Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 36: Sunday Afterthoughts Monday Decisions
"I'm sorry about Corwin Hermione, but I need you to give me a direct answer. Did you or did you not transfigure a witch called Deidra into the bone that currently sits on your top shelf?"
Hermione wavered. Should she admit her wrong doing or should she continue to deny everything. The thought of being in a Ministry holding cell didn't sound welcoming. "You're being an arse Harry Potter, but if you want to arrest me, arrest me. I will not discuss this shite any further. I'm busy. Leave or arrest me."
Harry and Hermione stood toe to toe.
Letting out a loud breath, Harry stepped back. "We should both calm down. I'm not here to arrest you Hermione, I'm here to find out the truth."
Hermione, who was done with the whole conversation pulled out the winning card. She teared up. "We are debating apples and oranges Harry. I told a fucking story to a group of friends and I'm being vilified for it. If you believe I have done something illegal, call your team, because as I've said, you won't be dragging me anywhere on your own."
At this point, Harry knew he had gone too far. Carefully approaching his sister and champion, he wrapped her in his arms. "Stop Hermione. It is not my intention to make you cry. Your story is your story. As an Auror, I would be remiss if I didn't check it out. Please stop crying love or I'll expect Malfoy to come through the doors huffing and puffing ready for a duel. I apologize for doubting you. Okay?"
Wiping her eyes, Hermione gave Harry a soulful look. "Okay. Now will you leave so I can get back to work?"
Harry grinned. "As long as I'm back in your good graces, I'll leave. Please don't mention any of this to Hannah. I like my arse right where it is. Love you Granger. Hannah and I will probably see you on the weekend."
Chuffed she had gotten rid of another know it all wizard, Hermione sucked in air and let it out as a loud breath while wondering if she should leave the Ministry and start a company run by all witches, because wizards could be such arses.
/************************************************************************
Chapter 37: Requests Requesting Requested
The door hadn't closed all the way behind Harry when the air in Hermione's office thickened and the light seemed to become muted. Having been on the receiving end of gray magic, Hermione recognized it at once and drew her wand. She tried to get a Patronus off to Harry but her wand arm seemed frozen in place. She didn't want to panic, but she was beginning to do that very thing until she recognized whatever it was as simple interference.
"Are we going to go through this again?" She called out to the air. "Please don't embarrass yourselves. You are welcome wherever I am. Show yourselves."
Pop. Pop. Pop. Pop. Four witches of The Coven appeared in front of Hermione.
"You're too quick for us Witch Granger. Apologies for being so dramatic. Although we have nothing against Wizard Malfoy, we need to speak to you alone. Since you two seemed to be joined at the hip, we had to address you here."
Stowing her wand, Hermione sat down. "Hello Witches. If I hadn't once been part of The Aware and know your power, I would be asking how you are cloaking my office. I'll assume this meeting is taking place in nanoseconds. I absolutely loved your Occamy Patronus Witch One."
Witch One placed both hands on Hermione's desk, looked her in the eyes ignoring the comment about her Patronus. "You know better Witch Granger. Don't assume anything. However, I'll admit you are on the mark. Any interaction between us takes place in either nanoseconds or turned time."
Turned time? That was all Hermione needed to hear for her thoughts to go off in all directions. She was excited. "Turned time as in a Time Turner Witch One? Impossible. All Time Turners have been destroyed."
Witch Two glared at Hermione. "You are the last witch I'd think would speak on something without knowing all the facts."
Hermione was confused but contrite. "I'm sorry if I've spoken out of turn, but all I've ever heard is the last Time Turners were destroyed..."
Witch Two cut across Hermione sounding a bit annoyed. "I see I was wrong. You're going to keep speaking without having all the facts. Let me enlighten you."
Witch One Mona and Witch Three started to speak at the same time, but Witch Three Joyce deferred to their leader. "Let's calm down. We are here because we need Hermione's immediate help. We are not here to scold anyone Witch Two over what we know to have been the selective truth as told to the masses."
