Snape and Malfoy stood at once. Malfoy collected Hermione, pulling her by the collar again, and they moved through the now-heaving crowd. Malfoy bracketed Hermione with his larger body, ensuring that no one bumped into her. People attempted to stop them from chatting, but the men used their haughtiness to move through the tables unimpeded. Only when they reached the fire were they forced to turn by Astoria.