9th October 2008

It has been three days since he actually spoke to her or saw her. Three long fucking days. First she sent him a quick memo to say she was meeting with Pavlina for another tour of London. He was pleased they were making progress and getting closer to Sokolov's ranks, but waiting for word from her was maddening. He thought she would at least be able to brief him on what she learnt from Pavlina, but all he got was a short note to say she accepted Pavlina's invitation to go to the spa with her for a couple of days while he met with Sokolov. And not a word since.

Draco was pacing in his living room tiredly, his hair dishevelled from the way he constantly ran his hand through it. He was worried, though more than that he was restless. Even while she was in Australia, they checked in on each other and she provided him with some sanity before the blow up with his ex-wife. He could feel the change and wasn't going to lie to himself in the face of it. Perhaps it was this mission but he needed her around, and that irrational feeling of panic at the thought of her no longer being in his life returned with full force like it did a few days ago.

He took a deep breath and tried to calm down. He was over-reacting. She was fine, probably getting some invaluable intel on Sokolov's private life, and they would catch up about it tomorrow before he went to meet with the man. Right? Right.

Looking into the medicine cabinet above his sink while he brushed his teeth, Draco contemplated gulping down a dreamless sleep potion just to get some proper rest and have his wits about him during the meeting tomorrow, but it could be a risk in case Hermione needed him in the night. Deciding against it in the end, he washed his tired face and headed to bed, hoping he would manage at least a few hours of sleep.

….

Hermione activated one of her hidden portkeys and disappeared soundlessly from her luxurious suite at the Lanesborough, courtesy of Pavlina who insisted they couldn't see all of London in just one day. And so she found herself with a suite at the hotel, spending the past three days touring London with the young model and joining her for various spa treatments as part of their 'bonding time'. It wasn't that Pavlina was bad company, far from it, but Hermione had to remain constantly vigilant and had a suspicion her room was bugged with muggle or magical devices to listen in on her, so she couldn't even call Draco's phone or fireplace. So she waited until two o'clock in the morning before wordlessly silencing her bed and activating the portkey to her flat.

She landed in the living room, deftly breaking the fall with a crouch. She listened in on any movement but her flat remained undisturbed and as she left it, right down to the forgotten mug on her coffee table that was beginning to grow mould. Quickly and quietly she packed some more clothes for a couple more days at the hotel just in case, before warding her flat once more and heading down the stairs to Draco's flat. She let the wards recognise her magic and unlocked the door with a quick Alohomora before securing it once more and making her way quietly towards the blond's bedroom. She approached slowly and made sure he was nowhere else in the flat before turning the handle and pushing the door open near soundlessly. She had a wand tip pressed into her pulse point quicker than she could protest, apparently disturbing the blond's sleep with her silent entry.

"It's just me," she turned her head slightly to look at the man still aiming his wand at her, showing him she meant no harm.

Draco attempted to calm his breathing from the adrenaline that made him spring out of bed at the disturbance to his wards, but didn't lower his wand. "Prove it," he dared, voice raspy from sleep.

Hermione took a deep breath and looked straight into his eyes as she answered. "You keep the bottom drawer in your study locked because it holds the one thing you treasure most as a memory of your parents pre-war; a photo of your father pushing Narcissa on your childhood swing at the back of the manor orchard," she said softly but clearly.

Draco lowered his wand immediately and pulled her into his arms in a tight embrace. "I'm glad you're alright, though it would have been nice to know what's going on," he frowned as she pulled away and sat down on the edge of his bed, rubbing her face tiredly. Only then did he notice the small kit bag by her feet and the fact that she was dressed in a pair cream silk shorts and matching camisole, barely anything at all against the chill of the night. He picked up his warm blanket and wrapped it around her shoulders, receiving a grateful nod.

"There was no chance. Pavlina roped me into ladies bonding time and booked me a suite at the Lanesborough. It's been all sight-seeing and spa treats, but I suspect this was not just her idea," she suggested. "I have a suspicion that the room is bugged so if I cast detection spells, it may interfere with the muggle devices or tick off the magical variety, and they will only install new ones while I'm out of the room anyway. So I'm operating from a point of view where every move is observed," she explained as she held the blanket tighter around her shoulders. Gods it felt good to just breathe without scrutiny for five minutes…

"Do you think they're intercepting your phone as well?" Draco asked as he crossed his arms and leaned back against the wall across from her.

