Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 43: Just Not Today
Joyce nearly fell over laughing. "Hahaha. Scout out the available meat? Who are you and what have you done with Witch One?"
All three witches had a good laugh. However, before going their separate ways, it was decided The Witches of The Coven who were interested would have a night out the coming Saturday.
Before Geraldine and Joyce were all the way out the door, Mona had some last thoughts to share. "I'm not ashamed of my interactions with Mr. Corwin. It's been a very long time between consorts. Rest assured though. As Head of The Coven, I know I'll have to let him go at some point."
Geraldine nodded and kept going. Mona's business was Mona's business.
/*/
Mona let out sigh after sigh. She was allowed a consort. In fact, she was allowed as many consorts as she chose. However, in reality, she knew consorts were normally under time constraint rules. She would have to release Wesley at some point in time. Mona sighed one last time before heading upstairs to resume her duties.
"I realize I'll have to let go of Wesley at some point. However, just not today."
/************************************************************************
Chapter 44: Unexpected Opportunities
After Zach and Bonita were settled, he explained he had sent an early Owl to Hermione asking her to stop by the shop that evening. Bonita wanted to bristle, but didn't. She and Zach had agreed they needed a way to speed up product production. If Hermione could help, she should be grateful.
"Okay. What are we looking for Hermione to do?"
Zach felt the question and answered accordingly. "Do I detect a tone? If you don't want to glean what we can from Hermione, I'll ring her to tell her never mind. I just thought…."
Reaching out, Bonita touched Zach on the arm. "There's no tone Zach, and I welcome whatever Hermione might share. I'm not sure I understand what she'll share."
Leaning back in the chair, Zach took several deep breaths before responding. If this was some jealousy bullshite, it was going to stop right here. He didn't need this. They didn't need this. "I invited Hermione here to share with us what she knows about secrecy spells. She had a few good ones when we were back at Hogwarts. So…"
"I heard the stories about the most famous of Hermione's secrecy spells. It was masterful. However, I learned a few spells while at Ilvermorny as well."
Zach stood up. He was going to excuse himself from the conversation for the moment. This was his right hand witch, but at the moment she was annoying the shite out of him. If Bonita had these spells, she should have mentioned them to save everyone time. "Excuse me for a moment Bonita. I need the men's. When I get back, we can decide if we need Hermione Granger."
Bonita wanted to call out after Zach, but didn't. Was she being an arse? Perhaps. And perhaps there was a bit of jealousy over the way Hermione was thought to be the be all end all of secrecy spells. However, since Zach had already invited Hermione, the polite thing to do was listen to her ideas. Couldn't hurt. Besides, whatever got the job done was helpful.
Zach wasn't back yet so Bonita went out front to have a discussion. When she returned to the back, Zach was examining some documents in front of him.
"What's that Zach?"
Holding up several sheets of paper, he explained they were applications to place positions available ads in The Prophet, The Gazette and The Guardian. I don't want to rely only on flyers and recommendations. All we need to do is decide requirements then place the ads. What do you think?"
"I think that sounds like a plan. If we work quickly, we can have the ads placed by this afternoon. Will you be doing the interviewing alone, or will be doing it together? I can set up the room off the front for that purpose."
"Good question. I'd like us to interview together. That way, you can pick up on anything I miss because sometimes I can be obtuse." He added with a laugh.
Bonita laughed. "You've never been obtuse. A little slow, but never obtuse."
"Nice Miss Capshaw. Very nice. Thank you."
Before Bonita could reply, Gordon came through holding out a few Owl messages. "You have a few Owls Zach. Are we working tonight?"
Bonita gave Gordon a direct stare. "Is that really a question Gordon? Whomever is available, has two hands and a wand and a willing disposition will be working tonight and any night he, she, they choose."
Gordon straightened his back a bit. "It was just a question. Obviously one I shouldn't have asked. There is a walk in who is looking for a demonstration."
Zach glanced at Bonita. "Do you need a few minutes Bonita because you need to settle whatever is up your nose this morning. I don't like it when I have to be at odds with you, but neither will I have you going off in all directions. After you've had your moment, please see to the walk in. Thank you."
