Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 30: An Intense Friday
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."
/************************************************************************
Chapter 31: Friendships And More
Exploring hair and looking for trouble would have to wait for a bit. They still needed to see to Blue who remained skittish for the next few minutes keeping her distance from Hermione while Draco checked her over for shards. Finding several tiny slivers of glass entangled in Blue's hair, Draco conjured a brush with fine bristles to brush her fur. Hermione was beside herself as she realized how close Blue had come to danger. She could have cut her tongue badly if she had licked the fine glass shards. Even worse, she could have transferred glass from her fur to her eyes. Trembling, Hermione quietly asked Draco to let her clean Blue's fur softly apologizing to her daughter as she reached over. When she had Blue in her lap, Hermione murmured words of love and caring which relaxed the kneazle.
Draco watched as his distressed witch went over every last inch of fur. After twenty minutes, he reached over to take the brush from Hermione. "You've done it love. Blue's fur looks clear. If you continue brushing, she'll be bald and we'll have to purchase a kneazle coat from Laurie."
Hermione gave Draco a half hearted smile. "I almost killed our daughter."
Sidling closer to Hermione and Blue, Draco cupped her chin in one hand as he laid the other on Blue's back. "Perhaps, but everything is back to right. Our daughter is fine. You're fine, and Potter will be at our door within the hour to throw his weight around."
Hermione grinned at Draco as she leaned in to kiss the hand that was cupping her chin. "Stop being such a prat. Harry has his own business to attend to. If anyone shows up at the door, it will be Hannah checking to see if I've done another foolish thing."
"Yes, you're probably right." Draco drawled, waving his wand to reheat the tea. "Potter witch is probably just as nosy as Potter."
Snuggling up to her wizard, Hermione remarked that he was just jealous she had friends who looked out for her well being. She was about to offer another smart remark when Blue jumped up off the couch and ran to the door.
"No bloody way," gasped Hermione.
"Yes way," answered Draco. "Ten galleons says it's Potter at the door. Do we have a bet?"
"Just answer the door git."
Happy she hadn't bet, all Hermione could do was grin when Harry followed by Hannah stepped through the door.
Draco gave Hermione a severe stink eye before greeting Harry and Hannah and welcoming them to the flat. Blue was very pleased to see Harry again, but seemed to be reserving judgment on Hannah.
"Harry. Hannah. Come on through. Have you come to see if I haven't blown myself up?"
Hannah blushed, but Harry who was used to Hermione's nonsense smiled. "That's part of it. I'd also like to find out about this dangerous, unknown spell. Can't have my second best witch casting spells that will make me have to arrest her."
Hermione laughed out loud. "What have I told you Harry? If you come for me, you'd better bring your team. Come on in and have a seat Hannah. You must have just gotten off shift. If you haven't eaten, we have fish and chips and a green salad."
"Perfect," interjected Harry. "Hannah and I will have it all. Right love?"
Draco who had picked Blue up spoke to his daughter. "Of course he'll have some of all. Aurors who don't make a decent wage are notorious for taking food wherever they can get it."
Although she was enjoying the camaraderie, Hannah spoke up in defense of her wizard lending a bit more humor to the conversation. "Watch yourself Mr. Malfoy. My wizard makes more than a decent wage and I have the extra knickers to prove it. In addition, even though he is a greedy blighter, I supply him with three meals and a dessert every day."
Draco was outdone. While he stood there with his mouth hanging open, Hermione was laughing her arse off even as a dumbfounded Harry turned a lovely shade of crimson.
"Well thank you Hannah. That's me being told off. I'll let Harry's second best witch fix your plates while I go to the men's to work off this bit of embarrassment. Be back in a minute."
Hermione who couldn't stop laughing took Hannah by the arm and led her to the kitchen whispering a well done on the way.
/*/
When the four friends were settled in the living room with drinks in front of them, Hermione and Hannah discussed what each would be wearing for date night while Harry cheeked to Draco about there only being a date night if Hermione didn't invent another spell that would burn her face off. Harry and Draco thought they were being quite clever. Hermione and Hannah thought they were being arses.
"Alright Potter," remarked Hannah, getting to her feet. "We've heard enough rubbish from you. I've been on my feet all day. I'm tired. Let's leave Hermione and Draco to themselves."
"Yes Potter. Go home and take you thrashing like a wizard." Mimicked Draco, quickly moving away from Hermione's pinching fingers.
