/*/
Hermione still had a smile plastered across her face when she looked up to find Harry back at her door.
"What now Harry? Back to sing the praises of Draco Malfoy."
Harry grinned as he sat down. "I wasn't singing the praises of that git. I was simply letting a pushy wanker know what was what. How did the meeting go? No untoward advances then?"
"None whatsoever. It was a perfectly lovely meeting. Mr. Corwin mentioned he thinks you aren't too fond of him because you wouldn't even extend a hand. I believe the word he used was frosty. I assured him you are frosty with everyone."
Harry answered with a snort. "Frosty is it? He hasn't seen frosty yet if he intends to keep acting the arse. I'll be in the building for the next couple of hours. How about we get some lunch. You have a wealthy wizard. You'll pay."
"Sounds like a plan Mr. Potter. A lettuce, cucumber and onion salad would hit the spot. Just let me make a quick stop in the ladies and I'll be ready."
Hermione was back five minutes later. "Let's go Potter."
/*/
Amazingly, there wasn't a long queue. Hermione and Harry had their lunches within minutes of entering the food area. Hermione had just lifted the first forkful to her mouth when some sort of commotion by the entrance caught their attention. Looking around, both Hermione and Harry realized that Romilda Vane was upset about something and causing a ruckus.
"I believe Romilda has seen you. I think she may want a word." Joked Harry.
Hermione who had a sharp response finished what she was chewing before speaking. "I've already told you Harry. I'll embarrass her arse throughout the ministry if she puts a foot wrong."
Harry sighed. "Relax Hermione. I was making a joke. Perhaps a bad joke, but a joke all the same."
"Good," snapped Hermione. "Because I wish that witch would."
Harry sighed again. His volatile friend could be so annoying.