Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 29: Resolutions
"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.
/************************************************************************
A/N: Finestra is a spell used in Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them.
Chapter 30: An Intense Friday
Blue didn't bother following her parents to the bathroom, because past performances told her they would close the door on her. Mewing softly, Blue made a couple of turns around her lovely, new bed then settled in to wait for the bits of treat she would receive when her mum and Da finally sat down to dinner.
Hermione and Draco enjoyed their time together in the shower and entered the kitchen ready to satisfy another kind of hunger.
"If you'll run a quick heating spell over the fish and chips, I'll make us a nice green salad. I'll be quick."
Draco gave Hermione a skeptical look. "A nice, green salad, is it? Even though I did just give you some of the best night time bathroom loving, I'm surprised you're in such a good mood. Have you forgotten it's Friday evening and you should be in your normal, surly mood?"
A mini tomato came flying at him, but with a quick stretch and twist of the hand, Draco caught it and popped it into his mouth. "Missed me."
A loud giggle escaped Hermione. "If I was you Mr. Malfoy, I wouldn't worry about your witch's surly attitude and concentrate on my own unpleasant manner. Have you been practicing your pleasantries? There'll be a test after dinner."
Draco loved it when they could tease and banter with each other. Until Hermione, he hadn't ever bothered to banter or tease with a witch. None of them had been important to him. Now that he was with Hermione, he knew how bad that sounded, but it was the truth. Those witches had been interchangeable. Unable to help himself, Draco snuck up behind Hermione and began kissing the back of her neck.
"I've studied up. I'm ready for any test you might wish to give. However, the caveat is I'll be giving you a test in return."
"Get off me wanker." Hermione joked, shunting Draco away with her hip which caused him to grab her around the waist.
"Give me three kisses then I'll heat up the dinner. No kisses, no dinner."
Laying her wand down on the counter, Hermione turned and kissed Draco on each eye and the nose. "Happy now? Get to heating."
"That was a cruel trick. I meant substantial kisses on my lips."
"Oh well. Next time be more specific. However, since you are my exclusive wizard, I'll put you on my card for later."
Draco grinned as he summoned his wand. "I'm marking your words. From now on, I'll be exceptionally specific when it comes to your lips."
Giving Draco a hard pinch on the arm, Hermione told him to save the nonsense for later because she was hungry.
Blue took that moment to let out a soft meow.
"Let me rephrase." She said, giving Blue a quick rub. "Stop with the nonsense because Blue and I are hungry. I am now going to wash my hands. If our dinner is not hot and on the table by the time I'm through, you will be off my card for the night, if you take my meaning."
Twisting his wand, Draco had hot fish and chips on the table before Hermione could turn off the faucet. "Was that fast enough for you?" He asked, giving his wand a flick to move the salad from the counter to the table.
"Yes. That was quite fast. I see your plate. I see my plate. We are missing one. You know good and well your daughter feels left out if she doesn't get her portion."
Blue let out two meows in quick succession.
"See what I mean. That was her feeling left out meow."
Rolling his eyes at Hermione, Draco gave an arbitrary retort. "When have I ever left Blue out of anything? She is usually busy eating her own food during our dinner." He remarked, using his wand to move a piece of fish to Blue's dish.
Hermione smiled at Draco. "Careful there Draco. You almost let your pleasant demeanor slip. I wouldn't want you backsliding in that area. Laurie along with her fruit fool would turn tail and run."
Draco lifted his fork to his mouth and remained silent until his mouth was clear. "For someone who is starving and needed the food heated up before she finished washing her hands, I don't see you making any effort to put it in your mouth."
Hermione put some fish in her mouth and all the while she was chewing she was giving Draco the direct stare. When her mouth was clear, she took a sip of wine, leaned back in her chair and pointed her finger. "You're lucky it's Friday, I'm in a good mood and I love you or you'd be picking wand splinters out of that unpleasant arse. Now eat up before I forget everything I just said and Sectumsempra your arse for fun."
"Will do darling, but I'll tell you the truth. I meant none of what I said. I was simply missing your Friday surliness. I knew with a bit of prodding it would show itself. And, I love you too. This salad is delicious. Would you like me to serve you up a bit more?"
