Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 45: Handling Their Business

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 breakfast, I need her 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.

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

Chapter 46: So Much Going On

On his way out of St Mungo's, Harry sent a direct Owl to Wesley asking that they meet. Wesley didn't respond, but by the time Harry reached his desk, Wesley was waiting to speak with him.

"Good morning Corwin. Have a seat."

Wesley sat. "I'm not sure what this is about Harry, but I've left Hermione on her own. In any case, I'll help in any way I can."

"Good to know Wesley because I have a conundrum. Hermione will be fine."

Wesley was puzzled as well as surprised. What conundrum could have anything to do with him. Harry saw the look on Wesley's face and began to explain his thoughts.

"Hermione approached me at St Mungo's with a very disgusting theory. Because that theory seems to be out of my range at the moment, I want to hear what an ex-Unspeakable thinks."

Wesley was immediately intrigued. Unspeakables knew many things others didn't know, however, none of those things should have any bearing on Harry Potter. "I'll help where I can Harry. What's this about?"

Even though it was a hard theory to explain, Harry went through it step by step. At the end, Wesley Corwin was shaking his head.

"I don't doubt what my partner suspects, but it isn't possible. Mature women being turned into children. Doesn't happen."

Harry was watching Wesley closely. What he was saying was making sense, but his posture was saying something else and it was pissing Harry off which made him an irritated Auror. Drawing his wand, Harry used it to close and lock his office door.

Wesley jumped as the door slammed shut.

Harry didn't give two shites if Corwin was uncomfortable. His Auror senses told him Corwin was hiding something, or refusing to share something. Either way, it wasn't going to end well for the former Unspeakable.

Rising from his desk, Harry pointed his wand at Wesley. "You are sitting in the office of the Head Auror being questioned about an ongoing case. Just so we're clear, I have all authority to curse your arse into St Mungo's and no one will question it. If you are holding onto DOM secrets, it will not serve you well. Here's what I suggest you do. Tell me what you know or think and get on with it."

Wesley didn't like the way Harry was speaking to him, but what could he do? He was no longer a big time Unspeakable he was a regular Ministry employee. There wasn't any more DOM secrets. It would probably be to his benefit to share what he knew, so he did.

"You're correct Harry. I do have knowledge of this particular curse. I apologize for not coming right out with it. Certain Death Eaters and others of their ilk used the Iuvenis spell to feed their disgusting compulsions. It was only used on those people who didn't have family or connections and had attained the age of thirty or forty. The spell lasts for as long as the caster wants the witch or wizard. In most cases, the subject is returned to their normal self but marked as someone to be used later. The cast leaves a mark somewhere on the person usually somewhere visible so the next degenerate knew they were pliable. It's pretty nasty and wasn't discussed except within DOM. There were at least ten instances we dealt with. Those we found and recognized were treated with the Regenerative cure. Once the mark was removed, the victim couldn't be recognized as a target. This is very old shite not many know about."

Harry was appalled. He had run across many things as an Auror, but this was new. How he had missed it he didn't know, but he knew now and would definitely be doing something about it.

"Well Corwin, I know now. If I have my way, Belinda will be the last of it. A word of caution. DOM is no more. If you have information which will benefit our population, you might want to share it with the Auror Department. If you have that information and keep it to yourself and any witch or wizard is affected, I'll come for you and it won't be pretty. DOM is over and done. Get used to it. Have I made myself clear?"

Wesley, who wasn't used to being addressed in this manner was aggravated but knew Harry was speaking the truth. DOM was over. If he had information which would benefit the citizens, it was his responsibility to share.

"Yes Harry. You've made yourself perfectly clear. In the future, if I see something, I'll say something. In my defense, I didn't recognize the Iuvenis. If I had, I would have spoken up. If that's all, I need to catch up with my partner."

Harry wasn't impressed. "By all means, catch up with Hermione. Just so you know, it was Hermione who got me onto this Iuvenis thing. Let her know she sussed out something before you. If I have any more questions, I'll ring you up."

Wes had been excused. Without another word, he left the office grumbling over his stupid oversight. For someone who had been a top Unspeakable, he was acting like a dolt.

Harry took a few minutes to regain his composure grumbling about wizards who thought they were better than the rest before heading to the holding cells to interrogate the miserable bastards who also thought they were better than the rest. Even though he had the power to handle weird crimes, once he had all the information, a quick trip to Kingsley's office was in order. Kingsley insisted he be kept in the loop especially on things of this nature. After that, he would go back to St Mungo's to figure out how he could use the Regenerative Spell on Belinda without a lot of fanfare.

