Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 37: Requests Requesting Requested
"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."
/************************************************************************
Chapter 38: Bleeding But Not Bloody
When Hermione entered her new offices to set up, Wesley was there setting up as well. Still annoyed at Wesley's overbearing ways, she simply nodded in his direction and went about doing what she needed to do. Wesley who realized he might have overstepped a bit tried to engage Hermione in conversation.
"I'm almost finished setting up Hermione. May I help you with anything?"
Hermione sighed realizing there wasn't any reason to be short with Wesley unless he was short with her replied with a positive response. "I'm just about finished moving my things. One more trip will do it, but thank you for asking."
"No problem. My station is fully set up. While you're finishing up, I'll get our mailbox in order. Wouldn't want messages for DME (Department of Magical Exceptions) to be fluttering around haphazardly with no where to go."
Wesley's words irritated Hermione the slightest little bit, but she took a deep breath. She had to remember she wasn't the single Head of DME. They were partners. "Excellent idea Wesley. Perhaps the first of our cases will arrive by messenger."
Wesley nodded. "Our cases will be coming directly from the Chief Warlock, the Head Auror or the Head of MLE, so it is a distinct possibility one or all will use interoffice messaging. One of our first steps should be to sit down with the CW to see how he wants us to proceed."
Hermione stopped what she was doing. "I don't know what you mean Wesley. The CW sends us the information, we do what needs to be done then return the finished cases to him."
"I agree. However, that's the basics. What are the specifics? Just how will we get our cases? Will the CW set a schedule for finished cases to be picked up? If we have to drop off, do we go together or separately? Do we drop by his office every time we solve a case, or do we hang onto our information until we get multiple cases solved?"
Wesley's remarks brought Hermione up short. Everything he mentioned was valid reasoning. They were in charge of a department which would bring them into contact with many different ministry departments and outside factions as well. They knew that. What they didn't know was everything Wesley had just stated. Perhaps her partner was as brilliant as he thought.
Addressing Wesley with a wide grin on her face, Hermione gave a smart reply. "Brilliant Mr. Corwin. We have a place to start. Our first piece of business will be getting and setting a schedule. We can even go a bit deeper. If we are to be in the field, how should we handle that? Shall we be in the field every day, every other day, twice a week? Do we travel together or separately? It seems there is a lot more to discuss than who gets which desk."
Wesley preceded his reply with a laugh. "Haha. And we thought it would be easy. If you are available today, why don't we have a working lunch to sort all this out. Of course this is all contingent on getting an appointment with the CW before lunch."
"While I'm finishing up, why don't you message the CW about expectations. Ask for either an appointment or something on paper. I think a working lunch would be brilliant. I'm going to take a quick run down for tea. May I get you something?"
Wesley had his back to Hermione so she didn't see the surprise register on his face. His standoffish, rigid partner was looking out for him. Who knew this could be possible? He'd take a tea and muffin as long as it didn't bring Draco Malfoy to his door.
"Yes, thank you Hermione. I'd like a milk tea and muffin." He said, pulling out several galleons placing them on Hermione's desk. "I appreciate the kindness."
Hermione glanced at the galleons. "Why so much money? Thinking the lunch witches are trying to rob the employees?"
Wesley laughed at Hermione's bit of humor. "Not at all Hermione. I was thinking if we have agreed to a working lunch, we should get everything all at once and put it under a stay fresh spell. I'll have two toasted ham and cheese sandwiches with chips and an apple juice"
"Merlin Wesley. We'll only be here until 5:30. Save some appetite for your dinner."
Even though Hermione's response was somewhat negative, Wesley remained silent. The morning was going too well to have a few words spoil it.
Wesley's silence spoke volumes so Hermione tempered her next words. "I'll get us both lunch, but this should be the first and last time we bring plates into our area. We don't want our offices smelling like the lunch area. I'll be right back. We should have an answer from the CW or his assistant by then."
"Alright partner. The message is as good as on its way. I'll see you in a bit."
