Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 38: Bleeding But Not Bloody

"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.

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

Chap 39: All Things Settled

Remaining unusually composed, Draco entered the office of DME relatively centered. He had convinced himself that the Ministry was not the place for a successful businessman to come unhinged even as he softly grumbled about what he would do if Corwin had compromised his witch. Acclimating himself after stepping through the doors, Draco headed to the office marked Hermione Granger.

Hermione rose from her desk when she saw Draco in the doorway.

"Hello love. My Monday hasn't started off too well. I think I'm going mad."

As much as Draco wanted to comfort Hermione, he remained stoic gesturing for her to sit back down before sliding into a chair. "Explain please. The text I received from Potter set my teeth on edge. You think someone has cast a nuisance spell on you?"

Hermione felt a bit embarrassed. Here she was making a big deal out of something that was, in all probability nothing. "I feel silly Draco, but having rubbish things pop out of my mouth is unnerving."

Draco remained silent because he still hadn't heard anything that should have gotten Hermione and Harry up in arms.

The look on Draco's face annoyed Hermione. "Stop looking at me like I'm some nutter Draco. Go back to work. I'll figure this out."

Draco had dropped everything to come see about his witch yet she was speaking to him as though he had cast a nuisance spell. Drawing his wand, he closed the door and set a Muffliato with two quick flicks. "First of all. I'm not some nosy interloper who has no business being here. Harry sent a text so I came to see if I could help. You need to save that temper for the unknown who has done something. As far as I can see, you seem perfectly fine. I'll get back to….."

Before Draco could finish his sentence, the Muffliato was pulled apart to reveal Auror Potter standing there. "A Muffliato? I'll take that to mean you two have been bumping heads instead of coming to a meeting of the minds."

"Funny Harry. Draco and I were…."

Draco shook his head. "Draco and I were not… Draco was getting ready to take his arse back to his company. I've overstayed my welcome. Call or text when you get to the bottom of whatever this is."

Harry sighed. "A minute Draco please. I don't mean to step into family drama, but I have to take Hermione's report seriously. Therefore, I need input from the both of you. In fact, I'll also need input from Corwin as well. Please put your differences aside for a moment so we can find out what's what. Have you had any further episodes?"

Running both hands through her hair, Hermione dropped back into the chair. Stress had made her lash out at Draco who had only come to help. "Alright lads. Your favorite witch is under a bit of stress. We know there was nothing amiss earlier this morning. At least I didn't say anything that alarmed my handsome wizard."

Harry covered his mouth to hide a smile. Hermione was turning on the charm. She must have been taking Draco over the coals before he walked in. Nothing to see here folks just normal Granger behavior. "Good. We've got that part settled. Your handsome wizard saw nothing. We move on. We need to speak to Corwin."

"Good idea Harry. After all, Crabbe experienced it first hand."

Draco jumped out of his chair sputtering. "Crabbe?"

For a second, Harry just stood there looking puzzled. What in bloody hell did long dead Crabbe have to do with anything? Quickly realizing what had just happened, he spoke directly to Hermione who obviously hadn't realized what name had just come out of her mouth. "Do you realize what you just said?"

Glancing from Harry to Draco, Hermione realized she must have spoken out of turn yet again. "I thought I said good idea Harry. After all, Crabbe experienced it first hand."

"Hermione." Draco called out softly. He started to say more, but Harry who had snapped into Auror mode interjected.

"There is a problem Hermione. I don't know if it's a nuisance spell or what, but there is a problem. Twice in the space of two minutes you called Corwin Crabbe."

Hermione's hands flew up to her mouth. The evidence was right there in front of her. In fact, she was the evidence. "I-I. I've been hexed. The poison was in the biscuits. I'm sure of it."

The poison was in the biscuits? What was going through Hermione's head? Harry didn't hesitate. Pointing his wand, he made a three circle movement and called out. "Relax. Sleep."

Draco jumped up. "What the fuck Potter? Is the answer to her babbling putting her in a trance?"

"Not now Draco. This is not the time to be at each other's throat. Hermione needs our help." Harry replied, waving Draco away with his hand. "Get Corwin in here. Something happened this morning and I'm going to get to the bottom of it. Never mind. I'll get Corwin. You sit with Hermione."

"I don't care for speeches Potter so just get the bloody arsehole in here. So help me Merlin. If he's done something to Hermione, I'll curse him in front of you."

"No you won't Malfoy because I will bind your arse here and now if you do. Be back in a minute."

Draco walked over to Hermione and ran his fingers through her hair as he spoke softly to himself. "I think you've relaxed enough. I need you awake babbling and all. Rennervate!"

Hermione's eyes snapped open. "Hello love. Have I been cured? I'll be having words with Mr. Potter for using his wand on me." She remarked as a joke.

