Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 32: Saturday Afternoon In Diagon Alley
"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.
/************************************************************************
Chap 33: Convergence
It was a quick trip back to Hermione's flat where Blue met Draco and Hermione at the door sniffing around as though she expected a gift.
Hermione leaned down to pick her up. "Mum didn't stop by to see Laurie today. She has nothing for her beautiful girl. However, since Da is going to be setting up a floo connection between our flat and his, he'll be buying you a brand new bed to keep there. You'll be the only kneazle between London and Wiltshire with two beds."
Draco, who had headed straight to the bathroom returned just in time to hear what Hermione said. "Someone's mum can't hold water. Your new bed was going to be a surprise."
"The surprise will be if Welles doesn't try to eat my baby."
Plopping down on the couch, Draco gave a testy reply. "So the queen of SPEW now thinks a house elf would harm her kneazle. Quite the turnaround."
"Don't get snappy Malfoy. I was joking. I know Welles wouldn't hurt Blue. I'm just a bit apprehensive about what happened when Welles was here. He very nearly frightened Blue to death."
Draco sighed answering even though he knew any answer would prolong the asinine conversation. "If memory serves, Blue was frightened over other matters which had nothing at all to do with Welles."
Hermione glared at Draco but didn't reply to his comment knowing he was more than right. It had been all the Deidra bullshite that had frightened Blue. Instead, she did a turn around and changed the subject. Placing Blue on the couch, Hermione excused herself to use the bathroom calling over her shoulder. "Why don't you ring Blaise to let him know you have a mobile. You and he can discuss SPEW." She added in a low voice.
Draco smiled as he reached out to rub Blue. "Your mum is learning that everything doesn't have to be an argument although she has to have the last word to consider herself the winner."
Without answering Hermione, Draco pulled out his new mobile to dial Blaise. Perhaps they could discuss SPEW.
/*/
Blaise was enjoying some me time when his newly purchased mobile rang. Rushing to pick up the phone, Blaise was hoping it would be Bonita but was surprised to see Draco on the caller-Id.
Hello mate. This is a surprise.
I imagine it is Blaise. Who would have ever thought Draco Malfoy would buy into any of the muggle bullshite.
Muggle bullshite it might be, but I like it. How and when? I've only had my device since this morning.
Check your mobile. I was told the mobile number directory updates itself with every sale. Hermione and I purchased mobiles this afternoon. My witch is now on a mission to have all our friends and the entire wizarding nation with mobiles by tomorrow. I asked her not to try to strong arm our friends tonight, but….
Blaise laughed.
Strong arm. Muggle vernacular is so interesting. I have no doubt we'll hear about it tonight. In this case though, I think it might be a good thing. Dialing a mobile is so much easier than sending out an Owl. I had planned to out dress you this evening mate in hopes of attracting some fine, young witch. However, the tide has turned in my favor and I will not try to outshine you this evening. A very fetching witch has entered my purview.
Draco snorted out a chuckle.
That will be the day Zabini. As if you could outshine me. Fetching witch is it? Back on the old Zabini game? Good luck mate. Time for me to get off this mobile. I only called to let you know Hermione and I have them. We'll see you this evening.
Alright mate. See you later. Give Hermione my regards.
/*/
Draco stood to see Hermione looking at him from the doorway. "Blaise sends his regards and will see us later."
"Ah! So you took my advice."
Draco remained silent waiting for the next salvo, but it didn't come. His witch was simply asking a question. "Yes I did love. Blaise was surprised but enthusiastic. I believe it will be easy to get the rest on board. Will you bathe first or shall I?
"You're late handsome wizard. Your exclusive witch has been in the shower and out. She is about to scour her closet for something to wear which will dazzle the masses, perhaps something medium brown. Dress accordingly."
Jumping up, Draco grabbed Hermione about the waist. "I'll dress accordingly if I can have a bit of time with my freshly showered witch."