"I accept your apology Draco." She said, rising from the table. "Since you are last at the table, please clear away and clean Blue's dish. Although the fish and chips was very tasty, the lingering odors can be foul. I'll set up the board. I'd like a few games of wizards chess."
"Will do love. However, just so you know. That wasn't an apology. They were a few simple sentences strung together to get me back into your good graces."
"Keep it up Malfoy and you will be dealing with the surly Hermione Granger." She called from the bedroom.
Speaking very softly, Draco told Blue that her mum was not a nice witch, but his sharp eared witch asked if he had said something else she could notate in her little, black book.
"Nope. I didn't say a thing. Anyway you don't have a little, black book."
"Yes, I do," cheeked Hermione. It's little and black."
Grinning, Draco picked up Blue and carried her into the living room. "Time for some chess love."
Blue simply purred as she rubbed her head against her Da's arm.
/*/
Draco and Hermione played four games which ended up in a draw. With a few swish and flicks, Hermione sent the board back to the study to await the next time she and Draco felt like a game. Plopping down on the couch beside Draco, Hermione asked if he wanted to hear something funny.
"I do if I'm not the butt of the joke." He replied cautiously.
Hermione ignored Draco's smart arsed remark talking over him. "Harry made Cormac apologize to me."
"He didn't. Never mind. It's Potter we're talking about. Of course he made McLaggen apologize. Was it at the point of his wand?"
Draco was being obnoxious so Hermione clamped her mouth shut determined not to share shite.
Draco realized he'd made one too many smart remarks and sought to rectify his faux pas by taking Hermione in his arms. "Come on love. I was having a little joke. I want to hear all about your day."
"Good, because you are going to hear it anyway. In addition, you should refrain from insulting your newest mate. I don't think he'd like it."
After running his hand up and down Hermione's arm, Draco leaned over to kiss her on the shoulder. "Alright love, I'm listening. Share your day."
Hermione let out a loud sigh. Her exclusive wizard could be such a prat at times.
With a glass of wine in her hand and head resting on Draco's shoulder, Hermione began her narrative. Draco sat there nodding and listening intently only interrupting to ask if Cormac knew the meaning of wide berth and if Corwin was now in her good books. Hermione answered both questions without missing a beat. She also shared her interaction with Ginny.
At the end of the recitation, Draco refilled Hermione's glass and began running his fingers through her hair. "You did have an interesting day. I'll commend you again on having the foresight to cull your memories. A lesser witch wouldn't have thought along those lines. May I assume this is the last of it concerning McLaggen and Romilda? As far as Ginny goes, if she annoys you, keep away. You are making friends left and right. You don't need her."
A smiling Hermione turned her head to kiss Draco and murmur how much she loved him playing in her hair before assuring him it was the end of all the Cormac, Romilda and Ginny nonsense.
Draco spoiled the moment by asking if she meant just the hair on her head or any hair which caused Hermione to give him a hard cuff to his arm.
"Mmm." He said, nuzzling Hermione's neck. "I love it when you touch me."
Pushing Draco away, Hermione got up off the couch. "You're a git. I'll be in the study. I have a few new books I'd like to look over."
Draco got up to follow Hermione just to aggravate her arse, but she stopped him cold. "Do not follow me. I'm going to read. I want to stay on top of current affairs."
Stopping dead in his tracks, Draco gave a smart reply. "And I want to stay on top of you."
Hermione knew Draco was trying to distract her, but let out a giggle at his rubbish comment as she headed to the study. "You're a prat. Didn't you mention stopping by Blaise's flat? Go visit your mate. Blue will keep me company."
Blue heard her name and sauntered past Draco to follow her mum into the study.
Draco gave Blue a version of the Da fish eyes before responding to Hermione. "Okay love. For now, I'll be a prat. However, as I've told Blue on numerous occasions, you'll be shouting this prat's name before the night is over. You might want to read quickly because I won't be gone very long. When I return, I expect some attention."
"Sounds fair. If you're good, maybe I'll let you touch hair somewhere on my body other than my head."
Draco was grinning as he headed to the bathroom. While he was having his pee, he remembered wanting to set up floo connections. Standing at the door to the study, he tried to explain his thoughts about setting up floos between his flat and hers as well as between her flat and Malfoy Investments, but Hermione wasn't having it.
