Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 26: I Found A Love

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.

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

Chap 27: Arbitrary With A Reason

Hermione finished up her salad then sat back to contemplate what she was about to do next. She was thinking of inviting Harry and Hannah to join them on their Saturday night out. Draco probably wouldn't like it, but he could get over himself. Then again, Harry probably wouldn't accept the invitation anyway. There wasn't any harm in asking.

"Gee Harry." Hermione remarked as she watched him all but lick the plate. "Food Services has witches and wizards who clean dishes as a job. Leave something for them to do. You didn't act that hungry when we were on the run and could only find berries to eat."

Wiping his mouth, Harry grinned at Hermione. "Stop exaggerating Hermione. It doesn't become you. Besides, I'm a growing wizard. I need to keep my body fueled."

Hermione let out a soft giggle. "Well yes. There is that. Kingsley probably wouldn't look too kindly on some weak arsed wizard running his Auror Department. I take it back. Go ahead lick away."

Harry leaned back in the chair and gazed at Hermione. "Well. For the moment, I've had about as much of your good nature as I can stand. I guess I'll be getting back to my office. Thanks for lunch." Leaning in, Harry offered a softly spoken comment. "You might want to ask Romilda for one of her sweets. I hear they do wonders for brusque personalities."

"Brusque personality is it?" Replied Hermione with a fairly loud chuckle. "I take offense to that remark. Draco loves my brusque personality."

"Yes. Well he's a git, isn't he?"

Hermione chuckled even louder. "Funny. He says the same thing about you. Personally, I'm inclined to think you are both gits. Let me give you something to think about git. Draco and I are having a date night with Theo and his date Saturday night. Why don't you and Hannah join us? It will be fun."

"Fun?" Harry asked skeptically. "Is this where I explain that we have a very different definition of the word fun? I'd probably have more fun sticking a needle in my eye. Hannah and I will take a pass but thanks for asking."

Harry started to stand but Hermione put a hand on his arm. "Wait Harry. I'm serious. I'd like my two favorite gits to get better acquainted. Draco is a very charming person when you get to know him."

"As I said Hermione, Hannah and I will take a pass. I won't subject my witch to a night full of slurs and insults from two former Slytherins who think they rule the world."

Hermione was a bit hurt and responded with a tone. "Slurs and insults? Two former Slytherins? Come on Harry. I may be brusque and irritable and whatever else you call me but I wouldn't be dating Draco if he was that type wizard. In the past, yes, but not now. I certainly wouldn't invite my best brother and his witch to be around him if I thought he would act out. Besides, you're a grown wizard and Auror to boot. I'm sure you can hold your own."

Realizing he had hurt Hermione's feelings, Harry tried to make amends. "Alright love. I own up to being a grown wizard and Auror to boot. You don't have to sell me. I'll discuss this with Hannah. If she wants to attend, we'll join you. If not, we won't. There are criminals calling my name. Let's clear these tables and get back to work."

Hermione could barely keep the smile off her face. Harry Potter hadn't ever been able to resist when it appeared he had hurt or embarrassed her. She stood and gave Harry a quick hug. "Okay Harry. Let me know. I'm going to take the long way around. I'll talk to you later. And thanks for looking out for me."

"No problem Hermione. For the future, please don't be hugging me in the middle of Food Services. People will begin to talk. See you later."

Hermione smiled at her best friend. "You are such a git. See you Saturday night."

They walked off in different directions with Harry shaking his head and Hermione with a wide smile.

/*/

Blaise didn't know what it was, but Tuscany wasn't nearly as exciting as it had been in the past. He'd already run the interloping blighter out of his mother's palazzo. His mother requested he stay with her for a few more days, but he was bored out of his mind. So bored in fact he had sent a letter to Draco just to inform him he was in Italy. Draco was probably still wondering why.

Blaise's mother pulled him from his reverie. "Blaise love. I want to thank you for coming to keep me company. Your uncle knows what stress I've been under these last couple of weeks and has invited me to visit him in France. You'll have the palazzo to yourself for the next bit of time."

Rapid thoughts began circulating through Blaise's mind. I'll have the house to myself for the next bit of time? She's going to visit her brother in France? She's been under stress? Blaise shook his head. He loved his mother with all his heart but…. But nothing. Leanna Zabini would always be Leanna Zabini. Blaise just resigned himself to the fact she would go to France and return to Italy with some bloody sod or another trailing behind her, and six months down the road he'd be called to get rid of the wanker. He sighed.

