HG's POV
20 months later (Credits to Chrismazing, for reminding me that I should have clarify the skipping of time clearer.)
Since that day they signed the marriage papers, Hermione was forced to stay at Malfoy Manor and abandoned her quaint apartment. The only thing that could lighten her heart was the manor, this was the first time she could examine it without worrying. The skirmish was too burdensome at that time, she only focused on the possible escape routes and the approximate location of each room. Now she was allowed to roam freely and appreciate the architecture.
The living room used to be Death Eater headquarters. Malfoy said his parents were not comfortable with the situation but his aunt Bellatrix Lestrange, who was also a resident at the manor, considered it as an honour. It was a huge sanctification when she heard Mrs. Weasley struck a fatal curse at the lunatic witch but Ginny told her that Lestrange's Killing Curse missed, which was rare since she practiced cursing more than normal witches or wizards. Hermione could only assume that Lestrange had a little soft spot on Purebloods, other than that she could not come up with any appropriate reasons.
She and Malfoy decided that they should have separate bedrooms until they were fully comfortable with each other's presence and she perfectly knew that would never be possible. Getting along with him was not the problem, the problem was whether they could share the same bed.
The bedroom was almost the size of her apartment. It was not that she could not afford buying a larger apartment, she just wanted enough space and not to waste so much time on cleaning. Crookshanks' fur had been quite a problem. To her dismay and relief, Malfoy still owned two house elves, Push and Pull. She tried to persuade Malfoy to free them but only came to a compromise of treating them with politeness. She knew it was already the limit of Malfoy, so she had to agree, she heard him mumbled "Who's going to clean the manor if the elves won't do it?"
She discovered her luggage was much lighter than Malfoy's. She thought girls usually had heavier luggage since they would brings cosmetics and different dresses for different occasions. She did not like bringing so many things to travel, she was never much of a lady who would care their appearance, clothes were as simple as possible. When Malfoy showed her his luggage, she could not believe what she saw.
"Six pairs of shoes? Is that really necessary?"
"One pair of trainers and casual shoes, two for special occasions, one slippers and one spare," answered Malfoy as though it was normal.
"And here I thought Malfoys would rather buy than carrying heavy luggage."
"Push and Pull will take luggage to our hotel and take care of our clothes," explained Malfoy. "I don't spend unless it is necessary. It has always been our tradition. Luckily, you aren't a big spender."
Hermione rolled her eyes and recite the schedule.
"At half past two, we will meet up with Marcus and Cassandra. At three o'clock sharp, we will take the Portkey to Tbilisi, the Auror Office there will welcome us and explain the situation. After that, we will go back to the hotel and end our day. We will only stay in Georgia for a month unless further action needs to take place."
"Guess we will consider this as our honeymoon journey," said Malfoy, smirking.
"What a great honeymoon trip," said Hermione.
The clock struck twelve and the two hurried down for lunch. Push and Pull were just as professional as the Hogwarts elves, the whole dining table was packed with dishes of different delicacies and Hermione did not know what to say.
"Welcome, Master and Madam," said Push and Pull, bowing with their nose almost touching the floor.
"I don't know what you like to eat, so I tell them to cook various cuisines. See which one you like."
"It's not like I am a big eater!" exclaimed Hermione. "It's a waste of food and a waste of Push and Pull's effort in preparing food."
The moment as the house elves heard her comment, they immediately knelt and wailed,
"No! Madam Malfoy is angry at us. Bad Push! Bad Pull!"
Push began hitting his head with a bowl and Pull bang his head against the chair, which made Hermione petrified.
"No! I do not mean that-"
"See, Granger? You hurt their feelings," said Malfoy, smirking. "So eat without complaint."
Hermione looked at two house elves who had kept punishing themselves, then Malfoy's grin, she yelled,
"Stop!"
Push and Pull stopped and gazed upon her with their large round eyes. Hermione raised her fork and got some pasta from the nearest plate, she had to admit, it was delicious, just as great as tge food at Hogwarts.
"How is it?" asked Malfoy. "Remember, don't hurt their feelings."
"The pasta is great," she replied and turned to the house elves. "Thank you."