Bonita knew she had been a bit out of line, but it was a dumb arse question. They would be working over every night until they could get a full production staff. It was a dumb question, but she could have handled it better.
"What the hell is wrong with me?" She reflected before heading out front to see about the walk in. Bonita did take a moment to have a quick word with Gordon who acknowledged the apology but his stiff back remained.
/*/
Zach took a deep breath then proceeded to set requirements for the production position. The sooner he got it finished the sooner he could get it published. As he laid out the requirements, Zach's eyes landed on his mobile. He had a text waiting. Setting aside the document he was working on, Zach read the message from Draco who wanted to set a meeting for Thursday or Friday to discuss something unrelated to mobiles.
"Something unrelated to mobiles. Sounds intriguing. I think I can manage that."
Zach replied to Draco's text confirming his availability for Friday at 11:00 am before finishing up the ads. He made up three packets which would be sent to the newspapers along with drafts to cover the ad placements. For now, Zach requested the ads run Thursday through Sunday. It would help to have them run in the Sunday Editions as well as the week day. All that was left was to get the packets to the Owl Service area. Which he did.
By the time Zach got back to the desk, Draco had confirmed Friday at 11:00. That was that. Conversely, Zach did wonder what Draco Malfoy wanted that didn't concern mobiles. Whatever. He would find out on Friday. Zach took a quick look through the Owl messages, but didn't find anything pressing. He decided to set up a few mobile sets rather than go out front. They would call if they needed him.
/*/
Draco was chuffed Zach accepted a meeting. On to the next thing. One quick group text to his Directors and he was set. George, Henry and Roscoe were top shelf. He wasn't worried about the plans they would bring him. He knew they would come through. In the mean time, he made copious notes on what he expected from the proposed new businesses. Creevey & Price was basically taking the wizarding world by storm as was Magical Mobiles. Handling the financial aspects, Malfoy Investments could feasibly see a thirty to thirty five per cent return on the initial investment. That was something he could live with. To help along his proposed new clients, Draco had a short meeting with his three new managers. When they left his office they had been charged to do whatever they could to push business to the new clients. The managers were sharp. By the end of the day, he was sure Dennis, Winston, Zach and Bonita would have loads of new inquiries.
Roscoe stopped by the office for a quick chat. He wanted Draco's blessing on an idea he had. Initially, Draco was irritated Roscoe would come to him instead of Henry and George. However, when Draco heard what Roscoe had to say, he closed his office door and listened intently to his Director.
/*/
An hour later Draco and Roscoe were entering a home that appeared to be more like a hovel than a home. Draco noticed but didn't care. If what Roscoe had explained was true, this wizard was destined for greatness and Draco was willing to support his effort.
The owner of the home was a gaunt looking wizard who looked like he hadn't had a good meal in ages. However, his cheery greeting belied his appearance.
"Hello gentle wizards. Come in. Come in. Mr. Fallon Owled I might have visitors this afternoon."
Draco glanced at Roscoe beginning to feel as though this was some kind of plot.
"I'm here Mr. Yurman to see if what I've been told is true. I am Draco Malfoy owner and President of Malfoy Investments. If it is true, I think we can help you become rich beyond your wildest dreams. Show me what you've got."
And Patrick Yurman showed Draco what he had with an explanation.
"I was fortunate enough to have heard about about the new invention for the magical world called mobile phones. I won't get into how I found out. Suffice it to say it was all legal and aboveboard. In better days, I was a researcher. I haven't lost the skill. While what I present to you might not be earth shaking, it will be an excellent asset."
Draco wanted to hear more, but he wasn't a fool. "Roscoe. I am suddenly craving a corned beef sandwich with all the works. There is a restaurant four doors down. Would you please go purchase three orders along with drinks."
Roscoe was caught off guard by Draco's request but did not hesitate to do as ordered."
When the door closed behind Roscoe, Draco became the dragon. He pulled out his wand and pointed it in Patrick's direction. "I'm here at the request of one of my Directors so don't take me for some dolt. You are talking and spinning without showing me anything. Show me your invention now or I will have you and this hovel driven to dust."
