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

29. Resolutions

Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 28: Mates And Dates

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.

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

Chap 29: Resolutions

Cormac Mclaggen was sitting at his desk smarting over the telling off he'd received from Auror Harry Potter. Their meeting hadn't gone well at all. He and Romilda had been found out. Who knew Hermione would cull memories? Cormac sighed. He should have known better than to go after Hermione. He was now looking like a total prat all because Romilda was a sneak.

Yes, fool that he was, he'd gotten her to come clean. Through a barrage of tears she admitted to giving him some bloody love/attraction potion, Now it was him looking like the arsehole. Sobbing and snorting, Romilda had begged him to forgive her. She'd only done it to help him get over Hermione. When she told him that bit of information, he'd gone spare and just about shouted her out of his flat. He was Cormac McLaggen with all sorts of connections and support. He didn't need help getting over anyone.

Cormac sighed.

Harry Potter had given him choices. He could post off the Wizengamot floor, post to another Ministry or he could wizard up and apologize to Hermione face to face. He had worked too hard to get on the Wizengamot floor so he wasn't about to consider leaving it as a choice. Neither would he be posting out of the British Ministry. His only viable choice was to face Hermione and apologize, so that was the choice he'd agreed upon with Harry. Apologize to Hermione face to face. Even though his choice appeared to be the softest choice, Cormac imagined after Hermione got through with him, he'd wish he had posted to another Ministry.

Head down with one hand running convulsively through his golden locks, Cormac let out an even louder sigh. Just as he reached for his mobile to call the number he knew so well, the recipient of the call was at his door.

/*/

Although completely composed, Hermione was itching to smack the smarmy wizard in front of her across the head then go find Romilda and smack her across the head as well. "Good morning Cormac. Harry mentioned you have something you want to say to me."

Cormac stood up so fast the blood rushed to his head blurring his vision. For several seconds, he was blind as well as breathless. "Hermione!"

"Yes. Cormac, it's me. Am I intruding?"

"No, no. Of course you're not intruding. I was just about to send an inter-office to set up a time to see you. Please have a seat."

"Well, here I am. I thought I'd save you a trip."Hermione replied, taking a seat.

Finding it hard to look Hermione in the eye, Cormac glanced from here to there and back before gazing directly at Hermione. He cleared his throat before speaking. I did a foolish thing Hermione and I'd like to offer my most abject apology for my actions. I have found out you were absolutely correct about certain things."

"Certain things? What certain things Cormac?" Asked Hermione although she knew exactly what things. She wasn't about to make it easy on the dolt.

Cormac wanted to snap at Hermione because she knew exactly what he meant. However, if he snapped at Harry Potter's best friend and Draco Malfoy's witch, he probably wouldn't come to a good end no matter how many contacts, connections and support he had. It was incumbent upon him to do and say the correct thing, so he came right out with it.

"You were quite correct when you intimated Romilda was using love sweets on me."

Hermione let out a huff. She hadn't protected herself just to come this far and acknowledge she had intimated anything.

"I never said Romilda was giving you anything. I believe I said you probably should be cognizant of what sweets you put in your mouth."

"Same difference." Cormac replied a bit irritably. "Romilda was the only witch I was seeing."

This git, thought Hermione. "And I was supposed to know that how? Wizards have been known to date more than one witch at a time."

Cormac spoke before good sense could stop him. "I'm not that wizard Hermione. Don't lump me in with Draco Malfoy."

Hermione jumped up from the chair. However, unlike Cormac, she let good sense prevail and answered in a cool tone. "I've made an error in judgment. It was my understanding you wanted to have a decent conversation. What I didn't realize is you were just waiting for a chance to disparage Draco. Not that he gives a shite what you think, but he'll be interested to know how you feel about his dating habits. I'll leave you to yourself. If or when you want to have a conversation that doesn't include discussing Draco, I'll be in my office."

