Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 27: Arbitrary With A Reason

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.

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

Chap 28: Mates And Dates

Even though Harry wasn't quite comfortable sitting at the tale with Draco Malfoy, he had to admit the bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches were delicious. "Well done Draco. This sandwich is pretty tasty. I never thought I'd see the day you…..."

Hermione cut him off. "You're sitting at my table eating a very delicious sandwich made by my wizard yet it seems you are about to make some disparaging remarks. May I suggest you choose your words wisely, because as laid back as Draco has become, my temperament remains the same. I'll hex you like you're Barty Crouch, Sr."

Although he wasn't aware of what happened to Barty Crouch, Draco knew it sounded ominous. Looking directly at Harry, he sat across the table with a wide smirk on his face.

Harry had the decency to color up a bit before deciding to rephrase. "You have it all wrong Hermione. I was simply going to compliment Draco on his skills as a cook."

"Good. Have another." Hermione replied as she turned to give Draco a cheeky wink.

As he reached for a second sandwich, Harry remarked that he and Hannah would be joining them for date night.

This was the first Draco had heard about Harry attending date night. "Ah! My lovely witch has been handing out invitations like The Prophet hands out news."

Hermione rolled her eyes at Draco. "And another git speaks. I invited Harry and Hannah to share our night out. If it upsets you, perhaps you should stay home with Blue."

Draco grinned at Hermione. "That's not exactly how date night works. I'm your date so I will be there. Besides, only you can turn a simple statement into a battle. I'm chuffed Harry and Hannah are invited."

Harry sat there chewing his sandwich. When his mouth was clear, he added his two cents. "In case you two haven't noticed, I'm sitting right here. I can hear you."

Both Hermione and Draco chuckled over Harry's remark but it was Hermione who replied. "Merlin save me from my two favorite gits. I love you both and I want you to come to an understanding. Neither one of you are going anywhere, so act right or get hexed."

"Fine with me," answered Draco. "I'll do most anything to stay in your good graces."

Harry hesitated, but one glare from Hermione prompted him to respond. He stood up and extended his hand to Draco. "I want to keep my good name, so I won't agree to doing almost anything. What I will do is offer your other git my hand in friendship. Happy now Hermione?"

Draco stood to accept Harry's outstretched hand. Not to be out done, he turned to his witch and mimicked Harry. "Happy now Hermione?"

Hermione started giggling and couldn't stop. After composing herself, Hermione told them both it was a start adding this was good practice for Draco in his quest to become pleasant.

Harry roared in laughter.

Draco didn't find the comments that funny. "Really witch? Sharing all my business with Potter? I'll expect Owls tomorrow from my clients checking to see if I've succeeded."

Hermione just sat back in the chair grinning first at Draco then at Harry. Her two favorite wizards were about to be on the same page. Draco pleased her even more when Harry stood up to leave.

"Thank you for sharing your tasty sandwiches with me Malfoy as well as extending your hand. I've intruded on your evening long enough. I'll say goodnight."

"So, you're just going to eat and run Potter? I'd think you'd want to stay for a bit to share a drink with your newly found mate. Which, of course, is me. It will give me a chance to introduce you to our daughter Blue to find out if you are truly worthy. If she accepts you, you're in."

Hermione continued to chuckle over the nonsense Draco was spouting as she cleared the table. Following Harry and Draco into the living room, she was more than surprised when, after a few sniffs of Harry's cuffs, Blue jumped into his lap.

"I guess I'm in," smirked Harry as the three watched Blue make several circle then settle in place.

While Hermione laughed out loud, Draco softly commented. "I guess you are."

/*/

For the next two hours, the three friends discussed the now. Not one word was spoken about what went on in 1998 and before. The animosity Harry previously held for Draco didn't immediately fade away, but it became far less than it had been when he first walked through the door. Unlike the Draco Malfoy of prior times, this Draco Malfoy was friendly, engaging and outgoing. Harry admitted this was a wizard he wouldn't mind being around or having as a mate. Suddenly, he realized Draco was speaking to him.

"You alright over there Potter or have you completely tuned me out?"

Harry answered with a bit of snark. "It's too soon to be tuning you out Malfoy. We've just come to terms. I was simply having a think."