"Madam does not speak to Push and Pull like that," said Push with a slight hint of fury. "It is Push and Pull's duty to provide the best service to young Master and Madam."
Hermione frowned, she never expected house elves would not take the gratitude.
"The steak can be less salty," said Malfoy as he swallowed a dice of steak. "And don't overcook it."
Smiles appeared on Push and Pull's faces and they bowed deeply, then answered,
"Yes, Master."
Hermione could not believe what she had just heard, Malfoy had trained them to be masochists, she could hardly imagine what were the lives of the house elves be before her arrival. but she made not complaint. After she finished half plate of pasta, she was already full and she carefully asked Push and Pull to make less dishes. Malfoy asked them to get their luggage soon as they finished clearing the dining table.
She went back to the Ministry with Malfoy at half past two straight and they hurried to the Portkey Office. Turner and Morgan were already there, chatting with laughter.
"Hi Hermione," said Morgan. "Turner says Tbilisi is a wonderful city, I hope we have time to walk around."
"Don't forget that we are going to Georgia for catching dark wizards," reminded Malfoy.
Hermione immediately said,
"Not really catching anyone, we will just investigate and arrest if only it is necessary."
"Sounds like you know Phelps well," said Turner.
"I just want to say, innocent until proven guilty."
The Portkey Office staff took them to a room, a boot was placed in the middle.
"Good luck," said the worker.
The four clutched a part of the boot and the room flashed. They were no longer in the room, instead they were standing at a bright room full of people.
"Welcome to Georgia," said the crowd.
A man with tall nose and thick eyebrows reached out his hand to Malfoy's. After an earnest handshake, the man began,
"I am Nikolai Tsaridze, Minister of Georgia. You must be Mr Malfoy."
"Call me Draco, please," says Malfoy, smiling.
Hermione sniffed a little, apparently not used to his friendliness. Malfoy immediately wrapped his arm around her waist and said,
"This is my lovely wife, Hermione Malfoy. She will also help out in the case."
He could feel her protest and wriggle but he stiffened his arm, making her unable to struggle.
"What a beautiful wife, სილამაზის (beautiful one)!"
"This is Marcus and Cassandra, my assistants," said Malfoy. "Perhaps we should discuss the details in your office?"
"Oh yes, please follow me," said Tsaridze and they walked out of the room with the other Georgian workers.
They went into a roomy office and Tsaridze invited them to take their seats at the couch. A lady in burgundy dress came, followed by a tall lady in grey suit dress who was holding a bunch of files. She shifted her spectacles and said,
"Mr. Tsaridze, your files."
"Thank you, Anya."
The lady in burgundy dress tripped herself and fell with a scream. Hermione closed her eyes, preparing for hot splashes, but nothing happened, all she could feel was a large shadow covering her. The moment as she opened her eyes, Malfoy was covering her, his eyes fixed on her. She could almost feel his breath.
"Calm down, Mr. Malfoy," chuckled Tsaridze. "I have everything under control."
Out of instinct, Hermione pushed Malfoy aside. The teacups and droplets were hovering in the air, as Tsaridze snapped his fingertips, the droplets fell back into the cups and they swiftly glided into everyone's hand. Turner and Morgan were still eyeing on Hermione and Malfoy, obviously still thinking about the awkward behaviour of Malfoy a few seconds ago.
"Chacha, vine vodka," said Tsaridze.
The lady in burgundy dress got back onto her feet and immediately apologized,
"I am so sorry, please forgive me."
"Дурака! Эти английские офицеры, не простолюдины, ты с ума? (Fool! These are English officers, not commoners, are you out of your mind?)" snapped Anya.
The lady's face immediately turned pale and she bowed for a couple of times.
"Убирайся! (Get out!)" said Anya, crossed.
The two ladies went out of the room and closed the door. Hermione gulped, but she made no complaint. Despite of the great sweet taste of the vine vodka, what happened just now made her unable to enjoy the beverage fully. Tsaridze immediately listed out their plans and possible risks, Hermione had to admit that everything was well-planned, almost flawless. Not for long, the meeting ended and Tsaridze led them to the lift.
"Our entrance is linked to the storage room of Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theatre. Once got out of the theatre, turn right and right again as you come to the corner, 5 minutes walk and you will reach your hotel."