Witch Two offered an apology. "My apologies Mona, Hermione. The situation is dire. I shouldn't be arguing semantics. Suffice it to say Witch Granger, with the demise of The Department of Mysteries, certain items came available."
A still excited Hermione wanted to question everything, but realized it would not be fortuitous for her to do so at the moment, so she held her tongue.
Witch One Mona let out a soft sigh. Visits outside The Coven could sometimes be so tiring. "As Witch Two Geraldine has stated, we were fortunate to acquire a few items from DOM. One of those is a Time Turner which, as it happens, is desperately needed."
Unable to hold out any longer at the thought of an available Time Turner and a desperate need, Hermione spoke out. "Has the despicable Deidra escaped yet again? No problem. We don't need a Time Turner for that. I'll simply track her down as I've done before. I…."
The question about Deidra had been hypothetical because Deidra was sitting on Hermione's top shelf. She couldn't be anywhere starting problems.
Witch One Mona had had enough. She cut straight across Hermione with the wave of what appeared to be an extra long wand with a golden caste. Hermione found she couldn't speak. "Silencio. We are not here to be interrogated. We are here because you are the witch who can carry out our purpose. One that has nothing to do with Deidra. We go now." She added, reaching out for Hermione's arm.
Even though she'd been silenced, Hermione wasn't fearful. She got the feeling she had been invited to an adventure.
/*/
To Hermione it seemed as though Witch One Mona's hand had the effect of a Portkey which, in fact, it was as she found herself outside the gates of Hogwarts.
Hogwarts? What the hell was going on here? Although still silenced, Hermione questioned everything with her eyes. Something had gone wrong at Hogwarts.
"We are here to right a wrong that has been done to one of the first leaders and staunchest defenders of The Coven. Minerva McGonagall has been blindsided and is at death's door. We cannot let this stand. So you can see our conundrum. Although The Coven as a whole wields a lot of power, we cannot step in without dire repercussions. We need someone trustworthy. Someone who has already had the honor of using the instrument. You Witch Granger having been one of us in the past, will need to be our conduit."
Waving her golden wand once again, Witch One Mona released the silencing spell.
Knowing only that her best champion was dying and she could rectify the situation, Hermione became all business. Hermione was and wasn't surprised to find out Minerva had once been a leader of The Coven. The amazing witch could probably have schooled Merlin. Turning slightly, Hermione faced Mona to ask what needed to be done.
With an intricate hand movement, Mona produced what looked like an expensive piece of jewelry which Hermione recognized right off. The locket attached to the chain was a Time Turner. It had been years, but Hermione remembered all too well the first and last time she had used one. It was exciting after all this time to find that at least one still existed.
"You cannot be seen. The four of us can put you under the Disillusionment Spell and hold it for fifteen minutes only. You must get Minerva back to the moment Roland Crabbe..."
"Crabbe?" Hermione sputtered.
"This is not the time for questions Hermione. To ease your mind that Crabbe didn't bring himself back from the dead, I'll tell you he didn't. This Crabbe is a filthy relative who has bided his time in getting back at those he saw as complicit in his uncle's death. He had a list. I imagine he started with those at Hogwarts, and that's all I'll say about that. Thankfully, he and his list have been contained and disposed of, but not before cursing Minerva. One important piece. All this happened four days ago."
Hermione felt the tears welling up in her eyes. Minerva wasn't going to die if she could help it. "I'm ready. Disillusion me and let me get to Minerva."
Mona waved her golden wand and they all heard the click of the gate. Standing there while Mona placed the Time Turner around her neck, Hermione fidgeted. She needed to see about her champion. As soon as the Time Turner was around her neck and the Disillusionment Spell cast, Hermione headed for the doors at a run calling back over her shoulder. "I'll be back in fourteen."
Joyce remarked she hoped Hermione was as successful as she was confident. The four witches then cloaked themselves to wait.
/*/
Hermione started for Minerva's old quarters before getting her wits about her and detouring to the hospital wing. And then, there she was. Minerva was as white as a sheet, as shriveled looking as a prune with large, bald spots all over her head.
