Hermione winced. That was the last thing Narcissa should have said; denying the hurt Draco knew his father had caused. His mother making excuses for the man again, trying to protect Lucius from the consequences of his sadism and in the process throwing Draco and all Lucius" other victims to the wayside. Hermione's heart wrenched for Draco. That had to hurt so much. She watched with her heart in her throat as Draco stopped in front of his mother, looming over her. For a moment it looked like he wanted to strike Narcissa, hand bunching up at his side, and she wondered if she should call for Delia. But then he took a deep breath and some of the anger subsided a little. His hand flexed at his side, fist opening and relaxing a little.