Hermione made two steps towards the door, but Cormac was out of his seat pleading with her to come back. "Please Hermione. I would like to have a conversation. My remarks about Draco were unacceptable and uncalled for. My apologies. Let's start again. Please have a seat."

Hermione sat back down and waited for Cormac to speak. She really did want this over.

"It is my intention not only to apologize but to assure you nothing of this sort will ever happen again. I've broken it off with Romilda. I cannot date someone I cannot trust."

Hermione shifted in her chair. True it was Romilda handing out the sweets, but she was doing it out of desperation in hopes of holding onto a popular wizard. But here and now, Cormac was shifting blame. Harry had been quite clear. It was Cormac who had pushed Romilda to bring her fears, thoughts and accusations back to Harry yet here he sat absolving himself. She sighed again. Obviously, it wasn't any use to keep pushing for Cormac to admit his part. That's just the wizard he was. Hermione stood.

"Thank you for the conversation Cormac. I'll leave you with a few last thoughts. We have to work in a fairly tight area for the next several weeks. As it appears I upset you just by existing, I suggest you stay away from me and keep my name out of your mouth. You and Romilda both. Have a good day."

/*/

Cormac watched as Hermione walked down the hall not wanting to believe it had come down to this when just two months ago they had been consorting with each other. Consorting. Cormac laughed at himself. He had been consorting. As it turned out, Hermione had been waiting. Waiting for that piece of shite Draco Malfoy. In trying to get back at her, he had been drugged and had besmirched his good name in the bargain. If any other wizard had been involved in something like this, he would have laughed his arse off.

Banging his fist down on the desk, Cormac mumbled. "Let this be the last of this even though I'll probably be under the watchful eye of Harry Potter for some time. I'll be sure to stay clear of Miss Hermione Granger."

/*/

Romilda Vane was trying not to go into meltdown as she packed up her office. She had done a stupid thing and had been called out. Harry Potter had taken her over the coals regarding her actions and given her three choices and she had taken choice number one. She would be posting away from the Wizengamot floor. A few quick memos around the Ministry had landed her a position in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Centaur Office. Even though most employees knew this particular position was handed out to people who were basically on the verge of being sacked from the Ministry, she took it. She took it because she had mucked things up and it was time for her to lay low and bide her time. The plan was to work herself back into a respectable position.

As she packed up, Romilda groused about how she had been out done, out maneuvered and out flanked by Wizengamot darling Hermione Granger. After the grousing, Romilda reassessed. This was the second time she'd gone up against Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. There wouldn't be a third. With a few twirls of her wand, she finished her packing and headed to the lifts with her belongings trailing behind her.

As the lift doors closed, Romilda tried to put a positive spin on things. When looked at in the right light, she could consider herself off to her next great adventure. She sighed. "As if."

/*/

Hermione arrived back in her office to find a folder from Wes Corwin laying on her desk. Ah! Fan mail from another wanker she thought as she glanced at the contents. What Hermione had thought would be a load of dribble turned out to be a well thought out plan. Wesley was on point. Summoning pen and paper, Hermione made copious notes. Contrary to what she believed, Wesley Corwin had a good head on his shoulders with a thought process much aligned with hers.

For the next hour, she added her thoughts to Wesley's and ended up with a firm plan in place as how their department would be run. When she finished, Hermione sent the document back to Wesley with glowing compliments.

Hermione was so pleased with the direction her new department was headed she still had a huge grin on her face when she looked up to find Ginny Weasley at her door.

"Ginny!" She exclaimed, coming around the desk to hug her friend. "It's been ages. How are you?"

Ginny was a bit embarrassed at turning up at Hermione's job without notice because she and Hermione had basically broken friendship after an argument about how she perceived Hermione treating her parents. "Hello Hermione. I was in the area shopping and thought I would stop by to give you a shout. I thought they were going to make me give blood before allowing me onto the Wizengamot floor. Since when hasn't wand identity been enough?"