"Thank you," said Malfoy. "We will contact the Ministry whenever we need to."
They got into the lift and got out into a room full of ballet tutus and different costumes.
"Too much pink," commented Malfoy. "Decreasing my masculinity."
Hermione rolled her eyes, then said,
"Yeah, all Malfoy's male ego is more fragile than glass."
Malfoy immediately wrapped his arm around her waist and whispered into her ear,
"Try saying that again and you will regret it."
They went out of the storage room and walked pass crowds of ballerinas. Malfoy continued his whisper,
"A kiss in the public is what you want, is it not? Too bad we can't cast the Memory Charm here."
Hermione's ears turned scarlet and spread across her chin, she could hear Turner and Morgan sniggering. Fortunately the walk was not long and they arrived at the hotel's reception area.
"Room 1004 for Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy and Room 1005 for Mr. M. Turner and Ms. C. Morgan."
"Room 1004 for the two of us?" asked Hermione with disbelief, eyeing on the receptionist.
"Yes," answered the receptionist and she placed on the key cards on the counter. "Room 1004 is reserved for Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy."
Must she really share a room with him? She was sure that the Ministry had enough money to reserve another room.
"Free high speed, wireless Wifi is available in your room," said the receptionist. "The password is Iveria08ab."
"What is Wi-" began Malfoy.
"Thank you," interrupted Hermione immediately and snatched the key card.
Leaving the reception area, they headed to the lift.
"This hotel is magnificent," gasped Morgan. "I heard you can have avocado, tuna and mozzarella deep fried in tempura butter mix."
"We will try that tonight," said Turner as they got into the lift. "But first, we will have a walk along the Mtkvari river. You two come with us perhaps?"
"No," said Hermione without hesitance.
"You two enjoy yourself. Me and Hermione will be have a small talk," said Malfoy, annunciating the last three words slowly, sending a chill down to Hermione's spine.
"Ooo, small talk," said Morgan and she winked at Turner and he chuckled.
The lift stopped at tenth floor and they got out.
"See you at seven in the restaurant!" said Turner and they hurried into their hotel room.
Hermione swiped the key card at the door and went in. The room was just a little smaller than Hermione's old home, but everything seemed so spacious.
"Sounds like the Ministry Marriage Law still applies here," said Malfoy and lay down on bed. Hermione immediately shoved him off, he fell onto the floor.
"Auch! Can't you be a little bit less violent?"
As he got up, he saw Hermione placing a pillow in the middle.
"Central line here," said Hermione. "Don't cross it."
Malfoy placed his arm across the pillow.
"I cross it, what are you going to do?"
Hermione tried to lift his arm.
"Stop it!"
Malfoy's arm would not move, then his other arm grabbed Hermione's wrists. She wriggled and the moment her wrists broke free from his grip, she grabbed the pillow and slammed it against Malfoy. Malfoy took the pillow and threw it across the room and his fingers tickled her neck. She let out a squeal, twisted and turned, trying to get away. A snap cracked near the television and Hermione stopped moving.
"Push and Pull didn't see anything!" said the house elves and they immediately hid behind the luggage they just brought with them, with their ears obviously poking out, quivering.
Hermione looked at Malfoy and realized he had pinned her on the bed, locked between his arms. Malfoy sat up and cleared his throat,
"You may go."
Instantly, a crack rang and the two houses elves disappeared. Hermione sat up, breathing heavily as she stared at Malfoy. Pink tinges were on his cheeks and she could feel the room getting hotter and hotter.
"I'm taking a bath," announced Hermione after the awkward moment of silence, taking her clothes out of the luggage and dived into the bathroom, slamming the door.
Malfoy's voice rang behind the door.
"Just reminding you, though we are not really much of a couple, we must act like one, understand? We-"
Hermione turned on the shower to full power, covering his voice completely.
Guess nobody would have time to look up the map and see which hotel I am talking about...Actually, I gave it out already in the chapter.
It was a real surprise to see the number of followers increased to tenth digit within a couple of hours.
666 views currently...
I really want to publish more chapters as soon as possible before mid-July, since I might have to study in UK and I won't be able to continue this story until October.
