After talking with Lupin, Draco went to explain the situation to Lucius, who was reviewing documents at the time. Lucius said:
"Perfect."
" The Magical Congress of the United States of America is in a real bind lately. Several states have handled wizarding exposure crises terribly, and it's also involved in disputes over some native magical creature reserves,"
"They want the International Confederation of Wizards to send some experienced people to assist with the assessment and mediation. I was still thinking about who would be suitable... Since you're going, you're the one."
"I'll issue you a top-secret official letter, authorizing you to go there as a special investigator from the Department of International Magical Cooperation,"
"If you need any support, just contact our business partners in the United States or go through official channels."
"Be careful and avoid causing a diplomatic incident."
"Understood, Father." Draco took the official letter bearing the seals of the Ministry of Magic and the International Confederation of Wizards.
I felt more confident then.
This identity is an excellent camouflage and a passport.
Having received the invitation, Draco once again took out the Two-Way Mirror.
Hermione.
The mirror lit up quickly, and Hermione seemed to be reading a book:
" Draco? What's wrong?"
"Pack your bags." Draco smiled. "Our summer vacation destination is United States New York."
"But this isn't your average vacation. It's an official business trip for the Ministry of Ministry of Magic, and incidentally... an academic expedition. So, how about it, interested in becoming my special assistant?"
Hermione's eyes widened instantly in the mirror, filled with surprise and eager anticipation. " United States?! Business trip? Academic expedition? What's going on? Tell me in detail!"
Draco gave a brief explanation, and Hermione became increasingly excited as she listened—it perfectly matched all her desires!
"Of course I'm going! When do I leave? What do I need to prepare? What books should I bring? I need to study the United States magic laws and magical creature protection regulations first..."
"Don't rush, my all-knowing assistant," Draco interrupted her with a smile. "We'll discuss the specific itinerary and preparations at my house tomorrow. Tell your aunt and uncle that we anticipate staying in the United States for a while."
In the mirror, Hermione nodded expectantly.
The next day, Hermione arrived at Hogwarts early as agreed, carrying her otter satchel, which was filled with travel essentials, books, notes, and various emergency gadgets.
After meeting her in the Entrance Hall, Draco led her down a corridor she wasn't very familiar with.
"Where are we going?" Hermione asked, looking at the increasingly ornate and elaborate decorations around them.
"I'm just going to pack my luggage."
Draco smiled mysteriously and led Hermione to a private dressing room that resembled a VIP room in a high-end clothing store.
Inside, there were several large Walnut Wood wardrobes neatly arranged, as well as a dressing mirror, a jewelry stand, and a comfortable sofa.
My clothes are all packed in the suitcase.
"You said you've prepared your clothes, but I bet... there's something else you haven't prepared yet," Draco chuckled.
"I... I've brought everything I need! Sportswear, trousers, a shirt, and a thick coat, just in case it gets cold in United States..." Hermione listed the things she had brought, but she still felt a little unsure of herself in the face of this.
"Really?" Draco asked, walking straight to the first, largest wardrobe. He turned to her, gesturing for her to look, and then abruptly pulled open the wardrobe door.
"Ta-da!"
The clothes in the closet weren't ordinary.
Inside, neatly hung, were a dazzling array of women's swimwear in various styles and vibrant colors!
From sexy and sizzling triangle bikinis and high-waisted Splinching to cutout designs and tie-up styles,
All styles are available.
Colors range from pure blue and white to vibrant red and purple.
Some even had sparkly decorations that were practically dazzling under the lights of the dressing room.
"Swim... swimsuit?!" Hermione's cheeks flushed. "Why prepare a swimsuit?! And this kind of one at that..."
Her finger trembled as she pointed at the bikinis that were practically just a few pieces of fabric, and a wave of shame washed over her.
Make her wear this? In front of Draco?
Even in places where there might be other people?
Draco leaned against the wardrobe door and said matter-of-factly:
"We're taking a cruise to the United States this time, crossing the Atlantic Ocean. The journey will take several days. There's a swimming pool on the cruise ship, so I can teach you how to swim and help you pass the time."
"We're going on a cruise?!" Hermione's attention was drawn to this mode of transportation, temporarily suppressing her embarrassment about her swimsuit. "Isn't it supposed to be done with Portkey or the International Floo Network?!"
"We're just on a business trip, really on vacation, my all-knowing lady," Draco said, raising an eyebrow.
"It's a rare long holiday. Taking a cruise to slowly drift by, enjoying the sea view, sunshine and sea breeze, and participating in onboard activities is much more interesting than just 'whooshing' across the water, isn't it?"
Imagining the azure sea and sky, the luxurious cruise ship, and then contrasting it with the ashes in the fireplace and the crowded Portkey trip, Hermione did waver a little.
Traveling... that does sound very tempting, especially with Draco, but... swimsuits...
Blushing, she walked to the wardrobe and carefully picked up a classic black and white striped triangle bikini with her fingers; the small piece of fabric felt almost weightless in her hands.
Then she picked it up again and held it up in front of her, her face turning even redder. She turned and glared at Draco with shame and indignation.
"You're going to dress your wife in this?! What does this cover up?! Won't people see everything?!" Hermione couldn't even imagine herself wearing this by the pool on the deck.
"I didn't expect... our Miss Granger to be so... conservative. But, so insecure about her figure?" Draco chuckled teasingly.
"Who, who's lost confidence!"
Hermione immediately puffed out her chest after retorting, but then realized the gesture was even more suggestive and shrank back.
Her face was burning, but she still said proudly,
"I... I just feel... this kind of clothing is inappropriate to wear in public! It's too... too revealing!"
"I didn't expect... you're quite aware of things."
Hermione proudly raised her chin. "Of course!"
"That's alright," Draco explained.
"Your man is rich. I booked a top-tier suite, the kind with a huge private terrace and a private heated Jacuzzi. No one but me can see it."
A private swimming pool?! Hermione imagined herself in a private space with only the two of them, wearing a swimsuit...
The sight made her even more embarrassed, and she quickly shook her head. "I don't want to either! You pervert tricked me into going to a private pool, who knows if you'll... tear me apart!"
How could that be? Am I that kind of person?
"I just don't want it." Hermione resolutely put the bikini back and slammed the closet door shut.