Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 44: Unexpected Opportunities
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.
/************************************************************************
Chapter 45: Handling Their Business
At 9:20 Wednesday evening, Blue ran to the door, sat down on her haunches and stared at the door. Smiling at her fast growing, blue baby, Hermione acknowledged her stance.
"Keeping door watch then love? Your Da must be on his way, unless of course Wizard Potter has decided to stop by."
Purr, purr, purr.
Hermione laughed. "From the sweet purrs I'm hearing, I think it isn't Harry. I have to say I've built up quite an appetite waiting for my wizard to get home from his boys night out. He may want to try some of his Malfoy moves, but I have a surprise for him. Fish and chips and salad will come before anything else. After that, I have a story to share."
Five seconds later, Draco landed in the living room. Blue immediately ran up to him letting out loud noises which sounded like tempered growls. Giving Hermione a quizzical look along with a long kiss, Draco questioned her about Blue's behavior. Giving Draco a quick squeeze, Hermione explained it was obvious Blue didn't like his choice of entry. She was used to him coming through the door.
Draco grinned as he leaned down to give Blue a few pats. "Is my sweet, blue girl upset that her Da apparated in instead of using the door? I am a wizard who knows several different ways to enter the flat and from time to time, I might use one or all. Just you remember that no matter my mode of entry I am coming home to my girls."
Blue seemed to nod her head up and down before letting out a series of soft purrs. Her Da had explained everything. He could come home in any manner he chose. And that was that. Making one quick circle around Draco's legs, Blue headed for her place under the kitchen table. It was almost time for dinner.
Hermione stood in the kitchen doorway smiling while watching the former arrogant Draco Malfoy explain things to a Kneazle. A lovely, blue Kneazle, but a Kneazle nonetheless and her heart filled with love. Her wizard was a keeper.
/*/
Hermione had been spot on. After a quick wash and use of the bathroom, Draco tried to make some of his Malfoy moves which were quickly discouraged.
"I've waited dinner for you. There won't be any shenanigans until after I have my fish and chips and maybe not even then."
Leaning down to address himself to Blue, Draco voiced his opinion. "I guess mum has set me straight. Fish and chips before all else."
Purr, purr, purr.
"Yes Blue your Da agrees. Mum can be a bit harsh. However, she loves us so we just have to go along."
Hermione finished serving up dinner before making a cheeky remark. "Telling our daughter I'm harsh has just earned you five Granger demerits. Do you want to try for ten?"
Draco grinned at Hermione. "Granger demerits is it? I'll take all the Granger demerits you choose to hand out as long as they don't interfere with me using my Malfoy moves."
Hermione placed a small saucer of food down for Blue, set Draco's plate in front of him then placed a plate in front of her before responding. When she did respond, her answer elicited a loud chuckle from Draco. "Ten Granger demerits you get to sleep on the couch. Anything above ten, you get to sleep at your flat."
Draco finished chewing the food in his mouth to give himself time to form a proper response. "Well, since we have now set the standards, I plan to be on my best behavior. In fact, why don't we get off this subject altogether because I don't see myself either sleeping on the couch or at my flat anytime soon. How was your day?"
After a quick roll of the eyes, Hermione got on her soapbox about despicable wizards who mistreated witches. She went on for five whole minutes before Draco asked for specifics.
"Specifics? You want specifics?"
"Yes love. A few facts wouldn't hurt. I know DME business is DME business. No names or identifiers, but a few facts."
"Fine! How about this?…"
Recognizing her mum had suddenly taken a tone, Blue all but skittered out of the kitchen. Following Blue with his eyes, Draco dryly told Hermione she should calm down because she was scaring his daughter.
Letting out a deep sigh, Hermione apologized. "You're right love. I'm a bit emotional, but if you had seen what I've seen you'd be more than cross. You'd be enraged."
Draco summoned his wand to clear up. "Alright love sounds fair. Explain it all to me but in a calm manner. I'm going to see about Blue while you take a minute to breathe. Alright?"
"Alright. I'll get us drinks while you see about Blue."
"I've had my fill of drinks for one evening, but I do want to hear the story."