Harry stood. "We're leaving Malfoy, but if I were you, I'd keep my mind off Potter's thrashing and worry about my own arse. Goodnight Hermione. Goodnight Blue. Thank you for your hospitality. We'll see you tomorrow."
Giving Hermione a wink, Hannah offered her goodnight as well.
Blue let off three soft, musical meows as if confirming all that had been said.
Everyone smiled. It seemed as though they were destined to become good friends.
/*/
Jessie felt a bit nervous as she finished packing her weekend bag. Even though Theo had sent the portkeys and extended an open invitation for her to visit him, she hadn't heard anything from him since Thursday morning when he left her flat to go back to London. She had put her trust in Theo but wasn't ready to be the interloper who showed up unannounced to find herself in a predicament. With a heavy sigh, Jessie pulled herself up to her full 5'5" height and chastised herself. Theo hadn't given her any reason to doubt him so she would take him at his word. With one last sigh, she picked up two of the brochure/portkeys putting one in her purse and activating the other. For good or bad, she was on her way to Theo Nott's flat in West London.
/*/
Theo was silently ranting to himself as he followed his git client from room to room. He hadn't Owled Jess because he thought this sale was one and done. Now this fucktard was waffling asking the same things he had asked an hour earlier. Theo was ready to kick the git up the arse and leave him lying there on the floor. However, he was a professional and couldn't do that. Instead, he suggested the client take the weekend to think it over and get back to him on Monday. Unfortunately, it wasn't going to be that easy.
After giving Theo a hard stare, the client inquired if he was keeping him from something. It took every ounce of control Theo could muster to keep from hexing the arse off the bloke.
"No Lionel. You aren't keeping me from anything. It just seems you aren't as sure about the property as you were two hours ago. I want to give you time to think it over."
Lionel nodded before turning away. "I do like the property Theo, however, I'm not a wizard who jumps into a transaction as large as this without serious thought. Perhaps I will take the weekend to think it over. How about I bring my wife around on Monday so she and I can explore the property together? A happy wife means a happy life."
Theo was livid. The bloody fuck could have said this an hour ago. "Alright Lionel. That's what we'll do. Is Monday at 11:30 acceptable to you?"
"Monday at 11:30 is fine. My wife and I will meet you here. Thank you for your time Theo. I'm ninety nine per cent sure we'll take the property, but Monday will tell the tale."
After shaking hands, the two wizards went their separate ways. Lionel off to Merlin knows where and Theo back to the office to write up the notes he should have written up two hours ago. Cursing and growling, Theo took five minutes to Owl Jess to let her know he would be along shortly with dinner and she should make herself comfortable.
/*/
Jessie had just stepped into Theo's flat and was getting herself acclimated when an Owl began banging against the window. Initially hesitating about whether or not to accept the Owl, Jessie let go of her trepidation and opened the window. The owl didn't give a hoot who accepted the message. As soon as the message was retrieved, it flew away without a look back.
Jessie was in the middle of a huff at the boldness of the owl when she noticed that the message was addressed to her. Setting her bag down on the couch, she opened and read the short note. Theo was running late. She should make herself at home and he would be there shortly with dinner. If she'd had any doubts about her London lad, they all evaporated with a few short sentences. She had the run of the flat and he would be right along. Grabbing her bag, Jessie headed to the bedroom to unpack and change into something more, something more enticing.
/*/
Jessie had her feet up and was totally relaxed when Theo landed in the flat. With arms open wide, he strode across the room to greet his Wales Witch.
"Hello love. I apologize for not being here to greet you but my dolt of a client…. Never mind that. You're here. I'm here. Let's get our weekend started." Handing Jess a large sack, Theo remarked he had taken it upon himself to order Beef Wellington adding it wasn't very original but he had after dinner plans for them.
"Beef Wellington sounds fine Theo. I'm just chuffed to be having it with you."
"Excellent, because I'm more than happy you are here to share dinner with me. Set us up. I'll be right out." Theo called out over the sound of the shower.
Ten minutes later, a slightly damp but grinning Theo entered the living room grabbing Jess up. "Come on Wales Witch. It's dinner then a visit to see one of my best mates. I want to show you off. Of course I'll expect you to change into something less revealing. I want to show you off not lose you to one of those trifling London lads."
Jessie giggled as she brought her fork to her mouth and spoke words that warmed Theo to the bottom of his heart. "Ha! Best mate or not, I have the London lad I want. There'll be no tearing me away from you."