Hermione kept the smile on her face, but mentally had to count to ten before replying. An out of sorts Ginny was not something she wanted to deal with at the moment. Truth be told, she would be fine if she never had to deal with her former friend at all when she was in a mood. In better times, Hermione would have asked after Molly and Arthur, but these weren't better times. When Hermione finally replied, it was with a bit of snap to her voice.

"Perhaps you haven't been to the Ministry in a while Gin and have forgotten that everyone is asked certain questions before being allowed on this level. Nothing has changed. Did you have a specific reason for stopping by?"

Ginny gave Hermione one of her looks which she ignored. Her friend was there because she wanted or needed something and didn't know how to go about it. No longer that witch who would stand by and let Ginny roll over her, Hermione decided to take the high road. In this case, the high road would be to let Ginny speak her piece without trying to coddle it out of her.

After several long seconds of silence and a bit of shifting in the chair, Ginny got to the purpose of her visit. "I heard you are going out with Draco Malfoy."

Hermione nodded, but prepared herself to give Ginny a telling off if she was there to disparage Draco. She wasn't. She was there to pry.

"That's interesting. I also heard he's the big time owner of the largest wizarding investment company in London. Must be nice."

Hermione held up a hand and asked if Ginny was there to find out about the life and times of Draco Malfoy because if she was, she'd do better going directly to Draco.

"No Hermione. What Draco Malfoy is or does has nothing to do with me. I'm here because Blaise Zabini has asked me out for Saturday. He mentioned it would be group date night out which included you, Draco, Theo Nott and his witch. Since you are now dating Draco who is a close mate to Blaise, I'm wondering if you know anything about Blaise. You know how he runs through witches like water through a sieve. I don't want to be another number in his books."

Hermione was surprised. The bold and often critical witch was sitting in front of her asking for information about a wizard. If she thought Blaise was out for knickers only, nothing was stopping her from declining the date. What ever happened to either saying yes or no? To be kind, Hermione gave the only answer she felt comfortable giving.

"Sorry Ginny. I don't know anything about Blaise's personal life other than he attended The Hogwarts party alone. One could surmise, if he had a passel of witches, he would have had one on his arm, but that's just my opinion. A good way to find out his intentions would be to have a conversation."

Ginny bristled and answered with a slight tone. "I realize that Hermione. However, I don't want to give Blaise the advantage. I like him but don't want him to know how much. It's a witch thing."

Hermione smiled, but got Ginny told at the same time. "A witch thing? Still playing those games then Ginny? If you like, I'll question Draco tonight about one of his best mates and send you an Owl with the results. Problem solved."

For several seconds, the two former best friends stared at each other. Then Ginny replied in a very pleasant manner. "You're right Hermione. I should have a conversation with Blaise. It won't be necessary for you to interrogate Draco. Sorry for interrupting your day. When I mentioned I would probably be seeing you, my mother and father asked me to give you their regards. Thanks for the conversation. I'll probably see you Saturday."

Ginny's comments about Molly and Arthur caught her off guard. The last she knew the senior Weasley's were complaining about her attitude towards them. Not to be outdone, Hermione sent her regards as Ginny was walking out the door. Ginny gave a wave and kept walking.

Hermione wondered how she had put up with an out of sorts Ginny for all those years.

/*/

Hermione finally got down to work but was interrupted again when Harry appeared at her door with a sheepish grin on his face.

Hermione sighed. It appeared as though she wouldn't get a bloody thing done. "What Harry? If you're here about Cormac, I've already spoken to him. We've agreed to give each other a wide berth."

Harry dropped down into a chair. "That's exactly what I'm here about. I was by a bit earlier but the lovely Ginevra Weasley was occupying this very chair so I decided I was needed elsewhere."

Hermione stared her best friend down. "So, the Head Auror is afraid of a witch? How reassuring."

"Don't be impudent Miss Granger. You know I'm not afraid of the arrogant Miss Weasley. It's just that I'd rather not be in the same room with her, or she with me. However, that's water under the dam. How did your meeting with Cormac go? Did he apologize?"