Hermione shrugged. "I know you better than you know yourself Malfoy. You're going to need a drink. We might need to contact Mona or someone in The Coven."
They might need Mona? Draco had been thinking this was going to be one of Hermione's over the top explanations about something trivial, but he was beginning to think differently. Perhaps an additional drink or two wouldn't hurt anything.
/*/
When Hermione sat down beside him and Blue, Draco began running his hand up and down Hermione's arm hoping to calm her down. Hermione must have thought other things because after giving Draco severe side eyes, she pulled away giving him a thump as she did.
"Stop being Malfoy for half a second and listen to me. I want you to hear this."
Blue jumped down from the couch, whipped her tail then headed to her water bowl. It was late. She wasn't going to listen to her mum and Da's foolishness this evening. Her bed was calling.
Leaning over, Draco kissed Hermione on the cheek. "I'm going to need you to calm all the way down Hermione. I understand you have something to share but it isn't necessary to be so out of sorts you keep running Blue away. Deal?"
Hermione left a quick kiss on Draco's shoulder. "You're right love. I am a bit overwrought over what I suspect has happened." Then she explained her suspicions.
"Today, Wesley and I had the opportunity to intervene in a despicable situation which caused a bit of a rift with Harry and his team, but I digress."
Draco straightened up. A rift between the Princess and the Auror, no way. This was getting interesting.
Hermione gave her wand two quick flicks and she and Draco had drinks in front of them. "Drink up pretty boy. You're going to need it."
Draco accepted the drink but held it in his hand wishing Hermione would get on with this earth shaking revelation.
And she did.
"As I said, Wesley and I intervened in a situation best suited for Aurors. However, the situation was dangerous, filthy and happening before our eyes. A witch's dignity as well as her life was at stake. We had to take measures. Two dirty bastards had a naked witch held down while a third bastard with trousers down and his filthy piece of meat sticking straight out was bent over the witch ready to penetrate her. Have you ever heard of the Knockback Jinx? Well Wesley has and he used it with what seemed to be the speed of light. I blinked and before I could even raise my wand, he had all three criminals bound and contained. All I had to do was grab the witch and get her to St Mungo's where I got my first good look at her. Draco, she couldn't have been more than twelve or thirteen. I was livid. Rape is a filthy deed on a grown witch or woman, but rape on a tender aged child is beyond words. She was in and out of consciousness and mumbled a few things that didn't make sense. I would have gone back to check on her but I had the appointment with Zach and Bonita which, I must say, was underwhelming. Anyway, I plan to check on the young witch sometime tomorrow."
Draco was trying to appear composed, but he wasn't. This shite was deplorable. He wanted to caution Hermione about stepping into Auror business, but he didn't. She was a grown witch who knew the rules. She didn't always follow them, but she damn well knew them. What he did do was slug down his drink in two gulps then reach for a refill.
"That's some foul shite. In fact, it's fucking disgusting. I hope those three bastards get everything that's coming to them. I have heard about the Knockback Jinx in passing. I believe it was a DOM specialty. Other than catching three filthy rapists in the act, what are your suspicions?"
Hermione turned to face her handsome wizard with a look of something akin to terror. The look on her face caused Draco to shift from side to side. What could be worse than stumbling on the rape of a thirteen year old? He grabbed one of Hermione's hands and brought it to his mouth.
"I haven't heard your suspicions, but if they have you this worked up, I suggest you put them out of your mind until you can discuss them with Harry or one of his team."
Hermione sighed. Maybe Draco was right. Perhaps Harry would have found out more. She didn't have proof of anything. In fact, besides the evidence of the foul deed and the few spoken words, there hadn't been anything else out of order which caused Hermione to suddenly wonder about the parents. Now she was determined to follow up. How could anyone leave their child alone to be accosted by, by….
"Hermione love. Hermione!"
Snapping out of her reverie, Hermione smiled at Draco. "No worries love. There isn't any need for me to share my foolish theories but I am going to speak to Auror Potter."
"Good." He said, drawing his wand to clear away the glasses and wipe the table. "Let us retire to our bed where I will allow you to be on top because I'm a bit tired."
