Hermione took a large sip of champagne. This conversation was quickly heading to the edge of her patience. She coughed and put the flute down on the table. It tasted bitter. Hermione looked in Draco’s direction. Astoria was chirping about something, but he wasn’t paying attention. His gaze was looking right through her and Lucius. He looked like a predator hunting for prey. She shivered and looked back at Malfoy senior, still tasting the bitterness at the back of her throat.