Patrick jumped up with outstretched arms in a pleading manner. "Please Mr. Malfoy. I have no ill intent. Let me show you what I have."
And he did.
Roscoe returned to find Draco with sleeves rolled up in an intense conversation with Patrick.
"Shall I leave the sandwiches on the table Draco?"
"Forget sandwiches. I think Mr. Yurman has a money spinner on his hands and Malfoy Investments would be chuffed to assist him."
Setting the sandwiches down, Roscoe grinned at his boss. "I thought you'd see it that way. Let's discuss."
"Yes Mr. Fallon, let's discuss."
And discuss they did. The agreement they reached was beneficial to three different parties: to Mr. Yurman; to Malfoy Investments and to Magical Mobiles. They decided the tentative name for the product would be Magical Modifier which would be contingent on the final plan.
Draco and Roscoe left with two prototypes which would be presented to Zach and Bonita on Friday. Draco was chuffed. The mobile cases Patrick had invented were perfect. There were soft covers, hard covers, half covers along with attachments that would keep conversations private even when the caller was on speaker. With a signed agreement in his pocket, Draco wanted to get back to Malfoy Investments to flesh out the information he would be presenting on Friday.
Before leaving, Draco and Roscoe had cautioned Patrick not to discuss his prospects with anyone until they got back to him. Draco left a generous good faith payment which would allow Patrick to continue his work and be recouped when the profits began to roll in. Everyone was happy.
Before apparating away, Draco clapped Roscoe on the back. "Well done Mr. Director. Very well done. We'll discuss this more at our meeting which I plan to move up. I'll see you back at the job."
Roscoe was exceptionally excited. He had made several missteps which could have caused Draco to chuck him out. However, Draco was not a vindictive boss and he had been given instruction instead of termination. Now, he was back in Draco's good graces which was a place he intended to stay.
"Alright Draco. I'll see you back in the building."
The two wizards apparated away separately.
/*/
Draco felt the warm blood of success flowing through his body. He had scheduled a meeting with his Directors for 3:30, but for business sake, he moved it up to...now. After a quick visit to the men's, Draco headed to the conference room to see what his Directors could do for the company.
When Draco entered the room, three sets of eyes were trained on him waiting to hear why they were there three hours early. George and Henry were silently fretting that what they had put together wouldn't be enough.
At the moment, Draco didn't care about feelings. His Directors weren't some love struck witches pining for a wizard. They were his top wizards and would have adjusted their mindset up by three hours.
"Wizards. I apologize for moving our meeting up. On that end, I'll hear what you have so far. However, before we get to Creevey & Price and Magical Mobiles, I have something else. Thanks to Roscoe we have another opportunity. Listen well because besides plans for the aforementioned companies I'll need you to put plans together for what we are calling Magical Modifiers."
From there, Draco explained it all including the fact the product could be changed or adjusted with the Colovaria Charm. George and Henry were nodding in Roscoe's direction. From their perspective, it did sound as though they had another money spinner on their hands. Draco noticed and was pleased.
Draco brought the meeting to a close with an addendum. "I apologize for taking you away from your projects. However, that's why you collect the big bucks and the perks. I was of the mind to cancel the 3:30 meeting. I've changed my mind. I would still like an afternoon meeting. We will meet at 4:30 at which time I will hear about plans for all three companies. Do what you need to do. Delegate, collaborate, but have what I need when you walk through the door at 4:30. That's all. Have your lunch then get to it."
The three wizards left the room invigorated not only because they were potentially bringing new business to the company but adding to future bonuses as well. They were chuffed.
/*/
"Wands out. I don't like the feel of this place." Wesley whispered softly.
Hermione rolled her eyes but drew her wand and held it by her side. If her annoying partner hadn't been so fast to speak, she would have said the same thing because the place did not look or feel right. It had been reported that a small band of wizards were robbing and assaulting witches.
"Together on three."
