Previously on Love Vessel Chapter 46: So Much Going On

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.

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

Chapter 47: New Friends And New Endeavors

After rolling over the three degenerates, Harry had all he needed. The three had confirmed under duress that the spell was Iuvenis andcould be reversed with a simple Finite. On his way back to St Mungo's, Harry wracked his brain trying to find a discreet way to cure Belinda without bringing undue attention to either himself or the poor witch. He was going around and around in circles before coming to a conclusion. He was Head Auror at The Ministry of Magic, and Kingsley had been advised. He was allowed to do whatever he chose to get the situation sorted. He had a plan.

As soon as he reached the floor where Belinda was, Harry requested the Head Healer. Without disclosing any pertinent information, Harry told the healer the Belinda Durant case had become a Ministry priority and would be moved to an undisclosed location. The Head Healer wanted to argue but knew better than go against the Ministry. In the end, he insisted Harry sign a waiver making himself responsible for the child before willingly agreeing to so-called Ministry terms.

As requested, all staff made themselves scarce as Harry Potter, Head Auror bundled up the supposed thirteen year old and hastily removed her from St Mungo's care. Harry had gotten this far, but he knew after reversing the spell, he couldn't leave Belinda alone. He did what he used to do. He texted Hermione to meet him at Belinda's house.

Wesley had been gone about thirty minutes when Hermione got a ding on her phone.

"Incoming." She mumbled to herself as she looked at the screen. "How lovely. Mr. Potter has sent a text. Perhaps he wants to thank me again for being brilliant."

Harry hadn't sent a text to thank her. He had sent a text because he needed her. The long and short of it was he needed her to meet him at Belinda's home which was even more satisfying. The annoying dolt needed her. She was not going to let him forget this. Just before heading to the lifts, Hermione texted that she was on her way.

/*/

Harry met Hermione at the door and guided her back outside.

"I'm here Harry. Stop pushing me. What's going on?"

"What's going on is I have the reversal spell and I'll need your help getting Belinda situated."

"Situated is it? I thought you knew everything Harry."

"Not the time Hermione. I need your assistance not some garbage bullshite. Before anything, I'll need you to find and remove the mark from Belinda."

"Mark? What mark Harry?"

"Sorry Hermione my mind is going in all directions. Along with this particular spell, comes a mark to let the next piece of shit wizard who wants to mess her about know she is a victim."

Hermione's hand flew up to her mouth. "Just what are we dealing with Harry? This is demented."

"Yes it is demented, but I believe we have all the culprits. They are being dealt with as we speak. The reversal spell is a simple spell but I don't know how Belinda will react. I figure it will go easier if she sees a witch. I'd also like to throw up some protective wards around the house before we leave."

Hermione patted her best friend on the arm. "Alright Harry, I'll help. What does the mark look like?"

Harry was caught off guard. "I don't know Hermione. That's why I need you. I don't want to be pawing a thirteen year old witch."

Hermione grinned. Harry got all cautious at the strangest times. "You're an Auror Harry. No one can fault you for doing your job, besides, she's not really thirteen."

Harry grinned back. "Well, until we get her back to her correct age and body, I'll err on the side of caution."

Shaking her head at Harry, Hermione told him to step outside and adjust the wards while she searched Belinda's body for the mark.

Harry headed to the door with wide strides. "This might take a while."

Hermione laughed out loud before calling out to Harry. "I'm onto you Potter. This should only take a few minutes." To Belinda she whispered. "I'm sorry you had to go through this. We'll have you fixed up in no time."

Hermione really didn't know what she was looking for or where to start. There wasn't any mark in the obvious places like Belinda's arms or legs. After a few more minutes, Hermione was getting annoyed. She wondered if Harry had somehow gotten it wrong. Then she remembered her own mark. Gloving up, she lifted one breast then the other. Nope, nothing there. It had to be somewhere in the open for the deviants to be able to recognize a victim. Then her thought went another way. Wonder if it wasn't so much of a mark as it was a link. Yes, a link. Something that could be activated outside the home. But she found nothing. As a last resort, she drew her wand and called out Revelio Link. As soon as she called the spell, a tiny black earring appeared on Belinda's right ear.

