Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 31: Friendships And More

"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.

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

Chap 32: Saturday Afternoon In Diagon Alley

Saturday morning as they ate breakfast, Draco explained what he would like to see done regarding floo connections. "Well. What do you think love? Are you willing for me to have twenty four seven access to your flat?"

Between bites of toast and sips of juice, Hermione gave a firm nod. "That would be fantastic Draco. The way you'd have access to casa Granger on a twenty four seven basis Blue and I would have the same for casa Malfoy. She and I could step through any time we liked to check if you are entertaining strange witches."

At one time Draco might have bristled over such a remark, but this wasn't that time. He and Hermione had come to an agreement so there wouldn't be any witches, strange or otherwise, visiting his flat. He was in an exclusive relationship and replied as such. "You and Blue are always welcome to step through to my flat. There won't be any surprises. Perhaps with a floo connection, we will be able to spend some time at my flat where I'll show you the outstanding Malfoy hospitality."

"Ah! Malfoy hospitality. Sounds intriguing. Will it be any different from the hospitality you show me here?"

Buttering a piece of toast, Draco grinned at Hermione. "I like the inflection. Are we using the word hospitality in place of something else? If we are, I'd like you to know I can be equally hospitable there as I am here."

"Well then. Go ahead and set up your floo connections sir. I look forward to the hospitality at the Malfoy flat. Just wondering. How tall is your tub? I can't let you bend me over just any old tub."

Draco let out a chuckle. "Cheeky witch. It's a regulation tub which will lend itself well to certain activities."

Giving Draco a saucy wink, Hermione changed topics. "You do know that means Blue will have to have another bed. We can't expect our daughter to sleep on the floor. We can discuss Blue's additional needs when Laurie comes to dinner tomorrow. Speaking of Sunday dinner, if things go well this evening, I think we should invite Harry, Hannah, Theo and Jessie as well. The more the merrier."

Draco gave a semi shrug. "That's fine with me love. As long as things go well this evening, I concur. No wands drawn will be a good sign."

Hermione let out a giggle as she walked over to plop herself down on Draco's lap. "Since we are solidifying this relationship one bit at a time, I have a request."

"Yes. The answer is yes."

Smacking Draco's hand away from her breasts, Hermione gave him a nip on the neck. "You haven't heard my request yet. I might be asking for a ton of Malfoy galleons."

"Fine. Wonderful. Anything to keep you from opening a vein."

"Opening a vein my arse. Don't be such a prat Malfoy. I've nipped your neck before without any complaint."

"Yes love you have, but that has been under different circumstances. Opening a vein and nipping me while I'm inside you are two very different things. And don't call me Malfoy. You know my name."

Giving Draco a scowl, Hermione stood up, but Draco pulled her back down onto his lap. "Alright love settle down. I've had my little joke. Tell me what you need beside me."

Hermione gave Draco a huff and a pinch on the arm. "I don't need anything. I have a request which will benefit us both."

Draco had his mouth fixed to reply with something sexual, but refrained when he realized Hermione wanted a serious discussion. "Alright. If it will benefit us both, I can't refuse."

"Good. I want us to get mobile phones."

"Mobile phones? Those muggle gadgets?"

"Yes Draco. Those muggle gadgets which an enterprising wizard has adjusted to work in the magical world. Kingsley has already authorized their use throughout the Ministry. Although everyone is not keen on mobiles, the younger witches and wizards are giving them a try. Owls are so yesterday. Besides, communication is so much easier with a mobile. What do you think?"

Draco hesitated knowing Hermione Granger wouldn't espouse anything ridiculous, but at the same time not being interested in muggle anything. "I don't know what to say. Owls have gotten us this far, but I'm willing to give it a try if you think we should. If the only people who have these things are Ministry employees, who will we call?"

"Well, now that you've mentioned it I was thinking we could discuss it with Harry, who already has a Ministry mobile, Hannah, Theo, Jessie and Laurie either tonight or tomorrow at Sunday dinner and you could do your part by introducing mobiles at your company."

"Thought it all out, have you? I agree to test the thing. But why don't we wait to see how it works out between us before bringing others into it?"

