Fingers interlocked, Draco and Hermione began to call forth the ritual magic that resided within their connected hearts. In the instant the Blood Magic was conjured, time stood still. There were no sounds, no movements except for their own footsteps and heavy breathing. A black mass of smoke spiraled around their bodies; the shared dark energy then began to suffocate all those in the vicinity. Holding onto the last shred of her morality, Hermione attempted to spare the crowd which had gathered from the gala. Closing her eyes, she concentrated the aim of the magic, picturing only the Aurors and security guards in the lobby who had attacked them. 