Inside the lift, Harry took a moment to text Hermione to let her know her theory was correct and he would speak to her later before holding a conversation with himself. "I can't turn a thirteen year old witch into a thirty something witch under the noses of healers." Sigh. Harry straightened his back. "I'm the Head Auror whose duty it is to see to these things. I'll figure something out. Right now, I have three arseholes to deal with."

/*/

Hermione popped out of her office when she heard Wesley back in the office, however, before she got three steps away, her mobile beeped. Hesitating on whether to go speak to Wesley or check her phone, the phone won. They were in the office for the rest of the day. Wesley could wait. The short text from Harry excited Hermione and she gladly took the Mickey out of him when she answered his text.

Return: {Harry}

From: {Hermione}

Of course my theory was right. When am I ever wrong? You owe me an apology. Stop by the house tonight.

Harry was in the middle of putting the fear of Merlin into the three criminals when his mobile beeped. With one quick movement, he glanced at the sender before turning his phone to silent. He'd get back to Hermione. Not long after, he had everything he needed from the three degenerates who would be spending the next twenty five years in Azkaban. Wesley Corwin had hit the nail on its head.

/*/

Hermione waited several minutes at her desk for Harry to reply, but she had waited in vain. No answering text came through. Realizing Harry was probably taking care of business, she went to the conference room to sift through their cases. Wesley had beat her there.

"Good morning again Hermione. I apologize for stepping away without notice, but Harry needed to see me as soon as possible. I see you've laid out our cases for tomorrow. Shall we discuss?"

Hermione's ears perked up. She heard and discarded everything except the bit about Harry. Harry had sent for Wesley and suddenly her theory was correct. Perhaps the former Unspeakable had knowledge of certain things and had shared that knowledge with Harry. Hermione debated whether to ask Wesley outright, but decided against it. Hermione being Hermione had decided not to ask straight out what he had told Harry took a different track.

"Hello Wesley. Yes, our cases are all laid out. I do have three more which were in our mailbox. We can sort and add them to the pile. What did Harry have to say? Is he still bitching about DME overstepping their authority? The man is a menace."

Wesley smiled to himself. Hermione Granger was nosing. She knew if Harry wanted to bitch them out about overstepping bounds, he would have called for the both of them. He was onto Miss Granger. Things didn't sit well with her unless she was in on everything. She was his partner. He should disclose what he and Harry had discussed, but he wouldn't. If Harry wanted her to know, he could be the one to advise her of certain things.

"No. Harry didn't mention anything about overstepping. I'm going to have a look through these cases. I don't want any more dirty surprises."

Hermione was trapped. Wesley had given her a short answer and she couldn't belabor the point without appearing to be nosing which she was. Slightly irritated her little ploy hadn't worked, she took a deep breath and moved on to another subject. However, before she could, Wesley mentioned something about leaving early.

"Sorry. My mind was on something else. Did you say you'd be leaving early?"

"I did. I have an appointment which I cannot miss. My leaving early won't be a problem, will it? I won't be leaving before 4:00." Even though he didn't have an appointment per se, the house in Surrey was calling to him and he needed to get there.

Hermione didn't and probably wouldn't get the answer she was looking for so Wesley leaving early was neither here nor there.

"It's not a problem for me. Let's just get everything in order for tomorrow. There are two low priority cases which I might look into this evening."

Wesley laid down the case in his hand and gazed at Hermione. "You plan to go into the field alone? Not that you can't handle yourself, but we are supposed to go out as a pair. Anything can happen out there, especially in Manchester. If you want to go into the field this afternoon, I'll reschedule my appointment. We'll go together."

Hermione, who was just being an arse went into a full blush. She had tried to shame Wesley and it had backfired. He was willing to give up a scheduled appointment rather than see her go into the field alone. She made a one hundred eighty degree turn.

"No Wesley. Please don't cancel your appointment. Our cases can wait until tomorrow. I'm aware we should not go into the field alone. I was talking like a prat. Since our cases have been sorted and it will be a short day for you, now is a good time to teach me the Knockback Jinx and any other secret spells you know."

Wesley was smiling and nodding. One for me and zero for my partner. "Secret spells? Hahaha, good one. There aren't any secret spells only spells that haven't been shouted about. I do have a bit of time. Let's clear the area and I'll be glad to show you a few things."

Hermione grinned at Wesley. "Well, they are secret spells to me. Accio wand! Accio case bag."

Wesley did the same. After the case files were in their bags, Wesley explained the stance, the wand movements, and wand power needed before raising his wand. After that, he called out Protego Flexibilous before directing Hermione to follow his lead. Hermione, who never missed a trick filed away the spell for a flexible shield. She couldn't help thinking, how neat.

During the following hour, Wesley worked with Hermione on the Knockback Jinx until she had it down cold. Although she was ready to learn more, Wesley declined citing his need to get to his appointment. Hermione was disappointed but ecstatic as well. She had learned a new, secret spell. Harry and Draco would be so jealous.

