Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 41:

Without removing her cloak, Jessie snuggled up against her wizard telling him that he was her lazy lout. Theo helped her take off her coat before pulling her down beside him.

"Your lazy lout was perceptive enough to collect an Owl that turned up."

"Really? You're here. I just left Gayle. Who would be Owling me?"

"Jayson. He wants to have another visit."

Jessie laughed. "I guess he really like you."

"I concur since he wants to bring mum and dad when he returns."

Jessie just shrugged. "I thought it might be too soon to meet your in-laws, but if you are willing, so am I. Be warned. Matilda and Aaron Collier take a hard line on everything."

Theo smiled as he left a kiss on Jessie's shoulder. "Then we will be a match because Theo Nott takes a hard line on everything as well. Now come with me because this hard line lad would like a little attention before he has to get back to London."

All Jessie could do was smile. Her London lad wanted to meet her family.

/*/

It was coming up on 6:30. Mona Russell was pacing. Wesley Corwin should have found his way to her door by now.

Mona was chastising herself. "Calm down witch. Your wishes will come to fruition. You've seen to it. As long as the overly ambitious Hermione Granger hasn't held him up with Ministry bullshite, he should be here in 3-2-1."

Ring.

Mona smoothed down her dress and fluffed up her hair. Wesley Corwin was at her door.

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

Chapter 42: As Simple As It Seems

Mona answered the door with a smile on her face. Her consort had arrived. "Hello."

For the first time in his adult life, Wesley Corwin was at a loss for words, but managed to stammer out a greeting. "Hello. I'm at your door without invitation, but something has drawn me here."

Mona stepped back. "Please, come on through Mr. Corwin. I'm pleased something has drawn you here. I love company. Although I'm sad I didn't make a good enough impression for you to remember my invitation. Be that as it may, you're here. I've just finished preparing dinner. Would you care to share a meal with me? For invited but unannounced visitors, I'll even offer some Ogden's Finest Brandy."

Wesley entered the house still feeling as though he was in some type of fugue state. However, as soon as he sat down, everything became clear. He was there because Mona had invited him. Even though he couldn't remember the exact conversation where she had, Wesley was sure she had. "You have a lovely home Mona. Lovely home for a lovely witch."

Ex-Unspeakable Wesley Corwin had surprised himself. Was he actually flirting with a witch who hadn't yet stated why she had invited him to her home. Of course he was. Wesley Corwin would never pass the chance to bring a ravishing witch into his fold. He might have been surprised but Mona was chuffed. Everything was going to plan. Mona was chuffed. Wesley was chuffed. The follow up was going to be very interesting.

/*/

Several times during dinner, Mona had to stop herself from reaching out to run her fingers through Wesley's thick, silky looking hair. Perhaps it was because she hadn't had a consort in ages, but the wizard sitting across from her was giving her vibrations the likes of which she hadn't felt...in ages. In addition, he was brilliant conversationalist remarking on subjects an ordinary wizard wouldn't think to discuss. As they were finishing up the meal, Mona raised her glass.

"I'd like to make a toast Mr. Corwin."

Wesley raised his glass. "And to what shall we toast lovely?"

The normally staid and stoic Witch One was beaming. "For now Wesley, let's toast to new friends. May we find and keep them."

"Alright Mona. To new friends. May we find and keep them."

/*/

After the toast and the dinner remains had been cleared away, Mona invited Wesley into the living room. "Have a seat Wesley. I'd like to hear more about what you do. You explained a bit about it, but I'd like to hear more."

Wesley shifted himself. A few wisps of memory were telling him he had spoken to Mona, but for the life of him, those memories just wouldn't coalesce. Whatever. This lovely witch was coming on to him and he hadn't had to use the old Corwin charm. So he had shared with Mona facts she already knew. When he finished explaining about DOM being shut down and his good fortune of being accepted to the Department of Magical Exceptions, Mona casually asked about his personal life. Wesley was a womanizer but was not going to sit in front of a possible paramour bragging about his conquests, so he lied.

"I am a single wizard Mona. I've been so busy these last few months I really haven't had time for a special witch."