"Merlin on a mountain!" Hermione exclaimed out loud. Those filthy buggers had some set up. In the same breath she wondered if there were more witches walking around with the so-called mark. Going to the door, she called Harry. "You may come in Harry. I've done the heavy lifting. I had to use a Revelio."

Harry appeared at the door with a sheepish grin on his face but listened intently while Hermione showed him the tiny earring explaining how it wasn't a mark but some sort of link which was probably passed around from wizard to wizard and used to confirm her victim status. While we're on this, perhaps you and your teams should be on the lookout for this sort of thing, and, if you haven't searched the three prisoners thoroughly, you probably should. There might be a little more to this story than you know."

Harry sighed. "Yes mum. I'll see to it when I get back to the Ministry."

Hermione rolled her eyes telling Harry to get on with the reversal spell which he did.

"In lieu of knowing the correct wand movements, I'll be using very strong wand power."

"For fucks sake Harry." Hermione sniped. "Just get on with it. Thirteen year old Belinda will have grown up by the time you swing your wand."

Hermione's comment struck Harry funny and he had let out a loud laugh. "Sorry. Here we go. Finite Iuvenis."

As soon as the spell was called Harry and Hermione watched as a thirteen year old child turned into a fetching, dark haired brunette with dark brown eyes. The spell had obviously reversed the sleep spell as well.

/*/

Belinda woke a bit frightened and confused.

"Who, who are you? What are you doing in my home?"

Hermione spoke softly so as not to upset Belinda any more than she was. "Hello Belinda. My name is Hermione Granger and this is Auror Harry Potter. We had a call that someone was using illicit magic in this house. When we got here, we found you stretched out on the floor unconscious. Do you remember what happened?"

Harry the Auror was getting annoyed with his non Auror best witch. She was speaking to Belinda like she was the Auror. Harry stepped in front of Hermione before she could ask the next question.

"Did you have any visitors or strangers in your home yesterday?"

"I didn't have any visitors except some wizard came to my door asking for Frank. There's no one named Frank here. It's only me. My husband was killed during the war. I think I turned the wizard away. I don't know for sure, but that's all I remember. Odd, but I believe a stranger came by last week asking for Frank. I'm really confused. I think I'm ill. I've been feeling very tired, sleepy and, and different down….."

Hermione caught the drift of what Belinda was trying to convey and changed the subject while glaring at Harry. "You know what Belinda, I think you might do well to have a nice soak and a tea. Perhaps you'd like some eggs and toast as well. I'll stay with you while Auror Potter goes to file whatever Aurors file."

"I-I-I don't want to impose on you Miss Granger. I do feel a little better. I can manage on my own."

"Nonsense Belinda. I work for the Ministry as well. Part of my job is to ensure our citizens are safe and well. Why don't you draw your bath and I'll start in the kitchen? And please call me Hermione."

Belinda glanced from Harry to Hermione. "Alright Hermione. Thank you so much."

/*/

When Belinda left the room, Harry lit into Hermione in a fierce whisper. "I appreciate you coming when I texted you, however, do not step in front of my business again. I'm going to the Ministry to file whatever Aurors file. Please don't try to rescue her like you rescued Blue. She's a witch not a kneazle. See you later."

Hermione let Harry's telling off go in one ear and out the other as she headed to the kitchen to fix tea and a meal. When the food was done, she cast a warming spell before apparating directly to the Ministry where she hurriedly tidied her office, grabbed her jumper, case and purse. Shortly after that, she was back in Belinda's kitchen waiting for her newest rescue to come to the table.

/*/

Everything had gone to plan and tomorrow was looking as promising. However, a quick check of his Wonder Wizard Watch showed it was coming up on 7:30. Draco sent a quick group message to his Directors to tie it up and head out. His text was answered with rapid response.

{Henry}: Leaving in a few Draco. Have a good night.

{George}: On my way out now. See you in the morning.

{Roscoe}: I'll be here for another thirty.

The answers were enough to satisfy Draco who wanted to get home to his girls. Five minutes later, he walked through the door to Hermione's flat to come face to face with a strange witch sitting on the couch. Nodding, Draco headed to the bedroom with Blue on his heels calling out to Hermione.

"Good evening witch. I'm home."