Hermione danced away from Draco taunting him. "Not happening. My honey pot is clean. There'll be no dirtying it up for you. It's almost 7:00. Get your arse into the shower."
Draco was slow in letting go of Hermione's waist, so she hurried him up with a word. "Now wanker, now. I don't want us to be last to the table."
Blue let out a purr as if agreeing with her mum.
Draco replied with a bit of cheek. "Take it down a notch Granger. You're upsetting our daughter."
Hermione grabbed Draco around the neck before he could get away. "Give me a kiss so Blue knows everything is alright."
"No, no. I don't think so." Draco replied pulling away. "I need to get my wanker arse in the shower so we won't be last to the table. Bit of advice. When your honey pot is running wet and you want what I have to offer, turn on your side and go to sleep because you won't be getting anything here."
Hermione turned and headed to the bedroom cackling all the way. "You've just signed your own no sex order. Let's just see how that works out for you."
"I'm not worried. You can't resist me." Draco called out from the main bathroom.
Blue let out a loud purr. This time appearing to agree with her Da.
/*/
Draco was sitting on the couch running his fingers through Blue's fur mumbling about witches who took all night to dress. "Hermione. What are you doing? It's coming up on 8:15. I'd like us to get to Felicis before midnight. Right Blue? Mum is so slow."
Hermione called out from their bathroom. "I'm just putting on the finishing touches. You do want me to look presentable, don't you? I simply can't do anything with this hair."
Draco sighed. Hermione always looked presentable. In fact, to him, she looked more presentable than any other witch he'd dated. Well, except for hair that had a mind of its own which was something he wouldn't ever seriously comment on. Joking, yes. Seriously, no.
Finally, Hermione appeared at the mouth of the hall. "Here I am. Do I look presentable?"
"I might be a bit prejudiced, but you look presentable wearing a bath towel. You look smashing."
"Ah, trying to get into my good books Malfoy?" She said walking over to leave a kiss on his lips. "No worries there because unless you do something ridiculous you'll always be in my good books. Why are you still sitting? Let's get this show on the road or we'll be the last to the table."
Draco chose to direct his reply to Blue. "Your mum is quite the comedian as we've been sitting here waiting on her for the last twenty minutes."
Meow, purr, purr.
"Oh Blue. Sounds like you are agreeing with Da. Not a good look as I am the one who feeds you and cleans your litter box. Da and I are going out. Be a good girl."
Purr, purr, purr.
Draco smiled at both his girls before taking Hermione by the arm. Separately or together? He asked Hermione.
"Separately. I'll meet you there."
"Alright, but don't get back in front of that mirror. Your hair looks fine. I'll see you there."
"Hmph Blue. Mr. Malfoy takes too much upon himself. I do not need to check the mirror. I look smashing. We won't be gone long love."
/*/
Theo was watching Jessie dress. In a short space of time she had him enchanted. Beautiful, sweet, cuddly and an excellent sexual partner. Although he'd never let him know, it had been Blaise who had been instrumental in him getting back with Jess. Who knew? "That dress looks lovely with your hair and eyes. I'm excited to be escorting you out tonight."
"Thank you for the compliments Theo. You don't look so bad yourself. I'll just get my shoes so we can go. First, let me straighten that tie. I wouldn't want anyone to think I let you out of the flat with a crooked tie."
Theo chuckled. "Although I find your bit of humor amusing, I will say, I don't give a fat rat's arse what people might say. I'm satisfied. You're satisfied. That's enough. Grab my arm love so we can go do this thing."
"I'm not sure of what thing we'll be doing, but I'm with you so I have no worries." Jessie laughingly replied.
"Nothing serious love. Just follow my lead. We're off."
/*/
Even though things had gone well between him, Hannah, Draco and Hermione, Harry was still unsure about going to date night. Draco was fine because Hermione had tamed his arrogant arse, but he didn't want Hannah to be subjected to any fucking nonsense from the others.