With head bowed over his plate, the normally stoic Theo Nott softly remarked. "I know that. I was just making a rubbish joke."
"Good. Let's finish up and go visit this best mate and get back because I have some lovely knickers I'd like to show you."
Theo nearly choked on the food in his mouth. Jessie had made a decision without even knowing it. A visit to Blaise Zabini would have to wait. He had some lovely knickers to look over. As far as he was concerned, knickers over wizards was a no brainer. Gazing at Jess, Theo shared his reassessment with a wide smile plastered on his face. "You're words have led my thoughts in another direction entirely. I can show you off any time. Right now, I'm more interested in what we can get up to after I've removed the lovely knickers you plan to show me."
Jessie blushed magenta. She had made a bold statement and changed the course of the evening.
Theo laughed out loud as he reached over to grab Jessie's hand. "Although that shade of red becomes you Jess, there's no sense blushing now. You've put it out there. You simply can't wait to get the boxers off me or something along those lines. Let me just say, I concur. In fact, I've had enough Beef Wellington. I'm more than ready to engage in a bit of strip off. I'll clear up in here. Why don't you go get ready?"
With the blush still running across her cheeks, Jessie headed towards the bedroom stopping halfway across the room to let out a loud giggle when Theo cheekily added he was having second thoughts about looking because he was more in the mood for doing.
Jessie hurried to the bedroom divesting herself of every stitch of clothing along the way. Theo wasn't the only one in the mood for doing.
/*/
It was fairly late, but Hermione and Draco hadn't made it up off the couch. Sitting snuggled against Draco, Hermione let out a soft giggle.
"What?" Asked Draco.
Now into a fit of giggles, Hermione had to catch her breath before answering. "Hahaha. We'll have a date night as long as I don't invent another bloody spell that will burn my face off."
Draco didn't know whether to be astounded or angry. Perhaps he had laughed right along with Harry but it really wasn't that funny. His headstrong witch had once again proven that acting without thinking had almost caused a serious problem. However, it was over and done so he didn't intend to keep harping on it. Still, he had a few remarks he needed to get out. Turning so he was facing Hermione, he softly remarked that she had frightened him and Blue half to death.
Wrapping her arms around Draco, Hermione immediately sobered. "I frightened us all half to death, but we made it through. Look on the bright side love. You won't have to attend date night with a witch with a burned off face."
Before Draco could belabor the point, Hermione straddled herself across his lap and gave him a searing kiss. Never one to refuse his witch's advances, Draco returned the kiss with vigor.
"Well done Miss Granger. Burned off faces are now the furthest thing from my mind. What is on my mind is how long a day this has been and how fast I can get you to our bed."
"You're right love. It has been a long day. Say goodnight to your daughter and let's go to bed."
Lifting Hermione off his lap, Draco said a quick goodnight to Blue before hurrying Hermione towards the other end of the flat cheekily remarking she should stop dragging her feet.
Hermione chuckled at Draco's nonsense.
/**/
Saturday morning, Blaise was up the earliest he'd been since the days at Hogwarts when breakfast was served at the crack of dawn. There were things that needed to be done. It was his intention to visit the men's shops in Diagon Alley and perhaps the shops in muggle London as well. If he was going to turn up to date night without a date, he planned to be the best dressed wizard at the table in case some fit witch appeared looking for an immaculate wizard.
By the time he had finished his bit of breakfast and morning routine, it was a very respectable 10:00 am. Feeling as though he might also stop by Magical Barbering for a hair trim and a shave, Blaise hurried outside to Apparate to Diagon Alley wanting to be at the top of the barber's line.
Blaise was finicky as well as fastidious about his appearance, so his head was basically on a swivel as he made sure the barber didn't take too much of his curly hair from the top or sides. If the barber didn't know Blaise's peculiarities as well as he did, he'd be aggravated with all the client's movement. However, Mr. Zabini tipped extremely well so it wasn't hard to overlook in him what the barber wouldn't tolerate from others.
"Have a look Mr. Zabini." The barber suggested using his wand to guide a mirror around Blaise's Head so he could view the finished product. It was the same thing anytime Blaise came to the shop. A little off the sides. Very little off the top then the permanent curling charm to keep the reddish brown hair looking fresh.
Lifting his head and turning from side to side, Blaise gave the barber a firm well done. "Perfect as always Peter."
"Thank you sir." Peter replied, placing a towel around Blaise's neck before gently guiding him back in the chair. "One close shave coming up."