Getting up to hug his mother, Blaise gave the proper response. "You're welcome mother. It's my pleasure to assist where needed. If you are going to France, I'm going to get myself together and return to London. Will you be okay closing up the house on your own?"

Leanna hesitated. Blaise had only just booted her last suitor from the house. She didn't know if he'd return to possibly harm her if she was there alone. Leanna chose to err on the side of caution. "If you don't mind staying one more day, I can be packed and have the house closed up by tomorrow afternoon."

He would never say it out loud, but he felt as though his mother worried about some repercussion from Felix. Blaise didn't mind staying another day. "No problem mother. I adjusted my schedule before I left. My calendar is clear until Monday. Will you need me to help you close down the house?"

"No love." She replied, patting Blaise on the cheek. "I'd just like your company."

"Fine mum. I'll go get myself straightened out then we can have a nice last night dinner. I'll just pop out for a nice panzanella salad with roast chicken. How does that sound?"

Leanna hesitated once again stammering out a reply. "I-I would love a panzanella but I'd rather you order in. I know I'm not the takeaway sort of person, but tonight it's what I would prefer."

A surprised Blaise started to answer his mother's remarks but thought better of it when he realized she was actually frightened of being left alone. Being a good son, Blaise adjusted his thought process without revealing what he thought was going on. "Alright mother. I'll order in. Why don't you relax with a glass of wine while I see to the order."

"Thank you love. I think I will have a glass of wine."

Blaise was trying his best to act natural but his insides were boiling. The bloody tosser he had booted from the house must really have been some kind of arsehole to have his outspoken mother in such a state. She was actually afraid to be alone. Blaise knew one thing. If the lousy piece of shite showed his face, he'd get something he hadn't bargained for. Grumbling as he wrote up their dinner order, Blaise thought it might be time for his mother to settle down with a decent wizard instead of…. He caught himself. If Leanna thought for one moment he was stepping into her business, son or not, she'd wash her hands of him. Even though he had his own thoughts on how his mother carried herself, the last thing he wanted was her angry with him. He'd just have to do what needed to be done, in silence.

Back in the living room Blaise poured himself a brandy then sat down across from his mother. "We are all set. Our order should be here within the hour."

"Lovely son. Thank you."

"Mother?"

"Yes love?"

"I know you and Uncle Luc don't always see eye to eye. If it doesn't work out, perhaps you could touch base with Portia Greengrass. I'd love to have you close to me and I'm sure Portia would love to have you visit. I understand she is at loose ends these days."

Leanna gazed at her son as though she was looking through him answering in almost a haughty manner. "While it's sweet of you to be thinking of my welfare, the truth is England hasn't been that kind to me. The wizards there are a different caliber than those in Italy and France. Luc and I will be fine. Beside, Portia Greengrass has become an absolute bitch since she began dating that Irishman."

Blaise let out a soft sigh. Here he was trying to look out for her while she acted as haughty as she claimed Portia Greengrass to be. Further discussion wouldn't do any good. Leanna Zabini had made up her mind. She was going to France.

"Alright mother. Just a suggestion. I believe I hear the delivery Owl. Let's go have our dinner."

/*/

Hermione had lucked out. Romilda Vane herself was waiting at the alternate lifts. No wonder I haven't been able to run into the silly bint. She's been taking the back roads. Well, I have her now.

Romilda glanced at Hermione with kind of deer in the headlights look like she was debating whether to stay or run. Before she could make a decision, Hermione spoke.

"Hello Romilda. I didn't know you liked taking the long way back to your office. I take this way when I want to have a bit of a think."

"I-I-I," stammered Romilda sounding as though she had something caught in her throat.

"Is everything alright? Are you choking?"Asked Hermione, pounding the witch on her back. "Perhaps you could use a sweet to lubricate your throat. I have one right here." Hermione remarked, putting her hand in her pocket and holding out a loosely wrapped candy. "I keep one handy for cases such as this. Take it. Your throat will thank you for it."

As soon as Hermione offered her a sweet, Romilda knew Hermione knew she had tried to file a complaint against her. She believed Hermione also knew she was keeping Cormac close with a love potion. Romilda was a big talker when she wasn't facing an adversary, but, at the moment, she was facing an adversary. A fierce adversary who knew she had gone to Harry Potter. Romilda wasn't about to talk trash to Hermione Granger. She knew all the stories, especially the story how several wizards had to hold Hermione down to keep her throwing a hex when she found out Romilda had given Harry a box of sweets laced with love potion.