Hermione rolled her eyes again. Wesley was acting like she was under his command. As if. They moved together on the count of three ending up outside a manky looking door attached to a manky looking house. Standing quietly, they heard what sounded like a person in distress.
"I'll take the back. You take the front Wesley."
It was Wesley's turn to roll his eyes. Even so, he moved closer to the door giving Hermione time to get in place. However, the person in distress let out a howl of pain. Wesley didn't wait. With a well placed Bombarda, he was in as was Hermione. The scene inside was something straight out of the Second Wizarding War. Two disgusting looking wizards had a naked witch held down on the floor while a third was on his knees about to push into the witch.
"Knockback." Shouted Wesley moving his wand from wizard to wizard at the speed of light causing three loud bangs. "Get the witch Hermione."
Hermione had her wand raised, but Wesley threw spells so quickly the threats were contained before she could say Stupefy. Even as she waved her wand to lift the witch out of harms way, Hermione marveled at Wesley's strength and power. As Wesley used his wand to bind and gag the three degenerates, Hermione shouted Wrap before grabbing the witch and touching her hand to a portkey headed to St Mungo's.
/*/
After seeing to the witch, Hermione apparated to The Ministry to meet up with Wesley so they could write a report before reporting to Harry. Hermione knew Harry was going to be pissed. DME didn't have the same authorities as Aurors. She and Wesley should have called for an Auror team. She knew it and Wesley knew it. However, in emergencies they were authorized to act, and they had acted thereby increasing The Ministry holding cells numbers by three arseholes.
Hermione and Wesley refrained from discussing the filthy happenings. There was no need.
As soon as the report was finished, Wesley walked it down to the Auror Department and left it on Harry's desk while Hermione headed to the ladies to clean off the minute specks of blood and bodily fluids that had come off the witch. When Hermione returned to the office, Wesley was waiting by the door.
"It's back to Swansea we go to collect the evidence we would have collected had things gone right."
Hermione smiled at Wes remembering his speed and power. "With your speed, power and command of spells, it couldn't have gone any better. I'll need you to teach me that Knockback Spell."
Wesley was more than pleased. His often irritable partner had just given him a compliment. A high compliment at that. "Thank you Hermione. I'll be glad to show you the Knockback Jinx. It's fairly simple with a power wand and a steady hand."
"Which I have." Remarked Hermione, holding her wand at a point.
"Which you have Miss Granger. Let's get back to collect the evidence so we can get on with our day."
"Let's go then. I'm ready." Offered Hermione as she led the way to the lifts.
/*/
Hermione had been right. When Harry got the report, his first stop was the holding cells to ensure the criminals had been properly written up. After that, he headed directly to DME to take Hermione and Wesley over the coals for not immediately calling for an Auror Team.
"No time my arse." Harry grumbled, slapping the file against his leg when he found the DME office empty. Harry was so aggravated he left a scathing note which ended with, I'll have both your arses on Hermione's desk and an exact copy on Wesley's desk.
"Let them mull that over."
/*/
The rest of Hermione and Wesley's day went as planned. They gathered their evidence per guidelines then headed back to The Ministry. The only small wrinkle was the funk Wesley went into while they were in Surrey. Having learned her lesson from their morning discussion, Hermione didn't inquire. Instead thought to herself Wesley should pick a personality and stick with it. However, like that morning, Wesley seemed to resume focus once they were away from Surrey.
Back in the office, the partners went over the days work, wrote up reports then forwarded them to the CW. After a bit of casual banter, Hermione excused herself to the ladies mentioning she had an appointment after work. Wesley wished Hermione a good night as he was on his way to the men's.
Hermione was gone when Wesley came out of the men's so he went directly to his office to clear up for the day. Then that feeling was back. The feeling he'd had the previous night. It wasn't as intense, but it was there. Taking a minute for a bit of reflection, Wesley began to smile. Whatever was going on with him took backstage to a memory. A memory of a lovely, brunette witch. He was expected for dinner. How had he forgotten that when she was such a fit and sexual being. Suddenly, he was feeling as fit as a fiddle. Rising from the chair, Wesley put away his case. There wasn't any pressing matter that needed his review. Everything could wait until the morning. At that moment, he had a place to be. He was expected for dinner and more..in Surrey
/*/
Hermione walked into Magical Mobiles at 6:00 pm to be greeted enthusiastically by a grinning Zacharias.