"Alright thinker. Hermione asked if you had a preference of pubs for date night. And while you're thinking, if it's not too hard, would you please call me Draco?"

Hermione interjected. "Don't feel badly Harry. D-r-a-c-o asks me the same thing all the time. He gives me a time out when I call him Malfoy."

"But Malfoy just rolls off the tongue." Joked Harry. "Just kidding Draco. I'll call you Draco if you can remember to call me Harry. As far as pubs go, I know of some but can't vouch for the atmosphere. I'm bit of a homebody as is Hannah. I would think as a dapper wizard about town you'd know the places to go Draco."

"Dapper wizard about town? Yes, I am that."

"Really Malfoy, really?" Snorted Hermione. "Don't make me embarrass you. Your dapper arse is usually here with me and Blue."

Blue who had moved from Harry's lap to her bed sat up and let out a yowl as if agreeing with her mum.

Draco turned to Harry with a shrug. "It would seem my girls know me better than I know myself. Perhaps I spoke too loosely. I shall correct myself. I used to be a dapper wizard about town but have had all my dappering privileges taken away. I'm now a happily beat down, stay in the flat wizard who doesn't miss the pubs at all. Happy now Hermione?"

Harry grinned into his drink.

Hermione summoned her wand. "One more, Happy now Hermione, from either of you is going to make me step out of character and start throwing hexes. Got it? Since you are both acting like dunces, I suggest we make reservations at the fairly popular wizarding pub Felix Felicis in midtown. It's modern and discreet."

Both Harry and Draco turned to Hermione when she said discreet.

Draco couldn't help himself. He had to comment. "Discreet sounds like a place people go when they don't want to be discovered or are up to something. Why were you there? Never mind, I am fairly sure that's where I'd go if I was a witch dating Cormac McLaggen."

Harry laughed so hard Blue came strutting from her bed to check what was going on.

"Think that's funny do you Harry?" Huffed Hermione, shaking her wand menacingly. "And you Mr. Draco, Mr. Malfoy. You have to deal with me when Harry leaves, so go ahead and laugh it up now. Filthy wankers."

"Don't be angry with me. I think I have every right to ask what a witch as lovely as yourself would be doing in a place like Felix Felicis," said Draco.

"Yah!" Added Harry. "Don't get mad at us."

"Be quiet Harry." Squeezing her eyes down to slits, Hermione glared at Draco and spit out an answer. "Gayle and I were there checking out the wizards."

Draco jumped up so fast Harry thought he had reverted to self and automatically put his hand on his wand. "Okay, okay." Shouted Draco, glaring back at Hermione. "That's enough discussion about Felix Felicis pub. Let's move on to something else."

A confused Harry asked who was Gayle.

"She's no one we need trouble ourselves about Harry," offered Draco. "Your sister is being spiteful. I mentioned Cormac so she mentioned one of my former admirers. It's called tit for tat. I say something. She says something. We do it all the time."

Harry didn't know whether to laugh or run for the door. No wands had been drawn so he remained in his seat. Taking a sip of his drink, he sat back. If Hermione and Draco wanted to act like prats in front of him, he'd just sit back and enjoy the show.

"Yes Harry." Hermione replied with a wide grin. "It's called tit for tat and I enjoy every minute of it. Be that as it may, I was only taking the mickey out of my two favorite wizards. Felix Felicis Pub is perfectly respectable for a date night."

Draco was still rolling his eyes at Hermione as he replied. "Well that's settled. I'll have my Receptionist Witch make reservations in the morning. I'll have the reservations made for eight as Blaise is scheduled to be back in town and may want to join us.

"That's fine with me. I could use another mate. However, I think your bit of drama may have scarred Blue for life." Added Harry.

Three pairs of eyes turned to see Blue lying in her bed with paws over her ears.

Draco clarified the situation for Harry as he walked over and plucked Blue out of bed. "No worries Harry. My little, blue girl know when mum is being mean to me. She doesn't worry though because she knows I'll have her mum screaming my name before the night is over."

Too much information. Too much information, Harry thought as he choked on his drink while watching Hermione turn as purple as a beet. It was time for him to go check on Hannah. "With that bit of information, I'll say goodnight. It's been, interesting. It's only ten steps to the door. Please don't have Hermione screaming your name until I'm gone. Thanks again for the sandwiches. I'll see you Saturday Draco. I'll probably see you tomorrow Hermione."