Romilda put on a brave face. "No thank you Hermione. I'm quite alright."

"Suit yourself. We all know how beneficial a sweet can be on a congested throat."

Romilda remained at the lift doors for another five seconds before mumbling that she decided to take the stairs and hurried away.

As smug as she felt at the moment, Hermione knew she would probably be receiving another visit from Harry. This time he might just arrest her. Then she smiled to herself and commented out loud. "Bring it Potter because if Romilda wants to push this, I'll push back."

The lift finally arrived and Hermione stepped inside wondering if she had gone too far. Not believing Harry would come to arrest her, but believing he would come, Hermione hurried to her office to pick up the pensieve that had come with her current position intending to cull the memories of her interaction with Romilda. It might be extreme but she had told Harry she would protect herself if necessary. She just hadn't mentioned how. In the back of her mind, Hermione could almost hear Draco saying, I hope you haven't outsmarted yourself.

/*/

Exactly thirty minutes after Hermione sat down, Harry came through her door like a hurricane. Without asking, he swung his wand to lock and silence the room before facing Hermione.

Hermione stood. "What's wrong Harry? You're acting like a madman."

Harry glared at Hermione. "If I'm acting like a madman, it's what you've reduced me to. Don't play coy with me Hermione. You just had to do it, didn't you?"

Hermione was suddenly a bit nervous. Harry was on fire so she feigned innocence. "I'm not being coy. I had to do what Harry? Explain yourself."

"Romilda Vane Hermione. You just couldn't leave it alone, could you? Cormac stopped by my office to inform me Romilda had left for the day because she's frightened for her safety. She claims you threatened her."

Up until that moment, Hermione had taken the nonsense in stride but now she was incensed that Romilda would tell an outright lie. "I haven't threatened anyone. Romilda and I had a simple conversation at the lifts. She's barking Harry."

Harry sat down. "She might be barking Hermione but I am now in a position where I have to take a report if she wants to make one. Cormac seems to think she will. He said Romilda is too frightened to come back to work."

"Cormac said. Cormac thinks. Cormac seems to be the one pushing this." Hermione snapped.

"Be that as it may Hermione. I need for you to tell me what went on at the lifts."

Hermione let out a loud huff as she flopped into her chair. "As I told you Harry, it was a simple conversation..."

Cutting across Hermione, Harry huffed right back. "Stop being obtuse. Tell me everything and don't leave anything out."

Hermione took a fighting stance with Harry's attitude. He had known her long enough to know she wouldn't lie to him, no matter what. Whipping her own wand out, Hermione summoned the pensieve as well as the container holding the memories and thrust them at Harry while working herself into a rage.

"I don't know to what extent Cormac is involved with this, but I believe Romilda is doing this calling herself getting back at me. Look at the bloody memory Harry. Didn't I tell you I would protect myself? Didn't I? Well, that memory in your hand is my protection. Whether you believe me or not, all I had with Romilda was a simple conversation. She was a liar and a sneak at Hogwarts. She's a liar and a sneak now. What are you waiting for? You have the pensieve and you have the memory. Look at the bloody things. I'll wait."

Some of the bluster left Harry as he watched Hermione go into meltdown. No matter how bad things got, Hermione hadn't ever lied to him. He regretted storming into her office treating her as though she was some criminal before even hearing her out. Setting the pensieve down on the desk, Harry poured in the memories and stuck his face in. When he lifted his head, Harry apologized.

"Thank you for this Hermione. The memories speak for themselves. As you said, it was nothing more than general conversation. I apologize for thinking the worst. May I keep the memories?"

Hermione didn't want to show it, but she was hurt by the fact Harry thought she would lie to protect herself. "No Harry. You cannot take my memories." Hermione replied wearily. "I'll keep them safe in case the next person up the chain thinks I'm a liar and wants to see proof of my innocence. It seems you've underestimated the grown Hermione Granger. I'm still the same capable, forthright, honest witch only older."

Harry felt foolish. He had rushed into Hermione's office all blown up only to find out Romilda and Cormac might be trying to pull something. "Hermione?" He called out softly. "I had a job to do. I now have my answer and will proceed accordingly. Can you forgive me for doubting you?"