"Hello Hermione. Thanks so much for coming."
Hermione grinned at her former schoolmate. "Hi Zach. You sound as though it's going to be a party. How can I help you?"
"No party Hermione just a chap who needs a bit of advice. Bonita is in the back. Come on through."
Before following Zach to the back, Hermione took a look around the bustling shop. A short queue along with several customers who seemed to be browsing. Her thoughts were Zach had himself a lucrative product. When she entered the back rooms, Zach beckoned her to an office she hadn't seen when she and Draco were there last.
"Over here Hermione."
Bonita stood to give Hermione a hug. "Hello Hermione. Thanks for coming to help out."
Hermione gave a slight shrug as she looked around. "It seems you and Zach have everything in order. I really don't know how much help I'll be."
"And that's where you're wrong Miss Granger. We didn't ask you here about the product. You are here to share knowledge."
Hermione was a bit puzzled. She thought she was there to assist with getting the product out. "And what knowledge would that be Mr. Smith?"
Bonita stepped in gesturing towards Zach. "Zach and I are planning to hire a production staff to make the mobiles. What we need is a way to keep proprietary information proprietary. In other words, we'd like you to set us up with spells or charms which will allow workers to work on the product but unable to…."
"Ah! Not to cut you off Bonita but I believe I understand. It's simple. I'm surprised you didn't think of it."
Bonita rolled her eye in Zach's direction but remained silent. Of course she could have done it, but Zach wanted you.
Removing her coat and dropping her bag, Hermione sat down. "There's two ways to look at this. You can cast a jinx over all production parts so the staff can only remember the parts when they are making the device (Make Not Remember) or the Speak Nothing (product name) which allows the employee to speak about Magical Mobiles Unlimited but not the product itself. If either of these is what you want to do, I'll caution you to advise your prospects beforehand. Let them decide if they want to be jinxed in order to hold a position.
A smirk appeared on Bonita's face, but Hermione wasn't finished speaking.
"You have an amazing product. While the two jinxes I mentioned are handy, they are so yesterday. My suggestion would be for you and Bonita to diagram your products, make a prototype of each then take them directly to the Department of International Magical Trading Standards Body at the Ministry to register your devices. Once you have registered the mobiles, no one else can make, use, or sell them without the permission of Zacharias Smith, Bonita Capshaw, AKA Magical Mobiles Unlimited. No Jinxes needed."
Both Zach and Bonita were stunned. They had made a big thing out of nothing. They each profusely thanked Hermione. While Hermione spoke a few more words to Zach, Bonita was already in the workspace putting together the package they would need to get their product registered.
Hermione stood to leave. "Keep your proprietary information to yourselves until the mobiles have been legally registered. Let's all try to get together soon. I have another story about a bone I'd like to share."
Zach and Bonita wished Hermione a good night accompanied by bouts of loud laughter.
"Another bone story would be welcome Miss Granger. Take care." Zach called out to Hermione's back. To Bonita he admitted it was good to have friends with knowledge. "We almost overplayed our hand Bonita. No jinxes need. Good one."
Bonita concurred. "Overplayed our hand is an understatement, but now we know. Let's finish getting the packet together so we can get it to The Ministry first thing tomorrow."
"Yes let's."
And they did.
/*/
The 4:30 meeting at Malfoy Investments went well. Henry, George and Roscoe had come through with outstanding plans for Creevey & Rice, Magical Mobiles as well as Patrick Yurman's Magical Modifier. Draco had also asked that his Directors comment on the name Magical Modifier. The response had been unanimous except for Roscoe who felt a more descriptive name would be Mobile Modifier. Draco let the team defend their points before stepping in telling them the name should be a description of what the product was about before siding with Roscoe.