/*/

After tea and scones, Draco and Roscoe had gotten down to business. They presented the facts to Patrick who was over the moon with his good fortune. He couldn't stop smiling over the fact he was owner and inventor of The Mobile Modifier. Smiling was nothing compared to the wide grin which had appeared on Patrick's face after he signed a Malfoy Investments contract and was rewarded with a large bag of galleons to continue his work.

"Thank you so much Mr. Malfoy and you Mr. Fallon. Without you, none of this would have been possible."

Draco, the commensurate businessman was about business. It was all well and good Patrick was happy but it was time to get back proper business. "You have an excellent product which I believe will be gladly accepted by the owner of Magical Mobiles. I suggest you put some of those galleons into upgrading your home shop or finding a small shop of your own."

Although it was a good idea, Patrick felt like he was being scolded for not having a proper shop. He tempered his words, but spoke his thoughts. "Thank you for that bit of advice Mr. Malfoy. I will decline the suggestion of securing a shop of my own. It might not appear so, but I have adequate space in the back of my home to do what you have contracted me to do."

Roscoe was embarrassed. Draco Malfoy was being Draco Malfoy and in the process, insulting their newest client. Where he normally wouldn't step in front of his boss, this time he did.

"Fear not Patrick. You've done amazing things out there in the back of your house. If that's where you choose to work, that's where you should work. With the money you've been given, it wouldn't hurt to fix it so you have more room to work. Of course, it is only a suggestion. Your galleons are your galleons. Whatever you do, I know you'll turn out a superior product."

Draco realized he might have come across a bit aggressive and made a slight nod in Roscoe's direction. Draco extended his hand to Patrick. "Thank you for seeing us today Patrick and thank you for joining Malfoy Investments. Mobile Modifier will be registered and trademarked to you by the end of the day."

Patrick shook Draco's hand before turning to Roscoe to shake his hand as well. "I will get busy on the cases so you'll have plenty of product to present to Mr. Smith. They will be ready this evening by 9:00. I can Owl Express them to you tomorrow morning or you can have someone pick them up this evening."

Giving Roscoe a quick glance, Draco made another suggestion. "Let's do this. I'll have Roscoe stop by here tomorrow morning on his way in to work to pick up all finished product. That way we won't have to bother you tonight. Shall we do that Roscoe?"

"Of course Draco. If it's alright with Patrick, it's alright with me."

Patrick was in agreement. "That's fine. I promise to have at least twenty cases with five different designs ready for you by 8:00 am."

After another round of hand shaking, Draco and Roscoe headed outside to apparate back to Malfoy Investments. Before Disapparating away, Draco asked Roscoe to report to his office when he got back.

All Roscoe could do was sigh. He had stepped in front of his boss in front of a client. He should be prepared to get his arse chewed out. However, before being chewed out, he had work to do. Patrick Yurman's discovery had to be registered properly. After seeing the messenger off, Roscoe had a pee and a face wash before heading to Draco's office. One should never report to Draco with a full bladder unless he liked pissing all over himself.

/*/

While Draco and Roscoe were having tea and scones with Patrick, Henry and George were tying up things at Creevey and Price. Dennis and Winston were thankful for the interest Malfoy Investments was taking in their business. No other investment company had shown the least bit of interest. Henry and George went over every line with Dennis and Winston who were glad to sign on the line for a two year contract which included numerous Malfoy Investments perks.

As George and Henry stood to leave, Henry reminded Dennis and Winston they didn't have to do anything except abide by the contract and the galleons would start accruing immediately.

Dennis was positively amazed as he reached out to shake hands with Henry and George. "All this from an accidental meeting in Diagon Alley. Winston and I appreciate the care you are giving us. Just as you will be pushing for us, we'll be pushing for Malfoy Investments. Thank you so much."

A nodding, smiling Winston was in complete agreement. "That's ditto for me. Stop in any

time. We'll give you a great deal on any equipment you might need."

Winston's words had given Henry another idea. Instead of leaving the shop, he asked Dennis and Winston for a few more minutes of their time to which they were glad to

agree. Even though George didn't know what else Henry had to say, he sat back down to hear him out.

Henry pulled out the original contract and asked for the Creevey Price copy as well. As soon as the copy was in his hand, he explained. "Gentle wizards, I'd like you to hear me out about an additional idea I've had."

George shifted from one side to the other wondering what Henry was going on about. Winston and Dennis were more than willing to listen. When he had the floor, Henry laid it out purposefully directing his at Winston.

"You made the statement, "we'll give you a deal on any equipment we might need." While it wouldn't be proper for any of the Malfoy Investments staff to accept gifts or deals, why don't we set up certain things so other companies or clients might reap the rewards. If you are in agreement, I suggest we adjust your contract to include certain perks all of which would be sponsored by us."