"Please Hermione. Just sit quietly for a minute. Potter has gone to get Corwin. You were fine when you left home. You were in an office with Corwin for several hours and suddenly you're speaking in tongues. Process of elimination, Corwin is the cause. Case closed."

Draco was speaking sensibly but Hermione gave him an eye roll accompanied by a soft huff before crossing her arms across her chest. "How long has Harry been gone? Wesley is only a couple of steps away." She grumbled. "I'll go see what's keeping them."

"No Hermione. Remain seated. I removed the spell Harry cast without his knowledge. I'm fairly certain he doesn't want you bumbling about. He should be back at any moment. Let's show a bit of patience."

Hermione sighed. "For Minerva's sake Draco. You act like I'm lying in the Hospital Wing dying. You're the one who needs to calm down. Harry better get back in here."

This time, Draco wasn't as surprised to hear nonsense shite coming from Hermione but did question her statements. "Do you realize what you just said?"

Staring directly in Draco's eyes, Hermione admitted she thought she had said four perfectly innocent sentences. "I'm getting nervous love. At first I thought it was a lark, but I'm becoming concerned. What did I say that was wrong?"

Draco placed Hermione's hands in his. "It's not that you said anything wrong love. The sentences just didn't have any bearing on what we were discussing or make any sense. "For Minerva's sake Draco. You act like I'm lying in the Hospital Wing dying" were your exact words."

"Minerva? Dying in the Hospital Wing? I've officially gone round the bend." She replied, squeezing Draco's fingers. "I don't know what's happening to me, but if someone is messing me about…"

Hermione was cut off in mid sentence.

The office door was pushed open. Harry was back and he wasn't alone.

/*/

Wesley Corwin wasn't a cowardly wizard, but all this business had him unnerved. Hermione speaking nonsense without realizing what she was saying; her getting upset and running out to see Harry Potter; Harry Potter striding through the office. Then, to top it off, Draco Malfoy appearing out of nowhere. All this without anyone saying a single word to him. It was a strange situation especially knowing after the fiasco at the Belvedere Club,Draco Malfoy was probably looking for the tiniest reason to hex his arse.

Wesley was at the common desk running the whole thing through his head when someone entered the offices addressing him in a melodious voice. Even with all that was going on in his head, Wesley couldn't help but run an appreciate eye over the fit brunette with gorgeous blue/gray eyes.

"Hello miss. I am Wesley Corwin. You are in the offices of DME. May I help you with something?"

"Good morning Mr. Corwin. Actually, good afternoon. I would like to see Hermione Granger."

Shite thought Wesley who was just about to say that Hermione was tied up at the moment when Harry Potter appeared at the desk. Mona smiled at Harry who simply nodded in return. He was on a mission. He didn't have time for any cozy chats even with a beautiful witch.

Mona couldn't believe her luck. Two of her four subjects were right in front of her. Without hesitation, Mona carefully drew her elongated, golden wand to cast a nonverbal Imperio. Harry and Wesley stood there like two trees swaying in the breeze.

Without directly addressing either wizard directly, Mona spoke a soft command. "Please take me to see Hermione Granger. I'll need you both to accompany me."

Under the Imperio, Harry and Wesley could only comply. Both wizards headed to Hermione's office with Mona bringing up the rear.

/*/

Both Hermione and Draco had their mouths fixed to say it was about time. However, in the few seconds it took for Harry followed by Wesley to enter the room they recognized the slack jaw look on the wizard's faces. The two wizards had been Imperiused. Like the fine tuned couple they were, Hermione and Draco both drew their wands shouting Imperiused.

The shouting hadn't been necessary as Mona stepped into the office ordering them to lower their wands.

"Mona?" Hermione and Draco remarked in unison.

"Yes lovelies. It's Mona. Didn't think you'd be seeing me again, eh?"

Draco and Hermione's first thought was something else had gone wrong and they were being summoned by The Coven.

Mona stepped all the way into the office closing the door behind herself.

/*/

Completely over the shock of seeing Witch One standing in front of her, Hermione began to question the leader of The Coven even as Draco was nudging her to be quiet. Hermione shrugged off Draco's nudge. "Do we have trouble Mona? Why are Harry and Wesley Imperiused? Are you here because I've been hexed?"

Mona sighed. Hermione was brilliant but very mouthy. "Silence Hermione. An error has been made which I am here to rectify. An error which impacts you, Draco, Mr. Potter and Mr. Corwin. Now that I have you all here I can get on with my business."

Hermione was still making inquiries. "What error? Does it…?"

Cloaking herself, Mona cut right across Hermione swinging her wand as she went. "Obliviate our Hogwarts visit. Obliviate this meeting." Then, turning to Draco, she called out a modified order. "Obliviate this matter. Obliviate this meeting." Lastly, Mona turned to Harry and Wesley to release them from the Imperius. "Obliviate this matter. Finite."