Lowering his voice when he got close to Hermione, Draco whispered in her ear. "There's a strange witch sitting on the couch. Please tell me you haven't Untransfigured bone Deidra yet again.

Hermione chuckled and whispered back. "Stop your nonsense. Of course I haven't Untransfigured Deidra. She's a new friend. Later, I have a fascinating story to share with you, but right now come let me introduce you to Belinda Durant."

"Belinda? I thought…."

"Shush Draco. I'll explain later."

They were in the living room facing Belinda where Hermione made introductions. "Belinda, I'd like for you to meet my wizard Draco Malfoy. Draco, this is Belinda Durant. She and I met today while I was on a case. Belinda was at loose ends so I invited her to have dinner with us."

Belinda smiled a lovely smile. "Mr. Malfoy, I recognize your name. I hope I'm not interrupting your evening."

Draco turned on the Malfoy charm. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Durant. And you aren't interrupting anything. Please call me Draco."

"Alright, Draco it is. It's Mrs. Durant, but I've been a widow for the past seven years. It feels wonderful to meet such welcoming people. I think the jury is still out with Blue. I seem to send her skittering across the floor every time I glance in her direction."

Hermione laughed at Belinda's comment but Draco replied.

"Blue is a good girl. It just takes her a minute to warm up to new people. She'll be eating out of your hand before the night is over. Your glass is empty. May I offer to fill it for you?" Draco made the pleasant comment, but was hoping Hermione hadn't dragged home another unhinged witch who would try to use Blue as a cloak.

"Thank you Draco. I had a glass of some lovely white wine. I'll have like another glass, if you don't mind."

Instead of using Accio, Draco walked through to the kitchen to whisper in Hermione's ear again. "Blue doesn't like your friend. Perhaps you should give her the push off. I don't want my daughter fretting over…"

Hermione stopped him with a kiss. "Stow it Malfoy. Belinda has had a hard time and needs friends. Besides that, I like her. She'll be an interesting addition to our friend circle. Now go keep her company. Dinner in five minutes."

Kissing Hermione back, Draco headed back to the living room without another word.

Draco was just about to sit down when he realized Blue was pacing by the door. Well, I'm home, he thought. It can't be anyone other than Potter the Interloper about to come through. Ten seconds later, Draco opened the door for Harry Potter, Auror.

/*/

Blue did her normal number of turns around Harry's ankles before turning her nose up at Belinda and heading for the kitchen. It was almost dinnertime.

After shaking hands, Harry called out greetings to Hermione as he headed to the living room. At he doorway, he hesitated for a second when he saw Ministry case number O8644 Belinda Durant sitting on the couch looking quite comfortable.

Before Draco could get to introductions, Harry smiled at the new friend and greeted her by name. "Hello Belinda. Good to see you again."

Belinda smiled at Harry. "Hello Mr. Potter. I mean Harry. Nice to see you again."

Draco didn't know what to say. How did Harry know the unknown witch? Then he remembered Hermione told him she had a story to share later. It was evident from the greeting Harry was part of that story so he just went with it.

"So Harry, what brings you here this lovely Thursday evening. Not looking for a meal are you?"

Using her sweetest voice, Hermione called Draco to the kitchen. As he passed Harry, Draco was rewarded with a lowly spoken bit of cheek.

"She's using her sweet voice. You are in trouble mate."

Draco grinned. Harry was only stating something he already knew. He had spoken out of turn in front of the new friend and was about to catch a beat down. Surprisingly enough, after one hard glare, Hermione told him dinner was ready so he should invite Belinda AND Harry to the table, which he did. Harry didn't even offer the obligatory refusal. He just headed to the table. He'd had a very long day and was extremely hungry.

/*/

After clearing his mouth, it seemed Harry was going to discuss finding and helping Belinda. Before he said a word, Hermione surreptitiously shook her head from side to side. That topic was not going to be discussed at her table. Confused for a second, Harry realized Hermione thought he was about to bring up Ministry business in front of Draco and a victim. He rolled his eyes before taking another forkful of the delicious steak and kidney pie. The conversation was general and companionable. Belinda was a lovely, witch with strong opinions. By the end of the meal, both Harry and Draco agreed with Hermione's consensus. Belinda would be a welcome addition to their friend circle.