Poison.
Hermione's heart began to thump, but her head was full of rage. Could she save Minerva? Of course she could. She'd saved Sirius and Buckbeak. She could do this. Tears were trying to well up in Hermione's eyes again, but she fought them back. She could cry if this didn't work. Right now she had to get back to before Crabbe had cursed the Headmistress. She would fix his arse before he could harm Minerva.
Hermione sussed it out. No use in going to the Slytherin dungeons or The Headmistress' Office where all the portraits could see. If the piece of shite Crabbe was going to hurt Minerva, he'd want to do it in private. If Minerva had been found cursed four days ago, Hermione knew she had to go back five days and move forward a bit at a time. Wednesday would do.
Five clicks and Hermione was there watching Roland Crabbe as he removed some of the Ginger Newt biscuits from the basket on Minerva's desk and replace them with the ones in his hands.
Poison.
Five minutes gone.
Hermione watched as Crabbe stepped back behind the heavy, red drapes Minerva loved so much. He obviously wanted to see the Headmistress die. Hermione was in agony as she watched Minerva enter her rooms and head straight for her biscuits.
"Ah! Nothing like a ginger newt biscuit to make the faults of the day disappear." Minerva was on her second biscuit when she suddenly bent over clutching her stomach.
Poison.
At that exact moment, Crabbe stepped out. "I've killed you you miserable excuse for a witch. You helped kill my uncle and I've killed you."
Crabbe didn't know anything about Minerva McGonagall if he thought she would go down without a fight. Drawing her wand at the speed of light, Minerva called out a transfiguring spell which turned the vile Crabbe into a leather box that fell to the floor where he had been standing.
Hermione now knew what had happened and how Minerva had extinguished the threat. It was time to prevent the entire thing. Three clicks back and she watched Crabbe enter Minerva's rooms and leave his poisoned biscuits. However, this time, Hermione pointed her wand where Crabbe was standing behind the drapes. Calling out Vera Verto, she took a page out of her champions book and turned him into an old, weathered box and dumped it in the bin. After disposing of the leather box, Hermione pointed in the direction of the biscuits and called out Aguamenti ruining everything in the basket.
Ten minutes gone.
The only thing left was for Hermione to watch to be sure Minerva discarded the basket of biscuits. Minerva didn't fail her. Throwing up her hands when she saw the state of her favorite sweet basket, Minerva called out the Vanishing spell disappearing the entire basket as she muttered about taking Peeves to task for his nonsense. With another quick twist of her wand, a new basket appeared on the desk. Hermione was adjusting the Time Turner to get back to the witches as she watched Minerva pull a brand new box of biscuits out of her desk drawer and pour them into the basket.
Twelve minutes gone.
/*/
Hermione was back at the Hogwarts gates with two minutes to spare. "We've done it. "Crabbe has been dealt with for good and Minerva is safe. Thank you."
"No Witch Granger. We thank you. You've done a splendid job. Unfortunately, there isn't a need for you to remember any of this."
Swish.
/*/
Hermione was waving her hands around air trying to disperse the smoke "What in Merlin's good name? I'll hex the balls off Harry Potter if this is his little joke."
Pulling the office door open, Hermione saw Harry who hadn't gotten more than six steps away. "I'm onto you Potter." She called out.
"What Hermione? It's settled. I believe you. If you want to belabor the point, I'll stop by the flat for a conversation. Right now I have to check on the teams. Have a good afternoon."
By the time Hermione finished going back and forth with Harry, the air in her office was clear. "Merlin. I'm acting like some nutter."
For the next thirty minutes as she gathered some of her office things to move to The Department of Magical Exceptions, Hermione experienced a weird feeling as though she'd forgotten something. She finally had to give herself a stern warning to stop being an imbecile.
/*/
Zach's mobile was ringing but he was busy discussing mobiles with Anthony Goldstein, Minister Shacklebolt's assistant whom Kingsley had sent to see about personal mobiles for the upper Heads and their assistants. Someone who had Kingsley's ear was spreading the news. Zach didn't question anything. It was his intention to sell a mobile to every adult citizen in the magical world. He was more than happy to start with The Minister of Magic.