On her way to the lifts, Hermione took a deep breath and mentally admitted that she and Wesley just might work out well as a team. Hermione also remembered she was going to mention mobiles to Wesley. She might also inquire about the disposition of certain items that had been specific to DOM. A full morning seemed like it would turn into a very full day.
As the lift doors closed, the annoying feeling she had forgotten something passed through her head yet again.
/*/
When Hermione returned to DME, she was met by a smiling Wesley.
"Ah! That smile must mean something good Mr. Corwin. Let me just put our food on the table in the conference room then we'll talk."
"Perfect."
"Nova Manere." Hermione called out twisting her wand counter clockwise. "That should keep everything fresh. Let's have our tea and muffins in here."
Wesley sat in one of the chairs and raised his wand to summon several sheets of paper.
"The CW sent a document which answers most of our questions. I've duplicated it so we can both have a copy to make our own notes."
"Sounds good. Before we begin, there is information regarding a new, magical device I'd like to share with you after notes."
"Alright Hermione. A new, magical device sounds interesting. After notes."
"Shall we begin?"
/*/
Hermione found that the brash Mr. Corwin was as fastidious as herself. Together they had gone over the document making copious notes. After finalizing the notes, they drafted an updated document specific to their department. Once they were satisfied with spelling, grammar, composition, etc., they replicated the finished product, took one for themselves then sent copies to the relevant Heads.
/*/
As soon as everything was sent out, Hermione and Wesley talked as they had their tea and muffins.
"This is a lot."
"It is a lot Hermione, but we will manage. We are the stars of our new department." Wesley replied, sporting a wide grin. "I imagine we'll be hearing from the Head Auror, the Head of MLE and the various other Heads..."
"I know. Probably as soon as tomorrow." Hermione interjected with a laugh. "We'll probably hear from the Occamy as well."
"Sorry?" Wesley replied in a puzzled voice. "An Occamy? Fascinating animal. They disappeared a hundred years ago. What does an Occamy have to do with anything?"
Hermione felt the blush spread from her chin up because she didn't have any idea why she had said the word. "I-I-I have no idea. I meant to say something entirely different. I'll rephrase. We'll probably have daily dealings with the Occamy." Jumping up out of her chair, Hermione swore softly. "Shite, shite, shite. What in Merlin's good name am I on about?"
A perplexed Wesley stared at Hermione with a piece of muffin hanging out the side of his mouth. "Are you feeling alright partner? Because this half of the partnership is about head for the lifts on a run."
Hermione looked over at Wesley and burst out laughing. "I can see the headlines now. On the first, official day in her new position, barking mad Hermione Granger had to be dragged to St Mungo's for care by her very puzzled partner."
Wesley burst out laughing as well. "While being chased by an enraged Draco Malfoy screaming curses because he thought the partner had somehow cursed his witch."
Hermione turned a frown on Wesley. Her comment was strange and perhaps a bit funny, but bringing up Draco's name didn't set well with her. "Still trying for that beating then Wesley? Bringing up Draco's name is not appropriate now and will not be appropriate going down the road. My life, which has nothing to do with you, is my life. Therefore, I'll thank you to leave my personal business out of your remarks."
Wesley was appalled not only because he had spoken out of turn, but because the last thing he wanted was Draco Malfoy to appear at the office door breathing fire. "You're right Hermione. My comment was uncalled for. My apologies."
Irritated at herself as well as Wesley, Hermione answered in a positive manner. "No need to apologize Wesley. Let's just keep personal lives separate from work lives, and I won't have to hex you."
Wesley was slow to reply not knowing if Hermione was joking or had just issued a threat. "I can do that Hermione because I definitely do not want to be hexed."
Turning on a hundred watt mega smile, Hermione assured Wesley she had been joking knowing he wasn't the only one who should watch their remarks. If Harry had heard the threat, he would definitely be coming for her, with a team.
/*/
For the next five or so minutes, the partners busied themselves with things that didn't require a conversation. However, they both snapped to attention when several folders landed in the DME mailbox.
Glancing at each other, they both responded exuberantly.
"We have cases!"