"It's possible. I didn't want to take the risk, but at this point, I needed some more clothes as I have nothing else to transfigure, and wanted to get at least a few minutes with you to explain and update you," she explained, seeing the understanding dawning in his eyes. "We've also had an escort with us while shopping and while in the hotel restaurant. You could miss it if you didn't look properly but I've spotted them several times already, looking like they were reading or getting a drink but very clearly being there only to observe and guard us. Take three guesses who."

Draco let out a tired sight. "Ulyanov?" he asked.

Hermione nodded. "Ulyanov and two of his pet baboons. Looks like Sokolov is sharing his security detail to cover Pavlina and keep an eye on me. Whether it's him being suspicious or he just wants to find out more information about me, I can't tell at this point. Anyway, all he should find on me is my official Ministry file which shows my lobbying history, and then my charity connections. Just another activist using her fame and name to move the masses," she spoke as her fingers subconsciously began platting her wild mane out of her face, a comforting gesture that Draco only saw her do when she was unguarded and tired.

He stepped closer and crouched down in front of her, stilling her hands. "Thank you for giving me the warning and for letting me know you're well if not safe. I've been quite worried," he admitted, his thumb rubbing over her knuckles soothingly.

She looked down at their joined hands before looking back up into his eyes. "I had to get a message to you but I didn't know how to do it safely otherwise. I'm hoping tomorrow is the last day. It's not that Pavlina is unpleasant company, I just…." she took a deep shuddering breath and let it out slowly to calm herself, "I just wish I didn't have to deceive her," she said in the end, settling of half the truth.

It wasn't just that she wished she could honestly be Pavlina's friend without the deception. She spent plenty of missions alone and produced excellent results every single time. And yet here she was, wishing for all in the world that she didn't have to go back to that blasted hotel room alone and instead had Draco to come with her.

Draco pulled her close into his arms once more and just held her, hoping that he could ease her stress somehow. He could feel the tension leaving his own shoulders just a fraction at the realisation that she still had to go back but was otherwise well. Gods he had missed her.

She took a deep breath and pulled away, ready to head back and face the music. "I have to go, can't be away long just in case. I think I'll have to stay there for the rest of the weekend, and then can hopefully come back to rest up before briefing on Monday. Are you ready for your meeting with Sokolov tomorrow?" she asked as she shrunk the kitbag and placed it into the small pocket of her sleep shorts.

Draco nodded. "As prepared as I can be. I spoke to my CFO and made some proposals that we can discuss. I will be meeting him at one of his offices, his secretary is to confirm final arrangements tomorrow morning."

Hermione set his blanket down and hold onto the portkey. "I'll try to keep you posted, maybe stage a phone call later so Pavlina can hear me checking in. I'll aim to portkey straight back to my bed which is under silencing charms. Good luck," she said softly before squeezing the portkey which glowed for a moment and with a gentle pop she was back in her bed at the Lanesborough.

Draco ran a hand through his hair and sat down at the edge of his bed, feeling the relief that she was safe for now sink in. He could still smell a hint of her shampoo on the blanket as he laid back down to get a couple more hours of sleep. She was safe, and maybe he could see her tomorrow under the guise of a couple of drinks after work at the hotel. With that last thought, he finally allowed himself to slip into a more restful sleep.

10th October 2008

"My team looks forward to working with Malfoy industries," Sokolov shook his hand firmly, a small smile pulling on the side of his lips thought there was no warmth to it.

"Our Eastern European branch looks forward to receiving these proposals and they should be able to initiate phase one within the next two weeks," Draco nodded as they headed out of the office.

"Good, we can meet again then to review the first report," the man agreed and looked into one of the adjoining rooms. "Zoran, eto Pavlina v stolovoy s Germionoy?" he asked the rather large man reviewing some security cameras.

"Da," the man nodded and spoke to his ear piece in rapid Russian before they were escorted downstairs in the elevator.

"I thought it would be a nice surprise for all of us to spend the weekend. Will the girls like their surprise do you think?" Sokolov asked him, leaning against the back of the lift leisurely with his hands in his pockets. There may have been a small smirk on his lips but his gaze was sharp as he looked at the blond beside him.

Draco was getting used to the man's mannerisms and nodded. "Hermione will be happy, I have been rather busy this week and haven't had a chance to see her much," he admitted with a leisurely air.

