Malfoy cleared his throat. Astoria had made them wait twenty-three minutes in the chilled hall, but she was now making her dramatic descent down the curved black marble staircase. Her dress was magnificent—a floor-length deep purple with glittering appliques and a diamond-studded belt. Long sleeves with more appliques added volume with delicate ruffles. The plunging neckline showed just enough skin to make her look sophisticated and not get lost in the dress. Her hair was swept into a low chignon, framing her perfectly made-up face in a soft halo of brunette hair. Her mother and father descended the stairs behind her, the perfect snooty pureblood couple.