Hermione started to snap off a smart answer before she turned to see a smiling Draco holding out his hand.
"Just kidding love. I'll never be too tired to put the Malfoy moves on you."
Hermione grinned as she wrapped her arms around Draco's waist. "I thought you were trying really hard to accrue a few more Granger demerits."
"Not me. The last thing I want is to be sleeping alone at my flat. Welles would be thrilled but I'd be devastated.
Hermione was talking sex to her wizard but her mind was on the conversation she was going to have the following day with the young witch who had been attacked.
/*/
Zach and Laurie had finished dinner and were sitting around having a conversation. He was explaining how he and Bonita had almost made fools of themselves. When Zach finished explaining, Laurie smiled so widely he had to smile back.
"Think it's funny, do you? Miss Granger almost had Bonita and I doubting our faculties. Such a simple thing. Register your product with the Ministry and there wouldn't be any need for spells and charms. At least not with regard to protecting our investment. Funny thing is, when Hermione mentioned if we used secrecy spells, we would have to advise the applicants beforehand. How would that look? Excuse me Mr. Wizard. If you want to apply for a position at Magical Mobiles, we'll have to cast a secrecy spell on you because we can't trust you with proprietary information. I'm sure that wouldn't have gone over well."
Laurie couldn't help herself. The wide smile had turned into a loud chuckle. "My brilliant wizard has discovered the most important device in the magical world but didn't recognize the smartest way to protect the invention."
Pulling Laurie close, Zach asked if she was laughing at him and Bonita to which she replied she was only laughing at him because Bonita was tightly wound and wouldn't look kindly on being laughed at.
Resting his chin on Laurie's head, Zach thought about it. Was Laurie correct? Was Bonita tightly wound? He pushed the thought aside. Even if his right hand witch was a bit tightly wound, he'd live with it because she was brilliant. Anyway, he was with his witch. His attention should be on her not Bonita. Wrapping his arms around Laurie, Zach whispered a bit of nonsense in her ear. Nonsense she was glad to hear. She loved it when her wizard chose to spend the night in her bed.
/*/
Theo had teased Draco about getting home to Hermione but he was of like mind. However, he was in London while Jess was in Wales so he did the next best thing. He rang her mobile. Jess answered on the third ring.
Well good evening my London lad.
Theo smiled as he stepped into pajama bottoms. His witch was a keeper.
Hi Jess. How's everything? It's a bit late but I've just got in from a night out with the boys and wanted to say goodnight to my Wales witch.
That's lovely Theo. Everything is good here. It would only be better if you were here. I was just getting my outfit ready for tomorrow. Then it was straight to bed for me.
Theo lowered his voice as though there was someone listening in.
Don't try using your enchantments on me when I'm so far away from you. You don't want me to go to bed with a board stiff piece of meat between my legs do you? I didn't call to keep you love. I called to hear your voice, say goodnight and remind you I'll be coming through Friday evening for a weekend stay. I expect a warm shower, a warm meal and a warm body. After that, who knows.
Theo's words were sending warmth all through her body.
You make me so proud to be your witch Theo. I'm glad I make you happy. As far as a warm shower, a warm meal and a warm body, you may have all three. And just so you know, your words are warming the place where you are the only wizard allowed. I look forward to Friday as well.
Theo's next words slipped from him before he could stop them.
I love you Jess. I'll see you Friday.
Jessie couldn't even form words until after Theo had clicked off. Theo Nott had just said he loved her out loud and in a firm voice. She was stunned. Even though she knew deep in her heart, her relationship with Theo was real, Jess realized Theo knew it was real as well. After Jessie finished putting together her outfit, she sat on the side of her bed wand in hand air writing Mrs. Theo Nott and Mrs. Jessica Nott over and over like some bewitched schoolgirl. Bewitched schoolgirl or not she was on the road to becoming the wife of handsome Theodore Nott, Jr.