Bonita picked up the call.
Good morning. Zach's phone. Bonita speaking.
For a second, Draco hesitated. He had expected Zach to pick up.
Good morning Bonita. This Draco Malfoy.
Hello Draco. Zach is tied up at the moment. May I help you?
I imagine you can. I'm calling to order mobiles for my staff and get on your calendar for instructional services as well. Right now, I'm looking at ordering upwards of thirty six basic model phones and six top of the line models.
Wow. That's amazing Draco. Zach should hire you to be his spokesperson.
Draco laughed.
No spokesperson. Zach is selling the wave of the future. That's the way I want my company to go. When Zach has a moment, have him give me a call. I'd like to speak with him at length about training and pricing.
I most certainly will. He'll be pleased. Thank you Draco. Please give my regards to Hermione. I had a lovely time Sunday.
Will do. I'll be looking for Zach's call. Thank you. Have a good afternoon.
Done and done thought Draco as he began to sort through the materials on his desk.
/*/
Bonita was chuffed for Zach. She wrote up the message for him underlining the number of mobiles Draco planned to buy. This one order would have Magical Mobiles working straight out. Amazing what a short presentation during a dinner party could do.
An interesting thought began to float around her head.
/*/
Theo landed in his flat moving like a whirlwind. He had stayed to see Jessie off to work before returning to London. Now he was running late. If it had been any other reason than having time with Jessie, he would have been irritated. Theo didn't condone lateness in his staff and certainly didn't condone it for himself. However, what's done is done. After a quick shower, Theo gathered his client files and apparated to his office.
When Theo finally took time to take a breath, he realized he had been making a mountain out of a molehill. Being a few minutes late had not stopped the world. He smiled to himself. Being with and around Jessie had softened the old dog. There had been times in the past when he'd gone rogue on the staff for being late. Theo admitted that particular thing might not be happening so much in the future.
His Jessie.
Before going off like he'd experienced one of WWW Patented Daydream Charms, Theo pulled out the client file for his 1:00 pm appointment. Five sentences in he remembered about his mobile phone and the intent to offer one to his staff. Even though he only had four full time staff and two part timers, Theo wanted them all to have as much as he had. It was all about business.
Walking into the back, he addressed his most senior Realtor. "Good morning all. I hope we are all looking forward to a fruitful day. Kelvin, I have a short presentation to make so I'll need you to get the part timers in here before 11:00. We'll meet in the back office. After you've done that, I'd like to see you in my office."
"Alright Theo. I'll see you in a bit."
"Thanks Kelvin. Everybody can get back to what they were doing. Al, I'd like an update on where we stand on the Hoffman sale."
Al acknowledged his boss. "Okay Theo. Everything is on point, but I'll get that to you this afternoon."
"Fine."
Back at his desk, Theo imagined his staff was wondering who had hexed him happy. He usually wasn't pleasant this early in the morning. That's what falling in love will do.
Theo shot up straight in the chair. "Did I just admit I'm falling in love?" Shuffling a few papers around, Theo gave himself a command. "Slow down there Nott. Let's not get ahead of ourself."
/*/
Ten minutes later, Kelvin knocked on the door frame. "The part timers will be here by 10:30."
Theo picked up his mobile which was laying on the desk. "Have a seat Kelvin. You are senior staff so I want you to be first to see this. This is called a mobile phone or mobile device. Have a look."
As Kelvin studied the mobile, Theo gave a running commentary which ended with him revealing he would be ordering one for each of the staff. "You are the senior Kelvin. I expect you to learn the features well enough to assist your colleagues. Let me show you what I know."
From there, Theo showed Kelvin everything he had learned the previous evening. Kelvin who was a fast learner only had one question. "Which model will the staff and I be getting, basic or top of the line?"