Then he was gone.

/*/

Draco prepared himself for the telling off he was about to receive. However, when he turned to face Hermione, he saw a still beet red witch but with a huge smile on her face.

"I'd hex your arse if it wasn't so funny. Did you see Harry's face? He'll never let me live it down."

Relieved this wasn't going to turn into a war of words or an all out war, Draco apologized for being a prat. "I shouldn't have said that in front of Harry. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought up Cormac's name either. I'm sorry about that as well. I was being an arse. Forgive me?"

With the same wide grin on her face, Hermione shrugged. "That would be a great big no. To put it more succinctly, you won't be getting close enough to tickle me let alone make me scream. From here on out you will choose your words more carefully in front of company. I will allow you to sleep with me because I love to feel your arms around me, but that will be the extent of it. I'm going to bed. Please clear away the glasses from the table."

"Yes dear. Okay dear. No problem dear." Draco muttered softly.

Sharp eared Hermione called out from the bedroom. "What was that? I didn't hear you."

"Nothing love. I was talking to Blue."

When he finished clearing up the living room, Draco dawdled around hoping to give Hermione time enough to fall asleep. She might have said the conversation was over, but he knew better.

He stepped out back to send a quick message to Theo then dawdled some more in the bathroom as long as he could still hoping his witch would have fallen asleep. Luck wasn't with him. When he entered the bedroom, Hermione was wide awake sitting up with her back against the backboard. Contrary to what his witch had said, it didn't look as though he'd even get a cuddle this night. Hermione stared him down as he undressed.

"You're staring love. I hope you aren't sitting there thinking of ways to kill me in my sleep."

Hermione laughed at Draco's nonsense remark then couldn't stop. "Hahaha. Garble, garble, garble."

Draco frowned at his witch. "Not having a breakdown, are you? I can't understand a word you're saying."

Composing herself, Hermione enunciated clearly. "Did you see Harry's face?"

Draco didn't answer. It didn't seem all that funny to him seeing as he was the one who started the whole thing. He was happy about one thing. Hermione probably wasn't going to kill him in his sleep.

/*/

Harry entered Hannah's flat with laughter still on his lips. She wouldn't believe where he'd been and with whom he had spent time.

"Hannah love." He called out in a loud voice "Your handsome Auror has arrived." Lowering his voice, he mumbled. "I've come to make you scream my name."

Hannah came through to the living room and laid a sweet kiss on Harry's lips. "Hello handsome. You're a bit late. The criminals running amok?"

"No." He said, pulling her closer. "The criminals are under control. I was actually at Hermione's flat visiting with her and Draco."

Hannah pulled back to look Harry in the face. "You were visiting with Draco Malfoy and no one ended up dead? I don't believe it. I waited dinner for you. Tell me all about while we eat."

"I'll have a bit of dinner with you, but Draco made some bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches that were delicious. I'm a bit full."

Giving Harry a skeptical look, Hannah set out the meatballs and gravy with mashed without comment. However, as soon as she had served them up, the inquisition began. "How did you end up at Hermione's flat? Does Draco Malfoy live there? Did Hermione know you were coming?" Hannah only stopped talking when she looked up from her plate to see Harry giving her the stink eye. "What? You were going to tell me everything."

"Yes love. I was and I will if you allow me to get a word in edgewise."

"Fine Mr. Auror. No need to get your boxers in a twist. I'm just a naturally curious witch, especially when my wizard tells me he has been consorting with a Malfoy."

/*/

For the next thirty or forty minutes, Harry explained what had gone on at Hermione's flat and how he ended up being a new mate to Draco Malfoy. Harry's last statement was to inform Hannah they had been invited to a Saturday date night with Draco, Hermione Theo Nott and his date.

Hannah remained quiet right up until Harry finished before starting with a new set of questions. "What did you do to Hermione that required an apology? Is this still about Wesley Corwin? Did Hermione hex someone? Why were we invited to Saturday date night? Are you now mates with Theo Nott as well?"

Harry was becoming exasperated. His witch was trying to get on his last nerve, but he loved her and would answer her questions. After clearing the dinner remains away, Harry led Hannah into the living room to answer the rest of her questions.