/*/

After dinner, the three spent another hour getting to know Belinda. As she spoke about what she'd gone through since the death of her husband, Draco, Hermione and Harry felt like protective siblings. Their new friend wouldn't have to go through any more bullshite as long as she was in their circle.

Hermione, who had been gently prying trying to suss out if Belinda had any marketable qualities was happy to hear she'd had a few years before marriage working as a receptionist at a decent shop. She had only quit because her husband wanted her at home to start a family which hadn't worked out as he'd been cursed during the last days of the war. She'd been alone since.

Outspoken Hermione threw propriety to the winds. She was having thoughts. "Even with becoming a widow at a young age, you seem well adjusted. Why aren't you working in some fabulous shop bringing in a ton of galleons?"

Belinda made a soft chuckle. "Thank you for the compliments Hermione. As I mentioned earlier, I have found myself so weak and tired it didn't seem possible to apply for any position and perform the job."

Draco glanced at Harry. From her questions, both knew Hermione had a plot in mind. However to the surprise of them both, she moved on to a different subject.

"If you are feeling fit Belinda, I think you would have fun at our next gathering. Be warned though, my entire group of friends thinks I turn people into bones."

Belinda felt a bit uncomfortable. "Bones? I thought things like that were long over with the demise of Voldemort."

Draco didn't like the way the conversation had turned. War shite and what his family had been accused of didn't sit well with him. "Hahaha. Hermione is such a kidder. Even if she could, she works for the Ministry. Harry would have her in a holding cell. Right Harry?"

Harry realized what Draco was doing and went with it. "Absolutely. Changing witches or wizards into bone is frowned upon."

Belinda laughed out loud. "I really like this group. I hope the others like me."

Draco and Harry gave Belinda wide smiles while Hermione concentrated on the glass in her hand.

The four friends spoke for another thirty minutes before Harry stood to say goodnight. Belinda also said it was time to get home. Hermione and Draco said goodnight to Harry but asked Belinda if she wanted an escort home. Shaking her head, Belinda said she would be fine and hoped she would be seeing them again soon. Hermione assured her she would.

When they were alone, in the midst of trying to remove Hermione's clothing, Draco asked what Hermione had up her sleeve because her nosing had sent up red flags to both him and Harry. Hermione deflected.

"I'm needy. Why don't you get your mind on your Malfoy moves and forget about what I said? Now please."

Summoning his wand, Draco spelled all Hermione's clothes off. "Is that fast enough for you Granger?"

"It is Malfoy. Now show me those moves."

An excited Draco whispered against Hermione's breast. "I can do that."

/**/

The first thing Friday morning, before doing anything else, Theo packed a weekend bag intending to be in Wales before the ink was dry on his last contract. With that done, he headed to his shop. His first appointment wasn't until 2:00 pm. Although he had several documents to review, Theo still had plenty of time to think about the prior evening's faux pas. With a huge sigh, he decided not to dwell on it. He was going to back up his words with action. By the time 1:50 rolled around, he had ordered flowers, candies, books and two bottles of Veuve Clicquot. He and Jessie were going to celebrate in style…..after he told her he loved her to her face.

When Theo left his office to meet the 2:00 pm client, he was anxious for the work day to be over.

/*/

Draco was up and in the shower before Hermione opened her eyes. He was chuffed. Today would be one of those days where Malfoy Investments pulled off a coup of sorts. With the addition of Zachary Smith and his Magical Mobiles to the client list, his company, his baby would have acquired three, count them, three top notch companies. These were the days that made his heart sing. Then. To make things even better, Roscoe stopped by to drop off the Mobile Modifiers Patrick had made. Mr. Yurman had outdone himself. Zach would be supremely happy.

Draco was in such a good mood he felt like doing something special. Without hesitation, he stepped into his personal floo which connected his office with his flat.

"Welles."

Pop.

"Mr. Draco. How nice to see you."

"Thank you Welles. I need white shirts, stiff collar. For the moment, seven will do. Hermione and I will be dining here this evening. Steak, baked potato, asparagus and a green salad will do. Surprise us with the dessert. Blue will be here as well. Please make sure her areas are tidy.

Even though he was a bit disappointed Mr. Draco felt the need to remind him about certain things, Welles was more than chuffed that the blue thing would be visiting. He liked that thing.