"Sounds good. Now go away Malfoy. I'm reading."
"You're welcome. I'll always take care of your irritable arse." He replied in the softest whisper. At the door, he called out. "I'll see you in a bit."
No answer.
Closing the door behind him, Draco promised to teach Hermione some respect when he returned. "I'll bend her so far over the tub she won't be able to get up." As he turned into Apparition, Draco acknowledged that he did talk a lot of bullshite.
/*/
Even though Draco had mentioned stopping by the flat after work, Blaise was surprised when he answered the knock on his door to find his mate standing there grinning.
"Well now. Is this Mr. Draco Malfoy in the flesh? I thought your message was just some throwaway drivel. Nice to see you Draco. Come in." He said, extending his hand.
"I'm a wizard of my word. How is everything?"
"Everything is fair to middling mate. Fair to middling. "Have a seat." Blaise said as he directed brandy and two glasses to land in front of Draco.
"How was Tuscany? I hope Leanna is well. Did you get everything sorted?"
"My mother is fine. Everything in Tuscany is closed up tight. Mother is now in France with Luc. Picture that."
Draco had known Blaise for a very long time. He knew about Leanna's proclivity for finding and discarding wizards which he would never mention. He also knew about her tenuous relationship with her brother Luc. "That will be a short visit."
Blaise grinned at his mate. "Right in one. I expect an Owl by Saturday telling me she's back in Tuscany." Blaise didn't elaborate because it was his mother's private business, but should she return to Tuscany, it would probably be with a wizard in tow.
Draco held up his glass in a salute. "To good sons everywhere."
Blaise held his glass up as well. After a few seconds of silence, Blaise mentioned that Theo would be stopping by. "I think he's coming to school me on the ways to act in front of his option."
"His option? What does that mean?" Questioned Draco.
"Perhaps I should frame it differently. I'm speaking about the witch he is currently dating. I believe her name is Jessica."
The new Draco felt himself getting irritated. He'd have a few choice words for anyone who dared call Hermione his option. A quick smile passed over Draco's face because he knew his witch would have her own choice words if she heard someone call her an option. "Calling a witch out of her name isn't very wizardly. I'm more than sure you wouldn't want Theo to hear you speaking about Jessie in that manner. From what I've seen, she is a lovely witch who is as interested in Theo as he is in her. I certainly wouldn't call her option if you plan to have a peaceful date night."
"For fucks sake Draco. It's just you and me here. I wouldn't ever say something so foul in front of anyone else."
"That's fine mate, but it makes me wonder if you call Hermione out of her name when you're speaking to others. I'll tell you in front. Hermione is my witch whom I respect and I'd be very put out to find that is the case. Please call a witch by her correct name and there won't be any reason for us to speak about this again."
Blaise was annoyed with his mate but more annoyed with himself. He had called himself being sarcastic but it hadn't turned out well. Suddenly serious, Blaise apologized.
"You're right mate. It wasn't very wizardly of me. I think the great Blaise Zabini is a bit jealous that you and Theo have found partners while I'm still banging about solo, but that's neither here nor there. I shouldn't have commented in that manner."
Draco wasn't there to cast aspersions on his mate. After all, before he got with Hermione, he wasn't much better. True, he didn't speak disparagingly of any witch out loud but he'd had a great many scurrilous thoughts after seeing them to the door. "It's said and done Blaise. Let's leave it there. Have you decided? Will you be spending Saturday out with Theo and I?"
"I..."
Whatever Blaise was ready to say had to wait. Someone was at the door. Draco remembered Theo was supposed to stop by. It would be wizard time without having been planned, so Draco was surprised to see Blaise come back into the room followed by the female Ginger. The way Ginny stopped in her tracks made him realize she didn't expect to see him there either. Draco noticed Blaise had a bridge of pink running across his nose. Perhaps he hadn't expected his mate to still be there when Ginny arrived. Finishing his drink and setting the glass on the table, Draco stood.
"Hello Ginny. How are you?"
"I'm fine thanks."
"I'm going to get back to the flat Blaise. I'll speak to you tomorrow. Goodnight Ginny."