"I like the way you are thinking team, however, I'll defend my choice. It's a given Yurman's products are magical. That's a no brainer. Therefore, mine and Roscoe's choice of Mobile Modifier seems more appropriate even though, in a manner of speaking, the mobiles aren't being modified. They are being enhanced. I'll concede this. If you can give me a more appropriate name, I'll be glad to take it into consideration. You have ten minutes while I use the men's."
The three Directors threw around a few additional names without finding anything better than Mobile Modifier. When Draco returned to the table, the question had been settled. They would go with Patrick Yurman's Mobile Modifier. The rest was easy. The appointment with Magical Mobiles was set and subsequent appointments for Creevey & Rice and Patrick Yurman would be set as well.
Draco ended the meeting. "I'll call this meeting done. I'd like the information for the two follow up appointments on my calendar before the end of day. Roscoe, you handle Patrick. That's all I have."
The three Directors nodded to Draco on the way out, but hurried to get on with what needed to be done.
/*/
Within twenty minutes, Draco's calendar had been updated. George and Henry would meet with Creevey & Price Thursday at 11:00 am. He and Roscoe would be meeting with Patrick Yurman Thursday at 10:00 am and he would be meeting with Zach and Bonita Friday at 11:00 am. Three new accounts should be added to the bottom line by close of business Friday.
"On to the next thing which will be closing out the day and getting my arse to my flat to get ready for a boys night out at Visions."
And that's what he did.
/*/
As always, when she was in Diagon Alley, Hermione stopped by The Menagerie to chat with Laurie and check on any new items she could get Blue. However, this particular day there was a wizard behind the counter Hermione didn't recognize. He was friendly enough though.
"Good evening Miss Granger. May I help you with something?"
Hermione, who only wanted a chat with Laurie explained her visit while ignoring the fact the clerk knew her name. Dexter, the new clerk told her Laurie was off for the night but wold be back Thursday morning. Hermione took a quick look around to see if there was something she could buy for Blue. Nothing really caught her attention so she wished Dexter a good night and left the shop. Her next stop was the fish and chips shop to pick up two dinners then on to home. While she waited in the short queue, Hermione thought about Draco's night out and envisioned herself in a nice, long soak with a glass of wine. She was so caught up in her thoughts the Order Witch had to call her twice.
"Next please. Next in line."
Hermione stepped up to place the order apologizing for her lack of attention. The witch simply smiled as she took the order. Fifteen minutes later, Hermione was at home placing the fish and chips under a warming spell.
/*/
Mona was anticipating another lovely night with Wesley as she put the finishing touches on a roast pork dinner. She wasn't one to do a ton of cooking, but she liked sitting across from Wesley gazing into his lovely eyes. Mona caught herself as she thought the words lovely eyes.
"What am I playing at?" She growled out loud. "Lovely eyes is something a witch thinks about her wizard. Wesley isn't my wizard. He's my paramour to be discarded at my discretion. Lovely eyes my arse."
As she moved her wand around the kitchen preparing the garlic mashed and roasted green beans, a fleeting thought crossed her mind. What would it take to make Wesley her wizard? Again, the thought startled her. She was thinking like a witch who was enamored with a wizard instead of Witch One Head of The Coven.
Mona was still chastising herself when the bell rang. Her wiz….her paramour had arrived.
/*/
As Wesley stood at the door, the strange feeling of having been drawn to Surrey washed over him. However, when he looked into the gorgeous eyes of this gorgeous witch any strange feeling dissipated immediately.
"Hello lovely." Wesley said, greeting Mona and holding out a large pot of purple, red and orange Amaryllis flowers. "Amazing flowers for an amazing witch."
Mona grinned like a witch greeting her first beau. Her paramour was as thoughtful as he was handsome. "Good evening Wesley. Thank you for the Amaryllis. They are beautiful. Well don't just stand there. Come on through."
Wesley stepped inside then took the liberty of leaving a kiss on Mona's forehead. "Thank you for the invitation."
Mona, who felt herself getting flustered quickly turned away mumbling about putting the flowers in a special spot. Taking several minutes to calm herself, Mona admitted that something more than keeping a paramour was going on. After taking a deep breath, she entered the living room where Wesley had poured them both a drink.