Hermione looked Harry straight in the eyes. "There's nothing to forgive Harry. You're the Auror. You know best. You were simply doing your job. I just got in your way. If you'll excuse me now. I'm feeling like I've been attacked. I think I'll take the rest of the day. I'll need to notify my Superior."

"Hermione please." Harry pleaded. "I don't like seeing you like this and I most certainly don't want to leave you in distress. Let's talk about it."

Hermione was writing an inter-office memo as she spoke. "I don't think so Harry. I'm feeling unwell. I don't feel like talking. I think you're right about one thing. You and Hannah would probably be better off not attending date night Saturday."

"Alright Hermione. I hope you feel better. I'll speak to you tomorrow."

Hermione really did feel ill. Her number one from day one had just stood in her face and accused her of bullying and lying. Before gathering her things, Hermione sent Draco a message outlining what had happened and she was going home for the day. She would see him later.

/*/

Right up until he received Hermione's message, Draco had been having a pleasant day. His three Associates were on track to start training Monday. Malfoy Partners had acquired five new clients resulting from the presentation at Cambridge Hall and Henry and George were kissing his arse all over the place.

Just finishing up his last case review of the day, Draco leaned back in the chair to see what his witch wanted with him. He had to read it over twice to be sure he'd gotten the gist of it. Romilda Vane? Cormac McLaggen? Even Harry Potter?

Before he completely lost his composure, Draco sat back and took a few deep breaths. It wouldn't do for him to get as upset as Hermione. If what Hermione had shared in her message turned out to be true, he would find someway to take measures. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but measures would be taken.

Jumping up from his desk, Draco headed to Henry's office. He was absolutely certain that the McLaggens and Vanes had accounts with Malfoy Partners. It wouldn't hurt to be sure. As much as he hated to lose business, once he verified what was in the message, both the bloody Vanes and McLaggens could kiss his arse and take their business elsewhere.

After speaking to Henry and verifying the two families were clients, Draco took the files back to his office where he stuck them in a drawer. After that, he informed his managers he would be leaving early. They didn't ask why. They knew better, especially after what had gone on with Wesley Corwin. All three of his top managers said nothing more than goodnight.

/*/

Hermione felt better when she was home in her pajamas holding Blue who snuggled into her mum as though she knew something was wrong. As hard as Hermione tried to pretend she wasn't hurt, she was. She was hurt over the way Harry had come at her. Cormac McLaggen and Romilda Vane had made statements which he had automatically taken as true. Several tears managed to form in the corners of her eyes and slide down her face, but she brushed them away. There was no need for tears. She wouldn't sit there crying. She wasn't eleven years old afraid that Harry Potter and his gang would never like her. She'd take this one day then return to work as though none of this had affected her. That was the Granger way. However, for the time being, she would stretch out on the couch with Blue assured she was with a being who loved her.

Hermione fell asleep so she didn't see Blue run over to the door and sit on her haunches as though waiting for her Da.

Asleep on the couch is where Draco found Hermione.

Blue began circling Draco's legs as he walked over to the couch. Reaching down to pet his girl, Draco quietly told her he would give her all the rubs after he saw to mum.

Evidently that was good enough for Blue because she let out a soft meow before heading over to her bed. He Da was home. He would snuggle with mum.

/*/

Draco sat there staring at his lovely witch hoping those weren't dried tear stains on her face. Abrasive and arbitrary as she could sometimes be, he was in love with her and wouldn't stand still for anyone bringing her to tears. No one, including the Potter bastard.

He shook her gently. "Hermione love. Wake up and talk to me."

Without answering, Hermione turned so she was facing the back of the couch.

Draco leaned over so his mouth was at her ear. "Wake up Miss Granger. Your wizard is here to offer comfort and plot revenge. Turn over and talk to me."

Hermione stretched as she answered Draco. "Hello love. You're early. Have you come to make sure I haven't thrown myself in front of the Knight Bus?"

Draco leaned back down to kiss Hermione's lips. "Hello gorgeous. Feeling better? The Knight Bus never crossed my mind simply because it doesn't run during the day. Now had you said Daybus…."

Hermione sat up so quickly and threw her arms around Draco's neck she nearly knocked him over. With her face buried in is chest, Hermione sobbed about the one person she thought would always have her back. Even though her tears lasted all of five seconds, they unnerved Draco who right then, right there promised he would get all the bastards.

Draco lifted Hermione's chin so they were looking at each other. "Although the moment is serious, I am speechless that tears had the audacity to fall from your eyes. They were taking a big chance on getting hexed."