Winston and Dennis grinned at each other. Things just kept getting better.

"If I have this right, Malfoy Investments will support a giveaway, contest, or drawing where the winner will get a good will gift such as a new walk with the purchase of a deck…." Suggested Dennis before Winston cut him off.

"….Or new trim with the purchase of kitchen cabinets, etc, etc."

George had broken out in a wide smile. Henry was on fire this morning.

"Exactly." Henry replied to both owners. "If we put our minds to it, I believe we can think of additional perks. So wizards, do you want to work this out and add it to the contract? It's up to you."

"Let's do it on say a quarterly basis. In between times we will advertise through Creevey & Price and Malfoy Investments as well."

"Perfect."

All four wizards were in agreement and got busy adjusting the Creevey and Price contract.

/*/

Even though she hadn't been in the best of moods Wednesday, Bonita was quite chipper when she arrived at the shop Thursday morning. Greeting everyone as she went by, Bonita went directly to the back room to get everything she needed to register their products with The Ministry. However, she was a tad too late because Zach was working furiously on that very thing.

"Good morning Bonita. I believe I have everything ready to go. All I need is for you to double check me. Wouldn't want to get in front of some clerk without all the necessities."

A quick surge of irritation passed through Bonita, but was quickly controlled. "Of course Zach. Give me ten minutes and we'll be good to go except if you've messed something up."

Zach glanced at Bonita annoyed with her assumption he might have messed something up, but like Bonita, he controlled his tongue. "Excellent. While you're doing that, I'll be in my office looking over applications."

"Alright Zach. I'll see you in a bit."

/*/

Fifteen minutes later, Bonita appeared at Zach's door with a small packet in her hand. "All checked and ready to go Zach. Let's get to The Ministry."

Zach jumped up from the chair. "Let's go. Magical Mobiles will soon be on the Ministry map."

"Correct Miss Capshaw. Magical Mobiles will soon be on the Ministry map and hopefully in everyone's hand.

The trip to The Ministry and the registering of Magical Mobiles, Zacharias Smith Proprietor had been a no brainer. Zach and Bonita did what needed to be done and were back to the shop in ninety minutes with a certificate of ownership in their hands.

Zach was ecstatic. "I'm hanging this on the wall of my office. We have definitely stepped into the big time. Let the hiring begin."

Bonita grinned. As far as she was concerned, the hiring had already begun.

/*/

At 4:30, in the middle of a conversation with Witch Two, Mona went trance like. Although surprised, Geraldine wasn't worried. Mona was known to fall into a trance like state when she was feeling something. She hadn't done it in quite a while but she had done it in the past. Geraldine did what was best when the leader of The Coven had something heavy on her mind, she dimmed the lights and left the area.

For several minutes, Mona sat in the darkened room trying to pinpoint what was wrong. Maybe wrong was the incorrect word. She was trying to pinpoint something that needed her attention. Something unfinished. Sitting perfectly still, her thoughts finally landed on her paramour. Wesley was trying to contact her. Wrong. Wesley couldn't contact her that way. Suddenly, Mona's thoughts shifted. Wesley was thinking about her, her home and her bed. Shaking off the trance, Mona jumped up. Her paramour had obviously caught some of her thoughts. He was on his way to the house. In fact, in three minutes, he would be at her doors. Hurrying upstairs, Mona informed Geraldine, Joyce and Darnella she was leaving for the day. None of the three questioned Mona. They wouldn't dare.

After Mona left, Darnella whispered one word, Wesley. The other two concurred.

/*/

Mona had her wand raised before she was in position. Five seconds later, she landed in the apparition area of her home. Two seconds after that, she was at her front door welcoming in the wizard who was becoming more than a paramour.

Smiling at Mona, Wesley stepped in trying to explain why he was at her door without an invitation. At that moment, as glad as she was to see Wesley, Mona knew she would have to make adjustments. She couldn't allow a wizard to pick up on her thoughts. It could be dangerous for them both. Right then, all she could think to do was welcome him in.

"Wesley. How nice. In the future, please send an Owl or a discreet Patronus. I do have a job after all."

Wesley was embarrassed. He knew the niceties of chasing a favored witch, but Mona was something else. It was as though he could hear her thinking about him. It felt as though she was pulling him to her. After a quick shake of the head to clear his mind, he apologized.

"My apologies lovely one. It seems you have the ability to make me forget my manners. In the future, I will wait for your direction. May I now have a kiss? I've been thinking about kissing those lips all day."

Witch one felt her face flush up. She had been thinking about Wesley kissing her lips off and on for most of the day. For sure, she would have to make adjustments. For now, she would let him kiss her lips as much as he liked.