A brief frown appeared then quickly disappeared from Mona's face. She had read Wesley Corwin from the inside out. He'd make a move on any witch who crossed his path if he thought she was fit enough. If he was a liar, she would proceed in a different manner. However, before she gave up on him becoming a longtime consort, she would try another avenue.

"Although this is only my second time meeting with you Wesley, I have been in and out of the Ministry quite a bit. Not that I put…."

At that moment, Wesley knew. He just knew Mona had heard things about him. It had taken him three seconds to come correct. This interesting and lovely witch was not going to get away because of his reputation. He cut across Mona. "Ah! If you've been in and out of the Ministry, you may have heard….things. While some of those...things are true, most are not. I have dated a fair few witches as has many wizards. It's my belief I just haven't come across the right witch."

In a few sentences, Wesley had redeemed himself with Mona.

Moving closer to him, Mona reached out to touch Wesley's hand. "We all have our stories, don't we? A word of caution. Don't do it to me."

Wesley was a bit disoriented but snapped back fast. Mona was going on like…. He didn't have a chance to finish the thought because suddenly, the need to have this witch overwhelmed him. Pulling Mona closer, Wesley spoke against her ear. "You are enchanting and overwhelming. Stop me if I'm wrong but I feel as though, at this moment, we both want the same thing."

Then he kissed her. Without preamble, Mona took Wesley's hand to lead him to the bedroom. "You are correct Wesley. At this moment, we both do want the same thing."

As they moved to Mona's huge and luxurious bed, she thought giddily to herself. At this moment and beyond.

/*/

Welles had everything in order including paraphernalia for the blue thing. Blue, as it was called now had a nice bed, a food and water area as well as a bathroom box. The dinner was done and under a warming charm. He had added an extra dinner item remembering that Miss Hermione was fond of glazed carrots. Mister Draco should be pleased. He had gone back to his duties preparing more white, collared shirts. Mister Draco shouldn't have had to ask. He should have had them ready. Welles was standing back checking the closet when he thought he heard the blue thing. Hurrying through to the living room, he was pleased to see his employer. No blue thing. Master Draco had made it home first.

"Good evening Welles. It smells fantastic. I believe Miss Hermione and Miss Blue will be pleased. I see you have Blue's home away from home items set out. Good man. I'm going to take a quick shower. Hermione and Blue should be here shortly."

"Yes Mr. Draco."

Welles went back to his duties with a piece of knowledge he hadn't had beforehand. Blue was a female Kneazle. Mr. Draco had called her his daughter. Strange, but who was he to question the logic of the wizard who employed him?

/*/

Draco had just finished combing his damp hair when he heard Hermione land in the flat. "Hello love. I'm in the bedroom. I'll be out in a minute."

"Hello. We are…" Hermione had stopped in mid-sentence and began speaking to Blue. "Look love. Daddy has bought you a food dish, and, oh my. He's bought you a bed and a litter box as well. You owe your daddy a lot of sweet purrs. He's gone all out."

Draco was smiling as he listened to Hermione go on. He smiled even wider when Blue offered soft purrs each time Hermione described one of the purchases. He loved his two girls. Putting Blue down on the couch, Hermione wrapped her arms around Draco's neck and planted a steamy kiss on his lips.

"You've outdone yourself Mr. Malfoy with these purchases and Welles has outdone himself setting them up. You two are my favorite boyfriend and elf.

Draco shook his head. His witch had gone from thankful to the dramatic. Blue must have thought so too as she laid in her brand new bed letting out meow after meow. Welles, who was chuffed to see Hermione in his home gave a short bow before heading for the kitchen to get dinner laid out. However, before he could remove the warming spells, Draco called out.

"A minute Welles."

Welles stopped what he was doing and stood by.

Draco was eagerly whispering in Hermione's ear while running his hands up and down her back. However, she wasn't having it. "No, no and no. I came to have dinner. I'm famished. Keep your randy thoughts to yourself…..for now."

The, for now, sealed the deal. He would be satisfied with dinner, for now, but later he wanted…. Draco grinned. He wanted what he would always want from his witch. After dinner, he would get it.

/*/

While Draco and Hermione ate their steak dinner, Blue decided to explore. Meowing softly, she checked each room until she found Welles. Then, without being invited she jumped right onto his lap. Welles didn't know if his and Blue's interaction was permissible but he didn't want to push the soft, blue thing off his lap. That's how Draco and Hermione found them. When she heard her mum and Da enter the room, Blue lifted her head and let out a purr of greeting before putting her head back down.