/*/
As soon as he disconnected the call, Theo put his head in his hands. He had just said out loud in a late night call what he planned to say in a romantic setting sometime down the road. Theo hoped he hadn't scared the shite out of Jessie. What must she think? Three of the most important words a witch would ever hear had been thrown out like a dinner invitation. Then, to top it off he had ended the call before she could respond. What an arsehole thing to do. As he laid back on the pillow, Theo vowed to make his statement again on Friday with a bit more pomp and circumstance.
/*/
Blaise obviously had the same thoughts as Theo because as soon as he had removed his shoes, jacket and shirt, he was ringing Bonita's phone.
Ring
Ring
Ring
Ring.
After the fourth ring, Blaise was ready to disconnect the call when the answering machine picked up. Blaise hesitated for a second. All he wanted was to say goodnight. Shrugging just as the beep to record sounded, he said what he wanted to say then hung up.
Checking his Wonder Wizard Watch, Blaise wondered if Bonita had had a rough day to be sleeping this early. A few other thoughts crossed his mind, but he pushed them aside as he headed to the shower.
/*/
At Bonita's flat, she was sitting on the couch swirling the remains of white wine around a glass watching as the message light began flashing. Nothing against Mr. Zabini, but she'd had a full day and didn't feel like talking, bantering or anything else. The truth, she was in somewhat of a snit and had been annoyed ever since Hermione had walked in, come up with the quick solution to their proprietary information problem, then walked out. Register with the Ministry indeed.
Bonita flicked her wand several times to wash and put away the wine and glasses. After that, without listening to Blaise's message, she headed to bed. She'd listen to the message in the morning.
/**/
On Thursday morning April Fourteenth, Hermione was up almost before dawn raring to go. Raring to go and loudly mumbling about getting to St Mungo's first thing. Sitting on the side of the bed, Draco let out a loud sigh. Harry Potter was in for a big surprise or a big argument. Take your pick.
"I'm going to shower. Why don't you sit and have a cup of tea before starting your day?"
Without slowing down, Hermione told Draco her day was already started as she put food and water down for Blue. "I'll be leaving a bit early because I want to stop by St Mungo's before work."
Draco stopped in his tracks. "You do realize you might be interfering in an ongoing case? As far as I can see, DME has done its part and should now step aside. Harry will not thank you for nosing in his business."
Hermione got a little snappy after Draco voiced his opinion. "Thanks father. I'll take all of that into consideration….after I've spoken to the girl."
Just before stepping into the shower, Draco snapped back. "Do as you will Hermione. However, there's no need to be rude. I was simply voicing my thoughts. You'll probably be gone by the time I get out of the shower. Have a good day."
Taking a deep breath, Hermione started for the bathroom to apologize but glanced at her Wonder Witch Watch. It was already coming on 6:45. Time was passing her by. Instead of heading to the bathroom, she headed to the door promising herself she would apologize later. After calling out for Draco to have a good day, she was gone.
Draco got dressed, checked Blue's bowls then apparated out. He was annoyed that Hermione's overstepping ways were making him start his day in less than a stellar mood. However, two seconds at his desk he was back in a Malfoy frame of mind. He and his Directors had important business today. He wasn't about to let anything slip past him because his mind was on somebody else's business instead of his own.
/*/
At 9:15, George, Henry and Roscoe appeared in the doorway to Draco's office which he questioned. "We have a busy morning wizards. What brings you to my door when you should be reviewing presentations?"
Henry replied for all with a wide smile covering his face. "Our presentations have been in order since 7:00 am this morning. We are here to acknowledge each other and the benefits our collaboration will bring now and in the future. With that said, we will now get our arses back to our respective offices to tidy up any loose ends. Right wizards?"
"If you say so Henry. It's you doing all the talking." Offered Roscoe.
Nodding his head, Draco made a blanket reply. "And that my wizards is why you make the big galleons. Our plans are in order. Make it so. I'll see you in ten minutes Roscoe."
The three Directors disappeared down the hall as Draco made his own last minute preparations for their return visit to Patrick Yurman.
/*/
For as little as he appeared to have, when Draco and Roscoe arrived at his home, Patrick had laid out a nice table which included tea, scones and some jelly.