Hermione thought about it for a second. "Okay. We can do that. In fact, we can do do it today. Zacharias Smith, a Hufflepuff from our year has a shop in Diagon Place where he's been instrumental in bringing the technology into the wizarding world. I'm sure he'd be willing to give us a demonstration."

Draco had agreed to give it a try but was thinking somewhere down the road. "Hold on. Hold on." He said as Hermione pulled him up from the chair.

"Hold on why?" Asked Hermione, placing her hands on her hips. "Today is just as good a day as any. Besides, if we are all knowledgeable and shite, we will be fully prepared to pass on the knowledge."

Draco sighed. His witch had a hold of something that interested her. She wouldn't let go until she had every one of their friends with a mobile in hand. "You keep saying we. I thought you and Potter already had mobiles. Don't you already know all there is to know?"

"Don't be an arse," huffed Hermione. "This is a new technology. I don't think anyone knows all there is to know, but we can be among the first. I left my mobile in my desk at work or I'd give you a quick, basic lesson. Come on love. What will it hurt? After a demonstration, if you don't want to get one, we won't. Just give it a try. If you get one, you can call to make sure no one else is bending me over the tub."

Draco laughed out loud. "Yes. I guess there's that. Alright. Let's get dressed and go see Mr. Zacharias Smith."

"Thank you. Thank you." Hermione gushed, wrapping her arms around Draco's neck. "You'll love it. Just think. If the brilliant and handsome Draco Malfoy starts using a mobile, everyone will want one."

"Alright, alright." Draco replied with a wide grin. "No need to wind me up. I'm in. One thing though. If this demonstration turns out well, I agree you should only mention it in passing tonight. Details can be shared on Sunday. Agree?"

Hermione gave Draco the side eyes but agreed not to belabor the point over cocktails. She would definitely be belaboring the point over Sunday dinner.

/*/

It was a quick trip to Diagon Alley then a short walk to Diagon Place. Hermione wasn't sure of the address, but Diagon Place wasn't that long of a street. Ten steps into Diagon Place, Hermione and Draco saw the shop at the same time. Magical Mobiles Unlimited, Z. Smith, Proprietor.

"Well this must be the place." Draco commented, opening the door for Hermione. "I hope it looks better on the inside than it does from the outside," sniped Draco in a whisper which didn't go over well with Hermione who made a full turn to scowl at him.

However, before she could read him any form of the riot act, Zacharias Smith approached them with hand extended.

Shaking Draco's hand, Zacharias welcomed Hermione like a long lost friend. "Welcome to Magical Mobiles Hermione. I hope you are here to buy."

"Hello Zacharias. You remember Draco Malfoy. Draco, this is Zacharias Smith. Zacharias, Draco. Draco and I are interested in acquiring personal mobiles. We hope you will give us a presentation."

Of course Zacharias remembered the arrogant, smarmy Malfoy. Who wouldn't? The git had been the bane of his existence at Hogwarts. But, just as he'd done with the other former Slytherin Blaise Zabini. He would give the best presentation possible to make a sale.

Without commenting on remembering or not remembering Draco, Zacharias replied to Hermione. "Of course Hermione. We make a presentation to all prospective buyers. If you'll follow me, I'll set you up and send my Director of Sales, Bonita Capshaw right in."

"Thank you Zacharias."

"You're quite welcome and please call me Zach. Bonita will be right in."

/*/

Giving Hermione a light pinch on the arm, Draco commented in a low voice. "Please call me Zach? Was that bloke flirting with you right in front of my face? If so, I will burn his entire premises to the ground."

Hermione let out a soft giggle. "See. There's another plus to owning a mobile. You can ring me twenty times a day to check if Zach is trying to get on a first name basis."

"Really? As I see it, he's already on a first name basis. I don't like the man already."

Hermione would have responded but Bonita entered the room carrying a multitude of items.

Draco stood. Hermione remained seated as she watched Bonita give Draco the up and down before placing the items on the table.

Hmph thought Hermione. Miss Bonita Capshaw better keep her eyes to herself or it will be me burning down entire premises.

Nodding first at Draco then at Hermione, Bonita introduced herself then went right into the presentation.