Outside Blaise's flat, Draco smiled as he turned into Apparition wondering if Blaise addressed Ginny Weasley as option.
/*/
Ginny had popped up without notice, but Blaise wasn't complaining. He wanted to have a conversation which would lead to him having a partner for date night or being hexed. Blaise was hoping for the former. The conversation started off well enough, but turned into something else when Ginny began making off the cuff remarks about Draco and Hermione and inquiring about their business. Blaise tried to turn the conversation back to himself, but Ginny wanted information. Blaise wasn't having it and lashed out.
"Have you shown up at my door to find out about Draco and Hermione's relationship, or are you here to discuss my invitation? If you're here to elicit information, you're out of luck. The person you should be asking has just left the flat."
Ginny huffed out an answer which didn't sit well with Blaise who was looking for a date not a confrontation. Convinced this was a mistake, Blaise tried to extricate himself from the situation.
"We've done nothing but go back and forth almost from the minute you walked through the door Ginny. Why are you here?"
Realizing she had upset Blaise, Ginny replied in a reasonable tone. "You sent me an invitation Blaise. I'm here to accept."
"While true I did extend an invitation for you to accompany me out Saturday night, I didn't expect to have to fight for the privilege. Perhaps we can try at another time. If you've finished your drink, I'll ask you to excuse me. I have a few things I need to see to."
Ginny stood but kept talking. "I do want to be your date Blaise, but if a few simple inquiries have put you out of sorts, maybe I'll take a pass. Your loss. Next time I'll Owl before I turn up. Perhaps you'll be in a better mood. Goodnight."
Watching as the door closed behind Ginny, Blaise ran both hands through his hair wondering how a simple visit had gone so wrong. He was clear on one thing. He'd be attending date night solo.
/*/
Draco was still smiling as he landed at Hermione's door, but hurried inside when he heard Blue yowling and sounding as though she was running up and down the floor.
"What the bloody hell is going on here Blue? Where's mum?"
Blue yowled louder.
Setting the kneazle down on the couch, he called out for Hermione as he walked towards the study. "What's going….?"
The study was empty. Draco headed to the bedroom which was empty as well. "What the fuck? Where the fuck?" He muttered as he checked both bathrooms. "HERMIONE! Enough. Are you alright?"
He headed back to the study knowing she wasn't in there, but wanting to double check anyway. No Hermione, but there was a note.
At St Mungo's. Book.
"At St Mungo's. Book?"
Draco's heart was pounding. Hermione was a menace with a wand. It had to be something dire for her to need help. Without a second thought, Draco strode to the door waving his wand shouting St Mungo's. His witch was in distress and he had to find out why. Although he was worried about Hermione, Draco was annoyed to see Harry Potter coming down the hall. Hermione had Owled Harry instead of him.
Harry immediately realized what Draco must be thinking and hastily explained that Hannah was a healer and had Owled him when Hermione turned up.
Draco relaxed a bit. His stubborn witch hadn't Owled anyone. "Is she alright? Where have they taken her?" Asked Draco, continuing down the hall.
"She's alright Draco. The healers have seen to her. I believe she is chatting with Hannah. Down the end of the hall, first right then first left. Tell her to Owl me if she needs anything."
Draco didn't bother answering Harry. If his witch needed something, he'd see to it. Turning right then left, Draco let out a sigh of relief to see Hermione all in one piece talking to Hannah.
"Hello love. I see you got my note. Nothing serious. I panicked over nothing. You remember Hannah. She fixed me up."
Draco nodded at Hannah. "Hello Hannah. How are you?"
Hannah nodded as she excused herself.
Draco pulled Hermione into his arms and kissed her forehead. "Tell me what happened Hermione. Blue is at the flat having a muggle meltdown."
Hermione was walking and talking. "I'll tell you what happened when we get back to the flat. I must have frightened our daughter out of her skin. I'm not up to side Apparition. I'll see you there."
Sighing, Draco turned into Apparition right behind Hermione.
/*/
Even though it was only seconds between her landing and his, Draco opened the door to a scene of madness. Blue, who had been skittering up and down the hall trying to evade Hermione ran straight up his leg.
"Ow Blue. Watch those claws love. Go to to your bed while I speak to mum who is suddenly in distress."