Vigorously nodding, Hermione made a nonsense remark. "We are on the road to stardom."
"And without an Occamy." Joked Wesley.
"I still can't imagine what I was thinking. I'm sure you'll never let me live down that remark."
"Correct Miss Granger."
Hermione shrugged and chuckled without adding any further reply.
The tension was gone.
/*/
With her thought process seemingly back to normal, Hermione decided this was as good a time as any to sell Wesley on a personal mobile. Reaching into her top drawer, Hermione pulled out her mobile.
"Have a look at this Wesley."
Turning to face Hermione, Wesley grinned. "It's a mobile. Certain officers and agents and Heads have one to contact their teams. I had one for a bit. Is this one different from those mandated by the Ministry?"
Hermione cleared her throat in embarrassment. Of course Wesley had seen/used a mobile in DOM. Those wankers were so mysterious the last thing they'd want was someone intercepting an Owl message and find out about their business. She recovered quickly answering a bit dramatically.
"Yes Mr. former Unspeakable. It is a mobile. In this case, however, it is a fantastic tool to keep one connected to his mates and acquaintances. The inventor of this device is a friend who founded Magical Mobiles of Diagon Place. He has enlisted myself and a few other friends to help take it mainstream. Therefore, I will demonstrate the many things that can be done on this small apparatus, after which, I'll expect you to pull out your moneybag, or issue a wand draft, whichever is easier."
After giving Hermione a direct stare, Wesley picked up the mobile and turned it over in his hand. "How is this different from the DOM mobile? I press numbers and I'm connected to another Unspeakable."
Just the question Hermione had been waiting for. "Well since you asked…"
Wesley let out a chuckle as he continued examining the mobile. "I imagine you're going to tell me."
"Yes partner, I am. Take a Ginger Newt Biscuit out of the basket then pull out those observational skills so I'll only have to explain once."
Once again, Hermione had said something that didn't make any sense. The only difference was this time she didn't seen to realize what she had said.
Trying to keep things light after Hermione's latest strange uttering, Wesley answered in a joking manner. "I'd love a biscuit Hermione but to what Ginger Newt basket are you referring?"
Hermione turned a glare on Wesley and snapped at him. "What? For Merlin's sake, pay attention. I'm trying to teach you something."
Wesley was getting a bit annoyed himself. If his partner wanted to act like a queen, fine, but he wasn't going to sit still for a tone when it was she who was making the fucked up comments.
"First, I'm not some novice on his first day at the Ministry. I'd appreciate it if you didn't speak to me as though I'm some lump. You are the one who told me to take a Ginger Newt Biscuit from the basket. My response was in line with your statement, or is this another case of you not knowing what you're saying?"
A beet red Hermione placed both hands on her desk and hung her head. "I don't remember saying anything about any biscuit or any basket. Something is going on here, and I don't know what it is. I know this is our first official day and all, but I need to go get myself checked out. I don't know how or why, but someone may have cast some kind of nuisance spell on me. I have to speak to Draco and Harry."
Hermione was pressing buttons on the mobile as she was talking, but Wesley put a hand over her hand in midst of her pressing buttons.
"Too bad we don't have a Time Turner. You could go back to yesterday to check if you were around some unknown entity. In lieu of that, I'm not just another handsome face. I was an Unspeakable Hermione, an excellent one. If you think you can trust me, I'll run some basic DOM tests to see if I can find evidence of a cursing.
Time Turner? Time Turner? The words reverberated through Hermione's head and stuck, but she took another tack when answering Wesley. Trembling slightly over two words she had heard many times in her life, Hermione gently pulled her hand away.
"I respect your former position as well as your experience, however, cursing and hexing a private citizen is illegal. I need to at least tell Harry."
Wesley stepped back and turned towards the door calling over his shoulder. "Of course. I forgot myself for a moment. I can no longer maneuver outside Ministry rules. Forgive my impudence. I probably should get back to my desk to check what's what in the files we received."