Peter worked in silence knowing Blaise Zabini really wasn't a wizard for small talk so it came as a surprise when his customer asked what he knew about mobile phones. Peter was pleased because he did in fact know a bit about the gadgets having heard about them from a few of the young, entrepreneurial wizards who used his services every Friday evening.
"It would seem they are the up and coming thing Mr. Zabini. A few wizards and witches have signed onto a new program to test the device. I've been told Ministry people have had mobiles for the past six-seven months. The devices are quite strange looking if you ask me. What's even stranger is to see someone talking into the strange, rectangular box. However, as I say, mobiles are an up and coming thing. If you are interested, may I suggest you get in touch with Mr. Zacharias Smith. His premises are located at 10 Diagon Place right next to the newly opened men's shop. Tell him you received your information from Peter the Barber. A little goodwill can't hurt."
Bringing the chair to the upright position, Peter watched as Blaise inspected his face.
"Another well done job Peter." Blaise remarked, pulling out his money bag. "Today you deserve a very ample tip. Not only have you done a bang up job on my person, you've shared some very interesting news as well. I appreciate both. I'll be down that end of Diagon Alley. I just might look in on Zacharias Smith. Thank you Peter. I'll see you next Saturday. Maybe not this early, but I will see you."
"You're welcome Mr. Zabini. Good luck with the mobile thing. I'll see you next week."
/*/
Blaise had heard about mobiles in passing, but hadn't seen one. However, he considered himself something of a progressive wizard who liked to keep up with what was going on in the wizarding world. Mobiles seemed like something he should know about. He would be in the vicinity of 10 Diagon Place. It wouldn't hurt anything if he stopped in to have a chat with Zacharias Smith.
/*/
Ten minutes later, Blaise was at 10 Diagon Place gazing at the doors of a small business marked, Magical Mobiles Unlimited, Z. Smith, Proprietor. He opened the door and stepped inside to find a somewhat noisy, bustling office staffed with four wizards and a fit looking brunette witch. They all looked to be about two or three years younger than himself.
A blonde wizard approached him with hand extended.
"Hello. I'm Zacharias Smith. May I help you?"
"Good afternoon Zacharias. I'm Blaise Zabini. I'm here because I'm interested in learning about mobile devices. Peter from Magical Barbering suggested I stop in."
Zacharias recognized Blaise Zabini from Hogwarts. One of those smarmy Slytherins. However, that was then this was now. Smarmy Slytherins were old news. He was trying to get a fledgling business up and running. He'd take any customer he could get.
"Excellent Mr. Zabini. Good man that Peter. Gives a bang up haircut. Why don't you come on through to my office where I'll show you something you didn't know you needed."
Blaise smiled as he followed the energetic wizard through a set of doors. Zacharias Smith was a bit pushy but seemed friendly enough. "Right behind you Mr. Smith. I'm eager to see this thing I didn't know I needed."
/*/
Inviting Blaise to have a seat, Zacharias immediately went into a spiel explaining the perks and benefits of having a mobile phone handing Blaise several sheets of parchment with photos and drawings of the device itself.
While Blaise studied the photos, drawings and explanations, Zacharias stepped away to get the real thing, a working mobile. Zacharias returned with the mobile and the fit brunette whom he introduced as Bonita Capshaw his Director of Sales who would show Blaise everything.
Everything? How fortuitous thought Blaise as he stood to greet Bonita. I might buy two of whatever she is selling. "Good morning Miss Capshaw. Is it down to you to show me this thing I didn't know I needed?"
Turning the brightest pair of green eyes on Blaise he'd ever seen, Bonita smiled, giving a pat response. "Yes Mr. Zabini. I'm the witch who will demonstrate the mobile, and as Zacharias is fond of saying, the thing you didn't know you needed. Shall we get down to business?"
For the next hour, Bonita demonstrated every aspect of the mobile device. At the end of the hour, Blaise Zabini owned a mobile phone, a mobile phone case and a directory of mobile phone owners. He also had a date with Bonita for Sunday afternoon to go out for coffee.
/*/
After leaving Magical Mobiles Unlimited, Blaise did stop by the newly opened men's shop at 12 Diagon Place where he made a several purchases. However, instead of thinking to be the best dressed wizard at the Saturday date night table. He was thinking about being the best dressed wizard at the Sunday afternoon coffee table. At the moment, one table was much more interesting than the other.