While he was deep in thought, Hannah had snuck up on him. "What's that frown about Harry? If it's about this night out, we don't have to go. It isn't mandatory."
Pulling Hannah down beside him, Harry explained himself. "You are the witch I care for love and I'm worried that…..."
"You're worried about how Draco's friends will treat me. "She replied cutting across Harry. "Don't be. If there are problems, which I don't think there will be, I'm a grown witch who will give as good as she gets. Anyway, I believe we're way past that Hogwart's nonsense, but thank you for thinking of me. If that's all, get up off the couch and go shower and dress."
"I can do that." Harry answered, jumping up from the couch. "Just be aware that I will hex the first arsehole that speaks out of turn including Draco."
Hannah laughed out loud. "I'm fairly certain if you hex Draco, you'll have to hex Hermione as well."
Winking at Hannah, Harry made a cheeky response. "And what makes you think I won't hex Hermione?"
Hannah cheeked right back. "Because you've been warned. Don't go at her without your team in tow."
"Yes. There is that. Now if you'll excuse me, I want to go get fresh. Love you Miss Abbott."
"Love you too Mr. Potter."
/*/
Blaise didn't have a witch to wait for or watch dress but he was so finicky about his attire he was running later than any of the others. It was 8:00 pm and he hadn't made a decision on whether to wear the dark blue, gray, or dark brown suit. While he pondered which suit he was sorting through his ties. He finally gave up and poured himself two fingers of Ogden's. "This should put a fire under my arse." He mumbled as his eyes were pulled towards the dark brown. "That's it. Ogden's has made my choice for me. Dark brown it is. Now the tie."
The tie was the least of it because a dark mustard tie with dark brown lines running through it literally jumped into his hand. Blaise raised his glass. "Thank you Ogden's."
Dressing took less than ten minutes and Blaise found himself landing three steps behind Draco and Hermione and four behind Theo and Jessie. Harry and Hannah walked up just as the greeter opened the door to let everyone in.
/*/
Laurie still had her feet up when an owl began pecking at her window. "What's this now? Can't a witch enjoy a few glasses of wine without…."
Glancing at the signature, Laurie was surprised to see it was from one of her favorite browsers, Zach Smith. She called him her browser because he didn't purchase anything. He simply browsed. His Owl was funny and entertaining.
Laurie:
I hope this message finds you well. I have two reasons for writing. The first, of course, is because you haven't purchased a mobile which would eliminate the need for Owls. You should think seriously about investing in one. I know you've heard this all before, but I'd be really pleased to ring you up at all hours. Well, enough about that.
Laurie stifled a laugh. Zach was such a git. He was a well mannered, intelligent wizard, but still a git.
The second reason is I've been thinking over what you shared with me this afternoon. If you think it appropriate, I would be glad to accompany you to your Sunday engagement so you won't have to attend alone. Perhaps I'm being too forward, but I wouldn't know unless I asked.
Laurie caught her breath. She had been receiving certain vibrations from Zach but was sure it was nothing more than her wishing she had a wizard interested in her. Now she knew for sure. Zacharias Smith was interested enough to be her plus one.
Laurie replied:
I apologize for sharing so much Zach. Please don't feel obligated….
Zach replied:
Please stop Laurie. I don't feel obligated in any way. It would be my pleasure.
Laurie replied:
Alright Zach. Let me contact my hostess to let her know I'll be bringing a plus one. I'll Owl you. Perhaps in the near future I'll purchase a mobile. Thank you for thinking of me. I'll Owl you tomorrow morning. Have a good night Zach.
Zach's last reply:
You have a good night as well Laurie. I hope to see you soon.
"So many Owls to say a few things. Perhaps Zach is right. A mobile would be much more expedient. Laurie also acknowledged the fact she would take a browser over being alone. She'd have to Owl Hermione Sunday morning to get confirmation. As long as Hermione agreed to her bringing a plus one, everything would be fine.