"Pavlina complains of the same thing," Sokolov shrugged. "It cannot be helped sometimes but I know she can entertain herself well, specially with your lovely companion assisting," he commented as they stepped out of the lift and entered the restaurant through the nearby archway.

Pavlina was the first to spot them as she was seated facing the entrance to the restaurant and waved them over. "Lord Malfoy, I didn't know you were joining us!" she greeted the Malfoy heir.

"Draco, please," he invited as he leaned in to kiss her cheek in greeting before turning to Hermione to greet her as well. He pulled her close by the waist and leaned down to kiss the corner of her lips. "Surprise, love," he said warmly, squeezing her hip in reassurance.

Hermione looked truly surprised but happy to see him. "It sure is! How come you're here? Are you joining us for the afternoon?" she asked as they all sat down, Draco's hand resting leisurely on top of her thigh as she crossed her legs comfortably.

"Ivan suggested we meet here, as he has an office attached to his suite, and then join you ladies down here. We have been invited to stay for the rest of the weekend," he explained, noticing the slight crinkling around Hermione's eyes as she took a sip of her water to hide her reaction of relief that she won;t be alone with the two Russians for the next two days.

"How wonderful. I was just telling Pavlina she could help me plan the Yule fundraiser for the Welsh dragon sanctuary this weekend in between some treatments," she smiled at the young woman across from her who was leaning comfortably into her partner.

She could feel Sokolov's piercing gaze on her, her skin rising in goose flesh in a natural reaction, thankfully masked by her long sleeved blouse. They looked like a typical young, rich slavic couple - both beautiful and polished in expensive clothing and mannerisms that showed they were used to being served, Pavlina perhaps somewhat less so than the young oligarch. But despite their friendly demeanour, she could see now there was more depth to their connection that she initially thought, and perhaps Pavlina knew more than she pretended to. It was hard to spot as the young model was such a genuine personality, but no matter how young and excitable she was (or perhaps acted), there was a mature air around her at moments that Hermione struggled to identify when it was just the two of them. Seeing Pavlina and Sokolov together and sitting so close, she could see the way they fit together with a natural intimacy born out of being close emotionally, mentally and physically. She would have to be even more careful around Pavlina if she was more involved than they initially suspected...

Draco cut through her observation with a chuckle. "I hope you'll find some time for me as well," he teased as he picked up the menu to have a look for some lunch, the conversation resuming away from business and back on the upcoming weekend.

Two hours later after a long dinner and a couple of drinks, Draco followed Hermione up to her suite after promising he would be more than happy to share with her for the weekend. Once the door was locked and secured, Hermione kicked off her heeled boots and turned to look at him just as he enlarged the small suitcase he packed earlier that morning.

"This is such a great surprise. And you brought me some more clothes, how thoughtful," she said casually in case they were being listened to, to explain the provisions she grabbed last night. "Want to come tell me about your day while we take a shower?" she asked, motioning for the en suite through the door on the right.

"Only if you wash my back," he replied cheekily before grabbing his toiletry bag and they both headed into the small room. Hermione blasted the shower immediately to cover for the sound as they swept the bathroom with a few quick charms and found no indication of surveillance, making sure to silence the door for some privacy.

Hermione put the toilet cover down and sat on it as the room began to steam up from the hot shower. "What on Earth are you doing here?" she asked tiredly though not unkindly. Was this another game of Sokolov's to see how they would react?

Draco leaned against the towel cabinet, equally drained by the day's events. "His secretary literally called me as I was leaving the house to meet our board. I had time to pack some clothes and the small case for surveillance you keep in your flat before dashing to my office before coming here. I didn't want to text to give you a heads up in case they would intercept the message and instead agreed to pay along with Sokolov to make it a surprise. He already mentioned playing golf together and a dinner with some of the other elites from around Europe that he would like us to join tomorrow night. It's a great chance to play along and get closer into his circle, maybe even monitor his security detail and visitors."

Hermione nodded and pulled a spare hair tie from her pocket to pull her wild mane into a messy bun and out of the way. "I'll have to transfigure a suitable dress or go shopping with Pavlina tomorrow in that case. How do we want to do this then? Should we just magically ward the whole suite which would cancel out any type of surveillance, or play along for the weekend and discuss the mission minimally and only in the bathroom?" she asked, wondering what would be best.