"Good morning Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Fallon. Please come in. It's not much but I've set out tea in case you haven't had breakfast."
Draco was quick with his response. "Good morning to you Patrick. Thank you for the offer, however, Roscoe and I have a tight schedule and need to get right down to business. Perhaps we can share a meal at another time."
Patrick nodded but seemed a bit sad that his offer had been refused.
Roscoe, who remained silent couldn't dispute his boss, especially in front of a client, did wonder why they couldn't take five minutes to bond with Patrick. Roscoe wasn't sure if Draco was performing a bit of Legilimens or what, but he did a quick reversal of his earlier statement. With a quick glance in Roscoe's direction, Draco had set his case down and pulled out a sheath of papers before speaking on his change of mind.
Draco handed the papers to Patrick. "You know Patrick. Those scones are smelling awfully good. I think Roscoe and I will have a bite while you read over the plan Malfoy Investments has put together for you."
Patrick broke out in a wide grin as he laid napkins down in the middle of the table. "Excellent. I think you'll like the scones Mr. Malfoy. I made them myself. Please help yourself."
Draco really didn't want scones and tea. However, he did want to build a firm relationship with a new client. A few bites and a few sips wouldn't hurt anything. Roscoe couldn't possibly know what Draco was thinking but was glad he had reversed his earlier decision.
/*/
Hermione had an ulterior motive for leaving the flat so early and it didn't have anything to do with getting an early start to her day. She wanted to get to St Mungo's before Harry who she knew would be going there to question the victim. Well Harry or one of his team. Hermione was betting it would be Harry though. Hermione also knew she was sticking her nose where it didn't belong thus the very early appearance. However, her plan didn't work out. When Hermione carefully opened the door to Belinda's room, (she had gotten the name from the healer on duty) Harry was already there and ready to tear her a new arse.
"Harry?" Hermione gasped out in surprise.
"Yes Hermione it's Harry Potter, Head Auror handling his business. What are you doing here?"
"I-I-I'm here to check on Belinda."
Trying to remain composed, Harry spoke in a low but rough voice. "Did you not see my note? You and Corwin overstepped yesterday. You won't be doing it again today. Please leave and don't interfere any further."
Even though she was in the wrong, Hermione was getting annoyed with the stance Harry was taking. "Fine Harry. I'll leave but there is something you should know."
Now, both Harry and Hermione were annoyed. Harry asked Hermione to step outside so they could speak away from Belinda. Walking Hermione away from the room and the receptionist desk, Harry lit into her.
"Enough with the your way or no way Hermione. This is Auror business and I don't appreciate…"
Hermione cut right across her best friend. "Oh shut up for a minute Harry and listen."
Harry was so surprised at the rebuke he actually shut up.
"Thank you. There is more going on here than a vile rape." Hermione snapped. "Belinda mumbled a few words to me when I was transporting her to St Mungo's. Her words gave me pause even as I wondered where were her parents. Now I suspect something else. I think there is something dark going on here."
Harry sighed. "Here we go. Something dark? Something dark did happen. Three fucking tossers violated an innocent child. I…"
Hermione was determined to get her point across. Lowering her voice, she quickly explained she didn't mean dark as in vile. She meant dark like Voldemort dark.
Harry rolled his eyes at Hermione, but let her continue speaking. Hermione might be nosy, but she was brilliant as well. If she thought something as evil as Voldemort magic was in play, he needed to listen. Harry suggested they move away from people to chairs at the end of the hall. Hermione concurred. As soon as they were seated, Hermione laid out her thoughts while Harry listened intently. When she finished, Harry was astonished. Wizards using a spell he hadn't ever heard of to control and transform witches? He wouldn't have given something this mad any credence if it wasn't coming from Hermione.
Hermione happened to glance at her watch. "I've got to get to work Harry, but please check it out. Something is not right."
"Alright Hermione. I'll look into it."
Hermione was halfway down the hall when she remembered Wes had been an Unspeakable and turned back. If Harry hadn't ever heard of a spell that could turn a grown witch into a girl, perhaps Wes had. She rushed up to Harry who started to really get cranky.