Hermione smiled at the scene. "Well love. It seems your daughter has found another favorite. The rate she is going she will have more mates than either of us."

Draco agreed. "While Blue is enjoying a soft lap, I have something I want to show you in the bedroom."

Giving Draco a nudge with her hip, Hermione told him to go ahead and she would be there in a minutes. Draco didn't move. They would go to the bedroom together. Hermione shrugged before addressing Welles.

"You did an amazing job on dinner Welles. Thank you for taking such good care of us. Thank you as well for the glazed carrots. I know they weren't part of the original menu. You and your skills are welcome at my flat anytime. After checking with Draco of course. Be good Blue."

Welles gave a quick bow with his head. "Thank you Miss Hermione. It is my job to see to you and Mr. Draco."

Grabbing Draco by the hand, Hermione let him lead her to the bedroom where they enjoyed a few hours of Granger Malfoy loving. As they laid there talking quietly about this, that and the other, they heard a soft scratching at the door.

"I guess your daughter is ready to go home. Let her in love while I have a pee and a quick cleansing."

Draco summoned his boxers before swinging his wand to open the door. His daughter could sniff out sex. He didn't want those claws digging into his special bits. As soon as he opened the door, Blue came running in and jumped on Draco sniffing around. Draco called out to Hermione. "Hurry it up love. Your daughter has caught your smell and is

trying to get at my sensitive parts."

Hermione laughed out loud. "Stop whining Malfoy. Blue just wants to be close to you. I'll be out in a minute."

For the next minute, Draco sat staring down his daughter ready to jump out of the way if she came at him. Finally, Hermione was back talking softly to Blue.

"Come here love. Your Da is acting a fool. You know he needs those parts and wouldn't scratch him up. Anyway, it's time for us to get home. Say goodnight so we can go."

Draco jumped up. "Just like that you're going to leave? I have plenty more…."

Hermione picked up Blue. "Save it Mr. Malfoy. You can use your plenty more another night. Right now, Blue and I are going home. Now give me a kiss so we can go."

"You're not leaving me here." Hastily throwing a cleansing charm over himself, Draco pulled on the clothes he had thrown aside. "Alright, I'm ready. Shall I hold my daughter or will you?"

Hermione sniffed the air around Draco. "You smell like sex. I'll carry Blue"

Draco laughed as he pinched Hermione on the bum. "I don't smell. If I did, it would be all that vagina juice."

Hermione laughed hysterically. "Vagina juice. That's a new one. Me and my vagina juice are ready. Come on you git."

"Meet you there love."

/*/

As soon as Hermione landed, Blue jumped out of her arms and headed to her litter box.

"Isn't that just like a girl."

"Isn't what just like a girl?" Draco came walking into the living room.

"You daughter went running to her litter box even though there was a brand new one at your flat. I imagine she was too shy to go in front of Welles."

Grabbing Hermione around the waist and nuzzling her neck, Draco told her what was what. "You know you're barking right? It's late. I think you need sleep. I'll be right in."

"Alright love. I am tired."

When Hermione was out of earshot, Draco patted the couch so Blue would come to him. When she was on the couch beside him he began talking. "Mum thinks you're embarrassed to use your litter box in front of Welles. There's no need to worry. He's a good elf. He won't hurt you. Remember that for next time. Now that I've gone as barking mad as your mum, I'll be going to bed. Goodnight love."

Blue sat there perfectly still. My mum and Da are weird. The new litter box was fine but the litter was awful. Then she hopped off the couch and went straight to her bed.

/*/

It was after 8:00 pm. Zach, Bonita, Henry and Lacey had just finished up the last batch of mobiles of the night. "Another ninety two devices up and running." Zach said, addressing the group. "My apologies for keeping you all so late, but…"

"But nothing Zach. This is our company as much as it is yours. We want it to move forward. In order to move forward, we have to have product to sell. Besides, the free dinners and the extra sickles don't hurt a bit." Offered Henry half serious, half joking.

"I second that." Added Lacey.