It was true. Hermione had remained stoic while at St Mungo's was now standing in one spot trembling. Draco gently wrapped his arms around Hermione murmuring words of comfort. When the first bit of stray tears rolled down her face, he sat her on the couch before using his wand to start tea. Draco was now concerned. Before this, he had thought it was something strange but benign. However, seeing the tears trickling down Hermione's face, he knew it was much more serious. Summoning the tea, Draco handed Hermione a cup watching as she took several sips.
Setting her cup down on the table, Hermione turned to Draco. "I'm such an arse. I nearly killed myself and Blue."
"Killed yourself? Killed yourself? You were reading when I left. How does reading equate to nearly killing yourself?"
Hermione sighed. "Please give me a minute Draco. I'm sitting here embarrassed as all hell. Please let me get my thoughts together."
Draco leaned back against the couch and crossed his legs. "Sorry if it seems as though I'm being pushy. I'm just concerned that my highly accomplished witch found a way to injure herself while reading."
Reaching over, Hermione gave Draco's hand a pat. "I know love. I know. The truth of the matter is one of the new books I mentioned to you earlier is a very old book containing many interesting spells I'd never seen before and felt I could master. I tried several spells that turned out fine. It was the last that nearly killed Blue and I. We're lucky she frightens easily and is so fast. She probably won't come near me for days."
Not wanting to make another remark which would antagonize Hermione, Draco waited for her to get back on the subject.
Realizing she had digressed, Hermione continued. "I tried a spell named *Finestra which is meant to disintegrate glass when used correctly. The easy part was calling the spell. It was my wand work that was faulty. Instead of disintegrating the drinking glass in front of me, I managed to invent a spell which pierced my body with shards of glass. I was very lucky none of the shards pierced my eyes. As I said, faulty wand movements."
Draco sat up bolt straight. "Are you sitting there telling….?"
"Please love. I've already chastised myself. I could have killed myself and Blue. I know that. You do have to give me credit for immediately Apparating to St Mungo's. Although, I must have looked like an arsehole to the healers running into the hospital with bloody shards of glass sticking out of everywhere. It took several castings to remove all the glass, but Hannah got it done. After a healing spell and a drink of pain potion, I was back to new."
Draco was astounded. As brilliant as she was, Hermione had broken a cardinal rule of magic. Never attempt an unknown spell alone. Always have a partner. Although he had a great deal to say on the matter, it could wait. He wanted to clean up any remaining glass and make sure it was safe for Blue's paws.
"I'm going to check the study. We wouldn't want Blue to hurt herself on glass slivers. Be back in a minute."
Letting out a loud sigh, Hermione got up from the couch and followed Draco into the study throwing her arms around him from the back as he used his wand to clear away the remaining glass slivers. "Please don't be angry love. I made a mistake I will not make again. You can rest assured Harry has already taken me over the coals. I'll be more careful. I promise."
A still aggravated Draco gave a curt reply. "Well. As long as Harry has voiced his displeasure, I'm sure nothing like this will happen again. I just feel it shouldn't have happened at all. The next time you want to try some unheard of spell, let me know. I'll be there with you. That's all I'll say about that."
Hermione walked around Draco and stood face to face. "Thank you for not belaboring the point Draco. I have honestly learned a lesson. This probably isn't the best time to mention it, but you must see some of the spells in this book. They are fantastic. I wonder why they weren't taught to us at Hogwarts."
Draco replied to Hermione's last statement without a thought. "My guess is they didn't want an entire class picking glass shards out of their arses."
Hermione laughed. "Yes, there's that." Then she whispered, "Since you've been so good about this entire thing, after we tend to Blue, I'm going to let you touch all my hair."
Draco smiled down at Hermione. His witch was a handful, but everything had turned out alright so he wasn't going to stress. Besides, he had been invited to touch all her hair not just the hair on her head. "Alright love. Let's go get our daughter sorted so I can get you sorted. If you'd like, while I'm touching hair I can also check for glass shards."
Grabbing Draco by the hand, Hermione told him to be careful his mouth didn't get him in trouble to which he softly replied. "Too late. This mouth is looking for trouble. Perhaps I'll find some while searching for shards."