With her work done, the cloaked Mona headed directly to the lifts and turned quickly into Apparition as soon as she was outside Ministry doors.

/*/

Several minutes after Mona left, Hermione, Draco, Harry and Wesley glanced around feeling uneasy. Draco remembered hurrying to the Ministry but didn't know why. Harry remembered visiting DME but didn't know why. Wesley, who was slowly backing out of Hermione's office only knew he should be getting back to his own office.

Hermione smiled at Draco and Harry.

"Well now. This a pleasant surprise. My two favorite wizards come to visit at the same time. Did you two miss me or am I in some kind of trouble?"

"Trouble, never." Harry bantered right back. I was over this way and thought I'd stop in. Now that I've stopped in, I'll be getting back to where I belong. Good afternoon to you both."

Now that it was just him and Hermione, Draco tried to get a tad bit familiar with his witch but was instantly rebuffed.

"Step back wanker. I love you Malfoy, but this is my first day as a full fledged DME Officer. My new office in The Ministry isn't the place to try your Malfoy moves on me. Thank you for your visit but go back to work. Blue and I will see you this evening, at which time, I will welcome those Malfoy moves." Adding the last in a much lower voice.

Draco left the office chuckling. His witch would get to experience some of his Malfoy moves only if she fixed chops for dinner. Letting out a loud chuckle, he reiterated. Hermione would get his Malfoy moves with or without chops. He also noted it was fortunate he was the only one in the lift. Otherwise, he would have been pegged as some nutter.

/*/

Witch Two Geraldine was staring into her cup of tea wondering what was taking Mona so long to get back. With Mona's skills, the problem should have been contained in minutes. She had been gone forty five.

"Let's hope nothing got out of hand."

"In here doubting me and talking to yourself Geraldine?"

Mona was back.

A flustered Geraldine greeted her leader while ignoring her comments. "I know you must be tired, aggravated, perturbed. Pick one. Let me fix you a cup of tea."

Mona smiled at Geraldine's cheek. "I'm none of the above. Everything actually went well. It was a tad bit hairy as I had to use the Obliviate and Imperio right in the middle of the Ministry of Magic. I'll have milk in my tea please. Of course Hermione wanted to ask questions right up until I called the spells. I have never met a more inquisitive witch, but it is one of her more endearing qualities. Sharp mind but loose mouth. Anyway, everything is back right. In addition, I found Mr. Corwin extremely pleasing to look at. I might have to find out more about him."

Geraldine's hand flew up to her mouth on its own accord. "Mona! You wouldn't."

"Hahaha. Calm down Ger. I didn't say I was going to run out and drag Mr. Corwin back here right this minute."

"Thank Merlin. If you drag a wizard in here, all the witches will want one."

Mona laughed out loud. "Yes, there's that. However, I do plan to study up on Wesley Corwin."

Geraldine didn't offer any advice or opinion. There was no need. Mona had mentioned Wesley Corwin twice in the space of five minutes. Her mind was already made up. It had been ages since Mona had a consort. Poor Wesley Corwin.

/*/

A somewhat exhausted Draco arrived back at his desk and turned on his mobile to hear a series of beeps. He had multiple unread texts. George, Henry and Roscoe were ecstatic over the speed Zacharias Smith had delivered the mobiles sending attachments from the managers and some staff who were equally ecstatic. They also informed Draco there wouldn't be any need to have a demonstration class as almost everyone had familiarized themselves with the device as soon as it was in their hand.

A smiling Draco read the texts and admitted Malfoy Investments had a brilliant lot of employees. He sent a quick text to Zach thanking him for the speed and professionalism with which he'd taken care of his order. With that done, Draco turned his attention to the reports laying on his desk while marveling over the fact he'd been in the company of Wesley Corwin and hadn't had to hex a bloke.

While reviewing the work in front of him, Draco thought about Welles. His manservant hadn't had a lot to do in the past few weeks. Draco felt he would save Hermione some work and send Welles to the flat to cook the chops. However, he remembered the little faux pas that had transpired when Welles was last at the flat. Before making a decision about the elf cooking dinner, he should find out if Hermione wanted help. Picking up his mobile, he sent a text to Hermione inquiring. It had only taken Hermione five minutes to respond. She would love to have Welles cook dinner as long as he didn't try to scare Blue to death.

My mouthy witch always has to have the last word thought Draco as he sent back a short text.

{Sender: Draco} Consider it done. I will give Welles permission to enter the flat. I'll remind him not to scare Blue to death.

Draco thought Welles would be chuffed to get out of the flat to help him and his witch. To make sure everything went to plan, Draco made a quick trip to his flat to advise Welles what needed to be done.

Draco was there and back without anyone knowing he had stepped away.