Hermione planted an arm on each side of the chair then looked Harry straight in the eyes. "If you can call it that. What he did was try to get me to admit I'd accused Romilda of drugging him. I told him in no uncertain terms I hadn't done anything of the sort. Then he went on to deflect by blaming everything on Romilda. Rather than go back and forth, I suggested that he and Romilda stay far away from me. Conversation over."

A now irritated Harry stood. McLaggen had been given choices and had chosen the softest option. Even with that, he couldn't hold up his end of the bargain. "I'm going to see that bloody sot right now. If he can't hold up his end, I won't hold up mine. His arse will be working the Ministry in Siberia before he can say Uncle Tiberius."

Hermione grabbed her wand to close the door. "Sit down Harry. This whole thing has gone far enough. I can't tell you how to do your job, but I can ask you not to draw this thing out. Give Cormac a telling off even threaten him, but let that be the extent. I don't think he'll be bothering or accosting me any time soon. As far as Romilda goes, she has not been in to apologize. You may do anything you like to the bint."

"Really? I may? For your information, there won't be any apologies from Romilda. Believe it or nor, she thought her best option was to post off the Wizengamot level. She has taken the only position available, Clerk in the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Centaur Office."

"Hahaha! The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Centaur Office. That overbearing witch has one foot out the door. Hahaha. One thing about that department. There aren't any wizards under the age of ninety. Romilda won't be able to find a next victim. This is better than any apology."

Harry sighed. "I'm glad you find it so funny."

"Hahaha. I find it extremely funny." Hermione replied still chuckling. "You have made my day Mr. Potter. Thank you."

"Glad I could make your day Miss Granger." He said as he opened the door. "I'm just so special. Have a good day."

Hermione continued to chuckle for several minutes after Harry left her office. Glancing at her Wonder Witch Watch, she realized wankers had taken up her entire morning. It was after 1:00. Time for lunch.

/*/

The staff was low key buzzing at Malfoy Investments. Low key because they knew how Draco Malfoy felt about gossip and buzzing because three Associates were being brought up to management level which was something that hadn't been done since George and Henry were brought up three years ago. Staff was very careful not to buzz in the vicinity of George or Henry because neither wizard would take kindly to being the butt of any conversation. Still, it looked to most of the staff that there was about to be some changes.

Draco was aware of the buzz but chose to ignore it as long as work was getting done. At his Friday afternoon meeting with his current top managers, Draco never mentioned the speculation going on. He did, however, surprise the three of them with an additional piece of business.

"Before we end this meeting, I have news of my own making which I will preface with a bit of information."

Both Henry and George squirmed a bit in his chair. Roscoe who hadn't been privy to the Wesley Corwin fiasco remained stoic waiting to hear what Draco had to say.

Is this where Draco chucks me out? Thought Henry.

News of his own making? Sounds ominous, thought George.

In the end, all they could do was sit and wait for Draco to share his thoughts.

Draco didn't fail them. He jumped right in. "In the last six months, Malfoy Investments has seen not only a nine per cent rise in the client base, but a twenty five per cent increase in profits, which, from the owner's standpoint, is fantastic. Needless to say, I'd like us to continue this same path and will do whatever it takes to make it so."

Shite, thought Henry now visibly squirming in the chair. This is where he tells us he's bringing in new blood to help forward the company.

George let his mind go blank, although unknowingly, he was thinking along the same lines as Henry.

Quickly glancing over at Roscoe, Draco could only admire his cool demeanor. He was excellent at his job and knew it. Additionally, he hadn't been in the Corwin fiasco. He was listening to his boss speak probably thinking same shite, different day. He was there to forward the company and make money for himself in the bargain. Period.

/*/

Although he did not acknowledge either George or Henry's discomfort, Draco was enjoying himself because what he was about to propose would set his men back on their heels. After clearing his throat, Draco got down to the good part.