Hermione laughed. "Your witch is in distress and you're making jokes. You're just as bad as Harry."

"On my worst day, I couldn't come close to being as bad as that simple wanker. However, I would like to discuss how this all came about. Shall I make us tea? Have you fed our daughter? She gave me a very reproachful look when I came through the door."

Hermione got off the couch and headed to the bathroom. "I've been lying around like some lazy lout. Let me wash my face then I'll feed Blue and make us something to eat. What would you like?"

Draco was about to utter some suggestive remark but was stopped by a knock at the door. "I think we can all guess who's at the door. The fucking lowlife Auror has come to offer his apologies to the sister he humiliated while doing his job." The end of the sentence being said in a loud voice.

"It can't be anyone who means us harm. Blue hasn't moved from her bed. I think I might have taught her how to be a lazy lout without meaning to."

"Let the arsehole knock. Perhaps he'll go away if he thinks no one is home."

"Please get the door Draco while I see to Blue."

"I'll get the bloody door only because you asked nicely and promised to feed me."

Hermione shook her head as she pulled out Blue's food and filled her bowl. "Come on love. Mum has put your food out."

Blue streaked through to the kitchen where she put her entire face in the bowl.

Hermione leaned over to give her girl a quick pat and came face to face with none other than Harry Potter when she stood back up.

/*/

The anger she had felt earlier tried to creep back into her body, but Hermione wouldn't allow it. She was over all the Harry Potter, Romilda Vane and Cormac McLaggen bullshite.

"Hello Harry. What can I do for you? Has someone else accused me of being a bully and a liar?"

"Hello Hermione." He replied, casting a quick glance in Draco's direction. "I'm sorry to intrude but I didn't like the way we left things today. I came here hoping we could talk."

Draco remained sitting in a living room chair with a scowl on his face waiting for Harry to say the wrong thing. If that happened, even though it wasn't his business, he would put the Auror in his place.

Even though she hadn't allowed herself to become angry, Hermione was stuck on stubborn. "I appreciate you wanting to talk Harry, but I think we said all there is to say this afternoon. If you have something other than Romilda or Cormac to discuss, I'd be glad to listen. Would you care for a drink?"

With an even deeper scowl, Draco excused himself telling Hermione he would start dinner. He left the living room with Blue hot on his heels.

Even though he was there on something entirely different, Harry couldn't help but marvel over the fact that prat Draco Malfoy had just offered to start their dinner. He had definitely changed.

As Hermione was stuck on stubborn, Harry was stuck on determined, He had fucked up and wanted to put things right. "I'm not here to discuss either Romilda or Cormac. Although I will say I confronted Cormac and he folded like a broken wand. Romilda was upset so he, still being upset over you dating Draco, suggested they humble you a bit. That has been dealt with. I have appointments with both tomorrow. Anyway, that's not germane to why I'm here. I'm here to see what I can do to get you to forgive me for doubting you."

Hermione could hear Draco growling all the way from the kitchen. As if commiserating with her Da. Blue was emitting soft growls as well. Hermione couldn't help smiling. At least her family was on her side.

/*/

For several minutes, Harry and Hermione sat in silence before he made his statement. "I know I could apologize for the rest of my life but unless you forgive me from your heart we'll get never get back to the friendship we had. Please forgive me from your heart Hermione. We've been side by side since we were eleven. I don't want to give up on us now."

"Careful Potter," Draco called out from the kitchen. "Any more words of that nature and I'll begin to think you're after my witch. I've made some of the best bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches you'll ever taste. Come have some with me and Hermione. That way I can watch you."

Hermione grinned. "My wizard the prat. You hurt me today Harry, but I won't dwell on it. I forgive you. Now come on through so we can have some of those famous Malfoy bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches. They are witch approved.

Grinning, Harry rose from the couch to hug the witch he thought of as a sister. "Alright, if you insist, I'll partake. It will be up to you to avenge me if Malfoy poisons me."

Before Hermione could answer, Draco shouted from the kitchen. "Avenge you my arse Potter. If you fall over dead, the most Hermione will do is turn you to a bone and pretend you were never here. Come eat while it's hot love. You too Potter, if you dare."

Draco was joking around. Hermione couldn't believe he was being so considerate.

Following Hermione to the kitchen, Harry was thinking along the same lines. He couldn't believe Draco Malfoy was being this considerate.