/*/
Hermione felt badly about refusing Wesley's help, but informing Harry was the correct thing to do. She had started to text Draco as well as Harry, but Draco could wait. Besides, if he thought someone had hexed her, he'd probably come to the Ministry and hex Wesley just for the hell of it. Picking the mobile up, she sent a text to Harry then sat back to wait.
/*/
The 1:00 pm meeting with the new managers had gone well. Draco was more than pleased with his choices. However, he was explicit about their need to continue training.
"Yes, you have the positions, but do not allow yourselves to fall down because I'll be on your arse before you can say, I slipped."
George, Henry and Roscoe smiled at Draco verbiage knowing he meant every word he spoke. If any of the three new managers had thoughts of coasting through, they were now on notice they were under the scrutiny of Draco Malfoy.
After listening to George, Henry and Roscoe and watching a detailed demonstration of mobile phones, they were also aware their moneybags would be a bit lighter if they chose to buy a personal mobile. Even though Draco stressed the personal mobiles weren't a requirement, he casually mentioned that purchasing one could possibly keep them out of the shite with him. The three managers didn't think twice. They would gladly take the company mobile and purchase a personal one as well, if only to keep out of the shite with Draco.
Draco was pleased. With the assistance of his Directors, he had secured additional orders. Perhaps Bonita was right. Zach should make him a spokesperson.
It was coming up on 2:15. Anxious to get back to the work on his desk, Draco moved the meeting along. However, as he listened to Henry explain how the next three weeks for the managers would go, a short ping from his mobile alerted him to the fact he had a text.
A seemingly unconcerned Draco took that minute to power off his mobile while reminding everyone they should adjust settings before stepping into a meeting. Six heads bobbed up and down knowing if they allowed a mobile to become a distraction in a meeting, they could expect repercussions.
/*/
Fifteen minutes later, Draco was back at his desk reading a text from scar head Potter which he took as a joke until he got to the reason for the text. Grabbing his wand to close the door and silence the room, Draco read the text once more. It wasn't a joke. An upset Hermione was in Harry's office to make a report about being hexed.
{sender} Harry Potter
Good afternoon Malfoy. Sorry to interrupt all your very important Malfoy shite, but Hermione is here in my office. Due to certain happenings, she believes someone has cast a nuisance spell on her. Hermione doesn't make spurious claims so I am taking this seriously. I'd like to see you in my office as soon as possible. I like this text thing.
"Dumb arse Potter." Draco mumbled as he removed the silencing spell and took three steps down the hall before realizing what he was doing. "That's what mobiles are for."
Draco sent a group text to Henry, George and Roscoe.
{sender} Draco Malfoy
{group text} Henry: George: Roscoe
I have outside business. Will be back before 4:00.
/*/
Draco was at the lifts before he hit the send arrow. Turning into Apparition as soon as his feet hit the sidewalk, he was at Ministry Reception presenting his wand for identification asking to see Harry Potter. After a short wait, the Reception Wizard gave him directions to Harry's office, Level two, down the hall, first office on the right.
Harry was waiting at his office door when Draco came down the hall. The two wizards shook hands before walking into the office.
"What's going on? Where's Hermione? What the fuck is a nuisance spell? Has this anything to do with that arse Corwin?"
Harry held up both hands. "Slow down and lower your voice Draco. Hermione went back to her office. I told her I would ring when you arrived. Before I do, I'd like to ask a few questions."
Draco rolled his eyes at Harry and snapped back. "You'd like to ask me a few questions, but the person Hermione was with last is probably somewhere trying to chat up another wizard's witch, brilliant."
First Hermione ranting now Malfoy. It was too much for a Monday afternoon, any afternoon really. Harry was getting irritated and responded with a snap in his voice. "Fine Malfoy. You sound aggravated. Let me clue you in. I'm aggravated as well. Hermione couldn't think of anyone who would play this kind of trick on her. I was hoping you might have some idea, but your temper makes me realize we'll get nowhere. I have other work I could be doing. Why don't you go speak to Hermione?"
Draco sighed. He was coming across as some arse. Dropping into a chair, he apologized. "Sorry Harry. If someone is messing Hermione around, I want to help get to the bottom of it if you will first tell me what spell was cast."