Zach turned to look at Bonita. "Nothing to say Miss Capshaw?"

Bonita gave Zach a strained smile. "What Henry said. We do what we need to do to keep the product moving. We've done well tonight even though ninety two devices will only fill two thirds of the orders we have on hand. You know I'm willing to work the front all day if you want Henry, Lacey and a few of the others back here setting up phones."

It was something to think about but Zach hesitated. Bonita was his number two who could be counted on to be in three places at once. Did he really want her tied to the front greeting customers and taking orders? Hardly. "Let's leave that thought until tomorrow. It's late. Go home and have your dinner, all of you. I'll see you in the morning."

"Alright then boss. I'll see you in the morning." Henry remarked accompanied by a wave. "Coming Lacey? I'll walk you out."

"Yes. I'm coming Henry. Goodnight Zach. Goodnight Bonita. See you in the morning."

Without even turning towards the door, a tired Zach waved his wand in a zig zag motion to lock the doors and draw the curtains. "Thanks again for staying. Regarding your suggestion of remaining at the front all day, which I didn't want to discuss it in front of Henry and Lacey, my answer is no. You are too important to me for that. We'll figure something out. Now, I know you have plans for the night. Why don't you get going? I'll see you in the morning."

Glancing at her Wonder Witch Watch then back at Zach, Bonita gave a cheeky reply. "Had plans Mr. Smith, had plans. It's now 8:15. The plans I had were to begin at 7:30. You owe me more than a free dinner."

Zach chuckled. "I guess that's me getting a telling off. Sorry about that."

"I'm kidding Zach. I've made adjustments. I'm going to the ladies to freshen up a bit then I'm leaving. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodnight Bonita."

/*/

What she had said to Zach was true. Earlier, when she realized there was quite a bit of work to finish, Bonita had sent Blaise a text informing him things at the shop were running behind and she wouldn't be home until 8:30-8:45. Perhaps they should reschedule their date. Blaise, who had been looking forward to seeing Bonita again suggested he pick up some Beef Wellie and bring it to her flat. Even though she was a bit tired, Bonita agreed. Dinner in was a lot less tiring than dinner out. She was all set.

After a quick pee and an even quicker wash of the face, Bonita hurried outside to apparate home. One of the first things she did when she reached the flat was text Blaise to let him know she was home.

/*/

Blaise was sitting on the couch crossing and uncrossing his legs. Bonita said they were running behind. That had been hours ago. Like some nutter, Blaise started speaking to the dinner sack sitting on the table in front of him. "If I'd have known Bonita was going to be this late, I wouldn't have rushed out to get the dinner. Imagine, me sitting here hungry as all hell with food right in front of me. This is ridiculous. In five more minutes, I'll eat all of it by myself. Blaise would have gone on soft ranting, but the soft beep notified him he had a text. Hurriedly summoning the mobile from the table, he read the text. Bonita was home.

After putting on a suit coat, Blaise grabbed the dinner sack, raised his wand and apparated to Bonita's flat. He was at her front door in ten seconds.

/*/

Luckily, Bonita had moved just as fast when she arrived home. When the doorbell rang, she was properly dressed in a simple, ankle length house dress. Opening the door for Blaise, she invited him in.

"Thank you and good evening lovely." He remarked, leaning over to kiss Bonita's cheek while handing her the sack. "Dinner for two."

"Good evening to you too Mr. Zabini. Come through. Have a seat while I fix our plates. It was so busy today I didn't even stop for lunch. In fact, I rushed out so early I didn't have breakfast either. No wonder my stomach sounds like the rumble of thunder."

Blaise smiled to himself. Yup. The way to a woman's heart is through her stomach or some muggle bullshite like that.

Bonita was still speaking. "There's brandy and whiskey in the liquor cabinet. Summon yourself a bottle and a glass. I'll have our plates set up very quickly."

Lifting his wand to summon brandy and a glass, Blaise was feeling quite comfortable wishing the date had started earlier. By now, he should have been removing knickers, or at least rubbing intimate places.

"Blaise."

Blaise was lost in thought about knickers on the floor.

"Blaise! Everything alright in there? Dinner is set. Come on."