Hermione could have hexed Draco. Suddenly he was all interested, grinning, bobbing and asking questions. She finally reached across him to pick up one of the devices and asked a question.

"Do these mobiles work the same as Ministry mobiles? They look a bit different."

"Yes Hermione. They work just like Ministry mobiles. The only difference being is Kingsley ordered the most basic devices. Personal mobiles can be ordered with many more options."

From there, Bonita showed Hermione and Draco a multitude of options. Because Draco hadn't ever handled a mobile, Bonita suggested he make and receive a few calls as well as try some of the options, which he willingly did. Hermione took a turn as well.

After an hour and a half of practice, Hermione and Draco agreed to purchase the top of the line package. While Bonita went to write up the orders and set up their mobiles, Hermione and Draco reviewed the informational packet included in the sale.

Reviewing the list of mobile owners and their mobile numbers, Draco asked if they knew any of the people. Hermione was about to shake her head when she saw Zabini, Blaise and pointed it out to Draco.

"Blaise is on here. He has a mobile."

Draco was surprised. Blaise hadn't mentioned anything about mobiles. "I guess Blaise is ahead of me on this one. That makes one person we can ring if we get bored."

Hermione gave him a nudge in the side. "Don't start Malfoy. I'm already two minutes off your arse for all that grinning and bobbing you were doing with Bonita."

"Moi?" He asked, leaning over to place a kiss on Hermione's ear. "I was only doing as asked. I was taking a serious interest in the mobile device. Besides, you're just jealous because Bonita's eyes are greener than those of your git brother."

"Noticed her eyes, did you? And here I was sitting here trying to figure out a way not to let Zach get too close."

Taking Hermione's hand, Draco whispered. "Point taken love. Point taken. Let's just concentrate on getting our mobiles."

/*/

When Bonita returned to the room, Hermione mentioned Blaise having a mobile.

"Yes. Mr Zabini purchased a mobile this morning. We update our mobile numbers after each sale. We'll be updating again after you leave. In fact, if you want to wait a few moments, I'll give you an updated version. Additionally, once you both get acclimated to the mobile, there is an option to pull up the latest list of mobile users. It will come in handy."

Handing a parcel to Hermione and one to Draco, Bonita thanked them for their business adding they could contact the shop if they had any questions.

"Our pleasure Miss Capshaw. Thank you for the presentation."

"Yes. Thank you for the presentation," echoed Hermione. "I'm sure we'll get a great deal of use out of our mobiles. I hope to persuade our group of friends to purchase mobiles. Your shop might be quite busy in the coming days."

"Thank you Hermione. Zacharias will be pleased. Have a pleasant day."

"I wish you a pleasant day as well."

As they walked the few steps back to Diagon Alley, Draco suddenly pulled Hermione to a stop. "Let's pick up some takeaway then get back to the flat to practice using our mobiles."

"Okay. Takeaway it is, but you don't have to pull my arm out of the socket in the bargain."

"Sorry love. Sometimes I don't recognize my own strength."

Hermione grinned at her wizard. "No worries love. I was being dramatic."

"Speaking of being dramatic. Why is it that Bonita refers to Zacharias as Zacharias but you've been invited to call him Zach?"

Hermione stopped in place to glare at Draco, but he took her hand gently leading her away from the shop mumbling that he would indeed burn Zach's premises to the ground.

Hermione simply smiled and squeezed Draco's hand.

/*/

After a cozy breakfast, Theo and Jess sat cuddling on the couch.

"So Wales Witch, what would you like to do today? We have an entire afternoon."

Reaching over to lay her hand on top of Theo's, Jessie gazed into his eyes. "I'll leave that up to my London Lad. He hasn't steered me wrong yet."

Theo leaned down to kiss the back of Jessie's hand. "If you keep looking at me like that, we won't be going anywhere."

His words. They weren't particularly salacious, but the way Theo spoke them sent a bolt of warmth through Jessie. If he kept speaking like that, they definitely wouldn't be going anywhere. "I do have one request Theo."

"If it's in my power, I will satisfy that request. What will it be?"

Brushing a lock of hair back off Theo's face, Jessie grinned at him. "If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to have a look at the famous Diagon Alley. Perhaps I'll pick up a few British novelties at the shops."