"I'd like all three of you to know your hard work and keen eye for detail has not gone unnoticed. So, as I promote the three Associates up to management level, I will also be promoting my top three managers to Directors. With this rise in level, there will be an increase in responsibilities to go along with a rise in pay. I value my upper staff and have faith they will keep our momentum."

Directors!

Draco stood with with an outstretched hand. As Draco stood, so did the Henry, George and Roscoe. With extremely wide smiles, the three new Directors thanked Draco as they each took a turn shaking his hand.

"We will do you and Malfoy Investments proud Draco," offered Henry.

For once, Roscoe had been knocked off his game. Being promoted to Director hadn't even been on his radar. "Thank you boss. As Henry said, we will do you and the company proud."

Draco stepped back after shaking Roscoe's hand afraid his new Director was going to hug him.

George, who was overwhelmed had simply nodded as he shook Draco's hand.

With the handshaking out of the way, Draco scheduled an early Monday meeting with George, Henry and Roscoe to go over strategies which they in turn would share with the three incoming managers. "I really appreciate your hard word wizards. Train the new managers up well. I expect great things from them as well. Set the meeting with managers for 1:00. It's after 6:00. Take care of your loose ends and I'll see you Monday at 7:00 am."

The three wizards left the conference room jubilant and highly motivated.

/*/

Returning to his own office, Draco took a few minutes to reflect on the changes he'd just made. There would be a few more changes after his new Directors and managers settled into their positions as it was his intention to expand Malfoy Investments. Monday would be the first step.

After a bit of tidying up, Draco grabbed his outer coat and headed for the lifts thinking he might just apply for a floo connection between the office and Hermione's flat. For that matter, he might apply for one from his flat to hers as well.

Enough supposition, he thought as he pushed the lift button. It was time to go spend some quality time with his girls. In addition, with Sunday just around the corner, he would have to start practicing being pleasant as well.

Draco stepped off the lift with a chuckle on his lips. He was already pleasant.

/*/

Hermione had come through the door removing her clothing as she went. It had been a somewhat productive day at work. She was in a good mood. The Cormac and Romilda nonsense had been resolved, Wesley Corwin was looking like he would be a shining star and Ginny Weasley had come bearing regards from Arthur and Molly.

"I'm just such a popular witch." Hermione sang as she bent over to pat Blue who was circling her ankles. "Mum is going to take a quick shower because she wants to be smelling good for her…."

Blue had taken off.

"You little traitor." Hermione called out to Blue who was now pacing at the door. "Girl talk trumps Da any day of the week. You're supposed to know these things."

"Ah! What things? What did I miss? Did I interrupt a conversation between my favorite girls?" Asked Draco, pulling Hermione into his arms. "Hello love. May I have a kiss or two? It's been a long day."

Wrapping her arms around Draco's neck, Hermione gave him several kisses. "A long day, was it? I'll bet my day topped yours. I was on my way to shower, if you care to join me. After that, we will have the lovely fish and chips I picked up on the way home while I dazzle you with the happenings of my day."

Draco nuzzled Hermione's neck. "Fish and chips sound greasy but lovely, and I will definitely join you in the shower because as you know, I'm very good at washing backs"

Hermione gave him a soft cuff on the arm along with a teasing glare as she clarified things. "Let's be clear. You are good at washing my back."

"Yes love. I'm good at washing your back. Even though we are in an exclusive relationship, I should be more clear with my responses. Since you are near naked, and I'm becoming severely needy, shall we have our shower and see what comes up."

"Prat. You're just eager to get me in the bathroom to bend me over the tub." Hermione teased.

"You've found me out." Draco replied, throwing his arms wide. "If you'll unhand me, I'll step out of these clothes and into a steamy sex session which may or may not end up with you bent over the tub."

Grabbing Draco by the hand, Hermione had a few cheeky remarks for her wizard. "Well, come on then. I haven't been bent over a tub all day."

Instead of huffing as he normally would, Draco grinned. His witch was kidding. They were exclusive. No one would be bending her over a tub except him. All he said was cute Granger, cute.