Theo started to growl at Kelvin, but glanced up to see him grinning. "Here's the answer to your little joke. You'll all be getting basic models but are free to purchase top of the line with your own galleons. The mobiles I order are to be used as work mobiles and will be returned to me when or if an employee leaves this company. Does that make it easier for you to decide to purchase your own top of the line model?"
Kelvin nodded in Theo's direction without lifting his head. "That one sentence makes it very clear we should purchase a mobile of our own. Although, none of us have any thought of leaving this fine establishment."
Theo grinned at Kelvin. "Good to know. I have a call to make. It coming up on 10:30. Get the others and meet me in the back office where you will explain to them what I've explained to you."
"Consider it done Theo." Kelvin called over his shoulder on the way out the door.
/*/
Hermione and Zacharias had stressed how important it was to have good phone etiquette. When Zacharias hadn't answered by the fourth ring, Theo left a message outlining his business needs requesting either a visit or a callback noting he would be out of the office from 1:00-3:00. Then it was off to get his staff onboard with mobiles.
/*/
Zacharias Smith couldn't get the grin off his face. Not only did he have an official order from Kingsley Shacklebolt for ten basic model mobiles and ten top of the line models, but he'd had a message from Draco Malfoy inquiring about forty two mobiles with training and Theo Nott for six basic models. His next problem, not that it was really a problem but he had to figure out how to speed up production. There wasn't anything worse than a shop who extolled their products but couldn't deliver. He probably would have sat there another hour if Bonita hadn't come to the door.
"You're too quiet. What's going on in that head? You should be jumping for joy with all the orders we've received. You have arrived Mister. When the masses find out you are being championed by The Minister, you'll be inundated."
Zach gave Bonita a weary smile. "Sit down Bonita. I know I don't say it enough, but I don't know what I'd do without you and a few others. I need for us to figure out a way to speed up production. We are a small shop being pulled into the big time. We need assistance."
Bonita reached out to touch Zach on the arm. "You are the owner and boss here, but right now I'm going to speak to you as though you're a first step agent who has just arrived for his first day of work."
Zach simply nodded.
Bonita didn't let up. "What are we?"
Zach was unsure of what Bonita was asking so he gave his best answer. "We are a small shop that through the grace of friends and acquaintances has gotten lucky."
Bonita sighed. "We are that Zach, but before that we are magical. We have the ability to do almost anything we want to do through magic."
Zach sat there worrying, but as the last words left Bonita's mouth he had an epiphany. "Of course. My mind is going in so many directions I've forgotten what I've been taught. We can use the Geminio Charm to replicate the mobiles. All we would need are a few powerful wizards and witches."
"Right in one Mr. Hogwarts graduate. Because objects generated by the Geminio Charm might or might not break down over time, I suggest we add a twist to the charm. Instead of just Geminio, we should add Permaneo to make it a permanent double. In addition, if warranted, we can add the Impervius spell as well."
Zach hadn't ever felt such gratitude. His right hand witch had a plan. She reminded him of the Harry Potter and Hermione Granger of the Hogwarts days, always ready with a plan. "This isn't something that would suddenly come to mind. You must have been studying up."
Bonita gave Zach a gentle pinch on the arm. "You're right. It wasn't at the front of my mind, but when the requests began coming in, I summoned some old books from my days at Ilevermorny and did a bit of research to find a way to speed up production. Geminio is what I came up with. Adding Permaneo and Impervius are my idea. These charms and spells can be cast with a simple flick of the wand, but as I mentioned, they require a lot of power. Perhaps after the shop closes, you and I can practice. If we can't handle it, we can always ask Hermione and Harry for help."
Zach gave Bonita a quick hug. "Well spotted Bonita. Very well spotted. This is our business, so I'd rather not get anyone else involved, but should we fail I will definitely put a bug in Hermione or Harry's ear. I'm chuffed. Bring on all those orders. We'll handle them all."
"There he is. There's the wizard who founded an invention which could feasibly be purchased by ninety nine percent of the magical world. You are a star. Now. Let's get back to business."
"To business it is," replied Zach. "The day can't end soon enough."