Now that Draco had calmed down, Harry was ready to discuss the situation. "I'll explain what Hermione explained to me. It might sound silly, but it does sound like a nuisance spell cast to embarrass her. She has been saying nonsense things that don't make and she doesn't know why."
Draco couldn't comprehend what Harry was saying and replied with a question. "What kind of nonsense things? Sometimes my witch talks so fast she gets ahead of herself. Is it possible Corwin has put her into a snit?"
Harry couldn't help smiling. "Never let Hermione hear you say those words, or you'll see a snit of vast proportions."
Draco nodded his head in agreement. "Too right Harry. I'd be the one experiencing a nuisance spell. Probably one that…. Never mind."
Harry let out a loud chuckle as he replied to Draco's almost comment. "Thought so. The gist of it is Hermione admits to feeling a bit off all morning. Then, while holding a conversation with Corwin, she made comments that didn't have anything to do with the conversation. In fact, the remarks didn't have anything to do with anything. She was fine last night. Can you think of anything that might have happened this morning? Did you hex her by accident?"
When Harry asked the last question, Draco was ready to explode on him until he looked up to see a wide smile on Harry's face. "Ah! Having your little joke, are you? I say, instead of making jokes, you get your Auror arse in action because nothing happened this morning. If it didn't happen at home, it must have happened here. As I mentioned earlier, go check out Corwin."
"And as I mentioned earlier, I will be speaking to Corwin. I just need to speak to you first. If you plan to stop by DME, do not engage Corwin. That's my job. If you act out, I'll arrest you just like I would anyone else so beware."
"Hmph! As Hermione would say. When you come to arrest me, you'd better bring a team. Thanks for contacting me. I'm going to see about my witch."
"Thanks for stopping in Draco. I'll be up in a few minutes."
/*/
Witch Mona was in her office doing her Coven related things when an out of breath Witch Geraldine showed up at her door asking for an immediate word.
"Merlin Geraldine. You look awful. What has gotten you to this state? Not another….."
Normally respectful, Witch Geraldine cut across her leader. "Hermione is bleeding."
"Bleeding? Hermione? Please calm down and explain."
Witch Geraldine took several deep breaths as she sat down. "My apologies Mona. Our secrets might be uncovered."
Witch Mona didn't take cryptic statements well. "Get to the point Geraldine."
"Hermione Granger is bleeding through the Forget All spell. She is experiencing sporadic memories of what went on at Hogwarts."
"Impossible. I cast the spell myself. What is your evidence?"
Geraldine loved her leader and would follow her anywhere, but sometimes she could be.. "Yes Mona. I know you cast the spell, but something went wrong. It is our policy to check on any subject with whom we've had to interact. While checking back on Hermione, I discovered she is having a problem with words specific to the Minerva issue bleeding into her conversations. As perceptive as Hermione is, she suspects she is the victim of a nuisance spell. In fact, she has mentioned it to the Co-Head of her department and Harry Potter as well. Even as we speak, she is making a report to the aforementioned Harry Potter. Even worse, Mr. Potter has gotten Draco Malfoy involved. Excuse my language Witch Mona, but the whole thing is becoming a shite show."
Mona wasn't leader of the Coven and Head of all she surveyed for nothing. Grabbing her wand and cloak, she had an answer. "I'll have to fix this immediately before it gets any further out of hand. Shite show is right. As long as I can get Hermione, Draco, Mr. Potter and Mr. Corwin in the same space, I will recast the Forget All spell. I hope this will be as easy as I'm making it sound. It will be highly embarrassing to have to cast the spell on half the Ministry. Inform the rest of the Coven. If anything else goes wrong, I may need all wands. Thank you for your diligence."
Witch Geraldine breathed a sigh of relief. All would soon be right with the world. After the Deidra fiasco, the last thing the Coven needed was a powerful witch walking around bleeding through a spell. Rotating her wand in a double circle, Geraldine put out a call to the rest of the Coven. They weren't going to believe this shite.