Realizing Bonita must have called him to the table more than once, Blaise explained himself with a joke. "Sorry love. I was concentrating. Takes a lot of strength to open a brandy bottle."

Bonita just shook her head. Blaise Zabini was a charmer.

/*/

Bonita explained more about her day as they ate mentioning the need to get more mobiles set up. Bouncing ideas off each other, they came to the conclusion Zach should hire a few more people who would be dedicated to working in the back setting up mobiles.

"That's a good idea, but I'm not sure if Zach wants to hire anyone else at this stage. Until he gets a good foothold in the market, he'd rather keep proprietary information away from strangers."

Blaise shrugged. "All well and good lovely, but if Zach doesn't have the devices, he can't sell them. What's the lesser of two evils? He's a wizard. Use magic. I imagine there are so called secrecy spells he can use to seal the mouth of anyone who works with proprietary information. Done and done."

Bonita got up from the table. "Excuse me for a moment Blaise. I need to text Zach. I think you've hit on something. He and I should discuss this first thing in the morning."

Blaise remained at the kitchen table while Bonita sent the text again thinking about the timeline of this date. By now, he and Bonita should have shagged at least once and be working their way to the next. However, when Bonita returned to the kitchen, Blaise could almost see it in her eyes. There wouldn't be any shagging this night. He could hope for the best but expect the worse. The witch he was chasing seemed tired off her feet.

/*/

After sending the text to Zach, Bonita invited Blaise into the living room to have a seat on the couch, which he did. They sat there talking but it was obvious Bonita needed sleep. Even though Blaise wanted what he wanted, hr didn't want to push. Not at this early date.

"I can see you have had a difficult day. I'll leave you for tonight with the hope we can set another evening for a date."

Bonita thought once again, Blaise Zabini certainly is a charmer. "I appreciate your candor Blaise. Again I apologize for the disruption." She said moving closer. "Perhaps we should seal this invitation with a kiss so you know I really intend to have a date with you."

"I'm glad to hear you say that Bonita. I really was looking forward to tonight. Perhaps we should try for the weekend. If you're free on Saturday evening, I'd like to try again."

Putting her hands on each side of Blaise's face, Bonita kissed him on the lips. As she did, Blaise wrapped his arms around her and kissed her back. The kissing went on for several more seconds before they pulled apart.

Even though he was feeling sexually charged, Blaise kept to his word. He didn't push. "Although I'd like to sit here all night receiving your kisses, I'm going to leave you for now. The longer I stay the harder it will be to leave. Please walk me to the door."

At the door, they shared a few more kisses. Just before Blaise stepped out of the door, Bonita whispered in his ear. "I look forward to Saturday."

"As do I." Blaise softly replied. "I'll call or text you during the week. Goodnight."

"Goodnight Blaise."

/*/

All kind of feelings were running through Bonita's body as she waved her wand to tidy up and turn off the lights. Her most prominent thought, Blaise Zabini might not be that self absorbed wizard after all. If all went well, he might get a nice surprise Saturday night.

/*/

When Draco entered the bedroom, a grinning Hermione asked if he had gotten his daughter sorted. Draco knew what she meant but played that he didn't.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Hahaha. You're absolutely pink in the face. Of course you know what I mean. Didn't you assure your daughter it was alright to use the bathroom in front of Welles?"

"Perhaps I said a few words."

Hermione was now laughing hysterically. "Perhaps? Perhaps our daughter will make the front page of the Quibbler as the first Kneazle to mate with an elf."

Draco didn't see anything funny about what Hermione was intimating even as a joke. "You're overtired. Lie down and go to sleep because you're barking at the moon." He grumbled. "You're having your little joke, but…."

"But nothing Malfoy. The Kneazle, elf or Niffler that can get past me to get to Blue hasn't been born."

Pulling Hermione up against him, Draco whispered against her neck. "I know that. Love you Miss Granger. Goodnight."

"Don't be trying to get all familiar now that I've set you straight."

Draco snuggled against Hermione making a snarky comment. "It's not me trying to get familiar. It's my dick. It doesn't have any sense of timing."

Hermione chuckled as she reached back to grab Draco's hand. "I love your git arse. Now go to sleep."

Draco had to get in the last word. "I know you love me. How could you not? Now, I'm going to sleep."

"Git."