Harry explained everything in under ten minutes. At the end of this discourse the only question Hannah had was what should she wear Saturday night. Glad all questions had been answered to Hannah's satisfaction, Harry grabbed her up insisting he wanted to have a go at making her scream his name. A grinning Hannah was fine with it.

Sex didn't turn out as expected. Harry was able to make Hannah call out for Merlin, but she never shouted his name. He didn't feel bad. He would try again Friday night.

/*/

Theo was running on empty, but the early morning portkey back to London had been worth it. Jess was worth it. He didn't want to put too fine a point on it this exact moment, but he could see himself with his Wales witch for a long time. For a player such as himself, that was a lot to admit. Only weeks ago he hadn't seem himself as anything other than a serial dater. Now…. He had to hold that thought because his 11:00 am appointment had just arrived.

An hour later, Theo and the client were in his office signing papers and concluding their business. After the client left, Theo locked the doors to his office. He didn't have any more appointments for the day. It was time to go home for some much needed sleep. However, when Theo arrived home there was an owl banging on his window.

"This better not be Alejandro's bloody terror." It wasn't. This bird had manners. It was a message from Draco.

Theo,

Just stepped away for a minute to send a quick heads up for date night. Hermione has invited Harry Potter and his witch to come along. Quick message to let you know. I had a chance to speak at length to Head Auror Potter. Believe it or not, he's a pleasant chap. I didn't want you to be surprised by the company, but did want to give you the chance to back out if you wished. As mad as this sounds, I think you will like Harry. I hope to see you and Jessie on Saturday. Let me know.

Not sure this has any bearing on anything, but Blaise will be back in London tomorrow. He''ll probably join us. I hope he doesn't bring a passel of adoring witches. I don't want Hermione hexing anyone.

Draco.

Theo was surprised and he wasn't about Draco's take on Harry Potter. He hadn't had many interactions with Harry but had heard the Auror was a fair and equitable wizard. He didn't see a problem. He and Jess would definitely attend date night. Fifteen minutes later, Theo was in bed thinking about his time with Jess and trying to fall asleep.

/**/

Both Hermione and Draco were in cheery moods Friday morning but neither mentioned the prior evening until Hermione burst out laughing. Draco didn't even want to know so he continued to dress without commenting until Hermione addressed him directly.

"So, what did we learn last night?"

"I don't know what you mean love unless you are referring to the fact you refused me sex as well as cuddles because I misspoke in front of my new mate."

"Haha. You're close but not quite there love. As silly as it might seem, I'm still amused by the look on Harry's face and the speed with which he left the flat. Even if you had no other redeeming traits, you have the ability to clear a room."

Draco smiled as he pulled Hermione into his arms. "Yes. I admit it. I can do that. So, am I off punishment? May I have a kiss and a quick cuddle?"

Hermione melted into his arms. "Today is a new day. You may have several kisses, a quick cuddle and a few rubs."

"I like the sound of that." Draco replied in a hoarse voice, running his hands up and down Hermione's back. "Would you be willing to extend that to a bit of morning love?"

Wrapping her arms around Draco's neck, Hermione murmured a soft reply. "Yes Mr. Malfoy. I'd like a bit of your morning love. Put your daughter in her bed and we'll see what we can get up to. Hurry up now. I don't want to be late for work as your new mate will probably show up at my office door first thing."

Hermione's comment should have been enough to make Draco smile, but he was intent on getting his witch naked and under him. Rubbish about a new mate could wait until they were both satisfied. Removing Hermione's robe, Draco gently pushed her onto the bed and gave her a large dose of tit for tat. All giggles had subsided. It was time to make love.

After they finished, Hermione snuggled against Draco whispering words of love. Draco responded with a few cheeky remarks about how they should make morning love a permanent thing. They laid there for several more minutes before getting up to start their day all over again.

/*/

Hermione wasn't wrong about Harry. She hadn't been in her office for five minutes before he turned up at the door with a sheepish grin on his face.

"Good morning Hermione."

"Good morning Harry. Everything alright?"

"Everything is fine. I just stopped by to inform you I'll be meeting with Romilda and Cormac at 10:00 am. I'll need to borrow those memories. I intend to get both dolts sorted but I won't be bringing charges unless you insist."