"Yes sir. Your shirts will be ready, dinner will be fine and everything will be tidy."

"Alright Welles. We'll see you about 8:00 tonight."

The manservant elf bowed before disappearing.

After a quick look around, Draco flooed back to Malfoy Investments where he immediately sent a text to his witch inviting her and Blue to have dinner at his flat that evening.

Hermione's response had been short. Love to. Smooches.

After smiling at Hermione's answer, he put the mobile aside and began preparations for his meeting with Zacharias Smith.

/*/

Friday was a busy morning at Magical Mobiles. Zach had been going to and fro all morning. When he finally got a chance to take a pee and have tea and muffin it was almost 11:00 am. Draco Malfoy would be coming through the doors at any minute. Zach was spot on. He was brushing the last crumbs from the muffin off his desk when Gordon came through leading Draco Malfoy. Zach stood and extended his hand.

"Good morning Draco. I hope all is well. I'm looking forward to our discussion. Please have a seat. Gordon, please let Bonita know Draco is here."

Gordon was a bit surprised. Fifteen minutes ago, Bonita had left the building claiming an errand. "Bonita isn't in the building Zach. She had an errand to run. I'll let her know when she gets back."

Zach was surprised and embarrassed. Bonita knew they were supposed to meet with Draco at 11:00 am. What was she playing at? He replied to Gordon in a monosyllable.

"Fine."

Draco shifted in his chair. He had high hopes for Magical Mobiles. He hoped there wasn't any trouble on the front.

/*/

Considering the start, Draco's discussion with Zach went well. Zach couldn't stop smiling when he realized mogul Draco Malfoy thought enough of his business endeavor to want to invest. He and Draco had terms all hashed out and were reviewing the contract when Bonita came through.

"Good morning Draco. My apologies for my late arrival. What did I miss?"

Draco noticed Zach tighten up slightly. In that brief second, Draco decided he didn't really care for Bonita Capshaw. This was business. Unless she was dying from an undisclosed malady, the errand could have waited. There was no way Draco could know Zach was thinking along the same lines.

Draco did not reveal his thoughts. "Good morning Bonita. Zach and I have finished our primary business. Magical Mobiles is now a client of Malfoy Investments. We are about to move on to my additional offering."

Bonita nodded before reaching for a copy of the contract. Zach ignored her move as he looked to Draco for the next offering.

Draco, who was a businessman didn't let much get past him but, at the moment, was beginning to feel uncomfortable. Something was not right between Zach and Bonita. He wasn't going to waste a good presentation to a business which wasn't ready. Gathering up the contract Bonita had laid back down on the table, Draco stood.

"I have a fantastic addendum to our contract, but perhaps this isn't the best time to discuss it. I'll leave you information Zach, text or call me and we can set up a time to speak. Thanks for your time. Have a good day. Good afternoon Bonita."

Zach held himself in control until Draco was out of the room. Then he went in full tilt on Bonita.

"I don't know what additional offering Draco Malfoy had because my right hand witch was in a very visible snit. This is a business I have built from the ground up and want to see succeed. If one of the most recognizable businessmen in London wants to assist, I think you can spare him a moment without looking like you smell something foul. If being here at Magical Mobiles is not where you want to be, I suggest you do what needs to be done."

For several seconds, Bonita stared at Zach without responding. However, when she spoke it was a business relationship and friendship ending statement.

"I've been by your side from the start yet when something arises, you turn to someone outside our company or when you register the company, you register it in your name only. I don't want to be some afterthought. I've looked at starting a company of my own. It might not be today or tomorrow but I will start it. Nothing against you Zach, but I am as brilliant as you. I wish you well but I need to do what is best for me. I'll pack my things."

Zach was dumbfounded. Never in a million years did he think he was treating Bonita unfairly. As far as registering the company under his name only, it was his company. Zach sat there for fifteen minutes trying to suss out where he'd gone wrong. However, after those fifteen minutes, he was ready to move his company forward. He walked to the front to confer with Gordon.

After conferring with with Gordon, Zach sent a text to Draco requesting a subsequent meeting to discuss the additional offering. Draco invited Zach to come over when he had a minute. As far as Zach was concerned, for further perks, his minute was now.