"I fixed a nice pork roast for dinner. I hope you're hungry."
Wesley didn't want to be too forward, but Mona's aura was so enchanting his response was automatic. "I'm desperately hungry, but it has nothing to do with pork roast."
For several seconds, the air was thick with unspoken words. Then Mona spoke. "Your words tickle my ears like some fairy dust. However, I propose we enjoy our drink, have some dinner then we'll talk about the other kind of hunger."
Wesley was a bit embarrassed and puzzled but went right along wondering where had the she wolf from the prior night had gone. "Alright my dear. We have all night."
Rising from the couch and reaching out, Mona nodded. "Yes Wes. We have all night. Let's have dinner."
Taking Mona's hand, Wesley followed her into the dining room speculating on the vast change in the beautiful witch.
/*/
Draco was last wizard in for boys night and took a bit of ribbing from his mates.
"Well! If it isn't Draco Malfoy alive and in person. That's different." Offered Theo.
Blaise was just as bad. "Theo and I were thinking that the head of the household had cracked the whip and took away your permissions to be out on your own."
Draco grinned. These two wankers weren't going to make him step out of character even if they deserved it. He raised his hand in the air to summon the bar wizard. "Ah! I see you two haven't lost the ability to be arseholes." Nodding at the bar wizard, he ordered a double Ogden's Premium before continuing his verbal slap down. "You two worry entirely too much about me. My witch and I are extremely happy and respectful of each other's time. However, I'll be glad to mention you two have a mouthful of shite you want to say to her. I'm sure she and her wand will be glad to listen."
Theo clapped Draco on the back even as he and Blaise had wide grins spread across their faces.
Blaise didn't hesitate. "I'll take a pass on that. I don't even want to hear the words Hermione and wand in the same sentence."
Draco laughed out loud. "I thought not. I had a specific reason to call a boys night."
"And just what reason would that be Mr. Malfoy? I mean besides wanting to look into the faces of two wizards more handsome than yourself." Taunted Theo.
Suddenly serious, Draco explained himself. "I want to apologize for my behavior at the Hogwarts Party. I took offense over something that didn't exist. I've known you two too long to think you'd ever step into my personal life without invitation."
Blaise was giving Draco the stink eye. "I'm glad you added without invitation because I remember plenty of times you whispered directions on how to get rid of a clingy witch. No apology is necessary mate. We've experienced your temper many times."
"Agreed." Added Theo. "We'd have to be blind not to recognize the relationship you are building with Hermione is different, and, as Blaise said, no apology necessary. When is the Bonding?"
Both Blaise and Draco laughed, but Draco had an easy answer. "Our Bonding is the day after you and Jessie. Save the date."
Theo quieted right down because Draco wasn't entirely wrong. He was already scheduled to meet the parents.
Blaise sat there taking it all in. "I'll send my navy blue suit for cleaning. I might be wearing it sooner than I think."
Neither Draco nor Theo replied to Blaise's banter. However, Draco did call a toast.
"To the wanker without a witch. May his navy blue suit stay pressed."
All three raised their glasses to the cheeky toast.
/*/
Draco, Theo and Blaise spent another hour catching up without discussing anyone's witch.
At 9:15, Draco stood. "Well mates, it's time for this handsome wizard to take his handsome arse home. There's a lovely order of fish and chips with my name on it waiting to be eaten. I enjoyed myself tonight. Your turn to put out Sunday Lunch Theo. Perhaps Hermione can regale everyone with another bullshite story about a witch being turned to a bone."
Theo laughed. "As soon as I learn to cook a decent meal, I'll put out Sunday Lunch. Until then, I'll be a guest at Hermione's flat. Glad we got together. I almost forgot what it was like. Have a good night mate. My regards to Hermione."
"Ditto." Added Blaise. "See you later mate."
/*/
Draco stepped outside the pub, acclimated himself then apparated to the flat of his witch and their daughter where his fish and chips would probably take a back seat to some Granger loving.