For a moment, Hermione was irritated that Harry had been willing to take a report from Romilda but didn't want to press charges against her or Cormac, but she reassessed answering in a calm, level tone. "I just want to see the end of this bullshite Harry. You may not want to file charges against the two, but you'd better warn them to stay away from me. I don't look for trouble, but I will always defend myself."

Harry sighed. "I want to see the end of this as well. I may not file charges but I am authorized to suggest either or both look at posting out of this department. Maybe something in Wales."

Hermione grinned at her best friend brother. "Ah! A wizard after my own heart. I would prefer Scotland, but what's a witch to do."

Harry held up one hand. "Don't get overly excited. I said I can suggest which isn't anything like an order. If they choose, they can remain on Wizengamot level and fight the charges I will bring if they refuse. After they view the memories, I'm sure they'll see reason. You know. I would have expected something like this from Romilda, but Cormac acting the arse never occurred to me."

Hermione let out a huff. "Cormac has always been an arse. Now he's just an older arse."

"So says the witch who dated that very arse off and on for a year. With that said, I'll change the subject. I am amazed at the changes in Draco. You have browbeat him well. His words not mine."

Plopping down in her chair, Hermione owned up. "Yes I have Harry. It's a gift. I will also say I appreciate you extending the hand of friendship to Draco. He really has changed. I'm proud to be his witch."

Hermione's remarks reminded Harry why he'd left her flat in such a hurry. "Yeah that and how he has the ability to make you scream his name. That was too much information. I hope he'll share less information in front of Hannah as I haven't perfected that particular ability yet. She'd be very jealous."

Hermione apologized after she and Harry had a good laugh. "That was a bit much. However, I can assure you from here on out Mr. Malfoy will choose his words more wisely."

Good was all Harry said about that. He did mention he had only stopped by to get the memories and had to be on his way.

"Alright Harry." She said, summoning the container holding the memories. "I'll want them back because one never knows when one will be wrongly accused."

Harry accepted the container without saying anything except thanks, we'll see you tomorrow night.

Hermione watched until Harry was out of sight. She was so glad he and Draco had come to terms. She really did love them both.

/*/

The first thing Blaise had done when he arrived back at his London flat was take a nap. He had slept while in Tuscany but it had been a restless sleep. He was there to protect his mother. The last thing he wanted was to be caught sleeping if someone tried to harm her. Now he was back to London where he had nothing to worry about other than clean sheets and pressed trousers.

Feeling calm and refreshed after his nap, Blaise's next thought was to catch up with his mates. It was still bothering him he was the lone holdout in the romance area. He'd been a player for so long he didn't have a clue how to get a permanent witch. If Draco and Theo had a permanent witch, there was no way they'd want him bringing a variety of witches around their partners. It might give the wrong impression and turn out like the bullshite that happened at the party. He'd still have to talk to Draco about that.

Blaise sighed. He needed to get a hold of himself. He didn't have a steady witch, so what. If his friends couldn't accept that, he probably needed new friends. Pulling out some paper and a pen, he wrote notes to his best mates telling them he was back in town and ready to have a night out.

Hello mate:

Just a short note to let you know I'm back in London and at loose ends until Monday. I was bored out of my mind in Tuscany so I look forward to getting out and about. Is there anything planned for the weekend? If so, count me in. Let me know.

BZ

After sending the Owls to Theo and Draco, Blaise sent another to Ginny Weasley hoping she was over her little snit and would agree to take his arm this weekend.

/*/

Draco received Blaise's message when he returned from one of his many meetings. Because there were several more meetings scheduled for the day, he wrote out a quick reply.

Welcome home Blaise.

Theo, Harry and I are taking our dates to Felix Felicis Pub Saturday evening. Feel free to join us. Off to a meeting. I'll stop by the flat after work.

DM.

Theo's answer was basically the same except he explained it was a date night so Blaise shouldn't appear with a passel of witches in tow.

/*/

When Blaise received the Owls from Draco and Theo, he was a bit put out over Theo's response, but then had second thoughts. He was known to have several witches vying for his attentions at the same time. Perhaps it was time for him to come correct. His best hope was Ginny Weasley. If she agreed to accompany him out, he'd be all set. If not, he'd attend solo.