Draco contemplated it for a moment. "Would they expect us to cast wards for privacy? Wouldn't it be suspicious if we didn't, being famous and all? Would they find it too obviously if didn't check if anyone was listening on us?" he pointed out.

"Good point," Hermione agreed. "How about we cast the spells tonight to get a respite, and I'm sure we will be out most of tomorrow so they will most likely plant something else in the room to observe us. That way we'll have at least this night to plan."

"We should take that shower, putter about hanging up some clothes and maybe discussing our day before we go to settle into bed for some 'reading' and then sweep the room?" he suggested, trying to make it appear most natural.

"That would work," Hermione agreed and began working on the buttons of her blouse. "I'm not washing my hair tonight so I'll quickly freshen up first if that'a alright?" she asked.

Draco nodded and they switched places as he sat down on the lid of the toilet while she undressed. "Is the spa actually any good this year?" he asked, keeping his gaze turned away to give her some privacy until she was behind the frosted glass of the shower stall.

"I've had a couple of massages so far but it's difficult to relax under the circumstances," she said honestly as she lathered up, the subtle smell of lemon and verbena filling the small enclosed space. "I'm beginning to think that Pavlina is clued up more than she's pretending to be. Don't get me wrong, she is still incredibly bubbly and has been nothing but nice to me, but there are moments when it feels like a facade is slipping and something else is showing. Did you notice during dinner?"

Draco nodded before realising she couldn't see him. "There's a symbiosis between them…I can't imagine her not being aware of some of his activities at least. My mother didn't know the inns and outs of all of my father's business, but she knew what was important and assisted in the social capacity when it was about politics and his not so savoury dealings," he mused.

"I suppose they have a similar arrangement," Hermione agreed. "I would definitely want to know of my partner's activities rather than stay in the dark and then one day be surprised when the financial police or the mafia come knocking," she agreed. "Speaking of mafia, any news on Malinin? I know you had trouble tracing intel on him," she pointed out as the water switched off and one of the large bath towels flew behind the shower stall glass.

"Only that he benefited from the privatisation era as well and is currently stationed in Ukraine. My guess is that he is dealing with someone in the gas industry, as Sokolov is gearing up to do some changes to the current pipeline systems across Russia and into the rest of Europe," he explained as she stepped out of the shower, wrapped up in her towel.

"Makes sense to have a man on the ground," she nodded, rummaging through her toiletry bag and keeping her back turned to let him get in the shower. She could feel her cheeks warm at the though of them being so close to each other in a nude state, something that wouldn't have bothered her a few weeks ago. Now though, in this hotel room in such close proximity and with only one double bed in the room awaiting them, she had to take a moment to calm down. She would probably be even more worked up if she wasn't so bloody tired.

Thankfully the shower resumed and Draco took some time to think rather than talk, so she cracked on with her moisturising and bedtime routine. Once they were both done with showering, they stepped out of the bathroom and continued casually chatting about the dinner and some of the food they wanted to try, maybe about booking some spa treatments while they got dressed. Draco just pulled on a pair of black boxers and a t-shirt while Hermione slipped into her sleeping shorts and camisole, puttering around the room casually until it was time for bed.

Draco did a thorough privacy charm on the room and nodded to let her know it was done. "The charm detected two bugs and neutralised them. Just as you predicted, they were certainly listening in. We should be safe for the rest of the night though," he offered, watching her relief as she picked up the book she brought with her.

After a few moments she set it back down on bedside table however, and slipped under the sheets with a tired sigh. "I think I'll just go to sleep if that's okay with you, I'm absolutely knackered."

Draco lifted the duvet and got in beside her, pulling the unprotesting witch into his arms as she has done for him many a time at his best and worst moments alike. "Get some rest, you sure deserve it," he hummed into her wild curls as her eyes began closing at the comfort of the familiar embrace. She was just so tired, and he smelled nice, and all she could remember before her eyes closed was that she was glad he was there with her.

Draco felt her breathing even out and lowered his nose through the curls to the top of her head, letting the soft curls tickle his skin as he breathed her natural scent in. It was unusual for her to fall asleep immediately, so she must have been truly exhausted after the last couple of weeks. This mission was testing, but at least they were in it together now and he took comfort from that fact as his arms tightened around the brunette and he gave into his own exhaustion.