"Done and done. There might be a bit of a wind. May I suggest a thick jumper and jeans? I wouldn't want my guest to walk our famous streets feeling chilly."

Mr. Nott you wound me. If I begin to feel chilly, I'll simply snuggle up against you. Let me go change. I'll be ready in five minutes."

Theo leaned back in the chair patting his chest trying to reduce the flutters. He had lucked up. This witch was a keeper.

/*/

Theo and Jessie started at the top of Diagon Alley. Theo's plan was to show Jessie any and all shops that caught her interest which turned out to be most of them. By the time they were halfway down the Alley, Jessie had five separate packages that had been shrunken down and placed in her purse.

Jessie was oohing and aahing over the display window of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes when someone called out to Theo.

"Hey Theo."

Theo threw up a hand in a wave. Draco and Hermione were headed in their direction. Giving Jessie a quick whisper, Theo placed her arm under his more to put her at ease than anything else. There was no telling how Hermione Granger would approach Jessie.

Theo needn't have worried. Hermione was on her best behavior and approached with a smile.

After shaking Theo's hand, Draco greeted the pair. "Good afternoon Theo. Nice to see you again Jessie."

Jessie nodded first at Draco then Hermione.

Hermione offered her own greeting moving closer to Jessie to inquire how she liked the window display.

Happy there wasn't any dissension between them, Jessie responded with a smile and a gushing compliment. "It is amazing. I haven't ever seen anything like it."

"Well let's go in and have a look." Turning to Draco, Hermione told him she and Jessie were going inside to have a quick look.

"Alright love. Theo and I will be right here holding up the sidewalk."

Hermione rolled her eyes before following Jessie into WWW mumbling softly that Draco Malfoy was a prat. Jessie heard the remark but didn't comment. She already knew Draco Malfoy was a prat.

/*/

WWW was full of customers, but Lee, George and Ron all threw up a hand in greeting. George also gave a shout of welcome but immediately turned back to the customer in front of him. Hermione and Jessie had a walk around the shop but didn't purchase anything. With another quick wave, the two witches were out the door.

"That is one interesting shop. Maybe I'll get to spend more time in it on my next visit to London."

Surprisingly, Hermione offered assistance. "If you let me know when you're back, we can do the entire Diagon Alley with a longer stop in WWW."

"Thank you Hermione. I'd like that. I guess Theo and I will be getting back to his flat. I'd like a short lie down before dinner tonight."

Hermione winked. "I'm in the mood for a bit of a lie down as well."

Jessie broke out in a blush but didn't reply. Anything she said would probably only make it worse. Besides, she wouldn't turn Theo away if he wanted a bit of a cuddle.

The two couples went their separate ways promising to see each other that evening.

/*/

After closing the pet shop Saturday afternoon, Laurie made a quick stop in the dress shoppe in Diagon Alley before rushing over to muggle London to the greengrocer shop. She had promised Hermione she'd bring a Fruit Fool dessert on Sunday but didn't have the first ingredient. She meant to go shopping during the week, but it hadn't turned out that way. She had received three different shipments that had to be dealt with. Now she was under time constraints and aggravated with herself.

Before stepping into the muggle shop, Laurie took a deep breath to calm herself. The last thing she needed was for some muggle to look at her strange, because if that happened, she would snap on the spot or hex a muggle and be glad to do it.

There wasn't any need for her to snap at or hex anyone. The proprietor was a perfectly lovely man who was a bit pushy but had been glad to fetch every item on Laurie's list even commenting that she must be making a fruit fool for dessert. Laurie couldn't help but smile at his antics thinking he'd fall over dead if he had any idea I'm a witch. She left the proprietor standing at the counter with a wide grin across his face.

With her errands done, Laurie decided she needed some liquid fortification so she made one last stop at the liquor shop before heading back to Diagon Alley. With a bottle of white and a bottle of red wine neatly tucked in her sack, she Apparated to her flat wanting nothing more than a glass of wine, a shower then another glass of wine.

Having showered and with her third glass of wine in hand, Laurie decided she was too tired to do anything. The dessert could wait until Sunday morning.