"I've got it Hermione. I'll look into it as soon as Belinda is able to speak and I interview the three arseholes."
"Oh calm down Harry. I just want to remind you Wesley is a former Unspeakable. Maybe the spell we are looking for is something he would know. Since you don't want me overstepping my bounds, I'll let you speak to him."
"We? You'll let me speak to Corwin? Go to work Hermione before I arrest your arse and throw you in a holding cell."
"You'd better bring your team." Hermione called back over her shoulder. "Please share with me what you can Auror Potter. Stop by the flat. Love you."
"Bah! Share what you can. Stop by the flat. Love you. She's probably hoping to get another Sunday Dinner story out of this."
/*/
Harry grumbled all the way back to Belinda's room. His best friend was a menace. However, as he sat gazing at the still comatose patient, Harry's mind began to wander. Had he ever heard even a whisper about an age and body reversal spell or curse? No, but why was he doubting Hermione's thought process when there were widely known spells that did stupid things like the Horcrux spell, the Animagus spell, and the silly human to armchair spell. Theoretically, there could be a spell that could transfigure an older witch to a younger version of herself. Why someone would do that? He had no idea.
Just as the last few thoughts disappeared, Harry turned towards the bed and was looking into the eyes of a frightened young witch. At that very moment, it became obvious why bastards would want to do it. It was much easier to control a thirteen year old witch than it was to control an older witch who might be handy with a wand.
"Hello Belinda. I am Head Auror Harry Potter. If you are up to it, I have questions."
Belinda replied in a soft voice. "Yes sir Mr. Potter. I am Belinda, but I don't have any answers. I'm not even sure how I got here. The last thing I remember…." Tears began rolling down Belinda's face as she stopped in mid sentence obviously remembering the attack.
Harry jumped up. "I know you've been through an ordeal but I need you calm. I'll get a healer to give you a calming draught. I'll just be a minute."
Harry was back with a healer in less than a minute. The calming draught took effect immediately. Harry pressed a button on his belt to turn on the automatic recorder all Aurors were required to carry before moving a chair a bit closer to Belinda's bed.
"Are you ready to begin Miss Durant?"
In a weary tone, Belinda answered in the affirmative. "Yes Mr. Potter. I'm ready to begin. However, I'm not a Miss I'm a Mrs. Well, I was a Mrs. but I've been a widow for seven years. My poor Jack was killed during the war."
For several seconds, Harry couldn't speak. In fact, it was all he could do to stop himself from apparating over to the holding cells to curse three wizards. What in the actual fuck was going on? Hermione would wand whip him in front of his team when she found out she was right. Harry stood.
"I hope you don't mind if we put our conversation off for a bit longer. There's something I must do before we speak."
"That's fine Mr. Potter but I should be going home. I don't have money to pay for a hospital stay."
Harry shook his head at what he thought was nonsense. "No worries Miss...Mrs Durant. The Auror Department will cover all your bills. Why not use the time away to have something to eat then a nice nap. I'll order your breakfast and lunch. I will definitely return before dinner."
"Thanks so much Mr. Potter."
"My pleasure Belinda."
Harry hadn't been able to form the words Mrs Durant while staring into the face of a thirteen year old. He stopped at the healer's desk to put in several requests.
Only the Head Healer and one other healer are to enter in Belinda's room.
She cannot have a mirror. If there is a mirror in her room, remove it.
Cloak the bathroom mirror.
Simple greetings only. No conversations.
No one is to comment on Belinda's appearance.
Last. After Belinda has her breakfast, I need her to be put into a light sleep.
The healer thought Harry Potter had lost his mind. A thirteen year old child should have all the attention she could get. Harry gave the healer a very direct look. She began to panic. It was as if Harry Potter could read her thoughts.
"As you well know, this is a serious, Ministry matter. My requests may sound strange, but they are in the best interest of your patient. Will you need me to stamp my requests with the Ministry Seal?" He added dramatically.
The flustered healer assured Harry his orders would be carried out as directed. Harry thanked her before striding down the hall and out the doors. Three foul rapists wouldn't see him coming, but they would soon know he was there.