/*/
Felix Felicis Pub was crowded. The group watched as Draco spoke to the Greeter who seemed unable to find their reservation. Just as Hermione decided to go give the Greeter a piece of her mind, Draco gestured for everyone to follow him. When they reached the very nice table, Draco had to nudge Hermione who was throwing a wicked glare in the Greeter's direction.
"Calm down Hermione."Draco whispered softly. "There's no fault. We hadn't discussed it, but I wrongly assumed you made the reservations under the name Granger. It just took an extra few minutes to sort out that the reservation was under the name Malfoy. No harm done, so take that frown off your face."
Hermione's face grew hot. How silly. She had made the reservation under the name Malfoy. As Draco said, there was no fault.
None of the others knew what was going on but could see there had been some sort of problem.
As the wizards were seating the witches, Harry inquired. "Lost our reservation, did they? Shall I seat my witch or will we be tossed out on our arses before dessert?"
"I was wondering the same thing."Added Theo with a smirk. "I don't want to have to pull a Nott tantrum up in this bitch."
Blaise let out a loud chuckle. Theo Nott would never change.
Draco rolled his eyes at both Harry and Theo. "There are witches present or I'd tell you what I really think. Be that as it may, our table is secure. I'm going to have a dance with Hermione while you lot sit there bitching over something that doesn't exist. Come on love. Let's go dance before thug Theo has a Nott tantrum up in this bitch."
Hermione grabbed Draco's hand and followed him to the dance floor.
Jessie patted Theo on his knee as everyone else laughed at Draco's nonsense.
/*/
While Draco and Hermione were on the dance floor, the others talked among themselves about the every day things, the menu and how nice it was to get together. Blaise was teased about showing up solo, but it was all in good fun. The atmosphere was friendly and there wasn't any animosity at all. When Draco and Hermione returned to the table, everyone was ready to order.
During the meal, Hermione brought up the topic of mobile phones as well as Sunday dinner at her flat. Hermione kept her promise to Draco to not belabor the mobile point by simply giving a short explanation. By the time that particular bit of conversation was over, the couples and Blaise had accepted the dinner invitation and showed interest in mobile phones. Blaise had been quick to say he already had one and would like it if his mates had one as well.
The rest of date night consisted of joking, dancing and drinking. By 11:30, most of the couples had said their goodnight and were gone. The only three left were Draco, Hermione and Blaise. Once the others were gone, Blaise mentioned bringing a date to Sunday dinner which a slightly inebriated Hermione didn't question. She simply said, the more the merrier. By midnight, date night was over.
/*/
Hermione greeted Blue when they came through the door but headed straight to the bathroom. "I've been holding this pee in for so long. The loos at Felix Felicis leave something to be desired."
Draco was surprised because the pub was highly recommended. "Really? The men's was fine, but I don't expect too much from pub bathrooms. Maybe a discreet note to the owners..."
"No." Hermione replied, cutting across Draco. "I'm probably just being too particular. I think it was about being too crowded than anything else. I had a lovely night. The loos didn't hurt anything. I like Jessie. I think Theo likes her a lot as well."
"I agree. I haven't seen Theo smile that much in ages. I'm tired. Let's get some sleep because tomorrow will be here before you know it. Since we've gone from us and Laurie for Sunday dinner to a mob, tomorrow I'll use an enlarging charm on the kitchen, living room and study which should make it comfortable for everyone."
"Good idea love, but right now I'm knackered. Let's talk about this in the morning. Leave the bedroom door open so your daughter can take her spot."
Once they were situated in bed, Draco pulled Hermione close nuzzling her neck. "Thank you love."
A drowsy Hermione asked for what.
Pulling her closer, Draco simply remarked. "For being mine."
Hermione reached back to squeeze Draco's hand before answering. "You're welcome. Now go to sleep."