/*/

Like Draco, George, Henry and Roscoe, Theo Nott was very impressed at the speed Zach had delivered his order. Theo was even more impressed with Kelvin. His senior Realtor had not only shown the rest how to use the mobile but had put together a two page manual of tips and tricks new users could refer to if they had a problem. Theo was pleased.

The day got even better when Al stopped in Theo's office to have a word. The Hoffman sale had closed five thousand pounds above price due to interest from a wealthy Armenian business wizard who kept countering the last offer.

With another hefty sale under his own belt, Theo was a bit more expansive than usual. "Excellent work Al. I know Hoffman really wanted that property. I'm pleased he got it even though he might now have to carry bagged lunches to work for a while."

Al was enthused by Theo's compliment. His boss wasn't always so forthcoming. Usually, Theo's appreciation was shown by allowing a bloke to keep his job. "Thanks Theo. Means a lot to a wizard to know he is appreciated. I'd also like to thank you for sharing information about mobiles. Picking up a small device and being able to connect with anyone you choose at any time you want is amazing. I believe I'll be able to talk my witch into purchasing one. Thanks for your time Theo. I'll be leaving the office in twenty minutes. I have a late showing. Full details will be on your desk in the morning."

Theo stood to shake Al's hand. "Use that mobile responsibly. Good luck with your showing."

"Thanks Theo."

/*/

When Al mentioned a late showing, Theo had automatically glanced at his Wonder Wizard Watch. It was almost 5:00. Where had the time gone? Jess would be getting in from work. Theo picked up his mobile ready to connect to his witch but thought better of it. He still had prospects and sales documents to review. He'd call her later. The thoughts of Jess brought a smile to his face as he sorted through the information in front of him.

/*/

While Theo was thinking about Jess, she and Gayle were having a conversation about the London lad as they closed out their work day. Even though Jess had assured Gayle there were no hard feelings, Gayle was still highly embarrassed about the night she had spouted off about Draco Malfoy without knowing Theo was in the flat.

"So, how is it going with your London lad Jess?"

Jess began to gush about her wizard. "Everything is going well Gayle. I think I'm as smitten as Theo. We attended a dinner at Hermione Granger's flat on Sunday. He was worried for me to portkey home alone so he accompanied me back to Wales. I can't believe my luck. I intend to hold onto him. He's a keeper." Pulling her mobile out of her purse, Jess handed it to Gale. "Have a look at this. It's a mobile Jess. Theo purchased it so we can communicate from London to Wales without using Owls. It's amazing. Maybe you can get one so you and I can ring each other."

Gayle took the mobile from Jess but while inspecting it she inadvertently hit the button connected to Theo. Suddenly Theo was on the line.

Hello love. Are you home already? I was going to ring you a bit later. I wanted to give you some time to get settled….

Gayle shoved the mobile back into Jess's hands whispering that someone was on the line talking. By the time Jess got the phone to her ear, a puzzled Theo was almost shouting.

Jess. Jess. What's going on? Is everything alright? Jess?

Jessie answered with a wide smile on her face. Her wizard was concerned.

Hello Theo. Everything is alright on this end. I was showing Gayle the mobile. She accidentally rang your line. She and I have finished our day and are on the way out. My apologies. Why don't you ring me later this evening?

Theo breathed a sigh of relief. Flighty arse Gayle had pushed a button.

Okay love. I'm just finishing up here as well. I'll speak to you soon.

Yes Theo. We'll speak later.

Gayle was standing there red faced and all apologies after Jess finished the call. "I'm so sorry Jess. My fat fingers touched something."

Jessie couldn't contain her laughter. "Hahaha. You should see your face. You are as red as a beet. There's no need for apologies. Mistakes happen. Do you have anything planned for tonight? Why don't you come have some cawl and bara brith with me? I can show you more about the mobile. In any case, I can show you how not press the wrong buttons."

Giving Jess a nudge with her arm, Gayle declined the invite but promised to stop by the flat later in the week admitting she was very interested in learning more about the mobile.

The two witches parted ways at the front doors calling out goodbye to each other before Apparating away.

Jess was still smiling when she landed in her flat. Gayle was a bit of a klutz and her wizard was definitely a keeper.

/*/

At precisely 5:30, Welles landed by the front door of Hermione's flat. Blue, contrary to Hermione's beliefs, ran right up to the elf sniffing and meowing remembering his smell from the one time he'd been to the flat. Welles remembered Blue as well and gave the noisy Kneazle a quick rub before heading to the kitchen area to begin the dinner preparations. He had been instructed to prepare chops. He was proud to be of service to Mr. Draco and Miss Hermione.

Blue, who was happy to have company sat on her haunches purring softly and sniffing the air while watching Welles' every move.

Blue hoped her mum and Da would be coming soon because she was hungry.